---
title: "Aeneid · Aeneis"
author: "Virgil"
translator: "Theodore C. Williams"
title_ru: "Энеида"
author_ru: "Вергилий"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 18 of 24
url: https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/18/
cite: "Virgil, tr. Theodore C. Williams, Aeneid · Aeneis, section 18. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/virgil-aeneid/18/"
---

# 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.

## 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.