---
title: "Aeneid · Aeneis"
author: "Virgil"
translator: "Theodore C. Williams"
title_ru: "Энеида"
author_ru: "Вергилий"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
url: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/
cite: "Virgil, tr. Theodore C. Williams, Aeneid · Aeneis. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/"
---

# Aeneid · Aeneis

*Virgil, tr. Theodore C. Williams*

Russian: Энеида, Вергилий

Aeneas flees burning Troy, loves and leaves Dido, goes down to the underworld and fights for a new home in Italy: Virgil’s Latin beside English verse.

> Latin: ed. J. B. Greenough, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, phi0690.phi003, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: Theodore C. Williams, from the Perseus Digital Library (phi0690.phi003.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (line numbers), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## Contents

1. [Book I · lines 1–386](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/1.md)
2. [Book I · lines 387–756](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/2.md)
3. [Book II · lines 1–401](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/3.md)
4. [Book II · lines 402–804](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/4.md)
5. [Book III · lines 1–373](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/5.md)
6. [Book III · lines 374–718](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/6.md)
7. [Book IV · lines 1–361](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/7.md)
8. [Book IV · lines 362–705](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/8.md)
9. [Book V · lines 1–460](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/9.md)
10. [Book V · lines 461–871](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/10.md)
11. [Book VI · lines 1–476](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/11.md)
12. [Book VI · lines 477–901](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/12.md)
13. [Book VII · lines 1–434](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/13.md)
14. [Book VII · lines 435–817](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/14.md)
15. [Book VIII · lines 1–369](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/15.md)
16. [Book VIII · lines 370–731](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/16.md)
17. [Book IX · lines 1–419](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/17.md)
18. [Book IX · lines 420–818](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/18.md)
19. [Book X · lines 1–478](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/19.md)
20. [Book X · lines 479–908](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/20.md)
21. [Book XI · lines 1–467](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/21.md)
22. [Book XI · lines 468–915](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/22.md)
23. [Book XII · lines 1–499](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/23.md)
24. [Book XII · lines 500–952](https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/24.md)

## 1. Book I · lines 1–386

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/1/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/1/#p-N

[¶0] Arms and the man I sing, who first made way,
predestined exile, from the Trojan shore
to Italy, the blest Lavinian strand.
Smitten of storms he was on land and sea
by violence of Heaven, to satisfy
stern Juno's sleepless wrath; and much in war
he suffered, seeking at the last to found
the city, and bring o'er his fathers' gods
to safe abode in Latium; whence arose
the Latin race, old Alba's reverend lords,
and from her hills wide-walled, imperial Rome.

> Latin: Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris
Italiam, fato profugus, Laviniaque venit
litora, multum ille et terris iactatus et alto
vi superum saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram;
multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem,
inferretque deos Latio, genus unde Latinum,
Albanique patres, atque altae moenia Romae.

[¶1] O Muse, the causes tell! What sacrilege,
or vengeful sorrow, moved the heavenly Queen
to thrust on dangers dark and endless toil
a man whose largest honor in men's eyes
was serving Heaven? Can gods such anger feel?

> Latin: Musa, mihi causas memora, quo numine laeso,
quidve dolens, regina deum tot volvere casus
insignem pietate virum, tot adire labores
impulerit. Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?

[¶2] In ages gone an ancient city stood—
Carthage, a Tyrian seat, which from afar
made front on Italy and on the mouths
of Tiber's stream; its wealth and revenues
were vast, and ruthless was its quest of war.
'T is said that Juno, of all lands she loved,
most cherished this,—not Samos' self so dear.
Here were her arms, her chariot; even then
a throne of power o'er nations near and far,
if Fate opposed not, 't was her darling hope
to 'stablish here; but anxiously she heard
that of the Trojan blood there was a breed
then rising, which upon the destined day
should utterly o'erwhelm her Tyrian towers,
a people of wide sway and conquest proud
should compass Libya's doom;—such was the web
the Fatal Sisters spun. Such was the fear
of Saturn's daughter, who remembered well
what long and unavailing strife she waged
for her loved Greeks at Troy. Nor did she fail
to meditate th' occasions of her rage,
and cherish deep within her bosom proud
its griefs and wrongs: the choice by Paris made;
her scorned and slighted beauty; a whole race
rebellious to her godhead; and Jove's smile
that beamed on eagle-ravished Ganymede.
With all these thoughts infuriate, her power
pursued with tempests o'er the boundless main
the Trojans, though by Grecian victor spared
and fierce Achilles; so she thrust them far
from Latium; and they drifted, Heaven-impelled,
year after year, o'er many an unknown sea—
O labor vast, to found the Roman line!

> Latin: Urbs antiqua fuit, Tyrii tenuere coloni,
Karthago, Italiam contra Tiberinaque longe
ostia, dives opum studiisque asperrima belli;
quam Iuno fertur terris magis omnibus unam
posthabita coluisse Samo; hic illius arma,
hic currus fuit; hoc regnum dea gentibus esse,
si qua fata sinant, iam tum tenditque fovetque.
Progeniem sed enim Troiano a sanguine duci
audierat, Tyrias olim quae verteret arces;
hinc populum late regem belloque superbum
venturum excidio Libyae: sic volvere Parcas.
Id metuens, veterisque memor Saturnia belli,
prima quod ad Troiam pro caris gesserat Argis—
necdum etiam causae irarum saevique dolores
exciderant animo: manet alta mente repostum
iudicium Paridis spretaeque iniuria formae,
et genus invisum, et rapti Ganymedis honores.
His accensa super, iactatos aequore toto
Troas, reliquias Danaum atque immitis Achilli,
arcebat longe Latio, multosque per annos
errabant, acti fatis, maria omnia circum.
Tantae molis erat Romanam condere gentem!

[¶3] Below th' horizon the Sicilian isle
just sank from view, as for the open sea
with heart of hope they sailed, and every ship
clove with its brazen beak the salt, white waves.
But Juno of her everlasting wound
knew no surcease, but from her heart of pain
thus darkly mused: “Must I, defeated, fail
of what I will, nor turn the Teucrian King
from Italy away? Can Fate oppose?
Had Pallas power to lay waste in flame
the Argive fleet and sink its mariners,
revenging but the sacrilege obscene
by Ajax wrought, Oileus' desperate son?
She, from the clouds, herself Jove's lightning threw,
scattered the ships, and ploughed the sea with storms.
Her foe, from his pierced breast out-breathing fire,
in whirlwind on a deadly rock she flung.
But I, who move among the gods a queen,
Jove's sister and his spouse, with one weak tribe
make war so long! Who now on Juno calls?
What suppliant gifts henceforth her altars crown?”

> Latin: Vix e conspectu Siculae telluris in altum
vela dabant laeti, et spumas salis aere ruebant,
cum Iuno, aeternum servans sub pectore volnus,
haec secum: “Mene incepto desistere victam,”
“nec posse Italia Teucrorum avertere regem?”
“Quippe vetor fatis. Pallasne exurere classem”
“Argivum atque ipsos potuit submergere ponto,”
“unius ob noxam et furias Aiacis Oilei?”
“Ipsa, Iovis rapidum iaculata e nubibus ignem,”
“disiecitque rates evertitque aequora ventis,”
“illum expirantem transfixo pectore flammas”
“turbine corripuit scopuloque infixit acuto.”
“Ast ego, quae divom incedo regina, Iovisque”
“et soror et coniunx, una cum gente tot annos”
“bella gero! Et quisquam numen Iunonis adoret”
“praeterea, aut supplex aris imponet honorem?”

[¶4] So, in her fevered heart complaining still,
unto the storm-cloud land the goddess came,
a region with wild whirlwinds in its womb,
Aeolia named, where royal Aeolus
in a high-vaulted cavern keeps control
o'er warring winds and loud concourse of storms.
There closely pent in chains and bastions strong,
they, scornful, make the vacant mountain roar,
chafing against their bonds. But from a throne
of lofty crag, their king with sceptred hand
allays their fury and their rage confines.
Did he not so, our ocean, earth, and sky
were whirled before them through the vast inane.
But over-ruling Jove, of this in fear,
hid them in dungeon dark: then o'er them piled
huge mountains, and ordained a lawful king
to hold them in firm sway, or know what time,
with Jove's consent, to loose them o'er the world.
To him proud Juno thus made lowly plea:

> Latin: Talia flammato secum dea corde volutans
nimborum in patriam, loca feta furentibus austris,
Aeoliam venit. Hic vasto rex Aeolus antro
luctantes ventos tempestatesque sonoras
imperio premit ac vinclis et carcere frenat.
Illi indignantes magno cum murmure montis
circum claustra fremunt; celsa sedet Aeolus arce
sceptra tenens, mollitque animos et temperat iras.
Ni faciat, maria ac terras caelumque profundum
quippe ferant rapidi secum verrantque per auras.
Sed pater omnipotens speluncis abdidit atris,
hoc metuens, molemque et montis insuper altos
imposuit, regemque dedit, qui foedere certo
et premere et laxas sciret dare iussus habenas.
Ad quem tum Iuno supplex his vocibus usa est:

[¶5] “Thou in whose hands the Father of all gods
and Sovereign of mankind confides the power
to calm the waters or with winds upturn,
great Aeolus! a race with me at war
now sails the Tuscan main towards Italy,
bringing their Ilium and its vanquished powers.
Uprouse thy gales. Strike that proud navy down!
Hurl far and wide, and strew the waves with dead!
Twice seven nymphs are mine, of rarest mould;
of whom Deiopea, the most fair,
I give thee in true wedlock for thine own,
to mate thy noble worth; she at thy side
shall pass long, happy years, and fruitful bring
her beauteous offspring unto thee their sire.”

> Latin: “Aeole, namque tibi divom pater atque hominum rex”
“et mulcere dedit fluctus et tollere vento”,
“gens inimica mihi Tyrrhenum navigat aequor,”
“Ilium in Italiam portans victosque Penates:”
“incute vim ventis submersasque obrue puppes,”
“aut age diversos et disiice corpora ponto.”
“Sunt mihi bis septem praestanti corpore nymphae,”
“quarum quae forma pulcherrima Deiopea,”
“conubio iungam stabili propriamque dicabo,”
“omnis ut tecum meritis pro talibus annos”
“exigat, et pulchra faciat te prole parentem.”

[¶6] Then Aeolus: “'T is thy sole task, O Queen,
to weigh thy wish and will. My fealty
thy high behest obeys. This humble throne
is of thy gift. Thy smiles for me obtain
authority from Jove. Thy grace concedes
my station at your bright Olympian board,
and gives me lordship of the darkening storm.”

> Latin: Aeolus haec contra: “Tuus, O regina, quid optes”
“explorare labor; mihi iussa capessere fas est.”
“Tu mihi, quodcumque hoc regni, tu sceptra Iovemque”
“concilias, tu das epulis accumbere divom,”
“nimborumque facis tempestatumque potentem.”

[¶7] Replying thus, he smote with spear reversed
the hollow mountain's wall; then rush the winds
through that wide breach in long, embattled line,
and sweep tumultuous from land to land:
with brooding pinions o'er the waters spread,
east wind and south, and boisterous Afric gale
upturn the sea; vast billows shoreward roll;
the shout of mariners, the creak of cordage,
follow the shock; low-hanging clouds conceal
from Trojan eyes all sight of heaven and day;
night o'er the ocean broods; from sky to sky
the thunders roll, the ceaseless lightnings glare;
and all things mean swift death for mortal man.
Straightway Aeneas, shuddering with amaze,
groaned loud, upraised both holy hands to Heaven,
and thus did plead: “O thrice and four times blest,
ye whom your sires and whom the walls of Troy
looked on in your last hour! O bravest son
Greece ever bore, Tydides! O that I
had fallen on Ilian fields, and given this life
struck down by thy strong hand! where by the spear
of great Achilles, fiery Hector fell,
and huge Sarpedon; where the Simois
in furious flood engulfed and whirled away
so many helms and shields and heroes slain!”

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta, cavum conversa cuspide montem
impulit in latus: ac venti, velut agmine facto,
qua data porta, ruunt et terras turbine perflant.
Incubuere mari, totumque a sedibus imis
una Eurusque Notusque ruunt creberque procellis
Africus, et vastos volvunt ad litora fluctus.
Insequitur clamorque virum stridorque rudentum.
Eripiunt subito nubes caelumque diemque
Teucrorum ex oculis; ponto nox incubat atra.
Intonuere poli, et crebris micat ignibus aether,
praesentemque viris intentant omnia mortem.
Extemplo Aeneae solvuntur frigore membra:
ingemit, et duplicis tendens ad sidera palmas
talia voce refert: “O terque quaterque beati,”
“quis ante ora patrum Troiae sub moenibus altis”
“contigit oppetere! O Danaum fortissime gentis”
“Tydide! Mene Iliacis occumbere campis”
“non potuisse, tuaque animam hanc effundere dextra,”
“saevus ubi Aeacidae telo iacet Hector, ubi ingens”
“Sarpedon, ubi tot Simois correpta sub undis”
“scuta virum galeasque et fortia corpora volvit?”

[¶8] While thus he cried to Heaven, a shrieking blast
smote full upon the sail. Up surged the waves
to strike the very stars; in fragments flew
the shattered oars; the helpless vessel veered
and gave her broadside to the roaring flood,
where watery mountains rose and burst and fell.
Now high in air she hangs, then yawning gulfs
lay bare the shoals and sands o'er which she drives.
Three ships a whirling south wind snatched and flung
on hidden rocks,—altars of sacrifice
Italians call them, which lie far from shore
a vast ridge in the sea; three ships beside
an east wind, blowing landward from the deep,
drove on the shallows,—pitiable sight,—
and girdled them in walls of drifting sand.
That ship, which, with his friend Orontes, bore
the Lycian mariners, a great, plunging wave
struck straight astern, before Aeneas' eyes.
Forward the steersman rolled and o'er the side
fell headlong, while three times the circling flood
spun the light bark through swift engulfing seas.
Look, how the lonely swimmers breast the wave!
And on the waste of waters wide are seen
weapons of war, spars, planks, and treasures rare,
once Ilium's boast, all mingled with the storm.
Now o'er Achates and Ilioneus,
now o'er the ship of Abas or Aletes,
bursts the tempestuous shock; their loosened seams
yawn wide and yield the angry wave its will.

> Latin: Talia iactanti stridens Aquilone procella
velum adversa ferit, fluctusque ad sidera tollit.
Franguntur remi; tum prora avertit, et undis
dat latus; insequitur cumulo praeruptus aquae mons.
Hi summo in fluctu pendent; his unda dehiscens
terram inter fluctus aperit; furit aestus harenis.
Tris Notus abreptas in saxa latentia torquet—
saxa vocant Itali mediis quae in fluctibus aras—
dorsum immane mari summo; tris Eurus ab alto
in brevia et Syrtis urguet, miserabile visu,
inliditque vadis atque aggere cingit harenae.
Unam, quae Lycios fidumque vehebat Oronten,
ipsius ante oculos ingens a vertice pontus
in puppim ferit: excutitur pronusque magister
volvitur in caput; ast illam ter fluctus ibidem
torquet agens circum, et rapidus vorat aequore vortex.
Adparent rari nantes in gurgite vasto,
arma virum, tabulaeque, et Troia gaza per undas.
Iam validam Ilionei navem, iam fortis Achati,
et qua vectus Abas, et qua grandaevus Aletes,
vicit hiems; laxis laterum compagibus omnes
accipiunt inimicum imbrem, rimisque fatiscunt.

[¶9] Meanwhile how all his smitten ocean moaned,
and how the tempest's turbulent assault
had vexed the stillness of his deepest cave,
great Neptune knew; and with indignant mien
uplifted o'er the sea his sovereign brow.
He saw the Teucrian navy scattered far
along the waters; and Aeneas' men
o'erwhelmed in mingling shock of wave and sky.
Saturnian Juno's vengeful stratagem
her brother's royal glance failed not to see;
and loud to eastward and to westward calling,
he voiced this word:

> Latin: Interea magno misceri murmure pontum,
emissamque hiemem sensit Neptunus, et imis
stagna refusa vadis, graviter commotus; et alto
prospiciens, summa placidum caput extulit unda.
Disiectam Aeneae, toto videt aequore classem,
fluctibus oppressos Troas caelique ruina,
nec latuere doli fratrem Iunonis et irae.
Eurum ad se Zephyrumque vocat, dehinc talia fatur:

[¶10] “What pride of birth or power
is yours, ye winds, that, reckless of my will,
audacious thus, ye ride through earth and heaven,
and stir these mountain waves? Such rebels I—
nay, first I calm this tumult! But yourselves
by heavier chastisement shall expiate
hereafter your bold trespass. Haste away
and bear your king this word! Not unto him
dominion o'er the seas and trident dread,
but unto me, Fate gives. Let him possess
wild mountain crags, thy favored haunt and home,
O Eurus! In his barbarous mansion there,
let Aeolus look proud, and play the king
in yon close-bounded prison-house of storms!”

> Latin: “Tantane vos generis tenuit fiducia vestri?”
“Iam caelum terramque meo sine numine, venti,”
“miscere, et tantas audetis tollere moles?”
“Quos ego—sed motos praestat componere fluctus.”
“Post mihi non simili poena commissa luetis.”
“Maturate fugam, regique haec dicite vestro:”
“non illi imperium pelagi saevumque tridentem,”
“sed mihi sorte datum. Tenet ille immania saxa,”
“vestras, Eure, domos; illa se iactet in aula”
“Aeolus, et clauso ventorum carcere regnet.”

[¶11] He spoke, and swiftlier than his word subdued
the swelling of the floods; dispersed afar
th' assembled clouds, and brought back light to heaven.
Cymothoe then and Triton, with huge toil,
thrust down the vessels from the sharp-edged reef;
while, with the trident, the great god's own hand
assists the task; then, from the sand-strewn shore
out-ebbing far, he calms the whole wide sea,
and glides light-wheeled along the crested foam.
As when, with not unwonted tumult, roars
in some vast city a rebellious mob,
and base-born passions in its bosom burn,
till rocks and blazing torches fill the air
(rage never lacks for arms)—if haply then
some wise man comes, whose reverend looks attest
a life to duty given, swift silence falls;
all ears are turned attentive; and he sways
with clear and soothing speech the people's will.
So ceased the sea's uproar, when its grave Sire
looked o'er th' expanse, and, riding on in light,
flung free rein to his winged obedient car.

> Latin: Sic ait, et dicto citius tumida aequora placat,
collectasque fugat nubes, solemque reducit.
Cymothoe simul et Triton adnixus acuto
detrudunt navis scopulo; levat ipse tridenti;
et vastas aperit syrtis, et temperat aequor,
atque rotis summas levibus perlabitur undas.
Ac veluti magno in populo cum saepe coorta est
seditio, saevitque animis ignobile volgus,
iamque faces et saxa volant—furor arma ministrat;
tum, pietate gravem ac meritis si forte virum quem
conspexere, silent, arrectisque auribus adstant;
ille regit dictis animos, et pectora mulcet,—
sic cunctus pelagi cecidit fragor, aequora postquam
prospiciens genitor caeloque invectus aperto
flectit equos, curruque volans dat lora secundo.

[¶12] Aeneas' wave-worn crew now landward made,
and took the nearest passage, whither lay
the coast of Libya. A haven there
walled in by bold sides of a rocky isle,
offers a spacious and secure retreat,
where every billow from the distant main
breaks, and in many a rippling curve retires.
Huge crags and two confronted promontories
frown heaven-high, beneath whose brows outspread
the silent, sheltered waters; on the heights
the bright and glimmering foliage seems to show
a woodland amphitheatre; and yet higher
rises a straight-stemmed grove of dense, dark shade.
Fronting on these a grotto may be seen,
o'erhung by steep cliffs; from its inmost wall
clear springs gush out; and shelving seats it has
of unhewn stone, a place the wood-nymphs love.
In such a port, a weary ship rides free
of weight of firm-fluked anchor or strong chain.

> Latin: Defessi Aeneadae, quae proxima litora, cursu
contendunt petere, et Libyae vertuntur ad oras.
Est in secessu longo locus: insula portum
efficit obiectu laterum, quibus omnis ab alto
frangitur inque sinus scindit sese unda reductos.
Hinc atque hinc vastae rupes geminique minantur
in caelum scopuli, quorum sub vertice late
aequora tuta silent; tum silvis scaena coruscis
desuper horrentique atrum nemus imminet umbra.
Fronte sub adversa scopulis pendentibus antrum,
intus aquae dulces vivoque sedilia saxo,
nympharum domus: hic fessas non vincula navis
ulla tenent, unco non alligat ancora morsu.
Huc septem Aeneas collectis navibus omni
ex numero subit; ac magno telluris amore
egressi optata potiuntur Troes harena,
et sale tabentis artus in litore ponunt.
Ac primum silici scintillam excudit Achates,
succepitque ignem foliis, atque arida circum
nutrimenta dedit, rapuitque in fomite flammam.
Tum Cererem corruptam undis Cerealiaque arma
expediunt fessi rerum, frugesque receptas
et torrere parant flammis et frangere saxo.

[¶13] Hither Aeneas of his scattered fleet
saving but seven, into harbor sailed;
with passionate longing for the touch of land,
forth leap the Trojans to the welcome shore,
and fling their dripping limbs along the ground.
Then good Achates smote a flinty stone,
secured a flashing spark, heaped on light leaves,
and with dry branches nursed the mounting flame.
Then Ceres' gift from the corrupting sea
they bring away; and wearied utterly
ply Ceres' cunning on the rescued corn,
and parch in flames, and mill 'twixt two smooth stones.
Aeneas meanwhile climbed the cliffs, and searched
the wide sea-prospect; haply Antheus there,
storm-buffeted, might sail within his ken,
with biremes, and his Phrygian mariners,
or Capys or Caicus armor-clad,
upon a towering deck. No ship is seen;
but while he looks, three stags along the shore
come straying by, and close behind them comes
the whole herd, browsing through the lowland vale
in one long line. Aeneas stopped and seized
his bow and swift-winged arrows, which his friend,
trusty Achates, close beside him bore.
His first shafts brought to earth the lordly heads
of the high-antlered chiefs; his next assailed
the general herd, and drove them one and all
in panic through the leafy wood, nor ceased
the victory of his bow, till on the ground
lay seven huge forms, one gift for every ship.
Then back to shore he sped, and to his friends
distributed the spoil, with that rare wine
which good Acestes while in Sicily
had stored in jars, and prince-like sent away
with his Ioved guest;—this too Aeneas gave;
and with these words their mournful mood consoled.

> Latin: Aeneas scopulum interea conscendit, et omnem
prospectum late pelago petit, Anthea si quem
iactatum vento videat Phrygiasque biremis,
aut Capyn, aut celsis in puppibus arma Caici.
Navem in conspectu nullam, tris litore cervos
prospicit errantis; hos tota armenta sequuntur
a tergo, et longum per vallis pascitur agmen.
Constitit hic, arcumque manu celerisque sagittas
corripuit, fidus quae tela gerebat Achates;
ductoresque ipsos primum, capita alta ferentis
cornibus arboreis, sternit, tum volgus, et omnem
miscet agens telis nemora inter frondea turbam;
nec prius absistit, quam septem ingentia victor
corpora fundat humi, et numerum cum navibus aequet.
Hinc portum petit, et socios partitur in omnes.
Vina bonus quae deinde cadis onerarat Acestes
litore Trinacrio dederatque abeuntibus heros,
dividit, et dictis maerentia pectora mulcet:

[¶14] “Companions mine, we have not failed to feel
calamity till now. O, ye have borne
far heavier sorrow: Jove will make an end
also of this. Ye sailed a course hard by
infuriate Scylla's howling cliffs and caves.
Ye knew the Cyclops' crags. Lift up your hearts!
No more complaint and fear! It well may be
some happier hour will find this memory fair.
Through chance and change and hazard without end,
our goal is Latium; where our destinies
beckon to blest abodes, and have ordained
that Troy shall rise new-born! Have patience all!
And bide expectantly that golden day.”

> Latin: “O socii—neque enim ignari sumus ante malorum—”
“O passi graviora, dabit deus his quoque finem.”
“Vos et Scyllaeam rabiem penitusque sonantis”
“accestis scopulos, vos et Cyclopea saxa”
“experti: revocate animos, maestumque timorem”
“mittite: forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.”
“Per varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum”
“tendimus in Latium; sedes ubi fata quietas”
“ostendunt; illic fas regna resurgere Troiae.”
“Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis.”

[¶15] Such was his word, but vexed with grief and care,
feigned hopes upon his forehead firm he wore,
and locked within his heart a hero's pain.
Now round the welcome trophies of his chase
they gather for a feast. Some flay the ribs
and bare the flesh below; some slice with knives,
and on keen prongs the quivering strips impale,
place cauldrons on the shore, and fan the fires.
Then, stretched at ease on couch of simple green,
they rally their lost powers, and feast them well
on seasoned wine and succulent haunch of game.
But hunger banished and the banquet done,
in long discourse of their lost mates they tell,
'twixt hopes and fears divided; for who knows
whether the lost ones live, or strive with death,
or heed no more whatever voice may call?
Chiefly Aeneas now bewails his friends,
Orontes brave and fallen Amycus,
or mourns with grief untold the untimely doom
of bold young Gyas and Cloanthus bold.

> Latin: Talia voce refert, curisque ingentibus aeger
spem voltu simulat, premit altum corde dolorem.
Illi se praedae accingunt, dapibusque futuris;
tergora deripiunt costis et viscera nudant;
pars in frusta secant veribusque trementia figunt;
litore aena locant alii, flammasque ministrant.
Tum victu revocant vires, fusique per herbam
implentur veteris Bacchi pinguisque ferinae.
Postquam exempta fames epulis mensaeque remotae,
amissos longo socios sermone requirunt,
spemque metumque inter dubii, seu vivere credant,
sive extrema pati nec iam exaudire vocatos.
Praecipue pius Aeneas nunc acris Oronti,
nunc Amyci casum gemit et crudelia secum
fata Lyci, fortemque Gyan, fortemque Cloanthum.

[¶16] After these things were past, exalted Jove,
from his ethereal sky surveying clear
the seas all winged with sails, lands widely spread,
and nations populous from shore to shore,
paused on the peak of heaven, and fixed his gaze
on Libya. But while he anxious mused,
near him, her radiant eyes all dim with tears,
nor smiling any more, Venus approached,
and thus complained: “O thou who dost control
things human and divine by changeless laws,
enthroned in awful thunder! What huge wrong
could my Aeneas and his Trojans few
achieve against thy power? For they have borne
unnumbered deaths, and, failing Italy,
the gates of all the world against them close.
Hast thou not given us thy covenant
that hence the Romans when the rolling years
have come full cycle, shall arise to power
from Troy's regenerate seed, and rule supreme
the unresisted lords of land and sea?
O Sire, what swerves thy will? How oft have I
in Troy's most lamentable wreck and woe
consoled my heart with this, and balanced oft
our destined good against our destined ill!
But the same stormful fortune still pursues
my band of heroes on their perilous way.
When shall these labors cease, O glorious King?
Antenor, though th' Achaeans pressed him sore,
found his way forth, and entered unassailed
Illyria's haven, and the guarded land
of the Liburni. Straight up stream he sailed
where like a swollen sea Timavus pours
a nine-fold flood from roaring mountain gorge,
and whelms with voiceful wave the fields below.
He built Patavium there, and fixed abodes
for Troy's far-exiled sons; he gave a name
to a new land and race; the Trojan arms
were hung on temple walls; and, to this day,
lying in perfect peace, the hero sleeps.
But we of thine own seed, to whom thou dost
a station in the arch of heaven assign,
behold our navy vilely wrecked, because
a single god is angry; we endure
this treachery and violence, whereby
wide seas divide us from th' Hesperian shore.
Is this what piety receives? Or thus
doth Heaven's decree restore our fallen thrones?”

> Latin: Et iam finis erat, cum Iuppiter aethere summo
despiciens mare velivolum terrasque iacentis
litoraque et latos populos, sic vertice caeli
constitit, et Libyae defixit lumina regnis.
Atque illum talis iactantem pectore curas
tristior et lacrimis oculos suffusa nitentis
adloquitur Venus: “O qui res hominumque deumque”
“aeternis regis imperiis, et fulmine terres,”
“quid meus Aeneas in te committere tantum,”
“quid Troes potuere, quibus, tot funera passis,”
“cunctus ob Italiam terrarum clauditur orbis?”
“Certe hinc Romanos olim, volventibus annis,”
“hinc fore ductores, revocato a sanguine Teucri,”
“qui mare, qui terras omni dicione tenerent,”
“pollicitus, quae te, genitor, sententia vertit?”
“Hoc equidem occasum Troiae tristisque ruinas”
“solabar, fatis contraria fata rependens;”
“nunc eadem fortuna viros tot casibus actos”
“insequitur. Quem das finem, rex magne, laborum?”
“Antenor potuit, mediis elapsus Achivis,”
“Illyricos penetrare sinus, atque intima tutus”
“regna Liburnorum, et fontem superare Timavi,”
“unde per ora novem vasto cum murmure montis”
“it mare proruptum et pelago premit arva sonanti.”
“Hic tamen ille urbem Patavi sedesque locavit”
“Teucrorum, et genti nomen dedit, armaque fixit”
“Troia; nunc placida compostus pace quiescit:”
“nos, tua progenies, caeli quibus adnuis arcem,”
“navibus (infandum!) amissis, unius ob iram”
“prodimur atque Italis longe disiungimur oris.”
“Hic pietatis honos? Sic nos in sceptra reponis?”

[¶17] Smiling reply, the Sire of gods and men,
with such a look as clears the skies of storm
chastely his daughter kissed, and thus spake on:
“Let Cytherea cast her fears away!
Irrevocably blest the fortunes be
of thee and thine. Nor shalt thou fail to see
that City, and the proud predestined wall
encompassing Lavinium. Thyself
shall starward to the heights of heaven bear
Aeneas the great-hearted. Nothing swerves
my will once uttered. Since such carking cares
consume thee, I this hour speak freely forth,
and leaf by leaf the book of fate unfold.
Thy son in Italy shall wage vast war
and, quell its nations wild; his city-wall
and sacred laws shall be a mighty bond
about his gathered people. Summers three
shall Latium call him king; and three times pass
the winter o'er Rutulia's vanquished hills.
His heir, Ascanius, now Iulus called
(Ilus it was while Ilium's kingdom stood),
full thirty months shall reign, then move the throne
from the Lavinian citadel, and build
for Alba Longa its well-bastioned wall.

> Latin: Olli subridens hominum sator atque deorum,
voltu, quo caelum tempestatesque serenat,
oscula libavit natae, dehinc talia fatur:
“Parce metu, Cytherea: manent immota tuorum”
“fata tibi; cernes urbem et promissa Lavini”
“moenia, sublimemque feres ad sidera caeli”
“magnanimum Aenean; neque me sententia vertit.”
“Hic tibi (fabor enim, quando haec te cura remordet,”
“longius et volvens fatorum arcana movebo)”
“bellum ingens geret Italia, populosque feroces”
“contundet, moresque viris et moenia ponet,”
“tertia dum Latio regnantem viderit aestas,”
“ternaque transierint Rutulis hiberna subactis.”
“At puer Ascanius, cui nunc cognomen Iulo”
“additur,—Ilus erat, dum res stetit Ilia regno,—”
“triginta magnos volvendis mensibus orbis”
“imperio explebit, regnumque ab sede Lavini”
“transferet, et longam multa vi muniet Albam.”

[¶18] Here three full centuries shall Hector's race
have kingly power; till a priestess queen,
by Mars conceiving, her twin offspring bear;
then Romulus, wolf-nursed and proudly clad
in tawny wolf-skin mantle, shall receive
the sceptre of his race. He shall uprear
and on his Romans his own name bestow.
To these I give no bounded times or power,
but empire without end. Yea, even my Queen,
Juno, who now chastiseth land and sea
with her dread frown, will find a wiser way,
and at my sovereign side protect and bless
the Romans, masters of the whole round world,
who, clad in peaceful toga, judge mankind.
Such my decree! In lapse of seasons due,
the heirs of Ilium's kings shall bind in chains
Mycenae's glory and Achilles' towers,
and over prostrate Argos sit supreme.
Of Trojan stock illustriously sprung,
lo, Caesar comes! whose power the ocean bounds,
whose fame, the skies. He shall receive the name
Iulus nobly bore, great Julius, he.
Him to the skies, in Orient trophies dress,
thou shalt with smiles receive; and he, like us,
shall hear at his own shrines the suppliant vow.
Then will the world grow mild; the battle-sound
will be forgot; for olden Honor then,
with spotless Vesta, and the brothers twain,
Remus and Romulus, at strife no more,
will publish sacred laws. The dreadful gates
whence issueth war, shall with close-jointed steel
be barred impregnably; and prisoned there
the heaven-offending Fury, throned on swords,
and fettered by a hundred brazen chains,
shall belch vain curses from his lips of gore.”

> Latin: “Hic iam ter centum totos regnabitur annos”
“gente sub Hectorea, donec regina sacerdos,”
“Marte gravis, geminam partu dabit Ilia prolem.”
“Inde lupae fulvo nutricis tegmine laetus”
“Romulus excipiet gentem, et Mavortia condet”
“moenia, Romanosque suo de nomine dicet.”
“His ego nec metas rerum nec tempora pono;”
“imperium sine fine dedi. Quin aspera Iuno,”
“quae mare nunc terrasque metu caelumque fatigat,”
“consilia in melius referet, mecumque fovebit”
“Romanos rerum dominos gentemque togatam:”
“sic placitum. Veniet lustris labentibus aetas,”
“cum domus Assaraci Phthiam clarasque Mycenas”
“servitio premet, ac victis dominabitur Argis.”
“Nascetur pulchra Troianus origine Caesar,”
“imperium oceano, famam qui terminet astris,—”
“Iulius, a magno demissum nomen Iulo.”
“Hunc tu olim caelo, spoliis Orientis onustum,”
“accipies secura; vocabitur hic quoque votis.”
“Aspera tum positis mitescent saecula bellis;”
“cana Fides, et Vesta, Remo cum fratre Quirinus,”
“iura dabunt; dirae ferro et compagibus artis”
“claudentur Belli portae; Furor impius intus,”
“saeva sedens super arma, et centum vinctus aenis”
“post tergum nodis, fremet horridus ore cruento.”

[¶19] These words he gave, and summoned Maia's son,
the herald Mercury, who earthward flying,
should bid the Tyrian realms and new-built towers
welcome the Trojan waifs; lest Dido, blind
to Fate's decree, should thrust them from the land.
He takes his flight, with rhythmic stroke of wing,
across th' abyss of air, and soon draws near
unto the Libyan mainland. He fulfils
his heavenly task; the Punic hearts of stone
grow soft beneath the effluence divine;
and, most of all, the Queen, with heart at ease
awaits benignantly her guests from Troy.

> Latin: Haec ait, et Maia genitum demittit ab alto,
ut terrae, utque novae pateant Karthaginis arces
hospitio Teucris, ne fati nescia Dido
finibus arceret: volat ille per aera magnum
remigio alarum, ac Libyae citus adstitit oris.
Et iam iussa facit, ponuntque ferocia Poeni
corda volente deo; in primis regina quietum
accipit in Teucros animum mentemque benignam.

[¶20] But good Aeneas, pondering all night long
his many cares, when first the cheerful dawn
upon him broke, resolved to take survey
of this strange country whither wind and wave
had driven him,—for desert land it seemed,—
to learn what tribes of man or beast possess
a place so wild, and careful tidings bring
back to his friends. His fleet of ships the while,
where dense, dark groves o'er-arch a hollowed crag,
he left encircled in far-branching shade.
Then with no followers save his trusty friend
Achates, he went forth upon his way,
two broad-tipped javelins poising in his hand.
Deep to the midmost wood he went, and there
his Mother in his path uprose; she seemed
in garb and countenance a maid, and bore,
like Spartan maids, a weapon; in such guise
Harpalyce the Thracian urges on
her panting coursers and in wild career
outstrips impetuous Hebrus as it flows.
Over her lovely shoulders was a bow,
slender and light, as fits a huntress fair;
her golden tresses without wimple moved
in every wind, and girded in a knot
her undulant vesture bared her marble knees.
She hailed them thus: “Ho, sirs, I pray you tell
if haply ye have noted, as ye came,
one of my sisters in this wood astray?
She bore a quiver, and a lynx's hide
her spotted mantle was; perchance she roused
some foaming boar, and chased with loud halloo.”

> Latin: At pius Aeneas, per noctem plurima volvens,
ut primum lux alma data est, exire locosque
explorare novos, quas vento accesserit oras,
qui teneant, nam inculta videt, hominesne feraene,
quaerere constituit, sociisque exacta referre
Classem in convexo nemorum sub rupe cavata
arboribus clausam circum atque horrentibus umbris
occulit; ipse uno graditur comitatus Achate,
bina manu lato crispans hastilia ferro.
Cui mater media sese tulit obvia silva,
virginis os habitumque gerens, et virginis arma
Spartanae, vel qualis equos Threissa fatigat
Harpalyce, volucremque fuga praevertitur Hebrum.
Namque umeris de more habilem suspenderat arcum
venatrix, dederatque comam diffundere ventis,
nuda genu, nodoque sinus collecta fluentis.
Ac prior, “Heus” inquit “iuvenes, monstrate mearum”
“vidistis si quam hic errantem forte sororum,”
“succinctam pharetra et maculosae tegmine lyncis,”
“aut spumantis apri cursum clamore prementem.”

[¶21] So Venus spoke, and Venus' son replied:
“No voice or vision of thy sister fair
has crossed my path, thou maid without a name!
Thy beauty seems not of terrestrial mould,
nor is thy music mortal! Tell me, goddess,
art thou bright Phoebus' sister? Or some nymph,
the daughter of a god? Whate'er thou art,
thy favor we implore, and potent aid
in our vast toil. Instruct us of what skies,
or what world's end, our storm-swept lives have found!
Strange are these lands and people where we rove,
compelled by wind and wave. Lo, this right hand
shall many a victim on thine altar slay!”

> Latin: Sic Venus; et Veneris contra sic filius orsus:
“Nulla tuarum audita mihi neque visa sororum—”
“O quam te memorem, virgo? Namque haud tibi voltus”
“mortalis, nec vox hominem sonat: O, dea certe—”
“an Phoebi soror? an nympharum sanguinis una?—”
“sis felix, nostrumque leves, quaecumque, laborem,”
“et, quo sub caelo tandem, quibus orbis in oris”
“iactemur, doceas. Ignari hominumque locorumque”
“erramus, vento huc vastis et fluctibus acti:”
“multa tibi ante aras nostra cadet hostia dextra.”

[¶22] Then Venus: “Nay, I boast not to receive
honors divine. We Tyrian virgins oft
bear bow and quiver, and our ankles white
lace up in purple buskin. Yonder lies
the Punic power, where Tyrian masters hold
Agenor's town; but on its borders dwell
the Libyans, by battles unsubdued.
Upon the throne is Dido, exiled there
from Tyre, to flee th' unnatural enmity
of her own brother. 'T was an ancient wrong;
too Iong the dark and tangled tale would be;
I trace the larger outline of her story:
Sichreus was her spouse, whose acres broad
no Tyrian lord could match, and he was-blessed
by his ill-fated lady's fondest love,
whose father gave him her first virgin bloom
in youthful marriage. But the kingly power
among the Tyrians to her brother came,
Pygmalion, none deeper dyed in crime
in all that land. Betwixt these twain there rose
a deadly hatred,—and the impious wretch,
blinded by greed, and reckless utterly
of his fond sister's joy, did murder foul
upon defenceless and unarmed Sichaeus,
and at the very altar hewed him down.
Long did he hide the deed, and guilefully
deceived with false hopes, and empty words,
her grief and stricken love. But as she slept,
her husband's tombless ghost before her came,
with face all wondrous pale, and he laid bare
his heart with dagger pierced, disclosing so
the blood-stained altar and the infamy
that darkened now their house. His counsel was
to fly, self-banished, from her ruined land,
and for her journey's aid, he whispered where
his buried treasure lay, a weight unknown
of silver and of gold. Thus onward urged,
Dido, assembling her few trusted friends,
prepared her flight. There rallied to her cause
all who did hate and scorn the tyrant king,
or feared his cruelty. They seized his ships,
which haply rode at anchor in the bay,
and loaded them with gold; the hoarded wealth
of vile and covetous Pygmalion
they took to sea. A woman wrought this deed.
Then came they to these lands where now thine eyes
behold yon walls and yonder citadel
of newly rising Carthage. For a price
they measured round so much of Afric soil
as one bull's hide encircles, and the spot
received its name, the Byrsa. But, I pray,
what men are ye? from what far land arrived,
and whither going?” When she questioned thus,
her son, with sighs that rose from his heart's depths,
this answer gave:

> Latin: Tum Venus: “Haud equidem tali me dignor honore;”
“virginibus Tyriis mos est gestare pharetram,”
“purpureoque alte suras vincire cothurno.”
“Punica regna vides, Tyrios et Agenoris urbem;”
“sed fines Libyci, genus intractabile bello.”
“Imperium Dido Tyria regit urbe profecta,”
“germanum fugiens. Longa est iniuria, longae”
“ambages; sed summa sequar fastigia rerum.”
“Huic coniunx Sychaeus erat, ditissimus agri”
“Phoenicum, et magno miserae dilectus amore,”
“cui pater intactam dederat, primisque iugarat”
“ominibus. Sed regna Tyri germanus habebat”
“Pygmalion, scelere ante alios immanior omnes.”
“Quos inter medius venit furor. Ille Sychaeum”
“impius ante aras, atque auri caecus amore,”
“clam ferro incautum superat, securus amorum”
“germanae; factumque diu celavit, et aegram,”
“multa malus simulans, vana spe lusit amantem.”
“Ipsa sed in somnis inhumati venit imago”
“coniugis, ora modis attollens pallida miris,”
“crudeles aras traiectaque pectora ferro”
“nudavit, caecumque domus scelus omne retexit.”
“Tum celerare fugam patriaque excedere suadet,”
“auxiliumque viae veteres tellure recludit”
“thesauros, ignotum argenti pondus et auri.”
“His commota fugam Dido sociosque parabat:”
“conveniunt, quibus aut odium crudele tyranni”
“aut metus acer erat; navis, quae forte paratae,”
“corripiunt, onerantque auro: portantur avari”
“Pygmalionis opes pelago; dux femina facti.”
“Devenere locos, ubi nunc ingentia cernis”
“moenia surgentemque novae Karthaginis arcem,”
“mercatique solum, facti de nomine Byrsam,”
“taurino quantum possent circumdare tergo.”
“Sed vos qui tandem, quibus aut venistis ab oris,”
“quove tenetis iter?” Quaerenti talibus ille
suspirans, imoque trahens a pectore vocem:

[¶23] “Divine one, if I tell
my woes and burdens all, and thou could'st pause
to heed the tale, first would the vesper star
th' Olympian portals close, and bid the day
in slumber lie. Of ancient Troy are we—
if aught of Troy thou knowest! As we roved
from sea to sea, the hazard of the storm
cast us up hither on this Libyan coast.
I am Aeneas, faithful evermore
to Heaven's command; and in my ships I bear
my gods ancestral, which I snatched away
from peril of the foe. My fame is known
above the stars. I travel on in quest
of Italy, my true home-land, and I
from Jove himself may trace my birth divine.
With twice ten ships upon the Phryglan main
I launched away. My mother from the skies
gave guidance, and I wrought what Fate ordained.
Yet now scarce seven shattered ships survive
the shock of wind and wave; and I myself
friendless, bereft, am wandering up and down
this Libyan wilderness! Behold me here,
from Europe and from Asia exiled still!”
But Venus could not let him longer plain,
and stopped his grief midway:

> Latin: “O dea, si prima repetens ab origine pergam,”
“et vacet annalis nostrorum audire laborum,”
“ante diem clauso componat Vesper Olympo.”
“Nos Troia antiqua, si vestras forte per auris”
“Troiae nomen iit, diversa per aequora vectos”
“forte sua Libycis tempestas adpulit oris.”
“Sum pius Aeneas, raptos qui ex hoste Penates”
“classe veho mecum, fama super aethera notus.”
“Italiam quaero patriam et genus ab Iove summo.”
“Bis denis Phrygium conscendi navibus aequor,”
“matre dea monstrante viam, data fata secutus;”
“vix septem convolsae undis Euroque supersunt.”
“Ipse ignotus, egens, Libyae deserta peragro,”
“Europa atque Asia pulsus.” Nec plura querentem
passa Venus medio sic interfata dolore est:

## 2. Book I · lines 387–756

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/2/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/2/#p-N

[¶0] “Whoe'er thou art,
I deem that not unblest of heavenly powers,
with vital breath still thine, thou comest hither
unto our Tyrian town. Go steadfast on,
and to the royal threshold make thy way!
I bring thee tidings that thy comrades all
are safe at land; and all thy ships, conveyed
by favoring breezes, safe at anchor lie;
or else in vain my parents gave me skill
to read the skies. Look up at yonder swans!
A flock of twelve, whose gayly fluttering file,
erst scattered by Jove's eagle swooping down
from his ethereal haunt, now form anew
their long-drawn line, and make a landing-place,
or, hovering over, scan some chosen ground,
or soaring high, with whir of happy wings,
re-circle heaven in triumphant song:
likewise, I tell thee, thy Iost mariners
are landed, or fly landward at full sail.
Up, then! let yon plain path thy guidance be,”
She ceased and turned away. A roseate beam
from her bright shoulder glowed; th' ambrosial hair
breathed more than mortal sweetness, while her robes
fell rippling to her feet. Each step revealed
the veritable goddess. Now he knew
that vision was his mother, and his words
pursued the fading phantom as it fled:
“Why is thy son deluded o'er and o'er
with mocking dreams,—another cruel god?
Hast thou no hand-clasp true, nor interchange
of words unfeigned betwixt this heart and thine?”
Such word of blame he spoke, and took his way
toward the city's rampart. Venus then
o'erveiled them as they moved in darkened air,—
a liquid mantle of thick cloud divine,—
that viewless they might pass, nor would any
obstruct, delay, or question why they came.
To Paphos then she soared, her Ioved abode,
where stands her temple, at whose hundred shrines
garlands of myrtle and fresh roses breathe,
and clouds of orient sweetness waft away.

> Latin: “Quisquis es, haud, credo, invisus caelestibus auras”
“vitalis carpis, Tyriam qui adveneris urbem.”
“Perge modo, atque hinc te reginae ad limina perfer,”
“Namque tibi reduces socios classemque relatam”
“nuntio, et in tutum versis aquilonibus actam,”
“ni frustra augurium vani docuere parentes.”
“Aspice bis senos laetantis agmine cycnos,”
“aetheria quos lapsa plaga Iovis ales aperto”
“turbabat caelo; nunc terras ordine longo”
“aut capere, aut captas iam despectare videntur:”
“ut reduces illi ludunt stridentibus alis,”
“et coetu cinxere polum, cantusque dedere,”
“haud aliter puppesque tuae pubesque tuorum”
“aut portum tenet aut pleno subit ostia velo.”
“Perge modo, et, qua te ducit via, dirige gressum.”
Dixit, et avertens rosea cervice refulsit,
ambrosiaeque comae divinum vertice odorem
spiravere, pedes vestis defluxit ad imos,
et vera incessu patuit dea. Ille ubi matrem
adgnovit, tali fugientem est voce secutus:
“Quid natum totiens, crudelis tu quoque, falsis”
“ludis imaginibus? Cur dextrae iungere dextram”
“non datur, ac veras audire et reddere voces?”
Talibus incusat, gressumque ad moenia tendit:
at Venus obscuro gradientes aere saepsit,
et multo nebulae circum dea fudit amictu,
cernere ne quis eos, neu quis contingere posset,
molirive moram, aut veniendi poscere causas.
Ipsa Paphum sublimis abit, sedesque revisit
laeta suas, ubi templum illi, centumque Sabaeo
ture calent arae, sertisque recentibus halant.

[¶1] Meanwhile the wanderers swiftly journey on
along the clear-marked road, and soon they climb
the brow of a high hill, which close in view
o'er-towers the city's crown. The vast exploit,
where lately rose but Afric cabins rude,
Aeneas wondered at: the smooth, wide ways;
the bastioned gates; the uproar of the throng.
The Tyrians toil unwearied; some up-raise
a wall or citadel, from far below
lifting the ponderous stone; or with due care
choose where to build, and close the space around
with sacred furrow; in their gathering-place
the people for just governors, just laws,
and for their reverend senate shout acclaim.
Some clear the harbor mouth; some deeply lay
the base of a great theatre, and carve out
proud columns from the mountain, to adorn
their rising stage with lofty ornament.
so busy bees above a field of flowers
in early summer amid sunbeams toil,
leading abroad their nation's youthful brood;
or with the flowing honey storing close
the pliant cells, until they quite run o'er
with nectared sweet; while from the entering swarm
they take their little loads; or lined for war,
rout the dull drones, and chase them from the hive;
brisk is the task, and all the honeyed air
breathes odors of wild thyme. “How blest of Heaven.
These men that see their promised ramparts rise!”
Aeneas sighed; and swift his glances moved
from tower to tower; then on his way he fared,
veiled in the wonder-cloud, whence all unseen
of human eyes,—O strange the tale and true!—
he threaded the thronged streets, unmarked, unknown.

> Latin: Corripuere viam interea, qua semita monstrat.
Iamque ascendebant collem, qui plurimus urbi
imminet, adversasque adspectat desuper arces.
Miratur molem Aeneas, magalia quondam,
miratur portas strepitumque et strata viarum.
Instant ardentes Tyrii pars ducere muros,
molirique arcem et manibus subvolvere saxa,
pars optare locum tecto et concludere sulco.
[Iura magistratusque legunt sanctumque senatum;]
hic portus alii effodiunt; hic alta theatris
fundamenta locant alii, immanisque columnas
rupibus excidunt, scaenis decora alta futuris.
Qualis apes aestate nova per florea rura
exercet sub sole labor, cum gentis adultos
educunt fetus, aut cum liquentia mella
stipant et dulci distendunt nectare cellas,
aut onera accipiunt venientum, aut agmine facto
ignavom fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent:
fervet opus, redolentque thymo fragrantia mella.
“O fortunati, quorum iam moenia surgunt!”
Aeneas ait, et fastigia suspicit urbis.
Infert se saeptus nebula, mirabile dictu,
per medios, miscetque viris, neque cernitur ulli.

[¶2] Deep in the city's heart there was a grove
of beauteous shade, where once the Tyrians,
cast here by stormful waves, delved out of earth
that portent which Queen Juno bade them find,—
the head of a proud horse,—that ages long
their boast might be wealth, luxury and war.
Upon this spot Sidonian Dido raised
a spacious fane to Juno, which became
splendid with gifts, and hallowed far and wide
for potency divine. Its beams were bronze,
and on loud hinges swung the brazen doors.
A rare, new sight this sacred grove did show,
which calmed Aeneas' fears, and made him bold
to hope for safety, and with lifted heart
from his low-fallen fortunes re-aspire.
For while he waits the advent of the Queen,
he scans the mighty temple, and admires
the city's opulent pride, and all the skill
its rival craftsmen in their work approve.
Behold! he sees old Ilium's well-fought fields
in sequent picture, and those famous wars
now told upon men's lips the whole world round.
There Atreus' sons, there kingly Priam moved,
and fierce Pelides pitiless to both.
Aeneas paused, and, weeping, thus began:
“Alas, Achates, what far region now,
what land in all the world knows not our pain?
See, it is Priam! Virtue's wage is given—
O even here! Here also there be tears
for what men bear, and mortal creatures feel
each other's sorrow. Therefore, have no fear!
This story of our loss forbodes us well.”

> Latin: Lucus in urbe fuit media, laetissimus umbra,
quo primum iactati undis et turbine Poeni
effodere loco signum, quod regia Iuno
monstrarat, caput acris equi; sic nam fore bello
egregiam et facilem victu per saecula gentem.
Hic templum Iunoni ingens Sidonia Dido
condebat, donis opulentum et numine divae,
aerea cui gradibus surgebant limina, nexaeque
aere trabes, foribus cardo stridebat aenis.
Hoc primum in luco nova res oblata timorem
leniit, hic primum Aeneas sperare salutem
ausus, et adflictis melius confidere rebus.
Namque sub ingenti lustrat dum singula templo,
reginam opperiens, dum, quae fortuna sit urbi,
artificumque manus inter se operumque laborem
miratur, videt Iliacas ex ordine pugnas,
bellaque iam fama totum volgata per orbem,
Atridas, Priamumque, et saevum ambobus Achillem.
Constitit, et lacrimans, “Quis iam locus” inquit “Achate,”
“quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris?”
“En Priamus! Sunt hic etiam sua praemia laudi;”
“sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt.”
“Solve metus; feret haec aliquam tibi fama salutem.”

[¶3] So saying, he received into his heart
that visionary scene, profoundly sighed,
and let his plenteous tears unheeded flow.
There he beheld the citadel of Troy
girt with embattled foes; here, Greeks in flight
some Trojan onset 'scaped; there, Phrygian bands
before tall-plumed Achilles' chariot sped.
The snowy tents of Rhesus spread hard by
(he sees them through his tears), where Diomed
in night's first watch burst o'er them unawares
with bloody havoc and a host of deaths;
then drove his fiery coursers o'er the plain
before their thirst or hunger could be stayed
on Trojan corn or Xanthus' cooling stream.
Here too was princely Troilus, despoiled,
routed and weaponless, O wretched boy!
Ill-matched against Achilles! His wild steeds
bear him along, as from his chariot's rear
he falls far back, but clutches still the rein;
his hair and shoulders on the ground go trailing,
and his down-pointing spear-head scrawls the dust.
Elsewhere, to Pallas' ever-hostile shrine,
daughters of Ilium, with unsnooded hair,
and lifting all in vain her hallowed pall,
walked suppliant and sad, beating their breasts,
with outspread palms. But her unswerving eyes
the goddess fixed on earth, and would not see.
Achilles round the Trojan rampart thrice
had dragged the fallen Hector, and for gold
was making traffic of the lifeless clay.
Aeneas groaned aloud, with bursting heart,
to see the spoils, the car, the very corpse
of his lost friend,—while Priam for the dead
stretched forth in piteous prayer his helpless hands.
There too his own presentment he could see
surrounded by Greek kings; and there were shown
hordes from the East, and black-browed Memnon's arms;
her band of Amazons, with moon-shaped shields,
Penthesilea led; her martial eye
flamed on from troop to troop; a belt of gold
beneath one bare, protruded breast she bound—
a warrior-virgin braving mail-clad men.

> Latin: Sic ait, atque animum pictura pascit inani,
multa gemens, largoque umectat flumine voltum.
Namque videbat, uti bellantes Pergama circum
hac fugerent Graii, premeret Troiana iuventus,
hac Phryges, instaret curru cristatus Achilles.
Nec procul hinc Rhesi niveis tentoria velis
adgnoscit lacrimans, primo quae prodita somno
Tydides multa vastabat caede cruentus,
ardentisque avertit equos in castra, prius quam
pabula gustassent Troiae Xanthumque bibissent.
Parte alia fugiens amissis Troilus armis,
infelix puer atque impar congressus Achilli,
fertur equis, curruque haeret resupinus inani,
lora tenens tamen; huic cervixque comaeque trahuntur
per terram, et versa pulvis inscribitur hasta.
Interea ad templum non aequae Palladis ibant
crinibus Iliades passis peplumque ferebant,
suppliciter tristes et tunsae pectora palmis;
diva solo fixos oculos aversa tenebat.
Ter circum Iliacos raptaverat Hectora muros,
exanimumque auro corpus vendebat Achilles.
Tum vero ingentem gemitum dat pectore ab imo,
ut spolia, ut currus, utque ipsum corpus amici,
tendentemque manus Priamum conspexit inermis.
Se quoque principibus permixtum adgnovit Achivis,
Eoasque acies et nigri Memnonis arma.
Ducit Amazonidum lunatis agmina peltis
Penthesilea furens, mediisque in milibus ardet,
aurea subnectens exsertae cingula mammae,
bellatrix, audetque viris concurrere virgo.

[¶4] While on such spectacle Aeneas' eyes
looked wondering, while mute and motionless
he stood at gaze, Queen Dido to the shrine
in lovely majesty drew near; a throng
of youthful followers pressed round her way.
So by the margin of Eurotas wide
or o'er the Cynthian steep, Diana leads
her bright processional; hither and yon
are visionary legions numberless
of Oreads; the regnant goddess bears
a quiver on her shoulders, and is seen
emerging tallest of her beauteous train;
while joy unutterable thrills the breast
of fond Latona: Dido not less fair
amid her subjects passed, and not less bright
her glow of gracious joy, while she approved
her future kingdom's pomp and vast emprise.
Then at the sacred portal and beneath
the temple's vaulted dome she took her place,
encompassed by armed men, and lifted high
upon a throne; her statutes and decrees
the people heard, and took what lot or toil
her sentence, or impartial urn, assigned.
But, lo! Aeneas sees among the throng
Antheus, Sergestus, and Cloanthus bold,
with other Teucrians, whom the black storm flung
far o'er the deep and drove on alien shores.
Struck dumb was he, and good Achates too,
half gladness and half fear. Fain would they fly
to friendship's fond embrace; but knowing not
what might befall, their hearts felt doubt and care.
Therefore they kept the secret, and remained
forth-peering from the hollow veil of cloud,
haply to learn what their friends' fate might be,
or where the fleet was landed, or what aim
had brought them hither; for a chosen few
from every ship had come to sue for grace,
and all the temple with their voices rang.

> Latin: Haec dum Dardanio Aeneae miranda videntur,
dum stupet, obtutuque haeret defixus in uno,
regina ad templum, forma pulcherrima Dido,
incessit magna iuvenum stipante caterva.
Qualis in Eurotae ripis aut per iuga Cynthi
exercet Diana choros, quam mille secutae
hinc atque hinc glomerantur oreades; illa pharetram
fert umero, gradiensque deas supereminet omnis:
Latonae tacitum pertemptant gaudia pectus:
talis erat Dido, talem se laeta ferebat
per medios, instans operi regnisque futuris.
Tum foribus divae, media testudine templi,
saepta armis, solioque alte subnixa resedit.
Iura dabat legesque viris, operumque laborem
partibus aequabat iustis, aut sorte trahebat:
cum subito Aeneas concursu accedere magno
Anthea Sergestumque videt fortemque Cloanthum,
Teucrorumque alios, ater quos aequore turbo
dispulerat penitusque alias avexerat oras.
Obstipuit simul ipse simul perculsus Achates
laetitiaque metuque; avidi coniungere dextras
ardebant; sed res animos incognita turbat.
Dissimulant, et nube cava speculantur amicti,
quae fortuna viris, classem quo litore linquant,
quid veniant; cunctis nam lecti navibus ibant,
orantes veniam, et templum clamore petebant.

[¶5] The doors swung wide; and after access given
and leave to speak, revered Ilioneus
with soul serene these lowly words essayed:
“O Queen, who hast authority of Jove
to found this rising city, and subdue
with righteous governance its people proud,
we wretched Trojans, blown from sea to sea,
beseech thy mercy; keep the curse of fire
from our poor ships! We pray thee, do no wrong
unto a guiltless race. But heed our plea!
No Libyan hearth shall suffer by our sword,
nor spoil and plunder to our ships be borne;
such haughty violence fits not the souls
of vanquished men. We journey to a land
named, in Greek syllables, Hesperia:
a storied realm, made mighty by great wars
and wealth of fruitful land; in former days
Oenotrians had it, and their sons, 't is said,
have called it Italy, a chieftain's name
to a whole region given. Thitherward
our ships did fare; but with swift-rising flood
the stormful season of Orion's star
drove us on viewless shoals; and angry gales
dispersed us, smitten by the tumbling surge,
among innavigable rocks. Behold,
we few swam hither, waifs upon your shore!
What race of mortals this? What barbarous land,
that with inhospitable laws ye thrust
a stranger from your coasts, and fly to arms,
nor grant mere foothold on your kingdom's bound?
If man thou scornest and all mortal power,
forget not that the gods watch good and ill!

> Latin: Postquam introgressi et coram data copia fandi,
maxumus Ilioneus placido sic pectore coepit:
“O Regina, novam cui condere Iuppiter urbem”
“iustitiaque dedit gentis frenare superbas,”
“Troes te miseri, ventis maria omnia vecti,”
“oramus, prohibe infandos a navibus ignis,”
“parce pio generi, et propius res aspice nostras.”
“Non nos aut ferro Libycos populare Penatis”
“venimus, aut raptas ad litora vertere praedas;”
“non ea vis animo, nec tanta superbia victis.”
“Est locus, Hesperiam Grai cognomine dicunt,”
“terra antiqua, potens armis atque ubere glaebae;”
“Oenotri coluere viri; nunc fama minores”
“Italiam dixisse ducis de nomine gentem.”
“Hic cursus fuit:”
“cum subito adsurgens fluctu nimbosus Orion”
“in vada caeca tulit, penitusque procacibus austris”
“perque undas, superante salo, perque invia saxa”
“dispulit; huc pauci vestris adnavimus oris.”
“Quod genus hoc hominum? Quaeve hunc tam barbara morem”
“permittit patria? Hospitio prohibemur harenae;”
“bella cient, primaque vetant consistere terra.”
“Si genus humanum et mortalia temnitis arma”
“at sperate deos memores fandi atque nefandi.”

[¶6] A king we had; Aeneas,—never man
in all the world more loyal, just and true,
nor mightier in arms! If Heaven decree
his present safety, if he now do breathe
the air of earth and is not buried low
among the dreadful shades, then fear not thou!
For thou wilt never rue that thou wert prompt
to do us the first kindness. O'er the sea
in the Sicilian land, are cities proud,
with martial power, and great Acestes there
is of our Trojan kin. So grant us here
to beach our shattered ships along thy shore,
and from thy forest bring us beam and spar
to mend our broken oars. Then, if perchance
we find once more our comrades and our king,
and forth to Italy once more set sail,
to Italy, our Latin hearth and home,
we will rejoicing go. But if our weal
is clean gone by, and thee, blest chief and sire,
these Libyan waters keep, and if no more
Iulus bids us hope,—then, at the least,
to yon Sicilian seas, to friendly lands
whence hither drifting with the winds we came,
let us retrace the journey and rejoin
good King Acestes.” So Ilioneus
ended his pleading; the Dardanidae
murmured assent.

> Latin: “Rex erat Aeneas nobis, quo iustior alter,”
“nec pietate fuit, nec bello maior et armis.”
“Quem si fata virum servant, si vescitur aura”
“aetheria, neque adhuc crudelibus occubat umbris,”
“non metus; officio nec te certasse priorem”
“paeniteat. Sunt et Siculis regionibus urbes”
“arvaque, Troianoque a sanguine clarus Acestes.”
“Quassatam ventis liceat subducere classem,”
“et silvis aptare trabes et stringere remos:”
“si datur Italiam, sociis et rege recepto,”
“tendere, ut Italiam laeti Latiumque petamus;”
“sin absumpta salus, et te, pater optume Teucrum,”
“pontus habet Lybiae, nec spes iam restat Iuli,”
“at freta Sicaniae saltem sedesque paratas,”
“unde huc advecti, regemque petamus Acesten.”
Talibus Ilioneus; cuncti simul ore fremebant
Dardanidae.

[¶7] Then Dido, briefly and with downcast eyes,
her answer made: “O Teucrians, have no fear!
Bid care begone! It was necessity,
and my young kingdom's weakness, which compelled
the policy of force, and made me keep
such vigilant sentry my wide co'ast along.
Aeneas and his people, that fair town
of Troy—who knows them not? The whole world knows
those valorous chiefs and huge, far-flaming wars.
Our Punic hearts are not of substance all
insensible and dull: the god of day
drives not his fire-breathing steeds so far
from this our Tyrian town. If ye would go
to great Hesperia, where Saturn reigned,
or if voluptuous Eryx and the throne
of good Acestes be your journey's end,
I send you safe; I speed you on your way.
But if in these my realms ye will abide,
associates of my power, behold, I build
this city for your own! Choose haven here
for your good ships. Beneath my royal sway
Trojan and Tyrian equal grace will find.
But O, that this same storm had brought your King.
Aeneas, hither! I will bid explore
our Libya's utmost bound, where haply he
in wilderness or hamlet wanders lost.”

> Latin: Tum breviter Dido, voltum demissa, profatur:
“Solvite corde metum, Teucri, secludite curas.”
“Res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt”
“moliri, et late finis custode tueri.”
“Quis genus Aeneadum, quis Troiae nesciat urbem,”
“virtutesque virosque, aut tanti incendia belli?”
“Non obtusa adeo gestamus pectora Poeni,”
“nec tam aversus equos Tyria Sol iungit ab urbe.”
“Seu vos Hesperiam magnam Saturniaque arva,”
“sive Erycis finis regemque optatis Acesten,”
“auxilio tutos dimittam, opibusque iuvabo.”
“Voltis et his mecum pariter considere regnis;”
“urbem quam statuo vestra est, subducite navis;”
“Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine agetur.”
“Atque utinam rex ipse Noto compulsus eodem”
“adforet Aeneas! Equidem per litora certos”
“dimittam et Libyae lustrare extrema iubebo,”
“si quibus eiectus silvis aut urbibus errat.”

[¶8] By these fair words to joy profoundly stirred,
Father Aeneas and Achates brave
to cast aside the cloud that wrapped them round
yearned greatly; and Achates to his King
spoke thus: “O goddess-born, in thy wise heart
what purpose rises now? Lo! All is well!
Thy fleet and followers are safe at land.
One only comes not, who before our eyes
sank in the soundless sea. All else fulfils
thy mother's prophecy.” Scarce had he spoke
when suddenly that overmantling cloud
was cloven, and dissolved in lucent air;
forth stood Aeneas. A clear sunbeam smote
his god-like head and shoulders. Venus' son
of his own heavenly mother now received
youth's glowing rose, an eye of joyful fire,
and tresses clustering fair. 'T is even so
the cunning craftsman unto ivory gives
new beauty, or with circlet of bright gold
encloses silver or the Parian stone.
Thus of the Queen he sued, while wonderment
fell on all hearts. “Behold the man ye seek,
for I am here! Aeneas, Trojan-born,
brought safely hither from yon Libyan seas!
O thou who first hast looked with pitying eye
on Troy's unutterable grief, who even to us
(escaped our Grecian victor, and outworn
by all the perils land and ocean know),
to us, bereft and ruined, dost extend
such welcome to thy kingdom and thy home!
I have no power, Dido, to give thanks
to match thine ample grace; nor is there power
in any remnant of our Dardan blood,
now fled in exile o'er the whole wide world.
May gods on high (if influence divine
bless faithful lives, or recompense be found
in justice and thy self-approving mind)
give thee thy due reward. What age was blest
by such a birth as thine? What parents proud
such offspring bore? O, while the rivers run
to mingle with the sea, while shadows pass
along yon rounded hills from vale to vale,
and while from heaven's unextinguished fire
the stars be fed—so Iong thy glorious name,
thy place illustrious and thy virtue's praise,
abide undimmed.—Yet I myself must go
to lands I know not where.” After this word
his right hand clasped his Ioved Ilioneus,
his left Serestus; then the comrades all,
brave Gyas, brave Cloanthus, and their peers.

> Latin: His animum arrecti dictis et fortis Achates
et pater Aeneas iamdudum erumpere nubem
ardebant. Prior Aenean compellat Achates:
“Nate dea, quae nunc animo sententia surgit?”
“omnia tuta vides, classem sociosque receptos.”
“Unus abest, medio in fluctu quem vidimus ipsi”
“submersum; dictis respondent cetera matris.”
Vix ea fatus erat, cum circumfusa repente
scindit se nubes et in aethera purgat apertum.
Restitit Aeneas claraque in luce refulsit,
os umerosque deo similis; namque ipsa decoram
caesariem nato genetrix lumenque iuventae
purpureum et laetos oculis adflarat honores:
quale manus addunt ebori decus, aut ubi flavo
argentum Pariusve lapis circumdatur auro.
Tum sic reginam adloquitur, cunctisque repente
improvisus ait: “Coram, quem quaeritis, adsum,”
“Troius Aeneas, Lybicis ereptus ab undis.”
“O sola infandos Troiae miserata labores,”
“quae nos, reliquias Danaum, terraeque marisque”
“omnibus exhaustos iam casibus, omnium egenos,”
“urbe, domo, socias, grates persolvere dignas”
“non opis est nostrae, Dido, nec quicquid ubique est”
“gentis Dardaniae, magnum quae sparsa per orbem.”
“Di tibi, si qua pios respectant numina, si quid”
“usquam iustitia est et mens sibi conscia recti,”
“praemia digna ferant. Quae te tam laeta tulerunt”
“saecula? Qui tanti talem genuere parentes?”
“In freta dum fluvii current, dum montibus umbrae”
“lustrabunt convexa, polus dum sidera pascet,”
“semper honos nomenque tuum laudesque manebunt,”
“quae me cumque vocant terrae.” Sic fatus, amicum
Ilionea petit dextra, laevaque Serestum,
post alios, fortemque Gyan fortemque Cloanthum.

[¶9] Sidonian Dido felt her heart stand still
when first she looked on him; and thrilled again
to hear what vast adventure had befallen
so great a hero. Thus she welcomed him:
“What chance, O goddess-born, o'er danger's path
impels? What power to this wild coast has borne?
Art thou Aeneas, great Anchises' son,
whom lovely Venus by the Phrygian stream
of Simois brought forth unto the day?
Now I bethink me of when Teucer came
to Sidon, exiled, and of Belus' power
desired a second throne. For Belus then,
our worshipped sire, despoiled the teeming land
of Cyprus, as its conqueror and king.
And since that hour I oft have heard the tale
of fallen Troy, of thine own noble name,
and of Achaean kings. Teucer was wont,
although their foe, to praise the Teucrian race,
and boasted him of that proud lineage sprung.
Therefore, behold, our portals are swung wide
for all your company. I also bore
hard fate like thine. I too was driven of storms
and after long toil was allowed at last
to call this land my home. O, I am wise
in sorrow, and I help all suffering souls!”
So saying, she bade Aeneas welcome take
beneath her royal roof, and to the gods
made sacrifice in temples, while she sent
unto the thankful Trojans on the shore
a score of bulls, and of huge, bristling swine,
a herd of a whole hundred, and a flock
of goodly lambs, a hundred, who ran close
beside the mother-ewes: and all were given
in joyful feast to please the Heavenly Powers.
Her palace showed a monarch's fair array
all glittering and proud, and feasts were spread
within the ample court. Rich broideries
hung deep incarnadined with Tyrian skill;
the board had massy silver, gold-embossed,
where gleamed the mighty deeds of all her sires,
a graven chronicle of peace and war
prolonged, since first her ancient line began,
from royal sire to son.

> Latin: Obstipuit primo aspectu Sidonia Dido,
casu deinde viri tanto, et sic ore locuta est:
“Quis te, nate dea, per tanta pericula casus”
“insequitur? Quae vis immanibus applicat oris?”
“Tune ille Aeneas, quem Dardanio Anchisae”
“alma Venus Phrygii genuit Simoentis ad undam?”
“Atque equidem Teucrum memini Sidona venire”
“finibus expulsum patriis, nova regna petentem”
“auxilio Beli; genitor tum Belus opimam”
“vastabat Cyprum, et victor dicione tenebat.”
“Tempore iam ex illo casus mihi cognitus urbis”
“Troianae nomenque tuum regesque Pelasgi.”
“Ipse hostis Teucros insigni laude ferebat,”
“seque ortum antiqua Teucrorum ab stirpe volebat.”
“Quare agite, O tectis, iuvenes, succedite nostris.”
“Me quoque per multos similis fortuna labores”
“iactatam hac demum voluit consistere terra.”
“Non ignara mali, miseris succurrere disco.”
Sic memorat; simul Aenean in regia ducit
tecta, simul divom templis indicit honorem.
Nec minus interea sociis ad litora mittit
viginti tauros, magnorum horrentia centum
terga suum, pinguis centum cum matribus agnos,
munera laetitiamque dii.
At domus interior regali splendida luxu
instruitur, mediisque parant convivia tectis:
arte laboratae vestes ostroque superbo,
ingens argentum mensis, caelataque in auro
fortia facta patrum, series longissima rerum
per tot ducta viros antiqua ab origine gentis.

[¶10] Aeneas now
(for love in his paternal heart spoke loud
and gave no rest) bade swift Achates run
to tell Ascanius all, and from the ship
to guide him upward to the town,—for now
the father's whole heart for Ascanius yearned.
And gifts he bade them bring, which had been saved
in Ilium's fall: a richly broidered cloak
heavy with golden emblems; and a veil
by leaves of saffron lilies bordered round,
which Argive Helen o'er her beauty threw,
her mother Leda's gift most wonderful,
and which to Troy she bore, when flying far
in lawless wedlock from Mycenae's towers;
a sceptre, too, once fair Ilione's,
eldest of Priam's daughters; and round pearls
strung in a necklace, and a double crown
of jewels set in gold. These gifts to find,
Achates to the tall ships sped away.

> Latin: Aeneas (neque enim patrius consistere mentem
passus amor) rapidum ad navis praemittit Achaten,
Ascanio ferat haec, ipsumque ad moenia ducat;
omnis in Ascanio cari stat cura parentis.
Munera praeterea, Iliacis erepta ruinis,
ferre iubet, pallam signis auroque rigentem,
et circumtextum croceo velamen acantho,
ornatus Argivae Helenae, quos illa Mycenis,
Pergama cum peteret inconcessosque hymenaeos,
extulerat, matris Ledae mirabile donum:
praeterea sceptrum, Ilione quod gesserat olim,
maxima natarum Priami, colloque monile
bacatum, et duplicem gemmis auroque coronam.
Haec celerans ita ad naves tendebat Achates.

[¶11] But Cytherea in her heart revolved
new wiles, new schemes: how Cupid should transform
his countenance, and, coming in the guise
of sweet Ascanius, still more inflame
the amorous Queen with gifts, and deeply fuse
through all her yielding frame his fatal fire.
Sooth, Venus feared the many-languaged guile
which Tyrians use; fierce Juno's hate she feared,
and falling night renewed her sleepless care.
Therefore to Love, the light-winged god, she said:
“Sweet son, of whom my sovereignty and power
alone are given! O son, whose smile may scorn
the shafts of Jove whereby the Titans fell,
to thee I fly, and humbly here implore
thy help divine. Behold, from land to land
Aeneas, thine own brother, voyages on
storm-driven, by Juno's causeless enmity.
Thou knowest it well, and oft hast sighed to see
my sighs and tears. Dido the Tyrian now
detains him with soft speeches; and I fear
such courtesy from Juno means us ill;
she is not one who, when the hour is ripe,
bids action pause. I therefore now intend
the Tyrian Queen to snare, and siege her breast
with our invading fire, before some god
shall change her mood. But let her bosom burn
with love of my Aeneas not less than mine.
This thou canst bring to pass. I pray thee hear
the plan I counsel. At his father's call
Ascanius, heir of kings, makes haste to climb
to yon Sidonian citadel; my grace
protects him, and he bears gifts which were saved
from hazard of the sea and burning Troy.
Him lapped in slumber on Cythera's hill,
or in Idalia's deep and hallowing shade,
myself will hide, lest haply he should learn
our stratagem, and burst in, foiling all.
Wear thou his shape for one brief night thyself,
and let thy boyhood feign another boy's
familiar countenance; when Dido there,
beside the royal feast and flowing wine,
all smiles and joy, shall clasp thee to her breast
while she caresses thee, and her sweet lips
touch close with thine, then let thy secret fire
breathe o'er her heart, to poison and betray.”
The love-god to his mother's dear behest
gave prompt assent. He put his pinions by
and tripped it like Iulus, light of heart.
But Venus o'er Ascanius' body poured
a perfect sleep, and, to her heavenly breast
enfolding him, far, far away upbore
to fair Idalia's grove, where fragrant buds
of softly-petalled marjoram embower
in pleasurable shade.

> Latin: At Cytherea novas artes, nova pectore versat
Consilia, ut faciem mutatus et ora Cupido
pro dulci Ascanio veniat, donisque furentem
incendat reginam, atque ossibus implicet ignem;
quippe domum timet ambiguam Tyriosque bilinguis;
urit atrox Iuno, et sub noctem cura recursat.
Ergo his aligerum dictis adfatur Amorem:
“Nate, meae vires, mea magna potentia solus,”
“nate, patris summi qui tela Typhoia temnis,”
“ad te confugio et supplex tua numina posco.”
“Frater ut Aeneas pelago tuus omnia circum”
“litora iactetur odiis Iunonis iniquae,”
“nota tibi, et nostro doluisti saepe dolore.”
“Hunc Phoenissa tenet Dido blandisque moratur”
“vocibus; et vereor, quo se Iunonia vertant”
“hospitia; haud tanto cessabit cardine rerum.”
“Quocirca capere ante dolis et cingere flamma”
“reginam meditor, ne quo se numine mutet,”
“sed magno Aeneae mecum teneatur amore.”
“Qua facere id possis, nostram nunc accipe mentem.”
“Regius accitu cari genitoris ad urbem”
“Sidoniam puer ire parat, mea maxima cura,”
“dona ferens, pelago et flammis restantia Troiae:”
“hunc ego sopitum somno super alta Cythera”
“aut super Idalium sacrata sede recondam,”
“ne qua scire dolos mediusve occurrere possit.”
“Tu faciem illius noctem non amplius unam”
“falle dolo, et notos pueri puer indue voltus,”
“ut, cum te gremio accipiet laetissima Dido”
“regalis inter mensas laticemque Lyaeum,”
“cum dabit amplexus atque oscula dulcia figet,”
“occultum inspires ignem fallasque veneno.”
Paret Amor dictis carae genetricis, et alas
exuit, et gressu gaudens incedit Iuli.
At Venus Ascanio placidam per membra quietem
inrigat, et fotum gremio dea tollit in altos
Idaliae lucos, ubi mollis amaracus illum
floribus et dulci adspirans complectitur umbra.

[¶12] Cupid straightway
obeyed his mother's word and bore the gifts,
each worthy of a king, as offerings
to greet the Tyrian throne; and as he went
he clasped Achates' friendly hand, and smiled.
Father Aeneas now, and all his band
of Trojan chivalry, at social feast,
on lofty purple-pillowed couches lie;
deft slaves fresh water on their fingers pour,
and from reed-woven basketry renew
the plenteous bread, or bring smooth napery
of softest weave; fifty handmaidens serve,
whose task it is to range in order fair
the varied banquet, or at altars bright
throw balm and incense on the sacred fires.
A hundred more serve with an equal band
of beauteous pages, whose obedient skill
piles high the generous board and fills the bowl.
The Tyrians also to the festal hall
come thronging, and receive their honor due,
each on his painted couch; with wondering eyes
Aeneas' gifts they view, and wondering more,
mark young Iulus' radiant brows divine,
his guileful words, the golden pall he bears,
and broidered veil with saffron lilies bound.
The Tyrian Queen ill-starred, already doomed
to her approaching woe, scanned ardently,
with kindling cheek and never-sated eyes,
the precious gifts and wonder-gifted boy.
He round Aeneas' neck his arms entwined,
fed the deep yearning of his seeming sire,
then sought the Queen's embrace; her eyes, her soul
clave to him as she strained him to her breast.
For Dido knew not in that fateful hour
how great a god betrayed her. He began,
remembering his mother (she who bore
the lovely Acidalian Graces three),
to make the dear name of Sichaeus fade,
and with new life, new love, to re-possess
her Iong-since slumbering bosom's Iost desire.

> Latin: Iamque ibat dicto parens et dona Cupido
regia portabat Tyriis, duce laetus Achate.
Cum venit, aulaeis iam se regina superbis
aurea composuit sponda mediamque locavit.
Iam pater Aeneas et iam Troiana iuventus
conveniunt, stratoque super discumbitur ostro.
Dant famuli manibus lymphas, Cereremque canistris
expediunt, tonsisque ferunt mantelia villis.
Quinquaginta intus famulae, quibus ordine longam
cura penum struere, et flammis adolere Penatis;
centum aliae totidemque pares aetate ministri,
qui dapibus mensas onerent et pocula ponant.
Nec non et Tyrii per limina laeta frequentes
convenere, toris iussi discumbere pictis.
Mirantur dona Aeneae, mirantur Iulum
flagrantisque dei voltus simulataque verba,
[pallamque et pictum croceo velamen acantho.]
Praecipue infelix, pesti devota futurae,
expleri mentem nequit ardescitque tuendo
Phoenissa, et pariter puero donisque movetur.
Ille ubi complexu Aeneae colloque pependit
et magnum falsi implevit genitoris amorem,
reginam petit haec oculis, haec pectore toto
haeret et interdum gremio fovet, inscia Dido,
insidat quantus miserae deus; at memor ille
matris Acidaliae paulatim abolere Sychaeum
incipit, et vivo temptat praevertere amore
iam pridem resides animos desuetaque corda.

[¶13] When the main feast is over, they replace
the banquet with huge bowls, and crown the wine
with ivy-leaf and rose. Loud rings the roof
with echoing voices; from the gilded vault
far-blazing cressets swing, or torches bright
drive the dark night away. The Queen herself
called for her golden chalice studded round
with jewels, and o'er-brimming it with wine
as Belus and his proud successors use,
commanded silence, and this utterance made:
“Great Jove, of whom are hospitable laws
for stranger-guest, may this auspicious day
bless both our Tyrians and the wanderers
from Trojan shore. May our posterity
keep this remembrance! Let kind Juno smile,
and Bacchus, Iord of mirth, attend us here!
And, O ye Tyrians, come one and all,
and with well-omened words our welcome share!”
So saying, she outpoured the sacred drop
due to the gods, and lightly from the rim
sipped the first taste, then unto Bitias gave
with urgent cheer; he seized it, nothing loth,
quaffed deep and long the foaming, golden bowl,
then passed to others. On a gilded Iyre
the flowing-haired Iopas woke a song
taught him by famous Atlas: of the moon
he sang, the wanderer, and what the sun's
vast labors be; then would his music tell
whence man and beast were born, and whence were bred
clouds, lightnings, and Arcturus' stormful sign,
the Hyades, rain-stars, and nigh the Pole
the great and lesser Wain; for well he knew
why colder suns make haste to quench their orb
in ocean-stream, and wintry nights be slow.
Loudly the Tyrians their minstrel praised,
and Troy gave prompt applause. Dido the while
with varying talk prolonged the fateful night,
and drank both long and deep of love and wine.
Now many a tale of Priam would she crave,
of Hector many; or what radiant arms
Aurora's son did wear; what were those steeds
of Diomed, or what the stature seemed
of great Achilles. “Come, illustrious guest,
begin the tale,” she said, “begin and tell
the perfidy of Greece, thy people's fall,
and all thy wanderings. For now,—Ah, me!
Seven times the summer's burning stars have seen
thee wandering far o'er alien lands and seas.”

> Latin: Postquam prima quies epulis, mensaeque remotae,
crateras magnos statuunt et vina coronant.
Fit strepitus tectis, vocemque per ampla volutant
atria; dependent lychni laquearibus aureis
incensi, et noctem flammis funalia vincunt.
Hic regina gravem gemmis auroque poposcit
implevitque mero pateram, quam Belus et omnes
a Belo soliti; tum facta silentia tectis:
“Iuppiter, hospitibus nam te dare iura loquuntur,”
“hunc laetum Tyriisque diem Troiaque profectis”
“esse velis, nostrosque huius meminisse minores.”
“Adsit laetitiae Bacchus dator, et bona Iuno;”
“et vos, O, coetum, Tyrii, celebrate faventes.”
Dixit, et in mensam laticum libavit honorem,
primaque, libato, summo tenus attigit ore,
tum Bitiae dedit increpitans; ille impiger hausit
spumantem pateram, et pleno se proluit auro
post alii proceres. Cithara crinitus Iopas
personat aurata, docuit quem maximus Atlas.
Hic canit errantem lunam solisque labores;
unde hominum genus et pecudes; unde imber et ignes;
Arcturum pluviasque Hyadas geminosque Triones;
quid tantum Oceano properent se tinguere soles
hiberni, vel quae tardis mora noctibus obstet.
Ingeminant plausu Tyrii, Troesque sequuntur.
Nec non et vario noctem sermone trahebat
infelix Dido, longumque bibebat amorem,
multa super Priamo rogitans, super Hectore multa;
nunc quibus Aurorae venisset filius armis,
nunc quales Diomedis equi, nunc quantus Achilles.
“Immo age, et a prima dic, hospes, origine nobis”
“insidias”, inquit, “Danaum, casusque tuorum,”
“erroresque tuos; nam te iam septima portat”
“omnibus errantem terris et fluctibus aestas.”

## 3. Book II · lines 1–401

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/3/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/3/#p-N

[¶0] A general silence fell; and all gave ear,
while, from his lofty station at the feast,
Father Aeneas with these words began:—
A grief unspeakable thy gracious word,
o sovereign lady, bids my heart live o'er:
how Asia's glory and afflicted throne
the Greek flung down; which woeful scene I saw,
and bore great part in each event I tell.
But O! in telling, what Dolopian churl,
or Myrmidon, or gory follower
of grim Ulysses could the tears restrain?
'T is evening; lo! the dews of night begin
to fall from heaven, and yonder sinking stars
invite to slumber. But if thy heart yearn
to hear in brief of all our evil days
and Troy's last throes, although the memory
makes my soul shudder and recoil in pain,
I will essay it. Wearied of the war,
and by ill-fortune crushed, year after year,
the kings of Greece, by Pallas' skill divine,
build a huge horse, a thing of mountain size,
with timbered ribs of fir. They falsely say
it has been vowed to Heaven for safe return,
and spread this lie abroad. Then they conceal
choice bands of warriors in the deep, dark side,
and fill the caverns of that monstrous womb
with arms and soldiery.

> Latin: Conticuere omnes, intentique ora tenebant.
Inde toro pater Aeneas sic orsus ab alto:
Infandum, regina, iubes renovare dolorem,
Troianas ut opes et lamentabile regnum
eruerint Danai; quaeque ipse miserrima vidi,
et quorum pars magna fui. Quis talia fando
Myrmidonum Dolopumve aut duri miles Ulixi
temperet a lacrimis? Et iam nox umida caelo
praecipitat, suadentque cadentia sidera somnos.
Sed si tantus amor casus cognoscere nostros
et breviter Troiae supremum audire laborem,
quamquam animus meminisse horret, luctuque refugit,
incipiam.Fracti bello fatisque repulsi
ductores Danaum, tot iam labentibus annis,
instar montis equum divina Palladis arte
aedificant, sectaque intexunt abiete costas:
votum pro reditu simulant; ea fama vagatur.
Huc delecta virum sortiti corpora furtim
includunt caeco lateri, penitusque cavernas
ingentis uterumque armato milite complent.

[¶1] In sight of Troy
lies Tenedos, an island widely famed
and opulent, ere Priam's kingdom fell,
but a poor haven now, with anchorage
not half secure; 't was thitherward they sailed,
and lurked unseen by that abandoned shore.
We deemed them launched away and sailing far,
bound homeward for Mycenae. Teucria then
threw off her grief inveterate; all her gates
swung wide; exultant went we forth, and saw
the Dorian camp untenanted, the siege
abandoned, and the shore without a keel.
“Here!” cried we, “the Dolopian pitched; the host
of fierce Achilles here; here lay the fleet;
and here the battling lines to conflict ran.”
Others, all wonder, scan the gift of doom
by virgin Pallas given, and view with awe
that horse which loomed so large. Thymoetes then
bade lead it through the gates, and set on high
within our citadel,—or traitor he,
or tool of fate in Troy's predestined fall.
But Capys, as did all of wiser heart,
bade hurl into the sea the false Greek gift,
or underneath it thrust a kindling flame
or pierce the hollow ambush of its womb
with probing spear. Yet did the multitude
veer round from voice to voice and doubt of all.

> Latin: Est in conspectu Tenedos, notissima fama
insula, dives opum, Priami dum regna manebant,
nunc tantum sinus et statio male fida carinis:
huc se provecti deserto in litore condunt.
Nos abiisse rati et vento petiisse Mycenas:
ergo omnis longo solvit se Teucria luctu;
panduntur portae; iuvat ire et Dorica castra
desertosque videre locos litusque relictum.
Hic Dolopum manus, hic saevus tendebat Achilles;
classibus hic locus; hic acie certare solebant.
Pars stupet innuptae donum exitiale Minervae,
et molem mirantur equi; primusque Thymoetes
duci intra muros hortatur et arce locari,
sive dolo, seu iam Troiae sic fata ferebant.
At Capys, et quorum melior sententia menti,
aut pelago Danaum insidias suspectaque dona
praecipitare iubent, subiectisque urere flammis,
aut terebrare cavas uteri et temptare latebras.
Scinditur incertum studia in contraria volgus.

[¶2] Then from the citadel, conspicuous,
Laocoon, with all his following choir,
hurried indignant down; and from afar
thus hailed the people: “O unhappy men!
What madness this? Who deems our foemen fled?
Think ye the gifts of Greece can lack for guile?
Have ye not known Ulysses? The Achaean
hides, caged in yonder beams; or this is reared
for engin'ry on our proud battlements,
to spy upon our roof-tops, or descend
in ruin on the city. 'T is a snare.
Trust not this horse, O Troy, whate'er it bode!
I fear the Greeks, though gift on gift they bear.”
So saying, he whirled with ponderous javelin
a sturdy stroke straight at the rounded side
of the great, jointed beast. A tremor struck
its towering form, and through the cavernous womb
rolled loud, reverberate rumbling, deep and long.
If heaven's decree, if our own wills, that hour,
had not been fixed on woe, his spear had brought
a bloody slaughter on our ambushed foe,
and Troy were standing on the earth this day!
O Priam's towers, ye were unfallen still!

> Latin: Primus ibi ante omnis, magna comitante caterva,
Laocoön ardens summa decurrit ab arce,
et procul: “O miseri, quae tanta insania, cives?”
“Creditis avectos hostis? Aut ulla putatis”
“dona carere dolis Danaum? Sic notus Ulixes?”
“aut hoc inclusi ligno occultantur Achivi,”
“aut haec in nostros fabricata est machina muros”
“inspectura domos venturaque desuper urbi,”
“aut aliquis latet error; equo ne credite, Teucri.”
“Quicquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentis.”
Sic fatus, validis ingentem viribus hastam
in latus inque feri curvam compagibus alvum
contorsit: stetit illa tremens, uteroque recusso
insonuere cavae gemitumque dedere cavernae.
Et, si fata deum, si mens non laeva fuisset,
impulerat ferro Argolicas foedare latebras,
Troiaque, nunc stares, Priamique arx alta, maneres.

[¶3] But, lo! with hands fast bound behind, a youth
by clamorous Dardan shepherds haled along,
was brought before our king,—to this sole end
a self-surrendered captive, that he might,
although a nameless stranger, cunningly
deliver to the Greek the gates of Troy.
His firm-set mind flinched not from either goal,—
success in crime, or on swift death to fall.
The thronging Trojan youth made haste his way
from every side, all eager to see close
their captive's face, and clout with emulous scorn.
Hear now what Greek deception is, and learn
from one dark wickedness the whole. For he,
a mark for every eye, defenceless, dazed,
stood staring at our Phrygian hosts, and cried:
“Woe worth the day! What ocean or what shore
will have me now? What desperate path remains
for miserable me? Now have I lost
all foothold with the Greeks, and o'er my head
Troy's furious sons call bloody vengeance down.”
Such groans and anguish turned all rage away
and stayed our lifted hands. We bade him tell
his birth, his errand, and from whence might be
such hope of mercy for a foe in chains.
Then fearing us no more, this speech he dared:

> Latin: Ecce, manus iuvenem interea post terga revinctum
pastores magno ad regem clamore trahebant
Dardanidae, qui se ignotum venientibus ultro,
hoc ipsum ut strueret Troiamque aperiret Achivis,
obtulerat, fidens animi atque in utrumque paratus,
seu versare dolos, seu certae occumbere morti.
Undique visendi studio Troiana iuventus
circumfusa ruit, certantque inludere capto.
Accipe nunc Danaum insidias, et crimine ab uno
disce omnes.
Namque ut conspectu in medio turbatus, inermis
constitit atque oculis Phrygia agmina circumspexit:
“Heu, quae nunc tellus” inquit “quae me aequora possunt”
“accipere? Aut quid iam misero mihi denique restat,”
“cui neque apud Danaos usquam locus, et super ipsi”
“Dardanidae infensi poenas cum sanguine poscunt?”
Quo gemitu conversi animi, compressus et omnis
impetus. Hortamur fari; quo sanguine cretus,
quidve ferat, memoret, quae sit fiducia capto.
[Ille haec, deposita tandem formidine, fatur:]

[¶4] “O King! I will confess, whate'er befall,
the whole unvarnished truth. I will not hide
my Grecian birth. Yea, thus will I begin.
For Fortune has brought wretched Sinon low;
but never shall her cruelty impair
his honor and his truth. Perchance the name
of Palamedes, Belus' glorious son,
has come by rumor to your listening ears;
whom by false witness and conspiracy,
because his counsel was not for this war,
the Greeks condemned, though guiltless, to his death,
and now make much lament for him they slew.
I, his companion, of his kith and kin,
sent hither by my humble sire's command,
followed his arms and fortunes from my youth.
Long as his throne endured, and while he throve
in conclave with his kingly peers, we twain
some name and lustre bore; but afterward,
because that cheat Ulysses envied him
(Ye know the deed), he from this world withdrew,
and I in gloom and tribulation sore
lived miserably on, lamenting loud
my lost friend's blameless fall. A fool was I
that kept not these lips closed; but I had vowed
that if a conqueror home to Greece I came,
I would avenge. Such words moved wrath, and were
the first shock of my ruin; from that hour,
Ulysses whispered slander and alarm;
breathed doubt and malice into all men's ears,
and darkly plotted how to strike his blow.
Nor rest had he, till Calchas, as his tool,-
but why unfold this useless, cruel story?
Why make delay? Ye count all sons of Greece
arrayed as one; and to have heard thus far
suffices you. Take now your ripe revenge!
Ulysses smiles and Atreus' royal sons
with liberal price your deed of blood repay.”

> Latin: “Cuncta equidem tibi, Rex, fuerit quodcumque, fatebor”
“vera, inquit; neque me Argolica de gente negabo:”
“hoc primum; nec, si miserum Fortuna Sinonem”
“finxit, vanum etiam mendacemque improba finget.”
“Fando aliquod si forte tuas pervenit ad auris”
“Belidae nomen Palamedis et incluta fama”
“gloria, quem falsa sub proditione Pelasgi”
“insontem infando indicio, quia bella vetabat,”
“demisere neci, nunc cassum lumine lugent.”
“Illi me comitem et consanguinitate propinquum”
“pauper in arma pater primis huc misit ab annis,”
“dum stabat regno incolumis regumque vigebat”
“consiliis, et nos aliquod nomenque decusque”
“gessimus. Invidia postquam pellacis Ulixi—”
“haud ignota loquor—superis concessit ab oris,”
“adflictus vitam in tenebris luctuque trahebam,”
“et casum insontis mecum indignabar amici.”
“Nec tacui demens, et me, fors si qua tulisset,”
“si patrios umquam remeassem victor ad Argos,”
“promisi ultorem, et verbis odia aspera movi.”
“Hinc mihi prima mali labes, hinc semper Ulixes”
“criminibus terrere novis, hinc spargere voces”
“in volgum ambiguas, et quaerere conscius arma.”
“Nec requievit enim, donec, Calchante ministro—”
“sed quid ego haec autem nequiquam ingrata revolvo?”
“Quidve moror, si omnis uno ordine habetis Achivos,”
“idque audire sat est? Iamdudum sumite poenas,”
“hoc Ithacus velit, et magno mercentur Atridae.”

[¶5] We ply him then with passionate appeal
and question all his cause: of guilt so dire
or such Greek guile we harbored not the thought.
So on he prates, with well-feigned grief and fear,
and from his Iying heart thus told his tale:
“Full oft the Greeks had fain achieved their flight,
and raised the Trojan siege, and sailed away
war-wearied quite. O, would it had been so!
Full oft the wintry tumult of the seas
did wall them round, and many a swollen storm
their embarcation stayed. But chiefly when,
all fitly built of beams of maple fair,
this horse stood forth,— what thunders filled the skies!
With anxious fears we sent Eurypylus
to ask Apollo's word; and from the shrine
he brings the sorrowful commandment home:
‘By flowing blood and by a virgin slain
the wild winds were appeased, when first ye came,
ye sons of Greece, to Ilium's distant shore.
Through blood ye must return. Let some Greek life
your expiation be.’ The popular ear
the saying caught, all spirits were dimmed o'er;
cold doubt and horror through each bosom ran,
asking what fate would do, and on what wretch
Apollo's choice would fall. Ulysses, then,
amid the people's tumult and acclaim,
thrust Calchas forth, some prophecy to tell
to all the throng: he asked him o'er and o'er
what Heaven desired. Already not a few
foretold the murderous plot, and silently
watched the dark doom upon my life impend.
Twice five long days the seer his lips did seal,
and hid himself, refusing to bring forth
His word of guile, and name what wretch should die.
At last, reluctant, and all loudly urged
By false Ulysses, he fulfils their plot,
and, lifting up his voice oracular,
points out myself the victim to be slain.
Nor did one voice oppose. The mortal stroke
horribly hanging o'er each coward head
was changed to one man's ruin, and their hearts
endured it well. Soon rose th' accursed morn;
the bloody ritual was ready; salt
was sprinkled on the sacred loaf; my brows
were bound with fillets for the offering.
But I escaped that death—yes! I deny not!
I cast my fetters off, and darkling lay
concealed all night in lake-side sedge and mire,
awaiting their departure, if perchance
they should in truth set sail. But nevermore
shall my dear, native country greet these eyes.
No more my father or my tender babes
shall I behold. Nay, haply their own lives
are forfeit, when my foemen take revenge
for my escape, and slay those helpless ones,
in expiation of my guilty deed.
O, by yon powers in heaven which witness truth,
by aught in this dark world remaining now
of spotless human faith and innocence,
I do implore thee look with pitying eye
on these long sufferings my heart hath borne.
O, pity! I deserve not what I bear.”

> Latin: Tum vero ardemus scitari et quaerere causas,
ignari scelerum tantorum artisque Pelasgae.
Prosequitur pavitans, et ficto pectore fatur:
“Saepe fugam Danai Troia cupiere relicta”
“moliri, et longo fessi discedere bello;”
“fecissentque utinam! Saepe illos aspera ponti”
“interclusit hiemps, et terruit Auster euntis.”
“Praecipue, cum iam hic trabibus contextus acernis”
“staret equus, toto sonuerunt aethere nimbi.”
“Suspensi Eurypylum scitantem oracula Phoebi”
“mittimus, isque adytis haec tristia dicta reportat:”
“‘Sanguine placastis ventos et virgine caesa,’”
“‘cum primum Iliacas, Danai, venistis ad oras;’”
“‘sanguine quaerendi reditus, animaque litandum’”
“‘Argolica.’ Volgi quae vox ut venit ad auris,”
“obstipuere animi, gelidusque per ima cucurrit”
“ossa tremor, cui fata parent, quem poscat Apollo.”
“Hic Ithacus vatem magno Calchanta tumultu”
“protrahit in medios; quae sint ea numina divom,”
“flagitat; et mihi iam multi crudele canebant”
“artificis scelus, et taciti ventura videbant.”
“Bis quinos silet ille dies, tectusque recusat”
“prodere voce sua quemquam aut opponere morti.”
“Vix tandem, magnis Ithaci clamoribus actus,”
“composito rumpit vocem, et me destinat arae.”
“Adsensere omnes, et, quae sibi quisque timebat,”
“unius in miseri exitium conversa tulere.”
“Iamque dies infanda aderat; mihi sacra parari,”
“et salsae fruges, et circum tempora vittae:”
“eripui, fateor, leto me, et vincula rupi,”
“limosoque lacu per noctem obscurus in ulva”
“delitui, dum vela darent, si forte dedissent.”
“Nec mihi iam patriam antiquam spes ulla videndi,”
“nec dulcis natos exoptatumque parentem;”
“quos illi fors et poenas ob nostra reposcent”
“effugia, et culpam hanc miserorum morte piabunt.”
“Quod te per superos et conscia numina veri,”
“per si qua est quae restet adhuc mortalibus usquam”
“intemerata fides, oro, miserere laborum”
“tantorum, miserere animi non digna ferentis.”

[¶6] Pity and pardon to his tears we gave,
and spared his life. King Priam bade unbind
the fettered hands and loose those heavy chains
that pressed him sore; then with benignant mien
addressed him thus: “Whate'er thy place or name,
forget the people thou hast Iost, and be
henceforth our countryman. But tell me true!
What means the monstrous fabric of this horse?
Who made it? Why? What offering to Heaven,
or engin'ry of conquest may it be?”
He spake; and in reply, with skilful guile,
Greek that he was! the other lifted up
his hands, now freed and chainless, to the skies:
“O ever-burning and inviolate fires,
witness my word! O altars and sharp steel,
whose curse I fled, O fillets of the gods,
which bound a victim's helpless forehead, hear!
'T is lawful now to break the oath that gave
my troth to Greece. To execrate her kings
is now my solemn duty. Their whole plot
I publish to the world. No fatherland
and no allegiance binds me any more.
O Troy, whom I have saved, I bid thee keep
the pledge of safety by good Priam given,
for my true tale shall my rich ransom be.
The Greeks' one hope, since first they opened war,
was Pallas, grace and power. But from the day
when Diomed, bold scorner of the gods,
and false Ulysses, author of all guile,
rose up and violently bore away
Palladium, her holy shrine, hewed down
the sentinels of her acropolis,
and with polluted, gory hands dared touch
the goddess, virgin fillets, white and pure,—
thenceforth, I say, the courage of the Greeks
ebbed utterly away; their strength was Iost,
and favoring Pallas all her grace withdrew.
No dubious sign she gave. Scarce had they set
her statue in our camp, when glittering flame
flashed from the staring eyes; from all its limbs
salt sweat ran forth; three times (O wondrous tale!)
it gave a sudden skyward leap, and made
prodigious trembling of her lance and shield.
The prophet Calchas bade us straightway take
swift flight across the sea; for fate had willed
the Trojan citadel should never fall
by Grecian arm, till once more they obtain
new oracles at Argos, and restore
that god the round ships hurried o'er the sea.
Now in Mycenae, whither they are fled,
new help of heaven they find, and forge anew
the means of war. Back hither o'er the waves
they suddenly will come. So Calchas gave
the meaning of the god. Warned thus, they reared
in place of Pallas, desecrated shrine
yon image of the horse, to expiate
the woeful sacrilege. Calchas ordained
that they should build a thing of monstrous size
of jointed beams, and rear it heavenward,
so might it never pass your gates, nor come
inside your walls, nor anywise restore
unto the Trojans their lost help divine.
For had your hands Minerva's gift profaned,
a ruin horrible—O, may the gods
bring it on Calchas rather!—would have come
on Priam's throne and all the Phrygian power.
But if your hands should lift the holy thing
to your own citadel, then Asia's host
would hurl aggression upon Pelops' land,
and all that curse on our own nation fall.”

> Latin: His lacrimis vitam damus, et miserescimus ultro.
Ipse viro primus manicas atque arta levari
vincla iubet Priamus, dictisque ita fatur amicis:
“Quisquis es, amissos hinc iam obliviscere Graios;”
“noster eris, mihique haec edissere vera roganti:”
“Quo molem hanc immanis equi statuere? Quis auctor?”
“Quidve petunt? Quae religio, aut quae machina belli?”
Dixerat. Ille, dolis instructus et arte Pelasga,
sustulit exutas vinclis ad sidera palmas:
“Vos, aeterni ignes, et non violabile vestrum”
“testor numen” ait “vos arae ensesque nefandi,”
“quos fugi, vittaeque deum, quas hostia gessi:”
“fas mihi Graiorum sacrata resolvere iura,”
“fas odisse viros, atque omnia ferre sub auras,”
“si qua tegunt; teneor patriae nec legibus ullis.”
“Tu modo promissis maneas, servataque serves”
“Troia fidem, si vera feram, si magna rependam.”
“Omnis spes Danaum et coepti fiducia belli”
“Palladis auxiliis semper stetit. Impius ex quo”
“Tydides sed enim scelerumque inventor Ulixes,”
“fatale adgressi sacrato avellere templo”
“Palladium, caesis summae custodibus arcis,”
“corripuere sacram effigiem, manibusque cruentis”
“virgineas ausi divae contingere vittas;”
“ex illo fluere ac retro sublapsa referri”
“spes Danaum, fractae vires, aversa deae mens.”
“Nec dubiis ea signa dedit Tritonia monstris.”
“Vix positum castris simulacrum, arsere coruscae”
“luminibus flammae arrectis, salsusque per artus”
“sudor iit, terque ipsa solo—mirabile dictu—”
“emicuit, parmamque ferens hastamque trementem.”
“Extemplo temptanda fuga canit aequora Calchas,”
“nec posse Argolicis exscindi Pergama telis,”
“omina ni repetant Argis, numenque reducant,”
“quod pelago et curvis secum avexere carinis.”
“Et nunc, quod patrias vento petiere Mycenas,”
“arma deosque parant comites, pelagoque remenso”
“improvisi aderunt: ita digerit omina Calchas.”
“Hanc pro Palladio moniti, pro numine laeso”
“effigiem statuere, nefas quae triste piaret.”
“Hanc tamen immensam Calchas attollere molem”
“roboribus textis caeloque educere iussit,”
“ne recipi portis, aut duci in moenia possit,”
“neu populum antiqua sub religione tueri.”
“Nam si vestra manus violasset dona Minervae,”
“tum magnum exitium (quod di prius omen in ipsum”
“convertant!) Priami imperio Phrygibusque futurum;”
“sin manibus vestris vestram ascendisset in urbem,”
“ultro Asiam magno Pelopea ad moenia bello”
“venturam, et nostros ea fata manere nepotes.”

[¶7] Thus Sinon's guile and practiced perjury
our doubt dispelled. His stratagems and tears
wrought victory where neither Tydeus' son,
nor mountain-bred Achilles could prevail,
nor ten years' war, nor fleets a thousand strong.
But now a vaster spectacle of fear
burst over us, to vex our startled souls.
Laocoon, that day by cast of lot
priest unto Neptune, was in act to slay
a huge bull at the god's appointed fane.
Lo! o'er the tranquil deep from Tenedos
appeared a pair (I shudder as I tell)
of vastly coiling serpents, side by side,
stretching along the waves, and to the shore
taking swift course; their necks were lifted high,
their gory dragon-crests o'ertopped the waves;
all else, half seen, trailed low along the sea;
while with loud cleavage of the foaming brine
their monstrous backs wound forward fold on fold.
Soon they made land; the furious bright eyes
glowed with ensanguined fire; their quivering tongues
lapped hungrily the hissing, gruesome jaws.
All terror-pale we fled. Unswerving then
the monsters to Laocoon made way.
First round the tender limbs of his two sons
each dragon coiled, and on the shrinking flesh
fixed fast and fed. Then seized they on the sire,
who flew to aid, a javelin in his hand,
embracing close in bondage serpentine
twice round the waist; and twice in scaly grasp
around his neck, and o'er him grimly peered
with lifted head and crest; he, all the while,
his holy fillet fouled with venomous blood,
tore at his fetters with a desperate hand,
and lifted up such agonizing voice,
as when a bull, death-wounded, seeks to flee
the sacrificial altar, and thrusts back
from his doomed head the ill-aimed, glancing blade.
then swiftly writhed the dragon-pair away
unto the templed height, and in the shrine
of cruel Pallas sure asylum found
beneath the goddess' feet and orbed shield.
Such trembling horror as we ne'er had known
seized now on every heart. “Of his vast guilt
Laocoon,” they say, “receives reward;
for he with most abominable spear
did strike and violate that blessed wood.
Yon statue to the temple! Ask the grace
of glorious Pallas!” So the people cried
in general acclaim.

> Latin: Talibus insidiis periurique arte Sinonis
credita res, captique dolis lacrimisque coactis,
quos neque Tydides, nec Larisaeus Achilles,
non anni domuere decem, non mille carinae.
Hic aliud maius miseris multoque tremendum
obicitur magis, atque improvida pectora turbat.
Laocoön, ductus Neptuno sorte sacerdos,
sollemnis taurum ingentem mactabat ad aras.
Ecce autem gemini a Tenedo tranquilla per alta—
horresco referens—immensis orbibus angues
incumbunt pelago, pariterque ad litora tendunt;
pectora quorum inter fluctus arrecta iubaeque
sanguineae superant undas; pars cetera pontum
pone legit, sinuatque immensa volumine terga.
Fit sonitus spumante salo; iamque arva tenebant,
ardentisque oculos suffecti sanguine et igni,
sibila lambebant linguis vibrantibus ora.
Diffugimus visu exsangues: illi agmine certo
Laocoönta petunt; et primum parva duorum
corpora natorum serpens amplexus uterque
implicat, et miseros morsu depascitur artus;
post ipsum auxilio subeuntem ac tela ferentem
corripiunt, spirisque ligant ingentibus; et iam
bis medium amplexi, bis collo squamea circum
terga dati, superant capite et cervicibus altis.
Ille simul manibus tendit divellere nodos,
perfusus sanie vittas atroque veneno,
clamores simul horrendos ad sidera tollit:
quales mugitus, fugit cum saucius aram
taurus, et incertam excussit cervice securim.
At gemini lapsu delubra ad summa dracones
effugiunt saevaeque petunt Tritonidis arcem,
sub pedibusque deae clipeique sub orbe teguntur.
Tum vero tremefacta novus per pectora cunctis
insinuat pavor, et scelus expendisse merentem
Laocoönta ferunt, sacrum qui cuspide robur
laeserit, et tergo sceleratam intorserit hastam.
Ducendum ad sedes simulacrum orandaque divae
numina conclamant.

[¶8] Ourselves did make
a breach within our walls and opened wide
the ramparts of our city. One and all
were girded for the task. Smooth-gliding wheels
were 'neath its feet; great ropes stretched round its neck,
till o'er our walls the fatal engine climbed,
pregnant with men-at-arms. On every side
fair youths and maidens made a festal song,
and hauled the ropes with merry heart and gay.
So on and up it rolled, a tower of doom,
and in proud menace through our Forum moved.
O Ilium, my country, where abode
the gods of all my sires! O glorious walls
of Dardan's sons! before your gates it passed,
four times it stopped and dreadful clash of arms
four times from its vast concave loudly rang.
Yet frantic pressed we on, our hearts all blind,
and in the consecrated citadel
set up the hateful thing. Cassandra then
from heaven-instructed heart our doom foretold;
but doomed to unbelief were Ilium's sons.
Our hapless nation on its dying day
flung free o'er streets and shrines the votive flowers.

> Latin: Dividimus muros et moenia pandimus urbis.
Accingunt omnes operi, pedibusque rotarum
subiciunt lapsus, et stuppea vincula collo
intendunt: scandit fatalis machina muros,
feta armis. Pueri circum innuptaeque puellae
sacra canunt, funemque manu contingere gaudent.
Illa subit, mediaeque minans inlabitur urbi.
O patria, O divom domus Ilium, et incluta bello
moenia Dardanidum, quater ipso in limine portae
substitit, atque utero sonitum quater arma dedere:
instamus tamen inmemores caecique furore,
et monstrum infelix sacrata sistimus arce.
Tunc etiam fatis aperit Cassandra futuris
ora, dei iussu non umquam credita Teucris.
Nos delubra deum miseri, quibus ultimus esset
ille dies, festa velamus fronde per urbem.

[¶9] The skies rolled on; and o'er the ocean fell
the veil of night, till utmost earth and heaven
and all their Myrmidonian stratagems
were mantled darkly o'er. In silent sleep
the Trojan city lay; dull slumber chained
its weary life. But now the Greek array
of ordered ships moved on from Tenedos,
their only light the silent, favoring moon,
on to the well-known strand. The King displayed
torch from his own ship, and Sinon then,
whom wrathful Heaven defended in that hour,
let the imprisoned band of Greeks go free
from that huge womb of wood; the open horse
restored them to the light; and joyfully
emerging from the darkness, one by one,
princely Thessander, Sthenelus, and dire
Ulysses glided down the swinging cord.
Closely upon them Neoptolemus,
the son of Peleus, came, and Acamas,
King Menelaus, Thoas and Machaon,
and last, Epeus, who the fabric wrought.
Upon the town they fell, for deep in sleep
and drowsed with wine it lay; the sentinels
they slaughtered, and through gates now opened wide
let in their fellows, and arrayed for war
th' auxiliar legions of the dark design.

> Latin: Vertitur interea caelum et ruit oceano nox,
involvens umbra magna terramque polumque
Myrmidonumque dolos; fusi per moenia Teucri
conticuere, sopor fessos complectitur artus:
et iam Argiva phalanx instructis navibus ibat
a Tenedo tacitae per amica silentia lunae
litora nota petens, flammas cum regia puppis
extulerat, fatisque deum defensus iniquis
inclusos utero Danaos et pinea furtim
laxat claustra Sinon. Illos patefactus ad auras
reddit equus, laetique cavo se robore promunt
Thessandrus Sthenelusque duces, et dirus Ulixes,
demissum lapsi per funem, Acamasque, Thoasque,
Pelidesque Neoptolemus, primusque Machaon,
et Menelaus, et ipse doli fabricator Epeos.
Invadunt urbem somno vinoque sepultam;
caeduntur vigiles, portisque patentibus omnis
accipiunt socios atque agmina conscia iungunt.

[¶10] That hour it was when heaven's first gift of sleep
on weary hearts of men most sweetly steals.
O, then my slumbering senses seemed to see
Hector, with woeful face and streaming eyes;
I seemed to see him from the chariot trailing,
foul with dark dust and gore, his swollen feet
pierced with a cruel thong. Ah me! what change
from glorious Hector when he homeward bore
the spoils of fierce Achilles; or hurled far
that shower of torches on the ships of Greece!
Unkempt his beard, his tresses thick with blood,
and all those wounds in sight which he did take
defending Troy. Then, weeping as I spoke,
I seemed on that heroic shape to call
with mournful utterance: “O star of Troy!
O surest hope and stay of all her sons!
Why tarriest thou so Iong? What region sends
the long-expected Hector home once more?
These weary eyes that look on thee have seen
hosts of thy kindred die, and fateful change
upon thy people and thy city fall.
O, say what dire occasion has defiled
thy tranquil brows? What mean those bleeding wounds?”
Silent he stood, nor anywise would stay
my vain lament; but groaned, and answered thus:
“Haste, goddess-born, and out of yonder flames
achieve thy flight. Our foes have scaled the wall;
exalted Troy is falling. Fatherland
and Priam ask no more. If human arm
could profit Troy, my own had kept her free.
Her Lares and her people to thy hands
Troy here commends. Companions let them be
of all thy fortunes. Let them share thy quest
of that wide realm, which, after wandering far,
thou shalt achieve, at last, beyond the sea.”
He spoke: and from our holy hearth brought forth
the solemn fillet, the ancestral shrines,
and Vesta's ever-bright, inviolate fire.

> Latin: Tempus erat, quo prima quies mortalibus aegris
incipit, et dono divom gratissima serpit.
In somnis, ecce, ante oculos maestissimus Hector
visus adesse mihi, largosque effundere fletus,
raptatus bigis, ut quondam, aterque cruento
pulvere, perque pedes traiectus lora tumentis.
Ei mihi, qualis erat, quantum mutatus ab illo
Hectore, qui redit exuvias indutus Achilli,
vel Danaum Phrygios iaculatus puppibus ignis,
squalentem barbam et concretos sanguine crinis
volneraque illa gerens, quae circum plurima muros
accepit patrios. Ultro flens ipse videbar
Compellare virum et maestas expromere voces:
“O lux Dardaniae, spes O fidissima Teucrum,”
“quae tantae tenuere morae? Quibus Hector ab oris”
“exspectate venis? Ut te post multa tuorum”
“funera, post varios hominumque urbisque labores”
“defessi aspicimus! Quae causa indigna serenos”
“foedavit voltus? Aut cur haec volnera cerno?”
Ille nihil, nec me quaerentem vana moratur,
sed graviter gemitus imo de pectore ducens,
“Heu fuge, nate dea, teque his, ait, eripe flammis.”
“Hostis habet muros; ruit alto a culmine Troia.”
“Sat patriae Priamoque datum: si Pergama dextra”
“defendi possent, etiam hac defensa fuissent.”
“Sacra suosque tibi commendat Troia penatis:”
“hos cape fatorum comites, his moenia quaere”
“magna, pererrato statues quae denique ponto.”
Sic ait, et manibus vittas Vestamque potentem
aeternumque adytis effert penetralibus ignem.

[¶11] Now shrieks and loud confusion swept the town;
and though my father's dwelling stood apart
embowered deep in trees, th' increasing din
drew nearer, and the battle-thunder swelled.
I woke on sudden, and up-starting scaled
the roof, the tower, then stood with listening ear:
't was like an harvest burning, when wild winds
uprouse the flames; 't was like a mountain stream
that bursts in flood and ruinously whelms
sweet fields and farms and all the ploughman's toil,
whirling whole groves along; while dumb with fear,
from some far cliff the shepherd hears the sound.
Now their Greek plot was plain, the stratagem
at last laid bare. Deiphobus' great house
sank vanquished in the fire. Ucalegon's
hard by was blazing, while the waters wide
around Sigeum gave an answering glow.
Shrill trumpets rang; Ioud shouting voices roared;
wildly I armed me (when the battle calls,
how dimly reason shines!); I burned to join
the rally of my peers, and to the heights
defensive gather. Frenzy and vast rage
seized on my soul. I only sought what way
with sword in hand some noble death to die.

> Latin: Diverso interea miscentur moenia luctu,
et magis atque magis, quamquam secreta parentis
Anchisae domus arboribusque obtecta recessit,
clarescunt sonitus, armorumque ingruit horror.
Excutior somno, et summi fastigia tecti
ascensu supero, atque arrectis auribus adsto:
in segetem veluti cum flamma furentibus austris
incidit, aut rapidus montano flumine torrens
sternit agros, sternit sata laeta boumque labores,
praecipitisque trahit silvas, stupet inscius alto
accipiens sonitum saxi de vertice pastor.
Tum vero manifesta fides, Danaumque patescunt
insidiae. Iam Deiphobi dedit ampla ruinam
Volcano superante domus; iam proxumus ardet
Ucalegon; Sigea igni freta lata relucent.
Exoritur clamorque virum clangorque tubarum.
Arma amens capio; nec sat rationis in armis,
sed glomerare manum bello et concurrere in arcem
cum sociis ardent animi; furor iraque mentem
praecipitant, pulchrumque mori succurrit in armis.

[¶12] When Panthus met me, who had scarce escaped
the Grecian spears,—Panthus of Othrys' line,
Apollo's priest within our citadel;
his holy emblems, his defeated gods,
and his small grandson in his arms he bore,
while toward the gates with wild, swift steps he flew.
“How fares the kingdom, Panthus? What strong place
is still our own?” But scarcely could I ask
when thus, with many a groan, he made reply:—
“Dardania's death and doom are come to-day,
implacable. There is no Ilium now;
our Trojan name is gone, the Teucrian throne
Quite fallen. For the wrathful power of Jove
has given to Argos all our boast and pride.
The Greek is Iord of all yon blazing towers.
yon horse uplifted on our city's heart
disgorges men-at-arms. False Sinon now,
with scorn exultant, heaps up flame on flame.
Others throw wide the gates. The whole vast horde
that out of proud Mycenae hither sailed
is at us. With confronting spears they throng
each narrow passage. Every steel-bright blade
is flashing naked, making haste for blood.
Our sentries helpless meet the invading shock
and give back blind and unavailing war.”
By Panthus' word and by some god impelled,
I flew to battle, where the flames leaped high,
where grim Bellona called, and all the air
resounded high as heaven with shouts of war.
Rhipeus and Epytus of doughty arm
were at my side, Dymas and Hypanis,
seen by a pale moon, join our little band;
and young Coroebus, Mygdon's princely son,
who was in Troy that hour because he loved
Cassandra madly, and had made a league
as Priam's kinsman with our Phrygian arms:
ill-starred, to heed not what the virgin raved!

> Latin: Ecce autem telis Panthus elapsus Achivom,
Panthus Othryades, arcis Phoebique sacerdos,
sacra manu victosque deos parvumque nepotem
ipse trahit, cursuque amens ad limina tendit.
“Quo res summa, loco, Panthu? Quam prendimus arcem?”
Vix ea fatus eram, gemitu cum talia reddit:
“Venit summa dies et ineluctabile tempus”
“Dardaniae: fuimus Troes, fuit Ilium et ingens”
“gloria Teucrorum; ferus omnia Iuppiter Argos”
“transtulit; incensa Danai dominantur in urbe.”
“Arduus armatos mediis in moenibus adstans”
“fundit equus, victorque Sinon incendia miscet”
“insultans; portis alii bipatentibus adsunt,”
“milia quot magnis umquam venere Mycenis;”
“obsedere alii telis angusta viarum”
“oppositi; stat ferri acies mucrone corusco”
“stricta, parata neci; vix primi proelia temptant”
“portarum vigiles, et caeco Marte resistunt.”
Talibus Othryadae dictis et numine divom
in flammas et in arma feror, quo tristis Erinys,
quo fremitus vocat et sublatus ad aethera clamor.
Addunt se socios Rhipeus et maximus armis
Epytus oblati per lunam Hypanisque Dymasque,
et lateri adglomerant nostro, iuvenisque Coroebus,
Mygdonides: illis ad Troiam forte diebus
venerat, insano Cassandrae incensus amore,
et gener auxilium Priamo Phrygibusque ferebat,
infelix, qui non sponsae praecepta furentis
audierit.

[¶13] When these I saw close-gathered for the fight,
I thus addressed them: “Warriors, vainly brave,
if ye indeed desire to follow one
who dares the uttermost brave men may do,
our evil plight ye see: the gods are fled
from every altar and protecting fire,
which were the kingdom's stay. Ye offer aid
unto your country's ashes. Let us fight
unto the death! To arms, my men, to arms!
The single hope and stay of desperate men
is their despair.” Thus did I rouse their souls.
Then like the ravening wolves, some night of cloud,
when cruel hunger in an empty maw
drives them forth furious, and their whelps behind
wait famine-throated; so through foemen's steel
we flew to surest death, and kept our way
straight through the midmost town. The wings of night
brooded above us in vast vault of shade.
But who the bloodshed of that night can tell?
What tongue its deaths shall number, or what eyes
find meed of tears to equal all its woe?
The ancient City fell, whose throne had stood
age after age. Along her streets were strewn
the unresisting dead; at household shrines
and by the temples of the gods they lay.
Yet not alone was Teucrian blood required:
oft out of vanquished hearts fresh valor flamed,
and the Greek victor fell. Anguish and woe
were everywhere; pale terrors ranged abroad,
and multitudinous death met every eye.

> Latin: Quos ubi confertos audere in proelia vidi,
incipio super his: “Iuvenes, fortissima frustra”
“pectora, si vobis audentem extrema cupido”
“certa sequi, quae sit rebus fortuna videtis:”
“excessere omnes, adytis arisque relictis,”
“di, quibus imperium hoc steterat; succurritis urbi”
“incensae; moriamur et in media arma ruamus.”
“Una salus victis, nullam sperare salutem.”
Sic animis iuvenum furor additus: inde, lupi ceu
raptores atra in nebula, quos improba ventris
exegit caecos rabies, catulique relicti
faucibus exspectant siccis, per tela, per hostis
vadimus haud dubiam in mortem, mediaeque tenemus
urbis iter; nox atra cava circumvolat umbra.
Quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando
explicet, aut possit lacrimis aequare labores?
Urbs antiqua ruit, multos dominata per annos;
plurima perque vias sternuntur inertia passim
corpora, perque domos et religiosa deorum
limina. Nec soli poenas dant sanguine Teucri;
quondam etiam victis redit in praecordia virtus
victoresque cadunt Danai: crudelis ubique
luctus, ubique pavor, et plurima mortis imago.

[¶14] Androgeos, followed by a thronging band
of Greeks, first met us on our desperate way;
but heedless, and confounding friend with foe,
thus, all unchallenged, hailed us as his own:
“Haste, heroes! Are ye laggards at this hour?
Others bear off the captives and the spoil
of burning Troy. Just from the galleys ye?”
He spoke; but straightway, when no safe reply
returned, he knew himself entrapped, and fallen
into a foeman's snare; struck dumb was he
and stopped both word and motion; as one steps,
when blindly treading a thick path of thorns,
upon a snake, and sick with fear would flee
that lifted wrath and swollen gorge of green:
so trembling did Androgeos backward fall.
At them we flew and closed them round with war;
and since they could not know the ground, and fear
had whelmed them quite, we swiftly laid them low.
Thus Fortune on our first achievement smiled;
and, flushed with victory, Cormbus cried:
“Come, friends, and follow Fortune's finger, where
she beckons us what path deliverance lies.
Change we our shields, and these Greek emblems wear.
'Twixt guile and valor who will nicely weigh
When foes are met? These dead shall find us arms.”
With this, he dons Androgeos' crested helm
and beauteous, blazoned shield; and to his side
girds on a Grecian blade. Young Rhipeus next,
with Dymas and the other soldiery,
repeat the deed, exulting, and array
their valor in fresh trophies from the slain.
Now intermingled with our foes we moved,
and alien emblems wore; the long, black night
brought many a grapple, and a host of Greeks
down to the dark we hurled. Some fled away,
seeking their safe ships and the friendly shore.
Some cowards foul went clambering back again
to that vast horse and hid them in its maw.

> Latin: Primus se, Danaum magna comitante caterva,
Androgeos offert nobis, socia agmina credens
inscius, atque ultro verbis compellat amicis:
“Festinate, viri: nam quae tam sera moratur”
“segnities? Alii rapiunt incensa feruntque”
“Pergama; vos celsis nunc primum a navibus itis.”
Dixit, et extemplo, neque enim responsa dabantur
fida satis, sensit medios delapsus in hostis.
Obstipuit, retroque pedem cum voce repressit:
inprovisum aspris veluti qui sentibus anguem
pressit humi nitens, trepidusque repente refugit
attollentem iras et caerula colla tumentem;
haud secus Androgeos visu tremefactus abibat.
Inruimus, densis et circumfundimur armis,
ignarosque loci passim et formidine captos
sternimus: adspirat primo fortuna labori.
Atque hic successu exsultans animisque Coroebus,
“O socii, qua prima” inquit “fortuna salutis”
“monstrat iter, quoque ostendit se dextra, sequamur”
“mutemus clipeos, Danaumque insignia nobis”
“aptemus: dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat?”
“Arma dabunt ipsi.” Sic fatus, deinde comantem
Androgei galeam clipeique insigne decorum
induitur, laterique Argivum accommodat ensem.
Hoc Rhipeus, hoc ipse Dymas omnisque iuventus
laeta facit; spoliis se quisque recentibus armat.
Vadimus immixti Danais haud numine nostro,
multaque per caecam congressi proelia noctem
conserimus, multos Danaum demittimus Orco.
Diffugiunt alii ad navis, et litora cursu
fida petunt: pars ingentem formidine turpi
scandunt rursus equum et nota conduntur in alvo.

## 4. Book II · lines 402–804

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/4/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/4/#p-N

[¶0] But woe is me! If gods their help withhold,
't is impious to be brave. That very hour
the fair Cassandra passed us, bound in chains,
King Priam's virgin daughter, from the shrine
and altars of Minerva; her loose hair
had lost its fillet; her impassioned eyes
were lifted in vain prayer,—her eyes alone!
For chains of steel her frail, soft hands confined.
Coroebus' eyes this horror not endured,
and, sorrow-crazed, he plunged him headlong in
the midmost fray, self-offered to be slain,
while in close mass our troop behind him poured.
But, at this point, the overwhelming spears
of our own kinsmen rained resistless down
from a high temple-tower; and carnage wild
ensued, because of the Greek arms we bore
and our false crests. The howling Grecian band,
crazed by Cassandra's rescue, charged at us
from every side; Ajax of savage soul,
the sons of Atreus, and that whole wild horde
Achilles from Dolopian deserts drew.
'T was like the bursting storm, when gales contend,
west wind and South, and jocund wind of morn
upon his orient steeds—while forests roar,
and foam-flecked Nereus with fierce trident stirs
the dark deep of the sea. All who did hide
in shadows of the night, by our assault
surprised, and driven in tumultuous flight,
now start to view. Full well they now can see
our shields and borrowed arms, and clearly note
our speech of alien sound; their multitude
o'erwhelms us utterly. Coroebus first
at mailed Minerva's altar prostrate lay,
pierced by Peneleus, blade; then Rhipeus fell;
we deemed him of all Trojans the most just,
most scrupulously righteous; but the gods
gave judgment otherwise. There Dymas died,
and Hypanis, by their compatriots slain;
nor thee, O Panthus, in that mortal hour,
could thy clean hands or Phoebus, priesthood save.
O ashes of my country! funeral pyre
of all my kin! bear witness that my breast
shrank not from any sword the Grecian drew,
and that my deeds the night my country died
deserved a warrior's death, had Fate ordained.
But soon our ranks were broken; at my side
stayed Iphitus and Pelias; one with age
was Iong since wearied, and the other bore
the burden of Ulysses' crippling wound.
Straightway the roar and tumult summoned us
to Priam's palace, where a battle raged
as if save this no conflict else were known,
and all Troy's dying brave were mustered there.
There we beheld the war-god unconfined;
The Greek besiegers to the roof-tops fled;
or, with shields tortoise-back, the gates assailed.
Ladders were on the walls; and round by round,
up the huge bulwark as they fight their way,
the shielded left-hand thwarts the falling spears,
the right to every vantage closely clings.
The Trojans hurl whole towers and roof-tops down
upon the mounting foe; for well they see
that the last hour is come, and with what arms
the dying must resist. Rich gilded beams,
with many a beauteous blazon of old time,
go crashing down. Men armed with naked swords
defend the inner doors in close array.

> Latin: Heu nihil invitis fas quemquam fidere divis!
Ecce trahebatur passis Priameïa virgo
crinibus a templo Cassandra adytisque Minervae,
ad caelum tendens ardentia lumina frustra,—
lumina, nam teneras arcebant vincula palmas.
Non tulit hanc speciem furiata mente Coroebus,
et sese medium iniecit periturus in agmen.
Consequimur cuncti et densis incurrimus armis.
Hic primum ex alto delubri culmine telis
nostrorum obruimur, oriturque miserrima caedes
armorum facie et Graiarum errore iubarum.
Tum Danai gemitu atque ereptae virginis ira
undique collecti invadunt, acerrimus Aiax,
et gemini Atridae, Dolopumque exercitus omnis;
adversi rupto ceu quondam turbine venti
confligunt, Zephyrusque Notusque et laetus Eois
Eurus equis; stridunt silvae, saevitque tridenti
spumeus atque imo Nereus ciet aequora fundo.
Illi etiam, si quos obscura nocte per umbram
fudimus insidiis totaque agitavimus urbe,
apparent; primi clipeos mentitaque tela
adgnoscunt, atque ora sono discordia signant.
Ilicet obruimur numero; primusque Coroebus
Penelei dextra divae armipotentis ad aram
procumbit; cadit et Rhipeus, iustissimus unus
qui fuit in Teucris et servantissimus aequi:
dis aliter visum; pereunt Hypanisque Dymasque
confixi a sociis; nec te tua plurima, Panthu,
labentem pietas nec Apollinis infula texit.
Iliaci cineres et flamma extrema meorum,
testor, in occasu vestro nec tela nec ullas
vitavisse vices Danaum, et, si fata fuissent
ut caderem, meruisse manu. Divellimur inde,
Iphitus et Pelias mecum, quorum Iphitus aevo
iam gravior, Pelias et volnere tardus Ulixi;
protinus ad sedes Priami clamore vocati.
Hic vero ingentem pugnam, ceu cetera nusquam
bella forent, nulli tota morerentur in urbe.
Sic Martem indomitum, Danaosque ad tecta ruentis
cernimus, obsessumque acta testudine limen.
Haerent parietibus scalae, postisque sub ipsos
nituntur gradibus, clipeosque ad tela sinistris
protecti obiciunt, prensant fastigia dextris.
Dardanidae contra turris ac tota domorum
culmina convellunt; his se, quando ultima cernunt,
extrema iam in morte parant defendere telis;
auratasque trabes, veterum decora alta parentum,
devolvunt; alii strictis mucronibus imas
obsedere fores; has servant agmine denso.
Instaurati animi, regis succurrere tectis,
auxilioque levare viros, vimque addere victis.

[¶1] Thus were our hearts inflamed to stand and strike
for the king's house, and to his body-guard
bring succor, and renew their vanquished powers.
A certain gate I knew, a secret way,
which gave free passage between Priam's halls,
and exit rearward; hither, in the days
before our fall, the lone Andromache
was wont with young Astyanax to pass
in quest of Priam and her husband's kin.
This way to climb the palace roof I flew,
where, desperate, the Trojans with vain skill
hurled forth repellent arms. A tower was there,
reared skyward from the roof-top, giving view
of Troy's wide walls and full reconnaissance
of all Achaea's fleets and tented field;
this, with strong steel, our gathered strength assailed,
and as the loosened courses offered us
great threatening fissures, we uprooted it
from its aerial throne and thrust it down.
It fell with instantaneous crash of thunder
along the Danaan host in ruin wide.
But fresh ranks soon arrive; thick showers of stone
rain down, with every missile rage can find.

> Latin: Limen erat caecaeque fores et pervius usus
tectorum inter se Priami, postesque relicti
a tergo, infelix qua se, dum regna manebant,
saepius Andromache ferre incomitata solebat
ad soceros, et avo puerum Astyanacta trahebat.
Evado ad summi fastigia culminis, unde
tela manu miseri iactabant inrita Teucri.
Turrim in praecipiti stantem summisque sub astra
eductam tectis, unde omnis Troia videri
et Danaum solitae naves et Achaia castra,
adgressi ferro circum, qua summa labantis
iuncturas tabulata dabant, convellimus altis
sedibus, impulimusque; ea lapsa repente ruinam
cum sonitu trahit et Danaum super agmina late
incidit: ast alii subeunt, nec saxa, nec ullum
telorum interea cessat genus.

[¶2] Now at the threshold of the outer court
Pyrrhus triumphant stood, with glittering arms
and helm of burnished brass. He glittered like
some swollen viper, fed on poison-leaves,
whom chilling winter shelters underground,
till, fresh and strong, he sheds his annual scales
and, crawling forth rejuvenate, uncoils
his slimy length; his lifted gorge insults
the sunbeam with three-forked and quivering tongue.
Huge Periphas was there; Automedon,
who drove Achilles' steeds, and bore his arms.
Then Scyros' island-warriors assault
the palaces, and hurl reiterate fire
at wall and tower. Pyrrhus led the van;
seizing an axe he clove the ponderous doors
and rent the hinges from their posts of bronze;
he cut the beams, and through the solid mass
burrowed his way, till like a window huge
the breach yawned wide, and opened to his gaze
a vista of long courts and corridors,
the hearth and home of many an ancient king,
and Priam's own; upon its sacred bourne
the sentry, all in arms, kept watch and ward.
Confusion, groans, and piteous turmoil
were in that dwelling; women shrieked and wailed
from many a dark retreat, and their loud cry
rang to the golden stars. Through those vast halls
the panic-stricken mothers wildly roved,
and clung with frantic kisses and embrace
unto the columns cold. Fierce as his sire,
Pyrrhus moves on; nor bar nor sentinel
may stop his way; down tumbles the great door
beneath the battering beam, and with it fall
hinges and framework violently torn.
Force bursts all bars; th' assailing Greeks break in,
do butchery, and with men-at-arms possess
what place they will. Scarce with an equal rage
a foaming river, when its dykes are down,
o'erwhelms its mounded shores, and through the plain
rolls mountain-high, while from the ravaged farms
its fierce flood sweeps along both flock and fold.
My own eyes looked on Neoptolemus
frenzied with slaughter, and both Atreus' sons
upon the threshold frowning; I beheld
her hundred daughters with old Hecuba;
and Priam, whose own bleeding wounds defiled
the altars where himself had blessed the fires;
there fifty nuptial beds gave promise proud
of princely heirs; but all their brightness now,
of broidered cunning and barbaric gold,
lay strewn and trampled on. The Danaan foe
stood victor, where the raging flame had failed.

> Latin: Vestibulum ante ipsum primoque in limine Pyrrhus
exsultat, telis et luce coruscus aëna;
qualis ubi in lucem coluber mala gramina pastus
frigida sub terra tumidum quem bruma tegebat,
nunc, positis novus exuviis nitidusque iuventa,
lubrica convolvit sublato pectore terga
arduus ad solem, et linguis micat ore trisulcis.
Una ingens Periphas et equorum agitator Achillis,
armiger Automedon, una omnis Scyria pubes
succedunt tecto, et flammas ad culmina iactant.
Ipse inter primos correpta dura bipenni
limina perrumpit, postisque a cardine vellit
aeratos; iamque excisa trabe firma cavavit
robora, et ingentem lato dedit ore fenestram.
Adparet domus intus, et atria longa patescunt;
adparent Priami et veterum penetralia regum,
armatosque vident stantis in limine primo.
At domus interior gemitu miseroque tumultu
miscetur, penitusque cavae plangoribus aedes
femineis ululant; ferit aurea sidera clamor.
Tum pavidae tectis matres ingentibus errant;
amplexaeque tenent postis atque oscula figunt.
Instat vi patria Pyrrhus; nec claustra, neque ipsi
custodes sufferre valent; labat ariete crebro
ianua, et emoti procumbunt cardine postes.
Fit via vi; rumpunt aditus, primosque trucidant
immissi Danai, et late loca milite complent.
Non sic, aggeribus ruptis cum spumeus amnis
exiit, oppositasque evicit gurgite moles,
fertur in arva furens cumulo, camposque per omnis
cum stabulis armenta trahit. Vidi ipse furentem
caede Neoptolemum geminosque in limine Atridas;
vidi Hecubam centumque nurus, Priamumque per aras
sanguine foedantem, quos ipse sacraverat, ignis.
Quinquaginta illi thalami, spes tanta nepotum,
barbarico postes auro spoliisque superbi,
procubuere; tenent Danai, qua deficit ignis.

[¶3] But would ye haply know what stroke of doom
on Priam fell? Now when his anguish saw
his kingdom lost and fallen, his abode
shattered, and in his very hearth and home
th' exulting foe, the aged King did bind
his rusted armor to his trembling thews,—
all vainly,— and a useless blade of steel
he girded on; then charged, resolved to die
encircled by the foe. Within his walls
there stood, beneath the wide and open sky,
a lofty altar; an old laurel-tree
leaned o'er it, and enclasped in holy shade
the statues of the tutelary powers.
Here Hecuba and all the princesses
took refuge vain within the place of prayer.
Like panic-stricken doves in some dark storm,
close-gathering they sate, and in despair
embraced their graven gods. But when the Queen
saw Priam with his youthful harness on,
“What frenzy, O my wretched lord,” she cried,
“Arrayed thee in such arms? O, whither now?
Not such defences, nor such arm as thine,
the time requires, though thy companion were
our Hector's self. O, yield thee, I implore!
This altar now shall save us one and all,
or we must die together.” With these words
she drew him to her side, and near the shrine
made for her aged spouse a place to cling.

> Latin: Forsitan et Priami fuerint quae fata requiras.
Urbis uti captae casum convolsaque vidit
limina tectorum et medium in penetralibus hostem,
arma diu senior desueta trementibus aevo
circumdat nequiquam umeris, et inutile ferrum
cingitur, ac densos fertur moriturus in hostis.
Aedibus in mediis nudoque sub aetheris axe
ingens ara fuit iuxtaque veterrima laurus,
incumbens arae atque umbra complexa Penatis.
Hic Hecuba et natae nequiquam altaria circum,
praecipites atra ceu tempestate columbae,
condensae et divom amplexae simulacra sedebant.
Ipsum autem sumptis Priamum iuvenalibus armis
ut vidit, “Quae mens tam dira, miserrime coniunx,”
“impulit his cingi telis? Aut quo ruis?” inquit;
“Non tali auxilio nec defensoribus istis”
“tempus eget, non, si ipse meus nunc adforet Hector.”
“Huc tandem concede; haec ara tuebitur omnis,”
“aut moriere simul.” Sic ore effata recepit
ad sese et sacra longaevum in sede locavit.

[¶4] But, lo! just 'scaped of Pyrrhus' murderous hand,
Polites, one of Priam's sons, fled fast
along the corridors, through thronging foes
and a thick rain of spears. Wildly he gazed
across the desolate halls, wounded to death.
Fierce Pyrrhus followed after, pressing hard
with mortal stroke, and now his hand and spear
were close upon:— when the lost youth leaped forth
into his father's sight, and prostrate there
lay dying, while his life-blood ebbed away.
Then Priam, though on all sides death was nigh,
quit not the strife, nor from loud wrath refrained:
“Thy crime and impious outrage, may the gods
(if Heaven to mortals render debt and due)
justly reward and worthy honors pay!
My own son's murder thou hast made me see,
blood and pollution impiously throwing
upon a father's head. Not such was he,
not such, Achilles, thy pretended sire,
when Priam was his foe. With flush of shame
he nobly listened to a suppliant's plea
in honor made. He rendered to the tomb
my Hector's body pale, and me did send
back to my throne a king.” With this proud word
the aged warrior hurled with nerveless arm
his ineffectual spear, which hoarsely rang
rebounding on the brazen shield, and hung
piercing the midmost boss,- but all in vain.
Then Pyrrhus: “Take these tidings, and convey
message to my father, Peleus' son!
tell him my naughty deeds! Be sure and say
how Neoptolemus hath shamed his sires.
Now die!” With this, he trailed before the shrines
the trembling King, whose feet slipped in the stream
of his son's blood. Then Pyrrhus' left hand clutched
the tresses old and gray; a glittering sword
his right hand lifted high, and buried it
far as the hilt in that defenceless heart.
So Priam's story ceased. Such final doom
fell on him, while his dying eyes surveyed
Troy burning, and her altars overthrown,
though once of many an orient land and tribe
the boasted lord. In huge dismemberment
his severed trunk lies tombless on the shore,
the head from shoulder torn, the corpse unknown.

> Latin: Ecce autem elapsus Pyrrhi de caede Polites,
unus natorum Priami, per tela, per hostis
porticibus longis fugit, et vacua atria lustrat
saucius: illum ardens infesto volnere Pyrrhus
insequitur, iam iamque manu tenet et premit hasta.
Ut tandem ante oculos evasit et ora parentum,
concidit, ac multo vitam cum sanguine fudit.
Hic Priamus, quamquam in media iam morte tenetur,
non tamen abstinuit, nec voci iraeque pepercit:
“At tibi pro scelere”, exclamat, “pro talibus ausis,”
“di, si qua est caelo pietas, quae talia curet,”
“persolvant grates dignas et praemia reddant”
“debita, qui nati coram me cernere letum”
“fecisti et patrios foedasti funere voltus.”
“At non ille, satum quo te mentiris, Achilles”
“talis in hoste fuit Priamo; sed iura fidemque”
“supplicis erubuit, corpusque exsangue sepulchro”
“reddidit Hectoreum, meque in mea regna remisit.”
Sic fatus senior, telumque imbelle sine ictu
coniecit, rauco quod protinus aere repulsum
e summo clipei nequiquam umbone pependit.
Cui Pyrrhus: “Referes ergo haec et nuntius ibis”
“Pelidae genitori; illi mea tristia facta”
“degeneremque Neoptolemum narrare memento.”
“Nunc morere.” Hoc dicens altaria ad ipsa trementem
traxit et in multo lapsantem sanguine nati,
implicuitque comam laeva, dextraque coruscum
extulit, ac lateri capulo tenus abdidit ensem.
Haec finis Priami fatorum; hic exitus illum
sorte tulit, Troiam incensam et prolapsa videntem
Pergama, tot quondam populis terrisque superbum
regnatorem Asiae. Iacet ingens litore truncus,
avolsumque umeris caput, et sine nomine corpus.

[¶5] Then first wild horror on my spirit fell
and dazed me utterly. A vision rose
of my own cherished father, as I saw
the King, his aged peer, sore wounded Iying
in mortal agony; a vision too
of lost Creusa at my ravaged hearth,
and young Iulus' peril. Then my eyes
looked round me seeking aid. But all were fled,
war-wearied and undone; some earthward leaped
from battlement or tower; some in despair
yielded their suffering bodies to the flame.

> Latin: At me tum primum saevus circumstetit horror
Obstipui; subiit cari genitoris imago,
ut regem aequaevum crudeli volnere vidi
vitam exhalantem; subiit deserta Creüsa,
et direpta domus, et parvi casus Iuli.
Respicio, et quae sit me circum copia lustro.
Deseruere omnes defessi, et corpora saltu
ad terram misere aut ignibus aegra dedere.

[¶6] I stood there sole surviving; when, behold,
to Vesta's altar clinging in dumb fear,
hiding and crouching in the hallowed shade,
Tyndarus' daughter!— 't was the burning town
lighted full well my roving steps and eyes.
In fear was she both of some Trojan's rage
for Troy o'erthrown, and of some Greek revenge,
or her wronged husband's Iong indignant ire.
So hid she at that shrine her hateful brow,
being of Greece and Troy, full well she knew,
the common curse. Then in my bosom rose
a blaze of wrath; methought I should avenge
my dying country, and with horrid deed
pay crime for crime. “Shall she return unscathed
to Sparta, to Mycenae's golden pride,
and have a royal triumph? Shall her eyes
her sire and sons, her hearth and husband see,
while Phrygian captives follow in her train?
is Priam murdered? Have the flames swept o'er
my native Troy? and cloth our Dardan strand
sweat o'er and o'er with sanguinary dew?
O, not thus unavenged! For though there be
no glory if I smite a woman's crime,
nor conqueror's fame for such a victory won,
yet if I blot this monster out, and wring
full punishment from guilt, the time to come
will praise me, and sweet pleasure it will be
to glut my soul with vengeance and appease
the ashes of my kindred.”

> Latin: [Iamque adeo super unus eram, cum limina Vestae]
[servantem et tacitam secreta in sede latentem]
[Tyndarida aspicio: dant clara incendia lucem]
[erranti passimque oculos per cuncta ferenti.]
[Illa sibi infestos eversa ob Pergama Teucros]
[et poenas Danaum et deserti coniugis iras]
[praemetuens, Troiae et patriae communis Erinys,]
[abdiderat sese atque aris invisa sedebat.]
[Exarsere ignes animo; subit ira cadentem]
[ulcisci patriam et sceleratas sumere poenas.]
[“Scilicet haec Spartam incolumis patriasque Mycenas”]
[“aspiciet, partoque ibit regina triumpho,”]
[“coniugiumque, domumque, patres, natosque videbit,”]
[“Iliadum turba et Phrygiis comitata ministris?”]
[“Occiderit ferro Priamus, Troia arserit igni?”]
[“Dardanium totiens sudarit sanguine litus?”]
[“Non ita: namque etsi nullum memorabile nomen”]
[“feminea in poena est, nec habet victoria laudem,”]
[“extinxisse nefas tamen et sumpsisse merentis”]
[“laudabor poenas, animumque explesse iuvabit”]
[“ultricis flammae, et cineres satiasse meorum.”]

[¶7] So I raved,
and to such frenzied purpose gave my soul.
Then with clear vision (never had I seen
her presence so unclouded) I beheld,
in golden beams that pierced the midnight gloom,
my gracious mother, visibly divine,
and with that mien of majesty she wears
when seen in heaven; she stayed me with her hand,
and from her lips of rose this counsel gave:
“O son, what sorrow stirs thy boundless rage?
what madness this? Or whither vanisheth
thy love of me? Wilt thou not seek to know
where bides Anchises, thy abandoned sire,
now weak with age? or if Creusa lives
and young Ascanius, who are ringed about
with ranks of Grecian foes, and long ere this—
save that my love can shield them and defend—
had fallen on flame or fed some hungry sword?
Not Helen's hated beauty works thee woe;
nor Paris, oft-accused. The cruelty
of gods, of gods unaided, overwhelms
thy country's power, and from its Iofty height
casts Ilium down. Behold, I take away
the barrier-cloud that dims thy mortal eye,
with murk and mist o'er-veiling. Fear not thou
to heed thy mother's word, nor let thy heart
refuse obedience to her counsel given.
'Mid yonder trembling ruins, where thou see'st
stone torn from stone, with dust and smoke uprolling,
't is Neptune strikes the wall; his trident vast
makes her foundation tremble, and unseats
the city from her throne. Fierce Juno leads
resistless onset at the Scaean gate,
and summons from the ships the league of powers,
wearing her wrathful sword. On yonder height
behold Tritonia in the citadel
clothed with the lightning and her Gorgon-shield!
Unto the Greeks great Jove himself renews
their courage and their power; 't is he thrusts on
the gods themselves against the Trojan arms.
Fly, O my son! The war's wild work give o'er!
I will be always nigh and set thee safe
upon thy father's threshold.” Having said,
she fled upon the viewless night away.

> Latin: [Talia iactabam, et furiata mente ferebar:]
cum mihi se, non ante oculis tam clara, videndam
obtulit et pura per noctem in luce refulsit
alma parens, confessa deam, qualisque videri
caelicolis et quanta solet, dextraque prehensum
continuit, roseoque haec insuper addidit ore:
“Nate, quis indomitas tantus dolor excitat iras?”
“Quid furis, aut quonam nostri tibi cura recessit?”
“Non prius aspicies, ubi fessum aetate parentem”
“liqueris Anchisen; superet coniunxne Creüsa,”
“Ascaniusque puer? Quos omnes undique Graiae”
“circum errant acies, et, ni mea cura resistat,”
“iam flammae tulerint inimicus et hauserit ensis.”
“Non tibi Tyndaridis facies invisa Lacaenae”
“culpatusve Paris: divom inclementia, divom,”
“has evertit opes sternitque a culmine Troiam.”
“Aspice—namque omnem, quae nunc obducta tuenti”
“mortalis hebetat visus tibi et umida circum”
“caligat, nubem eripiam; tu ne qua parentis”
“iussa time, neu praeceptis parere recusa:—”
“hic, ubi disiectas moles avolsaque saxis”
“saxa vides mixtoque undantem pulvere fumum.”
“Neptunus muros magnoque emota tridenti”
“fundamenta quatit, totamque a sedibus urbem”
“eruit; hic Iuno Scaeas saevissima portas”
“prima tenet, sociumque furens a navibus agmen”
“ferro accincta vocat.”
“Iam summas arces Tritonia, respice, Pallas”
“insedit, nimbo effulgens et Gorgone saeva.”
“Ipse pater Danais animos viresque secundas”
“sufficit, ipse deos in Dardana suscitat arma.”
“Eripe, nate, fugam, finemque impone labori.”
“Nusquam abero, et tutum patrio te limine sistam.”
Dixerat, et spissis noctis se condidit umbris.
Adparent dirae facies inimicaque Troiae
numina magna deum.

[¶8] Then loomed o'er Troy the apparition vast
of her dread foes divine; I seemed to see
all Ilium sink in fire, and sacred Troy,
of Neptune's building, utterly o'erthrown.
So some huge ash-tree on the mountain's brow
(when rival woodmen, heaving stroke on stroke
of two-edged axes, haste to cast her down)
sways ominously her trembling, leafy top,
and drops her smitten head; till by her wounds
vanquished at last, she makes her dying groan,
and falls in loud wreck from the cliffs uptorn.
I left the citadel; and, led by Heaven,
threaded the maze of deadly foes and fires,
through spears that glanced aside and flames that fell.

> Latin: Tum vero omne mihi visum considere in ignis
Ilium et ex imo verti Neptunia Troia;
ac veluti summis antiquam in montibus ornum
cum ferro accisam crebrisque bipennibus instant
eruere agricolae certatim,—illa usque minatur
et tremefacta comam concusso vertice nutat,
volneribus donec paulatim evicta, supremum
congemuit, traxitque iugis avolsa ruinam.
Descendo, ac ducente deo flammam inter et hostis
expedior; dant tela locum, flammaeque recedunt.

[¶9] Soon came I to my father's ancient seat,
our home and heritage. But lo! my sire
(whom first of all I sought, and first would bear
to safe asylum in the distant hills)
vowed he could never, after fallen Troy,
live longer on, or bear an exile's woe.
“O you,” he cried, “whose blood not yet betrays
the cruel taint of time, whose powers be still
unpropped and undecayed, go, take your flight.
If heavenly wrath had willed my life to spare,
this dwelling had been safe. It is too much
that I have watched one wreck, and for too Iong
outlived my vanquished country. Thus, O, thus!
Compose these limbs for death, and say farewell.
My own hand will procure it; or my foe
will end me of mere pity, and for spoil
will strip me bare. It is an easy loss
to have no grave. For many a year gone by,
accursed of Heaven, I tarry in this world
a useless burden, since that fatal hour
when Jove, of gods the Sire and men the King,
his lightnings o'er me breathed and blasting fire.”

> Latin: Atque ubi iam patriae perventum ad limina sedis
antiquasque domos, genitor, quem tollere in altos
optabam primum montis primumque petebam,
abnegat excisa vitam producere Troia
exsiliumque pati. “Vos O, quibus integer aevi”
“sanguis,” ait “solidaeque suo stant robore vires,”
“vos agitate fugam:”
“me si caelicolae voluissent ducere vitam,”
“has mihi servassent sedes. Satis una superque”
“vidimus exscidia et captae superavimus urbi.”
“Sic O, sic positum adfati discedite corpus.”
“Ipse manu mortem inveniam; miserebitur hostis”
“exuviasque petet; facilis iactura sepulcri.”
“Iam pridem invisus divis et inutilis annos”
“demoror, ex quo me divom pater atque hominum rex”
“fulminis adflavit ventis et contigit igni.”

[¶10] Such fixed resolve he uttered o'er and o'er,
and would not yield, though with my tears did join
my spouse Creusa, fair Ascanius,
and our whole house, imploring the gray sire
not with himself to ruin all, nor add
yet heavier burdens to our crushing doom.
He still cried, “No!” and clung to where he sat
and to the same dread purpose. I once more
back to the fight would speed. For death alone
I made my wretched prayer. What space was left
for wisdom now? What chance or hope was given?
“Didst thou, dear father, dream that I could fly
sundered from thee? Did such an infamy
fall from a father's lips? If Heaven's decree
will of this mighty nation not let live
a single soul, if thine own purpose be
to cast thyself and thy posterity
into thy country's grave, behold, the door
is open to thy death! Lo, Pyrrhus comes
red-handed from King Priam! He has slain
a son before a father's eyes, and spilt
a father's blood upon his own hearthstone.
Was it for this, O heavenly mother mine,
that thou hast brought me safe through sword and fire?
that I might see these altars desecrate
by their worst foes? that I might look upon
my sire, my wife, and sweet Ascanius
dead at my feet in one another's blood?
To arms, my men, to arms! The hour of death
now beckons to the vanquished. Let me go
whither the Greeks are gathered; let me stand
where oft revives the flagging stroke of war:
Not all of us die unavenged this day!”

> Latin: Talia perstabat memorans, fixusque manebat.
Nos contra effusi lacrimis, coniunxque Creüsa
Ascaniusque omnisque domus, ne vertere secum
cuncta pater fatoque urguenti incumbere vellet.
Abnegat, inceptoque et sedibus haeret in isdem.
Rursus in arma feror, mortemque miserrimus opto:
nam quod consilium aut quae iam fortuna dabatur?
“Mene efferre pedem, genitor, te posse relicto”
“sperasti, tantumque nefas patrio excidit ore?”
“Si nihil ex tanta Superis placet urbe relinqui,”
“et sedet hoc animo, perituraeque addere Troiae”
“teque tuosque iuvat, patet isti ianua leto,”
“iamque aderit multo Priami de sanguine Pyrrhus,”
“natum ante ora patris, patrem qui obtruncat ad aras.”
“Hoc erat, alma parens, quod me per tela, per ignis”
“eripis, ut mediis hostem in penetralibus, utque”
“Ascanium patremque meum iuxtaque Creüsam”
“alterum in alterius mactatos sanguine cernam?”
“Arma, viri, ferte arma; vocat lux ultima victos.”
“Reddite me Danais; sinite instaurata revisam”
“proelia: Numquam omnes hodie moriemur inulti.”

[¶11] I clasped my sword-belt round me once again,
fitted my left arm to my shield, and turned
to fly the house; but at the threshold clung
Creusa to my knees, and lifted up
Iulus to his father's arms. “If thou
wouldst rush on death,” she cried, “O, suffer us
to share thy perils with thee to the end.
But if this day's work bid thee trust a sword,
defend thy hearthstone first. Who else shall guard
thy babe Iulus, or thy reverend sire?
Or me, thy wife that was—what help have I?”

> Latin: Hinc ferro accingor rursus clipeoque sinistram
insertabam aptans, meque extra tecta ferebam.
Ecce autem complexa pedes in limine coniunx
haerebat, parvumque patri tendebat Iulum:
“Si periturus abis, et nos rape in omnia tecum;”
“sin aliquam expertus sumptis spem ponis in armis,”
“hanc primum tutare domum. Cui parvus Iulus,”
“cui pater et coniunx quondam tua dicta relinquor?”

[¶12] So rang the roof-top with her piteous cries:
but lo! a portent wonderful to see
on sudden rose; for while his parents' grief
held the boy close in arm and full in view,
there seemed upon Iulus' head to glow
a flickering peak of fire; the tongue of flame
innocuous o'er his clustering tresses played,
and hovered round his brows. We, horror-struck,
grasped at his burning hair, and sprinkled him,
to quench that holy and auspicious fire.
then sire Anchises with exultant eyes
looked heavenward, and lifted to the stars
his voice and outstretched hands. “Almighty Jove,
if aught of prayer may move thee, let thy grace
now visit us! O, hear this holy vow!
And if for service at thine altars done,
we aught can claim, O Father, lend us aid,
and ratify the omen thou hast given!”

> Latin: Talia vociferans gemitu tectum omne replebat,
cum subitum dictuque oritur mirabile monstrum.
Namque manus inter maestorumque ora parentum
ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli
fundere lumen apex, tactuque innoxia mollis
lambere flamma comas et circum tempora pasci.
Nos pavidi trepidare metu, crinemque flagrantem
excutere et sanctos restinguere fontibus ignis.
At pater Anchises oculos ad sidera laetus
extulit, et caelo palmas cum voce tetendit:
“Iuppiter omnipotens, precibus si flecteris ullis,”
“aspice nos; hoc tantum, et, si pietate meremur,”
“da deinde auxilium, pater, atque haec omina firma.”

[¶13] Scarce ceased his aged voice, when suddenly
from leftward, with a deafening thunder-peal,
cleaving the blackness of the vaulted sky,
a meteor-star in trailing splendor ran,
exceeding bright. We watched it glide sublime
o'er tower and town, until its radiant beam
in forest-mantled Ida died away;
but left a furrow on its track in air,
a glittering, Iong line, while far and wide
the sulphurous fume and exhalation flowed.
My father strove not now; but lifted him
in prayer to all the gods, in holy awe
of that auspicious star, and thus exclaimed:
“Tarry no moment more! Behold, I come!
Whithersoe'er ye lead, my steps obey.
Gods of my fathers, O, preserve our name!
Preserve my son, and his! This augury
is yours; and Troy on your sole strength relies.
I yield, dear son; I journey at thy side.”
He spoke; and higher o'er the blazing walls
leaped the loud fire, while ever nearer drew
the rolling surges of tumultuous flame.
“Haste, father, on these bending shoulders climb!
This back is ready, and the burden light;
one peril smites us both, whate'er befall;
one rescue both shall find. Close at my side
let young Iulus run, while, not too nigh,
my wife Creusa heeds what way we go.
Ye servants of our house, give ear, I pray,
to my command. Outside the city's gates
lies a low mound and long since ruined fane
to Ceres vowed; a cypress, ancient shade
o'erhangs it, which our fathers' pious care
protected year by year; by various paths
be that our meeting-place. But in thy hands
bring, sire, our household gods, and sanctifies:
for me to touch, who come this very hour
from battle and the fresh blood of the slain,
were but abomination, till what time
in living waters I shall make me clean.”
So saying, I bowed my neck and shoulders broad,
o'erspread me with a lion's tawny skin,
and lifted up my load. Close at my side
little Iulus twined his hand in mine
and followed, with unequal step, his sire.
My wife at distance came. We hastened on,
creeping through shadows; I, who once had viewed
undaunted every instrument of war
and all the gathered Greeks in grim array,
now shook at every gust, and heard all sounds
with fevered trepidation, fearing both
for him I bore and him who clasped my hand.
Now near the gates I drew, and deemed our flight
safely at end, when suddenly I heard
the sounding tread of many warriors
that seemed hard-by, while through the murky night
my father peered, and shouted, “O my son,
away, away! for surely all our foes
are here upon us, and my eyes behold
the glance of glittering shields and flash of arms.”
O, then some evil-working, nameless god
clouded my senses quite: for while I sped
along our pathless way, and left behind
all paths and regions known—O wretched me!—
Creusa on some dark disaster fell;
she stopped, or wandered, or sank down undone,—
I never knew what way,—and nevermore
I looked on her alive. Yet knew I not
my loss, nor backward turned a look or thought,
till by that hallowed hill to Ceres vowed
we gathered all,— and she alone came not,
while husband, friends, and son made search in vain.
What god, what man, did not my grief accuse
in frenzied word? In all the ruined land
what worse woe had I seen? Entrusting then
my sire, my son, and all the Teucrian gods
to the deep shadows of a slanting vale
where my allies kept guard, I tried me back
to that doomed town, re-girt in glittering arms.
Resolved was I all hazards to renew,
all Troy to re-explore, and once again
offer my life to perils without end.

> Latin: Vix ea fatus erat senior, subitoque fragore
intonuit laevum, et de caelo lapsa per umbras
stella facem ducens multa cum luce cucurrit.
Illam, summa super labentem culmina tecti,
cernimus Idaea claram se condere silva
signantemque vias; tum longo limite sulcus
dat lucem, et late circum loca sulphure fumant.
Hic vero victus genitor se tollit ad auras,
adfaturque deos et sanctum sidus adorat.
“Iam iam nulla mora est; sequor et qua ducitis adsum.”
“Di patrii, servate domum, servate nepotem.”
“Vestrum hoc augurium, vestroque in numine Troia est.”
“Cedo equidem, nec, nate, tibi comes ire recuso.”
Dixerat ille; et iam per moenia clarior ignis
auditur, propiusque aestus incendia volvunt.
“Ergo age, care pater, cervici imponere nostrae;”
“ipse subibo umeris, nec me labor iste gravabit:”
“quo res cumque cadent, unum et commune periclum,”
“una salus ambobus erit. Mihi parvus Iulus”
“sit comes, et longe servet vestigia coniunx:”
“vos, famuli, quae dicam, animis advertite vestris.”
“Est urbe egressis tumulus templumque vetustum”
“desertae Cereris, iuxtaque antiqua cupressus”
“religione patrum multos servata per annos.”
“Hanc ex diverso sedem veniemus in unam.”
“Tu, genitor, cape sacra manu patriosque Penatis;”
“me, bello e tanto digressum et caede recenti,”
“attrectare nefas, donec me flumine vivo”
“abluero.”
Haec fatus, latos umeros subiectaque colla
veste super fulvique insternor pelle leonis,
succedoque oneri; dextrae se parvus Iulus
implicuit sequiturque patrem non passibus aequis;
pone subit coniunx: ferimur per opaca locorum;
et me, quem dudum non ulla iniecta movebant
tela neque adverso glomerati ex agmine Grai,
nunc omnes terrent aurae, sonus excitat omnis
suspensum et pariter comitique onerique timentem.
Iamque propinquabam portis, omnemque videbar
evasisse viam, subito cum creber ad auris
visus adesse pedum sonitus, genitorque per umbram
prospiciens; “Nate” exclamat, “fuge nate, propinquant.”
“Ardentis clipeos atque aera micantia cerno!”—
Hic mihi nescio quod trepido male numen amicum
confusam eripuit mentem. Namque avia cursu
dum sequor, et nota excedo regione viarum,
heu, misero coniunx fatone erepta Creüsa
substitit, erravitne via, seu lassa resedit,
incertum; nec post oculis est reddita nostris.
Nec prius amissam respexi animumque reflexi,
quam tumulum antiquae Cereris sedemque sacratam
venimus; hic demum collectis omnibus una
defuit, et comites natumque virumque fefellit.
Quem non incusavi amens hominumque deorumque,
aut quid in eversa vidi crudelius urbe?
Ascanium Anchisenque patrem Teucrosque Penatis
commendo sociis et curva valle recondo;
ipse urbem repeto et cingor fulgentibus armis.
Stat casus renovare omnis, omnemque reverti
per Troiam, et rursus caput obiectare periclis.

[¶14] The walls and gloomy gates whence forth I came
I first revisit, and retrace my way,
searching the night once more. On all sides round
horror spread wide; the very silence breathed
a terror on my soul. I hastened then
back to my fallen home, if haply there
her feet had strayed; but the invading Greeks
were its possessors, though the hungry fire
was blown along the roof-tree, and the flames
rolled raging upward on the fitful gale.
To Priam's house I haste, and climb once more
the citadel; in Juno's temple there,
the chosen guardians of her wasted halls,
Phoenix and dread Ulysses watched the spoil.
Here, snatched away from many a burning fane,
Troy's treasures lay,—rich tables for the gods,
thick bowls of messy gold, and vestures rare,
confusedly heaped up, while round the pile
fair youths and trembling virgins stood forlorn.
Yet oft my voice rang dauntless through the gloom,
from street to street I cried with anguish vain;
and on Creusa piteously calling,
woke the lamenting echoes o'er and o'er.
While on this quest I roamed the city through,
of reason reft there rose upon my sight—
O shape of sorrow!— my Creusa's ghost,
hers truly, though a loftier port it wore.
I quailed, my hair rose, and I gasped for fear;
but thus she spoke, and soothed my grief away:
“Why to these frenzied sorrows bend thy soul,
O husband ever dear! The will of Heaven
hath brought all this to pass. Fate doth not send
Creusa the long journeys thou shalt take,
or hath th' Olympian King so given decree.
Long is thy banishment; thy ship must plough
the vast, far-spreading sea. Then shalt thou come
unto Hesperia, whose fruitful plains
are watered by the Tiber, Lydian stream,
of smooth, benignant Bow. Thou shalt obtain
fair fortunes, and a throne and royal bride.
For thy beloved Creusa weep no more!
No Myrmidon's proud palace waits me now;
Dolopian shall not scorn, nor Argive dames
command a slave of Dardan's royal stem
and wife to Venus' son. On these loved shores
the Mother of the Gods compels my stay.
Farewell! farewell! O, cherish evermore
thy son and mine!” Her utterance scarce had ceased,
when, as I strove through tears to make reply,
she left me, and dissolved in empty air.
Thrice would my frustrate arms her form enfold;
thrice from the clasp of hand that vision fled,
like wafted winds and like a fleeting dream.

> Latin: Principio muros obscuraque limina portae,
qua gressum extuleram, repeto, et vestigia retro
observata sequor per noctem et lumine lustro.
Horror ubique animo, simul ipsa silentia terrent.
Inde domum, si forte pedem, si forte tulisset,
me refero: inruerant Danai, et tectum omne tenebant.
Ilicet ignis edax summa ad fastigia vento
volvitur; exsuperant flammae, furit aestus ad auras.
Procedo et Priami sedes arcemque reviso.
Et iam porticibus vacuis Iunonis asylo
custodes lecti Phoenix et dirus Ulixes
praedam adservabant. Huc undique Troia gaza
incensis erepta adytis, mensaeque deorum,
crateresque auro solidi, captivaque vestis
congeritur; pueri et pavidae longo ordine matres
stant circum.
Ausus quin etiam voces iactare per umbram
implevi clamore vias, maestusque Creüsam
nequiquam ingeminans iterumque iterumque vocavi.
Quaerenti et tectis urbis sine fine furenti
infelix simulacrum atque ipsius umbra Creüsae
visa mihi ante oculos et nota maior imago.
Obstipui, steteruntque comae et vox faucibus haesit.
[Tum sic adfari et curas his demere dictis:]
“Quid tantum insano iuvat indulgere dolori,”
“O dulcis coniunx? Non haec sine numine divom”
“eveniunt; nec te hinc comitem asportare Creüsam”
“fas, aut ille sinit superi regnator Olympi.”
“Longa tibi exsilia, et vastum maris aequor arandum,”
“et terram Hesperiam venies, ubi Lydius arva”
“inter opima virum leni fluit agmine Thybris:”
“illic res laetae regnumque et regia coniunx”
“parta tibi. Lacrimas dilectae pelle Creüsae.”
“Non ego Myrmidonum sedes Dolopumve superbas”
“aspiciam, aut Graiis servitum matribus ibo,”
“Dardanis, et divae Veneris nurus.”
“Sed me magna deum genetrix his detinet oris:”
“iamque vale, et nati serva communis amorem.”
Haec ubi dicta dedit, lacrimantem et multa volentem
dicere deseruit, tenuisque recessit in auras.
Ter conatus ibi collo dare bracchia circum:
ter frustra comprensa manus effugit imago,
par levibus ventis volucrique simillima somno.

[¶15] The night had passed, and to my friends once more
I made my way, much wondering to find
a mighty multitude assembled there
of friends new-come,—matrons and men-at-arms,
and youth for exile bound,— a doleful throng.
From far and near they drew, their hearts prepared
and their possessions gathered, to sail forth
to lands unknown, wherever o'er the wave
I bade them follow. Now above the crest
of loftiest Ida rose the morning-star,
chief in the front of day. The Greeks held fast
the captive gates of Troy. No help or hope
was ours any more. Then, yielding all,
and lifting once again my aged sire,
for refuge to the distant hills I fled.

> Latin: Sic demum socios consumpta nocte reviso.
Atque hic ingentem comitum adfluxisse novorum
invenio admirans numerum, matresque virosque,
collectam exsilio pubem, miserabile volgus.
Undique convenere, animis opibusque parati,
in quascumque velim pelago deducere terras.
Iamque iugis summae surgebat Lucifer Idae
ducebatque diem, Danaique obsessa tenebant
limina portarum, nec spes opis ulla dabatur;
cessi, et sublato montes genitore petivi.

## 5. Book III · lines 1–373

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/5/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/5/#p-N

[¶0] When Asia's power and Priam's race and throne,
though guiltless, were cast down by Heaven's decree,
when Ilium proud had fallen, and Neptune's Troy
in smouldering ash lay level with the ground,
to wandering exile then and regions wild
the gods by many an augury and sign
compelled us forth. We fashioned us a fleet
within Antander's haven, in the shade
of Phrygian Ida's peak (though knowing not
whither our fate would drive, or where afford
a resting-place at last), and my small band
of warriors I arrayed. As soon as smiled
the light of summer's prime, my reverend sire
Anchises bade us on the winds of Fate
to spread all sail. Through tears I saw recede
my native shore, the haven and the plains
where once was Troy. An exile on the seas,
with son and followers and household shrines,
and Troy's great guardian-gods, I took my way.

> Latin: Postquam res Asiae Priamique evertere gentem
immeritam visum Superis, ceciditque superbum
Ilium, et omnis humo fumat Neptunia Troia,
diversa exsilia et desertas quaerere terras
auguriis agimur divom, classemque sub ipsa
Antandro et Phrygiae molimur montibus Idae,
incerti, quo fata ferant, ubi sistere detur,
contrahimusque viros. Vix prima inceperat aestas,
et pater Anchises dare fatis vela iubebat;
litora cum patriae lacrimans portusque relinquo
et campos, ubi Troia fuit: feror exsul in altum
cum sociis natoque Penatibus et magnis dis.

[¶1] There is a far-off land where warriors breed,
where Thracians till the boundless plains, and where
the cruel-eyed Lycurgus once was king.
Troy's old ally it was, its deities
had brotherhood with ours before our fall.
Thither I fared, and on its winding shores
set my first walls, though partial Fate opposed
our entrance there. In memory of my name
I called its people the Aeneadae.

> Latin: Terra procul vastis colitur Mavortia campis,
Thraces arant, acri quondam regnata Lycurgo,
hospitium antiquum Troiae sociique Penates,
dum Fortuna fuit. Feror huc, et litore curvo
moenia prima loco, fatis ingressus iniquis,
Aeneadasque meo nomen de nomine fingo.

[¶2] Unto Dione's daughter, and all gods
who blessed our young emprise, due gifts were paid;
and unto the supreme celestial King
I slew a fair white bull beside the sea.
But haply near my place of sacrifice
a mound was seen, and on the summit grew
a copse of corner and a myrtle tree,
with spear-like limbs outbranched on every side.
This I approached, and tried to rend away
from its deep roots that grove of gloomy green,
and dress my altars in its leafy boughs.
But, horrible to tell, a prodigy
smote my astonished eyes: for the first tree,
which from the earth with broken roots I drew,
dripped black with bloody drops, and gave the ground
dark stains of gore. Cold horror shook my frame,
and every vein within me froze for fear.
Once more I tried from yet another stock
the pliant stem to tear, and to explore
the mystery within,—but yet again
the foul bark oozed with clots of blackest gore!
From my deep-shaken soul I made a prayer
to all the woodland nymphs and to divine
Gradivus, patron of the Thracian plain,
to bless this sight, to lift its curse away.
But when at a third sheaf of myrtle spears
I fell upon my knees, and tugged amain
against the adverse ground (I dread to tell!),
a moaning and a wail from that deep grave
burst forth and murmured in my listening ear:
“Why wound me, great Aeneas, in my woe?
O, spare the dead, nor let thy holy hands
do sacrilege and sin! I, Trojan-born,
was kin of thine. This blood is not of trees.
Haste from this murderous shore, this land of greed.
O, I am Polydorus! Haste away!
Here was I pierced; a crop of iron spears
has grown up o'er my breast, and multiplied
to all these deadly javelins, keen and strong.”
Then stood I, burdened with dark doubt and fear
I quailed, my hair rose and my utterance choked.

> Latin: Sacra Dionaeae matri divisque ferebam
auspicibus coeptorum operum, superoque nitentem
caelicolum regi mactabam in litore taurum.
Forte fuit iuxta tumulus, quo cornea summo
virgulta et densis hastilibus horrida myrtus.
Accessi, viridemque ab humo convellere silvam
conatus, ramis tegerem ut frondentibus aras,
horrendum et dictu video mirabile monstrum.
Nam, quae prima solo ruptis radicibus arbos
vellitur, huic atro liquuntur sanguine guttae,
et terram tabo maculant. Mihi frigidus horror
membra quatit, gelidusque coit formidine sanguis.
Rursus et alterius lentum convellere vimen
insequor, et causas penitus temptare latentis:
ater et alterius sequitur de cortice sanguis.
Multa movens animo nymphas venerabar agrestis
Gradivumque patrem, Geticis qui praesidet arvis,
rite secundarent visus omenque levarent.
Tertia sed postquam maiore hastilia nisu
adgredior, genibusque adversae obluctor harenae—
eloquar, an sileam?—gemitus lacrimabilis imo
auditur tumulo, et vox reddita fertur ad auris:
“Quid miserum, Aenea, laceras? Iam parce sepulto;”
“parce pias scelerare manus. Non me tibi Troia”
“externum tulit, aut cruor hic de stipite manat.”
“Heu, fuge crudelis terras, fuge litus avarum:”
“nam Polydorus ego; hic confixum ferrea texit”
“telorum seges et iaculis increvit acutis.”
Tum vero ancipiti mentem formidine pressus
obstipui, steteruntque comae et vox faucibus haesit.

[¶3] For once this Polydorus, with much gold,
ill-fated Priam sent by stealth away
for nurture with the Thracian king, what time
Dardania's war Iooked hopeless, and her towers
were ringed about by unrelenting siege.
That king, when Ilium's cause was ebbing low,
and fortune frowned, gave o'er his plighted faith
to Agamemnon's might and victory;
he scorned all honor and did murder foul
on Polydorus, seizing lawlessly
on all the gold. O, whither at thy will,
curst greed of gold, may mortal hearts be driven?
Soon as my shuddering ceased, I told this tale
of prodigies before the people's chiefs,
who sat in conclave with my kingly sire,
and bade them speak their reverend counsel forth.
All found one voice; to leave that land of sin,
where foul abomination had profaned
a stranger's right; and once more to resign
our fleet unto the tempest and the wave.
But fit and solemn funeral rites were paid
to Polydorus. A high mound we reared
of heaped-up earth, and to his honored shade
built a perpetual altar, sadly dressed
in cypress dark and purple pall of woe.
Our Ilian women wailed with loosened hair;
new milk was sprinkled from a foaming cup,
and from the shallow bowl fresh blood out-poured
upon the sacred ground. So in its tomb
we laid his ghost to rest, and loudly sang,
with prayer for peace, the long, the last farewell.

> Latin: Hunc Polydorum auri quondam cum pondere magno
infelix Priamus furtim mandarat alendum
Threicio regi, cum iam diffideret armis
Dardaniae, cingique urbem obsidione videret.
Ille, ut opes fractae Teucrum, et Fortuna recessit,
res Agamemnonias victriciaque arma secutus,
fas omne abrumpit; Polydorum obtruncat, et auro
vi potitur. Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
auri sacra fames? Postquam pavor ossa reliquit,
delectos populi ad proceres primumque parentem
monstra deum refero, et quae sit sententia posco.
Omnibus idem animus, scelerata excedere terra,
linqui pollutum hospitium, et dare classibus austros.
Ergo instauramus Polydoro funus, et ingens
aggeritur tumulo tellus; stant Manibus arae,
caeruleis maestae vittis atraque cupresso,
et circum Iliades crinem de more solutae;
inferimus tepido spumantia cymbia lacte
sanguinis et sacri pateras, animamque sepulchro
condimus, et magna supremum voce ciemus.

[¶4] After these things, when first the friendly sea
looked safe and fair, and o'er its tranquil plain
light-whispering breezes bade us launch away,
my men drew down our galleys to the brine,
thronging the shore. Soon out of port we ran,
and watched the hills and cities fading far.
There is a sacred island in mid-seas,
to fruitful Doris and to Neptune dear,
which grateful Phoebus, wielder of the bow,
the while it drifted loose from land to land,
chained firmly where the crags of Gyaros
and Myconos uptower, and bade it rest
immovable, in scorn of wind and wave.
Thither I sped; by this my weary ships
found undisturbed retreat and haven fair.
To land we came and saw with reverent eyes
Apollo's citadel. King Anius,
his people's king, and priest at Phoebus' fane,
came forth to meet us, wearing on his brow
the fillets and a holy laurel crown.
Unto Anchises he gave greeting kind,
claimed old acquaintance, grasped us by the hand,
and bade us both his roof and welcome share.

> Latin: Inde, ubi prima fides pelago, placataque venti
dant maria et lenis crepitans vocat Auster in altum,
deducunt socii navis et litora complent:
provehimur portu, terraeque urbesque recedunt.
Sacra mari colitur medio gratissima tellus
Nereidum matri et Neptuno Aegaeo,
quam pius arquitenens oras et litora circum
errantem Mycono e celsa Gyaroque revinxit,
immotamque coli dedit et contemnere ventos.
Huc feror; haec fessos tuto placidissima portu
accipit: egressi veneramur Apollinis urbem.
Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos
vittis et sacra redimitus tempora lauro,
occurrit; veterem Anchisen adgnovit amicum.
Iungimus hospitio dextras, et tecta subimus.

[¶5] Then, kneeling at the shrine of time-worn stone:
“Thou who at Thymbra on the Trojan shore
hast often blessed my prayer, O, give to me
a hearth and home, and to this war-worn band
defensive towers and offspring multiplied
in an abiding city; give to Troy
a second citadel, that shall survive
Achilles' wrath and all our Argive foe.
Whom shall we follow? Whither lies our way?
Where wilt thou grant us an abiding-place?
Send forth, O King, thy voice oracular,
and on our spirits move.”

> Latin: Templa dei saxo venerabar structa vetusto:
“Da propriam, Thymbraee, domum; da moenia fessis”
“et genus et mansuram urbem; serva altera Troiae”
“Pergama, reliquias Danaum atque immitis Achilli.”
“Quem sequimur? Quove ire iubes? Ubi ponere sedes?”
“Da, pater, augurium, atque animis inlabere nostris.”

[¶6] Scarce had I spoke
when sudden trembling through the laurels ran
and smote the holy portals; far and wide
the mighty ridges of the mountain shook,
and from the opening shrine the tripod moaned.
Prostrate to earth we fall, as on our ears
this utterance breaks: “O breed of iron men,
ye sons of Dardanus! the self-same land
where bloomed at first your far-descended stem
shall to its bounteous bosom draw ye home.
Seek out your ancient Mother! There at last
Aeneas' race shall reign on every shore,
and his sons' sons, and all their house to be.”
So Phoebus spoke; and mighty joy uprose
from all my thronging people, who would know
where Phoebus' city lay, and whitherward
the god ordained the wandering tribe's return.
Then spake my father, pondering olden days
and sacred memories of heroes gone:
“Hear, chiefs and princes, what your hopes shall be!
The Isle of Crete, abode of lofty Jove,
rests in the middle sea. Thence Ida soars;
there is the cradle of our race. It boasts
a hundred cities, seats of fruitful power.
Thence our chief sire, if duly I recall
the olden tale, King Teucer sprung, who first
touched on the Trojan shore, and chose his seat
of kingly power. There was no Ilium then
nor towered Pergama; in lowly vales
their dwelling; hence the ancient worship given
to the Protectress of Mount Cybele,
mother of Gods, what time in Ida's grove
the brazen Corybantic cymbals clang,
or sacred silence guards her mystery,
and lions yoked her royal chariot draw.
Up, then, and follow the behests divine!
Pour offering to the winds, and point your keels
unto that realm of Minos. It is near.
if Jove but bless, the third day's dawn should see
our ships at Cretan land.” So, having said,
he slew the victims for each altar's praise.
A bull to Neptune, and a bull to thee,
o beauteous Apollo! A black lamb
unto the clouds and storms; but fleece of snow
to the mild zephyrs was our offering.

> Latin: Vix ea fatus eram: tremere omnia visa repente,
liminaque laurusque dei, totusque moveri
mons circum, et mugire adytis cortina reclusis.
Submissi petimus terram, et vox fertur ad auris:
“Dardanidae duri, quae vos a stirpe parentum”
“prima tulit tellus, eadem vos ubere laeto”
“accipiet reduces. Antiquam exquirite matrem:”
“hic domus Aeneae cunctis dominabitur oris,”
“et nati natorum, et qui nascentur ab illis.”
Haec Phoebus; mixtoque ingens exorta tumultu
laetitia, et cuncti quae sint ea moenia quaerunt,
quo Phoebus vocet errantis iubeatque reverti?
Tum genitor, veterum volvens monumenta virorum,
“Audite, O proceres” ait “et spes discite vestras:”
“Creta Iovis magni medio iacet insula ponto;”
“mons Idaeus ubi, et gentis cunabula nostrae.”
“Centum urbes habitant magnas, uberrima regna;”
“maximus unde pater, si rite audita recordor,”
“Teucrus Rhoeteas primum est advectus in oras,”
“optavitque locum regno. Nondum Ilium et arces”
“Pergameae steterant; habitabant vallibus imis.”
“hinc mater cultrix Cybeli Corybantiaque aera”
“Idaeumque nemus; hinc fida silentia sacris,”
“et iuncti currum dominae subiere leones.”
“Ergo agite, et, divom ducunt qua iussa, sequamur;”
“placemus ventos et Gnosia regna petamus.”
“Nec longo distant cursu; modo Iuppiter adsit,”
“tertia lux classem Cretaeis sistet in oris.”
Sic fatus, meritos aris mactavit honores,
taurum Neptuno, taurum tibi, pulcher Apollo
nigram Hiemi pecudem, Zephyris felicibus albam.

[¶7] The tale was told us that Idomeneus,
from his hereditary kindgom driven,
had left his Crete abandoned, that no foe
now harbored there, but all its dwellings lay
untenanted of man. So forth we sailed
out of the port of Delos, and sped far
along the main. The maenad-haunted hills
of Naxos came in view; the ridges green
of fair Donysa, with Olearos,
and Paros, gleaming white, and Cyclades
scattered among the waves, as close we ran
where thick-strewn islands vex the channelled seas
with rival shout the sailors cheerly called:
“On, comrades! On, to Crete and to our sires!”
Freely behind us blew the friendly winds,
and gave smooth passage to that fabled shore,
the land of the Curetes, friends of Jove.
There eagerly I labored at the walls
of our long-prayed-for city; and its name
was Pergamea; to my Trojan band,
pleased with such name, I gave command to build
altar and hearth, and raise the lofty tower.

> Latin: Fama volat pulsum regnis cessisse paternis
Idomenea ducem, desertaque litora Cretae
hoste vacare domos, sedesque adstare relictas.
Linquimus Ortygiae portus, pelagoque volamus,
bacchatamque iugis Naxon viridemque Donysam,
Olearon, niveamque Paron, sparsasque per aequor
Cycladas, et crebris legimus freta consita terris.
Nauticus exoritur vario certamine clamor;
hortantur socii: “Cretam proavosque petamus!”
Prosequitur surgens a puppi ventus euntis
et tandem antiquis Curetum adlabimur oris.
Ergo avidus muros optatae molior urbis,
Pergameamque voco, et laetam cognomine gentem
hortor amare focos arcemque attollere tectis.

[¶8] But scarce the ships were beached along the strand
(While o'er the isle my busy mariners
ploughed in new fields and took them wives once more, —
I giving homes and laws) when suddenly
a pestilence from some infectious sky
seized on man's flesh, and horribly exhaled
o'er trees and crops a fatal year of plague.
Some breathed their last, while others weak and worn
lived on; the dog-star parched the barren fields;
grass withered, and the sickly, mouldering corn
refused us life. My aged father then
bade us re-cross the waves and re-implore
Apollo's mercy at his island shrine;
if haply of our weariness and woe
he might vouchsafe the end, or bid us find
help for our task, or guidance o'er the sea.

> Latin: Iamque fere sicco subductae litore puppes;
conubiis arvisque novis operata iuventus;
iura domosque dabam: subito cum tabida membris,
corrupto caeli tractu, miserandaque venit
arboribusque satisque lues et letifer annus.
Linquebant dulcis animas, aut aegra trahebant
corpora; tum sterilis exurere Sirius agros;
arebant herbae, et victum seges aegra negabat.
Rursus ad oraclum Ortygiae Phoebumque remenso
hortatur pater ire mari, veniamque precari:
quam fessis finem rebus ferat; unde laborum
temptare auxilium iubeat; quo vertere cursus.

[¶9] 'T was night, and sleep possessed all breathing things;
when, lo! the sacred effigies divine,
the Phrygian gods which through the flames I bore
from fallen Troy, seemed in a vision clear
to stand before me where I slumbering lay,
bathed in bright beams which from the moon at full
streamed through the latticed wall: and thus they spoke
to soothe my care away. “Apollo's word,
which in far Delos the god meant for thee,
is uttered here. Behold, he sends ourselves
to this thy house, before thy prayer is made.
We from Troy's ashes have companioned thee
in every fight; and we the swollen seas,
guided by thee, in thine own ships have crossed;
our power divine shall set among the stars
thy seed to be, and to thy city give
dominion evermore. For mighty men
go build its mighty walls! Seek not to shun
the hard, long labors of an exile's way.
Change this abode! Not thine this Cretan shore,
nor here would Delian Phoebus have thee bide.
There is a land the roving Greeks have named
Hesperia. It is a storied realm
made mighty by great wars and fruitful land.
Oenotrians had it, and their sons, 't is said,
have called it Italy, a chieftain's name
to a whole region given. That land alone
our true abode can be; for Dardanus
was cradled there, and old Iasius,
their blood the oldest of our ancient line.
Arise! go forth and cheer thy father gray
with the glad tidings! Bid him doubt no more!
Ausonia seek and Corythus; for Jove
denies this Cretan realm to thine and thee.”
I marvelled at the heavenly presences
so vocal and so bright, for 't was not sleep;
but face to face I deemed I could discern
each countenance august and holy brow,
each mantled head; and from my body ran
cold sweat of awe. From my low couch I sprang,
lifting to heaven my suppliant hands and prayer,
and o'er my hearth poured forth libations free.
After th' auspicious offering, I told
Anchises the whole tale in order due.
He owned our stock two-branched, of our great sires
the twofold line, and that his thought had strayed,
in new confusion mingling ancient names;
then spoke: “O son, in Ilium's doom severe
afflicted ever! To my ears alone
this dark vicissitude Cassandra sang.
I mind me now that her wild tongue foretold
such destiny. For oft she called aloud
‘Hesperia!’ oft ‘Italia's kingdom!’ called.
But who had faith that Teucer's sons should come
to far Hesperia? What mortal ear
gave heed to sad Cassandra's voice divine?
Now Phoebus speaks. Obedient let us be,
and, warned by him, our happier Iot pursue!”
He spoke: with heart of hope we all obeyed;
again we changed abode; and, leaving there
a feeble few, again with spreading sails
we coursed in hollow ship the spacious sea.

> Latin: Nox erat, et terris animalia somnus habebat:
effigies sacrae divom Phrygiique Penates,
quos mecum a Troia mediisque ex ignibus urbis
extuleram, visi ante oculos adstare iacentis
in somnis, multo manifesti lumine, qua se
plena per insertas fundebat luna fenestras;
tum sic adfari et curas his demere dictis:
“Quod tibi delato Ortygiam dicturus Apollo est,”
“hic canit, et tua nos en ultro ad limina mittit.”
“Nos te, Dardania incensa, tuaque arma secuti,”
“nos tumidum sub te permensi classibus aequor,”
“idem venturos tollemus in astra nepotes,”
“imperiumque urbi dabimus: tu moenia magnis”
“magna para, longumque fugae ne linque laborem.”
“Mutandae sedes: non haec tibi litora suasit”
“Delius, aut Cretae iussit considere Apollo.”
“Est locus, Hesperiam Grai cognomine dicunt,”
“terra antiqua, potens armis atque ubere glaebae;”
“Oenotri coluere viri; nunc fama minores”
“Italiam dixisse ducis de nomine gentem:”
“hae nobis propriae sedes; hinc Dardanus ortus,”
“Iasiusque pater, genus a quo principe nostrum.”
“Surge age, et haec laetus longaevo dicta parenti”
“haud dubitanda refer: Corythum terrasque requirat”
“Ausonias; Dictaea negat tibi Iuppiter arva.”
Talibus attonitus visis et voce deorum—
nec sopor illud erat, sed coram adgnoscere voltus
velatasque comas praesentiaque ora videbar;
tum gelidus toto manabat corpore sudor
corripio e stratis corpus, tendoque supinas
ad caelum cum voce manus, et munera libo
intemerata focis. Perfecto laetus honore
Anchisen facio certum, remque ordine pando.
Adgnovit prolem ambiguam geminosque parentes,
seque novo veterum deceptum errore locorum.
Tum memorat: “Nate, Iliacis exercite fatis,”
“sola mihi talis casus Cassandra canebat.”
“Nunc repeto haec generi portendere debita nostro,”
“et saepe Hesperiam, saepe Itala regna vocare.”
“Sed quis ad Hesperiae venturos litora Teucros”
“crederet, aut quem tum vates Cassandra moveret?”
“Cedamus Phoebo, et moniti meliora sequamur.”
Sic ait, et cuncti dicto paremus ovantes.
Hanc quoque deserimus sedem, paucisque relictis
vela damus, vastumque cava trabe currimus aequor.

[¶10] When from the deep the shores had faded far,
and only sky and sea were round our way,
full in the zenith hung a purple cloud,
storm-laden, dark as night, and every wave
grew black and angry, while perpetual gales
came rolling o'er the main, and mountain-high
the wreckful surges rose; our ships were hurled
wide o'er the whirling waters; thunder-clouds
and misty murk of night made end of all
the light of heaven, save where the rifted storm
flashed with the oft-reiterate shaft of Jove.
Then went we drifting, beaten from our course,
upon a trackless sea. Not even the eyes
of Palinurus could tell night from noon
or ken our way. Three days of blinding dark,
three nights without a star, we roved the seas;
The fourth, land seemed to rise. Far distant hills
and rolling smoke we saw. Down came our sails,
out flew the oars, and with prompt stroke the crews
swept the dark waves and tossed the crested foam.
From such sea-peril safe, I made the shores
of Strophades,—a name the Grecians gave
to islands in the broad Ionic main, —
the Strophades, where dread Celaeno bides,
with other Harpies, who had quit the halls
of stricken Phineus, and for very fear
fled from the routed feast; no prodigy
more vile than these, nor plague more pitiless
ere rose by wrath divine from Stygian wave;
birds seem they, but with face like woman-kind;
foul-flowing bellies, hands with crooked claws,
and ghastly lips they have, with hunger pale.
Scarce had we made the haven, when, behold!
Fair herds of cattle roaming a wide plain,
and horned goats, untended, feeding free
in pastures green, surprised our happy eyes.
with eager blades we ran to take and slay,
asking of every god, and chicfly Jove,
to share the welcome prize: we ranged a feast,
with turf-built couches and a banquet-board
along the curving strand. But in a trice,
down from the high hills swooping horribly,
the Harpies loudly shrieking, flapped their wings,
snatched at our meats, and with infectious touch
polluted all; infernal was their cry,
the stench most vile. Once more in covert far
beneath a caverned rock, and close concealed
with trees and branching shade, we raised aloft
our tables, altars, and rekindled fires.
Once more from haunts unknown the clamorous flock
from every quarter flew, and seized its prey
with taloned feet and carrion lip most foul.
I called my mates to arms and opened war
on that accursed brood. My band obeyed;
and, hiding in deep grass their swords and shields,
in ambush lay. But presently the foe
swept o'er the winding shore with loud alarm:
then from a sentry-crag, Misenus blew
a signal on his hollow horn. My men
flew to the combat strange, and fain would wound
with martial steel those foul birds of the sea;
but on their sides no wounding blade could fall,
nor any plume be marred. In swiftest flight
to starry skies they soared, and left on earth
their half-gnawed, stolen feast, and footprints foul.
Celaeno only on a beetling crag
took lofty perch, and, prophetess of ill,
shrieked malediction from her vulture breast:
“Because of slaughtered kine and ravished herd,
sons of Laomedon, have ye made war?
And will ye from their rightful kingdom drive
the guiltless Harpies? Hear, O, hear my word
(Long in your bosoms may it rankle sore!)
which Jove omnipotent to Phoebus gave,
Phoebus to me: a word of doom, which I,
the Furies' elder sister, here unfold:
‘To Italy ye fare. The willing winds
your call have heard; and ye shall have your prayer
in some Italian haven safely moored.
But never shall ye rear the circling walls
of your own city, till for this our blood
by you unjustly spilt, your famished jaws
bite at your tables, aye,—and half devour.’”

> Latin: Postquam altum tenuere rates, nec iam amplius ullae
adparent terrae, caelum undique et undique pontus,
tum mihi caeruleus supra caput adstitit imber,
noctem hiememque ferens, et inhorruit unda tenebris.
Continuo venti volvunt mare, magnaque surgunt
aequora; dispersi iactamur gurgite vasto;
involvere diem nimbi, et nox umida caelum
abstulit; ingeminant abruptis nubibus ignes.
Excutimur cursu, et caecis erramus in undis.
Ipse diem noctemque negat discernere caelo,
nec meminisse viae media Palinurus in unda.
Tris adeo incertos caeca caligine soles
erramus pelago, totidem sine sidere noctes.
Quarto terra die primum se attollere tandem
visa, aperire procul montis, ac volvere fumum.
Vela cadunt, remis insurgimus; haud mora nautae
adnixi torquent spumas et caerula verrunt.
Servatum ex undis Strophadum me litora primum
accipiunt; Strophades Graio stant nomine dictae,
insulae Ionio in magno, quas dira Celaeno
Harpyiaeque colunt aliae, Phineia postquam
clausa domus, mensasque metu liquere priores.
Tristius haud illis monstrum, nec saevior ulla
pestis et ira deum Stygiis sese extulit undis.
Virginei volucrum voltus, foedissima ventris
proluvies, uncaeque manus, et pallida semper
ora fame.
Huc ubi delati portus intravimus, ecce
laeta boum passim campis armenta videmus,
caprigenumque pecus nullo custode per herbas.
Inruimus ferro, et divos ipsumque vocamus
in partem praedamque Iovem; tum litore curvo
exstruimusque toros, dapibusque epulamur opimis.
At subitae horrifico lapsu de montibus adsunt
Harpyiae, et magnis quatiunt clangoribus alas,
diripiuntque dapes, contactuque omnia foedant
immundo; tum vox taetrum dira inter odorem.
Rursum in secessu longo sub rupe cavata,
arboribus clausi circum atque horrentibus umbris,
instruimus mensas arisque reponimus ignem:
rursum ex diverso caeli caecisque latebris
turba sonans praedam pedibus circumvolat uncis,
polluit ore dapes. Sociis tunc, arma capessant,
edico, et dira bellum cum gente gerendum.
Haud secus ac iussi faciunt, tectosque per herbam
disponunt enses et scuta latentia condunt.
Ergo ubi delapsae sonitum per curva dedere
litora, dat signum specula Misenus ab alta
aere cavo. Invadunt socii, et nova proelia temptant,
obscenas pelagi ferro foedare volucres:
sed neque vim plumis ullam nec volnera tergo
accipiunt, celerique fuga sub sidera lapsae
semesam praedam et vestigia foeda relinquunt.
Una in praecelsa consedit rupe Celaeno,
infelix vates, rumpitque hanc pectore vocem:
“Bellum etiam pro caede boum stratisque iuvencis,”
“Laomedontiadae, bellumne inferre paratis,”
“et patrio Harpyias insontis pellere regno?”
“Accipite ergo animis atque haec mea figite dicta,”
“quae Phoebo pater omnipotens, mihi Phoebus Apollo”
“praedixit, vobis Furiarum ego maxuma pando.”
“Italiam cursu petitis, ventisque vocatis”
“ibitis Italiam, portusque intrare licebit;”
“sed non ante datam cingetis moenibus urbem,”
“quam vos dira fames nostraeque iniuria caedis”
“ambesas subigat malis absumere mensas.”

[¶11] She spoke: her pinions bore her to the grove,
and she was seen no more. But all my band
shuddered with shock of fear in each cold vein;
their drooping spirits trusted swords no more,
but turned to prayers and offerings, asking grace,
scarce knowing if those creatures were divine,
or but vast birds, ill-omened and unclean.
Father Anchises to the gods in heaven
uplifted suppliant hands, and on that shore
due ritual made, crying aloud; “Ye gods
avert this curse, this evil turn away!
Smile, Heaven, upon your faithful votaries.”
Then bade he launch away, the chain undo,
set every cable free and spread all sail.
O'er the white waves we flew, and took our way
where'er the helmsman or the winds could guide.
Now forest-clad Zacynthus met our gaze,
engirdled by the waves; Dulichium,
same, and Neritos, a rocky steep,
uprose. We passed the cliffs of Ithaca
that called Laertes king, and flung our curse
on fierce Ulysses' hearth and native land.
nigh hoar Leucate's clouded crest we drew,
where Phoebus' temple, feared by mariners,
loomed o'er us; thitherward we steered and reached
the little port and town. Our weary fleet
dropped anchor, and lay beached along the strand.

> Latin: Dixit, et in silvam pennis ablata refugit.
At sociis subita gelidus formidine sanguis
deriguit; cecidere animi, nec iam amplius armis,
sed votis precibusque iubent exposcere pacem,
sive deae, seu sint dirae obscenaeque volucres.
Et pater Anchises passis de litore palmis
numina magna vocat, meritosque indicit honores:
“Di, prohibete minas; di, talem avertite casum,”
“et placidi servate pios!” Tum litore funem
deripere, excussosque iubet laxare rudentes.
Tendunt vela Noti; fugimus spumantibus undis,
qua cursum ventusque gubernatorque vocabat.
Iam medio adparet fluctu nemorosa Zacynthos
Dulichiumque Sameque et Neritos ardua saxis.
Effugimus scopulos Ithacae, Laertia regna,
et terram altricem saevi exsecramur Ulixi.
Mox et Leucatae nimbosa cacumina montis
et formidatus nautis aperitur Apollo.
Hunc petimus fessi et parvae succedimus urbi;
ancora de prora iacitur, stant litore puppes.

[¶12] So, safe at land, our hopeless peril past,
we offered thanks to Jove, and kindled high
his altars with our feast and sacrifice;
then, gathering on Actium's holy shore,
made fair solemnities of pomp and game.
My youth, anointing their smooth, naked limbs,
wrestled our wonted way. For glad were we,
who past so many isles of Greece had sped
and 'scaped our circling foes. Now had the sun
rolled through the year's full circle, and the waves
were rough with icy winter's northern gales.
I hung for trophy on that temple door
a swelling shield of brass (which once was worn
by mighty Abas) graven with this line:
SPOIL OF AENEAS FROM TRIUMPHANT FOES.
Then from that haven I command them forth;
my good crews take the thwarts, smiting the sea
with rival strokes, and skim the level main.
Soon sank Phaeacia's wind-swept citadels
out of our view; we skirted the bold shores
of proud Epirus, in Chaonian land,
and made Buthrotum's port and towering town.

> Latin: Ergo insperata tandem tellure potiti,
lustramurque Iovi votisque incendimus aras,
Actiaque Iliacis celebramus litora ludis.
Exercent patrias oleo labente palaestras
nudati socii; iuvat evasisse tot urbes
Argolicas, mediosque fugam tenuisse per hostis.
Interea magnum sol circumvolvitur annum,
et glacialis hiemps aquilonibus asperat undas.
Aere cavo clipeum. magni gestamen Abantis,
postibus adversis figo, et rem carmine signo:
AENEAS HAEC DE DANAIS VICTORIBVS ARMA.
Linquere tum portus iubeo et considere transtris:
certatim socii feriunt mare et aequora verrunt.
Protinus aërias Phaeacum abscondimus arces,
litoraque Epiri legimus portuque subimus
Chaonio, et celsam Buthroti accedimus urbem.

[¶13] Here wondrous tidings met us, that the son
of Priam, Helenus, held kingly sway
o'er many Argive cities, having wed
the Queen of Pyrrhus, great Achilles' son,
and gained his throne; and that Andromache
once more was wife unto a kindred lord.
Amazement held me; all my bosom burned
to see the hero's face and hear this tale
of strange vicissitude. So up I climbed,
leaving the haven, fleet, and friendly shore.
That self-same hour outside the city walls,
within a grove where flowed the mimic stream
of a new Simois, Andromache,
with offerings to the dead, and gifts of woe,
poured forth libation, and invoked the shade
of Hector, at a tomb which her fond grief
had consecrated to perpetual tears,
though void; a mound of fair green turf it stood,
and near it rose twin altars to his name.
She saw me drawing near; our Trojan helms
met her bewildered eyes, and, terror-struck
at the portentous sight, she swooning fell
and lay cold, rigid, lifeless, till at last,
scarce finding voice, her lips addressed me thus:
“Have I true vision? Bringest thou the word
Of truth, O goddess-born? Art still in flesh?
Or if sweet light be fled, my Hector, where?”
With flood of tears she spoke, and all the grove
reechoed to her cry. Scarce could I frame
brief answer to her passion, but replied
with broken voice and accents faltering:
“I live, 't is true. I lengthen out my days
through many a desperate strait. But O, believe
that what thine eyes behold is vision true.
Alas! what lot is thine, that wert unthroned
from such a husband's side? What after-fate
could give thee honor due? Andromache,
once Hector's wife, is Pyrrhus still thy lord?”

> Latin: Hic incredibilis rerum fama occupat auris,
Priamiden Helenum Graias regnare per urbes,
coniugio Aeacidae Pyrrhi sceptrisque potitum,
et patrio Andromachen iterum cessisse marito.
Obstipui, miroque incensum pectus amore,
compellare virum et casus cognoscere tantos.
Progredior portu, classis et litora linquens,
sollemnis cum forte dapes et tristia dona
ante urbem in luco falsi Simoentis ad undam
libabat cineri Andromache, Manisque vocabat
Hectoreum ad tumulum, viridi quem caespite inanem
et geminas, causam lacrimis, sacraverat aras.
Ut me conspexit venientem et Troïa circum
arma amens vidit, magnis exterrita monstris
deriguit visu in medio, calor ossa reliquit;
labitur, et longo vix tandem tempore fatur:
“Verane te facies, verus mihi nuntius adfers,”
“nate dea? Vivisne, aut, si lux alma recessit,”
“Hector ubi est?” Dixit, lacrimasque effudit et omnem
implevit clamore locum. Vix pauca furenti
subicio, et raris turbatus vocibus hisco:
“Vivo equidem, vitamque extrema per omnia duco;”
“ne dubita, nam vera vides.”
“Heu, quis te casus deiectam coniuge tanto”
“excipit, aut quae digna satis fortuna revisit”
“Hectoris Andromachen? Pyrrhin’ conubia servas?”

[¶14] With drooping brows and lowly voice she cried:
“O, happy only was that virgin blest,
daughter of Priam, summoned forth to die
in sight of Ilium, on a foeman's tomb!
No casting of the lot her doom decreed,
nor came she to her conqueror's couch a slave.
Myself from burning Ilium carried far
o'er seas and seas, endured the swollen pride
of that young scion of Achilles' race,
and bore him as his slave a son. When he
sued for Hermione, of Leda's line,
and nuptial-bond with Lacedaemon's Iords,
I, the slave-wife, to Helenus was given,
and slave was wed with slave. But afterward
Orestes, crazed by loss of her he loved,
and ever fury-driven from crime to crime,
crept upon Pyrrhus in a careless hour
and murdered him upon his own hearth-stone.
Part of the realm of Neoptolemus
fell thus to Helenus, who called his lands
Chaonian, and in Trojan Chaon's name
his kingdom is Chaonia. Yonder height
is Pergamus, our Ilian citadel.
What power divine did waft thee to our shore,
not knowing whither? Tell me of the boy
Ascanius! Still breathes he earthly air?
In Troy she bore him—is he mourning still
that mother ravished from his childhood's eyes?
what ancient valor stirs the manly soul
of thine own son, of Hector's sister's child?”
Thus poured she forth full many a doleful word
with unavailing tears. But as she ceased,
out of the city gates appeared the son
of Priam, Helenus, with princely train.
He welcomed us as kin, and glad at heart
gave guidance to his house, though oft his words
fell faltering and few, with many a tear.
Soon to a humbler Troy I lift my eyes,
and of a mightier Pergamus discern
the towering semblance; there a scanty stream
runs on in Xanthus' name, and my glad arms
the pillars of a Scaean gate embrace.
My Teucrian mariners with welcome free
enjoyed the friendly town; his ample halls
our royal host threw wide; full wine-cups flowed
within the palace; golden feast was spread,
and many a goblet quaffed.

> Latin: Deiecit vultum et demissa voce locuta est:
“O felix una ante alias Priameïa virgo,”
“hostilem ad tumulum Troiae sub moenibus altis”
“iussa mori, quae sortitus non pertulit ullos,”
“nec victoris eri tetigit captiva cubile!”
“nos, patria incensa, diversa per aequora vectae,”
“stirpis Achilleae fastus iuvenemque superbum,”
“servitio enixae, tulimus: qui deinde, secutus”
“Ledaeam Hermionen Lacedaemoniosque hymenaeos,”
“me famulo famulamque Heleno transmisit habendam.”
“Ast illum, ereptae magno inflammatus amore”
“coniugis et scelerum Furiis agitatus, Orestes”
“excipit incautum patriasque obtruncat ad aras.”
“Morte Neoptolemi regnorum reddita cessit”
“pars Heleno, qui Chaonios cognomine campos”
“Chaoniamque omnem Troiano a Chaone dixit,”
“Pergamaque Iliacamque iugis hanc addidit arcem.”
“Sed tibi qui cursum venti, quae fata dedere?”
“Aut quisnam ignarum nostris deus adpulit oris?”
“Quid puer Ascanius? superatne et vescitur aura,”
“quem tibi iam Troia—”
“Ecqua tamen puero est amissae cura parentis?”
“Ecquid in antiquam virtutem animosque virilis”
“et pater Aeneas et avunculus excitat Hector?”
Talia fundebat lacrimans longosque ciebat
incassum fletus, cum sese a moenibus heros
Priamides multis Helenus comitantibus adfert,
adgnoscitque suos, laetusque ad limina ducit,
et multum lacrimas verba inter singula fundit.
Procedo, et parvam Troiam simulataque magnis
Pergama, et arentem Xanthi cognomine rivum
adgnosco, Scaeaeque amplector limina portae.
Nec non et Teucri socia simul urbe fruuntur:
illos porticibus rex accipiebat in amplis;
aulaï medio libabant pocula Bacchi,
impositis auro dapibus, paterasque tenebant.

[¶15] Day followed day,
while favoring breezes beckoned us to sea,
and swelled the waiting canvas as they blew.
Then to the prophet-priest I made this prayer:
“Offspring of Troy, interpreter of Heaven!
Who knowest Phoebus' power, and readest well
the tripod, stars, and vocal laurel leaves
to Phoebus dear, who know'st of every bird
the ominous swift wing or boding song,
o, speak! For all my course good omens showed,
and every god admonished me to sail
in quest of Italy's far-distant shores;
but lone Celaeno, heralding strange woe,
foretold prodigious horror, vengeance dark,
and vile, unnatural hunger. How elude
such perils? Or by what hard duty done
may such huge host of evils vanquished be?”
Then Helenus, with sacrifice of kine
in order due, implored the grace of Heaven,
unloosed the fillets from his sacred brow,
and led me, Phoebus, to thy temple's door,
awed by th' o'er-brooding godhead, whose true priest,
with lips inspired, made this prophetic song:

> Latin: Iamque dies alterque dies processit, et aurae
vela vocant tumidoque inflatur carbasus austro.
His vatem adgredior dictis ac talia quaeso:
“Troiugena, interpres divom, qui numina Phoebi,”
“qui tripodas, Clarii laurus, qui sidera sentis,”
“et volucrum linguas et praepetis omina pennae,”
“fare age—namque omnem cursum mihi prospera dixit”
“religio, et cuncti suaserunt numine divi”
“Italiam petere et terras temptare repostas:”
“sola novum dictuque nefas Harpyia Celaeno”
“prodigium canit, et tristis denuntiat iras,”
“obscenamque famem—quae prima pericula vito?”
“Quidve sequens tantos possim superare labores?”
Hic Helenus, caesis primum de more iuvencis,
exorat pacem divom, vittasque resolvit
sacrati capitis, meque ad tua limina, Phoebe,
ipse manu multo suspensum numine ducit,
atque haec deinde canit divino ex ore sacerdos:

## 6. Book III · lines 374–718

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/6/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/6/#p-N

[¶0] “O goddess-born, indubitably shines
the blessing of great gods upon thy path
across the sea; the heavenly King supreme
thy destiny ordains; 't is he unfolds
the grand vicissitude, which now pursues
a course immutable. I will declare
of thy large fate a certain bounded part;
that fearless thou may'st view the friendly sea,
and in Ausonia's haven at the last
find thee a fixed abode. Than this no more
the Sister Fates to Helenus unveil,
and Juno, Saturn's daughter, grants no more.
First, that Italia (which nigh at hand
thou deemest, and wouldst fondly enter in
by yonder neighboring bays) lies distant far
o'er trackless course and long, with interval
of far-extended lands. Thine oars must ply
the waves of Sicily; thy fleet must cleave
the large expanse of that Ausonian brine;
the waters of Avernus thou shalt see,
and that enchanted island where abides
Aeaean Circe, ere on tranquil shore
thou mayest plant thy nation. Lo! a sign
I tell thee; hide this wonder in thy heart:
Beside a certain stream's sequestered wave,
thy troubled eyes, in shadowy flex grove
that fringes on the river, shall descry
a milk-white, monstrous sow, with teeming brood
of thirty young, new littered, white like her,
all clustering at her teats, as prone she lies.
There is thy city's safe, predestined ground,
and there thy labors' end. Vex not thy heart
about those ‘tables bitten’, for kind fate
thy path will show, and Phoebus bless thy prayer.
But from these lands and yon Italian shore,
where from this sea of ours the tide sweeps in,
escape and flee, for all its cities hold
pernicious Greeks, thy foes: the Locri there
have builded walls; the wide Sallentine fields
are filled with soldiers of Idomeneus;
there Meliboean Philoctetes' town,
petilia, towers above its little wall.
Yea, even when thy fleet has crossed the main,
and from new altars built along the shore
thy vows to Heaven are paid, throw o'er thy head
a purple mantle, veiling well thy brows,
lest, while the sacrificial fire ascends
in offering to the gods, thine eye behold
some face of foe, and every omen fail.
Let all thy people keep this custom due,
and thou thyself be faithful; let thy seed
forever thus th' immaculate rite maintain.
After departing hence, thou shalt be blown
toward Sicily, and strait Pelorus' bounds
will open wide. Then take the leftward way:
those leftward waters in long circuit sweep,
far from that billowy coast, the opposing side.
These regions, so they tell, in ages gone
by huge and violent convulsion riven
(Such mutability is wrought by time),
sprang wide asunder; where the doubled strand
sole and continuous lay, the sea's vast power
burst in between, and bade its waves divide
Hesperia's bosom from fair Sicily,
while with a straitened firth it interflowed
their fields and cities sundered shore from shore.
The right side Scylla keeps; the left is given
to pitiless Charybdis, who draws down
to the wild whirling of her steep abyss
the monster waves, and ever and anon
flings them at heaven, to lash the tranquil stars.
But Scylla, prisoned in her eyeless cave,
thrusts forth her face, and pulls upon the rocks
ship after ship; the parts that first be seen
are human; a fair-breasted virgin she,
down to the womb; but all that lurks below
is a huge-membered fish, where strangely join
the flukes of dolphins and the paunch of wolves.
Better by far to round the distant goal
of the Trinacrian headlands, veering wide
from thy true course, than ever thou shouldst see
that shapeless Scylla in her vaulted cave,
where grim rocks echo her dark sea-dogs' roar.
Yea, more, if aught of prescience be bestowed
on Helenus, if trusted prophet he,
and Phoebus to his heart true voice have given,
o goddess-born, one counsel chief of all
I tell thee oft, and urge it o'er and o'er.
To Juno's godhead lift thy Ioudest prayer;
to Juno chant a fervent votive song,
and with obedient offering persuade
that potent Queen. So shalt thou, triumphing,
to Italy be sped, and leave behind
Trinacria.

> Latin: “Nate dea,—nam te maioribus ire per altum”
“auspiciis manifesta fides: sic fata deum rex”
“sortitur, volvitque vices; is vertitur ordo—”
“pauca tibi e multis, quo tutior hospita lustres”
“aequora et Ausonio possis considere portu,”
“expediam dictis; prohibent nam cetera Parcae”
“scire Helenum farique vetat Saturnia Iuno.”
“Principio Italiam, quam tu iam rere propinquam”
“vicinosque, ignare, paras invadere portus,”
“longa procul longis via dividit invia terris.”
“Ante et Trinacria lentandus remus in unda,”
“et salis Ausonii lustrandum navibus aequor,”
“infernique lacus, Aeaeaeque insula Circae,”
“quam tuta possis urbem componere terra:”
“signa tibi dicam, tu condita mente teneto:”
“cum tibi sollicito secreti ad fluminis undam”
“litoreis ingens inventa sub ilicibus sus”
“triginta capitum fetus enixa iacebit.”
“alba, solo recubans, albi circum ubera nati,”
“is locus urbis erit, requies ea certa laborum.”
“Nec tu mensarum morsus horresce futuros:”
“fata viam invenient, aderitque vocatus Apollo.”
“Has autem terras, Italique hanc litoris oram,”
“proxuma quae nostri perfunditur aequoris aestu,”
“effuge; cuncta malis habitantur moenia Grais.”
“Hic et Narycii posuerunt moenia Locri,”
“et Sallentinos obsedit milite campos”
“Lyctius Idomeneus; hic illa ducis Meliboei”
“parva Philoctetae subnixa Petelia muro.”
“Quin, ubi transmissae steterint trans aequora classes,”
“et positis aris iam vota in litore solves,”
“purpureo velare comas adopertus amictu,”
“ne qua inter sanctos ignis in honore deorum”
“hostilis facies occurrat et omina turbet.”
“Hunc socii morem sacrorum, hunc ipse teneto:”
“hac casti maneant in religione nepotes.”
“Ast ubi digressum Siculae te admoverit orae”
“ventus, et angusti rarescent claustra Pelori,”
“laeva tibi tellus et longo laeva petantur”
“aequora circuitu: dextrum fuge litus et undas.”
“Haec loca vi quondam et vasta convolsa ruina—”
“tantum aevi longinqua valet mutare vetustas—”
“dissiluisse ferunt, cum protinus utraque tellus”
“una foret; venit medio vi pontus et undis”
“Hesperium Siculo latus abscidit, arvaque et urbes”
“litore diductas angusto interluit aestu.”
“Dextrum Scylla latus, laevum implacata Charybdis”
“obsidet, atque imo barathri ter gurgite vastos”
“sorbet in abruptum fluctus, rursusque sub auras”
“erigit alternos et sidera verberat unda.”
“At Scyllam caecis cohibet spelunca latebris,”
“ora exsertantem et navis in saxa trahentem.”
“Prima hominis facies et pulchro pectore virgo”
“pube tenus, postrema immani corpore pristis,”
“delphinum caudas utero commissa luporum.”
“Praestat Trinacrii metas lustrare Pachyni”
“cessantem, longos et circumflectere cursus,”
“quam semel informem vasto vidisse sub antro”
“Scyllam, et caeruleis canibus resonantia saxa.”
“Praeterea, si qua est Heleno prudentia, vati”
“si qua fides, animum si veris implet Apollo,”
“unum illud tibi, nate dea, proque omnibus unum”
“praedicam, et repetens iterumque iterumque monebo:”
“Iunonis magnae primum prece numen adora;”
“Iunoni cane vota libens, dominamque potentem”
“supplicibus supera donis: sic denique victor”
“Trinacria finis Italos mittere relicta.”

[¶1] When wafted to that shore,
repair to Cumae's hill, and to the Lake
Avernus with its whispering grove divine.
There shalt thou see a frenzied prophetess,
who from beneath the hollow scarped crag
sings oracles, or characters on leaves
mysterious names. Whate'er the virgin writes,
on leaves inscribing the portentous song,
she sets in order, and conceals them well
in her deep cave, where they abide unchanged
in due array. Yet not a care has she,
if with some swinging hinge a breeze sweeps in,
to catch them as they whirl: if open door
disperse them flutterlig through the hollow rock,
she will not link their shifted sense anew,
nor re-invent her fragmentary song.
Oft her unanswered votaries depart,
scorning the Sibyl's shrine. But deem not thou
thy tarrying too Iong, whate'er thy stay.
Though thy companions chide, though winds of power
invite thy ship to sea, and well would speed
the swelling sail, yet to that Sibyl go.
Pray that her own lips may sing forth for thee
the oracles, uplifting her dread voice
in willing prophecy. Her rede shall tell
of Italy, its wars and tribes to be,
and of what way each burden and each woe
may be escaped, or borne. Her favoring aid
will grant swift, happy voyages to thy prayer.
Such counsels Heaven to my lips allows.
arise, begone! and by thy glorious deeds
set Troy among the stars! “
So spake the prophet with benignant voice.
Then gifts he bade be brought of heavy gold
and graven ivory, which to our ships
he bade us bear; each bark was Ioaded full
with messy silver and Dodona's pride
of brazen cauldrons; a cuirass he gave
of linked gold enwrought and triple chain;
a noble helmet, too, with flaming crest
and lofty cone, th' accoutrement erewhile
of Neoptolemus. My father too
had fit gifts from the King; whose bounty then
gave steeds and riders; and new gear was sent
to every sea-worn ship, while he supplied
seafarers, kit to all my loyal crews.

> Latin: “Huc ubi delatus Cumaeam accesseris urbem,”
“divinosque lacus, et Averna sonantia silvis,”
“insanam vatem aspicies, quae rupe sub ima”
“fata canit, foliisque notas et nomina mandat.”
“Quaecumque in foliis descripsit carmina virgo,”
“digerit in numerum, atque antro seclusa relinquit.”
“Illa manent immota locis, neque ab ordine cedunt;”
“verum eadem, verso tenuis cum cardine ventus”
“impulit et teneras turbavit ianua frondes,”
“numquam deinde cavo volitantia prendere saxo,”
“nec revocare situs aut iungere carmina curat:”
“inconsulti abeunt, sedemque odere Sibyllae.”
“Hic tibi ne qua morae fuerint dispendia tanti,—”
“quamvis increpitent socii, et vi cursus in altum”
“vela vocet, possisque sinus implere secundos,—”
“quin adeas vatem precibusque oracula poscas”
“ipsa canat, vocemque volens atque ora resolvat.”
“Illa tibi Italiae populos venturaque bella,”
“et quo quemque modo fugiasque ferasque laborem”
“expediet, cursusque dabit venerata secundos.”
“Haec sunt, quae nostra liceat te voce moneri.”
“Vade age, et ingentem factis fer ad aethera Troiam.”
Quae postquam vates sic ore effatus amico est,
dona dehinc auro gravia sectoque elephanto
imperat ad navis ferri, stipatque carinis
ingens argentum, Dodonaeosque lebetas,
loricam consertam hamis auroque trilicem,
et conum insignis galeae cristasque comantis,
arma Neoptolemi; sunt et sua dona parenti.
Addit equos, additque duces;
remigium supplet; socios simul instruit armis.

[¶2] Anchises bade us speedily set sail,
nor lose a wind so fair; and answering him,
Apollo's priest made reverent adieu:
“Anchises, honored by the love sublime
of Venus, self and twice in safety borne
from falling Troy, chief care of kindly Heaven,
th' Ausonian shore is thine. Sail thitherward!
For thou art pre-ordained to travel far
o'er yonder seas; far in the distance lies
that region of Ausonia, Phoebus' voice
to thee made promise of. Onward, I say,
o blest in the exceeding loyal love
of thy dear son! Why keep thee longer now?
Why should my words yon gathering winds detain?”
Likewise Andromache in mournful guise
took last farewell, bringing embroidered robes
of golden woof; a princely Phrygian cloak
she gave Ascanius, vying with the King
in gifts of honor; and threw o'er the boy
the labors of her loom, with words like these:
“Accept these gifts, sweet youth, memorials
of me and my poor handicraft, to prove
th' undying friendship of Andromache,
once Hector's wife. Take these last offerings
of those who are thy kin—O thou that art
of my Astyanax in all this world
the only image! His thy lovely eyes!
Thy hands, thy lips, are even what he bore,
and like thy own his youthful bloom would be.”
Thus I made answer, turning to depart
with rising tears: “Live on, and be ye blessed,
whose greatness is accomplished! As for me,
from change to change Fate summons, and I go;
but ye have won repose. No leagues of sea
await your cleaving keel. Not yours the quest
of fading Italy's delusive shore.
Here a new Xanthus and a second Troy
your labor fashioned and your eyes may see—
more blest, I trust, less tempting to our foes!
If e'er on Tiber and its bordering vales
I safely enter, and these eyes behold
our destined walls, then in fraternal bond
let our two nations live, whose mutual boast
is one Dardanian blood, one common story.
Epirus with Hesperia shall be
one Troy in heart and soul. But this remains
for our sons' sons the happy task and care.”

> Latin: Interea classem velis aptare iubebat
Anchises, fieret vento mora ne qua ferenti.
Quem Phoebi interpres multo compellat honore:
“Coniugio, Anchise, Veneris dignate superbo,”
“cura deum, bis Pergameis erepte ruinis,”
“ecce tibi Ausoniae tellus; hanc arripe velis.”
“Et tamen hanc pelago praeterlabare necesse est;”
“Ausoniae pars illa procul, quam pandit Apollo.”
“Vade” ait “O felix nati pietate. Quid ultra”
“provehor, et fando surgentis demoror austros?”
Nec minus Andromache digressu maesta supremo
fert picturatas auri subtemine vestes
et Phrygiam Ascanio chlamydem (nec cedit honore),
textilibusque onerat donis, ac talia fatur:
“Accipe et haec, manuum tibi quae monumenta mearum”
“sint, puer, et longum Andromachae testentur amorem,”
“coniugis Hectoreae. Cape dona extrema tuorum,”
“O mihi sola mei super Astyanactis imago:”
“sic oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat;”
“et nunc aequali tecum pubesceret aevo.”
Hos ego digrediens lacrimis adfabar obortis:
“Vivite felices, quibus est fortuna peracta”
“iam sua; nos alia ex aliis in fata vocamur.”
“Vobis parta quies; nullum maris aequor arandum,”
“arva neque Ausoniae semper cedentia retro”
“quaerenda. Effigiem Xanthi Troiamque videtis”
“quam vestrae fecere manus, melioribus, opto,”
“auspiciis, et quae fuerit minus obvia Graiis.”
“Si quando Thybrim vicinaque Thybridis arva”
“intraro, gentique meae data moenia cernam,”
“cognatas urbes olim populosque propinquos,”
“Epiro, Hesperia, quibus idem Dardanus auctor”
“atque idem casus, unam faciemus utramque”
“Troiam animis; maneat nostros ea cura nepotes.”

[¶3] Forth o'er the seas we sped and kept our course
nigh the Ceraunian headland, where begins
the short sea-passage unto Italy.
Soon sank the sun, while down the shadowed hills
stole deeper gloom; then making shore, we flung
our bodies on a dry, sea-bordering sand,
couched on earth's welcome breast; the oars were ranged
in order due; the tides of slumber dark
o'erflowed our lives. But scarce the chariot
of Night, on wings of swift, obedient Hours,
had touched the middle sky, when wakeful sprang
good Palinurus from his pillowed stone:
with hand at ear he caught each airy gust
and questioned of the winds; the gliding stars
he called by name, as onward they advanced
through the still heaven; Arcturus he beheld,
the Hyades, rain-bringers, the twin Bears,
and vast Orion girt in golden arms.
He blew a trumpet from his ship; our camp
stirred to the signal for embarking; soon
we rode the seas once more with swelling sail.

> Latin: Provehimur pelago vicina Ceraunia iuxta,
unde iter Italiam cursusque brevissimus undis.
Sol ruit interea et montes umbrantur opaci;
sternimur optatae gremio telluris ad undam,
sortiti remos, passimque in litore sicco
corpora curamus; fessos sopor inrigat artus.
Necdum orbem medium Nox horis acta subibat:
haud segnis strato surgit Palinurus et omnis
explorat ventos, atque auribus aera captat;
sidera cuncta notat tacito labentia caelo,
Arcturum pluviasque Hyadas geminosque Triones,
armatumque auro circumspicit Oriona.
Postquam cuncta videt caelo constare sereno,
dat clarum e puppi signum; nos castra movemus,
temptamusque viam et velorum pandimus alas.

[¶4] Scarce had Aurora's purple from the sky
warned off the stars, when Iying very low
along th' horizon, the dimmed hills we saw
of Italy; Achates first gave cry
“Italia!” with answering shouts of joy,
my comrades' voices cried, “Italia, hail!”
Anchises, then, wreathed a great bowl with flowers
and filled with wine, invoking Heaven to bless,
and thus he prayed from our ship's lofty stern:
“O Iords of land and sea and every storm!
Breathe favoring breezes for our onward way!”
Fresh blew the prayed-for winds. A haven fair
soon widened near us; and its heights were crowned
by a Greek fane to Pallas. Yet my men
furled sail and shoreward veered the pointing prow.
the port receding from the orient wave
is curved into a bow; on either side
the jutting headlands toss the salt sea-foam
and hide the bay itself. Like double wall
the towered crags send down protecting arms,
while distant from the shore the temple stands.
Here on a green sward, the first omen given,
I saw four horses grazing through the field,
each white as snow. Father Anchises cried:
“Is war thy gift, O new and alien land?
Horses make war; of war these creatures bode.
Yet oft before the chariot of peace
their swift hoofs go, and on their necks they bear
th' obedient yoke and rein. Therefore a hope
of peace is also ours.” Then we implored
Minerva's mercy, at her sacred shrine,
the mail-clad goddess who gave welcome there;
and at an altar, mantling well our brows
the Phrygian way, as Helenus ordained,
we paid the honors his chief counsel urged,
with blameless rite, to Juno, Argive Queen.

> Latin: Iamque rubescebat stellis Aurora fugatis,
cum procul obscuros collis humilemque videmus
Italiam. “Italiam” primus conclamat Achates,
“Italiam” laeto socii clamore salutant.
Tum pater Anchises magnum cratera corona
induit, implevitque mero, divosque vocavit
stans celsa in puppi:
“Di maris et terrae tempestatumque potentes,”
“ferte viam vento facilem et spirate secundi.”
Crebrescunt optatae aurae portusque patescit
iam propior, templumque adparet in arce Minervae.
Vela legunt socii et proras ad litora torquent.
Portus ab Euroo fluctu curvatus in arcum,
obiectae salsa spumant aspargine cautes;
ipse latet; gemino demittunt bracchia muro
turriti scopuli, refugitque ab litore templum.
Quattuor hic, primum omen, equos in gramine vidi
tondentis campum late, candore nivali.
Et pater Anchises: “Bellum, O terra hospita, portas”
“bello armantur equi, bellum haec armenta minantur.”
“Sed tamen idem olim curru succedere sueti”
“quadrupedes, et frena iugo concordia ferre;”
“spes et pacis” ait. Tum numina sancta precamur
Palladis armisonae, quae prima accepit ovantis,
et capita ante aras Phrygio velamur amictu;
praeceptisque Heleni, dederat quae maxima, rite
Iunoni Argivae iussos adolemus honores.

[¶5] No tarrying now, but after sacrifice
we twirled the sailyards and shook out all sail,
leaving the cities of the sons of Greece
and that distrusted land. Tarentum's bay
soon smiled before us, town of Hercules,
if fame be true; opposing it uptowers
Lacinia's headland unto Juno dear,
the heights of Caulon, and that sailors' bane,
ship-shattering Scylaceum. Thence half seen,
trinacrian Aetna cleaves th' horizon line;
we hear from far the crash of shouting seas,
where lifted billows leap the tide-swept sand.
Father Anchises cried: “'T is none but she—
Charybdis! Helenus this reef foretold,
and rocks of dreadful name. O, fly, my men!
Rise like one man with long, strong sweep of oars!”
Not unobedient they! First Palinure
veered to the leftward wave the willing keel,
and sails and oars together leftward strove.
We shot to skyward on the arching surge,
then, as she sank, dropped deeper than the grave;
thrice bellowed the vast cliffs from vaulted wall;
thrice saw we spouted foam and showers of stars.
After these things both wind and sun did fail;
and weary, worn, not witting of our way,
we drifted shoreward to the Cyclops' land.

> Latin: Haud mora, continuo perfectis ordine votis,
cornua velatarum obvertimus antemarum,
Graiugenumque domos suspectaque linquimus arva.
Hinc sinus Herculei (si vera est fama) Tarenti
cernitur; attollit se diva Lacinia contra,
Caulonisque arces et navifragum Scylaceum.
Tum procul e fluctu Trinacria cernitur Aetna,
et gemitum ingentem pelagi pulsataque saxa
audimus longe fractasque ad litora voces,
exsultantque vada, atque aestu miscentur harenae.
Et pater Anchises: “Nimirum haec illa Charybdis:”
“hos Helenus scopulos, haec saxa horrenda canebat.”
“Eripite, O socii, pariterque insurgite remis!”
Haud minus ac iussi faciunt, primusque rudentem
contorsit laevas proram Palinurus ad undas.
laevam cuncta cohors remis ventisque petivit.
Tollimur in caelum curvato gurgite, et idem
subducta ad Manis imos desedimus unda.
Ter scopuli clamorem inter cava saxa dedere:
ter spumam elisam et rorantia vidimus astra.
Interea fessos ventus cum sole reliquit,
ignarique viae Cyclopum adlabimur oris.

[¶6] A spreading bay is there, impregnable
to all invading storms; and Aetna's throat
with roar of frightful ruin thunders nigh.
Now to the realm of light it lifts a cloud
of pitch-black, whirling smoke, and fiery dust,
shooting out globes of flame, with monster tongues
that lick the stars; now huge crags of itself,
out of the bowels of the mountain torn,
its maw disgorges, while the molten rock
rolls screaming skyward; from the nether deep
the fathomless abyss makes ebb and flow.
Enceladus, his body lightning-scarred,
lies prisoned under all, so runs the tale:
o'er him gigantic Aetna breathes in fire
from crack and seam; and if he haply turn
to change his wearied side, Trinacria's isle
trembles and moans, and thick fumes mantle heaven.
That night in screen and covert of a grove
we bore the dire convulsion, unaware
whence the loud horror came. For not a star
its lamp allowed, nor burned in upper sky
the constellated fires, but all was gloom,
and frowning night confined the moon in cloud.

> Latin: Portus ab accessu ventorum immotus et ingens
ipse; sed horrificis iuxta tonat Aetna ruinis;
interdumque atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem,
turbine fumantem piceo et candente favilla,
attollitque globos flammarum et sidera lambit;
interdum scopulos avolsaque viscera montis
erigit eructans, liquefactaque saxa sub auras
cum gemitu glomerat, fundoque exaestuat imo.
Fama est Enceladi semustum fulmine corpus
urgueri mole hac, ingentemque insuper Aetnam
impositam ruptis flammam exspirare caminis;
et fessum quotiens mutet latus, intremere omnem
murmure Trinacriam, et caelum subtexere fumo.
Noctem illam tecti silvis immania monstra
perferimus, nec quae sonitum det causa videmus.
Nam neque erant astrorum ignes, nec lucidus aethra
siderea polus, obscuro sed nubila caelo,
et lunam in nimbo nox intempesta tenebat.

[¶7] When from the eastern waves the light of morn
began to peer, and from the upper sky
Aurora flamed away the dark and dew,
out of the forest sprang a startling shape
of hunger-wasted misery; a man
in wretched guise, who shoreward came with hands
outstretched in supplication. We turned back
and scanned him well. All grime and foulness he,
with long and tangled beard, his savage garb
fastened with thorns; but in all else he seemed
a Greek, and in his country's league of arms
sent to the seige of Troy. Then he beheld
the Dardan habit, and our Trojan steel,
he somewhat paused, as if in dread dismay
such sight to see, and falteringly moved;
but soon with headlong steps he sought the shore,
ejaculating broken sobs and prayers:
“By stars above! By gods on high! O, hear!
By this bright heavenly air we mortals breathe,
save me, sweet Trojans! Carry me away
unto what land ye will! I ask no more.
I came, I know it, in the ships of Greece;
and I did war, 't is true, with Ilium's gods.
O, if the crime deserve it, fling my corse
on yonder waves, and in the boundless brine
sink me forever! Give me in my death
the comfort that by human hands I die.”
He clasped our knees, and writhing on his own
clung fast. We bid him tell his race and name,
and by what fate pursued. Anchises gave
his own right hand in swift and generous aid,
and by prompt token cheered the exile's heart,
who, banishing his fears, poured forth this tale:—
“My home was Ithaca, and I partook
the fortunes of Ulysses evil-starred.
My name is Achemenides, my sire
was Adamastus, and I sailed for Troy,
being so poor,—O, that I ne'er had change
the lot I bore! In yon vast Cyclops' cave
my comrades, flying from its gruesome door,
left me behind, forgotten. 'T is a house
of gory feasts of flesh, 't is deep and dark,
and vaulted high. He looms as high as heaven;
I pray the blessed gods to rid the earth
of the vile monster! None can look on him,
none speak with him. He feeds on clotted gore
of disembowelled men. These very eyes
saw him seize two of our own company,
and, as he lolled back in the cave, he clutched
and dashed them on the stones, fouling the floor
with torrent of their blood; myself I saw him
crunch with his teeth the dripping, bloody limbs
still hot and pulsing on his hungry jaw.
But not without reward! For such a sight
Ulysses would not brook, and Ithaca
forgot not in such strait the name he bore.
For soon as, gorged with feasting and o'ercome
with drunken slumber, the foul giant lay
sprawled through the cave, his head dropped helpless down,
disgorging as he slept thick drool of gore
and gobbets drenched with bloody wine; then we,
calling on Heaven and taking place by lot,
drew round him like one man, and with a beam
sharpened at end bored out that monster eye,
which, huge and sole, lay under the grim brow,
round as an Argive shield or Phoebus' star.
Thus took we joyful vengeance for the shades
of our lost mates. But, O ill-fated men!
Fly, I implore, and cut the cables free
along the beach! For in the land abide,
like Polyphemus, who in hollow cave
kept fleecy sheep, and milked his fruitful ewes,
a hundred other, huge as he, who rove
wide o'er this winding shore and mountains fair:
Cyclops accursed, bestial! Thrice the moon
has filled her horns with light, while here I dwell
in lonely woods and lairs of creatures wild;
or from tall cliffs out-peering I discern
the Cyclops, and shrink shuddering from the sound
of their vast step and cry. My sorry fare
is berries and hard corners dropped from trees,
or herb-roots torn out from the niggard ground.
Though watching the whole sea, only today
Have I had sight of ships. To you I fled.
Whate'er ye be, it was my only prayer
to 'scape that monster brood. I ask no more.
O, set me free by any death ye will!”

> Latin: Postera iamque dies primo surgebat Eoo,
umentemque Aurora polo dimoverat umbram:
cum subito e silvis, macie confecta suprema,
ignoti nova forma viri miserandaque cultu
procedit, supplexque manus ad litora tendit.
Respicimus: dira inluvies inmissaque barba,
consertum tegumen spinis; at cetera Graius,
[et quondam patriis ad Troiam missus in armis.]
Isque ubi Dardanios habitus et Troia vidit
arma procul, paulum aspectu conterritus haesit,
continuitque gradum; mox sese ad litora praeceps
cum fletu precibusque tulit: “Per sidera testor,”
“per superos atque hoc caeli spirabile lumen,”
“tollite me, Teucri; quascumque abducite terras;”
“hoc sat erit. Scio me Danais e classibus unum,”
“et bello Iliacos fateor petiisse Penatis;”
“pro quo, si sceleris tanta est iniuria nostri,”
“spargite me in fluctus, vastoque inmergite ponto.”
“Si pereo, hominum manibus periisse iuvabit.”
Dixerat, et genua amplexus genibusque volutans
haerebat. Qui sit, fari, quo sanguine cretus,
hortamur; quae deinde agitet fortuna, fateri.
Ipse pater dextram Anchises, haud multa moratus,
dat iuveni, atque animum praesenti pignore firmat.
Ille haec, deposita tandem formidine, fatur:
“Sum patria ex Ithaca, comes infelicis Ulixi,”
“nomine Achaemenides, Troiam genitore Adamasto”
“paupere—mansissetque utinam fortuna!—profectus.”
“Hic me, dum trepidi crudelia limina linquunt,”
“inmemores socii vasto Cyclopis in antro”
“deseruere. Domus sanie dapibusque cruentis,”
“intus opaca, ingens; ipse arduus, altaque pulsat”
“sidera—Di, talem terris avertite pestem!—”
“nec visu facilis nec dictu adfabilis ulli.”
“Visceribus miserorum et sanguine vescitur atro.”
“Vidi egomet, duo de numero cum corpora nostro”
“prensa manu magna, medio resupinus in antro,”
“frangeret ad saxum, sanieque aspersa natarent”
“limina; vidi atro cum membra fluentia tabo”
“manderet, et tepidi tremerent sub dentibus artus.”
“Haud impune quidem; nec talia passus Ulixes,”
“oblitusve sui est Ithacus discrimine tanto.”
“Nam simul expletus dapibus vinoque sepultus”
“cervicem inflexam posuit, iacuitque per antrum”
“immensus, saniem eructans et frusta cruento”
“per somnum commixta mero, nos magna precati”
“numina sortitique vices, una undique circum”
“fundimur, et telo lumen terebramus acuto,—”
“ingens, quod torva solum sub fronte latebat,”
“Argolici clipei aut Phoebeae lampadis instar,—”
“et tandem laeti sociorum ulciscimur umbras.”
“Sed fugite, O miseri, fugite, atque ab litore funem”
“rumpite.”
“Nam qualis quantusque cavo Polyphemus in antro”
“lanigeras claudit pecudes atque ubera pressat,”
“centum alii curva haec habitant ad litora volgo”
“infandi Cyclopes, et altis montibus errant.”
“Tertia iam lunae se cornua lumine complent,”
“cum vitam in silvis inter deserta ferarum”
“lustra domosque traho, vastosque ab rupe Cyclopas”
“prospicio, sonitumque pedum vocemque tremesco.”
“Victum infelicem, bacas lapidosaque corna,”
“dant rami et volsis pascunt radicibus herbae.”
“Omnia conlustrans, hanc primum ad litora classem”
“conspexi venientem. Huic me, quaecumque fuisset,”
“addixi: satis est gentem effugisse nefandam.”
“Vos animam hanc potius quocumque absumite leto.”

[¶8] He scarce had said, when moving o'er the crest
of a high hill a giant shape we saw:
that shepherd Polyphemus, with his flocks
down-wending to the well-known water-side;
huge, shapeless, horrible, with blinded eye,
bearing a lopped pine for a staff, he made
his footing sure, while the white, fleecy sheep,
sole pleasure now, and solace of his woes,
ran huddling at his side.
Soon to the vast flood of the level brine
he came, and washed the flowing gore away
from that out-hollowed eye; he gnashed his teeth,
groaning, and deep into the watery way
stalked on, his tall bulk wet by scarce a wave.
We fled in haste, though far, and with us bore
the truthful suppliant; cut silently
the anchor-ropes, and, bending to the oar,
swept on with eager strokes clean out to sea.
Aware he was, and toward our loud halloo
whirled sudden round; but when no power had he
to seize or harm, nor could his fierce pursuit
o'ertake the Ionian surges as they rolled,
he raised a cry incredible; the sea
with all its billows trembled; the wide shore
of Italy from glens and gorges moaned,
and Aetna roared from every vaulted cave.

> Latin: Vix ea fatus erat, summo cum monte videmus
ipsum inter pecudes vasta se mole moventem
pastorem Polyphemum et litora nota petentem,
monstrum horrendum, informe, ingens, cui lumen ademptum.
Trunca manu pinus regit et vestigia firmat;
lanigerae comitantur oves—ea sola voluptas
solamenque mali.
Postquam altos tetigit fluctus et ad aequora venit,
luminis effossi fluidum lavit inde cruorem,
dentibus infrendens gemitu, graditurque per aequor
iam medium, necdum fluctus latera ardua tinxit.
Nos procul inde fugam trepidi celerare, recepto
supplice sic merito, tacitique incidere funem;
vertimus et proni certantibus aequora remis.
Sensit, et ad sonitum vocis vestigia torsit;
verum ubi nulla datur dextra adfectare potestas,
nec potis Ionios fluctus aequare sequendo,
clamorem immensum tollit, quo pontus et omnes
contremuere undae, penitusque exterrita tellus
Italiae, curvisque immugiit Aetna cavernis.

[¶9] Then rallied from the grove-clad, Iofty isle
the Cyclops' clan, and lined the beach and bay.
We saw each lonely eyeball glare in vain,
as side by side those brothers Aetna-born
stood towering high, a conclave dark and dire:
as when, far up some mountain's famous crest,
wind-fronting oaks or cone-clad cypresses
have made assembling in the solemn hills,
Jove's giant wood or Dian's sacred grove.
We, terror-struck, would fly we knew not where,
with loosened sheet and canvas swelling strong
before a welcome wind; but Helenus
bade us both Scylla and Charybdis fear,
where 'twixt the twain death straitly hems the way;
and so the counsel was to veer our bark
the course it came. But lo! a northern gale
burst o'er us from Pelorus' narrowed side,
and on we rode far past Pantagia's bay
of unhewn rock, and past the haven strong
of Megara, and Thapsus Iying low.
Such were the names retold, and such the shores
shown us by Achemenides, whose fate
made him familiar there, for he had sailed
with evil-starred Ulysses o'er that sea.

> Latin: At genus e silvis Cyclopum et montibus altis
excitum ruit ad portus et litora complent.
Cernimus adstantis nequiquam lumine torvo
Aetnaeos fratres, caelo capita alta ferentis,
concilium horrendum: quales cum vertice celso
aeriae quercus, aut coniferae cyparissi
constiterunt, silva alta Iovis, lucusve Dianae.
Praecipites metus acer agit quocumque rudentis
excutere, et ventis intendere vela secundis.
Contra iussa monent Heleni Scyllam atque Charybdin
inter, utramque viam leti discrimine parvo,
ni teneant cursus; certum est dare lintea retro.
Ecce autem Boreas angusta ab sede Pelori
missus adest. Vivo praetervehor ostia saxo
Pantagiae Megarosque sinus Thapsumque iacentem.
Talia monstrabat relegens errata retrorsus
litora Achaemenides; comes infelicis Ulixi.

[¶10] Off the Sicilian shore an island lies,
wave-washed Plemmyrium, called in olden days
Ortygia; here Alpheus, river-god,
from Elis flowed by secret sluice, they say,
beneath the sea, and mingles at thy mouth,
fair Arethusa! with Sicilian waves.
Our voices hailed the great gods of the land
with reverent prayer; then skirted we the shore,
where smooth Helorus floods the fruitful plain.
Under Pachynus' beetling precipice
we kept our course; then Camarina rose
in distant view, firm-seated evermore
by Fate's decree; and that far-spreading vale
of Gela, with the name of power it takes
from its wide river; and, uptowering far,
the ramparts of proud Acragas appeared,
where fiery steeds were bred in days of old.
Borne by the winds, along thy coast I fled,
Selinus, green with palm! and past the shore
of Lilybaeum with its treacherous reef;
till at the last the port of Drepanum
received me to its melancholy strand.
Here, woe is me I outworn by stormful seas,
my sire, sole comfort of my grievous doom,
Anchises ceased to be. O best of sires!
Here didst thou leave me in the weary way;
through all our perils—O the bitter loss! —
borne safely, but in vain. King Helenus,
whose prophet-tongue of dark events foretold,
spoke not this woe; nor did Celeno's curse
of this forebode. Such my last loss and pain;
such, of my weary way, the destined goal.
From thence departing, the divine behest
impelled me to thy shores, O listening queen!

> Latin: Sicanio praetenta sinu iacet insula contra
Plemyrium undosum; nomen dixere priores
Ortygiam. Alpheum fama est huc Elidis amnem
occultas egisse vias subter mare; qui nunc
ore, Arethusa, tuo Siculis confunditur undis.
Iussi numina magna loci veneramur; et inde
exsupero praepingue solum stagnantis Helori.
Hinc altas cautes proiectaque saxa Pachyni
radimus, et fatis numquam concessa moveri
adparet Camerina procul campique Geloi,
immanisque Gela fluvii cognomine dicta.
Arduus inde Acragas ostentat maxuma longe
moenia, magnanimum quondam generator equorum;
teque datis linquo ventis, palmosa Selinus,
et vada dura lego saxis Lilybeia caecis.
Hinc Drepani me portus et inlaetabilis ora
accipit. Hic, pelagi tot tempestatibus actis,
heu genitorem, omnis curae casusque levamen,
amitto Anchisen: hic me, pater optume, fessum
deseris, heu, tantis nequiquam erepte periclis!
Nec vates Helenus, cum multa horrenda moneret,
hos mihi praedixit luctus, non dira Celaeno.
Hic labor extremus, longarum haec meta viarum.
Hinc me digressum vestris deus adpulit oris.

[¶11] Such was, while all gave ear, the tale sublime
father Aeneas, none but he, set forth
of wanderings and of dark decrees divine:
silent at last, he ceased, and took repose.

> Latin: Sic pater Aeneas intentis omnibus unus
fata renarrabat divom, cursusque docebat.
Conticuit tandem, factoque hic fine quievit.

## 7. Book IV · lines 1–361

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/7/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/7/#p-N

[¶0] Now felt the Queen the sharp, slow-gathering pangs
of love; and out of every pulsing vein
nourished the wound and fed its viewless fire.
Her hero's virtues and his lordly line
keep calling to her soul; his words, his glance,
cling to her heart like lingering, barbed steel,
and rest and peace from her vexed body fly.
A new day's dawn with Phoebus' lamp divine
lit up all lands, and from the vaulted heaven
Aurora had dispelled the dark and dew;
when thus unto the ever-answering heart
of her dear sister spoke the stricken Queen:
“Anna, my sister, what disturbing dreams
perplex me and alarm? What guest is this
new-welcomed to our house? How proud his mien!
What dauntless courage and exploits of war!
Sooth, I receive it for no idle tale
that of the gods he sprang. 'T is cowardice
betrays the base-born soul. Ah me! How fate
has smitten him with storms! What dire extremes
of war and horror in his tale he told!
O, were it not immutably resolved
in my fixed heart, that to no shape of man
I would be wed again (since my first love
left me by death abandoned and betrayed);
loathed I not so the marriage torch and train,
I could—who knows?—to this one weakness yield.
Anna, I hide it not! But since the doom
of my ill-starred Sichaeus, when our shrines
were by a brother's murder dabbled o'er,
this man alone has moved me; he alone
has shaken my weak will. I seem to feel
the motions of love's lost, familiar fire.
But may the earth gape open where I tread,
and may almighty Jove with thunder-scourge
hurl me to Erebus' abysmal shade,
to pallid ghosts and midnight fathomless,
before, O Chastity! I shall offend
thy holy power, or cast thy bonds away!
He who first mingled his dear life with mine
took with him all my heart. 'T is his alone —
o, let it rest beside him in the grave!”
She spoke: the bursting tears her breast o'erflowed.

> Latin: At regina gravi iamdudum saucia cura
volnus alit venis, et caeco carpitur igni.
Multa viri virtus animo, multusque recursat
gentis honos: haerent infixi pectore voltus
verbaque, nec placidam membris dat cura quietem.
Postera Phoebea lustrabat lampade terras,
umentemque Aurora polo dimoverat umbram,
cum sic unanimam adloquitur male sana sororem:
“Anna soror, quae me suspensam insomnia terrent!”
“Quis novus hic nostris successit sedibus hospes,”
“quem sese ore ferens, quam forti pectore et armis!”
“Credo equidem, nec vana fides, genus esse deorum.”
“Degeneres animos timor arguit: heu, quibus ille”
“iactatus fatis! Quae bella exhausta canebat!”
“Si mihi non animo fixum immotumque sederet,”
“ne cui me vinclo vellem sociare iugali,”
“postquam primus amor deceptam morte fefellit;”
“si non pertaesum thalami taedaeque fuisset,”
“huic uni forsan potui succumbere culpae.”
“Anna, fatebor enim, miseri post fata Sychaei”
“coniugis et sparsos fraterna caede Penatis,”
“solus hic inflexit sensus, animumque labantem”
“impulit: adgnosco veteris vestigia flammae.”
“Sed mihi vel tellus optem prius ima dehiscat,”
“vel Pater omnipotens adigat me fulmine ad umbras,”
“pallentis umbras Erebi noctemque profundam,”
“ante, Pudor, quam te violo, aut tua iura resolvo.”
“Ille meos, primus qui me sibi iunxit, amores”
“abstulit; ille habeat secum servetque sepulchro.”
Sic effata sinum lacrimis implevit obortis.

[¶1] “O dearer to thy sister than her life,”
Anna replied, “wouldst thou in sorrow's weed
waste thy long youth alone, nor ever know
sweet babes at thine own breast, nor gifts of love?
Will dust and ashes, or a buried ghost
reck what we do? 'T is true thy grieving heart
was cold to earlier wooers, Libya's now,
and long ago in Tyre. Iarbas knew
thy scorn, and many a prince and captain bred
in Afric's land of glory. Why resist
a love that makes thee glad? Hast thou no care
what alien lands are these where thou dost reign?
Here are Gaetulia's cities and her tribes
unconquered ever; on thy borders rove
Numidia's uncurbed cavalry; here too
lies Syrtis' cruel shore, and regions wide
of thirsty desert, menaced everywhere
by the wild hordes of Barca. Shall I tell
of Tyre's hostilities, the threats and rage
of our own brother? Friendly gods, I bow,
wafted the Teucrian ships, with Juno's aid,
to these our shores. O sister, what a throne,
and what imperial city shall be thine,
if thus espoused! With Trojan arms allied
how far may not our Punic fame extend
in deeds of power? Call therefore on the gods
to favor thee; and, after omens fair,
give queenly welcome, and contrive excuse
to make him tarry, while yon wintry seas
are loud beneath Orion's stormful star,
and on his battered ships the season frowns.”

> Latin: Anna refert: “O luce magis dilecta sorori,”
“solane perpetua maerens carpere iuventa,”
“nec dulcis natos, Veneris nec praemia noris?”
“Id cinerem aut Manis credis curare sepultos?”
“Esto: aegram nulli quondam flexere mariti,”
“non Libyae, non ante Tyro; despectus Iarbas”
“ductoresque alii, quos Africa terra triumphis”
“dives alit: placitone etiam pugnabis amori?”
“Nec venit in mentem, quorum consederis arvis?”
“Hinc Gaetulae urbes, genus insuperabile bello,”
“et Numidae infreni cingunt et inhospita Syrtis;”
“hinc deserta siti regio, lateque furentes”
“Barcaei. Quid bella Tyro surgentia dicam,”
“germanique minas?”
“Dis equidem auspicibus reor et Iunone secunda”
“hunc cursum Iliacas vento tenuisse carinas.”
“Quam tu urbem, soror, hanc cernes, quae surgere regna”
“coniugio tali! Teucrum comitantibus armis”
“Punica se quantis attollet gloria rebus!”
“Tu modo posce deos veniam, sacrisque litatis”
“indulge hospitio, causasque innecte morandi,”
“dum pelago desaevit hiemps et aquosus Orion,”
“quassataeque rates, dum non tractabile caelum.”

[¶2] So saying, she stirred a passion-burning breast
to Iove more madly still; her words infused
a doubting mind with hope, and bade the blush
of shame begone. First to the shrines they went
and sued for grace; performing sacrifice,
choosing an offering of unblemished ewes,
to law-bestowing Ceres, to the god
of light, to sire Lyeus, Iord of wine;
but chiefly unto Juno, patroness
of nuptial vows. There Dido, beauteous Queen
held forth in her right hand the sacred bowl
and poured it full between the lifted horns
of the white heifer; or on temple floors
she strode among the richly laden shrines,
the eyes of gods upon her, worshipping
with many a votive gift; or, peering deep
into the victims' cloven sides, she read
the fate-revealing tokens trembling there.
How blind the hearts of prophets be! Alas!
Of what avail be temples and fond prayers
to change a frenzied mind? Devouring ever,
love's fire burns inward to her bones; she feels
quick in her breast the viewless, voiceless wound.
Ill-fated Dido ranges up and down
the spaces of her city, desperate
her life one flame—like arrow-stricken doe
through Cretan forest rashly wandering,
pierced by a far-off shepherd, who pursues
with shafts, and leaves behind his light-winged steed,
not knowing; while she scours the dark ravines
of Dicte and its woodlands; at her heart
the mortal barb irrevocably clings.
around her city's battlements she guides
aeneas, to make show of Sidon's gold,
and what her realm can boast; full oft her voice
essays to speak and frembling dies away:
or, when the daylight fades, she spreads anew
a royal banquet, and once more will plead
mad that she is, to hear the Trojan sorrow;
and with oblivious ravishment once more
hangs on his lips who tells; or when her guests
are scattered, and the wan moon's fading horn
bedims its ray, while many a sinking star
invites to slumber, there she weeps alone
in the deserted hall, and casts her down
on the cold couch he pressed. Her love from far
beholds her vanished hero and receives
his voice upon her ears; or to her breast,
moved by a father's image in his child,
she clasps Ascanius, seeking to deceive
her unblest passion so. Her enterprise
of tower and rampart stops: her martial host
no Ionger she reviews, nor fashions now
defensive haven and defiant wall;
but idly all her half-built bastions frown,
and enginery of sieges, high as heaven.

> Latin: His dictis incensum animum inflammavit amore,
spemque dedit dubiae menti, solvitque pudorem.
Principio delubra adeunt, pacemque per aras
exquirunt; mactant lectas de more bidentis
legiferae Cereri Phoeboque patrique Lyaeo,
Iunoni ante omnis, cui vincla iugalia curae.
Ipsa, tenens dextra pateram, pulcherrima Dido
candentis vaccae media inter cornua fundit,
aut ante ora deum pinguis spatiatur ad aras,
instauratque diem donis, pecudumque reclusis
pectoribus inhians spirantia consulit exta.
Heu vatum ignarae mentes! quid vota furentem,
quid delubra iuvant? Est mollis flamma medullas
interea, et tacitum vivit sub pectore volnus.
Uritur infelix Dido, totaque vagatur
urbe furens, qualis coniecta cerva sagitta,
quam procul incautam nemora inter Cresia fixit
pastor agens telis, liquitque volatile ferrum
nescius; illa fuga silvas saltusque peragrat
Dictaeos; haeret lateri letalis arundo.
Nunc media Aenean secum per moenia ducit,
Sidoniasque ostentat opes urbemque paratam;
incipit effari, mediaque in voce resistit;
nunc eadem labente die convivia quaerit,
Iliacosque iterum demens audire labores
exposcit, pendetque iterum narrantis ab ore.
Post, ubi digressi, lumenque obscura vicissim
luna premit suadentque cadentia sidera somnos,
sola domo maeret vacua, stratisque relictis
incubat, illum absens absentem auditque videtque;
aut gremio Ascanium, genitoris imagine capta,
detinet, infandum si fallere possit amorem.
Non coeptae adsurgunt turres, non arma iuventus
exercet, portusve aut propugnacula bello
tuta parant; pendent opera interrupta, minaeque
murorum ingentes aequataque machina caelo.

[¶3] But soon the chosen spouse of Jove perceived
the Queen's infection; and because the voice
of honor to such frenzy spoke not, she,
daughter of Saturn, unto Venus turned
and counselled thus: “How noble is the praise,
how glorious the spoils of victory,
for thee and for thy boy! Your names should be
in lasting, vast renown—that by the snare
of two great gods in league one woman fell!
it 'scapes me not that my protected realms
have ever been thy fear, and the proud halls
of Carthage thy vexation and annoy.
Why further go? Prithee, what useful end
has our long war? Why not from this day forth
perpetual peace and nuptial amity?
Hast thou not worked thy will? Behold and see
how Iove-sick Dido burns, and all her flesh
'The madness feels! So let our common grace
smile on a mingled people! Let her serve
a Phrygian husband, while thy hands receive
her Tyrian subjects for the bridal dower!”

> Latin: Quam simul ac tali persensit peste teneri
cara Iovis coniunx, nec famam obstare furori,
talibus adgreditur Venerem Saturnia dictis:
“Egregiam vero laudem et spolia ampla refertis”
“tuque puerque tuus, magnum et memorabile numen,”
“una dolo divom si femina victa duorum est!”
“Nec me adeo fallit veritam te moenia nostra”
“suspectas habuisse domos Karthaginis altae.”
“Sed quis erit modus, aut quo nunc certamine tanto?”
“Quin potius pacem aeternam pactosque hymenaeos”
“exercemus? Habes, tota quod mente petisti:”
“ardet amans Dido, traxitque per ossa furorem.”
“Communem hunc ergo populum paribusque regamus”
“auspiciis; liceat Phrygio servire marito,”
“dotalisque tuae Tyrios permittere dextrae.”

[¶4] In answer (reading the dissembler's mind
which unto Libyan shores were fain to shift
italia's future throne) thus Venus spoke:
“'T were mad to spurn such favor, or by choice
be numbered with thy foes. But can it be
that fortune on thy noble counsel smiles?
To me Fate shows but dimly whether Jove
unto the Trojan wanderers ordains
a common city with the sons of Tyre,
with mingling blood and sworn, perpetual peace.
His wife thou art; it is thy rightful due
to plead to know his mind. Go, ask him, then!
For humbly I obey!” With instant word
Juno the Queen replied: “Leave that to me!
But in what wise our urgent task and grave
may soon be sped, I will in brief unfold
to thine attending ear. A royal hunt
in sylvan shades unhappy Dido gives
for her Aeneas, when to-morrow's dawn
uplifts its earliest ray and Titan's beam
shall first unveil the world. But I will pour
black storm-clouds with a burst of heavy hail
along their way; and as the huntsmen speed
to hem the wood with snares, I will arouse
all heaven with thunder. The attending train
shall scatter and be veiled in blinding dark,
while Dido and her hero out of Troy
to the same cavern fly. My auspices
I will declare—if thou alike wilt bless;
and yield her in true wedlock for his bride.
Such shall their spousal be!” To Juno's will
Cythera's Queen inclined assenting brow,
and laughed such guile to see.

> Latin: Olli—sensit enim simulata mente locutam,
quo regnum Italiae Libycas averteret oras—
sic contra est ingressa Venus: “Quis talia demens”
“abnuat, aut tecum malit contendere bello,”
“si modo, quod memoras, factum fortuna sequatur.”
“Sed fatis incerta feror, si Iuppiter unam”
“esse velit Tyriis urbem Troiaque profectis,”
“miscerive probet populos, aut foedera iungi.”
“Tu coniunx tibi fas animum temptare precando.”
“Perge; sequar”. Tum sic excepit regia Iuno:
“Mecum erit iste labor: nunc qua ratione, quod instat”
“confieri possit, paucis, adverte, docebo.”
“Venatum Aeneas unaque miserrima Dido”
“in nemus ire parant, ubi primos crastinus ortus”
“extulerit Titan, radiisque retexerit orbem.”
“His ego nigrantem commixta grandine nimbum,”
“dum trepidant alae, saltusque indagine cingunt,”
“desuper infundam, et tonitru caelum omne ciebo.”
“Diffugient comites et nocte tegentur opaca:”
“speluncam Dido dux et Troianus eandem”
“devenient; adero, et, tua si mihi certa voluntas,”
“[conubio iungam stabili propriamque dicabo,]”
“hic hymenaeus erit.”—Non adversata petenti
adnuit, atque dolis risit Cytherea repertis.

[¶5] Aurora rose,
and left the ocean's rim. The city's gates
pour forth to greet the morn a gallant train
of huntsmen, bearing many a woven snare
and steel-tipped javelin; while to and fro
run the keen-scented dogs and Libyan squires.
The Queen still keeps her chamber; at her doors
the Punic lords await; her palfrey, brave
in gold and purple housing, paws the ground
and fiercely champs the foam-flecked bridle-rein.
At last, with numerous escort, forth she shines:
her Tyrian pall is bordered in bright hues,
her quiver, gold; her tresses are confined
only with gold; her robes of purple rare
meet in a golden clasp. To greet her come
the noble Phrygian guests; among them smiles
the boy Iulus; and in fair array
Aeneas, goodliest of all his train.
In such a guise Apollo (when he leaves
cold Lycian hills and Xanthus' frosty stream
to visit Delos to Latona dear)
ordains the song, while round his altars cry
the choirs of many islands, with the pied,
fantastic Agathyrsi; soon the god
moves o'er the Cynthian steep; his flowing hair
he binds with laurel garland and bright gold;
upon his shining shoulder as he goes
the arrows ring:—not less uplifted mien
aeneas wore; from his illustrious brow
such beauty shone. Soon to the mountains tall
the cavalcade comes nigh, to pathless haunts
of woodland creatures; the wild goats are seen,
from pointed crag descending leap by leap
down the steep ridges; in the vales below
are routed deer, that scour the spreading plain,
and mass their dust-blown squadrons in wild flight,
far from the mountain's bound. Ascanius
flushed with the sport, spurs on a mettled steed
from vale to vale, and many a flying herd
his chase outspeeds; but in his heart he prays
among these tame things suddenly to see
a tusky boar, or, leaping from the hills,
a growling mountain-lion, golden-maned.

> Latin: Oceanum interea surgens Aurora reliquit.
It portis iubare exorto delecta iuventus;
retia rara, plagae, lato venabula ferro,
Massylique ruunt equites et odora canum vis.
Reginam thalamo cunctantem ad limina primi
Poenorum exspectant, ostroque insignis et auro
stat sonipes, ac frena ferox spumantia mandit.
Tandem progreditur, magna stipante caterva,
Sidoniam picto chlamydem circumdata limbo.
Cui pharetra ex auro, crines nodantur in aurum,
aurea purpuream subnectit fibula vestem.
Nec non et Phrygii comites et laetus Iulus
incedunt. Ipse ante alios pulcherrimus omnis
infert se socium Aeneas atque agmina iungit.
Qualis ubi hibernam Lyciam Xanthique fluenta
deserit ac Delum maternam invisit Apollo,
instauratque choros, mixtique altaria circum
Cretesque Dryopesque fremunt pictique Agathyrsi;
ipse iugis Cynthi graditur, mollique fluentem
fronde premit crinem fingens atque implicat auro;
tela sonant umeris: haud illo segnior ibat
Aeneas; tantum egregio decus enitet ore.
Postquam altos ventum in montis atque invia lustra,
ecce ferae, saxi deiectae vertice, caprae
decurrere iugis; alia de parte patentis
transmittunt cursu campos atque agmina cervi
pulverulenta fuga glomerant montisque relinquunt.
At puer Ascanius mediis in vallibus acri
gaudet equo, iamque hos cursu, iam praeterit illos,
spumantemque dari pecora inter inertia votis
optat aprum, aut fulvum descendere monte leonem.

[¶6] Meanwhile low thunders in the distant sky
mutter confusedly; soon bursts in full
the storm-cloud and the hail. The Tyrian troop
is scattered wide; the chivalry of Troy,
with the young heir of Dardan's kingly line,
of Venus sprung, seek shelter where they may,
with sudden terror; down the deep ravines
the swollen torrents roar. In that same hour
Queen Dido and her hero out of Troy
to the same cavern fly. Old Mother-Earth
and wedlock-keeping Juno gave the sign;
the flash of lightnings on the conscious air
were torches to the bridal; from the hills
the wailing wood-nymphs sobbed a wedding song.
Such was that day of death, the source and spring
of many a woe. For Dido took no heed
of honor and good-name; nor did she mean
her loves to hide; but called the lawlessness
a marriage, and with phrases veiled her shame.

> Latin: Interea magno misceri murmure caelum
incipit; insequitur commixta grandine nimbus;
et Tyrii comites passim et Troiana iuventus
Dardaniusque nepos Veneris diversa per agros
tecta metu petiere; ruunt de montibus amnes.
Speluncam Dido dux et Troianus eandem
deveniunt: prima et Tellus et pronuba Iuno
dant signum; fulsere ignes et conscius aether
conubiis, summoque ulularunt vertice nymphae.
Ille dies primus leti primusque malorum
causa fuit; neque enim specie famave movetur,
nec iam furtivum Dido meditatur amorem:
coniugium vocat; hoc praetexit nomine culpam.

[¶7] Swift through the Libyan cities Rumor sped.
Rumor! What evil can surpass her speed?
In movement she grows mighty, and achieves
strength and dominion as she swifter flies.
small first, because afraid, she soon exalts
her stature skyward, stalking through the lands
and mantling in the clouds her baleful brow.
The womb of Earth, in anger at high Heaven,
bore her, they say, last of the Titan spawn,
sister to Coeus and Enceladus.
Feet swift to run and pinions like the wind
the dreadful monster wears; her carcase huge
is feathered, and at root of every plume
a peering eye abides; and, strange to tell,
an equal number of vociferous tongues,
foul, whispering lips, and ears, that catch at all.
At night she spreads midway 'twixt earth and heaven
her pinions in the darkness, hissing loud,
nor e'er to happy slumber gives her eyes:
but with the morn she takes her watchful throne
high on the housetops or on lofty towers,
to terrify the nations. She can cling
to vile invention and malignant wrong,
or mingle with her word some tidings true.
She now with changeful story filled men's ears,
exultant, whether false or true she sung:
how, Trojan-born Aeneas having come,
Dido, the lovely widow, Iooked his way,
deigning to wed; how all the winter long
they passed in revel and voluptuous ease,
to dalliance given o'er; naught heeding now
of crown or kingdom—shameless! lust-enslaved!
Such tidings broadcast on the lips of men
the filthy goddess spread; and soon she hied
to King Iarbas, where her hateful song
to newly-swollen wrath his heart inflamed.

> Latin: Extemplo Libyae magnas it Fama per urbes—
Fama, malum qua non aliud velocius ullum;
mobilitate viget, viresque adquirit eundo,
parva metu primo, mox sese attollit in auras,
ingrediturque solo, et caput inter nubila condit.
Illam Terra parens, ira inritata deorum,
extremam (ut perhibent) Coeo Enceladoque sororem
progenuit, pedibus celerem et pernicibus alis,
monstrum horrendum, ingens, cui, quot sunt corpore plumae
tot vigiles oculi subter, mirabile dictu,
tot linguae, totidem ora sonant, tot subrigit aures.
Nocte volat caeli medio terraeque per umbram,
stridens, nec dulci declinat lumina somno;
luce sedet custos aut summi culmine tecti,
turribus aut altis, et magnas territat urbes;
tam ficti pravique tenax, quam nuntia veri.
Haec tum multiplici populos sermone replebat
gaudens, et pariter facta atque infecta canebat:
venisse Aenean, Troiano sanguine cretum,
cui se pulchra viro dignetur iungere Dido;
nunc hiemem inter se luxu, quam longa, fovere
regnorum immemores turpique cupidine captos.
Haec passim dea foeda virum diffundit in ora.
Protinus ad regem cursus detorquet Iarban,
incenditque animum dictis atque aggerat iras.

[¶8] Him the god Ammon got by forced embrace
upon a Libyan nymph; his kingdoms wide
possessed a hundred ample shrines to Jove,
a hundred altars whence ascended ever
the fires of sacrifice, perpetual seats
for a great god's abode, where flowing blood
enriched the ground, and on the portals hung
garlands of every flower. The angered King,
half-maddened by malignant Rumor's voice,
unto his favored altars came, and there,
surrounded by the effluence divine,
upraised in prayer to Jove his suppliant hands.
“Almighty Jupiter, to whom each day,
at banquet on the painted couch reclined,
Numidia pours libation! Do thine eyes
behold us? Or when out of yonder heaven,
o sire, thou launchest the swift thunderbolt,
is it for naught we fear thee? Do the clouds
shoot forth blind fire to terrify the soul
with wild, unmeaning roar? O, Iook upon
that woman, who was homeless in our realm,
and bargained where to build her paltry town,
receiving fertile coastland for her farms,
by hospitable grant! She dares disdain
our proffered nuptial vow. She has proclaimed
Aeneas partner of her bed and throne.
And now that Paris, with his eunuch crew,
beneath his chin and fragrant, oozy hair
ties the soft Lydian bonnet, boasting well
his stolen prize. But we to all these fanes,
though they be thine, a fruitless offering bring,
and feed on empty tales our trust in thee.”

> Latin: Hic Hammone satus, rapta Garamantide Nympha,
templa Iovi centum latis immania regnis,
centum aras posuit, vigilemque sacraverat ignem,
excubias divom aeternas, pecudumque cruore
pingue solum et variis florentia limina sertis.
Isque amens animi et rumore accensus amaro
dicitur ante aras media inter numina divom
multa Iovem manibus supplex orasse supinis:
“Iuppiter omnipotens, cui nunc Maurusia pictis”
“gens epulata toris Lenaeum libat honorem,”
“aspicis haec, an te, genitor, cum fulmina torques,”
“nequiquam horremus, caecique in nubibus ignes”
“terrificant animos et inania murmura miscent?”
“Femina, quae nostris errans in finibus urbem”
“exiguam pretio posuit, cui litus arandum”
“cuique loci leges dedimus, conubia nostra”
“reppulit, ac dominum Aenean in regna recepit.”
“Et nunc ille Paris cum semiviro comitatu,”
“Maeonia mentum mitra crinemque madentem”
“subnexus, rapto potitur: nos munera templis”
“quippe tuis ferimus, famamque fovemus inanem.”

[¶9] As thus he prayed and to the altars clung,
th' Omnipotent gave ear, and turned his gaze
upon the royal dwelling, where for love
the amorous pair forgot their place and name.
Then thus to Mercury he gave command:
“Haste thee, my son, upon the Zephyrs call,
and take thy winged way! My mandate bear
unto that prince of Troy who tarries now
in Tyrian Carthage, heedless utterly
of empire Heaven-bestowed. On winged winds
hasten with my decrees. Not such the man
his beauteous mother promised; not for this
twice did she shield him from the Greeks in arms:
but that he might rule Italy, a land
pregnant with thrones and echoing with war;
that he of Teucer's seed a race should sire,
and bring beneath its law the whole wide world.
If such a glory and event supreme
enkindle not his bosom; if such task
to his own honor speak not; can the sire
begrudge Ascanius the heritage
of the proud name of Rome? What plans he now?
What mad hope bids him linger in the lap
of enemies, considering no more
the land Lavinian and Ausonia's sons.
Let him to sea! Be this our final word:
this message let our herald faithful bear.”

> Latin: Talibus orantem dictis arasque tenentem
audiit omnipotens, oculosque ad moenia torsit
regia et oblitos famae melioris amantes.
Tum sic Mercurium adloquitur ac talia mandat:
“Vade age, nate, voca Zephyros et labere pennis,”
“Dardaniumque ducem, Tyria Karthagine qui nunc”
“exspectat, fatisque datas non respicit urbes,”
“adloquere, et celeris defer mea dicta per auras.”
“Non illum nobis genetrix pulcherrima talem”
“promisit, Graiumque ideo bis vindicat armis;”
“sed fore, qui gravidam imperiis belloque frementem”
“Italiam regeret, genus alto a sanguine Teucri”
“proderet, ac totum sub leges mitteret orbem.”
“Si nulla accendit tantarum gloria rerum,”
“nec super ipse sua molitur laude laborem,”
“Ascanione pater Romanas invidet arces?”
“Quid struit, aut qua spe inimica in gente moratur,”
“nec prolem Ausoniam et Lavinia respicit arva?”
“Naviget: haec summa est; hic nostri nuntius esto.”

[¶10] He spoke. The god a prompt obedience gave
to his great sire's command. He fastened first
those sandals of bright gold, which carry him
aloft o'er land or sea, with airy wings
that race the fleeting wind; then lifted he
his wand, wherewith he summons from the grave
pale-featured ghosts, or, if he will, consigns
to doleful Tartarus; or by its power
gives slumber or dispels; or quite unseals
the eyelids of the dead: on this relying,
he routs the winds or cleaves th' obscurity
of stormful clouds. Soon from his flight he spied
the summit and the sides precipitous
of stubborn Atlas, whose star-pointing peak
props heaven; of Atlas, whose pine-wreathed brow
is girdled evermore with misty gloom
and lashed of wind and rain; a cloak of snow
melts on his shoulder; from his aged chin
drop rivers, and ensheathed in stiffening ice
glitters his great grim beard. Here first was stayed
the speed of Mercury's well-poising wing;
here making pause, from hence he headlong flung
his body to the sea; in motion like
some sea-bird's, which along the levelled shore
or round tall crags where rove the swarming fish,
flies Iow along the waves: o'er-hovering so
between the earth and skies, Cyllene's god
flew downward from his mother's mountain-sire,
parted the winds and skimmed the sandy merge
of Libya. When first his winged feet
came nigh the clay-built Punic huts, he saw
Aeneas building at a citadel,
and founding walls and towers; at his side
was girt a blade with yellow jaspers starred,
his mantle with the stain of Tyrian shell
flowed purple from his shoulder, broidered fair
by opulent Dido with fine threads of gold,
her gift of love; straightway the god began:
“Dost thou for lofty Carthage toil, to build
foundations strong? Dost thou, a wife's weak thrall,
build her proud city? Hast thou, shameful loss!
Forgot thy kingdom and thy task sublime?
From bright Olympus, I. He who commands
all gods, and by his sovran deity
moves earth and heaven—he it was who bade
me bear on winged winds his high decree.
What plan is thine? By what mad hope dost thou
linger so Iong in lap of Libyan land?
If the proud reward of thy destined way
move not thy heart, if all the arduous toil
to thine own honor speak not, Iook upon
Iulus in his bloom, thy hope and heir
Ascanius. It is his rightful due
in Italy o'er Roman lands to reign.”
After such word Cyllene's winged god
vanished, and e'er his accents died away,
dissolved in air before the mortal's eyes.

> Latin: Dixerat. Ille patris magni parere parabat
imperio; et primum pedibus talaria nectit
aurea, quae sublimem alis sive aequora supra
seu terram rapido pariter cum flamine portant;
tum virgam capit: hac animas ille evocat Orco
pallentis, alias sub Tartara tristia mittit,
dat somnos adimitque, et lumina morte resignat.
Illa fretus agit ventos, et turbida tranat
nubila; iamque volans apicem et latera ardua cernit
Atlantis duri, caelum qui vertice fulcit,
Atlantis, cinctum adsidue cui nubibus atris
piniferum caput et vento pulsatur et imbri;
nix umeros infusa tegit; tum flumina mento
praecipitant senis, et glacie riget horrida barba.
Hic primum paribus nitens Cyllenius alis
constitit; hinc toto praeceps se corpore ad undas
misit, avi similis, quae circum litora, circum
piscosos scopulos humilis volat aequora iuxta.
Haud aliter terras inter caelumque volabat,
litus harenosum Libyae ventosque secabat
materno veniens ab avo Cyllenia proles.
Ut primum alatis tetigit magalia plantis,
Aenean fundantem arces ac tecta novantem
conspicit; atque illi stellatus iaspide fulva
ensis erat, Tyrioque ardebat murice laena
demissa ex umeris, dives quae munera Dido
fecerat, et tenui telas discreverat auro.
Continuo invadit: “Tu nunc Karthaginis altae”
“fundamenta locas, pulchramque uxorius urbem”
“exstruis, heu regni rerumque oblite tuarum?”
“Ipse deum tibi me claro demittit Olympo”
“regnator, caelum ac terras qui numine torquet;”
“ipse haec ferre iubet celeris mandata per auras:”
“quid struis, aut qua spe Libycis teris otia terris?”
“Si te nulla movet tantarum gloria rerum,”
“[nec super ipse tua moliris laude laborem,]”
“Ascanium surgentem et spes heredis Iuli”
“respice, cui regnum Italiae Romanaque tellus”
“debentur.” Tali Cyllenius ore locutus
mortalis visus medio sermone reliquit,
et procul in tenuem ex oculis evanuit auram.

[¶11] Aeneas at the sight stood terror-dumb
with choking voice and horror-rising hair.
He fain would fly at once and get him gone
from that voluptuous land, much wondering
at Heaven's wrathful word. Alas! how stir?
What cunning argument can plead his cause
before th' infuriate Queen? How break such news?
Flashing this way and that, his startled mind
makes many a project and surveys them all.
But, pondering well, his final counsel stopped
at this resolve: he summoned to his side
Mnestheus, Sergestus, and Serestus bold,
and bade them fit the fleet, all silently
gathering the sailors and collecting gear,
but carefully dissembling what emprise
such novel stir intends: himself the while
(Since high-born Dido dreamed not love so fond
could have an end) would seek an audience,
at some indulgent time, and try what shift
such matters may require. With joy they heard,
and wrought, assiduous, at their prince's plan.

> Latin: At vero Aeneas aspectu obmutuit amens,
arrectaeque horrore comae, et vox faucibus haesit.
Ardet abire fuga dulcisque relinquere terras,
attonitus tanto monitu imperioque deorum.
Heu quid agat? Quo nunc reginam ambire furentem
audeat adfatu? Quae prima exordia sumat?
Atque animum nunc huc celerem, nunc dividit illuc,
in partisque rapit varias perque omnia versat.
Haec alternanti potior sententia visa est:
Mnesthea Sergestumque vocat fortemque Serestum,
classem aptent taciti sociosque ad litora cogant,
arma parent, et quae rebus sit causa novandis
dissimulent; sese interea, quando optuma Dido
nesciat et tantos rumpi non speret amores,
temptaturum aditus, et quae mollissima fandi
tempora, quis rebus dexter modus. Ocius omnes
imperio laeti parent ac iussa facessunt.

[¶12] But what can cheat true love? The Queen foreknew
his stratagem, and all the coming change
perceived ere it began. Her jealous fear
counted no hour secure. That unclean tongue
of Rumor told her fevered heart the fleet
was fitting forth, and hastening to be gone.
Distractedly she raved, and passion-tossed
roamed through her city, like a Maenad roused
by the wild rout of Bacchus, when are heard
the third year's orgies, and the midnight scream
to cold Cithaeron calls the frenzied crew.
Finding Aeneas, thus her plaint she poured:
“Didst hope to hide it, false one, that such crime
was in thy heart,—to steal without farewell
out of my kingdom? Did our mutual joy
not move thee; nor thine own true promise given
once on a time? Nor Dido, who will die
a death of sorrow? Why compel thy ships
to brave the winter stars? Why off to sea
so fast through stormy skies? O, cruelty!
If Troy still stood, and if thou wert not bound
for alien shore unknown, wouldst steer for Troy
through yonder waste of waves? Is it from me
thou takest flight? O, by these flowing tears,
by thine own plighted word (for nothing more
my weakness left to miserable me),
by our poor marriage of imperfect vow,
if aught to me thou owest, if aught in me
ever have pleased thee—O, be merciful
to my low-fallen fortunes! I implore,
if place be left for prayer, thy purpose change!
Because of thee yon Libyan savages
and nomad chiefs are grown implacable,
and my own Tyrians hate me. Yes, for thee
my chastity was slain and honor fair,
by which alone to glory I aspired,
in former days. To whom dost thou in death
abandon me? my guest!—since but this name
is left me of a husband! Shall I wait
till fell Pygmalion, my brother, raze
my city walls? Or the Gaetulian king,
Iarbas, chain me captive to his car?.
O, if, ere thou hadst fled, I might but bear
some pledge of love to thee, and in these halls
watch some sweet babe Aeneas at his play,
whose face should be the memory of thine own —
I were not so forsaken, Iost, undone!”

> Latin: At regina dolos—quis fallere possit amantem?
praesensit, motusque excepit prima futuros,
omnia tuta timens. Eadem impia Fama furenti
detulit armari classem cursumque parari.
Saevit inops animi, totamque incensa per urbem
bacchatur, qualis commotis excita sacris
Thyias, ubi audito stimulant trieterica Baccho
orgia, nocturnusque vocat clamore Cithaeron.
Tandem his Aenean compellat vocibus ultro:
“Dissimulare etiam sperasti, perfide, tantum”
“posse nefas, tacitusque mea decedere terra?”
“Nec te noster amor, nec te data dextera quondam,”
“nec moritura tenet crudeli funere Dido?”
“Quin etiam hiberno moliris sidere classem,”
“et mediis properas aquilonibus ire per altum,”
“crudelis? Quid, si non arva aliena domosque”
“ignotas peteres, sed Troia antiqua maneret,”
“Troia per undosum peteretur classibus aequor”
“Mene fugis? Per ego has lacrimas dextramque tuam te”
“(quando aliud mihi iam miserae nihil ipsa reliqui)”
“per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos,”
“si bene quid de te merui, fuit aut tibi quicquam”
“dulce meum, miserere domus labentis, et istam—”
“oro, si quis adhuc precibus locus—exue mentem.”
“Te propter Libycae gentes Nomadumque tyranni”
“odere, infensi Tyrii; te propter eundem”
“exstinctus pudor, et, qua sola sidera adibam,”
“fama prior. Cui me moribundam deseris, hospes?”
“Hoc solum nomen quoniam de coniuge restat.”
“Quid moror? An mea Pygmalion dum moenia frater”
“destruat, aut captam ducat Gaetulus Iarbas?”
“Saltem si qua mihi de te suscepta fuisset”
“ante fugam suboles, si quis mihi parvulus aula”
“luderet Aeneas, qui te tamen ore referret,”
“non equidem omnino capta ac deserta viderer.”

[¶13] She said. But he, obeying Jove's decree,
gazed steadfastly away; and in his heart
with strong repression crushed his cruel pain;
then thus the silence broke: “O Queen, not one
of my unnumbered debts so strongly urged
would I gainsay. Elissa's memory
will be my treasure Iong as memory holds,
or breath of life is mine. Hear my brief plea!
'T was not my hope to hide this flight I take,
as thou hast dreamed. Nay, I did never light
a bridegroom's torch, nor gave I thee the vow
of marriage. Had my destiny decreed,
that I should shape life to my heart's desire,
and at my own will put away the weight
of foil and pain, my place would now be found
in Troy, among the cherished sepulchres
of my own kin, and Priam's mansion proud
were standing still; or these my loyal hands
had rebuilt Ilium for her vanquished sons.
But now to Italy Apollo's power
commands me forth; his Lycian oracles
are loud for Italy. My heart is there,
and there my fatherland. If now the towers
of Carthage and thy Libyan colony
delight thy Tyrian eyes; wilt thou refuse
to Trojan exiles their Ausonian shore?
I too by Fate was driven, not less than thou,
to wander far a foreign throne to find.
Oft when in dewy dark night hides the world,
and flaming stars arise, Anchises' shade
looks on me in my dreams with angered brow.
I think of my Ascanius, and the wrong
to that dear heart, from whom I steal away
Hesperia, his destined home and throne.
But now the winged messenger of Heaven,
sent down by Jove (I swear by thee and me!),
has brought on winged winds his sire's command.
My own eyes with unclouded vision saw
the god within these walls; I have received
with my own ears his word. No more inflame
with lamentation fond thy heart and mine.
'T is not my own free act seeks Italy.”

> Latin: Dixerat. Ille Iovis monitis immota tenebat
lumina, et obnixus curam sub corde premebat.
Tandem pauca refert: “Ego te, quae plurima fando”
“enumerare vales, numquam, regina, negabo”
“promeritam; nec me meminisse pigebit Elissae,”
“dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regit artus.”
“Pro re pauca loquar. Neque ego hanc abscondere furto”
“speravi—ne finge—fugam, nec coniugis umquam”
“praetendi taedas, aut haec in foedera veni.”
“Me si fata meis paterentur ducere vitam”
“auspiciis et sponte mea componere curas,”
“urbem Troianam primum dulcisque meorum”
“reliquias colerem, Priami tecta alta manerent,”
“et recidiva manu posuissem Pergama victis.”
“Sed nunc Italiam magnam Gryneus Apollo,”
“Italiam Lyciae iussere capessere sortes:”
“hic amor, haec patria est. Si te Karthaginis arces,”
“Phoenissam, Libycaeque aspectus detinet urbis,”
“quae tandem, Ausonia Teucros considere terra,”
“invidia est? Et nos fas extera quaerere regna.”
“Me patris Anchisae, quotiens umentibus umbris”
“nox operit terras, quotiens astra ignea surgunt,”
“admonet in somnis et turbida terret imago;”
“me puer Ascanius capitisque iniuria cari,”
“quem regno Hesperiae fraudo et fatalibus arvis.”
“Nunc etiam interpres divom, Iove missus ab ipso—”
“testor utrumque caput—celeris mandata per auras”
“detulit; ipse deum manifesto in lumine vidi”
“intrantem muros, vocemque his auribus hausi.”
“Desine meque tuis incendere teque querelis:”
“Italiam non sponte sequor.”

## 8. Book IV · lines 362–705

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/8/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/8/#p-N

[¶0] She with averted eyes and glance that rolled
speechless this way and that, had listened long
to his reply, till thus her rage broke forth:
“No goddess gave thee birth. No Dardanus
begot thy sires. But on its breast of stone
Caucasus bore thee, and the tigresses
of fell Hyrcania to thy baby lip
their udders gave. Why should I longer show
a lying smile? What worse can I endure?
Did my tears draw one sigh? Did he once drop
his stony stare? or did he yield a tear
to my lament, or pity this fond heart?
Why set my wrongs in order? Juno, now,
and Jove, the son of Saturn, heed no more
where justice lies. No trusting heart is safe
in all this world. That waif and castaway
I found in beggary and gave him share—
fool that I was!—in my own royal glory.
His Iost fleet and his sorry crews I steered
from death away. O, how my fevered soul
unceasing raves! Forsooth Apollo speaks!
His Lycian oracles! and sent by Jove
the messenger of Heaven on fleeting air
the ruthless bidding brings! Proud business
for gods, I trow, that such a task disturbs
their still abodes! I hold thee back no more,
nor to thy cunning speeches give the lie.
Begone! Sail on to Italy, thy throne,
through wind and wave! I pray that, if there be
any just gods of power, thou mayest drink down
death on the mid-sea rocks, and often call
with dying gasps on Dido's name—while I
pursue with vengeful fire. When cold death rends
the body from the breath, my ghost shall sit
forever in thy path. Full penalties
thy stubborn heart shall pay. They'll bring me never
in yon deep gulf of death of all thy woe.”
Abrupt her utterance ceased; and sick at heart
she fled the light of day, as if to shrink
from human eyes, and left Aeneas there
irresolute with horror, while his soul
framed many a vain reply. Her swooning shape
her maidens to a marble chamber bore
and on her couch the helpless limbs reposed.

> Latin: Talia dicentem iamdudum aversa tuetur,
huc illuc volvens oculos, totumque pererrat
luminibus tacitis, et sic accensa profatur:
“Nec tibi diva parens, generis nec Dardanus auctor,”
“perfide; sed duris genuit te cautibus horrens”
“Caucasus, Hyrcanaeque admorunt ubera tigres.”
“Nam quid dissimulo, aut quae me ad maiora reservo?”
“Num fletu ingemuit nostro? Num lumina flexit?”
“Num lacrimas victus dedit, aut miseratus amantem est?”
“Quae quibus anteferam? Iam iam nec maxuma Iuno,”
“nec Saturnius haec oculis pater aspicit aequis.”
“Nusquam tuta fides. Eiectum litore, egentem”
“excepi, et regni demens in parte locavi;”
“amissam classem, socios a morte reduxi.”
“Heu furiis incensa feror! Nunc augur Apollo,”
“nunc Lyciae sortes, nunc et Iove missus ab ipso”
“interpres divom fert horrida iussa per auras.”
“Scilicet is Superis labor est, ea cura quietos”
“sollicitat. Neque te teneo, neque dicta refello.”
“I, sequere Italiam ventis, pete regna per undas.”
“Spero equidem mediis, si quid pia numina possunt,”
“supplicia hausurum scopulis, et nomine Dido”
“saepe vocaturum. Sequar atris ignibus absens,”
“et, cum frigida mors anima seduxerit artus,”
“omnibus umbra locis adero. Dabis, improbe, poenas.”
“Audiam et haec Manis veniet mihi fama sub imos.”
His medium dictis sermonem abrumpit, et auras
aegra fugit, seque ex oculis avertit et aufert,
linquens multa metu cunctantem et multa parantem
dicere. Suscipiunt famulae, conlapsaque membra
marmoreo referunt thalamo stratisque reponunt.

[¶1] Aeneas, faithful to a task divine,
though yearning sore to remedy and soothe
such misery, and with the timely word
her grief assuage, and though his burdened heart
was weak because of love, while many a groan
rose from his bosom, yet no whit did fail
to do the will of Heaven, but of his fleet
resumed command. The Trojans on the shore
ply well their task and push into the sea
the lofty ships. Now floats the shining keel,
and oars they bring all leafy from the grove,
with oak half-hewn, so hurried was the flight.
Behold them how they haste—from every gate
forth-streaming!—just as when a heap of corn
is thronged with ants, who, knowing winter nigh,
refill their granaries; the long black line
runs o'er the levels, and conveys the spoil
in narrow pathway through the grass; a part
with straining and assiduous shoulder push
the kernels huge; a part array the file,
and whip the laggards on; their busy track
swarms quick and eager with unceasing toil.
O Dido, how thy suffering heart was wrung,
that spectacle to see! What sore lament
was thine, when from the towering citadel
the whole shore seemed alive, the sea itself
in turmoil with loud cries! Relentless Love,
to what mad courses may not mortal hearts
by thee be driven? Again her sorrow flies
to doleful plaint and supplication vain;
again her pride to tyrant Love bows down
lest, though resolved to die, she fail to prove
each hope of living:

> Latin: At pius Aeneas, quamquam lenire dolentem
solando cupit et dictis avertere curas,
multa gemens magnoque animum labefactus amore,
iussa tamen divom exsequitur, classemque revisit.
Tum vero Teucri incumbunt, et litore celsas
deducunt toto naves: natat uncta carina;
frondentisque ferunt remos et robora silvis
infabricata, fugae studio.
Migrantis cernas, totaque ex urbe ruentis.
Ac velut ingentem formicae farris acervum
cum populant, hiemis memores, tectoque reponunt;
it nigrum campis agmen, praedamque per herbas
convectant calle angusto; pars grandia trudunt
obnixae frumenta umeris; pars agmina cogunt
castigantque moras; opere omnis semita fervet.
Quis tibi tum, Dido, cernenti talia sensus?
quosve dabas gemitus, cum litora fervere late
prospiceres arce ex summa, totumque videres
misceri ante oculos tantis clamoribus aequor?
Improbe Amor, quid non mortalia pectora cogis?
Ire iterum in lacrimas, iterum temptare precando
cogitur, et supplex animos submittere amori,
ne quid inexpertum frustra moritura relinquat.

[¶2] “O Anna, dost thou see
yon busy shore? From every side they come.
their canvas wooes the winds, and o'er each prow
the merry seamen hang their votive flowers.
Dear sister, since I did forebode this grief,
I shall be strong to bear it. One sole boon
my sorrow asks thee, Anna! Since of thee,
thee only, did that traitor make a friend,
and trusted thee with what he hid so deep —
the feelings of his heart; since thou alone
hast known what way, what hour the man would yield
to soft persuasion—therefore, sister, haste,
and humbly thus implore our haughty foe:
‘I was not with the Greeks what time they swore
at Aulis to cut off the seed of Troy;
I sent no ships to Ilium. Pray, have I
profaned Anchises' tomb, or vexed his shade?’
Why should his ear be deaf and obdurate
to all I say? What haste? May he not make
one last poor offering to her whose love
is only pain? O, bid him but delay
till flight be easy and the winds blow fair.
I plead no more that bygone marriage-vow
by him forsworn, nor ask that he should lose
his beauteous Latium and his realm to be.
Nothing but time I crave! to give repose
and more room to this fever, till my fate
teach a crushed heart to sorrow. I implore
this last grace. (To thy sister's grief be kind!)
I will requite with increase, till I die.”

> Latin: “Anna, vides toto properari litore; circum”
“undique convenere; vocat iam carbasus auras,”
“puppibus et laeti nautae imposuere coronas.”
“Hunc ego si potui tantum sperare dolorem,”
“et perferre, soror, potero. Miserae hoc tamen unum”
“exsequere, Anna, mihi. Solam nam perfidus ille”
“te colere, arcanos etiam tibi credere sensus;”
“sola viri mollis aditus et tempora noras.”
“I, soror, atque hostem supplex adfare superbum:”
“non ego cum Danais Troianam exscindere gentem”
“Aulide iuravi, classemve ad Pergama misi,”
“nec patris Anchisae cineres Manisve revelli,”
“cur mea dicta neget duras demittere in auris.”
“Quo ruit? Extremum hoc miserae det munus amanti:”
“exspectet facilemque fugam ventosque ferentis.”
“Non iam coniugium antiquum, quod prodidit, oro,”
“nec pulchro ut Latio careat regnumque relinquat:”
“tempus inane peto, requiem spatiumque furori,”
“dum mea me victam doceat fortuna dolere.”
“Extremam hanc oro veniam—miserere sororis—”
“quam mihi cum dederit, cumulatam morte remittam.”

[¶3] Such plaints, such prayers, again and yet again,
betwixt the twain the sorrowing sister bore.
But no words move, no lamentations bring
persuasion to his soul; decrees of Fate
oppose, and some wise god obstructs the way
that finds the hero's ear. Oft-times around
the aged strength of some stupendous oak
the rival blasts of wintry Alpine winds
smite with alternate wrath: Ioud is the roar,
and from its rocking top the broken boughs
are strewn along the ground; but to the crag
steadfast it ever clings; far as toward heaven
its giant crest uprears, so deep below
its roots reach down to Tartarus:—not less
the hero by unceasing wail and cry
is smitten sore, and in his mighty heart
has many a pang, while his serene intent
abides unmoved, and tears gush forth in vain.

> Latin: Talibus orabat, talisque miserrima fletus
fertque refertque soror: sed nullis ille movetur
fletibus, aut voces ullas tractabilis audit;
fata obstant, placidasque viri deus obstruit auris.
Ac, velut annoso validam cum robore quercum
Alpini Boreae nunc hinc nunc flatibus illinc
eruere inter se certant; it stridor, et altae
consternunt terram concusso stipite frondes;
ipsa haeret scopulis, et, quantum vertice ad auras
aetherias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit:
haud secus adsiduis hinc atque hinc vocibus heros
tunditur, et magno persentit pectore curas;
mens immota manet; lacrimae volvuntur inanes.

[¶4] Then wretched Dido, by her doom appalled,
asks only death. It wearies her to see
the sun in heaven. Yet that she might hold fast
her dread resolve to quit the light of day,
behold, when on an incense-breathing shrine
her offering was laid—O fearful tale!—
the pure libation blackened, and the wine
flowed like polluting gore. She told the sight
to none, not even to her sister's ear.
A second sign was given: for in her house
a marble altar to her husband's shade,
with garlands bright and snowy fleeces dressed,
had fervent worship; here strange cries were heard
as if her dead spouse called while midnight reigned,
and round her towers its inhuman song
the lone owl sang, complaining o'er and o'er
with lamentation and long shriek of woe.
Forgotten oracles by wizards told
whisper old omens dire. In dreams she feels
cruel Aeneas goad her madness on,
and ever seems she, friendless and alone,
some lengthening path to travel, or to seek
her Tyrians through wide wastes of barren lands.
Thus frantic Pentheus flees the stern array
of the Eumenides, and thinks to see
two noonday lights blaze oer his doubled Thebes;
or murdered Agamemnon's haunted son,
Orestes, flees his mother's phantom scourge
of flames and serpents foul, while at his door
avenging horrors wait.

> Latin: Tum vero infelix fatis exterrita Dido
mortem orat; taedet caeli convexa tueri.
Quo magis inceptum peragat lucemque relinquat,
vidit, turicremis cum dona imponeret aris,
horrendum dictu, latices nigrescere sacros,
fusaque in obscenum se vertere vina cruorem.
Hoc visum nulli, non ipsi effata sorori.
Praeterea fuit in tectis de marmore templum
coniugis antiqui, miro quod honore colebat,
velleribus niveis et festa fronde revinctum:
hinc exaudiri voces et verba vocantis
visa viri, nox cum terras obscura teneret;
solaque culminibus ferali carmine bubo
saepe queri et longas in fletum ducere voces;
multaque praeterea vatum praedicta priorum
terribili monitu horrificant. Agit ipse furentem
in somnis ferus Aeneas; semperque relinqui
sola sibi, semper longam incomitata videtur
ire viam, et Tyrios deserta quaerere terra.
Eumenidum veluti demens videt agmina Pentheus,
et solem geminum et duplicis se ostendere Thebas;
aut Agamemnonius scaenis agitatus Orestes
armatam facibus matrem et serpentibus atris
cum fugit, ultricesque sedent in limine Dirae.

[¶5] Now sorrow-crazed
and by her grief undone, resolved on death,
the manner and the time her secret soul
prepares, and, speaking to her sister sad,
she masks in cheerful calm her fatal will:
“I know a way—O, wish thy sister joy!—
to bring him back to Iove, or set me free.
On Ocean's bound and next the setting sun
lies the last Aethiop land, where Atlas tall
lifts on his shoulder the wide wheel of heaven,
studded with burning stars. From thence is come
a witch, a priestess, a Numidian crone,
who guards the shrine of the Hesperides
and feeds the dragon; she protects the fruit
of that enchanting tree, and scatters there
her slumb'rous poppies mixed with honey-dew.
Her spells and magic promise to set free
what hearts she will, or visit cruel woes
on men afar. She stops the downward flow
of rivers, and turns back the rolling stars;
on midnight ghosts she calls: her vot'ries hear
earth bellowing loud below, while from the hills
the ash-trees travel down. But, sister mine,
thou knowest, and the gods their witness give,
how little mind have I to don the garb
of sorcery. Depart in secret, thou,
and bid them build a lofty funeral pyre
inside our palalce-wall, and heap thereon
the hero's arms, which that blasphemer hung
within my chamber; every relic bring,
and chiefly that ill-omened nuptial bed,
my death and ruin! For I must blot out
all sight and token of this husband vile.
'T is what the witch commands.” She spoke no more,
and pallid was her brow. Yet Anna's mind
knew not what web of death her sister wove
by these strange rites, nor what such frenzy dares;
nor feared she worse than when Sichaeus died,
but tried her forth the errand to fulfil.

> Latin: Ergo ubi concepit furias evicta dolore
decrevitque mori, tempus secum ipsa modumque
exigit, et, maestam dictis adgressa sororem,
consilium voltu tegit, ac spem fronte serenat:
“Inveni, germana, viam—gratare sorori—”
“quae mihi reddat eum, vel eo me solvat amantem.”
“Oceani finem iuxta solemque cadentem”
“ultimus Aethiopum locus est, ubi maxumus Atlas”
“axem humero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum:”
“hinc mihi Massylae gentis monstrata sacerdos,”
“Hesperidum templi custos, epulasque draconi”
“quae dabat, et sacros servabat in arbore ramos,”
“spargens umida mella soporiferumque papaver.”
“Haec se carminibus promittit solvere mentes”
“quas velit, ast aliis duras immittere curas,”
“sistere aquam fluviis, et vertere sidera retro;”
“nocturnosque movet Manis: mugire videbis”
“sub pedibus terram, et descendere montibus ornos.”
“Testor, cara, deos et te, germana, tuumque”
“dulce caput, magicas invitam accingier artes.”
“Tu secreta pyram tecto interiore sub auras”
“erige, et arma viri, thalamo quae fixa reliquit”
“impius, exuviasque omnis, lectumque iugalem,”
“quo perii, superimponas: abolere nefandi”
“cuncta viri monumenta iuvat, monstratque sacerdos.”
Haec effata silet; pallor simul occupat ora.
Non tamen Anna novis praetexere funera sacris
germanam credit, nec tantos mente furores
concipit, aut graviora timet, quam morte Sychaei:
ergo iussa parat.

[¶6] Soon as the funeral pyre was builded high
in a sequestered garden, Iooming huge
with boughs of pine and faggots of cleft oak,
the queen herself enwreathed it with sad flowers
and boughs of mournful shade; and crowning all
she laid on nuptial bed the robes and sword
by him abandoned; and stretched out thereon
a mock Aeneas;—but her doom she knew.
Altars were there; and with loose locks unbound
the priestess with a voice of thunder called
three hundred gods, Hell, Chaos, the three shapes
of triple Hecate, the faces three
of virgin Dian. She aspersed a stream
from dark Avernus drawn, she said; soft herbs
were cut by moonlight with a blade of bronze,
oozing black poison-sap; and she had plucked
that philter from the forehead of new foal
before its dam devours. Dido herself,
sprinkling the salt meal, at the altar stands;
one foot unsandalled, and with cincture free,
on all the gods and fate-instructed stars,
foreseeing death, she calls. But if there be
some just and not oblivious power on high,
who heeds when lovers plight unequal vow,
to that god first her supplications rise.

> Latin: At regina, pyra penetrali in sede sub auras
erecta ingenti taedis atque ilice secta,
intenditque locum sertis, et fronde coronat
funerea; super exuvias ensemque relictum
effigiemque toro locat, haud ignara futuri.
Stant arae circum, et crines effusa sacerdos
ter centum tonat ore deos, Erebumque Chaosque,
tergeminamque Hecaten, tria virginis ora Dianae.
Sparserat et latices simulatos fontis Averni,
falcibus et messae ad lunam quaeruntur aënis
pubentes herbae nigri cum lacte veneni;
quaeritur et nascentis equi de fronte revolsus
et matri praereptus amor.
Ipsa mola manibusque piis altaria iuxta,
unum exuta pedem vinclis, in veste recincta,
testatur moritura deos et conscia fati
sidera; tum, si quod non aequo foedere amantes
curae numen habet iustumque memorque, precatur.

[¶7] Soon fell the night, and peaceful slumbers breathed
on all earth's weary creatures; the loud seas
and babbling forests entered on repose;
now midway in their heavenly course the stars
wheeled silent on; the outspread lands below
lay voiceless; all the birds of tinted wing,
and flocks that haunt the merge of waters wide
or keep the thorny wold, oblivious lay
beneath the night so still; the stings of care
ceased troubling, and no heart its burden knew.
Not so the Tyrian Queen's deep-grieving soul!
To sleep she could not yield; her eyes and heart
refused the gift of night; her suffering
redoubled, and in full returning tide
her love rebelled, while on wild waves of rage
she drifted to and fro. So, ceasing not
from sorrow, thus she brooded on her wrongs:
“What refuge now? Shall I invite the scorn
of my rejected wooers, or entreat
of some disdainful, nomad blackamoor
to take me to his bed—though many a time
such husbands I made mock of? Shall I sail
on Ilian ships away, and sink to be
the Trojans' humble thrall? Do they rejoice
that once I gave them bread? Lives gratitude
in hearts like theirs for bygone kindnesses?
O, who, if so I stooped, would deign to bear
on yon proud ships the scorned and fallen Queen?
Lost creature! Woe betide thee! Knowest thou not
the perjured children of Laomedon?
What way is left? Should I take flight alone
and join the revelling sailors? Or depart
with Tyrians, the whole attending train
of my own people? Hard the task to force
their hearts from Sidon's towers; how once more
compel to sea, and bid them spread the sail?
Nay, perish! Thou hast earned it. Let the sword
from sorrow save thee! Sister of my blood—
who else but thee,—my own tears borne down,
didst heap disaster on my frantic soul,
and fling me to this foe? Why could I not
pass wedlock by, and live a blameless life
as wild things do, nor taste of passion's pain?
But I broke faith! I cast the vows away
made at Sichaeus' grave.”

> Latin: Nox erat, et placidum carpebant fessa soporem
corpora per terras, silvaeque et saeva quierant
aequora: cum medio volvuntur sidera lapsu,
cum tacet omnis ager, pecudes pictaeque volucres,
quaeque lacus late liquidos, quaeque aspera dumis
rura tenent, somno positae sub nocte silenti
[lenibant curas, et corda oblita laborum].
At non infelix animi Phoenissa, nec umquam
Solvitur in somnos, oculisve aut pectore noctem
accipit: ingeminant curae, rursusque resurgens
saevit amor, magnoque irarum fluctuat aestu.
Sic adeo insistit, secumque ita corde volutat:
“En, quid ago? Rursusne procos inrisa priores”
“experiar, Nomadumque petam conubia supplex,”
“quos ego sim totiens iam dedignata maritos?”
“Iliacas igitur classes atque ultima Teucrum”
“iussa sequar? Quiane auxilio iuvat ante levatos,”
“et bene apud memores veteris stat gratia facti?”
“Quis me autem, fac velle, sinet, ratibusve superbis”
“invisam accipiet? Nescis heu, perdita, necdum”
“Laomedonteae sentis periuria gentis?”
“Quid tum, sola fuga nautas comitabor ovantes,”
“an Tyriis omnique manu stipata meorum”
“inferar, et, quos Sidonia vix urbe revelli,”
“rursus agam pelago, et ventis dare vela iubebo?”
“Quin morere, ut merita es, ferroque averte dolorem.”
“Tu lacrimis evicta meis, tu prima furentem”
“his, germana, malis oneras atque obicis hosti.”
“Non licuit thalami expertem sine crimine vitam”
“degere, more ferae, tales nec tangere curas!”
“Non servata fides cineri promissa Sychaeo!”

[¶8] Such loud lament
burst from her breaking heart with doleful sound.
Meanwhile Aeneas on his lofty ship,
having made ready all, and fixed his mind
to launch away upon brief slumher fell.
But the god came; and in the self-same guise
once more in monitory vision spoke,
all guised as Mercury,—his voice, his hue,
his golden locks, and young limbs strong and fair.
“Hail, goddess-born! Wouldst linger on in sleep
at such an hour? Nor seest thou the snares
that hem thee round? Nor hearest thou the voice
of friendly zephyrs calling? Senseless man!
That woman's breast contrives some treachery
and horrid stroke; for, resolute to die,
she drifts on swollen floods of wrath and scorn.
Wilt thou not fly before the hastening hour
of flight is gone? To-morrow thou wilt see
yon waters thronged with ships, the cruel glare
of fire-brands, and yonder shore all flame,
if but the light of morn again surprise
thee loitering in this land. Away! Away!
Stay not! A mutable and shifting thing
is woman ever.” Such command he spoke,
then melted in the midnight dark away.

> Latin: Tantos illa suo rumpebat pectore questus.
Aeneas celsa in puppi, iam certus eundi,
carpebat somnos, rebus iam rite paratis.
Huic se forma dei voltu redeuntis eodem
obtulit in somnis, rursusque ita visa monere est—
omnia Mercurio similis, vocemque coloremque
et crinis flavos et membra decora iuventa:
“Nate dea, potes hoc sub casu ducere somnos,”
“nec, quae te circum stent deinde pericula, cernis,”
“demens, nec Zephyros audis spirare secundos?”
“Illa dolos dirumque nefas in pectore versat,”
“certa mori, varioque irarum fluctuat aestu.”
“Non fugis hinc praeceps, dum praecipitare potestas?”
“Iam mare turbari trabibus, saevasque videbis”
“conlucere faces, iam fervere litora flammis,”
“si te his attigerit terris Aurora morantem.”
“Heia age, rumpe moras. Varium et mutabile semper”
“femina.” Sic fatus, nocti se immiscuit atrae.

[¶9] Aeneas, by that fleeting vision struck
with an exceeding awe, straightway leaped forth
from slumber's power, and to his followers cried:
“Awake, my men! Away! Each to his place
upon the thwarts! Unfurl at once the sails!
A god from heaven a second time sent down
urges our instant flight and bids us cut
the twisted cords. Whatever be thy name,
behold, we come, O venerated Power!
Again with joy we follow! Let thy grace
assist us as we go! And may thy power
bring none but stars benign across our sky.”
So saying, from its scabbard forth he flashed
the lightning of his sword, with naked blade
striking the hawsers free. Like ardor seized
on all his willing men, who raced and ran;
and, while their galleys shadowed all the sea,
clean from the shore they scudded, with strong strokes
sweeping the purple waves and crested foam.

> Latin: Tum vero Aeneas, subitis exterritus umbris,
corripit e somno corpus, sociosque fatigat:
“Praecipites vigilate, viri, et considite transtris;”
“solvite vela citi. Deus aethere missus ab alto”
“festinare fugam tortosque incidere funes”
“ecce iterum stimulat. Sequimur te, sancte deorum,”
“quisquis es, imperioque iterum paremus ovantes.”
“Adsis o placidusque iuves, et sidera caelo”
“dextra feras.” Dixit, vaginaque eripit ensem
fulmineum, strictoque ferit retinacula ferro.
Idem omnes simul ardor habet, rapiuntque ruuntque;
litora deseruere; latet sub classibus aequor;
adnixi torquent spumas et caerula verrunt.

[¶10] Aurora's first young beams to earth were pouring
as from Tithonus' saffron bed she sprang;
while from her battlements the wakeful Queen
watched the sky brighten, saw the mated sails
push forth to sea, till all her port and strand
held not an oar or keel. Thrice and four times
she smote her lovely breast with wrathful hand,
and tore her golden hair. “Great Jove,” she cries,
“Shall that departing fugitive make mock
of me, a queen? Will not my men-at-arms
draw sword, give chase, from all my city thronging?
Down from the docks, my ships! Out, out! Begone!
Take fire and sword! Bend to your oars, ye slaves!
What have I said? Where am I? What mad thoughts
delude this ruined mind? Woe unto thee,
thou wretched Dido, now thy impious deeds
strike back upon thee. Wherefore struck they not,
as was most fit, when thou didst fling away
thy sceptre from thy hand? O Iying oaths!
O faith forsworn! of him who brings, they boast,
his father's gods along, and bowed his back
to lift an age-worn sire! Why dared I not
seize on him, rend his body limb from limb,
and hurl him piecemeal on the rolling sea?
Or put his troop of followers to the sword,
ascanius too, and set his flesh before
that father for a feast? Such fearful war
had been of doubtful issue. Be it so!
What fears a woman dying? Would I had
attacked their camp with torches, kindled flame
from ship to ship, until that son and sire,
with that whole tribe, were unto ashes burned
in one huge holocaust—myself its crown!
Great orb of light whose holy beam surveys
all earthly deeds! Great Juno, patroness
of conjugal distress, who knowest all!
Pale Hecate, whose name the witches cry
at midnight crossways! O avenging furies!
O gods that guard Queen Dido's dying breath!
Give ear, and to my guiltless misery
extend your power. Hear me what I pray!
If it be fated that yon creature curst
drift to the shore and happy haven find,
if Father Iove's irrevocable word
such goal decree—there may he be assailed
by peoples fierce and bold. A banished man,
from his Iulus' kisses sundered far,
may his own eyes see miserably slain
his kin and kind, and sue for alien arms.
nor when he basely bows him to receive
terms of unequal peace, shall he be blest
with sceptre or with life; but perish there
before his time, and lie without a grave
upon the barren sand. For this I pray.
This dying word is flowing from my heart
with my spilt blood. And—O ye Tyrians! I
sting with your hatred all his seed and tribe
forevermore. This is the offering
my ashes ask. Betwixt our nations twain,
No Iove! No truce or amity! Arise,
Out of my dust, unknown Avenger, rise!
To harry and lay waste with sword and flame
those Dardan settlers, and to vex them sore,
to-day, to-morrow, and as long as power
is thine to use! My dying curse arrays
shore against shore and the opposing seas
in shock of arms with arms. May living foes
pass down from sire to son insatiate war!”

> Latin: Et iam prima novo spargebat lumine terras
Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile.
Regina e speculis ut primum albescere lucem
vidit, et aequatis classem procedere velis,
litoraque et vacuos sensit sine remige portus,
terque quaterque manu pectus percussa decorum,
flaventesque abscissa comas, “Pro Iuppiter, ibit”
“hic” ait “et nostris inluserit advena regnis?”
“Non arma expedient, totaque ex urbe sequentur,”
“deripientque rates alii navalibus? Ite,”
“ferte citi flammas, date vela, impellite remos!—”
“Quid loquor, aut ubi sum? Quae mentem insania mutat?”
“Infelix Dido, nunc te facta impia tangunt.”
“Tum decuit, cum sceptra dabas.—En dextra fidesque,”
“quem secum patrios aiunt portare Penates,”
“quem subiisse umeris confectum aetate parentem!”
“Non potui abreptum divellere corpus, et undis”
“spargere? Non socios, non ipsum absumere ferro”
“Ascanium, patriisque epulandum ponere mensis?—”
“Verum anceps pugnae fuerat fortuna:—fuisset.”
“Quem metui moritura? Faces in castra tulissem,”
“implessemque foros flammis, natumque patremque”
“cum genere extinxem, memet super ipsa dedissem.”
“Sol, qui terrarum flammis opera omnia lustras,”
“tuque harum interpres curarum et conscia Iuno,”
“nocturnisque Hecate triviis ululata per urbes,”
“et Dirae ultrices, et di morientis Elissae,”
“accipite haec, meritumque malis advertite numen,”
“et nostras audite preces. Si tangere portus”
“infandum caput ac terris adnare necesse est,”
“et sic fata Iovis poscunt, hic terminus haeret:”
“at bello audacis populi vexatus et armis,”
“finibus extorris, complexu avulsus Iuli,”
“auxilium imploret, videatque indigna suorum”
“funera; nec, cum se sub leges pacis iniquae”
“tradiderit, regno aut optata luce fruatur,”
“sed cadat ante diem, mediaque inhumatus harena.”
“Haec precor, hanc vocem extremam cum sanguine fundo.”
“Tum vos, o Tyrii, stirpem et genus omne futurum”
“exercete odiis, cinerique haec mittite nostro”
“munera. Nullus amor populis, nec foedera sunto.”
“Exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor,”
“qui face Dardanios ferroque sequare colonos,”
“nunc, olim, quocumque dabunt se tempore vires.”
“Litora litoribus contraria, fluctibus undas”
“imprecor, arma armis; pugnent ipsique nepotesque.”

[¶11] She said. From point to point her purpose flew,
seeking without delay to quench the flame
of her loathed life. Brief bidding she addressed
to Barce then, Sichaeus' nurse (her own
lay dust and ashes in a lonely grave
beside the Tyrian shore), “Go, nurse, and call
my sister Anna! Bid her quickly bathe
her limbs in living water, and procure
due victims for our expiating fires.
bid her make haste. Go, bind on thy own brow
the sacred fillet. For to Stygian Jove
it is my purpose now to consummate
the sacrifice ordained, ending my woe,
and touch with flame the Trojan's funeral pyre.”
The aged crone to do her bidding ran
with trembling zeal. But Dido (horror-struck
at her own dread design, unstrung with fear,
her bloodshot eyes wide-rolling, and her cheek
twitching and fever-spotted, her cold brow
blanched with approaching death)—sped past the doors
into the palace garden; there she leaped,
a frenzied creature, on the lofty pyre
and drew the Trojan's sword; a gift not asked
for use like this! When now she saw the garb
of Ilian fashion, and the nuptial couch
she knew too well, she lingered yet awhile
for memory and tears, and, falling prone
on that cold bed, outpoured a last farewell:
“Sweet relics! Ever dear when Fate and Heaven
upon me smiled, receive my parting breath,
and from my woe set free! My life is done.
I have accomplished what my lot allowed;
and now my spirit to the world of death
in royal honor goes. The founder I
of yonder noble city, I have seen
walls at my bidding rise. I was avenged
for my slain husband: I chastised the crimes
of our injurious brother. Woe is me!
Blest had I been, beyond deserving blest,
if but the Trojan galleys ne'er had moored
upon my kingdom's bound!”

> Latin: Haec ait, et partis animum versabat in omnis,
invisam quaerens quam primum abrumpere lucem.
Tum breviter Barcen nutricem adfata Sychaei;
namque suam patria antiqua cinis ater habebat:
“Annam cara mihi nutrix huc siste sororem;”
“dic corpus properet fluviali spargere lympha,”
“et pecudes secum et monstrata piacula ducat:”
“sic veniat; tuque ipsa pia tege tempora vitta.”
“Sacra Iovi Stygio, quae rite incepta paravi,”
“perficere est animus, finemque imponere curis,”
“Dardaniique rogum capitis permittere flammae.”
Sic ait: illa gradum studio celerabat anili.
At trepida, et coeptis immanibus effera Dido,
sanguineam volvens aciem, maculisque trementis
interfusa genas, et pallida morte futura,
interiora domus inrumpit limina, et altos
conscendit furibunda rogos, ensemque recludit
Dardanium, non hos quaesitum munus in usus.
Hic, postquam Iliacas vestes notumque cubile
conspexit, paulum lacrimis et mente morata,
incubuitque toro, dixitque novissima verba:
“Dulces exuviae, dum fata deusque sinebant,”
“accipite hanc animam, meque his exsolvite curis.”
“Vixi, et, quem dederat cursum fortuna, peregi,”
“et nunc magna mei sub terras ibit imago.”
“Urbem praeclaram statui; mea moenia vidi;”
“ulta virum, poenas inimico a fratre recepi;”
“felix, heu nimium felix, si litora tantum”
“numquam Dardaniae tetigissent nostra carinae!”

[¶12] So saying, she pressed
one last kiss on the couch. “Though for my death
no vengeance fall, O, give me death!” she cried.
“O thus! O thus! it is my will to take
the journey to the dark. From yonder sea
may his cold Trojan eyes discern the flames
that make me ashes! Be this cruel death
his omen as he sails!” She spoke no more.
But almost ere she ceased, her maidens all
thronged to obey her cry, and found their Queen
prone fallen on the sword, the reeking steel
still in her bloody hands. Shrill clamor flew
along the lofty halls; wild rumor spread
through the whole smitten city: Ioud lament,
groans and the wail of women echoed on
from roof to roof, and to the dome of air
the noise of mourning rose. Such were the cry
if a besieging host should break the walls
of Carthage or old Tyre, and wrathful flames
o'er towers of kings and worshipped altars roll.
Her sister heard. Half in a swoon, she ran
with trembling steps, where thickest was the throng,
beating her breast, while with a desperate hand
she tore at her own face, and called aloud
upon the dying Queen. “Was it for this
my own true sister used me with such guile?
O, was this horrid deed the dire intent
of altars, Iofty couch, and funeral fires?
What shall I tell for chiefest of my woes?
Lost that I am! Why, though in death, cast off
thy sister from thy heart? Why not invite
one mortal stroke for both, a single sword,
one agony together? But these hands
built up thy pyre; and my voice implored
the blessing of our gods, who granted me
that thou shouldst perish thus—and I not know!
In thy self-slaughter, sister, thou hast slain
myself, thy people, the grave counsellors
of Sidon, and yon city thou didst build
to be thy throne!—Go, fetch me water, there!
That I may bathe those gashes! If there be
one hovering breath that stays, let my fond lips
discover and receive!” So saying, she sprang up
from stair to stair, and, clasping to her breast
her sister's dying form, moaned grievously,
and staunched the dark blood with her garment's fold.
Vainly would Dido lift her sinking eyes,
but backward fell, while at her heart the wound
opened afresh; three times with straining arm
she rose; three times dropped helpless, her dimmed eyes
turned skyward, seeking the sweet light of day, —
which when she saw, she groaned.

> Latin: Dixit, et, os impressa toro, “Moriemur inultae,”
“sed moriamur” ait. “Sic, sic iuvat ire sub umbras”:
“Hauriat hunc oculis ignem crudelis ab alto”
“Dardanus, et nostrae secum ferat omina mortis.”
Dixerat; atque illam media inter talia ferro
conlapsam aspiciunt comites, ensemque cruore
spumantem, sparsasque manus. It clamor ad alta
atria; concussam bacchatur Fama per urbem.
Lamentis gemituque et femineo ululatu
tecta fremunt; resonat magnis plangoribus aether,
non aliter, quam si immissis ruat hostibus omnis
Karthago aut antiqua Tyros, flammaeque furentes
culmina perque hominum volvantur perque deorum.
Audiit exanimis, trepidoque exterrita cursu
unguibus ora soror foedans et pectora pugnis
per medios ruit, ac morientem nomine clamat:
“Hoc illud, germana, fuit? Me fraude petebas?”
“Hoc rogus iste mihi, hoc ignes araeque parabant?”
“Quid primum deserta querar? Comitemne sororem”
“sprevisti moriens? Eadem me ad fata vocasses:”
“idem ambas ferro dolor, atque eadem hora tulisset.”
“His etiam struxi manibus, patriosque vocavi”
“voce deos, sic te ut posita crudelis abessem?”
“Exstinxti te meque, soror, populumque patresque”
“Sidonios urbemque tuam. Date volnera lymphis”
“abluam, et, extremus si quis super halitus errat,”
“ore legam.” Sic fata, gradus evaserat altos,
semianimemque sinu germanam amplexa fovebat
cum gemitu, atque atros siccabat veste cruores.
Illa, graves oculos conata attollere, rursus
deficit; infixum stridit sub pectore vulnus.
Ter sese attollens cubitoque adnixa levavit;
ter revoluta toro est, oculisque errantibus alto
quaesivit caelo lucem, ingemuitque reperta.

[¶13] Great Juno then
looked down in mercy on that lingering pain
and labor to depart: from realms divine
she sent the goddess of the rainbow wing,
Iris, to set the struggling spirit free
and loose its fleshly coil. For since the end
came not by destiny, nor was the doom
of guilty deed, but of a hapless wight
to sudden madness stung, ere ripe to die,
therefore the Queen of Hades had not shorn
the fair tress from her forehead, nor assigned
that soul to Stygian dark. So Iris came
on dewy, saffron pinions down from heaven,
a thousand colors on her radiant way,
from the opposing sun. She stayed her flight
above that pallid brow: “I come with power
to make this gift to Death. I set thee free
from thy frail body's bound.” With her right hand
she cut the tress: then through its every limb
the sinking form grew cold; the vital breath
fled forth, departing on the viewless air.

> Latin: Tum Iuno omnipotens, longum miserata dolorem
difficilisque obitus, Irim demisit Olympo,
quae luctantem animam nexosque resolveret artus.
Nam quia nec fato, merita nec morte peribat,
sed misera ante diem, subitoque accensa furore,
nondum illi flavum Proserpina vertice crinem
abstulerat, Stygioque caput damnaverat Orco.
Ergo Iris croceis per caelum roscida pennis,
mille trahens varios adverso sole colores,
devolat, et supra caput adstitit: “Hunc ego Diti”
“sacrum iussa fero, teque isto corpore solvo.”
Sic ait, et dextra crinem secat: omnis et una
dilapsus calor, atque in ventos vita recessit.

## 9. Book V · lines 1–460

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/9/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/9/#p-N

[¶0] Meanwhile Aeneas, now well launched away,
steered forth with all the fleet to open sea,
on his unswerving course, and ploughed the waves,
sped by a driving gale; but when his eyes
looked back on Carthage, they beheld the glare
of hapless Dido's fire. Not yet was known
what kindled the wild flames; but that the pang
of outraged love is cruel, and what the heart
of desperate woman dares, they knew too well,
and sad foreboding shook each Trojan soul.
Soon in mid-sea, beyond all chart of shore,
when only seas and skies were round their way,
full in the zenith loomed a purple cloud,
storm-laden, dark as night, and every wave
grew black and angry; from his Iofty seat
the helmsman Palinurus cried, “Alas!
What means this host of storms encircling heaven?
What, Neptune, wilt thou now?” He, having said,
bade reef and tighten, bend to stronger stroke,
and slant sail to the wind; then spake again:
“High-souled Aeneas, not if Jove the King
gave happy omen, would I have good hope
of making Italy through yonder sky.
Athwart our course from clouded evening-star
rebellious winds run shifting, and the air
into a cloud-wrack rolls. Against such foes
too weak our strife and strain! Since now the hand
of Fortune triumphs, let us where she calls
obedient go. For near us, I believe,
lies Eryx' faithful and fraternal shore:
here are Sicilian havens, if my mind
of yon familiar stars have knowledge true.”
then good Aeneas: “For a friendly wind
long have I sued, and watched thee vainly strive.
Shift sail! What happier land for me and mine,
or for our storm-beat ships what safer shore,
than where Dardanian Acestes reigns;
the land whose faithful bosom cherishes
Anchises' ashes?” Heedful of his word,
they landward steer, while favoring zephyrs fill
the spreading sail. On currents swift and strong
the fleet is wafted, and with thankful soul
they moor on Sicily's familiar strand.

> Latin: Interea medium Aeneas iam classe tenebat
certus iter, fluctusque atros Aquilone secabat,
moenia respiciens, quae iam infelicis Elissae
conlucent flammis. Quae tantum accenderit ignem,
causa latet; duri magno sed amore dolores
polluto, notumque, furens quid femina possit,
triste per augurium Teucrorum pectora ducunt.
Ut pelagus tenuere rates, nec iam amplius ulla
occurrit tellus, maria undique et undique caelum,
olli caeruleus supra caput adstitit imber,
noctem hiememque ferens, et inhorruit unda tenebris.
Ipse gubernator puppi Palinurus ab alta:
“Heu! quianam tanti cinxerunt aethera nimbi?”
“Quidve, pater Neptune, paras?” Sic deinde locutus
colligere arma iubet validisque incumbere remis,
obliquatque sinus in ventum, ac talia fatur:
“Magnanime Aenea, non, si mihi Iuppiter auctor”
“spondeat, hoc sperem Italiam contingere caelo.”
“Mutati transversa fremunt et vespere ab atro”
“consurgunt venti, atque in nubem cogitur aër.”
“Nec nos obniti contra, nec tendere tantum”
“sufficimus. Superat quoniam Fortuna, sequamur,”
“quoque vocat, vertamus iter. Nec litora longe”
“fida reor fraterna Erycis portusque Sicanos,”
“si modo rite memor servata remetior astra.”
Tum pius Aeneas: “Equidem sic poscere ventos”
“iamdudum et frustra cerno te tendere contra:”
“Flecte viam velis. An sit mihi gratior ulla,”
“quove magis fessas optem demittere naves,”
“quam quae Dardanium tellus mihi servat Acesten,”
“et patris Anchisae gremio complectitur ossa?”
Haec ubi dicta, petunt portus, et vela secundi
intendunt Zephyri; fertur cita gurgite classis,
et tandem laeti notae advertuntur harenae.

[¶1] From a far hill-top having seen with joy
the entering ships, and knowing them for friends,
good King Acestes ran to bid them hail.
Garbed in rough pelt of Libyan bear was he,
and javelins he bore, in sylvan guise:
for him the river-god Crimisus sired
of Trojan wife. Remembering in his heart
his ancient blood, he greeted with glad words
the wanderers returned; bade welcome to
his rude abundance, and with friendly gifts
their weariness consoled.

> Latin: At procul ex celso miratus vertice montis
adventum sociasque rates occurrit Acestes,
horridus in iaculis et pelle Libystidis ursae,
Troïa Criniso conceptum flumine mater
quem genuit: veterum non immemor ille parentum
gratatur reduces, et gaza laetus agresti
excipit, ac fessos opibus solatur amicis.

[¶2] The morrow morn,
soon as the new beams of a golden day
had banished every star, Aeneas called
a council of his followers on the shore,
and from a fair green hillock gave this word:
“Proud sons of Dardanus, whose lofty line
none but the gods began! This day fulfils
the annual cycle of revolving time,
since the dear relics of my god-like sire
to earth we gave, and with dark offerings due
built altars sorrowful. If now I err not,
this is my day—ye gods have willed it so! —
for mourning and for praise. Should it befall
me exiled in Gaetulia's wilderness,
or sailing some Greek sea, or at the walls
of dire Mycenae, still would I renew
unfailing vows, and make solemnity
with thankful rites, and worshipful array,
at altars rich with gifts. But, lo, we come,
beyond all hope, where lie the very bones
of my great sire. Nor did it come to pass
without divine intent and heavenly power,
that on these hospitable shores we stand.
Up, then! For we will make a festal day,
imploring lucky winds! O, may his spirit
grant me to build my city, where his shrines
forever shall receive perpetual vows
made in his name! This prince of Trojan line,
Acestes, upon every ship bestows
a pair of oxen. To our offerings call
the powers that bless the altars and the fires
of our ancestral hearth; and join with these
the gods of good Acestes. Presently,
when the ninth dawn shall bring its beam benign
to mortal men, and show the radiant world,
or all my Teucrian people I ordain
a holiday of games; the flying ships
shall first contend; then swiftest runners try
a foot-race; after that the champions bold
who step forth for a cast of javelins,
or boast the soaring arrow; or fear not
the boxing-bout, with gauntlet of thick thongs.
This summons is for all; let all have hope
to earn some noble palm! And from this hour
speak but well-boding words, and bind your brows
with garlands green.”

> Latin: Postera cum primo stellas Oriente fugarat
clara dies, socios in coetum litore ab omni
advocat Aeneas, tumulique ex aggere fatur:
“Dardanidae magni, genus alto a sanguine divom,”
“annuus exactis completur mensibus orbis,”
“ex quo reliquias divinique ossa parentis”
“Condidimus terra maestasque sacravimus aras.”
“Iamque dies, nisi fallor, adest, quem semper acerbum,”
“semper honoratum—sic di voluistis—habebo.”
“Hunc ego Gaetulis agerem si Syrtibus exsul,”
“Argolicove mari deprensus et urbe Mycenae;”
“annua vota tamen sollemnisque ordine pompas”
“exsequerer, strueremque suis altaria donis.”
“Nunc ultro ad cineres ipsius et ossa parentis,”
“haud equidem sine mente, reor, sine numine divom,”
“adsumus et portus delati intramus amicos.”
“Ergo agite, et laetum cuncti celebremus honorem;”
“poscamus ventos; atque haec me sacra quotannis”
“urbe velit posita templis sibi ferre dicatis.”
“Bina boum vobis Troia generatus Acestes”
“dat numero capita in naves; adhibete Penates”
“et patrios epulis et quos colit hospes Acestes.”
“Praeterea, si nona diem mortalibus almum”
“Aurora extulerit radiisque retexerit orbem,”
“prima citae Teucris ponam certamina classis;”
“quique pedum cursu valet, et qui viribus audax”
“aut iaculo incedit melior levibusque sagittis,”
“seu crudo fidit pugnam committere caestu,”
“cuncti adsint, meritaeque exspectent praemia palmae.”
“Ore favete omnes, et cingite tempora ramis.”

[¶3] So saying, he twined a wreath
of his own mother's myrtle-tree, to shade
his sacred brow; the hero Helymus,
and King Acestes for his tresses gray,
like coronals took on; Ascanius
and all the warrior youth like emblems wore.
Then in th' attendant throng conspicuous,
with thousands at his side, the hero moved
from place of council to his father's tomb.
There on the ground he poured libation due,
two beakers of good wine, of sweet milk two,
two of the victim's blood—and scattered flowers
of saddest purple stain, while thus he prayed:
“Hail, hallowed sire! And hail, ye ashes dear
of him I vainly saved! O soul and shade
of my blest father! Heaven to us denied
to find together that predestined land
of Italy, or our Ausonian stream
of Tiber—ah! but where?” He scarce had said,
when from the central shrine a gliding snake,
coiled seven-fold in seven spirals wide,
twined round the tomb and trailed innocuous o'er
the very altars; his smooth back was flecked
with green and azure, and his changeful scales
gleamed golden, as the cloud-born rainbow flings
its thousand colors from th' opposing sun.
Aeneas breathless watched the serpent wind
among the bowls and cups of polished rim,
tasting the sacred feast; where, having fed,
back to the tomb all harmless it withdrew.
Then with new zeal his sacrifice he brings
in honor of his sire; for he must deem
that serpent the kind genius of the place,
or of his very father's present shade
some creature ministrant. Two lambs he slew,
the wonted way, two swine, and, sable-hued,
the yoke of bulls; from shallow bowl he poured
libation of the grape, and called aloud
on great Anchises' spirit, and his shade,
from Acheron set free. Then all the throng,
each from his separate store, heap up the shrines
with victims slain; some range in order fair
the brazen cauldrons; or along the grass,
scattered at ease, hold o'er the embers bright
the spitted flesh and roast it in the flames.

> Latin: Sic fatus, velat materna tempora myrto;
hoc Elymus facit, hoc aevi maturus Acestes,
hoc puer Ascanius, sequitur quos cetera pubes.
Ille e concilio multis cum milibus ibat
ad tumulum, magna medius comitante caterva.
Hic duo rite mero libans carchesia Baccho
fundit humi, duo lacte novo, duo sanguine sacro,
purpureosque iacit flores, ac talia fatur:
“Salve, sancte parens: iterum salvete, recepti”
“nequiquam cineres, animaeque umbraeque paternae.”
“Non licuit fines Italos fataliaque arva,”
“nec tecum Ausonium (quicumque est) quaerere Thybrim.”
Dixerat haec, adytis cum lubricus anguis ab imis
septem ingens gyros, septena volumina traxit,
amplexus placide tumulum lapsusque per aras,
caeruleae cui terga notae, maculosus et auro
squamam incendebat fulgor, ceu nubibus arcus
mille iacit varios adverso sole colores.
Obstipuit visu Aeneas. Ille agmine longo
tandem inter pateras et levia pocula serpens
libavitque dapes, rursusque innoxius imo
successit tumulo, et depasta altaria liquit.
Hoc magis inceptos genitori instaurat honores,
incertus, geniumne loci famulumne parentis
esse putet: caedit binas de more bidentes,
totque sues, totidem nigrantis terga iuvencos;
vinaque fundebat pateris, animamque vocabat
Anchisae magni Manisque Acheronte remissos.
Nec non et socii, quae cuique est copia, laeti
dona ferunt, onerant aras, mactantque iuvencos;
ordine aena locant alii, fusique per herbam
subiciunt veribus prunas et viscera torrent.

[¶4] Arrived the wished-for day; through cloudless sky
the coursers of the Sun's bright-beaming car
bore upward the ninth morn. The neighboring folk
thronged eager to the shore; some hoped to see
Aeneas and his warriors, others fain
would their own prowess prove in bout and game.
Conspicuous lie the rewards, ranged in sight
in the mid-circus; wreaths of laurel green,
the honored tripod, coronals of palm
for conquerors' brows, accoutrements of war,
rare robes of purple stain, and generous weight
of silver and of gold. The trumpet's call
proclaimed from lofty mound the opening games.

> Latin: Exspectata dies aderat, nonamque serena
Auroram Phaethontis equi iam luce vehebant,
famaque finitimos et clari nomen Acestae
excierat; laeto complerant litora coetu,
visuri Aeneadas, pars et certare parati.
Munera principio ante oculos circoque locantur
in medio, sacri tripodes viridesque coronae,
et palmae pretium victoribus, armaque et ostro
perfusae vestes, argenti aurique talenta;
et tuba commissos medio canit aggere ludos.

[¶5] First, side by side, with sturdy, rival oars,
four noble galleys, pride of all the fleet,
come forward to contend. The straining crew
of Mnestheus bring his speedy Pristis on, —
Mnestheus in Italy erelong the sire
of Memmius' noble line. Brave Gyas guides
his vast Chimaera, a colossal craft,
a floating city, by a triple row
of Dardan sailors manned, whose banks of oars
in triple order rise. Sergestus, he
of whom the Sergian house shall after spring,
rides in his mighty Centaur. Next in line,
on sky-blue Scylla proud Cloanthus rides —
whence thy great stem, Cluentius of Rome!

> Latin: Prima pares ineunt gravibus certamina remis
quattuor ex omni delectae classe carinae.
Velocem Mnestheus agit acri remige Pristim,
mox Italus Mnestheus, genus a quo nomine Memmi;
ingentemque Gyas ingenti mole Chimaeram,
urbis opus, triplici pubes quam Dardana versu
impellunt, terno consurgunt ordine remi;
Sergestusque, domus tenet a quo Sergia nomen,
Centauro invehitur magna, Scyllaque Cloanthus
caerulea, genus unde tibi, Romane Cluenti.

[¶6] Fronting the surf-beat shore, far out at sea
rises a rock, which under swollen waves
lies buffeted unseen, when wintry storms
mantle the stars; but when the deep is calm,
lifts silently above the sleeping wave
its level field,—a place where haunt and play
flocks of the sea-birds, Iovers of the sun.
Here was the goal; and here Aeneas set
a green-leaved flex-tree, to be a mark
for every captain's eye, from whence to veer
the courses of their ships in sweeping curves
and speed them home. Now places in the line
are given by lot. Upon the lofty sterns
the captains ride, in beautiful array
of Tyriao purple and far-flaming gold;
the crews are poplar-crowned, the shoulders bare
rubbed well with glittering oil; their straining arms
make long reach to the oar, as on the thwarts
they sit attentive, listening for the call
of the loud trumpet; while with pride and fear
their hot hearts throb, impassioned for renown.
Soon pealed the signal clear; from all the line
instant the galleys bounded, and the air
rang to the rowers, shouting, while their arms
pulled every inch and flung the waves in foam;
deep cut the rival strokes; the surface fair
yawned wide beneath their blades and cleaving keels.
Not swifter scour the chariots o'er the plain,
sped headlong from the line behind their teams
of mated coursers, while each driver shakes
loose, rippling reins above his plunging pairs,
and o'er the lash leans far. With loud applause
vociferous and many an urgent cheer
the woodlands rang, and all the concave shores
back from the mountains took the Trojan cry
in answering song.

> Latin: Est procul in pelago saxum spumantia contra
litora, quod tumidis submersum tunditur olim
fluctibus, hiberni condunt ubi sidera cori;
tranquillo silet, immotaque attollitur unda
campus, et apricis statio gratissima mergis.
Hic viridem Aeneas frondenti ex ilice metam
constituit signum nautis pater, unde reverti
scirent, et longos ubi circumflectere cursus.
Tum loca sorte legunt, ipsique in puppibus auro
ductores longe effulgent ostroque decori;
cetera populea velatur fronde iuventus,
nudatosque umeros oleo perfilsa nitescit.
Considunt transtris, intentaque brachia remis;
intenti exspectant signum, exsultantiaque haurit
corda pavor pulsans, laudumque arrecta cupido.
Inde, ubi clara dedit sonitum tuba, finibus omnes,
haud mora, prosiluere suis; ferit aethera clamor
nauticus, adductis spumant freta versa lacertis.
Infindunt pariter sulcos, totumque dehiscit
convulsum remis rostrisque tridentibus aequor.
Non tam praecipites biiugo certamine campum
corripuere, ruuntque effusi carcere currus,
nec sic immissis aurigae undantia lora
concussere iugis pronique in verbera pendent.
Tum plausu fremituque virum studiisque faventum
consonat omne nemus, vocemque inclusa volutant
litora, pulsati colles clamore resultant.

[¶7] Forth-flying from his peers,
while all the crowd acclaims, sped Gyas' keel
along the outmost wave. Cloanthus next
pushed hard upon, with stronger stroke of oars
but heavier ship. At equal pace behind
the Pristis and the Centaur fiercely strive
for the third place. Now Pristis seems to lead,
now mightier Centaur past her flies, then both
ride on together, prow with prow, and cleave
long lines of foaming furrow with swift keels.
Soon near the rock they drew, and either ship
was making goal,—when Gyas, in the lead,
and winner of the half-course, Ioudly hailed
menoetes, the ship's pilot: “Why so far
to starboard, we? Keep her head round this way!
Hug shore! Let every oar-blade almost graze
that reef to larboard! Let the others take
the deep-sea course outside!” But while he spoke,
Menoetes, dreading unknown rocks below,
veered off to open sea. “Why steer so wide?
Round to the rock, Menoetes!” Gyas roared, —
again in vain, for looking back he saw
cloanthus hard astern, and ever nearer,
who, in a trice, betwixt the booming reef
and Gyas' galley, lightly forward thrust
the beak of Scylla to the inside course,
and, quickly taking lead, flew past the goal
to the smooth seas beyond. Then wrathful grief
flamed in the warrior's heart, nor was his cheek
unwet with tears; and, reckless utterly
of his own honor and his comrades, lives,
he hurled poor, slack Menoetes from the poop
headlong upon the waters, while himself,
pilot and master both, the helm assuming,
urged on his crew, and landward took his way.
But now, with heavy limbs that hardly won
his rescue from the deep, engulfing wave,
up the rude rock graybeard Menoetes climbed
with garment dripping wet, and there dropped down
upon the cliff's dry top. With laughter loud
the Trojan crews had watched him plunging, swimming,
and now to see his drink of bitter brine
spewed on the ground, the sailors laughed again.

> Latin: Effugit ante alios primisque elabitur undis
turbam inter fremitumque Gyas; quem deinde Cloanthus
consequitur, melior remis, sed pondere pinus
tarda tenet. Post hos aequo discrimine Pristis
Centaurusque locum tendunt superare priorem;
et nunc Pristis habet, nunc victam praeterit ingens
Centaurus, nunc una ambae iunctisque feruntur
frontibus, et longa sulcant vada salsa carina.
Iamque propinquabant scopulo metamque tenebant,
cum princeps medioque Gyas in gurgite victor
rectorem navis compellat voce Menoeten:
“Quo tantum mihi dexter abis? Huc dirige gressum;”
“litus ama, et laevas stringat sine palmula cautes;”
“altum alii teneant.” Dixit; sed caeca Menoetes
saxa timens proram pelagi detorquet ad undas.
“Quo diversus abis?” iterum “Pete saxa, Menoete!”
cum clamore Gyas revocabat; et ecce Cloanthum
respicit instantem tergo, et propiora tenentem.
Ille inter navemque Gyae scopulosque sonantes
radit iter laevum interior, subitoque priorem
praeterit, et metis tenet aequora tuta relictis.
Tum vero exarsit iuveni dolor ossibus ingens,
nec lacrimis caruere genae, segnemque Menoeten,
oblitus decorisque sui sociumque salutis,
in mare praecipitem puppi deturbat ab alta;
ipse gubernaclo rector subit, ipse magister,
hortaturque viros, clavumque ad litora torquet.
At gravis, ut fundo vix tandem redditus imo est,
iam senior madidaque fluens in veste Menoetes
summa petit scopuli siccaque in rupe resedit.
Ilium et labentem Teucri et risere natantem,
et salsos rident revomentem pectore fluctus.

[¶8] But Mnestheus and Sergestus, coming last,
have joyful hope enkindled in each heart
to pass the laggard Gyas. In the lead
Sergestus' ship shoots forth; and to the rock
runs boldly nigh; but not his whole long keel
may pass his rival; the projecting beak
is followed fast by Pristis' emulous prow.
Then, striding straight amidships through his crew,
thus Mnestheus urged them on: “O Hector's friends!
Whom in the dying hours of Troy I chose
for followers! Now stand ye to your best!
Put forth the thews of valor that ye showed
in the Gaetulian Syrtes, or that sea
Ionian, or where the waves race by
the Malean promontory! Mnestheus now
hopes not to be the first, nor do I strive
for victory. O Father Neptune, give
that garland where thou wilt! But O, the shame
if we are last! Endure it not, my men!
The infamy refuse!” So, bending low,
they enter the home-stretch. Beneath their stroke
the brass-decked galley throbs, and under her
the sea-floor drops away. On, on they fly!
Parched are the panting lips, and sweat in streams
pours down their giant sides; but lucky chance
brought the proud heroes what their honor craved.
For while Sergestus furiously drove
his ship's beak toward the rock, and kept inside
the scanty passage, by his evil star
he grounded on the jutting reef; the cliffs
rang with the blow, and his entangled oars
grated along the jagged granite, while
the prow hung wrecked and helpless. With loud cry
upsprang the sailors, while the ship stood still,
and pushed off with long poles and pointed iron,
or snatched the smashed oars from the whirling tide.
Mnestheus exults; and, roused to keener strife
by happy fortune, with a quicker stroke
of each bright rank of oars, and with the breeze
his prayer implored, skims o'er the obedient wave
and sweeps the level main. Not otherwise
a startled dove, emerging o'er the fields
from secret cavern in the crannied hill
where her safe house and pretty nestlings lie,
soars from her nest, with whirring wings—but soon
through the still sky she takes her path of air
on pinions motionless. So Pristis sped
with Mnestheus, cleaving her last stretch of sea,
by her own impulse wafted. She outstripped
Sergestus first; for he upon the reef
fought with the breakers, desperately shouting
for help, for help in vain, with broken oars
contriving to move on. Then Mnestheus ran
past Gyas, in Chimaera's ponderous hulk,
of pilot now bereft;

> Latin: Hic laeta extremis spes est accensa duobus,
Sergesto Mnestheique, Gyan superare morantem.
Sergestus capit ante locum scopuloque propinquat,
nec tota tamen ille prior praeeunte carina;
parte prior, partem rostro premit aemula Pristis.
At media socios incedens nave per ipsos
hortatur Mnestheus: “Nunc, nunc insurgite remis,”
“Hectorei socii, Troiae quos sorte suprema”
“delegi comites; nunc illas promite vires,”
“nunc animos, quibus in Gaetulis Syrtibus usi,”
“Ionioque mari Maleaeque sequacibus undis.”
“Non iam prima peto Mnestheus, neque vincere certo;”
“quamquam O!—sed superent, quibus hoc, Neptune, dedisti;”
“extremos pudeat rediisse; hoc vincite, cives,”
“et prohibete nefas.” Olli certamine summo
procumbunt; vastis tremit ictibus aerea puppis,
subtrahiturque solum; tum creber anhelitus artus
aridaque ora quatit, sudor fluit undique rivis.
Attulit ipse viris optatum casus honorem.
Namque furens animi dum proram ad saxa suburguet
interior, spatioque subit Sergestus iniquo,
infelix saxis in procurrentibus haesit.
Concussae cautes, et acuto in murice remi
obnixi crepuere, inlisaque prora pependit.
Consurgunt nautae et magno clamore morantur,
ferratasque trudes et acuta cuspide contos
expediunt, fractosque legunt in gurgite remos.
At laetus Mnestheus successuque acrior ipso
agmine remorum celeri ventisque vocatis
prona petit maria et pelago decurrit aperto.
Qualis spelunca subito commota columba,
cui domus et dulces latebroso in pumice nidi,
fertur in ana volans, plausumque exterrita pennis
dat tecto ingentem, mox aere lapsa quieto
radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet alas:
sic Mnestheus, sic ipsa fuga secat ultima Pristis
aequora, sic illam fert impetus ipse volantem.
Et primum in scopulo luctantem deserit alto
Sergestum, brevibusque vadis frustraque vocantem
auxilia, et fractis discentem currere remis
Inde Gyan ipsamque ingenti mole Chimaeram
consequitur; cedit, quoniam spoliata magistro est.

[¶9] at last remains
Cloanthus his sole peer, whom he pursues
with a supreme endeavor. From the shore
burst echoing cheers that spur him to the chase,
and wild applause makes all the welkin ring.
The leaders now with eager souls would scorn
to Iose their glory, and faint-hearted fail
to grasp a prize half-won, but fain would buy
honor with life itself; the followers too
are flushed with proud success, and feel them strong
because their strength is proven. Both ships now
with indistinguishable prows had sped
to share one prize,—but with uplifted hands
spread o'er the sea, Cloanthus, suppliant,
called on the gods to bless his votive prayer:
“Ye gods who rule the waves, whose waters be
my pathway now; for you on yonder strand
a white bull at the altar shall be slain
in grateful tribute for a granted vow;
and o'er the salt waves I will scatter far
the entrails, and outpour the flowing wine.”
He spoke; and from the caverns under sea
Phorcus and virgin Panopea heard,
and all the sea-nymphs' choir; while with strong hand
the kindly God of Havens rose and thrust
the gliding ship along, that swifter flew
than south wind, or an arrow from the string,
and soon made land in haven safe and sure.

> Latin: Solus iamque ipso superest in fine Cloanthus:
quem petit, et summis adnixus viribus urguet.
Tum vero ingeminat clamor, cunctique sequentem
instigant studiis, resonatque fragoribus aether.
Hi proprium decus et partum indignantur honorem
ni teneant, vitamque volunt pro laude pacisci;
hos successus alit: possunt, quia posse videntur.
Et fors aequatis cepissent praemia rostris,
ni palmas ponto tendens utrasque Cloanthus
fudissetque preces, divosque in vota vocasset:
“Di, quibus imperium est pelagi, quorum aequora curro,”
“vobis laetus ego hoc candentem in litore taurum”
“constituam ante aras, voti reus, extaque salsos”
“porriciam in fluctus et vina liquentia fundam.”
Dixit, eumque imis sub fluctibus audiit omnis
Nereidum Phorcique chorus Panopeaque virgo,
et pater ipse manu magna Portunus euntem
impulit; illa Noto citius volucrique sagitta
ad terram fugit, et portu se condidit alto.

[¶10] Aeneas then, assembling all to hear,
by a far-sounding herald's voice proclaimed
Cloanthus victor, and arrayed his brows
with the green laurel-garland; to the crews
three bulls, at choice, were given, and plenteous wine
and talent-weight of silver; to the chiefs
illustrious gifts beside; the victor had
a gold-embroidered mantle with wide band
of undulant Meliboean purple rare,
where, pictured in the woof, young Ganymede
through Ida's forest chased the light-foot deer
with javelin; all flushed and panting he.
But lo! Jove's thunder-bearing eagle fell,
and his strong talons snatched from Ida far
the royal boy, whose aged servitors
reached helpless hands to heaven; his faithful hound
bayed fiercely at the air. To him whose worth
the second place had won, Aeneas gave
a smooth-linked golden corselet, triple-chained,
of which his own victorious hand despoiled
Demoleos, by the swift, embattled stream
of Simois, under Troy,—and bade it be
a glory and defence on valor's field;
scarce might the straining shoulders of two slaves,
Phegeus and Sagaris, the load endure,
yet oft Demoleos in this armor dressed
charged down full speed on routed hosts of Troy.
The third gift was two cauldrons of wrought brass,
and bowls of beaten silver, cunningly
embossed with sculpture fair. Bearing such gifts,
th' exultant victors onward moved, each brow
bound with a purple fillet. But behold!
Sergestus, from the grim rock just dragged off
by cunning toil, one halting rank of oars
left of his many lost, comes crawling in
with vanquished ship, a mockery to all.
As when a serpent, on the highway caught,
some brazen wheel has crushed, or traveller
with heavy-smiting blow left half alive
and mangled by a stone; in vain he moves
in writhing flight; a part is lifted high
with hissing throat and angry, glittering eyes;
but by the wounded part a captive still
he knots him fold on fold: with such a track
the maimed ship labored slow; but by her sails
she still made way, and with full canvas on
arrived at land. Aeneas then bestowed
a boon upon Sergestus, as was meet
for reward of the ship in safety brought
with all its men; a fair slave was the prize,
the Cretan Pholoe, well taught to weave,
and twin boy-babes upon her breast she bore.

> Latin: Tum satus Anchisa, cunctis ex more vocatis,
victorem magna praeconis voce Cloanthum
declarat viridique advelat tempora lauro,
muneraque in naves ternos optare iuvencos,
vinaque et argenti magnum dat ferre talentum.
Ipsis praecipuos ductoribus addit honores:
victori chlamydem auratam, quam plurima circum
purpura maeandro duplici Meliboea cucurrit,
intextusque puer frondosa regius Ida
veloces iaculo cervos cursuque fatigat,
acer, anhelanti similis, quem praepes ab Ida
sublimem pedibus rapuit Iovis armiger uncis;
longaevi palmas nequiquam ad sidera tendunt
custodes, saevitque canum latratus in auras.
At qui deinde locum tenuit virtute secundum,
levibus huic hamis consertam auroque trilicem
loricam, quam Demoleo detraxerat ipse
victor apud rapidum Simoënta sub Ilio alto,
donat habere viro, decus et tutamen in armis.
Vix illam famuli Phegeus Sagarisque ferebant
multiplicem, conixi umeris; indutus at olim
Demoleos cursu palantes Troas agebat.
Tertia dona facit geminos ex aere lebetas,
cymbiaque argento perfecta atque aspera signis.
Iamque adeo donati omnes opibusque superbi
puniceis ibant evincti tempora taenis,
cum saevo e scopulo multa vix arte revolsus,
amissis remis atque ordine debilis uno,
inrisam sine honore ratem Sergestus agebat.
Qualis saepe viae deprensus in aggere serpens,
aerea quem obliquum rota transiit, aut gravis ictu
seminecem liquit saxo lacerumque viator;
nequiquam longos fugiens dat corpore tortus,
parte ferox, ardensque oculis, et sibila colla
arduus attollens, pars volnere clauda retentat
nexantem nodis seque in sua membra plicantem:
tali remigio navis se tarda movebat;
vela facit tamen, et velis subit ostia plenis.
Sergestum Aeneas promisso munere donat,
servatam ob navem laetus sociosque reductos.
Olli serva datur, operum haud ignara Minervae,
Cressa genus, Pholoë, geminique sub ubere nati.

[¶11] Then good Aeneas, the ship-contest o'er,
turned to a wide green valley, circled round
with clasp of wood-clad hills, wherein was made
an amphitheatre; entering with a throng
of followers, the hero took his seat
in mid-arena on a lofty mound.
For the fleet foot-race, now, his summons flies, —
he offers gifts, and shows the rewards due.
The mingling youth of Troy and Sicily
hastened from far. Among the foremost came
the comrades Nisus and Euryalus,
Euryalus for beauty's bloom renowned,
Nisus for loyal love; close-following these
Diores strode, a prince of Priam's line;
then Salius and Patron, who were bred
in Acarnania and Arcady;
then two Sicilian warriors, Helymus
and Panopes, both sylvan bred and born,
comrades of King Acestes; after these
the multitude whom Fame forgets to tell.
Aeneas, so surrounded, thus spake forth:
“Hear what I purpose, and with joy receive!
of all your company, not one departs
with empty hand. The Cretan javelins
bright-tipped with burnished steel, and battle-axe
adorned with graven silver, these shall be
the meed of all. The three first at the goal
shall bind their foreheads with fair olive green,
and win the rewards due. The first shall lead,
victorious, yon rich-bridled steed away;
this Amazonian quiver, the next prize,
well-stocked with Thracian arrows; round it goes
a baldrick broad and golden,—in its clasp
a lustrous gem. The third man goes away
taking this helmet from the Argive spoil.”

> Latin: Hoc pius Aeneas misso certamine tendit
gramineum in campum, quem collibus undique curvis
cingebant silvae, mediaque in valle theatri
circus erat; quo se multis cum milibus heros
consessu medium tulit exstructoque resedit.
Hic, qui forte velint rapido contendere cursu,
invitat pretiis animos, et praemia ponit.
Undique conveniunt Teucri mixtique Sicani,
Nisus et Euryalus primi,
Euryalus forma insignis viridique iuventa,
Nisus amore pio pueri; quos deinde secutus
regius egregia Priami de stirpe Diores;
hunc Salius simul et Patron, quorum alter Acarnan,
alter ab Arcadio Tegeaeae sanguine gentis;
tum duo Trinacrii iuvenes, Helymus Panopesque,
adsueti silvis, comites senioris Acestae;
multi praeterea, quos fama obscura recondit.
Aeneas quibus in mediis sic deinde locutus:
“Accipite haec animis, laetasque advertite mentes:”
“nemo ex hoc numero mihi non donatus abibit.”
“Gnosia bina dabo levato lucida ferro”
“spicula caelatamque argento ferre bipennem;”
“omnibus hic erit unus honos. Tres praemia primi”
“accipient flavaque caput nectentur oliva.”
“Primus equum phaleris insignem victor habeto;”
“alter Amazoniam pharetram plenamque sagittis”
“Threïciis, lato quam circum amplectitur auro”
“balteus et tereti subnectit fibula gemma;”
“tertius Argolica hac galea contentus abito.”

[¶12] They heard, and took their places. The loud horn
gave signal, and impetuous from the line,
swift as a bursting storm they sped away,
eyes fixed upon the goal. Far in advance
Nisus shot forward, swifter than the winds
or winged thunderbolt; the next in course,
next, but out-rivalled far, was Salius,
and after him a space, Euryalus
came third; him Helymus was hard upon;
and, look! Diores follows, heel on heel,
close at his shoulder—if the race be long
he sure must win, or claim a doubtful prize.
Now at the last stretch, spent and panting, all
pressed to the goal, when in a slime of blood
Nisus, hard fate! slipped down, where late the death
of victims slain had drenched the turf below.
Here the young victor, with his triumph flushed,
lost foothold on the yielding ground, and plunged
face forward in the pool of filth and gore;
but not of dear Euryalus was he
forgetful then, nor heedless of his friend;
but rising from the mire he hurled himself
in Salius' way; so he in equal plight
rolled in the filthy slough. Euryalus
leaped forth, the winner of the race by gift
of his true friend, and flying to the goal
stood first, by many a favoring shout acclaimed.
Next Helymus ran in; and, for the third, last prize,
Diores. But the multitude now heard
the hollowed hill-side ringing with wild wrath
from Salius, clamoring where the chieftains sate
for restitution of his stolen prize,
lost by a cheat. But general favor smiles
upon Euryalus, whose beauteous tears
commend him much, and nobler seems the worth
of valor clothed in youthful shape so fair.
Diores, too, assists the victor's claim,
with loud appeal—he too has won a prize,
and vainly holds his last place, if the first
to Salius fall.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta, locum capiunt, signoque repente
corripiunt spatia audito, limenque relinquunt,
effusi nimbo similes, simul ultima signant.
Primus abit longeque ante omnia corpora Nisus
emicat, et ventis et fulminis ocior alis;
proximus huic, longo sed proxumus intervallo,
insequitur Salius; spatio post deinde relicto
tertius Euryalus:
Euryalumque Helymus sequitur; quo deinde sub ipso
ecce volat calcemque terit iam calce Diores,
incumbens umero, spatia et si plura supersint,
transeat elapsus prior, ambiguumque relinquat.
Iamque fere spatio extremo fessique sub ipsam
finem adventabant, levi cum sanguine Nisus
labitur infelix, caesis ut forte iuvencis
fusus humum viridisque super madefecerat herbas.
Hic iuvenis iam victor ovans vestigia presso
haud tenuit titubata solo, sed pronus in ipso
concidit immundoque fimo sacroque cruore.
Non tamen Euryali, non ille oblitus amorum;
nam sese opposuit Salio per lubrica surgens;
ille autem spissa iacuit revolutus harena.
Emicat Euryalus, et munere victor amici
prima tenet, plausuque volat fremituque secundo.
Post Helymus subit, et nunc tertia palma Diores.
Hic totum caveae consessum ingentis et ora
prima patrum magnis Salius clamoribus implet,
ereptumque dolo reddi sibi poscit honorem.
Tutatur favor Euryalum, lacrimaeque decorae,
gratior et pulchro veniens in corpore virtus.
Adiuvat et magna proclamat voce Diores,
qui subiit palmae, frustraque ad praemia venit
ultima, si primi Salio reddentur honores.

[¶13] Aeneas then replied:
“Your gifts, my gallant youths, remain secure.
None can re-judge the prize. But to console
the misadventure of a blameless friend,
is in my power.” Therewith to Salius
an Afric lion's monstrous pelt he gave,
with ponderous mane, the claws o'erlaid with gold.
But Nisus cried: “If such a gift be found
for less than victory, and men who fall
are worthy so much sorrow, pray, what prize
shall Nisus have? For surely I had won
the proudest of the garlands, if one stroke
of inauspicious fortune had not fallen
on Salius and me.” So saying, he showed
his smeared face and his sorry limbs befouled
with mire and slime. Then laughed the gracious sire,
and bade a shield be brought, the cunning work
of Didymaon, which the Greeks tore down
from Neptune's temple; with this noble gift
he sent the high-born youth upon his way.

> Latin: Tum pater Aeneas “Vestra” inquit “munera vobis”
“certa manent, pueri, et palmam movet ordine nemo;”
“me liceat casus misereri insontis amici.”
Sic fatus, tergum Gaetuli immane leonis
dat Salio, villis onerosum atque unguibus aureis.
Hic Nisus, “Si tanta” inquit “sunt praemia victis,”
“et te lapsorum miseret, quae munera Niso”
“digna dabis, primam merui qui laude coronam,”
“ni me, quae Salium, fortuna inimica tulisset?”
Et simul his dictis faciem ostentabat et udo
turpia membra fimo. Risit pater optimus olli
et clipeum efferri iussit, Didymaonis artem,
Neptuni sacro Danais de poste refixum.
Hoc iuvenem egregium praestanti munere donat;

[¶14] The foot-race over and the gifts disbursed,
“Come forth!” he cries, “if any in his heart
have strength and valor, let him now pull on
the gauntlets and uplift his thong-bound arms
in challenge.” For the reward of this fight
a two-fold gift he showed: the victor's meed,
a bullock decked and gilded; but a sword
and glittering helmet to console the fallen.
Straightway, in all his pride of giant strength,
Dares Ioomed up, and wondering murmurs ran
along the gazing crowd; for he alone
was wont to match with Paris, he it was
met Butes, the huge-bodied champion
boasting the name and race of Amycus,
Bythinian-born; him felled he at a blow,
and stretched him dying on the tawny sand.
Such Dares was, who now held high his head,
fierce for the fray, bared both his shoulders broad,
lunged out with left and right, and beat the air.
Who shall his rival be? Of all the throng
not one puts on the gauntlets, or would face
the hero's challenge. Therefore, striding forth,
believing none now dare but yield the palm,
he stood before Aeneas, and straightway
seized with his left hand the bull's golden horn,
and cried, “O goddess-born, if no man dares
to risk him in this fight, how Iong delay?
how Iong beseems it I should stand and wait?
Bid me bear off my prize.” The Trojans all
murmured assent, and bade the due award
of promised gift.

> Latin: Post, ubi confecti cursus, et dona peregit:
“Nunc, si cui virtus animusque in pectore praesens,”
“adsit, et evinctis attollat brachia palmis.”
Sic ait, et geminum pugnae proponit honorem,
victori velatum auro vittisque iuvencum,
ensem atque insignem galeam solacia victo.
Nec mora: continuo vastis cum viribus effert
ora Dares, magnoque virum se murmure tollit;
solus qui Paridem solitus contendere contra,
idemque ad tumulum, quo maximus occubat Hector,
victorem Buten immani corpore, qui se
Bebrycia veniens Amyci de gente ferebat,
perculit, et fulva moribundum extendit harena.
Talis prima Dares caput altum in proelia tollit,
ostenditque umeros latos, alternaque iactat
brachia protendens, et verberat ictibus auras.
Quaeritur huic alius; nec quisquam ex agmine tanto
audet adire virum manibusque inducere caestus.
Ergo alacris, cunctosque putans excedere palma,
Aeneae stetit ante pedes, nec plura moratus
tum laeva taurum cornu tenet, atque ita fatur:
“Nate dea, si nemo audet se credere pugnae,”
“quae finis standi? Quo me decet usque teneri?”
“Ducere dona iube.” Cuncti simul ore fremebant
Dardanidae, reddique viro promissa iubebant.

[¶15] But with a brow severe
Acestes to Entellus at his side
addressed upbraiding words, where they reclined
on grassy bank and couch of pleasant green:
“O my Entellus, in the olden days
bravest among the mighty, but in vain!
Endurest thou to see yon reward won
without a blow? Where, prithee, is that god
who taught thee? Are thy tales of Eryx vain?
Does all Sicilia praise thee? Is thy roof
with trophies hung?” The other in reply:
“My jealous honor and good name yield not
to fear. But age, so cold and slow to move,
makes my blood laggard, and my ebbing powers
in all my body are but slack and chill.
O, if I had what yonder ruffian boasts—
my own proud youth once more! I would not ask
the fair bull for a prize, nor to the lists
in search of gifts come forth.” So saying, he threw
into the mid-arena a vast pair
of ponderous gauntlets, which in former days
fierce Eryx for his fights was wont to bind
on hand and arm, with the stiff raw-hide thong.
All marvelled; for a weight of seven bulls' hides
was pieced with lead and iron. Dares stared
astonished, and step after step recoiled;
high-souled Anchises' son, this way and that,
turned o'er the enormous coil of knots and thongs;
then with a deep-drawn breath the veteran spoke:
“O, that thy wondering eyes had seen the arms
of Hercules, and what his gauntlets were!
Would thou hadst seen the conflict terrible
upon this self-same shore! These arms were borne
by Eryx. Look; thy brother's!—spattered yet
with blood, with dashed-out brains! In these he stood
when he matched Hercules. I wore them oft
when in my pride and prime, ere envious age
shed frost upon my brows. But if these arms
be of our Trojan Dares disapproved,
if good Aeneas rules it so, and King
Acestes wills it, let us offer fight
on even terms. Let Eryx' bull's-hide go.
Tremble no more! But strip those gauntlets off —
fetched here from Troy.”

> Latin: Hic gravis Entellum dictis castigat Acestes,
proximus ut viridante toro consederat herbae:
“Entelle, heroum quondam fortissime frustra,”
“tantane tam patiens nullo certamine tolli”
“dona sines? Ubi nunc nobis deus ille magister”
“nequiquam memoratus Eryx? Ubi fama per omnem”
“Trinacriam, et spolia illa tuis pendentia tectis?”
Ille sub haec: “Non laudis amor, nec gloria cessit”
“pulsa metu; sed enim gelidus tardante senecta”
“sanguis hebet, frigentque effetae in corpore vires.”
“Si mihi, quae quondam fuerat, quaque improbus iste”
“exsultat fidens, si nunc foret illa iuventas,”
“haud equidem pretio inductus pulchroque iuvenco”
“venissem, nec dona moror.” Sic deinde locutus
in medium geminos immani pondere caestus
proiecit, quibus acer Eryx in proelia suetus
ferre manum, duroque intendere brachia tergo.
Obstipuere animi: tantorum ingentia septem
terga boum plumbo insuto ferroque rigebant.
Ante omnes stupet ipse Dares, longeque recusat;
magnanimusque Anchisiades et pondus et ipsa
huc illuc vinclorum immensa volumina versat.
Tum senior talis referebat pectore voces:
“Quid, si quis caestus ipsius et Herculis arma”
“vidisset, tristemque hoc ipso in litore pugnam?”
“Haec germanus Eryx quondam tuus arma gerebat;—”
“sanguine cernis adhuc sparsoque infecta cerebro;—”
“his magnum Alciden contra stetit; his ego suetus,”
“dum melior vires sanguis dabat, aemula necdum”
“temporibus geminis canebat sparsa senectus.”
“Sed si nostra Dares haec Troius arma recusat,”
“idque pio sedet Aeneae, probat auctor Acestes,”
“aequemus pugnas. Erycis tibi terga remitto;”
“solve metus; et tu Troianos exue caestus.”

[¶16] So saying, he dropped down
the double-folded mantle from his shoulders,
stripped bare the huge joints, the huge arms and thews,
and towered gigantic in the midmost ring.
Anchises' son then gave two equal pairs
of gauntlets, and accoutred with like arms
both champions. Each lifted him full height
on tiptoe; each with mien unterrified
held both fists high in air, and drew his head
far back from blows assailing. Then they joined
in struggle hand to hand, and made the fray
each moment fiercer. One was light of foot
and on his youth relied; the other strong
in bulk of every limb, but tottering
on sluggish knees, while all his body shook
with labor of his breath. Without avail
they rained their blows, and on each hollow side,
each sounding chest, the swift, reverberate strokes
fell without pause; around their ears and brows
came blow on blow, and with relentless shocks
the smitten jaws cracked loud. Entellus stands
unshaken, and, the self-same posture keeping,
only by body-movement or quick eye
parries attack. Dares (like one in siege
against a mountain-citadel, who now will drive
with ram and engine at the craggy wall,
now wait in full-armed watch beneath its towers)
tries manifold approach, most craftily
invests each point of vantage, and renews
his unsuccessful, ever various war.
Then, rising to the stroke, Entellus poised
aloft his ponderous right; but, quick of eye,
the other the descending wrath foresaw
and nimbly slipped away; Entellus so
wasted his stroke on air, and, self-o'erthrown,
dropped prone to earth his monstrous length along,
as when on Erymanth or Ida falls
a hollowed pine from giant roots uptorn.
Alike the Teucrian and Trinacrian throng
shout wildly; while Acestes, pitying, hastes
to lift his gray companion. But, unchecked,
undaunted by his fall, the champion brave
rushed fiercer to the fight, his strength now roused
by rage, while shame and courage confident
kindle his soul; impetuous he drives
Dares full speed all round the ring, with blows
redoubled right and left. No stop or stay
gives he, but like a storm of rattling hail
upon a house-top, so from each huge hand
the champion's strokes on dizzy Dares fall.

> Latin: Haec fatus, duplicem ex umeris reiecit amictum
et magnos membrorum artus, magna ossa lacertosque
exuit, atque ingens media consistit harena.
Tum satus Anchisa caestus pater extulit aequos,
et paribus palmas amborum innexuit armis.
Constitit in digitos extemplo arrectus uterque,
brachiaque ad superas interritus extulit auras.
Abduxere retro longe capita ardua ab ictu,
immiscentque manus manibus, pugnamque lacessunt.
Ille pedum melior motu, fretusque iuventa;
hic membris et mole valens, sed tarda trementi
genua labant, vastos quatit aeger anhelitus artus.
Multa viri nequiquam inter se volnera iactant,
multa cavo lateri ingeminant, et pectore vastos
dant sonitus, erratque auris et tempora circum
crebra manus, duro crepitant sub volnere malae.
Stat gravis Entellus nisuque immotus eodem,
corpore tela modo atque oculis vigilantibus exit.
Ille, velut celsam oppugnat qui molibus urbem,
aut montana sedet circum castella sub armis,
nunc hos, nunc illos aditus, omnemque pererrat
arte locum, et variis adsultibus inritus urguet.
Ostendit dextram insurgens Entellus, et alte
extulit: ille ictum venientem a vertice velox
praevidit, celerique elapsus corpore cessit.
Entellus vires in ventum effudit, et ultro
ipse gravis graviterque ad terram pondere vasto
concidit, ut quondam cava concidit aut Erymantho,
aut Ida in magna, radicibus eruta pinus.
Consurgunt studiis Teucri et Trinacria pubes;
it clamor caelo, primusque accurrit Acestes,
aequaevumque ab humo miserans attollit amicum.
At non tardatus casu neque territus heros
acrior ad pugnam redit ac vim suscitat ira.
Tum pudor incendit vires et conscia virtus,
praecipitemque Daren ardens agit aequore toto,
nunc dextra ingeminans ictus, nunc ille sinistra;
nec mora, nec requies: quam multa grandine nimbi
culminibus crepitant, sic densis ictibus heros
creber utraque manu pulsat versatque Dareta.

## 10. Book V · lines 461–871

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/10/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/10/#p-N

[¶0] Then Sire Aeneas willed to make a stay
to so much rage, nor let Entellus' soul
flame beyond bound, but bade the battle pause,
and, rescuing weary Dares, thus he spoke
in soothing words: “Ill-starred! What mad attempt
is in thy mind? Will not thy heart confess
thy strength surpassed, and auspices averse?
Submit, for Heaven decrees!” With such wise words
he sundered the fell strife. But trusty friends
bore Dares off: his spent limbs helpless trailed,
his head he could not lift, and from his lips
came blood and broken teeth. So to the ship
they bore him, taking, at Aeneas' word,
the helmet and the sword—but left behind
Entellus' prize of victory, the bull.
He, then, elate and glorying, spoke forth:
“See, goddess-born, and all ye Teucrians, see,
what strength was mine in youth, and from what death
ye have clelivered Dares.” Saying so,
he turned him full front to the bull, who stood
for reward of the fight, and, drawing back
his right hand, poising the dread gauntlet high,
swung sheer between the horns and crushed the skull;
a trembling, lifeless creature, to the ground
the bull dropped forward dead. Above the fallen
Entellus cried aloud, “This victim due
I give thee, Eryx, more acceptable
than Dares' death to thy benignant shade.
For this last victory and joyful day,
my gauntlets and my art I leave with thee.”

> Latin: Tum pater Aeneas procedere longius iras
et saevire animis Entellum haud passus acerbis;
sed finem imposuit pugnae, fessumque Dareta
eripuit mulcens dictis, ac talia fatur:
“Infelix, quae tanta animum dementia cepit?”
“Non vires alias conversaque numina sentis?”
“Cede deo.” Dixitque et proelia voce diremit.
Ast illum fidi aequales, genua aegra trahentem,
iactantemque utroque caput, crassumque cruorem
ore eiectantem mixtosque in sanguine dentes,
ducunt ad naves; galeamque ensemque vocati
accipiunt; palmam Entello taurumque relinquunt.
Hic victor, superans animis tauroque superbus:
“Nate dea, vosque haec” inquit “cognoscite, Teucri,”
“et mihi quae fuerint iuvenali in corpore vires,”
“et qua servetis revocatum a morte Dareta.”
Dixit, et adversi contra stetit ora iuvenci,
qui donum adstabat pugnae, durosque reducta
libravit dextra media inter cornua caestus,
arduus, effractoque inlisit in ossa cerebro.
sternitur exanimisque tremens procumbit humi bos.
Ille super tales effundit pectore voces:
“Hanc tibi, Eryx, meliorem animam pro morte Daretis”
“persolvo; hic victor caestus artemque repono.”

[¶1] Forthwith Aeneas summons all who will
to contest of swift arrows, and displays
reward and prize. With mighty hand he rears
a mast within th' arena, from the ship
of good Sergestus taken; and thereto
a fluttering dove by winding cord is bound
for target of their shafts. Soon to the match
the rival bowmen came and cast the lots
into a brazen helmet. First came forth
Hippocoon's number, son of Hyrtacus,
by cheers applauded; Mnestheus was the next,
late victor in the ship-race, Mnestheus crowned
with olive-garland; next Eurytion,
brother of thee, O bowman most renowned,
Pandarus, breaker of the truce, who hurled
his shaft upon the Achaeans, at the word
the goddess gave. Acestes' Iot and name
came from the helmet last, whose royal hand
the deeds of youth dared even yet to try.
Each then with strong arm bends his pliant bow,
each from the quiver plucks a chosen shaft.
First, with loud arrow whizzing from the string,
the young Hippocoon with skyward aim
cuts through the yielding air; and lo! his barb
pierces the very wood, and makes the mast
tremble; while with a fluttering, frighted wing
the bird tugs hard,—and plaudits fill the sky.
Boldly rose Mnestheus, and with bow full-drawn
aimed both his eye and shaft aloft; but he
failing, unhappy man, to bring his barb
up to the dove herself, just cut the cord
and broke the hempen bond, whereby her feet
were captive to the tree: she, taking flight,
clove through the shadowing clouds her path of air.
But swiftly—for upon his waiting bow
he held a shaft in rest—Eurytion
invoked his brother's shade, and, marking well
the dove, whose happy pinions fluttered free
in vacant sky, pierced her, hard by a cloud;
lifeless she fell, and left in light of heaven
her spark of life, as, floating down, she bore
the arrow back to earth.

> Latin: Protinus Aeneas celeri certare sagitta
invitat qui forte velint, et praemia ponit,
ingentique manu malum de nave Seresti
erigit, et volucrem traiecto in fune columbam,
quo tendant ferrum, malo suspendit ab alto.
Convenere viri, deiectamque aerea sortem
accepit galea; et primus clamore secundo
Hyrtacidae ante omnes exit locus Hippocoöntis;
quem modo navali Mnestheus certamine victor
consequitur, viridi Mnestheus evinctus oliva.
Tertius Eurytion, tuus, o clarissime, frater,
Pandare, qui quondam, iussus confundere foedus,
in medios telum torsisti primus Achivos.
Extremus galeaque ima subsedit Acestes,
ausus et ipse manu iuvenum temptare laborem.
Tum validis flexos incurvant viribus arcus
pro se quisque viri, et depromunt tela pharetris.
Primaque per caelum, nervo stridente, sagitta
Hyrtacidae iuvenis volucres diverberat auras;
et venit, adversique infigitur arbore mali.
Intremuit malus, timuitque exterrita pennis
ales, et ingenti sonuerunt omnia plausu.
Post acer Mnestheus adducto constitit arcu,
alta petens, pariterque oculos telumque tetendit.
Ast ipsam miserandus avem contingere ferro
non valuit: nodos et vincula linea rupit,
quis innexa pedem malo pendebat ab alto:
illa notos atque alta volans in nubila fugit.
Tum rapidus, iamdudum arcu contenta parato
tela tenens, fratrem Eurytion in Pota vocavit,
iam vacuo laetam caelo speculatus, et alis
plaudentem nigra figit sub nube columbam.
Decidit exanimis, vitamque reliquit in astris
aetheriis, fixamque refert delapsa sagittam.

[¶2] Acestes now
remained, last rival, though the victor's palm
to him was Iost; yet did the aged sire,
to show his prowess and resounding bow,
hurl forth one shaft in air; then suddenly
all eyes beheld such wonder as portends
events to be (but when fulfilment came,
too late the fearful seers its warning sung):
for, soaring through the stream of cloud, his shaft
took fire, tracing its bright path in flame,
then vanished on the wind,—as oft a star
will fall unfastened from the firmament,
while far behind its blazing tresses flow.
Awe-struck both Trojan and Trinacrian stood,
calling upon the gods. Nor came the sign
in vain to great Aeneas. But his arms
folded the blest Acestes to his heart,
and, Ioading him with noble gifts, he cried:
“Receive them, sire! The great Olympian King
some peerless honor to thy name decrees
by such an omen given. I offer thee
this bowl with figures graven, which my sire,
good gray Anchises, for proud gift received
of Thracian Cisseus, for their friendship's pledge
and memory evermore.” Thereon he crowned
his brows with garland of the laurel green,
and named Acestes victor over all.
Nor could Eurytion, noble youth, think ill
of honor which his own surpassed, though he,
he only, pierced the bird in upper air.
Next gift was his whose arrow cut the cord;
last, his whose light shaft clove the lofty pine.

> Latin: Amissa solus palma superabat Acestes;
qui tamen aerias telum contendit in auras,
ostentans artemque pater arcumque sonantem.
Hic oculis subito obicitur magnoque futurum
augurio monstrum; docuit post exitus ingens,
seraque terrifici cecinerunt omina vates.
Namque volans liquidis in nubibus arsit harundo,
signavitque viam flammis, tenuisque recessit
consumpta in ventos, caelo ceu saepe refixa
transcurrunt crinemque volantia sidera ducunt.
Attonitis haesere animis, superosque precati
Trinacrii Teucrique viri; nec maximus omen
abnuit Aeneas; sed laetum amplexus Acesten
muneribus cumulat magnis, ac talia fatur:
“Sume, pater; nam te voluit rex magnus Olympi”
“talibus auspiciis exsortem ducere honores.”
“Ipsius Anchisae longaevi hoc munus habebis,”
“cratera impressum signis, quem Thracius olim”
“Anchisae genitori in magno munere Cisseus”
“ferre sui dederat monumentum et pignus amoris.”
Sic fatus cingit viridanti tempora lauro,
et primum ante omnes victorem appellat Acesten.
Nec bonus Eurytion praelato invidit honori,
quamvis solus avem caelo deiecit ab alto.
Proximus ingreditur donis, qui vincula rupit;
extremus, volucri qui fixit arundine malum.

[¶3] Father Aeneas now, not making end
of game and contest, summoned to his side
Epytides, the mentor and true friend
of young Iulus, and this bidding gave
to his obedient ear: “Arise and go
where my Ascanius has lined his troop
of youthful cavalry, and trained the steeds
to tread in ranks of war. Bid him lead forth
the squadron in our sire Anchises' name,
and wear a hero's arms!” So saying, he bade
the course be cleared, and from the whole wide field
th' insurging, curious multitude withdrew.
In rode the boys, to meet their parents' eyes,
in even lines, a glittering cavalry;
while all Trinacria and the host from Troy
made loud applause. On each bright brow
a well-trimmed wreath the flowing tresses bound;
two javelins of corner tipped with steel
each bore for arms; some from the shoulder slung
a polished quiver; to each bosom fell
a pliant necklace of fine, twisted gold.
Three bands of horsemen ride, three captains proud
prance here and there, assiduous in command,
each of his twelve, who shine in parted lines
which lesser captains lead. One cohort proud
follows a little Priam's royal name —
one day, Polites, thy illustrious race
through him prolonged, shall greater glory bring
to Italy. A dappled Thracian steed
with snow-white spots and fore-feet white as snow
bears him along, its white face lifted high.
Next Atys rode, young Atys, sire to be
of th' Atian house in Rome, a boy most dear
unto the boy Iulus; last in line,
and fairest of the throng, Iulus came,
astride a steed from Sidon, the fond gift
of beauteous Dido and her pledge of love.
Close followed him the youthful chivalry
of King Acestes on Trinacrian steeds.

> Latin: At pater Aeneas, nondum certamine misso,
custodem ad sese comitemque impubis Iuli
Epytiden vocat, et fidam sic fatur ad aurem:
“Vade age, et Ascanio, si iam puerile paratum”
“agmen habet secum, cursusque instruxit equorum,”
“ducat avo turmas, et sese ostendat in armis,”
“dic” ait. Ipse omnem longo decedere circo
infusum populum, et campos iubet esse patentes.
Incedunt pueri, pariterque ante ora parentum
frenatis lucent in equis, quos omnis euntes
Trinacriae mirata fremit Troiaeque iuventus.
omnibus in morem tonsa coma pressa corona;
cornea bina ferunt praefixa hastilia ferro;
pars levis umero pharetras; it pectore summo
flexilis obtorti per collum circulus auri.
Tres equitum numero turmae, ternique vagantur
ductores: pueri bis seni quemque secuti
agmine partito fulgent paribusque magistris.
Una acies iuvenum, ducit quam parvus ovantem
nomen avi referens Priamus,—tua clara, Polite,
progenies, auctura Italos,—quem Thracius albis
portat equus bicolor maculis, vestigia primi
alba pedis frontemque ostentans arduus albam.
Alter Atys, genus unde Atii duxere Latini,
parvus Atys, pueroque puer dilectus Iulo.
Extremus, formaque ante omnis pulcher, Iulus
Sidonio est invectus equo, quem candida Dido
esse sui dederat monumentum et pignus amoris.
Cetera Trinacrii pubes senioris Acestae
fertur equis.

[¶4] The Trojans, with exultant, Ioud acclaim,
receive the shy-faced boys, and joyfully
trace in the features of the sons their sires.
After, with smiling eyes, the horsemen proud
have greeted each his kin in all the throng,
Epytides th' appointed signal calls,
and cracks his lash; in even lines they move,
then, Ioosely sundering in triple band,
wheel at a word and thrust their lances forth
in hostile ranks; or on the ample field
retreat or charge, in figure intricate
of circling troop with troop, and swift parade
of simulated war; now from the field
they flee with backs defenceless to the foe;
then rally, lance in rest—or, mingling all,
make common front, one legion strong and fair.
As once in Crete, the lofty mountain-isle,
that-fabled labyrinthine gallery
wound on through lightless walls, with thousand paths
which baffled every clue, and led astray
in unreturning mazes dark and blind:
so did the sons of Troy their courses weave
in mimic flights and battles fought for play,
like dolphins tumbling in the liquid waves,
along the Afric or Carpathian seas.
This game and mode of march Ascanius,
when Alba Longa's bastions proudly rose,
taught to the Latin people of the prime;
and as the princely Trojan and his train
were wont to do, so Alba to her sons
the custom gave; so glorious Rome at last
the heritage accepted and revered;
and still we know them for the “Trojan Band,”
and call the lads a “Troy.” Such was the end
of game and contest at Anchises' grave.

> Latin: Excipiunt plausu pavidos, gaudentque tuentes
Dardanidae, veterumque adgnoscunt ora parentum.
Postquam omnem laeti consessum oculosque suorum
lustravere in equis, signum clamore paratis
Epytides longe dedit insonuitque flagello.
Olli discurrere pares, atque agmina terni
diductis solvere choris, rursusque vocati
convertere vias infestaque tela tulere.
Inde alios ineunt cursus aliosque recursus
adversi spatiis, alternosque orbibus orbes
impediunt, pugnaeque cient simulacra sub armis;
et nunc terga fuga nudant, nunc spicula vertunt
infensi, facta pariter nunc pace feruntur.
Ut quondam Creta fertur Labyrinthus in alta
parietibus textum caecis iter, ancipitemque
mille viis habuisse dolum, qua signa sequendi
falleret indeprensus et inremeabilis error;
haud alio Teucrum nati vestigia cursu
impediunt texuntque fugas et proelia ludo,
delphinum similes, qui per maria umida nando
Carpathium Libycumque secant, [luduntque per undas.]
Hunc morem cursus atque haec certamina primus
Ascanius, Longam muris cum cingeret Albam,
rettulit, et priscos docuit celebrare Latinos,
quo puer ipse modo, secum quo Troïa pubes;
Albani docuere suos; hinc maxima porro
accepit Roma, et patrium servavit honorem;
Troiaque nunc pueri, Troianum dicitur agmen.
Hac celebrata tenus sancto certamina patri.

[¶5] Then fortune veered and different aspect wore.
For 'ere the sacred funeral games are done,
Saturnian Juno from high heaven sent down
the light-winged Iris to the ships of Troy,
giving her flight good wind—still full of schemes
and hungering to avenge her ancient wrong.
Unseen of mortal eye, the virgin took
her pathway on the thousand-colored bow,
and o'er its gliding passage earthward flew.
She scanned the vast assemblage; then her gaze
turned shoreward, where along the idle bay
the Trojan galleys quite unpeopled rode.
But far removed, upon a lonely shore,
a throng of Trojan dames bewailed aloud
their lost Anchises, and with tears surveyed
the mighty deep. “O weary waste of seas!
What vast, untravelled floods beyond us roll!”
So cried they with one voice, and prayed the gods
for an abiding city; every heart
loathed utterly the long, laborious sea.
Then in their midst alighted, not unskilled
in working woe, the goddess; though she wore
nor garb nor form divine, but made herself
one Beroe, Doryclus' aged wife,
who in her happier days had lineage fair
and sons of noble name; in such disguise
she called the Trojan dames:

> Latin: Hic primum fortuna fidem mutata novavit.
Dum variis tumulo referunt sollemnia ludis,
Irim de caelo misit Saturnia Iuno
Iliacam ad classem, ventosque adspirat eunti,
multa movens, necdum antiquum saturata dolorem.
Illa, viam celerans per mille coloribus arcum,
nulli visa cito decurrit tramite virgo.
Conspicit ingentem concursum, et litora lustrat,
desertosque videt portus classemque relictam.
At procul in sola secretae Troades acta
amissum Anchisen flebant, cunctaeque profundum
pontum adspectabant flentes. “Heu tot vada fessis”
“et tantum superesse maris!” vox omnibus una.
Urbem orant; taedet pelagi perferre laborem.
Ergo inter medias sese haud ignara nocendi
conicit, et faciemque deae vestemque reponit;
fit Beroë, Tmarii coniunx longaeva Dorycli,
cui genus et quondam nomen natique fuissent;
ac sic Dardanidum mediam se matribus infert:

[¶6] “O ye ill-starred,
that were not seized and slain by Grecian foes
under your native walls! O tribe accursed,
what death is Fate preparing? Since Troy fell
the seventh summer flies, while still we rove
o'er cruel rocks and seas, from star to star,
from alien land to land, as evermore
we chase, storm-tossed, that fleeting Italy
across the waters wide. Behold this land
of Eryx, of Acestes, friend and kin;
what hinders them to raise a rampart here
and build a town? O city of our sires!
O venerated gods from haughty foes
rescued in vain! Will nevermore a wall
rise in the name of Troy? Shall I not see
a Xanthus or a Simois, the streams
to Hector dear? Come now! I lead the way.
Let us go touch their baneful ships with fire!
I saw Cassandra in a dream. Her shade,
prophetic ever, gave me firebrands,
and cried, ‘Find Ilium so! The home for thee
is where thou art.’ Behold, the hour is ripe
for our great act! No longer now delay
to heed the heavenly omen. Yonder stand
four altars unto Neptune. 'T is the god,
the god himself, gives courage for the deed,
and swift-enkindling fire.” So having said,
she seized a dreadful brand; then, lifting high,
waved it all flaming, and with furious arm
hurled it from far. The Ilian matrons gazed,
bewildered and appalled. But one, of all
the eldest, Pyrgo, venerated nurse
of Priam's numerous sons, exclaimed, “Nay, nay!
This is no Beroe, my noble dames.
Doryclus knew her not. Behold and see
her heavenly beauty and her radiant eyes!
What voice of music and majestic mien,
what movement like a god! Myself am come
from Beroe sick, and left her grieving sore
that she, she only, had no gift to bring
of mournful honor to Anchises' shade.”
She spoke. The women with ill-boding eyes
looked on the ships. Their doubting hearts were torn
'twixt tearful passion for the beauteous isle
their feet then trod, and that prophetic call
of Fate to lands unknown. Then on wide wings
soared Iris into heaven, and through the clouds
clove a vast arch of light. With wonder dazed,
the women in a shrieking frenzy rose,
took embers from the hearth-stones, stole the fires
upon the altars—faggots, branches, brands —
and rained them on the ships. The god of fire,
through thwarts and oars and bows of painted fir,
ran in unbridled flame.

> Latin: “O miserae, quas non manus” inquit “Achaïca bello”
“traxerit ad letum patriae sub moenibus! O gens”
“infelix, cui te exitio Fortuna reservat?”
“Septuma post Troiae exscidium iam vertitur aestas,”
“cum freta, cum terras omnes, tot inhospita saxa”
“sideraque emensae ferimur, dum per mare magnum”
“Italiam sequimur fugientem, et volvimur undis.”
“Hic Erycis fines fraterni, atque hospes Acestes:”
“quis prohibet muros iacere et dare civibus urbem?”
“O patria et rapti nequiquam ex hoste Penates,”
“nullane iam Troiae dicentur moenia? Nusquam”
“Hectoreos amnes, Xanthum et Simoenta, videbo?”
“Quin agite et mecum infaustas exurite puppes.”
“Nam mihi Cassandrae per somnum vatis imago”
“ardentes dare visa faces: ‘Hic quaerite Troiam;’”
“‘hic domus est’ inquit ‘vobis.’ Iam tempus agi res,”
“nec tantis mora prodigiis. En quattuor arae”
“Neptuno; deus ipse faces animumque ministrat.”
Haec memorans, prima infensum vi corripit ignem,
sublataque procul dextra conixa coruscat,
et iacit: arrectae mentes stupefactaque corda
Iliadum. Hic una e multis, quae maxima natu,
Pyrgo, tot Priami natorum regia nutrix:
“Non Beroë vobis, non haec Rhoeteïa, matres,”
“est Dorycli coniunx; divini signa decoris”
“ardentesque notate oculos; qui spiritus illi,”
“qui voltus, vocisque sonus, vel gressus eunti.”
“Ipsa egomet dudum Beroen digressa reliqui”
“aegram, indignantem, tali quod sola careret”
“munere, nec meritos Anchisae inferet honores.”
Haec effata.
At matres primo ancipites oculisque malignis
ambiguae spectare rates miserum inter amorem
praesentis terrae fatisque vocantia regna,
cum dea se paribus per caelum sustulit alis,
ingentemque fuga secuit sub nubibus arcum.
Tum vero attonitae monstris actaeque furore
conclamant, rapiuntque focis penetralibus ignem;
pars spoliant aras, frondem ac virgulta facesque
coniciunt. Furit immissis Volcanus habenis
transtra per et remos et pictas abiete puppes.

[¶7] Swift to the tomb
of Sire Anchises, to the circus-seats,
the messenger Eumelus flew, to bring
news of the ships on fire; soon every eye
the clouds of smoke and hovering flame could see.
Ascanius, who had led with smiling brow
his troops of horse, accoutred as he was,
rode hot-haste to the turmoil of the camp,
nor could his guards restrain. “What madness now?
What is it ye would do?” he cried. “Alas!
Ill-fated women! Not our enemies,
nor the dread bulwarks of the Greek ye burn,
but all ye have to hope for. Look at me,
your own Ascanius!” His helmet then
into their midst he flung, which he had worn
for pageantry of war. Aeneas, too,
with Trojan bands sped thither. But far off,
the women, panic-scattered on the shore,
fled many ways, and deep in caverned crags
or shadowed forests hid them, for they Ioathed
their deed and life itself; their thoughts were changed;
they knew their kin and husbands, and their hearts
from Juno were set free.

> Latin: Nuntius Anchisae ad tumulum cuneosque theatri
incensas perfert naves Eumelus, et ipsi
respiciunt atram in nimbo volitare favillam.
Primus et Ascanius, cursus ut laetus equestres
ducebat, sic acer equo turbata petivit
castra, nec exanimes possunt retinere magistri.
“Quis furor iste novus? Quo nunc, quo tenditis” inquit,
“heu, miserae cives? Non hostem inimicaque castra”
“Argivum, vestras spes uritis. En, ego vester”
“Ascanius!” Galeam ante pedes proiecit inanem,
qua ludo indutus belli simulacra ciebat;
accelerat simul Aeneas, simul agmina Teucrum.
Ast illae diversa metu per litora passim
diffugiunt, silvasque et sicubi concava furtim
saxa petunt; piget incepti lucisque, suosque
mutatae adgnoscunt, excussaque pectore Iuno est.

[¶8] But none the less
the burning and indomitable flames
raged without stay; beneath the ships' smeared sides
the hempen fuel puffed a lingering smoke,
as, through the whole bulk creeping, the slow fire
devoured its way; and little it availed
that strong men fought the fire with stream on stream.
Then good Aeneas from his shoulder rent
his garment, and with lifted hands implored
the help of Heaven. “O Jove omnipotent!
If thou not yet thy wrath implacable
on every Trojan pourest, if thou still
hast pity, as of old, for what men bear,
O, grant my fleet deliverance from this flame!
From uttermost destruction, Father, save
our desperate Trojan cause! Or even now —
last cruelty! thy fatal thunders throw.
If this be my just meed, let thy dread arm
confound us all.” But scarce the prayer is said,
when with a bursting deluge a dark storm
falls, marvellous to see; while hills and plains
with thunder shake, and to each rim of heaven
spreads swollen cloud-rack, black with copious rain
and multitudinous gales. The full flood pours
on every ship, and all the smouldering beams
are drenched, until the smoke and flames expire
and (though four ships be lost) the burning fleet
rides rescued from its doom.

> Latin: Sed non idcirco flammae atque incendia vires
indomitas posuere; udo sub robore vivit
stuppa vomens tardum fumum, lentusque carinas
est vapor, et toto descendit corpore pestis,
nec vires heroum infusaque flumina prosunt.
Tum pius Aeneas umeris abscindere vestem,
auxilioque vocare deos, et tendere palmas:
“Iuppiter omnipotens, si nondum exosus ad unum”
“Troianos, si quid pietas antiqua labores”
“respicit humanos, da flammam evadere classi”
“nunc, Pater, et tenues Teucrum res eripe leto.”
“Vel tu, quod superest infesto fulmine morti,”
“si mereor, demitte, tuaque hic obrue dextra.”
Vix haec ediderat, cum effusis imbribus atra
tempestas sine more furit, tonitruque tremescunt
ardua terrarum et campi; ruit aethere toto
turbidus imber aqua densisque nigerrimus austris;
implenturque super puppes; semiusta madescunt
robora; restinctus donec vapor omnis, et omnes,
quattuor amissis, servatae a peste carinae.

[¶9] But smitten sore
by this mischance, Aeneas doubtfully
weighs in his heart its mighty load of cares,
and ponders if indeed he may abide
in Sicily, not heeding prophet-songs,
or seek Italian shores. Thereon uprose
Nautes, an aged sire, to whom alone
Tritonian Pallas of her wisdom gave
and made his skill renowned; he had the power
to show celestial anger's warning signs,
or tell Fate's fixed decree. The gifted man
thus to Aeneas comfortably spoke:
“O goddess-born, we follow here or there,
as Fate compels or stays. But come what may,
he triumphs over Fortune, who can bear
whate'er she brings. Behold, Acestes draws
from Dardanus his origin divine!
Make him thy willing friend, to share with thee
thy purpose and thy counsel. Leave with him
the crews of the lost ships, and all whose hearts
repine at thy high task and great emprise:
the spent old men, the women ocean-weary,
whate'er is feeble found, or faint of heart
in danger's hour,—set that apart, and give
such weary ones within this friendly isle
a city called Acesta,—if he will.”

> Latin: At pater Aeneas, casu concussus acerbo,
nunc huc ingentes, nunc illuc pectore curas
mutabat versans, Siculisne resideret arvis,
oblitus fatorum, Italasne capesseret oras.
Tum senior Nautes, unum Tritonia Pallas
quem docuit multaque insignem reddidit arte,
haec responsa dabat, vel quae portenderet ira
magna deum, vel quae fatorum posceret ordo;
isque his Aenean solatus vocibus infit:
“Nate dea, quo fata trahunt retrahuntque, sequamur;”
“quidquid erit, superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est.”
“Est tibi Dardanius divinae stirpis Acestes:”
“hunc cape consiliis socium et coniunge volentem;”
“huic trade, amissis superant qui navibus, et quos”
“pertaesum magni incepti rerumque tuarum est;”
“longaevosque senes ac fessas aequore matres,”
“et quidquid tecum invalidum metuensque pericli est,”
“delige, et his habeant terris sine moenia fessi:”
“urbem appellabunt permisso nomine Acestam.”

[¶10] Much moved Aeneas was by this wise word
of his gray friend, though still his anxious soul
was vexed by doubt and care. But when dark night
had brought her chariot to the middle sky,
the sacred shade of Sire Anchises seemed,
from heaven descending, thus to speak aloud:
“My son, than life more dear, when life was mine!
O son, upon whose heart the Trojan doom
has weighed so Iong! Beside thy couch I stand,
at pleasure of great Jove, whose hand dispelled
the mad fire from thy ships; and now he looks
from heaven with pitying brow. I bid thee heed
the noble counsels aged Nautes gave.
Only with warriors of dauntless breast
to Italy repair; of hardy breed,
of wild, rough life, thy Latin foes will be.
But first the shores of Pluto and the Shades
thy feet must tread, and through the deep abyss
of dark Avernus come to me, thy sire:
for I inhabit not the guilty gloom
of Tartarus, but bright Elysian day,
where all the just their sweet assemblies hold.
Hither the virgin Sibyl, if thou give
full offerings of the blood of sable kine,
shall lead thee down; and visions I will show
of cities proud and nations sprung from thee.
Farewell, for dewy Night has wheeled her way
far past her middle course; the panting steeds
of orient Morn breathe pitiless upon me.”
He spoke, and passed, like fleeting clouds of smoke,
to empty air. “O, whither haste away?”
Aeneas cried. “Whom dost thou fly? What god
from my fond yearning and embrace removes?”
Then on the altar of the gods of Troy
he woke the smouldering embers, at the shrine
of venerable Vesta, worshipping
with hallowed bread and incense burning free.

> Latin: Talibus incensus dictis senioris amici,
tum vero in curas animo diducitur omnes.
Et nox atra polum bigis subvecta tenebat:
visa dehinc caelo facies delapsa parentis
Anchisae subito tales effundere voces:
“Nate, mihi vita quondam, dum vita manebat,”
“care magis, nate, Iliacis exercite fatis,”
“imperio Iovis huc venio, qui classibus ignem”
“depulit, et caelo tandem miseratus ab alto est.”
“Consiliis pare, quae nunc pulcherrima Nautes”
“dat senior; lectos iuvenes, fortissima corda,”
“defer in Italiam; gens dura atque aspera cultu”
“debellanda tibi Latio est. Ditis tamen ante”
“infernas accede domos, et Averna per alta”
“congressus pete, nate, meos. Non me impia namque”
“Tartara habent, tristes umbrae, sed amoena piorum”
“concilia Elysiumque colo. Huc casta Sibylla”
“nigrarum multo pecudum te sanguine ducet:”
“tum genus omne tuum, et quae dentur moenia, disces.”
“Iamque vale: torquet medios Nox humida cursus,”
“et me saevus equis Oriens adflavit anhelis.”
Dixerat, et tenuis fugit, ceu fumus, in auras.
Aeneas, “Quo deinde ruis, quo proripis?” inquit,
“Quem fugis, aut quis te nostris complexibus arcet?”
Haec memorans cinerem et sopitos suscitat ignes,
Pergameumque Larem et canae penetralia Vestae
farre pio et plena supplex veneratur acerra.

[¶11] Straightway he calls assembly of his friends, —
Acestes first in honor,—and makes known
Jove's will, the counsel of his cherished sire,
and his own fresh resolve. With prompt assent
they hear his word, nor does Acestes fail
the task to share. They people the new town
with women; and leave every wight behind
who wills it—souls not thirsting for high praise.
Themselves re-bench their ships, rebuild, and fit
with rope and oar the flame-swept galleys all;
a band not large, but warriors bold and true.
Aeneas, guiding with his hand a plough,
marks out the city's ground, gives separate lands
by lot, and bids within this space appear
a second Troy. Trojan Acestes takes
the kingly power, and with benignant joy
appoints a forum, and decrees just laws
before a gathered senate. Then they raise
on that star-circled Erycinian hill,
the temple to Idalian Venus dear;
and at Anchises' sepulchre ordain
a priesthood and wide groves of hallowed shade.

> Latin: Extemplo socios primumque arcessit Acesten,
et Iovis imperium et cari praecepta parentis
edocet, et quae nunc animo sententia constet.
Haud mora consiliis, nec iussa recusat Acestes.
Transcribunt urbi matres, populumque volentem
deponunt, animos nil magnae laudis egentes.
Ipsi transtra novant, flammisque ambesa reponunt
robora navigiis, aptant remosque rudentesque,
exigui numero, sed bello vivida virtus.
Interea Aeneas urbem designat aratro
sortiturque domos; hoc Ilium et haec loca Troiam
esse iubet. Gaudet regno Troianus Acestes,
indicitque forum et patribus dat iura vocatis.
Tum vicina astris, Erycino in vertice sedes
fundatur Veneri Idaliae, tumuloque sacerdos
ac lucus late sacer additur Anchiseo.

[¶12] Now the nine days of funeral pomp are done,
and every altar has had honors due
from all the folk. Now tranquil-breathing winds
have levelled the great deep, while brisk and free,
a favoring Auster bids them launch away.
But sound of many a wailing voice is heard
along the winding shore; for ere they go,
in fond embraces for a night and day
they linger still. The women—aye, and men! —
who hated yesterday the ocean's face
and loathed its name, now clamor to set sail
and bear all want and woe to exiles known.
But good Aeneas with benignant words
their sorrow soothes, and, not without a tear,
consigns them to Acestes' kindred care.
Then bids he sacrifice to Eryx' shade
three bulls, and to the wind-gods and the storm
a lamb, then loose the ships in order due.
He, with a garland of shorn olive, stood
holding aloft the sacrificial bowl
from his own vessel's prow, and scattered far
the sacred entrails o'er the bitter wave,
with gift of flowing wine. Swift at the stern
a fair wind rose and thrust them; while the crews
with rival strokes swept o'er the spreading sea.

> Latin: Iamque dies epulata novem gens omnis, et aris
factus honos: placidi straverunt aequora venti,
creber et adspirans rursus vocat Auster in altum.
Exoritur procurva ingens per litora fletus;
complexi inter se noctemque diemque morantur.
Ipsae iam matres, ipsi, quibus aspera quondam
visa maris facies et non tolerabile nomen,
ire volunt, omnemque fugae perferre laborem.
Quos bonus Aeneas dictis solatur amicis,
et consanguineo lacrimans commendat Acestae.
Tris Eryci vitulos et Tempestatibus agnam
caedere deinde iubet, solvique ex ordine funem.
Ipse, caput tonsae foliis evinctus olivae,
stans procul in prora pateram tenet, extaque salsos
proiicit in fluctus ac vina liquentia fundit.
Prosequitur surgens a puppi ventus euntes.
Certatim socii feriunt mare et aequora verrunt.

[¶13] Venus, the while, disturbed with grief and care,
to Neptune thus her sorrowing heart outpoured:
“Stern Juno's wrath and breast implacable
compel me, Neptune, to abase my pride
in lowly supplication. Lapse of days,
nor prayers, nor virtues her hard heart subdue,
nor Jove's command; nor will she rest or yield
at Fate's decree. Her execrable grudge
is still unfed, although she did consume
the Trojan city, Phrygia's midmost throne,
and though she has accomplished stroke on stroke
of retribution. But she now pursues
the remnant—aye! the ashes and bare bones
of perished Ilium; though the cause and spring
of wrath so great none but herself can tell.
Wert thou not witness on the Libyan wave
what storm she stirred, immingling sea and sky,
and with Aeolian whirlwinds made her war, —
in vain and insolent invasion, sire,
of thine own realm and power? Behold, but now,
goading to evil deeds the Trojan dames,
she basely burned his ships; he in strange lands
must leave the crews of his Iost fleet behind.
O, I entreat thee, let the remnant sail
in safety o'er thy sea, and end their way
in Tiber's holy stream;—if this my prayer
be lawful, and that city's rampart proud
be still what Fate intends.”

> Latin: At Venus interea Neptunum exercita curis
adloquitur, talesque effundit pectore questus:
“Iunonis gravis ira nec exsaturabile pectus”
“cogunt me, Neptune, preces descendere in omnes;”
“quam nec longa dies, pietas nec mitigat ulla,”
“nec Iovis imperio fatisque infracta quiescit.”
“Non media de gente Phrygum exedisse nefandis”
“urbem odiis satis est, nec poenam traxe per omnem:”
“reliquias Troiae, cineres atque ossa peremptae”
“insequitur: causas tanti sciat illa furoris.”
“Ipse mihi nuper Libycis tu testis in undis”
“quam molem subito excierit: maria omnia caelo”
“miscuit, Aeoliis nequiquam freta procellis,”
“in regnis hoc ausa tuis.”
“Per scelus ecce etiam Troianis matribus actis”
“exussit foede puppes, et classe subegit”
“amissa socios ignotae linquere terrae.”
“Quod superest, oro, liceat dare tuta per undas”
“vela tibi, liceat Laurentem attingere Thybrim:”
“si concessa peto, si dant ea moenia Parcae.”

[¶14] Then Saturn's son,
the ruler of the seas profound, replied:
“Queen of Cythera, it is meet for thee
to trust my waves from which thyself art sprung.
Have I not proved a friend, and oft restrained
the anger and wild wrath of seas and skies?
On land, let Simois and Xanthus tell
if I have loved Aeneas! On that day
Achilles drove the shuddering hosts of Troy
in panic to the walls, and hurled to death
innumerable foes, until the streams
were choked with dead, and Xanthus scarce could find
his wonted path to sea; that self-same day,
aeneas, spent, and with no help of Heaven,
met Peleus' dreadful son:—who else but I
in cloudy mantle bore him safe afar?
Though 't was my will to cast down utterly
the walls of perjured Troy, which my own hands
had built beside the sea. And even to-day
my favor changes not. Dispel thy fear!
Safe, even as thou prayest, he shall ride
to Cumae's haven, where Avernus lies.
One only sinks beneath th' engulfing seas, —
one life in lieu of many.” Having soothed
and cheered her heart divine, the worshipped sire
flung o'er his mated steeds a yoke of gold,
bridled the wild, white mouths, and with strong hand
shook out long, Ioosened reins. His azure car
skimmed light and free along the crested waves;
before his path the rolling billows all
were calm and still, and each o'er-swollen flood
sank 'neath his sounding wheel; while from the skies
the storm-clouds fled away. Behind him trailed
a various company; vast bulk of whales,
the hoary band of Glaucus, Ino's son,
Palaemon and the nimble Tritons all,
the troop of Phorcus; and to leftward ranged
Thalia, Thetis, and fair Alelite,
with virgin Panopea, and the nymphs
Nesaea, Spio and Cymodoce.

> Latin: Tum Saturnius haec domitor maris edidit alti:
“Fas omne est, Cytherea, meis te fidere regnis,”
“unde genus ducis: merui quoque; saepe furores”
“compressi, et rabiem tantam caelique marisque.”
“Nec minor in terris, Xanthum Simoëntaque testor,”
“Aeneae mihi cura tui. Cum Troia Achilles”
“exanimata sequens impingeret agmina muris,”
“milia multa daret leto, gemerentque repleti”
“amnes, nec reperire viam atque evolvere posset”
“in mare se Xanthus, Pelidae tunc ego forti”
“congressum Aenean nec dis nec viribus aequis”
“nube cava rapui, cuperem cum vertere ab imo”
“structa meis manibus periurae moenia Troiae.”
“Nunc quoque mens eadem perstat mihi: pelle timores.”
“Tutus, quos optas, portus accedet Averni.”
“Unus erit tantum, amissum quem gurgite quaeres;”
“unum pro multis dabitur caput.”
His ubi laeta deae permulsit pectora dictis,
iungit equos auro genitor, spumantiaque addit
frena feris, manibusque omnes effundit habenas.
Caeruleo per summa levis volat aequora curru;
subsidunt undae, tumidumque sub axe tonanti
sternitur aequor aquis; fugiunt vasto aethere nimbi.
Tum variae comitum facies, immania cete,
et senior Glauci chorus, Inousque Palaemon,
Tritonesque citi, Phorcique exercitus omnis;
laeva tenent Thetis, et Melite, Panopeaque virgo,
Nisaee, Spioque, Thaliaque, Cymodoceque.

[¶15] Now in Aeneas' ever-burdened breast
the voice of hope revived. He bade make haste
to raise the masts, spread canvas on the spars;
all hands hauled at the sheets, and left or right
shook out the loosened sails, or twirled in place
the horn-tipped yards. Before a favoring wind
the fleet sped on. The line in close array
was led by Palinurus, in whose course
all ships were bid to follow. Soon the car
of dewy Night drew near the turning-point
of her celestial round. The oarsmen all
yielded their limbs to rest, and prone had fallen
on the hard thwarts, in deep, unpillowed slumber.
Then from the high stars on light-moving wings,
the God of Sleep found passage through the dark
and clove the gloom,—to bring upon thy head,
O Palinurus, an ill-boding sleep,
though blameless thou. Upon thy ship the god
in guise of Phorbas stood, thus whispering:
“Look, Palinurus, how the flowing tides
lift on thy fleet unsteered, and changeless winds
behind thee breathe! 'T is now a happy hour
take thy rest. Lay down the weary head.
Steal tired eyes from toiling. I will do
thine office for thee, just a little space.”
But Palinurus, lifting scarce his eyes,
thus answered him: “Have I not known the face
of yonder placid seas and tranquil waves?
Put faith in such a monster? Could I trust —
I, oft by ocean's treacherous calm betrayed —
my lord Aeneas to false winds and skies?”

> Latin: Hic patris Aeneae suspensam blanda vicissim
gaudia pertemptant mentem: iubet ocius omnes
attolli malos, intendi brachia velis.
Una omnes fecere pedem pariterque sinistros,
nunc dextros solvere sinus; una ardua torquent
cornua detorquentque; ferunt sua flamina classem.
Princeps ante omnes densum Palinurus agebat
agmen; ad hunc alii cursum contendere iussi.
Iamque fere mediam caeli Nox humida metam
contigerat; placida laxabant membra quiete
sub remis fusi per dura sedilia nautae:
cum levis aetheriis delapsus Somnus ab astris
aëra dimovit tenebrosum et dispulit umbras,
te, Palinure, petens, tibi somnia tristia portans
insonti; puppique deus consedit in alta,
Phorbanti similis, funditque has ore loquelas:
“Iaside Palinure, ferunt ipsa aequora classem;”
“aequatae spirant aurae; datur hora quieti.”
“Pone caput, fessosque oculos furare labori:”
“ipse ego paulisper pro te tua munera inibo.”
Cui vix attollens Palinurus lumina fatur:
“Mene salis placidi voltum fluctusque quietos”
“ignorare iubes? Mene huic confidere monstro?”
“Aenean credam quid enim fallacibus auris”
“et caelo, totiens deceptus fraude sereni?”

[¶16] So saying, he grasped his rudder tight, and clung
more firmly, fixing on the stars his eyes.
Then waved the god above his brows a branch
wet with the dews of Lethe and imbued
with power of Stygian dark, until his eyes
wavered and slowly sank. The slumberous snare
had scarce unbound his limbs, when, leaning o'er,
the god upon the waters flung him forth,
hands clutching still the helm and ship-rail torn,
and calling on his comrades, but in vain.
Then soared th' immortal into viewless air;
and in swift course across the level sea
the fleet sped safe, protected from all fear
by Neptune's vow. Yet were they drawing nigh
the sirens' island-steep, where oft are seen
white, bleaching bones, and to the distant ear
the rocks roar harshly in perpetual foam.
Then of his drifting fleet and pilot gone
Aeneas was aware, and, taking helm,
steered through the midnight waves, with many a sigh;
and, by his comrade's pitiable death
sore-smitten, cried, “O, thou didst trust too far
fair skies and seas, and liest without a grave,
my Palinurus, in a land unknown!”

> Latin: Talia dicta dabat, clavumque affixus et haerens
nusquam amittebat, oculosque sub astra tenebat.
Ecce deus ramum Lethaeo rore madentem,
vique soporatum Stygia, super utraque quassat
tempora, cunctantique natantia lumina solvit.
Vix primos inopina quies laxaverat artus,
et super incumbens cum puppis parte revolsa,
cumque gubernaclo, liquidas proiecit in undas
praecipitem ac socios nequiquam saepe vocantem;
ipse volans tenues se sustulit ales ad auras.
Currit iter tutum non secius aequore classis,
promissisque patris Neptuni interrita fertur.
Iamque adeo scopulos Sirenum advecta subibat,
difficiles quondam multorumque ossibus albos,
tum rauca adsiduo longe sale saxa sonabant:
cum pater amisso fluitantem errare magistro
sensit, et ipse ratem nocturnis rexit in undis,
multa gemens, casuque animum concussus amici
“O nimium caelo et pelago confise sereno,”
“nudus in ignota, Palinure, iacebis harena!”

## 11. Book VI · lines 1–476

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/11/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/11/#p-N

[¶0] After such words and tears, he flung free rein
To the swift fleet, which sped along the wave
To old Euboean Cumae's sacred shore.
They veer all prows to sea; the anchor fluke
Makes each ship sure, and shading the long strand
The rounded sterns jut o'er. Impetuously
The eager warriors leap forth to land
Upon Hesperian soil. One strikes the flint
To find the seed-spark hidden in its veins;
One breaks the thick-branched trees, and steals away
The shelter where the woodland creatures bide;
One leads his mates where living waters flow.
Aeneas, servant of the gods, ascends
The templed hill where lofty Phoebus reigns,
And that far-off, inviolable shrine
Of dread Sibylla, in stupendous cave,
O'er whose deep soul the god of Delos breathes
Prophetic gifts, unfolding things to come.
Here are pale Trivia's golden house and grove.

> Latin: Sic fatur lacrimans, classique immittit habenas,
et tandem Euboïcis Cumarum adlabitur oris.
Obvertunt pelago proras; tum dente tenaci
ancora fundabat naves, et litora curvae
praetexunt puppes. Iuvenum manus emicat ardens
litus in Hesperium; quaerit pars semina flammae
abstrusa in venis silicis, pars densa ferarum
tecta rapit silvas, inventaque flumina monstrat.
At pius Aeneas arces, quibus altus Apollo
praesidet, horrendaeque procul secreta Sibyllae
antrum immane petit, magnum cui mentem animumque
Delius inspirat vates, aperitque futura.
Iam subeunt Triviae lucos atque aurea tecta.

[¶1] Here Daedalus, the ancient story tells,
Escaping Minos' power, and having made
Hazard of heaven on far-mounting wings,
Floated to northward, a cold, trackless way,
And lightly poised, at last, o'er Cumae's towers.
Here first to earth come down, he gave to thee
His gear of wings, Apollo! and ordained
Vast temples to thy name and altars fair.
On huge bronze doors Androgeos' death was done;
And Cecrops' children paid their debt of woe,
Where, seven and seven,—0 pitiable sight!—
The youths and maidens wait the annual doom,
Drawn out by lot from yonder marble urn.
Beyond, above a sea, lay carven Crete:—
The bull was there; the passion, the strange guile;
And Queen Pasiphae's brute-human son,
The Minotaur—of monstrous loves the sign.
Here was the toilsome, labyrinthine maze,
Where, pitying love-lorn Ariadne's tears,
The crafty Daedalus himself betrayed
The secret of his work; and gave the clue
To guide the path of Theseus through the gloom.
0 Icarus, in such well-graven scene
How proud thy place should be! but grief forbade:
Twice in pure gold a father's fingers strove
To shape thy fall, and twice they strove in vain.
Aeneas long the various work would scan;
But now Achates comes, and by his side
Deiphobe, the Sibyl, Glaucus' child.
Thus to the prince she spoke:
“Is this thine hour
To stand and wonder? Rather go obtain
From young unbroken herd the bullocks seven,
And seven yearling ewes, our wonted way.”
Thus to Aeneas; his attendants haste
To work her will; the priestess, calling loud,
Gathers the Trojans to her mountain-shrine.

> Latin: Daedalus, ut fama est, fugiens Minoïa regna,
praepetibus pennis ausus se credere caelo,
insuetum per iter gelidas enavit ad Arctos,
Chalcidicaque levis tandem super adstitit arce.
Redditus his primum terris, tibi, Phoebe, sacravit
remigium alarum, posuitque immania templa.
In foribus letum Androgeo: tum pendere poenas
Cecropidae iussi—miserum!—septena quotannis
corpora natorum; stat ductis sortibus urna.
Contra elata mari respondet Gnosia tellus:
hic crudelis amor tauri, suppostaque furto
Pasiphaë, mixtumque genus prolesque biformis
Minotaurus inest, Veneris monumenta nefandae;
hic labor ille domus et inextricabilis error;
magnum reginae sed enim miseratus amorem
Daedalus ipse dolos tecti ambagesque resolvit,
caeca regens filo vestigia. Tu quoque magnam
partem opere in tanto, sineret dolor, Icare, haberes.
Bis conatus erat casus effingere in auro;
bis patriae cecidere manus. Quin protinus omnia
perlegerent oculis, ni iam praemissus Achates
adforet, atque una Phoebi Triviaeque sacerdos,
Deiphobe Glauci, fatur quae talia regi:
“Non hoc ista sibi tempus spectacula poscit;”
“nunc grege de intacto septem mactare iuvencos”
“praestiterit, totidem lectas de more bidentes.”
Talibus adfata Aenean (nec sacra morantur
iussa viri), Teucros vocat alta in templa sacerdos.

[¶2] Deep in the face of that Euboean crag
A cavern vast is hollowed out amain,
With hundred openings, a hundred mouths,
Whence voices flow, the Sibyl's answering songs.
While at the door they paused, the virgin cried:
“Ask now thy doom!—the god! the god is nigh!”
So saying, from her face its color flew,
Her twisted locks flowed free, the heaving breast
Swelled with her heart's wild blood; her stature seemed
Vaster, her accent more than mortal man,
As all th' oncoming god around her breathed:
“On with thy vows and prayers, 0 Trojan, on!
For only unto prayer this haunted cave
May its vast lips unclose.” She spake no more.
An icy shudder through the marrow ran
Of the bold Trojans; while their sacred King
Poured from his inmost soul this plaint and prayer:
“Phoebus, who ever for the woes of Troy
Hadst pitying eyes! who gavest deadly aim
To Paris when his Dardan shaft he hurled
On great Achilles! Thou hast guided me
Through many an unknown water, where the seas
Break upon kingdoms vast, and to the tribes
Of the remote Massyli, whose wild land
To Syrtes spreads. But now; because at last
I touch Hesperia's ever-fleeting bound,
May Troy's ill fate forsake me from this day!
0 gods and goddesses, beneath whose wrath
Dardania's glory and great Ilium stood,
Spare, for ye may, the remnant of my race!
And thou, most holy prophetess, whose soul
Foreknows events to come, grant to my prayer
(Which asks no kingdom save what Fate decrees)
That I may stablish in the Latin land
My Trojans, my far-wandering household-gods,
And storm-tossed deities of fallen Troy.
Then unto Phoebus and his sister pale
A temple all of marble shall be given,
And festal days to Phoebus evermore.
Thee also in my realms a spacious shrine
Shall honor; thy dark books and holy songs
I there will keep, to be my people's law;
And thee, benignant Sibyl for all time
A company of chosen priests shall serve.
O, not on leaves, light leaves, inscribe thy songs!
Lest, playthings of each breeze, they fly afar
In swift confusion! Sing thyself, I pray.”
So ceased his voice;

> Latin: Excisum Euboicae latus ingens rupis in antrum,
quo lati ducunt aditus centum, ostia centum;
unde ruunt totidem voces, responsa Sibyllae.
Ventum erat ad limen, cum virgo. “Poscere fata”
“tempus” ait; “deus, ecce, deus!” Cui talia fanti
ante fores subito non voltus, non color unus,
non comptae mansere comae; sed pectus anhelum,
et rabie fera corda tument; maiorque videri,
nec mortale sonans, adflata est numine quando
iam propiore dei. “Cessas in vota precesque,”
“Tros” ait “Aenea? Cessas? Neque enim ante dehiscent”
“attonitae magna ora domus.” Et talia fata
conticuit. Gelidus Teucris per dura cucurrit
ossa tremor, funditque preces rex pectore ab imo:
“Phoebe, graves Troiae semper miserate labores,”
“Dardana qui Paridis direxti tela manusque”
“corpus in Aeacidae, magnas obeuntia terras”
“tot maria intravi duce te, penitusque repostas”
“Massylum gentes praetentaque Syrtibus arva,”
“iam tandem Italiae fugientis prendimus oras;”
“hac Troiana tenus fuerit Fortuna secuta.”
“Vos quoque Pergameae iam fas est parcere genti,”
“dique deaeque omnes quibus obstitit Ilium et ingens”
“gloria Dardaniae. Tuque, O sanctissima vates,”
“praescia venturi, da, non indebita posco”
“regna meis fatis, Latio considere Teucros”
“errantisque deos agitataque numina Troiae.”
“Tum Phoebo et Triviae solido de marmore templum”
“instituam, festosque dies de nomine Phoebi.”
“Te quoque magna manent regnis penetralia nostris:”
“hic ego namque tuas sortes arcanaque fata,”
“dicta meae genti, ponam, lectosque sacrabo,”
“alma, viros. Foliis tantum ne carmina manda,”
“ne turbata volent rapidis ludibria ventis;”
“ipsa canas oro.” Finem dedit ore loquendi.

[¶3] the virgin through the cave,
Scarce bridled yet by Phoebus' hand divine,
Ecstatic swept along, and vainly stove
To fing its potent master from her breast;
But he more strongly plied his rein and curb
Upon her frenzied lips, and soon subdued
Her spirit fierce, and swayed her at his will.
Free and self-moved the cavern's hundred adoors
Swung open wide, and uttered to the air
The oracles the virgin-priestess sung:
“Thy long sea-perils thou hast safely passed;
But heavier woes await thee on the land.
Truly thy Trojans to Lavinian shore
Shall come—vex not thyself thereon—but, oh!
Shall rue their coming thither! war, red war!
And Tiber stained with bloody foam I see.
Simois, Xanthus, and the Dorian horde
Thou shalt behold; a new Achilles now
In Latium breathes,—he, too, of goddess born;
And Juno, burden of the sons of Troy,
Will vex them ever; while thyself shalt sue
In dire distress to many a town and tribe
Through Italy; the cause of so much ill
Again shall be a hostess-queen, again
A marriage-chamber for an alien bride.
Oh! yield not to thy woe, but front it ever,
And follow boldly whither Fortune calls.
Thy way of safety, as thou least couldst dream,
Lies through a city of the Greeks, thy foes.”

> Latin: At, Phoebi nondum patiens, immanis in antro
bacchatur vates, magnum si pectore possit
excussisse deum; tanto magis ille fatigat
os rabidum, fera corda domans, fingitque premendo.
Ostia iamque domus patuere ingentia centum
sponte sua, vatisque ferunt responsa per auras:
“O tandem magnis pelagi defuncte periclis!”
“Sed terrae graviora manent. In regna Lavini”
“Dardanidae venient; mitte hanc de pectore curam;”
“sed non et venisse volent. Bella, horrida bella,”
“et Thybrim multo spumantem sanguine cerno.”
“Non Simois tibi, nec Xanthus, nec Dorica castra”
“defuerint; alius Latio iam partus Achilles,”
“natus et ipse dea; nec Teucris addita Iuno”
“usquam aberit; cum tu supplex in rebus egenis”
“quas gentes Italum aut quas non oraveris urbes!”
“Causa mali tanti coniunx iterum hospita Teucris”
“externique iterum thalami.”
“Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito,”
“qua tua te Fortuna sinet. Via prima salutis,”
“quod minime reris, Graia pandetur ab urbe.”

[¶4] Thus from her shrine Cumaea's prophetess
Chanted the dark decrees; the dreadful sound
Reverberated through the bellowing cave,
Commingling truth with ecstasies obscure.
Apollo, as she raged, flung loosened rein,
And thrust beneath her heart a quickening spur.
When first her madness ceased, and her wild lips
Were still at last, the hero thus began:
“No tribulations new, 0 Sibyl blest,
Can now confront me; every future pain
I have foretasted; my prophetic soul
Endured each stroke of fate before it fell.
One boon I ask. If of th' infernal King
This be the portal where the murky wave
Of swollen Acheron o'erflows its bound,
Here let me enter and behold the face
Of my loved sire. Thy hand may point the way;
Thy word will open wide yon holy doors.
My father through the flames and falling spears,
Straight through the centre of our foes, I bore
Upon these shoulders. My long flight he shared
From sea to sea, and suffered at my side
The anger of rude waters and dark skies,—
Though weak—0 task too great for old and gray!
Thus as a suppliant at thy door to stand,
Was his behest and prayer. On son and sire,
0 gracious one, have pity,—for thy rule
Is over all; no vain authority
Hadst thou from Trivia o'er th' Avernian groves.
If Orpheus could call back his loved one's shade,
Emboldened by the lyre's melodious string:
If Pollux by the interchange of death
Redeemed his twin, and oft repassed the way:
If Theseus—but why name him? why recall
Alcides' task? I, too, am sprung from Jove.”

> Latin: Talibus ex adyto dictis Cumaea Sibylla
horrendas canit ambages antroque remugit,
obscuris vera involvens: ea frena furenti
concutit, et stimulos sub pectore vertit Apollo.
Ut primum cessit furor et rabida ora quierunt,
incipit Aeneas heros: “Non ulla laborum,”
“O virgo, nova mi facies inopinave surgit;”
“omnia praecepi atque animo mecum ante peregi.”
“Unum oro: quando hic inferni ianua regis”
“dicitur, et tenebrosa palus Acheronte refuso,”
“ire ad conspectum cari genitoris et ora”
“contingat; doceas iter et sacra ostia pandas.”
“Illum ego per flammas et mille sequentia tela”
“eripui his umeris, medioque ex hoste recepi;”
“ille meum comitatus iter, maria omnia mecum”
“atque omnes pelagique minas caelique ferebat,”
“invalidus, vires ultra sortemque senectae.”
“Quin, ut te supplex peterem et tua limina adirem,”
“idem orans mandata dabat. Gnatique patrisque,”
“alma, precor, miserere;—potes namque omnia, nec te”
“nequiquam lucis Hecate praefecit Avernis;—”
“si potuit Manes arcessere coniugis Orpheus,”
“Threïcia fretus cithara fidibusque canoris,”
“si fratrem Pollux alterna morte redemit,”
“itque reditque viam totiens. Quid Thesea, magnum”
“quid memorem Alciden? Et mi genus ab Iove summo.”

[¶5] Thus, to the altar clinging, did he pray:
The Sibyl thus replied: “Offspring of Heaven,
Anchises' son, the downward path to death
Is easy; all the livelong night and day
Dark Pluto's door stands open for a guest.
But 0! remounting to the world of light,
This is a task indeed, a strife supreme.
Few, very few, whom righteous Jove did bless,
Or quenchless virtue carried to the stars,
Children of gods, have such a victory won.
Grim forests stop the way, and, gliding slow,
Cocytus circles through the sightless gloom.
But if it be thy dream and fond desire
Twice o'er the Stygian gulf to travel, twice
On glooms of Tartarus to set thine eyes,
If such mad quest be now thy pleasure—hear
What must be first fulfilled. A certain tree
Hides in obscurest shade a golden bough,
Of pliant stems and many a leaf of gold,
Sacred to Proserpine, infernal Queen.
Far in the grove it hides; in sunless vale
Deep shadows keep it in captivity.
No pilgrim to that underworld can pass
But he who plucks this burgeoned, leafy gold;
For this hath beauteous Proserpine ordained
Her chosen gift to be. Whene'er it is culled,
A branch out-leafing in like golden gleam,
A second wonder-stem, fails not to spring.
Therefore go seek it with uplifted eyes!
And when by will of Heaven thou findest it,
Reach forth and pluck; for at a touch it yields,
A free and willing gift, if Fate ordain;
But otherwise no mortal strength avails,
Nor strong, sharp steel, to rend it from the tree.
Another task awaits; thy friend's cold clay
Lies unentombed. Alas! thou art not ware
(While in my house thou lingerest, seeking light)
That all thy ships are by his death defiled.
Unto his resting-place and sepulchre,
Go, carry him! And sable victims bring,
In expiation, to his mournful shade.
So at the last on yonder Stygian groves,
And realms to things that breathe impassable,
Thine eye shall gaze.” So closed her lips inspired.

> Latin: Talibus orabat dictis, arasque tenebat,
cum sic orsa loqui vates: “Sate sanguine divom,”
“Tros Anchisiade, facilis descensus Averno;”
“noctes atque dies patet atri ianua Ditis;”
“sed revocare gradum superasque evadere ad auras,”
“hoc opus, hic labor est. Pauci, quos aequus amavit”
“Iuppiter, aut ardens evexit ad aethera virtus,”
“dis geniti potuere. Tenent media omnia silvae,”
“Cocytusque sinu labens circumvenit atro.”
“Quod si tantus amor menti, si tanta cupido est,”
“bis Stygios innare lacus, bis nigra videre”
“Tartara, et insano iuvat indulgere labori,”
“accipe, quae peragenda prius. Latet arbore opaca”
“aureus et foliis et lento vimine ramus,”
“Iunoni infernae dictus sacer; hunc tegit omnis”
“lucus, et obscuris claudunt convallibus umbrae.”
“Sed non ante datur telluris operta subire,”
“auricomos quam quis decerpserit arbore fetus.”
“Hoc sibi pulchra suum ferri Proserpina munus”
“instituit. Primo avulso non deficit alter”
“aureus, et simili frondescit virga metallo.”
“Ergo alte vestiga oculis, et rite repertum”
“carpe manu; namque ipse volens facilisque sequetur,”
“si te fata vocant; aliter non viribus ullis”
“vincere, nec duro poteris convellere ferro.”
“Praeterea iacet exanimum tibi corpus amici—”
“heu nescis—totamque incestat funere classem,”
“dum consulta petis nostroque in limine pendes.”
“Sedibus hunc refer ante suis et conde sepulchro.”
“Duc nigras pecudes; ea prima piacula sunto:”
“sic demum lucos Stygis et regna invia vivis”
“aspicies.” Dixit, pressoque obmutuit ore.

[¶6] Aeneas then drew forth, with downcast eyes,
From that dark cavern, pondering in his heart
The riddle of his fate. His faithful friend
Achates at his side, with paces slow,
Companioned all his care, while their sad souls
Made mutual and oft-renewed surmise
What comrade dead, what cold and tombless clay,
The Sibyl's word would show.
But as they mused,
Behold Misenus on the dry sea-sands,
By hasty hand of death struck guiltless down!
A son of Aeolus, none better knew
To waken heroes by the clarion's call,
With war-enkindling sound. Great Hector's friend
In happier days, he oft at Hector's side
Strode to the fight with glittering lance and horn.
But when Achilles stripped his fallen foe,
This dauntless hero to Aeneas gave
Allegiance true, in not less noble cause.
But, on a day, he chanced beside the sea
To blow his shell-shaped horn, and wildly dared
Challenge the gods themselves to rival song;
Till jealous Triton, if the tale be true,
Grasped the rash mortal, and out-flung him far
'mid surf-beat rocks and waves of whirling foam.
Now from all sides, with tumult and loud cry,
The Trojans came,—Aeneas leading all
In faithful grief; they hasten to fulfil
The Sibyl's mandate, and with many a tear
Build, altar-wise, a pyre, of tree on tree
Heaped high as heaven: then they penetrate
The tall, old forest, where wild creatures bide,
And fell pitch-pines, or with resounding blows
Of axe and wedge, cleave oak and ash-tree through,
Or logs of rowan down the mountains roll.

> Latin: Aeneas maesto defixus lumina voltu
ingreditur, linquens antrum, caecosque volutat
eventus animo secum. Cui fidus Achates
it comes, et paribus curis vestigia figit.
Multa inter sese vario sermone serebant,
quem socium exanimem vates, quod corpus humandum
diceret. Atque illi Misenum in litore sicco,
ut venere, vident indigna morte peremptum,
Misenum Aeoliden, quo non praestantior alter
aere ciere viros, Martemque accendere cantu.
Hectoris hic magni fuerat comes, Hectora circum
et lituo pugnas insignis obibat et hasta:
postquam illum vita victor spoliavit Achilles,
Dardanio Aeneae sese fortissimus heros
addiderat socium, non inferiora secutus.
Sed tum, forte cava dum personat aequora concha,
demens, et cantu vocat in certamina divos,
aemulus exceptum Triton, si credere dignum est,
inter saxa virum spumosa inmerserat unda.
Ergo omnes magno circum clamore fremebant,
praecipue pius Aeneas. Tum iussa Sibyllae,
haud mora, festinant flentes, aramque sepulchri
congerere arboribus caeloque educere certant.
Itur in antiquam silvam, stabula alta ferarum;
procumbunt piceae, sonat icta securibus ilex,
fraxineaeque trabes cuneis et fissile robur
scinditur, advolvunt ingentis montibus ornos.

[¶7] Aeneas oversees and shares the toil,
Cheers on his mates, and swings a woodman's steel.
But, sad at heart with many a doubt and care,
O'erlooks the forest wide; then prays aloud:
“0, that the Golden Bough from this vast grove
Might o'er me shine! For, 0 Aeolides,
The oracle foretold thy fate, too well!”
Scarce had he spoken, when a pair of doves
Before his very eyes flew down from heaven
To the green turf below; the prince of Troy
Knew them his mother's birds, and joyful cried,
“0, guide me on, whatever path there be!
In airy travel through the woodland fly,
To where yon rare branch shades the blessed ground.
Fail thou not me, in this my doubtful hour,
0 heavenly mother!” So saying, his steps lie stayed,
Close watching whither they should signal give;
The lightly-feeding doves flit on and on,
Ever in easy ken of following eyes,
Till over foul Avernus' sulphurous throat
Swiftly they lift them through the liquid air,
In silent flight, and find a wished-for rest
On a twy-natured tree, where through green boughs
Flames forth the glowing gold's contrasted hue.
As in the wintry woodland bare and chill,
Fresh-budded shines the clinging mistletoe,
Whose seed is never from the parent tree
O'er whose round limbs its tawny tendrils twine,—
So shone th' out-leafing gold within the shade
Of dark holm-oak, and so its tinsel-bract
Rustled in each light breeze. Aeneas grasped
The lingering bough, broke it in eager haste,
And bore it straightway to the Sibyl's shrine.

> Latin: Nec non Aeneas opera inter talia primus
hortatur socios, paribusque accingitur armis.
Atque haec ipse suo tristi cum corde volutat,
aspectans silvam inmensam, et sic voce precatur:
“Si nunc se nobis ille aureus arbore ramus”
“ostendat nemore in tanto, quando omnia vere”
“heu nimium de te vates, Misene, locuta est.”
Vix ea fatus erat, geminae cum forte columbae
ipsa sub ora viri caelo venere volantes,
et viridi sedere solo. Tum maximus heros
maternas agnoscit aves, laetusque precatur:
“Este duces, O, si qua via est, cursumque per auras”
“dirigite in lucos, ubi pinguem dives opacat”
“ramus humum. Tuque, O, dubiis ne defice rebus,”
“diva parens.” Sic effatus vestigia pressit,
observans quae signa ferant, quo tendere pergant.
Pascentes illae tantum prodire volando,
quantum acie possent oculi servare sequentum.
Inde ubi venere ad fauces grave olentis Averni,
tollunt se celeres, liquidumque per aëra lapsae
sedibus optatis geminae super arbore sidunt,
discolor unde auri per ramos aura refulsit.
Quale solet silvis brumali frigore viscum
fronde virere nova, quod non sua seminat arbos,
et croceo fetu teretis circumdare truncos,
talis erat species auri frondentis opaca
ilice, sic leni crepitabat brattea vento.
Corripit Aeneas extemplo avidusque refringit
cunctantem, et vatis portat sub tecta Sibyllae.

[¶8] Meanwhile the Trojans on the doleful shore
Bewailed Misenus, and brought tribute there
Of grief's last gift to his unheeding clay.
First, of the full-sapped pine and well-hewn oak
A lofty pyre they build; then sombre boughs
Around it wreathe, and in fair order range
Funereal cypress; glittering arms are piled
High over all; on blazing coals they lift
Cauldrons of brass brimmed o'er with waters pure;
And that cold, lifeless clay lave and anoint
With many a moan and cry; on their last couch
The poor, dead limbs they lay, and mantle o'er
With purple vesture and familiar pall.
Then in sad ministry the chosen few,
With eyes averted, as our sires did use,
Hold the enkindling torch beneath the pyre:
They gather up and burn the gifts of myrrh,
The sacred bread and bowls of flowing oil;
And when in flame the dying embers fall,
On thirsty ash they pour the streams of wine.
Good Corynaeus, in an urn of brass
The gathered relics hides; and three times round,
With blessed olive branch and sprinkling dew,
Purges the people with ablution cold,
In lustral rite; oft chanting, “Hail! Farewell!”
Faithful Aeneas for his comrade built
A mighty tomb, and dedicated there
Trophy of arms, with trumpet and with oar,
Beneath a windy hill, which now is called
“Misenus,”—for all time the name to bear.

> Latin: Nec minus interea Misenum in litore Teucri
flebant, et cineri ingrato suprema ferebant.
Principio pinguem taedis et robore secto
ingentem struxere pyram, cui frondibus atris
intexunt latera, et ferales ante cupressos
constituunt, decorantque super fulgentibus armis.
Pars calidos latices et aëna undantia flammis
expediunt, corpusque lavant frigentis et unguunt.
Fit gemitus. Tum membra toro defleta reponunt,
purpureasque super vestes, velamina nota,
coniciunt. Pars ingenti subiere feretro,
triste ministerium, et subiectam more parentum
aversi tenuere facem. Congesta cremantur
turea dona, dapes, fuso crateres olivo.
Postquam conlapsi cineres et flamma quievit
reliquias vino et bibulam lavere favillam,
ossaque lecta cado texit Corynaeus aëno.
Idem ter socios pura circumtulit unda,
spargens rore levi et ramo felicis olivae,
lustravitque viros, dixitque novissima verba.
At pius Aeneas ingenti mole sepulcrum
imponit, suaque arma viro, remumque tubamque,
monte sub aërio, qui nunc “Misenus” ab illo
dicitur, aeternumque tenet per saecula nomen.

[¶9] After these toils, they hasten to fulfil
What else the Sibyl said. Straightway they find
A cave profound, of entrance gaping wide,
O'erhung with rock, in gloom of sheltering grove,
Near the dark waters of a lake, whereby
No bird might ever pass with scathless wing,
So dire an exhalation is breathed out
From that dark deep of death to upper air:—
Hence, in the Grecian tongue, Aornos called.
Here first four youthful bulls of swarthy hide
Were led for sacrifice; on each broad brow
The priestess sprinkled wine; 'twixt the two horns
Outplucked the lifted hair, and cast it forth
Upon the holy flames, beginning so
Her offerings; then loudly sued the power
of Hecate, a Queen in heaven and hell.
Some struck with knives, and caught in shallow bowls
The smoking blood. Aeneas' lifted hand
Smote with a sword a sable-fleeced ewe
To Night, the mother of th' Eumenides,
And Earth, her sister dread; next unto thee,
O Proserpine, a curst and barren cow;
Then unto Pluto, Stygian King, he built
An altar dark, and piled upon the flames
The ponderous entrails of the bulls, and poured
Free o'er the burning flesh the goodly oil.
Then lo! at dawn's dim, earliest beam began
Beneath their feet a groaning of the ground:
The wooded hill-tops shook, and, as it seemed,
She-hounds of hell howled viewless through the shade,
To hail their Queen. “Away, 0 souls profane!
Stand far away!” the priestess shrieked, “nor dare
Unto this grove come near! Aeneas, on!
Begin thy journey! Draw thy sheathed blade!
Now, all thy courage! now, th' unshaken soul!”
She spoke, and burst into the yawning cave
With frenzied step; he follows where she leads,
And strides with feet unfaltering at her side.

> Latin: His actis, propere exsequitur praecepta Sibyllae.
Spelunca alta fuit vastoque immanis hiatu,
scrupea, tuta lacu nigro nemorumque tenebris,
quam super haud ullae poterant impune volantes
tendere iter pennis—talis sese halitus atris
faucibus effundens supera ad convexa ferebat:
[unde locum Grai dixerunt nomine Aornon.]
quattuor hic primum nigrantis terga iuvencos
constituit, frontique invergit vina sacerdos;
et summas carpens media inter cornua saetas
ignibus imponit sacris, libamina prima,
voce vocans Hecaten, Caeloque Ereboque potentem.
Supponunt alii cultros, tepidumque cruorem
suscipiunt pateris. Ipse atri velleris agnam
Aeneas matri Eumenidum magnaeque sorori
ense ferit, sterilemque tibi. Proserpina, vaccam.
Tum Stygio regi nocturnas inchoat aras,
et solida imponit taurorum viscera flammis,
pingue superque oleum infundens ardentibus extis.
Ecce autem, primi sub lumina solis et ortus,
sub pedibus mugire solum, et iuga coepta moveri
silvarum, visaeque canes ululare per umbram,
adventante dea. “Procul O procul este, profani,”
conclamat vates, “totoque absistite luco;”
“tuque invade viam, vaginaque eripe ferrum:”
“nunc animis opus, Aenea, nunc pectore firmo.”
Tantum effata, furens antro se immisit aperto;
ille ducem haud timidis vadentem passibus aequat.

[¶10] Ye gods! who rule the spirits of the dead!
Ye voiceless shades and silent lands of night!
0 Phlegethon! 0 Chaos! let my song,
If it be lawful, in fit words declare
What I have heard; and by your help divine
Unfold what hidden things enshrouded lie
In that dark underworld of sightless gloom.

> Latin: Di, quibus imperium est animarum, umbraeque silentes,
et Chaos, et Phlegethon, loca nocte tacentia late,
sit mihi fas audita loqui; sit numine vestro
pandere res alta terra et caligine mersas!

[¶11] They walked exploring the unpeopled night,
Through Pluto's vacuous realms, and regions void,
As when one's path in dreary woodlands winds
Beneath a misty moon's deceiving ray,
When Jove has mantled all his heaven in shade,
And night seals up the beauty of the world.
In the first courts and entrances of Hell
Sorrows and vengeful Cares on couches lie:
There sad Old Age abides, Diseases pale,
And Fear, and Hunger, temptress to all crime;
Want, base and vile, and, two dread shapes to see,
Bondage and Death: then Sleep, Death's next of kin;
And dreams of guilty joy. Death-dealing War
Is ever at the doors, and hard thereby
The Furies' beds of steel, where wild-eyed Strife
Her snaky hair with blood-stained fillet binds.

> Latin: Ibant obscuri sola sub nocte per umbram,
perque domos Ditis vacuas et inania regna:
quale per incertam lunam sub luce maligna
est iter in silvis, ubi caelum condidit umbra
Iuppiter, et rebus nox abstulit atra colorem.
Vestibulum ante ipsum, primisque in faucibus Orci
Luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae;
pallentesque habitant Morbi, tristisque Senectus,
et Metus, et malesuada Fames, ac turpis Egestas,
terribiles visu formae: Letumque, Labosque;
tum consanguineus Leti Sopor, et mala mentis
Gaudia, mortiferumque adverso in limine Bellum,
ferreique Eumenidum thalami, et Discordia demens,
vipereum crinem vittis innexa cruentis.

[¶12] There in the middle court a shadowy elm
Its ancient branches spreads, and in its leaves
Deluding visions ever haunt and cling.
Then come strange prodigies of bestial kind:
Centaurs are stabled there, and double shapes
Like Scylla, or the dragon Lerna bred,
With hideous scream; Briareus clutching far
His hundred hands, Chimaera girt with flame,
A crowd of Gorgons, Harpies of foul wing,
And giant Geryon's triple-monstered shade.
Aeneas, shuddering with sudden fear,
Drew sword and fronted them with naked steel;
And, save his sage conductress bade him know
These were but shapes and shadows sweeping by,
His stroke had cloven in vain the vacant air.

> Latin: In medio ramos annosaque brachia pandit
ulmus opaca, ingens, quam sedem Somnia volgo
vana tenere ferunt, foliisque sub omnibus haerent.
Multaque praeterea variarum monstra ferarum:
Centauri in foribus stabulant, Scyllaeque biformes,
et centumgeminus Briareus, ac belua Lernae
horrendum stridens, flammisque armata Chimaera,
Gorgones Harpyiaeque et forma tricorporis umbrae.
Corripit hic subita trepidus formidine ferrum
Aeneas, strictamque aciem venientibus offert,
et, ni docta comes tenues sine corpore vitas
admoneat volitare cava sub imagine formae,
inruat, et frustra ferro diverberet umbras.

[¶13] Hence the way leads to that Tartarean stream
Of Acheron, whose torrent fierce and foul
Disgorges in Cocytus all its sands.
A ferryman of gruesome guise keeps ward
Upon these waters,—Charon, foully garbed,
With unkempt, thick gray beard upon his chin,
And staring eyes of flame; a mantle coarse,
All stained and knotted, from his shoulder falls,
As with a pole he guides his craft, tends sail,
And in the black boat ferries o'er his dead;—
Old, but a god's old age looks fresh and strong.
To those dim shores the multitude streams on—
Husbands and wives, and pale, unbreathing forms
Of high-souled heroes, boys and virgins fair,
And strong youth at whose graves fond parents mourned.
As numberless the throng as leaves that fall
When autumn's early frost is on the grove;
Or like vast flocks of birds by winter's chill
Sent flying o'er wide seas to lands of flowers.
All stood beseeching to begin their voyage
Across that river, and reached out pale hands,
In passionate yearning for its distant shore.
But the grim boatman takes now these, now those,
Or thrusts unpitying from the stream away.
Aeneas, moved to wonder and deep awe,
Beheld the tumult; “Virgin seer!” he cried,.
“Why move the thronging ghosts toward yonder stream?
What seek they there? Or what election holds
That these unwilling linger, while their peers
Sweep forward yonder o'er the leaden waves?”
To him, in few, the aged Sibyl spoke:
“Son of Anchises, offspring of the gods,
Yon are Cocytus and the Stygian stream,
By whose dread power the gods themselves do fear
To take an oath in vain. Here far and wide
Thou seest the hapless throng that hath no grave.
That boatman Charon bears across the deep
Such as be sepulchred with holy care.
But over that loud flood and dreadful shore
No trav'ler may be borne, until in peace
His gathered ashes rest. A hundred years
Round this dark borderland some haunt and roam,
Then win late passage o'er the longed-for wave.”
Aeneas lingered for a little space,
Revolving in his soul with pitying prayer
Fate's partial way. But presently he sees
Leucaspis and the Lycian navy's lord,
Orontes; both of melancholy brow,
Both hapless and unhonored after death,
Whom, while from Troy they crossed the wind-swept seas,
A whirling tempest wrecked with ship and crew.

> Latin: Hinc via, Tartarei quae fert Acherontis ad undas.
Turbidus hic caeno vastaque voragine gurges
aestuat, atque omnem Cocyto eructat harenam.
Portitor has horrendus aquas et flumina servat
terribili squalore Charon, cui plurima mento
canities inculta iacet; stant lumina flamma,
sordidus ex umeris nodo dependet amictus.
Ipse ratem conto subigit, velisque ministrat,
et ferruginea subvectat corpora cymba,
iam senior, sed cruda deo viridisque senectus.
Huc omnis turba ad ripas effusa ruebat,
matres atque viri, defunctaque corpora vita
magnanimum heroum, pueri innuptaeque puellae,
impositique rogis iuvenes ante ora parentum:
quam multa in silvis autumni frigore primo
lapsa cadunt folia, aut ad terram gurgite ab alto
quam multae glomerantur aves, ubi frigidus annus
trans pontum fugat, et terris immittit apricis.
Stabant orantes primi transmittere cursum,
tendebantque manus ripae ulterioris amore.
Navita sed tristis nunc hos nunc accipit illos,
ast alios longe submotos arcet harena.
Aeneas, miratus enim motusque tumultu,
“Dic” ait “O virgo, quid volt concursus ad amnem?”
“Quidve petunt animae, vel quo discrimine ripas”
“hae linquunt, illae remis vada livida verrunt?”
Olli sic breviter fata est longaeva sacerdos:
“Anchisa generate, deum certissima proles,”
“Cocyti stagna alta vides Stygiamque paludem,”
“di cuius iurare timent et fallere numen.”
“Haec omnis, quam cernis, inops inhumataque turba est;”
“portitor ille Charon; hi, quos vehit unda, sepulti.”
“Nec ripas datur horrendas et rauca fluenta”
“transportare prius quam sedibus ossa quierunt.”
“Centum errant annos volitantque haec litora circum;”
“tum demum admissi stagna exoptata revisunt.”
Constitit Anchisa satus et vestigia pressit,
multa putans, sortemque animo miseratus iniquam.
Cernit ibi maestos et mortis honore carentes
Leucaspim et Lyciae ductorem classis Oronten,
quos, simul ab Troia ventosa per aequora vectos,
obruit Auster, aqua involvens navemque virosque.

[¶14] There, too, the helmsman Palinurus strayed:
Who, as he whilom watched the Libyan stars,
Had fallen, plunging from his lofty seat
Into the billowy deep. Aeneas now
Discerned his sad face through the blinding gloom,
And hailed him thus: “0 Palinurus, tell
What god was he who ravished thee away
From me and mine, beneath the o'crwhelming wave?
Speak on! for he who ne'er had spoke untrue,
Apollo's self, did mock my listening mind,
And chanted me a faithful oracle
That thou shouldst ride the seas unharmed, and touch
Ausonian shores. Is this the pledge divine?”
Then he, “0 chieftain of Anchises' race,
Apollo's tripod told thee not untrue.
No god did thrust me down beneath the wave,
For that strong rudder unto which I clung,
My charge and duty, and my ship's sole guide,
Wrenched from its place, dropped with me as I fell.
Not for myself—by the rude seas I swear—
Did I have terror, but lest thy good ship,
Stripped of her gear, and her poor pilot lost,
Should fail and founder in that rising flood.
Three wintry nights across the boundless main
The south wind buffeted and bore me on;
At the fourth daybreak, lifted from the surge,
I looked at last on Italy, and swam
With weary stroke on stroke unto the land.
Safe was I then. Alas! but as I climbed
With garments wet and heavy, my clenched hand
Grasping the steep rock, came a cruel horde
Upon me with drawn blades, accounting me—
So blind they were!—a wrecker's prize and spoil.
Now are the waves my tomb; and wandering winds
Toss me along the coast. 0, I implore,
By heaven's sweet light, by yonder upper air,
By thy lost father, by Iulus dear,
Thy rising hope and joy, that from these woes,
Unconquered chieftain, thou wilt set me free!
Give me a grave where Velia's haven lies,
For thou hast power! Or if some path there be,
If thy celestial mother guide thee here
(For not, I ween, without the grace of gods
Wilt cross yon rivers vast, you Stygian pool)
Reach me a hand! and bear with thee along!
Until (least gift!) death bring me peace and calm.”
Such words he spoke: the priestess thus replied:
“Why, Palinurus, these unblest desires?
Wouldst thou, unsepulchred, behold the wave
Of Styx, stern river of th' Eumenides?
Wouldst thou, unbidden, tread its fearful strand?
Hope not by prayer to change the laws of Heaven!
But heed my words, and in thy memory
Cherish and keep, to cheer this evil time.
Lo, far and wide, led on by signs from Heaven,
Thy countrymen from many a templed town
Shall consecrate thy dust, and build thy tomb,
A tomb with annual feasts and votive flowers,
To Palinurus a perpetual fame!”
Thus was his anguish stayed, from his sad heart
Grief ebbed awhile, and even to this day,
Our land is glad such noble name to wear.

> Latin: Ecce gubernator sese Palinurus agebat,
qui Libyco nuper cursu, dum sidera servat,
exciderat puppi mediis effusus in undis.
Hunc ubi vix multa maestum cognovit in umbra,
sic prior adloquitur: “Quis te, Palinure, deorum”
“eripuit nobis, medioque sub aequore mersit?”
“Dic age. Namque mihi, fallax haud ante repertus,”
“hoc uno responso animum delusit Apollo,”
“qui fore te ponto incolumem, finesque canebat”
“venturum Ausonios. En haec promissa fides est?”
Ille autem: “Neque te Phoebi cortina fefellit,”
“dux Anchisiade, nec me deus aequore mersit.”
“Namque gubernaclum multa vi forte revolsum,”
“cui datus haerebam custos cursusque regebam,”
“praecipitans traxi mecum. Maria aspera iuro”
“non ullum pro me tantum cepisse timorem,”
“quam tua ne, spoliata armis, excussa magistro,”
“deficeret tantis navis surgentibus undis.”
“Tris Notus hibernas immensa per aequora noctes”
“vexit me violentus aqua; vix lumine quarto”
“prospexi Italiam summa sublimis ab unda.”
“Paulatim adnabam terrae; iam tuta tenebam,”
“ni gens crudelis madida cum veste gravatum”
“prensantemque uncis manibus capita aspera montis”
“ferro invasisset, praedamque ignara putasset.”
“Nunc me fluctus habet, versantque in litore venti.”
“Quod te per caeli iucundum lumen et auras,”
“per genitorem oro, per spes surgentis Iuli,”
“eripe me his, invicte, malis: aut tu mihi terram”
“inice, namque potes, portusque require Velinos;”
“aut tu, si qua via est, si quam tibi diva creatrix”
“ostendit—neque enim, credo, sine numine divom”
“flumina tanta paras Stygiamque innare paludem—”
“da dextram misero, et tecum me tolle per undas,”
“sedibus ut saltem placidis in morte quiescam.”
Talia fatus erat, coepit cum talia vates:
“Unde haec, o Palinure, tibi tam dira cupido?”
“Tu Stygias inhumatus aquas amnemque severum”
“Eumenidum aspicies, ripamve iniussus adibis?”
“Desine fata deum flecti sperare precando.”
“Sed cape dicta memor, duri solatia casus.”
“Nam tua finitimi, longe lateque per urbes”
“prodigiis acti caelestibus, ossa piabunt,”
“et statuent tumulum, et tumulo sollemnia mittent,”
“aeternumque locus Palinuri nomen habebit.”
His dictis curae emotae, pulsusque parumper
corde dolor tristi: gaudet cognomine terrae.

[¶15] The twain continue now their destined way
Unto the river's edge. The Ferryman,
Who watched them through still groves approach his shore,
Hailed them, at distance, from the Stygian wave,
And with reproachful summons thus began:
“Whoe'er thou art that in this warrior guise
Unto my river comest,—quickly tell
Thine errand! Stay thee where thou standest now!
This is ghosts' land, for sleep and slumbrous dark.
That flesh and blood my Stygian ship should bear
Were lawless wrong. Unwillingly I took
Alcides, Theseus, and Pirithous,
Though sons of gods, too mighty to be quelled.
One bound in chains yon warder of Hell's door,
And dragged him trembling from our monarch's throne:
The others, impious, would steal away
Out of her bride-bed Pluto's ravished Queen.”
Briefly th' Amphrysian priestess made reply:
“Not ours, such guile: Fear not! This warrior's arms
Are innocent. Let Cerberus from his cave
Bay ceaselessly, the bloodless shades to scare;
Let Proserpine immaculately keep
The house and honor of her kinsman King.
Trojan Aeneas, famed for faithful prayer
And victory in arms, descends to seek
His father in this gloomy deep of death.
If loyal goodness move not such as thee,
This branch at least” (she drew it from her breast)
“Thou knowest well.”
Then cooled his wrathful heart;
With silent lips he looked and wondering eyes
Upon that fateful, venerable wand,
Seen only once an age. Shoreward he turned,
And pushed their way his boat of leaden hue.
The rows of crouching ghosts along the thwarts
He scattered, cleared a passage, and gave room
To great Aeneas. The light shallop groaned
Beneath his weight, and, straining at each seam,
Took in the foul flood with unstinted flow.
At last the hero and his priestess-guide
Came safe across the river, and were moored
'mid sea-green sedges in the formless mire.

> Latin: Ergo iter inceptum peragunt fluvioque propinquant.
Navita quos iam inde ut Stygia prospexit ab unda
per tacitum nemus ire pedemque advertere ripae,
sic prior adgreditur dictis, atque increpat ultro:
“Quisquis es, armatus qui nostra ad flumina tendis,”
“fare age, quid venias, iam istinc, et comprime gressum.”
“Umbrarum hic locus est, somni noctisque soporae;”
“corpora viva nefas Stygia vectare carina.”
“Nec vero Alciden me sum laetatus euntem”
“accepisse lacu, nec Thesea Pirithoumque,”
“dis quamquam geniti atque invicti viribus essent.”
“Tartareum ille manu custodem in vincla petivit,”
“ipsius a solio regis, traxitque trementem;”
“hi dominam Ditis thalamo deducere adorti.”
Quae contra breviter fata est Amphrysia vates:
“Nullae hic insidiae tales; absiste moveri;”
“nec vim tela ferunt; licet ingens ianitor antro”
“aeternum latrans exsanguis terreat umbras,”
“casta licet patrui servet Proserpina limen.”
“Troius Aeneas, pietate insignis et armis,”
“ad genitorem imas Erebi descendit ad umbras.”
“Si te nulla movet tantae pietatis imago,”
“at ramum hunc” (aperit ramum, qui veste latebat)
“adgnoscas.” Tumida ex ira tum corda residunt.
Nec plura his. Ille admirans venerabile donum
fatalis virgae, longo post tempore visum,
caeruleam advertit puppim, ripaeque propinquat.
Inde alias animas, quae per iuga longa sedebant,
deturbat, laxatque foros; simul accipit alveo
ingentem Aenean. Gemuit sub pondere cymba
sutilis, et multam accepit rimosa paludem.
Tandem trans fluvium incolumis vatemque virumque
informi limo glaucaque exponit in ulva.

[¶16] Here Cerberus, with triple-throated roar,
Made all the region ring, as there he lay
At vast length in his cave. The Sibyl then,
Seeing the serpents writhe around his neck,
Threw down a loaf with honeyed herbs imbued
And drowsy essences: he, ravenous,
Gaped wide his three fierce mouths and snatched the bait,
Crouched with his large backs loose upon the ground,
And filled his cavern floor from end to end.
Aeneas through hell's portal moved, while sleep
Its warder buried; then he fled that shore
Of Stygian stream, whence travellers ne'er return.

> Latin: Cerberus haec ingens latratu regna trifauci
personat, adverso recubans immanis in antro.
Cui vates, horrere videns iam colla colubris,
melle soporatam et medicatis frugibus offam
obicit. Ille fame rabida tria guttura pandens
corripit obiectam, atque immania terga resolvit
fusus humi, totoque ingens extenditur antro.
Occupat Aeneas aditum custode sepulto,
evaditque celer ripam inremeabilis undae.

[¶17] Now hears he sobs, and piteous, lisping cries
Of souls of babes upon the threshold plaining;
Whom, ere they took their portion of sweet life,
Dark Fate from nursing bosoms tore, and plunged
In bitterness of death. Nor far from these,
The throng of dead by unjust judgment slain.
Not without judge or law these realms abide:
Wise Minos there the urn of justice moves,
And holds assembly of the silent shades,
Hearing the stories of their lives and deeds.
Close on this place those doleful ghosts abide,
Who, not for crime, but loathing life and light
With their own hands took death, and cast away
The vital essence. Willingly, alas!
They now would suffer need, or burdens bear,
If only life were given! But Fate forbids.
Around them winds the sad, unlovely wave
Of Styx: nine times it coils and interflows.
Not far from hence, on every side outspread,
The Fields of Sorrow lie,—such name they bear;
Here all whom ruthless love did waste away
Wander in paths unseen, or in the gloom
Of dark myrtle grove: not even in death
Have they forgot their griefs of long ago.
Here impious Phaedra and poor Procris bide;
Lorn Eriphyle bares the vengeful wounds
Her own son's dagger made; Evadne here,
And foul Pasiphaë are seen; hard by,
Laodamia, nobly fond and fair;
And Caeneus, not a boy, but maiden now,
By Fate remoulded to her native seeming.
Here Tyrian Dido, too, her wound unhealed,
Roamed through a mighty wood. The Trojan's eyes
Beheld her near him through the murky gloom,
As when, in her young month and crescent pale,
One sees th' o'er-clouded moon, or thinks he sees.
Down dropped his tears, and thus he fondly spoke:
“0 suffering Dido! Were those tidings true
That thou didst fling thee on the fatal steel?
Thy death, ah me! I dealt it. But I swear
By stars above us, by the powers in Heaven,
Or whatsoever oath ye dead believe,
That not by choice I fled thy shores, 0 Queen!
Divine decrees compelled me, even as now
Among these ghosts I pass, and thread my way
Along this gulf of night and loathsome land.
How could I deem my cruel taking leave
Would bring thee at the last to all this woe?
0, stay! Why shun me? Wherefore haste away?
Our last farewell! Our doom! I speak it now!”
Thus, though she glared with fierce, relentless gaze,
Aaeneas, with fond words and tearful plea,
Would soothe her angry soul. But on the ground
She fixed averted eyes. For all he spoke
Moved her no more than if her frowning brow
Were changeless flint or carved in Parian stone.
Then, after pause, away in wrath she fled,
And refuge took within the cool, dark grove,
Where her first spouse, Sichaeus, with her tears
Mingled his own in mutual love and true.
Aeneas, none the less, her guiltless woe
With anguish knew, watched with dimmed eyes her way,
And pitied from afar the fallen Queen.

> Latin: Continuo auditae voces, vagitus et ingens,
infantumque animae flentes in limine primo,
quos dulcis vitae exsortes et ab ubere raptos
abstulit atra dies et funere mersit acerbo;
hos iuxta falso damnati crimine mortis.
Nec vero hae sine sorte datae, sine iudice, sedes:
quaesitor Minos urnam movet; ille silentum
conciliumque vocat vitasque et crimina discit.
Proxuma deinde tenent maesti loca, qui sibi letum
insontes peperere manu, lucemque perosi
proiecere animas. Quam vellent aethere in alto
nunc et pauperiem et duros perferre labores!
Fas obstat, tristisque palus inamabilis undae
alligat, et noviens Styx interfusa coërcet.
Nec procul hinc partem fusi monstrantur in omnem
lugentes campi: sic illos nomine dicunt.
Hic, quos durus amor crudeli tabe peredit,
secreti celant calles et myrtea circum
silva tegit; curae non ipsa in morte relinquunt.
His Phaedram Procrimque locis, maestamque Eriphylen
crudelis nati monstrantem volnera, cernit,
Evadnenque et Pasiphaën; his Laodamia
it comes, et iuvenis quondam, nunc femina, Caeneus,
rursus et in veterem fato revoluta figuram.
Inter quas Phoenissa recens a volnere Dido
errabat silva in magna; quam Troius heros
ut primum iuxta stetit adgnovitque per umbras
obscuram, qualem primo qui surgere mense
aut videt, aut vidisse putat per nubila lunam,
demisit lacrimas, dulcique adfatus amore est:
“Infelix Dido, verus mihi nuntius ergo”
“venerat exstinctam, ferroque extrema secutam?”
“Funeris heu tibi causa fui? Per sidera iuro,”
“per superos, et si qua fides tellure sub ima est,”
“invitus, regina, tuo de litore cessi.”
“Sed me iussa deum, quae nunc has ire per umbras,”
“per loca senta situ cogunt noctemque profundam,”
“imperiis egere suis; nec credere quivi”
“hunc tantum tibi me discessu ferre dolorem.”
“Siste gradum, teque aspectu ne subtrahe nostro.”
“Quem fugis? Extremum fato, quod te adloquor, hoc est.”
Talibus Aeneas ardentem et torva tuentem
lenibat dictis animum, lacrimasque ciebat.
Illa solo fixos oculos aversa tenebat,
nec magis incepto voltum sermone movetur,
quam si dura silex aut stet Marpesia cautes.
tandem corripuit sese, atque inimica refugit
in nemus umbriferum, coniunx ubi pristinus illi
respondet curis aequatque Sychaeus amorem.
Nec minus Aeneas, casu concussus iniquo,
prosequitur lacrimis longe, et miseratur euntem.

## 12. Book VI · lines 477–901

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/12/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/12/#p-N

[¶0] But now his destined way he must be gone;
Now the last regions round the travellers lie,
Where famous warriors in the darkness dwell:
Here Tydeus comes in view, with far-renowned
Parthenopaeus and Adrastus pale;
Here mourned in upper air with many a moan,
In battle fallen, the Dardanidae,
Whose long defile Aeneas groans to see:
Glaucus and Medon and Thersilochus,
Antenor's children three, and Ceres' priest,
That Polypoetes, and Idaeus still.
Keeping the kingly chariot and spear.
Around him left and right the crowding shades
Not only once would see, but clutch and cling
Obstructive, asking on what quest he goes.
Soon as the princes of Argolic blood,
With line on line of Agamemnon's men,
Beheld the hero and his glittering arms
Flash through the dark, they trembled with amaze,
Or turned in flight, as if once more they fled
To shelter of the ships; some raised aloft
A feeble shout, or vainly opened wide
Their gaping lips in mockery of sound.

> Latin: Inde datum molitur iter. Iamque arva tenebant
ultima, quae bello clari secreta frequentant.
Hic illi occurrit Tydeus, hic inclutus armis
Parthenopaeus et Adrasti pallentis imago;
hic multum fleti ad superos belloque caduci
Dardanidae, quos ille omnes longo ordine cernens
ingemuit, Glaucumque Medontaque Thersilochumque,
tris Antenoridas, Cererique sacrum Polyphoeten,
Idaeumque, etiam currus, etiam arma tenentem.
circumstant animae dextra laevaque frequentes;
nec vidisse semel satis est; iuvat usque morari,
et conferre gradum, et veniendi discere causas.
At Danaum proceres Agamemnoniaeque phalanges
ut videre virum fulgentiaque arma per umbras,
ingenti trepidare metu; pars vertere terga,
ceu quondam petiere rates; pars tollere vocem
exiguam, inceptus clamor frustratur hiantes.

[¶1] Here Priam's son, with body rent and torn,
Deïphobus is seen,—his mangled face,
His face and bloody hands, his wounded head
Of ears and nostrils infamously shorn.
Scarce could Aeneas know the shuddering shade
That strove to hide its face and shameful scar;
But, speaking first, he said, in their own tongue:
“Deiphobus, strong warrior, nobly born
Of Teucer's royal stem, what ruthless foe
Could wish to wreak on thee this dire revenge?
Who ventured, unopposed, so vast a wrong?
The rumor reached me how, that deadly night,
Wearied with slaying Greeks, thyself didst fall
Prone on a mingled heap of friends and foes.
Then my own hands did for thy honor build
An empty tomb upon the Trojan shore,
And thrice with echoing voice I called thy shade.
Thy name and arms are there. But, 0 my friend,
Thee could I nowhere find, but launched away,
Nor o'er thy bones their native earth could fling.”
To him the son of Priam thus replied:
“Nay, friend, no hallowed rite was left undone,
But every debt to death and pity due
The shades of thy Deiphobus received.
My fate it was, and Helen's murderous wrong,
Wrought me this woe; of her these tokens tell.
For how that last night in false hope we passed,
Thou knowest,—ah, too well we both recall!
When up the steep of Troy the fateful horse
Came climbing, pregnant with fierce men-at-arms,
't was she, accurst, who led the Phrygian dames
In choric dance and false bacchantic song,
And, waving from the midst a lofty brand,
Signalled the Greeks from Ilium's central tower
In that same hour on my sad couch I lay,
Exhausted by long care and sunk in sleep,
That sweet, deep sleep, so close to tranquil death.
But my illustrious bride from all the house
Had stolen all arms; from 'neath my pillowed head
She stealthily bore off my trusty sword;
Then loud on Menelaus did she call,
And with her own false hand unbarred the door;
Such gift to her fond lord she fain would send
To blot the memory of his ancient wrong!
Why tell the tale, how on my couch they broke,
While their accomplice, vile Aeolides,
Counselled to many a crime. 0 heavenly Powers!
Reward these Greeks their deeds of wickedness,
If with clean lips upon your wrath I call!
But, friend, what fortunes have thy life befallen?
Tell point by point. Did waves of wandering seas
Drive thee this way, or some divine command?
What chastisement of fortune thrusts thee on
Toward this forlorn abode of night and cloud?”

> Latin: Atque hic Priamiden laniatum corpore toto
Deiphobum videt et lacerum crudeliter ora,
ora manusque ambas, populataque tempora raptis
auribus, et truncas inhonesto volnere nares.
Vix adeo adgnovit pavitantem et dira tegentem
supplicia, et notis compellat vocibus ultro:
“Deiphobe armipotens, genus alto a sanguine Teucri”
“quis tam crudeles optavit sumere poenas?”
“Cui tantum de te licuit? Mihi fama suprema”
“nocte tulit fessum vasta te caede Pelasgum”
“procubuisse super confusae stragis acervum.”
“Tunc egomet tumulum Rhoeteo litore inanem”
“constitui, et magna Manes ter voce vocavi.”
“Nomen et arma locum servant; te, amice, nequivi”
“conspicere, et patria decedens ponere terra.”
Ad quae Priamides: “Nihil O tibi amice relictum;”
“omnia Deiphobo solvisti et funeris umbris.”
“Sed me fata mea et scelus exitiale Lacaenae”
“his mersere malis; illa haec monumenta reliquit.”
“Namque ut supremam falsa inter gaudia noctem”
“egerimus, nosti; et nimium meminisse necesse est.”
“Cum fatalis equus saltu super ardua venit”
“Pergama, et armatum peditem gravis attulit alvo,”
“illa, chorum simulans, evantes orgia circum”
“ducebat Phrygias; flammam media ipsa tenebat”
“ingentem, et summa Danaos ex arce vocabat.”
“Tum me, confectum curis somnoque gravatum,”
“infelix habuit thalamus, pressitque iacentem”
“dulcis et alta quies placidaeque simillima morti.”
“Egregia interea coniunx arma omnia tectis”
“amovet, et fidum capiti subduxerat ensem;”
“intra tecta vocat Menelaum, et limina pandit,”
“scilicet id magnum sperans fore munus amanti,”
“et famam exstingui veterum sic posse malorum.”
“Quid moror? Inrumpunt thalamo; comes additur una”
“hortator scelerum Aeolides. Di, talia Grais”
“instaurate, pio si poenas ore reposco!”
“Sed te qui vivum casus, age, fare vicissim,”
“attulerint. Pelagine venis erroribus actus,”
“an monitu divom? An quae te Fortuna fatigat,”
“ut tristes sine sole domos, loca turbida, adires?”

[¶2] While thus they talked, the crimsoned car of Morn
Had wheeled beyond the midmost point of heaven,
On her ethereal road. The princely pair
Had wasted thus the whole brief gift of hours;
But Sibyl spoke the warning: “Night speeds by,
And we, Aeneas, lose it in lamenting.
Here comes the place where cleaves our way in twain.
Thy road, the right, toward Pluto's dwelling goes,
And leads us to Elysium. But the left
Speeds sinful souls to doom, and is their path
To Tartarus th' accurst.” Deïphobus
Cried out: “0 priestess, be not wroth with us!
Back to the ranks with yonder ghosts I go.
0 glory of my race, pass on! Thy lot
Be happier than mine!” He spoke, and fled.

> Latin: Hac vice sermonum roseïs Aurora quadrigis
iam medium aetherio cursu traiecerat axem;
et fors omne datum traherent per talia tempus;
sed comes admonuit, breviterque adfata Sibylla est:
“Nox ruit, Aenea; nos flendo ducimus horas.”
“Hic locus est, partes ubi se via findit in ambas:”
“dextera quae Ditis magni sub moenia tendit,”
“hac iter Elysium nobis; at laeva malorum”
“exercet poenas, et ad impia Tartara mittit.”
Deiphobus contra: “Ne saevi, magna sacerdos;”
“discedam, explebo numerum, reddarque tenebris.”
“I decus, i, nostrum; melioribus utere fatis!”
Tantum effatus, et in verbo vestigia torsit.

[¶3] Aeneas straightway by the leftward cliff
Beheld a spreading rampart, high begirt
With triple wall, and circling round it ran
A raging river of swift floods of flame,
Infernal Phlegethon, which whirls along
Loud-thundering rocks. A mighty gate is there
Columned in adamant; no human power,
Nor even the gods, against this gate prevail.
Tall tower of steel it has; and seated there
Tisiphone, in blood-flecked pall arrayed,
Sleepless forever, guards the entering way.
Hence groans are heard, fierce cracks of lash and scourge,
Loud-clanking iron links and trailing chains.
Aeneas motionless with horror stood
o'erwhelmed at such uproar. “0 virgin, say
What shapes of guilt are these? What penal woe
Harries them thus? What wailing smites the air?”
To whom the Sibyl, “Far-famed prince of Troy,
The feet of innocence may never pass
Into this house of sin. But Hecate,
When o'er th' Avernian groves she gave me power,
Taught me what penalties the gods decree,
And showed me all. There Cretan Rhadamanth
His kingdom keeps, and from unpitying throne
Chastises and lays bare the secret sins
Of mortals who, exulting in vain guile,
Elude till death, their expiation due.
There, armed forever with her vengeful scourge,
Tisiphone, with menace and affront,
The guilty swarm pursues; in her left hand
She lifts her angered serpents, while she calls
A troop of sister-furies fierce as she.
Then, grating loud on hinge of sickening sound,
Hell's portals open wide. 0, dost thou see
What sentinel upon that threshold sits,
What shapes of fear keep guard upon that gloom?

> Latin: Respicit Aeneas subito, et sub rupe sinistra
moenia lata videt, triplici circumdata muro,
quae rapidus flammis ambit torrentibus amnis,
Tartareus Phlegethon, torquetque sonantia saxa.
Porta adversa ingens, solidoque adamante columnae,
vis ut nulla virum, non ipsi exscindere bello
caelicolae valeant; stat ferrea turris ad auras,
Tisiphoneque sedens, palla succincta cruenta,
vestibulum exsomnis servat noctesque diesque.
Hinc exaudiri gemitus, et saeva sonare
verbera; tum stridor ferri, tractaeque catenae.
Constitit Aeneas, strepitumque exterritus hausit.
“Quae scelerum facies, O virgo, effare; quibusve”
“urguentur poenis? Quis tantus plangor ad auras?”
Tum vates sic orsa loqui: “Dux inclute Teucrum,”
“nulli fas casto sceleratum insistere limen;”
“sed me cum lucis Hecate praefecit Avernis,”
“ipsa deum poenas docuit, perque omnia duxit.”
“Gnosius haec Rhadamanthus habet, durissima regna,”
“castigatque auditque dolos, subigitque fateri,”
“quae quis apud superos, furto laetatus inani,”
“distulit in seram commissa piacula mortem.”
“Continuo sontes ultrix accincta flagello”
“Tisiphone quatit insultans, torvosque sinistra”
“intentans angues vocat agmina saeva sororum.”
“Tum demum horrisono stridentes cardine sacrae”
“panduntur portae. Cernis custodia qualis”
“vestibulo sedeat, facies quae limina servet?”

[¶4] Far, far within the dragon Hydra broods
With half a hundred mouths, gaping and black;
And Tartarus slopes downward to the dark
Twice the whole space that in the realms of light
Th' Olympian heaven above our earth aspires. —
Here Earth's first offspring, the Titanic brood,
Roll lightning-blasted in the gulf profound;
The twin Aloïdae, colossal shades,
Came on my view; their hands made stroke at Heaven
And strove to thrust Jove from his seat on high.
I saw Salmoneus his dread stripes endure,
Who dared to counterfeit Olympian thunder
And Jove's own fire. In chariot of four steeds,
Brandishing torches, he triumphant rode
Through throngs of Greeks, o'er Elis' sacred way,
Demanding worship as a god. 0 fool!
To mock the storm's inimitable flash—
With crash of hoofs and roll of brazen wheel!
But mightiest Jove from rampart of thick cloud
Hurled his own shaft, no flickering, mortal flame,
And in vast whirl of tempest laid him low.
Next unto these, on Tityos I looked,
Child of old Earth, whose womb all creatures bears:
Stretched o'er nine roods he lies; a vulture huge
Tears with hooked beak at his immortal side,
Or deep in entrails ever rife with pain
Gropes for a feast, making his haunt and home
In the great Titan bosom; nor will give
To ever new-born flesh surcease of woe.
Why name Ixion and Pirithous,
The Lapithae, above whose impious brows
A crag of flint hangs quaking to its fall,
As if just toppling down, while couches proud,
Propped upon golden pillars, bid them feast
In royal glory: but beside them lies
The eldest of the Furies, whose dread hands
Thrust from the feast away, and wave aloft
A flashing firebrand, with shrieks of woe.
Here in a prison-house awaiting doom
Are men who hated, long as life endured,
Their brothers, or maltreated their gray sires,
Or tricked a humble friend; the men who grasped
At hoarded riches, with their kith and kin
Not sharing ever—an unnumbered throng;
Here slain adulterers be; and men who dared
To fight in unjust cause, and break all faith
With their own lawful lords. Seek not to know
What forms of woe they feel, what fateful shape
Of retribution hath o'erwhelmed them there.
Some roll huge boulders up; some hang on wheels,
Lashed to the whirling spokes; in his sad seat
Theseus is sitting, nevermore to rise;
Unhappy Phlegyas uplifts his voice
In warning through the darkness, calling loud,
‘0, ere too late, learn justice and fear God!’
Yon traitor sold his country, and for gold
Enchained her to a tyrant, trafficking
In laws, for bribes enacted or made void;
Another did incestuously take
His daughter for a wife in lawless bonds.
All ventured some unclean, prodigious crime;
And what they dared, achieved. I could not tell,
Not with a hundred mouths, a hundred tongues,
Or iron voice, their divers shapes of sin,
Nor call by name the myriad pangs they bear.”

> Latin: “Quinquaginta atris immanis hiatibus Hydra”
“saevior intus habet sedem. Tum Tartarus ipse”
“bis patet in praeceps tantum tenditque sub umbras,”
“quantus ad aetherium caeli suspectus Olympum.”
“Hic genus antiquum Terrae, Titania pubes,”
“fulmine deiecti fundo volvuntur in imo.”
“Hic et Aloidas geminos immania vidi”
“corpora, qui manibus magnum rescindere caelum”
“adgressi, superisque Iovem detrudere regnis.”
“Vidi et crudeles dantem Salmonea poenas,”
“dum flammas Iovis et sonitus imitatur Olympi.”
“Quattuor hic invectus equis et lampada quassans”
“per Graium populos mediaeque per Elidis urbem”
“ibat ovans, divomque sibi poscebat honorem,—”
“demens, qui nimbos et non imitabile fulmen”
“aere et cornipedum pulsu simularet equorum.”
“At pater omnipotens densa inter nubila telum”
“contorsit, non ille faces nec fumea taedis”
“lumina, praecipitemque immani turbine adegit.”
“Nec non et Tityon, Terrae omniparentis alumnum,”
“cernere erat, per tota novem cui iugera corpus”
“porrigitur, rostroque immanis voltur obunco”
“immortale iecur tondens fecundaque poenis”
“viscera, rimaturque epulis, habitatque sub alto”
“pectore, nec fibris requies datur ulla renatis.”
[“Quid memorem Lapithas, Ixiona Pirithoumque?”]
“quos super atra silex iam iam lapsura cadentique”
“imminet adsimilis; lucent genialibus altis”
“aurea fulcra toris, epulaeque ante ora paratae”
“regifico luxu; Furiarum maxima iuxta”
“accubat, et manibus prohibet contingere mensas,”
“exsurgitque facem attollens, atque intonat ore.”
“Hic, quibus invisi fratres, dum vita manebat,”
“pulsatusve parens, et fraus innexa clienti,”
“aut qui divitiis soli incubuere repertis,”
“nec partem posuere suis (quae maxima turba est),”
“quique ob adulterium caesi, quique arma secuti”
“impia nec veriti dominorum fallere dextras,”
“inclusi poenam exspectant. Ne quaere doceri”
“quam poenam, aut quae forma viros fortunave mersit.”
“Saxum ingens volvunt alii, radiisque rotarum”
“districti pendent; sedet, aeternumque sedebit,”
“infelix Theseus; Phlegyasque miserrimus omnis”
“admonet, et magna testatur voce per umbras:”
“‘Discite iustitiam moniti, et non temnere divos.’”
“Vendidit hic auro patriam, dominumque potentem”
“imposuit; fixit leges pretio atque refixit;”
“hic thalamum invasit natae vetitosque hymenaeos;”
“ausi omnes immane nefas, ausoque potiti.”
“Non, mihi si linguae centum sint oraque centum,”
“ferrea vox, omnis scelerum comprendere formas,”
“omnia poenarum percurrere nomina possim.”

[¶5] So spake Apollo's aged prophetess.
“Now up and on!” she cried. “Thy task fulfil!
We must make speed. Behold yon arching doors
Yon walls in furnace of the Cyclops forged!
'T is there we are commanded to lay down
Th' appointed offering.” So, side by side,
Swift through the intervening dark they strode,
And, drawing near the portal-arch, made pause.
Aeneas, taking station at the door,
Pure, lustral waters o'er his body threw,
And hung for garland there the Golden Bough.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit Phoebi longaeva sacerdos:
“Sed iam age, carpe viam et susceptum perfice munus;”
“adceleremus” ait; “Cyclopum educta caminis”
“moenia conspicio atque adverso fornice portas,”
“haec ubi nos praecepta iubent deponere dona.”
Dixerat, et pariter, gressi per opaca viarum,
corripiunt spatium medium, foribusque propinquant.
Occupat Aeneas aditum, corpusque recenti
spargit aqua, ramumque adverso in limine figit.

[¶6] Now, every rite fulfilled, and tribute due
Paid to the sovereign power of Proserpine,
At last within a land delectable
Their journey lay, through pleasurable bowers
Of groves where all is joy,—a blest abode!
An ampler sky its roseate light bestows
On that bright land, which sees the cloudless beam
Of suns and planets to our earth unknown.
On smooth green lawns, contending limb with limb,
Immortal athletes play, and wrestle long
'gainst mate or rival on the tawny sand;
With sounding footsteps and ecstatic song,
Some thread the dance divine: among them moves
The bard of Thrace, in flowing vesture clad,
Discoursing seven-noted melody,
Who sweeps the numbered strings with changeful hand,
Or smites with ivory point his golden lyre.
Here Trojans be of eldest, noblest race,
Great-hearted heroes, born in happier times,
Ilus, Assaracus, and Dardanus,
Illustrious builders of the Trojan town.
Their arms and shadowy chariots he views,
And lances fixed in earth, while through the fields
Their steeds without a bridle graze at will.
For if in life their darling passion ran
To chariots, arms, or glossy-coated steeds,
The self-same joy, though in their graves, they feel.
Lo! on the left and right at feast reclined
Are other blessed souls, whose chorus sings
Victorious paeans on the fragrant air
Of laurel groves; and hence to earth outpours
Eridanus, through forests rolling free.
Here dwell the brave who for their native land
Fell wounded on the field; here holy priests
Who kept them undefiled their mortal day;
And poets, of whom the true-inspired song
Deserved Apollo's name; and all who found
New arts, to make man's life more blest or fair;
Yea! here dwell all those dead whose deeds bequeath
Deserved and grateful memory to their kind.
And each bright brow a snow-white fillet wears.
Unto this host the Sibyl turned, and hailed
Musaeus, midmost of a numerous throng,
Who towered o'er his peers a shoulder higher:
“0 spirits blest! 0 venerable bard!
Declare what dwelling or what region holds
Anchises, for whose sake we twain essayed
Yon passage over the wide streams of hell.”
And briefly thus the hero made reply:
“No fixed abode is ours. In shadowy groves
We make our home, or meadows fresh and fair,
With streams whose flowery banks our couches be.
But you, if thitherward your wishes turn,
Climb yonder hill, where I your path may show.”
So saying, he strode forth and led them on,
Till from that vantage they had prospect fair
Of a wide, shining land; thence wending down,
They left the height they trod;

> Latin: His demum exactis, perfecto munere divae,
devenere locos laetos et amoena virecta
fortunatorum nemorum sedesque beatas.
Largior hic campos aether et lumine vestit
purpureo, solemque suum, sua sidera norunt.
Pars in gramineis exercent membra palaestris,
contendunt ludo et fulva luctantur harena;
pars pedibus plaudunt choreas et carmina dicunt.
Nec non Threïcius longa cum veste sacerdos
obloquitur numeris septem discrimina vocum,
iamque eadem digitis, iam pectine pulsat eburno.
Hic genus antiquum Teucri, pulcherrima proles,
magnanimi heroes, nati melioribus annis,
Ilusque Assaracusque et Troiae Dardanus auctor.
Arma procul currusque virum miratur inanes.
Stant terra defixae hastae, passimque soluti
per campum pascuntur equi. Quae gratia currum
armorumque fuit vivis, quae cura nitentis
pascere equos, eadem sequitur tellure repostos.
Conspicit, ecce, alios dextra laevaque per herbam
vescentis, laetumque choro paeana canentis
inter odoratum lauri nemus, unde superne
plurimus Eridani per silvam volvitur amnis.
Hic manus ob patriam pugnando volnera passi,
quique sacerdotes casti, dum vita manebat,
quique pii vates et Phoebo digna locuti,
inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per artes,
quique sui memores alios fecere merendo,
omnibus his nivea cinguntur tempora vitta.
Quos circumfusos sic est adfata Sybilla,
Musaeum ante omnes, medium nam plurima turba
hunc habet, atque umeris exstantem suspicit altis:
“Dicite, felices animae, tuque, optime vates,”
“quae regio Anchisen, quis habet locus? Illius ergo”
“venimus, et magnos Erebi transnavimus amnes.”
Atque huic responsum paucis ita reddidit heros:
“Nulli certa domus; lucis habitamus opacis,”
“riparumque toros et prata recentia rivis”
“incolimus. Sed vos, si fert ita corde voluntas,”
“hoc superate iugum; et facili iam tramite sistam.”
Dixit, et ante tulit gressum, camposque nitentis
desuper ostentat; dehinc summa cacumina linquunt.

[¶7] for far below
Father Anchises in a pleasant vale
Stood pondering, while his eyes and thought surveyed
A host of prisoned spirits, who there abode
Awaiting entrance to terrestrial air.
And musing he reviewed the legions bright
Of his own progeny and offspring proud—
Their fates and fortunes, virtues and great deeds.
Soon he discerned Aeneas drawing nigh
o'er the green slope, and, lifting both his hands
In eager welcome, spread them swiftly forth.
Tears from his eyelids rained, and thus he spoke:
“Art here at last? Hath thy well-proven love
Of me thy sire achieved yon arduous way?
Will Heaven, beloved son, once more allow
That eye to eye we look? and shall I hear
Thy kindred accent mingling with my own?
I cherished long this hope. My prophet-soul
Numbered the lapse of days, nor did my thought
Deceive. 0, o'er what lands and seas wast driven
To this embrace! What perils manifold
Assailed thee, 0 my son, on every side!
How long I trembled, lest that Libyan throne
Should work thee woe!”
Aeneas thus replied:
“Thine image, sire, thy melancholy shade,
Came oft upon my vision, and impelled
My journey hitherward. Our fleet of ships
Lies safe at anchor in the Tuscan seas.
Come, clasp my hand! Come, father, I implore,
And heart to heart this fond embrace receive!”
So speaking, all his eyes suffused with tears;
Thrice would his arms in vain that shape enfold.
Thrice from the touch of hand the vision fled,
Like wafted winds or likest hovering dreams.

> Latin: At pater Anchises penitus convalle virenti
inclusas animas superumque ad lumen ituras
lustrabat studio recolens, omnemque suorum
forte recensebat numerum carosque nepotes,
fataque fortunasque virum moresque manusque.
Isque ubi tendentem adversum per gramina videt
Aenean, alacris palmas utrasque tetendit,
effusaeque genis lacrimae, et vox excidit ore:
“Venisti tandem, tuaque exspectata parenti”
“vicit iter durum pietas? Datur ora tueri,”
“nate, tua, et notas audire et reddere voces?”
“Sic equidem ducebam animo rebarque futurum,”
“tempora dinumerans, nec me mea cura fefellit.”
“Quas ego te terras et quanta per aequora vectum”
“accipio! quantis iactatum, nate, periclis!”
“Quam metui, ne quid Libyae tibi regna nocerent!”
Ille autem: “Tua me, genitor, tua tristis imago,”
“saepius occurrens, haec limina tendere adegit:”
“stant sale Tyrrheno classes. Da iungere dextram,”
“da, genitor, teque amplexu ne subtrahe nostro.”
Sic memorans, largo fletu simul ora rigabat.
Ter conatus ibi collo dare brachia circum,
ter frustra comprensa manus effugit imago,
[par levibus ventis volucrique simillima somno.]

[¶8] After these things Aeneas was aware
Of solemn groves in one deep, distant vale,
Where trees were whispering, and forever flowed
The river Lethe, through its land of calm.
Nations unnumbered roved and haunted there:
As when, upon a windless summer morn,
The bees afield among the rainbow flowers
Alight and sip, or round the lilies pure
Pour forth in busy swarm, while far diffused
Their murmured songs from all the meadows rise.
Aeneas in amaze the wonder views,
And fearfully inquires of whence and why;
What yonder rivers be; what people press,
Line after line, on those dim shores along.
Said Sire Anchises: “Yonder thronging souls
To reincarnate shape predestined move.
Here, at the river Lethe's wave, they quaff
Care-quelling floods, and long oblivion.
Of these I shall discourse, and to thy soul
Make visible the number and array
Of my posterity; so shall thy heart
In Italy, thy new-found home, rejoice.”
“0 father,” said Aeneas, “must I deem
That from this region souls exalted rise
To upper air, and shall once more return
To cumbering flesh? 0, wherefore do they feel,
Unhappy ones, such fatal lust to live?”
“I speak, my son, nor make thee longer doubt,”
Anchises said, and thus the truth set forth,
In ordered words from point to point unfolding:

> Latin: Interea videt Aeneas in valle reducta
seclusum nemus et virgulta sonantia silvis,
Lethaeumque, domos placidas qui praenatat, amnem.
Hunc circum innumerae gentes populique volabant;
ac—velut in pratis ubi apes aestate serena
floribus insidunt variis, et candida circum
lilia funduntur—strepit omnis murmure campus.
Horrescit visu subito, causasque requirit
inscius Aeneas, quae sint ea flumina porro,
quive viri tanto complerint agmine ripas.
Tum pater Anchises: “Animae, quibus altera fato”
“corpora debentur, Lethaei ad fluminis undam”
“securos latices et longa oblivia potant.”
[“Has equidem memorare tibi atque ostendere coram,”]
“iampridem hanc prolem cupio enumerare meorum,”
“quo magis Italia mecum laetere reperta.”
“O pater, anne aliquas ad caelum hinc ire putandum est”
“sublimis animas, iterumque ad tarda reverti”
“corpora? Quae lucis miseris tam dira cupido?”
“Dicam equidem, nec te suspensum, nate, tenebo”
suscipit Anchises, atque ordine singula pandit.

[¶9] “Know first that heaven and earth and ocean's plain,
The moon's bright orb, and stars of Titan birth
Are nourished by one Life; one primal Mind,
Immingled with the vast and general frame,
Fills every part and stirs the mighty whole.
Thence man and beast, thence creatures of the air,
And all the swarming monsters that be found
Beneath the level of the marbled sea;
A fiery virtue, a celestial power,
Their native seeds retain; but bodies vile,
With limbs of clay and members born to die,
Encumber and o'ercloud; whence also spring
Terrors and passions, suffering and joy;
For from deep darkness and captivity
All gaze but blindly on the radiant world.
Nor when to life's last beam they bid farewell
May sufferers cease from pain, nor quite be freed
From all their fleshly plagues; but by fixed law,
The strange, inveterate taint works deeply in.
For this, the chastisement of evils past
Is suffered here, and full requital paid.
Some hang on high, outstretched to viewless winds;
For some their sin's contagion must be purged
In vast ablution of deep-rolling seas,
Or burned away in fire. Each man receives
His ghostly portion in the world of dark;
But thence to realms Elysian we go free,
Where for a few these seats of bliss abide,
Till time's long lapse a perfect orb fulfils,
And takes all taint away, restoring so
The pure, ethereal soul's first virgin fire.
At last, when the millennial aeon strikes,
God calls them forth to yon Lethaean stream,
In numerous host, that thence, oblivious all,
They may behold once more the vaulted sky,
And willingly to shapes of flesh return.”

> Latin: “Principio caelum ac terras camposque liquentis”
“lucentemque globum Lunae Titaniaque astra”
“spiritus intus alit, totamque infusa per artus”
“mens agitat molem et magno se corpore miscet.”
“Inde hominum pecudumque genus, vitaeque volantum,”
“et quae marmoreo fert monstra sub aequore pontus.”
“Igneus est ollis vigor et caelestis origo”
“seminibus, quantum non noxia corpora tardant,”
“terrenique hebetant artus moribundaque membra.”
“Hinc metuunt cupiuntque, dolent gaudentque, neque auras”
“dispiciunt clausae tenebris et carcere caeco.”
“Quin et supremo cum lumine vita reliquit,”
“non tamen omne malum miseris nec funditus omnes”
“corporeae excedunt pestes, penitusque necesse est”
“multa diu concreta modis inolescere miris.”
“Ergo exercentur poenis, veterumque malorum”
“supplicia expendunt: aliae panduntur inanes”
“suspensae ad ventos; aliis sub gurgite vasto”
“infectum eluitur scelus, aut exuritur igni;”
“quisque suos patimur Manes; exinde per amplum”
“mittimur Elysium, et pauci laeta arva tenemus;”
“donec longa dies, perfecto temporis orbe,”
“concretam exemit labem, purumque relinquit”
“aetherium sensum atque auraï simplicis ignem.”
“Has omnes, ubi mille rotam volvere per annos,”
“Lethaeum ad fluvium deus evocat agmine magno,”
“scilicet immemores supera ut convexa revisant,”
“rursus et incipiant in corpora velle reverti.”

[¶10] So spoke Anchises; then led forth his son,
The Sibyl with him, to the assembled shades
(A voiceful throng), and on a lofty mound
His station took, whence plainly could be seen
The long procession, and each face descried.

> Latin: Dixerat Anchises, natumque unaque Sibyllam
conventus trahit in medios turbamque sonantem,
et tumulum capit, unde omnes longo ordine possit
adversos legere, et venientum discere vultus.

[¶11] “Hark now! for of the glories I will tell
That wait our Dardan blood; of our sons' sons
Begot upon the old Italian breed,
Who shall be mighty spirits, and prolong
Our names, their heritage. I will unfold
The story, and reveal the destined years.
Yon princeling, thou beholdest leaning there
Upon a royal lance, shall next emerge
Into the realms of day. He is the first
Of half-Italian strain, the last-born heir
To thine old age by fair Lavinia given,
Called Silvius, a royal Alban name
(Of sylvan birth and sylvan nurture he),
A king himself and sire of kings to come,
By whom our race in Alba Longa reign.
Next Procas stands, our Trojan people's boast;
Capys and Numitor, and, named like thee,
Aeneas Sylvius, like thee renowned
For faithful honor and for deeds of war,
When he ascends at last his Alban throne.
Behold what warrior youth they be! How strong
Their goodly limbs! Above their shaded brows
The civic oak they wear! For thee they build
Nomentum, and the walls of Gabii,
Fidena too, and on the mountains pile
Collatia's citadels, Pometii,
Bola and Cora, Castrum-Inui—
Such be the names the nameless lands shall bear.
See, in that line of sires the son of Mars,
Great Romulus, of Ilian mother born,
From far-descended line of Trojan kings!
See from his helm the double crest uprear,
While his celestial father in his mien
Shows forth his birth divine! Of him, my son,
Great Rome shall rise, and, favored of his star,
Have power world-wide, and men of godlike mind.
She clasps her seven hills in single wall,
Proud mother of the brave! So Cybele,
The Berecynthian goddess, castle-crowned,
On through the Phrygian kingdoms speeds her car,
Exulting in her hundred sons divine,
All numbered with the gods, all throned on high.
“Let now thy visionary glance look long
On this thy race, these Romans that be thine.
Here Caesar, of Iulus' glorious seed,
Behold ascending to the world of light!
Behold, at last, that man, for this is he,
So oft unto thy listening ears foretold,
Augustus Caesar, kindred unto Jove.
He brings a golden age; he shall restore
Old Saturn's sceptre to our Latin land,
And o'er remotest Garamant and Ind
His sway extend; the fair dominion
outruns th' horizon planets, yea, beyond
The sun's bright path, where Atlas' shoulder bears
Yon dome of heaven set thick with burning stars.
Against his coming the far Caspian shores
Break forth in oracles; the Maeotian land
Trembles, and all the seven-fold mouths of Nile.

> Latin: “Nunc age, Dardaniam prolem quae deinde sequatur”
“gloria, qui maneant Itala de gente nepotes,”
“inlustris animas nostrumque in nomen ituras,”
“expediam dictis, et te tua fata docebo.”
“Ille, vides, pura iuvenis qui nititur hasta,”
“proxuma sorte tenet lucis loca, primus ad auras”
“aetherias Italo commixtus sanguine surget,”
“silvius, Albanum nomen, tua postuma proles,”
“quem tibi longaevo serum Lavinia coniunx”
“educet silvis regem regumque parentem,”
“unde genus Longa nostrum dominabitur Alba.”
“Proxumus ille Procas, Troianae gloria gentis,”
“et Capys, et Numitor, et qui te nomine reddet”
“Silvius Aeneas, pariter pietate vel armis”
“egregius, si umquam regnandam acceperit Albam.”
“Qui iuvenes! Quantas ostentant, aspice, vires,”
“atque umbrata gerunt civili tempora quercu!”
“Hi tibi Nomentum et Gabios urbemque Fidenam,”
“hi Collatinas imponent montibus arces,”
“Pometios Castrumque Inui Bolamque Coramque.”
“Haec tum nomina erunt, nunc sunt sine nomine terrae.”
“Quin et avo comitem sese Mavortius addet”
“Romulus, Assaraci quem sanguinis Ilia mater”
“educet. Viden, ut geminae stant vertice cristae,”
“et pater ipse suo superum iam signat honore?”
“En, huius, nate, auspiciis illa incluta Roma”
“imperium terris, animos aequabit Olympo,”
“septemque una sibi muro circumdabit arces,”
“felix prole virum: qualis Berecyntia mater”
“invehitur curru Phrygias turrita per urbes,”
“laeta deum partu, centum complexa nepotes,”
“omnes caelicolas, omnes supera alta tenentes.”
“Huc geminas nunc flecte acies, hanc aspice gentem”
“Romanosque tuos. Hic Caesar et omnis Iuli”
“progenies magnum caeli ventura sub axem.”
“Hic vir, hic est, tibi quem promitti saepius audis,”
“Augustus Caesar, Divi genus, aurea condet”
“saecula qui rursus Latio regnata per arva”
“Saturno quondam, super et Garamantas et Indos”
“proferet imperium: iacet extra sidera tellus,”
“extra anni solisque vias, ubi caelifer Atlas”
“axem umero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum.”
“Huius in adventum iam nunc et Caspia regna”
“responsis horrent divom et Maeotia tellus,”
“et septemgemini turbant trepida ostia Nili.”

[¶12] Not o'er domain so wide Alcides passed,
Although the brazen-footed doe he slew
And stilled the groves of Erymanth, and bade
The beast of Lerna at his arrows quail.
Nor half so far triumphant Baechus drove,
With vine-entwisted reins, his frolic team
Of tigers from the tall-topped Indian hill.
“Still do we doubt if heroes' deeds can fill
A realm so wide? Shall craven fear constrain
Thee or thy people from Ausonia's shore?
Look, who is he I may discern from far
By olive-branch and holy emblems known?
His flowing locks and hoary beard, behold!
Fit for a Roman king! By hallowed laws
He shall found Rome anew—from mean estate
In lowly Cures led to mightier sway.
But after him arises one whose reign
Shall wake the land from slumber: Tullus then
Shall stir slack chiefs to battle, rallying
His hosts which had forgot what triumphs be.
Him boastful Ancus follows hard upon,
o'erflushed with his light people's windy praise.
Wilt thou see Tarquins now? And haughty hand
Of vengeful Brutus seize the signs of power?
He first the consul's name shall take; he first
Th' inexorable fasces sternly bear.
When his own sons in rash rebellion join,
The father and the judge shall sentence give
In beauteous freedom's cause—unhappy he!
Howe'er the age to come the story tell,
't will bless such love of honor and of Rome.
See Decius, sire and son, the Drusi, see!
Behold Torquatus with his axe! Look where
Camillus brings the Gallic standards home!
“But who are these in glorious armor clad
And equal power? In this dark world of cloud
Their souls in concord move;—but woe is me!
What duel 'twixt them breaks, when by and by
The light of life is theirs, and forth they call
Their long-embattled lines to carnage dire!
Allied by nuptial truce, the sire descends
From Alpine rampart and that castled cliff,
Monoecus by the sea; the son arrays
His hostile legions in the lands of morn.
Forbear, my children! School not your great souls
In such vast wars, nor turn your giant strength
Against the bowels of your native land!
But be thou first, 0 first in mercy! thou
Who art of birth Olympian! Fling away
Thy glorious sword, mine offspring and mine heir!
“Yonder is one whose chariot shall ascend
The laurelled Capitolian steep; he rides
In glory o'er Achaea's hosts laid low,
And Corinth overthrown. There, too, is he
Who shall uproot proud Argos and the towers
Of Agamemnon; vanquishing the heir
Even of Aeacus, the warrior seed
Of Peleus' son; such vengeance shall be wrought
For Troy's slain sires, and violated shrines!
“Or who could fail great Cato's name to tell?
Or, Cossus, thine? or in oblivion leave
The sons of Gracchus? or the Scipios,
Twin thunderbolts of war, and Libya's bane?
Or, more than kingly in his mean abode,
Fabricius? or Serranus at the plough?
Ye Fabii, how far would ye prolong
My weary praise? But see! 'T is Maximus,
Who by wise waiting saves his native land.
“Let others melt and mould the breathing bronze
To forms more fair,—aye! out of marble bring
Features that live; let them plead causes well;
Or trace with pointed wand the cycled heaven,
And hail the constellations as they rise;
But thou, 0 Roman, learn with sovereign sway
To rule the nations. Thy great art shall be
To keep the world in lasting peace, to spare
humbled foe, and crush to earth the proud.”

> Latin: “Nec vero Alcides tantum telluris obivit,”
“fixerit aeripedem cervam licet, aut Erymanthi”
“pacarit nemora, et Lernam tremefecerit arcu;”
“nec, qui pampineis victor iuga flectit habenis,”
“Liber, agens celso Nysae de vertice tigres.”
“Et dubitamus adhuc virtute extendere vires,”
“aut metus Ausonia prohibet consistere terra?”
“Quis procul ille autem ramis insignis olivae”
“sacra ferens? Nosco crines incanaque menta”
“regis Romani, primus qui legibus urbem”
“fundabit, Curibus parvis et paupere terra”
“missus in imperium magnum. Cui deinde subibit,”
“otia qui rumpet patriae residesque movebit”
“Tullus in arma viros et iam desueta triumphis”
“agmina. Quem iuxta sequitur iactantior Ancus,”
“nunc quoque iam nimium gaudens popularibus auris.”
“Vis et Tarquinios reges, animamque superbam”
“ultoris Bruti, fascesque videre receptos?”
“Consulis imperium hic primus saevasque secures”
“accipiet, natosque pater nova bella moventes”
“ad poenam pulchra pro libertate vocabit.”
“Infelix, utcumque ferent ea facta minores,”
“vincet amor patriae laudumque immensa cupido.”
“Quin Decios Drusosque procul saevumque securi”
“aspice Torquatum et referentem signa Camillum.”
“Illae autem, paribus quas fulgere cernis in armis,”
“concordes animae nunc et dum nocte premuntur,”
“heu quantum inter se bellum, si lumina vitae”
“attigerint, quantas acies stragemque ciebunt!”
“Aggeribus socer Alpinis atque arce Monoeci”
“descendens, gener adversis instructus Eois.”
“Ne, pueri, ne tanta animis adsuescite bella,”
“neu patriae validas in viscera vertite vires;”
“tuque prior, tu parce, genus qui ducis Olympo,”
“proice tela manu, sanguis meus!—”
“Ille triumphata Capitolia ad alta Corintho”
“victor aget currum, caesis insignis Achivis.”
“Eruet ille Argos Agamemnoniasque Mycenas,”
“ipsumque Aeaciden, genus armipotentis Achilli,”
“ultus avos Troiae, templa et temerata Minervae.”
“Quis te, magne Cato, tacitum, aut te, Cosse, relinquat?”
“Quis Gracchi genus, aut geminos, duo fulmina belli,”
“Scipiadas, cladem Libyae, parvoque potentem”
“Fabricium vel te sulco Serrane, serentem?”
“quo fessum rapitis, Fabii? Tu Maxumus ille es,”
“unus qui nobis cunctando restituis rem.”
“Excudent alii spirantia mollius aera,”
“credo equidem, vivos ducent de marmore voltus,”
“orabunt causas melius, caelique meatus”
“describent radio, et surgentia sidera dicent:”
“tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento;”
“hae tibi erunt artes; pacisque imponere morem,”
“parcere subiectis, et debellare superbos.”

[¶13] So did Anchises speak, then, after pause,
Thus to their wondering ears his word prolonged:
“Behold Marcellus, bright with glorious spoil,
In lifted triumph through his warriors move!
The Roman power in tumultuous days
He shall establish; he rides forth to quell
Afric and rebel Gaul; and to the shrine
Of Romulus the third-won trophy brings.”
Then spoke Aeneas, for he now could see
A beauteous youth in glittering dress of war,
Though of sad forehead and down-dropping eyes:
“Say, father, who attends the prince? a son?
Or of his greatness some remoter heir?
How his friends praise him, and how matchless he!
But mournful night Tests darkly o'er his brow.”
With brimming eyes Anchises answer gave:
“Ask not, 0 son, what heavy weight of woe
Thy race shall bear, when fate shall just reveal
This vision to the world, then yield no more.
0 gods above, too glorious did ye deem
The seed of Rome, had this one gift been sure?
The lamentation of a multitude
Arises from the field of Mars, and strikes
The city's heart. 0 Father Tiber, see
What pomp of sorrow near the new-made tomb
Beside thy fleeting stream! What Ilian youth
Shall e'er his Latin kindred so advance
In hope of glory? When shall the proud land
Of Romulus of such a nursling boast?
Ah, woe' is me! 0 loyal heart and true!
0 brave, right arm invincible! What foe
Had 'scaped his onset in the shock of arms,
Whether on foot he strode, or if he spurred
The hot flanks of his war-horse flecked with foam?
0 lost, lamented child! If thou evade
Thy evil star, Marcellus thou shalt be.
0 bring me lilies! Bring with liberal hand!
Sad purple blossoms let me throw—the shade
Of my own kin to honor, heaping high
My gifts upon his grave! So let me pay
An unavailing vow!”
Then, far and wide
Through spacious fields of air, they wander free,
Witnessing all; Anchises guides his son
From point to point, and quickens in his mind
Hunger for future fame. Of wars he tells
Soon imminent; of fair Laurentum's tribes;
Of King Latinus' town; and shows what way
Each task and hardship to prevent, or bear.

> Latin: Sic pater Anchises, atque haec mirantibus addit:
“Aspice, ut insignis spoliis Marcellus opimis”
“ingreditur, victorque viros supereminet omnes!”
“Hic rem Romanam, magno turbante tumultu,”
“sistet, eques sternet Poenos Gallumque rebellem,”
“tertiaque arma patri suspendet capta Quirino.”
Atque hic Aeneas; una namque ire videbat
egregium forma iuvenem et fulgentibus armis,
sed frons laeta parum, et deiecto lumina voltu:
“Quis, pater, ille, virum qui sic comitatur euntem?”
“Filius, anne aliquis magna de stirpe nepotum?”
“Quis strepitus circa comitum! Quantum instar in ipso!”
“Sed nox atra caput tristi circumvolat umbra.”
Tum pater Anchises, lacrimis ingressus obortis:
“O gnate, ingentem luctum ne quaere tuorum;”
“ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, neque ultra”
“esse sinent. Nimium vobis Romana propago”
“visa potens, Superi, propria haec si dona fuissent.”
“Quantos ille virum magnam Mavortis ad urbem”
“campus aget gemitus, vel quae, Tiberine, videbis”
“funera, cum tumulum praeterlabere recentem!”
“Nec puer Iliaca quisquam de gente Latinos”
“in tantum spe tollet avos, nec Romula quondam”
“ullo se tantum tellus iactabit alumno.”
“Heu pietas, heu prisca fides, invictaque bello”
“dextera! Non illi se quisquam impune tulisset”
“obvius armato, seu cum pedes iret in hostem,”
“seu spumantis equi foderet calcaribus armos.”
“Heu, miserande puer, si qua fata aspera rumpas,”
“tu Marcellus eris. Manibus date lilia plenis,”
“purpureos spargam flores, animamque nepotis”
“his saltem adcumulem donis, et fungar inani”
“munere”—Sic tota passim regione vagantur
aëris in campis latis, atque omnia lustrant.
Quae postquam Anchises natum per singula duxit,
incenditque animum famae venientis amore,
exin bella viro memorat quae deinde gerenda,
Laurentisque docet populos urbemque Latini,
et quo quemque modo fugiatque feratque laborem.

[¶14] Now Sleep has portals twain, whereof the one
Is horn, they say, and easy exit gives
To visions true; the other, gleaming white
With polished ivory, the.dead employ
To people night with unsubstantial dreams.
Here now Anchises bids his son farewell;
And with Sibylla, his companion sage,
Up through that ivory portal lets him rise.
Back to his fleet and his dear comrades all
Aeneas hastes. Then hold they their straight course
Into Caieta's bay. An anchor holds
Each lofty prow; the sterns stand firm on shore.

> Latin: Sunt geminae Somni portae, quarum altera fertur
cornea, qua veris facilis datur exitus umbris;
altera candenti perfecta nitens elephanto,
sed falsa ad caelum mittunt insomnia Manes.
His ubi tum natum Anchises unaque Sibyllam
prosequitur dictis, portaque emittit eburna,
ille viam secat ad naves sociosque revisit:
tum se ad Caietae recto fert litore portum.
[Ancora de prora iacitur, stant litore puppes.]

## 13. Book VII · lines 1–434

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/13/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/13/#p-N

[¶0] One more immortal name thy death bequeathed,
Nurse of Aeneas, to Italian shores,
Caieta; there thy honor hath a home;
Thy bones a name: and on Hesperia's breast
Their proper glory.

> Latin: Tu quoque litoribus nostris, Aeneia nutrix,
aeternam moriens famam, Caieta, dedisti;
et nunc servat honos sedem tuus ossaque nomen
Hesperia in magna, siqua est ea gloria, signat.

[¶1] When Aeneas now
The tribute of sepulchral vows had paid
Beside the funeral mound, and o'er the seas
Stillness had fallen, he flung forth his sails,
And leaving port pursued his destined way.
Freshly the night-winds breathe; the cloudless moon
Outpours upon his path unstinted beam,
And with far-trembling glory smites the sea.
Close to the lands of Circe soon they fare,
Where the Sun's golden daughter in far groves
Sounds forth her ceaseless song; her lofty hall
Is fragrant every night with flaring brands
Of cedar, giving light the while she weaves
With shrill-voiced shuttle at her linens fine.
From hence are heard the loud lament and wrath
Of lions, rebels to their linked chains
And roaring all night long; great bristly boars
And herded bears, in pinfold closely kept,
Rage horribly, and monster-wolves make moan;
Whom the dread goddess with foul juices strong
From forms of men drove forth, and bade to wear
the mouths and maws of beasts in Circe's thrall.
But lest the sacred Trojans should endure
such prodigy of doom, or anchor there
on that destroying shore, kind Neptune filled
their sails with winds of power, and sped them on
in safety past the perils of that sea.

> Latin: At pius exsequiis Aeneas rite solutis,
aggere composito tumuli, postquam alta quierunt
aequora, tendit iter velis portumque relinquit.
Adspirant aurae in noctem nec candida cursus
Luna negat, splendet tremulo sub lumine pontus.
Proxima Circaeae raduntur litora terrae,
dives inaccessos ubi Solis filia lucos
adsiduo resonat cantu tectisque superbis
urit odoratam nocturna in lumina cedrum,
arguto tenuis percurrens pectine telas.
Hinc exaudiri gemitus iraeque leonum
vincla recusantum et sera sub nocte rudentum,
saetigerique sues atque in praesaepibus ursi
saevire ac formae magnorum ululare luporum,
quos hominum ex facie dea saeva potentibus herbis
induerat Circe in voltus ac terga ferarum.
Quae ne monstra pii paterentur talia Troes
delati in portus neu litora dira subirent,
Neptunus ventis implevit vela secundis
atque fugam dedit et praeter vada fervida vexit.

[¶2] Now morning flushed the wave, and saffron-garbed
Aurora from her rose-red chariot beamed
in highest heaven; the sea-winds ceased to stir;
a sudden calm possessed the air, and tides
of marble smoothness met the laboring oar.
Then, gazing from the deep, Aeneas saw
a stretch of groves, whence Tiber's smiling stream,
its tumbling current rich with yellow sands,
burst seaward forth: around it and above
shore-haunting birds of varied voice and plume
flattered the sky with song, and, circling far
o'er river-bed and grove, took joyful wing.
Thither to landward now his ships he steered,
and sailed, high-hearted, up the shadowy stream.

> Latin: Iamque rubescebat radiis mare et aethere ab alto
Aurora in roseis fulgebat lutea bigis:
cum venti posuere omnisque repente resedit
flatus et in lento luctantur marmore tonsae.
Atque hic Aeneas ingentem ex aequore lucum
prospicit. Hunc inter fluvio Tiberinus amoeno
verticibus rapidis et multa flavus arena
in mare prorumpit. Variae circumque supraque
adsuetae ripis volucres et fluminis alveo
aethera mulcebant cantu lucoque volabant.
flectere iter sociis terraeque advertere proras
imperat et laetus fluvio succedit opaco.

[¶3] Hail, Erato! while olden kings and thrones
and all their sequent story I unfold!
How Latium's honor stood, when alien ships
brought war to Italy, and from what cause
the primal conflict sprang, O goddess, breathe
upon thy bard in song. Dread wars I tell,
array of battle, and high-hearted kings
thrust forth to perish, when Etruria's host
and all Hesperia gathered to the fray.
Events of grander march impel my song,
and loftier task I try. Latinus, then
an aged king, held long-accepted sway
o'er tranquil vales and towns. He was the son
of Faunus, so the legend tells, who wed
the nymph Marica of Laurentian stem.
Picus was Faunus' father, whence the line
to Saturn's Ioins ascends. O heavenly sire,
from thee the stem began! But Fate had given
to King Latinus' body no heirs male:
for taken in the dawning of his day
his only son had been; and now his home
and spacious palace one sole daughter kept,
who was grown ripe to wed and of full age
to take a husband. Many suitors tried
from all Ausonia and Latium's bounds;
but comeliest in all their princely throng
came Turnus, of a line of mighty sires.
Him the queen mother chiefly loved, and yearned
to call him soon her son. But omens dire
and menaces from Heaven withstood her will.
A laurel-tree grew in the royal close,
of sacred leaf and venerated age,
which, when he builded there his wall and tower,
Father Latinus found, and hallowed it
to Phoebus' grace and power, wherefrom the name
Laurentian, which his realm and people bear.
Unto this tree-top, wonderful to tell,
came hosts of bees, with audible acclaim
voyaging the stream of air, and seized a place
on the proud, pointing crest, where the swift swarm,
with interlacement of close-clinging feet,
swung from the leafy bough. “Behold, there comes,”
the prophet cried, “a husband from afar!
To the same region by the self-same path
behold an arm'd host taking lordly sway
upon our city's crown!” Soon after this,
when, coming to the shrine with torches pure,
Lavinia kindled at her father's side
the sacrifice, swift seemed the flame to burn
along her flowing hair—O sight of woe!
Over her broidered snood it sparkling flew,
lighting her queenly tresses and her crown
of jewels rare: then, wrapt in flaming cloud,
from hall to hall the fire-god's gift she flung.
This omen dread and wonder terrible
was rumored far: for prophet-voices told
bright honors on the virgin's head to fall
by Fate's decree, but on her people, war.

> Latin: Nunc age, qui reges, Erato, quae tempora rerum,
quis Latio antiquo fuerit status, advena classem
cum primum Ausoniis exercitus appulit oris,
expediam et primae revocabo exordia pugnae.
tu vatem, tu, diva, mone. Dicam horrida bella,
dicam acies actosque animis in funera reges
Tyrrhenamque manum totamque sub arma coactam
Hesperiam. Maior rerum mihi nascitur ordo,
maius opus moveo.Rex arva Latinus et urbes
iam senior longa placidas in pace regebat.
Hunc Fauno et nympha genitum Laurente Marica
accipimus, Fauno Picus pater isque parentem
te, Saturne, refert, tu sanguinis ultimus auctor.
filius huic fato divom prolesque virilis
nulla fuit primaque oriens erepta iuventa est.
Sola domum et tantas servabat filia sedes,
iam matura viro, iam plenis nubilis annis.
Multi illam magno e Latio totaque petebant
Ausonia. Petit ante alios pulcherrimus omnis
Turnus, avis atavisque potens, quem regia coniunx
adiungi generum miro properabat amore;
sed variis portenta deum terroribus obstant.
Laurus erat tecti medio in penetralibus altis,
sacra comam multosque metu servata per annos,
quam pater inventam, primas cum conderet arces,
ipse ferebatur Phoebo sacrasse Latinus
Laurentisque ab ea nomen posuisse colonis.
Huius apes summum densae (mirabile dictu),
stridore ingenti liquidum trans aethera vectae,
obsedere apicem, ex pedibus per mutua nexis
examen subitum ramo frondente pependit.
Continuo vates: “Externum cernimus,” inquit,
“adventare virum et partis petere agmen easdem”
“partibus ex isdem et summa dominarier arce.”
Praeterea, castis adolet dum altaria taedis
et iuxta genitorem adstat Lavinia virgo,
visa (nefas) longis comprendere crinibus ignem,
[atque omnem ornatum flamma crepitante cremari]
regalisque accensa comas, accensa coronam
insignem gemmis, tum fumida lumine fulvo
involvi ac totis Volcanum spargere tectis.
Id vero horrendum ac visu mirabile ferri:
namque fore inlustrem fama fatisque canebant
ipsam, sed populo magnum portendere bellum.

[¶4] The King, sore troubled by these portents, sought
oracular wisdom of his sacred sire,
Faunus, the fate-revealer, where the groves
stretch under high Albunea, and her stream
roars from its haunted well, exhaling through
vast, gloomful woods its pestilential air.
Here all Oenotria's tribes ask oracles
in dark and doubtful days: here, when the priest
has brought his gifts, and in the night so still,
couched on spread fleeces of the offered flock,
awaiting slumber lies, then wondrously
a host of flitting shapes he sees, and hears
voices that come and go: with gods he holds
high converse, or in deep Avernian gloom
parleys with Acheron. Thither drew near
Father Latinus, seeking truth divine.
Obedient to the olden rite, he slew
a hundred fleecy sheep, and pillowed lay
upon their outstretched skins. Straightway a voice
out of the lofty forest met his prayer.
“Seek not in wedlock with a Latin lord
to join thy daughter, O my son and seed!
Beware this purposed marriage! There shall come
sons from afar, whose blood shall bear our name
starward; the children of their mighty loins,
as far as eve and morn enfold the seas,
shall see a subject world beneath their feet
submissive lie.” This admonition given
Latinus hid not. But on restless wing
rumor had spread it, when the men of Troy
along the river-bank of mounded green
their fleet made fast.

> Latin: At rex sollicitus monstris oracula Fauni,
fatidici genitoris, adit lucosque sub alta
consulit Albunea, nemorum quae maxima sacro
fonte sonat saevamque exhalat opaca mephitim.
Hinc Italae gentes omnisque Oenotria tellus
in dubiis responsa petunt; huc dona sacerdos
cum tulit et caesarum ovium sub nocte silenti
pellibus incubuit stratis somnosque petivit,
multa modis simulacra videt volitantia miris
et varias audit voces fruiturque deorum
conloquio atque imis Acheronta adfatur Avernis.
Hic et tum pater ipse petens responsa Latinus
centum lanigeras mactabat rite bidentis
atque harum effultus tergo stratisque iacebat
velleribus: subita ex alto vox reddita luco est:
“Ne pete conubiis natam sociare Latinis,”
“O mea progenies, thalamis neu crede paratis:”
“externi venient generi, qui sanguine nostrum”
“nomen in astra ferant quorumque a stirpe nepotes”
“omnia sub pedibus, qua Sol utrumque recurrens”
“aspicit Oceanum, vertique regique videbunt.”
Haec responsa patris Fauni monitusque silenti
nocte datos non ipse suo premit ore Latinus,
sed circum late volitans iam Fama per urbes
Ausonias tulerat, cum Laomedontia pubes
gramineo ripae religavit ab aggere classem.

[¶5] Aeneas and his chiefs,
with fair Iulus, under spreading boughs
of one great tree made resting-place, and set
the banquet on. Thin loaves of altar-bread
along the sward to bear their meats were laid
(such was the will of Jove), and wilding fruits
rose heaping high, with Ceres' gift below.
Soon, all things else devoured, their hunger turned
to taste the scanty bread, which they attacked
with tooth and nail audacious, and consumed
both round and square of that predestined leaven.
“Look, how we eat our tables even!” cried
Iulus, in a jest. Such was the word
which bade their burdens fall. From his boy's lip
the father caught this utterance of Fate,
silent with wonder at the ways of Heaven;
then swift he spoke: “Hail! O my destined shore,
protecting deities of Ilium, hail!
Here is our home, our country here! This day
I publish the mysterious prophecy
by Sire Anchises given: ‘My son,’ said he,
‘When hunger in strange lands shall bid devour
the tables of thy banquet gone, then hope
for home, though weary, and take thought to build
a dwelling and a battlement.’ Behold!
This was our fated hunger! This last proof
will end our evil days. Up, then! For now
by morning's joyful beam we will explore
what men, what cities, in this region be,
and, leaving ship, our several errands ply.
Your gift to Jove outpour! Make thankful prayer
unto Anchises' shade! To this our feast
bring back the flowing wine!”

> Latin: Aeneas primique duces et pulcher Iulus
corpora sub ramis deponunt arboris altae
instituuntque dapes et adorea liba per herbam
subiciunt epulis (sic Iuppiter ipse monebat)
et Cereale solum pomis agrestibus augent.
Consumptis hic forte aliis ut vertere morsus
exiguam in Cererem penuria adegit edendi
et violare manu malisque audacibus orbem
fatalis crusti patulis nec parcere quadris:
“Heus! etiam mensas consumimus,” inquit Iulus,
nec plura adludens. Ea vox audita laborum
prima tulit finem, primamque loquentis ab ore
eripuit pater ac stupefactus numine pressit.
Continuo: “Salve fatis mihi debita tellus”
“vosque,” ait, “O fidi Troiae salvete penates:”
“hic domus, haec patria est. Genitor mihi talia namque”
“(nunc repeto) Anchises fatorum arcana reliquit:”
“cum te, nate, fames ignota ad litora vectum”
“accisis coget dapibus consumere mensas,”
“tum sperare domos defessus ibique memento”
“prima locare manu molirique aggere tecta.”
“Haec erat illa fames; haec nos suprema manebat,”
“exiliis positura modum.”
“Quare agite et primo laeti cum lumine solis”
“quae loca, quive habeant homines, ubi moenia gentis,”
“vestigemus et a portu diversa petamus.”
“Nunc pateras libate Iovi precibusque vocate”
“Anchisen genitorem, et vina reponite mensis.”

[¶6] Thereat he bound
his forehead with green garland, calling loud
upon the Genius of that place, and Earth,
eldest of names divine; the Nymphs he called,
and river-gods unknown; his voice invoked
the night, the omen-stars through night that roll.
Jove, Ida's child, and Phrygia's fertile Queen:
he called his mother from Olympian skies,
and sire from Erebus. Lo, o'er his head
three times unclouded Jove omnipotent
in thunder spoke, and, with effulgent ray
from his ethereal tract outreaching far,
shook visibly the golden-gleaming air.
Swift, through the concourse of the Trojans, spread
news of the day at hand when they should build
their destined walls. So, with rejoicing heart
at such vast omen, they set forth a feast
with zealous emulation, ranging well
the wine-cups fair with many a garland crowned.

> Latin: Sic deinde effatus frondenti tempora ramo
implicat et geniumque loci primamque deorum
Tellurem nymphasque et adhuc ignota precatur
flumina, tum Noctem Noctisque orientia signa
Idaeumque Iovem Phrygiamque ex ordine matrem
invocat et duplicis caeloque ereboque parentis.
Hic pater omnipotens ter caelo clarus ab alto
intonuit radiisque ardentem lucis et auro
ipse manu quatiens ostendit ab aethere nubem.
Diditur hic subito Troiana per agmina rumor
advenisse diem, quo debita moenia condant.
Certatim instaurant epulas atque omine magno
crateras laeti statuunt et vina coronant.

[¶7] Soon as the morrow with the lamp of dawn
looked o'er the world, they took their separate ways,
exploring shore and towns; here spread the pools
and fountain of Numicius; here they see
the river Tiber, where bold Latins dwell.
Anchises' son chose out from his brave band
a hundred envoys, bidding them depart
to the King's sacred city, each enwreathed
with Pallas' silver leaf; and gifts they bear
to plead for peace and friendship at his throne.
While on this errand their swift steps are sped,
Aeneas, by a shallow moat and small,
his future city shows, breaks ground, and girds
with mound and breastwork like a camp of war
the Trojans' first abode. Soon, making way
to where the Latin citadel uprose,
the envoys scanned the battlements, and paused
beneath its wall. Outside the city gates
fair youths and striplings in life's early bloom
course with swift steeds, or steer through dusty cloud
the whirling chariot, or stretch stout bows,
or hurl the seasoned javelin, or strive
in boxing-bout and foot-race: one of these
made haste on horseback to the aged King,
with tidings of a stranger company
in foreign garb approaching. The good King
bade call them to his house, and took his seat
in mid-court on his high, ancestral throne.

> Latin: Postera cum prima lustrabat lampade terras
orta dies, urbem et finis et litora gentis
diversi explorant: haec fontis stagna Numici,
hunc Thybrim fluvium, hic fortis habitare Latinos.
Tum satus Anchisa delectos ordine ab omni
centum oratores augusta ad moenia regis
ire iubet, ramis velatos Palladis omnis,
donaque ferre viro pacemque exposcere Teucris.
Haud mora, festinant iussi rapidisque feruntur
passibus. Ipse humili designat moenia fossa
moliturque locum primasque in litore sedes
castrorum in morem pinnis atque aggere cingit.
Iamque iter emensi turris ac tecta Latinorum
ardua cernebant iuvenes muroque subibant.
Ante urbem pueri et primaevo flore iuventus
exercentur equis domitantque in pulvere currus
aut acris tendunt arcus aut lenta lacertis
spicula contorquent cursuque ictuque lacessunt:
cum praevectus equo longaevi regis ad auris
nuntius ingentis ignota in veste reportat
advenisse viros. Ille intra tecta vocari
imperat et solio medius consedit avito.

[¶8] Large and majestical the castle rose:
a hundred columns lifted it in air
upon the city's crown—the royal keep
of Picus of Laurentum; round it lay
deep, gloomy woods by olden worship blest.
Here kings took sceptre and the fasces proud
with omens fair; the selfsame sacred place
was senate-house and temple; here was found
a hall for hallowed feasting, where a ram
was offered up, and at long banquet-boards
the nation's fathers sat in due array.
Here ranged ancestral statues roughly hewn
of ancient cedar-wood: King Italus;
Father Sabinus, planter of the vine,
a curving sickle in his sculptured hand;
gray-bearded Saturn; and the double brow
of Janus' head; and other sires and kings
were wardens of the door, with many a chief
wounded in battle for his native land.
Trophies of arms in goodly order hung
along the columns: chariots of war
from foeman taken, axes of round blade,
plumed helmets, bolts and barriers of steel
from city-gates, shields, spears, and beaks of bronze
from captured galleys by the conqueror torn.
Here, wielding his Quirinal augur-staff,
girt in scant shift, and bearing on his left
the sacred oval shield, appeared enthroned
Picus, breaker of horses, whom his bride,
enamoured Circe, smote with golden wand,
and, raining o'er him potent poison-dew,
changed to a bird of pied and dappled wings.

> Latin: Tectum augustum ingens. centum sublime columnis,
urbe fuit summa, Laurentis regia Pici,
horrendum silvis et religione parentum.
Hic sceptra accipere et primos attollere fasces
regibus omen erat, hoc illis curia templum,
hae sacris sedes epulis, hic ariete caeso
perpetuis soliti patres considere mensis.
Quin etiam veterum effigies ex ordine avorum
antiqua e cedro, Italusque paterque Sabinus
vitisator, curvam servans sub imagine falcem,
Saturnusque senex Ianique bifrontis imago
vestibulo astabant, aliique ab origine reges
Martiaque ob patriam pugnando volnera passi.
Multaque praeterea sacris in postibus arma,
captivi pendent currus curvaeque secures
et cristae capitum et portarum ingentia claustra
spiculaque clipeique ereptaque rostra carinis.
Ipse Quirinali lituo parvaque sedebat
succinctus trabea laevaque ancile gerebat
Picus, equum domitor; quem capta cupidine coniunx
aurea percussum virga versumque venenis
fecit avem Circe sparsitque coloribus alas.

[¶9] In such a temple of his gods did Sire
Latinus, on hereditary throne,
welcome the Trojans to his halls, and thus
with brow serene gave greeting as they came:
“O sons of Dardanus, think not unknown
your lineage and city! Rumored far
your venturous voyage has been. What seek ye here?
What cause, what quest, has brought your barks and you
o'er the blue waters to Ausonia's hills?
What way uncharted, or wild stress of storm,
or what that sailors suffer in mid-sea,
unto this river bank and haven bore?
Doubt not our welcome! We of Latin land
are Saturn's sons, whose equitable minds,
not chained by statute or compulsion, keep
in freedom what the god's good custom gave.
Now I bethink me our Ausonian seers
have dark, dim lore that 't was this land gave birth
to Dardanus, who after took his way
through Phrygian Ida's towns and Samothrace.
Once out of Tuscan Corythus he fared;
but now in golden house among the stars
he has a throne, and by his altars blest
adds to the number of the gods we praise.”

> Latin: Tali intus templo divom patriaque Latinus
sede sedens Teucros ad sese in tecta vocavit,
atque haec ingressis placido prior edidit ore:
“Dicite, Dardanidae (neque enim nescimus et urbem”
“et genus, auditique advertitis aequore cursum),”
“quid petitis? Quae causa rates aut cuius egentis”
“litus ad Ausonium tot per vada caerula vexit?”
“Sive errore viae seu tempestatibus acti,”
“qualia multa mari nautae patiuntur in alto,”
“fluminis intrastis ripas portuque sedetis,”
“ne fugite hospitium neve ignorate Latinos”
“Saturni gentem, haud vinclo nec legibus aequam,”
“sponte sua veterisque dei se more tenentem.”
“Atque equidem memini (fama est obscurior annis)”
“Auruncos ita ferre senes, his ortus ut agris”
“Dardanus Idaeas Phrygiae penetravit ad urbes”
“Threiciamque Samum, quae nunc Samothracia fertur.”
“Hinc illum, Corythi Tyrrhena ab sede profectum,”
“aurea nunc solio stellantis regia caeli”
“accipit et numerum divorum altaribus auget.”

[¶10] He spoke; Ilioneus this answer made:
“O King, great heir of Faunus! No dark storm
impelled us o'er the flood thy realm to find.
Nor star deceived, nor strange, bewildering shore
threw out of our true course; but we are come
by our free choice and with deliberate aim
to this thy town, though exiled forth of realms
once mightiest of all the sun-god sees
when moving from his utmost eastern bound.
From Jove our line began; the sons of Troy
boast Jove to be their sire, and our true King
is of Olympian seed. To thine abode
Trojan Aeneas sent us. How there burst
o'er Ida's vales from dread Mycenae's kings
a tempest vast, and by what stroke of doom
all Asia's world with Europe clashed in war,
that lone wight hears whom earth's remotest isle
has banished to the Ocean's rim, or he
whose dwelling is the ample zone that burns
betwixt the changeful sun-god's milder realms,
far severed from the world. We are the men
from war's destroying deluge safely borne
over the waters wide. We only ask
some low-roofed dwelling for our fathers' gods,
some friendly shore, and, what to all is free,
water and air. We bring no evil name
upon thy people; thy renown will be
but wider spread; nor of a deed so fair
can grateful memory die. Ye ne'er will rue
that to Ausonia's breast ye gathered Troy.
I swear thee by the favored destinies
of great Aeneas, by his strength of arm
in friendship or in war, that many a tribe
(O, scorn us not, that, bearing olive green,
with suppliant words we come), that many a throne
has sued us to be friends. But Fate's decree
to this thy realm did guide. Here Dardanus
was born; and with reiterate command
this way Apollo pointed to the stream
of Tiber and Numicius' haunted spring.
Lo, these poor tributes from his greatness gone
Aeneas sends, these relics snatched away
from Ilium burning: with this golden bowl
Anchises poured libation when he prayed;
and these were Priam's splendor, when he gave
laws to his gathered states; this sceptre his,
this diadem revered, and beauteous pall,
handwork of Asia's queens.”

> Latin: Dixerat, et dicta Ilioneus sic voce secutus:
“Rex, genus egregium Fauni, nec fluctibus actos,”
“atra subegit hiemps vestris succedere terris”
“nec sidus regione viae litusve fefellit:”
“consilio hanc omnes animisque volentibus urbem,”
“adferimur, pulsi regnis, quae maxima quondam”
“extremo veniens Sol aspiciebat Olympo.”
“Ab Iove principium generis, Iove Dardana pubes”
“gaudet avo, rex ipse Iovis de gente suprema,”
“Troius Aeneas, tua nos ad limina misit.”
“Quanta per Idaeos saevis effusa Mycenis”
“tempestas ierit campos, quibus actus uterque”
“Europae atque Asiae fatis concurrerit orbis,”
“audiit et siquem tellus extrema refuso”
“summovet oceano et siquem extenta plagarum”
“quattuor in medio dirimit plaga solis iniqui.”
“Diluvio ex illo tot vasta per aequora vecti”
“dis sedem exiguam patriis litusque rogamus”
“innocuum et cunctis undamque auramque patentem.”
“Non erimus regno indecores, nec vestra feretur”
“fama levis tantique abolescet gratia facti,”
“nec Troiam Ausonios gremio excepisse pigebit.”
“Fata per Aeneae iuro dextramque potentem”
“sive fide seu quis bello est expertus et armis:”
“multi nos populi, multae (ne temne, quod ultro”
“praeferimus manibus vittas ac verba precantia)”
“et petiere sibi et voluere adiungere gentes;”
“sed nos fata deum vestras exquirere terras”
“imperiis egere suis. Hinc Dardanus ortus;”
“huc repetit iussisque ingentibus urguet Apollo”
“Tyrrhenum ad Thybrim et fontis vada sacra Numici.”
“Dat tibi praeterea fortunae parva prioris”
“munera, reliquias Troia ex ardente receptas.”
“Hoc pater Anchises auro libabat ad aras;”
“hoc Priami gestamen erat, cum iura vocatis”
“more daret populis, sceptrumque sacerque tiaras”
“Iliadumque labor vestes.”

[¶11] So ceased to speak
Ilioneus. But King Latinus gazed
unanswering on the ground, all motionless
save for his musing eyes. The broidered pall
of purple, and the sceptre Priam bore,
moved little on his kingly heart, which now
pondered of giving to the bridal bed
his daughter dear. He argues in his mind
the oracle of Faunus:—might this be
that destined bridegroom from an alien land,
to share his throne, to get a progeny
of glorious valor, which by mighty deeds
should win the world for kingdom? So at last
with joyful brow he spoke: “Now let the gods
our purpose and their own fair promise bless!
Thou hast, O Trojan, thy desire. Thy gifts
I have not scorned; nor while Latinus reigns
shall ye lack riches in my plenteous land,
not less than Trojan store. But where is he,
Aeneas' self? If he our royal love
so much desire, and have such urgent mind
to be our guest and friend, let him draw near,
nor turn him from well-wishing looks away!
My offering and pledge of peace shall be
to clasp your monarch's hand. Bear back, I pray,
this answer to your King: my dwelling holds
a daughter, whom with husband of her blood
great signs in heaven and from my father's tomb
forbid to wed. A son from alien shores
they prophesy for Latium's heir, whose seed
shall lift our glory to the stars divine.
I am persuaded this is none but he,
that man of destiny; and if my heart
be no false prophet, I desire it so.”
Thus having said, the sire took chosen steeds
from his full herd, whereof, well-groomed and fair,
three hundred stood within his ample pale.
Of these to every Teucrian guest he gave
a courser swift and strong, in purple clad
and broidered housings gay; on every breast
hung chains of gold; in golden robes arrayed,
they champed the red gold curb their teeth between.
For offering to Aeneas, he bade send
a chariot, with chargers twain of seed
ethereal, their nostrils breathing fire:
the famous kind which guileful Circe bred,
cheating her sire, and mixed the sun-god's team
with brood-mares earthly born. The sons of Troy,
such gifts and greetings from Latinus bearing,
rode back in pomp his words of peace to bring.

> Latin: Talibus Ilionei dictis defixa Latinus
obtutu tenet ora soloque immobilis haeret
intentos volvens oculos. Nec purpura regem
picta movet nec sceptra movent Priameia tantum,
quantum in conubio natae thalamoque moratur,
et veteris Fauni voluit sub pectore sortem,
hunc illum fatis externa ab sede profectum
portendi generum paribusque in regna vocari
auspiciis, huic progeniem virtute futuram
egregiam et totum quae viribus occupet orbem.
tandem laetus ait: “Di nostra incepta secundent”
“auguriumque suum; dabitur, Troiane, quod optas,”
“munera nec sperno. Non vobis rege Latino”
“divitis uber agri Troiaeve opulentia deerit.”
“Ipse modo Aeneas, nostri si tanta cupido est,”
“si iungi hospitio properat sociusque vocari,”
“adveniat voltus neve exhorrescat amicos:”
“illi pacis erit dextram tetigisse tyranni.”
“vos contra regi mea nunc mandata referte.”
“Est mihi nata, viro gentis quam iungere nostrae”
“non patrio ex adyto sortes, non plurima caelo”
“monstra sinunt: generos externis adfore ab oris,”
“hoc Latio restare canunt, qui sanguine nostrum”
“nomen in astra ferant. Hunc illum poscere fata”
“et reor et, siquid veri mens augurat, opto.”
haec effatus equos numero pater eligit omni
(stabant ter centum nitidi in praesaepibus altis):
omnibus extemplo Teucris iubet ordine duci
instratos ostro alipedes pictisque tapetis;
aurea pectoribus demissa monilia pendent,
tecti auro fulvum mandunt sub dentibus aurum;
absenti Aeneae currum geminosque iugalis
semine ab aetherio, spirantis naribus ignem,
illorum de gente, patri quos daedala Circe
supposita de matre nothos furata creavit.
Talibus Aeneadae donis dictisque Latini
sublimes in equis redeunt pacemque reportant.

[¶12] But lo! from Argos on her voyage of air
rides the dread spouse of Jove. She, sky-enthroned
above the far Sicilian promontory,
pachynus, sees Dardania's rescued fleet,
and all Aeneas' joy. The prospect shows
houses a-building, lands of safe abode,
and the abandoned ships. With bitter grief
she stands at gaze: then with storm-shaken brows,
thus from her heart lets loose the wrathful word:
“O hated race! O Phrygian destinies —
to mine forevermore (unhappy me!)
a scandal and offense! Did no one die
on Troy's embattled plain? Could captured slaves
not be enslaved again? Was Ilium's flame
no warrior's funeral pyre? Did they walk safe
through serried swords and congregated fires?
At last, methought, my godhead might repose,
and my full-fed revenge in slumber lie.
But nay! Though flung forth from their native land,
I o'er the waves, with enmity unstayed,
dared give them chase, and on that exiled few
hurled the whole sea. I smote the sons of Troy
with ocean's power and heaven's. But what availed
Syrtes, or Scylla, or Charybdis' waves?
The Trojans are in Tiber; and abide
within their prayed-for land delectable,
safe from the seas and me! Mars once had power
the monstrous Lapithae to slay; and Jove
to Dian's honor and revenge gave o'er
the land of Calydon. What crime so foul
was wrought by Lapithae or Calydon?
But I, Jove's wife and Queen, who in my woes
have ventured each bold stroke my power could find,
and every shift essayed,—behold me now
outdone by this Aeneas! If so weak
my own prerogative of godhead be,
let me seek strength in war, come whence it will!
If Heaven I may not move, on Hell I call.
To bar him from his Latin throne exceeds
my fated power. So be it! Fate has given
Lavinia for his bride. But long delays
I still can plot, and to the high event
deferment and obstruction. I can smite
the subjects of both kings. Let sire and son
buy with their people's blood this marriage-bond!
Let Teucrian and Rutulian slaughter be
thy virgin dower, and Bellona's blaze
light thee the bridal bed! Not only teemed
the womb of Hecuba with burning brand,
and brought forth nuptial fires; but Venus, too,
such offspring bore, a second Paris, who
to their new Troy shall fatal wedlock bring.”

> Latin: Ecce autem Inachiis sese referebat ab Argis
saeva Iovis coniunx aurasque invecta tenebat,
et laetum Aenean classemque ex aethere longe
Dardaniam Siculo prospexit ab usque Pachyno.
moliri iam tecta videt, iam fidere terrae,
deseruisse rates: stetit acri fixa dolore.
Tum quassans caput haec effundit pectore dicta:
“Heu stirpem invisam et fatis contraria nostris”
“fata Phrygum! Num Sigeis occumbere campis,”
“num capti potuere capi, num incensa cremavit”
“Troia viros? Medias acies mediosque per ignis”
“invenere viam. At, credo, mea numina tandem”
“fessa iacent odiis aut exsaturata quievi.”
“Quin etiam patria excussos infesta per undas”
“ausa sequi et profugis toto me opponere ponto!”
“Absumptae in Teucros vires caelique marisque.”
“Quid Syrtes aut Scylla mihi, quid vasta Charybdis”
“profuit? Optato conduntur Thybridis alveo,”
“securi pelagi atque mei. Mars perdere gentem”
“immanem Lapithum valuit, concessit in iras”
“ipse deum antiquam genitor Calydona Dianae,”
“quod scelus aut Lapithis tantum aut Calydona merentem?”
“Ast ego magna Iovis coniunx, nil linquere inausum”
“quae potui infelix, quae memet in omnia verti,”
“vincor ab Aenea. Quod si mea numina non sunt”
“magna satis, dubitem haud equidem implorare quod usquam est:”
“flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.”
“Non dabitur regnis, esto, prohibere Latinis,”
“atque immota manet fatis Lavinia coniunx:”
“at trahere atque moras tantis licet addere rebus,”
“at licet amborum populos exscindere regum.”
“Hac gener atque socer coeant mercede suorum:”
“sanguine Troiano et Rutulo dotabere, virgo,”
“et Bellona manet te pronuba. Nec face tantum”
“Cisseis praegnans ignis enixa iugalis”
“quin idem Veneri partus suus et Paris alter”
“funestaeque iterum recidiva in Pergama taedae.”

[¶13] So saying, with aspect terrible she sped
earthward her way; and called from gloom of hell
Alecto, woeful power, from cloudy throne
among the Furies, where her heart is fed
with horrid wars, wrath, vengeance, treason foul,
and fatal feuds. Her father Pluto loathes
the creature he engendered, and with hate
her hell-born sister-fiends the monster view.
A host of shapes she wears, and many a front
of frowning black brows viper-garlanded.
Juno to her this goading speech addressed:
“O daughter of dark Night, arouse for me
thy wonted powers and our task begin!
Lest now my glory fail, my royal name
be vanquished, while Aeneas and his crew
cheat with a wedlock bond the Latin King
and seize Italia's fields. Thou canst thrust on
two Ioving brothers to draw sword and slay,
and ruin homes with hatred, calling in
the scourge of Furies and avenging fires.
A thousand names thou bearest, and thy ways
of ruin multiply a thousand-fold.
Arouse thy fertile breast! Go, rend in twain
this plighted peace! Breed calumnies and sow
causes of battle, till yon warrior hosts
cry out for swords and leap to gird them on.”

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit, terras Horrenda petivit:
luctificam Allecto dirarum ab sede dearum
infernisque ciet tenebris, cui tristia bella
iraeque insidiaeque et crimina noxia cordi.
Odit et ipse pater Pluton, odere sorores
Tartareae monstrum: tot sese vertit in ora,
tam saevae facies, tot pullulat atra colubris.
Quam Iuno his acuit verbis ac talia fatur:
“Hunc mihi da proprium, virgo sata Nocte, laborem,”
“hanc operam, ne noster honos infractave cedat”
“fama loco, neu conubiis ambire Latinum”
“Aeneadae possint Italosve obsidere finis.”
“Tu potes unanimos armare in proelia fratres”
“atque odiis versare domos, tu verbera tectis”
“funereasque inferre faces, tibi nomina mille,”
“mille nocendi artes. Fecundum concute pectus,”
“disice compositam pacem, sere crimina belli:”
“arma velit poscatque simul rapiatque inventus.”

[¶14] Straightway Alecto, through whose body flows
the Gorgon poison, took her viewless way
to Latium and the lofty walls and towers
of the Laurentian King. Crouching she sate
in silence on the threshold of the bower
where Queen Amata in her fevered soul
pondered, with all a woman's wrath and fear,
upon the Trojans and the marriage-suit
of Turnus. From her Stygian hair the fiend
a single serpent flung, which stole its way
to the Queen's very heart, that, frenzy-driven,
she might on her whole house confusion pour.
Betwixt her smooth breast and her robe it wound
unfelt, unseen, and in her wrathful mind
instilled its viper soul. Like golden chain
around her neck it twined, or stretched along
the fillets on her brow, or with her hair
enwrithing coiled; then on from limb to limb
slipped tortuous. Yet though the venom strong
thrilled with its first infection every vein,
and touched her bones with fire, she knew it not,
nor yielded all her soul, but made her plea
in gentle accents such as mothers use;
and many a tear she shed, about her child,
her darling, destined for a Phrygian's bride:
“O father! can we give Lavinia's hand
to Trojan fugitives? why wilt thou show
no mercy on thy daughter, nor thyself;
nor unto me, whom at the first fair wind
that wretch will leave deserted, bearing far
upon his pirate ship my stolen child?
Was it not thus that Phrygian shepherd came
to Lacedaemon, ravishing away
Helen, the child of Leda, whom he bore
to those false Trojan lands? Hast thou forgot
thy plighted word? Where now thy boasted love
of kith and kin, and many a troth-plight given
unto our kinsman Turnus? If we need
an alien son, and Father Faunus' words
irrevocably o'er thy spirit brood,
I tell thee every land not linked with ours
under one sceptre, but distinct and free,
is alien; and 't is thus the gods intend.
Indeed, if Turnus' ancient race be told,
it sprang of Inachus, Acrisius,
and out of mid-Mycenae.”

> Latin: Exin Gorgoneis Allecto infecta venenis
principio Latium et Laurentis tecta tyranni
celsa petit tacitumque obsedit limen Amatae,
quam super adventu Teucrum Turnique hymenaeis
femineae ardentem curaeque iraeque coquebant.
Huic dea caeruleis unum de crinibus anguem
conicit inque sinum praecordia ad intuma subdit,
quo furibunda domum monstro permisceat omnem.
Ille inter vestes et levia pectora lapsus
volvitur attactu nullo fallitque furentem,
vipeream inspirans animam: fit tortile collo
aurum ingens coluber, fit longae taenia vittae
innectitque comas, et membris lubricus errat.
Ac dum prima lues udo sublapsa veneno
pertemptat sensus atque ossibus implicat ignem
necdum animus toto percepit pectore flammam,
mollius et solito matrum de more locuta est,
multa super nata lacrimans Phrygiisque hymenaeis:
“Exsulibusne datur ducenda Lavinia Teucris,”
“O genitor, nec te miseret gnataeque tuique?”
“Nec matris miseret, quam primo aquilone relinquet”
“perfidus alta petens abducta virgine praedo?”
“An non sic Phrygius penetrat Lacedaemona pastor”
“Ledaeamque Helenam Troianas vexit ad urbes?”
“Quid tua sancta fides, quid cura antiqua tuorum”
“et consanguineo totiens data dextera Turno?”
“Si gener externa petitur de gente Latinis”
“idque sedet Faunique premunt te iussa parentis,”
“omnem equidem sceptris terram quae libera nostris”
“dissidet, externam reor et sic dicere divos.”
“Et Turno, si prima domus repetatur origo,”
“Inachus Acrisiusque patres mediaeque Mycenae.”

[¶15] But she sees
her lord Latinus resolute, her words
an effort vain; and through her body spreads
the Fury's deeply venomed viper-sting.
Then, woe-begone, by dark dreams goaded on,
she wanders aimless, fevered and unstrung
along the public ways; as oft one sees
beneath the twisted whips a leaping top
sped in long spirals through a palace-close
by lads at play: obedient to the thong,
it weaves wide circles in the gaping view
of its small masters, who admiring see
the whirling boxwood made a living thing
under their lash. So fast and far she roved
from town to town among the clansmen wild.
Then to the wood she ran, feigning to feel
the madness Bacchus loves; for she essays
a fiercer crime, by fiercer frenzy moved.
Now in the leafy dark of mountain vales
she hides her daughter, ravished thus away
from Trojan bridegroom and the wedding-feast.
“Hail, Bacchus! Thou alone,” she shrieked and raved,
“art worthy such a maid. For thee she bears
the thyrsus with soft ivy-clusters crowned,
and trips ecstatic in thy beauteous choir.
For thee alone my daughter shall unbind
the glory of her virgin hair.” Swift runs
the rumor of her deed; and, frenzy-driven,
the wives of Latium to the forests fly,
enkindled with one rage. They leave behind
their desolated hearths, and let rude winds
o'er neck and tresses blow; their voices fill
the welkin with convulsive shriek and wail;
and, with fresh fawn-skins on their bodies bound,
they brandish vine-clad spears. The Queen herself
lifts high a blazing pine tree, while she sings
a wedding-song for Turnus and her child.
With bloodshot glance and anger wild, she cries:
“Ho! all ye Latin wives, if e'er ye knew
kindness for poor Amata, if ye care
for a wronged mother's woes, O, follow me!
Cast off the matron fillet from your brows,
and revel to our mad, voluptuous song.”
Thus, through the woodland haunt of creatures wild,
Alecto urges on the raging Queen
with Bacchus' cruel goad.

> Latin: His ubi nequiquam dictis experta Latinum
contra stare videt penitusque in viscera lapsum
serpentis furiale malum totamque pererrat,
tum vero infelix, ingentibus excita monstris,
immensam sine more furit lymphata per urbem.
Ceu quondam torto volitans sub verbere turbo,
quem pueri magno in gyro vacua atria circum
intenti ludo exercent; ille actus habena
curvatis fertur spatiis; stupet inscia supra
inpubesque manus, mirata volubile buxum;
dant animos plagae: non cursu segnior illo
per medias urbes agitur populosque feroces.
Quin etiam in silvas, simulato numine Bacchi,
maius adorta nefas maioremque orsa furorem
evolat et natam frondosis montibus abdit,
quo thalamum eripiat Teucris taedasque moretur,
Euhoe Bacche, fremens, solum te virgine dignum
vociferans, etenim mollis tibi sumere thyrsos,
te lustrare choro, sacrum tibi pascere crinem.
Fama volat, furiisque accensas pectore matres
idem omnis simul ardor agit nova quaerere tecta:
deseruere domos, ventis dant colla comasque,
ast aliae tremulis ululatibus aethera complent,
pampineasque gerunt incinctae pellibus hastas;
ipsa inter medias flagrantem fervida pinum
sustinet ac natae Turnique canit hymenaeos,
sanguineam torquens aciem, torvumque repente
clamat: “Io matres, audite, ubi quaeque, Latinae:”
“Siqua piis animis manet infelicis Amatae”
“gratia, si iuris materni cura remordet,”
“solvite crinalis vittas, capite orgia mecum.”
Talem inter silvas, inter deserta ferarum,
reginam Allecto stimulis agit undique Bacchi.

[¶16] But when she deemed
the edge of wrath well whetted, and the house
of wise Latinus of all reason reft,
then soared the black-winged goddess to the walls
of the bold Rutule, to the city built
(So runs the tale) by beauteous Danae
and her Acrisian people, shipwrecked there
by south wind strong. Its name was Ardea
in language of our sires, and that proud name
of Ardea still it wears, though proud no more.
Here Turnus in the gloom of midnight lay
half-sleeping in his regal hall. For him
Alecto her grim fury-guise put by,
and wore an old crone's face, her baleful brow
delved deep with wrinkled age, her hoary hair
in sacred fillet bound, and garlanded
with leaf of olive: Calybe she seemed,
an aged servitress ot Juno's shrine,
and in this seeming thus the prince addressed:—
“O Turnus, wilt thou tamely see thy toil
lavished in vain? and thy true throne consigned
to Trojan wanderers? The King repels
thy noble wooing and thy war-won dower.
He summons him a son of alien stem
to take his kingdom. Rouse thee now, and front,
scorned and without reward, these perilous days.
Tread down that Tuscan host! Protect the peace
of Latium from its foe! Such is the word
which, while in night and slumber thou wert laid,
Saturnia's godhead, visibly revealed,
bade me declare. Up, therefore, and array
thy warriors in arms! Swift sallying forth
from thy strong city-gates, on to the fray
exultant go! Assail the Phrygian chiefs
who tent them by thy beauteous river's marge,
and burn their painted galleys! 't is the will
of gods above that speaks. Yea, even the King
Latinus, if he will not heed thy plea,
or hear thy wooing, shall be taught too late
what Turnus is in panoply of war.”

> Latin: Postquam visa satis primos acuisse furores
consiliumque omnemque domum vertisse Latini,
protinus hinc fuscis tristis dea tollitur alis
audacis Rutuli ad muros, quam dicitur urbem
Acrisioneis Danae fundasse colonis,
praecipiti delata noto. Locus Ardea quondam
dictus avis, et nunc magnum manet Ardea nomen,
sed fortuna fuit; tectis hic Turnus in altis
iam mediam nigra carpebat nocte quietem.
Allecto torvam faciem et furialia membra
exuit, in vultus sese transformat anilis;
et frontem obscenam rugis arat, induit albos
cum vitta crinis, tum ramum innectit olivae;
fit Calybe Iunonis anus templique sacerdos
et iuveni ante oculos his se cum vocibus offert:
“Turne, tot incassum fusos patiere labores”
“et tua Dardaniis transcribi sceptra colonis?”
“Rex tibi coniugium et quaesitas sanguine dotes”
“abnegat, externusque in regnum quaeritur heres.”
“I nunc, ingratis offer te, inrise, periclis;”
“Tyrrhenas, i, sterne acies; tege pace Latinos.”
“Haec adeo tibi me, placida cum nocte iaceres,”
“ipsa palam fari omnipotens Saturnia iussit.”
“Quare age et armari pubem portisque moveri”
“laetus in arma para, et Phrygios qui flumine pulchro”
“consedere duces pictasque exure carinas.”
“Caelestum vis magna iubet. Rex ipse Latinus,”
“ni dare coniugium et dicto parere fatetur,”
“sentiat et tandem Turnum experiatur in armis.”

## 14. Book VII · lines 435–817

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/14/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/14/#p-N

[¶0] In mocking answer to the prophetess
the warrior thus replied: “That stranger fleet
in Tiber moored, not, as thy folly prates,
of me unnoted lies. Vex me no more
with thy fantastic terror. Juno's power
is watchful of my cause. 'T is mere old age,
gone to decay and dotage, fills thy breast
with vain foreboding, and, while kings contend,
scares and deceives thy visionary eye.
Guard thou in yonder temple's holy shade
the images divine! Of peace and war
let men and warriors the burden bear!”

> Latin: Hic iuvenis vatem inridens sic orsa vicissim
ore refert: “Classis invectas Thybridis undam”
“non, ut rere, meas effugit nuntius auris.”
“Ne tantos mihi finge metus; nec regia Iuno”
“inmemor est nostri.”
“Sed te victa situ verique effeta senectus,”
“o mater, curis nequiquam exercet et arma”
“regum inter falsa vatem formidine ludit.”
“Cura tibi divom effigies et templa tueri:”
“bella viri pacemque gerent, quis bella gerenda.”

[¶1] So kindled he Alecto's wrath to flame;
and even as he spoke a shudder thrilled
the warrior's body, and his eyeballs stood
stonily staring at the hydra hair
which hissed and writhed above the grisly head
of the large-looming fiend. With eyes of fire
horribly rolling, she repelled him far,
while he but faltered speechless. She upraised
two coiling snakes out of her tresses, cracked
the lashes of her scourge, and wrathfully,
with raving lips replied: “Look well on me,
gone to decay and dotage of old age!
And mocked with foolish fear while kings contend!
Wilt hearken now! Behold me, hither flown
from where my sister-furies dwell! My hands
bring bloody death and war.” She spoke, and hurled
her firebrand at the hero, thrusting deep
beneath his heart her darkly smouldering flame.
Then horror broke his sleep, and fearful sweat
dripped from his every limb. He shrieked aloud
for arms; and seized the ready arms that lay
around his couch and hall. Then o'er his soul
the lust of battle and wild curse of war
broke forth in angry power, as when the flames
of faggots round the bubbling cauldron sing,
and up the waters leap; the close-kept flood
brims over, streaming, foaming, breaking bound,
and flings thick clouds in air. He, summoning
his chieftains, bade them on Latinus move,
break peace, take arms, and, over Italy
their shields extending, to thrust forth her foe:
himself for Teucrian with Latin joined
was more than match. He called upon the gods
in witness of his vows: while, nothing loth,
Rutulia's warriors rushed into array;
some by his youth and noble beauty moved,
some by his kingly sires and fame in arms.

> Latin: Talibus Allecto dictis exarsit in iras,
at iuveni oranti subitus tremor occupat artus,
deriguere oculi: tot Erinys sibilat hydris
tantaque se facies aperit; tum flammea torquens
lumina cunctantem et quaerentem dicere plura
reppulit et geminos erexit crinibus anguis
verberaque insonuit rabidoque haec addidit ore:
“En ego victa situ, quam veri effeta senectus”
“arma inter regum falsa formidine ludit.”
“Respice ad haec: adsum dirarum ab sede sororum,”
“bella manu letumque gero.”
Sic effata facem iuveni coniecit et atro
lumine fumantis fixit sub pectore taedas.
Olli somnum ingens rumpit pavor, ossaque et artus
perfundit toto proruptus corpore sudor;
arma amens fremit, arma toro tectisque requirit;
saevit amor ferri et scelerata insania belli,
ira super: magno veluti cum flamma sonore
virgea suggeritur costis undantis aëni
exsultantque aestu latices, furit intus aquaï
fumidus atque alte spumis exuberat amnis,
nec iam se capit unda, volat vapor ater ad auras.
Ergo iter ad regem polluta pace Latinum
indicit primis iuvenum et iubet arma parari,
tutari Italiam, detrudere finibus hostem:
se satis ambobus Teucrisque venire Latinisque.
Haec ubi dicta dedit divosque in vota vocavit,
certatim sese Rutuli exhortantur in arma:
hunc decus egregium formae movet atque iuventae,
hunc atavi reges, hunc claris dextera factis.

[¶2] While Turnus stirred Rutulia's valiant souls,
Alecto on her Stygian pinions sped
to where the Teucrians lay. She scanned the ground
with eager guile, where by the river's marge
fair-browed Iulus with his nets and snares
rode fiercely to the chase. Then o'er his hounds
that hell-born virgin breathed a sudden rage,
and filled each cunning nostril with the scent
of stags, till forth in wild pursuit they flew.
Here all the woe began, and here awoke
in rustic souls the swift-enkindling war.
For a fair stag, tall-antlered, stolen away
even from its mother's milk, had long been kept
by Tyrrhus and his sons—the shepherd he
of all the royal flocks, and forester
of a wide region round. With fondest care
their sister Silvia entwined its horns
with soft, fresh garlands, tamed it to run close,
and combed the creature, or would bring to bathe
at a clear, crystal spring. It knew the hands
of all its gentle masters, and would feed
from their own dish; or wandering through the wood,
come back unguided to their friendly door,
though deep the evening shade. Iulus' dogs
now roused this wanderer in their ravening chase,
as, drifted down-stream far from home it lay,
on a green bank a-cooling. From bent bow
Ascanius, eager for a hunter's praise,
let go his shaft; nor did Alecto fail
his aim to guide: but, whistling through the air,
the light-winged reed pierced deep in flank and side.
Swift to its cover fled the wounded thing,
and crept loud-moaning to its wonted stall,
where, like a blood-stained suppliant, it seemed
to fill that shepherd's house with plaintive prayer.
Then Silvia the sister, smiting oft
on breast and arm, made cry for help, and called
the sturdy rustics forth in gathering throng.
These now (for in the silent forest couched
the cruel Fury) swift to battle flew.
One brandished a charred stake, another swung
a knotted cudgel, as rude anger shapes
its weapon of whate'er the searching eye
first haps to fall on. Tyrrhus roused his clans,
just when by chance he split with blows of wedge
an oak in four; and, panting giant breath,
shouldered his woodman's axe.

> Latin: Dum Turnus Rutulos animis audacibus implet,
Allecto in Teucros Stygiis se concitat alis,
arte nova speculata locum, quo litore pulcher
insidiis cursuque feras agitabat Iulus.
Hic subitam canibus rabiem Cocytia virgo
obicit et noto naris contingit odore,
ut cervum ardentes agerent; quae prima laborum
causa fuit belloque animos accendit agrestis.
Cervus erat forma praestanti et cornibus ingens,
Tyrrhidae pueri quem matris ab ubere raptum
nutribant Tyrrhusque pater, cui regia parent
armenta et late custodia credita campi.
Adsuetum imperiis soror omni Silvia cura
mollibus intexens ornabat cornua sertis
pectebatque ferum puroque in fonte lavabat.
Ille, manum patiens mensaeque adsuetus erili,
errabat silvis rursusque ad limina nota
ipse domum sera quamvis se nocte ferebat.
Hunc procul errantem rabidae venantis Iuli
commovere canes, fluvio cum forte secundo
deflueret ripaque aestus viridante levaret.
Ipse etiam, eximiae laudis succensus amore,
Ascanius curvo direxit spicula cornu;
nec dextrae erranti deus afuit, actaque multo
perque uterum sonitu perque ilia venit harundo.
Saucius at quadrupes nota intra tecta refugit
successitque gemens stabulis questuque cruentus
atque imploranti similis tectum omne replebat.
Silvia prima soror, palmis percussa lacertos,
auxilium vocat et duros conclamat agrestis.
Olli, pestis enim tacitis latet aspera silvis,
inprovisi adsunt, hic torre armatus obusto,
stipitis hic gravidi nodis: quod cuique repertum
rimanti, telum ira facit. Vocat agmina Tyrrhus,
quadrifidam quercum cuneis ut forte coactis
scindebat, rapta spirans immane securi.

[¶3] Alecto then,
prompt to the stroke of mischief, soared aloft
from where she spying sate, to the steep roof
of a tall byre, and from its peak of straw
blew a wild signal on a shepherd's horn,
outflinging her infernal note so far
that all the forest shuddered, and the grove
throbbed to its deepest glen. Cold Trivia's lake
from end to end gave ear, and every wave
of the white stream of Nar, the lonely pools
of still Velinus heard: while at the sound
pale mothers to their breasts their children drew.
Swift to the signal of the dreadful horn,
snatching their weapons rude, the freeborn swains
assembled for the fray; the Trojan bands
poured from their bivouac with instant aid
for young Ascanius. In array of war
both stand confronting. Not mere rustic brawl
with charred oak-staff and cudgel is the fight,
but with the two-edged steel; the naked swords
wave like dark-bladed harvest-field, while far
the brazen arms flash in the smiting sun,
and skyward fling their beam: so some wide sea,
at first but whitened in the rising wind,
swells its slow-rolling mass and ever higher
its billows rears, until the utmost deep
lifts in one surge to heaven. The first to fall
was Almo, eldest-born of Tyrrhus' sons,
whom, striding in the van, a loud-winged shaft
laid low in death; deep in his throat it clung,
and silenced with his blood the dying cry
of his frail life. Around him fell the forms
of many a brave and strong; among them died
gray-haired Galaesus pleading for a truce:
righteous he was, and of Ausonian fields
a prosperous master; five full flocks had he
of bleating sheep, and from his pastures came
five herds of cattle home; his busy churls
turned with a hundred ploughs his fruitful glebe.

> Latin: At saeva e speculis tempus dea nacta nocendi
ardua tecta petit stabuli et de culmine summo
pastorale canit signum cornuque recurvo
Tartaream intendit vocem, qua protinus omne
contremuit nemus et silvae insonuere profundae;
audiit et Triviae longe lacus, audiit amnis
sulfurea Nar albus aqua fontesque Velini,
et trepidae matres pressere ad pectora natos.
Tum vero ad vocem celeres, qua bucina signum
dira dedit, raptis concurrunt undique telis
indomiti agricolae; nec non et Troïa pubes
Ascanio auxilium castris effundit apertis.
Direxere acies. Non iam certamine agresti,
stipitibus duris agitur sudibusve praeustis,
sed ferro ancipiti decernunt atraque late
horrescit strictis seges ensibus aeraque fulgent
sole lacessita et lucem sub nubila iactant:
fluctus uti primo coepit cum albescere vento,
paulatim sese tollit mare et altius undas
erigit, inde imo consurgit ad aethera fundo.
Hic iuvenis primam ante aciem stridente sagitta,
natorum Tyrrhi fuerat qui maximus, Almo,
sternitur; haesit enim sub gutture volnus et udae
vocis iter tenuemque inclusit sanguine vitam.
Corpora multa virum circa seniorque Galaesus,
dum paci medium se offert, iustissimus unus
qui fuit Ausoniisque olim ditissimus arvis:
quinque greges illi balantum, quina redibant
armenta, et terram centum vertebat aratris.

[¶4] While o'er the battle-field thus doubtful swung
the scales of war, the Fury (to her task
now equal proven) having dyed the day
a deep-ensanguined hue, and opened fight
with death and slaughter, made no tarrying
within Hesperia, but skyward soared,
and, Ioud in triumph, insolently thus
to Juno called: “See, at thy will, their strife
full-blown to war and woe! Could even thyself
command them now to truce and amity?
But I, that with Ausonia's blood befoul
their Trojan hands, yet more can do, if thou
shift not thy purpose. For with dire alarms
I will awake the bordering states to war
enkindling in their souls the frenzied lust
the war-god breathes; till from th' horizon round
the reinforcement pours—I scattering seeds
of carnage through the land.” In answer spoke
juno: “Enough of artifice and fear!
Thy provocation works. Now have they joined
in close and deadly combat, and warm blood
those sudden-leaping swords incarnadines,
which chance put in their hands. Such nuptial joys,
such feast of wedlock, let the famous son
of Venus with the King Latinus share!
But yon Olympian Sire and King no more
permits thee freely in our skies to roam.
Go, quit the field! Myself will take control
of hazards and of labors yet to be.”
Thus Saturn's daughter spoke. Alecto then,
unfolding far her hissing, viperous wings,
turned toward her Stygian home, and took farewell
of upper air. Deep in Italia lies
a region mountain-girded, widely famed,
and known in olden songs from land to land:
the valley of Amsanctus; deep, dark shades
enclose it between forest-walls, whereby
through thunderous stony channel serpentines
a roaring fall. Here in a monstrous cave
are breathing-holes of hell, a vast abyss
where Acheron opes wide its noisome jaws:
in this Alecto plunged, concealing so
her execrable godhead, while the air
of earth and heaven felt the curse removed.

> Latin: Atque ea per campos aequo dum Marte geruntur,
promissi dea facta potens, ubi sanguine bellum
imbuit et primae commisit funera pugnae,
deserit Hesperiam et caeli convexa per auras
Iunonem victrix adfatur voce superba:
“En, perfecta tibi bello discordia tristi:”
“dic in amicitiam coeant et foedera iungant.”
“Quando quidem Ausonio respersi sanguine Teucros,”
“hoc etiam his addam, tua si mihi certa voluntas:”
“finitimas in bella feram rumoribus urbes”
“accendamque animos insani Martis amore,”
“undique ut auxilio veniunt; spargam arma per agros.”
Tum contra Iuno; “Terrorum et fraudis abunde est;”
“stant belli causae, pugnatur comminus armis,”
“quae fors prima dedit sanguis novus imbuit arma.”
“Talia coniugia et talis celebrent hymenaeos”
“egregium Veneris genus et rex ipse Latinus.”
“Te super aetherias errare licentius auras”
“haud pater ille velit, summi regnator Olympi:”
“cede locis; ego, siqua super fortuna laborum est,”
“ipsa regam.” Talis dederat Saturnia voces.
Illa autem attollit stridentis anguibus alas
Cocytique petit sedem, supera ardua linquens.
Est locus Italiae medio sub montibus altis,
nobilis et fama multis memoratus in oris,
Amsancti valles: densis hunc frondibus atrum
urguet utrimque latus nemoris, medioque fragosus
dat sonitum saxis et torto vertice torrens.
Hic specus horrendum et saevi spiracula Ditis
monstrantur, ruptoque ingens Acheronte vorago
pestiferas aperit fauces, quis condita Erinys,
invisum numen, terras caelumque levabat.

[¶5] Forthwith the sovereign hands of Juno haste
to consummate the war. The shepherds bear
back from the field of battle to the town
the bodies of the slain: young Almo's corse
and gray Galaesus' bleeding head. They call
just gods in heaven to Iook upon their wrong,
and bid Latinus see it. Turnus comes,
and, while the angry mob surveys the slain,
adds fury to the hour. “Shall the land
have Trojan lords? Shall Phrygian marriages
debase our ancient, royal blood—and I
be spurned upon the threshold?” Then drew near
the men whose frenzied women-folk had held
bacchantic orgies in the pathless grove,
awed by Amata's name: these, gathering,
sued loud for war. Yea, all defied the signs
and venerable omens; all withstood
divine decrees, and clamored for revenge,
prompted by evil powers. They besieged
the house of King Latinus, shouting-loud
with emulous rage. But like a sea-girt rock
unmoved he stood; like sea-girt rock when surge
of waters o'er it sweeps, or howling waves
surround; it keeps a ponderous front of power,
though foaming cliffs around it vainly roar;
from its firm base the broken sea-weeds fall.
But when authority no whit could change
their counsels blind, and each event fulfilled
dread Juno's will, then with complaining prayer
the aged sire cried loud upon his gods
and on th' unheeding air: “Alas,” said he,
“My doom is shipwreck, and the tempest bears
my bark away! O wretches, your own blood
shall pay the forfeit for your impious crime.
O Turnus! O abominable deed!
Avenging woes pursue thee; to deaf gods
thy late and unavailing prayer shall rise.
Now was my time to rest. But as I come
close to my journey's end, thou spoilest me
of comfort in my death.” With this the King
fled to his house and ceased his realm to guide.

> Latin: Nec minus interea extremam Saturnia bello
imponit regina manum. Ruit omnis in urbem
pastorum ex acie numerus caesosque reportant
Almonem puerum foedatique ora Galaesi
implorantque deos obtestanturque Latinum.
Turnus adest medioque in crimine caedis et igni
terrorem ingeminat: Teucros in regna vocari,
stirpem admisceri Phrygiam, se limine pelli.
Tum quorum attonitae Baccho nemora avia matres
insultant thiasis (neque enim leve nomen Amatae),
undique collecti coeunt Martemque fatigant.
Ilicet infandum cuncti contra omina bellum,
contra fata deum perverso numine poscunt,
certatim regis circumstant tecta Latini.
Ille velut pelagi rupes immota resistit,
ut pelagi rupes magno veniente fragore,
quae sese multis circum latrantibus undis
mole tenet; scopuli nequiquam et spumea circum
saxa fremunt laterique inlisa refunditur alga.
Verum ubi nulla datur caecum exsuperare potestas
consilium et saevae nutu Iunonis eunt res,
multa deos aurasque pater testatus inanis:
“Frangimur heu fatis,” inquit, “ferimurque procella!”
“Ipsi has sacrilego pendetis sanguine poenas,”
“O miseri. Te, Turne, nefas, te triste manebit”
“supplicium, votisque deos venerabere seris.”
“Nam mihi parta quies, omnisque in limine portus;”
“funere felici spolior.” Nec plura locutus
saepsit se tectis rerumque reliquit habenas.

[¶6] A sacred custom the Hesperian land
of Latium knew, by all the Alban hills
honored unbroken, which wide-ruling Rome
keeps to this day, when to new stroke she stirs
the might of Mars; if on the Danube's wave
resolved to fling the mournful doom of war,
or on the Caspian folk or Arabs wild;
or chase the morning far as India's verge,
ind from the Parthian despot wrest away
our banners Iost. Twin Gates of War there be,
of fearful name, to Mars' fierce godhead vowed:
a hundred brass bars shut them, and the strength
of uncorrupting steel; in sleepless watch
Janus the threshold keeps. 'T is here, what time
the senate's voice is war, the consul grave
in Gabine cincture and Quirinal shift
himself the griding hinges backward moves,
and bids the Romans arm; obedient then
the legionary host makes Ioud acclaim,
and hoarse consent the brazen trumpets blow.
Thus King Latinus on the sons of Troy
was urged to open war, and backward roll
those gates of sorrow: but the aged king
recoiled, refused the loathsome task, and fled
to solitary shades. Then from the skies
the Queen of gods stooped down, and her sole hand
the lingering portal moved; Saturnia
swung on their hinges the barred gates of war.
ausonia from its old tranquillity
bursts forth in flame. Foot-soldiers through the field
run to and fro; and mounted on tall steeds
the cavaliers in clouds of dust whirl by.
All arm in haste. Some oil the glittering shield
or javelin bright, or on the whetstone wear
good axes to an edge, while joyful bands
uplift the standards or the trumpets blow.
Five mighty cities to their anvils bring
new-tempered arms: Atina—martial name —
proud Tibur, Ardea, Crustumium,
and river-walled Antemnae, crowned with towers
strong hollow helmets on their brows they draw
and weave them willow-shields; or melt and mould
corselets of brass or shining silver greaves;
none now for pruning-hook or sacred plough
have love or care: but old, ancestral swords
for hardier tempering to the smith they bring.
Now peals the clarion; through the legions pass
the watchwords: the impatient yeoman takes
his helmet from the idle roof-tree hung;
while to his chariot the master yokes
the mettled war-horse, dons a shining shield
and golden mail, and buckles his good sword.

> Latin: Mos erat Hesperio in Latio, quem protinus urbes
Albanae coluere sacrum nunc maxima rerum
Roma colit, cum prima movent in proelia Martem,
sive Getis inferre manu lacrimabile bellum
Hyrcanisve Arabisve parant seu tendere ad Indos
Auroramque sequi Parthosque reposcere signa.
Sunt geminae belli portae (sic nomine dicunt)
religione sacrae et saevi formidine Martis;
centum aerei claudunt vectes aeternaque ferri
robora, nec custos absistit limine Ianus:
has, ubi certa sedet patribus sententia pugnae,
ipse Quirinali trabea cinctuque Gabino
insignis reserat stridentia limina consul,
ipse vocat pugnas; sequitur tum cetera pubes,
aereaque adsensu conspirant cornua rauco.
Hoc et tum Aeneadis indicere bella Latinus
more iubebatur tristisque recludere portas.
Abstinuit tactu pater aversusque refugit
foeda ministeria et caecis se condidit umbris.
Tum regina deum caelo delapsa morantis
impulit ipsa manu portas, et cardine verso
belli ferratos rumpit Saturnia postes.
Ardet inexcita Ausonia atque immobilis ante;
Pars pedes ire parat campis, pars arduus altis
pulverulentus equis furit; omnes arma requirunt.
Pars levis clipeos et spicula lucida tergent
arvina pingui subiguntque in cote secures;
signaque ferre iuvat sonitusque audire tubarum.
Quinque adeo magnae positis incudibus urbes
tela novant, Atina potens Tiburque superbum,
Ardea Crustumerique et turrigerae Antemnae.
Tegmina tuta cavant capitum flectuntque salignas
umbonum cratis; alii thoracas aenos
aut levis ocreas lento ducunt argento;
vomeris huc et falcis honos, huc omnis aratri
cessit amor; recoquunt patrios fornacibus enses.
Classica iamque sonant; it bello tessera signum.
Hic galeam tectis trepidus rapit, ille frementis
ad iuga cogit equos clipeumque auroque trilicem
loricam induitur fidoque accingitur ense.

[¶7] Virgins of Helicon, renew my song!
Instruct me what proud kings to battle flown
with following legions throng the serried plain.
Tell me what heroes and illustrious arms
Italia's bosom in her dawning day
benignant bore: for your celestial minds,
have memory of the past, but faint and low
steals glory's whisper on a mortal ear.

> Latin: Pandite nunc Helicona, deae, cantusque movete,
qui bello exciti reges, quae quemque secutae
complerint campos acies, quibus Itala iam tum
floruerit terra alma viris, quibus arserit armis.
Et meministis enim, divae, et memorare potestis:
ad nos vix tenuis famae perlabitur aura.

[¶8] Foremost in fight, from shores Etrurian came
Mezentius, scornful rebel against Heaven,
his people all in arms; and at his side
Lausus his heir (no fairer youth than he,
save Turnus of Laurentum), Lausus, skilled
o break proud horses and wild beasts to quell;
who from Agylla's citadel in vain
led forth his thousand warriors: worthy he
to serve a nobler sire, and happier far
he had ne'er been born Mezentius' son.

> Latin: Primus init bellum Tyrrhenis asper ab oris
contemptor divom Mezentius agminaque armat.
Filius huic iuxta Lausus, quo pulchrior alter
non fuit excepto Laurentis corpore Turni,
Lausus, equum domitor debellatorque ferarum,
ducit Agyllina nequiquam ex urbe secutos
mille viros, dignus, patriis qui laetior esset
imperiis et cui pater haud Mezentius esset.

[¶9] Next after these, conspicuous o'er the plain,
with palm-crowned chariot and victorious steeds,
rode forth well-moulded Aventinus, sprung
from shapely Hercules; upon the shield
his blazon was a hundred snakes, and showed
his father's hydra-cincture serpentine;
him deep in Aventine's most secret grove
the priestess Rhea bore—a mortal maid
clasped in a god's embrace the wondrous day
when, flushed with conquest of huge Geryon,
the lord of Tiryns to Laurentum drove,
and washed in Tiber's wave th' Iberian kine.
His followers brandished pointed pikes and staves,
or smooth Sabellian bodkin tipped with steel;
but he, afoot, swung round him as he strode
a monstrous lion-skin, its bristling mane
and white teeth crowning his ferocious brow:
for garbed as Hercules he sought his King.

> Latin: Post hos insignem palma per gramina currum
victoresque ostentat equos satus Hercule pulchro
pulcher Aventinus, clipeoque insigne paternum
centum angues cinctamque gerit serpentibus hydram;
collis Aventini silva quem Rhea sacerdos
furtivum partu sub luminis edidit oras,
mixta deo mulier, postquam Laurentia victor
Geryone extincto Tirynthius attigit arva
Tyrrhenoque boves in flumine lavit Hiberas.
Pila manu saevosque gerunt in bella dolones
et tereti pugnant mucrone veruque Sabello.
Ipse pedes, tegumen torquens immane leonis,
terribili impexum saeta cum dentibus albis
indutus capiti, sic regia tecta subibat,
horridus, Herculeoque umeros innexus amictu.

[¶10] Then came twin brethren, leaving Tibur's keep
(named from Tiburtus, brother of them twain)
Catillus and impetuous Coras, youth
of Argive seed, who foremost in the van
pressed ever where the foemen densest throng:
as when two centaurs, children of the cloud,
from mountain-tops descend in swift career,
the snows of Homole and Othrys leaving,
while crashing thickets in their pathway fall.

> Latin: Tum gemini fratres Tiburtia moenia linquunt,
fratris Tiburti dictam cognomine gentem,
Catillusque acerque Coras, Argiva iuventus,
et primam ante aciem densa inter tela feruntur:
ceu duo nubigenae cum vertice montis ab alto
descendunt centauri, Homolen Othrymque nivalem
linquentes cursu rapido; dat euntibus ingens
silva locum et magno cedunt virgulta fragore.

[¶11] Nor was Praeneste's founder absent there,
by Vulcan sired, among the herds and hinds,
and on a hearth-stone found (so runs the tale
each pious age repeats) King Caeculus
with rustic legions gathered from afar:
from steep Praeneste and the Gabian vale
to Juno dear, from Anio's cold stream,
from upland Hernic rocks and foaming rills,
from rich Anagnia's pastures, and the plain
whence Amasenus pours his worshipped wave.
Not all of armor boast, and seldom sound
the chariot and shield; but out of slings
they hurl blue balls of lead, or in one hand
a brace of javelins bear; pulled o'er their brows
are hoods of tawny wolf-skin; as they march
the left foot leaves a barefoot track behind,
a rawhide sandal on the right they wear.

> Latin: Nec Praenestinae fundator defuit urbis,
Volcano genitum pecora inter agrestia regem
inventumque focis omnis quem credidit aetas
Caeculus. Hunc late legio comitatur agrestis:
quique altum Praeneste viri quique arva Gabinae
Iunonis gelidumque Anienem et roscida rivis
Hernica saxa colunt, quos dives Anagnia pascit,
quos, Amasene pater. Non illis omnibus arma,
nec clipei currusve sonant: pars maxima glandes
liventis plumbi spargit, pars spicula gestat
bina manu, fulvosque lupi de pelle galeros
tegmen habent capiti, vestigia nuda sinistri
instituere pedis, crudus tegit altera pero.

[¶12] Messapus came, steed-tamer, Neptune's son,
by sword and fire invincible: this day,
though mild his people and unschooled in war,
he calls them to embattled lines, and draws
no lingering sword. Fescennia musters there,
Aequi Falisci, and what clans possess
Soracte's heights, Flavinia's fruitful farms,
Ciminian lake and mountain, and the groves
about Capena. Rank on rank they move,
loud singing of their chieftain's praise: as when
a flock of snowy swans through clouded air
return from feeding, and make tuneful cry
from their long throats, while Asia's rivers hear,
and lone Cayster's startled moorland rings:
for hardly could the listening ear discern
the war-cry of a mail-clad host; the sound
was like shrill-calling birds, when home from sea
their soaring flock moves shoreward like a cloud.

> Latin: At Messapus, equum domitor, Neptunia proles,
quem neque fas igni cuiquam nec sternere ferro,
iam pridem resides populos desuetaque bello
agmina in arma vocat subito ferrumque retractat.
Hi Fescenninas acies Aequosque Faliscos.
Hi Soractis habent arces Flaviniaque arva
et Cimini cum monte lacum lucosque Capenos.
Ibant aequati numero regemque canebant,
ceu quondam nivei liquida inter nubila cycni,
cum sese e pastu referunt et longa canoros
dant per colla modos, sonat amnis et Asia longe
pulsa palus.
Nec quisquam aeratas acies ex agmine tanto
misceri putet, aeriam sed gurgite ab alto
urgueri volucrum raucarum ad litora nubem.

[¶13] Then, one of far-descended Sabine name,
Clausus advanced, the captain of a host,
and in himself an equal host he seemed;
from his proud loins the high-born Claudian stem
through Latium multiplies, since Roman power
with Sabine first was wed. A cohort came
from Amiternum and the olden wall
of Cures, called Quirites even then;
Eretum answered and Mutusca's hill
with olives clad, Velinus' flowery field,
nomentum's fortress, the grim precipice
of Tetrica, Severus' upland fair,
Casperia, Foruli, Himella's waves,
Tiber and Fabaris, and wintry streams
of Nursia; to the same proud muster sped
Tuscan with Latin tribes, and loyal towns
beside whose walls ill-omened Allia flows.
As numerous they moved as rolling waves
that stir smooth Libyan seas, when in cold floods
sinks grim Orion's star; or like the throng
of clustering wheat-tops in the summer sun,
near Hermus or on Lycia's yellowing plain:
shields clashed; their strong tramp smote the trembling ground.

> Latin: Ecce Sabinorum prisco de sanguine magnum
agmen agens Clausus magnique ipse agminis instar,
Claudia nunc a quo diffunditur et tribus et gens
per Latium, postquam in partem data Roma Sabinis.
Una ingens Amiterna cohors priscique Quirites,
Ereti manus omnis oliviferaeque Mutuscae;
qui Nomentum urbem, qui Rosea rura Velini,
qui Tetricae horrentis rupes montemque Severum
Casperiamque colunt Forulosque et flumen Himellae,
qui Tiberim Fabarimque bibunt, quos frigida misit
Nursia, et Hortinae classes populique Latini,
quosque secans infaustum interluit Allia nomen:
quam multi Libyco volvuntur marmore fluctus
saevus ubi Orion hibernis conditur undis;
vel cum sole novo densae torrentur aristae
aut Hermi campo aut Lyciae flaventibus arvis.
Scuta sonant pulsuque pedum conterrita tellus.

[¶14] Now Agamemnon's kinsman, cruel foe
to the mere name of Troy, Halaesus, yokes
the horses of his car and summons forth
a thousand savage clans at Turnus' call:
rude men whose mattocks to the Massic hills
bring Bacchus' bounty, or by graybeard sires
sent from Auruncan upland and the mead
of Sidicinum; out of Cales came
its simple folk; and dwellers by the stream
of many-shoaled Volturnus, close-allied
with bold Saticulan or Oscan swains.
Their arms are tapered javelins, which they wear
bound by a coiling thong; a shield conceals
the left side, and they fight with crooked swords.

> Latin: Hinc Agamemnonius, Troiani nominis hostis,
curru iungit Halaesus equos Turnoque ferocis
mille rapit populos, vertunt felicia Baccho
Massica qui rastris et quos de collibus altis
Aurunci misere patres, Sidicinaque iuxta
aequora quique Cales linquunt, amnisque vadosi
accola Volturni, pariterque Saticulus asper
Oscorumque manus. Teretes sunt aclydes illis
tela, sed haec lento mos est aptare flagello;
laevas caetra tegit, falcati comminus enses.

[¶15] Nor shalt thou, Oebalus, depart unsung,
whom minstrels say the nymph Sebethis bore
to Telon, who in Capri was a king
when old and gray; but that disdaining son
quitted so small a seat, and conquering sway
among Sarrastian folk and those wide plains
watered by Sarnus' wave, became a king
over Celenna, Rufrae, Batulum,
and where among her apple-orchards rise
Abella's walls. All these, as Teutons use,
hurl a light javelin; for helm they wear
stripped cork-tree bark; the crescent of their shields
is gleaming bronze, and gleaming bronze the sword.

> Latin: Nec tu carminibus nostris indictus abibis,
Oebale, quem generasse Telon Sebethide nympha
fertur, Teleboum Capreas cum regna teneret,
iam senior; patriis sed non et filius arvis
contentus late iam tum dicione premebat
Sarrastis populos et quae rigat aequora Sarnus
quique Rufras Batulumque tenent atque arva Celemnae
et quos maliferae despectant moenia Abellae,
Teutonico ritu soliti torquere cateias,
tegmina quis capitum raptus de subere cortex,
aerataeque micant peltae, micat aereus ensis.

[¶16] Next Ufens, mountain-bred, from Nersae came
to join the war; of goodly fame was he
for prosperous arms: his Aequian people show
no gentle mien, but scour the woods for prey,
or, ever-armed, across the stubborn glebe
compel the plough; though their chief pride and joy
are rapine, violence, and plundered store.

> Latin: Et te montosae misere in proelia Nersae,
Ufens, insignem fama et felicibus armis;
horrida praecipue cui gens adsuetaque multo
venatu nemorum, duris Aequicula glaebis.
Armati terram exercent, semperque recentis
convectare iuvat praedas et vivere rapto.

[¶17] Next after these, his brows and helmet bound
with noble olive, from Marruvium came
a priest, brave Umbro, ordered to the field
by King Archippus: o'er the viper's brood,
and venomed river-serpents he had power
to scatter slumber with wide-waving hands
and wizard-songs. His potent arts could soothe
their coiling rage and heal the mortal sting:
but 'gainst a Trojan sword no drug had he,
nor could his drowsy spells his flesh repair,
nor gathered simples from the Marsic hills.
Thee soon in wailing woods Anguitia mourned,
thee, Fucinus, the lake of crystal wave,
thee, many a mountain-tarn!

> Latin: Quin et Marruvia venit de gente sacerdos,
fronde super galeam et felici comptus oliva.
Archippi regis missu, fortissimus Umbro,
vipereo generi et graviter spirantibus hydris
spargere qui somnos cantuque manuque solebat
mulcebatque iras et morsus arte levabat.
Sed non Dardaniae medicari cuspidis ictum
evaluit, neque eum iuvere in volnera cantus
somniferi et Marsis quaesitae montibus herbae.
Te nemus Angitiae, vitrea te Fucinus unda,
te liquidi flevere lacus.

[¶18] Next, Virbius in martial beauty rode,
son of Hippolytus, whose mother, proud
Aricia, sent him in his flower of fame
out of Egeria's hills and cloudy groves
where lies Diana's gracious, gifted fane.
For legend whispers that Hippolytus,
by step-dame's plot undone, his life-blood gave
to sate his vengeful father, and was rent
in sunder by wild horses; but the grave
to air of heaven and prospect of the stars
restored him;—for Diana's love and care
poured out upon him Paeon's healing balm.
But Jove, almighty Sire, brooked not to see
a mortal out of death and dark reclimb
to light of life, and with a thunderbolt
hurled to the Stygian river Phoebus' son,
who dared such good elixir to compound.
But pitying Trivia hid Hippolytus
in her most secret cave, and gave in ward
to the wise nymph Egeria in her grove;
where he lived on inglorious and alone,
ranging the woods of Italy, and bore
the name of Virbius. 'T is for this cause
the hallowed woods to Trivia's temple vowed
forbid loud-footed horses, such as spilled
stripling and chariot on the fatal shore,
scared by the monsters peering from the sea.
Yet did the son o'er that tumultuous plain
his battle-chariot guide and plunging team.

> Latin: Ibat et Hippolyti proles pulcherrima bello,
Virbius, insignem quem mater Aricia misit,
eductum Egeriae lucis umentia circum
litora, pinguis ubi et placabilis ara Dianae.
Namque ferunt fama Hippolytum, postquam arte novercae
occiderit patriasque explerit sanguine poenas
turbatis distractus equis, ad sidera rursus
aetheria et superas caeli venisse sub auras,
Paeoniis revocatum herbis et amore Dianae.
Tum pater omnipotens, aliquem indignatus ab umbris
mortalem infernis ad lumina surgere vitae,
ipse repertorem medicinae talis et artis
fulmine Phoebigenam Stygias detrusit ad undas.
At Trivia Hippolytum secretis alma recondit
sedibus et nymphae Egeriae nemorique relegat,
solus ubi in silvis Italis ignobilis aevom
exigeret versoque ubi nomine Virbius esset.
Unde etiam templo Triviae lucisque sacratis
cornipedes arcentur equi, quod litore currum
et iuvenem monstris pavidi effudere marinis.
Filius ardentis haud setius aequore campi
exercebat equos curruque in bella ruebat.

[¶19] Lo, Turnus strides conspicuous in the van,
full armed, of mighty frame, his lordly head
high o'er his peers emerging! His tall helm
with flowing triple crest for ensign bears
Chimaera, whose terrific lips outpour
volcanic fires; where'er the menace moves
of her infernal flames and wrathful frown,
there wildest flows the purple flood of war.
On his smooth shield deep graven in the gold
is horned Io—wondrous the device!—
a shaggy heifer-shape the maiden shows;
Argus is watching her, while Inachus
pours forth his river from the pictured urn.
A storm of tramping troops, to Turnus sworn,
throngs all the widespread plain with serried shields:
warriors of Argos, and Auruncan bands,
Sicani, Rutuli, Sacranian hosts,
Labicum's painted shields; all who till
thy woodland vales, O Tiber! or the shore
Numicius hallows; all whose ploughs upturn
Rutulia's hills, or that Circaean range
where Jove of Anxur guards, and forests green
make fair Feronia glad; where lie the fens
of Satura, and Ufens' icy wave
through lowland valleys seeks his seaward way.

> Latin: Ipse inter primos praestanti corpore Turnus
vertitur arma tenens et toto vertice supra est.
Cui triplici crinita iuba galea alta Chimaeram
sustinet, Aetnaeos efflantem faucibus ignis:
tam magis illa fremens et tristibus effera flammis,
quam magis effuso crudescunt sanguine pugnae.
At levem clipeum sublatis cornibus Io
auro insignibat, iam saetis obsita, iam bos
(argumentum ingens), et custos virginis Argus
caelataque amnem fundens pater Inachus urna.
Insequitur nimbus peditum clipeataque totis
agmina densentur campis, Argivaque pubes
Auruncaeque manus, Rutuli veteresque Sicani
et Sacranae acies et picti scuta Labici;
qui saltus, Tiberine, tuos sacrumque Numici
litus arant Rutulosque exercent vomere colles
Circaeumque iugum, quis Iuppiter Anxurus arvis
praesidet et viridi gaudens Feronia luco;
qua Saturae iacet atra palus gelidusque per imas
quaerit iter vallis atque in mare conditur Ufens.

[¶20] Last came Camilla, of the Volscians bred,
leading her mail-clad, radiant chivalry;
a warrior-virgin, of Minerva's craft
of web and distaff, fit for woman's toil,
no follower she; but bared her virgin breast
to meet the brunt of battle, and her speed
left even the winds behind; for she would skim
an untouched harvest ere the sickle fell,
nor graze the quivering wheat-tops as she ran;
or o'er the mid-sea billows' swollen surge
so swiftly race, she wet not in the wave
her flying feet. For sight of her the youth
from field and fortress sped, and matrons grave
stood wondering as she passed, well-pleased to see
her royal scarf in many a purple fold
float off her shining shoulder, her dark hair
in golden clasp caught fast, and how she bore
for arms a quiver of the Lycian mode,
and shepherd's shaft of myrtle tipped with steel.

> Latin: Hos super advenit Volsca de gente Camilla
agmen agens equitum et florentis aere catervas,
bellatrix, non illa colo calathisve Minervae
femineas adsueta manus, sed proelia virgo
dura pati cursuque pedum praevertere ventos.
Illa vel intactae segetis per summa volaret
gramina nec teneras cursu laesisset aristas,
vel mare per medium fluctu suspensa tumenti
ferret iter celeris nec tingueret aequore plantas.
Illam omnis tectis agrisque effusa iuventus
turbaque miratur matrum et prospectat euntem,
attonitis inhians animis, ut regius ostro
velet honos levis umeros, ut fibula crinem
auro internectat, Lyciam ut gerat ipsa pharetram
et pastoralem praefixa cuspide myrtum.

## 15. Book VIII · lines 1–369

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/15/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/15/#p-N

[¶0] When Turnus from Laurentum's bastion proud
published the war, and roused the dreadful note
of the harsh trumpet's song; when on swift steeds
the lash he laid and clashed his sounding arms;
then woke each warrior soul; all Latium stirred
with tumult and alarm; and martial rage
enkindled youth's hot blood. The chieftains proud,
Messapus, Ufens, and that foe of Heaven,
Mezentius, compel from far and wide
their loyal hosts, and strip the field and farm
of husbandmen. To seek auxiliar arms
they send to glorious Diomed's domain
the herald Venulus, and bid him cry:
“Troy is to Latium come; Aeneas' fleet
has come to land. He brings his vanquished gods,
and gives himself to be our destined King.
Cities not few accept him, and his name
through Latium waxes large. But what the foe
by such attempt intends, what victory
is his presumptuous hope, if Fortune smile,
Aetolia's lord will not less wisely fear
than royal Turnus or our Latin King.”

> Latin: Ut belli signum Laurenti Turnus ab arce
extulit et rauco strepuerunt cornua cantu,
utque acris concussit equos utque impulit arma,
extemplo turbati animi, simul omne tumultu
coniurat trepido Latium saevitque iuventus
effera. Ductores primi Messapus et Ufens
contemptorque deum Mezentius undique cogunt
auxilia et latos vastant cultoribus agros.
mittitur et magni Venulus Diomedis ad urbem,
qui petat auxilium et Latio consistere Teucros,
advectum Aenean classi victosque penatis
inferre et fatis regem se dicere posci
edoceat multasque viro se adiungere gentis
Dardanio et late Latio increbrescere nomen.
Quid struat his coeptis, quem, si Fortuna sequatur,
eventum pugnae cupiat, manifestius ipsi
quam Turno regi aut regi apparere Latino.

[¶1] Thus Latium's cause moved on. Meanwhile the heir
of great Laomedon, who knew full well
the whole wide land astir, was vexed and tossed
in troubled seas of care. This way and that
his swift thoughts flew, and scanned with like dismay
each partial peril or the general storm.
Thus the vexed waters at a fountain's brim,
smitten by sunshine or the silver sphere
of a reflected moon, send forth a beam
of flickering light that leaps from wall to wall,
or, skyward lifted in ethereal flight,
glances along some rich-wrought, vaulted dome.
Now night had fallen, and all weary things,
all shapes of beast or bird, the wide world o'er,
lay deep in slumber. So beneath the arch
of a cold sky Aeneas laid him down
upon the river-bank, his heart sore tried
by so much war and sorrow, and gave o'er
his body to its Iong-delayed repose.
There, 'twixt the poplars by the gentle stream,
the River-Father, genius of that place,
old Tiberinus visibly uprose;
a cloak of gray-green lawn he wore, his hair
o'erhung with wreath of reeds. In soothing words
thus, to console Aeneas' cares, he spoke:

> Latin: Talia per Latium. Quae Laomedontius heros
cuncta videns magno curarum fluctuat aestu,
atque animum nunc huc celerem, nunc dividit illuc.
In partisque rapit varias perque omnia versat:
sicut aquae tremulum labris ubi lumen aenis
sole repercussum aut radiantis imagine lunae
omnia pervolitat late loca iamque sub auras
erigitur summique ferit lacuaria tecti.
Nox erat, et terras animalia fessa per omnis
alituum pecudumque genus sopor altus habebat:
cum pater in ripa gelidique sub aetheris axe
Aeneas, tristi turbatus pectora bello,
procubuit seramque dedit per membra quietem.
Huic deus ipse loci fluvio Tiberinus amoeno
populeas inter senior se attollere frondes
visus; eum tenuis glauco velabat amictu
carbasus, et crinis umbrosa tegebat harundo,
tum sic adfari et curas his demere dictis:

[¶2] “Seed of the gods! who bringest to my shore
thy Trojan city wrested from her foe,
a stronghold everlasting, Latium's plain
and fair Laurentum long have looked for thee.
Here truly is thy home. Turn not away.
Here the true guardians of thy hearth shall be.
Fear not the gathering war. The wrath of Heaven
has stilled its swollen wave. A sign I tell:
Lest thou shouldst deem this message of thy sleep
a vain, deluding dream, thou soon shalt find
in the oak-copses on my margent green,
a huge sow, with her newly-littered brood
of thirty young; along the ground she lies,
snow-white, and round her udders her white young.
There shall thy city stand, and there thy toil
shall find untroubled rest. After the lapse
of thrice ten rolling years, Ascanius
shall found a city there of noble name,
White-City, Alba; 't is no dream I sing!
But I instruct thee now by what wise way
th' impending wars may bring thee victory:
receive the counsel, though the words be few:
within this land are men of Arcady,
of Pallas' line, who, following in the train
of King Evander and his men-at-arms,
built them a city in the hills, and chose
(honoring Pallas, their Pelasgian sire),
the name of Pallanteum. They make war
incessant with the Latins. Therefore call
this people to thy side and bind them close
in federated power. My channel fair
and shaded shore shall guide thee where they dwell,
and thy strong oarsmen on my waters borne
shall mount my falling stream. Rise, goddess-born,
and ere the starlight fade give honor due
to Juno, and with supplicating vow
avert her wrath and frown. But unto me
make offering in thy victorious hour,
in time to come. I am the copious flood
which thou beholdest chafing at yon shores
and parting fruitful fields: cerulean stream
of Tiber, favored greatly of high Heaven.
here shall arise my house magnificent,
a city of all cities chief and crown.”

> Latin: “O sate gente deum, Troianam ex hostibus urbem”
“qui revehis nobis aeternaque Pergama servas,”
“exspectate solo Laurenti arvisque Latinis,”
“hic tibi certa domus, certi, ne absiste, penates;”
“neu belli terrere minis: tumor omnis et irae”
“concessere deum.”
[“Iamque tibi, ne vana putes haec fingere somnum,”]
[“litoreis ingens inventa sub ilicibus sus,”]
[“triginta capitum fetus enixa, iacebit,”]
[“alba, solo recubans, albi circum ubera nati.”]
[“Hic locus urbis erit, requies ea certa laborum”]
[“ex quo ter denis urbem redeuntibus annis”]
[“Ascanius clari condet cognominis Albam.”]
[“Haud incerta cano.”] “Nunc qua ratione quod instat”
“expedias victor, paucis (adverte) docebo.”
“Arcades his oris, genus a Pallante profectum,”
“qui regem Euandrum comites, qui signa secuti,”
“delegere locum et posuere in montibus urbem”
“Pallantis proavi de nomine Pallanteum.”
“Hi bellum adsidue ducunt cum gente Latina;”
“hos castris adhibe socios et foedera iunge.”
“Ipse ego te ripis et recto flumine ducam,”
“adversum remis superes subvectus ut amnem.”
“Surge age, nate dea, primisque cadentibus astris”
“Iunoni fer rite preces iramque minasque”
“supplicibus supera votis. Mihi victor honorem”
“persolves. Ego sum pleno quem flumine cernis”
“stringentem ripas et pinguia culta secantem,”
“caeruleus Thybris, caelo gratissimus amnis.”
“Hic mihi magna domus, celsis caput urbibus, exit.”

[¶3] So spake the river-god, and sank from view
down to his deepest cave; then night and sleep
together from Aeneas fled away.
He rose, and to the orient beams of morn
his forehead gave; in both his hollowed palms
he held the sacred waters of the stream,
and called aloud: “O ye Laurentian nymphs,
whence flowing rills be born, and chiefly thou,
O Father Tiber, worshipped stream divine,
accept Aeneas, and from peril save!
If in some hallowed lake or haunted spring
thy power, pitying my woes, abides,
or wheresoe'er the blessed place be found
whence first thy beauty flows, there evermore
my hands shall bring thee gift and sacrifice.
O chief and sovereign of Hesperian streams,
O river-god that hold'st the plenteous horn,
protect us, and confirm thy words divine!”
He spoke; then chose twin biremes from the fleet,
gave them good gear and armed their loyal crews.

> Latin: Dixit, deinde lacu fluvius se condidit alto,
ima petens; nox Aenean somnusque reliquit.
Surgit et aetherii spectans orientia solis
lumina rite cavis undam de flumine palmis
sustinet ac talis effundit ad aethera voces:
“Nymphae, Laurentes nymphae, genus amnibus unde est,”
“tuque, o Thybri tuo genitor cum flumine sancto,”
“accipite Aenean et tandem arcete periclis.”
“Quo te cumque lacus miserantem incommoda nostra”
“fonte tenet, quocumque solo pulcherrimus exis,”
“semper honore meo, semper celebrabere donis”
“corniger hesperidum fluvius regnator aquarum.”
“Adsis o tantum et propius tua numina firmes.”
sic memorat geminasque legit de classe biremis
remigioque aptat, socios simul instruit armis.

[¶4] But, lo! a sudden wonder met his eyes:
white gleaming through the grove, with all her brood
white like herself, on the green bank the Sow
stretched prone. The good Aeneas slew her there,
Great Juno, for a sacrifice to thee,
himself the priest, and with the sucklings all
beside shine altar stood. So that whole night
the god of Tiber calmed his swollen wave,
ebbing or lingering in silent flow,
till like some gentle lake or sleeping pool
his even waters lay, and strove no more
against the oarsmen's toil. Upon their way
they speed with joyful sound; the well-oiled wood
slips through the watery floor; the wondering waves,
and all the virgin forests wondering,
behold the warriors in far-shining arms
their painted galleys up the current drive.
O'er the long reaches of the winding flood
their sturdy oars outweary the slow course
of night and day. Fair groves of changeful green
arch o'er their passage, and they seem to cleave
green forests in the tranquil wave below.
Now had the flaming sun attained his way
to the mid-sphere of heaven, when they discerned
walls and a citadel in distant view,
with houses few and far between; 't was there,
where sovran Rome to-day has rivalled Heaven,
Evander's realm its slender strength displayed:
swiftly they turned their prows and neared the town.

> Latin: Ecce autem subitum atque oculis mirabile monstrum;
candida per silvam cum fetu concolor albo
procubuit viridique in litore conspicitur sus.
Quam pius Aeneas tibi enim, tibi, maxuma Iuno,
mactat sacra ferens et cum grege sistit ad aram.
Thybris ea fluvium, quam longa est, nocte tumentem
leniit, et tacita refluens ita substitit unda,
mitis ut in morem stagni placidaeque paludis
sterneret aequor aquis, remo ut luctamen abesset.
Ergo iter inceptum celerant rumore secundo;
labitur uncta vadis abies; mirantur et undae,
miratur nemus insuetum fulgentia longe
scuta virum fluvio pictasque innare carinas.
Olli remigio noctemque diemque fatigant
et longos superant flexus variisque teguntur
arboribus viridisque secant placido aequore silvas.
Sol medium caeli conscenderat igneus orbem,
cum muros arcemque procul ac rara domorum
tecta vident, quae nunc Romana potentia caelo
aequavit, tum res inopes Euandrus habebat:
ocius advertunt proras urbique propinquant.

[¶5] It chanced th' Arcadian King had come that day
to honor Hercules, Amphitryon's son,
and to the powers divine pay worship due
in groves outside the wall. Beside him stood
Pallas his son, his noblest men-at-arms,
and frugal senators, who at the shrines
burnt incense, while warm blood of victims flowed.
But when they saw the tall ships in the shade
of that dark forest plying noiseless oars,
the sudden sight alarmed, and all the throng
sprang to its feet and left the feast divine.
But dauntless Pallas bade them give not o'er
the sacred festival, and spear in hand
flew forward to a bit of rising ground,
and cried from far: “Hail, warriors! what cause
drives you to lands unknown, and whither bound?
Your kin, your country? Bring ye peace or war?”
Father Aeneas then held forth a bough
of peaceful olive from the lofty ship,
thus answering: “Men Trojan-born are we,
foes of the Latins, who have driven us forth
with insolent assault. We fain would see
Evander. Pray, deliver this, and say
that chosen princes of Dardania
sue for his help in arms.” So wonder fell
on Pallas, awestruck at such mighty name.
O, come, whoe'er thou art,” he said, “and speak
in presence of my father. Enter here,
guest of our hearth and altar.” He put forth
his right hand in true welcome, and they stood
with lingering clasp; then hand in hand advanced
up the steep woodland, leaving Tiber's wave.

> Latin: Forte die sollemnem illo rex Arcas honorem
Amphitryoniadae magno divisque ferebat
ante urbem in luco. Pallas huic filius una,
una omnes iuvenum primi pauperque senatus
tura dabant, tepidusque cruor fumabat ad aras.
Ut celsas videre rates atque inter opacum
adlabi nemus et tacitis incumbere remis,
terrentur visu subito cunctique relictis
consurgunt mensis. Audax quos rumpere Pallas
sacra vetat raptoque volat telo obvius ipse
et procul e tumulo: “Iuvenes, quae causa subegit”
“ignotas temptare vias, quo tenditis?” inquit.
“Qui genus? Unde domo? Pacemne huc fertis an arma?”
Tum pater Aeneas puppi sic fatur ab alta
paciferaeque manu ramum praetendit olivae:
“Troiugenas ac tela vides inimica Latinis,”
“quos illi bello profugos egere superbo.”
“Euandrum petimus. Ferte haec et dicite lectos”
“Dardaniae venisse duces socia arma rogantis.”
Obstipuit tanto percussus nomine Pallas:
“Egredere o quicumque es” ait “coramque parentem”
“adloquere ac nostris succede penatibus hospes.”
excepitque manu dextramque amplexus inhaesit.
Progressi subeunt luco fluviumque relinquunt.

[¶6] Aeneas to Evander speaking fair,
these words essayed: “O best of Grecian-born!
whom Fortune's power now bids me seek and sue,
lifting this olive-branch with fillets bound,
I have not feared thee, though I know thou art
a Greek, and an Arcadian king, allied
to the two sons of Atreus. For behold,
my conscious worth, great oracles from Heaven,
the kinship of our sires, thy own renown
spread through the world—all knit my cause with thine,
all make me glad my fates have so decreed.
The sire and builder of the Trojan town
was Dardanus; but he, Electra's child,
came over sea to Teucria; the sire
of fair Electra was great Atlas, he
whose shoulder carries the vast orb of heaven.
But thy progenitor was Mercury,
and him conceiving, Maia, that white maid,
on hoar Cyllene's frosty summit bore.
But Maia's sire, if aught of truth be told,
was Atlas also, Atlas who sustains
the weight of starry skies. Thus both our tribes
are one divided stem. Secure in this,
no envoys have I sent, nor tried thy mind
with artful first approaches, but myself,
risking my person and my life, have come
a suppliant here. For both on me and thee
the house of Daunus hurls insulting war.
If us they quell, they doubt not to obtain
lordship of all Hesperia, and subdue
alike the northern and the southern sea.
Accept good faith, and give! Behold, our hearts
quail not in battle; souls of fire are we,
and warriors proved in many an action brave.”

> Latin: Tum regem Aeneas dictis adfatur amicis:
“Optume Graiugenum, cui me Fortuna precari”
“et vitta comptos voluit praetendere ramos,”
“non equidem extimui, Danaum quod ductor et Arcas”
“quodque a stirpe fores geminis coniunctus Atridis;”
“sed mea me virtus et sancta oracula divom”
“cognatique patres, tua terris didita fama,”
“coniunxere tibi et fatis egere volentem.”
“Dardanus, Iliacae primus pater urbis et auctor,”
“Electra, ut Grai perhibent, Atlantide cretus,”
“advehitur Teucros; Electram maxumus Atlas”
“edidit, aetherios umero qui sustinet orbes”
“vobis Mercurius pater est, quem candida Maia”
“Cyllenae gelido conceptum vertice fudit;”
“at Maiam, auditis si quicquam credimus, Atlas,”
“idem Atlas generat, caeli qui sidera tollit.”
“Sic genus amborum scindit se sanguine ab uno.”
“His fretus non legatos neque prima per artem”
“temptamenta tui pepigi: me, me ipse meumque”
“obieci caput et supplex ad limina veni.”
“Gens eadem, quae te, crudeli Daunia bello”
“insequitur; nos si pellant, nihil afore credunt,”
“quin omnem Hesperiam penitus sua sub iuga mittant”
“et mare quod supra teneant quodque adluit infra.”
“Accipe daque fidem: sunt nobis fortia bello”
“pectora, sunt animi et rebus spectata iuventus.”

[¶7] Aeneas ceased. The other long had scanned
the hero's face, his eyes, and wondering viewed
his form and mien divine; in answer now
he briefly spoke: “With hospitable heart,
O bravest warrior of all Trojan-born,
I know and welcome thee. I well recall
thy sire Anchises, how he looked and spake.
For I remember Priam, when he came
to greet his sister, Queen Hesione,
in Salamis, and thence pursued his way
to our cool uplands of Arcadia.
The bloom of tender boyhood then was mine,
and with a wide-eyed wonder I did view
those Teucrian lords, Laomedon's great heir,
and, towering highest in their goodly throng,
Anchises, whom my warm young heart desired
to speak with and to clasp his hand in mine.
So I approached, and joyful led him home
to Pheneus' olden wall. He gave me gifts
the day he bade adieu; a quiver rare
filled with good Lycian arrows, a rich cloak
inwove with thread of gold, and bridle reins
all golden, now to youthful Pallas given.
Therefore thy plea is granted, and my hand
here clasps in loyal amity with thine.
To-morrow at the sunrise thou shalt have
my tribute for the war, and go thy way
my glad ally. But now this festival,
whose solemn rite 't were impious to delay,
I pray thee celebrate, and bring with thee
well-omened looks and words. Allies we are!
Use this our sacred feast as if your own.”

> Latin: Dixerat Aeneas. Ille os oculosque loquentis
iamdudum et totum lustrabat lumine corpus.
Tum sic pauca refert: “Ut te, fortissime Teucrum,”
“accipio agnoscoque libens! Ut verba parentis”
“et vocem Anchisae magni voltumque recordor!”
“Nam memini Hesionae visentem regna sororis”
“Laomedontiaden Priamum, Salamina petentem,”
“protinus Arcadiae gelidos invisere finis.”
“Tum mihi prima genas vestibat flore iuventas,”
“mirabarque duces Teucros, mirabar et ipsum”
“Laomedontiaden, sed cunctis altior ibat”
“Anchises: mihi mens iuvenali ardebat amore”
“compellare virum et dextrae coniungere dextram.”
“Accessi et cupidus Phenei sub moenia duxi.”
“Ille mihi insignem pharetram Lyciasque sagittas”
“discedens chlamydemque auro dedit intertextam”
“frenaque bina meus quae nunc habet aurea Pallas.”
“Ergo et quam petitis iuncta est mihi foedere dextra,”
“et lux cum primum terris se crastina reddet,”
“auxilio laetos dimittam opibusque iuvabo.”
“Interea sacra haec, quando huc venistis amici,”
“annua, quae differre nefas, celebrate faventes”
“nobiscum et iam nunc sociorum adsuescite mensis.”

[¶8] So saying, he bade his followers renew
th' abandoned feast and wine; and placed each guest
on turf-built couch of green, most honoring
Aeneas by a throne of maple fair
decked with a lion's pelt and flowing mane.
Then high-born pages, with the altar's priest,
bring on the roasted beeves and load the board
with baskets of fine bread; and wine they bring —
of Ceres and of Bacchus gift and toil.
While good Aeneas and his Trojans share
the long whole ox and meats of sacrifice.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta, dapes iubet et sublata reponi
pocula gramineoque viros locat ipse sedili
praecipuumque toro et villosi pelle leonis
accipit Aenean solioque invitat acerno.
Tum lecti iuvenes certatim araeque sacerdos
viscera tosta ferunt taurorum onerantque canistris
dona laboratae Cereris Bacchumque ministrant.
Vescitur Aeneas simul et Troiana iuventus
perpetui tergo bovis et lustralibus extis.

[¶9] When hunger and its eager edge were gone,
Evander spoke: “This votive holiday,
yon tables spread and altar so divine,
are not some superstition dark and vain,
that knows not the old gods, O Trojan King!
But as men saved from danger and great fear
this thankful sacrifice we pay. Behold,
yon huge rock, beetling from the mountain wall,
hung from the cliff above. How lone and bare
the hollowed mountain looks! How crag on crag
tumbled and tossed in huge confusion lie!
A cavern once it was, which ran deep down
into the darkness. There th' half-human shape
of Cacus made its hideous den, concealed
from sunlight and the day. The ground was wet
at all times with fresh gore; the portal grim
was hung about with heads of slaughtered men,
bloody and pale—a fearsome sight to see.
Vulcan begat this monster, which spewed forth
dark-fuming flames from his infernal throat,
and vast his stature seemed. But time and tide
brought to our prayers the advent of a god
to help us at our need. For Hercules,
divine avenger, came from laying low
three-bodied Geryon, whose spoils he wore
exultant, and with hands victorious drove
the herd of monster bulls, which pastured free
along our river-valley. Cacus gazed
in a brute frenzy, and left not untried
aught of bold crime or stratagem, but stole
four fine bulls as they fed, and heifers four,
all matchless; but, lest hoof-tracks point his way,
he dragged them cave-wards by the tails, confusing
the natural trail, and hid the stolen herd
in his dark den; and not a mark or sign
could guide the herdsmen to that cavern-door.
But after, when Amphitryon's famous son,
preparing to depart, would from the meads
goad forth the full-fed herd, his lingering bulls
roared loud, and by their lamentable cry
filled grove and hills with clamor of farewell:
one heifer from the mountain-cave lowed back
in answer, so from her close-guarded stall
foiling the monster's will.

> Latin: Postquam exempta fames et amor compressus edendi,
rex Euandrus ait: “Non haec sollemnia nobis,”
“has ex more dapes, hanc tanti numinis aram”
“vana superstitio veterumque ignara deorum”
“inposuit: saevis, hospes Troiane, periclis”
“servati facimus meritosque novamus honores.”
“Iam primum saxis suspensam hanc aspice rupem,”
“disiectae procul ut moles desertaque montis”
“stat domus et scopuli ingentem traxere ruinam.”
“Hic spelunca fuit, vasto summota recessu,”
“semihominis Caci facies quam dira tenebat”
“solis inaccessam radiis; semperque recenti”
“caede tepebat humus, foribusque adfixa superbis”
“ora virum tristi pendebant pallida tabo.”
“Huic monstro Volcanus erat pater: illius atros”
“ore vomens ignis magna se mole ferebat.”
“Attulit et nobis aliquando optantibus aetas”
“auxilium adventumque dei. Nam maximus ultor,”
“tergemini nece Geryonae spoliisque superbus”
“Alcides aderat taurosque hac victor agebat”
“ingentis, vallemque boves amnemque tenebant.”
“At furiis Caci mens effera, nequid inausum”
“aut intractatum scelerisve dolive fuisset,”
“quattuor a stabulis praestanti corpore tauros”
“avertit, totidem forma superante iuvencas;”
“atque hos, nequa forent pedibus vestigia rectis,”
“cauda in speluncam tractos versisque viarum”
“indiciis raptos saxo occultabat opaco:”
“quaerenti nulla ad speluncam signa ferebant.”
“Interea, cum iam stabulis saturata moveret”
“Amphytrioniades armenta abitumque pararet,”
“discessu mugire boves atque omne querelis”
“impleri nemus et colles clamore relinqui.”
“reddidit una boum vocem vastoque sub antro”
“mugiit et Caci spem custodita fefellit.”

[¶10] Then hadst thou seen
the wrath of Hercules in frenzy blaze
from his exasperate heart. His arms he seized,
his club of knotted oak, and climbed full-speed
the wind-swept hill. Now first our people saw
Cacus in fear, with panic in his eyes.
Swift to the black cave like a gale he flew,
his feet by terror winged. Scarce had he passed
the cavern door, and broken the big chains,
and dropped the huge rock which was pendent there
by Vulcan's well-wrought steel; scarce blocked and barred
the guarded gate: when there Tirynthius stood,
with heart aflame, surveying each approach,
rolling this way and that his wrathful eyes,
gnashing his teeth. Three times his ire surveyed
the slope of Aventine; three times he stormed
the rock-built gate in vain; and thrice withdrew
to rest him in the vale. But high above
a pointed peak arose, sheer face of rock
on every side, which towered into view
from the long ridge above the vaulted cave,
fit haunt for birds of evil-boding wing.
This peak, which leftward toward the river leaned,
he smote upon its right—his utmost blow —
breaking its bases Ioose; then suddenly
thrust at it: as he thrust, the thunder-sound
filled all the arching sky, the river's banks
asunder leaped, and Tiber in alarm
reversed his flowing wave. So Cacus' lair
lay shelterless, and naked to the day
the gloomy caverns of his vast abode
stood open, deeply yawning, just as if
the riven earth should crack, and open wide
th' infernal world and fearful kingdoms pale,
which gods abhor; and to the realms on high
the measureless abyss should be laid bare,
and pale ghosts shrink before the entering sun.
Now upon Cacus, startled by the glare,
caged in the rocks and howling horribly,
Alcides hurled his weapons, raining down
all sorts of deadly missiles—trunks of trees,
and monstrous boulders from the mountain torn.
But when the giant from his mortal strait
no refuge knew, he blew from his foul jaws
a storm of smoke—incredible to tell —
and with thick darkness blinding every eye,
concealed his cave, uprolling from below
one pitch-black night of mingled gloom and fire.
This would Alcides not endure, but leaped
headlong across the flames, where densest hung
the rolling smoke, and through the cavern surged
a drifting and impenetrable cloud.
With Cacus, who breathed unavailing flame,
he grappled in the dark, locked limb with limb,
and strangled him, till o'er the bloodless throat
the starting eyeballs stared.

> Latin: “Hic vero Alcidae furiis exarserat atro”
“felle dolor: rapit arma manu nodisque gravatum”
“robur et aerii cursu petit ardua montis.”
“Tum primum nostri Cacum videre timentem”
“turbatumque oculis: fugit ilicet ocior Euro”
“speluncamque petit, pedibus timor addidit alas.”
“Ut sese inclusit ruptisque immane catenis”
“deiecit saxum, ferro quod et arte paterna”
“pendebat, fultosque emuniit obice postis,”
“ecce furens animis aderat Tirynthius omnemque”
“accessum lustrans huc ora ferebat et illuc,”
“dentibus infrendens. Ter totum fervidus ira”
“lustrat Aventini montem, ter saxea temptat”
“limina nequiquam, ter fessus valle resedit.”
“Stabat acuta silex, praecisis undique saxis”
“speluncae dorso insurgens, altissima visu,”
“dirarum nidis domus opportuna volucrum.”
“Hanc, ut prona iugo laevum incumbebat in amnem,”
“dexter in adversum nitens concussit et imis”
“avolsam solvit radicibus; inde repente”
“inpulit, inpulsu quo maximus intonat aether”
“dissultant ripae refluitque exterritus amnis.”
“At specus et Caci detecta apparuit ingens”
“regia, et umbrosae penitus patuere cavernae:”
“non secus ac siqua penitus vi terra dehiscens”
“infernas reseret sedes et regna recludat”
“pallida, dis invisa, superque immane barathrum”
“cernatur, trepident inmisso lumine manes.”
“Ergo insperata deprensum luce repente”
“inclusumque cavo saxo atque insueta rudentem”
“desuper Alcides telis premit omniaque arma”
“advocat et ramis vastisque molaribus instat.”
“Ille autem, neque enim fuga iam super ulla pericli,”
“faucibus ingentem fumum (mirabile dictu)”
“evomit involvitque domum caligine caeca,”
“prospectum eripiens oculis, glomeratque sub antro”
“fumiferam noctem commixtis igne tenebris.”
“Non tulit Alcides animis seque ipse per ignem”
“praecipiti iecit saltu, qua plurimus undam”
“fumus agit nebulaque ingens specus aestuat atra.”
“Hic Cacum in tenebris incendia vana vomentem”
“corripit in nodum complexus et angit inhaerens”
“elisos oculos et siccum sanguine guttur.”

[¶11] Then Hercules
burst wide the doorway of the sooty den,
and unto Heaven and all the people showed
the stolen cattle and the robber's crimes,
and dragged forth by the feet the shapeless corpse
of the foul monster slain. The people gazed
insatiate on the grewsome eyes, the breast
of bristling shag, the face both beast and man,
and that fire-blasted throat whence breathed no more
the extinguished flame. 'T is since that famous day
we celebrate this feast, and glad of heart
each generation keeps the holy time.
Potitius began the worship due,
and our Pinarian house is vowed to guard
the rites of Hercules. An altar fair
within this wood they raised; 't is called ‘the Great,’
and Ara Maxima its name shall be.
Come now, my warriors, and bind your brows
with garlands worthy of the gift of Heaven.
Lift high the cup in every thankful hand,
and praise our people's god with plenteous wine.”
He spoke; and of the poplar's changeful sheen,
sacred to Hercules, wove him a wreath
to shade his silvered brow. The sacred cup
he raised in his right hand, while all the rest
called on the gods and pure libation poured.

> Latin: “Panditur extemplo foribus domus atra revolsis,”
“abstractaeque boves abiurataeque rapinae”
“caelo ostenduntur, pedibusque informe cadaver”
“protrahitur. Nequeunt expleri corda tuendo”
“terribilis oculos, voltum villosaque saetis”
“pectora semiferi atque extinctos faucibus ignis.”
“Ex illo celebratus honos, laetique minores”
“servavere diem, primusque Potitius auctor”
“et domus Herculei custos Pinaria sacri.”
“Hanc aram luco statuit, quae maxuma semper”
“dicetur nobis et erit quae maxuma semper.”
“Quare agite, o iuvenes, tantarum in munere laudum”
“cingite fronde comas et pocula porgite dextris”
“communemque vocate deum et date vina volentes.”
Dixerat, Herculea bicolor cum populus umbra
velavitque comas foliisque innexa pependit
et sacer implevit dextram scyphus. Ocius omnes
in mensam laeti libant divosque precantur.

[¶12] Soon from the travelling heavens the western star
glowed nearer, and Potitius led forth
the priest-procession, girt in ancient guise
with skins of beasts and carrying burning brands.
new feasts are spread, and altars heaped anew
with gifts and laden chargers. Then with song
the Salian choir surrounds the blazing shrine,
their foreheads wreathed with poplar. Here the youth,
the elders yonder, in proud anthem sing
the glory and the deeds of Hercules:
how first he strangled with strong infant hand
two serpents, Juno's plague; what cities proud,
Troy and Oechalia, his famous war
in pieces broke; what labors numberless
as King Eurystheus' bondman he endured,
by cruel Juno's will. “Thou, unsubdued,
didst strike the twy-formed, cloud-bred centaurs down,
Pholus and tall Hylaeus. Thou hast slain
the Cretan horror, and the lion huge
beneath the Nemean crag. At sight of thee
the Stygian region quailed, and Cerberus,
crouching o'er half-picked bones in gory cave.
Nothing could bid thee fear. Typhoeus towered
in his colossal Titan-panoply
o'er thee in vain; nor did thy cunning fail
when Lema's wonder-serpent round thee drew
its multudinous head. Hail, Jove's true son!
New glory to the gods above, come down,
and these thine altars and thy people bless!”
Such hymns they chanted, telling oft the tale
of Cacus' cave and blasting breath of fire:
while hills and sacred grove the note prolong.

> Latin: Devexo interea propior fit Vesper Olympo,
iamque sacerdotes primusque Potitius ibant,
pellibus in morem cincti, flammasque ferebant.
Instaurant epulas et mensae grata secundae
dona ferunt cumulantque oneratis lancibus aras.
tum Salii ad cantus incensa altaria circum
populeis adsunt evincti tempora ramis,
hic iuvenum chorus, ille senum; qui carmine laudes
Herculeas et facta ferunt: ut prima novercae
monstra manu geminosque premens eliserit angues,
ut bello egregias idem disiecerit urbes,
Troiamque Oechaliamque, ut duros mille labores
rege sub Eurystheo fatis Iunonis iniquae
pertulerit. “Tu nubigenas, invicte, bimembris”
“Hylaeeumque Pholumque, manu, tu Cresia mactas”
“prodigia et vastum Nemeae sub rupe leonem.”
“Te Stygii tremuere lacus, te ianitor Orci”
“ossa super recubans antro semesa cruento;”
“nec te ullae facies, non terruit ipse Typhoeus,”
“arduus arma tenens; non te rationis egentem”
“Lernaeus turba capitum circumstetit anguis.”
“Salve, vera Iovis proles, decus addite divis,”
“et nos et tua dexter adi pede sacra secundo.”
Talia carminibus celebrant; super omnia Caci
speluncam adiciunt spirantemque ignibus ipsum.
Consonat omne nemus strepitu collesque resultant.

[¶13] Such worship o'er, all take the homeward way
back to the town. The hospitable King,
though bowed with weight of years, kept at his side
Aeneas and his son, and as they fared,
with various discourse beguiled the way.
Aeneas scanned with quick-admiring eyes
the region wide, and lingered with delight
now here, now there, inquiring eagerly
of each proud monument of heroes gone.
Then King Evander, he who builded first
On Palatine, spoke thus: “These groves erewhile
their native nymphs and fauns enjoyed, with men
from trees engendered and stout heart of oak.
Nor laws nor arts they knew; nor how to tame
burls to the yoke, nor fill great barns with store
and hoard the gathered grain; but rudely fared
on wild fruits and such food as hunters find.
Then Saturn from Olympian realms came down,
in flight from Jove's dread arms, his sceptre lost,
and he an exiled King. That savage race
he gathered from the mountain slopes; and gave
wise laws and statutes; so that latent land
was Latium, ‘hid land’, where he hid so long.
The golden centuries by legends told
were under that good King, whose equal sway
untroubled peace to all his peoples gave.
But after slow decline arrived an age
degenerate and of a darker hue,
prone to insensate war and greed of gain.
Then came Sicanian and Ausonian tribes,
and oft the land of Saturn lost its name.
New chieftains rose, and Thybris, giant King
and violent, from whom th' Italians named
the flooding Tiber, which was called no more
the Albula, its true and ancient style.
Myself, in exile from my fatherland
sailing uncharted seas, was guided here
by all-disposing Chance and iron laws
of Destiny. With prophecy severe
Carmentis, my nymph-mother, thrust me on,
warned by Apollo's word.”

> Latin: Exim se cuncti divinis rebus ad urbem
perfectis referunt. Ibat rex obsitus aevo
et comitem Aenean iuxta natumque tenebat
ingrediens varioque viam sermone levabat.
miratur facilisque oculos fert omnia circum
Aeneas capiturque locis et singula laetus
exquiritque auditque virum monimenta priorum.
Tum rex Euandrus, Romanae conditor arcis:
“Haec nemora indigenae fauni nymphaeque tenebant”
“gensque virum truncis et duro robore nata,”
“quis neque mos neque cultus erat, nec iungere tauros”
“aut componere opes norant aut parcere parto,”
“sed rami atque asper victu venatus alebat.”
“Primus ab aetherio venit Saturnus Olympo,”
“arma Iovis fugiens et regnis exsul ademptis.”
“Is genus indocile ac dispersum montibus altis”
“composuit legesque dedit Latiumque vocari”
“maluit, his quoniam latuisset tutis in oris.”
“Aurea quae perhibent illo sub rege fuere”
“saecula. Sic placida populos in pace regebat,”
“deterior donec paulatim ac decolor aetas”
“et belli rabies et amor successit habendi.”
“Tum manus Ausonia et gentes venere Sicanae,”
“saepius et nomen posuit Saturnia tellus;”
“tum reges asperque immani corpore Thybris,”
“a quo post Itali fluvium cognomine Thybrim”
“diximus, amisit verum vetus Albula nomen;”
“me pulsum patria pelagique extrema sequentem”
“Fortuna omnipotens et ineluctabile fatum”
“his posuere locis matrisque egere tremenda”
“Carmentis nymphae monita et deus auctor Apollo.”

[¶14] He scarce had said,
when near their path he showed an altar fair
and the Carmental gate, where Romans see
memorial of Carmentis, nymph divine,
the prophetess of fate, who first foretold
what honors on Aeneas' sons should fall
and lordly Pallanteum, where they dwell.
Next the vast grove was seen, where Romulus
ordained inviolable sanctuary;
then the Lupercal under its cold crag,
Wolf-hill, where old Arcadians revered
their wolf-god, the Lycaean Pan. Here too
the grove of Argiletum, sacred name,
where good Evander told the crime and death
of Argus, his false guest. From this they climbed
the steep Tarpeian hill, the Capitol,
all gold to-day, but then a tangled wild
of thorny woodland. Even then the place
woke in the rustics a religious awe,
and bade them fear and tremble at the view
of that dread rock and grove. “This leafy wood,
which crowns the hill-top, is the favored seat
of some great god,” said he, “but of his name
we know not surely. The Arcadians say
jove's dread right hand here visibly appears
to shake his aegis in the darkening storm,
the clouds compelling. Yonder rise in view
two strongholds with dismantled walls, which now
are but a memory of great heroes gone:
one father Janus built, and Saturn one;
their names, Saturnia and Janiculum.”
'Mid such good parley to the house they came
of King Evander, unadorned and plain,
whence herds of browsing cattle could be seen
ranging the Forum, and loud-bellowing
in proud Carinae. As they entered there,
“Behold,” said he, “the threshold that received
Alcides in his triumph! This abode
he made his own. Dare, O illustrious guest,
to scorn the pomp of power. Shape thy soul
to be a god's fit follower. Enter here,
and free from pride our frugal welcome share.”
So saying, 'neath his roof-tree scant and low
he led the great Aeneas, offering him
a couch of leaves with Libyan bear-skin spread.
Now night drew near, enfolding the wide world
in shadowy wings.

> Latin: “Vix ea dicta: dehinc progressus monstrat et aram”
“et Carmentalem Romani nomine portam”
“quam memorant, nymphae priscum Carmentis honorem,”
“vatis fatidicae, cecinit quae prima futuros”
“Aeneadas magnos et nobile Pallanteum.”
“Hinc lucum ingentem quem Romulus acer Asylum”
“rettulit et gelida monstrat sub rupe Lupercal,”
“Parrhasio dictum Panos de more Lycaei.”
“Nec non et sacri monstrat nemus Argileti”
“testaturque locum et letum docet hospitis Argi.”
“Hinc ad Tarpeiam sedem et Capitolia ducit,”
“aurea nunc, olim silvestribus horrida dumis.”
“Iam tum religio pavidos terrebat agrestis”
“dira loci, iam tum silvam saxumque tremebant.”
“Hoc nemus, hunc,” inquit, “frondoso vertice collem”
“(quis deus incertum est) habitat deus: Arcades ipsum”
“credunt se vidisse Iovem, cum saepe nigrantem”
“aegida concuteret dextra nimbosque cieret.”
“Haec duo praeterea disiectis oppida muris,”
“reliquias veterumque vides monimenta virorum.”
“Hanc Ianus pater, hanc Saturnus condidit arcem:”
“Ianiculum huic, illi fuerat Saturnia nomen.”
Talibus inter se dictis ad tecta subibant
pauperis Euandri passimque armenta videbant
Romanoque foro et lautis mugire Carinis.
Ut ventum ad sedes: “Haec,” inquit, “limina victor”
“Alcides subiit, haec illum regia cepit.”
“Aude, hospes, contemnere opes et te quoque dignum”
“finge deo rebusque veni non asper egenis.”
dixit et angusti subter fastigia tecti
ingentem Aenean duxit stratisque locavit
effultum foliis et pelle Libystidis ursae.
Nox ruit et fuscis tellurem amplectitur alis.

## 16. Book VIII · lines 370–731

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/16/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/16/#p-N

[¶0] But Venus, sore disturbed,
vexed not unwisely her maternal breast,
fearing Laurentum's menace and wild stir
of obstinate revolt, and made her plea
to Vulcan in their nuptial bower of gold,
outbreathing in the music of her words
celestial love: “When warring Argive kings
brought ruin on Troy's sacred citadel
and ramparts soon to sink in hostile flames,
I asked not thee to help that hopeless woe,
nor craved thy craft and power. For, dearest lord,
I would not tax in vain shine arduous toil,
though much to Priam's children I was bound,
and oft to see Aeneas burdened sore
I could but weep. But now by will of Jove
he has found foothold in Rutulian lands.
Therefore I come at last with lowly suit
before a godhead I adore, and pray
for gift of arms,—a mother for her son.
Thou wert not unrelenting to the tears
of Nereus' daughter or Tithonus' bride.
Behold what tribes conspire, what cities strong
behind barred gates now make the falchion keen
to ruin and blot out both me and mine!”
So spake the goddess, as her arms of snow
around her hesitating spouse she threw
in tender, close embrace. He suddenly
knew the familiar fire, and o'er his frame
its wonted ardor unresisted ran,
swift as the glittering shaft of thunder cleaves
the darkened air and on from cloud to cloud
the rift of lightning runs. She, joyful wife;
felt what her beauty and her guile could do;
as, thralled by love unquenchable, her spouse
thus answered fair: “Why wilt thou labor so
with far-fetched pleas? my goddess, hast thou lost
thy faith in me? Had such a prayer been shine,
I could have armed the Teucrians. Neither Jove
nor Destiny had grudged ten added years
of life to Troy and Priam. If to-day
thou hast a war in hand, and if thy heart
determine so, I willingly engage
to lend thee all my cunning; whatsoever
molten alloy or welded iron can,
whate'er my roaring forge and flames achieve,
I offer thee. No more in anxious prayer
distrust thy beauty's power.” So saying, he gave
embrace of mutual desire, and found
deep, peaceful sleep, on her fond heart reclined.

> Latin: At Venus haud animo nequiquam exterrita mater
Laurentumque minis et duro mota tumultu
Volcanum adloquitur thalamoque haec coniugis aureo
incipit et dictis divinum adspirat amorem:
“Dum bello Argolici vastabant Pergama reges”
“debita casurasque inimicis ignibus arces,”
“non ullum auxilium miseris, non arma rogavi”
“artis opisque tuae nec te, carissime coniunx,”
“incassumve tuos volui exercere labores,”
“quamvis et Priami deberem plurima natis”
“et durum Aeneae flevissem saepe laborem.”
“Nunc Iovis imperiis Rutulorum constitit oris:”
“ergo eadem supplex venio et sanctum mihi numen”
“arma rogo genetrix nato. Te filia Nerei,”
“te potuit lacrimis Tithonia flectere coniunx.”
“Aspice qui coeant populi, quae moenia clausis”
“ferrum acuant portis in me exscidiumque meorum.”
Dixerat et niveis hinc atque hinc diva lacertis
cunctantem amplexu molli fovet. Ille repente
accepit solitam flammam, notusque medullas
intravit calor et labefacta per ossa cucurrit:
non secus atque olim tonitru cum rupta corusco
ignea rima micans percurrit lumine nimbos.
Sensit laeta dolis et formae conscia coniunx.
Tum pater aeterno fatur devinctus amore:
“Quid causas petis ex alto? Fiducia cessit”
“quo tibi, diva, mei? Similis si cura fuisset,”
“tum quoque fas nobis Teucros armare fuisset:”
“nec pater omnipotens Troiam nec fata vetabant”
“stare decemque alios Priamum superesse per annos.”
“Et nunc, si bellare paras atque haec tibi mens est,”
“quidquid in arte mea possum promittere curae,”
“quod fieri ferro liquidove potest electro,”
“quantum ignes animaeque valent, absiste precando”
“viribus indubitare tuis.” Ea verba locutus
optatos dedit amplexus placidumque petivit
coniugis infusus gremio per membra soporem.

[¶1] Night's course half run, soon as the first repose
had banished sleep,—what time some careful wife
whose distaff and Minerva's humble toil
must earn her bread, rekindling her warm hearth,
adds a night-burden to her laboring day,
and by the torch-light cheers her maidens on
to their long tasks; that so her husband's bed
she may in honor keep, and train to power
her dear men-children—at such prime of morn,
with not less eager mind the Lord of Fire
fled his soft couch and to his forges tried.
An island near Aeolian Lipara
not far from a Sicilian headland lies,
where smoking rocks precipitously tower
above a vast vault, which the Cyclops' skill
outhollowed large as Aetna's thunderous caves.
There ring the smitten anvils, and the roof
re-echoes, roaring loud. Chalybian ores
hiss in the gloom, and from the furnace mouths
puff the hot-panting fires. 'T is Vulcan's seat,
and all that island is Vulcania.
Thither descended now the god of fire
from height of heaven.

> Latin: Inde ubi prima quies medio iam noctis abactae
curriculo expulerat somnum, cum femina primum,
cui tolerare colo vitam tenuique Minerva
impositum, cinerem et sopitos suscitat ignes,
noctem addens operi, famulasque ad lumina longo
exercet penso, castum ut servare cubile
coniugis et possit parvos educere natos:
haud secus Ignipotens nec tempore segnior illo
mollibus e stratis opera ad fabrilia surgit.
Insula Sicanium iuxta latus Aeoliamque
erigitur Liparen, fumantibus ardua saxis,
quam subter specus et Cyclopum exesa caminis
antra Aetnaea tonant validique incudibus ictus
auditi referunt gemitus striduntque cavernis
stricturae Chalybum et fornacibus ignis anhelat,
Volcani domus et Volcania nomine tellus.
Hoc tunc ignipotens caelo descendit ab alto.

[¶2] At their task were found
the Cyclops in vast cavern forging steel,
naked Pyracmon and gigantic-limbed
Brontes and Steropes; beneath their blows
a lightning-shaft, half-shaped, half-burnished lay,
such as the Thunderer is wont to fling
in numbers from the sky, but formless still.
Three strands of whirling storm they wove with three
of bursting cloud, and three did interfuse
of ruddy-gleaming fires and winged winds;
then fearful lightnings on the skilful forge
they welded with loud horror, and with flames
that bear swift wrath from Jove. Elsewhere a crew
toiled at the chariot and winged wheel
wherewith the war-god wakens from repose
heroes and peopled cities. Others wrought
the awful Aegis, herald of dismay,
by angry Pallas worn; they burnished bright
the golden serpent-scales and wreathing snakes,
till from the corselet of the goddess glared
the Gorgon's severed head and rolling eyes.
“Cyclops of Aetna,” Vulcan cried, “have done!
Leave ev'ry task unfinished, and receive
my new command! Good armor must be forged
for warrior brave. For this I need to use
your utmost sinew and your swiftest hand,
with all your master skill. No lingering now!”
Swift the command, and swiftly they divide
to each his portion, and united urge
the common task. Forth fow the molten streams
of brass and gold, and, melted in fierce fiame,
the deeply-wounding steel like liquid flows.
A mighty shield took shape, its single orb
sufficient to withstand the gathered shock
of all the Latin arms; for seven times
they welded ring with ring. Some deftly ply
the windy bellows, which receive and give
the roaring blasts; some plunge in cooling pond
the hissing metal, while the smithy floor
groans with the anvil's weight, as side by side
they lift their giant arms in numbered blows
and roll with gripe of tongs the ponderous bars.

> Latin: Ferrum exercebant vasto Cyclopes in antro,
Brontesque Steropesque et nudus membra Pyragmon.
His informatum manibus iam parte polita
fulmen erat, toto genitor quae plurima caelo
deicit in terras, pars inperfecta manebat.
Tris imbris torti radios, tris nubis aquosae
addiderant, rutili tris ignis et alitis austri:
fulgores nunc horrificos sonitumque metumque
miscebant operi flammisque sequacibus iras.
Parte alia Marti currumque rotasque volucris
instabant, quibus ille viros, quibus excitat urbes;
aegidaque horriferam, turbatae Palladis arma,
certatim squamis serpentum auroque polibant
conexosque anguis ipsamque in pectore divae
Gorgona, desecto vertentem lumina collo.
“Tollite cuncta,” inquit, “coeptosque auferte labores,”
“Aetnaei Cyclopes, et huc advertite mentem:”
“arma acri facienda viro. Nunc viribus usus,”
“nunc manibus rapidis, omni nunc arte magistra.”
“Praecipitate moras.” Nec plura effatus; at illi
ocius incubuere omnes pariterque laborem
sortiti. Fluit aes rivis aurique metallum,
volnificusque chalybs vasta fornace liquescit.
Ingentum clipeum informant, unum omnia contra
tela Latinorum, septenosque orbibus orbes
impediunt. Alii ventosis follibus auras
accipiunt redduntque, alii stridentia tingunt
aera lacu. Gemit impositis incudibus antrum.
Illi inter sese multa vi bracchia tollunt
in numerum versantque tenaci forcipe massam.

[¶3] While thus the Lemnian god his labor sped
in far Aeolian isle, the cheerful morn
with voice of swallows round his lowly eaves
summoned Evander. From his couch arose
the royal sire, and o'er his aged frame
a tunic threw, tying beneath his feet
the Tuscan sandals: an Arcadian sword,
girt at his left, was over one shoulder slung,
his cloak of panther trailing from behind.
A pair of watch-dogs from the lofty door
ran close, their lord attending, as he sought
his guest Aeneas; for his princely soul
remembered faithfully his former word,
and promised gift. Aeneas with like mind
was stirring early. King Evander's son
Pallas was at his side; Achates too
accompanied his friend. All these conjoin
in hand-clasp and good-morrow, taking seats
in midcourt of the house, and give the hour
to converse unrestrained. First spoke the King:

> Latin: Haec pater Aeoliis properat dum Lemnius oris,
Euandrum ex humili tecto lux suscitat alma
et matutini volucrum sub culmine cantus.
Consurgit senior tunicaque inducitur artus
et Tyrrhena pedum circumdat vincula plantis;
tum lateri atque umeris Tegeaeum subligat ensem,
demissa ab laeva pantherae terga retorquens.
Nec non et gemini custodes limine ab alto
praecedunt gressumque canes comitantur erilem.
Hospitis Aeneae sedem et secreta petebat
sermonum memor et promissi muneris heros.
Nec minus Aeneas se matutinus agebat.
Filius huic Pallas, illi comes ibat Achates.
Congressi iungunt dextras mediisque residunt
aedibus et licito tandem sermone fruuntur.
Rex prior haec:

[¶4] “Great leader of the Teucrians, while thy life
in safety stands, I call not Trojan power
vanquished or fallen. But to help thy war
my small means match not thy redoubled name.
Yon Tuscan river is my bound. That way
Rutulia thrusts us hard and chafes our wall
with loud, besieging arms. But I propose
to league with thee a numerous array
of kings and mighty tribes, which fortune strange
now brings to thy defence. Thou comest here
because the Fates intend. Not far from ours
a city on an ancient rock is seen,
Agylla, which a warlike Lydian clan
built on the Tuscan hills. It prospered well
for many a year, then under the proud yoke
of King Mezentius it came and bore
his cruel sway. Why tell the loathsome deeds
and crimes unspeakable the despot wrought?
May Heaven requite them on his impious head
and on his children! For he used to chain
dead men to living, hand on hand was laid
and face on face,—torment incredible!
Till, locked in blood-stained, horrible embrace,
a lingering death they found. But at the last
his people rose in furious despair,
and while he blasphemously raged, assailed
his life and throne, cut down his guards
and fired his regal dwellings; he, the while,
escaped immediate death and fied away
to the Rutulian land, to find defence
in Turnus hospitality. To-day
Etruria, to righteous anger stirred,
demands with urgent arms her guilty King.
To their large host, Aeneas, I will give
an added strength, thyself. For yonder shores
re-echo with the tumult and the cry
of ships in close array; their eager lords
are clamoring for battle. But the song
of the gray omen-giver thus declares
their destiny: ‘O goodly princes born
of old Maeonian lineage! Ye that are
the bloom and glory of an ancient race,
whom just occasions now and noble rage
enflame against Mezentius your foe,
it is decreed that yonder nation proud
shall never submit to chiefs Italian-born.
Seek ye a king from far!’ So in the field
inert and fearful lies Etruria's force,
disarmed by oracles. Their Tarchon sent
envoys who bore a sceptre and a crown
even to me, and prayed I should assume
the sacred emblems of Etruria's king,
and lead their host to war. But unto me
cold, sluggish age, now barren and outworn,
denies new kingdoms, and my slow-paced powers
run to brave deeds no more. Nor could I urge
my son, who by his Sabine mother's line
is half Italian-born. Thyself art he,
whose birth illustrious and manly prime
fate favors and celestial powers approve.
Therefore go forth, O bravest chief and King
of Troy and Italy! To thee I give
the hope and consolation of our throne,
pallas, my son, and bid him find in thee
a master and example, while he learns
the soldier's arduous toil. With thy brave deeds
let him familiar grow, and reverence thee
with youthful love and honor. In his train
two hundred horsemen of Arcadia,
our choicest men-at-arms, shall ride; and he
in his own name an equal band shall bring
to follow only thee.”

> Latin: “Maxume Teucrorum ductor, quo sospite numquam”
“res equidem Troiae victas aut regna fatebor,”
“nobis ad belli auxilium pro nomine tanto”
“exiguae vires: hinc Tusco claudimur amni,”
“hinc Rutulus premit et murum circumsonat armis.”
“Sed tibi ego ingentis populos opulentaque regnis”
“iungere castra paro, quam fors inopina salutem”
“ostentat: fatis huc te poscentibus adfers.”
“Haud procul hinc saxo incolitur fundata vetusto”
“urbis Agyllinae sedes, ubi Lydia quondam”
“gens, bello praeclara, iugis insedit Etruscis.”
“Hanc multos florentem annos rex deinde superbo”
“imperio et saevis tenuit Mezentius armis.”
“Quid memorem infandas caedes, quid facta tyranni”
“effera? Di capiti ipsius generique reservent!”
“Mortua quin etiam iungebat corpora vivis”
“componens manibusque manus atque oribus ora,”
“tormenti genus, et sanie taboque fluentis”
“complexu in misero longa sic morte necabat.”
“at fessi tandem cives infanda furentem”
“armati circumsistunt ipsumque domumque,”
“obtruncant socios, ignem ad fastigia iactant.”
“Ille inter caedem Rutulorum elapsus in agros”
“confugere et Turni defendier hospitis armis.”
“Ergo omnis furiis surrexit Etruria iustis:”
“regem ad supplicium praesenti Marte reposcunt.”
“his ego te, Aenea, ductorem milibus addam.”
“Toto namque fremunt condensae litore puppes”
“Signaque ferre iubent; retinet longaevus haruspex”
“fata canens, ‘O Maeoniae delecta iuventus,’”
“‘flos veterum virtusque virum, quos iustus in hostem’”
“‘fert dolor et merita accendit Mezentius ira,’”
“‘nulli fas Italo tantam subiungere gentem:’”
“‘externos optate duces; tum Etrusca resedit’”
“hoc acies campo, monitis exterrita divom.”
“Ipse oratores ad me regnique coronam”
“cum sceptro misit mandatque insignia Tarchon,”
“succedam castris Tyrrhenaque regna capessam.”
“Sed mihi tarda gelu saeclisque effeta senectus”
“invidet imperium seraeque ad fortia vires.”
“natum exhortarer, ni mixtus matre Sabella”
“hinc partem patriae traheret. Tu, cuius et annis”
“et generi fatum indulgent, quem numina poscunt,”
“ingredere, o Teucrum atque Italum fortissime ductor.”
“hunc tibi praeterea, spes et solacia nostri,”
“Pallanta adiungam; sub te tolerare magistro”
“militiam et grave Martis opus, tua cernere facta”
“adsuescat primis et te miretur ab annis.”
“Arcadas huic equites bis centum, robora pubis”
“lecta dabo totidemque suo tibi nomine Pallas.”

[¶5] Such the discourse.
With meditative brows and downcast eyes
Aeneas and Achates, sad at heart,
mused on unnumbered perils yet to come.
But out of cloudless sky Cythera's Queen
gave sudden signal: from th' ethereal dome
a thunder-peal and flash of quivering fire
tumultuous broke, as if the world would fall,
and bellowing Tuscan trumpets shook the air.
All eyes look up. Again and yet again
crashed the terrible din, and where the sky
looked clearest hung a visionary cloud,
whence through the brightness blazed resounding arms.
All hearts stood still. But Troy's heroic son
knew that his mother in the skies redeemed
her pledge in sound of thunder: so he cried,
“Seek not, my friend, seek not thyself to read
the meaning of the omen. 'T is to me
Olympus calls. My goddess-mother gave
long since her promise of a heavenly sign
if war should burst; and that her power would bring
a panoply from Vulcan through the air,
to help us at our need. Alas, what deaths
over Laurentum's ill-starred host impend!
O Turnus, what a reckoning thou shalt pay
to me in arms! O Tiber, in thy wave
what helms and shields and mighty soldiers slain
shall in confusion roll! Yea, let them lead
their lines to battle, and our league abjure!”

> Latin: Vix ea fatus erat, defixique ora tenebant
Aeneas Anchisiades et fidus Achates
multaque dura suo tristi cum corde putabant,
ni signum caelo Cytherea dedisset aperto.
Namque inproviso vibratus ab aethere fulgor
cum sonitu venit, et ruere omnia visa repente
Tyrrhenusque tubae mugire per aethera clangor.
Suspiciunt, iterum atque iterum fragor increpat ingens:
arma inter nubem caeli regione serena
per sudum rutilare vident et pulsa tonare.
Obstipuere animis alii, sed Troius heros
agnovit sonitum et divae promissa parentis.
Tum memorat: “Ne vero, hospes, ne quaere profecto,”
“quem casum portenta ferant: ego poscor Olympo.”
“Hoc signum cecinit missuram diva creatrix,”
“si bellum ingrueret, Volcaniaque arma per auras”
“laturam auxilio.”
“Heu quantae miseris caedes Laurentibus instant;”
“quas poenas mihi, Turne, dabis; quam multa sub undas”
“scuta virum galeasque et fortia corpora volves,”
“Thybri pater! Poscant acies et foedera rumpant.”

[¶6] He said: and from the lofty throne uprose.
Straightway he roused anew the slumbering fire
sacred to Hercules, and glad at heart
adored, as yesterday, the household gods
revered by good Evander, at whose side
the Trojan company made sacrifice
of chosen lambs, with fitting rites and true.
Then to his ships he tried him, and rejoined
his trusty followers, of whom he took
the best for valor known, to lend him aid
in deeds of war. Others he bade return
down stream in easy course, and tidings bear
to young Ascanius of the new event,
and of his father. Horses then were brought
for all the Teucrians to Etruria bound;
and for Aeneas one of rarest breed,
o'er whom a tawny robe descended low,
of lion-skin, with claws of gleaming gold.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit, solio se tollit ab alto
et primum Herculeis sopitas ignibus aras
excitat hesternumque larem parvosque penatis
laetus adit: mactant lectas de more bidentis
Euandrus pariter, pariter Troiana iuventus.
Post hinc ad navis graditur sociosque revisit.
Quorum de numero qui sese in bella sequantur
praestantis virtute legit; pars cetera prona
fertur aqua segnisque secundo defluit amni,
nuntia ventura Ascanio rerumque patrisque.
Dantur equi Teucris Tyrrhena petentibus arva;
ducunt exsortem Aeneae, quem fulva leonis
pellis obit totum, praefulgens unguibus aureis.

[¶7] Noised swiftly through the little town it flies
that to the precinct of the Tuscan King
armed horsemen speed. Pale mothers in great fear
unceasing pray; for panic closely runs
in danger's steps; the war-god drawing nigh
looms larger; and good sire Evander now
clings to the hand of his departing son
and, weeping without stay, makes sad farewell:
“O, that great Jove would give me once again
my vanished years! O, if such man I were,
as when beneath Praeneste's wall I slew
the front ranks of her sons, and burned for spoil
their gathered shields on my triumph day;
or when this right hand hurled king Erulus
to shades below, though—terrible to tell —
Feronia bore him with three lives, that thrice
he might arise from deadly strife o'erthrown,
and thrice be slain—yet all these lives took I,
and of his arms despoiled him o'er and o'er:
not now, sweet son (if such lost might were mine),
should I from thy beloved embrace be torn;
nor could Mezentius with insulting sword
do murder in my sight and make my land
depopulate and forlorn. O gods in Heaven,
and chiefly thou whom all the gods obey,
have pity, Jove, upon Arcadia's King,
and hear a father's prayer: if your intent
be for my Pallas a defence secure,
if it be writ that long as I shall live,
my eyes may see him, and my arms enfold,
I pray for life, and all its ills I bear.
But if some curse, too dark to tell, impend
from thee, O Fortune blind! I pray thee break
my thread of miserable life to-day;
to-day, while fear still doubts and hope still smiles
on the unknown to-morrow, as I hold
thee to my bosom, dearest child, who art
my last and only joy; to-day, before
th' intolerable tidings smite my ears.”
Such grief the royal father's heart outpoured
at this last parting; the strong arms of slaves
lifted him, fallen in swoon, and bore him home.

> Latin: Fama volat parvam subito volgata per urbem,
ocius ire equites Tyrrheni ad litora regis.
vota metu duplicant matres, propiusque periclo
it timor, et maior Martis iam apparet imago.
tum pater Evandrus dextram complexus euntis
haeret inexpletus lacrimans, ac talia fatur:
“O mihi praeteritos referat si Iuppiter annos,”
“(qualis eram, cum primam aciem Praeneste sub ipsa”
“stravi scutorumque incendi victor acervos”
“et regem hac Erulum dextra sub Tartara misi,”
“nascenti cui tris animas Feronia mater”
“(horrendum dictu) dederat; terna arma movenda,”
“ter Leto sternendus erat; cui tunc tamen omnis”
“abstulit haec animas dextra et totidem exuit armis:”
“non ego nunc dulci amplexu divellerer usquam,”
“nate, tuo, neque finitimo Mezentius umquam”
“huic capiti insultans tot ferro saeva dedisset”
“funera, tam multis viduasset civibus urbem.”
“At vos, o superi, et divom tu maxume rector”
“Iuppiter, Arcadii, quaeso, miserescite regis”
“et patrias audite preces. Si numina vestra”
“incolumem Pallanta mihi, si fata reservant,”
“si visurus eum vivo et venturus in unum:”
“vitam oro, patior quemvis durare laborem.”
“Sin aliquem infandum casum, Fortuna, minaris:”
“nunc O nunc liceat crudelem abrumpere vitam,”
“dum curae ambiguae, dum spes incerta futuri,”
“dum te, care puer, mea sera et sola voluptas,”
“complexu teneo, gravior neu nuntius auris”
“volneret.” Haec genitor digressu dicta supremo
fundebat: famuli conlapsum in tecta ferebant.

[¶8] Now forth beneath the wide-swung city-gates
the mounted squadron poured; Aeneas rode,
companioned of Achates, in the van;
then other lords of Troy. There Pallas shone
conspicuous in the midmost line, with cloak
and blazoned arms, as when the Morning-star
(To Venus dearest of all orbs that burn),
out of his lucent bath in ocean wave
lifts to the skies his countenance divine,
and melts the shadows of the night away.
Upon the ramparts trembling matrons stand
and follow with dimmed eyes the dusty cloud
whence gleam the brazen arms. The warriors ride
straight on through brake and fell, the nearest way;
loud ring the war-cries, and in martial line
the pounding hoof-beats shake the crumbling ground.
By Caere's cold flood lies an ample grove
revered from age to age. The hollowing hills
enclasp it in wide circles of dark fir,
and the Pelasgians, so the legends tell,
primaeval settlers of the Latin plains,
called it the haunt of Silvan, kindly god
of flocks and fields, and honoring the grove
gave it a festal day. Hard by this spot
had Tarchon with the Tuscans fortified
his bivouac, and from the heights afar
his legions could be seen in wide array
outstretching through the plain. To meet them there
Aeneas and his veteran chivalry
made sure advance, and found repose at eve
for warrior travel-worn and fainting steed.

> Latin: Iamque adeo exierat portis equitatus apertis,
Aeneas inter primos et fidus Achates,
inde alii Troiae proceres, ipse agmine Pallas
in medio chlamyde et pictis conspectus in armis:
qualis ubi Oceani perfusus Lucifer unda,
quem Venus ante alios astrorum diligit ignis,
extulit os sacrum caelo tenebrasque resolvit.
Stant pavidae in muris matres oculisque sequuntur
pulveream nubem et fulgentis aere catervas.
Olli per dumos, qua proxuma meta viarum,
armati tendunt; it clamor, et agmine facto
quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.
Est ingens gelidum lucus prope Caeritis amnem,
religione patrum late sacer; undique colles
inclusere cavi et nigra nemus abiete cingunt.
Silvano fama est veteres sacrasse Pelasgos,
arvorum pecorisque deo, lucumque diemque,
qui primi finis aliquando habuere Latinos:
haud procul hinc Tarcho et Tyrrheni tuta tenebant
castra locis, celsoque omnis de colle videri
iam poterat legio et latis tendebat in arvis.
Huc pater Aeneas et bello lecta iuventus
succedunt fessique et equos et corpora curant.

[¶9] But now athwart the darkening air of heaven
came Venus gleaming bright, to bring her son
the gifts divine. In deep, sequestered vale
she found him by a cooling rill retired,
and hailed him thus: “Behold the promised gift,
by craft and power of my Olympian spouse
made perfect, that my son need never fear
Laurentum's haughty host, nor to provoke
fierce Turnus to the fray.” Cythera's Queen
so saying, embraced her son, and hung the arms,
all glittering, on an oak that stood thereby.
The hero, with exultant heart and proud,
gazing unwearied at his mother's gift,
surveys them close, and poises in his hands
the helmet's dreadful crest and glancing flame,
the sword death-dealing, and the corselet strong,
impenetrable brass, blood-red and large,
like some dark-lowering, purple cloud that gleams
beneath the smiting sun and flashes far
its answering ray; and burnished greaves were there,
fine gold and amber; then the spear and shield —
the shield—of which the blazonry divine
exceeds all power to tell. Thereon were seen
Italia's story and triumphant Rome,
wrought by the Lord of Fire, who was not blind
to lore inspired and prophesying song,
fore-reading things to come. He pictured there
Iulus' destined line of glorious sons
marshalled for many a war.

> Latin: At Venus aetherios inter dea candida nimbos
dona ferens aderat; natumque in valle reducta
ut procul egelido secretum flumine vidit,
talibus adfata est dictis seque obtulit ultro:
“En perfecta mei promissa coniugis arte”
“munera, ne mox aut Laurentis, nate, superbos”
“aut acrem dubites in proelia poscere Turnum.”
Dixit et amplexus nati Cytherea petivit,
arma sub adversa posuit radiantia quercu.
Ille, deae donis et tanto laetus honore,
expleri nequit atque oculos per singula volvit
miraturque interque manus et bracchia versat
terribilem cristis galeam flammasque vomentem
fatiferumque ensem, loricam ex aere rigentem
sanguineam ingentem, qualis cum caerula nubes
solis inardescit radiis longeque refulget;
tum levis ocreas electro auroque recocto
hastamque et clipei non enarrabile textum.
Illic res Italas Romanorumque triumphos
haud vatum ignarus venturique inscius aevi
fecerat ignipotens, illic genus omne futurae
stirpis ab Ascanio. pugnataque in ordine bella.

[¶10] In cavern green,
haunt of the war-god, lay the mother-wolf;
the twin boy-sucklings at her udders played,
nor feared such nurse; with long neck backward thrown
she fondled each, and shaped with busy tongue
their bodies fair. Near these were pictured well
the walls of Rome and ravished Sabine wives
in the thronged theatre violently seized,
when the great games were done; then, sudden war
of Romulus against the Cures grim
and hoary Tatius; next, the end of strife
between the rival kings, who stood in arms
before Jove's sacred altar, cup in hand,
and swore a compact o'er the slaughtered swine.
Hard by, behold, the whirling chariots tore
Mettus asunder (would thou hadst been true,
false Alban, to thy vow!); and Tullus trailed
the traitor's mangled corse along the hills,
the wild thorn dripping gore. Porsenna, next,
sent to revolted Rome his proud command
to take her Tarquin back, and with strong siege
assailed the city's wall; while unsubdued
Aeneas' sons took arms in freedom's name.
there too the semblance of the frustrate King,
a semblance of his wrath and menace vain,
when Cocles broke the bridge, and Cloelia burst
her captive bonds and swam the Tiber's wave.
Lo, on the steep Tarpeian citadel
stood Manlius at the sacred doors of Jove,
holding the capitol, whereon was seen
the fresh-thatched house of Romulus the King.
There, too, all silver, through arcade of gold
fluttered the goose, whose monitory call
revealed the foeman at the gate: outside
besieging Gauls the thorny pathway climbed,
ambushed in shadow and the friendly dark
of night without a star; their flowing hair
was golden, and their every vesture gold;
their cloaks were glittering plaid; each milk-white neck
bore circlet of bright gold; in each man's hand
two Alpine javelins gleamed, and for defence
long shields the wild northern warriors bore.
There, graven cunningly, the Salian choir
went leaping, and in Lupercalian feast
the naked striplings ran; while others, crowned
with peaked cap, bore shields that fell from heaven;
and, bearing into Rome their emblems old,
chaste priestesses on soft-strewn litters passed.
But far from these th' artificer divine
had wrought a Tartarus, the dreadful doors
of Pluto, and the chastisements of sin;
swung o'er a threatening precipice, was seen
thy trembling form, O Catiline, in fear
of fury-faces nigh: and distant far
th' assemblies of the righteous, in whose midst
was Cato, giving judgment and decree.

> Latin: Fecerat et viridi fetam Mavortis in antro
procubuisse lupam, geminos huic ubera circum
ludere pendentis pueros et lambere matrem
impavidos, illam tereti cervice reflexa
mulcere alternos et corpora fingere lingua.
Nec procul hinc Romam et raptas sine more Sabinas
consessu caveae magnis circensibus actis
addiderat subitoque novum consurgere bellum
Romulidis Tatioque seni Curibusque severis.
Post idem inter se posito certamine reges
armati Iovis ante aram paterasque tenentes
stabant et caesa iungebant foedera porca.
Haud procul inde citae Mettum in diversa quadrigae
distulerant, at tu dictis, Albane, maneres,
raptabatque viri mendacis viscera Tullus
per silvam, et sparsi rorabant sanguine vepres.
Nec non Tarquinium eiectum Porsenna iubebat
accipere ingentique urbem obsidione premebat:
Aeneadae in ferrum pro libertate ruebant.
Illum indignanti similem similemque minanti
aspiceres, pontem auderet quia vellere Cocles
et fluvium vinclis innaret Cloelia ruptis.
In summo custos Tarpeiae Manlius arcis
stabat pro templo et Capitolia celsa tenebat,
Romuleoque recens horrebat regia culmo.
Atque hic auratis volitans argenteus anser
porticibus Gallos in limine adesse canebat.
Galli per dumos aderant arcemque tenebant,
defensi tenebris et dono noctis opacae:
aurea caesaries ollis atque aurea vestis,
virgatis lucent sagulis, tum lactea colla
auro innectuntur, duo quisque Alpina coruscant
gaesa manu, scutis protecti corpora longis.
Hic exsultantis Salios nudosque Lupercos
lanigerosque apices et lapsa ancilia caelo
extuderat, castae ducebant sacra per urbem
pilentis matres in mollibus. Hinc procul addit
Tartareas etiam sedes, alta ostia Ditis,
et scelerum poenas et te, Catilina, minaci
pendentem scopulo Furiarumque ora trementem,
secretosque pios, his dantem iura Catonem.

[¶11] Encircled by these pictures ran the waves
of vast, unrestful seas in flowing gold,
where seemed along the azure crests to fly
the hoary foam, and in a silver ring
the tails of swift, emerging dolphins lashed
the waters bright, and clove the tumbling brine.
For the shield's central glory could be seen
great fleets of brazen galleys, and the fight
at Actium; where, ablaze with war's array,
Leucate's peak glowed o'er the golden tide.
Caesar Augustus led Italia's sons
to battle: at his side concordant moved
Senate and Roman People, with their gods
of hearth and home, and all Olympian Powers.
Uplifted on his ship he stands; his brows
beneath a double glory smile, and bright
over his forehead beams the Julian star.
in neighboring region great Agrippa leads,
by favor of fair winds and friendly Heaven,
his squadron forth: upon his brows he wears
the peerless emblem of his rostral crown.
Opposing, in barbaric splendor shine
the arms of Antony: in victor's garb
from nations in the land of morn he rides,
and from the Red Sea, bringing in his train
Egypt and Syria, utmost Bactria's horde,
and last—O shameless!—his Egyptian spouse.
All to the fight make haste; the slanted oars
and triple beaks of brass uptear the waves
to angry foam, as to the deep they speed
like hills on hill-tops hurled, or Cyclades
drifting and clashing in the sea: so vast
that shock of castled ships and mighty men!
Swift, arrowy steel and balls of blazing tow
rain o'er the waters, till the sea-god's world
flows red with slaughter. In the midst, the Queen,
sounding her native timbrel, wildly calls
her minions to the fight, nor yet can see
two fatal asps behind. Her monster-gods,
barking Anubis, and his mongrel crew,
on Neptune, Venus, and Minerva fling
their impious arms; the face of angry Mars,
carved out of iron, in the centre frowns,
grim Furies fill the air; Discordia strides
in rent robe, mad with joy; and at her side,
bellona waves her sanguinary scourge.
There Actian Apollo watched the war,
and o'er it stretched his bow; which when they knew,
Egyptian, Arab, and swart Indian slave,
and all the sons of Saba fled away
in terror of his arm. The vanquished Queen
made prayer to all the winds, and more and more
flung out the swelling sail: on wind-swept wave
she fled through dead and dying; her white brow
the Lord of Fire had cunningly portrayed
blanched with approaching doom. Beyond her lay
the large-limbed picture of the mournful Nile,
who from his bosom spread his garments wide,
and offered refuge in his sheltering streams
and broad, blue breast, to all her fallen power.
But Caesar in his triple triumph passed
the gates of Rome, and gave Italia's gods,
for grateful offering and immortal praise,
three hundred temples; all the city streets
with game and revel and applauding song
rang loud; in all the temples altars burned
and Roman matrons prayed; the slaughtered herds
strewed well the sacred ground. The hero, throned
at snow-white marble threshold of the fane
to radiant Phoebus, views the gift and spoil
the nations bring, and on the portals proud
hangs a perpetual garland: in long file
the vanquished peoples pass, of alien tongues,
of arms and vesture strange. Here Vulcan showed
ungirdled Afric chiefs and Nomads bold,
Gelonian bowmen, men of Caria,
and Leleges. Euphrates seemed to flow
with humbler wave; the world's remotest men,
Morini came, with double-horned Rhine,
and Dahae, little wont to bend the knee,
and swift Araxes, for a bridge too proud.

> Latin: Haec inter tumidi late maris ibat imago
aurea, sed fluctu spumabant caerula cano;
et circum argento clari delphines in orbem
aequora verrebant caudis aestumque secabant.
In medio classis aeratas, Actia bella,
cernere erat, totumque instructo Marte videres
fervere Leucaten auroque effulgere fluctus.
Hinc Augustus agens Italos in proelia Caesar
cum patribus populoque, penatibus et magnis dis,
stans celsa in puppi; geminas cui tempora flammas
laeta vomunt patriumque aperitur vertice sidus.
Parte alia ventis et dis Agrippa secundis
arduus agmen agens; cui, belli insigne superbum,
tempora navali fulgent rostrata corona.
Hinc ope barbarica variisque Antonius armis,
victor ab Aurorae populis et litore rubro,
Aegyptum viresque Orientis et ultima secum
Bactra vehit, sequiturque (nefas) Aegyptia coniunx.
Una omnes ruere, ac totum spumare reductis
convolsum remis rostrisque tridentibus aequor.
alta petunt: pelago credas innare revolsas
Cycladas aut montis concurrere montibus altos,
tanta mole viri turritis puppibus instant.
stuppea flamma manu telisque volatile ferrum
spargitur, arva nova Neptunia caede rubescunt.
Regina in mediis patrio vocat agmina sistro
necdum etiam geminos a tergo respicit anguis.
omnigenumque deum monstra et latrator Anubis
contra Neptunum et Venerem contraque Minervam
tela tenent. Saevit medio in certamine Mavors
caelatus ferro tristesque ex aethere Dirae,
et scissa gaudens vadit Discordia palla,
quam cum sanguineo sequitur Bellona flagello.
Actius haec cernens arcum tendebat Apollo
desuper: omnis eo terrore Aegyptus et Indi,
omnis Arabs, omnes vertebant terga Sabaei.
Ipsa videbatur ventis regina vocatis
vela dare et laxos iam iamque inmittere funis.
Illam inter caedes pallentem morte futura
fecerat Ignipotens undis et Iapyge ferri,
contra autem magno maerentem corpore Nilum
pandentemque sinus et tota veste vocantem
caeruleum in gremium latebrosaque flumina victos.
At Caesar, triplici invectus Romana triumpho
moenia, dis Italis votum inmortale sacrabat,
maxuma tercentum totam delubra per urbem.
Laetitia ludisque viae plausuque fremebant;
omnibus in templis matrum chorus, omnibus arae;
ante aras terram caesi stravere iuvenci.
Ipse, sedens niveo candentis limine Phoebi,
dona recognoscit populorum aptatque superbis
postibus; incedunt victae longo ordine gentes,
quam variae linguis, habitu tam vestis et armis.
Hic Nomadum genus et discinctos Mulciber Afros,
hic Lelegas Carasque sagittiferosque Gelonos
finxerat; Euphrates ibat iam mollior undis,
extremique hominum Morini, Rhenusque bicornis,
indomitique Dahae, et pontem indignatus Araxes.

[¶12] Such was the blazoned shield his mother gave
from Vulcan's forge; which with astonished eyes
Aeneas viewed, and scanned with joyful mind
such shadows of an unknown age to be;
then on his shoulder for a burden bore
the destined mighty deeds of all his sons.

> Latin: Talia per clipeum Volcani, dona parentis,
miratur rerumque ignarus imagine gaudet,
attollens umero famamque et fata nepotum.

## 17. Book IX · lines 1–419

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/17/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/17/#p-N

[¶0] While thus in distant region moves the war,
down to bold Turnus Saturn's daughter sends
celestial Iris. In a sacred vale,
the seat of worship at his grandsire's tomb,
Pilumnus, Faunus' son, the hero mused.
And thus the wonder-child of Thaumas called
with lips of rose: “O Turnus, what no god
dared give for reward of thy fondest vow,
has come unbidden on its destined day.
Behold, Aeneas, who has left behind
the city with his fleet and followers,
is gone to kingly Palatine, the home
of good Evander. Yea, his march invades
the far Etrurian towns, where now he arms
the Lydian rustics. Wilt thou longer muse?
Call for thy chariot and steeds! Away!
Take yonder tents by terror and surprise!”
She spoke; and heavenward on poising wings
soared, cleaving as she fled from cloud to cloud
a vast, resplendent bow. The warrior saw,
and, lifting both his hands, pursued with prayer
the fading glory: “Beauteous Iris, hail!
Proud ornament of heaven! who sent thee here
across yon cloud to earth, and unto me?
Whence may this sudden brightness fall? I see
the middle welkin lift, and many a star,
far-wandering in the sky. Such solemn sign
I shall obey, and thee, O god unknown!”
So saying, he turned him to a sacred stream,
took water from its brim, and offered Heaven
much prayer, with many an importuning vow.

> Latin: Atque ea diversa penitus dum parte geruntur,
Irim de caelo misit Saturnia Iuno
audacem ad Turnum. Luco tum forte parentis
Pilumni Turnus sacrata valle sedebat.
Ad quem sic roseo Thaumantias ore locuta est:
“Turne, quod optanti divom promittere nemo”
“auderet, volvenda dies en attulit ultro.”
“Aeneas urbe et sociis et classe relicta”
“sceptra Palatini sedemque petit Euandri.”
“Nec satis: extremas Corythi penetravit ad urbes”
“Lydorumque manum collectos armat agrestis.”
“Quid dubitas? Nunc tempus equos, nunc poscere currus.”
“Rumpe moras omnis et turbata arripe castra.”
Dixit et in caelum paribus se sustulit alis
ingentemque fuga secuit sub nubibus arcum.
Adgnovit iuvenis duplicisque ad sidera palmas
sustulit ac tali fugientem est voce secutus:
“Iri, decus caeli, quis te mihi nubibus actam”
“detulit in terras? Unde haec tam clara repente”
“tempestas? Medium video discedere caelum”
“palantisque polo stellas. Sequor omina tanta,”
“quisquis in arma vocas.” Et sic effatus ad undam
processit summoque hausit de gurgite lymphas,
multa deos orans, oneravitque aethera votis.

[¶1] Soon o'er the spreading fields in proud array
the gathered legions poured; no lack was there
of steeds all fire, and broidered pomp and gold.
Messapus led the van; in rearguard rode
the sons of Tyrrheus; kingly Turnus towered
from the mid-column eminent: the host
moved as great Ganges lifting silently
his seven peaceful streams, or when the flood
of fructifying Nile from many a field
back to his channel flows. A swift-blown cloud
of black, uprolling dust the Teucrians see
o'ershadowing the plain; Calcus calls
from lofty outpost: “O my countrymen,
I see a huge, black ball of rolling smoke.
Your swords and lances! Man the walls! To arms!
The foe is here! What ho!” With clamors loud
the Teucrians through the city-gates retire,
and muster on the walls. For, wise in war,
Aeneas, ere he went, had left command
they should not range in battle-line, nor dare,
whate'er might hap, to risk in open plain
the bold sortie, but keep them safe entrenched
in mounded walls. So now, though rage and shame
prick to a close fight, they defensive bar
each portal strong, and, patient of control,
from hollow towers expect th' encircling foe.

> Latin: Iamque omnis campis exercitus ibat apertis,
dives equum, dives pictaï vestis et auri;
Messapus primas acies, postrema coercent
Tyrrhidae iuvenes, medio dux agmine Turnus,
[vertitur arma tenens et toto vertice supra est.]
Ceu septem surgens sedatis amnibus altus
per tacitum Ganges aut pingui flumine Nilus
cum refluit campis et iam se condidit alveo.
Hic subitam nigro glomerari pulvere nubem
prospiciunt Teucri ac tenebras insurgere campis.
Primus ab adversa conclamat mole Caicus:
“Quis globus, o cives, caligine volvitur atra?”
“Ferte citi ferrum, date tela, ascendite muros,”
“hostis adest, heia!” Ingenti clamore per omnis
condunt se Teucri portas et moenia complent.
Namque ita discedens praeceperat optumus armis
Aeneas: siqua interea fortuna fuisset,
neu struere auderent aciem neu credere campo;
castra modo et tutos servarent aggere muros.
Ergo etsi conferre manum pudor iraque monstrat,
obiciunt portas tamen et praecepta facessunt
armatique cavis expectant turribus hostem.

[¶2] Turnus, at full speed, had outridden far
his laggard host, and, leading in his train
a score of chosen knights, dashed into view
hard by the walls. A barb of Thracian breed
dappled with white he rode; a crimson plume
flamed over his golden helmet. “Who,” he cries,
“Is foremost at the foe? Who follows me?
Behold!” And, with the word, he hurled in air
a javelin, provoking instant war:
and, towering from his horse, charged o'er the field.
With answering shout his men-at-arms pursue,
and war-cries terrible. They laugh to scorn
“the craven hearts of Troy, that cannot give
fair, equal vantage, matching man to man,
but cuddle into camp.” This way and that
Turnus careers, and stormily surveys
the frowning rampart, and where way is none
some entering breach would find: so prowls a wolf
nigh the full sheepfold, and through wind and rain
stands howling at the postern all night long;
beneath the ewes their bleating lambs lie safe;
but he, with undesisting fury, more
rages from far, made frantic for his prey
by hunger of long hours, his foaming jaws
athirst for blood: not less the envy burned
of the Rutulian, as he scanned in vain
the stronghold of his foe. Indignant scorn
thrilled all his iron frame. But how contrive
to storm the fortress or by force expel
the Trojans from the rampart, and disperse
along the plain? Straightway he spied the ships,
in hiding near the camp, defended well
by mounded river-bank and fleeting wave.
On these he fell; while his exultant crew
brought firebrands, and he with heart aflame
grasped with a vengeful hand the blazing pine.
To the wild work his followers sped; for who
could prove him craven under Turnus' eye?
The whole troop for the weapon of their rage
seized smoking coals, of many a hearth the spoil;
red glare of fuming torches burned abroad,
and Vulcan starward flung a sparkling cloud.

> Latin: Turnus ut ante volans tardum praecesserat agmen
viginti lectis equitum comitatus, et urbi
improvisus adest; maculis quem Thracius albis
portat equus cristaque tegit galea aurea rubra.
“Ecquis erit, mecum, iuvenes, qui primus in hostem?”
“En,” ait et iaculum attorquens emittit in auras,
principium pugnae, et campo sese arduus infert.
Clamore excipiunt socii fremituque sequuntur
horrisono: Teucrum mirantur inertia corda,
non aequo dare se campo, non obvia ferre
arma viros, sed castra fovere. Huc turbidus atque huc
lustrat equo muros aditumque per avia quaerit.
Ac veluti pleno lupus insidiatus ovili
cum fremit ad caulas, ventos perpessus et imbris,
nocte super media; tuti sub matribus agni
balatum exercent, ille asper et improbus ira
saevit in absentis, collecta fatigat edendi
ex longo rabies et siccae sanguine fauces:
haud aliter Rutulo muros et castra tuenti
ignescunt irae, duris dolor ossibus ardet.
Qua temptet ratione aditus et quae via clausos
excutiat Teucros vallo atque effundat in aequum?
Classem, quae lateri castrorum adiuncta latebat,
aggeribus saeptam circum et fluvialibus undis,
invadit sociosque incendia poscit ovantis
atque manum pinu flagranti fervidus implet.
Tum vero incumbunt, urget praesentia Turni,
atque omnis facibus pubes accingitur atris.
Diripuere focos; piceum fert fumida lumen
taeda et commixtam Volcanus ad astra favillam.

[¶3] What god, O Muses, saved the Trojans then
from wrathful flame? Who shielded then the fleet,
I pray you tell, from bursting storm of fire?
From hoary eld the tale, but its renown
sings on forever. When Aeneas first
on Phrygian Ida hewed the sacred wood
for rib and spar, and soon would put to sea,
that mighty mother of the gods, they say,
the Berecynthian goddess, thus to Jove
addressed her plea: “Grant, O my son, a boon,
which thy dear mother asks, who aided thee
to quell Olympian war. A grove I have
of sacred pine, long-loved from year to year.
On lofty hill it grew, and thither came
my worshippers with gifts, in secret gloom
of pine-trees dark and shadowing maple-boughs.;
these on the Dardan warrior at his need
I, not unwilling, for his fleet bestowed.
But I have fears. O, Iet a parent's prayer
in this prevail, and bid my care begone!
Let not rude voyages nor the shock of storm
my ships subdue, but let their sacred birth
on my charmed hills their strength and safety be!”
Then spake her son, who guides the wheeling spheres:
“Wouldst thou, my mother, strive to oversway
the course of Fate? What means this prayer of thine?
Can it be granted ships of mortal mould
to wear immortal being? Wouldst thou see
Aeneas pass undoubting and secure
through doubtful strait and peril? On what god
was e'er such power bestowed? Yet will I grant
a different boon. Whatever ships shall find
a safe Ausonian haven, and convey
safe through the seas to yon Laurentian plain
the Dardan King, from such I will remove
their perishable shapes, and bid them be
sea-nymphs divine, like Nereus' daughters fair,
Doto and Galatea, whose white breasts
divide the foaming wave.” He said, and swore
by his Tartarean brother's mournful stream,
the pitch-black floods and dark engulfing shore
of Styx; then great Jove bowed his head, and all
Olympus quaked at his consenting brow.

> Latin: Quis deus, o musae, tam saeva incendia Teucris
avertit? Tantos ratibus quis depulit ignes?
Dicite. Prisca fides facto, sed fama perennis.
Tempore quo primum Phrygia formabat in Ida
Aeneas classem et pelagi petere alta parabat,
ipsa deum fertur genetrix Berecyntia magnum
vocibus his adfata Iovem: “Da, nate, petenti,”
“quod tua cara parens domito te poscit Olympo.”
[“Pinea silva mihi, multos dilecta per annos”]
“lucus in arce fuit summa, quo sacra ferebant,”
“nigranti picea trabibusque obscurus acernis:”
“has ego Dardanio iuveni, cum classis egeret,”
“laeta dedi; nunc sollicitam timor anxius angit.”
“Solve metus atque hoc precibus sine posse parentem:”
“ne cursu quassatae ullo neu turbine venti”
“vincantur, prosit nostris in montibus ortas.”
Filius huic contra, torquet qui sidera mundi:
“O genetrix, quo fata vocas, aut quid petis istis?”
“Mortaline manu factae immortale carinae”
“fas habeant certusque incerta pericula lustret”
“Aeneas? Cui tanta deo permissa potestas?”
“Immo ubi defunctae finem portusque tenebunt”
“Ausonios olim, quaecumque evaserit undis”
“Dardaniumque ducem Laurentia vexerit arva,”
“mortalem eripiam formam magnique iubebo”
“aequoris esse deas, qualis Nereia Doto”
“et Galatea secant spumantem pectore pontum.”
Dixerat idque ratum Stygii per flumina fratris,
per pice torrentis atraque voragine ripas
adnuit et totum nutu tremefecit Olympum.

[¶4] Now was the promised day at hand (for Fate
had woven the web so far) when Turnus' rage
stirred the divine progenitress to save
her sacred ships from fire. Then sudden shone
a strange effulgence in the eastern air;
and in a storm-cloud wafted o'er the sky
were Corybantic choirs, whose dreadful song
smote both on Teucrian and Rutulian ear:
“O Teucrians, fear not for the sure defence
of all the ships, nor arm your mortal hands.
Yon impious Turnus shall burn up the seas
before my pine-trees blest. Arise! Be free,
ye goddesses of ocean, and obey
your mother's mighty word.” Then instant broke
the hawsers of the sterns; the beaked prows
went plunging like great dolphins from the shore
down to the deeps, and, wonderful to tell,
the forms of virgin goddesses uprose,
one for each ship, and seaward sped away.

> Latin: Ergo aderat promissa dies et tempora Parcae
debita complerant, cum Turni iniuria Matrem
admonuit ratibus sacris depellere taedas.
Hic primum nova lux oculis offulsit et ingens
visus ab Aurora caelum transcurrere nimbus
Idaeique chori; tum vox horrenda per auras
excidit et Troum Rutulorumque agmina complet:
“Ne trepidate meas, Teucri, defendere navis”
“neve armate manus: maria ante exurere Turno”
“quam sacras dabitur pinus. Vos ite solutae,”
“ite deae pelagi: genetrix iubet.” Et sua quaeque
continuo puppes abrumpunt vincula ripis
delphinumque modo demersis aequora rostris
ima petunt. Hinc virgineae (mirabile monstrum)
quot prius aeratae steterant ad litora prorae
reddunt se totidem facies pontoque feruntur.

[¶5] The hearts of the Rutulian host stood still
in panic, and Messapus terrified
his trembling horses reined; the sacred stream
of Father Tiber, harshly murmuring,
held back his flood and checked his seaward way.
But Turnus' courage failed not; he alone
his followers roused, and with reproachful words
alone spoke forth: “These signs and prodigies
threaten the Trojan only. Jove himself
has stripped them of their wonted strength: no more
can they abide our deadly sword and fire.
The Trojan path to sea is shut. What hope
of flight is left them now? The half their cause
is fallen. The possession of this land
is ours already; thousands of sharp swords
Italia's nations bring. Small fear have I
of Phrygia's boasted omens. What to me
their oracles from heaven? The will of Fate
and Venus have achieved their uttermost
in casting on Ausonia's fruitful shore
yon sons of Troy. I too have destinies:
and mine, good match for theirs, with this true blade
will spill the blood of all the baneful brood,
in vengeance for my stolen wife. Such wrongs
move not on Atreus' sons alone, nor rouse
only Mycenae to a righteous war.
Say you, ‘Troy falls but once?’ One crime, say I,
should have contented them; and now their souls
should little less than loathe all womankind.
These are the sort of soldiers that be brave
behind entrenchment, where the moated walls
may stem the foe and make a little room
betwixt themselves and death. Did they not see
how Troy's vast bulwark built by Neptune's hand
crumbled in flame? Forward, my chosen brave!
Who follows me to cleave his deadly way
through yonder battlement, and leap like storm
upon its craven guard? I have no need
of arms from Vulcan's smithy; nor of ships
a thousand strong against our Teucrian foes,
though all Etruria's league enlarge their power.
Let them not fear dark nights, nor coward theft
of Pallas' shrine, nor murdered sentinels
on their acropolis. We shall not hide
in blinding belly of a horse. But I
in public eye and open day intend
to compass their weak wall with siege and fire.
I'll prove them we be no Pelasgic band,
no Danaan warriors, such as Hector's arm
ten years withstood. But look! this day hath spent
its better part. In what remains, rejoice
in noble deeds well done; let weary flesh
have rest and food. My warriors, husband well
your strength against to-morrow's hopeful war.”
Meanwhile to block their gates with wakeful guard
is made Messapus' work, and to gird round
their camp with watchfires. Then a chosen band,
twice seven Rutulian chieftains, man the walls
with soldiery; each leads a hundred men
crested with crimson, armed with glittering gold.
Some post to separate sentries, and prepare
alternate vigil; others, couched on grass,
laugh round the wine and lift the brazen bowls.
The camp-fires cheerly burn; the jovial guard
spend the long, sleepless night in sport and game.

> Latin: Obstipuere animis Rutuli, conterritus ipse
turbatis Messapus equis, cunctatur et amnis
rauca sonans revocatque pedem Tiberinus ab alto.
At non audaci Turno fiducia cessit;
ultro animos tollit dictis atque increpat ultro:
“Troianos haec monstra petunt, his Iuppiter ipse”
“auxilium solitum eripuit, non tela neque ignes”
“exspectans Rutulos. Ergo maria invia Teucris”
“nec spes ulla fugae: rerum pars altera adempta est.”
“Terra autem in nostris manibus, tot milia gentes”
“arma ferunt Italae. Nil me fatalia terrent,”
“siqua Phryges prae se iactant, responsa deorum:”
“sat fatis Venerique datum, tetigere quod arva”
“fertilis Ausoniae Troes. Sunt et mea contra”
“fata mihi, ferro sceleratam exscindere gentem,”
“coniuge praerepta: nec solos tangit Atridas”
“iste dolor solisque licet capere arma Mycenis.”
“Sed periisse semel satis est: peccare fuisset”
“ante satis penitus modo non genus omne perosos”
“femineum. Quibus haec medii fiducia valli”
“fossarumque morae, leti discrimina parva,”
“dant animos. At non viderunt moenia Troiae”
“Neptuni fabricata manu considere in ignis?”
“‘Sed vos, o lecti, ferro qui scindere vallum’”
“‘apparat et mecum invadit trepidantia castra.’”
“Non armis mihi Volcani, non mille carinis”
“est opus in Teucros; addant se protinus omnes”
“Etrusci socios, tenebras et inertia furta”
“Palladii caesis summae custodibus arcis”
“ne timeant, nec equi caeca condemur in alvo:”
“luce palam certum est igni circumdare muros.”
“Haud sibi cum Danais rem faxo et pube Pelasga”
“esse ferant, decumum quos distulit Hector in annum.”
“Nunc adeo, melior quoniam pars acta diei,”
“quod superest, laeti bene gestis corpora rebus”
“procurate, viri, et pugnam sperate parari.”
Interea vigilum excubiis obsidere portas
cura datur Messapo et moenia cingere flammis.
Bis septem Rutuli, muros qui milite servent,
delecti; ast illos centeni quemque sequuntur
purpurei cristis iuvenes auroque corusci.
Discurrunt variantque vices fusique per herbam
indulgent vino et vertunt crateras aenos.
Conlucent ignes, noctem custodia ducit
insomnem ludo.

[¶6] The Trojans peering from the lofty walls
survey the foe, and arm for sure defence
of every point exposed. They prove the gates
with fearful care, bind bridge with tower, and bring
good store of javelins. Serestus bold
and Mnestheus to their labors promptly fly,
whom Sire Aeneas bade in time of stress
to have authority and free command
over his warriars. Along the walls
the legions, by the cast of lots, divide
the pain and peril, giving each his due
of alternating vigil and repose.

> Latin: Haec super e vallo prospectant Troes et armis
alta tenent, nec non trepidi formidine portas
explorant pontisque et propugnacula iungunt,
tela gerunt. Instat Mnestheus acerque Serestus,
quos pater Aeneas, siquando adversa vocarent,
rectores iuvenum et rerum dedit esse magistros.
Omnis per muros legio, sortita periclum,
excubat exercetque vices, quod cuique tuendum est.

[¶7] Nisus kept sentry at the gate: a youth
of eager heart for noble deeds, the son
of Hyrtacus, whom in Aeneas' train
Ida the huntress sent; swift could he speed
the spear or light-winged arrow to its aim.
Beside him was Euryalus, his friend:
of all th' Aeneadae no youth more fair
wore Trojan arms; upon his cheek unshorn
the tender bloom of boyhood lingered still.
Their loving hearts were one, and oft in war
they battled side by side, as in that hour
a common sentry at the gate they shared.
Said Nisus: “Is it gods above that breathe
this fever in my soul, Euryalus?
or is the tyrant passion of each breast
the god it serves? Me now my urgent mind
to battles or some mighty deed impels,
and will not give me rest. Look yonder, where
the Rutuli in dull security
the siege maintain. Yet are their lights but few.
They are asleep or drunk, and in their line
is many a silent space. O, hear my thought,
and what my heart is pondering. To recall
Aeneas is the dearest wish to-night
of all, both high and low. They need true men
to find him and bring tidings. If our chiefs
but grant me leave to do the thing I ask
(Claiming no reward save what honor gives),
methinks I could search out by yonder hill
a path to Pallanteum.” The amazed
Euryalus, flushed warm with eager love
for deeds of glory, instantly replied
to his high-hearted friend: “Dost thou refuse,
my Nisus, to go with me hand in hand
when mighty deeds are done? Could I behold
thee venturing alone on danger? Nay!
Not thus my sire Opheltes, schooled in war,
taught me his true child, 'mid the woes of Troy
and Argive terrors reared; not thus with thee
have I proved craven, since we twain were leal
to great Aeneas, sharing all his doom.
In this breast also is a heart which knows
contempt of life, and deems such deeds, such praise,
well worth a glorious death.” Nisus to him:
“I have not doubted thee, nor e'er could have
one thought disloyal. May almighty Jove,
or whatsoe'er good power my purpose sees,
bring me triumphant to thy arms once more!
But if, as oft in doubtful deeds befalls,
some stroke of chance, or will divine, should turn
to adverse, 't is my fondest prayer that thou
shouldst live the longer of us twain. Thy years
suit better with more life. Oh! let there be
one mourner true to carry to its grave
my corpse, recaptured in the desperate fray,
or ransomed for a price. Or if this boon
should be—'t is Fortune's common way—refused,
then pay the debt of grief and loyal woe
unto my far-off dust, and garlands leave
upon an empty tomb. No grief I give
to any sorrowing mother; one alone,
of many Trojan mothers, had the heart
to follow thee, her child, and would not stay
in great Acestes' land.” His friend replied:
“Thou weavest but a web of empty words
and reasons vain, nor dost thou shake at all
my heart's resolve. Come, let us haste away!”
He answered so, and summoned to the gate
a neighboring watch, who, bringing prompt relief,
the sentry-station took; then quitted he
his post assigned; at Nisus' side he strode,
and both impatient sped them to the King.

> Latin: Nisus erat portae custos, acerrimus armis,
Hyrtacides, comitem Aeneae quem miserat Ida
venatrix iaculo celerem levibusque sagittis;
it iuxta comes Euryalus, quo pulchrior alter
non fuit Aeneadum Troiana neque induit arma,
ora puer prima signans intonsa iuventa.
His amor unus erat, pariterque in bella ruebant:
tum quoque communi portam statione tenebant.
Nisus ait: “Dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,”
“Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido?”
“Aut pugnam aut aliquid iamdudum invadere magnum”
“mens agitat mihi nec placida contenta quietest.”
“Cernis, quae Rutulos habeat fiducia rerum.”
“Lumina rara micant; somno vinoque soluti”
“procubuere; silent late loca: percipe porro,”
“quid dubitem et quae nunc animo sententia surgat.”
“Aenean acciri omnes, populusque patresque,”
“exposcunt mittique viros, qui certa reportent.”
“Si tibi quae posco promittunt (nam mihi facti”
“fama sat est), tumulo videor reperire sub illo”
“posse viam ad muros et moenia Pallantea.”
Obstipuit magno laudum percussus amore
Euryalus; simul his ardentem adfatur amicum:
“Mene igitur socium summis adiungere rebus,”
“Nise, fugis? Solum te in tanta pericula mittam?”
“Non ita me genitor, bellis adsuetus Opheltes,”
“Argolicum terrorem inter Troiaeque labores”
“sublatum erudiit, nec tecum talia gessi,”
“magnanimum Aenean et fata extrema secutus:”
“est hic, est animus lucis contemptor et istum”
“qui vita bene credat emi, quo tendis, honorem.”
Nisus ad haec: “Equidem de te nil tale verebar”
“nec fas, non, ita me referat tibi magnus ovantem”
“Iuppiter aut quicumque oculis haec aspicit aequis.”
“Sed siquis, quae multa vides discrimine tali,”
“siquis in adversum rapiat casusve deusve,”
“te superesse velim; tua vita dignior aetas.”
“Sit qui me raptum pugna pretiove redemptum”
“mandet humo solita aut siqua id Fortuna vetabit,”
“absenti ferat inferias decoretque sepulchro.”
“Neu matri miserae tanti sim causa doloris,”
“quae te sola, puer, multis e matribus ausa”
“persequitur magni nec moenia curat Acestae,”
Ille autem: “Causas nequiquam nectis inanis,”
“nec mea iam mutata loco sententia cedit:”
“adceleremus,” ait. Vigiles simul excitat, illi
succedunt servantque vices: statione relicta
ipse comes Niso graditur, regemque requirunt.

[¶8] Now in all lands all creatures that have breath
lulled care in slumber, and each heart forgot
its load of toil and pain. But they who led
the Teucrian cause, with all their chosen brave,
took counsel in the kingdom's hour of need
what action to command or whom dispatch
with tidings to Aeneas. In mid-camp
on long spears leaning and with ready shield
to leftward slung, th' assembled warriors stood.
Thither in haste arrived the noble pair,
brave Nisus with Euryalus his friend,
and craved a hearing, for their suit, they said,
was urgent and well-worth a patient ear.
Iulus to the anxious striplings gave
a friendly welcome, bidding Nisus speak.
The son of Hyrtacus obeyed: “O, hear,
Princes of Teucria, with impartial mind,
nor judge by our unseasoned youth the worth
of what we bring. Yon Rutule watch is now
in drunken sleep, and all is silent there.
With our own eyes we picked out a good place
to steal a march, that cross-road by the gate
close-fronting on the bridge. Their lines of fire
are broken, and a murky, rolling smoke
fills all the region. If ye grant us leave
by this good luck to profit, we will find
Aeneas and the walls of Palatine,
and after mighty slaughter and huge spoil
ye soon shall see us back. Nor need ye fear
we wander from the way. Oft have we seen
that city's crest loom o'er the shadowy vales,
where we have hunted all day long and know
each winding of yon river.”

> Latin: Cetera per terras omnis animalia somno
laxabant curas et corda oblita laborum:
ductores Teucrum primi et delecta iuventus
consilium summis regni de rebus habebant,
quid facerent quisve Aeneae iam nuntius esset.
Stant longis adnixi hastis, et scuta tenentes,
castrorum et campi medio. Tum Nisus et una
Euryalus confestim alacres admittier orant:
rem magnam, pretiumque morae fore. Primus Iulus
accepit trepidos ac Nisum dicere iussit.
Tum sic Hyrtacides: “Audite O mentibus aequis,”
“Aeneadae, neve haec nostris spectentur ab annis,”
“quae ferimus. Rutuli somno vinoque soluti”
“conticuere; locum insidiis conspeximus ipsi,”
“qui patet in bivio portae, quae proxuma ponto;”
“interrupti ignes, aterque ad sidera fumus”
“erigitur: si fortuna permittitis uti”
“quaesitum Aenean et moenia Pallantea,”
“mox hic cum spoliis ingenti caede peracta”
“adfore cernetis. Nec nos via fallit euntis:”
“vidimus obscuris primam sub vallibus urbem”
“venatu adsiduo et totum cognovimus amnem.”

[¶9] Then uprose
aged Aletes, crowned with wisdom's years:
“Gods of our fathers, who forevermore
watch over Troy, ye surely had no mind
to blot out Teucria's name, when ye bestowed
such courage on young hearts, and bade them be
so steadfast and so leal.” Joyful he clasped
their hands in his, and on their shoulders leaned,
his aged cheek and visage wet with tears.
“What reward worthy of such actions fair,
dear heroes, could be given? Your brightest prize
will come from Heaven and your own hearts. The rest
Aeneas will right soon bestow; nor will
Ascanius, now in youth's unblemished prime,
ever forget your praise.” Forthwith replied
Aeneas' son, “By all our household gods,
by great Assaracus, and every shrine
of venerable Vesta, I confide
my hopes, my fortunes, and all future weal
to your heroic hearts. O, bring me back
my father! Set him in these eyes once more!
That day will tears be dry; and I will give
two silver wine-cups graven and o'erlaid
with clear-cut figures, which my father chose
out of despoiled Arisbe; also two
full talents of pure gold, and tripods twain,
and ancient wine-bowl, Tyrian Dido's token.
But if indeed our destiny shall be
to vanquish Italy in prosperous war,
to seize the sceptre and divide the spoil, —
saw you that steed of Turnus and the arms
in which he rode, all golden? That same steed,
that glittering shield and haughty crimson crest
I will reserve thee, e'er the lots are cast,
and, Nisus, they are thine. Hereto my sire
will add twelve captive maids of beauty rare,
and slaves in armor; last, thou hast the fields
which now Latinus holds. But as for thee,
to whom my youth but binds me closer still,
thee, kingly boy, my whole heart makes my own,
and through all changeful fortune we shall be
inseparable peers: nor will I seek
renown and glory, or in peace or war,
forgetting thee: but trust thee from this day
in deed and word.” To him in answer spoke
euryalus, “O, may no future show
this heart unworthy thy heroic call!
And may our fortune ever prosperous prove,
not adverse. But I now implore of thee
a single boon worth all beside. I have
a mother, from the venerated line
of Priam sprung, whom not the Trojan shore
nor King Acestes' city could detain,
alas! from following me. I leave her now
without farewell; nor is her love aware
of my supposed peril. For I swear
by darkness of this night and thy right hand,
that all my courage fails me if I see
a mother's tears. O, therefore, I implore,
be thou her sorrow's comfort and sustain
her solitary day. Such grace from thee
equip me for my war, and I shall face
with braver heart whatever fortune brings.”
With sudden sorrow thrilled, the veteran lords
of Teucria showed their tears. But most of all
such likeness of his own heart's filial love
on fair Iulus moved, and thus he spoke:
“Promise thyself what fits thy generous deeds.
Thy mother shall be mine, Creusa's name
alone not hers; nor is the womb unblest
that bore a child like thee. Whate'er success
may follow, I make oath immutable
by my own head, on which my father swore,
that all I promise thee of gift or praise
if home thou comest triumphing, shall be
the glory of thy mother and thy kin.”
Weeping he spoke, and from his shoulder drew
the golden sword, well-wrought and wonderful,
which once in Crete Lycaon's cunning made
and sheathed in ivory. On Nisus then
Mnestheus bestowed a shaggy mantle torn
from a slain lion; good Aletes gave
exchange of crested helms. In such array
they hastened forth; and all the princely throng,
young men and old, ran with them to the gates,
praying all gods to bless. Iulus then,
a fair youth, but of grave, heroic soul
beyond his years, gave them in solemn charge
full many a message for his sire, but these
the hazard of wild winds soon scattered far,
and flung them fruitless on the darkening storm.

> Latin: Hic annis gravis atque animi maturus Aletes:
“Di patrii, quorum semper sub numine Troia est,”
“non tamen omnino Teucros delere paratis,”
“cum talis animos iuvenum et tam certa tulistis”
“pectora.” Sic memorans umeros dextrasque tenebat
amborum et voltum lacrimis atque ora rigabat.
“Quae vobis, quae digna, viri, pro laudibus istis”
“praemia posse rear solvi? Pulcherrima primum”
“di moresque dabunt vestri; tum cetera reddet”
“actutum pius Aeneas atque integer aevi”
“Ascanius, meriti tanti non immemor umquam.”
“Immo ego vos, cui sola salus genitore reducto,”
excipit Ascanius, “per magnos, Nise, penatis”
“Assaracique larem et canae penetralia Vestae”
“obtestor; quaecumque mihi fortuna fidesque est,”
“in vestris pono gremiis: revocate parentem,”
“reddite conspectum; nihil illo triste recepto.”
“Bina dabo argento perfecta atque aspera signis”
“pocula, devicta genitor quae cepit Arisba,”
“et tripodas geminos, auri duo magna talenta,”
“cratera antiquum, quem dat Sidonia Dido.”
“Si vero capere Italiam sceptrisque potiri”
“contigerit victori et praedae dicere sortem,”
“vidisti quo Turnus equo, quibus ibat in armis”
“aureus: ipsum illum, clipeum cristasque rubentis”
“excipiam sorti, iam nunc tua praemia, Nise.”
“Praeterea bis sex genitor lectissima matrum”
“corpora captivosque dabit suaque omnibus arma,”
“insuper his campi quod rex habet ipse Latinus.”
“Te vero, mea quem spatiis propioribus aetas”
“insequitur, venerande puer, iam pectore toto”
“accipio et comitem casus complector in omnis.”
“Nulla meis sine te quaeretur gloria rebus;”
“seu pacem seu bella geram, tibi maxima rerum”
“verborumque fides.” Contra quem talia fatur
Euryalus: “Me nulla dies tam fortibus ausis”
“dissimilem arguerit; tantum, fortuna secunda”
“aut adversa cadat. Sed te super omnia dona”
“unum oro, genetrix Priami de gente vetusta”
“est mihi, quam miseram tenuit non Ilia tellus”
“mecum excedentem, non moenia regis Acestae.”
“Hanc ego nunc ignaram huius quodcumque pericli est”
“inque salutatam linquo: nox et tua testis”
“dextera, quod nequeam lacrumas perferre parentis”
“at tu, oro, solare inopem et succurre relictae.”
“Hanc sine me spem ferre tui: audentior ibo”
“in casus omnis.” Percussa mente dedere
Dardanidae lacrimas; ante omnis pulcher Iulus,
atque animum patriae strinxit pietatis imago.
Tum sic effatur:
“Sponde digna tuis ingentibus omnia coeptis.”
“Namque erit ista mihi genetrix nomenque Creusae”
“solum defuerit, nec partum gratia talem”
“parva manet. Casus factum quicumque sequentur,”
“per caput hoc iuro, per quod pater ante solebat:”
“quae tibi polliceor reduci rebusque secundis,”
“haec eadem matrique tuae generique manebunt.”
Sic ait inlacrimans; umero simul exuit ensem
auratum, mira quem fecerat arte Lycaon
Gnosius atque habilem vagina aptarat eburna.
Dat Niso Mnestheus pellem horrentisque leonis
exuvias; galeam fidus permutat Aletes.
Protinus armati incedunt; quos omnis euntis
primorum manus ad portas iuvenumque senumque
prosequitur votis. Nec non et pulcher Iulus,
ante annos animumque gerens curamque virilem,
multa patri mandata dabat portanda: sed aurae
omnia discerpunt et nubibus inrita donant.

[¶10] Forth through the moat they climb, and steal away
through midnight shades, to where their foemen lie
encamped in arms; of whom, before these fall,
a host shall die. Along the turf were seen,
laid low in heavy slumber and much wine,
a prostrate troop; the horseless chariots
stood tilted on the shore, 'twixt rein and wheel
the drivers dozed, wine-cups and idle swords
strewn round them without heed. The first to speak
was Nisus. “Look, Euryalus,” he cried,
“Now boldly strike. The hour to do the deed
is here, the path this way. Keep wide-eyed watch
that no man smite behind us. I myself
will mow the mighty fieid, and lead thee on
in a wide swath of slaughter.” With this word
he shut his lips; and hurled him with his sword
on haughty Rhamnes, who lay propped at ease
on pillows huge, and from his heaving breast
poured slumber loud: of royal stem was he
and honored of King Turnus for his skill
in augury; yet could no augur's charm
that bloody stroke forefend. And Nisus slew
three slaves near by, that lay in reckless sleep
upon their spears; then him that bore the shield
of Remus, then the driver of his car
close to the horses caught; his sword cut through
their prostrate necks; then their great master's head
he lifted high, and left decapitate
the huge corpse spilling forth its crimson gore
o'er couch and ground. Like stroke on Lamus fell
and Lamyrus, with young Serranus, who
had gamed the midnight through and sleeping lay,
his fair young body to the wine-god given;
but happier now had that long-revelling night
been merry till the dawn! Thus round full folds
of sheep a famished lion fiercely prowls;
mad hunger moves him; he devours and rends
with bloody, roaring mouth, the feeble flock
that trembles and is dumb. Nor was the sword
of fair Euryalus less fatal found;
but fiercely raging on his path of death,
he pressed on through a base and nameless throng,
Rhoetus, Herbesus, Fadus, Abaris;
surprising all save Rhoetus, who awake
saw every stroke, and crouched in craven fear
behind a mighty wine-bowl; but not less
clean through his bare breast as he started forth
the youth thrust home his sword, then drew it back
death-dripping, while the bursting purple stream
of life outflowed, with mingling blood and wine.
Then, flushed with stealthy slaughter, he crept near
the followers of Messapus, where he saw
their camp-fire dying down, and tethered steeds
upon the meadow feeding. Nisus then
knew the hot lust of slaughter had swept on
too far, and cried, “Hold off! For, lo,
the monitory dawn is nigh. Revenge
has fed us to the full. We have achieved
clean passage through the foe.” Full many a prize
was left untaken: princely suits of mail
enwrought with silver pure, huge drinking-bowls,
and broideries fair. Yet grasped Euryalus
the blazonry at Rhamnes' corselet hung,
and belt adorned with gold: which were a gift
to Remulus of Tibur from the store
of opulent Caedicus, who sued from far
to be a friend; and these in death he gave
to his son's son, who slain in battle fell,
and proud Rutulians seized them with the spoil.
Euryalus about his shoulder strong
this booty slung—unprofitable gain! —
and fitted on a gorgeous, crested helm
which once Messapus wore. So from the camp,
escaping danger, the two champions ran.

> Latin: Egressi superant fossas noctisque per umbram
castra inimica petunt, multis tamen ante futuri
exitio. Passim somno vinoque per herbam
corpora fusa vident, arrectos litore currus,
inter lora rotasque viros, simul arma iacere,
vina simul. Prior Hyrtacides sic ore locutus:
“Euryale, audendum dextra; nunc ipsa vocat res.”
“Hac iter est. Tu, ne qua manus se attollere nobis”
“a tergo possit, custodi et consule longe;”
“haec ego vasta dabo et lato te limite ducam.”
Sic memorat vocemque premit; simul ense superbum
Rhamnetem adgreditur, qui forte tapetibus altis
exstructus toto proflabat pectore somnum.
Rex idem et regi Turno gratissimus augur,
sed non augurio potuit depellere pestem.
Tris iuxta famulos temere inter tela iacentis
armigerumque Remi premit aurigamque sub ipsis
nanctus equis ferroque secat pendentia colla;
tum caput ipsi aufert domino truncumque relinquit
sanguine singultantem; atro tepefacta cruore
terra torique madent. Nec non Lamyrumque Lamumque
et iuvenem Serranum, illa qui plurima nocte
luserat, insignis facie, multoque iacebat
membra deo victus: felix, si protinus illum
aequasset nocti ludum in lucemque tulisset.
Impastus ceu plena leo per ovilia turbans
(suadet enim vesana fames) manditque trahitque
molle pecus mutumque metu, fremit ore cruento:
nec minor Euryali caedes; incensus et ipse
perfurit ac multam in medio sine nomine plebem,
Fadumque Herbesumque subit Rhoetumque Abarimque,
ignaros, Rhoetum vigilantem et cuncta videntem,
sed magnum metuens se post cratera tegebat;
pectore in adverso totum cui comminus ensem
condidit adsurgenti et multa morte recepit.
Purpuream vomit ille animam et cum sanguine mixta
vina refert moriens; hic furto fervidus instat.
Iamque ad Messapi socios tendebat; ibi ignem
deficere extremum et religatos rite videbat
carpere gramen equos: breviter cum talia Nisus.
sensit enim nimia caede atque cupidine ferri:
“Absistamus,” ait, “nam lux inimica propinquat.”
“Poenarum exhaustum satis est, via facta per hostis.”
Multa virum solido argento perfecta relinquunt
armaque craterasque simul pulchrosque tapetas.
Euryalus phaleras Rhamnetis et aurea bullis
cingula, Tiburti Remulo ditissimus olim
quae mittit dona hospitio cum iungeret absens
Caedicus, ille suo moriens dat habere nepoti,
[post mortem bello Rutuli pugnaque potiti]
haec rapit atque umeris nequiquam fortibus aptat.
Tum galeam Messapi habilem cristisque decoram
induit. Excedunt castris et tuta capessunt.

[¶11] But horsemen from the Latin city sent
to join the serried legions of the plain
had come at Turnus' call, three hundred strong
all bearing shields, and under the command
of Volscens. Nigh the camp and walls they drew;
and soon they spied upon the leftward path
th' heroic pair, where in dim shades of night
the helmet of Euryalus betrayed
the heedless boy, and with a glancing beam
flashed on the foe. Nor was it seen in vain.
Loud from the line the voice of Volscens called:
“Stand, gentlemen! What business brings you here?
Whose your allegiance? Whither speed so fast?”
No answer gave they save to fly in haste
to cover of the forest and deep gloom
of the defensive night. The horsemen then
blocked every crossway known, and, scattering wide,
kept sentry at the entrance. The great wood
was all of tangled brush and blinding shade
of flex-boughs. Impenetrable thorns
had thickly overgrown, and seldom showed
a pathway through the maze. Euryalus,
by the black branches and his ponderous spoil
impeded, groped along in fearful doubt,
deceived and quite astray. Nisus his friend
had quit him, and incautiously had forced
a sally through the close-encircling foe,
into that region which should after bear
the name of Alba—a rude shelter then
for King Latinus' herds. He stayed him there
and looked, but vainly, for the comrade gone.
“Euryalus, ill-fated boy!” he cried,
“Where have I lost thee in the pathless wild?
How find thee? How retrace the blinding maze
of yonder treacherous wood?” Yet ere he said,
on his own path he turns him back, and scans
his own light footprints through the tangled thorn,
so dark and still. But suddenly he hears
the tread of horses, with confusing din
and tumult of pursuit. Nor was it long
he tarried ere upon his anguished ear
smote a great cry: and, lo! Euryalus,
trapped by the dark night, the deceptive ground,
faced the whole onset, and fell back o'erwhelmed
by a loud mob of foes, while his sole sword
tried many a thrust in vain. O, what defence
may Nisus bring? With what audacious arms
his chosen comrade save? Shall he make bare
his dying breast to all their swords, and run
to honorable death that bloody way?
he swung his spear with lifted arm, then looked
to the still moon, in heaven, and thus implored:
“O goddess, aid me in my evil case.
O glory of the stars, Latona's child!
O guardian of groves, if in my name
my father Hyrtacus made offerings
on burning altars, if my own right hand,
successful in the chase, ere hung its gift
beneath thy dome or on thy sacred wall,
grant me yon troop to scatter. Guide my spear
along its path in air.” He spoke, and hurled
with all his gathered strength the shaft of steel.
the swift spear clove the shades of night, and struck
full in the back of Sulmo, where it split,
but tore through to his very heart. The breast
poured forth life's glowing stream, and he, o'erthrown
lay cold in death, while his huge, heaving sides
gave lingering throes. The men about him stared
this way and that. But Nisus, fiercer still,
poised level with his ear a second shaft,
and, while the foeman paused, the whizzing spear
straight through the brows of Tagus drove, and clung
deep in the cloven brain.

> Latin: Interea praemissi equites ex urbe Latina,
cetera dum legio campis instructa moratur,
ibant et Turno regi responsa ferebant,
tercentum, scutati omnes, Volcente magistro.
Iamque propinquabant castris murosque subibant,
cum procul hos laevo flectentis limite cernunt
et galea Euryalum sublustri noctis in umbra
prodidit immemorem radiisque adversa refulsit.
Haud temere est visum. Conclamat ab agmine Volcens
“State, viri. Quae causa viae? Quive estis in armis?”
“Quove tenetis iter?” Nihil illi tendere contra,
sed celerare fugam in silvas et fidere nocti.
Obiciunt equites sese ad divortia nota
hinc atque hinc omnemque abitum custode coronant.
Silva fuit late dumis atque ilice nigra
horrida, quam densi complerant undique sentes;
rara per occultos lucebat semita calles.
Euryalum tenebrae ramorum onerosaque praeda
impediunt fallitque timor regione viarum;
Nisus abit, iamque imprudens evaserat hostis
atque locos, qui post Albae de nomine dicti
Albani, tum rex stabula alta Latinus habebat,
ut stetit et frustra absentem respexit amicum.
“Euryale infelix, qua te regione reliqui?”
“Quave sequar, rursus perplexum iter omne revolvens”
“fallacis silvae?” Simul et vestigia retro
observata legit dumisque silentibus errat.
Audit equos, audit strepitus et signa sequentum.
Nec longum in medio tempus, cum clamor ad auris
pervenit ac videt Euryalum, quem iam manus omnis
fraude loci et noctis, subito turbante tumultu,
oppressum rapit et conantem plurima frustra.
Quid faciat? Qua vi iuvenem, quibus audeat armis
eripere? An sese medios moriturus in enses
inferat et pulchram properet per volnera mortem?
Ocius adducto torquens hastile lacerto,
suspiciens altam Lunam sic voce precatur:
“Tu, dea, tu praesens nostro succurre labori,”
“astrorum decus et nemorum Latonia custos.”
“Siqua tuis umquam pro me pater Hyrtacus aris”
“dona tulit, siqua ipse meis venatibus auxi”
“suspendive tholo aut sacra ad fastigia fixi:”
“hunc sine me turbare globum et rege tela per auras.”
Dixerat, et toto conixus corpore ferrum
conicit: hasta volans noctis diverberat umbras
et venit aversi in tergum Sulmonis ibique
frangitur ac fisso transit praecordia ligno.
Volvitur ille vomens calidum de pectore flumen
frigidus et longis singultibus ilia pulsat.
Diversi circumspiciunt. Hoc acrior idem
ecce aliud summa telum librabat ab aure.
Dum trepidant, it hasta Tago per tempus utrumque
stridens traiectoque haesit tepefacta cerebro.

## 18. Book IX · lines 420–818

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/18/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/18/#p-N

[¶0] In frenzy rose
Volscens, but nowhere could espy what hand
the shaft had hurled, nor whither his wild rage
could make reply. “But thou,” he cried, “shalt feed
with thy hot blood my honor and revenge
for both the slain.” Then with a sword unsheathed
upon Euryalus he fell. Loud shrieked
Nisus, of reason reft, who could not bear
such horror, nor in sheltering gloom of night
longer abide: “'T is I, 't is I!” he said.
look on the man who slew them! Draw on me
your swords, Rutulians! The whole stratagem
was mine, mine only, and the lad ye slay
dared not, and could not. O, by Heaven above
and by the all-beholding stars I swear,
he did but love his hapless friend too well.”
But while he spoke, the furious-thrusting sword
had pierced the tender body, and run through
the bosom white as snow. Euryalus
sank prone in death; upon his goodly limbs
the life-blood ran unstopped, and low inclined
the drooping head; as when some purpled flower,
cut by the ploughshare, dies, or poppies proud
with stem forlorn their ruined beauty bow
before the pelting storm. Then Nisus flew
straight at his foes; but in their throng would find
Volscens alone, for none but Volscens stayed:
they gathered thickly round and grappled him
in shock of steel with steel. But on he plunged,
swinging in ceaseless circles round his head
his lightning-sword, and thrust it through the face
of shrieking Volscens, with his own last breath
striking his foeman down; then cast himself
upon his fallen comrade's breast; and there,
stabbed through, found tranquil death and sure repose.

> Latin: Saevit atrox Volcens nec teli conspicit usquam
auctorem nec quo se ardens inmittere possit.
“Tu tamen interea calido mihi sanguine poenas”
“persolves amborum,” inquit; simul ense recluso
ibat in Euryalum. Tum vero exterritus, amens
conclamat Nisus, nec se celare tenebris
amplius aut tantum potuit perferre dolorem.
“Me me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum,”
“O Rutuli, mea fraus omnis; nihil iste nec ausus”
“nec potuit, caelum hoc et conscia sidera testor,”
“tantum infelicem nimium dilexit amicum.”
Talia dicta dabat; sed viribus ensis adactus
transabiit costas et candida pectora rumpit.
Volvitur Euryalus leto, pulchrosque per artus
it cruor, inque umeros cervix conlapsa recumbit:
purpureus veluti cum flos succisus aratro
languescit moriens lassove papavera collo
demisere caput, pluvia cum forte gravantur.
At Nisus ruit in medios solumque per omnis
Volcentem petit in solo Volcente moratur.
Quem circum glomerati hostes hinc comminus atque hinc
proturbant. Instat non setius ac rotat ensem
fulmineum, donec Rutuli clamantis in ore
condidit adverso et moriens animam abstulit hosti.
Tum super exanimum sese proiecit amicum
confossus placidaque ibi demum morte quievit.

[¶1] Heroic pair and blest! If aught I sing
have lasting music, no remotest age
shall blot your names from honor's storied scroll:
not while the altars of Aeneas' line
shall crown the Capitol's unshaken hill,
nor while the Roman Father's hand sustains
its empire o'er the world.

> Latin: Fortunati ambo! Siquid mea carmina possunt,
nulla dies umquam memori vos eximet aevo,
dum domus Aeneae Capitoli immobile saxum
accolet imperiumque pater Romanus habebit.

[¶2] The Rutules seized the spoils of victory,
and slowly to their camp, with wail and cry,
bore Volscens' corse; and in the eamp they made
like wailing over Rhamnes lifeless found,
o'er Numa and Serranus, and a throng
of princes dead. The gazing people pressed
around the slain, the dying, where the earth
ran red with slaughter and full many a stream
of trickling gore; nor did they fail to know
Messapus' glittering helm, his baldric fair,
recaptured now with lavish sweat and pain.

> Latin: Victores praeda Rutuli spoliisque potiti
Volcentem exanimum flentes in castra ferebant.
Nec minor in castris luctus Rhamnete reperto
exsangui et primis una tot caede peremptis,
Serranoque Numaque. Ingens concursus ad ipsa
corpora seminecisque viros tepidaque recentem
caede locum et plenos spumanti sanguine rivos.
Agnoscunt spolia inter se galeamque nitentem
Messapi et multo phaleras sudore receptas.

[¶3] Now, from Tithonus' saffron couch set free,
Aurora over many a land outpoured
the rising morn; the sun's advancing beam
unveiled the world; and Turnus to his host
gave signal to stand forth, while he arrayed
himself in glorious arms. Then every chief
awoke his mail-clad company, and stirred
their slumbering wrath with tidings from the foe.
Tumultuously shouting, they impaled
on lifted spears—O pitiable sight! —
the heads of Nisus and Euryalus.
Th' undaunted Trojans stood in battle-line
along the wall to leftward (for the right
the river-front defended) keeping guard
on the broad moat; upon the ramparts high
sad-eyed they stood, and shuddered as they saw
the hero-faces thrust aloft; too well
their loyal grief the blood-stained features knew.

> Latin: Et iam prima novo spargebat lumine terras
Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile:
iam sole infuso, iam rebus luce retectis
Turnus in arma viros, armis circumdatus ipse,
suscitat, aeratasque acies in proelia cogit
quisque suas variisque acuunt rumoribus iras.
Quin ipsa arrectis (visu miserabile) in hastis
praefigunt capita et multo clamore sequuntur
Euryali et Nisi.
Aeneadae duri murorum in parte sinistra
opposuere aciem, nam dextera cingitur amni,
ingentisque tenent fossas et turribus altis
stant maesti; simul ora virum praefixa movebant,
nota nimis miseris atroque fluentia tabo.

[¶4] On restless pinions to the trembling town
had voiceful Rumor hied, and to the ears
of that lone mother of Euryalus
relentless flown. Through all her feeble frame
the chilling sorrow sped. From both her hands
dropped web and shuttle; she flew shrieking forth,
ill-fated mother! and with tresses torn,
to the wide ramparts and the battle-line
ran frantic, heeding naught of men-at-arms,
nor peril nor the rain of falling spears;
and thus with loud and lamentable cry
filled all the air: “Is it in yonder guise,
Euryalus, thou comest? Art thou he,
last comfort of my life? O cruel one!
Couldst thou desert me? When they thrust thee forth
to death and danger, did they dare refuse
a wretched mother's last embrace? But now —
O woe is me!—upon this alien shore
thou liest for a feast to Latin dogs
and carrion birds. Nor did thy mother lead
the mourners to thy grave, nor shut those eyes,
nor wash the dreadful wounds, nor cover thee
with the fair shroud, which many a night and day
I swiftly wove, and at my web and loom
forgot my years and sorrows. Whither now
to seek and follow thee? What spot of earth
holds the torn body and the mangled limbs?
Is all the gift thou bringest home, dear child,
this? O, was this the prize for which I came
o'er land and sea? O, stab me very deep,
if ye have any pity; hurl on me
your every spear, Rutulians; make of me
your swords' first work. Or, Father of the gods!
Show mercy, thou! and with thy lightning touch
this head accurst, and let it fall by thee
down to the dark. For else what power is mine
my tortured life to end?” Her agony
smote on their listening souls; a wail of woe
along the concourse ran. Stern men-at-arms
felt valor for a moment sleep, and all
their rage of battle fail. But while she stirred
the passion of her grief, Ilioneus
and young Iulus, weeping filial tears,
bade Actor and Idaeus, lifting her
in both their reverent arms, to bear her home.

> Latin: Interea pavidam volitans pennata per urbem
nuntia Fama ruit matrisque adlabitur auris
Euryali. At subitus miserae calor ossa reliquit,
excussi manibus radii revolutaque pensa.
Evolat infelix et femineo ululatu,
scissa comam, muros amens atque agmina cursu
prima petit, non illa virum, non illa pericli
telorumque memor; caelum dehinc questibus implet:
“Hunc ego te, Euryale, aspicio? Tune illa senectae”
“sera meae requies, potuisti linquere solam,”
“crudelis? Nec te, sub tanta pericula missum,”
“adfari extremum miserae data copia matri?”
“Heu, terra ignota canibus data praeda Latinis”
“alitibusque iaces, nec te, tua funera mater”
“produxi pressive oculos aut volnera lavi,”
“veste tegens, tibi quam noctes festina diesque”
“urgebam et tela curas solabar anilis.”
“Quo sequar, aut quae nunc artus avolsaque membra”
“et funus lacerum tellus habet? Hoc mihi de te,”
“nate, refers? Hoc sum terraque marique secuta?”
“Figite me, siqua est pietas, in me omnia tela”
“conicite, o Rutuli, me primam absumite ferro:”
“aut tu, magne pater divom, miserere tuoque”
“invisum hoc detrude caput sub Tartara telo,”
“quando aliter nequeo crudelem abrumpere vitam.”
Hoc fletu concussi animi, maestusque per omnis
it gemitus: torpent infractae ad proelia vires.
Illam incendentem luctus Idaeus et Actor
Illionei monitu et multum lacrimantis Iuli
corripiunt interque manus sub tecta reponunt.

[¶5] But now the brazen trumpet's fearsome song
blares loud, and startled shouts of soldiery
spread through the roaring sky. The Volscian band
press to the siege, and, locking shield with shield,
fill the great trenches, tear the palisades,
or seek approach by ladders up the walls,
where'er the line of the defenders thins, and light
through their black circle shines. The Trojans pour
promiscuous missiles down, and push out hard
with heavy poles—so well have they been schooled
to fight against long sieges. They fling down
a crushing weight of rocks, in hope to break
th' assailing line, where roofed in serried shields
the foe each charge repels. But not for long
the siegers stand; along their dense array
the crafty Teucrians down the rampart roll
a boulder like a hill-top, laying low
the Rutule troop and crashing through their shields.
Nor may the bold Rutulian longer hope
to keep in cover, but essays to storm
only with far-flung shafts the bastion strong.
Here grim Mezentius, terrible to see,
waved an Etrurian pine, and made his war
with smoking firebrands; there, in equal rage,
Messapus, the steed-tamer, Neptune's son,
ripped down the palisade, and at the breach
strung a steep path of ladders up the wall.

> Latin: At tuba terribilem sonitum procul aere canoro
increpuit; sequitur clamor caelumque remugit.
Adcelerant acta pariter testudine Volsci
et fossas implere parant ac vellere vallum.
Quaerunt pars aditum et scalis ascendere muros,
qua rara est acies interlucetque corona
non tam spissa viris. Telorum effundere contra
omne genus Teucri ac duris detrudere contis,
adsueti longo muros defendere bello.
Saxa quoque infesto volvebant pondere, siqua
possent tectam aciem perrumpere: cum tamen omnis
ferre iuvat subter densa testudine casus;
nec iam sufficiunt. Nam qua globus imminet ingens,
immanem Teucri molem volvuntque ruuntque,
quae stravit Rutulos late armorumque resolvit
tegmina. Nec curant caeco contendere Marte
amplius audaces Rutuli, sed pellere vallo
missilibus certant.
Parte alia horrendus visu quassabat Etruscam
pinum et fumiferos infert Mezentius ignis;
at Messapus equum domitor, Neptunia proles,
rescindit vallum et scalas in moenia poscit.

[¶6] Aid, O Calliope, the martial song!
Tell me what carnage and how many deaths
the sword of Turnus wrought: what peer in arms
each hero to the world of ghosts sent down.
Unroll the war's great book before these eyes.

> Latin: Vos, o Calliope, precor, adspirate canenti,
quas ibi tum ferro strages, quae funera Turnus
ediderit, quem quisque virum demiserit Orco;
et mecum ingentis oras evolvite belli,
[et meministis enim, divae, et memorare potestis.]

[¶7] A tower was there, well-placed and looming large,
with many a lofty bridge, which desperately
th' Italians strove to storm, and strangely plied
besieging enginery to cast it down:
the Trojans hurled back stones, or, standing close,
flung through the loopholes a swift shower of spears.
But Turnus launched a firebrand, and pierced
the wooden wall with flame, which in the wind
leaped larger, and devoured from floor to floor,
burning each beam away. The trembling guards
sought flight in vain; and while they crowded close
into the side unkindled yet, the tower
bowed its whole weight and fell, with sudden crash
that thundered through the sky. Along the ground
half dead the warriors fell (the crushing mass
piled over them) by their own pointed spears
pierced to the heart, or wounded mortally
by cruel splinters of the wreck. Two men,
Helenor one, and Lyeus at his side,
alone get free. Helenor of the twain
was a mere youth; the slave Lycymnia
bore him in secret to the Lydian King,
and, arming him by stealth, had sent away
to serve the Trojan cause. One naked sword
for arms had he, and on his virgin shield
no blazon of renown; but when he saw
the hosts of Turnus front him, and the lines
this way and that of Latins closing round, —
as a fierce, forest-creature, brought to bay
in circling pack of huntsmen, shows its teeth
against the naked spears, and scorning death
leaps upward on the javelins,—even so,
not loth to die, the youthful soldier flew
straight at the centre of his foes, and where
the shining swords looked thickest, there he sprung.
But Lyeus, swifter-footed, forced his way
past the opposing spears and made escape
far as the ciity-wall, where he would fain
clutch at the coping and climb up to clasp
some friend above: but Turnus, spear in hand,
had hotly followed, and exulting loud
thus taunted him, “Hadst thou the hope, rash fool,
beyond this grasp to fly?” So, as he clung,
he tore him down; and with him broke and fell
a huge piece of the wall: not otherwise
a frail hare, or a swan of snow-white wing,
is clutched in eagle-talons, when the bird
of Jove soars skyward with his prey; or tender lamb
from bleating mother and the broken fold
is stolen by the wolf of Mars. Wild shouts
on every side resound. In closer siege
the foe press on, and heap the trenches full,
or hurl hot-flaming torches at the towers.
Ilioneus with mountain-mass of stone
struck down Lucetius, as he crept with fire
too near the city-gate. Emathion fell
by Liger's hand, and Corynteus' death
Asilas dealt: one threw the javelin well;
th' insidious arrow was Asilas' skill.
Ortygius was slain by Caeneus, then
victorious Geneus fell by Turnus' ire.
Then smote he Dioxippus, and laid low
Itys and Promolus and Sagaris
and Clonius, and from the lofty tower
shot Idas down. The shaft of Capys pierced
Privernus, whom Themilla's javelin
but now had lightly grazed, and he, too bold,
casting his shield far from him, had outspread
his left hand on the wound: then sudden flew
the feathered arrow, and the hand lay pinned
against his left side, while the fatal barb
was buried in his breathing life. The son
of Arcens now stood forth in glittering arms.
His broidered cloak was red Iberian stain,
and beautiful was he. Arcens his sire
had sent him to the war; but he was bred
in a Sicilian forest by a stream
to his nymph-mother dear, where rose the shrine
of merciful Palicus, blest and fair.
But, lo! Mezentius his spear laid by,
and whirled three times about his head the thong
of his loud sling: the leaden bullet clove
the youth's mid-forehead, and his towering form
fell prostrate its full length along the ground.

> Latin: Turris erat vasto suspectu et pontibus altis,
opportuna loco, summis quam viribus omnes
expugnare Itali summaque evertere opum vi
certabant, Troes contra defendere saxis
perque cavas densi tela intorquere fenestras.
Princeps ardentem coniecit lampada Turnus
et flammam adfixit lateri, quae plurima vento
corripuit tabulas et postibus haesit adesis.
Turbati trepidare intus frustraque malorum
velle fugam. Dum se glomerant retroque residunt
in partem, quae peste caret, tum pondere turris
procubuit subito et caelum tonat omne fragore.
Semineces ad terram, immani mole secuta,
confixique suis telis et pectora duro
transfossi ligno veniunt. Vix unus Helenor
et Lycus elapsi. Quorum primaevus Helenor,
Maeonio regi quem serva Licymnia furtim
sustulerat vetitisque ad Troiam miserat armis,
ense levis nudo parmaque inglorius alba;
isque ubi se Turni media inter milia vidit,
hinc acies atque hinc acies adstare Latinas:
ut fera, quae densa venantum saepta corona
contra tela furit seseque haud nescia morti
inicit et saltu supra venabula fertur,
haud aliter iuvenis medios moriturus in hostis
inruit et, qua tela videt densissima, tendit.
At pedibus longe melior Lycus inter et hostis
inter et arma fuga muros tenet altaque certat
prendere tecta manu sociumque attingere dextras.
Quem Turnus, pariter cursu teloque secutus,
increpat his victor: “Nostrasne evadere, demens,”
“sperasti te posse manus?” Simul adripit ipsum
pendentem et magna muri cum parte revellit.
Qualis ubi aut leporem aut candenti corpore cycnum
sustulit alta petens pedibus Iovis armiger uncis
quaesitum aut matri multis balatibus agnum
Martius a stabulis rapuit lupus. Undique clamor
tollitur: invadunt et fossas agere complent;
ardentis taedas alii ad fastigia iactant.
Ilioneus saxo atque ingenti fragmine montis
Lucetium portae subeuntem ignisque ferentem,
Emathiona Liger, Corynaeum sternit Asilas,
hic iaculo bonus, hic longe fallente sagitta,
Ortygium Caeneus, victorem Caenea Turnus,
Turnus Ityn Cloniumque, Dioxippum Promolumque
et Sagarim et summis stantem pro turribus Idan,
Privernum Capys. Hunc primo levis hasta Themillae
strinxerat: ille manum proiecto tegmine demens
ad volnus tulit; ergo alis adlapsa sagitta
et laevo infixa est lateri manus abditaque intus
spiramenta animae letali volnere rupit.
Stabat in egregiis Arcentis filius armis,
pictus acu chlamydem et ferrugine clarus Hibera,
insignis facie, genitor quem miserat Arcens,
eductum Matris luco Symaethia circum
flumina, pinguis ubi et placabilis ara Palici:
stridentem fundam positis Mezentius hastis
ipse ter adducta circum caput egit habena
et media adversi liquefacto tempora plumbo
diffidit ac multa porrectum extendit harena.

[¶8] 'T was then Ascanius first shot forth in war
the arrow swift from which all creatures wild
were wont to fly in fear: and he struck down
with artful aim Numanus, sturdy foe,
called Remulus, who lately was espoused
to Turnus' younger sister. He had stalked
before the van, and made vociferous noise
of truths and falsehoods foul and base, his heart
puffed up with new-found greatness. Up and down
he strode, and swelled his folly with loud words:
“No shame have ye this second time to stay
cooped close within a rampart's craven siege,
O Phrygians twice-vanquished? Is a wall
your sole defence from death? Are such the men
who ask our maids in marriage? Say what god,
what doting madness, rather, drove ye here
to Italy? This way ye will not find
the sons of Atreus nor the trickster tongue
of voluble Ulysses. Sturdy stock
are we; our softest new-born babes we dip
in chilling rivers, till they bear right well
the current's bitter cold. Our slender lads
hunt night and day and rove the woods at large,
or for their merriment break stubborn steeds,
or bend the horn-tipped bow. Our manly prime
in willing labor lives, and is inured
to poverty and scantness; we subdue
our lands with rake and mattock, or in war
bid strong-walled cities tremble. Our whole life
is spent in use of iron; and we goad
the flanks of bullocks with a javelin's end.
Nor doth old age, arriving late, impair
our brawny vigor, nor corrupt the soul
to frail decay. But over silvered brows
we bind the helmet. Our unfailing joy
is rapine, and to pile the plunder high.
But ye! your gowns-are saffron needlework
or Tyrian purple; ye love shameful ease,
or dancing revelry. Your tunics fiow
long-sleeved, and ye have soft caps ribbon-bound.
Aye, Phrygian girls are ye, not Phrygian men!
Hence to your hill of Dindymus! Go hear
the twy-mouthed piping ye have loved so long.
The timbrel, hark! the Berecynthian flute
calls you away, and Ida's goddess calls.
Leave arms to men, true men! and quit the sword!”

> Latin: Tum primum bello celerem intendisse sagittam
dicitur ante feras solitus terrere fugaces
Ascanius fortemque manu fudisse Numanum,
cui Remulo cognomen erat, Turnique minorem
germanam nuper thalamo sociatus habebat.
Is primam ante aciem digna atque indigna relatu
vociferans tumidusque novo praecordia regno
ibat et ingentem sese clamore ferebat:
“Non pudet obsidione iterum valloque teneri,”
“bis capti Phryges, et morti praetendere muros?”
“En qui nostra sibi bello conubia poscunt!”
“Quis deus Italiam, quae vos dementia adegit”
“Non hic Atridae nec fandi fictor Ulixes:”
“durum a stirpe genus natos ad flumina primum”
“deferimus saevoque gelu duramus et undis,”
“venatu invigilant pueri silvasque fatigant,”
“flectere ludus equos et spicula tendere cornu.”
“At patiens operum parvoque adsueta iuventus”
“aut rastris terram domat aut quatit oppida bello.”
“Omne aevum ferro teritur, versaque iuvencum”
“terga fatigamus hasta; nec tarda senectus”
“debilitat vires animi mutatque vigorem:”
“canitiem galea premimus, semperque recentis”
“comportare iuvat praedas et vivere rapto.”
“Vobis picta croco et fulgenti murice vestis,”
“desidiae cordi, iuvat indulgere choreis,”
“et tunicae manicas et habent redimicula mitrae.”
“O vere Phrygiae, neque enim Phryges, ite per alta”
“Dindyma ubi adsuetis biforem dat tibia cantum!”
“Tympana vos buxusque vocat Berecyntia Matris”
“Idaeae sinite arma viris et cedite ferro.”

[¶9] Of such loud insolence and words of shame
Ascanius brooked no more, but laid a shaft
athwart his bowstring, and with arms stretched wide
took aim, first offering suppliant vow to Jove:
“Almighty Jupiter, thy favor show
to my bold deed! So to thy shrine I bear
gifts year by year, and to thine altars lead
a bull with gilded brows, snow-white, and tall
as his own dam, what time his youth begins
to lower his horns and fling the sand in air.”
The Father heard, and from a cloudless sky
thundered to leftward, while the deadly bow
resounded and the arrow's fearful song
hissed from the string; it struck unswervingly
the head of Remulus and clove its way
deep in the hollows of his brow. “Begone!
Proud mocker at the brave! Lo, this reply
twice-vanquished Phrygians to Rutulia send.”
Ascanius said no more. The Teucrians
with deep-voiced shout of joy applaud, and lift
their exultation starward.

> Latin: Talia iactantem dictis ac dira canentem
non tulit Ascanius nervoque obversus equino
contendit telum diversaque bracchia ducens
constitit, ante Iovem supplex per vota precatus:
“Iuppiter omnipotens, audacibus adnue coeptis.”
“Ipse tibi ad tua templa feram sollemnia dona”
“et statuam ante aras aurata fronte iuvencum”
“candentem pariterque caput cum matre ferentem,”
“iam cornu petat et pedibus qui spargat harenam.”
Audiit et caeli Genitor de parte serena
intonuit laevum, sonat una fatifer arcus:
effugit horrendum stridens adducta sagitta
perque caput Remuli venit et cava tempora ferro
traicit. “I, verbis virtutem inlude superbis!”
“His capti Phryges haec Rutulis responsa remittunt.”
Hoc tantum Ascanius. Teucri clamore sequuntur
laetitiaque fremunt animosque ad sidera tollunt.

[¶10] Then from heaven
the flowing-haired Apollo bent his gaze
upon Ausonia's host, and cloud-enthroned
looked downward o'er the city, speaking thus
to fair Iulus in his victory:
“Hail to thy maiden prowess, boy! This way
the starward path to dwelling-place divine.
O sired of gods and sire of gods to come,
all future storms of war by Fate ordained
shall into peace and lawful calm subside
beneath the offspring of Assaracus.
No Trojan destinies thy glory bound.”
So saying, from his far, ethereal seat
he hied him down, and, cleaving the quick winds
drew near Ascanius. He wore the guise
of aged Butes, who erewhile had borne
Anchises, armor and kept trusty guard
before his threshold, but attended now
Ascanius, by commandment of his sire.
Clad in this graybeard's every aspect, moved
apollo forth,—his very voice and hue,
his hoary locks and grimly sounding shield, —
and to the flushed Iulus spoke this word:
“Child of Aeneas, be content that now
Numanus unavenged thine arrows feels.
Such dawn of glory great Apollo's will
concedes, nor envies thee the fatal shaft
so like his own. But, tender youth, refrain
hereafter from this war!” So said divine
Apollo, who, while yet he spoke, put by
his mortal aspect, and before their eyes
melted to viewless air. The Teucrians knew
the vocal god with armament divine
of arrows; for his rattling quiver smote
their senses as he fled. Obedient
to Phoebus' voice they held back from the fray
Iulus' fury, and their eager souls
faced the fresh fight and danger's darkest frown.
From tower to tower along the bastioned wall
their war-cry flew: they bend with busy hand
the cruel bow, or swing the whirling thong
of javelins. The earth on every side
is strewn with spent shafts, the reverberant shield
and hollow helmet ring with blows; the fight
more fiercely swells; not less the bursting storm
from watery Kid-stars in the western sky
lashes the plain, or multitudinous hail
beats upon shallow seas, when angry Jove
flings forth tempestuous and-boundless rain,
and splits the bellied clouds in darkened air.

> Latin: Aetheria tum forte plaga crinitus Apollo
desuper Ausonias acies urbemque videbat,
nube sedens, atque his victorem adfatur Iulum:
“Macte nova virtute, puer: sic itur ad astra,”
“dis genite et geniture deos. Iure omnia bella”
“gente sub Assaraci fato ventura resident,”
“nec te Troia capit.” Simul haec effatus ab alto
aethere se misit, spirantis dimovet auras
Ascaniumque petit. Forma tum vertitur oris
antiquum in Buten; hic Dardanio Anchisae
armiger ante fuit fidusque ad limina custos,
tum comitem Ascanio pater addidit. Ibat Apollo
omnia longaevo similis, vocemque coloremque
et crinis albos et saeva sonoribus arma,
atque his ardentem dictis adfatur Iulum:
“Sit satis, Aenide, telis impune Numanum”
“oppetiisse tuis; primam hanc tibi magnus, Apollo”
“concedit laudem et paribus non invidet armis:”
“cetera parce, puer, bello.” Sic orsus Apollo
mortalis medio aspectus sermone reliquit
et procul in tenuem ex oculis evanuit auram.
Agnovere deum proceres divinaque tela
Dardanidae pharetramque fuga sensere sonantem.
Ergo avidum pugnae dictis ac numine Phoebi
Ascanium prohibent, ipsi in certamina rursus
succedunt animasque in aperta pericula mittunt.
It clamor totis per propugnacula muris,
intendunt acris arcus amentaque torquent.
Sternitur omne solum telis, tum scuta cavaeque
dant sonitum flictu galeae, pugna aspera surgit:
quantus ab occasu veniens pluvialibus Haedis
verberat imber humum, quam multa grandine nimbi
in vada praecipitant, cum Iuppiter horridus austris
torquet aquosam hiemem et caelo cava nubila rumpit.

[¶11] The brothers Pandarus and Bitias,
of whom Alcanor was the famous sire,
on Ida born, and whom Iaera bred
in sacred wood of Jove, an oread she,
twin warriors, like their native hills and trees
of stature proud, now burst those portals wide
to them in ward consigned, and sword in hand
challenge the foe to enter. Side by side,
steel-clad, their tall heads in bright crested helms,
to left and right, like towers, the champions stand
as when to skyward, by the gliding waves
of gentle Athesis or Padus wide,
a pair of oaks uprise, and lift in air
their shaggy brows and nodding crests sublime.
In burst the Rutules where the onward way
seemed open wide; Quercens no tarrying knows,
nor proud Aquiculus in well-wrought arms;
Tmarus sweeps on impetuous, and the host
of Haemon, child of Mars. Some routed fly;
some lay their lives-down at the gate. Wild rage
o'erflows each martial breast, and gathered fast
the Trojans rally to one point, and dare
close conflict, or long sallies o'er the plain.

> Latin: Pandarus et Bitias, Idaeo Alcanore creti,
quos Iovis eduxit luco silvestris Iaera
abietibus iuvenes patriis et montibus aequos,
portam, quae ducis imperio commissa, recludunt,
freti animis, ultroque invitant moenibus hostem.
Ipsi intus dextra ac laeva pro turribus adstant,
armati ferro et cristis capita alta corusci:
quales aëriae liquentia flumina circum,
sive Padi ripis Athesim seu propter amoenum,
consurgunt geminae quercus intonsaque caelo
attollunt capita et sublimi vertice nutant.
inrumpunt aditus Rutuli ut videre patentis
continuo Quercens et pulcher Aquiculus armis
et praeceps animi Tmarus et Mavortius Haemon
agminibus totis: at versi terga dedere
aut ipso portae posuere in limine vitam.
Tum magis increscunt animis discordibus irae;
et iam collecti Troes glomerantur eodem
et conferre manum et procurrere longius audent.

[¶12] To Turnus, who upon a distant field
was storming with huge havoc, came the news
that now his foe, before a gate thrown wide,
was red with slaughter. His own fight he stays,
and speeds him, by enormous rage thrust on,
to those proud brethren at the Dardan wall.
There first Antiphates, who made his war
far in the van (a Theban captive's child
to great Sarpedon out of wedlock born),
he felled to earth with whirling javelin:
th' Italic shaft of cornel lightly flew
along the yielding air, and through his throat
pierced deep into the breast; a gaping wound
gushed blood; the hot shaft to his bosom clung.
Then Erymas and Merops his strong hand
laid low: Aphidnus next, then came the turn
of Bitias, fiery-hearted, furious-eyed:
but not by javelin,—such cannot fall
by flying javelin,—the ponderous beam
of a phalaric spear, with mighty roar,
like thunderbolt upon him fell; such shock
neither the bull's-hides of his double shield
nor twofold corselet's golden scales could stay
but all his towering frame in ruin fell.
Earth groaned, and o'er him rang his ample shield.
so crashes down from Baiae's storied shore
a rock-built mole, whose mighty masonry,
piled up with care, men cast into the sea;
it trails its wreckage far, and fathoms down
lies broken in the shallows, while the waves
whirl every way, and showers of black sand
are scattered on the air: with thunder-sound
steep Prochyta is shaken, and that bed
of cruel stone, Inarime, which lies
heaped o'er Typhoeus by revenge of Jove.

> Latin: Ductori Turno diversa in parte furenti
turbantique viros perfertur nuntius, hostem
fervere caede nova et portas praebere patentis.
Deserit inceptum atque immani concitus ira
Dardaniam ruit ad portam fratresque superbos.
Et primum Antiphaten, is enim se primus agebat,
Thebana de matre nothum Sarpedonis alti,
coniecto sternit iaculo; volat Itala cornus
aëra per tenerum stomachoque infixa sub altum
pectus abit: reddit specus atri volneris undam
spumantem, et fixo ferrum in pulmone tepescit.
Tum Meropem atque Erymanta manu, tum sternit Aphidnum,
tum Bitian ardentem oculis animisque frementem
non iaculo, neque enim iaculo vitam ille dedisset,
sed magnum stridens contorta phalarica venit,
fulminis acta modo, quam nec duo taurea terga
nec duplici squama lorica fidelis et auro
sustinuit: conlapsa ruunt immania membra.
Dat tellus gemitum, et clipeum super intonat ingens.
Talis in Euboico Baiarum litore quondam
saxea pila cadit, magnis quam molibus ante
constructam ponto iaciunt; sic illa ruinam
prona trahit penitusque vadis inlisa recumbit:
miscent se maria, et nigrae attolluntur harenae;
tum sonitu Prochyta alta tremit durumque cubile
Inarime Iovis imperiis imposta Typhoeo.

[¶13] Now to the Latins Mars, the lord of war,
gave might and valor, and to their wild hearts
his spur applied, but on the Teucrians breathed
dark fear and flight. From every quarter came
auxiliar hosts, where'er the conflict called,
and in each bosom pulsed the god of war.
When Pandarus now saw his brother's corse
low Iying, and which way the chance and tide
of battle ran, he violently moved
the swinging hinges of the gate, and strained
with both his shoulders broad. He shut outside
not few of his own people, left exposed
in fiercest fight but others with himself
he barred inside and saved them as they fled;
nor noted, madman, how the Rutule King
had burst in midmost of the line, and now
stood prisoned in their wall, as if he were
some monstrous tiger among helpless kine.
His eyeballs strangely glared; his armor rang
terrific, his tall crest shook o'er his brows
blood-red, and lightnings glittered from his shield
familiar loomed that countenance abhorred
and frame gigantic on the shrinking eyes
of the Aeneadae. Then Pandarus
sprang towering forth, all fever to revenge
his brother's slaughter. “Not this way,” he cried
“Amata's marriage-gift! No Ardea here
mews Turnus in his fathers' halls. Behold
thy foeman's castle! Thou art not allowed
to take thy leave.” But Turnus looked his way,
and smiled with heart unmoved. “Begin! if thou
hast manhood in thee, and meet steel with steel!
Go tell dead Priam thou discoverest here
Achilles!” For reply, the champion tall
hurled with his might and main along the air
his spear of knotted wood and bark untrimmed.
But all it wounded was the passing wind,
for Saturn's daughter turned its course awry,
and deep in the great gate the spear-point drove.
“Now from the stroke this right arm means for thee
thou shalt not fly. Not such the sender of
this weapon and this wound.” He said, and towered
aloft to his full height; the lifted sword
clove temples, brows, and beardless cheeks clean through
with loudly ringing blow; the ground beneath
shook with the giant's ponderous fall, and, lo,
with nerveless limbs, and brains spilt o'er his shield,
dead on the earth he lay! in equal halves
the sundered head from either shoulder swung.

> Latin: Hic Mars armipotens animum viresque Latinis
addidit et stimulos acris sub pectore vertit
immisitque Fugam Teucris atrumque Timorem.
Undique conveniunt, quoniam data copia pugnae
bellatorque animo deus incidit.
Pandarus ut fuso germanum corpore cernit
et quo sit fortuna loco, qui casus agat res,
portam vi magna converso cardine torquet,
obnixus latis umeris, multosque suorum
moenibus exclusos duro in certamine linquit;
ast alios secum includit recipitque ruentis,
demens, qui Rutulum in medio non agmine regem
viderit inrumpentem ultroque incluserit urbi,
immanem veluti pecora inter inertia tigrim.
Continuo nova lux oculis effulsit, et arma
horrendum sonuere; tremunt in vertice cristae
sanguineae, clipeoque micantia fulmina mittit:
agnoscunt faciem invisam atque immania membra
turbati subito Aeneadae. Tum Pandarus ingens
emicat et mortis fraternae fervidus ira
effatur: “Non haec dotalis regia Amatae,”
“nec muris cohibet patriis media Ardea Turnum.”
“Castra inimica vides; nulla hinc exire potestas.”
Olli subridens sedato pectore Turnus:
“Incipe, siqua animo virtus, et consere dextram:”
“hic etiam inventum Priamo narrabis Achillem.”
Dixerat. Ille rudem nodis et cortice crudo
intorquet summis adnixus viribus hastam:
excepere aurae volnus; Saturnia Iuno
detorsit veniens, portaeque infigitur hasta.
“At non hoc telum, mea quod vi dextera versat,”
“effugies; neque enim is teli nec volneris auctor.”
Sic ait et sublatum alte consurgit in ensem
et mediam ferro gemina inter tempora frontem
dividit inpubesque immani volnere malas.
Fit sonus, ingenti concussa est pondere tellus:
conlapsos artus atque arma cruenta cerebro
sternit humi moriens, atque illi partibus aequis
huc caput atque illuc umero ex utroque pependit.

[¶14] In horror and amaze the Trojans all
dispersed and fled; had but the conqueror thought
to break the barriers of the gates and call
his followers through, that fatal day had seen
an ending of the Teucrians and their war.
But frenzied joy of slaughter urged him on,
infuriate, to smite the scattering foe.
First Phaleris he caught; then cut the knees
of Gyges; both their spears he snatched away
and hurled them at the rout; 't was Juno roused
his utmost might of rage. Now Halys fell,
and Phegeus, whom he pierced right through the shield:
next, at the walls and urging reckless war,
Alcander, Halius, and Noemon gave
their lives, and Prytanis went down. In vain
Lynceus made stand and called his comrades brave:
for Turnus from the right with waving sword
caught at him and lopped off with one swift blow
the head, which with its helmet rolled away.
Next Amycus, destroyer of wild beasts,
who knew full well to smear a crafty barb
with venomed oil; young Clytius he slew,
son of the wind-god; then on Cretheus fell,
a follower of the muses and their friend:
Cretheus, whose every joy it was to sing,
and fit his numbers to the chorded Iyre;
steeds, wars, armed men were his perpetual song.

> Latin: Diffugiunt versi trepida formidine Troes:
et si continuo victorem ea cura subisset,
rumpere claustra manu sociosque immittere portis,
ultimus ille dies bello gentique fuisset;
sed furor ardentem caedisque insana cupido
egit in adversos.
Principio Phalerim et succiso poplite Gygen
excipit; hinc raptas fugientibus ingerit hastas
in tergum, Iuno vires animumque ministrat;
addit Halym comitem et confixa Phegea parma,
ignaros deinde in muris Martemque cientis
Alcandrumque Haliumque Noemonaque Prytanimque.
Lyncea tendentem contra sociosque vocantem
vibranti gladio conixus ab aggere dexter
occupat; huic uno desectum comminus ictu
cum galea longe iacuit caput. Inde ferarum
vastatorem Amycum, quo non felicior alter
ungere tela manu ferrumque armare veneno,
et Clytium Aeoliden et amicum Crethea Musis,
Crethea Musarum comitem, cui carmina semper
et citharae cordi numerosque intendere nervis.
[Semper equos atque arma virum pugnasque canebat.]

[¶15] At last the Teucrian chiefs had heard the tale
of so much slaughter; and in council met
are Mnestheus and Serestus bold, who see
their comrades routed and the conquering foe
within the gates. Cries Mnestheus, “Whither fly?
What open way is yonder or what wall?
Beyond these ramparts lost what stronger lie?
Shall one lone man here in your walls confined,
make havoc unavenged and feed the grave
with your best warriors? 0 cowards vile!
For your sad country and her ancient gods
and for renowned Aeneas, can ye feel
no pity and no shame?” Enflamed to fight
by words like these, they close the line, and stand
in strong array. So Turnus for a space
out of the battle step by step withdrew
to make the river-bank his rearguard strong;
whereat the Teucrians, shouting loud, swept on
the fiercer, and in solid mass pressed round.
as when a troop of hunters with keen spears
encircle a wild lion, who in fear,
but glaring grim and furious, backward falls,
valor and rage constrain him ne'er to cease
fronting the foe; yet not for all his ire
can he against such serried steel make way:
so Turnus backward with a lingering step
unwilling drew, and wrath his heart oterflowed.
for twice already had he cloven a path
into the foe's mid-press, and twice had driven
their flying lines in panic through the town.
But now the whole throng from the camp he sees
massed to the onset. Nor will Juno now
dare give him vigor to withstand, for Jove
had sent aerial Iris out of heaven
with stern commandment to his sister-queen
that Turnus from the Teucrian walls retire.
Therefore the warrior's shield avails no more,
nor his strong arm; but he is overthrown
by general assault. Around his brows
his smitten helmet rings; the ponderous mail
cracks under falling stones; the haughty plumes
are scattered from his head, nor can the boss
of his stout shield endure; the Trojans hurl
redoubled rain of spears; and with them speeds
Mnestheus like thunderbolt. The hero's flesh
dissolves in sweat; no room to breathe has he;
his limbs are spent and weary; his whole frame
shakes with his gasping breath: then bounding fort
with all his harness on, headlong he plunged
into the flowing stream; its yellow tide
embraced him as he fell, and gentle waves
restored him smiling to his friends in arms,
with all the gore and carnage washed away.

> Latin: Tandem ductores audita caede suorum
conveniunt Teucri, Mnestheus acerque Serestus,
palantisque vident socios hostemque receptum.
Et Mnestheus: “Quo deinde fugam, quo tenditis?” inquit.
“Quos alios muros, quae iam ultra moenia habetis?”
“Unus homo et vestris, o cives, undique saeptus”
“aggeribus tantas strages inpune per urbem”
“ediderit, iuvenum primos tot miserit Orco?”
“Non infelicis patriae veterumque deorum”
“et magni Aeneae, segnes, miseretque pudetque?”
Talibus accensi firmantur et agmine denso
consistunt. Turnus paulatim excedere pugna
et fluvium petere ac partem, quae cingitur unda;
acrius hoc Teucri clamore incumbere magno
et glomerare manum. Ceu saevum turba leonem
cum telis premit infensis, at territus ille,
asper, acerba tuens, retro redit, et neque terga
ira dare aut virtus patitur, nec tendere contra
ille quidem hoc cupiens potis est per tela virosque:
haud aliter retro dubius vestigia Turnus
improperata refert, et mens exaestuat ira.
Quin etiam bis tum medios invaserat hostis,
bis confusa fuga per muros agmina vertit;
sed manus e castris propere coit omnis in unum,
nec contra vires audet Saturnia Iuno
sufficere, aëriam caelo nam Iuppiter Irim
demisit germanae haud mollia iussa ferentem,
ni Turnus cedat Teucrorum moenibus altis.
Ergo nec clipeo iuvenis subsistere tantum
nec dextra valet: iniectis sic undique telis
obruitur. Strepit adsiduo cava tempora circum
tinnitu galea, et saxis solida aera fatiscunt,
discussaeque iubae capiti, nec sufficit umbo
ictibus: ingeminant hastis et Troes et ipse
fulmineus Mnestheus. Tum toto corpore sudor
liquitur et piceum, nec respirare potestas,
flumen agit; fessos quatit aeger anhelitus artus.
Tum demum praeceps saltu sese omnibus armis
in fluvium dedit: ille suo cum gurgite flavo
accepit venientem ac mollibus extulit undis
et laetum sociis abluta caede remisit.

## 19. Book X · lines 1–478

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/19/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/19/#p-N

[¶0] Meanwhile Olympus, seat of sovereign sway,
threw wide its portals, and in conclave fair
the Sire of gods and King of all mankind
summoned th' immortals to his starry court,
whence, high-enthroned, the spreading earth he views—
and Teucria's camp and Latium's fierce array.
Beneath the double-gated dome the gods
were sitting; Jove himself the silence broke:
“O people of Olympus, wherefore change
your purpose and decree, with partial minds
in mighty strife contending? I refused
such clash of war 'twixt Italy and Troy.
Whence this forbidden feud? What fears
seduced to battles and injurious arms
either this folk or that? Th' appointed hour
for war shall be hereafter—speed it not!—
When cruel Carthage to the towers of Rome
shall bring vast ruin, streaming fiercely down
the opened Alp. Then hate with hate shall vie,
and havoc have no bound. Till then, give o'er,
and smile upon the concord I decree!”

> Latin: Panditur interea domus omnipotentis Olympi,
conciliumque vocat divom pater atque hominum rex
sideream in sedem, terras unde arduus omnis
castraque Dardanidum adspectat populosque Latinos.
Considunt tectis bipatentibus, incipit ipse:
“Caelicolae magni, quianam sententia vobis”
“versa retro tantumque animis certatis iniquis?”
“Abnueram bello Italiam concurrere Teucris.”
“Quae contra vetitum discordia? Quis metus aut hos”
“aut hos arma sequi ferrumque lacessere suasit?”
“Adveniet iustum pugnae, ne arcessite, tempus,”
“cum fera Karthago Romanis arcibus olim”
“exitium magnum atque Alpes immittet apertas:”
“tum certare odiis, tum res rapuisse licebit.”
“Nunc sinite et placitum laeti componite foedus.”

[¶1] Thus briefly, Jove. But golden Venus made
less brief reply. “O Father, who dost hold
o'er Man and all things an immortal sway!
Of what high throne may gods the aid implore
save thine? Behold of yonder Rutuli
th' insulting scorn! Among them Turnus moves
in chariot proud, and boasts triumphant war
in mighty words. Nor do their walls defend
my Teucrians now. But in their very gates,
and on their mounded ramparts, in close fight
they breast their foes and fill the moats with blood.
Aeneas knows not, and is far away.
Will ne'er the siege have done? A second time
above Troy's rising walls the foe impends;
another host is gathered, and once more
from his Aetolian Arpi wrathful speeds
a Diomed. I doubt not that for me
wounds are preparing. Yea, thy daughter dear
awaits a mortal sword! If by thy will
unblest and unapproved the Trojans came
to Italy, for such rebellious crime
give them their due, nor lend them succor, thou,
with thy strong hand! But if they have obeyed
unnumbered oracles from gods above
and sacred shades below, who now has power
to thwart thy bidding, or to weave anew
the web of Fate? Why speak of ships consumed
along my hallowed Erycinian shore?
Or of the Lord of Storms, whose furious blasts
were summoned from Aeolia? Why tell
of Iris sped from heaven? Now she moves
the region of the shades (one kingdom yet
from her attempt secure) and thence lets loose
Alecto on the world above, who strides
in frenzied wrath along th' Italian hills.
No more my heart now cherishes its hope
of domination, though in happier days
such was thy promise. Let the victory fall
to victors of thy choice! If nowhere lies
the land thy cruel Queen would deign accord
unto the Teucrian people,—O my sire,
I pray thee by yon smouldering wreck of Troy
to let Ascanius from the clash of arms
escape unscathed. Let my own offspring live!
Yea, let Aeneas, tossed on seas unknown,
find some chance way; let my right hand avail
to shelter him and from this fatal war
in safety bring. For Amathus is mine,
mine are Cythera and the Paphian hills
and temples in Idalium. Let him drop
the sword, and there live out inglorious days.
By thy decree let Carthage overwhelm
Ausonia's power; nor let defence be found
to stay the Tyrian arms! What profits it
that he escaped the wasting plague of war
and fled Argolic fires? or that he knew
so many perils of wide wilderness
and waters rude? The Teucrians seek in vain
new-born Troy in Latium. Better far
crouched on their country's ashes to abide,
and keep that spot of earth where once was Troy!
Give back, O Father, I implore thee, give
Xanthus and Simois back! Let Teucer's sons
unfold once more the tale of Ilium's woe!”
Then sovereign Juno, flushed with solemn scorn,
made answer. “Dost thou bid me here profane
the silence of my heart, and gossip forth
of secret griefs? What will of god or man
impelled Aeneas on his path of war,
or made him foeman of the Latin King?
Fate brought him to Italia? Be it so!
Cassandra's frenzy he obeyed. What voice —
say, was it mine?—urged him to quit his camp,
risk life in storms, or trust his war, his walls,
to a boy-captain, or stir up to strife
Etruria's faithful, unoffending sons?
What god, what pitiless behest of mine,
impelled him to such harm? Who traces here
the hand of Juno, or of Iris sped
from heaven? Is it an ignoble stroke
that Italy around the new-born Troy
makes circling fire, and Turnus plants his heel
on his hereditary earth, the son
of old Pilumnus and the nymph divine,
Venilia? For what offence would Troy
bring sword and fire on Latium, or enslave
lands of an alien name, and bear away
plunder and spoil? Why seek they marriages,
and snatch from arms of love the plighted maids?
An olive-branch is in their hands; their ships
make menace of grim steel. Thy power one day
ravished Aeneas from his Argive foes,
and gave them shape of cloud and fleeting air
to strike at for a man. Thou hast transformed
his ships to daughters of the sea. What wrong
if I, not less, have lent the Rutuli
something of strength in war? Aeneas, then,
is far away and knows not! Far away
let him remain, not knowing! If thou sway'st
Cythera, Paphos, and Idalium,
why rouse a city pregnant with loud wars,
and fiery hearts provoke? That fading power
of Phrygia, do I, forsooth, essay
to ruin utterly? O, was it I
exposed ill-fated Troy to Argive foe?
For what offence in vast array of arms
did Europe rise and Asia, for a rape
their peace dissolving? Was it at my word
th' adulterous Dardan shepherd came to storm
the Spartan city? Did my hand supply
his armament, or instigate a war
for Cupid's sake? Then was thy decent hour
to tremble for thy children; now too late
the folly of thy long lament to Heaven,
and objurgation vain.”

> Latin: Iuppiter haec paucis; at non Venus aurea contra
pauca refert:
“O pater, O hominum rerumque aeterna potestas!”
“Namque aliud quid sit, quod iam implorare queamus?”
“Cernis ut insultent Rutulli Turnusque [feratur]”
“[per medios insignis equis tumidusque] secundo”
“Marte ruat? Non clausa tegunt iam moenia Teucros:”
“quin intra portas atque ipsis proelia miscent”
“aggeribus moerorum et inundant sanguine fossas.”
“Aeneas ignarus abest. Numquamne levari”
“obsidione sines? Muris iterum imminet hostis”
“nascentis Troiae [nec non exercitus alter;]”
“atque iterum in Teucros Aetolis surgit ab Arpis”
“Tydides. Equidem credo, mea volnera restant”
“et tua progenies mortalia demoror arma.”
“Si sine pace tua atque invito numine Troes”
“Italiam petiere, luant peccata neque illos”
“iuveris auxilio; sin tot responsa secuti,”
“quae superi manesque dabant: cur nunc tua quisquam”
“vertere iussa potest aut cur nova condere fata?”
“Quid repetem exustas Erycino in litore classes,”
“quid tempestatum regem ventosque furentis”
“Aeolia excitos aut actam nubibus Irim?”
“Nunc etiam manis, haec intemptata manebat”
“sors rerum, movet et superis immissa repente”
“Allecto, medias Italum bacchata per urbes.”
“Nil super imperio moveor: speravimus ista,”
“dum fortuna fuit; vincant quos vincere mavis.”
“Si nulla est regio, Teucris quam det tua coniunx”
“dura, per eversae, genitor, fumantia Troiae”
“exscidia obtestor, liceat dimittere ab armis”
“incolumem Ascanium, liceat superesse nepotem.”
“Aeneas sane ignotis iactetur in undis”
“et, quamcumque viam dederit Fortuna, sequatur:”
“hunc tegere et dirae valeam subducere pugnae.”
“Est Amathus, est celsa mihi Paphus atque Cythera”
“Idaliaeque domus: positis inglorius armis”
“exigat hic aevum. Magna dicione iubeto”
“Karthago premat Ausoniam: nihil urbibus inde”
“obstabit Tyriis. Quid pestem evadere belli”
“iuvit et Argolicos medium fugisse per ignes”
“totque maris vastaeque exhausta pericula terrae,”
“dum Latium Teucri recidivaque Pergama quaerunt?”
“Non satius cineres patriae insedisse supremos”
“atque solum, quo Troia fuit? Xanthum et Simoenta”
“redde, oro, miseris iterumque revolvere casus”
“da, pater, Iliacos Teucris.”
Tum regia Iuno
acta furore gravi: “Quid me alta silentia cogis”
“rumpere et obductum verbis volgare dolorem?”
“Aenean hominum quisquam divomque subegit”
“bella sequi aut hostem regi se inferre Latino?”
“Italiam petiit fatis auctoribus, esto,”
“Cassandrae inpulsus furiis: num linquere castra”
“hortati sumus aut vitam committere ventis?”
“Num puero summam belli, num credere muros”
“Tyrrhenamque fidem, aut gentis agitare quietas?”
“Quis deus in fraudem, quae dura potentia nostra”
“egit? Ubi hic Iuno demissave nubibus Iris?”
“Indignum est Italos Troiam circumdare flammis”
“nascentem et patria Turnum consistere terra,”
“cui Pilumnus avus, cui diva Venilia mater:”
“quid face Troianos atra vim ferre Latinis,”
“arva aliena iugo premere atque avertere praedas?”
“Quid soceros legere et gremiis abducere pactas,”
“pacem orare manu, praefigere puppibus arma?”
“Tu potes Aenean manibus subducere Graium”
“proque viro nebulam et ventos obtendere inanis,”
“tu potes in totidem classem convertere nymphas:”
“nos aliquid Rutulos contra iuvisse nefandum est?”
“Aeneas ignarus abest: ignarus et absit.”
“Est Paphus Idaliumque tibi, sunt alta Cythera:”
“quid gravidam bellis urbem et corda aspera temptas?”
“Nosne tibi fluxas Phrygiae res vertere fundo”
“conamur, nos, an miseros qui Troas Achivis”
“obiecit? Quae causa fuit, consurgere in arma”
“Europamque Asiamque et foedera solvere furto?”
“Me duce Dardanius Spartam expugnavit adulter,”
“aut ego tela dedi fovive cupidine bella?”
“Tum decuit metuisse tuis: nunc sera querelis”
“haud iustis adsurgis et inrita iurgia iactas.”

[¶2] Such Juno's plea;
the throng of gods with voices loud or low
gave various reply: as gathering winds
sing through the tree-tops in dark syllables,
and fling faint murmur on the far-off sea,
to tell some pilot of to-morrow's storm.
Then Jupiter omnipotent, whose hands
have governance supreme, began reply;
deep silence at his word Olympus knew,
Earth's utmost cavern shook; the realms of light
were silent; the mild zephyrs breathed no more,
and perfect calm o'erspread the levelled sea.
“Give ear, ye gods, and in your hearts record
my mandate and decree. Fate yet allows
no peace 'twixt Troy and Italy, nor bids
your quarrel end. Therefore, what Chance this day
to either foe shall bring, whatever hope
either may cherish,—the Rutulian cause
and Trojan have like favor in my eyes.
The destinies of Italy constrain
the siege; which for the fault of Troy fulfills
an oracle of woe. Yon Rutule host
I scatter not. But of his own attempt
let each the triumph and the burden bear;
for Jove is over all an equal King.
The Fates will find the way.” The god confirmed
his sentence by his Stygian brother's wave,
the shadowy flood and black, abysmal shore.
He nodded; at the bending of his brow
Olympus shook. It is the council's end.
Now from the golden throne uprises Jove;
the train of gods attend him to the doors.

> Latin: Talibus orabat Iuno, cunctique fremebant
caelicolae adsensu vario, ceu flamina prima
cum deprensa fremunt silvis et caeca volutant
murmura, venturos nautis prodentia ventos.
Tum pater omnipotens, rerum cui prima potestas,
infit; eo dicente deum domus alta silescit
et tremefacta solo tellus, silet arduus aether,
tum Zephyri posuere, premit placida aequora pontus:
“Accipite ergo animis atque haec mea figite dicta.”
“Quandoquidem Ausonios coniungi foedere Teucris”
“haud licitum, nec vestra capit discordia finem:”
“quae cuique est fortuna hodie, quam quisque secat spem,”
“Tros Rutulusne fuat nullo discrimine habebo.”
“Seu fatis Italum castra obsidione tenentur”
“sive errore malo Troiae monitisque sinistris.”
“Nec Rutulos solvo: sua cuique exorsa laborem”
“fortunamque ferent. Rex Iuppiter omnibus idem.”
“Fata viam invenient.” Stygii per flumina fratris,
per pice torrentis atraque voragine ripas
adnuit et totum nutu tremefecit Olympum.
Hic finis fandi. Solio tum Iuppiter aureo
surgit, caelicolae medium quem ad limina ducunt.

[¶3] Meanwhile at every gate the Rutule foe
urges the slaughter on, and closes round
the battlements with ring of flame. The host
of Trojans, prisoned in the palisades,
lies in strict siege and has no hope to fly.
In wretched plight they man the turrets tall,
to no avail, and with scant garrison
the ramparts crown. In foremost line of guard
are Asius Imbrasides, the twin
Assaraci, and Hicetaon's son
Thymoetes, and with Castor at his side
the veteran Thymbris; then the brothers both
of slain Sarpedon, and from Lycian steep
Clarus and Themon. With full-straining thews
lifting a rock, which was of some huge hill
no fragment small, Lyrnesian Acmon stood;
nor less than Clytius his sire he seemed,
nor Mnestheus his great brother. Some defend
the wall with javelins; some hurl down stones
or firebrands, or to the sounding string
fit arrows keen. But lo! amid the throng,
well worth to Venus her protecting care,
the Dardan boy, whose princely head shone forth
without a helm, like radiant jewel set
in burnished gold for necklace or for crown;
or like immaculate ivory inclosed
in boxwood or Orician terebinth;
his tresses o'er his white neck rippled down,
confined in circlet of soft twisted gold.
Thee, too, the warrior nations gaze upon,
high-nurtured Ismarus, inflicting wounds
with shafts of venomed reed: Maeonia's vale
thy cradle was, where o'er the fruitful fields
well-tilled and rich, Pactolus pours his gold.
Mnestheus was there, who, for his late repulse
of Turnus from the rampart, towered forth
in glory eminent; there Capys stood,
whose name the Capuan citadel shall bear.

> Latin: Interea Rutuli portis circum omnibus instant
sternere caede viros et moenia cingere flammis.
At legio Aeneadum vallis obsessa tenetur,
nec spes ulla fugae. Miseri stant turribus altis
nequiquam et rara muros cinxere corona
Asius Imbrasides Hicetaoniusque Thymoetes
Assaracique duo et senior cum Castore Thymbris,
prima acies; hos germani Sarpedonis ambo
et Clarus et Thaemon Lycia comitantur ab alta.
Fert ingens toto conixus corpore saxum,
haud partem exiguam montis, Lyrnesius Acmon,
nec Clytio genitore minor nec fratre Menestheo.
Hi iaculis, illi certant defendere saxis
molirique ignem nervoque aptare sagittas.
Ipse inter medios, Veneris iustissima cura,
Dardanius caput ecce puer detectus honestum,
qualis gemma micat, fulvum quae dividit aurum,
aut collo decus aut capiti; vel quale per artem
inclusum buxo aut Oricia terebintho
lucet ebur; fusos cervix cui lactea crinis
accipit et molli subnectens circulus auro.
Te quoque magnanimae viderunt, Ismare, gentes
volnera dirigere et calamos armare veneno,
Maeonia generose domo, ubi pinguia culta
exercentque viri Pactolusque inrigat auro.
Adfuit et Mnestheus, quem pulsi pristina Turni
aggere moerorum sublimem gloria tollit,
et Capys: hinc nomen Campanae ducitur urbi.

[¶4] While these in many a shock of grievous war
hotly contend, Aeneas cleaves his way
at midnight through the waters. He had fared
from old Evander to th' Etruscan folk,
addressed their King, and to him told the tale
of his own race and name, his suit, his powers;
of what allies Mezentius had embraced,
and Turnus' lawless rage. He bids him know
how mutable is man, and warning gives,
with supplication joined. Without delay
Tarchon made amity and sacred league,
uniting with his cause. The Lydian tribe,
now destined from its tyrant to be free,
embarked, obedient to the gods, and gave
allegiance to the foreign King. The ship
Aeneas rode moved foremost in the line:
its beak a pair of Phrygian lions bore;
above them Ida rose, an emblem dear
to exiled Trojans. On his Iofty seat
was great Aeneas, pondering the events
of changeful war; and clinging to his side
the youthful Pallas fain would learn the lore
of stars, the highway of dark night, and asks
the story of his toils on land and sea.

> Latin: Illi inter sese duri certamina belli
contulerant: media Aeneas freta nocte secabat.
Namque ut ab Euandro castris ingressus Etruscis
regem adit et regi memorat nomenque genusque,
quidve petat quidve ipse ferat, Mezentius arma
quae sibi conciliet, violentaque pectora Turni
edocet, humanis quae sit fiducia rebus
admonet immiscetque preces: haud fit mora, Tarchon
iungit opes foedusque ferit; tum libera fati
classem conscendit iussis gens Lydia divom,
externo commissa duci. Aeneia puppis
prima tenet, rostro Phrygios subiuncta leones,
imminet Ida super, profugis gratissima Teucris.
Hic magnus sedet Aeneas secumque volutat
eventus belli varios, Pallasque sinistro
adfixus lateri iam quaerit sidera, opacae
noctis iter, iam quae passus terraque marique.

[¶5] Now open Helicon and move my song,
ye goddesses, to tell what host in arms
followed Aeneas from the Tuscan shore,
and manned his ships and traveiled o'er the sea!

> Latin: Pandite nunc Helicona, deae, cantusque movete,
quae manus interea Tuscis comitetur ab oris
Aenean armetque rates pelagoque vehatur.

[¶6] First Massicus his brazen Tigress rode,
cleaving the brine; a thousand warriors
were with him out of Clusium's walls, or from
the citadel of Coste, who for arms
had arrows, quivers from the shoulder slung,
and deadly bows. Grim Abas near him sailed;
his whole band wore well-blazoned mail; his ship
displayed the form of Phoebus, all of gold:
to him had Populonia consigned
(His mother-city, she) six hundred youth
well-proven in war; three hundred Elba gave,
an island rich in unexhausted ores
of iron, like the Chalybes. Next came
Asilas, who betwixt the gods and men
interprets messages and reads clear signs
in victims' entrails, or the stars of heaven,
or bird-talk, or the monitory flames
of lightning: he commands a thousand men
close lined, with bristling spears, of Pisa all,
that Tuscan city of Alpheus sprung.
Then Astur followed, a bold horseman he,
Astur in gorgeous arms, himself most fair:
three hundred are his men, one martial mind
uniting all: in Caere they were bred
and Minio's plain, and by the ancient towers
of Pyrgo or Gravisca's storm-swept hill.

> Latin: Massicus aerata princeps secat aequora tigri:
sub quo mille manus iuvenum, qui moenia Clusi
quique urbem liquere Cosas, quis tela sagittae
gorytique leves umeris et letifer arcus.
Una torvus Abas: huic totum insignibus armis
agmen et aurato fulgebat Apolline puppis.
Sescentos illi dederat Populonia mater
expertos belli iuvenes, ast Ilva trecentos
insula inexhaustis Chalybum generosa metallis.
Tertius ille hominum divomque interpres Asilas,
cui pecudum fibrae, caeli cui sidera parent
et linguae volucrum et praesagi fulminis ignes,
mille rapit densos acie atque horrentibus hastis.
Hos parere iubent Alpheae ab origine Pisae,
urbs Etrusca solo. Sequitur pulcherrimus Astur,
Astur equo fidens et versicoloribus armis.
Tercentum adiciunt (mens omnibus una sequendi)
qui Caerete domo, qui sunt Minionis in arvis,
et Pyrgi veteres intempestaeque Graviscae.

[¶7] Nor thy renown may I forget, brave chief
of the Ligurians, Cinyrus; nor thine,
Cupavo, with few followers, thy crest
the tall swan-wings, of love unblest the sign
and of a father fair: for legends tell
that Cycnus, for his Phaethon so dear
lamenting loud beneath the poplar shade
of the changed sisters, made a mournful song
to soothe his grief and passion: but erewhile,
in his old age, there clothed him as he sang
soft snow-white plumes, and spurning earth he soared
on high, and sped in music through the stars.
His son with bands of youthful peers urged on
a galley with a Centaur for its prow,
which loomed high o'er the waves, and seemed to hurl
a huge stone at the water, as the keel
ploughed through the deep.

> Latin: Non ego te, Ligurum ductor fortissime bello,
transierim, Cinyre, et paucis comitate Cupavo,
cuius olorinae surgunt de vertice pennae,
crimen, Amor, vestrum formaeque insigne paternae.
Namque ferunt luctu Cycnum Phaethontis amati,
populeas inter frondes umbramque sororum
dum canit et maestum Musa solatur amorem,
canentem molli pluma duxisse senectam,
linquentem terras et sidera voce sequentem.
Filius, aequalis comitatus classe catervas,
ingentem remis Centaurum promovet: ille
instat aquae saxumque undis immane minatur
arduus et longa sulcat maria alta carina.

[¶8] Next Ocnus summoned forth
a war-host from his native shores, the son
of Tiber, Tuscan river, and the nymph
Manto, a prophetess: he gave good walls,
O Mantua, and his mother's name, to thee,—
to Mantua so rich in noble sires,
but of a blood diverse, a triple breed,
four stems in each; and over all enthroned
she rules her tribes: her strength is Tuscan born.
Hate of Mezentius armed against his name
five hundred men: upon their hostile prow
was Mincius in a cloak of silvery sedge,—
Lake Benacus the river's source and sire.
Last good Aulestes smites the depths below,
with forest of a hundred oars: the flood
like flowing marble foams; his Triton prow
threatens the blue waves with a trumpet-shell;
far as the hairy flanks its form is man,
but ends in fish below—the parting waves
beneath the half-brute bosom break in foam.
Such chosen chiefs in thirty galleys ploughed
the salt-wave, bringing help to Trojan arms.

> Latin: Ille etiam patriis agmen ciet Ocnus ab oris,
fatidicae Mantus et Tusci filius amnis,
qui muros matrisque dedit tibi, Mantua, nomen,
Mantua, dives avis; sed non genus omnibus unum:
gens illi triplex, populi sub gente quaterni,
ipsa caput populis, Tusco de sanguine vires.
Hinc quoque quingentos in se Mezentius armat,
quos patre Benaco velatus harundine glauca
Mincius infesta ducebat in aequora pinu.
It gravis Aulestes centenaque arbore fluctum
verberat adsurgens, spumant vada marmore verso.
Hunc vehit immanis Triton et caerula concha
exterrens freta, cui laterum tenus hispida nanti
frons hominem praefert, in pristim desinit alvus:
spumea semifero sub pectore murmurat unda.
Tot lecti proceres ter denis navibus ibant
subsidio Troiae et campos salis aera secabant.

[¶9] Day now had left the sky. The moon benign
had driven her night-wandering chariot
to the mid-arch of heaven. Aeneas sate,
for thought and care allowed him no repose,
holding the helm and tending his own sails.
but, as he sped, behold, the beauteous train,
lately his own, of nymphs, anon transformed
by kind Cybebe to sea-ruling powers.
In even ranks they swam the cloven wave,—
nymphs now, but once as brazen galleys moored
along the sandy shore. With joy they knew
their King from far, and with attending train
around him drew. Cymodocea then,
best skilled in mortal speech, sped close behind,
with her right hand upon the stern, uprose
breast-high, and with her left hand deeply plied
the silent stream, as to the wondering King
she called: “So late on watch, O son of Heaven,
Aeneas? Slack thy sail, but still watch on!
We were the pine-trees on the holy top
of Ida's mountain. Sea-nymphs now are we,
and thine own fleet. When, as we fled, the flames
rained o'er us from the false Rutulian's hand
't was all unwillingly we cast away
thy serviceable chains: and now once more
we follow thee across the sea. These forms
our pitying mother bade us take, with power
to haunt immortally the moving sea.
Lo, thy Ascanius lies close besieged
in moated walls, assailed by threatening arms
and Latium's front of war. Arcadia,
her horsemen with the bold Etruscan joined,
stands at the place appointed. Turnus means,
with troop opposing, their advance to bar
and hold them from the camp. Arouse thee, then,
and with the rising beams of dawn call forth
thy captains and their followers. Take that shield
victorious, which for thee the Lord of Fire
forged for a gift and rimmed about with gold.
To-morrow's light—deem not my words be vain!—
shall shine on huge heaps of Rutulia's dead.”
So saying, she pushed with her right hand the stern
with skilful thrust, and vanished. The ship sped
swift as a spear, or as an arrow flies
no whit behind the wind: and all the fleet
quickened its course. Anchises' princely son,
dumb and bewildered stood, but took good heart
at such an omen fair. Then in few words
with eyes upturned to heaven he made his prayer:
“Mother of gods, O Ida's Queen benign,
who Iovest Dindymus and towns with towers,
and lion-yokes obedient to thy rein,
be thou my guide in battle, and fulfil
thine augury divine. In Phrygia's cause
be present evermore with favoring power!”
He spoke no more. For now the wheels of day
had sped full circle into perfect light,
the dark expelling. Then, for his first care,
he bade his captains heed the signal given,
equip their souls for war, and wait in arms
the coming fray.

> Latin: Iamque dies caelo concesserat almaque curru
noctivago Phoebe medium pulsabat Olympum:
Aeneas (neque enim membris dat cura quietem)
ipse sedens clavumque regit velisque ministrat.
Atque illi medio in spatio chorus ecce suarum
occurrit comitum: nymphae, quas alma Cybebe
numen habere maris nymphasque e navibus esse
iusserat, innabant pariter fluctusque secabant,
quot prius aeratae steterant ad litora prorae.
Agnoscunt longe regem lustrantque choreis,
quarum quae fandi doctissima Cymodocea
pone sequens dextra puppim tenet ipsaque dorso
eminet ac laeva tacitis subremigat undis,
tum sic ignarum adloquitur: “Vigilasne, deum gens,”
“Aenea? Vigila et velis immitte rudentis.”
“Nos sumus, Idaeae sacro de vertice pinus,”
“nunc pelagi nymphae, classis tua. Perfidus ut nos”
“praecipitis ferro Rutulus flammaque premebat,”
“rupimus invitae tua vincula teque per aequor”
“quaerimus. Hanc Genetrix faciem miserata refecit”
“et dedit esse deas aevumque agitare sub undis.”
“At puer Ascanius muro fossisque tenetur”
“tela inter media atque horrentis Marte Latinos.”
“Iam loca iussa tenent forti permixtus Etrusco”
“Arcas eques: medias illis opponere turmas,”
“ne castris iungant, certast sententia Turno.”
“Surge age et Aurora socios veniente vocari”
“primus in arma iube et clipeum cape, quem dedit ipse”
“invictum Ignipotens atque oras ambiit auro.”
“Crastina lux, mea si non inrita dicta putaris,”
“ingentis Rutulae spectabit caedis acervos.”
Dixerat, et dextra discedens impulit altam
haud ignara modi puppim: fugit illa per undas
ocior et iaculo et ventos aequante sagitta.
Inde aliae celerant cursus. Stupet inscius ipse
Tros Anchisiades; animos tamen omine tollit.
Tum breviter super adspectans convexa precatur:
“Alma parens Idaea deum, cui Dindyma cordi”
“turrigeraeque urbis biiugique ad frena leones,”
“tu mihi nunc pugnae princeps, tu rite propinques”
“augurium Phrygibusque adsis pede, diva, secundo.”
Tantum effatus. Et interea revoluta rubebat
matura iam luce dies noctemque fugarat:
principio sociis edicit, signa sequantur
atque animos aptent armis pugnaeque parent se.

[¶10] Now holds he full in view
his Trojans and their fortress, as he stands
upon his towering ship. With his left hand
he lifts his radiant shield; then from the wall
the Dardan warriors send a battle-cry
that echoes to the stars, as kindling hope
their rage renews. A flight of spears they hurl:
't was like the cranes of Strymon, through dark clouds
each other calling, when they cleave the skies
vociferous, outwinging as they fly
the swift south winds—Ioud music them pursues.
Amazement on Ausonia's captains fell
and Turnus, as they gazed. But soon they saw
ships pointing shoreward and the watery plain
all stirring with a fleet. Aeneas' helm
uplifted its bright peak,—like streaming flame
the crimson crest; his shield of orbed gold
poured forth prodigious fire: it seemed as when
in cloudless night a comet's blood-red beam
makes mournful splendor, or the Dog-star glows,
which rises to bring drought and pestilence
to hapless men, and with ill-omened ray
saddens the sky.

> Latin: Iamque in conspectu Teucros habet et sua castra,
stans celsa in puppi; clipeum cum deinde sinistra
extulit ardentem. Clamorem ad sidera tollunt
Dardanidae e muris, spes addita suscitat iras,
tela manu iaciunt: quales sub nubibus atris
Strymoniae dant signa grues atque aethera tranant
cum sonitu fugiuntque notos clamore secundo.
At Rutulo regi ducibusque ea mira videri
Ausoniis, donec versas ad litora puppes
respiciunt totumque adlabi classibus aequor.
Ardet apex capiti cristisque a vertice flamma
funditur et vastos umbo vomit aureus ignes:
non secus ac liquida siquando nocte cometae
sanguinei lugubre rubent aut Sirius ardor,
ille sitim morbosque ferens mortalibus aegris,
nascitur et laevo contristat lumine caelum.

[¶11] But Turnus, undismayed,
trusted not less to hurl th' invaders back
and hold the shore against them. “Look!” he cried,
your prayer is come to pass,—that sword in hand
ye now may shatter them. The might of Mars
is in a true man's blow. Remember well
each man his home and wife! Now call to mind
the glory and great deeds of all your sires!
Charge to yon river-bank, while yet they take
with weak and fearful steps their shoreward way!
Fortune will help the brave.” With words like these,
he chose, well-weighing, who should lead the charge,
who at the leaguered walls the fight sustain.

> Latin: Haud tamen audaci Turno fiducia cessit
litora praecipere et venientis pellere terra.
[ultro animos tollit dictis atque increpat ultro]
“Quod votis optastis, adest, perfringere dextra;”
“in manibus Mars ipse viris. Nunc coniugis esto”
“quisque suae tectique memor, nunc magna referto”
“facta, patrum laudes. Ultro occurramus ad undam,”
“dum trepidi egressisque labant vestigia prima.”
“Audentis Fortuna iuvat,”
haec ait et secum versat, quos ducere contra
vel quibus obsessos possit concredere muros.

[¶12] Aeneas straightway from his lofty ships
lets down his troop by bridges. Some await
the ebbing of slack seas, and boldly leap
into the shallows; others ply the oar.
Tarchon a beach discovers, where the sands
sing not, nor waves with broken murmur fall,
but full and silent swells the gentle sea.
Steering in haste that way, he called his crews:
“Now bend to your stout oars, my chosen brave.
Lift each ship forward, till her beak shall cleave
yon hostile shore; and let her keel's full weight
the furrow drive. I care not if we break
our ship's side in so sure an anchorage,
if once we land.” While Tarchon urged them thus,
the crews bent all together to their blades
and sped their foaming barks to Latium's plain,
till each beak gripped the sand and every keel
lay on dry land unscathed:—all save thine own,
O Tarchon! dashed upon a sand-bar, she!
Long poised upon the cruel ridge she hung,
tilted this way or that and beat the waves,
then split, and emptied forth upon the tide
her warriors; and now the drifting wreck
of shattered oars and thwarts entangles them,
or ebb of swirling waters sucks them down.

> Latin: Interea Aeneas socios de puppibus altis
pontibus exponit. Multi servare recursus
languentis pelagi et brevibus se credere saltu,
per remos alii. Speculatus litora Tarchon,
qua vada non sperat nec fracta remurmurat unda,
sed mare inoffensum crescenti adlabitur aestu,
advertit subito proram sociosque precatur:
“Nunc, o lecta manus, validis incumbite remis;”
“tollite, ferte rates; inimicam findite rostris”
“hanc terram, sulcumque sibi premat ipsa carina.”
“Frangere nec tali puppim statione recuso”
“arrepta tellure semel.” Quae talia postquam
effatus Tarchon, socii consurgere tonsis
spumantisque rates arvis inferre Latinis,
donec rostra tenent siccum et sedere carinae
omnes innocuae, sed non puppis tua, Tarchon.
Namque inflicta vadis dorso dum pendet iniquo,
anceps sustentata diu fluctusque fatigat,
solvitur atque viros mediis exponit in undis
fragmina remorum quos et fluitantia transtra
impediunt, retrahitque pedem simul unda relabens.

[¶13] Turnus no lingering knows, but fiercely hurls
his whole line on the Teucrians, and makes stand
along the shore. Now peals the trumpet's call.
Aeneas in the van led on his troop
against the rustic foe, bright augury
for opening war, and laid the Latins low,
slaughtering Theron, a huge chief who dared
offer Aeneas battle; through the scales
of brazen mail and corselet stiff with gold
the sword drove deep, and gored the gaping side.
Then smote he Lichas, from his mother's womb
ripped in her dying hour, and unto thee,
O Phoebus, vowed, because his infant days
escaped the fatal steel. Hard by him fell
stout Cisseus and gigantic Gyas; these
to death were hurled, while with their knotted clubs
they slew opposing hosts; but naught availed
Herculean weapons, nor their mighty hands,
or that Melampus was their sire, a peer
of Hercules, what time in heavy toils
through earth he roved. See next how Pharon boasts!
But while he vainly raves, the whirling spear
smites full on his loud mouth. And also thou,
Cydon, wast by the Trojan stroke o'erthrown,
while following in ill-omened haste the steps
of Clytius, thy last joy, whose round cheek wore
its youthful golden down: soon hadst thou lain
in death, unheeding of thy fancies fond
which ever turned to youth;—but now arose
the troop of all thy brothers, Phorcus' sons,
a close array of seven, and seven spears
they hurled: some from Aeneas' helm or shield
glanced off in vain; some Venus' kindly power,
just as they touched his body, turned away.
Aeneas then to true Achates cried:
“Bring on my spears: not one shall fruitless fly
against yon Rutules, even as they pierced
the breasts of Greeks upon the Ilian plain.”
Then one great shaft he seized and threw; it sped
straight into Maeon's brazen shield, and clove
his mail-clad heart. Impetuous to his aid
brother Alcanor came, and lifted up
with strong right hand his brother as he fell:
but through his arm a second skilful shaft
made bloody way, and by the sinews held
the lifeless right hand from the shoulder swung.
Then from his brother's body Numitor
the weapon plucked and hurled it, furious,
upon Aeneas; but it could not strike
the hero's self, and grazed along the thigh
of great Achates.

> Latin: Nec Turnum segnis retinet mora, sed rapit acer
totam aciem in Teucros et contra in litore sistit.
Signa canunt. Primus turmas invasit agrestis
Aeneas, omen pugnae, stravitque Latinos
occiso Therone, virum qui maximus ultro
Aenean petit: huic gladio perque aerea suta,
per tunicam squalentem auro latus haurit apertum.
Inde Lichan ferit, exsectum iam matre perempta
et tibi, Phoebe, sacrum: casus evadere ferri
quo licuit parvo? Nec longe Cissea durum
immanemque Gyan, sternentis agmina clava,
deiecit Leto: nihil illos Herculis arma
nec validae iuvere manus genitorque Melampus,
Alcidae comes usque gravis dum terra labores
praebuit. Ecce Pharo, voces dum iactat inertis,
intorquens iaculum clamanti sistit in ore.
Tu quoque, flaventem prima lanugine malas
dum sequeris Clytium infelix, nova gaudia, Cydon,
Dardania stratus dextra, securus amorum,
qui iuvenum tibi semper erant, miserande iaceres,
ni fratrum stipata cohors foret obvia, Phorci
progenies, septem numero, septenaque tela
coniciunt; partim galea clipeoque resultant
inrita, deflexit partim stringentia corpus
alma Venus. Fidum Aeneas adfatur Achaten:
“Suggere tela mihi: non ullum dextera frustra”
“torserit in Rutulos, steterunt quae in corpore Graium”
“Iliacis campis.” Tum magnam corripit hastam
et iacit: illa volans clipei transverberat aera
Maeonis et thoraca simul cum pectore rumpit.
Huic frater subit Alcanor fratremque ruentem
sustentat dextra: traiecto missa lacerto
protinus hasta fugit servatque cruenta tenorem,
dexteraque ex umero nervis moribunda pependit.
Tum Numitor iaculo fratris de corpore rapto
Aenean petiit; sed non et figere contra
est licitum, magnique femur perstrinxit Achatae.

[¶14] Next into the fight
Clausus of Cures came, in youthful bloom
exulting, and with far-thrown javelin
struck Dryops at the chin, and took away
from the gashed, shrieking throat both life and voice;
the warrior's fallen forehead smote the dust;
his lips poured forth thick blood. There also fell
three Thracians, odspring of the lordly stem
of Boreas, and three of Idas' sons
from Ismara, by various doom struck down.
Halaesus here his wild Auruncans brings;
and flying to the fight comes Neptune's son,
Messapus, famous horseman. On both sides
each charges on the foe. Ausonia's strand
is one wide strife. As when o'er leagues of air
the envious winds give battle to their peers,
well-matched in rage and power; and neither they
nor clouds above, nor plunging seas below
will end the doubtful war, but each withstands
the onset of the whole—in such wild way
the line of Trojans on the Latian line
hurls itself, limb on limb and man on man.

> Latin: Hic Curibus fidens primaevo corpore Clausus
advenit et rigida Dryopem ferit eminus hasta
sub mentum graviter pressa pariterque loquentis
vocem animamque rapit traiecto gutture; at ille
fronte ferit terram et crassum vomit ore cruorem.
Tres quoque Threicios Boreae de gente suprema
et tris, quos Idas pater et patria Ismara mittit,
per varios sternit casus. Accurrit Halaesus
Auruncaeque manus, subit et Neptunia proles,
insignis Messapus equis. Expellere tendunt
nunc hi, nunc illi; certatur limine in ipso
Ausoniae. Magno discordes aethere venti
proelia ceu tollunt animis et viribus aequis;
non ipsi inter se, non nubila, non mare cedit;
anceps pugna diu, stant obnixa omnia contra:
haud aliter Troianae acies aciesque Latinae
concurrunt; haeret pede pes densusque viro vir.

[¶15] But at a distance where the river's flood
had scattered rolling boulders and torn trees
uprooted from the shore, young Pallas spied
th' Arcadian band, unused to fight on foot,
in full retreat, the Latins following close—
who also for the roughness of the ground
were all unmounted: he (the last resource
of men in straits) to wild entreaty turned
and taunts, enkindling their faint hearts anew:
“Whither, my men! O, by your own brave deeds,
O, by our lord Evander's happy wars,
the proud hopes I had to make my name
a rival glory,—think not ye can fly!
Your swords alone can carve ye the safe way
straight through your foes. Where yonder warrior-throng
is fiercest, thickest, there and only there
your Country's honor calls for men like you,
and for your captain Pallas. Nay, no gods
against us fight; we are but mortal men
pressed by a mortal foe. Not more than ours
the number of their lives or swords. Behold,
the barrier of yonder spreading sea
emprisons us, and for a craven flight
yon lands are all too small. Ha! Shall we steer
across the sea to Troy?” He said, and sprang
full in the centre of his gathered foes.

> Latin: At parte ex alia, qua saxa rotantia late
impulerat torrens arbustaque diruta ripis,
Arcadas insuetos acies inferre pedestris
ut vidit Pallas Latio dare terga sequaci
(aspera quis natura loci dimittere quando
suasit equos), unum quod rebus restat egenis,
nunc prece, nunc dictis virtutem accendit amaris:
“Quo fugitis, socii? Per vos et fortia facta,”
“per ducis Evandri nomen devictaque bella”
“Opemque meam, patriae quae nunc subit aemula laudi,”
“fidite ne pedibus. Ferro rumpenda per hostis”
“est via. Qua globus ille virum densissimus urget,”
“hac vos et Pallanta ducem patria alta reposcit.”
“Numina nulla premunt, mortali urgemur ab hoste”
“mortales, totidem nobis animaeque manusque.”
“Ecce, maris magna claudit nos obice pontus,”
“deest iam terra fugae: pelagus Troiamne petemus?”
Haec ait et medius densos prorumpit in hostis.

[¶16] First in his path was Lagus, thither led
by evil stars; whom, as he tried to lift
a heavy stone, the shaft of Pallas pierced
where ribs and spine divide: backward he drew
the clinging spear; But Hisbo from above
surprised him not, though meaning it; for while
(In anger blind for friend unpitying slain)
at Pallas' face he flew:—he, standing firm,
plunged deep into that swelling breast the sword.
Then Sthenius he slew; and next Anchemolus
of Rhoetus' ancient line, who dared defile
his step-dame's bridal bed. And also ye,
fair Thymber and Larides, Daucus' twins,
fell on that Rutule field; so like were ye,
your own kin scarce discerned, and parents proud
smiled at the dear deceit; but now in death
cruel unlikeness Pallas wrought; thy head
fell, hapless Thymber, by Evander's sword;
and thy right hand, Larides, shorn away,
seemed feeling for its Iord; the fingers cold
clutched, trembling, at the sword. Now all the troop
of Arcady, their chief's great action seen,
and by his warning roused, made at their foes,
spurred on by grief and shame.

> Latin: Obvius huic primum, fatis adductus iniquis,
fit Lagus. Hunc, magno vellit dum pondere saxum,
intorto figit telo, discrimina costis
per medium qua spina dabat, hastamque receptat
ossibus haerentem. Quem non super occupat Hisbo,
ille quidem hoc sperans: nam Pallas ante ruentem,
dum furit, incautum crudeli morte sodalis
excipit atque ensem tumido in pulmone recondit.
Hinc Sthenium petit et Rhoeti de gente vetusta
Anchemolum, thalamos ausum incestare novercae.
Vos etiam, gemini, Rutulis cecidistis in agris,
Daucia, Laride Thymberque, simillima proles,
indiscreta suis gratusque parentibus error;
at nunc dura dedit vobis discrimina Pallas:
nam tibi, Thymbre, caput Evandrius abstulit ensis;
te decisa suum, Laride, dextera quaerit
semianimesque micant digiti ferrumque retractant.
Arcadas accensos monitu et praeclara tuentis
facta viri mixtus dolor et pudor armat in hostis.

[¶17] Next Pallas pierced
the flying Rhoetus in his car; this gained
for Ilus respite and delay, for him
the stout spear aimed at; but its flight was stopped
by Rhoetus, as in swift retreat he rode,
by the two high-born brothers close pursued,
Teuthras and Tyres: from his car he rolled,
making deep furrows with his lifeless heels
along the Rutule plain. Oft when the winds
of summer, long awaited, rise and blow,
a shepherd fires the forest, and the blaze
devours the dense grove, while o'er the fields,
in that one moment, swift and sudden spread
grim Vulcan's serried flames; from some high seat
on distant hill, the shepherd peering down
sees, glad at heart, his own victorious fires:
so now fierce valor spreads, uniting all
in one confederate rage, 'neath Pallas' eyes.
But the fierce warrior Halaesus next
led on the charge, behind his skilful shield
close-crouching. Ladon and Demodocus
and Pheres he struck down; his glittering blade
cut Strymon's hand, which to his neck was raised,
sheer off; with one great stone he crushed the brows
of Thoas, scattering wide the broken skull,
bones, brains, and gore. Halaesus' prophet-sire,
foreseeing doom, had hid him in dark groves;
but when the old man's fading eyes declined
in death, the hand of Fate reached forth and doomed
the young life to Evander's sword; him now
Pallas assailed, first offering this prayer:
“O Father Tiber, give my poising shaft
through stout Halaesus' heart its lucky way!
The spoil and trophy of the hero slain
on thine own oak shall hang.” The god received
the vow, and while Halaesus held his shield
over Imaon, his ill-fated breast
lay naked to th' Arcadian's hungry spear.

> Latin: Tum Pallas biiugis fugientem Rhoetea praeter
traicit. Hoc spatium tantumque morae fuit Ilo;
Ilo namque procul validam direxerat hastam,
quam medius Rhoeteus intercipit, optime Teuthra,
te fugiens fratremque Tyren, curruque volutus
caedit semianimis Rutulorum calcibus arva.
Ac velut optato ventis aestate coortis
dispersa immittit silvis incendia pastor,
correptis subito mediis extenditur una
horrida per latos acies Volcania campos;
ille sedens victor flammas despectat ovantis:
non aliter socium virtus coit omnis in unum
teque iuvat, Palla. Sed bellis acer Halaesus
tendit in adversos seque in sua conligit arma.
Hic mactat Ladona Pheretaque Demodocumque,
Strymonio dextram fulgenti deripit ense
elatam in iugulum, saxo ferit ora Thoantis
ossaque dispersit cerebro permixta cruento.
Fata canens silvis genitor celarat Halaesum:
ut senior leto canentia lumina solvit,
iniecere manum Parcae telisque sacrarunt
Evandri. Quem sic Pallas petit ante precatus:
“Da nunc, Thybri pater, ferro, quod missile libro,”
“fortunam atque viam duri per pectus Halaesi.”
“Haec arma exuviasque viri tua quercus habebit.”
Audiit illa deus: dum texit Imaona Halaesus,
Arcadio infelix telo dat pectus inermum.

[¶18] But Lausus, seeing such a hero slain,
bade his troop have no fear, for he himself
was no small strength in war; and first he slew
Abas, who fought hard, and had ever seemed
himself the sticking-point and tug of war.
Down went Arcadia's warriors, and slain
etruscans fell, with many a Trojan brave
the Greek had spared. Troop charges upon troop
well-matched in might, with chiefs of like renown;
the last rank crowds the first;—so fierce the press
scarce hand or sword can stir. Here Pallas stands,
and pushes back the foe; before him looms
Lausus, his youthful peer, conspicuous both
in beauty; but no star will them restore
to home and native land. Yet would the King
of high Olympus suffer not the pair
to close in battle, but each hero found
a later doom at hands of mightier foes.

> Latin: At non caede viri tanta perterrita Lausus,
pars ingens belli, sinit agmina: primus Abantem
oppositum interimit, pugnae nodumque moramque.
Sternitur Arcadiae proles, sternuntur Etrusci
et vos, O Grais imperdita corpora, Teucri.
Agmina concurrunt ducibusque et viribus aequis.
Extremi addensent acies nec turba moveri
tela manusque sinit. Hinc Pallas instat et urget,
hinc contra Lausus, nec multum discrepat aetas:
egregii forma, sed quis Fortuna negarat
in patriam reditus. Ipsos concurrere passus
haud tamen inter se magni regnator Olympi:
mox illos sua fata manent maiore sub hoste.

[¶19] Now Turnus' goddess-sister bids him haste
to Lausus' help. So he, in wheeling car,
cut through the lines; and when his friends he saw,
“Let the fight stop! “he cried, “for none but I
may strike at Pallas; unto me alone
the prize of Pallas falls. I would his sire
stood by to see.” He spake: his troop withdrew
a fitting space. But as they made him room,
the young prince, wondering at the scornful words,
looked upon Turnus, glancing up and down
that giant frame, and with fierce-frowning brows
scanned him from far, hurling defiant words
in answer to the King's. “My honor now
shall have the royal trophy of this war,
or glorious death. For either fortune fair
my sire is ready. Threaten me no more!”
So saying, to the midmost space he strode,
and in Arcadian hearts the blood stood still.
Swift from his chariot Turnus leaped, and ran
to closer fight. As when some lion sees
from his far mountain-lair a raging bull
that sniffs the battle from the grassy field,
and down the steep he flies—such picture showed
grim Turnus as he came. But when he seemed
within a spear's cast, Pallas opened fight,
expecting Fortune's favor to the brave
in such unequal match; and thus he prayed:
“O, by my hospitable father's roof,
where thou didst enter as a stranger-guest,
hear me, Alcides, and give aid divine
to this great deed. Let Turnus see these hands
strip from his half-dead breast the bloody spoil!
and let his eyes in death endure to see
his conqueror!” Alcides heard the youth:
but prisoned in his heart a deep-drawn sigh,
and shed vain tears; for Jove, the King and Sire,.
spoke with benignant accents to his son:
“To each his day is given. Beyond recall
man's little time runs by: but to prolong
life's glory by great deeds is virtue's power.
Beneath the lofty walls of fallen Troy
fell many a son of Heaven. Yea, there was slain
Sarpedon, my own offspring. Turnus too
is summoned to his doom, and nears the bounds
of his appointed span.” So speaking, Jove
turned from Rutulia's war his eyes away.
But Pallas hurled his lance with might and main,
and from its hollow scabbard flashed his sword.
The flying shaft touched where the plated steel
over the shoulders rose, and worked its way
through the shield's rim—then falling, glanced aside
from Turnus' giant body.

> Latin: Interea soror alma monet succedere Lauso
Turnum, qui volucri curru medium secat agmen.
Ut vidit socios: “Tempus desistere pugnae;”
“solus ego in Pallanta feror, soli mihi Pallas”
“debetur; cuperem ipse parens spectator adesset.”
Haec ait, et socii cesserunt aequore iusso.
At Rutulum abscessu iuvenis tum iussa superba
miratus stupet in Turno corpusque per ingens
lumina volvit obitque truci procul omnia visu
talibus et dictis it contra dicta tyranni:
“Aut spoliis ego iam raptis laudabor opimis”
“aut leto insigni: sorti pater aequus utrique est.”
“Tolle minas.” Fatus medium procedit in aequor.
Frigidus Arcadibus coit in praecordia sanguis.
Desiluit Turnus biiugis, pedes apparat ire
comminus; utque leo, specula cum vidit ab alta
stare procul campis meditantem in proelia taurum,
advolat: haud alia est Turni venientis imago.
Hunc ubi contiguum missae fore credidit hastae,
ire prior Pallas, siqua fors adiuvet ausum
viribus imparibus, magnumque ita ad aethera fatur:
“Per patris hospitium et mensas, quas advena adisti,”
“te precor, Alcide, coeptis ingentibus adsis.”
“Cernat semineci sibi me rapere arma cruenta”
“victoremque ferant morientia lumina Turni.”
Audiit Alcides iuvenem magnumque sub imo
corde premit gemitum lacrimasque effundit inanis.
Tum Genitor natum dictis adfatur amicis:
“Stat sua cuique dies, breve et inreparabile tempus”
“omnibus est vitae: sed famam extendere factis,”
“hoc virtutis opus. Troiae sub moenibus altis”
“tot nati cecidere deum; quin occidit una”
“Sarpedon, mea progenies. Etiam sua Turnum”
“fata vocant, metasque dati pervenit ad aevi.”
Sic ait atque oculos Rutulorum reicit arvis.
At Pallas magnis emittit viribus hastam
vaginaque cava fulgentem deripit ensem.
Illa volans umeri surgunt qua tegmina summa
incidit atque viam clipei molita per oras
tandem etiam magno strinxit de corpore Turni.

## 20. Book X · lines 479–908

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/20/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/20/#p-N

[¶0] Turnus then
poised, without haste, his iron-pointed spear,
and, launching it on Pallas, cried, “Look now
will not this shaft a good bit deeper drive?”
He said: and through the mid-boss of the shield,
steel scales and brass with bull's-hide folded round,
the quivering spear-point crashed resistlessly,
and through the corselet's broken barrier
pierced Pallas' heart. The youth plucked out in vain
the hot shaft from the wound; his life and blood
together ebbed away, as sinking prone
on his rent side he fell; above him rang
his armor; and from lips with blood defiled
he breathed his last upon his foeman's ground.
Over him Turnus stood: “Arcadians all,”
He cried, “take tidings of this feat of arms
to King Evander. With a warrior's wage
his Pallas I restore, and freely grant
what glory in a hero's tomb may lie,
or comfort in a grave. They dearly pay
who bid Aeneas welcome at their board.”
So saying, with his left foot he held down
the lifeless form, and raised the heavy weight
of graven belt, which pictured forth that crime
of youthful company by treason slain,
all on their wedding night, in bridal bowers
to horrid murder given,—which Clonus, son
of Eurytus, had wrought in lavish gold;
this Turnus in his triumph bore away,
exulting in the spoil. O heart of man,
not knowing doom, nor of events to be!
Nor, being lifted up, to keep thy bounds
in prosperous days! To Turnus comes the hour
when he would fain a prince's ransom give
had Pallas passed unscathed, and will bewail
cuch spoil of victory. With weeping now
and lamentations Ioud his comrades lay
young Pallas on his shield, and thronging close
carry him homeward with a mournful song:
alas! the sorrow and the glorious gain
thy sire shall have in thee. For one brief day
bore thee to battle and now bears away;
yet leavest thou full tale of foemen slain.

> Latin: Hic Turnus ferro praefixum robur acuto
in Pallanta diu librans iacit atque ita fatur:
“Adspice, num mage sit nostrum penetrabile telum.”
Dixerat; at clipeum, tot ferri terga, tot aeris,
quem pellis totiens obeat circumdata tauri,
vibranti cuspis medium transverberat ictu
loricaeque moras et pectus perforat ingens.
Ille rapit calidum frustra de volnere telum:
una eademque via sanguis animusque sequuntur.
Corruit in volnus, sonitum super arma dedere
et terram hostilem moriens petit ore cruento.
Quem Turnus super adsistens,
“Arcades, haec,” inquit, “memores mea dicta referte”
“Euandro; qualem meruit, Pallanta remitto.”
“Quisquis honos tumuli, quidquid solamen humandi est,”
“largior. Haud illi stabunt Aeneia parvo”
“hospitia.” Et laevo pressit pede talia fatus
exanimem, rapiens immania pondera baltei
impressumque nefas, una sub nocte iugali
caesa manus iuvenum foede thalamique cruenti,
quae Clonus Eurytides multo caelaverat auro;
quo nunc Turnus ovat spolio gaudetque potitus.
Nescia mens hominum fati sortisque futurae
et servare modum, rebus sublata secundis!
Turno tempus erit, magno cum optaverit emptum
intactum Pallanta et cum spolia ista diemque
oderit. At socii multo gemitu lacrimisque
impositum scuto referunt Pallanta frequentes.
O dolor atque decus magnum rediture parenti
haec te prima dies bello dedit, haec eadem aufert,
cum tamen ingentis Rutulorum linquis acervos.

[¶1] No doubtful rumor to Aeneas breaks
the direful news, but a sure messenger
tells him his followers' peril, and implores
prompt help for routed Troy. His ready sword
reaped down the nearest foes, and through their line
clove furious path and broad; the valiant blade
through oft-repeated bloodshed groped its way,
proud Turnus, unto thee! His heart beholds
Pallas and Sire Evander, their kind board
in welcome spread, their friendly league of peace
proffered and sealed with him, the stranger-guest.
So Sulmo's sons, four warriors, and four
of Ufens sprung, he took alive—to slay
as victims to the shades, and pour a stream
of captives' blood upon a flaming pyre.
Next from afar his hostile shaft he threw
at Mago, who with wary motion bowed
beneath the quivering weapon, as it sped
clean over him; then at Aeneas' knees
he crouched and clung with supplicating cry:
“O, by thy father's spirit, by thy hope
in young Iulus, I implore thee, spare
for son and father's sake this life of mine.
A lofty house have I, where safely hid
are stores of graven silver and good weight
of wrought and unwrought gold. The fate of war
hangs not on me; nor can one little life
thy victory decide.” In answer spoke
Aeneas: “Hoard the silver and the gold
for thy own sons. Such bartering in war
finished with Turnus, when fair Pallas fell.
Thus bids Anchises' shade, Iulus—thus!”
He spoke: and, grasping with his mighty left
the helmet of the vainly suppliant foe,
bent back the throat and drove hilt-deep his sword.
A little space removed, Haemonides,
priest of Phoebus and pale Trivia, stood,
whose ribboned brows a sacred fillet bound:
in shining vesture he, and glittering arms.
Him too the Trojan met, repelled, and towered
above the fallen form, o'ermantling it
in mortal shade; Serestus bore away
those famous arms a trophy vowed to thee,
Gradivus, Iord of war!

> Latin: Nec iam fama mali tanti, sed certior auctor
advolat Aeneae, tenui discrimine leti
esse suos, versis tempus succurrere Teucris.
Proxima quaeque metit gladio latumque per agmen
ardens limitem agit ferro, te, Turne, superbum
caede nova quaerens. Pallas, Euander, in ipsis
omnia sunt oculis, mensae, quas advena primas
tunc adiit, dextraeque datae. Sulmone creatos
quattuor hic iuvenes, totidem, quos educat Ufens,
viventis rapit, inferias quos immolet umbris
captivoque rogi perfundat sanguine flammas.
Inde Mago procul infensam contenderat hastam.
Ille astu subit ac tremibunda supervolat hasta,
et genua amplectens effatur talia supplex:
“Per patrios manis et spes surgentis Iuli”
“te precor, hanc animam serves natoque patrique.”
“Est domus alta, iacent penitus defossa talenta”
“caelati argenti, sunt auri pondera facti”
“infectique mihi. Non hic victoria Teucrum”
“vertitur aut anima una dabit discrimina tanta.”
Dixerat. Aeneas contra cui talia reddit:
“Argenti atque auri memoras quae multa talenta,”
“natis parce tuis. Belli commercia Turnus”
“sustulit ista prior iam tum Pallante perempto.”
“Hoc patris Anchisae manes, hoc sentit Iulus.”
Sic fatus galeam laeva tenet atque reflexa
cervice orantis capulo tenus applicat ensem.
Nec procul Haemonides, Phoebi Triviaeque sacerdos,
infula cui sacra redimibat tempora vitta,
totus conlucens veste atque insignibus armis.
Quem congressus agit campo lapsumque superstans
immolat ingentique umbra tegit; arma Serestus
lecta refert umeris, tibi, rex Gradive, tropaeum.

[¶2] Soon to fresh fight
came Caeculus, a child of Vulcan's line,
and Umbro on the Marsic mountains bred:
these met the Trojan's wrath. His sword shore off
Anxur's left hand, and the whole orbed shield
dropped earthward at the stroke: though Anxur's tongue
had boasted mighty things, as if great words
would make him strong, and lifting his proud heart
as high as heaven, had hoped perchance to see
gray hairs and length of days. Then Tarquitus
strode forth, exulting in his burnished arms
(Him Dryope, the nymph, to Faunus bore),
and dared oppose Aeneas' rage. But he
drew back his lance and, charging, crushed at once
corselet and ponderous shield; then off he struck
the supplicating head, which seemed in vain
preparing speech; while o'er the reeking corpse
the victor stood, and thrusting it away
spoke thus with wrathful soul: “Now lie thou there,
thou fearsome sight! No noble mother's hand
shall hide thee in the ground, or give those limbs
to their ancestral tomb. Thou shalt be left
to birds of ravin; or go drifting far
along yon river to engulfing seas,
where starving fishes on those wounds shall feed.”
Antceus next and Lucas he pursues,
though all in Turnus' van; and Numa bold
and Camers tawny-tressed, the son and heir
of Volscens the stout-hearted, whose domain
surpassed the richest of Ausonia's lords,
when over hushed Amyclae he was king.
Like old Aegaeon of the hundred arms,
the hundred-handed, from whose mouths and breasts
blazed fifty fiery blasts, as he made war
with fifty sounding shields and fifty swords
against Jove's thunder;—so Aeneas raged
victorious o'er the field, when once his steel
warmed to its work. But lo, he turns him now
where come Niphaeus' bold-advancing wheels
and coursers four, who, when at furious speed
they faced his giant stride and dreadful cry,
upreared in panic, and reversing spilled
their captain to the ground, and bore away
the chariot to the river's distant shore.

> Latin: Instaurant acies Volcani stirpe creatus
Caeculus et veniens Marsorum montibus Umbro:
Dardanides contra furit. Anxuris ense sinistram
et totum clipei ferro deiecerat orbem;
dixerat ille aliquid magnum vimque adfore verbo
crediderat caeloque animum fortasse ferebat
canitiemque sibi et longos promiserat annos:
Tarquitus exultans contra fulgentibus armis,
silvicolae Fauno Dryope quem nympha crearat,
obvius ardenti sese obtulit. Ille reducta
loricam clipeique ingens onus impedit hasta;
tum caput orantis nequiquam et multa parantis
dicere deturbat terrae truncumque tepentem
provolvens super haec inimico pectore fatur:
“Istic nunc, metuende, iace. Non te optima mater”
“condet humi patrioque onerabit membra sepulchro:”
“alitibus linquere feris aut gurgite mersum”
“unda feret piscesque impasti volnera lambent.”
Protinus Antaeum et Lucam, prima agmina Turni,
persequitur fortemque Numam fulvumque Camertem,
magnanimo Volcente satum, ditissimus agri
qui fuit Ausonidum et tacitis regnavit Amyclis.
Aegaeon qualis, centum cui bracchia dicunt
centenasque manus, quinquaginta oribus ignem
pectoribusque arsisse, Iovis cum fulmina contra
tot paribus streperet clipeis, tot stringeret enses:
sic toto Aeneas desaevit in aequore victor,
ut semel intepuit mucro. Quin ecce Niphaei
quadriiugis in equos adversaque pectora tendit.
Atque illi longe gradientem et dira frementem
ut videre, metu versi retroque ruentes
effunduntque ducem rapiuntque ad litora currus.

[¶3] Meanwhile, with two white coursers to their car,
the brothers Lucagus and Liger drove
into the heart of battle: Liger kept
with skilful hand the manage of the steeds;
bold Lucagus swung wide his naked sword.
Aeneas, by their wrathful brows defied,
brooked not the sight, but to the onset flew,
huge-looming, with adverse and threatening spear.
Cried Liger, “Not Achilles' chariot, ours!
Nor team of Diomed on Phrygia's plain!
The last of life and strife shall be thy meed
upon this very ground.” Such raving word
flowed loud from Liger's lip: not with a word
the Trojan hero answered him, but flung
his whirling spear; and even as Lucagus
leaned o'er the horses, goading them with steel,
and, left foot forward, gathered all his strength
to strike—the spear crashed through the under rim
of his resplendent shield and entered deep
in the left groin; then from the chariot fallen,
the youth rolled dying on the field, while thus
pious Aeneas paid him taunting words:
“O Lucagus, thy chariot did not yield
because of horses slow to fly, or scared
by shadows of a foe. It was thyself
leaped o'er the wheel and fled.” So saying, he grasped
the horses by the rein. The brother then,
spilled also from the car, reached wildly forth
his helpless hands: “O, by thy sacred head,
and by the parents who such greatness gave,
good Trojan, let me live! Some pity show
to prostrate me!” But ere he longer sued,
Aeneas cried, “Not so thy language ran
a moment gone! Die thou! Nor let this day
brother from brother part!” Then where the life
hides in the bosom, he thrust deep his sword.
Thus o'er the field of war the Dardan King
moved on, death-dealing: like a breaking flood
or cloudy whirlwind seemed his wrath. Straightway
the boy Ascanius from the ramparts came,
his warriors with him; for the siege had failed.

> Latin: Interea biiugis infert se Lucagus albis
in medios fraterque Liger; sed frater habenis
flectit equos, strictum rotat acer Lucagus ensem.
Haud tulit Aeneas tanto fervore furentis:
inruit adversaque ingens apparuit hasta.
Cui Liger:
“Non Diomedis equos nec currum cernis Achillis”
“aut Phrygiae campos: nunc belli finis et aevi”
“his dabitur terris.” Vesano talia late
dicta volant Ligeri. Sed non et Troïus heros
dicta parat contra: iaculum nam torquet in hostem.
Lucagus ut pronus pendens in verbera telo
admonuit biiugos, proiecto dum pede laevo
aptet se pugnae, subit oras hasta per imas
fulgentis clipei, tum laevum perforat inguen:
excussus curru moribundus volvitur arvis.
Quem pius Aeneas dictis adfatur amaris:
“Lucage, nulla tuos currus fuga segnis equorum”
“prodidit aut vanae vertere ex hostibus umbrae:”
“ipse rotis saliens iuga deseris.” Haec ita fatus
arripuit biiugos; frater tendebat inertis
infelix palmas, curru delapsus eodem:
“Per te, per qui te talem genuere parentes,”
“vir Troiane, sine hanc animam et miserere precantis.”
Pluribus oranti Aeneas: “Haud talia dudum”
“dicta dabas. Morere et fratrem ne desere frater.”
Tum latebras animae pectus mucrone recludit.
Talia per campos edebat funera ductor
Dardanius, torrentis aquae vel turbinis atri
more furens. Tandem erumpunt et castra relinquunt
Ascanius puer et nequiquam obsessa iuventus.

[¶4] Now Jupiter to Juno thus began:
“O ever-cherished spouse and sister dear,
surely 't is Venus—as thy mind misgave—
whose favor props—O, what discernment thine!
Yon Trojan power; not swift heroic hands,
or souls of fury facing perilous war!”
Juno made meek reply: “O noblest spouse!
Why vex one sick at heart, who humbly fears
thy stern command? If I could claim to-day
what once I had, my proper right and due,
love's induence, I should not plead in vain
to thee, omnipotent, to give me power
to lead off Turnus from the fight unscathed,
and save him at his father Daunus' prayer.
Aye, let him die! And with his loyal blood
the Teucrians' vengeance feed! Yet he derives
from our Saturnian stem, by fourth remove
sprung from Pilumnus. Oft his liberal hands
have heaped unstinted offering at thy shrine.”
Thus in few words th' Olympian King replied:
“If for the fated youth thy prayer implores
delay and respite of impending doom,
if but so far thou bidst me interpose,—
go—favor Turnus' flight, and keep him safe
in this imperilled hour; I may concede
such boon. But if thy pleading words intend
some larger grace, and fain would touch or change
the issue of the war, then art thou fed
on expectation vain.” With weeping eyes
Juno made answer: “Can it be thy mind
gives what thy words refuse, and Turnus' life,
if rescued, may endure? Yet afterward
some cruel close his guiltless day shall see—
or far from truth I stray! O, that I were
the dupe of empty fears! and O, that thou
wouldst but refashion to some happier end
the things by thee begun—for thou hast power!”

> Latin: Iunonem interea compellat Iuppiter ultro:
“O germana mihi atque eadem gratissima coniunx”,
“ut rebare, Venus, nec te sententia fallit,”
“Troianas sustentat opes, non vivida bello”
“dextra viris animusque ferox patiensque pericli.”
Cui Iuno summissa “Quid, o pulcherrime coniunx,”
“sollicitas aegram et tua tristia dicta timentem?”
“Si mihi, quae quondam fuerat quamque esse decebat,”
“vis in amore foret, non hoc mihi namque negares,”
“omnipotens, quin et pugnae subducere Turnum”
“et Dauno possem incolumem servare parenti.”
“Nunc pereat Teucrisque pio det sanguine poenas.”
“Ille tamen nostra deducit origine nomen”
“Pilumnusque illi quartus pater et tua larga”
“saepe manu multisque oneravit limina donis.”
Cui rex aetherii breviter sic fatur Olympi:
“Si mora praesentis leti tempusque caduco”
“oratur iuveni meque hoc ita ponere sentis,”
“tolle fuga Turnum atque instantibus eripe fatis”
“hactenus indulsisse vacat. Sin altior istis”
“sub precibus venia ulla latet totumque moveri”
“mutarive putas bellum, spes pascis inanis.”
Et Iuno adlacrimans: “Quid si, quae voce gravaris,”
“mente dares atque haec Turno rata vita maneret?”
“Nunc manet insontem gravis exitus, aut ego veri”
“vana feror. Quod ut O potius formidine falsa”
“ludar et in melius tua, qui potes, orsa reflectas!”

[¶5] She ceased; and swiftly from the peak of heaven
moved earthward, trailing cloud-wrack through the air,
and girdled with the storm. She took her way
to where Troy's warriors faced Laurentum's line.
There of a hollow cloud the goddess framed
a shape of airy, unsubstantial shade,
Aeneas' image, wonderful to see,
and decked it with a Dardan lance and shield,
a crested helmet on the godlike head;
and windy words she gave of soulless sound,
and motion like a stride—such shapes, they say,
the hovering phantoms of the dead put on,
or empty dreams which cheat our slumbering eyes.
Forth to the front of battle this vain shade
stalked insolent, and with its voice and spear
challenged the warrior. At it Turnus flew,
and hurled a hissing spear with distant aim;
the thing wheeled round and fled. The foe forthwith,
thinking Aeneas vanquished, with blind scorn
flattered his own false hope: “Where wilt thou fly,
Aeneas? Wilt thou break a bridegroom's word?
This sword will give thee title to some land
thou hast sailed far to find!” So clamoring loud
he followed, flashing far his naked sword;
nor saw the light winds waft his dream away.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit, caelo se protinus alto
misit, agens hiemem nimbo succincta per auras,
Iliacamque aciem et Laurentia castra petivit.
Tum dea nube cava tenuem sine viribus umbram
in faciem Aeneae, visu mirabile monstrum,
Dardaniis ornat telis clipeumque iubasque
divini adsimulat capitis, dat inania verba,
dat sine mente sonum gressusque effingit euntis,
morte obita qualis fama est volitare figuras
aut quae sopitos deludunt somnia sensus.
At primas laeta ante acies exsultat imago
inritatque virum telis et voce lacessit.
Instat cui Turnus stridentemque eminus hastam
conicit: illa dato vertit vestigia tergo.
Tum vero Aenean aversum ut cedere Turnus
credidit atque animo spem turbidus hausit inanem,
“Quo fugis, Aenea? Thalamos ne desere pactos;”
“hac dabitur dextra tellus quaesita per undas.”
Talia vociferans sequitur strictumque coruscat
mucronem nec ferre videt sua gaudia ventos.

[¶6] By chance in covert of a lofty crag
a ship stood fastened and at rest; her sides
showed ready bridge and stairway; she had brought
Osinius, king of Clusium. Thither came
Aeneas' counterfeit of flight and fear,
and dropped to darkness. Turnus, nothing loth,
gave close chase, overleaping every bar,
and scaling the high bridge; but scarce he reached
the vessel's prow, when Juno cut her loose,
the cables breaking, and along swift waves
pushed her to sea. Yet in that very hour
Aeneas to the battle vainly called
the vanished foe, and round his hard-fought path
stretched many a hero dead. No longer now
the mocking shadow sought to hide, but soared
visibly upward and was Iost in cloud,
while Turnus drifted o'er the waters wide
before the wind. Bewildered and amazed
he looked around him; little joy had he
in his own safety, but upraised his hands
in prayer to Heaven: “O Sire omnipotent!
Didst thou condemn me to a shame like this?
Such retribution dire? Whither now?
Whence came I here? What panic wafts away
this Turnus—if 't is he? Shall I behold
Laurentum's towers once more? But what of those
my heroes yonder, who took oath to me,
and whom—O sin and shame!—I have betrayed
to horrible destruction? Even now
I see them routed, and my ears receive
their dying groans. What is this thing I do?
Where will the yawning earth crack wide enough
beneath my feet? Ye tempests, pity me!
On rocks and reef—'t is Turnus' faithful prayer,
let this bark founder; fling it on the shoals
of wreckful isles, where no Rutulian eye
can follow me, or Rumor tell my shame.”
With such wild words his soul tossed to and fro,
not knowing if to hide his infamy
with his own sword and madly drive its blade
home to his heart, or cast him in the sea,
and, swimming to the rounded shore, renew
his battle with the Trojan foe. Three times
each fatal course he tried; but Juno's power
three times restrained, and with a pitying hand
the warrior's purpose barred. So on he sped
o'er yielding waters and propitious tides,
far as his father Daunus' ancient town.

> Latin: Forte ratis celsi coniuncta crepidine saxi
expositis stabat scalis et ponte parato,
qua rex Clusinis advectus Osinius oris.
Huc sese trepida Aeneae fugientis imago
conicit in latebras; nec Turnus segnior instat
exsuperatque moras et pontis transilit altos.
Vix proram attigerat: rumpit Saturnia funem
avolsamque rapit revoluta per aequora navem.
Illum autem Aeneas absentem in praelia poscit;
obvia multa virum demittit corpora morti:
tum levis haud ultra latebras iam quaerit imago,
sed sublime volans nubi se immiscuit atrae.
Cum Turnum medio interea fert aequore turbo.
Respicit ignarus rerum ingratusque salutis
et duplicis cum voce manus ad sidera tendit:
“Omnipotens genitor, tanton me crimine dignum”
“duxisti et talis voluisti expendere poenas?”
“Quo feror? Unde abii? Quae me fuga quemve reducit?”
“Laurentisne iterum muros aut castra videbo?”
“Quid manus illa virum, qui me meaque arma secuti?”
“Quosne (nefas) omnis infanda in morte reliqui”
“et nunc palantis video gemitumque cadentum”
“accipio! Quid ago? Aut quae iam satis ima dehiscat”
“terra mihi? Vos O potius miserescite venti:”
“in rupes, in saxa, volens vos Turnus adoro”
“ferte ratem saevisque vadis immittite Syrtis,”
“quo neque me Rutuli nec conscia fama sequatur.”
Haec memorans animo nunc huc, nunc fluctuat illuc,
an sese mucrone ob tantum dedecus amens
induat et crudum per costas exigat ensem,
fluctibus an iaciat mediis et litora nando
curva petat Teucrumque iterum se reddat in arma.
Ter conatus utramque viam, ter maxima Iuno
continuit iuvenemque animi miserata repressit.
Labitur alta secans fluctuque aestuque secundo
et patris antiquam Dauni defertur ad urbem.

[¶7] At Jove's command Mezentius, breathing rage,
now takes the field and leads a strong assault
against victorious Troy. The Tuscan ranks
meet round him, and press hard on him alone,
on him alone with vengeance multiplied
their host of swords they draw. As some tall cliff,
projecting to the sea, receives the rage
of winds and waters, and untrembling bears
vast, frowning enmity of seas and skies,—
so he. First Dolichaon's son he slew,
Hebrus; then Latagus and Palmus, though
they fled amain; he smote with mighty stone
torn from the mountain, full upon the face
of Latagus; and Palmus he let lie
hamstrung and rolling helpless; he bestowed
the arms on his son Lausus for a prize,
another proud crest in his helm to wear;
he laid the Phrygian Euanthus Iow;
and Mimas, Paris' comrade, just his age,—
born of Theano's womb to Amycus
his sire, that night when royal Hecuba,
teeming with firebrand, gave Paris birth:
one in the city of his fathers sleeps;
and one, inglorious, on Laurentian strand.
As when a wild boar, harried from the hills
by teeth of dogs (one who for many a year
was safe in pine-clad Vesulus, or roamed
the meres of Tiber, feeding in the reeds)
falls in the toils at last, and stands at bay,
raging and bristling, and no hunter dares
defy him or come near, but darts are hurled
from far away, with cries unperilous:
not otherwise, though righteous is their wrath
against Mezentius, not a man so bold
as face him with drawn sword, but at long range
they throw their shafts and with loud cries assail;
he, all unterrified, makes frequent stand,
gnashing his teeth, and shaking off their spears.

> Latin: At Iovis interea monitis Mezentius ardens
succedit pugnae Teucrosque invadit ovantis.
Concurrunt Tyrrhenae acies atque omnibus uni,
uni odiisque viro telisque frequentibus instant.
Ille velut rupes, vastum quae prodit in aequor,
obvia ventorum furiis expostaque ponto,
vim cunctam atque minas perfert caelique marisque,
ipsa immota manens, prolem Dolichaonis Hebrum
sternit humi, cum quo Latagum Palmumque fugacem,
sed Latagum saxo atque ingenti fragmine montis
occupat os faciemque adversam, poplite Palmum
succiso volvi segnem sinit, armaque Lauso
donat habere umeris et vertice figere cristas.
Nec non Euanthen Phrygium Paridisque Mimanta
aequalem comitemque, una quem nocte Theano
in lucem genitori Amyco dedit et face praegnans
Cisseis regina Parin creat: urbe paterna
occubat, ignarum Laurens habet ora Mimanta.
Ac velut ille canum morsu de montibus altis
actus aper, multos Vesulus quem pinifer annos
defendit multosve palus Laurentia, silva
pastus harundinea, postquam inter retia ventum est,
substitit infremuitque ferox et inhorruit armos,
nec cuiquam irasci propiusque accedere virtus,
sed iaculis tutisque procul clamoribus instant;
ille autem impavidus partis cunctatur in omnis,
dentibus infrendens, et tergo decutit hastas.
haud aliter, iustae quibus est Mezentius irae,
non ulli est animus stricto concurrere ferro;
missilibus longe et vasto clamore lacessunt:

[¶8] From ancient Corythus had Acron come,
a Greek, who left half-sung his wedding-song,
and was an exile; him Mezentius saw
among long lines of foes, with flaunting plumes
and purple garments from his plighted spouse.
Then as a starving lion when he prowls
about high pasture-lands, urged on his way
by maddening hunger (if perchance he see
a flying she-goat or tall-antlered stag)
lifts up his shaggy mane, and gaping wide
his monstrous jaws, springs at the creature's side,
feeding foul-lipped, insatiable of gore:
so through his gathered foes Mezentius
flew at his prey. He stretched along the ground
ill-fated Acron, who breathed life away,
beating the dark dust with his heels, and bathed
his broken weapons in his blood. Nor deigned
Mezentius to strike Orodes down
as he took flight, nor deal a wound unseen
with far-thrown spear; but ran before his face,
fronting him man to man, nor would he win
by sleight or trick, but by a mightier sword.
Soon on the fallen foe he set his heel,
and, pushing hard, with heel and spear, cried out:
“Look ye, my men, where huge Orodes lies,
himself a dangerous portion of this war!”
With loyal, Ioud acclaim his peers reply;
but thus the dying hero: “Victor mine,
whoe'er thou art, I fall not unavenged!
Thou shalt but triumph for a fleeting hour.
Like doom for thee is written. Speedily
thou shalt this dust inhabit, even as I!”
Mezentius answered him with wrathful smile:
“Now die! What comes on me concerns alone
the Sire of gods and Sovereign of mankind.”
So saying, from the wounded breast he plucked
his javelin: and on those eyes there fell
inexorable rest and iron slumber,
and in unending night their vision closed.

> Latin: Venerat antiquis Corythi de finibus Acron,
Graius homo, infectos linquens profugus hymenaeos.
Hunc ubi miscentem longe media agmina vidit,
purpureum pennis et pactae coniugis ostro:
impastus stabula alta leo ceu saepe peragrans,
suadet enim vesana fames, si forte fugacem
conspexit capream aut surgentem in cornua cervum,
gaudet, hians immane, comasque arrexit et haeret
visceribus super accumbens, lavit inproba taeter
ora cruor,
sic ruit in densos alacer Mezentius hostis.
Sternitur infelix Acron et calcibus atram
tundit humum expirans infractaque tela cruentat.
Atque idem fugientem haud est dignatus Oroden
sternere nec iacta caecum dare cuspide volnus:
obvius adversoque occurrit seque viro vir
contulit, haud furto melior, sed fortibus armis.
Tum super abiectum posito pede nixus et hasta:
“Pars belli haud temnenda, viri, iacet altus Orodes.”
Conclamant socii laetum paeana secuti.
Ille autem exspirans: “Non me, quicumque es, inulto,”
“victor, nec longum laetabere: te quoque fata”
“prospectant paria atque eadem mox arva tenebis.”
Ad quae subridens mixta Mezentius ira:
“Nunc morere. Ast de me divom pater atque hominum rex”
“viderit.” Hoc dicens eduxit corpore telum:
olli dura quies oculos et ferreus urget
somnus, in aeternam clauduntur lumina noctem.

[¶9] Then Caedicus cut down Alcathous,
Sacrator slew Hydaspes, Rapo smote
Parthenius and Orses stout and strong;
Messapus, good blade cut down Clonius
and Ericetes, fierce Lycaon's child;
the one from an unbridled war-horse thrown,
the other slain dismounted. Then rode forth
Agis the Lycian, but bold Valerus,
true to his valiant breeding, hurled him down;
having slain Thronius, Salius was slain
by skilled Nealces, of illustrious name
for spear well cast and far-surprising bow.

> Latin: Caedicus Alcathoum obtruncat, Sacrator Hydaspen
Partheniumque Rapo et praedurum viribus Orsen,
Messapus Croniumque Lycaoniumque Erichaeten,
illum infrenis equi lapsu tellure iacentem,
hunc peditem. Pedes et Lycius processerat Agis,
quem tamen haud expers Valerus virtutis avitae
deicit; at Thronium Salius Saliumque Nealces
insidiis, iaculo et longe fallente sagitta.

[¶10] Thus Mars relentless holds in equal scale
slaughters reciprocal and mutual woe;
the victors and the vanquished kill or fall
in equal measure; neither knows the way
to yield or fly. Th' Olympians Iook down
out of Jove's house, and pity as they see
the unavailing wrath of either foe,
and burdens measureless on mortals laid.
Lo! Venus here, Saturnian Juno yon,
in anxious watch; while pale Tisiphone
moves on infuriate through the battling lines.
On strode Mezentius o'er the gory plain,
and swollen with rage waved wide-his awful spear.
Like tall Orion when on foot he goes
trough the deep sea and lifts his shoulders high
above the waves; or when he takes his path
along the mountain-tops, and has for staff
an aged ash-tree, as he fixes firm
his feet in earth and hides his brows in cloud;—
so Ioomed Mezentius with his ponderous arms.

> Latin: Iam gravis aequabat luctus et mutua Mavors
funera: caedebant pariter pariterque ruebant
victores victique, neque his fuga nota neque illis.
Di Iovis in tectis iram miserantur inanem
amborum et tantos mortalibus esse labores:
hinc Venus, hinc contra spectat Saturnia Iuno,
pallida Tisiphone media inter milia saevit.
At vero ingentem quatiens Mezentius hastam
turbidus ingreditur campo. Quam magnus Orion,
cum pedes incedit medii per maxima Nerei
stagna viam scindens, umero supereminet undas
aut summis referens annosam montibus ornum
ingrediturque solo et caput inter nubila condit:
talis se vastis infert Mezentius armis.

[¶11] To match him now, Aeneas, Iooking down
the long array of war, came forth in arms
to challenge and defy. But quailing not,
a mass immovable, the other stood
waiting his noble foe, and with a glance
measured to cast his spear the space between.
“May this right hand“, he said, “and this swift spear
which here I poise, be favoring gods for me!
The spoils from yonder robber's carcase stripped
I vow to hang on thee, my Lausus, thou
shalt stand for trophy of Aeneas slain.”
He said, and hurled from far the roaring spear,
which from the shield glanced off, and speeding still
smote famed Antores 'twixt the loin and side—
antores, friend of Hercules, who came
from Argos, and had joined Evander's cause,
abiding in Italia. Lo, a wound
meant for another pierced him, and he lay,
ill-fated! Iooking upward to the light,
and dreaming of dear Argos as he died.
Then good Aeneas hurled his spear; it passed
through hollow orb of triple bronze, and through
layers of flax and triple-twisted hides;
then in the lower groin it lodged, but left
its work undone. Aeneas, not ill-pleased
to see the Tuscan wounded, swiftly drew
the falchion from his thigh, and hotly pressed
his startled foe. But Lausus at the sight
groaned loud, so much he loved his father dear,
and tears his cheek bedewed.

> Latin: Huic contra Aeneas, speculatus in agmine longo,
obvius ire parat. Manet imperterritus ille,
hostem magnanimum opperiens, et mole sua stat;
atque oculis spatium emensus, quantum satis hastae:
“Dextra mihi deus et telum, quod missile libro,”
“nunc adsint! Voveo praedonis corpore raptis”
“indutum spoliis ipsum te, Lause, tropaeum”
“Aeneae.” Dixit stridentemque eminus hastam
iecit; at illa volans clipeo est excussa proculque
egregium Antoren latus inter et ilia figit,
Herculis Antoren comitem, qui missus ab Argis
haeserat Euandro atque Itala consederat urbe.
Sternitur infelix alieno volnere caelumque
aspicit et dulcis moriens reminiscitur Argos
tum pius Aeneas hastam iacit: illa per orbem
aere cavum triplici, per linea terga tribusque
transit intextum tauris opus imaque sedit
inguine, sed viris haud pertulit. Ocius ensem
Aeneas, viso Tyrrheni sanguine laetus,
eripit a femine et trepidanti fervidus instat.
Ingemuit cari graviter genitoris amore,
ut vidit, Lausus, lacrimaeque per ora volutae.

[¶12] O storied youth!
If olden worth may win believing ear,
let not my song now fail of thee to sing,
thy noble deeds, thy doom of death and pain!
Mezentius, now encumbered and undone,
fell backward, trailing from the broken shield
his foeman's spear. His son leaped wildly forth
to join the fray; and where Aeneas' hand
lifted to strike, he faced the thrusting sword
and gave the hero pause. His comrades raised
applauding cries, as shielded by his son
the father made retreat; their darts they hurl,
and vex with flying spears the distant foe:
Aeneas, wrathful, stands beneath his shield.
As when the storm-clouds break in pelting hail,
the swains and ploughmen from the furrows fly,
and every traveller cowers in sure defence
of river-bank or lofty shelving crag,
while far and wide it pours; and by and by,
each, when the sun returns, his task pursues:
so great Aeneas, by assault o'erwhelmed,
endured the cloud of battle, till its rage
thundered no more; then with a warning word
to Lausus with upbraiding voice he called:
“Why, O death-doomed, rush on to deeds too high
for strength like thine. Thou art betrayed, rash boy,
by thine own loyal heart!” But none the less
the youth made mad defence; while fiercer burned
the Trojan's anger; and of Lausus' days
the loom of Fate spun forth the last thin thread;
for now Aeneas thrust his potent blade
deep through the stripling's breast and out of sight;
through the light shield it passed—a frail defence
to threaten with!—and through the tunic fine
his mother's hand had wrought with softest gold:
blood filled his bosom, and on path of air
down to the shades the mournful soul withdrew,
its body quitting. As Anchises' son
beheld the agonizing lips and brow
so wondrous white in death, he groaned aloud
in pity, and reached o'er him his right hand,
touched to the heart such likeness to behold
of his own filial love. “Unhappy boy!
What reward worthy of heroic deeds
can I award thee now? Wear still those arms
so proudly worn! And I will send thee home
(Perhaps thou carest!) to the kindred shades
and ashes of thy sires. But let it be
some solace in thy pitiable doom
that none but great Aeneas wrought thy fall.”
Then to the stripling's tardy followers
he sternly called, and lifted from the earth
with his own hand the fallen foe: dark blood
defiled those princely tresses braided fair.

> Latin: Hic mortis durae casum tuaque optima facta,
siqua fidem tanto est operi latura vetustas,
non equidem nec te, iuvenis memorande, silebo.
Ille pedem referens et inutilis inque ligatus
cedebat clipeoque inimicum hastile trahebat:
prorupit iuvenis seseque immiscuit armis
iamque adsurgentis dextra plagamque ferentis
Aeneae subiit mucronem ipsumque morando
sustinuit. Socii magno clamore sequuntur,
dum genitor nati parma protectus abiret,
telaque coniciunt proturbantque eminus hostem
missilibus. Furit Aeneas tectusque tenet se.
Ac velut effusa siquando grandine nimbi
praecipitant, omnis campis diffugit arator
omnis et agricola et tuta latet arce viator,
aut amnis ripis aut alti fornice saxi,
dum pluit in terris, ut possint sole reducto
exercere diem: sic obrutus undique telis
Aeneas nubem belli, dum detonet omnis,
sustinet et Lausum increpitat Lausoque minatur:
“Quo moriture ruis maioraque viribus audes?”
“Fallit te incautum pietas tua.” Nec minus ille
exsultat demens; saevae iamque altius irae
Dardanio surgunt ductori, extremaque Lauso
Parcae fila legunt: validum namque exigit ensem
per medium Aeneas iuvenem totumque recondit.
Transiit et parmam mucro, levia arma minacis,
et tunicam, molli mater quam neverat auro,
implevitque sinum sanguis; tum vita per auras
concessit maesta ad manis corpusque reliquit.
At vero ut voltum vidit morientis et ora,
ora modis Anchisiades pallentia miris,
ingemuit miserans graviter dextramque tetendit,
et mentem patriae subiit pietatis imago.
“Quid tibi nunc, miserande puer, pro laudibus istis,”
“quid pius Aeneas tanta dabit indole dignum?”
“Arma, quibus laetatus, habe tua, teque parentum”
“manibus et cineri, siqua est ea cura, remitto.”
“Hoc tamen infelix miseram solabere mortem:”
“Aeneae magni dextra cadis.” Increpat ultro
cunctantis socios et terra sublevat ipsum,
sanguine turpantem comptos de more capillos.

[¶13] Meanwhile Mezentius by the Tiber's wave
with water staunched his wound, and propped his weight
against a tree; upon its limbs above
his brazen helmet hung, and on the sward
his ponderous arms lay resting. Round him watched
his chosen braves. He, gasping and in pain,
clutched at his neck and let his flowing beard
loose on his bosom fall; he questions oft
of Lausus, and sends many a messenger
to bid him back, and bear him the command
of his sore-grieving sire. But lo! his peers
bore the dead Lausus back upon his shield,
and wept to see so strong a hero quelled
by stroke so strong. From long way off the sire,
with soul prophetic of its woe, perceived
what meant their wail and cry. On his gray hairs
the dust he flung, and, stretching both his hands
to heaven, he cast himself the corpse along.
“O son,” he cried, “was life to me so sweet,
that I to save myself surrendered o'er
my own begotten to a foeman's steel?
Saved by these gashes shall thy father be,
and living by thy death? O wretched me,
how foul an end have I! Now is my wound
deep! deep! 't was I, dear son, have stained
thy name with infamy—to exile driven
from sceptre and hereditary throne
by general curse. Would that myself had borne
my country's vengeance and my nation's hate!
Would my own guilty life my debt had paid—
yea, by a thousand deaths! But, see, I live!
Not yet from human kind and light of day
have I departed. But depart I will.”
So saying, he raised him on his crippled thigh,
and though by reason of the grievous wound
his forces ebbed, yet with unshaken mien
he bade them lead his war-horse forth, his pride,
his solace, which from every war
victorious bore him home. The master then
to the brave beast, which seemed to know his pain,
spoke thus: “My Rhoebus, we have passed our days
long time together, if long time there be
for mortal creatures. Either on this day
thou shalt his bloody spoils in triumph bear
and that Aeneas' head,—and so shalt be
avenger of my Lausus' woe; or else,
if I be vanquished, thou shalt sink and fall
beside me. For, my bravest, thou wouldst spurn
a stranger's will, and Teucrian lords to bear.”
He spoke and, mounting to his back, disposed
his limbs the wonted way and filled both hands
with pointed javelins; a helm of brass
with shaggy horse-hair crest gleamed o'er his brow.
Swift to the front he rode: a mingled flood
surged in his heart of sorrow, wrath, and shame;
and thrice with loud voice on his foe he called.

> Latin: Interea genitor Tiberini ad fluminis undam
volnera siccabat lymphis corpusque levabat
arboris adclinis trunco. Procul aerea ramis
dependet galea et prato gravia arma quiescunt.
Stant lecti circum iuvenes: ipse aeger anhelans
colla fovet, fusus propexam in pectore barbam;
multa super Lauso rogitat multumque remittit
qui revocent maestique ferant mandata parentis.
At Lausum socii exanimem super arma ferebant
flentes, ingentem atque ingenti volnere victum.
Agnovit longe gemitum praesaga mali mens:
canitiem multo deformat pulvere et ambas
ad caelum tendit palmas et corpore inhaeret.
“Tantane me tenuit vivendi, nate, voluptas,”
“ut pro me hostili paterer succedere dextrae,”
“quem genui? Tuane haec genitor per volnera servor,”
“morte tua vivens? Heu, nunc misero mihi demum”
“exitium infelix, nunc alte volnus adactum!”
“Idem ego, nate, tuum maculavi crimine nomen,”
“pulsus ob invidiam solio sceptrisque paternis.”
“Debueram patriae poenas odiisque meorum:”
“omnis per mortis animam sontem ipse dedissem!”
“Nunc vivo neque adhuc homines lucemque relinquo.”
“Sed linquam.” Simul hoc dicens attollit in aegrum
se femur et, quamvis dolor alto volnere tardet,
haud deiectus equum duci iubet. Hoc decus illi,
hoc solamen erat; bellis hoc victor abibat
omnibus. Adloquitur maerentem et talibus infit:
“Rhaebe, diu, res siqua diu mortalibus ulla est,”
“viximus. Aut hodie victor spolia illa cruenti”
“et caput Aeneae referes Lausique dolorum”
“ultor eris mecum aut, aperit si nulla viam vis,”
“occumbes pariter; neque enim, fortissime, credo,”
“iussa aliena pati et dominos dignabere Teucros.”
Dixit et exceptus tergo consueta locavit
membra manusque ambas iaculis oneravit acutis,
aere caput fulgens cristaque hirsutus equina.
Sic cursum in medios rapidus dedit: aestuat ingens
uno in corde pudor mixtoque insania luctu,
[et furiis agitatus amor et conscia virtus.]

[¶14] Aeneas heard and made exulting vow:
“Now may the Father of the gods on high,
and great Apollo hear! Begin the fray!”
He said, and moved forth with a threatening spear.
The other cried: “Hast robbed me of my son,
and now, implacable, wouldst fright me more?
That way, that only, was it in thy power
to cast me down. No fear of death I feel.
Nor from thy gods themselves would I refrain.
Give o'er! For fated and resolved to die
I come thy way: but; bring thee as I pass
these offerings.” With this he whirled a spear
against his foe, and after it drove deep
another and another, riding swift
in wide gyration round him. But the shield,
the golden boss, broke not. Three times he rode
in leftward circles, hurling spear on spear
against th' unmoved Aeneas: and three times
the Trojan hero in his brazen shield
the sheaf of spears upbore. But such slow fight,
such plucking of spent shafts from out his shield,
the Trojan liked not, vexed and sorely tried
in duel so ill-matched. With wrathful soul
at length he strode forth, and between the brows
of the wild war-horse planted his Iong spear.
Up reared the creature, beating at the air
with quivering feet, then o'er his fallen lord
entangling dropped, and prone above him lay,
pinning with ponderous shoulder to the ground.
The Trojans and the Latins rouse the skies
with clamor Ioud. Aeneas hastening forth
unsheathes his sword, and looming o'er him cries:
“Where now is fierce Mezentius, and his soul's
wild pulse of rage?” The Tuscan in reply
with eyes uprolled, and gasping as he gave
long looks at heaven, recalled his fading mind:
“Why frown at me and fume, O bitterest foe?
Why threaten death? To slay me is no sin.
Not to take quarter came I to this war,
not truce with thee did my lost Lausus crave,
yet this one boon I pray,—if mercy be
for fallen foes: O, suffer me when dead
in covering earth to hide! Full well I know
what curses of my people ring me round.
Defend me from that rage! I pray to be
my son's companion in our common tomb.”
He spoke: then offered with unshrinking eye
his veined throat to the sword. O'er the bright mail
his vital breath gushed forth in streaming gore.

> Latin: Atque hic Aenean magna ter voce vocavit.
Aeneas agnovit enim laetusque precatur:
“Sic pater ille deum faciat, sic altus Apollo,”
“incipias conferre manum.”
Tantum effatus et infesta subit obvius hasta.
Ille autem: “Quid me erepto, saevissime, nato”
“terres? Haec via sola fuit, qua perdere posses.”
“Nec mortem horremus nec divom parcimus ulli.”
“Desine: nam venio moriturus et haec tibi porto”
“dona prius.” Dixit telumque intorsit in hostem;
inde aliud super atque aliud figitque volatque
ingenti gyro, sed sustinet aureus umbo.
Ter circum adstantem laevos equitavit in orbes
tela manu iaciens, ter secum Troïus heros
immanem aerato circumfert tegmine silvam.
Inde ubi tot traxisse moras, tot spicula taedet
vellere et urgetur pugna congressus iniqua,
multa movens animo iam tandem erumpit et inter
bellatoris equi cava tempora conicit hastam.
Tollit se arrectum quadrupes et calcibus auras
verberat effusumque equitem super ipse secutus
implicat eiectoque incumbit cernuus armo.
Clamore incendunt caelum Troesque Latinique.
Advolat Aeneas vaginaque eripit ensem
et super haec: “Ubi nunc Mezentius acer et illa”
“effera vis animi?” Contra Tyrrhenus, ut auras
suspiciens hausit caelum mentemque recepit:
“Hostis amare, quid increpitas mortemque minaris?”
“Nullum in caede nefas, nec sic ad proelia veni,”
“nec tecum meus haec pepigit mihi foedera Lausus.”
“Unum hoc per siqua est victis venia hostibus oro:”
“corpus humo patiare tegi. Scio acerba meorum”
“circumstare odia: hunc, oro, defende furorem”
“et me consortem nati concede sepulchro.”
Haec loquitur iuguloque haud inscius accipit ensem
undantique animam diffundit in arva cruore.

## 21. Book XI · lines 1–467

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/21/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/21/#p-N

[¶0] Up from the sea now soared the dawning day:
Aeneas, though his sorrow bids him haste
to burial of the slain, and his sad soul
is clouded with the sight of death, fulfils,
for reward to his gods, a conqueror's vow,
at morning's earliest beam. A mighty oak
shorn of its limbs he sets upon a hill
and clothes it o'er with glittering arms, the spoil
of King Mezentius, and a trophy proud
to thee, great lord of war. The hero's plumes
bedewed with blood are there, and splintered spears;
there hangs the corselet, by the thrusting steel
twelve times gored through; upon the left he binds
the brazen shield, and from the neck suspends
the ivory-hilted sword. Aeneas thus,
as crowding close his train of captains throng,
addressed his followers: “Ye warriors mine,
our largest work is done. Bid fear begone
of what is left to do. Behold the spoils!
Yon haughty King was firstfruits of our war.
See this Mezentius my hands have made!
Now to the Latin town and King we go.
Arm you in soul! With heart of perfect hope
prepare the war! So when the gods give sign
to open battle and lead forth our brave
out of this stronghold, no bewilderment,
nor tarrying, nor fearful, faltering mind
shall slack our march. Meanwhile in earth we lay
our comrades fallen; for no honor else
in Acheron have they. Go forth,” said he,
“bring gifts of honor and of last farewell
to those high hearts by shedding of whose blood
our country lives. To sad Evander's town
bear Pallas first; who, though he did not fail
of virtue's crown, was seized by doom unblest,
and to the bitterness of death consigned.”

> Latin: Oceanum interea surgens Aurora reliquit:
Aeneas, quamquam et sociis dare tempus humandis
praecipitant curae turbataque funere mens est,
vota deum primo victor solvebat Eoo.
Ingentem quercum decisis undique ramis
constituit tumulo fulgentiaque induit arma,
Mezenti ducis exuvias, tibi, magne, tropaeum,
bellipotens: aptat rorantis sanguine cristas
telaque trunca viri et bis sex thoraca petitum
perfossumque locis clipeumque ex aere sinistrae
subligat atque ensem collo suspendit eburnum.
Tum socios, namque omnis eum stipata tegebat
turba ducum, sic incipiens hortatur ovantis:
“Maxima res effecta, viri; timor omnis abesto,”
“quod superest: haec sunt spolia et de rege superbo”
“primitiae, manibusque meis Mezentius hic est.”
“Nunc iter ad regem nobis murosque Latinos.”
“Arma parate animis et spe praesumite bellum,”
“nequa mora ignaros, ubi primum vellere signa”
“adnuerint superi pubemque educere castris,”
“impediat segnisve metu sententia tardet.”
“Interea socios inhumataque corpora terrae”
“mandemus, qui solus honos Acheronte sub imo est.”
“Ite,” ait, “egregias animas, quae sanguine nobis”
“hanc patriam peperere suo, decorate supremis”
“muneribus, maestamque Evandri primus ad urbem”
“mittatur Pallas, quem non virtutis egentem”
“abstulit atra dies et funere mersit acerbo.”

[¶1] Weeping he spoke, and slowly backward drew
to the tent-door, where by the breathless clay
of Pallas stood Acoetes, aged man,
once bearer of Evander's arms, but now
under less happy omens set to guard
his darling child. Around him is a throng
of slaves, with all the Trojan multitude,
and Ilian women, who the wonted way
let sorrow's tresses loosely flow. When now
Aeneas to the lofty doors drew near,
all these from smitten bosoms raised to heaven
a mighty moaning, till the King's abode
was loud with anguish. There Aeneas viewed
the pillowed head of Pallas cold and pale,
the smooth young breast that bore the gaping wound
of that Ausonian spear, and weeping said:
“Did Fortune's envy, smiling though she came,
refuse me, hapless boy, that thou shouldst see
my throne established, and victorious ride
beside me to thy father's house? Not this
my parting promise to thy King and sire,
Evander, when with friendly, fond embrace
to win imperial power he bade me go;
yet warned me anxiously I must resist
bold warriors and a stubborn breed of foes.
And haply even now he cheats his heart
with expectation vain, and offers vows,
heaping with gifts the altars of his gods.
But we with unavailing honors bring
this lifeless youth, who owes the gods of heaven
no more of gift and vow. O ill-starred King!
Soon shalt thou see thy son's unpitying doom!
What a home-coming! This is glory's day
so Iong awaited; this the solemn pledge
I proudly gave. But fond Evander's eyes
will find no shameful wounding on the slain,
nor for a son in coward safety kept
wilt thou, the sire, crave death. But woe is me!
How strong a bulwark in Ausonia falls!
What loss is thine, Iulus!”

> Latin: Sic ait inlacrimans recipitque ad limina gressum,
corpus ubi exanimi positum Pallantis Acoetes
servabat senior, qui Parrhasio Evandro
armiger ante fuit, sed non felicibus aeque
tum comes auspiciis caro datus ibat alumno.
Circum omnis famulumque manus Troianaque turba
et maestum Iliades crinem de more solutae.
Ut vero Aeneas foribus sese intulit altis,
ingentem gemitum tunsis ad sidera tollunt
pectoribus, maestoque immugit regia luctu.
Ipse caput nivei fultum Pallantis et ora
ut vidit levique patens in pectore vulnus
cuspidis Ausoniae, lacrimis ita fatur obortis.
“Tene,” inquit, “miserande puer, cum laeta veniret,”
“invidit Fortuna mihi, ne regna videres”
“nostra neque ad sedes victor veherere paternas?”
“Non haec Evandro de te promissa parenti”
“discedens dederam, cum me complexus euntem”
“mitteret in magnum imperium metuensque moneret”
“acris esse viros, cum dura proelia gente.”
“Et nunc ille quidem spe multum captus inani”
“fors et vota facit cumulatque altaria donis:”
“nos iuvenem exanimum et nil iam caelestibus ullis”
“debentem vano maesti comitamur honore.”
“Infelix, nati funus crudele videbis!”
“Hi nostri reditus expectatique triumphi!”
“Haec mea magna fides! At non, Evandre, pudendis”
“vulneribus pulsum adspicies nec sospite dirum”
“optabis nato funus pater. Ei mihi, quantum”
“praesidium Ausonia et quantum tu perdis, Iule!”

[¶2] Thus lamenting,
he bids them lift the body to the bier,
and sends a thousand heroes from his host
to render the last tributes, and to share
father's tears:—poor solace and too small
for grief so great, but due that mournful sire.
Some busy them to build of osiers fine
the simple litter, twining sapling oaks
with evergreen, till o'er death's Iofty bed
the branching shade extends. Upon it lay,
as if on shepherd's couch, the youthful dead,
like fairest flower by virgin fingers culled,
frail violet or hyacinth forlorn,
of color still undimmed and leaf unmarred;
but from the breast of mother-earth no more
its life doth feed. Then good Aeneas brought
two broidered robes of scarlet and fine gold,
which with the gladsome labor of her hands
Sidonian Dido wrought him long ago,
the thin-spun gold inweaving. One of these
the sad prince o'er the youthful body threw
for parting gift; and with the other veiled
those tresses from the fire; he heaped on high
Laurentum's spoils of war, and bade to bring
much tribute forth: horses and arms he gave,
seized from the fallen enemy; with hands
fettered behind them filed a captive train
doomed to appease the shades, and with the flames
to mix their flowing blood. He bade his chiefs
set up the trunks of trees and clothe them well
with captured arms, inscribing on each one
some foeman's name. Then came Acoetes forth,
a wretched, worn old man, who beat his breast
with tight-clenched hands, and tore his wrinkled face
with ruthless fingers; oft he cast him down
full length along the ground. Then lead they forth
the blood-stained Rutule chariots of war;
Aethon, the war-horse, of his harness bare,
walks mournful by; big teardrops wet his cheek.
Some bear the lance and helm; for all the rest
victorious Turnus seized. Then filed along
a mournful Teucrian cohort; next the host
Etrurian and the men of Arcady
with trailing arms reversed. Aeneas now,
when the long company had passed him by,
spoke thus and groaned aloud: “Ourselves from hence
are summoned by the same dread doom of war
to other tears. Farewell forevermore!
Heroic Pallas! be forever blest!
I bid thee hail, farewell!” In silence then
back to the stronghold's Iofty walls he moved.

> Latin: Haec ubi deflevit, tolli miserabile corpus
imperat et toto lectos ex agmine mittit
mille viros, qui supremum comitentur honorem
intersintque patris lacrimis, solacia luctus
exigua ingentis, misero sed debita patri.
Haud segnes alii crates et molle feretrum
arbuteis texunt virgis et vimine querno
exstructosque toros obtentu frondis inumbrant.
Hic iuvenem agresti sublimem stramine ponunt,
qualem virgineo demessum pollice florem
seu mollis violae seu languentis hyacinthi,
cui neque fulgor adhuc necdum sua forma recessit:
non iam mater alit tellus viresque ministrat.
Tum geminas vestes auroque ostroque rigentis
extulit Aeneas, quas illi laeta laborum
ipsa suis quondam manibus Sidonia Dido
fecerat et tenui telas discreverat auro.
Harum unam iuveni supremum maestus honorem
induit arsurasque comas obnubit amictu,
multaque praeterea Laurentis praemia pugnae
aggerat et longo praedam iubet ordine duci.
Addit equos et tela, quibus spoliaverat hostem.
Vinxerat et post terga manus, quos mitteret umbris
inferias, caeso sparsuros sanguine flammas,
indutosque iubet truncos hostilibus armis
ipsos ferre duces inimicaque nomina figi.
Ducitur infelix aevo confectus Acoetes:
pectora nunc foedans pugnis, nunc unguibus ora
sternitur et toto proiectus corpore terrae.~.~.
Ducunt et Rutulo perfusos sanguine currus.
Post bellator equus positis insignibus Aethon
it lacrimans guttisque umectat grandibus ora.
Hastam alii galeamque ferunt, nam cetera Turnus
victor habet. Tum maesta phalanx Teucrique sequuntur
Tyrrhenique omnes et versis Arcades armis.
Postquam omnis longe comitum praecesserat ordo,
substitit Aeneas gemituque haec addidit alto:
“Nos alias hinc ad lacrimas eadem horrida belli”
“fata vocant: salve aeternum mihi, maxime Palla,”
“aeternumque vale.” Nec plura effatus ad altos
tendebat muros gressumque in castra ferebat.

[¶3] Now envoys from the Latin citadel
came olive-crowned, to plead for clemency:
would he not yield those bodies of the dead
sword-scattered o'er the plain, and let them lie
beneath an earth-built tomb? Who wages war
upon the vanquished, the unbreathing slain?
To people once his hosts and kindred called,
would he not mercy show? To such a prayer,
deemed not unworthy, good Aeneas gave
the boon, and this benignant answer made:
“Ye Latins, what misfortune undeserved
has snared you in so vast a war, that now
you shun our friendship? Have you here implored
peace for your dead, by chance of battle fallen?
Pain would I grant it for the living too.
I sailed not hither save by Heaven's decree,
which called me to this land. I wage no war
with you, the people; 't was your King refused
our proffered bond of peace, and gave his cause
to Turnus' arms. More meet and just it were
had Turnus met this death that makes you mourn.
If he would end our quarrel sword in hand,
thrusting us Teucrians forth, 't was honor's way
to cross his blade with mine; that man to whom
the gods, or his own valor, had decreed
the longer life, had lived. But now depart!
Beneath your lost friends light the funeral fires!”
So spoke Aeneas; and with wonder mute
all stood at gaze, each turning to behold
his neighbor's face.

> Latin: Iamque oratores aderant ex urbe Latina,
velati ramis oleae veniamque rogantes:
corpora, per campos ferro quae fusa iacebant,
redderet ac tumulo sineret succedere terrae;
nullum cum victis certamen et aethere cassis;
parceret hospitibus quondam socerisque vocatis.
Quos bonus Aeneas haud aspernanda precantis
prosequitur venia et verbis haec insuper addit:
“Quaenam vos tanto fortuna indigna, Latini,”
“implicuit bello, qui nos fugiatis amicos?”
“Pacem me exanimis et Martis sorte peremptis”
“oratis? Equidem et vivis concedere vellem.”
“Nec veni, nisi fata locum sedemque dedissent,”
“nec bellum cum gente gero: rex nostra reliquit”
“hospitia et Turni potius se credidit armis.”
“Aequius huic Turnum fuerat se opponere morti.”
“Si bellum finire manu, si pellere Teucros”
“apparat, his mecum decuit concurrere telis:”
“vixet, cui vitam deus aut sua dextra dedisset.”
“Nunc ite et miseris supponite civibus ignem.”
Dixerat Aeneas. Illi obstipuere silentes
conversique oculos inter se atque ora tenebant.

[¶4] Then Drances, full of years,
and ever armed with spite and slanderous word
against young Turnus, made this answering plea:
“O prince of mighty name, whose feats of arms
are even mightier! Trojan hero, how
shall my poor praise exalt thee to the skies?
Is it thy rectitude or strenuous war
most bids me wonder? We will bear thy word
right gladly to the city of our sires;
and there, if Fortune favor it, contrive
a compact with the Latin King. Henceforth
let Turnus find his own allies! Ourselves
will much rejoice to see thy destined walls,
and our own shoulders will be proud to bear
the stone for building Troy.” Such speech he made,
and all the common voice consented loud.
So twelve days' truce they swore, and safe from harm
Latins and Teucrians unmolested roved
together o'er the wooded hills. Now rang
loud steel on ash-tree bole; enormous pines,
once thrusting starward, to the earth they threw;
and with industrious wedge asunder clove
stout oak and odorous cedar, piling high
harvest of ash-trees on the creaking wain.

> Latin: Tum senior semperque odiis et crimine Drances
infensus iuveni Turno sic ore vicissim
orsa refert: “O fama ingens, ingentior armis”
“vir Troiane, quibus caelo te laudibus aequem?”
“Iustitiaene prius mirer belline laborum?”
“Nos vero haec patriam grati referemus ad urbem”
“et te, siqua viam dederit fortuna, Latino”
“iungemus regi: quaerat sibi foedera Turnus.”
“Quin et fatalis murorum attollere moles”
“saxaque subvectare umeris Troiana iuvabit.”
Dixerat haec, unoque omnes eadem ore fremebant.
Bis senos pepigere dies et pace sequestra
per silvas Teucri mixtique inpune Latini
erravere iugis. Ferro sonat alta bipenni
fraxinus, evertunt actas ad sidera pinus,
robora nec cuneis et olentem scindere cedrum
nec plaustris cessant vectare gementibus ornos.

[¶5] Now Rumor, herald of prodigious woe,
to King Evander hied, Evander's house
and city filling, where, but late, her word
had told in Latium Pallas' victory.
th' Arcadians thronging to the city-gates
bear funeral torches, the accustomed way;
in lines of flame the long street flashes far,
lighting the fields beyond. To meet them moves
a Phrygian company, to join with theirs
its lamentation loud. The Latin wives,
soon as they saw them entering, aroused
the whole sad city with shrill songs of woe.
No hand could stay Evander. Forth he flew
into the midmost tumult, and fell prone
on his dead Pallas, on the resting bier;
he clung to the pale corse with tears, with groans,
till anguish for a space his lips unsealed:
“Not this thy promise, Pallas, to thy sire,
to walk not rashly in the war-god's way.
I knew too well how honor's morning-star,
and sweet, foretasted glory tempt and woo
in a first battle. O first-fruit forlorn
of youth so fair! O prelude pitiless
of war approaching! O my vows and prayers,
which not one god would hear! My blessed wife,
how happy was the death that spared thee not
to taste this bitterness! But I, the while,
by living longer lived to meet my doom,—
a father sole-surviving. Would I myself
had perished by the Rutule's cruel spear,
the Trojan's cause espousing! This breath of life
how gladly had I given! And O, that now
yon black solemnity were bearing home
myself, not Pallas, dead! Yet blame I not,
O Teucrians, the hallowed pact we made,
nor hospitable bond and clasp of hands.
This doom ye bring me was writ long ago,
for my old age. And though my child is fallen
untimely, I take comfort that he fell
where thousands of the Volscians slaughtered lie,
and into Latium led the Teucrian arms.
What brighter glory could I crave in death
for thee, my Pallas, than Aeneas brings,
and Phrygian princes, and Etrurian lords
with all Etruria's legions? Lo, they bear
yon glittering spoils of victims of thy sword!
Thou, Turnus, too, wert now an effigy
in giant armor clad, if but his years
and strength full ripe had been fair match for thine!
But now my woes detain the Trojan host
from battle. I beseech ye haste away,
and bear this faithful message to your King:
since I but linger out a life I loathe,
without my Pallas, nothing but thy sword
can bid me live. Then let thy sword repay
its debt to sire and son by Turnus slain!
Such deed alone may with thy honor fit,
and happier fortunes. But my life to me
has no joy left to pray for, save to bring
my son that solace in the shadowy land.”

> Latin: Et iam Fama volans, tanti praenuntia luctus,
Evandrum Evandrique domos et moenia replet,
quae modo victorem Latio Pallanta ferebat.
Arcades ad portas ruere et de more vetusto
funereas rapuere faces; lucet via longo
ordine flammarum et late discriminat agros.
Contra turba Phrygum veniens plangentia iungit
agmina. Quae postquam matres succedere tectis
viderunt, maestam incendunt clamoribus urbem.
At non Evandrum potis est vis ulla tenere,
sed venit in medios. Feretro Pallanta reposto
procubuit super atque haeret lacrimansque gemensque,
et via vix tandem vocis laxata dolore est.
“Non haec, O Palla, dederas promissa parenti,”
“cautius ut saevo velles te credere Marti;”
“haud ignarus eram, quantum nova gloria in armis”
“et praedulce decus primo certamine posset.”
“Primitiae iuvenis miserae bellique propinqui”
“dura rudimenta et nulli exaudita deorum”
“vota precesque meae! Tuque, O sanctissima coniunx,”
“felix morte tua neque in hunc servata dolorem!”
“Contra ego vivendo vici mea fata, superstes”
“restarem ut genitor. Troum socia arma secutum”
“obruerent Rutuli telis! Animam ipse dedissem”
“atque haec pompa domum me, non Pallanta, referret,”
“nec vos arguerim, Teucri, nec foedera nec quas”
“iunximus hospitio dextras: sors ista senectae”
“debita erat nostrae. Quod si immatura manebat”
“mors natum, caesis Volscorum milibus ante”
“ducentem in Latium Teucros cecidisse iuvabit.”
“Quin ego non alio digner te funere, Palla,”
“quam pius Aeneas” [“et quam magni Phryges et quam”]
[“Tyrrhenique duces, Tyrrhenum exercitus omnis.”]
“Magna tropaea ferunt, quos dat tua dextera Leto:”
“tu quoque nunc stares immanis truncus in armis,”
“esset par aetas et idem si robur ab annis,”
“Turne. Sed infelix Teucros quid demoror armis?”
“Vadite et haec memores regi mandata referte:”
“quod vitam moror invisam Pallante perempto,”
“dextera causa tua est, Turnum natoque patrique”
“quam debere vides. Meritis vacat hic tibi solus”
“fortunaeque locus. Non vitae gaudia quaero,”
“nec fas, sed nato Manis perferre sub imos.”

[¶6] Meanwhile o'er sorrowing mortals the bright morn
had lifted her mild beam, renewing so
the burden of man's toil. Aeneas now
built funeral pyres along the winding shore,
King Tarchon at his side. Each thither brought
the bodies of his kin, observing well
all ancient ritual. The fuming fires
burned from beneath, till highest heaven was hid
in blackest, overmantling cloud. Three times
the warriors, sheathed in proud, resplendent steel,
paced round the kindling pyres; and three times
fair companies of horsemen circled slow,
with loud lamenting, round the doleful flame.
The wail of warriors and the trumpets' blare
the very welkin rend. Cast on the flames
are spoils of slaughtered Latins,—helms and blades,
bridles and chariot-wheels. Yet others bring
gifts to the dead familiar, their own shields
and unavailing spears. Around them slain
great herds of kine give tribute unto death:
swine, bristly-backed, from many a field are borne,
and slaughtered sheep bleed o'er the sacred fire.
So on the shore the wailing multitude
behold their comrades burning, and keep guard
o'er the consuming pyres, nor turn away
till cooling night re-shifts the globe of heaven,
thick-strewn with numberless far-flaming stars.

> Latin: Aurora interea miseris mortalibus almam
extulerat lucem, referens opera atque labores:
iam pater Aeneas, iam curvo in litore Tarchon
constituere pyras. Huc corpora quisque suorum
more tulere patrum, subiectisque ignibus atris
conditur in tenebras altum caligine caelum.
Ter circum accensos cincti fulgentibus armis
decurrere rogos, ter maestum funeris ignem
lustravere in equis ululatusque ore dedere;
spargitur et tellus lacrimis, sparguntur et arma:
it caelo clamorque virum clangorque tubarum.
Hic alii spolia occisis derepta Latinis
coniciunt igni, galeas ensesque decoros
frenaque ferventisque rotas; pars munera nota,
ipsorum clipeos et non felicia tela.
Multa boum circa mactantur corpora Morti,
saetigerosque sues raptasque ex omnibus agris
in flammam iugulant pecudes. Tum litore toto
ardentis spectant socios semustaque servant
busta neque avelli possunt, nox umida donec
invertit caelum stellis ardentibus aptum.

[¶7] Likewise the mournful Latins far away
have built their myriad pyres. Yet of the slain
not few in graves are laid, and borne with tears
to neighboring country-side or native town;
the rest—promiscuous mass of dead unknown—
to nameless and unhonored ashes burn;
with multitude of fires the far-spread fields
blaze forth unweariedly. But when from heaven
the third morn had dispelled the dark and cold,
the mournful bands raked forth the mingled bones
and plenteous ashes from the smouldering pyres,
then heaped with earth the one sepulchral mound.
Now from the hearth-stones of the opulent town
of old Latinus a vast wail burst forth,
for there was found the chief and bitterest share
of all the woe. For mothers in their tears,
lone brides, and stricken souls of sisters fond,
and boys left fatherless, fling curses Ioud
on Turnus' troth-plight and the direful war:
“Let him, let Turnus, with his single sword
decide the strife,”—they cry,—“and who shall claim
Lordship of Italy and power supreme.”
Fierce Drances whets their fury, urging all
that Turnus singly must the challenge hear,
and singly wage the war; but others plead
in Turnus' favor; the Queen's noble name
protects him, and his high renown in arms
defends his cause with well-won trophies fair.

> Latin: Nec minus et miseri diversa in parte Latini
innumeras struxere pyras, et corpora partim
multa virum terrae infodiunt avectaque partim
finitimos tollunt in agros urbique remittunt,
cetera confusaeque ingentem caedis acervum
nec numero nec honore cremant: tunc undique vasti
certatim crebris conlucent ignibus agri.
Tertia lux gelidam caelo dimoverat umbram:
maerentes altum cinerem et confusa ruebant
ossa focis tepidoque onerabant aggere terrae.
Iam vero in tectis, praedivitis urbe Latini,
praecipuus fragor et longi pars maxima luctus.
Hic matres miseraeque nurus, hic cara sororum
pectora maerentum puerique parentibus orbi
dirum exsecrantur bellum Turnique hymenaeos:
ipsum armis ipsumque iubent decernere ferro,
qui regnum Italiae et primos sibi poscat honores.
ingravat haec saevus Drances solumque vocari
testatur, solum posci in certamina Turnum.
Multa simul contra variis sententia dictis
pro Turno, et magnum reginae nomen obumbrat,
multa virum meritis sustentat fama tropaeis.

[¶8] Amid these tumults of the wrathful throng,
lo, the ambassadors to Diomed
arrive with cloudy forehead from their quest
in his illustrious town; for naught availed
their toilsome errand, nor the gifts and gold,
nor strong entreaty. Other help in war
the Latins now must find, or humbly sue
peace from the Trojan. At such tidings dire
even Latinus trembles: Heaven's decrees
and influence of gods too visible
sustain Aeneas; so the wrath divine
and new-filled sepulchres conspicuous
give warning clear. Therefore the King convenes
a general council of his captains brave
beneath the royal towers. They, gathering,
throng the approaches thither, where their Iord,
gray-haired Latinus, takes the central throne,
wearing authority with mournful brow.
He bids the envoys from Aetolia's King
sent back, to speak and tell the royal words
in order due. Forthwith on every tongue
fell silence, while the princely Venulus,
heeding his Iord's behest, began the parle:

> Latin: Hos inter motus, medio in flagrante tumultu,
ecce super maesti magna Diomedis ab urbe
legati responsa ferunt: nihil omnibus actum
tantorum impensis operum, nil dona neque aurum
nec magnas valuisse preces, alia arma Latinis
quaerenda aut pacem Troiano ab rege petendum.
Deficit ingenti luctu rex ipse Latinus.
Fatalem Aenean manifesto numine ferri
admonet ira deum tumulique ante ora recentes.
Ergo concilium magnum primosque suorum
imperio accitos alta intra limina cogit.
olli convenere fluuntque ad regia plenis
tecta viis. Sedet in mediis et maximus aevo
et primus sceptris haud laeta fronte Latinus.
Atque hic legatos Aetola ex urbe remissos,
quae referant, fari iubet et responsa reposcit
ordine cuncta suo. Tum facta silentia linguis,
et Venulus dicto parens ita farier infit:

[¶9] “My countrymen,” he said, “our eyes have seen
strongholds of Greeks and Diomed the King.
We braved all perils to our journey's end
and clasped that hand whereof the dreadful stroke
wrought Ilium's fall. The hero built a town,
Argyripa, hereditary name,
near mount Garganus in Apulian land:
passing that city's portal and the King's,
we found free audience, held forth thy gifts,
and told our names and fatherland. We showed
what condict was enkindled, and what cause
brought us to Arpi's King. He, hearing all,
with brow benign made answer to our plea:
‘O happy tribes in Saturn's kingdom born,
Ausonia's ancient stem! What fortune blind
tempts ye from peace away, and now ensnares
in wars unknown? Look how we men that dared
lay Ilium waste (I speak not of what woes
in battling neath her lofty walls we bore,
nor of dead warriors sunk in Simois' wave)
have paid the penalty in many a land
with chastisement accurst and changeful woe,
till Priam's self might pity. Let the star
of Pallas tell its tale of fatal storm,
off grim Caphereus and Eubcea's crags.
Driven asunder from one field of war,
Atrides unto farthest Egypt strayed,
and wise Ulysses saw from Aetna's caves
the Cyclops gathering. Why name the throne
of Pyrrhus, or the violated hearth
whence fled Idomeneus? Or Locri cast
on Libya's distant shore? For even he,
Lord of Mycenae by the Greeks obeyed,
fell murdered on his threshold by the hand
of that polluted wife, whose paramour
trapped Asia's conqueror. The envious gods
withheld me also from returning home
to see once more the hearth-stone of my sires,
the wife I yearn for, and my Calydon,
the beauteous land. For wonders horrible
pursue me still. My vanished followers
through upper air take wing, or haunt and rove
in forms of birds the island waters o'er:
ah me, what misery my people feel!
The tall rocks ring with their lament and cry.
Naught else had I to hope for from that day
when my infatuate sword on gods I drew,
and outraged with abominable wound
the hand of Venus. Urge me not, I pray,
to conflicts in this wise. No more for me
of war with Trojans after Ilium's fall!
I take no joy in evils past, nor wish
such memory to renew. Go, lay these gifts,
brought to my honor from your ancient land,
at great Aeneas' feet. We twain have stood
confronting close with swords implacable
in mortal fray. Believe me, I have known
the stature of him when he lifts his shield,
and swings the whirlwind of his spear. If Troy
two more such sons had bred, the Dardan horde
had stormed at Argos' gates, and Greece to-day
were for her fallen fortunes grieving sore.
Our lingering at Ilium's stubborn wall,
our sluggard conquest halting ten years Iong,
was his and Hector's work. Heroic pair!
Each one for valor notable, and each
famous in enterprise of arms,—but he
was first in piety. Enclasp with his
your hands in plighted peace as best ye may:
but shock of steel on steel ye well may shun.’
now hast thou heard, good King, a king's reply,
and how his wisdom sits in this vast war.”

> Latin: “Vidimus, o cives, Diomedem Argivaque castra”
“atque iter emensi casus superavimus omnis”
“contigimusque manum, qua concidit Ilia tellus.”
“Ille urbem Argyripam patriae cognomine gentis”
“victor Gargani condebat Iapygis agris.”
“Postquam introgressi et coram data copia fandi,”
“munera praeferimus, nomen patriamque docemus,”
“qui bellum intulerint, quae causa attraxerit Arpos.”
“Auditis ille haec placido sic reddidit ore:”
“‘O fortunatae gentes, Saturnia regna,’”
“‘antiqui Ausonii, quae vos fortuna quietos’”
“‘sollicitat suadetque ignota lacessere bella?’”
“‘Quicumque Iliacos ferro violavimus agros,’”
“‘mitto ea, quae muris bellando exhausta sub altis,’”
“‘quos Simois premat ille viros, infanda per orbem’”
“‘supplicia et scelerum poenas expendimus omnes,’”
“‘vel Priamo miseranda manus: scit triste Minervae’”
“‘sidus et Euboicae cautes ultorque Caphareus.’”
“‘Militia ex illa diversum ad litus abacti’”
“‘Atrides Protei Menelaus adusque columnas’”
“‘exsulat, Aetnaeos vidit Cyclopas Ulixes.’”
“‘Regna Neoptolemi referam versosque penates’”
“‘Idomenei? Libycone habitantis litore Locros?’”
“‘Ipse Mycenaeus magnorum ductor Achivom’”
“‘coniugis infandae prima inter limina dextra’”
“‘oppetiit: devictam Asiam subsedit adulter.’”
“‘Invidisse deos, patriis ut redditus aris’”
“‘coniugium optatum et pulchram Calydona viderem?’”
“‘Nunc etiam horribili visu portenta sequuntur,’”
“‘et socii amissi petierunt aethera pennis’”
“‘fluminibusque vagantur aves, heu dira meorum’”
“‘supplicia, et scopulos lacrimosis vocibus implent.’”
“‘Haec adeo ex illo mihi iam speranda fuerunt’”
“‘tempore, cum ferro caelestia corpora demens’”
“‘adpetii et Veneris violavi volnere dextram.’”
“‘Ne vero, ne me ad talis impellite pugnas:’”
“‘nec mihi cum Teucris ullum post eruta bellum’”
“‘Pergama, nec veterum memini laetorve malorum.’”
“‘Munera, quae patriis ad me portatis ab oris,’”
“‘vertite ad Aenean. Stetimus tela aspera contra’”
“‘contulimusque manus: experto credite, quantus’”
“‘in clipeum adsurgat, quo turbine torqueat hastam.’”
“‘Si duo praeterea talis Idaea tulisset’”
“‘terra viros, ultro Inachias venisset ad urbes’”
“‘Dardanus, et versis lugeret Graecia fatis.’”
“‘Quidquid apud durae cessatum est moenia Troiae,’”
“‘Hectoris Aeneaeque manu victoria Graium’”
“‘haesit et in decimum vestigia rettulit annum.’”
“‘Ambo animis, ambo insignes praestantibus armis’”
“‘hic pietate prior. Coeant in foedera dextrae,’”
“‘qua datur; ast armis concurrant arma cavete.’”
“Et responsa simul quae sint, rex optime, regis”
“audisti et quae sit magno sententia bello.”

[¶10] Soon as the envoys ceased, an answering sound
of troubled voices through the council flowed
of various note, as when its rocky bed
impedes an arrowy stream, and murmurs break
from the strait-channelled flood; the fringing shores
repeat the tumult of the clamorous wave.
But when their hearts and troublous tongues were still,
the King, invoking first the gods in heaven,
thus from a Iofty throne his sentence gave:

> Latin: Vix ea legati, variusque per ora cucurrit
Ausonidum turbata fremor: ceu saxa morantur
cum rapidos amnis, fit clauso gurgite murmur
vicinaeque fremunt ripae crepitantibus undis.
Ut primum placati animi et trepida ora quierunt,
praefatus divos solio rex infit ab alto:

[¶11] “Less evil were our case, if long ago
ye had provided for your country's weal,
O Latins, as I urged. It is no time
to hold dispute, while, compassing our walls,
the foeman waits. Ill-omened war is ours
against a race of gods, my countrymen,
invincible, unwearied in the fray,
and who, though lost and fallen, clutch the sword.
If hope ye cherished of Aetolia's power,
dismiss it! For what hope ye have is found
in your own bosoms only. But ye know
how slight it is and small. What ruin wide
has fallen, is now palpable and clear.
No blame I cast. What valor's uttermost
may do was done; our kingdom in this war
strained its last thews. Now therefore I will tell
such project as my doubtful mind may frame,
and briefly, if ye give good heed, unfold:
an ancient tract have I, close-bordering
the river Tiber; it runs westward far
beyond Sicania's bound, and filth it bears
to Rutule and Auruncan husbandmen,
who furrow its hard hills or feed their flocks
along the stonier slopes. Let this demesne,
together with its pine-clad mountain tall,
be given the Teucrian for our pledge of peace,
confirmed by free and equitable league,
and full alliance with our kingly power.
Let them abide there, if it please them so,
and build their city's wall. But if their hearts
for other land or people yearn, and fate
permits them hence to go, then let us build
twice ten good galleys of Italian oak,
or more, if they can man them. All the wood
lies yonder on the shore. Let them but say
how numerous and large the ships they crave,
and we will give the brass, the artisans,
and ship-supplies. Let us for envoys choose
a hundred of the Latins noblest born
to tell our message and arrange the peace,
bearing mild olive-boughs and weighty gifts
of ivory and gold, with chair of state
and purple robe, our emblems as a king.
But freely let this council speak; give aid
to our exhausted cause.”

> Latin: “Ante equidem summa de re statuisse, Latini,”
“et vellem et fuerat melius, non tempore tali”
“cogere concilium, cum muros adsidet hostis.”
“Bellum importunum, cives, cum gente deorum”
“invictisque viris gerimus, quos nulla fatigant”
“proelia: nec victi possunt absistere ferro.”
“Spem siquam adscitis Aetolum habuistis in armis,”
“ponite. Spes sibi quisque, sed haec quam angusta videtis;”
“cetera qua rerum iaceant perculsa ruina,”
“ante oculos interque manus sunt omnia vestras.”
“Nec quemquam incuso: potuit quae plurima virtus”
“esse, fuit; toto certatum est corpore regni.”
“Nunc adeo quae sit dubiae sententia menti”
“expediam et paucis, animos adhibete, docebo.”
“Est antiquus ager Tusco mihi proximus amni,”
“longus in occasum, finis super usque Sicanos;”
“Aurunci Rutulique serunt et vomere duros”
“exercent colles atque horum asperrima pascunt.”
“Haec omnis regio et celsi plaga pinea montis”
“cedat amicitiae Teucrorum, et foederis aequas”
“dicamus leges sociosque in regna vocemus.”
“Considant, si tantus amor, et moenia condant.”
“Sin alios finis aliamque capessere gentem”
“est animus possuntque solo decedere nostro:”
“bis denas Italo texamus robore navis”
“seu pluris complere valent, iacet omnis ad undam”
“materies, ipsi numerumque modumque carinis”
“praecipiant, nos aera manus navalia demus.”
“Praeterea qui dicta ferant et foedera firment”
“centum oratores prima de gente Latinos”
“ire placet pacisque manu praetendere ramos,”
“munera portantis aurique eborisque talenta”
“et sellam regni trabeamque insignia nostri.”
“Consulite in medium et rebus succurrite fessis.”

[¶12] Then Drances rose,
that foe inveterate, whom Turnus' fame
to stinging hate and envy double-tongued
ever pricked on. Of liberal wealth was he
and flowing speech, but slack of hand in war
at council board accounted no weak voice,
in quarrels stronger still; of lofty birth
in the maternal line, but by his sire's
uncertain and obscure. He, claiming place,
thus multiplies with words the people's ire:
“A course most clear, nor needing voice of mine,
thy council is, good King; for all men see
the way of public weal, but smother close
the telling of it. Turnus must concede
freedom to speak, and his own arrogance
diminish! Under his ill-boding star
and fatal conduct—yea, I speak it plain,
though with his naked steel my death he swear—
yon host of princes fell, and we behold
the whole land bowed with grief; while he assails
the Trojan camp (beating such bold retreats!)
and troubles Heaven with war. One gift the more,
among the many to the Trojans given,
one chiefly, best of kings, thy choice should be.
Let not wild violence thy will restrain
from granting, sire, thy virgin daughter's hand
to son-in-law illustrious, in a match
worthy of both,—and thus the lasting bond
of peace establish. But if verily
our hearts and souls be weak with craven fear,
let us on Turnus call, and grace implore
even of him. Let him no more oppose;
but to his country and his King concede
their natural right. Why wilt thou o'er and o'er
fling thy poor countrymen in danger's way,
O chief and fountain of all Latium's pain?
War will not save us. Not a voice but sues
for peace, O Turnus! and, not less than peace,
its one inviolable pledge. Behold,
I lead in this petition! even I
whom thou dost feign thy foe—(I waste no words
denying)—look! I supplicate of thee,
take pity on thy kindred; drop thy pride,
and get thee home defeated. We have seen
slaughter enough, enough of funeral flames,
and many a wide field waste and desolate.
If glory move thee, if thy martial breast
so swell with strength, and if a royal dower
be thy dear dream, go, pluck thy courage up,
and front thy own brave bosom to the foe.
for, lo, that Turnus on his wedding day
may win a princess, our cheap, common lives—
we the mere mob, unwept, unsepulchred—
must be spilled forth in battle! Thou, I say,
if there be mettle in thee and some drops
of thy undaunted sires, Iook yonder where
the Trojan chieftain waits thee in the field.”

> Latin: Tum Drances idem infensus, quem gloria Turni
obliqua invidia stimulisque agitabat amaris,
largus opum et lingua melior, sed frigida bello
dextera, consiliis habitus non futilis auctor,
seditione potens (genus huic materna superbum
nobilitas dabat, incertum de patre ferebat),
surgit et his onerat dictis atque aggerat iras:
“Rem nulli obscuram nostrae nec vocis egentem”
“consulis, O bone rex: cuncti se scire fatentur,”
“quid fortuna ferat populi, sed dicere mussant.”
“Det libertatem fandi flatusque remittat”
“cuius ob auspicium infaustum moresque sinistros”
“(dicam equidem, licet arma mihi mortemque minetur)”
“lumina tot cecidisse ducum totamque videmus”
“consedisse urbem luctu, dum Troia temptat”
“castra fugae fidens et caelum territat armis.”
“Unum etiam donis istis, quae plurima mitti”
“Dardanidis dicique iubes, unum, optime regum,”
“adicias nec te ullius violentia vincat,”
“quin natam egregio genero dignisque hymenaeis”
“des, pater, et pacem hanc aeterno foedere iungas.”
“Quod si tantus habet mentes et pectora terror,”
“ipsum obtestemur veniamque oremus ab ipso:”
“cedat, ius proprium regi patriaeque remittat.”
“Quid miseros totiens in aperta pericula cives”
“proicis, O Latio caput horum et causa malorum?”
“Nulla salus bello: pacem te poscimus omnes,”
“Turne, simul pacis solum inviolabile pignus.”
“Primus ego, invisum quem tu tibi fingis, et esse”
“nil moror, en supplex venio. Miserere tuorum,”
“pone animos et pulsus abi. Sat funera fusi”
“vidimus ingentis et desolavimus agros.”
“Aut si fama movet, si tantum pectore robur”
“concipis et si adeo dotalis regia cordi est,”
“aude atque adversum fidens fer pectus in hostem.”
“Scilicet ut Turno contingat regia coniunx,”
“nos animae viles, inhumata infletaque turba,”
“sternamur campis. Etiam tu, siqua tibi vis,”
“si patrii quid Martis habes, illum aspice contra,”
“qui vocat.”

[¶13] By such discourse he stirred the burning blood
of Turnus, who groaned loud and from his heart
this utterance hurled: “O Drances, thou art rich
in large words, when the day of battle calls
for actions. If our senators convene
thou comest early. But the council hall
is not for swollen talk, such as thy tongue
in safety tosses forth; so long as walls
hold back thy foes, and ere the trenches flow
with blood of brave men slain. O, rattle on
in fluent thunder—thy habitual style!
Brand me a coward, Drances, when thy sword
has heaped up Trojan slain, and on the field
thy shining trophies rise. Now may we twain
our martial prowess prove. Our foe, forsooth,
is not so far to seek; around yon wall
he lies in siege: to front him let us fly!
Why art thou tarrying? Wilt thou linger here,
a soldier only in thy windy tongue,
and thy swift, coward heels? Defeated, I?
Foul wretch, what tongue that honors truth can tell
of my defeat, while Tiber overflows
with Trojan blood? while King Evander's house
in ruin dies, and his Arcadians lie
stripped naked on the field? O, not like thee
did Bitias or the giant Pandarus
misprize my honor; nor those men of Troy
whom this good sword to death and dark sent down,
a thousand in a day,—though I was penned
a prisoner in the ramparts of my foe.

> Latin: Talibus exarsit dictis violentia Turni;
dat gemitum rumpitque has imo pectore voces
“Larga quidem, Drance, semper tibi copia fandi”
“tum, cum bella manus poscunt, patribusque vocatis”
“primus ades. Sed non replenda est curia verbis,”
“quae tuto tibi magna volant, dum distinet hostem”
“agger murorum nec inundant sanguine fossae.”
“Proinde tona eloquio, solitum tibi, meque timoris”
“argue tu, Drance, quando tot stragis acervos”
“Teucrorum tua dextra dedit passimque tropaeis”
“insignis agros. Possit quid vivida virtus,”
“experiare licet; nec longe scilicet hostes”
“quaerendi nobis: circumstant undique muros.”
“Imus in adversos: quid cessas? An tibi Mavors”
“ventosa in lingua pedibusque fugacibus istis”
“semper erit?”
“Pulsus ego? Aut quisquam merito, foedissime, pulsum”
“arguet, Iliaco tumidum qui crescere Thybrim”
“sanguine et Evandri totam cum stirpe videbit”
“procubuisse domum atque exutos Arcadas armis?”
“Haud ita me experti Bitias et Pandarus ingens”
“et quos mille die victor sub Tartara misi,”
“inclusus muris hostilique aggere saeptus.”

[¶14] War will not save us? Fling that prophecy
on the doomed Dardan's head, or on thy own,
thou madman! Aye, with thy vile, craven soul
disturb the general cause. Extol the power
of a twice-vanquished people, and decry
Latinus' rival arms. From this time forth
let all the Myrmidonian princes cower
before the might of Troy; let Diomed
and let Achilles tremble; let the stream
of Aufidus in panic backward flow
from Hadria's wave. But hear me when I say
that though his guilt and cunning feign to feel
fear of my vengeance, much embittering so
his taunts and insult—such a life as his
my sword disdains. O Drances, be at ease!
In thy vile bosom let thy breath abide!
But now of thy grave counsel and thy cause,
O royal sire, I speak. If from this hour
thou castest hope of armed success away,
if we be so unfriended that one rout
o'erwhelms us utterly, if Fortune's feet
never turn backward, let us, then, for peace
offer petition, lifting to the foe
our feeble, suppliant hands. Yet would I pray
some spark of manhood such as once we knew
were ours once more! I count him fortunate,
and of illustrious soul beyond us all,
who, rather than behold such things, has fallen
face forward, dead, his teeth upon the dust.
But if we still have power, and men-at-arms
unwasted and unscathed, if there survive
Italian tribes and towns for help in war,
aye! if the Trojans have but won success
at bloody cost,—for they dig graves, I ween,
storm-smitten not less than we,—O, wherefore now
stand faint and shameful on the battle's edge?
Why quake our knees before the trumpet call?
Time and the toil of shifting, changeful days
restore lost causes; ebbing tides of chance
deceive us oft, which after at their flood
do lift us safe to shore. If aid come not
from Diomed in Arpi, our allies
shall be Mezentius and Tolumnius,
auspicious name, and many a chieftain sent
from many a tribe; not all inglorious
are Latium's warriors from Laurentian land!
Hither the noble Volscian stem sends down
Camilla with her beauteous cavalry
in glittering brass arrayed. But if, forsooth,
the Trojans call me singly to the fight,
if this be what ye will, and I so much
the public weal impair—when from this sword
has victory seemed to fly away in scorn?
I should not hopeless tread in honor's way
whate'er the venture. Dauntless will I go
though equal match for great Achilles, he,
and though he clothe him in celestial arms
in Vulcan's smithy wrought. I, Turnus, now,
not less than equal with great warriors gone,
vow to Latinus, father of my bride,
and to ye all, each drop of blood I owe.
Me singly doth Aeneas call? I crave
that challenge. Drances is not called to pay
the debt of death, if wrath from Heaven impend;
nor his a brave man's name and fame to share.”

> Latin: “‘Nulla salus bello.’ Capiti cane talia, demens,”
“Dardanio rebusque tuis. Proinde omnia magno”
“ne cessa turbare metu atque extollere vires”
“gentis bis victae, contra premere arma Latini.”
“Nunc et Myrmidonum proceres Phrygia arma tremescunt,”
“nunc et Tydides et Larissaeus Achilles,”
“amnis et Hadriacas retro fugit Aufidus undas.”
“Vel cum se pavidum contra mea iurgia fingit”
“artificis scelus et formidine crimen acerbat.”
“Numquam animam talem dextra hac, absiste moveri,”
“amittes: habitet tecum et sit pectore in isto.”
“Nunc ad te et tua magna, pater, consulta revertor.”
“Si nullam nostris ultra spem ponis in armis,”
“si tam deserti sumus et semel agmine verso”
“funditus occidimus neque habet Fortuna regressum?”
“oremus pacem et dextras tendamus inertis.”
“Quamquam O, si solitae quicquam virtutis adesset!”
“Ille mihi ante alios fortunatusque laborum”
“egregiusque animi, qui, nequid tale videret,”
“procubuit moriens et humum semel ore momordit.”
“Sin et opes nobis et adhuc intacta iuventus”
“auxilioque urbes Italae populique supersunt,”
“sin et Troianis cum multo gloria venit”
“sanguine, sunt illis sua funera parque per omnis”
“tempestas: cur indecores in limine primo”
“deficimus? Cur ante tubam tremor occupat artus?”
“Multa dies variisque labor mutabilis aevi”
“rettulit in melius, multos alterna revisens”
“lusit et in solido rursus Fortuna locavit.”
“Non erit auxilio nobis Aetolus et Arpi:”
“at Messapus erit felixque Tolumnius et quos”
“tot populi misere duces, nec parva sequetur”
“gloria delectos Latio et Laurentibus agris.”
“Est et Volscorum egregia de gente Camilla,”
“agmen agens equitum et florentis aere catervas.”
“Quod si me solum Teucri in certamina poscunt”
“idque placet tantumque bonis communibus obsto,”
“non adeo has exosa manus Victoria fugit,”
“ut tanta quicquam pro spe temptare recusem.”
“Ibo animis contra, vel magnum praestet Achillem”
“factaque Vulcani manibus paria induat arma”
“ille licet. Vobis animam hanc soceroque Latino”
“Turnus ego, haud ulli veterum virtute secundus,”
“devovi. ‘Solum Aeneas vocat’: et vocet oro,”
“nec Drances potius, sive est haec ira deorum,”
“morte luat, sive est virtus et gloria, tollat.”

[¶15] Thus in their doubtful cause the chieftains strove.
Meanwhile Aeneas his assaulting line
moved forward. The ill tidings wildly sped
from royal hall to hall, and filled the town
with rumors dark: for now the Trojan host
o'er the wide plains from Tiber's wave was spread
in close array of war. The people's soul
was vexed and shaken, and its martial rage
rose to the stern compulsion. Now for arms
their terror calls; the youthful soldiery
clamor for arms; the sires of riper days
weep or repress their tears. On every side
loud shouts and cries of dissonant acclaim
trouble the air, as when in lofty grove
legions of birds alight, or by the flood
of Padus' fishy stream the shrieking swans
far o'er the vocal marish fling their song.
Then, seizing the swift moment, Turnus cried:
“Once more, my countrymen,—ye sit in parle,
lazily praising peace, while yonder foe
speeds forth in arms our kingdom to obtain.”
He spoke no more, but hied him in hot haste,
and from the housetop called, “Volusus, go!
Equip the Volscian companies! Lead forth
my Rutules also! O'er the spreading plain,
ye brothers Coras and Messapus range
our host of cavalry! Let others guard
the city's gates and hold the walls and towers:
I and my followers elsewhere oppose
the shock of arms.”

> Latin: Illi haec inter se dubiis de rebus agebant
certantes; castra Aeneas aciemque movebat:
nuntius ingenti per regia tecta tumultu
ecce ruit magnisque urbem terroribus implet,
instructos acie Tiberino a flumine Teucros
Tyrrhenamque manum totis descendere campis.
Extemplo turbati animi concussaque vulgi
pectora et adrectae stimulis haud mollibus irae.
Arma manu trepidi poscunt, fremit arma iuventus,
flent maesti mussantque patres. Hic undique clamor
dissensu vario magnus se tollit in auras
haud secus atque alto in luco cum forte catervae
consedere avium piscosove amne Padusae
dant sonitum rauci per stagna loquacia cycni.
“Immo,” ait, “O cives” adrepto tempore, “Turnus,”
“cogite concilium et pacem laudate sedentes:”
“illi armis in regna ruunt.” Nec plura locutus
corripuit sese et tectis citus extulit altis.
“Tu, Voluse, armari Volscorum edice maniplos,”
“duc,” ait, “et Rutulos. Equitem Messapus in armis”
“et cum fratre Coras latis diffundite campis.”
“Pars aditus urbis firmet turrisque capessat,”
“cetera, qua iusso, mecum manus inferat arma.”

## 22. Book XI · lines 468–915

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/22/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/22/#p-N

[¶0] Now to and fro they run
to man the walls. Father Latinus quits—
the place of council and his large design,
vexed and bewildered by the hour's distress.
He blames his own heart that he did not ask
Trojan Aeneas for his daughter's Iord,
and gain him for his kingdom's lasting friend.
They dig them trenches at the gates, or lift
burden of stakes and stones. The horn's harsh note
sounds forth its murderous signal for the war;
striplings and women, in a motley ring,
defend the ramparts; the decisive hour
lays tasks on all. Upon the citadel
a train of matrons, with the doleful Queen,
toward Pallas' temple moves, and in their hand
are gifts and offerings. See, at their side
the maid Lavinia, cause of all these tears,
drops down her lovely eyes! The incense rolls
in clouds above the altar; at the doors
with wailing voice the women make this prayer:
“Tritonian virgin, arbitress of war!
Break of thyself yon Phrygian robber's spear!
Hurl him down dying in the dust! Spill forth
his evil blood beneath our lofty towers!”
Fierce Turnus girds him, emulous to slay:
a crimson coat of mail he wears, with scales
of burnished bronze; beneath his knees are bound
the golden greaves; upon his naked brow
no helm he wears; but to his thigh is bound
a glittering sword. Down from the citadel
runs he, a golden glory, in his heart
boldly exulting, while impatient hope
fore-counts his fallen foes. He seemed as when,
from pinfold bursting, breaking his strong chain,
th' untrammelled stallion ranges the wide field,
or tries him to a herd of feeding mares,
or to some cooling river-bank he knows,
most fierce and mettlesome; the streaming mane
o'er neck and shoulder flies.

> Latin: Ilicet in muros tota discurritur urbe.
Consilium ipse pater et magna incepta Latinus
deserit ac tristi turbatus tempore differt
multaque se incusat, qui non adceperit ultro
Dardanium Aenean generumque adsciverit urbi.
Praefodiunt alii portas aut saxa sudesque
subvectant. Bello dat signum rauca cruentum
bucina. Tum muros varia cinxere corona
matronae puerique: vocat labor ultimus omnis.
Nec non ad templum summasque ad Palladis arces
subvehitur magna matrum regina caterva
dona ferens, iuxtaque comes Lavinia virgo,
causa mali tanti, oculos deiecta decoros.
Succedunt matres et templum ture vaporant
et maestas alto fundunt de limine voces:
“Armipotens, praeses belli, Tritonia virgo,”
“frange manu telum Phrygii praedonis et ipsum”
“pronum sterne solo portisque effunde sub altis.”
Cingitur ipse furens certatim in proelia Turnus.
Iamque adeo rutilum thoraca indutus aenis
horrebat squamis surasque incluserat auro,
tempora nudus adhuc, laterique adcinxerat ensem
fulgebatque alta decurrens aureus arce,
exsultatque animis et spe iam praecipit hostem:
qualis ubi abruptis fugit praesaepia vinclis
tandem liber equus campoque potitus aperto
aut ille in pastus armentaque tendit equarum
aut adsuetus aquae perfundi flumine noto
emicat adrectisque fremit cervicibus alte
luxurians, luduntque iubae per colla, per armos.

[¶1] Across his path
Camilla with her Volscian escort came,
and at the city-gate the royal maid
down from her charger leaped; while all her band
at her example glided to the ground,
their horses leaving. Thus the virgin spoke:
“Turnus, if confidence beseem the brave,
I have no fear; but of myself do vow
to meet yon squadrons of Aeneadae
alone, and front me to the gathered charge
of Tuscan cavalry. Let me alone
the war's first venture-prove. Take station, thou,
here at the walls, this rampart to defend.”
With fixed eyes on the terror-striking maid,
Turnus replied, “O boast of Italy,
O virgin bold! What praise, what gratitude
can words or deeds repay? But since thy soul
so large of stature shows, I bid thee share
my burden and my war. Our spies bring news
that now Aeneas with pernicious mind
sends light-armed horse before him, to alarm
the plains below, while through the wilderness
he climbs the steep hills, and approaches so
our leaguered town. But I in sheltered grove
a stratagem prepare, and bid my men
in ambush at a mountain cross-road lie.
Meet thou the charge of Tuscan cavalry
with all thy banners. For auxiliar strength
take bold Messapus with his Latin troop
and King Tiburtus' men: but the command
shall be thy task and care.” He spoke, and urged
with like instruction for the coming fray
Messapus and his captains; then advanced
to meet the foe.

> Latin: Obvia cui Volscorum acie comitante Camilla
occurrit portisque ab equo regina sub ipsis
desiluit, quam tota cohors imitata relictis
ad terram defluxit equis; tum talia fatur:
“Turne, sui merito siqua est fiducia forti,”
“audeo et Aeneadum promitto occurrere turmae”
“solaque Tyrrhenos equites ire obvia contra.”
“Me sine prima manu temptare pericula belli”
“tu pedes ad muros subsiste et moenia serva.”
Turnus ad haec, oculos horrenda in virgine fixus:
“O decus Italiae virgo, quas dicere grates”
“quasve referre parem? Sed nunc, est omnia quando”
“iste animus supra, mecum partire laborem.”
“Aeneas, ut fama fidem missique reportant”
“exploratores, equitum levia improbus arma”
“praemisit, quaterent campos; ipse ardua montis”
“per deserta iugo superans adventat ad urbem.”
“Furta paro belli convexo in tramite silvae,”
“ut bivias armato obsidam milite fauces.”
“Tu Tyrrhenum equitem conlatis excipe signis;”
“tecum acer Messapus erit turmaeque Latinae”
“Tiburtique manus, ducis et tu concipe curam.”
Sic ait, et paribus Messapum in proelia dictis
hortatur sociosque duces et pergit in hostem.

[¶2] There is a winding vale
for armed deception and insidious war
well fashioned, and by interlacing leaves
screened darkly in; a small path thither leads,
through strait defile-a passage boding ill.
Above it, on a mountain's lofty brow,
are points of outlook, level spaces fair,
and many a safe, invisible retreat
from whence on either hand to challenge war,
or, standing on the ridges, to roll down
huge mountain boulders. Thither Turnus fared,
and, ranging the familiar tract, chose out
his cunning ambush in the dangerous grove.

> Latin: Est curvo anfractu valles, adcommoda fraudi
armorumque dolis, quam densis frondibus atrum
urget utrimque latus, tenuis quo semita ducit
angustaeque ferunt fauces aditusque maligni.
Hanc super in speculis summoque in vertice montis
planities ignota iacet tutique receptus,
seu dextra laevaque velis occurrere pugnae,
sive instare iugis et grandia volvere saxa.
Huc iuvenis nota fertur regione viarum
arripuitque locum et silvis insedit iniquis.

[¶3] But now in dwellings of the gods on high,
Diana to fleet-footed Opis called,
a virgin from her consecrated train,
and thus in sorrow spoke: “O maiden mine!
Camilla now to cruel conflict flies;
with weapons like my own she girds her side,
in vain, though dearest of all nymphs to me.
Nor is it some new Iove that stirs to-day
with sudden sweetness in Diana's breast:
for long ago, when from his kingdom driven,
for insolent and envied power, her sire
King Metabus, from old Privernum's wall
was taking flight amidst opposing foes,
he bore a little daughter in his arms
to share his exile; and he called the child
(Changing Casmilla, her queen-mother's name)
Camilla. Bearing on his breast the babe,
he fled to solitary upland groves.
But hovering round him with keen lances, pressed
the Volscian soldiery. Across his path,
lo, Amasenus with full-foaming wave
o'erflowed its banks—so huge a rain had burst
but lately from the clouds. There would he fain
swim over, but the love of that sweet babe
restrained him, trembling for his burden dear.
In his perplexed heart suddenly arose
firm resolve. It chanced the warrior bore
huge spear in his brawny hand, strong shaft
of knotted, seasoned oak; to this he lashed
his little daughter with a withe of bark
pulled from a cork-tree, and with skilful bonds
fast bound her to the spear; then, poising it
high in his right hand, thus he called on Heaven:

> Latin: Velocem interea superis in sedibus Opim,
unam ex virginibus sociis sacraque caterva,
compellabat et has tristis Latonia voces
ore dabat: “Graditur bellum ad crudele Camilla,”
“O virgo, et nostris nequiquam cingitur armis,”
“cara mihi ante alias.” Neque enim novus iste Dianae
venit amor subitaque animum dulcedine movit.
Pulsus ob invidiam regno viresque superbas
Priverno antiqua Metabus cum excederet urbe,
infantem fugiens media inter proelia belli
sustulit exsilio comitem matrisque vocavit
nomine Casmillae mutata parte Camillam.
Ipse sinu prae se portans iuga longa petebat
solorum nemorum: tela undique saeva premebant
et circumfuso volitabant milite Volsci.
Ecce fugae medio summis Amasenus abundans
spumabat ripis: tantus se nubibus imber
ruperat. Ille, innare parans, infantis amore
tardatur caroque oneri timet. Omnia secum
versanti subito vix haec sententia sedit.
Telum immane manu valida quod forte gerebat
bellator, solidum nodis et robore cocto,
huic natam, libro et silvestri subere clausam,
implicat atque habilem mediae circumligat hastae;
quam dextra ingenti librans ita ad aethera fatur:

[¶4] ‘Latona's daughter, whose benignant grace
protects this grove, behold, her father now
gives thee this babe for handmaid! Lo, thy spear
her infant fingers hold, as from her foes
she flies a suppliant to thee! Receive,
O goddess, I implore, what now I cast
upon the perilous air.’—He spoke, and hurled
with lifted arm the whirling shaft. The waves
roared loud, as on the whistling javelin
hapless Camilla crossed th' impetuous flood.
But Metabus, his foes in hot pursuit,
dared plunge him in mid-stream, and, triumphing,
soon plucked from grass-grown river-bank the spear,
the child upon it,—now to Trivia vowed,
a virgin offering. Him nevermore
could cities hold, nor would his wild heart yield
its sylvan freedom, but his days were passed
with shepherds on the solitary hills.
His daughter too in tangled woods he bred:
a brood-mare from the milk of her fierce breast
suckled the child, and to its tender lips. Her udders moved; and when the infant feet
their first firm steps had taken, the small palms
were armed with a keen javelin; her sire
a bow and quiver from her shoulder slung.
Instead of golden combs and flowing pall,
she wore, from her girl-forehead backward thrown,
the whole skin of a tigress; with soft hands
she made her plaything of a whirling spear,
or, swinging round her head the polished thong
of her good sling, she fetched from distant sky
Strymonian cranes or swans of spotless wing.
From Tuscan towns proud matrons oft in vain
sought her in marriage for their sons; but she
to Dian only turned her stainless heart,
her virgin freedom and her huntress' arms
with faithful passion serving. Would that now
this Iove of war had ne'er seduced her mind
the Teucrians to provoke! So might she be
one of our wood-nymphs still. But haste, I pray,
for bitter is her now impending doom.
Descend, dear nymph, from heaven, and explore
the country of the Latins, where the fight
with unpropitious omens now begins.
These weapons take, and from this quiver draw
a vengeful arrow, wherewith he who dares
to wound her sacred body, though he be
a Trojan or Italian, shall receive
bloody and swift reward at my command.
Then, in a cloud concealed, I will consign
her corpse, ill-fated but inviolate
unto the sepulchre, restoring so
the virgin to her native land.” Thus spake
the goddess; but her handmaid, gliding down,
took her loud pathway on the moving winds,
and mantled in dark storm her shape divine.

> Latin: “Alma, tibi hanc, nemorum cultrix, Latonia virgo,”
“ipse pater famulam voveo; tua prima per auras”
“tela tenens supplex hostem fugit. Accipe, testor,”
“diva tuam, quae nunc dubiis committitur auris.”
Dixit et adducto contortum hastile lacerto
immittit: sonuere undae, rapidum super amnem
infelix fugit in iaculo stridente Camilla.
At Metabus, magna propius iam urgente caterva,
dat sese fluvio atque hastam cum virgine victor
gramineo donum Triviae de caespite vellit.
Non illum tectis ullae, non moenibus urbes
accepere neque ipse manus feritate dedisset:
pastorum et solis exegit montibus aevom.
Hic natam in dumis interque horrentia lustra
armentalis equae mammis et lacte ferino
nutribat, teneris immulgens ubera labris.
Utque pedum primis infans vestigia plantis
institerat, iaculo palmas armavit acuto
spiculaque ex umero parvae suspendit et arcum.
Pro crinali auro, pro longae tegmine pallae
tigridis exuviae per dorsum a vertice pendent.
Tela manu iam tum tenera puerilia torsit
et fundam tereti circum caput egit habena
Strymoniamque gruem aut album deiecit olorem.
Multae illam frustra Tyrrhena per oppida matres
optavere nurum: sola contenta Diana
aeternum telorum et virginitatis amorem
intemerata colit. “Vellem haud correpta fuisset”
“militia tali, conata lacessere Teucros:”
“cara mihi comitumque foret nunc una mearum.”
“Verum age, quandoquidem fatis urgetur acerbis,”
“abere, nympha, polo finisque invise Latinos,”
“tristis ubi infausto committitur omine pugna.”
“Haec cape et ultricem pharetra deprome sagittam:”
“hac quicumque sacrum violarit volnere corpus,”
“Tros Italusque, mihi pariter det sanguine poenas.”
“Post ego nube cava miserandae corpus et arma”
“inspoliata feram tumulo patriaeque reponam.”
Dixit; at illa levis caeli delapsa per auras
insonuit, nigro circumdata turbine corpus.

[¶5] Meanwhile the Teucrian legions to the wall
draw near, with Tuscan lords and cavalry
in numbered troops arrayed. Loud-footed steeds
prance o'er the field, to manage of the rein
rebellious, but turned deftly here or there.
The iron harvest of keen spears spreads far,
and all the plain burns bright with lifted steel.
Messapus and swift Latin cavalry,
Coras his brother, and th' attending train
of the fair maid Camilla, form their lines
in the opposing field. Their poised right hands
point the long lances forward, and light shafts
are brandished in the air; the warrior hosts
on steeds of fire come kindling as they ride.
One instant, at a spear-throw's space, each line
its motion stays; then with one sudden cry
they rush forth, spurring on each frenzied steed.
From-every side the multitudinous spears
pour down like snowflakes, mantling heaven in shade.
Now with contending spears and straining thews,
Tyrrhenus, and Aconteus, champion bold,
ride forward; with the onset terrible
loudly their armor rings; their chargers twain
crash breast to breast, and like a thunderbolt
Aconteus drops, or like a ponderous stone
hurled from a catapult; full length he falls,
surrend'ring to the winds his fleeting soul.

> Latin: At manus interea muris Troiana propinquat
Etruscique duces equitumque exercitus omnis,
compositi numero in turmas. Fremit aequore toto
insultans sonipes et pressis pugnat habenis
huc conversus et huc; tum late ferreus hastis
horret ager campique armis sublimibus ardent.
Nec non Messapus contra celeresque Latini
et cum fratre Coras et virginis ala Camillae
adversi campo apparent hastasque reductis
protendunt longe dextris et spicula vibrant,
adventusque virum fremitusque ardescit equorum.
Iamque intra iactum teli progressus uterque
substiterat: subito erumpunt clamore furentisque
exhortantur equos; fundunt simul undique tela
crebra nivis ritu caelumque obtexitur umbra.
Continuo adversis Tyrrhenus et acer Aconteus
conixi incurrunt hastis primique ruina
dant sonitum ingenti perfractaque quadrupedantum
pectora pectoribus rumpunt: excussus Aconteus
fulminis in morem aut tormento ponderis acti
praecipitat longe et vitam dispergit in auras.

[¶6] Now all is panic: holding their light shields
behind their backs, the Latin horse wheel round,
retreating to the wall, the Trojan foe
in close pursuit. Asilas, chieftain proud,
led on th' assault. Hard by the city gates
the Latins wheeled once more and pressed the rein
strong on the yielding neck; the charging foe
took flight and hurried far with loose-flung rein.
'T was like the shock and onset of the sea
that landward hurls the alternating flood
and hides high cliffs in foam,—the tawny sands
upflinging as it rolls; then, suddenly
whirled backward on the reingulfing waves,
it quits the ledges, and with ebbing flow
far from the shore retires. The Tuscans twice
drive back the flying Rutules to the town;
and twice repulsed, with shields to rearward thrown,
glare back at the pursuer; but conjoined
in the third battle-charge, both armies merge
confusedly together in grim fight
of man to man; then follow dying groans,
armor blood-bathed and corpses, and strong steeds
inextricably with their masters slain,
so fierce the fray. Orsilochus—afraid
to front the warrior's arms—launched forth a spear
at Remulus' horse, and left the fatal steel
clinging below its ear; the charger plunged
madly, and tossed its trembling hoofs in air,
sustaining not the wound; the rider fell,
flung headlong to the ground. Catillus slew
Iollas; and then struck Herminius down,
great-bodied and great-hearted, who could wield
a monster weapon, and whose yellow hair
from naked head to naked shoulder flowed.
By wounds unterrified he dared oppose
his huge bulk to the foe: the quivering spear
pierced to his broad back, and with throes of pain
bowed the man double and clean clove him through.
Wide o'er the field th' ensanguined horror flowed,
where fatal swords were crossed and cut their way
through many a wound to famous death and fair.

> Latin: Extemplo turbatae acies, versique Latini
reiciunt parmas et equos ad moenia vertunt.
Troes agunt, princeps turmas inducit Asilas.
Iamque propinquabant portis, rursusque Latini
clamorem tollunt et mollia colla reflectunt:
hi fugiunt penitusque datis referuntur habenis.
Qualis ubi alterno procurrens gurgite pontus
nunc ruit ad terram scopulusque superiacit unda
spumeus extremamque sinu perfundit arenam,
nunc rapidus retro atque aestu revoluta resorbens
saxa fugit litusque vado labente relinquit:
bis Tusci Rutulos egere ad moenia versos,
bis reiecti armis respectant terga tegentes.
Tertia sed postquam congressi in proelia totas
implicuere inter se acies legitque virum vir:
tum vero et gemitus morientum et sanguine in alto
armaque corporaque et permixti caede virorum
semianimes volvuntur equi, pugna aspera surgit.
Orsilochus Remuli, quando ipsum horrebat adire,
hastam intorsit equo ferrumque sub aure reliquit.
Quo sonipes ictu furit arduus altaque iactat
vulneris impatiens arrecto pectore crura:
volvitur ille excussus humi. Catillus Iollan
ingentemque animis, ingentem corpore et armis
deicit Herminium, nudo cui vertice fulva
caesaries nudique umeri, nec vulnera terrent:
tantus in arma patet. Latos huic hasta per armos
acta tremit duplicatque virum transfixa dolore.
Funditur ater ubique cruor; dant funera ferro
certantes pulchramque petunt per vulnera mortem.

[¶7] Swift through the midmost slaughter proudly strides
the quiver-girt Camilla, with one breast
thrust naked to the fight, like Amazon.
Oft from her hand her pliant shafts she rains,
or whirls with indefatigable arm
a doughty battle-axe; her shoulder bears
Diana's sounding arms and golden bow.
Sometimes retreating and to flight compelled,
the maiden with a rearward-pointing bow
shoots arrows as she flies. Around her move
her chosen peers, Larina, virgin brave,
Tarpeia, brandishing an axe of bronze,
and Tulla, virgins out of Italy
whom the divine Camilla chose to be
her glory, each a faithful servitress
in days of peace or war. The maids of Thrace
ride thus along Thermodon's frozen flood,
and fight with blazoned Amazonian arms
around Hippolyta; or when returns
Penthesilea in triumphal car
'mid acclamations shrill, and all her host
of women clash in air the moon-shaped shield.

> Latin: At medias inter caedes exsultat Amazon,
unum exserta latus pugnae, pharetrata Camilla,
et nunc lenta manu spargens hastilia denset,
nunc validam dextra rapit indefessa bipennem;
aureus ex umero sonat arcus et arma Dianae.
Illa etiam in tergum, siquando pulsa recessit,
spicula converso fugientia dirigit arcu.
At circum lectae comites, Larinaque virgo
Tullaque et aeratam quatiens Tarpeia securem,
Italides, quas ipsa decus sibi dia Camilla
delegit pacisque bonas bellique ministras:
quales Threiciae cum flumina Thermodontis
pulsant et pictis bellantur Amazones armis
seu circum Hippolyten, seu cum se Martia curru
Penthesilea refert, magnoque ululante tumultu
feminea exsultant lunatis agmina peltis.

[¶8] What warrior first, whom last, did thy strong spear,
fierce virgin, earthward fling? Or what thy tale
of prostrate foes laid gasping on the ground?
Eunaeus first, the child of Clytius' Ioins,
whose bared breast, as he faced his foe, she pierced
with fir-tree javelin; from his lips outpoured
the blood-stream as he fell; and as he bit
the gory dust, he clutched his mortal wound.
Then Liris, and upon him Pagasus
she slew: the one clung closer to the reins
of his stabbed horse, and rolled off on the ground;
the other, flying to his fallen friend,
reached out a helpless hand; so both of these
fell on swift death together. Next in line
she smote Amastrus, son of Hippotas;
then, swift-pursuing, pierced with far-flung spear
Tereus, Harpalycus, Demophoon,
and Chromis; every shaft the virgin threw
laid low its Phrygian warrior. From afar
rode Ornytus on his Apulian steed,
bearing a hunter's uncouth arms; for cloak
he wore upon his shoulders broad a hide
from some wild bull stripped off; his helmet was
a wolf's great, gaping mouth, with either jaw
full of white teeth; the weapon in his hand,
a farmer's pole. He strode into the throng,
head taller than them all. But him she seized
and clove him through (his panic-stricken troop
gave her advantage), and with wrathful heart
she taunted thus the fallen: “Didst thou deem
this was a merry hunting in the wood
in chase of game? Behold, thy fatal day
befalls thee at a woman's hand, and thus
thy boasting answers. No small glory thou
unto the ghosts of thy dead sires wilt tell,
that 't was Camilla's javelin struck thee down.”

> Latin: Quem telo primum, quem postremum, aspera virgo,
deicis? Aut quot humi morientia corpora fundis?
Eunaeum Clitio primum patre, cuius apertum
adversi longa transverberat abiete pectus:
sanguinis ille vomens rivos cadit atque cruentam
mandit humum moriensque suo se in volnere versat.
Tum Lirim Pagasumque super; quorum alter habenas
suffosso revolutus equo dum colligit, alter
dum subit ac dextram labenti tendit inermem,
praecipites pariterque ruunt. His addit Amastrum
Hippotaden, sequiturque incumbens eminus hasta
Tereaque Harpalycumque et Demophoonta Chrominque;
quotque emissa manu contorsit spicula virgo,
tot Phrygii cecidere viri. Procul Ornytus armis
ignotis et equo venator Iapyge fertur,
cui pellis latos umeros erepta iuvenco
pugnatori operit, caput ingens oris hiatus
et malae texere lupi cum dentibus albis,
agrestisque manus armat sparus; ipse catervis
vertitur in mediis et toto vertice supra est.
Hunc illa exceptum, neque enim labor agmine verso,
traicit et super haec inimico pectore fatur:
“Silvis te, Tyrrhene, feras agitare putasti?”
“Advenit qui vestra dies muliebribus armis”
“verba redarguerit. Nomen tamen haud leve patrum”
“manibus hoc referes, telo cecidisse Camillae.”

[¶9] The turn of Butes and Orsilochus
came next, who were the Trojans, hugest twain:
yet Butes with her javelin-point she clove
from rearward, 'twixt the hauberk and the helm,
just where the horseman's neck showed white, and where
from shoulder leftward slung the light-weight shield.
From swift Orsilochus she feigned to fly,
through a wide circle sweeping, craftily
taking the inside track, pursuing so
her own pursuer; then she raised herself
to her full height, and through the warrior's helm
drove to his very skull with doubling blows
of her strong battle-axe,—while he implored
her mercy with loud prayers: his cloven brain
spilt o'er his face. Next in her pathway came—
but shrank in startled fear—the warrior son
of Aunus, haunter of the Apennine,
not least of the Ligurians ere his doom
cut short a life of lies. He, knowing well
no flight could save him from the shock of arms
nor turn the royal maid's attack, began
with words of cunning and insidious guile:
“What glory is it if a girl be bold,
on sturdy steed depending? Fly me not!
But, venturing with me on this equal ground,
gird thee to fight on foot. Soon shalt thou see
which one of us by windy boast achieves
a false renown.” He spoke; but she, to pangs
of keenest fury stung, gave o'er her steed
in charge of a companion, and opposed
her foe at equal vantage, falchion drawn,
on foot, and, though her shield no blazon bore,
of fear incapable. But the warrior fled,
thinking his trick victorious, and rode off
full speed, with reins reversed,—his iron heel
goading his charger's flight. Camilla cried:
“Ligurian cheat! In vain thy boastful heart
puffs thee so large; in vain thou hast essayed
thy father's slippery ways; nor shall thy trick
bring thee to guileful Aunus safely home.”
Herewith on winged feet that virgin bold
flew past the war-horse, seized the streaming rein,
and, fronting him, took vengeance on her foe
in bloody strokes: with not less ease a hawk,
dark bird of omen, from his mountain crag
pursues on pinions strong a soaring dove
to distant cloud, and, clutching with hooked claws,
holds tight and rips,—while through celestial air
the torn, ensanguined plumage floats along.

> Latin: Protinus Orsilochum et Buten, duo maxima Teucrum
corpora, sed Buten aversum cuspide fixit
loricam galeamque inter, qua colla sedentis
lucent et laevo dependet parma lacerto,
Orsilochum fugiens magnumque agitata per orbem
eludit gyro interior sequiturque sequentem,
tum validam perque arma viro perque ossa securim
altior exsurgens oranti et multa precanti
congeminat: vulnus calido rigat ora cerebro.
Incidit huic subitoque aspectu territus haesit
Appenninicolae bellator filius Auni,
haud Ligurum extremus, dum fallere fata sinebant.
Isque ubi se nullo iam cursu evadere pugnae
posse neque instantem reginam avertere cernit,
consilio versare dolos ingressus et astu
incipit haec: “Quid tam egregium, si femina forti”
“fidis equo? Dimitte fugam et te comminus aequo”
“mecum crede solo pugnaeque adcinge pedestri:”
“iam nosces, ventosa ferat cui gloria fraudem.”
Dixit, at illa furens acrique adcensa dolore
tradit equum comiti paribusque resistit in armis,
ense pedes nudo puraque interrita parma.
At iuvenis, vicisse dolo ratus, avolat ipse,
haud mora, conversisque fugax aufertur habenis
quadrupedemque citum ferrata calce fatigat.
“Vane Ligus frustraque animis elate superbis,”
“nequiquam patrias temptasti lubricus artis,”
“nec fraus te incolumem fallaci perferet Auno,”
haec fatur virgo et pernicibus ignea plantis
transit equum cursu frenisque adversa prehensis
congreditur poenasque inimico ex sanguine sumit:
quam facile accipiter saxo sacer ales ab alto
consequitur pennis sublimem in nube columbam
comprensamque tenet pedibusque eviscerat uncis;
tum cruor et vulsae labuntur ab aethere plumae.

[¶10] But now not blindly from Olympian throne
the Sire of gods and men observant saw
how sped the day. Then to the conflict dire
the god thrust Tarchon forth, the Tyrrhene King,
goading the warrior's rage. So Tarchon rode
through slaughter wide and legions in retreat,
and roused the ranks with many a wrathful cry:
he called each man by name, and toward the foe
drove back the routed lines. “What terrors now,
Tuscan cowards, dead to noble rage,
have seized ye? or what laggard sloth and vile
unmans your hearts, that now a woman's arm
pursues ye and this scattered host confounds?
Why dressed in steel, or to what purpose wear
your futile swords? Not slackly do ye join
the ranks of Venus in a midnight war;
or when fantastic pipes of Bacchus call
your dancing feet, right venturesome ye fly
to banquets and the flowing wine—what zeal,
what ardor then! Or if your flattering priest
begins the revel, and to Iofty groves
fat flesh of victims bids ye haste away!”
So saying, his steed he spurred, and scorning death
dashed into the mid-fray, where, frenzy-driven,
he sought out Venulus, and, grappling him
with one hand, from the saddle snatched his foe,
and, clasping strongly to his giant breast,
exultant bore away. The shouting rose
to heaven, and all the Latins gazed his way,
as o'er the plain the fiery Tarchon flew
bearing the full-armed man; then, breaking off
the point of his own spear, he pried a way
through the seam'd armor for the mortal wound;
the other, struggling, thrust back from his throat
the griping hand, full force to force opposing.
As when a golden eagle high in air
knits to a victim—snake his clinging feet
and deeply-thrusting claws; but, coiling back,
the wounded serpent roughens his stiff scales
and stretches high his hissing head; whereat
the eagle with hooked beak the more doth rend
her writhing foe, and with swift stroke of wing
lashes the air: so Tarchon, from the ranks
of Tibur's sons, triumphant snatched his prey.
The Tuscans rallied now, well pleased to view
their king's example and successful war.
Then Arruns, marked for doom, made circling line
around Camilla's path, his crafty spear
seeking its lucky chance. Where'er the maid
sped furious to the battle, Arruns there
in silence dogged her footsteps and pursued;
or where triumphant from her fallen foes
she backward drew, the warrior stealthily
turned his swift reins that way: from every side
he circled her, and scanned his vantage here
or vantage there, his skilful javelin
stubbornly shaking.

> Latin: At non haec nullis hominum sator atque deorum
observans oculis summo sedet altus Olympo:
Tyrrhenum genitor Tarchonem in proelia saeva
suscitat et stimulis haud mollibus incitat iras.
Ergo inter caedes cedentiaque agmina Tarchon
fertur equo variisque instigat vocibus alas,
nomine quemque vocans, reficitque in proelia pulsos.
“Quis metus, O numquam dolituri, O semper inertes”
“Tyrrheni, quae tanta animis ignavia venit?”
“Femina palantis agit atque haec agmina vertit!”
“Quo ferrum quidve haec gerimus tela inrita dextris?”
“At non in Venerem segnes nocturnaque bella”
“aut ubi curva choros indixit tibia Bacchi,”
“exspectate dapes et plenae pocula mensae,”
“hic amor, hoc studium, dum sacra secundus haruspex”
“nuntiet ac lucos vocet hostia pinguis in altos!”
Haec effatus equum in medios, moriturus et ipse,
concitat et Venulo adversum se turbidus infert
dereptumque ab equo dextra complectitur hostem
et gremium ante suum multa vi concitus aufert.
Tollitur in caelum clamor, cunctique Latini
convertere oculos. Volat igneus aequore Tarchon
arma virumque ferens; tum summa ipsius ab hasta
defringit ferrum et partis rimatur apertas,
qua vulnus letale ferat; contra ille repugnans
sustinet a iugulo dextram et vim viribus exit.
Utque volans alte raptum cum fulva draconem
fert aquila implicuitque pedes atque unguibus haesit,
saucius at serpens sinuosa volumina versat
adrectisque horret squamis et sibilat ore,
arduus insurgens; illa haud minus urget obunco
luctantem rostro, simul aethera verberat alis:
haud aliter praedam Tiburtum ex agmine Tarchon
portat ovans. Ducis exemplum eventumque secuti
Maeonidae incurrunt. Tum fatis debitus Arruns
velocem iaculo et multa prior arte Camillam
circuit et quae sit fortuna facillima, temptat.
Qua se cumque furens medio tulit agmine virgo,
hac Arruns subit et tacitus vestigia lustrat;
qua victrix redit illa pedemque ex hoste reportat,
hac iuvenis furtim celeris detorquet habenas.
Hos aditus iamque hos aditus omnemque pererrat
undique circuitum et certam quatit improbus hastam.

[¶11] But it soon befell
that Chloreus, once a priest of Cybele,
shone forth in far-resplendent Phrygian arms,
and urged a foaming steed, which wore a robe
o'erwrought with feathery scales of bronze and gold;
while he, in purples of fine foreign stain,
bore light Gortynian shafts and Lycian bow;
his bow was gold; a golden casque he wore
upon his priestly brow; the saffron cloak,
all folds of rustling cambric, was enclasped
in glittering gold; his skirts and tunics gay
were broidered, and the oriental garb
swathed his whole leg. Him when the maiden spied,
(Perchance she fain on temple walls would hang
the Trojan prize, or in such captured gold
her own fair shape array), she gave mad chase,
and reckless through the ranks her prey pursued,
desiring, woman-like, the splendid spoil.
Then from his ambush Arruns seized at last
the fatal moment and let speed his shaft,
thus uttering his vow to heavenly powers:
“Chief of the gods, Apollo, who dost guard
Soracte's hallowed steep, whom we revere
first of thy worshippers, for thee is fed
the heap of burning pine; for thee we pass
through the mid-blaze in sacred zeal secure,
and deep in glowing embers plant our feet.
O Sire Omnipotent, may this my spear
our foul disgrace put by. I do not ask
for plunder, spoils, or trophies in my name,
when yonder virgin falls; let honor's crown
be mine for other deeds. But if my stroke
that curse and plague destroy, may I unpraised
safe to the cities of my sires return.”

> Latin: Forte sacer Cybelo Chloreus olimque sacerdos
insignis longe Phrygiis fulgebat in armis
spumantemque agitabat equum, quem pellis aënis
in plumam squamis auro conserta tegebat.
Ipse, peregrina ferrugine clarus et ostro,
spicula torquebat Lycio Gortynia cornu;
aureus ex umeris erat arcus et aurea vati
cassida; tum croceam chlamydemque sinusque crepantis
carbaseos fulvo in nodum collegerat auro
pictus acu tunicas et barbara tegmina crurum.
Hunc virgo, sive ut templis praefigeret arma
Troïa, captivo sive ut se ferret in auro
venatrix, unum ex omni certamine pugnae
caeca sequebatur totumque incauta per agmen
femineo praedae et spoliorum ardebat amore,
telum ex insidiis cum tandem tempore capto
concitat et superos Arruns sic voce precatur:
“Summe deum, sancti custos Soractis Apollo,”
“quem primi colimus, cui pineus ardor acervo”
“pascitur et medium freti pietate per ignem”
“cultores multa premimus vestigia pruna,”
“da, pater, hoc nostris aboleri dedecus armis,”
“omnipotens. Non exuvias pulsaeve tropaeum”
“virginis aut spolia ulla peto (mihi cetera laudem”
“facta ferent): haec dira meo dum vulnere pestis”
“pulsa cadat, patrias remeabo inglorius urbes.”

[¶12] Apollo heard and granted half the prayer,
but half upon the passing breeze he threw:
granting his votary he should confound
Camilla by swift death; but 't was denied
the mountain-fatherland once more to see,
or safe return,—that prayer th' impetuous winds
swept stormfully away. Soon as the spear
whizzed from his hand, straight-speeding on the air,
the Volscians all turned eager thought and eyes
toward their Queen. She only did not heed
that windy roar, nor weapon dropped from heaven,
till in her bare, protruded breast the spear
drank, deeply driven, of her virgin blood.
Her terror-struck companians swiftly throng
around her, and uplift their sinking Queen.
But Arruns, panic-stricken more than all,
makes off, half terror and half joy, nor dares
hazard his lance again, nor dares oppose
a virgin's arms. As creeps back to the hills
in pathless covert ere his foes pursue,
from shepherd slain or mighty bull laid low,
some wolf, who, now of his bold trespass ware,
curls close against his paunch a quivering tail
and to the forest tries: so Arruns speeds
from sight of men in terror, glad to fly,
and hides him in the crowd. But his keen spear
dying Camilla from her bosom drew,
though the fixed barb of deeply-wounding steel
clung to the rib. She sank to earth undone,
her cold eyes closed in death, and from her cheeks
the roses fled. With failing breath she called
on Acca—who of all her maiden peers
was chiefly dear and shared her heart's whole pain—
and thus she spoke: “O Acca, sister mine,
I have been strong till now. The cruel wound
consumes me, and my world is growing dark.
Haste thee to Turnus! Tell my dying words!
'T is he must bear the battle and hold back
the Trojan from our city wall. Farewell!”
So saying, her fingers from the bridle-rein
unclasped, and helpless to the earth she fell;
then, colder grown, she loosed her more and more
out of the body's coil; she gave to death
her neck, her drooping head, and ceased to heed
her war-array. So fled her spirit forth
with wrath and moaning to the world below.
Then clamor infinite uprose and smote
the golden stars, as round Camilla slain
the battle newly raged. To swifter charge
the gathered Trojans ran, with Tuscan lords
and King Evander's troops of Arcady.

> Latin: Audiit et voti Phoebus succedere partem
mente dedit, partem volucris dispersit in auras:
sterneret ut subita turbatam morte Camillam,
adnuit oranti; reducem ut patria alta videret,
non dedit, inque Notos vocem vertere procellae.
Ergo ut missa manu sonitum dedit hasta per auras,
convertere animos acris oculosque tulere
cuncti ad reginam Volsci. Nihil ipsa nec aurae
nec sonitus memor aut venientis ab aethere teli,
hasta sub exsertam donec perlata papillam
haesit virgineumque alte bibit acta cruorem.
Concurrunt trepidae comites dominamque ruentem
suscipiunt. Fugit ante omnis exterritus Arruns,
laetitia mixtoque metu, nec iam amplius hastae
credere nec telis occurrere virginis audet.
Ac velut ille, prius quam tela inimica sequantur,
continuo in montis sese avius abdidit altos
occiso pastore lupus magnove iuvenco,
conscius audacis facti, caudamque remulcens
subiecit pavitantem utero silvasque petivit:
haud secus ex oculis se turbidus abstulit Arruns
contentusque fuga mediis se immiscuit armis.
Illa manu moriens telum trahit, ossa sed inter
ferreus ad costas alto stat vulnere mucro:
labitur exsanguis, labuntur frigida leto
lumina, purpureus quondam color ora reliquit.
Tum sic exspirans Accam ex aequalibus unam
adloquitur fidam ante alias, quae sola Camillae,
quicum partiri curas; atque haec ita fatur:
“Hactenus, Acca soror, potui: nunc vulnus acerbum”
“conficit, et tenebris nigrescunt omnia circum.”
“Effuge et haec Turno mandata novissima perfer:”
“succedat pugnae Troianosque arceat urbe.”
“Iamque vale.” Simul his dictis linquebat habenas,
ad terram non sponte fluens. Tum frigida toto
paulatim exsolvit se corpore lentaque colla
et captum leto posuit caput, arma relinquunt,
vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.
Tum vero immensus surgens ferit aurea clamor
sidera: deiecta crudescit pugna Camilla,
incurrunt densi simul omnis copia Teucrum
Tyrrhenique duces Evandrique Arcades alae.

[¶13] Fair Opis, keeping guard for Trivia
in patient sentry on a lofty hill, beheld
unterrified the conflict's rage. Yet when,
amid the frenzied shouts of soldiery,
she saw from far Camilla pay the doom
of piteous death, with deep-drawn voice of sight
she thus complained: “O virgin, woe is me!
Too much, too much, this agony of thine,
to expiate that thou didst lift thy spear
for wounding Troy. It was no shield in war,
nor any vantage to have kept thy vow
to chaste Diana in the thorny wild.
Our maiden arrows at thy shoulder slung
availed thee not! Yet will our Queen divine
not leave unhonored this thy dying day,
nor shall thy people let thy death remain
a thing forgot, nor thy bright name appear
a glory unavenged. Whoe'er he be
that marred thy body with the mortal wound
shall die as he deserves.” Beneath that hill
an earth-built mound uprose, the tomb
of King Dercennus, a Laurentine old,
by sombre ilex shaded: thither hied
the fair nymph at full speed, and from the mound
looked round for Arruns. When his shape she saw
in glittering armor vainly insolent,
“Whither so fast?” she cried. “This way, thy path!
This fatal way approach, and here receive
thy reward for Camilla! Thou shalt fall,
vile though thou art, by Dian's shaft divine.”
She said; and one swift-coursing arrow took
from golden quiver, like a maid of Thrace,
and stretched it on her bow with hostile aim,
withdrawing far, till both the tips of horn
together bent, and, both hands poising well,
the left outreached to touch the barb of steel,
the right to her soft breast the bowstring drew:
the hissing of the shaft, the sounding air,
Arruns one moment heard, as to his flesh
the iron point clung fast. But his last groan
his comrades heeded not, and let him lie,
scorned and forgotten, on the dusty field,
while Opis soared to bright Olympian air.

> Latin: At Triviae custos iamdudum in montibus Opis
alta sedet summis spectatque interrita pugnas.
Utque procul medio iuvenum in clamore furentum
prospexit tristi multatam morte Camillam,
ingemuitque deditque has imo pectore voces:
“Heu nimium, virgo, nimium crudele luisti”
“supplicium, Teucros conata lacessere bello!”
“Nec tibi desertae in dumis coluisse Dianam”
“profuit aut nostras umero gessisse sagittas.”
“Non tamen indecorem tua te regina reliquit”
“extrema iam in morte, neque hoc sine nomine letum”
“per gentis erit aut famam patieris inultae.”
“Nam quicumque tuum violavit vulnere corpus,”
“morte luet merita.” Fuit ingens monte sub alto
regis Dercenni terreno ex aggere bustum
antiqui Laurentis opacaque ilice tectum:
hic dea se primum rapido pulcherrima nisu
sistit et Arruntem tumulo speculatur ab alto.
Ut vidit laetantem animis ac vana tumentem,
“Cur,” inquit, “diversus abis? Huc dirige gressum,”
“huc periture veni, capias ut digna Camillae”
“praemia. Tune etiam telis moriere Dianae?”
dixit, et aurata volucrem Threissa sagittam
deprompsit pharetra cornuque infensa tetendit
et duxit longe, donec curvata coirent
inter se capita et manibus iam tangeret aequis,
laeva aciem ferri, dextra nervoque papillam.
Extemplo teli stridorem aurasque sonantis
audiit una Arruns, haesitque in corpore ferrum.
Illum exspirantem socii atque extrema gementem
obliti ignoto camporum in pulvere linquunt,
Opis ad aetherium pennis aufertur Olympum.

[¶14] Camilla's light-armed troop, its virgin chief
now fallen, were the first to fly; in flight
the panic-stricken Rutule host is seen
and Acer bold; his captains in dismay
with shattered legions from the peril fly,
and goad their horses to the city wall.
Not one sustains the Trojan charge, or stands
in arms against the swift approach of death.
Their bows unstrung from drooping shoulder fall,
and clatter of hoof-beats shakes the crumbling ground.
On to the city in a blinding cloud
the dust uprolls. From watch-towers Iooking forth,
the women smite their breasts and raise to heaven
shrill shouts of fear. Those fliers who first passed
the open gates were followed by the foe,
routed and overwhelmed. They could not fly
a miserable death, but were struck down
in their own ancient city, or expired
before the peaceful shrines of hearth and home.
Then some one barred the gates. They dared not now
give their own people entrance, and were deaf
to all entreaty. Woeful deaths ensued,
both of the armed defenders of the gate,
and of the foe in arms. The desperate band,
barred from the city in the face and eyes
of their own weeping parents, either dropped
with headlong and inevitable plunge
into the moat below; or, frantic, blind,
battered with beams against the stubborn door
and columns strong. Above in conflict wild
even the women (who for faithful love
of home and country schooled them to be brave
Camilla's way) rained weapons from the walls,
and used oak-staves and truncheons shaped in flame,
as if, well-armed in steel, each bosom bold
would fain in such defence be first to die.

> Latin: Prima fugit domina amissa levis ala Camillae;
turbati fugiunt Rutuli, fugit acer Atinas
disiectique duces desolatique manipli
tuta petunt et equis aversi ad moenia tendunt.
Nec quisquam instantis Teucros letumque ferentis
sustentare valet telis aut sistere contra,
sed laxos referunt umeris languentibus arcus,
quadrupedumque putrem cursu quatit ungula campum.
Volvitur ad muros caligine turbidus atra
pulvis, et e speculis percussae pectora matres
femineum clamorem ad caeli sidera tollunt.
Qui cursu portas primi inrupere patentis,
hos inimica super mixto premit agmine turba;
nec miseram effugiunt mortem, sed limine in ipso,
moenibus in patriis atque inter tuta domorum
confixi exspirant animas. Pars claudere portas:
nec sociis aperire viam nec moenibus audent
accipere orantis, oriturque miserrima caedes
defendentum armis aditus inque arma ruentum.
Exclusi ante oculos lacrumantumque ora parentum
pars in praecipitis fossas urgente ruina
volvitur, immissis pars caeca et concita frenis
arietat in portas et duros obice postis.
Ipsae de muris summo certamine matres,
monstrat amor verus patriae, ut videre Camillam,
tela manu trepidae iaciunt ac robore duro
stipitibus ferrum sudibusque imitantur obustis
praecipites primaeque mori pro moenibus ardent.

[¶15] Meanwhile th' unpitying messenger had flown
to Turnus in the wood; the warrior heard
from Acca of the wide confusion spread,
the Volscian troop destroyed, Camilla slain,
the furious foe increasing, and, with Mars
to help him, grasping all, till in that hour
far as the city-gates the panic reigned.
Then he in desperate rage (Jove's cruel power
decreed it) from the ambushed hills withdrew
and pathless wild. He scarce had passed beyond
to the bare plain, when forth Aeneas marched
along the wide ravine, climbed up the ridge,
and from the dark, deceiving grove stood clear.
Then swiftly each with following ranks of war
moved to the city-wall, nor wide the space
that measured 'twixt the twain. Aeneas saw
the plain with dust o'erclouded, and the lines
of the Laurentian host extending far;
Turnus, as clearly, saw the war array
of dread Aeneas, and his ear perceived
loud tramp of mail-clad men and snorting steeds.
Soon had they sped to dreadful shock of arms,
hazard of war to try; but Phoebus now,
glowing rose-red, had dipped his wearied wheel
deep in Iberian seas, and brought back night
above the fading day. So near the town
both pitch their camps and make their ramparts strong.

> Latin: Interea Turnum in silvis saevissimus implet
nuntius, et iuveni ingentem fert Acca tumultum:
deletas Volscorum acies, cecidisse Camillam,
ingruere infensos hostis et Marte secundo
omnia corripuisse, metum iam ad moenia ferri.
Ille furens, et saeva Iovis sic numina pellunt,
deserit obsessos collis, nemora aspera linquit.
Vix e conspectu exierat campumque tenebat,
cum pater Aeneas saltus ingressus apertos
exsuperatque iugum silvaque evadit opaca.
Sic ambo ad muros rapidi totoque feruntur
agmine nec longis inter se passibus absunt;
ac simul Aeneas fumantis pulvere campos
prospexit longe Laurentiaque agmina vidit,
et saevum Aenean adgnovit Turnus in armis
adventumque pedum flatusque audivit equorum.
Continuoque ineant pugnas et proelia temptent,
ni roseus fessos iam gurgite Phoebus Hibero
tinguat equos noctemque die labente reducat:
considunt castris ante urbem et moenia vallant.

## 23. Book XII · lines 1–499

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/23/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/23/#p-N

[¶0] When Turnus marks how much the Latins quail
in adverse war, how on himself they call
to keep his pledge, and with indignant eyes
gaze all his way, fierce rage implacable
swells his high heart. As when on Libyan plain
a lion, gashed along his tawny breast
by the huntsman's grievous thrust, awakens him
unto his last grim fight, and gloriously
shaking the great thews of his maned neck,
shrinks not, but crushes the despoiler's spear
with blood-sprent, roaring mouth,—not less than so
burns the wild soul of Turnus and his ire.
Thus to the King he spoke with stormful brow:
“The war lags not for Turnus' sake. No cause
constrains the Teucrian cowards and their King
to eat their words and what they pledged refuse.
On his own terms I come. Bring forward, sire,
the sacrifice, and seal the pact I swear:
either to deepest hell this hand shall fling
yon Trojan runaway—the Latins all
may sit at ease and see!—and my sole sword
efface the general shame; or let him claim
the conquest, and Lavinia be his bride.”

> Latin: Turnus ut infractos adverso Marte Latinos
defecisse videt, sua nunc promissa reposci,
se signari oculis, ultro implacabilis ardet
attollitque animos. Poenorum qualis in arvis
saucius ille gravi venantum vulnere pectus
tum demum movet arma leo gaudetque comantis
excutiens cervice toros fixumque latronis
inpavidus frangit telum et fremit ore cruento:
haud secus adcenso gliscit violentia Turno.
Tum sic adfatur regem atque ita turbidus infit:
“Nulla mora in Turno; nihil est quod dicta retractent”
“ignavi Aeneadae, nec quae pepigere recusent.”
“Congredior, fer sacra, pater, et concipe foedus.”
“Aut hac Dardanium dextra sub Tartara mittam,”
“desertorem Asiae (sedeant spectentque Latini),”
“et solus ferro crimen commune refellam,”
“aut habeat victos, cedat Lavinia coniunx.”

[¶1] To him Latinus with unruffled mind
thus made reply: “O youth surpassing brave!
The more thy sanguinary valor burns
beyond its wont, the more with toilsome care
I ponder with just fear what chance may fall,
weighing it well. Thy father Daunus' throne,
and many a city by thy sword subdued,
are still thy own. Latinus also boasts
much golden treasure and a liberal hand.
Other unwedded maids of noble stem
in Latium and Laurentine land are found.
Permit me, then, to tell thee without guile
things hard to utter; let them deeply fill
thy listening soul. My sacred duty 'twas
to plight my daughter's hand to nonesoe'er
of all her earlier wooers—so declared
the gods and oracles; but overcome
by love of thee, by thy dear, kindred blood,
and by the sad eyes of my mournful Queen,
I shattered every bond; I snatched away
the plighted maiden from her destined lord,
and took up impious arms. What evil case
upon that deed ensued, what hapless wars,
thou knowest, since thyself dost chiefly bear
the cruel burden. In wide-ranging fight
twice-conquered, our own city scarce upholds
the hope of Italy. Yon Tiber's wave
still runs warm with my people's blood; the plains
far round us glisten with their bleaching bones.
Why tell it o'er and o'er? What maddening dream
perverts my mind? If after Turnus slain
I must for friendship of the Trojan sue,
were it not better to suspend the fray
while Turnus lives? For what will be the word
of thy Rutulian kindred—yea, of all
Italia, if to death I give thee o'er—
(Which Heaven avert!) because thou fain wouldst win
my daughter and be sworn my friend and son?
Bethink thee what a dubious work is war;
have pity on thy father's reverend years,
who even now thy absence daily mourns
in Ardea, his native land and thine.”
But to this pleading Turnus' frenzied soul
yields not at all, but rather blazes forth
more wildly, and his fever fiercer burns
beneath the healer's hand. In answer he,
soon as his passion gathered voice, began:
“This keen solicitude for love of me,
I pray, good sire, for love of me put by!
And let me traffic in the just exchange
of death for glory. This right hand, O King,
can scatter shafts not few, nor do I wield
untempered steel. Whene'er I make a wound
blood follows. For my foeman when we meet
will find no goddess-mother near, with hand
to hide him in her woman's skirt of cloud,
herself in dim, deluding shade concealed.”

> Latin: Olli sedato respondit corde Latinus:
“O praestans animi iuvenis, quantum ipse feroci”
“virtute exsuperas, tanto me impensius aequum est”
“consulere atque omnis metuentem expendere casus.”
“Sunt tibi regna patris Dauni, sunt oppida capta”
“multa manu, nec non aurumque animusque Latino est;”
“sunt aliae innuptae Latio et Laurentibus arvis,”
“nec genus indecores. Sine me haec haud mollia fatu”
“sublatis aperire dolis, simul hoc animo hauri.”
“Me natam nulli veterum sociare procorum”
“fas erat, idque omnes divique hominesque canebant.”
“Victus amore tui, cognato sanguine victus”
“coniugis et maestae lacrumis, vincla omnia rupi:”
“promissam eripui genero, arma impia sumpsi.”
“Ex illo qui me casus, quae, Turne, sequantur”
“bella, vides, quantos primus patiare labores.”
“Bis magna victi pugna vix urbe tuemur”
“spes Italas; recalent nostro Thybrina fluenta”
“sanguine adhuc campique ingentes ossibus albent.”
“Quo referor totiens? Quae mentem insania mutat?”
“Si Turno exstincto socios sum adscire paratus,”
“cur non incolumi potius certamina tollo?”
“Quid consanguinei Rutuli, quid cetera dicet”
“Italia, ad mortem si te—Fors dicta refutet!—”
“prodiderim, natam et conubia nostra petentem?”
“Respice res bello varias; miserere parentis”
“longaevi, quem nunc maestum patria Ardea longe”
“dividit.” Haudquaquam dictis violentia Turni
flectitur: exsuperat magis aegrescitque medendo.
Ut primum fari potuit, sic institit ore:
“Quam pro me curam geris, hanc precor, optime, pro me”
“deponas letumque sinas pro laude pacisci:”
“et nos tela, pater, ferrumque haud debile dextra”
“spargimus; et nostro sequitur de volnere sanguis.”
“longe illi dea mater erit, quae nube fugacem”
“feminea tegat et vanis sese occulat umbris.”

[¶2] But now the Queen, whose whole heart shrank in fear
from these new terms of duel, wept aloud,
and like one dying clasped her fiery son:
“O Turnus, by these tears-if in thy heart
thou honorest Amata still—O thou
who art of our distressful, dark old age
the only hope and peace, the kingly name
and glory of Latinus rests in thee;
thou art the mighty prop whereon is stayed
our falling house. One favor I implore:
give o'er this fight with Trojans. In such strife
thy destined doom is destined to be mine
by the same fatal stroke. For in that hour
this hated life shall cease, nor will I look
with slave's eyes on Aeneas as my son.”
Lavinia heard her mother's voice, and tears
o'erflowed her scarlet cheek, where blushes spread
like flame along her warm, young face and brow:
as when the Indian ivory must wear
ensanguined crimson stain, or lilies pale
mingled with roses seem to blush, such hues
her virgin features bore; and love's desire
disturbed his breast, as, gazing on the maid,
his martial passion fiercer flamed; whereon
in brief speech he addressed the Queen: “No tears!
No evil omen, mother, I implore!
Make me no sad farewells, as I depart
to the grim war-god's game! Can Turnus' hand
delay death's necessary coming? Go,
Idmon, my herald, to the Phrygian King,
and tell him this—a word not framed to please:
soon as Aurora from her crimson car
flushes to-morrow's sky, let him no more
against the Rutule lead the Teucrian line;
let Teucrian swords and Rutule take repose,
while with our own spilt blood we twain will make
an end of war; on yonder mortal field
let each man woo Lavinia for his bride.”

> Latin: At regina, nova pugnae conterrita sorte,
flebat et ardentem generum monitura tenebat:
“Turne, per has ego te lacrimas, per siquis Amatae”
“tangit honos animum (spes tu nunc una, senectae”
“tu requies miserae, decus imperiumque Latini”
“te penes, in te omnis domus inclinata recumbit).”
“unum oro: desiste manum committere Teucris.”
“Qui te cumque manent isto certamine casus,”
“et me, Turne, manent: simul haec invisa relinquam”
“lumina nec generum Aenean captiva videbo.”
Accepit vocem lacrimis Lavinia matris
flagrantis perfusa genas, quoi plurimus ignem
subiecit rubor et calefacta per ora cucurrit.
Indum sanguineo veluti violaverit ostro
siquis ebur, aut mixta rubent ubi lilia multa
alba rosa: talis virgo dabat ore colores.
Illum turbat amor, figitque in virgine voltus:
ardet in arma magis paucisque adfatur Amatam.
“Ne, quaeso, ne me lacrimis neve omine tanto”
“prosequere in duri certamina Martis euntem,”
“O mater; neque enim Turno mora libera mortis.”
“Nuntius haec Idmon Phrygio mea dicta tyranno”
“haud placitura refer: cum primum crastina caelo”
“puniceis invecta rotis Aurora rubebit,”
“non Teucros agat in Rutulos, Teucrum arma quiescant”
“et Rutuli; nostro dirimamus sanguine bellum,”
“illo quaeratur coniunx Lavinia campo.”

[¶3] So saying, he hied him to his lordly halls,
summoned his steeds, and with pleased eye surveyed
their action proud: them Orithyia, bride
of Boreas, to Sire Pilumnus gave,
which in their whiteness did surpass the snow
in speed the wind. The nimble charioteers
stood by and smote with hollowed hand and palm
the sounding chests, or combed the necks and manes.
But he upon his kingly shoulders clasped
his corselet, thick o'erlaid with blazoned gold
and silvery orichalch; he fitted him
with falchion, shield, and helm of purple plume,
that falchion which the Lord of Fire had made
for Daunus, tempering in the Stygian wave
when white it glowed; next grasped he the good spear
which leaned its weight against a column tall
in the mid-court, Auruncan Actor's spoil,
and waved it wide in air with mighty cry:
“O spear, that ne'er did fail me when I called,
the hour is come! Once mighty Actor's hand,
but now the hand of Turnus is thy lord.
Grant me to strike that carcase to the ground,
and with strong hand the corselet rip and rend
from off that Phrygian eunuch: let the dust
befoul those tresses, tricked to curl so fine
with singeing steel and sleeked with odorous oil.”
Such frenzy goads him: his impassioned brow
is all on flame, the wild eyes flash with fire.
Thus, bellowing loud before the fearful fray,
some huge bull proves the fury of his horns,
pushing against a tree-trunk; his swift thrusts
would tear the winds in pieces; while his hoofs
toss up the turf and sand, rehearsing war.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit rapidusque in tecta recessit.
poscit equos gaudetque tuens ante ora frementis,
Pilumno quos ipsa decus dedit Orithyia,
qui candore nives anteirent, cursibus auras.
Circumstant properi aurigae manibusque lacessunt
pectora plausa cavis et colla comantia pectunt.
Ipse dehinc auro squalentem alboque orichalco
circumdat loricam umeris; simul aptat habendo
ensemque clipeumque et rubrae cornua cristae.
ensem, quem Dauno ignipotens deus ipse parenti
fecerat et Stygia candentem tinxerat unda.
Exin quae mediis ingenti adnixa columnae
aedibus adstabat, validam vi corripit hastam,
Actoris Aurunci spolium, quassatque trementem
vociferans: “Nunc, O numquam frustrata vocatus”
“hasta meos, nunc tempus adest: te maximus Actor”
“te Turni nunc dextra gerit. Da sternere corpus”
“loricamque manu valida lacerare revulsam”
“semiviri Phrygis et foedare in pulvere crinis”
“vibratos calido ferro murraque madentis.”
His agitur furiis; totoque ardentis ab ore
scintillae absistunt, oculis micat acribus ignis:
mugitus veluti cum prima in proelia taurus
terrificos ciet atque irasci in cornua temptat,
arboris obnixus trunco, ventosque lacessit
ictibus aut sparsa ad pugnam proludit harena.

[¶4] That self-same day with aspect terrible
Aeneas girt him in the wondrous arms
his mother gave; made sharp his martial steel,
and roused his heart to ire; though glad was he
to seal such truce and end the general war.
Then he spoke comfort to his friends; and soothed
Iulus' fear, unfolding Heaven's intent;
but on Latinus bade his heralds lay
unyielding terms and laws of peace impose.

> Latin: Nec minus interea maternis saevos in armis
Aeneas acuit Martem et se suscitat ira,
oblato gaudens componi foedere bellum,
tum socios maestique metum solatur Iuli,
fata docens, regique iubet responsa Latino
certa referre viros et pacis dicere leges.

[¶5] Soon as the breaking dawn its glory threw
along the hills, and from the sea's profound
leaped forth the horses of the sun-god's car,
from lifted nostrils breathing light and fire,
then Teucrian and Rutulian measured out
a place for duel, underneath the walls
of the proud city. In the midst were set
altars of turf and hearth-stones burning bright
in honor of their common gods. Some brought
pure waters and the hallowed flame, their thighs
in priestly skirt arrayed, and reverend brows
with vervain bound. Th' Ausonians, spear in hand,
out from the city's crowded portals moved
in ordered column: next the Trojans all,
with Tuscan host in various martial guise,
equipped with arms of steel, as if they heard
stern summons to the fight. Their captains, too,
emerging from the multitude, in pride
of gold and purple, hurried to and fro:
Mnestheus of royal stem, Asilas brave;
and Neptune's offspring, tamer of the steed,
Messapus. Either host, at signal given,
to its own ground retiring, fixed in earth
the long shafts of the spears and stacked the shields.
Then eagerly to tower and rampart fly
the women, the infirm old men, the throng
of the unarmed, and sit them there at gaze,
or on the columned gates expectant stand.

> Latin: Postera vix summos spargebat lumine montis
orta dies, cum primum alto se gurgite tollunt
solis equi lucemque elatis naribus efflant:
campum ad certamen magnae sub moenibus urbis
dimensi Rutulique viri Teucrique parabant
in medioque focos et dis communibus aras
gramineas. Alii fontemque ignemque ferebant,
velati limo et verbena tempora vincti.
Procedit legio Ausonidum, pilataque plenis
agmina se fundunt portis. Hinc Troïus omnis
Tyrrhenusque ruit variis exercitus armis,
haud secus instructi ferro, quam si aspera Martis
pugna vocet; nec non mediis in milibus ipsi
ductores auro volitant ostroque decori,
et genus Assaraci Mnestheus et fortis Asilas
et Messapus equum domitor, Neptunia proles.
Utque dato signo spatia in sua quisque recessit,
defigunt tellure hastas et scuta reclinant.
Tum studio effusae matres et volgus inermum
invalidique senes turris ac tecta domorum
obsedere, alii portis sublimibus adstant.

[¶6] But Juno, peering from that summit proud
which is to-day the Alban (though that time
nor name nor fame the hallowed mountain knew),
surveyed the plain below and fair array
of Trojan and Laurentine, by the walls
of King Latinus. Whereupon straightway
with Turnus' sister she began converse,
goddess with goddess; for that nymph divine
o'er Alba's calm lakes and loud rivers reigns;
Jove, the high monarch of th' ethereal sky,
gave her such glory when he stole away
her virgin zone. “O nymph“, she said, “who art
the pride of flowing streams, and much beloved
of our own heart! thou knowest thou alone
hast been my favorite of those Latin maids
that to proud Jove's unthankful bed have climbed;
and willingly I found thee place and share
in our Olympian realm. So blame not me,
but hear, Juturna, what sore grief is thine:
while chance and destiny conceded aught
of strength to Latium's cause, I shielded well
both Turnus and thy city's wall; but now
I see our youthful champion make his war
with fates adverse. The Parcae's day of doom
implacably impends. My eyes refuse
to Iook upon such fight, such fatal league.
If for thy brother's life thou couldst be bold
to venture some swift blow, go, strike it now!
'T is fit and fair! Some issue fortunate
may tread on sorrow's heel.” She scarce had said,
when rained the quick tears from Juturna's eyes.
Three times and yet again her desperate hand
smote on her comely breast. But Juno cried,
“No tears to-day! But haste thee, haste and find
what way, if way there be, from clutch of death
to tear thy brother free; arouse the war;
their plighted peace destroy. I grant thee leave
such boldness to essay.” With this command
she left the nymph dismayed and grieving sore.

> Latin: At Iuno e summo, qui nunc Albanus habetur,
tum neque nomen erat nec honos aut gloria monti,
prospiciens tumulo campum aspectabat et ambas
Laurentum Troumque acies urbemque Latini.
Extemplo Turni sic est adfata sororem
diva deam, stagnis quae fluminibusque sonoris
praesidet (hunc illi rex aetheris altus honorem
Iuppiter erepta pro virginitate sacravit):
“Nympha, decus fluviorum, animo gratissima nostro,”
“scis ut te cunctis unam, quaecumque Latinae”
“magnanimi Iovis ingratum ascendere cubile,”
“praetulerim caelique lubens in parte locarim:”
“disce tuum, ne me incuses, Iuturna, dolorem.”
“Qua visa est Fortuna pati Parcaeque sinebant”
“cedere res Latio, Turnum et tua moenia texi:”
“nunc iuvenem imparibus video concurrere fatis,”
“Parcarumque dies et vis inimica propinquat.”
“Non pugnam aspicere hanc oculis, non foedera possum.”
“Tu pro germano siquid praesentius audes,”
“perge: decet. Forsan miseros meliora sequentur.”
Vix ea, cum lacrimas oculis Iuturna profudit
terque quaterque manu pectus percussit honestum.
“Non lacrumis hoc tempus,” ait Saturnia Iuno:
“Adcelera et fratrem, siquis modus, eripe morti,”
“aut tu bella cie conceptumque excute foedus:”
“auctor ego audendi.” Sic exhortata reliquit
incertam et tristi turbatam volnere mentis.

[¶7] Meanwhile the kings ride forth: Latinus first,
looming tall-statured from his four-horse car;
twelve rays of gold encircle his bright brow,
sign of the sun-god, his progenitor;
next Turnus, driving snow-white steeds, is seen,—
two bread-tipped javelins in his hand he bears;
Aeneas, of Rome's blood the source and sire,
with star-bright shield and panoply divine,
far-shining comes; Ascanius by his side—
of Roman greatness the next hope is he.
To camp they rode, where, garbed in blameless white,
with youngling swine and two-year sheep unshorn,
the priest before the flaming altars drove
his flock and offering: to the rising sun
all eyes are lifted, as with careful hand
the salted meal is scattered, while with knives
they mark each victim's brow, outpouring wine
from shallow bowls, the sacrifice to bless.

> Latin: Interea reges, ingenti mole Latinus
quadriiugo vehitur curru, cui tempora circum
aurati bis sex radii fulgentia cingunt,
Solis avi specimen; bigis it Turnus in albis,
bina manu lato crispans hastilia ferro;
hinc pater Aeneas, Romanae stirpis origo,
sidereo flagrans clipeo et caelestibus armis,
et iuxta Ascanius, magnae spes altera Romae,
procedunt castris, puraque in veste sacerdos
saetigeri fetum suis intonsamque bidentem
adtulit admovitque pecus flagrantibus aris.
Illi ad surgentem conversi lumina solem
dant fruges manibus salsas et tempora ferro
summa notant pecudum paterisque altaria libant.

[¶8] Then good Aeneas, his sword drawn, put forth
this votive prayer: “O Sun in heaven; and thou,
Italia, for whom such toils I bear,
be witness of my orison. On thee,
Father omnipotent, I call; on thee,
his Queen Saturnia,—now may she be
more gracious to my prayer! O glorious Mars,
beneath whose godhead and paternity
all wars begin and end, on thee I call;
hail, all ye river-gods and haunted springs;
hail, whatsoever gods have seat of awe
in yonder distant sky, and ye whose power
is in the keeping of the deep, blue sea:
if victory to Ausonian Turnus fall,
then let my vanquished people take its way
unto Evander's city! From these plains
Iulus shall retire—so stands the bond;
nor shall the Trojans with rebellious sword
bring after-trouble on this land and King.
But if on arms of ours success shall shine,
as I doubt not it shall (may gods on high
their will confirm!), I purpose not to chain
Italian captive unto Teucrian lord,
nor seek I kingly power. Let equal laws
unite in federation without end
the two unconquered nations; both shall share
my worshipped gods. Latinus, as my sire,
shall keep his sword, and as my sire receive
inviolable power. The Teucrians
shall build my stronghold, but our citadel
shall bear forevermore Lavinia's name.”

> Latin: Tum pius Aeneas stricto sic ense precatur:
“Esto nunc Sol testis et haec mihi Terra vocanti,”
“quam propter tantos potui perferre labores,”
“et pater omnipotens et tu Saturnia coniunx,”
“iam melior, iam, diva, precor, tuque inclute Mavors,”
“cuncta tuo qui bella, pater, sub numine torques;”
“fontisque fluviosque voco, quaeque aetheris alti”
“religio et quae caeruleo sunt numina ponto:”
“cesserit Ausonio si fors victoria Turno,”
“convenit Evandri victos discedere ad urbem,”
“cedet Iulus agris, nec post arma ulla rebelles”
“Aeneadae referent ferrove haec regna lacessent,”
“sin nostrum adnuerit nobis Victoria Martem”
“(ut potius reor et potius di numine firment),”
“non ego nec Teucris Italos parere iubebo”
“nec mihi regna peto: paribus se legibus ambae”
“invictae gentes aeterna in foedera mittant.”
“Sacra deosque dabo; socer arma Latinus habeto,”
“imperium sollemne socer; mihi moenia Teucri”
“constituent, urbique dabit Lavinia nomen.”

[¶9] Aeneas thus: then with uplifted eyes
Latinus swore, his right hand raised to heaven:
“I too, Aeneas, take the sacred vow.
By earth and sea and stars in heaven I swear,
by fair Latona's radiant children twain,
and two-browed Janus; by the shadowy powers
of Hades and th' inexorable shrines
of the Infernal King; and may Jove hear,
who by his lightnings hallows what is sworn!
I touch these altars, and my lips invoke
the sacred altar-fires that 'twixt us burn:
we men of Italy will make this peace
inviolate, and its bond forever keep,
let come what will; there is no power can change
my purpose, not if ocean's waves o'erwhelm
the world in billowy deluge and obscure
the bounds of heaven and hell. We shall remain
immutable as my smooth sceptre is“
(By chance a sceptre in his hand he bore),
“which wears no more light leaf or branching shade;
for long since in the grove 't was plucked away
from parent stem, and yielded to sharp steel
its leaves and limbs; erewhile 't was but a tree,
till the wise craftsman with fair sheath of bronze
encircled it and laid it in the hands
of Latium's royal sires.” With words like these
they swore the bond, in the beholding eyes
of gathered princes. Then they slit the throats
of hallowed victims o'er the altar's blaze,
drew forth the quivering vitals, and with flesh
on loaded chargers heaped the sacrifice.

> Latin: Sic prior Aeneas; sequitur sic deinde Latinus
suspiciens caelum tenditque ad sidera dextram:
“Haec eadem, Aenea, terram mare sidera iuro”
“Latonaeque genus duplex Ianumque bifrontem”
“vimque deum infernam et duri sacraria Ditis;”
“audiat haec genitor, qui foedera fulmine sancit.”
“Tango aras, medios ignis et numina testor:”
“nulla dies pacem hanc Italis nec foedera rumpet,”
“quo res cumque cadent; nec me vis ulla volentem”
“avertet, non, si tellurem effundat in undas”
“diluvio miscens caelumque in Tartara solvat;”
“ut sceptrum hoc” (dextra sceptrum nam forte gerebat)
“numquam fronde levi fundet virgulta nec umbras,”
“cum semel in silvis imo de stirpe recisum”
“matre caret posuitque comas et bracchia ferro,”
“olim arbos, nunc artificis manus aere decoro”
“inclusit patribusque dedit gesture gestare Latinis.”
Talibus inter se firmabant foedera dictis
conspectu in medio procerum. Tum rite sacratas
in flammam iugulant pecudes et viscera vivis
eripiunt cumulantque oneratis lancibus aras.

[¶10] But to Rutulian eyes th' approaching joust
seemed all ill-matched; and shifting hopes and fears
disturbed their hearts the closer they surveyed
th' unequal risks: still worse it was to see
how Turnus, silent and with downcast eyes,
dejectedly drew near the place of prayer,
worn, pale, and wasted in his youthful bloom.
The nymph Juturna, with a sister's fear,
noted the growing murmur, and perceived
how all the people's will did shift and change;
she went from rank to rank, feigning the shape
of Camers, scion of illustrious line,
with heritage of valor, and himself
dauntless in war; unceasingly she ran
from rank to rank, spreading with skilful tongue
opinions manifold, and thus she spoke:
“Will ye not blush, Rutulians, so to stake
one life for many heroes? Are we not
their match in might and numbers? O, behold
those Trojan sons of Heaven making league
with exiled Arcady; see Tuscan hordes
storming at Turnus. Yet we scarce could find
one foe apiece, forsooth, if we should dare
fight them with half our warriors. Of a truth
your champion brave shall to those gods ascend
before whose altars his great heart he vows;
and lips of men while yet on earth he stays
will spread his glory far. Ourselves, instead,
must crouch to haughty masters, and resign
this fatherland upon whose fruitful fields
we dwell at ease.”

> Latin: At vero Rutulis inpar ea pugna videri
iamdudum et vario misceri pectora motu;
tum magis, ut propius cernunt non viribus aequis.
Adiuvat incessu tacito progressus et aram
suppliciter venerans demisso lumine Turnus
tabentesque genae et iuvenali in corpore pallor.
Quem simul ac Iuturna soror crebrescere vidit
sermonem et volgi variare labantia corda,
in medias acies, formam adsimulata Camerti,
cui genus a proavis ingens clarumque paternae
nomen erat virtutis, et ipse acerrimus armis,
in medias dat sese acies haud nescia rerum
rumoresque serit varios ac talia fatur:
“Non pudet, O Rutuli, pro cunctis talibus unam”
“obiectare animam? Numerone an viribus aequi”
“non sumus? En omnes et Troes et Arcades hi sunt”
“fatalesque manus, infensa Etruria Turno:”
“vix hostem, alterni si congrediamur, habemus.”
“Ille quidem ad superos, quorum se devovet aris,”
“succedet fama vivusque per ora feretur:”
“nos patria amissa dominis parere superbis”
“cogemur, qui nunc lenti consedimus arvis.”

[¶11] So speaking, she inflamed
the warriors' minds, and through the legions ran
increasing whisper; the Laurentine host
and even Latium wavered. Those who late
prayed but for rest and safety, clamored loud
for arms, desired annulment of the league,
and pitied Turnus' miserable doom.
Whereon Juturna tried a mightier stroke,
a sign from heaven, which more than all beside
confused the Latins and deceived their hearts
with prodigy. For through the flaming skies
Jove's golden eagle swooped, and scattered far
a clamorous tribe of river-haunting birds;
then, swiftly to the waters falling, seized
one noble swan, which with keen, curving claws
he ruthless bore away: th' Italians all
watched eagerly, while the loud-screaming flock
wheeled upward (wondrous sight!), with host of wings
shadowed the sky, and in a legion-cloud
chased through the air the foe; till, overborne
by heavier odds, the eagle from his claws
flung back his victim to the waves, and fled
to the dim, distant heaven.

> Latin: Talibus incensa est iuvenum sententia dictis
iam magis atque magis, serpitque per agmina murmur;
ipsi Laurentes mutati ipsique Latini.
Qui sibi iam requiem pugnae rebusque salutem
sperabant, nunc arma volunt foedusque precantur
infectum et Turni sortem miserantur iniquam.
His aliud maius Iuturna adiungit et alto
dat signum caelo, quo non praesentius ullum
turbavit mentes Italas monstroque fefellit.
Namque volans rubra fulvus Iovis ales in aethra
litoreas agitabat aves turbamque sonantem
agminis aligeri, subito cum lapsus ad undas
cycnum excellentem pedibus rapit improbus uncis.
Adrexere animos Itali, cunctaeque volucres
convertunt clamore fugam, mirabile visu,
aetheraque obscurant pennis hostemque per auras
facta nube premunt, donec vi victus et ipso
pondere defecit, praedamque ex unguibus ales
proiecit fluvio penitusque in nubila fugit.

[¶12] The Rutules then
hailed the good omen with consenting cry,
and grasped the sword and shield. Tolumnius
the augur spake first: “Lo, the sign I sought
with many a prayer! I welcome and obey
the powers divine. Take me for captain, me!
And draw your swords, ye wretches, whom th' assault
of yonder foreign scoundrel puts in fear
like feeble birds, and with his violence
lays waste your shore. He too shall fly away,
spreading his ships' wings on the distant seas.
Close up your ranks—one soul in all our breasts!
Defend in open war your stolen King.”
So saying, he hurled upon th' opposing foe
his javelin, running forward. The strong shaft
of corner whistled shrill, and clove the air
unerring. Instantly vast clamor rose,
and all th' onlookers at the spectacle
leaped up amazed, and every heart beat high.
The spear sped flying to the foeman's line,
where stood nine goodly brethren, pledges all
of one true Tuscan mother to her lord,
Gylippus of Arcadia; it struck full
on one of these at his gold-belted waist,
and where the clasp clung, pierced the rib clean through.
And stretched the fair youth in his glittering arms
full length and lifeless on the yellow sand.
His brothers then, bold band to wrath aroused
by sorrow, seize the sword or snatch the spear
and blindly charge. Opposing them, the host
Laurentine makes advance, and close-arrayed
the Trojans like a torrent pour, enforced
by Tuscans and the gay-accoutred clans
of Arcady. One passion moved in all
to try the judgment of the sword. They tore
the altars down: a very storm of spears
rose angrily to heaven, in iron rain
down-pouring: while the priests bore far away
the sacrificial bowls and sacred fires.
Even Latinus fled; his stricken gods
far from his violated oath he bore.

> Latin: Tum vero augurium Rutuli clamore salutant
expediuntque manus; primusque Tolumnius augur
“Hoc erat, hoc, votis,” inquit, “quod saepe petivi.”
“Adcipio adgnoscoque deos; me, me duce ferrum”
“corripite, O miseri, quos improbus advena bello”
“territat invalidas ut aves et litora vestra”
“vi populat: petet ille fugam penitusque profundo”
“vela dabit. Vos unanimi densete catervas”
“et regem vobis pugna defendite raptum.”
Dixit et adversos telum contorsit in hostis
procurrens: sonitum dat stridula cornus et auras
certa secat. Simul hoc, simul ingens clamor et omnes
turbati cunei calefactaque corda tumultu.
Hasta volans, ut forte novem pulcherrima fratrum
corpora constiterant contra, quos fida crearat
una tot Arcadio coniunx Tyrrhena Gylippo,
horum unum ad medium, teritur qua sutilis alvo
balteus et laterum iuncturas fibula mordet
egregium forma iuvenem et fulgentibus armis
transadigit costas fulvaque effundit harena.
At fratres, animosa phalanx accensaque luctu,
pars, gladios stringunt manibus, pars missile ferrum
corripiunt caecique ruunt. Quos agmina contra
procurrunt Laurentum, hinc densi rursus inundant
Troes Agyllinique et pictis Arcades armis:
sic omnis amor unus habet decernere ferro.
Diripuere aras, it toto turbida caelo
tempestas telorum ac ferreus ingruit imber,
craterasque focosque ferunt. Fugit ipse Latinus
pulsatos referens infecto foedere divos.

[¶13] Some leaped to horse or chariot and rode
with naked swords in air. Messapus, wild
to break the truce, assailed the Tuscan King,
Aulestes, dressed in kingly blazon fair,
with fearful shock of steeds; the Tuscan dropped
helplessly backward, striking as he fell
his head and shoulders on the altar-stone
that lay behind him. But Messapus flew,
infuriate, a javelin in his hand,
and, towering o'er the suppliant, smote him strong
with the great beam-like spear, and loudly cried:
“Down with him! Ah! no common victim he
to give the mighty gods!” Italia's men
despoiled the dead man ere his limbs were cold.
Then Corynaeus snatched a burning brand
out of the altar, and as Ebysus
came toward him for to strike, he hurled the flame
full in his face: the big beard quickly blazed
with smell of singeing; while the warrior bold
strode over him, and seized with firm left hand
his quailing foe's Iong hair; then with one knee
he pushed and strained, compelled him to the `ground—
and struck straight at his heart with naked steel.
The shepherd Alsus in the foremost line
came leaping through the spears; when o'er him towered
huge Podalirius with a flashing sword
in close pursuit; the mighty battle-axe
clove him with swinging stroke from brow to chin,
and spilt along his mail the streaming gore:
so stern repose and iron slumber fell
upon that shepherd's eyes, and sealed their gaze
in endless night.

> Latin: Infrenant alii currus aut corpora saltu
subiciunt in equos et strictis ensibus adsunt.
Messapus regem regisque insigne gerentem,
Tyrrhenum Aulesten, avidus confundere foedus,
adverso proterret equo: ruit ille recedens
et miser oppositis a tergo involvitur aris
in caput inque umeros. At fervidus advolat hasta
Messapus teloque orantem multa trabali
desuper altus equo graviter ferit atque ita fatur:
“Hoc habet, haec melior magnis data victima divis.”
Concurrunt Itali spoliantque calentia membra.
Obvius ambustum torrem Corynaeus ab ara
corripit et venienti Ebuso plagamque ferenti
occupat os flammis: olli ingens barba reluxit
nidoremque ambusta dedit. Super ipse secutus
caesariem laeva turbati corripit hostis
inpressoque genu nitens terrae adplicat ipsum:
sic rigido latus ense ferit. Podalirius Alsum
pastorem primaque acie per tela ruentem,
ense sequens nudo superimminet: ille securi
adversi frontem mediam mentumque reducta
disicit et sparso late rigat arma cruore.
Olli dura quies oculos et ferreus urget
somnus, in aeternam conduntur lumina noctem.

[¶14] But good Aeneas now
stretched forth his unarmed hand, and all unhelmed
thus Ioudly to his people called: “What means
this frantic stir, this quarrel rashly bold?
Recall your martial rage! The pledge is given
and all its terms agreed. 'T is only I
do lawful battle here. So let me forth,
and tremble not. My own hand shall confirm
the solemn treaty. For these rites consign
Turnus to none but me.” Yet while he spoke,
behold, a winged arrow, hissing loud,
the hero pierced; but what bold hand impelled
its whirling speed, none knew; nor if it were
chance or some power divine that brought this fame
upon Rutulia; for the glorious deed
was covered o'er with silence: none would boast
an arrow guilty of Aeneas' wound.
When Turnus saw Aeneas from the line
retreating, and the captains in dismay,
with sudden hope he burned: he called for steeds,
for arms, and, leaping to his chariot,
rode insolently forth, the reins in hand.
Many strong heroes he dispatched to die,
as on he flew, and many stretched half-dead,
or from his chariot striking, or from far
raining his javelins on the recreant foe.
As Mars, forth-speeding by the wintry stream
of Hebrus, smites his sanguinary shield
and whips the swift steeds to the front of war,
who, flying past the winds of eve and morn,
scour the wide champaign; the bounds of Thrace
beneath their hoof-beats thunder; the dark shapes
of Terror, Wrath, and Treachery move on
in escort of the god: in such grim guise
bold Turnus lashed into the fiercest fray
his streaming steeds, that pitiful to see
trod down the slaughtered foe; each flying hoof
scattered a bloody dew; their path was laid
in mingled blood and sand. To death he flung
Pholus and Sthenelus and Thamyris:
two smitten in close fight and one from far:
also from far he smote with fatal spear
Glaucus and Lades, the Imbrasidae,
whom Imbrasus himself in Lycia bred,
and honored them with arms of equal skill
when grappling with a foe, or o'er the field
speeding a war-horse faster than the wind.

> Latin: At pius Aeneas dextram tendebat inermem
nudato capite atque suos clamore vocabat:
“Quo ruitis? Quaeve ista repens discordia surgit?”
“O cohibete iras! Ictum iam foedus et omnes”
“compositae leges; mihi ius concurrere soli;”
“me sinite atque auferte metus; ego foedera faxo”
“firma manu; Turnum debent haec iam mihi sacra.”
Has inter voces, media inter talia verba
ecce viro stridens alis adlapsa sagitta est
incertum qua pulsa manu, quo turbine adacta,
quis tantam Rutulis laudem, casusne deusne,
adtulerit: pressa est insignis gloria facti.
nec sese Aeneae iactavit vulnere quisquam.
Turnus ut Aenean cedentem ex agmine vidit
turbatosque duces, subita spe fervidus ardet:
poscit equos atque arma simul saltuque superbus
emicat in currum et manibus molitur habenas.
Multa virum volitans dat fortia corpora Leto,
semineces volvit multos aut agmina curru
proterit aut raptas fugientibus ingerit hastas.
Qualis apud gelidi cum flumina concitus Hebri
sanguineus Mavors clipeo increpat atque furentis
bella movens immittit equos; illi aequore aperto
ante Notos Zephyrumque volant; gemit ultima pulsu
Thraca pedum; circumque atrae Formidinis ora
Iraeque Insidiaeque, dei comitatus, aguntur:
talis equos alacer media inter proelia Turnus
fumantis sudore quatit, miserabile caesis
hostibus insultans; spargit rapida ungula rores
sanguineos, mixtaque cruor calcatur harena.
Iamque neci Sthenelumque dedit Thamyrumque Pholumque,
hunc congressus et hunc, illum eminus; eminus ambo
Imbrasidas, Glaucum atque Laden, quos Imbrasus ipse
nutrierat Lycia paribusque ornaverat armis,
vel conferre manum vel equo praevertere ventos.

[¶15] Elsewhere Eumedes through a throng of foes
to battle rode, the high-born Dolon's child,
famous in war, who bore his grandsire's name,
but seemed in might and courage like his sire:
that prince, who reconnoitring crept so near
the Argive camp, he dared to claim for spoil
the chariot of Achilles; but that day
great Diomed for such audacious deed
paid wages otherwise,—and he no more
dreamed to possess the steeds of Peleus' son.
When Turnus recognized in open field
this warrior, though far, he aimed and flung
his javelin through the spacious air; then stayed
his coursers twain, and, leaping from his car,
found the wretch helpless fallen; so planted he
his foot upon his neck, and from his hand
wrested the sword and thrust it glittering
deep in the throat, thus taunting as he slew:
“There's land for thee, thou Trojan! Measure there
th' Hesperian provinces thy sword would find.
Such reward will I give to all who dare
draw steel on me; such cities they shall build.”
To bear him company his spear laid low
Asbutes, Sybaris, Thersilochus,
Chloreus and Dares, and Thymoetes thrown
sheer off the shoulders of his balking steed.
As when from Thrace the north wind thunders down
the vast Aegean, flinging the swift flood
against the shore, and where his blasts assail
the cloudy cohorts vanish out of heaven:
so before Turnus, where his path he clove,
the lines fell back, the wheeling legions fled.
The warrior's own wild impulse swept him on,
and every wind that o'er his chariot blew
shook out his plume in air. But such advance
so bold, so furious, Phegeus could not brook,
but, fronting the swift chariot's path, he seized
the foam-flecked bridles of its coursers wild,
while from the yoke his body trailed and swung;
the broad lance found his naked side, and tore
his double corselet, pricking lightly through
the outer flesh; but he with lifted shield
still fought his foe and thrust with falchion bare;
but the fierce pace of whirling wheel and pole
flung him down prone, and stretched him on the plain.
Then Turnus, aiming with relentless sword
between the corselet's edge and helmet's rim
struck off his whole head, leaving on the sands
the mutilated corpse.

> Latin: Parte alia media Eumedes in proelia fertur,
antiqui proles bello praeclara Dolonis,
nomine avum referens, animo manibusque parentem,
qui quondam, castra ut Danaum speculator adiret,
ausus Pelidae pretium sibi poscere currus;
illum Tydides alio pro talibus ausis
adfecit pretio, nec equis adspirat Achillis.
Hunc procul ut campo Turnus prospexit aperto,
ante levi iaculo longum per inane secutus
sistit equos biiugis et curru desilit atque
semianimi lapsoque supervenit et pede collo
impresso dextrae mucronem extorquet et alto
fulgentem tinguit iugulo atque haec insuper addit:
“En agros et quam bello, Troiane, petisti,”
“Hesperiam metire iacens: haec praemia qui me”
“ferro ausi temptare ferunt, sic moenia condunt.”
Huic comitem Asbyten coniecta cuspide mittit.
Chloreaque Sybarimque Daretaque Thersilochumque
et sternacis equi lapsum cervice Thymoeten.
Ac velut Edoni Boreae cum spiritus alto
insonat Aegaeo sequiturque ad litora fluctus,
qua venti incubuere, fugam dant nubila caelo:
sic Turno, quacumque viam secat, agmina cedunt
conversaeque ruunt acies; fert impetus ipsum,
et cristam adverso curru quatit aura volantem.
Non tulit instantem Phegeus animisque frementem:
obiecit sese ad currum et spumantia frenis
ora citatorum dextra detorsit equorum.
Dum trahitur pendetque iugis, hunc lata retectum
lancea consequitur rumpitque infixa bilicem
loricam et summum degustat volnere corpus.
Ille tamen clipeo obiecto conversus in hostem
ibat et auxilium ducto mucrone petebat:
cum rota praecipitem et procursu concitus axis
impulit effunditque solo, Turnusque secutus
imam inter galeam summi thoracis et oras
abstulit ense caput truncumque reliquit harenae.

[¶16] While thus afield
victorious Turnus dealt out death and doom,
Mnestheus, Achates true, and by their side
Ascanius, have carried to the camp
Aeneas, gashed and bleeding, whose long lance
sustained his limping step. With fruitless rage
he struggled with the spear-head's splintered barb,
and bade them help him by the swiftest way
to carve the wound out with a sword, to rip
the clinging weapon forth, and send him back
to meet the battle. Quickly to his side
came Iapyx, dear favorite and friend
of Phoebus, upon whom the god bestowed
his own wise craft and power, Iove-impelled.
The gifts of augury were given, and song,
with arrows of swift wing: he when his sire
was carried forth to die, deferred the doom
for many a day, by herbs of virtue known
to leechcraft; and without reward or praise
his silent art he plied. Aeneas stood,
bitterly grieving, propped upon his spear;
a throng of warriors were near him, and
Iulus, sorrowing. The aged man
gathered his garments up as leeches do,
and with skilled hand and Phoebus' herbs of power
bustled in vain; in vain his surgery
pried at the shaft, and with a forceps strong
seized on the buried barb. But Fortune gave
no remedy, nor did Apollo aid
his votary. So more and more grim fear
stalks o'er the field of war, and nearer hies
the fatal hour; the very heavens are dust;
the horsemen charge, and in the midmost camp
a rain of javelins pours. The dismal cry
of men in fierce fight, and of men who fall
beneath relentless Mars, rends all the air.

> Latin: Atque ea dum campis victor dat funera Turnus,
interea Aenean Mnestheus et fidus Achates
Ascaniusque comes castris statuere cruentum,
alternos longa nitentem cuspide gressus.
Saevit et infracta luctatur arundine telum
eripere auxilioque viam, quae proxima, poscit
ense secent lato vulnus telique latebram
rescindant penitus seseque in bella remittant.
Iamque aderat Phoebo ante alios dilectus Iapyx
Iasides, acri quondam cui captus amore
ipse suas artes, sua munera, laetus Apollo
augurium citharamque dabat celerisque sagittas.
Ille ut depositi proferret fata parentis,
scire potestates herbarum usumque medendi
maluit et mutas agitare inglorius artes.
Stabat acerba fremens, ingentem nixus in hastam
Aeneas magno iuvenum et maerentis Iuli
concursu, lacrimis immobilis. Ille retorto
Paeonium in morem senior succinctus amictu
multa manu medica Phoebique potentibus herbis
nequiquam trepidat, nequiquam spicula dextra
sollicitat prensatque tenaci forcipe ferrum.
Nulla viam Fortuna regit, nihil auctor Apollo
subvenit; et saevus campis magis ac magis horror
crebrescit propiusque malum est. Iam pulvere caelum
stare vident: subeunt equites, et spicula castris
densa cadunt mediis. It tristis ad aethera clamor
bellantum iuvenum et duro sub Marte cadentum.

[¶17] Then Venus, by her offspring's guiltless woe
sore moved, did cull from Cretan Ida's crest
some dittany, with downy leaf and stem
and flowers of purple bloom—a simple known
to mountain goats, when to their haunches clings
an arrow gone astray. This Venus brought,
mantling her shape in cloud; and this she steeped
in bowls of glass, infusing secretly
ambrosia's healing essence and sweet drops
of fragrant panacea. Such a balm
aged Iapyx poured upon the wound,
though unaware; and sudden from the flesh
all pain departed and the blood was staunched,
while from the gash the arrow uncompelled
followed the hand and dropped: his wonted strength
flowed freshly through the hero's frame. “Make haste!
Bring forth his arms! Why tarry any more?”
Iapyx shouted, being first to fire
their courage 'gainst the foe. “This thing is done
not of man's knowledge, nor by sovereign skill;
nor has my hand, Aeneas, set thee free.
Some mighty god thy vigor gives again
for mighty deeds.” Aeneas now put on,
all fever for the fight, his golden greaves,
and, brooking not delay, waved wide his spear.
Soon as the corselet and the shield were bound
on back and side, he clasped Ascanius
to his mailed breast, and through his helmet grim
tenderly kissed his son. “My boy", he cried,
“What valor is and patient, genuine toil
learn thou of me; let others guide thy feet
to prosperous fortune. Let this hand and sword
defend thee through the war and lead thee on
to high rewards. Thou also play the man!
And when thy riper vigor soon shall bloom,
forget not in thy heart to ponder well
the story of our line. Heed honor's call,
like Sire Aeneas and Hector thy close kin.”

> Latin: Hic Venus, indigno nati concussa dolore,
dictamnum genetrix Cretaea carpit ab Ida,
puberibus caulem foliis et flore comantem
purpureo; non illa feris incognita capris
gramina, cum tergo volucres haesere sagittae:
hoc Venus, obscuro faciem circumdata nimbo,
detulit; hoc fusum labris splendentibus amnem
inficit occulte medicans spargitque salubris
ambrosiae sucos et odoriferam panaceam.
Fovit ea volnus lympha longaevus Iapyx
ignorans, subitoque omnis de corpore fugit
quippe dolor, omnis stetit imo volnere sanguis;
iamque secuta manum nullo cogente sagitta
excidit, atque novae rediere in pristina vires.
“Arma citi properate viro! Quid statis?” Iapyx
conclamat primusque animos adcendit in hostem.
“Non haec humanis opibus, non arte magistra”
“proveniunt neque te, Aenea, mea dextera servat:”
“maior agit deus atque opera ad maiora remittit.”
Ille avidus pugnae suras incluserat auro
hinc atque hinc oditque moras hastamque coruscat.
Postquam habilis lateri clipeus loricaque tergo est,
Ascanium fusis circum complectitur armis
summaque per galeam delibans oscula fatur:
“Disce, puer, virtutem ex me verumque laborem,”
“fortunam ex aliis. Nunc te mea dextera bello”
“defensum dabit et magna inter praemia ducet.”
“Tu facito, mox cum matura adoleverit aetas,”
“sis memor, et te animo repetentem exempla tuorum”
“et pater Aeneas et avunculus excitet Hector.”

[¶18] After such farewell word, he from the gates
in mighty stature strode, and swung on high
his giant spear. With him in serried line
Antheus and Mnestheus moved, and all the host
from the forsaken fortress poured. The plain
was darkened with their dust; the startled earth
shook where their footing fell. From distant hill
Turnus beheld them coming, and the eyes
of all Ausonia saw: a chill of fear
shot through each soldier's marrow; in their van
Juturna knew full well the dreadful sound,
and fled before it, shuddering. But he
hurried his murky cohorts o'er the plain.
As when a tempest from the riven sky
drives landward o'er mid-ocean, and from far
the hearts of husbandmen, foreboding woe,
quake ruefully,—for this will come and rend
their trees asunder, kill the harvests all,
and sow destruction broadcast; in its path
fly roaring winds, swift heralds of the storm:
such dire approach the Trojan chieftain showed
before his gathered foes. In close array
they wedge their ranks about him. With a sword
Thymbraeus cuts huge-limbed Osiris down;
Mnestheus, Arcetius; from Epulo
Achates shears the head; from Ufens, Gyas;
Tolumnius the augur falls, the same
who flung the first spear to the foeman's line.
Uprose to heaven the cries. In panic now
the Rutules in retreating clouds of dust
scattered across the plain. Aeneas scorned
either the recreant or resisting foe
to slaughter, or the men who shoot from far:
for through the war-cloud he but seeks the arms
of Turnus, and to single combat calls.

> Latin: Haec ubi dicta dedit, portis sese extulit ingens,
telum immane manu quatiens; simul agmine denso
Antheusque Mnestheusque ruunt omnisque relictis
turba fluit castris: tum caeco pulvere campus
miscetur pulsuque pedum tremit excita tellus.
Vidit ab adverso venientis aggere Turnus,
videre Ausonii, gelidusque per ima cucurrit
ossa tremor: prima ante omnis Iuturna Latinos
audiit adgnovitque sonum et tremefacta refugit.
Ille volat campoque atrum rapit agmen aperto.
Qualis ubi ad terras abrupto sidere nimbus
it mare per medium; miseris heu praescia longe
horrescunt corda agricolis, dabit ille ruinas
arboribus stragemque satis, ruet omnia late;
ante volant sonitumque ferunt ad litora venti:
talis in adversos ductor Rhoeteius hostis
agmen agit, densi cuneis se quisque coactis
adglomerant. Ferit ense gravem Thymbraeus Osirim,
Archetium Mnestheus, Epulonem obtruncat Achates
Ufentemque Gyas; cadit ipse Tolumnius augur,
primus in adversos telum qui torserat hostis.
Tollitur in caelum clamor, versique vicissim
pulverulenta fuga Rutuli dant terga per agros.
Ipse neque aversos dignatur sternere Morti
nec pede congressos aequo nec tela ferentis
insequitur: solum densa in caligine Turnum
vestigat lustrans, solum in certamina poscit.

[¶19] The warrior-maid Juturna, seeing this,
distraught with terror, strikes down from his place
Metiscus, Turnus' charioteer, who dropped
forward among the reins and off the pole.
Him leaving on the field, her own hand grasped
the loosely waving reins, while she took on
Metiscus' shape, his voice, and blazoned arms.
As when through some rich master's spacious halls
speeds the black swallow on her lightsome wing,
exploring the high roof, or harvesting
some scanty morsel for her twittering brood,
round empty corridors or garden-pools
noisily flitting: so Juturna roams
among the hostile ranks, and wings her way
behind the swift steeds of the whirling car.
At divers points she lets the people see
her brother's glory, but not yet allows
the final tug of war; her pathless flight
keeps far away. Aeneas too must take
a course circuitous, and follows close
his foeman's track; Ioud o'er the scattered lines
he shouts his challenge. But whene'er his eyes
discern the foe, and fain he would confront
the flying-footed steeds, Juturna veers
the chariot round and flies. What can he do?
Aeneas' wrath storms vainly to and fro,
and wavering purposes his heart divide.
Against him lightly leaped Messapus forth,
bearing two pliant javelins tipped with steel;
and, whirling one in air, he aimed it well,
with stroke unfailing. Great Aeneas paused
in cover of his shield and crouched low down
upon his haunches. But the driven spear
battered his helmet's peak and plucked away
the margin of his plume. Then burst his rage:
his cunning foes had forced him; so at last,
while steeds and chariot in the distance fly,
he plunged him in the fray, and called on Jove
the altars of that broken oath to see.
Now by the war-god's favor he began
grim, never-pitying slaughter, and flung free
the bridle of his rage.

> Latin: Hoc concussa metu mentem Iuturna virago
aurigam Turni media inter lora Metiscum
excutit et longe lapsum temone relinquit:
ipsa subit manibusque undantis flectit habenas,
cuncta gerens, vocemque et corpus et arma Metisci.
Nigra velut magnas domini cum divitis aedes
pervolat et pennis alta atria lustrat hirundo,
pabula parva legens nidisque loquacibus escas,
et nunc porticibus vacuis, nunc umida circum
stagna sonat: similis medios Iuturna per hostis
fertur equis rapidoque volans obit omnia curru
iamque hic germanum iamque hic ostentat ovantem
nec conferre manum patitur, volat avia longe.
Haud minus Aeneas tortos legit obvius orbes
vestigatque virum et disiecta per agmina magna
voce vocat. Quotiens oculos coniecit in hostem
alipedumque fugam cursu temptavit equorum,
aversos totiens currus Iuturna retorsit.
Heu quid agat? Vario nequiquam fluctuat aestu,
diversaeque vocant animum in contraria curae.
Huic Messapus, uti laeva duo forte gerebat
lenta levis cursu praefixa hastilia ferro,
horum unum certo contorquens dirigit ictu.
Substitit Aeneas et se collegit in arma,
poplite subsidens; apicem tamen incita summum
hasta tulit summasque excussit vertice cristas.
Tum vero adsurgunt irae; insidiisque subactus,
diversos ubi sensit equos currumque referri,
multa Iovem et laesi testatus foederis aras
iam tandem invadit medios et Marte secundo
terribilis saevam nullo discrimine caedem
suscitat irarumque omnis effundit habenas.

## 24. Book XII · lines 500–952

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/24/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/24/#p-N

[¶0] What voice divine
such horror can make known? What song declare
the bloodshed manifold, the princes slain,
or flying o'er the field from Turnus' blade,
or from the Trojan King? Did Jove ordain
so vast a shock of arms should interpose
'twixt nations destined to perpetual bond?
Aeneas met the Rutule Sucro—thus
staying the Trojan charge—and with swift blow
struck at him sidewise, where the way of death
is quickest, cleaving ribs and rounded side
with reeking sword. Turnus met Amycus,
unhorsed him, though himself afoot, and slew
Diores, his fair brother (one was pierced
fronting the spear, the other felled to earth
by strike of sword), and both their severed heads
he hung all dripping to his chariot's rim.
But Talon, Tanais, and Cethegus brave,
three in one onset, unto death went down
at great Aeneas' hand; and he dispatched
ill-starred Onites of Echion's line,
fair Peridia's child. Then Turnus slew
two Lycian brothers unto Phoebus dear,
and young Menoetes, an Arcadian,
who hated war (though vainly) when he plied
his native fisher-craft in Lerna's streams,
where from his mean abode he ne'er went forth
to wait at great men's doors, but with his sire
reaped the scant harvest of a rented glebe.
as from two sides two conflagrations sweep
dry woodlands or full copse of crackling bay,
or as, swift-leaping from the mountain-vales,
two flooded, foaming rivers seaward roar,
each on its path of death, not less uproused,
speed Turnus and Aeneas o'er the field;
now storms their martial rage; now fiercely swells
either indomitable heart; and now
each hero's full strength to the slaughter moves.

> Latin: Quis mihi nunc tot acerba deus, quis carmine caedes
diversas obitumque ducum, quos aequore toto
inque vicem nunc Turnus agit, nunc Troius heros,
expediat? Tanton placuit concurrere motu,
Iuppiter, aeterna gentis in pace futuras?
Aeneas Rutulum Sucronem, ea prima ruentis
pugna loco statuit Teucros, haud multa morantem
excipit in latus et, qua fata celerrima, crudum
transadigit costas et cratis pectoris ensem.
Turnus equo deiectum Amycum fratremque Dioren,
congressus pedes, hunc venientem cuspide longa,
hunc mucrone ferit curruque abscisa duorum
suspendit capita et rorantia sanguine portat.
Ille Talon Tanaimque neci fortemque Cethegum,
tris uno congressu, et maestum mittit Oniten,
nomen Echionium matrisque genus Peridiae,
hic fratres Lycia missos et Apollinis agris
et iuvenem exosum nequiquam bella Menoeten,
Arcada, piscosae cui circum flumina Lernae
ars fuerat pauperque domus nec nota potentum
munera conductaque pater tellure serebat.
Ac velut immissi diversis partibus ignes
arentem in silvam et virgulta sonantia lauro,
aut ubi decursu rapido de montibus altis
dant sonitum spumosi amnes et in aequora currunt
quisque suum populatus iter: non segnius ambo
Aeneas Turnusque ruunt per proelia; nunc nunc
fluctuat ira intus, rumpuntur nescia vinci
pectora, nunc totis in volnera viribus itur.

[¶1] Behold Murranus, boasting his high birth
from far-descended sires of storied name,
the line of Latium's kings! Aeneas now
with mountain-boulder lays him low in dust,
smitten with whirlwind of the monster stone;
and o'er him fallen under yoke and rein
roll his own chariot wheels, while with swift tread
the mad hoofs of his horses stamp him down,
not knowing him their lord. But Turnus found
proud Hyllus fronting him with frantic rage,
and at his golden helmet launched the shaft
that pierced it; in his cloven brain it clung.
Nor could thy sword, O Cretheus, save thee then
from Turnus, though of bravest Greeks the peer;
nor did Cupencus' gods their priest defend
against Aeneas, but his breast he gave
unto the hostile blade; his brazen shield
delayed no whit his miserable doom.
Thee also, Aeolus, Laurentum saw
spread thy huge body dying on the ground;
yea, dying, thou whom Greeks in serried arms
subdued not, nor Achilles' hand that hurled
the throne of Priam down: here didst thou touch
thy goal of death; one stately house was thine
on Ida's mountain, at Lyrnessus, one;
Laurentum's hallowed earth was but thy grave.
Now the whole host contends; all Latium meets
all Ilium; Mnestheus and Serestus bold;
Messapus, the steed-breaker, and high-soured
Asilas; Tuscans in a phalanx proud;
Arcadian riders of Evander's train:
each warrior lifts him to his height supreme
of might and skill; no sloth nor lingering now,
but in one far-spread conflict all contend.

> Latin: Murranum hic, atavos et avorum antiqua sonantem
nomina per regesque actum genus omne Latinos,
praecipitem scopulo atque ingentis turbine saxi
excutit effunditque solo: hunc lora et iuga subter
provolvere rotae, crebro super ungula pulsu
incita nec domini memorum proculcat equorum.
Ille ruenti Hyllo animisque immane frementi
occurrit telumque aurata ad tempora torquet:
olli per galeam fixo stetit hasta cerebro.
Dextera nec tua te, Graium fortissime Cretheu
eripuit Turno. Nec di texere Cupencum
Aenea veniente sui: dedit obvia ferro
pectora, nec misero clipei mora profuit aerei.
Te quoque Laurentes viderunt, Aeole, campi
oppetere et late terram consternere tergo.
Occidis, Argivae quem non potuere phalanges
sternere nec Priami regnorum eversor Achilles;
hic tibi mortis erant metae: domus alta sub Ida,
Lyrnesi domus alta, solo Laurente sepulchrum.
Totae adeo conversae acies, omnesque Latini,
omnes Dardanidae, Mnestheus acerque Serestus
et Messapus equum domitor et fortis Asilas
Tuscorumque phalanx Evandrique Arcades alae,
pro se quisque viri summa nituntur opum vi:
nec mora nec requies, vasto certamine tendunt.

[¶2] His goddess-mother in Aeneas' mind
now stirred the purpose to make sudden way
against the city-wall, in swift advance
of all his line, confounding Latium so
with slaughter and surprise. His roving glance,
seeking for Turnus through the scattered lines
this way and that, beholds in distant view
the city yet unscathed and calmly free
from the wide-raging fight. Then on his soul
rushed the swift vision of a mightier war.
Mnestheus, Sergestus, and Serestus brave,
his chosen chiefs, he summons to his side,
and stands upon a hillock, whither throng
the Teucrian legions, each man holding fast
his shield and spear. He, towering high,
thus from the rampart to his people calls:
“Perform my bidding swiftly: Jove's own hand
sustains our power. Be ye not slack, because
the thing I do is sudden. For this day
I will pluck out th' offending root of war,—
yon city where Latinus reigns. Unless
it bear our yoke and heed a conqueror's will,
will lay low in dust its blazing towers.
Must I wait Turnus' pleasure, till he deign
to meet my stroke, and have a mind once more,
though vanquished, to show fight? My countrymen,
see yonder stronghold of their impious war!
Bring flames; avenge the broken oath with fire!”
Scarce had he said, when with consenting souls,
they speed them to the walls in dense array,
forming a wedge. Ladders now leap in air,
and sudden-blazing fires. In various war
some troops run charging at the city-gates,
and slay the guards; some fling the whirling spear
and darken heaven with arrows. In their van,
his right hand lifted to the wails and towers,
Aeneas, calling on the gods to hear,
loudly upbraids Latinus that once more
conflict is thrust upon him; that once more
Italians are his foes and violate
their second pledge of peace. So blazes forth
dissension 'twixt the frighted citizens:
some would give o'er the city and fling wide
its portals to the Trojan, or drag forth
the King himself to parley; others fly
to arms, and at the rampart make a stand.
'T is thus some shepherd from a caverned crag
stirs up the nested bees with plenteous fume
of bitter smoke; they, posting to and fro,
fly desperate round the waxen citadel,
and whet their buzzing fury; through their halls
the stench and blackness rolls; within the caves
noise and confusion ring; the fatal cloud
pours forth incessant on the vacant air.

> Latin: Hic mentem Aeneae genetrix pulcherrima misit,
iret ut ad muros urbique adverteret agmen
ocius et subita turbaret clade Latinos.
Ille ut vestigans diversa per agmina Turnum
huc atque huc acies circumtulit, aspicit urbem
immunem tanti belli atque impune quietam.
Continuo pugnae adcendit maioris imago:
Mnesthea Sergestumque vocat fortemque Serestum
ductores tumulumque capit, quo cetera Teucrum
concurrit legio nec scuta aut spicula densi
deponunt. Celso medius stans aggere fatur:
“Nequa meis esto dictis mora; Iuppiter hac stat,”
“neu quis ob inceptum subitum mihi segnior ito.”
“Urbem hodie, causam belli, regna ipsa Latini,”
“ni frenum accipere et victi parere fatentur,”
“eruam et aequa solo fumantia culmina ponam.”
“Scilicet exspectem, libeat dum proelia Turno”
“nostra pati rursusque velit concurrere victus?”
“Hoc caput, O cives, haec belli summa nefandi:”
“ferte faces propere foedusque reposcite flammis.”
Dixerat, atque animis pariter certantibus omnes
dant cuneum densaque ad muros mole feruntur.
Scalae improviso subitusque apparuit ignis.
Discurrunt alii ad portas primosque trucidant,
ferrum alii torquent et obumbrant aethera telis.
Ipse inter primos dextram sub moenia tendit
Aeneas magnaque incusat voce Latinum
testaturque deos, iterum se ad proelia cogi,
bis iam Italos hostis, haec altera foedera rumpi.
Exoritur trepidos inter discordia civis:
urbem alii reserare iubent et pandere portas
Dardanidis ipsumque trahunt in moenia regem,
arma ferunt alii et pergunt defendere muros.
Inclusas ut cum latebroso in pumice pastor
vestigavit apes fumoque implevit amaro:
illae intus trepidae rerum per cerea castra
discurrunt magnisque acuunt stridoribus iras;
volvitur ater odor tectis, tum murmure caeco
intus saxa sonant, vacuas it fumus ad auras.

[¶3] But now a new adversity befell
the weary Latins, which with common woe
shook the whole city to its heart. The Queen,
when at her hearth she saw the close assault
of enemies, the walls beset, and fire
spreading from roof to roof, but no defence
from the Rutulian arms, nor front of war
with Turnus leading,—she, poor soul, believed
her youthful champion in the conflict slain;
and, mad with sudden sorrow, shrieked aloud
against herself, the guilty chief and cause
of all this ill; and, babbling her wild woe
in endless words, she rent her purple pall,
and with her own hand from the rafter swung
a noose for her foul death. The tidings dire
among the moaning wives of Latium spread,
and young Lavinia's frantic fingers tore
her rose-red cheek and hyacinthine hair.
Then all her company of women shrieked
in anguish, and the wailing echoed far
along the royal seat; from whence the tale
of sorrow through the peopled city flew;
hearts sank; Latinus rent his robes, appalled
to see his consort's doom, his falling throne;
and heaped foul dust upon his hoary hair.

> Latin: Accidit haec fessis etiam fortuna Latinis,
quae totam luctu concussit funditus urbem.
Regina ut tectis venientem prospicit hostem,
incessi muros, ignis ad tecta volare,
nusquam acies contra Rutulas, nulla agmina Turni:
infelix pugnae iuvenem in certamine credit
exstinctum et, subito mentem turbata dolore,
se causam clamat crimenque caputque malorum,
multaque per maestum demens effata furorem
purpureos moritura manu discindit amictus
et nodum informis leti trabe nectit ab alta.
Quam cladem miserae postquam accepere Latinae,
filia prima manu flavos Lavinia crinis
et roseas laniata genas, tum cetera circum
turba furit: resonant late plangoribus aedes.
Hinc totam infelix volgatur fama per urbem.
Demittunt mentes; it scissa veste Latinus,
coniugis attonitus fatis urbisque ruina,
canitiem immundo perfusam pulvere turpans.
[Multaque se incusat, qui non acceperit ante]
[Dardanium Aenean generumque adsciverit ultro.]

[¶4] Meanwhile the warrior Turnus far afield
pursued a scattered few; but less his speed,
for less and less his worn steeds worked his will;
and now wind-wafted to his straining ear
a nameless horror came, a dull, wild roar,
the city's tumult and distressful cry.
“Alack,” he cried, “what stirs in yonder walls
such anguish? Or why rings from side to side
such wailing through the city?” Asking so,
he tightened frantic grasp upon the rein.
To him his sister, counterfeiting still
the charioteer Metiscus, while she swayed
rein, steeds, and chariot, this answer made:
“Hither, my Turnus, let our arms pursue
the sons of Troy. Here lies the nearest way
to speedy triumph. There be other swords
to keep yon city safe. Aeneas now
storms against Italy in active war;
we also on this Trojan host may hurl
grim havoc. Nor shalt thou the strife give o'er
in glory second, nor in tale of slain.”
Turnus replied, “O sister, Iong ago
I knew thee what thou wert, when guilefully
thou didst confound their treaty, and enlist
thy whole heart in this war. No Ionger now
thy craft divine deceives me. But what god
compelled thee, from Olympus fallen so far,
to bear these cruel burdens? Wouldst thou see
thy wretched brother slaughtered? For what else
is in my power? What flattering hazard still
holds forth deliverance? My own eyes have seen
Murranus (more than any now on earth
my chosen friend) who, calling on my name,
died like a hero by a hero's sword.
Ill-fated Ufens fell, enduring not
to Iook upon my shame; the Teucrians
divide his arms for spoil and keep his bones.
Shall I stand tamely, till my hearth and home
are levelled with the ground? For this would be
the only blow not fallen. Shall my sword
not give the lie to Drances' insolence?
Shall I take flight and let my country see
her Turnus renegade? Is death a thing
so much to weep for? O propitious dead,
O spirits of the dark, receive and bless
me whom yon gods of light have cast away!
Sacred and guiltless shall my soul descend
to join your company; I have not been
unworthy offspring of my kingly sires.”

> Latin: Interea extremo bellator in aequore Turnus
palantis sequitur paucos iam segnior atque
iam minus atque minus successu laetus equorum
attulit hunc illi caecis terroribus aura
commixtum clamorem adrectasque impulit aures
confusae sonus urbis et inlaetabile murmur.
“Ei mihi! Quid tanto turbantur moenia luctu?”
“Quisve ruit tantus diversa clamor ab urbe?”
Sic ait adductisque amens subsistit habenis.
Atque huic, in faciem soror ut conversa Metisci
aurigae currumque et equos et lora regebat,
talibus occurrit dictis: “Hac, Turne, sequamur”
“Troiugenas, qua prima viam victoria pandit;”
“sunt alii, qui tecta manu defendere possint.”
“Ingruit Aeneas Italis et proelia miscet:”
“et nos saeva manu mittamus funera Teucris.”
“Nec numero inferior pugnae nec honore recedes.”
Turnus ad haec:
“O soror, et dudum adgnovi, cum prima per artem”
“foedera turbasti teque haec in bella dedisti,”
“et nunc nequiquam fallis dea. Sed quis Olympo”
“demissam tantos voluit te ferre labores?”
“An fratris miseri letum ut crudele videres?”
“Nam quid ago? Aut quae iam spondet Fortuna salutem?”
“Vidi oculos ante ipse meos me voce vocantem”
“Murranum, quo non superat mihi carior alter,”
“oppetere ingentem atque ingenti volnere victum.”
“Occidit infelix nostrum ne dedecus Ufens”
“adspiceret; Teucri potiuntur corpore et armis.”
“Exscindine domos (id rebus defuit unum)”
“perpetiar, dextra nec Drancis dicta refellam?”
“Terga dabo et Turnum fugientem haec terra videbit?”
“Usque adeone mori miserum est? Vos O mihi Manes”
“este boni, quoniam superis aversa voluntas!”
“Sancta ad vos anima atque istius nescia culpae”
“descendam, magnorum haud umquam indignus avorum.”

[¶5] Scarce had he said, when through the foeman's line
Saces dashed forth upon a foaming steed,
his face gashed by an arrow. He cried loud
on Turnus' name: “O Turnus, but in thee
our last hope lies. Have pity on the woe
of all thy friends and kin! Aeneas hurls
his thunderbolt of war, and menaces
to crush the strongholds of all Italy,
and lay them low; already where we dwell
his firebrands are raining. Unto thee
the Latins Iook, and for thy valor call.
The King sits dumb and helpless, even he,
in doubt which son-in-law, which cause to choose.
Yea, and the Queen, thy truest friend, is fallen
by her own hand; gone mad with grief and fear,
she fled the light of day. At yonder gates
Messapus only and Atinas bear
the brunt of battle; round us closely draw
the serried ranks; their naked blades of steel
are thick as ripening corn; wilt thou the while
speed in thy chariot o'er this empty plain?”
Dazed and bewildered by such host of ills,
Turnus stood dumb; in his pent bosom stirred
shame, frenzy, sorrow, a despairing love
goaded to fury, and a warrior's pride
of valor proven.

> Latin: Vix ea fatus erat: medios volat ecce per hostis
vectus equo spumante Saces, adversa sagitta
saucius ora, ruitque implorans nomine Turnum:
“Turne, in te suprema salus: miserere tuorum.”
“Fulminat Aeneas armis summasque minatur”
“deiecturum arces Italum exscidioque daturum;”
“iamque faces ad tecta volant. In te ora Latini,”
“in te oculos referunt; mussat rex ipse Latinus,”
“quos generos vocet aut quae sese ad foedera flectat.”
“Praeterea regina, tui fidissima, dextra”
“occidit ipsa sua lucemque exterrita fugit.”
“Soli pro portis Messapus et acer Atinas”
“sustentant aciem. Circum hos utrimque phalanges”
“stant densae, strictisque seges mucronibus horret”
“ferrea: tu currum deserto in gramine versas.”
Obstipuit varia confusus imagine rerum
Turnus et obtutu tacito stetit. Aestuat ingens
uno in corde pudor mixtoque insania luctu
et furiis agitatus amor et conscia virtus.
Ut primum discussae umbrae et lux reddita menti,
ardentis oculorum orbes ad moenia torsit
turbidus eque rotis magnam respexit ad urbem.

[¶6] But when first the light
of reason to his blinded soul returned,
he strained his flaming eyeballs to behold
the distant wall, and from his chariot gazed
in wonder at the lordly citadel.
For, lo, a pointed peak of flame uprolled
from tier to tier, and surging skyward seized
a tower—the very tower his own proud hands
had built of firm-set beams and wheeled in place,
and slung its Iofty bridges high in air.
“Fate is too strong, my sister! Seek no more
to stay the stroke. But let me hence pursue
that path where Heaven and cruel Fortune call.
Aeneas I must meet; and I must bear
the bitterness of death, whate'er it be.
O sister, thou shalt look upon my shame
no longer. But first grant a madman's will!”
He spoke; and leaping from his chariot, sped
through foes and foemen's spears, not seeing now
his sister's sorrow, as in swift career
he burst from line to line. Thus headlong falls
a mountain-boulder by a whirlwind flung
from lofty peak, or loosened by much rain,
or by insidious lapse of seasons gone;
the huge, resistless crag goes plunging down
by leaps and bounds, o'erwhelming as it flies
tall forests, Bocks and herds, and mortal men:
so through the scattered legions Turnus ran
straight to the city walls, where all the ground
was drenched with blood, and every passing air
shrieked with the noise of spears. His lifted hand
made sign of silence as he loudly called:
“Refrain, Rutulians! O ye Latins all,
your spears withhold! The issue of the fray
is all my own. I only can repair
our broken truce by judgment of the sword.”
Back fell the hostile lines, and cleared the field.

> Latin: Ecce autem flammis inter tabulata volutus
ad caelum undabat vortex turrimque tenebat,
turrim, compactis trabibus quam eduxerat ipse
subdideratque rotas pontisque instraverat altos.
“Iam iam fata, soror, superant; absiste morari;”
“quo deus et quo dura vocat Fortuna, sequamur.”
“Stat conferre manum Aeneae, stat quidquid acerbi est”
“morte pati; neque me indecorem, germana, videbis”
“amplius. Hunc, oro, sine me furere ante furorem.”
Dixit et e curru saltum dedit ocius arvis
perque hostis, per tela ruit maestamque sororem
deserit ac rapido cursu media agmina rumpit.
Ac veluti montis saxum de vertice praeceps
cum ruit avulsum vento, seu turbidus imber
proluit aut annis solvit sublapsa vetustas;
fertur in abruptum magno mons improbus actu
exsultatque solo, silvas armenta virosque
involvens secum: disiecta per agmina Turnus
sic urbis ruit ad muros, ubi plurima fuso
sanguine terra madet striduntque hastilibus aurae,
significatque manu et magno simul incipit ore:
“Parcite iam, Rutuli, et vos tela inhibete, Latini;”
“quaecumque est Fortuna, mea est: me verius unum”
“pro vobis foedus luere et decernere ferro.”
Discessere omnes medii spatiumque dedere.

[¶7] But Sire Aeneas, hearing Turnus' name,
down the steep rampart from the citadel
unlingering tried, all lesser task laid by,
with joy exultant and dread-thundering arms.
Like Athos' crest he loomed, or soaring top
of Eryx, when the nodding oaks resound,
or sovereign Apennine that lifts in air
his forehead of triumphant snow. All eyes
of Troy, Rutulia, and Italy
were fixed his way; and all who kept a guard
on lofty rampart, or in siege below
were battering the foundations, now laid by
their implements and arms. Latinus too
stood awestruck to behold such champions, born
in lands far-sundered, met upon one field
for one decisive stroke of sword with sword.
Swift striding forth where spread the vacant plain,
they hurled their spears from far; then in close fight
the brazen shields rang. Beneath their tread
Earth groaned aloud, as with redoubling blows
their falchions fell; nor could a mortal eye
'twixt chance and courage the dread work divide.
As o'er Taburnus' top, or spacious hills
of Sila, in relentless shock of war,
two bulls rush brow to brow, while terror-pale
the herdsmen fly; the herd is hushed with fear;
the heifers dumbly marvel which shall be
true monarch of the grove, whom all the kine
obedient follow; but the rival twain,
commingling mightily wound after wound,
thrust with opposing horns, and bathe their necks
in streams of blood; the forest far and wide
repeats their bellowing rage: not otherwise
Trojan Aeneas and King Daunus' son
clashed shield on shield, till all the vaulted sky
felt the tremendous sound. The hand of Jove
held scales in equipoise, and threw thereon
th' unequal fortunes of the heroes twain:
one to vast labors doomed and one to die.

> Latin: At pater Aeneas audito nomine Turni
deserit et muros et summas deserit arces
praecipitatque moras omnis, opera omnia rumpit,
laetitia exsultans, horrendumque intonat armis;
quantus Athos aut quantus Eryx aut ipse coruscis
cum fremit ilicibus quantus gaudetque nivali
vertice se attollens pater Appenninus ad auras.
Iam vero et Rutuli certatim et Troes et omnes
convertere oculos Itali, quique alta tenebant
moenia quique imos pulsabant ariete muros,
armaque deposuere umeris. Stupet ipse Latinus
ingentis, genitos diversis partibus orbis,
inter se coiisse viros et cernere ferro.
Atque illi, ut vacuo patuerunt aequore campi,
procursu rapido, coniectis eminus hastis,
invadunt Martem clipeis atque aere sonoro.
Dat gemitum tellus; tum crebros ensibus ictus
congeminant: fors et virtus miscentur in unum.
Ac velut ingenti Sila summove Taburno
cum duo conversis inimica in proelia tauri
frontibus incurrunt; pavidi cessere magistri,
stat pecus omne metu mutum mussantque iuvencae,
quis nemori imperitet, quem tota armenta sequantur;
illi inter sese multa vi volnera miscent
cornuaque obnixi infigunt et sanguine largo
colla armosque lavant; gemitu nemus omne remugit:
non alitur Tros Aeneas et Daunius heros
concurrunt clipeis; ingens fragor aethera complet.
Iuppiter ipse duas aequato examine lances
sustinet et fata imponit diversa duorum,
quem damnet labor et quo vergat pondere letum;

[¶8] Soon Turnus, reckless of the risk, leaped forth,
upreached his whole height to his lifted sword,
and struck: the Trojans and the Latins pale
cried mightily, and all eyes turned one way
expectant. But the weak, perfidious sword
broke off, and as the blow descended, failed
its furious master, whose sole succor now
was flight; and swifter than the wind he flew.
But, lo! a hilt of form and fashion strange
lay in his helpless hand. For in his haste,
when to the battle-field his team he drove,
his father's sword forgotten (such the tale),
he snatched Metiscus' weapon. This endured
to strike at Trojan backs, as he pursued,
but when on Vulcan's armory divine
its earthly metal smote, the brittle blade
broke off like ice, and o'er the yellow sands
in flashing fragments scattered. Turnus now
takes mad flight o'er the distant plain, and winds
in wavering gyration round and round;
for Troy's close ring confines him, and one way
a wide swamp lies, one way a frowning wall.

> Latin: Emicat hic, impune putans, et corpore toto
alte sublatum consurgit Turnus in ensem
et ferit: exclamant Troes trepidique Latini,
arrectaeque amborum acies. At perfidus ensis
frangitur in medioque ardentem deserit ictu …
ni fuga subsidio subeat. Fugit ocior euro,
ut capulum ignotum dextramque aspexit inermem.
Fama est praecipitem, cum prima in proelia iunctos
conscendebat equos, patrio mucrone relicto,
dum trepidat, ferrum aurigae rapuisse Metisci.
Idque diu, dum terga dabant palantia Teucri,
suffecit: postquam arma dei ad Volcania ventumst,
mortalis mucro glacies ceu futilis ictu
dissiluit; fulva resplendent fragmina harena.
Ergo amens diversa fuga petit aequora Turnus
et nunc huc, inde huc incertos implicat orbes
undique enim densa Teucri inclusere corona,
atque hinc vasta palus, hinc ardua moenia cingunt.

[¶9] But lo! Aeneas—though the arrow's wound
still slackens him and oft his knees refuse
their wonted step—pursues infuriate
his quailing foe, and dogs him stride for stride.
As when a stag-hound drives the baffled roe
to torrent's edge (or where the flaunting snare
of crimson feathers fearfully confines)
and with incessant barking swift pursues;
while through the snared copse or embankment high
the frightened creature by a thousand ways
doubles and turns; but that keen Umbrian hound
with wide jaws, undesisting, grasps his prey,
or, thinking that he grasps it, snaps his teeth
cracking together, and deludes his rage,
devouring empty air: then peal on peal
the cry of hunters bursts; the lake and shore
reecho, and confusion fills the sky:—
such was the flight of Turnus, who reviled
the Rutules as he fled, and loudly sued
of each by name to fetch his own lost sword.
Aeneas vowed destruction and swift death
to all who dared come near, and terrified
their trembling souls with menace that his power
would raze their city to the ground. Straightway,
though wounded, he gave chase, and five times round
in circles ran; then winding left and right
coursed the swift circles o'er. For, lo! the prize
is no light laurel or a youthful game:
for Turnus' doom and death their race is run.

> Latin: Nec minus Aeneas, quamquam tardata sagitta
interdum genua impediunt cursumque recusant,
insequitur trepidique pedem pede fervidus urget:
inclusum veluti siquando flumine nanctus
cervum aut puniceae saeptum formidine pinnae
venator cursu canis et latratibus instat;
ille autem, insidiis et ripa territus alta,
mille fugit refugitque vias; at vividus Umber
haeret hians, iam iamque tenet similisque tenenti
increpuit malis morsuque elusus inani est.
Tum vero exoritur clamor, ripaeque lacusque
responsant circa et caelum tonat omne tumultu.
Ille simul fugiens Rutulos simul increpat omnis,
nomine quemque vocans, notumque efflagitat ensem.
Aeneas mortem contra praesensque minatur
exitium, si quisquam adeat, terretque trementis
excisurum urbem minitans et saucius instat.
Quinque orbis explent cursu totidemque retexunt
huc illuc; neque enim levia aut ludicra petuntur
praemia, sed Turni de vita et sanguine certant.

[¶10] But haply in that place a sacred tree,
a bitter-leaved wild-olive, once had grown,
to Faunus dear, and venerated oft
by mariners safe-rescued from the waves,
who nailed their gifts thereon, or hung in air
their votive garments to Laurentum's god.
But, heeding not, the Teucrians had shorn
the stem away, to clear the field for war.
'T was here Aeneas' lance stuck fast; its speed
had driven it firmly inward, and it clave
to the hard, clinging root. Anchises' son
bent o'er it, and would wrench his weapon free,
and follow with a far-flung javelin
the swift out-speeding foe. But Turnus then,
bewildered and in terror, cried aloud:
“O Faunus, pity me and heed my prayer!
Hold fast his weapon, O benignant Earth!
If ere these hands have rendered offering due,
where yon polluting Teucrians fight and slay.”
He spoke; invoking succor of the god,
with no Iost prayer. For tugging valiantly
and laboring long against the stubborn stem,
Aeneas with his whole strength could but fail
to Ioose the clasping tree. While fiercely thus
he strove and strained, Juturna once again,
wearing the charioteer Metiscus' shape,
ran to her brother's aid, restoring him
his own true sword. But Venus, wroth to see
what license to the dauntless nymph was given,
herself came near, and plucked from that deep root
the javelin forth. So both with lofty mien
strode forth new-armed, new-hearted: one made bold
by his good sword, the other, spear in hand,
uptowered in wrath, and with confronting brows
they set them to the war-god's breathless game.

> Latin: Forte sacer Fauno foliis oleaster amaris
hic steterat, nautis olim venerabile lignum,
servati ex undis ubi figere dona solebant
Laurenti divo et votas suspendere vestes,
sed stirpem Teucri nullo discrimine sacrum
sustulerant, puro ut possent concurrere campo.
Hic hasta Aeneae stabat, huc impetus illam
detulerat fixam et lenta in radice tenebat.
Incubuit voluitque manu convellere ferrum
Dardanides teloque sequi, quem prendere cursu
non poterat. Tum vero amens formidine Turnus
“Faune, precor, miserere,” inquit, “tuque optima ferrum”
“terra tene, colui vestros si semper honores,”
“quos contra Aeneadae bello fecere profanos.”
Dixit opemque dei non cassa in vota vocavit.
Namque diu luctans lentoque in stirpe moratus
viribus haud ullis valuit discludere morsus
roboris Aeneas. Dum nititur acer et instat,
rursus in aurigae faciem mutata Metisci
procurrit fratrique ensem dea Daunia reddit.
Quod Venus audaci nymphae indignata licere
adcessit telumque alta ab radice revellit.
Olli sublimes armis animisque refecti,
hic gladio fidens, hic acer et arduus hasta,
adsistunt contra certamina Martis anheli.

[¶11] Meanwhile th' Olympian sovereign supreme
to Juno speaks, as from an amber cloud
the strife she views: “My Queen, what end shall be?
What yet remains? Thou seest Aeneas' name
numbered with tutelary gods of power;
and well thou know'st what station in the sky
his starward destiny intends. What scheme
vexes thy bosom still? What stubborn hope,
fostered in cloud and cold? O, was it well
to desecrate a god with mortal wound;
or well (what were a nymph unhelped by thee?)
to give back Turnus his lost sword, and lend
strength unavailing to the fallen brave?
Give o'er, and to our supplication yield;
let not such grief thy voiceless heart devour;
nor from thy sweet lips let thy mournful care
so oft assail my mind. For now is come
the last decisive day. Thy power availed
to vex the Trojans upon land and sea,
to wake abominable war, bring shame
upon a royal house, and mix the songs
of marriage and the grave: but further act
I thee refuse.” Such was the word of Jove.
Thus Saturn's daughter answered, drooping low
her brows divine: “Because, great Jove, I knew
thy pleasure, I from yonder earth retired
and Turnus' cause, tho, with unwilling mind.
Else shouldst thou not behold me at this hour
Upon my solitary throne of air
enduring fair and foul; I should be found
flame-girded on the battle's deadly verge,
tempting the Teucrians to a hated war.
Yea, 't was my motion thrust Juturna forth
to help her hapless brother. I approved—
to save his life—that she should be too bold;
but bade no whirl of spear nor bending bow:
I swear it by th' inexorable fount
whence flow the Stygian rivers, the sole seat
where gods of light bow down in awful prayer.
I yield me now; heart-sick I quit the war.
But ask one boon, which in the book of fate
is not denied; for Latium's good I sue,
and high prerogatives of men that be
thy kith and kin: when happy wedlock vows
(aye, be it so!) shall join them by strong laws
of chartered peace, let not the Latins Iose
their ancient, native name. Bid them not pass
for Trojans, nor be hailed as Teucer's sons;
no alien speech, no alien garb impose.
Let it be Latium ever; let the lords
of Alba unto distant ages reign;
let the strong, master blood of Rome receive
the manhood and the might of Italy.
Troy perished: let its name and glory die!”
The Author of mankind and all that is,
smiling benignant, answered thus her plea:
“Jove's sister true, and Saturn's second child,
what seas of anger vex thy heart divine!
But come, relinquish thy rash, fruitless rage:
I give thee this desire, and yield to thee
free submission. The Ausonian tribes
shall keep the speech and customs of their sires;
the name remains as now; the Teucrian race,
abiding in the land, shall but infuse
the mixture of its blood. I will bestow
a league of worship, and to Latins give
one language only. From the mingled breed
a people shall come forth whom thou shalt see
surpass all mortal men and even outvie
the faithfulness of gods; for none that live
shall render to thy name an equal praise.”
So Juno bowed consent, and let her will
be changed, as with much comfort in her breast
she left Olympus and her haunt of cloud.

> Latin: Iunonem interea rex omnipotentis Olympi
adloquitur fulva pugnas de nube tuentem:
“Qua iam finis erit, coniunx? Quid denique restat?”
“Indigetem Aenean scis ipsa et scire fateris”
“deberi caelo fatisque ad sidera tolli.”
“Quid struis, aut qua spe gelidis in nubibus haeres?”
“Mortalin decuit violari volnere divom,”
“aut ensem (quid enim sine te Iuturna valeret?)”
“ereptum reddi Turno et vim crescere victis?”
“Desine iam tandem precibusque inflectere nostris,”
[“ni te tantus edit tacitam dolor et mihi curae”]
[“saepe tuo dulci tristes ex ore recursent,”]
“ventum ad supremum est. Terris agitare vel undis”
“Troianos potuisti, infandum adcendere bellum,”
“deformare domum et luctu miscere hymenaeos:”
“ulterius temptare veto.” Sic Iuppiter orsus;
sic dea submisso contra Saturnia voltu:
“Ista quidem quia nota mihi tua, magne, voluntas,”
“Iuppiter, et Turnum et terras invita reliqui;”
“nec tu me aeria solam nunc sede videres”
“digna indigna pati, sed flammis cincta sub ipsa”
“starem acie traheremque inimica in proelia Teucros.”
“Iuturnam misero, fateor, succurrere fratri”
“suasi et pro vita maiora audere probavi,”
“non ut tela tamen, non ut contenderet arcum:”
“adiuro Stygii caput implacabile fontis,”
“una superstitio superis quae reddita divis.”
“Et nunc cedo equidem pugnasque exosa relinquo.”
“Illud te, nulla fati quod lege tenetur,”
“pro Latio obtestor, pro maiestate tuorum:”
“cum iam conubis pacem felicibus, esto,”
“component, cum iam leges et foedera iungent,”
“ne vetus indigenas nomen mutare Latinos”
“neu Troas fieri iubeas Teucrosque vocari”
“aut vocem mutare viros aut vertere vestem.”
“Sit Latium, sint Albani per saecula reges,”
“sit Romana potens Itala virtute propago:”
“occidit, occideritque sinas cum nomine Troia.”
Olli subridens hominum rerumque repertor
“Es germana Iovis Saturnique altera proles:”
“irarum tantos volvis sub pectore fluctus.”
“Verum age et inceptum frustra submitte furorem”
“do quod vis, et me victusque volensque remitto.”
“Sermonem Ausonii patrium moresque tenebunt,”
“utque est nomen erit; commixti corpore tantum”
“subsident Teucri. Morem ritusque sacrorum”
“adiciam faciamque omnis uno ore Latinos.”
“Hinc genus Ausonio mixtum quod sanguine surget,”
“supra homines, supra ire deos pietate videbis,”
“nec gens ulla tuos aeque celebrabit honores.”
Adnuit his Iuno et mentem laetata retorsit.
Interea excedit caelo nubemque relinquit.

[¶12] After these things Jove gave his kingly mind
to further action, that he might forthwith
cut off Juturna from her brother's cause.
Two plagues there be, called Furies, which were spawned
at one birth from the womb of wrathful Night
with dread Megaera, phantom out of hell;
and of their mother's gift, each Fury wears
grim-coiling serpents and tempestuous wings.
These at Jove's throne attend, and watch the doors
of that stern King—to whet the edge of fear
for wretched mortals, when the King of gods
hurls pestilence and death, or terrifies
offending nations with the scourge of war.
'T was one of these which Jove sent speeding down
from his ethereal seat, and bade her cross
the pathway of Juturna for a sign.
Her wings she spread, and earthward seemed to ride
upon a whirling storm. As when some shaft,
with Parthian poison tipped or Cretan gall,
a barb of death, shoots cloudward from the bow,
and hissing through the dark hastes forth unseen:
so earthward flew that daughter of the night.
Soon as she spied the Teucrians in array
and Turnus' lines, she shrivelled to the shape
of that small bird which on lone tombs and towers
sits perching through the midnight, and prolongs
in shadow and deep gloom her troubling cry.
In such disguise the Fury, screaming shrill,
flitted in Turnus' face, and with her wings
smote on his hollow shield. A strange affright
palsied his every limb; each several hair
lifted with horror, and his gasping voice
died on his lips.

> Latin: His actis aliud genitor secum ipse volutat
Iuturnamque parat fratris dimittere ab armis.
Dicuntur geminae pestes cognomine Dirae,
quas et Tartaream Nox intempesta Megaeram
uno eodemque tulit partu paribusque revinxit
serpentum spiris ventosasque addidit alas.
Hae Iovis ad solium saevique in limine regis
adparent acuuntque metum mortalibus aegris,
siquando letum horrificum morbosque deum rex
molitur meritas aut bello territat urbes.
Harum unam celerem demisit ab aethere summo
Iuppiter inque omen Iuturnae occurrere iussit.
Illa volat celerique ad terram turbine fertur.
Non secus ac nervo per nubem impulsa sagitta,
armatam saevi Parthus quam felle veneni,
Parthus sive Cydon, telum immedicabile, torsit,
stridens et celeris incognita transilit umbras:
talis se sata Nocte tulit terrasque petivit.
Postquam acies videt Iliacas atque agmina Turni,
alitis in parvae subitam conlecta figuram,
quae quondam in bustis aut culminibus desertis
nocte sedens serum canit importuna per umbras,
hanc versa in faciem Turni se pestis ob ora
fertque refertque sonans clipeumque everberat alis.
Olli membra novus solvit formidine torpor,
adrectaeque horrore comae, et vox faucibus haesit.

[¶13] But when Juturna knew
from far the shrieking fiend's infernal wing,
she loosed her tresses, and their beauty tore,
to tell a sister's woe; with clenching hands
she marred her cheeks and beat her naked breast.
“What remedy or help, my Turnus, now
is in a sister's power? What way remains
for stubborn me? Or with what further guile
thy life prolong? What can my strength oppose
to this foul thing? I quit the strife at last.
Withdraw thy terror from my fearful eyes,
thou bird accurst! The tumult of thy wings
I know full well, and thy death-boding call.
The harsh decrees of that large-minded Jove
I plainly see. Is this the price he pays
for my lost maidenhood? Why flatter me
with immortality, and snatch away
my property of death? What boon it were
to end this grief this hour, and hie away
to be my brother's helpmeet in his grave!
I, an immortal? O, what dear delight
is mine, sweet brother, living without thee?
O, where will earth yawn deep enough and wide
to hide a goddess with the ghosts below?”
She spoke; and veiled in glistening mantle gray
her mournful brow; then in her stream divine
the nymph sank sighing to its utmost cave.

> Latin: At procul ut Dirae stridorem adgnovit et alas,
infelix crinis scindit Iuturna solutos,
unguibus ora soror foedans et pectora pugnis:
“Quid nunc te tua, Turne, potest germana iuvare?”
“Aut quid iam durae superat mihi? Qua tibi lucem”
“arte morer? Talin possum me opponere monstro?”
“Iam iam linquo acies. Ne me terrete timentem,”
“obscenae volucres: alarum verbera nosco”
“letalemque sonum, nec fallunt iussa superba”
“magnanimi Iovis. Haec pro virginitate reponit?”
“Quo vitam dedit aeternam? Cur mortis ademptast”
“condicio? Possem tantos finire dolores”
“nunc certe et misero fratri comes ire per umbras!”
“Immortalis ego? Aut quicquam mihi dulce meorum”
“te sine, frater, erit? O quae satis ima dehiscet”
“terra mihi Manisque deam demittet ad imos?”
Tantum effata caput glauco contexit amictu
multa gemens et se fluvio dea condidit alto.

[¶14] Aeneas now is near; and waving wide
a spear like some tall tree, he called aloud
with unrelenting heart: “What stays thee now?
Or wherefore, Turnus, backward fly? Our work
is not a foot-race, but the wrathful strife
of man with man. Aye, hasten to put on
tricks and disguises; gather all thou hast
of skill or courage; wish thou wert a bird
to fly to starry heaven, or hide thy head
safe in the hollow ground!” The other then
shook his head, saying: “It is not thy words,
not thy hot words, affright me, savage man!
Only the gods I fear, and hostile Jove.”
Silent he stood, and glancing round him saw
a huge rock Iying by, huge rock and old,
a landmark justly sundering field from field,
which scarce six strong men's shoulders might upraise,
such men as mother-Earth brings forth to-day:
this grasped he with impetuous hand and hurled,
stretched at full height and roused to all his speed,
against his foe. Yet scarcely could he feel
it was himself that ran, himself that moved
with lifted hand to fling the monster stone;
for his knees trembled, and his languid blood
ran shuddering cold; nor could the stone he threw,
tumbling in empty air, attain its goal
nor strike the destined blow. But as in dreams,
when helpless slumber binds the darkened eyes,
we seem with fond desire to tread in vain
along a lengthening road, yet faint and fall
when straining to the utmost, and the tongue
is palsied, and the body's wonted power
obeys not, and we have no speech or cry:
so unto Turnus, whatsoever way
his valiant spirit moved, the direful Fiend
stopped in the act his will. Swift-changing thoughts
rush o'er his soul; on the Rutulian host,
then at the town he glares, shrinks back in fear,
and trembles at th' impending lance; nor sees
what path to fly, what way confront the foe:—
no chariot now, nor sister-charioteer!

> Latin: Aeneas instat contra telumque coruscat
ingens arboreum et saevo sic pectore fatur:
“Quae nunc deinde mora est? Aut quid iam, Turne, retractas?”
“Non cursu, saevis certandum est comminus armis.”
“Verte omnis tete in facies et contrahe quidquid”
“sive animis sive arte vales; opta ardua pennis”
“astra sequi clausumve cava te condere terra.”
Ille caput quassans “Non me tua fervida terrent”
“dicta, ferox: di me terrent et Iuppiter hostis.”
Nec plura effatus saxum circumspicit ingens,
saxum antiquum ingens, campo quod forte iacebat,
limes agro positus, litem ut discerneret arvis.
Vix illud lecti bis sex cervice subirent,
qualia nunc hominum producit corpora tellus:
ille manu raptum trepida torquebat in hostem
altior insurgens et cursu concitus heros.
Sed neque currentem se nec cognoscit euntem
tollentemve manus saxumve immane moventem;
genua labant, gelidus concrevit frigore sanguis.
Tum lapis ipse viri, vacuum per inane volutus,
nec spatium evasit totum neque pertulit ictum.
Ac velut in somnis, oculos ubi languida pressit
nocte quies, nequiquam avidos extendere cursus
velle videmur et in mediis conatibus aegri
succidimus, non lingua valet, non corpore notae
sufficiunt vires, nec vox aut verba sequuntur:
sic Turno, quacumque viam virtute petivit,
successum dea dira negat. Tum pectore sensus
vertuntur varii. Rutulos aspectat et urbem
cunctaturque metu letumque instare tremescit;
nec quo se eripiat, nec qua vi tendat in hostem,
nec currus usquam videt aurigamve sororem.

[¶15] Above his faltering terror gleams in air
Aeneas' fatal spear; whose eye perceived
the moment of success, and all whose strength
struck forth: the vast and ponderous rock outflung
from engines which make breach in sieged walls
not louder roars nor breaks in thunder-sound
more terrible; like some black whirlwind flew
the death-delivering spear, and, rending wide
the corselet's edges and the heavy rim
of the last circles of the seven-fold shield,
pierced, hissing, through the thigh. Huge Turnus sinks
o'erwhelmed upon the ground with doubling knee.
Up spring the Rutules, groaning; the whole hill
roars answering round them, and from far and wide
the lofty groves give back an echoing cry.
Lowly, with suppliant eyes, and holding forth
his hand in prayer: “I have my meed,” he cried,
“Nor ask for mercy. Use what Fate has given!
But if a father's grief upon thy heart
have power at all,—for Sire Anchises once
to thee was dear,—I pray thee to show grace
to Daunus in his desolate old age;
and me, or, if thou wilt, my lifeless clay,
to him and his restore. For, lo, thou art
my conqueror! Ausonia's eyes have seen
me suppliant, me fallen. Thou hast made
Lavinia thy bride. Why further urge
our enmity?”With swift and dreadful arms
Aeneas o'er him stood, with rolling eyes,
but his bare sword restraining; for such words
moved on him more and more: when suddenly,
over the mighty shoulder slung, he saw
that fatal baldric studded with bright gold
which youthful Pallas wore, what time he fell
vanquished by Turnus' stroke, whose shoulders now
carried such trophy of a foeman slain.
Aeneas' eyes took sure and slow survey
of spoils that were the proof and memory
of cruel sorrow; then with kindling rage
and terrifying look, he cried, “Wouldst thou,
clad in a prize stripped off my chosen friend,
escape this hand? In this thy mortal wound
't is Pallas has a victim; Pallas takes
the lawful forfeit of thy guilty blood!”
He said, and buried deep his furious blade
in the opposer's heart. The failing limbs
sank cold and helpless; and the vital breath
with moan of wrath to darkness fled away.

> Latin: Cunctanti telum Aeneas fatale coruscat,
sortitus fortunam oculis, et corpore toto
eminus intorquet. Murali concita numquam
tormento sic saxa fremunt, nec fulmine tanti
dissultant crepitus. Volat atri turbinis instar
exitium dirum hasta ferens orasque recludit
loricae et clipei extremos septemplicis orbes.
Per medium stridens transit femur. Incidit ictus
ingens ad terram duplicato poplite Turnus.
Consurgunt gemitu Rutuli, totusque remugit
mons circum, et vocem late nemora alta remittunt.
Ille humilis supplexque oculos, dextramque precantem
protendens, “Equidem merui nec deprecor,” inquit:
“utere sorte tua. Miseri te siqua parentis”
“tangere cura potest, oro (fuit et tibi talis”
“Anchises genitor), Dauni miserere senectae”
“et me seu corpus spoliatum lumine mavis”
“redde meis. Vicisti, et victum tendere palmas”
“Ausonii videre; tua est Lavinia coniunx:”
“ulterius ne tende odiis.” Stetit acer in armis
Aeneas, volvens oculos, dextramque repressit;
et iam iamque magis cunctantem flectere sermo
coeperat, infelix umero cum apparuit alto
balteus et notis fulserunt cingula bullis
Pallantis pueri, victum quem volnere Turnus
straverat atque umeris inimicum insigne gerebat.
Ille, oculis postquam saevi monimenta doloris
exuviasque hausit, furiis accensus et ira
terribilis, “Tune hinc spoliis indute meorum”
“eripiare mihi? Pallas te hoc volnere, Pallas”
“immolat et poenam scelerato ex sanguine sumit,”
hoc dicens ferrum adverso sub pectore condit
fervidus. Ast illi solvuntur frigore membra
vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.