---
title: "Aeneid · Aeneis"
author: "Virgil"
translator: "Theodore C. Williams"
title_ru: "Энеида"
author_ru: "Вергилий"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 17 of 24
url: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/17/
cite: "Virgil, tr. Theodore C. Williams, Aeneid · Aeneis, section 17. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/17/"
---

# 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.

## 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.