the aeneid

TheAeneid

By

Virgil

BOOKI

Arms,andthemanIsing,who,forc'dbyfate,

AndhaughtyJuno'sunrelentinghate,

Expell'dandexil'd,lefttheTrojanshore.

Longlabors,bothbyseaandland,hebore,

Andinthedoubtfulwar,beforehewon

TheLatianrealm,andbuiltthedestin'dtown;

Hisbanish'dgodsrestor'dtoritesdivine,

Andsettledsuresuccessioninhisline,

FromwhencetheraceofAlbanfatherscome,

AndthelonggloriesofmajesticRome.

OMuse!thecausesandthecrimesrelate;

Whatgoddesswasprovok'd,andwhenceherhate;

ForwhatoffensetheQueenofHeav'nbegan

Topersecutesobrave,sojustaman;

Involv'dhisanxiouslifeinendlesscares,

Expos'dtowants,andhurriedintowars!

Canheav'nlymindssuchhighresentmentshow,

Orexercisetheirspiteinhumanwoe?

AgainsttheTiber'smouth,butfaraway,

Anancienttownwasseatedonthesea;

ATyriancolony;thepeoplemade

Stoutforthewar,andstudiousoftheirtrade:

Carthagethename;belov'dbyJunomore

ThanherownArgos,ortheSamianshore.

Herestoodherchariot;here,ifHeav'nwerekind,

Theseatofawfulempireshedesign'd.

Yetshehadheardanancientrumorfly,

(Longcitedbythepeopleofthesky,)

ThattimestocomeshouldseetheTrojanrace

HerCarthageruin,andhertow'rsdeface;

Northusconfin'd,theyokeofsov'reignsway

Shouldonthenecksofallthenationslay.

Sheponder'dthis,andfear'ditwasinfate;

Norcouldforgetthewarshewag'doflate

Forconqu'ringGreeceagainsttheTrojanstate.

Besides,longcausesworkinginhermind,

Andsecretseedsofenvy,laybehind;

Deepgraveninherheartthedoomremain'd

OfpartialParis,andherformdisdain'd;

Thegracebestow'donravish'dGanymed,

Electra'sglories,andherinjur'dbed.

Eachwasacausealone;andallcombin'd

Tokindlevengeanceinherhaughtymind.

Forthis,fardistantfromtheLatiancoast

ShedrovetheremnantsoftheTrojanhost;

Andsev'nlongyearsth'unhappywand'ringtrain

Weretoss'dbystorms,andscatter'dthro'themain.

Suchtime,suchtoil,requir'dtheRomanname,

Suchlengthoflaborforsovastaframe.

NowscarcetheTrojanfleet,withsailsandoars,

HadleftbehindthefairSicilianshores,

Ent'ringwithcheerfulshoutsthewat'ryreign,

Andplowingfrothyfurrowsinthemain;

When,lab'ringstillwithendlessdiscontent,

TheQueenofHeav'ndidthusherfuryvent:

"ThenamIvanquish'd?mustIyield?"saidshe,

"AndmusttheTrojansreigninItaly?

SoFatewillhaveit,andJoveaddshisforce;

Norcanmypow'rdiverttheirhappycourse.

CouldangryPallas,withrevengefulspleen,

TheGreciannavyburn,anddrownthemen?

She,forthefaultofoneoffendingfoe,

TheboltsofJovehimselfpresum'dtothrow:

Withwhirlwindsfrombeneathshetoss'dtheship,

Andbareexpos'dthebosomofthedeep;

Then,asaneaglegripesthetremblinggame,

Thewretch,yethissingwithherfather'sflame,

Shestronglyseiz'd,andwithaburningwound

Transfix'd,andnaked,onarockshebound.

ButI,whowalkinawfulstateabove,

Themajestyofheav'n,thesisterwifeofJove,

Forlengthofyearsmyfruitlessforceemploy

Againstthethinremainsofruin'dTroy!

WhatnationsnowtoJuno'spow'rwillpray,

Oroff'ringsonmyslightedaltarslay?"

Thusrag'dthegoddess;and,withfuryfraught.

Therestlessregionsofthestormsshesought,

Where,inaspaciouscaveoflivingstone,

ThetyrantAeolus,fromhisairythrone,

Withpow'rimperialcurbsthestrugglingwinds,

Andsoundingtempestsindarkprisonsbinds.

Thiswayandthatth'impatientcaptivestend,

And,pressingforrelease,themountainsrend.

Highinhishallth'undauntedmonarchstands,

Andshakeshisscepter,andtheirragecommands;

Whichdidhenot,theirunresistedsway

Wouldsweeptheworldbeforethemintheirway;

Earth,air,andseasthro'emptyspacewouldroll,

Andheav'nwouldflybeforethedrivingsoul.

Infearofthis,theFatheroftheGods

Confin'dtheirfurytothosedarkabodes,

Andlock'd'emsafewithin,oppress'dwithmountainloads;

Impos'daking,witharbitrarysway,

Toloosetheirfetters,ortheirforceallay.

Towhomthesuppliantqueenherpray'rsaddress'd,

Andthusthetenorofhersuitexpress'd:

"OAeolus!fortotheetheKingofHeav'n

Thepow'roftempestsandofwindshasgiv'n;

Thyforcealonetheirfurycanrestrain,

Andsmooththewaves,orswellthetroubledmain-

Araceofwand'ringslaves,abhorr'dbyme,

Withprosp'rouspassagecuttheTuscansea;

TofruitfulItalytheircoursetheysteer,

Andfortheirvanquish'dgodsdesignnewtemplesthere.

Raiseallthywinds;withnightinvolvetheskies;

Sinkordispersemyfatalenemies.

Twicesev'n,thecharmingdaughtersofthemain,

Aroundmypersonwait,andbearmytrain:

Succeedmywish,andsecondmydesign;

Thefairest,Deiopeia,shallbethine,

Andmaketheefatherofahappyline."

Tothisthegod:"'Tisyours,Oqueen,towill

Theworkwhichdutybindsmetofulfil.

Theseairykingdoms,andthiswidecommand,

Areallthepresentsofyourbounteoushand:

Yoursismysov'reign'sgrace;and,asyourguest,

Isitwithgodsattheircelestialfeast;

Raisetempestsatyourpleasure,orsubdue;

Disposeofempire,whichIholdfromyou."

Hesaid,andhurl'dagainstthemountainside

Hisquiv'ringspear,andallthegodapplied.

Theragingwindsrushthro'thehollowwound,

Anddancealoftinair,andskimalongtheground;

Then,settlingonthesea,thesurgessweep,

Raiseliquidmountains,anddisclosethedeep.

South,East,andWestwithmix'dconfusionroar,

Androllthefoamingbillowstotheshore.

Thecablescrack;thesailors'fearfulcries

Ascend;andsablenightinvolvestheskies;

Andheav'nitselfisravish'dfromtheireyes.

Loudpealsofthunderfromthepolesensue;

Thenflashingfiresthetransientlightrenew;

Thefaceofthingsafrightfulimagebears,

Andpresentdeathinvariousformsappears.

Struckwithunusualfright,theTrojanchief,

Withliftedhandsandeyes,invokesrelief;

And,"Thriceandfourtimeshappythose,"hecried,

"ThatunderIlianwallsbeforetheirparentsdied!

Tydides,bravestoftheGreciantrain!

WhycouldnotIbythatstrongarmbeslain,

AndliebynobleHectorontheplain,

OrgreatSarpedon,inthosebloodyfields

WhereSimoisrollsthebodiesandtheshields

Ofheroes,whosedismember'dhandsyetbear

Thedartaloft,andclenchthepointedspear!"

Thuswhilethepiousprincehisfatebewails,

FierceBoreasdroveagainsthisflyingsails,

Andrentthesheets;theragingbillowsrise,

Andmountthetossingvesselstotheskies:

Norcantheshiv'ringoarssustaintheblow;

Thegalleygivesherside,andturnsherprow;

Whilethoseastern,descendingdownthesteep,

Thro'gapingwavesbeholdtheboilingdeep.

Threeshipswerehurriedbythesouthernblast,

Andonthesecretshelveswithfurycast.

Thosehiddenrocksth'Ausoniansailorsknew:

Theycall'dthemAltars,whentheyroseinview,

Andshow'dtheirspaciousbacksabovetheflood.

ThreemorefierceEurus,inhisangrymood,

Dash'dontheshallowsofthemovingsand,

Andinmidoceanleftthemmoor'daland.

Orontes'bark,thatboretheLyciancrew,

(Ahorridsight!)ev'ninthehero'sview,

Fromstemtosternbywaveswasoverborne:

Thetremblingpilot,fromhisruddertorn,

Washeadlonghurl'd;thriceroundtheshipwastoss'd,

Thenbulg'datonce,andinthedeepwaslost;

Andhereandthereabovethewaveswereseen

Arms,pictures,preciousgoods,andfloatingmen.

Thestoutestvesseltothestormgaveway,

Andsuck'dthro'loosen'dplankstherushingsea.

Ilioneuswasherchief:Alethesold,

Achatesfaithful,Abasyoungandbold,

Endur'dnotless;theirships,withgapingseams,

Admitthedelugeofthebrinystreams.

MeantimeimperialNeptuneheardthesound

Ofragingbillowsbreakingontheground.

Displeas'd,andfearingforhiswat'ryreign,

Herear'dhisawfulheadabovethemain,

Sereneinmajesty;thenroll'dhiseyes

Aroundthespaceofearth,andseas,andskies.

HesawtheTrojanfleetdispers'd,distress'd,

Bystormywindsandwintryheav'noppress'd.

Fullwellthegodhissister'senvyknew,

Andwhatheraimsandwhatherartspursue.

Hesummon'dEurusandthewesternblast,

Andfirstanangryglanceonbothhecast;

Thenthusrebuk'd:"Audaciouswinds!fromwhence

Thisboldattempt,thisrebelinsolence?

Isitforyoutoravageseasandland,

Unauthoriz'dbymysupremecommand?

Toraisesuchmountainsonthetroubledmain?

WhomI-butfirst'tisfitthebillowstorestrain;

Andthenyoushallbetaughtobediencetomyreign.

Hence!toyourlordmyroyalmandatebear-

Therealmsofoceanandthefieldsofair

Aremine,nothis.Byfatallottome

Theliquidempirefell,andtridentofthesea.

Hispow'rtohollowcavernsisconfin'd:

Therelethimreign,thejailerofthewind,

Withhoarsecommandshisbreathingsubjectscall,

Andboastandblusterinhisemptyhall."

Hespoke;and,whilehespoke,hesmooth'dthesea,

Dispell'dthedarkness,andrestor'dtheday.

Cymothoe,Triton,andthesea-greentrain

Ofbeauteousnymphs,thedaughtersofthemain,

Clearfromtherocksthevesselswiththeirhands:

Thegodhimselfwithreadytridentstands,

Andopesthedeep,andspreadsthemovingsands;

Thenheavesthemofftheshoals.Where'erheguides

Hisfinnycoursersandintriumphrides,

Thewavesunruffleandtheseasubsides.

As,whenintumultsriseth'ignoblecrowd,

Madaretheirmotions,andtheirtonguesareloud;

Andstonesandbrandsinrattlingvolleysfly,

Andalltherusticarmsthatfurycansupply:

Ifthensomegraveandpiousmanappear,

Theyhushtheirnoise,andlendalist'ningear;

Hesootheswithsoberwordstheirangrymood,

Andquenchestheirinnatedesireofblood:

So,whentheFatheroftheFloodappears,

Ando'ertheseashissov'reigntridentrears,

Theirfuryfalls:heskimstheliquidplains,

Highonhischariot,and,withloosen'dreins,

Majesticmovesalong,andawfulpeacemaintains.

ThewearyTrojansplytheirshatter'doars

Tonearestland,andmaketheLibyanshores.

Withinalongrecessthereliesabay:

Anislandshadesitfromtherollingsea,

Andformsaportsecureforshipstoride;

Brokebythejuttingland,oneitherside,

Indoublestreamsthebrinywatersglide.

Betwixttworowsofrocksasylvanscene

Appearsabove,andgrovesforevergreen:

Agrotisform'dbeneath,withmossyseats,

ToresttheNereids,andexcludetheheats.

Downthro'thecranniesofthelivingwalls

Thecrystalstreamsdescendinmurm'ringfalls:

Nohaulsersneedtobindthevesselshere,

Norbeardedanchors;fornostormstheyfear.

Sev'nshipswithinthishappyharbormeet,

Thethinremaindersofthescatter'dfleet.

TheTrojans,wornwithtoils,andspentwithwoes,

Leaponthewelcomeland,andseektheirwish'drepose.

First,goodAchates,withrepeatedstrokes

Ofclashingflints,theirhiddenfireprovokes:

Shortflamesucceeds;abedofwither'dleaves

Thedyingsparklesintheirfallreceives:

Caughtintolife,infieryfumestheyrise,

And,fedwithstrongerfood,invadetheskies.

TheTrojans,droppingwet,orstandaround

Thecheerfulblaze,orliealongtheground:

Somedrytheircorn,infectedwiththebrine,

Thengrindwithmarbles,andpreparetodine.

Aeneasclimbsthemountain'sairybrow,

Andtakesaprospectoftheseasbelow,

IfCapysthence,orAntheushecouldspy,

OrseethestreamersofCaicusfly.

Novesselswereinview;but,ontheplain,

Threebeamystagscommandalordlytrain

Ofbranchingheads:themoreignoblethrong

Attendtheirstatelysteps,andslowlygrazealong.

Hestood;and,whilesecuretheyfedbelow,

Hetookthequiverandthetrustybow

Achatesus'dtobear:theleadersfirst

Helaidalong,andthenthevulgarpierc'd;

Norceas'dhisarrows,tilltheshadyplain

Sev'nmightybodieswiththeirblooddistain.

Forthesev'nshipshemadeanequalshare,

Andtotheportreturn'd,triumphantfromthewar.

Thejarsofgen'rouswine(Acestes'gift,

WhenhisTrinacrianshoresthenavyleft)

Hesetabroach,andforthefeastprepar'd,

Inequalportionswiththeven'sonshar'd.

Thuswhilehedealtitround,thepiouschief

Withcheerfulwordsallay'dthecommongrief:

"Endure,andconquer!Jovewillsoondispose

Tofuturegoodourpastandpresentwoes.

Withme,therocksofScyllayouhavetried;

Th'inhumanCyclopsandhisdendefied.

Whatgreaterillshereaftercanyoubear?

Resumeyourcourageanddismissyourcare,

Anhourwillcome,withpleasuretorelate

Yoursorrowspast,asbenefitsofFate.

Thro'varioushazardsandevents,wemove

ToLatiumandtherealmsforedoom'dbyJove.

Call'dtotheseat(thepromiseoftheskies)

WhereTrojankingdomsonceagainmayrise,

Endurethehardshipsofyourpresentstate;

Live,andreserveyourselvesforbetterfate."

Thesewordshespoke,butspokenotfromhisheart;

Hisoutwardsmilesconceal'dhisinwardsmart.

Thejollycrew,unmindfulofthepast,

Thequarryshare,theirplenteousdinnerhaste.

Somestriptheskin;someportionoutthespoil;

Thelimbs,yettrembling,inthecaldronsboil;

Someonthefirethereekingentrailsbroil.

Stretch'donthegrassyturf,ateasetheydine,

Restoretheirstrengthwithmeat,andcheertheirsoulswithwine.

Theirhungerthusappeas'd,theircareattends

Thedoubtfulfortuneoftheirabsentfriends:

Alternatehopesandfearstheirmindspossess,

Whethertodeem'emdead,orindistress.

Abovetherest,Aeneasmournsthefate

OfbraveOrontes,andth'uncertainstate

OfGyas,Lycus,andofAmycus.

Theday,butnottheirsorrows,endedthus.

When,fromaloft,almightyJovesurveys

Earth,air,andshores,andnavigableseas,

AtlengthonLibyanrealmshefix'dhiseyes-

Whom,pond'ringthusonhumanmiseries,

WhenVenussaw,shewithalowlylook,

Notfreefromtears,herheav'nlysirebespoke:

"OKingofGodsandMen!whoseawfulhand

Dispersesthunderontheseasandland,

Disposingallwithabsolutecommand;

Howcouldmypioussonthypow'rincense?

Orwhat,alas!isvanish'dTroy'soffense?

OurhopeofItalynotonlylost,

Onvariousseasbyvarioustempeststoss'd,

Butshutfromev'ryshore,andbarr'dfromev'rycoast.

Youpromis'donce,aprogenydivine

OfRomans,risingfromtheTrojanline,

Inaftertimesshouldholdtheworldinawe,

Andtothelandandoceangivethelaw.

Howisyourdoomrevers'd,whicheas'dmycare

WhenTroywasruin'dinthatcruelwar?

ThenfatestofatesIcouldoppose;butnow,

WhenFortunestillpursuesherformerblow,

WhatcanIhope?Whatworsecanstillsucceed?

Whatendoflaborshasyourwilldecreed?

Antenor,fromthemidstofGrecianhosts,

Couldpasssecure,andpierceth'Illyriancoasts,

Where,rollingdownthesteep,Timavusraves

Andthro'ninechannelsdisembogueshiswaves.

AtlengthhefoundedPadua'shappyseat,

AndgavehisTrojansasecureretreat;

Therefix'dtheirarms,andthererenew'dtheirname,

Andthereinquietrules,andcrown'dwithfame.

Butwe,descendedfromyoursacredline,

Entitledtoyourheav'nandritesdivine,

Arebanish'dearth;and,forthewrathofone,

Remov'dfromLatiumandthepromis'dthrone.

Aretheseourscepters?theseourduerewards?

AndisitthusthatJovehisplightedfaithregards?"

TowhomtheFatherofth'immortalrace,

Smilingwiththatsereneindulgentface,

Withwhichhedrivesthecloudsandclearstheskies,

Firstgaveaholykiss;thenthusreplies:

"Daughter,dismissthyfears;tothydesire

Thefatesofthinearefix'd,andstandentire.

Thoushaltbeholdthywish'dLavinianwalls;

And,ripeforheav'n,whenfateAeneascalls,

Thenshaltthoubearhimup,sublime,tome:

Nocouncilshaverevers'dmyfirmdecree.

And,lestnewfearsdisturbthyhappystate,

Know,Ihavesearch'dthemysticrollsofFate:

Thyson(noristh'appointedseasonfar)

InItalyshallwagesuccessfulwar,

Shalltamefiercenationsinthebloodyfield,

Andsov'reignlawsimpose,andcitiesbuild,

Till,afterev'ryfoesubdued,thesun

Thricethro'thesignshisannualraceshallrun:

Thisishistimeprefix'd.Ascaniusthen,

Nowcall'dIulus,shallbeginhisreign.

Hethirtyrollingyearsthecrownshallwear,

ThenfromLaviniumshalltheseattransfer,

And,withhardlabor,AlbaLongabuild.

Thethronewithhissuccessionshallbefill'd

Threehundredcircuitsmore:thenshallbeseen

Iliathefair,apriestessandaqueen,

Who,fullofMars,intime,withkindlythroes,

Shallatabirthtwogoodlyboysdisclose.

Theroyalbabesatawnywolfshalldrain:

ThenRomulushisgrandsire'sthroneshallgain,

Ofmartialtow'rsthefoundershallbecome,

ThepeopleRomanscall,thecityRome.

TothemnoboundsofempireIassign,

Nortermofyearstotheirimmortalline.

Ev'nhaughtyJuno,who,withendlessbroils,

Earth,seas,andheav'n,andJovehimselfturmoils;

Atlengthaton'd,herfriendlypow'rshalljoin,

TocherishandadvancetheTrojanline.

ThesubjectworldshallRome'sdominionown,

And,prostrate,shalladorethenationofthegown.

Anageisripeninginrevolvingfate

WhenTroyshalloverturntheGrecianstate,

Andsweetrevengeherconqu'ringsonsshallcall,

Tocrushthepeoplethatconspir'dherfall.

ThenCaesarfromtheJulianstockshallrise,

Whoseempireocean,andwhosefametheskies

Aloneshallbound;whom,fraughtwitheasternspoils,

Ourheav'n,thejustrewardofhumantoils,

Securelyshallrepaywithritesdivine;

Andincenseshallascendbeforehissacredshrine.

Thendiredebateandimpiouswarshallcease,

Andthesternagebesoften'dintopeace:

Thenbanish'dFaithshallonceagainreturn,

AndVestalfiresinhallow'dtemplesburn;

AndRemuswithQuirinusshallsustain

Therighteouslaws,andfraudandforcerestrain.

Janushimselfbeforehisfaneshallwait,

Andkeepthedreadfulissuesofhisgate,

Withboltsandironbars:withinremains

Imprison'dFury,boundinbrazenchains;

Highonatrophyrais'd,ofuselessarms,

Hesits,andthreatstheworldwithvainalarms."

Hesaid,andsentCylleniuswithcommand

Tofreetheports,andopethePunicland

ToTrojanguests;lest,ignorantoffate,

Thequeenmightforcethemfromhertownandstate.

Downfromthesteepofheav'nCylleniusflies,

Andcleaveswithallhiswingstheyieldingskies.

SoonontheLibyanshoredescendsthegod,

Performshismessage,anddisplayshisrod:

Thesurlymurmursofthepeoplecease;

And,asthefatesrequir'd,theygivethepeace:

Thequeenherselfsuspendstherigidlaws,

TheTrojanspities,andprotectstheircause.

Meantime,inshadesofnightAeneaslies:

Careseiz'dhissoul,andsleepforsookhiseyes.

But,whenthesunrestor'dthecheerfulday,

Herose,thecoastandcountrytosurvey,

Anxiousandeagertodiscovermore.

Itlook'dawilduncultivatedshore;

But,whetherhumankind,orbeastsalone

Possess'dthenew-foundregion,wasunknown.

Beneathaledgeofrockshisfleethehides:

Talltreessurroundthemountain'sshadysides;

Thebendingbrowaboveasaferetreatprovides.

Arm'dwithtwopointeddarts,heleaveshisfriends,

AndtrueAchatesonhisstepsattends.

Lo!inthedeeprecessesofthewood,

Beforehiseyeshisgoddessmotherstood:

Ahuntressinherhabitandhermien;

Herdressamaid,herairconfess'daqueen.

Barewereherknees,andknotshergarmentsbind;

Loosewasherhair,andwanton'dinthewind;

Herhandsustain'dabow;herquiverhungbehind.

Sheseem'davirginoftheSpartanblood:

WithsucharrayHarpalycebestrode

HerThraciancourserandoutstripp'dtherapidflood.

"Ho,strangers!haveyoulatelyseen,"shesaid,

"Oneofmysisters,likemyselfarray'd,

Whocross'dthelawn,orintheforeststray'd?

Apaintedquiveratherbackshebore;

Variedwithspots,alynx'shideshewore;

Andatfullcrypursuedthetuskyboar."

ThusVenus:thushersonrepliedagain:

"Noneofyoursistershaveweheardorseen,

Ovirgin!orwhatothernameyoubear

Abovethatstyle-Omorethanmortalfair!

Yourvoiceandmiencelestialbirthbetray!

If,asyouseem,thesisteroftheday,

OroneatleastofchasteDiana'strain,

Letnotanhumblesuppliantsueinvain;

Buttellastranger,longintempeststoss'd,

Whatearthwetread,andwhocommandsthecoast?

Thenonyournameshallwretchedmortalscall,

Andoffer'dvictimsatyouraltarsfall."

"Idarenot,"shereplied,"assumethename

Ofgoddess,orcelestialhonorsclaim:

ForTyrianvirginsbowsandquiversbear,

Andpurplebuskinso'ertheirankleswear.

Know,gentleyouth,inLibyanlandsyouare-

Apeoplerudeinpeace,androughinwar.

Therisingcity,whichfromfaryousee,

IsCarthage,andaTyriancolony.

PhoenicianDidorulesthegrowingstate,

WhofledfromTyre,toshunherbrother'shate.

Greatwereherwrongs,herstoryfulloffate;

WhichIwillsuminshort.Sichaeus,known

Forwealth,andbrothertothePunicthrone,

Possess'dfairDido'sbed;andeitherheart

Atoncewaswoundedwithanequaldart.

Herfathergaveher,yetaspotlessmaid;

PygmalionthentheTyriansceptersway'd:

Onewhocondemn'ddivineandhumanlaws.

Thenstrifeensued,andcursedgoldthecause.

Themonarch,blindedwithdesireofwealth,

Withsteelinvadeshisbrother'slifebystealth;

Beforethesacredaltarmadehimbleed,

Andlongfromherconceal'dthecrueldeed.

Sometale,somenewpretense,hedailycoin'd,

Tosoothehissister,anddeludehermind.

Atlength,indeadofnight,theghostappears

Ofherunhappylord:thespecterstares,

And,witherectedeyes,hisbloodybosombares.

Thecruelaltarsandhisfatehetells,

Andthediresecretofhishousereveals,

Thenwarnsthewidow,withherhouseholdgods,

Toseekarefugeinremoteabodes.

Last,tosupportherinsolongaway,

Heshowsherwherehishiddentreasurelay.

Admonish'dthus,andseiz'dwithmortalfright,

Thequeenprovidescompanionsofherflight:

Theymeet,andallcombinetoleavethestate,

Whohatethetyrant,orwhofearhishate.

Theyseizeafleet,whichreadyrigg'dtheyfind;

NorisPygmalion'streasureleftbehind.

Thevessels,heavyladen,puttosea

Withprosp'rouswinds;awomanleadstheway.

Iknownot,ifbystressofweatherdriv'n,

Orwastheirfatalcoursedispos'dbyHeav'n;

Atlasttheylanded,wherefromfaryoureyes

MayviewtheturretsofnewCarthagerise;

Thereboughtaspaceofground,which(Byrsacall'd,

Fromthebull'shide)theyfirstinclos'd,andwall'd.

Butwhenceareyou?whatcountryclaimsyourbirth?

Whatseekyou,strangers,onourLibyanearth?"

Towhom,withsorrowstreamingfromhiseyes,

Anddeeplysighing,thushersonreplies:

"Couldyouwithpatiencehear,orIrelate,

Onymph,thetediousannalsofourfate!

Thro'suchatrainofwoesifIshouldrun,

Thedaywouldsoonerthanthetalebedone!

FromancientTroy,byforceexpell'd,wecame-

IfyoubychancehaveheardtheTrojanname.

Onvariousseasbyvarioustempeststoss'd,

AtlengthwelandedonyourLibyancoast.

ThegoodAeneasamIcall'd-aname,

WhileFortunefavor'd,notunknowntofame.

Myhouseholdgods,companionsofmywoes,

WithpiouscareIrescuedfromourfoes.

TofruitfulItalymycoursewasbent;

AndfromtheKingofHeav'nismydescent.

WithtwicetensailIcross'dthePhrygiansea;

Fateandmymothergoddessledmyway.

Scarcesev'n,thethinremaindersofmyfleet,

Fromstormspreserv'd,withinyourharbormeet.

Myselfdistress'd,anexile,andunknown,

Debarr'dfromEurope,andfromAsiathrown,

InLibyandesartswanderthusalone."

Histenderparentcouldnolongerbear;

But,interposing,soughttosoothehiscare.

"Whoe'eryouare-notunbelov'dbyHeav'n,

Sinceonourfriendlyshoreyourshipsaredriv'n-

Havecourage:tothegodspermittherest,

Andtothequeenexposeyourjustrequest.

Nowtakethisearnestofsuccess,formore:

Yourscatter'dfleetisjoin'dupontheshore;

Thewindsarechang'd,yourfriendsfromdangerfree;

OrIrenouncemyskillinaugury.

Twelveswansbeholdinbeauteousordermove,

Andstoopwithclosingpinionsfromabove;

WhomlatethebirdofJovehaddriv'nalong,

Andthro'thecloudspursuedthescatt'ringthrong:

Now,allunitedinagoodlyteam,

Theyskimtheground,andseekthequietstream.

Asthey,withjoyreturning,claptheirwings,

Andridethecircuitoftheskiesinrings;

Nototherwiseyourships,andev'ryfriend,

Alreadyholdtheport,orwithswiftsailsdescend.

Nomoreadviceisneedful;butpursue

Thepathbeforeyou,andthetowninview."

Thushavingsaid,sheturn'd,andmadeappear

Herneckrefulgent,anddishevel'dhair,

Which,flowingfromhershoulders,reach'dtheground.

Andwidelyspreadambrosialscentsaround:

Inlengthoftraindescendshersweepinggown;

And,byhergracefulwalk,theQueenofLoveisknown.

Theprincepursuedthepartingdeity

Withwordslikethese:"Ah!whitherdoyoufly?

Unkindandcruel!todeceiveyourson

Inborrow'dshapes,andhisembracetoshun;

Nevertoblessmysight,butthusunknown;

Andstilltospeakinaccentsnotyourown."

Againstthegoddessthesecomplaintshemade,

Buttookthepath,andhercommandsobey'd.

Theymarch,obscure;forVenuskindlyshrouds

Withmiststheirpersons,andinvolvesinclouds,

That,thusunseen,theirpassagenonemightstay,

Orforcetotellthecausesoftheirway.

Thispartperform'd,thegoddessfliessublime

TovisitPaphosandhernativeclime;

Wheregarlands,evergreenandeverfair,

Withvowsareoffer'd,andwithsolemnpray'r:

Ahundredaltarsinhertemplesmoke;

Athousandbleedingheartsherpow'rinvoke.

Theyclimbthenextascent,and,lookingdown,

Nowatanearerdistanceviewthetown.

Theprincewithwonderseesthestatelytow'rs,

Whichlatewerehutsandshepherds'homelybow'rs,

Thegatesandstreets;andhears,fromev'rypart,

Thenoiseandbusyconcourseofthemart.

ThetoilingTyriansoneachothercall

Toplytheirlabor:someextendthewall;

Somebuildthecitadel;thebrawnythrong

Ordig,orpushunwieldlystonesalong.

Somefortheirdwellingschooseaspotofground,

Which,firstdesign'd,withditchestheysurround.

Somelawsordain;andsomeattendthechoice

Ofholysenates,andelectbyvoice.

Heresomedesignamole,whileothersthere

Laydeepfoundationsforatheater;

Frommarblequarriesmightycolumnshew,

Forornamentsofscenes,andfutureview.

Suchistheirtoil,andsuchtheirbusypains,

Asexercisethebeesinflow'ryplains,

Whenwinterpast,andsummerscarcebegun,

Invitesthemforthtolaborinthesun;

Someleadtheiryouthabroad,whilesomecondense

Theirliquidstore,andsomeincellsdispense;

Someatthegatestandreadytoreceive

Thegoldenburthen,andtheirfriendsrelieve;

Allwithunitedforce,combinetodrive

Thelazydronesfromthelaborioushive:

Withenvystung,theyvieweachother'sdeeds;

Thefragrantworkwithdiligenceproceeds.

"Thricehappyyou,whosewallsalreadyrise!"

Aeneassaid,andview'd,withliftedeyes,

Theirloftytow'rs;then,entiringatthegate,

Conceal'dinclouds(prodigioustorelate)

Hemix'd,unmark'd,amongthebusythrong,

Bornebythetide,andpass'dunseenalong.

Fullinthecenterofthetowntherestood,

Thicksetwithtrees,avenerablewood.

TheTyrians,landingnearthisholyground,

Anddigginghere,aprosp'rousomenfound:

Fromunderearthacourser'sheadtheydrew,

Theirgrowthandfuturefortunetoforeshew.

ThisfatedsigntheirfoundressJunogave,

Ofasoilfruitful,andapeoplebrave.

SidonianDidoherewithsolemnstate

DidJuno'stemplebuild,andconsecrate,

Enrich'dwithgifts,andwithagoldenshrine;

Butmorethegoddessmadetheplacedivine.

Onbrazenstepsthemarblethresholdrose,

Andbrazenplatesthecedarbeamsinclose:

Theraftersarewithbrazencov'ringscrown'd;

Theloftydoorsonbrazenhingessound.

WhatfirstAeneasthisplacebeheld,

Reviv'dhiscourage,andhisfearexpell'd.

Forwhile,expectingtherethequeen,herais'd

Hiswond'ringeyes,androundthetemplegaz'd,

Admir'dthefortuneoftherisingtown,

Thestrivingartists,andtheirarts'renown;

Hesaw,inorderpaintedonthewall,

WhateverdidunhappyTroybefall:

Thewarsthatfamearoundtheworldhadblown,

Alltothelife,andev'ryleaderknown.

ThereAgamemnon,Priamhere,hespies,

AndfierceAchilles,whobothkingsdefies.

Hestopp'd,andweepingsaid:"Ofriend!ev'nhere

ThemonumentsofTrojanwoesappear!

Ourknowndisastersfillev'nforeignlands:

Seethere,whereoldunhappyPriamstands!

Ev'nthemutewallsrelatethewarrior'sfame,

AndTrojangriefstheTyrians'pityclaim."

Hesaid(histearsareadypassagefind),

Devouringwhathesawsowelldesign'd,

Andwithanemptypicturefedhismind:

FortherehesawthefaintingGreciansyield,

AndherethetremblingTrojansquitthefield,

PursuedbyfierceAchillesthro'theplain,

Onhishighchariotdrivingo'ertheslain.

ThetentsofRhesusnexthisgriefrenew,

Bytheirwhitesailsbetray'dtonightlyview;

AndwakefulDiomede,whosecruelsword

Thesentriesslew,norspar'dtheirslumb'ringlord,

Thentookthefierysteeds,ereyetthefood

OfTroytheytaste,ordrinktheXanthianflood.

ElsewherehesawwhereTroilusdefied

Achilles,andunequalcombattried;

Then,wheretheboydisarm'd,withloosen'dreins,

Wasbyhishorseshurriedo'ertheplains,

Hungbytheneckandhair,anddragg'daround:

Thehostilespear,yetstickinginhiswound,

Withtracksofbloodinscrib'dthedustyground.

MeantimetheTrojandames,oppress'dwithwoe,

ToPallas'faneinlongprocessiongo,

Inhopestoreconciletheirheav'nlyfoe.

Theyweep,theybeattheirbreasts,theyrendtheirhair,

Andrichembroider'dvestsforpresentsbear;

Butthesterngoddessstandsunmov'dwithpray'r.

ThriceroundtheTrojanwallsAchillesdrew

ThecorpseofHector,whominfightheslew.

HerePriamsues;andthere,forsumsofgold,

Thelifelessbodyofhissonissold.

Sosadanobject,andsowellexpress'd,

Drewsighsandgroansfromthegriev'dhero'sbreast,

Toseethefigureofhislifelessfriend,

Andhisoldsirehishelplesshandextend.

HimselfhesawamidsttheGreciantrain,

Mix'dinthebloodybattleontheplain;

AndswarthyMemnoninhisarmsheknew,

Hispompousensigns,andhisIndiancrew.

Penthisileathere,withhaughtygrace,

LeadstothewarsanAmazonianrace:

Intheirrighthandsapointeddarttheywield;

Theleft,forward,sustainsthelunarshield.

Athwartherbreastagoldenbeltshethrows,

Amidstthepressaloneprovokesathousandfoes,

Anddareshermaidenarmstomanlyforceoppose.

ThuswhiletheTrojanprinceemployshiseyes,

Fix'donthewallswithwonderandsurprise,

ThebeauteousDido,withanum'roustrain

Andpompofguards,ascendsthesacredfane.

SuchonEurotas'banks,orCynthus'height,

Dianaseems;andsoshecharmsthesight,

Wheninthedancethegracefulgoddessleads

Thechoirofnymphs,andovertopstheirheads:

Knownbyherquiver,andherloftymien,

Shewalksmajestic,andshelookstheirqueen;

Latonaseeshershineabovetherest,

Andfeedswithsecretjoyhersilentbreast.

SuchDidowas;withsuchbecomingstate,

Amidstthecrowd,shewalksserenelygreat.

Theirlabortoherfutureswayshespeeds,

Andpassingwithagraciousglanceproceeds;

Thenmountsthethrone,highplac'dbeforetheshrine:

Incrowdsaround,theswarmingpeoplejoin.

Shetakespetitions,anddispenseslaws,

Hearsanddeterminesev'ryprivatecause;

Theirtasksinequalportionsshedivides,

And,whereunequal,therebylotsdecides.

AnotherwaybychanceAeneasbends

Hiseyes,andunexpectedseeshisfriends,

Antheus,Sergestusgrave,Cloanthusstrong,

AndattheirbacksamightyTrojanthrong,

Whomlatethetempestonthebillowstoss'd,

Andwidelyscatter'donanothercoast.

Theprince,unseen,surpris'dwithwonderstands,

Andlongs,withjoyfulhaste,tojointheirhands;

But,doubtfulofthewish'devent,hestays,

Andfromthehollowcloudhisfriendssurveys,

Impatienttilltheytoldtheirpresentstate,

Andwheretheylefttheirships,andwhattheirfate,

Andwhytheycame,andwhatwastheirrequest;

Fortheseweresent,commission'dbytherest,

Tosueforleavetolandtheirsicklymen,

Andgainadmissiontothegraciousqueen.

Ent'ring,withcriestheyfill'dtheholyfane;

Thenthus,withlowlyvoice,Ilioneusbegan:

"Oqueen!indulg'dbyfavorofthegods

Tofoundanempireinthesenewabodes,

Tobuildatown,withstatutestorestrain

Thewildinhabitantsbeneaththyreign,

WewretchedTrojans,toss'donev'ryshore,

Fromseatosea,thyclemencyimplore.

Forbidthefiresourshippingtodeface!

Receiveth'unhappyfugitivestograce,

Andsparetheremnantofapiousrace!

Wecomenotwithdesignofwastefulprey,

Todrivethecountry,forcetheswainsaway:

Norsuchourstrength,norsuchisourdesire;

Thevanquish'ddarenottosuchthoughtsaspire.

Alandthereis,Hesperianam'dofold;

Thesoilisfruitful,andthemenarebold-

Th'Oenotrianshelditonce-bycommonfame

Nowcall'dItalia,fromtheleader'sname.

Tothatsweetregionwasourvoyagebent,

Whenwindsandev'rywarringelement

Disturb'dourcourse,and,farfromsightofland,

Castourtornvesselsonthemovingsand:

Theseacameon;theSouth,withmightyroar,

Dispers'danddash'dtherestupontherockyshore.

Thosefewyouseeescap'dtheStorm,andfear,

Unlessyouinterpose,ashipwreckhere.

Whatmen,whatmonsters,whatinhumanrace,

Whatlaws,whatbarb'rouscustomsoftheplace,

Shutupadesartshoretodrowningmen,

Anddriveustothecruelseasagain?

Ifourhardfortunenocompassiondraws,

Norhospitablerights,norhumanlaws,

Thegodsarejust,andwillrevengeourcause.

Aeneaswasourprince:ajusterlord,

Ornoblerwarrior,neverdrewasword;

Observantoftheright,religiousofhisword.

Ifyethelives,anddrawsthisvitalair,

Norwe,hisfriends,ofsafetyshalldespair;

Noryou,greatqueen,theseofficesrepent,

Whichhewillequal,andperhapsaugment.

Wewantnotcities,norSiciliancoasts,

WhereKingAcestesTrojanlineageboasts.

Permitourshipsashelteronyourshores,

Refittedfromyourwoodswithplanksandoars,

That,ifourprincebesafe,wemayrenew

Ourdestin'dcourse,andItalypursue.

Butif,Obestofmen,theFatesordain

Thatthouartswallow'dintheLibyanmain,

AndifouryoungIulusbenomore,

Dismissournavyfromyourfriendlyshore,

ThatwetogoodAcestesmayreturn,

Andwithourfriendsourcommonlossesmourn."

ThusspokeIlioneus:theTrojancrew

Withcriesandclamorshisrequestrenew.

Themodestqueenawhile,withdowncasteyes,

Ponder'dthespeech;thenbrieflythusreplies:

"Trojans,dismissyourfears;mycruelfate,

Anddoubtsattendinganunsettledstate,

Forcemetoguardmycoastfromforeignfoes.

Whohasnotheardthestoryofyourwoes,

Thenameandfortuneofyournativeplace,

ThefameandvalorofthePhrygianrace?

WeTyriansarenotsodevoidofsense,

NorsoremotefromPhoebus'influence.

WhethertoLatianshoresyourcourseisbent,

Or,driv'nbytempestsfromyourfirstintent,

YouseekthegoodAcestes'government,

Yourmenshallbereceiv'd,yourfleetrepair'd,

Andsail,withshipsofconvoyforyourguard:

Or,wouldyoustay,andjoinyourfriendlypow'rs

ToraiseandtodefendtheTyriantow'rs,

Mywealth,mycity,andmyselfareyours.

AndwouldtoHeav'n,theStorm,youfelt,wouldbring

OnCarthaginiancoastsyourwand'ringking.

Mypeopleshall,bymycommand,explore

Theportsandcreeksofev'rywindingshore,

Andtowns,andwilds,andshadywoods,inquest

Ofsorenown'dandsodesir'daguest."

Rais'dinhismindtheTrojanherostood,

Andlong'dtobreakfromouthisambientcloud:

Achatesfoundit,andthusurg'dhisway:

"Fromwhence,Ogoddess-born,thislongdelay?

Whatmorecanyoudesire,yourwelcomesure,

Yourfleetinsafety,andyourfriendssecure?

Oneonlywants;andhimwesawinvain

OpposetheStorm,andswallow'dinthemain.

Orontesinhisfateourforfeitpaid;

Therestagreeswithwhatyourmothersaid."

Scarcehadhespoken,whenthecloudgaveway,

Themistsflewupwardanddissolv'dinday.

TheTrojanchiefappear'dinopensight,

Augustinvisage,andserenelybright.

Hismothergoddess,withherhandsdivine,

Hadform'dhiscurlinglocks,andmadehistemplesshine,

Andgiv'nhisrollingeyesasparklinggrace,

Andbreath'dayouthfulvigoronhisface;

Likepolish'divory,beauteoustobehold,

OrParianmarble,whenenchas'dingold:

Thusradiantfromthecirclingcloudhebroke,

Andthuswithmanlymodestyhespoke:

"HewhomyouseekamI;bytempeststoss'd,

Andsav'dfromshipwreckonyourLibyancoast;

Presenting,graciousqueen,beforeyourthrone,

Aprincethatoweshislifetoyoualone.

Fairmajesty,therefugeandredress

Ofthosewhomfatepursues,andwantsoppress,

You,whoyourpiousofficesemploy

Tosavetherelicsofabandon'dTroy;

Receivetheshipwreck'donyourfriendlyshore,

Withhospitableritesrelievethepoor;

Associateinyourtownawand'ringtrain,

Andstrangersinyourpalaceentertain:

Whatthankscanwretchedfugitivesreturn,

Who,scatter'dthro'theworld,inexilemourn?

Thegods,ifgodstogoodnessareinclin'd;

Ifactsofmercytouchtheirheav'nlymind,

And,morethanallthegods,yourgen'rousheart.

Consciousofworth,requiteitsowndesert!

Inyouthisageishappy,andthisearth,

Andparentsmorethanmortalgaveyoubirth.

Whilerollingriversintoseasshallrun,

Androundthespaceofheav'ntheradiantsun;

Whiletreesthemountaintopswithshadessupply,

Yourhonor,name,andpraiseshallneverdie.

Whate'erabodemyfortunehasassign'd,

Yourimageshallbepresentinmymind."

Thushavingsaid,heturn'dwithpioushaste,

Andjoyfulhisexpectingfriendsembrac'd:

WithhisrighthandIlioneuswasgrac'd,

Serestuswithhisleft;thentohisbreast

CloanthusandthenobleGyaspress'd;

Andsobyturnsdescendedtotherest.

TheTyrianqueenstoodfix'duponhisface,

Pleas'dwithhismotions,ravish'dwithhisgrace;

Admir'dhisfortunes,moreadmir'dtheman;

Thenrecollectedstood,andthusbegan:

"Whatfate,Ogoddess-born;whatangrypow'rs

Havecastyoushipwrack'donourbarrenshores?

AreyouthegreatAeneas,knowntofame,

Whofromcelestialseedyourlineageclaim?

ThesameAeneaswhomfairVenusbore

Tofam'dAnchisesonth'Idaeanshore?

Itcallsintomymind,tho'thenachild,

WhenTeucercame,fromSalamisexil'd,

Andsoughtmyfather'said,toberestor'd:

MyfatherBelusthenwithfireandsword

InvadedCyprus,madetheregionbare,

And,conqu'ring,finish'dthesuccessfulwar.

FromhimtheTrojansiegeIunderstood,

TheGrecianchiefs,andyourillustriousblood.

YourfoehimselftheDardanvalorprais'd,

AndhisownancestryfromTrojansrais'd.

Enter,mynobleguest,andyoushallfind,

Ifnotacostlywelcome,yetakind:

ForImyself,likeyou,havebeendistress'd,

TillHeav'naffordedmethisplaceofrest;

Likeyou,analieninalandunknown,

Ilearntopitywoessolikemyown."

Shesaid,andtothepalaceledherguest;

Thenoffer'dincense,andproclaim'dafeast.

Noryetlesscarefulforherabsentfriends,

Twicetenfatoxentotheshipsshesends;

Besidesahundredboars,ahundredlambs,

Withbleatingcries,attendtheirmilkydams;

Andjarsofgen'rouswineandspaciousbowls

Shegives,tocheerthesailors'droopingsouls.

Nowpurplehangingsclothethepalacewalls,

Andsumptuousfeastsaremadeinsplendidhalls:

OnTyriancarpets,richlywrought,theydine;

Withloadsofmassyplatethesideboardsshine,

Andantiquevases,allofgoldemboss'd

(Thegolditselfinferiortothecost),

Ofcuriouswork,whereonthesideswereseen

Thefightsandfiguresofillustriousmen,

Fromtheirfirstfoundertothepresentqueen.

ThegoodAeneas,paternalcare

Iulus'absencecouldnolongerbear,

Dispatch'dAchatestotheshipsinhaste,

Togiveagladrelationofthepast,

And,fraughtwithpreciousgifts,tobringtheboy,

Snatch'dfromtheruinsofunhappyTroy:

Arobeoftissue,stiffwithgoldenwire;

Anuppervest,onceHelen'srichattire,

FromArgosbythefam'dadultressbrought,

Withgoldenflow'rsandwindingfoliagewrought,

HermotherLeda'spresent,whenshecame

ToruinTroyandsettheworldonflame;

ThescepterPriam'seldestdaughterbore,

Herorientnecklace,andthecrownshewore

Ofdoubletexture,glorioustobehold,

Oneordersetwithgems,andonewithgold.

Instructedthus,thewiseAchatesgoes,

Andinhisdiligencehisdutyshows.

ButVenus,anxiousforherson'saffairs,

Newcounselstries,andnewdesignsprepares:

ThatCupidshouldassumetheshapeandface

OfsweetAscanius,andthesprightlygrace;

Shouldbringthepresents,inhernephew'sstead,

AndinEliza'sveinsthegentlepoisonshed:

Formuchshefear'dtheTyrians,double-tongued,

AndknewthetowntoJuno'scarebelong'd.

Thesethoughtsbynighthergoldenslumbersbroke,

Andthusalarm'd,towingedLoveshespoke:

"Myson,mystrength,whosemightypow'ralone

ControlstheThund'reronhisawfulthrone,

Totheethymuch-afflictedmotherflies,

Andonthysuccorandthyfaithrelies.

Thouknow'st,myson,howJove'srevengefulwife,

Byforceandfraud,attemptsthybrother'slife;

Andoftenhastthoumourn'dwithmehispains.

HimDidonowwithblandishmentdetains;

ButIsuspectthetownwhereJunoreigns.

Forthis'tisneedfultopreventherart,

AndfirewithlovetheproudPhoenician'sheart:

Alovesoviolent,sostrong,sosure,

Asneitheragecanchange,norartcancure.

Howthismaybeperform'd,nowtakemymind:

Ascaniusbyhisfatherisdesign'd

Tocome,withpresentsladen,fromtheport,

Togratifythequeen,andgainthecourt.

Imeantoplungetheboyinpleasingsleep,

And,ravish'd,inIdalianbow'rstokeep,

OrhighCythera,thatthesweetdeceit

Maypassunseen,andnonepreventthecheat.

Takethouhisformandshape.Ibegthegrace

Butonlyforanight'srevolvingspace:

Thyselfaboy,assumeaboy'sdissembledface;

Thatwhen,amidstthefervorofthefeast,

TheTyrianhugsandfondstheeonherbreast,

Andwithsweetkissesinherarmsconstrains,

Thoumay'stinfusethyvenominherveins."

TheGodofLoveobeys,andsetsaside

Hisbowandquiver,andhisplumypride;

HewalksIulusinhismother'ssight,

Andinthesweetresemblancetakesdelight.

ThegoddessthentoyoungAscaniusflies,

Andinapleasingslumbersealshiseyes:

Lull'dinherlap,amidstatrainofLoves,

Shegentlybearshimtoherblissfulgroves,

Thenwithawreathofmyrtlecrownshishead,

Andsoftlylayshimonaflow'rybed.

Cupidmeantimeassum'dhisformandface,

Foll'wingAchateswithashorterpace,

Andbroughtthegifts.Thequeenalreadysate

AmidsttheTrojanlords,inshiningstate,

Highonagoldenbed:herprincelyguest

Wasnextherside;inordersatetherest.

Thencanisterswithbreadareheap'donhigh;

Th'attendantswaterfortheirhandssupply,

And,havingwash'd,withsilkentowelsdry.

Nextfiftyhandmaidsinlongorderbore

Thecensers,andwithfumesthegodsadore:

Thenyouths,andvirginstwiceasmany,join

Toplacethedishes,andtoservethewine.

TheTyriantrain,admittedtothefeast,

Approach,andonthepaintedcouchesrest.

AllontheTrojangiftswithwondergaze,

Butviewthebeauteousboywithmoreamaze,

Hisrosy-color'dcheeks,hisradianteyes,

Hismotions,voice,andshape,andallthegod'sdisguise;

Norpassunprais'dthevestandveildivine,

Whichwand'ringfoliageandrichflow'rsentwine.

But,farabovetherest,theroyaldame,

(Alreadydoom'dtolove'sdisastrousflame,)

Witheyesinsatiate,andtumultuousjoy,

Beholdsthepresents,andadmirestheboy.

Theguilefulgodabouttheherolong,

Withchildren'splay,andfalseembraces,hung;

Thensoughtthequeen:shetookhimtoherarms

Withgreedypleasure,anddevour'dhischarms.

UnhappyDidolittlethoughtwhatguest,

Howdireagod,shedrewsonearherbreast;

Buthe,notmindlessofhismother'spray'r,

Worksinthepliantbosomofthefair,

Andmoldsherheartanew,andblotsherformercare.

Thedeadistothelivingloveresign'd;

AndallAeneasentersinhermind.

Now,whentherageofhungerwasappeas'd,

Themeatremov'd,andev'ryguestwaspleas'd,

Thegoldenbowlswithsparklingwinearecrown'd,

Andthro'thepalacecheerfulcriesresound.

Fromgildedroofsdependinglampsdisplay

Nocturnalbeams,thatemulatetheday.

Agoldenbowl,thatshonewithgemsdivine,

Thequeencommandedtobecrown'dwithwine:

ThebowlthatBelusus'd,andalltheTyrianline.

Then,silencethro'thehallproclaim'd,shespoke:

"OhospitableJove!wethusinvoke,

Withsolemnrites,thysacrednameandpow'r;

Blesstobothnationsthisauspicioushour!

SomaytheTrojanandtheTyrianline

Inlastingconcordfromthisdaycombine.

Thou,Bacchus,godofjoysandfriendlycheer,

AndgraciousJuno,bothbepresenthere!

Andyou,mylordsofTyre,yourvowsaddress

ToHeav'nwithmine,toratifythepeace."

Thegobletthenshetook,withnectarcrown'd

(Sprinklingthefirstlibationsontheground,)

Andrais'dittohermouthwithsobergrace;

Then,sipping,offer'dtothenextinplace.

'TwasBitiaswhomshecall'd,athirstysoul;

Hetookchallenge,andembrac'dthebowl,

Withpleasureswill'dthegold,norceas'dtodraw,

Tillhethebottomofthebrimmersaw.

Thegobletgoesaround:Iopasbrought

Hisgoldenlyre,andsungwhatancientAtlastaught:

Thevariouslaborsofthewand'ringmoon,

Andwhenceproceedth'eclipsesofthesun;

Th'originalofmenandbeasts;andwhence

Therainsarise,andfirestheirwarmthdispense,

Andfix'danderringstarsdisposetheirinfluence;

Whatshakesthesolidearth;whatcausedelays

Thesummernightsandshortenswinterdays.

WithpealsofshoutstheTyrianspraisethesong:

Thosepealsareecho'dbytheTrojanthrong.

Th'unhappyqueenwithtalkprolong'dthenight,

Anddranklargedraughtsoflovewithvastdelight;

OfPriammuchenquir'd,ofHectormore;

Thenask'dwhatarmstheswarthyMemnonwore,

WhattroopshelandedontheTrojanshore;

ThesteedsofDiomedevariedthediscourse,

AndfierceAchilles,withhismatchlessforce;

Atlength,asfateandherillstarsrequir'd,

Toheartheseriesofthewardesir'd.

"Relateatlarge,mygodlikeguest,"shesaid,

"TheGrecianstratagems,thetownbetray'd:

Thefatalissueofsolongawar,

Yourflight,yourwand'rings,andyourwoes,declare;

For,sinceonev'rysea,onev'rycoast,

Yourmenhavebeendistress'd,yournavytoss'd,

Sev'ntimesthesunhaseithertropicview'd,

Thewinterbanish'd,andthespringrenew'd."

BOOKII

Allwereattentivetothegodlikeman,

Whenfromhisloftycouchhethusbegan:

"Greatqueen,whatyoucommandmetorelate

Renewsthesadremembranceofourfate:

Anempirefromitsoldfoundationsrent,

Andev'rywoetheTrojansunderwent;

Apeopledcitymadeadesartplace;

AllthatIsaw,andpartofwhichIwas:

Notev'nthehardestofourfoescouldhear,

NorsternUlyssestellwithoutatear.

Andnowthelatterwatchofwastingnight,

Andsettingstars,tokindlyrestinvite;

But,sinceyoutakesuchint'restinourwoe,

AndTroy'sdisastrousenddesiretoknow,

Iwillrestrainmytears,andbrieflytell

Whatinourlastandfatalnightbefell.

"Bydestinycompell'd,andindespair,

TheGreeksgrewwearyofthetediouswar,

AndbyMinerva'saidafabricrear'd,

Whichlikeasteedofmonstrousheightappear'd:

Thesideswereplank'dwithpine;theyfeign'ditmade

Fortheirreturn,andthisthevowtheypaid.

Thustheypretend,butinthehollowside

Selectednumbersoftheirsoldiershide:

Withinwardarmsthediremachinetheyload,

Andironbowelsstuffthedarkabode.

InsightofTroyliesTenedos,anisle

(WhileFortunedidonPriam'sempiresmile)

Renown'dforwealth;but,since,afaithlessbay,

Whereshipsexpos'dtowindandweatherlay.

Therewastheirfleetconceal'd.Wethought,forGreece

Theirsailswerehoisted,andourfearsrelease.

TheTrojans,coop'dwithintheirwallssolong,

Unbartheirgates,andissueinathrong,

Likeswarmingbees,andwithdelightsurvey

Thecampdeserted,wheretheGrecianslay:

Thequartersofthesev'ralchiefstheyshow'd;

HerePhoenix,hereAchilles,madeabode;

Herejoin'dthebattles;therethenavyrode.

Partonthepiletheirwond'ringeyesemploy:

ThepilebyPallasrais'dtoruinTroy.

Thymoetesfirst('tisdoubtfulwhetherhir'd,

OrsotheTrojandestinyrequir'd)

Mov'dthattherampartsmightbebrokendown,

Tolodgethemonsterfabricinthetown.

ButCapys,andtherestofsoundermind,

Thefatalpresenttotheflamesdesigned,

Ortothewat'rydeep;atleasttobore

Thehollowsides,andhiddenfraudsexplore.

Thegiddyvulgar,astheirfanciesguide,

Withnoisesaynothing,andinpartsdivide.

Laocoon,follow'dbyanum'rouscrowd,

Ranfromthefort,andcried,fromfar,aloud:

'Owretchedcountrymen!whatfuryreigns?

Whatmorethanmadnesshaspossess'dyourbrains?

ThinkyoutheGreciansfromyourcoastsaregone?

AndareUlysses'artsnobetterknown?

Thishollowfabriceithermustinclose,

Withinitsblindrecess,oursecretfoes;

Or'tisanenginerais'dabovethetown,

T'o'erlookthewalls,andthentobatterdown.

Somewhatissuredesign'd,byfraudorforce:

Trustnottheirpresents,noradmitthehorse.'

Thushavingsaid,againstthesteedhethrew

Hisforcefulspear,which,hissingasflew,

Pierc'dthro'theyieldingplanksofjointedwood,

Andtremblinginthehollowbellystood.

Thesides,transpierc'd,returnarattlingsound,

AndgroansofGreeksinclos'dcomeissuingthro'thewound

And,hadnotHeav'nthefallofTroydesign'd,

Orhadnotmenbeenfatedtobeblind,

Enoughwassaidanddonet'inspireabettermind.

Thenhadourlancespierc'dthetreach'rouswood,

AndIliantow'rsandPriam'sempirestood.

Meantime,withshouts,theTrojanshepherdsbring

AcaptiveGreek,inbands,beforetheking;

Takentotake;whomadehimselftheirprey,

T'imposeontheirbelief,andTroybetray;

Fix'donhisaim,andobstinatelybent

Todieundaunted,ortocircumvent.

Aboutthecaptive,tidesofTrojansflow;

Allpresstosee,andsomeinsultthefoe.

NowhearhowwelltheGreekstheirwilesdisguis'd;

Beholdanationinamancompris'd.

Tremblingthemiscreantstood,unarm'dandbound;

Hestar'd,androll'dhishaggardeyesaround,

Thensaid:'Alas!whatearthremains,whatsea

Isopentoreceiveunhappyme?

Whatfateawretchedfugitiveattends,

Scorn'dbymyfoes,abandon'dbymyfriends?'

Hesaid,andsigh'd,andcastaruefuleye:

Ourpitykindles,andourpassionsdie.

Wecheeryouthtomakehisowndefense,

Andfreelytelluswhathewas,andwhence:

Whatnewshecouldimpart,welongtoknow,

Andwhattocreditfromacaptivefoe.

"Hisfearatlengthdismiss'd,hesaid:'Whate'er

Myfateordains,mywordsshallbesincere:

Ineithercannordaremybirthdisclaim;

Greeceismycountry,Sinonismyname.

Tho'plung'dbyFortune'spow'rinmisery,

'TisnotinFortune'spow'rtomakemelie.

Ifanychancehashitherbroughtthename

OfPalamedes,notunknowntofame,

Whosuffer'dfromthemaliceofthetimes,

Accus'dandsentenc'dforpretendedcrimes,

Becausethesefatalwarshewouldprevent;

WhosedeaththewretchedGreekstoolatelament-

Me,thenaboy,myfather,poorandbare

Ofothermeans,committedtohiscare,

Hiskinsmanandcompanioninthewar.

WhileFortunefavor'd,whilehisarmssupport

Thecause,andrul'dthecounsels,ofthecourt,

Imadesomefigurethere;norwasmyname

Obscure,norIwithoutmyshareoffame.

ButwhenUlysses,withfallaciousarts,

Hadmadeimpressioninthepeople'shearts,

Andforg'datreasoninmypatron'sname

(Ispeakofthingstoofardivulg'dbyfame),

Mykinsmanfell.ThenI,withoutsupport,

Inprivatemourn'dhisloss,andleftthecourt.

MadasIwas,Icouldnotbearhisfate

Withsilentgrief,butloudlyblam'dthestate,

Andcurs'dthedirefulauthorofmywoes.

'Twastoldagain;andhencemyruinrose.

Ithreaten'd,ifindulgentHeav'noncemore

Wouldlandmesafelyonmynativeshore,

Hisdeathwithdoublevengeancetorestore.

Thismov'dthemurderer'shate;andsoonensued

Th'effectsofmalicefromamansoproud.

Ambiguousrumorsthro'thecamphespread,

Andsought,bytreason,mydevotedhead;

Newcrimesinvented;leftunturn'dnostone,

Tomakemyguiltappear,andhidehisown;

TillCalchaswasbyforceandthreat'ningwrought-

Butwhy-whydwellIonthatanxiousthought?

Ifonmynationjustrevengeyouseek,

And'tist'appearafoe,t'appearaGreek;

Alreadyyoumynameandcountryknow;

Assuageyourthirstofblood,andstriketheblow:

Mydeathwillboththekinglybrothersplease,

AndsetinsatiateIthacusatease.'

Thisfairunfinish'dtale,thesebrokenstarts,

Rais'dexpectationsinourlonginghearts:

UnknowingaswewereinGrecianarts.

Hisformertremblingonceagainrenew'd,

Withactedfear,thevillainthuspursued:

"'LonghadtheGrecians(tir'dwithfruitlesscare,

Andweariedwithanunsuccessfulwar)

Resolv'dtoraisethesiege,andleavethetown;

And,hadthegodspermitted,theyhadgone;

Butoftthewintryseasandsouthernwinds

Withstoodtheirpassagehome,andchang'dtheirminds.

Portentsandprodigiestheirsoulsamaz'd;

Butmost,whenthisstupendouspilewasrais'd:

Thenflamingmeteors,hunginair,wereseen,

Andthundersrattledthro'askyserene.

Dismay'd,andfearfulofsomedireevent,

Eurypylust'enquiretheirfatewassent.

Hefromthegodsthisdreadfulanswerbrought:

"OGrecians,whentheTrojanshoresyousought,

Yourpassagewithavirgin'sbloodwasbought:

Somustyoursafereturnbeboughtagain,

AndGrecianbloodoncemoreatonethemain."

Thespreadingrumorroundthepeopleran;

Allfear'd,andeachbeliev'dhimselftheman.

Ulyssestookth'advantageoftheirfright;

Call'dCalchas,andproduc'dinopensight:

Thenbadehimnamethewretch,ordain'dbyfate

Thepublicvictim,toredeemthestate.

Alreadysomepresag'dthedireevent,

AndsawwhatsacrificeUlyssesmeant.

Fortwicefivedaysthegoodoldseerwithstood

Th'intendedtreason,andwasdumbtoblood,

Till,tir'd,withendlessclamorsandpursuit

OfIthacus,hestoodnolongermute;

But,asitwasagreed,pronounc'dthatI

Wasdestin'dbythewrathfulgodstodie.

Allprais'dthesentence,pleas'dthestormshouldfall

Ononealone,whosefurythreaten'dall.

Thedismaldaywascome;thepriestsprepare

Theirleaven'dcakes,andfilletsformyhair.

Ifollow'dnature'slaws,andmustavow

Ibrokemybondsandfledthefatalblow.

HidinaweedylakeallnightIlay,

Secureofsafetywhentheysail'daway.

Butnowwhatfurtherhopesformeremain,

Toseemyfriends,ornativesoil,again;

Mytenderinfants,ormycarefulsire,

Whomtheyreturningwilltodeathrequire;

Willperpetrateonthemtheirfirstdesign,

Andtaketheforfeitoftheirheadsformine?

Which,O!ifpitymortalmindscanmove,

Iftherebefaithbelow,orgodsabove,

Ifinnocenceandtruthcanclaimdesert,

YeTrojans,fromaninjur'dwretchavert.'

"Falsetearstruepitymove;thekingcommands

Toloosehisfetters,andunbindhishands:

Thenaddsthesefriendlywords:'Dismissthyfears;

ForgettheGreeks;bemineasthouwerttheirs.

Buttrulytell,wasitforforceorguile,

Orsomereligiousend,yourais'dthepile?'

Thussaidtheking.He,fulloffraudfularts,

Thiswell-inventedtalefortruthimparts:

'Yelampsofheav'n!'hesaid,andliftedhigh

Hishandsnowfree,'thouvenerablesky!

Inviolablepow'rs,ador'dwithdread!

Yefatalfillets,thatonceboundthishead!

Yesacredaltars,fromwhoseflamesIfled!

Beallofyouadjur'd;andgrantImay,

Withoutacrime,th'ungratefulGreeksbetray,

Revealthesecretsoftheguiltystate,

AndjustlypunishwhomIjustlyhate!

Butyou,Oking,preservethefaithyougave,

IfI,tosavemyself,yourempiresave.

TheGrecianhopes,andallth'attemptstheymade,

WereonlyfoundedonMinerva'said.

ButfromthetimewhenimpiousDiomede,

AndfalseUlysses,thatinventivehead,

Herfatalimagefromthetempledrew,

Thesleepingguardiansofthecastleslew,

Hervirginstatuewiththeirbloodyhands

Polluted,andprofan'dherholybands;

Fromthencethetideoffortunelefttheirshore,

Andebb'dmuchfasterthanitflow'dbefore:

Theircouragelanguish'd,astheirhopesdecay'd;

AndPallas,nowaverse,refus'dheraid.

Nordidthegoddessdoubtfullydeclare

Heralter'dmindandalienatedcare.

Whenfirstherfatalimagetouch'dtheground,

Shesternlycastherglaringeyesaround,

Thatsparkledastheyroll'd,andseem'dtothreat:

Herheav'nlylimbsdistill'dabrinysweat.

Thricefromthegroundsheleap'd,wasseentowield

Herbrandish'dlance,andshakeherhorridshield.

ThenCalchasbadeourhostforflight

Andhopenoconquestfromthetediouswar,

Tillfirsttheysail'dforGreece;withpray'rsbesought

Herinjur'dpow'r,andbetteromensbrought.

Andnowtheirnavyplowsthewat'rymain,

Yetsoonexpectitonyourshoresagain,

WithPallaspleas'd;asCalchasdidordain.

Butfirst,toreconciletheblue-ey'dmaid

Forherstol'nstatueandhertow'rbetray'd,

Warn'dbytheseer,toheroffendedname

Werais'danddedicatethiswondrousframe,

Solofty,lestthro'yourforbiddengates

Itpass,andinterceptourbetterfates:

For,onceadmittedthere,ourhopesarelost;

AndTroymaythenanewPalladiumboast;

Forsoreligionandthegodsordain,

That,ifyouviolatewithhandsprofane

Minerva'sgift,yourtowninflamesshallburn,

(Whichomen,Oyegods,onGraeciaturn!)

Butifitclimb,withyourassistinghands,

TheTrojanwalls,andinthecitystands;

ThenTroyshallArgosandMycenaeburn,

Andthereverseoffateonusreturn.'

"Withsuchdeceitshegain'dtheireasyhearts,

Toopronetocredithisperfidiousarts.

WhatDiomede,norThetis'greaterson,

Athousandships,nortenyears'siege,haddone-

Falsetearsandfawningwordsthecitywon.

"Agreateromen,andofworseportent,

Didourunwarymindswithfeartorment,

Concurringtoproducethedireevent.

Laocoon,Neptune'spriestbylotthatyear,

Withsolemnpompthensacrific'dasteer;

When,dreadfultobehold,fromseawespied

Twoserpents,rank'dabreast,theseasdivide,

Andsmoothlysweepalongtheswellingtide.

Theirflamingcrestsabovethewavestheyshow;

Theirbelliesseemtoburntheseasbelow;

Theirspeckledtailsadvancetosteertheircourse,

Andonthesoundingshoretheflyingbillowsforce.

Andnowthestrand,andnowtheplaintheyheld;

Theirardenteyeswithbloodystreakswerefill'd;

Theirnimbletonguestheybrandish'dastheycame,

Andlick'dtheirhissingjaws,thatsputter'dflame.

Wefledamaz'd;theirdestin'dwaytheytake,

AndtoLaocoonandhischildrenmake;

Andfirstaroundthetenderboystheywind,

Thenwiththeirsharpen'dfangstheirlimbsandbodiesgrind.

Thewretchedfather,runningtotheiraid

Withpioushaste,butvain,theynextinvade;

Twiceroundhiswaisttheirwindingvolumesroll'd;

Andtwiceabouthisgaspingthroattheyfold.

Thepriestthusdoublychok'd,theircrestsdivide,

Andtow'ringo'erhisheadintriumphride.

Withbothhishandshelaborsattheknots;

Hisholyfilletsthebluevenomblots;

Hisroaringfillstheflittingairaround.

Thus,whenanoxreceivesaglancingwound,

Hebreakshisbands,thefatalaltarflies,

Andwithloudbellowingsbreakstheyieldingskies.

Theirtasksperform'd,theserpentsquittheirprey,

Andtothetow'rofPallasmaketheirway:

Couch'datherfeet,theylieprotectedthere

Byherlargebucklerandprotendedspear.

Amazementseizesall;thegen'ralcry

ProclaimsLaocoonjustlydoom'dtodie,

WhosehandthewillofPallashadwithstood,

Anddaredtoviolatethesacredwood.

Allvotet'admitthesteed,thatvowsbepaid

Andincenseoffer'dtoth'offendedmaid.

Aspaciousbreachismade;thetownliesbare;

Somehoisting-levers,somethewheelsprepare

Andfastentothehorse'sfeet;therest

Withcableshaulalongth'unwieldlybeast.

Eachonhisfellowforassistancecalls;

Atlengththefatalfabricmountsthewalls,

Bigwithdestruction.Boyswithchapletscrown'd,

Andchoirsofvirgins,singanddancearound.

Thusrais'daloft,andthendescendingdown,

Itenterso'erourheads,andthreatsthetown.

Osacredcity,builtbyhandsdivine!

OvaliantheroesoftheTrojanline!

Fourtimeshestruck:asofttheclashingsound

Ofarmswasheard,andinwardgroansrebound.

Yet,madwithzeal,andblindedwithourfate,

Wehaulalongthehorseinsolemnstate;

Thenplacethedireportentwithinthetow'r.

Cassandracried,andcurs'dth'unhappyhour;

Foretoldourfate;but,bythegod'sdecree,

Allheard,andnonebeliev'dtheprophecy.

Withbrancheswethefanesadorn,andwaste,

Injollity,thedayordain'dtobethelast.

Meantimetherapidheav'nsroll'ddownthelight,

Andontheshadedoceanrush'dthenight;

Ourmen,secure,norguardsnorsentriesheld,

Buteasysleeptheirwearylimbscompell'd.

TheGrecianshadembark'dtheirnavalpow'rs

FromTenedos,andsoughtourwell-knownshores,

Safeundercovertofthesilentnight,

Andguidedbyth'imperialgalley'slight;

WhenSinon,favor'dbythepartialgods,

Unlock'dthehorse,andop'dhisdarkabodes;

Restor'dtovitalairourhiddenfoes,

Whojoyfulfromtheirlongconfinementrose.

Tysanderbold,andSthenelustheirguide,

AnddireUlyssesdownthecableslide:

ThenThoas,Athamas,andPyrrhushaste;

NorwasthePodalirianherolast,

Norinjur'dMenelaus,northefam'd

Epeus,whothefatalenginefram'd.

Anamelesscrowdsucceed;theirforcesjoin

T'invadethetown,oppress'dwithsleepandwine.

Thosefewtheyfindawakefirstmeettheirfate;

Thentotheirfellowstheyunbarthegate.

"'Twasinthedeadofnight,whensleeprepairs

Ourbodieswornwithtoils,ourmindswithcares,

WhenHector'sghostbeforemysightappears:

Abloodyshroudheseem'd,andbath'dintears;

Suchashewas,when,byPelidesslain,

Thessaliancoursersdragg'dhimo'ertheplain.

Swolnwerehisfeet,aswhenthethongswerethrust

Thro'thebor'dholes;hisbodyblackwithdust;

UnlikethatHectorwhoreturn'dfromtoils

Ofwar,triumphant,inAeacianspoils,

OrhimwhomadethefaintingGreeksretire,

Andlaunch'dagainsttheirnavyPhrygianfire.

Hishairandbeardstoodstiffen'dwithhisgore;

Andallthewoundsheforhiscountrybore

Nowstream'dafresh,andwithnewpurpleran.

Iwepttoseethevisionaryman,

And,whilemytrancecontinued,thusbegan:

'OlightofTrojans,andsupportofTroy,

Thyfather'schampion,andthycountry'sjoy!

O,longexpectedbythyfriends!fromwhence

Artthousolatereturn'dforourdefense?

Dowebeholdthee,weariedasweare

Withlengthoflabors,andwithtoilsofwar?

Aftersomanyfun'ralsofthyown

Artthourestor'dtothydecliningtown?

Butsay,whatwoundsarethese?Whatnewdisgrace

Deformsthemanlyfeaturesofthyface?'

"Tothisthespecternoreplydidframe,

Butanswer'dtothecauseforwhichhecame,

And,groaningfromthebottomofhisbreast,

Thiswarninginthesemournfulwordsexpress'd:

'Ogoddess-born!escape,bytimelyflight,

Theflamesandhorrorsofthisfatalnight.

Thefoesalreadyhavepossess'dthewall;

Troynodsfromhigh,andtotterstoherfall.

EnoughispaidtoPriam'sroyalname,

Morethanenoughtodutyandtofame.

Ifbyamortalhandmyfather'sthrone

Couldbedefended,'twasbyminealone.

NowTroytotheecommendsherfuturestate,

Andgiveshergodscompanionsofthyfate:

Fromtheirassistancewallsexpect,

Which,wand'ringlong,atlastthoushalterect.'

Hesaid,andbroughtme,fromtheirblestabodes,

Thevenerablestatuesofthegods,

WithancientVestafromthesacredchoir,

Thewreathsandrelicsofth'immortalfire.

"Nowpealsofshoutscomethund'ringfromafar,

Cries,threats,andloudlaments,andmingledwar:

Thenoiseapproaches,tho'ourpalacestood

Alooffromstreets,encompass'dwithawood.

Louder,andyetmoreloud,Ihearth'alarms

Ofhumancriesdistinct,andclashingarms.

Fearbrokemyslumbers;Inolongerstay,

Butmounttheterrace,thencethetownsurvey,

Andhearkenwhatthefrightfulsoundsconvey.

Thus,whenafloodoffirebywindisborne,

Cracklingitrolls,andmowsthestandingcorn;

Ordeluges,descendingontheplains,

Sweepo'ertheyellowyear,destroythepains

Oflab'ringoxenandthepeasant'sgains;

Unroottheforestoaks,andbearaway

Flocks,folds,andtrees,andundistinguish'dprey:

Theshepherdclimbsthecliff,andseesfromfar

Thewastefulravageofthewat'rywar.

ThenHector'sfaithwasmanifestlyclear'd,

AndGrecianfraudsinopenlightappear'd.

ThepalaceofDeiphobusascends

Insmokyflames,andcatchesonhisfriends.

Ucalegonburnsnext:theseasarebright

Withsplendornottheirown,andshinewithTrojanlight.

Newclamorsandnewclangorsnowarise,

Thesoundoftrumpetsmix'dwithfightingcries.

Withfrenzyseiz'd,Iruntomeetth'alarms,

Resolv'dondeath,resolv'dtodieinarms,

Butfirsttogatherfriends,withthemt'oppose

(Iffortunefavor'd)andrepelthefoes;

Spurr'dbymycourage,bymycountryfir'd,

Withsenseofhonorandrevengeinspir'd.

"Pantheus,Apollo'spriest,asacredname,

Hadscap'dtheGrecianswords,andpass'dtheflame:

Withrelicsloaden.tomydoorshefled,

Andbythehandhistendergrandsonled.

'Whathope,OPantheus?whithercanwerun?

Wheremakeastand?andwhatmayyetbedone?'

ScarcehadIsaid,whenPantheus,withagroan:

'Troyisnomore,andIliumwasatown!

Thefatalday,th'appointedhour,iscome,

WhenwrathfulJove'sirrevocabledoom

TransferstheTrojanstatetoGrecianhands.

Thefireconsumesthetown,thefoecommands;

Andarmedhosts,anunexpectedforce,

Breakfromthebowelsofthefatalhorse.

Withinthegates,proudSinonthrowsabout

Theflames;andfoesforentrancepresswithout,

Withthousandothers,whomIfeartoname,

MorethanfromArgosorMycenaecame.

Tosev'ralpoststheirpartiestheydivide;

Someblockthenarrowstreets,somescourthewide:

Theboldtheykill,th'unwarytheysurprise;

Whofightsfindsdeath,anddeathfindshimwhoflies.

Thewardersofthegatebutscarcemaintain

Th'unequalcombat,andresistinvain.'

"Iheard;andHeav'n,thatwell-bornsoulsinspires,

Promptsmethro'liftedswordsandrisingfires

Torunwhereclashingarmsandclamorcalls,

Andrushundauntedtodefendthewalls.

RipheusandIph'itusbymysideengage,

Forvaloronerenown'd,andoneforage.

DymasandHypanisbymoonlightknew

Mymotionsandmymien,andtomypartydrew;

WithyoungCoroebus,whobylovewasled

TowinrenownandfairCassandra'sbed,

AndlatelybroughthistroopstoPriam'said,

Forewarn'dinvainbythepropheticmaid.

WhomwhenIsawresolv'dinarmstofall,

Andthatonespiritanimatedall:

'Bravesouls!'saidI,-'butbrave,alas!invain-

Come,finishwhatourcruelfatesordain.

Youseethedesp'ratestateofouraffairs,

Andheav'n'sprotectingpow'rsaredeaftopray'rs.

ThepassivegodsbeholdtheGreeksdefile

Theirtemples,andabandontothespoil

Theirownabodes:we,feeblefew,conspire

Tosaveasinkingtown,involv'dinfire.

Thenletusfall,butfallamidstourfoes:

Despairoflifethemeansoflivingshows.'

Soboldaspeechincourag'dtheirdesire

Ofdeath,andaddedfueltotheirfire.

"Ashungrywolves,withragingappetite,

Scourthro'thefields,norfearthestormynight-

Theirwhelpsathomeexpectthepromis'dfood,

Andlongtotempertheirdrychapsinblood-

Sorush'dweforthatonce;resolv'dtodie,

Resolv'd,indeath,thelastextremestotry.

Weleavethenarrowlanesbehind,anddare

Th'unequalcombatinthepublicsquare:

Nightwasourfriend;ourleaderwasdespair.

Whattonguecantelltheslaughterofthatnight?

Whateyescanweepthesorrowsandaffright?

Anancientandimperialcityfalls:

Thestreetsarefill'dwithfrequentfunerals;

Housesandholytemplesfloatinblood,

Andhostilenationsmakeacommonflood.

NotonlyTrojansfall;but,intheirturn,

Thevanquish'dtriumph,andthevictorsmourn.

Ourstakenewcouragefromdespairandnight:

Confus'dthefortuneis,confus'dthefight.

Allpartsresoundwithtumults,plaints,andfears;

AndgrislyDeathinsundryshapesappears.

Androgeosfellamongus,withhisband,

WhothoughtusGreciansnewlycometoland.

'Fromwhence,'saidhe,'myfriends,thislongdelay?

Youloiter,whilethespoilsareborneaway:

OurshipsareladenwiththeTrojanstore;

Andyou,liketruants,cometoolateashore.'

Hesaid,butsooncorrectedhismistake,

Found,bythedoubtfulanswerswhichwemake:

Amaz'd,hewouldhaveshunn'dth'unequalfight;

Butwe,morenum'rous,intercepthisflight.

Aswhensomepeasant,inabushybrake,

Haswithunwaryfootingpress'dasnake;

Hestartsaside,astonish'd,whenhespies

Hisrisingcrest,blueneck,androllingeyes;

Sofromourarmssurpris'dAndrogeosflies.

Invain;forhimandhiswecompass'dround,

Possess'dwithfear,unknowingoftheground,

Andoftheirlivesaneasyconquestfound.

ThusFortuneonourfirstendeavorsmil'd.

Coroebusthen,withyouthfulhopesbeguil'd,

Swolnwithsuccess,andadaringmind,

Thisnewinventionfatallydesign'd.

'Myfriends,'saidhe,'sinceFortuneshowstheway,

'Tisfitweshouldth'auspiciousguideobey.

ForwhathasshetheseGrecianarmsbestow'd,

Buttheirdestruction,andtheTrojans'good?

Thenchangeweshields,andtheirdevicesbear:

Letfraudsupplythewantofforceinwar.

Theyfindusarms.'Thissaid,himselfhedress'd

IndeadAndrogeos'spoils,hisuppervest,

Hispaintedbuckler,andhisplumycrest.

ThusRipheus,Dymas,alltheTrojantrain,

Laydowntheirownattire,andstriptheslain.

Mix'dwiththeGreeks,wegowithillpresage,

Flatter'dwithhopestoglutourgreedyrage;

Unknown,assaultingwhomweblindlymeet,

AndstrewwithGreciancarcassesthestreet.

Thuswhiletheirstragglingpartieswedefeat,

Sometotheshoreandsafershipsretreat;

Andsome,oppress'dwithmoreignoblefear,

Remountthehollowhorse,andpantinsecretthere.

"But,ah!whatuseofvalorcanbemade,

Whenheav'n'spropitiouspow'rsrefusetheiraid!

Beholdtheroyalprophetess,thefair

Cassandra,dragg'dbyherdishevel'dhair,

WhomnotMinerva'sshrine,norsacredbands,

Insafetycouldprotectfromsacrilegioushands:

Onheav'nshecasthereyes,shesigh'd,shecried-

'Twasallshecould-hertenderarmsweretied.

SosadasightCoroebuscouldnotbear;

But,fir'dwithrage,distractedwithdespair,

Amidthebarb'rousravishersheflew:

Ourleader'srashexamplewepursue.

Butstormsofstones,fromtheproudtemple'sheight,

Pourdown,andonourbatter'dhelmsalight:

Wefromourfriendsreceiv'dthisfatalblow,

WhothoughtusGrecians,asweseem'dinshow.

Theyaimatthemistakencrests,fromhigh;

Andoursbeneaththepond'rousruinlie.

Then,mov'dwithangeranddisdain,tosee

Theirtroopsdispers'd,theroyalvirginfree,

TheGreciansrally,andtheirpow'rsunite,

Withfurychargeus,andrenewthefight.

ThebrotherkingswithAjaxjointheirforce,

AndthewholesquadronofThessalianhorse.

"Thus,whentherivalwindstheirquarreltry,

Contendingforthekingdomofthesky,

South,east,andwest,onairycoursersborne;

Thewhirlwindgathers,andthewoodsaretorn:

ThenNereusstrikesthedeep;thebillowsrise,

And,mix'dwithoozeandsand,pollutetheskies.

Thetroopswesquander'dfirstagainappear

Fromseveralquarters,andenclosetherear.

Theyfirstobserve,andtotherestbetray,

Ourdiff'rentspeech;ourborrow'darmssurvey.

Oppress'dwithodds,wefall;Coroebusfirst,

AtPallas'altar,byPeneleuspierc'd.

ThenRipheusfollow'd,inth'unequalfight;

Justofhisword,observantoftheright:

Heav'nthoughtnotso.Dymastheirfateattends,

WithHypanis,mistakenbytheirfriends.

Nor,Pantheus,thee,thymiter,northebands

OfawfulPhoebus,sav'dfromimpioushands.

YeTrojanflames,yourtestimonybear,

WhatIperform'd,andwhatIsuffer'dthere;

Noswordavoidinginthefatalstrife,

Expos'dtodeath,andprodigaloflife;

Witness,yeheavens!Ilivenotbymyfault:

Istrovetohavedeserv'dthedeathIsought.

But,whenIcouldnotfight,andwouldhavedied,

Borneofftodistancebythegrowingtide,

OldIphitusandIwerehurriedthence,

WithPeliaswounded,andwithoutdefense.

Newclamorsfromth'investedpalacering:

Weruntodie,ordisengagetheking.

Sohotth'assault,sohighthetumultrose,

Whileoursdefend,andwhiletheGreeksoppose

AsalltheDardanandArgolicrace

Hadbeencontractedinthatnarrowspace;

OrasallIliumelsewerevoidoffear,

Andtumult,war,andslaughter,onlythere.

Theirtargetsinatortoisecast,thefoes,

Secureadvancing,totheturretsrose:

Somemountthescalingladders;some,morebold,

Swerveupwards,andbypostsandpillarshold;

Theirlefthandgripestheirbucklersinth'ascent,

Whilewiththeirrighttheyseizethebattlement.

Fromtheirdemolish'dtow'rstheTrojansthrow

Hugeheapsofstones,that,falling,crushthefoe;

Andheavybeamsandraftersfromthesides

(Sucharmstheirlastnecessityprovides)

Andgildedroofs,cometumblingfromonhigh,

Themarksofstateandancientroyalty.

Theguardsbelow,fix'dinthepass,attend

Thechargeundaunted,andthegatedefend.

Renew'dincouragewithrecover'dbreath,

Asecondtimewerantotemptourdeath,

Toclearthepalacefromthefoe,succeed

Thewearyliving,andrevengethedead.

"Aposterndoor,yetunobserv'dandfree,

Join'dbythelengthofablindgallery,

Totheking'sclosetled:awaywellknown

ToHector'swife,whilePriamheldthethrone,

Thro'whichshebroughtAstyanax,unseen,

Tocheerhisgrandsireandhisgrandsire'squeen.

Thro'thiswepass,andmountthetow'r,fromwhence

WithunavailingarmstheTrojansmakedefense.

Fromthisthetremblingkinghadoftdescried

TheGreciancamp,andsawtheirnavyride.

Beamsfromitsloftyheightwithswordswehew,

Then,wrenchingwithourhands,th'assaultrenew;

And,wheretheraftersonthecolumnsmeet,

Wepushthemheadlongwithourarmsandfeet.

Thelightningfliesnotswifterthanthefall,

Northunderlouderthantheruin'dwall:

Downgoesthetopatonce;theGreeksbeneath

Arepiecemealtorn,orpoundedintodeath.

Yetmoresucceed,andmoretodeatharesent;

Weceasenotfromabove,northeybelowrelent.

BeforethegatestoodPyrrhus,threat'ningloud,

Withglitt'ringarmsconspicuousinthecrowd.

Soshines,renew'dinyouth,thecrestedsnake,

Whosleptthewinterinathornybrake,

And,castingoffhissloughwhenspringreturns,

Nowlooksaloft,andwithnewgloryburns;

Restor'dwithpoisonousherbs,hisardentsides

Reflectthesun;andrais'donspiresherides;

Higho'erthegrass,hissingherollsalong,

Andbrandishesbyfitshisforkytongue.

ProudPeriphas,andfierceAutomedon,

Hisfather'scharioteer,togetherrun

Toforcethegate;theScyrianinfantry

Rushonincrowds,andthebarr'dpassagefree.

Ent'ringthecourt,withshoutstheskiestheyrend;

Andflamingfirebrandstotheroofsascend.

Himself,amongtheforemost,dealshisblows,

Andwithhisaxrepeatedstrokesbestows

Onthestrongdoors;thenalltheirshouldersply,

Tillfromthepoststhebrazenhingesfly.

Hehewsapace;thedoublebarsatlength

Yieldtohisaxandunresistedstrength.

Amightybreachismade:theroomsconceal'd

Appear,andallthepalaceisreveal'd;

Thehallsofaudience,andofpublicstate,

Andwherethelonelyqueeninsecretsate.

Arm'dsoldiersnowbytremblingmaidsareseen,

Withnotadoor,andscarceaspace,between.

Thehouseisfill'dwithloudlamentsandcries,

Andshrieksofwomenrendthevaultedskies;

Thefearfulmatronsrunfromplacetoplace,

Andkissthethresholds,andthepostsembrace.

ThefatalworkinhumanPyrrhusplies,

Andallhisfathersparklesinhiseyes;

Norbars,norfightingguards,hisforcesustain:

Thebarsarebroken,andtheguardsareslain.

InrushtheGreeks,andalltheapartmentsfill;

Thosefewdefendantswhomtheyfind,theykill.

Notwithsofiercearagethefoamingflood

Roars,whenhefindshisrapidcoursewithstood;

Bearsdownthedamswithunresistedsway,

Andsweepsthecattleandthecotsaway.

Theseeyesbeheldhimwhenhemarch'dbetween

Thebrotherkings:Isawth'unhappyqueen,

Thehundredwives,andwhereoldPriamstood,

Tostainhishallow'daltarwithhisbrood.

Thefiftynuptialbeds(suchhopeshadhe,

Solargeapromise,ofaprogeny),

Theposts,ofplatedgold,andhungwithspoils,

Felltherewardoftheproudvictor'stoils.

Where'ertheragingfirehadleftaspace,

TheGreciansenterandpossesstheplace.

"PerhapsyoumayofPriam'sfateenquire.

He,whenhesawhisregaltownonfire,

Hisruin'dpalace,andhisent'ringfoes,

Onev'rysideinevitablewoes,

Inarms,disus'd,investshislimbs,decay'd,

Likethem,withage;alateanduselessaid.

Hisfeebleshouldersscarcetheweightsustain;

Loaded,notarm'd,hecreepsalongwithpain,

Despairingofsuccess,ambitioustobeslain!

Uncover'dbutbyheav'n,therestoodinview

Analtar;nearthehearthalaurelgrew,

Dodder'dwithage,whoseboughsencompassround

Thehouseholdgods,andshadetheholyground.

HereHecuba,withallherhelplesstrain

Ofdames,forsheltersought,butsoughtinvain.

Driv'nlikeaflockofdovesalongthesky,

Theirimagestheyhug,andtotheiraltarsfly.

TheQueen,whenshebeheldhertremblinglord,

Andhangingbyhissideaheavysword,

'Whatrage,'shecried,'hasseiz'dmyhusband'smind?

Whatarmsarethese,andtowhatusedesign'd?

Thesetimeswantotheraids!WereHectorhere,

Ev'nHectornowinvain,likePriam,wouldappear.

Withus,onecommonshelterthoushaltfind,

Orinonecommonfatewithusbejoin'd.'

Shesaid,andwithalastsaluteembrac'd

Thepooroldman,andbythelaurelplac'd.

Behold!Polites,oneofPriam'ssons,

PursuedbyPyrrhus,thereforsafetyruns.

Thro'swordsandfoes,amaz'dandhurt,heflies

Thro'emptycourtsandopengalleries.

HimPyrrhus,urgingwithhislance,pursues,

Andoftenreaches,andhisthrustsrenews.

Theyouth,transfix'd,withlamentablecries,

Expiresbeforehiswretchedparent'seyes:

WhomgaspingathisfeetwhenPriamsaw,

Thefearofdeathgaveplacetonature'slaw;

And,shakingmorewithangerthanwithage,

'Thegods,'saidhe,'requitethybrutalrage!

Assuretheywill,barbarian,suretheymust,

Iftherebegodsinheav'n,andgodsbejust-

Whotak'stinwrongsaninsolentdelight;

Withason'sdeatht'infectafather'ssight.

Nothe,whomthouandlyingfameconspire

Tocalltheehis-nothe,thyvauntedsire,

Thusus'dmywretchedage:thegodshefear'd,

Thelawsofnatureandofnationsheard.

Hecheer'dmysorrows,and,forsumsofgold,

ThebloodlesscarcassofmyHectorsold;

Pitiedthewoesaparentunderwent,

Andsentmebackinsafetyfromhistent.'

"Thissaid,hisfeeblehandajavelinthrew,

Which,flutt'ring,seem'dtoloiterasitflew:

Just,andbutbarely,tothemarkitheld,

Andfaintlytinkledonthebrazenshield.

"ThenPyrrhusthus:'Gothoufrommetofate,

Andtomyfathermyfouldeedsrelate.

Nowdie!'Withthathedragg'dthetremblingsire,

Slidd'ringthro'clotter'dbloodandholymire,

(Themingledpastehismurder'dsonhadmade,)

Haul'dfrombeneaththeviolatedshade,

Andonthesacredpiletheroyalvictimlaid.

Hisrighthandheldhisbloodyfalchionbare,

Hislefthetwistedinhishoaryhair;

Then,withaspeedingthrust,hishearthefound:

Thelukewarmbloodcamerushingthro'thewound,

Andsanguinestreamsdistain'dthesacredground.

ThusPriamfell,andshar'donecommonfate

WithTroyinashes,andhisruin'dstate:

He,whothescepterofallAsiasway'd,

Whommonarchslikedomesticslavesobey'd.

Onthebleakshorenowliesth'abandon'dking,

Aheadlesscarcass,andanamelessthing.

"Then,notbefore,Ifeltmycruddledblood

Congealwithfear,myhairwithhorrorstood:

Myfather'simagefill'dmypiousmind,

Lestequalyearsmightequalfortunefind.

AgainIthoughtonmyforsakenwife,

Andtrembledformyson'sabandon'dlife.

Ilook'dabout,butfoundmyselfalone,

Desertedatmyneed!Myfriendsweregone.

Somespentwithtoil,somewithdespairoppress'd,

Leap'dheadlongfromtheheights;theflamesconsum'dtherest.

Thus,wand'ringinmyway,withoutaguide,

ThegracelessHelenintheporchIspied

OfVesta'stemple;thereshelurk'dalone;

Muffledshesate,and,whatshecould,unknown:

But,bytheflamesthatcasttheirblazearound,

ThatcommonbaneofGreeceandTroyIfound.

ForIliumburnt,shedreadstheTrojansword;

Moredreadsthevengeanceofherinjur'dlord;

Ev'nbythosegodswhorefug'dherabhorr'd.

Tremblingwithrage,thestrumpetIregard,

Resolv'dtogiveherguilttheduereward:

'Shallshetriumphantsailbeforethewind,

AndleaveinflamesunhappyTroybehind?

Shallsheherkingdomandherfriendsreview,

Instateattendedwithacaptivecrew,

Whileunreveng'dthegoodoldPriamfalls,

AndGrecianfiresconsumetheTrojanwalls?

ForthisthePhrygianfieldsandXanthianflood

Wereswell'dwithbodies,andweredrunkwithblood?

'Tistrue,asoldiercansmallhonorgain,

Andboastnoconquest,fromawomanslain:

Yetshallthefactnotpasswithoutapplause,

Ofvengeancetakeninsojustacause;

Thepunish'dcrimeshallsetmysoulatease,

Andmurm'ringmanesofmyfriendsappease.'

ThuswhileIrave,agleamofpleasinglight

Spreado'ertheplace;and,shiningheav'nlybright,

Mymotherstoodreveal'dbeforemysight

Neversoradiantdidhereyesappear;

Notherownstarconfess'dalightsoclear:

Greatinhercharms,aswhenongodsabove

Shelooks,andbreathesherselfintotheirlove.

Sheheldmyhand,thedestin'dblowtobreak;

Thenfromherrosylipsbegantospeak:

'Myson,fromwhencethismadness,thisneglect

Ofmycommands,andthosewhomIprotect?

Whythisunmanlyrage?Recalltomind

Whomyouforsake,whatpledgesleavebehind.

Lookifyourhelplessfatheryetsurvive,

OrifAscaniusorCreusalive.

AroundyourhousethegreedyGrecianserr;

Andthesehadperish'dinthenightlywar,

Butformypresenceandprotectingcare.

NotHelen'sface,norParis,wasinfault;

Butbythegodswasthisdestructionbrought.

Nowcastyoureyesaround,whileIdissolve

Themistsandfilmsthatmortaleyesinvolve,

Purgefromyoursightthedross,andmakeyousee

Theshapeofeachavengingdeity.

Enlighten'dthus,myjustcommandsfulfil,

Norfearobediencetoyourmother'swill.

Whereyondisorder'dheapofruinlies,

Stonesrentfromstones;wherecloudsofdustarise-

AmidthatsmotherNeptuneholdshisplace,

Belowthewall'sfoundationdriveshismace,

Andheavesthebuildingfromthesolidbase.

Lookwhere,inarms,imperialJunostands

FullintheScaeangate,withloudcommands,

UrgingonshorethetardyGrecianbands.

See!Pallas,ofhersnakybucklerproud,

Bestridesthetow'r,refulgentthro'thecloud:

See!Jovenewcouragetothefoesupplies,

Andarmsagainstthetownthepartialdeities.

Hastehence,myson;thisfruitlesslaborend:

Haste,whereyourtremblingspouseandsireattend:

Haste;andamother'scareyourpassageshallbefriend.'

Shesaid,andswiftlyvanish'dfrommysight,

Obscureincloudsandgloomyshadesofnight.

Ilook'd,Ilisten'd;dreadfulsoundsIhear;

Andthedireformsofhostilegodsappear.

TroysunkinflamesIsaw(norcouldprevent),

AndIliumfromitsoldfoundationsrent;

Rentlikeamountainash,whichdar'dthewinds,

Andstoodthesturdystrokesoflab'ringhinds.

Abouttherootsthecruelaxresounds;

Thestumpsarepierc'dwithoft-repeatedwounds:

Thewarisfeltonhigh;thenoddingcrown

Nowthreatsafall,andthrowstheleafyhonorsdown.

Totheirunitedforceityields,tho'late,

Andmournswithmortalgroansth'approachingfate:

Therootsnomoretheirupperloadsustain;

Butdownshefalls,andspreadsaruinthro'theplain.

"Descendingthence,Iscapethro'foesandfire:

Beforethegoddess,foesandflamesretire.

Arriv'dathome,he,forwhoseonlysake,

Ormostforhis,suchtoilsIundertake,

ThegoodAnchises,whom,bytimelyflight,

Ipurpos'dtosecureonIda'sheight,

Refus'dthejourney,resolutetodie

Andaddhisfun'ralstothefateofTroy,

Ratherthanexileandoldagesustain.

'Goyou,whosebloodrunswarminev'ryvein.

HadHeav'ndecreedthatIshouldlifeenjoy,

Heav'nhaddecreedtosaveunhappyTroy.

'Tis,sure,enough,ifnottoomuch,forone,

TwicetohaveseenourIliumoverthrown.

Makehastetosavethepoorremainingcrew,

Andgivethisuselesscorpsealongadieu.

Theseweakoldhandssufficetostopmybreath;

Atleastthepityingfoeswillaidmydeath,

Totakemyspoils,andleavemybodybare:

Asformysepulcher,letHeav'ntakecare.

'TislongsinceI,formycelestialwife

Loath'dbythegods,havedragg'daling'ringlife;

Sinceev'ryhourandmomentIexpire,

Blastedfromheav'nbyJove'savengingfire.'

Thisoftrepeated,hestoodfix'dtodie:

Myself,mywife,myson,myfamily,

Intreat,pray,beg,andraiseadolefulcry-

'What,willhestillpersist,ondeathresolve,

Andinhisruinallhishouseinvolve!'

Hestillpersistshisreasonstomaintain;

Ourpray'rs,ourtears,ourloudlaments,arevain.

"Urg'dbydespair,againIgototry

Thefateofarms,resolv'dinfighttodie:

'Whathoperemains,butwhatmydeathmustgive?

CanI,withoutsodearafather,live?

Youtermitprudence,whatIbasenesscall:

Couldsuchawordfromsuchaparentfall?

IfFortuneplease,andsothegodsordain,

Thatnothingshouldofruin'dTroyremain,

AndyouconspirewithFortunetobeslain,

Thewaytodeathiswide,th'approachesnear:

ForsoonrelentlessPyrrhuswillappear,

ReekingwithPriam'sblood-thewretchwhoslew

Theson(inhuman)inthefather'sview,

Andthenthesirehimselftothedirealtardrew.

Ogoddessmother,givemebacktoFate;

Yourgiftwasundesir'd,andcametoolate!

Didyou,forthis,unhappymeconvey

Thro'foesandfires,toseemyhouseaprey?

ShallImyfather,wife,andsonbehold,

Welt'ringinblood,eachother'sarmsinfold?

Haste!girdmysword,tho'spentandovercome:

'Tisthelastsummonstoreceiveourdoom.

Ihearthee,Fate;andIobeythycall!

Notunreveng'dthefoeshallseemyfall.

Restoremetotheyetunfinish'dfight:

Mydeathiswantingtoconcludethenight.'

Arm'donceagain,myglitt'ringswordIwield,

Whileth'otherhandsustainsmyweightyshield,

AndforthIrushtoseekth'abandon'dfield.

Iwent;butsadCreusastopp'dmyway,

Andcrossthethresholdinmypassagelay,

Embrac'dmyknees,and,whenIwouldhavegone,

Shew'dmemyfeeblesireandtenderson:

'Ifdeathbeyourdesign,atleast,'saidshe,

'Takeusalongtoshareyourdestiny.

Ifanyfartherhopesinarmsremain,

Thisplace,thesepledgesofyourlove,maintain.

Towhomdoyouexposeyourfather'slife,

Yourson's,andmine,yournowforgottenwife!'

Whilethusshefillsthehousewithclam'rouscries,

Ourhearingisdivertedbyoureyes:

For,whileIheldmyson,intheshortspace

Betwixtourkissesandourlastembrace;

Strangetorelate,fromyoungIulus'head

Alambentflamearose,whichgentlyspread

Aroundhisbrows,andonhistemplesfed.

Amaz'd,withrunningwaterweprepare

Toquenchthesacredfire,andslakehishair;

ButoldAnchises,vers'dinomens,rear'd

Hishandstoheav'n,andthisrequestpreferr'd:

'Ifanyvows,almightyJove,canbend

Thywill;ifpietycanpray'rscommend,

Confirmthegladpresagewhichthouartpleas'dtosend.'

Scarcehadhesaid,when,onourleft,wehear

Apealofrattlingthunderrollinair:

Thereshotastreaminglampalongthesky,

Whichonthewingedlightningseem'dtofly;

Fromo'ertherooftheblazebegantomove,

And,trailing,vanish'dinth'Idaeangrove.

Itsweptapathinheav'n,andshoneaguide,

Theninasteamingstenchofsulphurdied.

"Thegoodoldmanwithsupplianthandsimplor'd

Thegods'protection,andtheirstarador'd.

'Now,now,'saidhe,'myson,nomoredelay!

Iyield,IfollowwhereHeav'nshewstheway.

Keep,Omycountrygods,ourdwellingplace,

AndguardthisrelicoftheTrojanrace,

Thistenderchild!Theseomensareyourown,

Andyoucanyetrestoretheruin'dtown.

Atleastaccomplishwhatyoursignsforeshow:

Istandresign'd,andamprepar'dtogo.'

"Hesaid.Thecracklingflamesappearonhigh.

Anddrivingsparklesdancealongthesky.

WithVulcan'sragetherisingwindsconspire,

Andnearourpalacerollthefloodoffire.

'Haste,mydearfather,('tisnotimetowait,)

Andloadmyshoulderswithawillingfreight.

Whate'erbefalls,yourlifeshallbemycare;

Onedeath,oronedeliv'rance,wewillshare.

Myhandshallleadourlittleson;andyou,

Myfaithfulconsort,shallourstepspursue.

Next,you,myservants,heedmystrictcommands:

Withoutthewallsaruin'dtemplestands,

ToCereshallow'donce;acypressnigh

Shootsuphervenerableheadonhigh,

Bylongreligionkept;therebendyourfeet,

Andindividedpartiesletusmeet.

Ourcountrygods,therelics,andthebands,

Holdyou,myfather,inyourguiltlesshands:

Inme'tisimpiousholythingstobear,

RedasIamwithslaughter,newfromwar,

TillinsomelivingstreamIcleansetheguilt

Ofdiredebate,andbloodinbattlespilt.'

Thus,ord'ringallthatprudencecouldprovide,

Iclothemyshoulderswithalion'shide

Andyellowspoils;then,onmybendingback,

Thewelcomeloadofmydearfathertake;

WhileonmybetterhandAscaniushung,

Andwithunequalpacestripp'dalong.

Creusakeptbehind;bychoicewestray

Thro'ev'rydarkandev'rydeviousway.

I,whosoboldanddauntless,justbefore,

TheGreciandartsandshockoflancesbore,

Atev'ryshadownowamseiz'dwithfear,

Notformyself,butforthechargeIbear;

Till,neartheruin'dgatearriv'datlast,

Secure,anddeemingallthedangerpast,

Afrightfulnoiseoftramplingfeetwehear.

Myfather,lookingthro'theshades,withfear,

Criedout:'Haste,haste,myson,thefoesarenigh;

TheirswordsandshiningarmorIdescry.'

Somehostilegod,forsomeunknownoffense,

Hadsurebereftmymindofbettersense;

For,whilethro'windingwaysItookmyflight,

Andsoughttheshelterofthegloomynight,

Alas!IlostCreusa:hardtotell

Ifbyherfataldestinyshefell,

Orwearysate,orwander'dwithaffright;

Butshewaslostforevertomysight.

Iknewnot,orreflected,tillImeet

Myfriends,atCeres'nowdesertedseat.

Wemet:notonewaswanting;onlyshe

Deceiv'dherfriends,herson,andwretchedme.

"Whatmadexpressionsdidmytonguerefuse!

WhomdidInot,ofgodsormen,accuse!

Thiswasthefatalblow,thatpain'dmemore

ThanallIfeltfromruin'dTroybefore.

Stungwithmyloss,andravingwithdespair,

Abandoningmynowforgottencare,

Ofcounsel,comfort,andofhopebereft,

Mysire,myson,mycountrygodsIleft.

InshiningarmoronceagainIsheathe

Mylimbs,notfeelingwounds,norfearingdeath.

ThenheadlongtotheburningwallsIrun,

AndseekthedangerIwasforc'dtoshun.

Itreadmyformertracks;thro'nightexplore

Eachpassage,ev'rystreetIcross'dbefore.

Allthingswerefullofhorrorandaffright,

Anddreadfulev'nthesilenceofthenight.

Thentomyfather'shouseImakerepair,

Withsomesmallglimpseofhopetofindherthere.

Insteadofher,thecruelGreeksImet;

Thehousewasfill'dwithfoes,withflamesbeset.

Driv'nonthewingsofwinds,wholesheetsoffire,

Thro'airtransported,totheroofsaspire.

FromthencetoPriam'spalaceIresort,

Andsearchthecitadelanddesartcourt.

Then,unobserv'd,IpassbyJuno'schurch:

AguardofGrecianshadpossess'dtheporch;

TherePhoenixandUlysseswatchprey,

AndthitherallthewealthofTroyconvey:

Thespoilswhichtheyfromransack'dhousesbrought,

Andgoldenbowlsfromburningaltarscaught,

Thetablesofthegods,thepurplevests,

Thepeople'streasure,andthepompofpriests.

Arankofwretchedyouths,withpinion'dhands,

Andcaptivematrons,inlongorderstands.

Then,withungovern'dmadness,Iproclaim,

Thro'allthesilentstreet,Creusa'sname:

CreusastillIcall;atlengthshehears,

Andsuddenthro'theshadesofnightappears-

Appears,nomoreCreusa,normywife,

Butapalespecter,largerthanthelife.

Aghast,astonish'd,andstruckdumbwithfear,

Istood;likebristlesrosemystiffen'dhair.

Thenthustheghostbegantosoothemygrief

'Nortears,norcries,cangivethedeadrelief.

Desist,mymuch-lov'dlord,'tindulgeyourpain;

Youbearnomorethanwhatthegodsordain.

Myfatespermitmenotfromhencetofly;

Norhe,thegreatcontrollerofthesky.

Longwand'ringwaysforyouthepow'rsdecree;

Onlandhardlabors,andalengthofsea.

Then,aftermanypainfulyearsarepast,

OnLatium'shappyshoreyoushallbecast,

WheregentleTiberfromhisbedbeholds

Theflow'rymeadows,andthefeedingfolds.

Thereendyourtoils;andthereyourfatesprovide

Aquietkingdom,andaroyalbride:

TherefortuneshalltheTrojanlinerestore,

AndyouforlostCreusaweepnomore.

FearnotthatIshallwatch,withservileshame,

Th'imperiouslooksofsomeproudGreciandame;

Or,stoopingtothevictor'slust,disgrace

Mygoddessmother,ormyroyalrace.

Andnow,farewell!Theparentofthegods

Restrainsmyfleetingsoulinherabodes:

Itrustourcommonissuetoyourcare.'

Shesaid,andglidingpass'dunseeninair.

Istrovetospeak:buthorrortiedmytongue;

AndthriceaboutherneckmyarmsIflung,

And,thricedeceiv'd,onvainembraceshung.

Lightasanemptydreamatbreakofday,

Orasablastofwind,sherush'daway.

"Thushavingpass'dthenightinfruitlesspain,

Itomylongingfriendsreturnagain,

Amaz'dth'augmentednumbertobehold,

Ofmenandmatronsmix'd,ofyoungandold;

Awretchedexil'dcrewtogetherbrought,

Witharmsappointed,andwithtreasurefraught,

Resolv'd,andwilling,undermycommand,

Torunallhazardsbothofseaandland.

TheMornbegan,fromIda,todisplay

Herrosycheeks;andPhosphorledtheday:

BeforethegatestheGrecianstooktheirpost,

Andallpretenseoflatereliefwaslost.

IyieldtoFate,unwillinglyretire,

And,loaded,upthehillconveymysire."

BOOKIII

"WhenHeav'nhadoverturn'dtheTrojanstate

AndPriam'sthrone,bytoosevereafate;

Whenruin'dTroybecametheGrecians'prey,

AndIlium'sloftytow'rsinasheslay;

Warn'dbycelestialomens,weretreat,

Toseekinforeignlandsahappierseat.

NearoldAntandros,andatIda'sfoot,

Thetimberofthesacredgroveswecut,

Andbuildourfleet;uncertainyettofind

Whatplacethegodsforourreposeassign'd.

Friendsdailyflock;andscarcethekindlyspring

Begantoclothetheground,andbirdstosing,

WhenoldAnchisessummon'dalltosea:

ThecrewmyfatherandtheFatesobey.

WithsighsandtearsIleavemynativeshore,

Andemptyfields,whereIliumstoodbefore.

Mysire,myson,ourlessandgreatergods,

Allsailatonce,andcleavethebrinyfloods.

"Againstourcoastappearsaspaciousland,

WhichoncethefierceLycurgusdidcommand,

(Thraciathename-thepeopleboldinwar;

Vastaretheirfields,andtillageistheircare,)

AhospitablerealmwhileFatewaskind,

WithTroyinfriendshipandreligionjoin'd.

Iland;withlucklessomensthenadore

Theirgods,anddrawalinealongtheshore;

Ilaythedeepfoundationsofawall,

AndAenos,nam'dfromme,thecitycall.

ToDionaeanVenusvowsarepaid,

Andallthepow'rsthatrisinglaborsaid;

AbullonJove'simperialaltarlaid.

Notfar,arisinghillockstoodinview;

Sharpmyrtlesonthesides,andcornelsgrew.

There,whileIwenttocropthesylvanscenes,

Andshadeouraltarwiththeirleafygreens,

Ipull'daplant-withhorrorIrelate

Aprodigysostrangeandfulloffate.

Therootedfibersrose,andfromthewound

Blackbloodydropsdistill'dupontheground.

Muteandamaz'd,myhairwithterrorstood;

Fearshrunkmysinews,andcongeal'dmyblood.

Mann'donceagain,anotherplantItry:

Thatothergush'dwiththesamesanguinedye.

Then,fearingguiltforsomeoffenseunknown,

Withpray'rsandvowstheDryadsIatone,

Withallthesistersofthewoods,andmost

TheGodofArms,whorulestheThraciancoast,

Thatthey,orhe,theseomenswouldavert,

Releaseourfears,andbettersignsimpart.

Clear'd,asIthought,andfullyfix'datlength

Tolearnthecause,Ituggedwithallmystrength:

Ibentmykneesagainsttheground;oncemore

Theviolatedmyrtleranwithgore.

ScarcedareItellthesequel:fromthewomb

Ofwoundedearth,andcavernsofthetomb,

Agroan,asofatroubledghost,renew'd

Myfright,andthenthesedreadfulwordsensued:

'Whydostthouthusmyburiedbodyrend?

Osparethecorpseofthyunhappyfriend!

Sparetopollutethypioushandswithblood:

Thetearsdistilnotfromthewoundedwood;

Butev'rydropthislivingtreecontains

Iskindredblood,andraninTrojanveins.

Oflyfromthisunhospitableshore,

Warn'dbymyfate;forIamPolydore!

Hereloadsoflances,inmybloodembrued,

Againshootupward,bymybloodrenew'd.'

"Myfalt'ringtongueandshiv'ringlimbsdeclare

Myhorror,andinbristlesrosemyhair.

WhenTroywithGrecianarmswascloselypent,

OldPriam,fearfulofthewar'sevent,

ThishaplessPolydoretoThraciasent:

Loadedwithgold,hesenthisdarling,far

Fromnoiseandtumults,anddestructivewar,

Committedtothefaithlesstyrant'scare;

Who,whenhesawthepow'rofTroydecline,

Forsooktheweaker,withthestrongtojoin;

Brokeev'rybondofnatureandoftruth,

Andmurder'd,forhiswealth,theroyalyouth.

Osacredhungerofperniciousgold!

Whatbandsoffaithcanimpiouslucrehold?

Now,whenmysoulhadshakenoffherfears,

IcallmyfatherandtheTrojanpeers;

RelatetheprodigiesofHeav'n,require

Whathecommands,andtheiradvicedesire.

Allvotetoleavethatexecrableshore,

PollutedwiththebloodofPolydore;

But,erewesail,hisfun'ralritesprepare,

Then,tohisghost,atombandaltarsrear.

Inmournfulpompthematronswalktheround,

Withbalefulcypressandbluefilletscrown'd,

Witheyesdejected,andwithhairunbound.

Thenbowlsoftepidmilkandbloodwepour,

AndthriceinvokethesoulofPolydore.

"Now,whentheragingstormsnolongerreign,

Butsoutherngalesinviteustothemain,

Welaunchourvessels,withaprosp'rouswind,

Andleavethecitiesandtheshoresbehind.

"Anislandinth'Aegaeanmainappears;

Neptuneandwat'ryDorisclaimittheirs.

Itfloatedonce,tillPhoebusfix'dthesides

Torootedearth,andnowitbravesthetides.

Here,bornebyfriendlywinds,wecomeashore,

Withneedfuleaseourwearylimbsrestore,

AndtheSun'stempleandhistownadore.

"Anius,thepriestandking,withlaurelcrown'd,

Hishoarylockswithpurplefilletsbound,

WhosawmysiretheDelianshoreascend,

Cameforthwitheagerhastetomeethisfriend;

Inviteshimtohispalace;and,insign

Ofancientlove,theirplightedhandstheyjoin.

ThentothetempleofthegodIwent,

Andthus,beforetheshrine,myvowspresent:

'Give,OThymbraeus,givearestingplace

TothesadrelicsoftheTrojanrace;

Aseatsecure,aregionoftheirown,

Alastingempire,andahappiertown.

Whereshallwefix?whereshallourlaborsend?

Whomshallwefollow,andwhatfateattend?

Letnotmypray'rsadoubtfulanswerfind;

Butinclearauguriesunveilthymind.'

ScarcehadIsaid:heshooktheholyground,

Thelaurels,andtheloftyhillsaround;

Andfromthetriposrush'dabellowingsound.

Prostratewefell;confess'dthepresentgod,

Whogavethisanswerfromhisdarkabode:

'Undauntedyouths,go,seekthatmotherearth

Fromwhichyourancestorsderivetheirbirth.

Thesoilthatsentyouforth,herancientrace

Inheroldbosomshallagainembrace.

Thro'thewideworldth'Aeneianhouseshallreign,

Andchildren'schildrenshallthecrownsustain.'

ThusPhoebusdidourfuturefatesdisclose:

Amightytumult,mix'dwithjoy,arose.

"Allareconcern'dtoknowwhatplacethegod

Assign'd,andwheredetermin'dourabode.

Myfather,longrevolvinginhismind

TheraceandlineageoftheTrojankind,

Thusanswer'dtheirdemands:'Yeprinces,hear

Yourpleasingfortune,anddispelyourfear.

ThefruitfulisleofCrete,wellknowntofame,

SacredofoldtoJove'simperialname,

Inthemidoceanlies,withlargecommand,

Andonitsplainsahundredcitiesstand.

AnotherIdarisesthere,andwe

FromthencederiveourTrojanancestry.

Fromthence,as'tisdivulg'dbycertainfame,

TotheRhoeteanshoresoldTeucruscame;

Therefix'd,andtheretheseatofempirechose,

EreIliumandtheTrojantow'rsarose.

Inhumblevalestheybuilttheirsoftabodes,

TillCybele,themotherofthegods,

Withtinklingcymbalscharm'dth'Idaeanwoods,

Shesecretritesandceremoniestaught,

Andtotheyokethesavagelionsbrought.

LetusthelandwhichHeav'nappoints,explore;

Appeasethewinds,andseektheGnossianshore.

IfJoveassiststhepassageofourfleet,

ThethirdpropitiousdawndiscoversCrete.'

Thushavingsaid,thesacrifices,laid

Onsmokingaltars,tothegodshepaid:

Abull,toNeptuneanoblationdue,

AnotherbulltobrightApolloslew;

Amilk-whiteewe,thewesternwindstoplease,

Andonecoal-black,tocalmthestormyseas.

Erethis,aflyingrumorhadbeenspread

ThatfierceIdomeneusfromCretewasfled,

Expell'dandexil'd;thatthecoastwasfree

Fromforeignordomesticenemy.

"WeleavetheDelianports,andputtosea;

ByNaxos,fam'dforvintage,makeourway;

ThengreenDonysapass;andsailinsight

OfParos'isle,withmarblequarrieswhite.

Wepassthescatter'dislesofCyclades,

That,scarcedistinguish'd,seemtostudtheseas.

Theshoutsofsailorsdoubleneartheshores;

Theystretchtheircanvas,andtheyplytheiroars.

'Allhandsaloft!forCrete!forCrete!'theycry,

Andswiftlythro'thefoamybillowsfly.

Fullonthepromis'dlandatlengthwebore,

WithjoydescendingontheCretanshore.

WitheagerhastearisingtownIframe,

WhichfromtheTrojanPergamusIname:

Thenameitselfwasgrateful;Iexhort

Tofoundtheirhouses,anderectafort.

Ourshipsarehaul'dupontheyellowstrand;

Theyouthbegintotillthelabor'dland;

AndImyselfnewmarriagespromote,

Givelaws,anddwellingsIdividebylot;

Whenrisingvaporschokethewholesomeair,

Andblastsofnoisomewindscorrupttheyear;

Thetreesdevouringcaterpillarsburn;

Parch'dwasthegrass,andblightedwasthecorn:

Nor'scapethebeasts;forSirius,fromonhigh,

Withpestilentialheatinfectsthesky:

Mymen-somefall,therestinfeversfry.

Againmyfatherbidsmeseektheshore

OfsacredDelos,andthegodimplore,

Tolearnwhatendofwoeswemightexpect,

Andtowhatclimeourwearycoursedirect.

"'Twasnight,whenev'rycreature,voidofcares,

Thecommongiftofbalmyslumbershares:

Thestatuesofmygods(forsuchtheyseem'd),

ThosegodswhomIfromflamingTroyredeem'd,

Beforemestood,majesticallybright,

FullinthebeamsofPhoebe'sent'ringlight.

Thenthustheyspoke,andeas'dmytroubledmind:

'WhatfromtheDeliangodthougo'sttofind,

Hetellstheehere,andsendsustorelate.

Thosepow'rsarewe,companionsofthyfate,

Whofromtheburningtownbytheewerebrought,

Thyfortunefollow'd,andthysafetywrought.

Thro'seasandlandsaswethystepsattend,

Soshallourcarethygloriousracebefriend.

Anamplerealmfortheethyfatesordain,

Atownthato'ertheconquer'dworldshallreign.

Thou,mightywallsformightynationsbuild;

Norletthywearymindtolaborsyield:

Butchangethyseat;fornottheDeliangod,

Norwe,havegiv'ntheeCreteforourabode.

Alandthereis,Hesperiacall'dofold,

(Thesoilisfruitful,andthenativesbold-

Th'Oenotrianshelditonce,)bylaterfame

Nowcall'dItalia,fromtheleader'sname.

lasiusthereandDardanuswereborn;

Fromthencewecame,andthithermustreturn.

Rise,andthysirewiththesegladtidingsgreet.

SearchItaly;forJovedeniestheeCrete.'

"Astonish'dattheirvoicesandtheirsight,

(Norweretheydreams,butvisionsofthenight;

Isaw,Iknewtheirfaces,anddescried,

Inperfectview,theirhairwithfilletstied;)

Istartedfrommycouch;aclammysweat

Onallmylimbsandshiv'ringbodysate.

Toheav'nIliftmyhandswithpioushaste,

AndsacredincenseintheflamesIcast.

Thustothegodstheirperfecthonorsdone,

Morecheerful,tomygoodoldsireIrun,

Andtellthepleasingnews.Inlittlespace

Hefoundhiserrorofthedoublerace;

Not,asbeforehedeem'd,deriv'dfromCrete;

Nomoredeludedbythedoubtfulseat:

Thensaid:'Oson,turmoil'dinTrojanfate!

SuchthingsastheseCassandradidrelate.

Thisdayreviveswithinmymindwhatshe

ForetoldofTroyrenew'dinItaly,

AndLatianlands;butwhocouldthenhavethought

ThatPhrygiangodstoLatiumshouldbebrought,

Orwhobeliev'dwhatmadCassandrataught?

NowletusgowherePhoebusleadstheway.'

"Hesaid;andwewithgladconsentobey,

Forsaketheseat,and,leavingfewbehind,

Wespreadoursailsbeforethewillingwind.

Nowfromthesightoflandourgalleysmove,

Withonlyseasaroundandskiesabove;

Wheno'erourheadsdescendsaburstofrain,

Andnightwithsablecloudsinvolvesthemain;

Therufflingwindsthefoamybillowsraise;

Thescatter'dfleetisforc'dtosev'ralways;

Thefaceofheav'nisravish'dfromoureyes,

Andinredoubledpealstheroaringthunderflies.

Castfromourcourse,wewanderinthedark.

Nostarstoguide,nopointoflandtomark.

Ev'nPalinurusnodistinctionfound

Betwixtthenightandday;suchdarknessreign'daround.

Threestarlessnightsthedoubtfulnavystrays,

Withoutdistinction,andthreesunlessdays;

Thefourthrenewsthelight,and,fromourshrouds,

Weviewarisingland,likedistantclouds;

Themountain-topsconfirmthepleasingsight,

Andcurlingsmokeascendingfromtheirheight.

Thecanvasfalls;theiroarsthesailorsply;

Fromtherudestrokesthewhirlingwatersfly.

AtlengthIlandupontheStrophades,

Safefromthedangerofthestormyseas.

Thoseislesarecompass'dbyth'Ionianmain,

ThedireabodewherethefoulHarpiesreign,

Forc'dbythewingedwarriorstorepair

Totheiroldhomes,andleavetheircostlyfare.

MonstersmorefierceoffendedHeav'nne'ersent

Fromhell'sabyss,forhumanpunishment:

Withvirginfaces,butwithwombsobscene,

Foulpaunches,andwithordurestillunclean;

Withclawsforhands,andlooksforeverlean.

"Welandedattheport,andsoonbeheld

Fatherdsofoxengrazetheflow'ryfield,

Andwantongoatswithoutakeeperstray'd.

Withweaponswethewelcomepreyinvade,

Thencallthegodsforpartnersofourfeast,

AndJovehimself,thechiefinvitedguest.

Wespreadthetablesonthegreenswardground;

Wefeedwithhunger,andthebowlsgoround;

Whenfromthemountain-tops,withhideouscry,

Andclatt'ringwings,thehungryHarpiesfly;

Theysnatchthemeat,defilingalltheyfind,

And,parting,leavealoathsomestenchbehind.

Closebyahollowrock,againwesit,

Newdressthedinner,andthebedsrefit,

Securefromsight,beneathapleasingshade,

Wheretuftedtreesanativearbormade.

Againtheholyfiresonaltarsburn;

Andonceagaintherav'nousbirdsreturn,

Orfromthedarkrecesseswheretheylie,

Orfromanotherquarterofthesky;

Withfilthyclawstheirodiousmealrepeat,

Andmixtheirloathsomeordureswiththeirmeat.

Ibidmyfriendsforvengeancethenprepare,

Andwiththehellishnationwagethewar.

They,ascommanded,forthefightprovide,

Andinthegrasstheirglitt'ringweaponshide;

Then,whenalongthecrookedshorewehear

Theirclatt'ringwings,andsawthefoesappear,

Misenussoundsacharge:wetaketh'alarm,

Andourstronghandswithswordsandbucklersarm.

Inthisnewkindofcombatallemploy

Theirutmostforce,themonsterstodestroy.

Invain-thefatedskinisprooftowounds;

Andfromtheirplumestheshiningswordrebounds.

Atlengthrebuff'd,theyleavetheirmangledprey,

Andtheirstretch'dpinionstotheskiesdisplay.

Yetoneremain'd-themessengerofFate:

HighonacraggycliffCelaenosate,

Andthusherdismalerranddidrelate:

'What!notcontentedwithouroxenslain,

DareyouwithHeav'nanimpiouswarmaintain,

AnddrivetheHarpiesfromtheirnativereign?

HeedthereforewhatIsay;andkeepinmind

WhatJovedecrees,whatPhoebushasdesign'd,

AndI,theFuries'queen,frombothrelate-

Youseekth'Italianshores,foredoom'dbyfate:

Th'Italianshoresaregrantedyoutofind,

Andasafepassagetotheportassign'd.

Butknow,thatereyourpromis'dwallsyoubuild,

Mycursesshallseverelybefulfill'd.

Fiercefamineisyourlotforthismisdeed,

Reduc'dtogrindtheplatesonwhichyoufeed.'

Shesaid,andtotheneighb'ringforestflew.

Ourcouragefailsus,andourfearsrenew.

Hopelesstowinbywar,topray'rswefall,

Andonth'offendedHarpieshumblycall,

Andwhethergodsorbirdsobscenetheywere,

Ourvowsforpardonandforpeaceprefer.

ButoldAnchises,off'ringsacrifice,

Andliftinguptoheav'nhishandsandeyes,

Ador'dthegreatergods:'Avert,'saidhe,

'Theseomens;rendervainthisprophecy,

Andfromth'impendingcurseapiouspeoplefree!'

"Thushavingsaid,hebidsusputtosea;

Weloosefromshoreourhaulsers,andobey,

Andsoonwithswellingsailspursuethewat'ryway.

Amidstourcourse,Zacynthianwoodsappear;

AndnextbyrockyNeritoswesteer:

WeflyfromIthaca'sdetestedshore,

AndcursethelandwhichdireUlyssesbore.

AtlengthLeucate'scloudytopappears,

AndtheSun'stemple,whichthesailorfears.

Resolv'dtobreatheawhilefromlaborpast,

Ourcrookedanchorsfromtheprowwecast,

Andjoyfultothelittlecityhaste.

Here,safebeyondourhopes,ourvowswepay

ToJove,theguideandpatronofourway.

Thecustomsofourcountrywepursue,

AndTrojangamesonActianshoresrenew.

Ouryouththeirnakedlimbsbesmearwithoil,

Andexercisethewrastlers'nobletoil;

Pleas'dtohavesail'dsolongbeforethewind,

AndleftsomanyGreciantownsbehind.

Thesunhadnowfulfill'dhisannualcourse,

AndBoreasontheseasdisplay'dhisforce:

Ifix'duponthetemple'sloftydoor

Thebrazenshieldwhichvanquish'dAbasbore;

Theversebeneathmynameandactionspeaks:

'ThesearmsAeneastookfromconqu'ringGreeks.'

ThenIcommandtoweigh;theseamenply

Theirsweepingoars;thesmokingbillowsfly.

ThesightofhighPhaeaciasoonwelost,

Andskimm'dalongEpirus'rockycoast.

"ThentoChaonia'sportourcoursewebend,

And,landed,toButhrotus'heightsascend.

Herewondrousthingswereloudlyblaz'dfame:

HowHelenusreviv'dtheTrojanname,

Andreign'dinGreece;thatPriam'scaptiveson

SucceededPyrrhusinhisbedandthrone;

AndfairAndromache,restor'dbyfate,

OncemorewashappyinaTrojanmate.

Ileavemygalleysridingintheport,

AndlongtoseethenewDardaniancourt.

Bychance,themournfulqueen,beforethegate,

Thensolemniz'dherformerhusband'sfate.

Greenaltars,rais'dofturf,withgiftsshecrown'd,

Andsacredpriestsinorderstandaround,

AndthricethenameofhaplessHectorsound.

ThegroveitselfresemblesIda'swood;

AndSimoisseem'dthewell-dissembledflood.

Butwhenatnearerdistanceshebeheld

MyshiningarmorandmyTrojanshield,

Astonish'datthesight,thevitalheat

Forsakesherlimbs;herveinsnolongerbeat:

Shefaints,shefalls,andscarcerecov'ringstrength,

Thus,withafalt'ringtongue,shespeaksatlength:

"'Areyoualive,Ogoddess-born?'shesaid,

'Orifaghost,thenwhereisHector'sshade?'

Atthis,shecastaloudandfrightfulcry.

WithbrokenwordsImadethisbriefreply:

'Allofmethatremainsappearsinsight;

Ilive,iflivingbetoloathethelight.

Nophantom;butIdragawretchedlife,

MyfateresemblingthatofHector'swife.

Whathaveyousuffer'dsinceyoulostyourlord?

Bywhatstrangeblessingareyounowrestor'd?

StillareyouHector's?orisHectorfled,

AndhisremembrancelostinPyrrhus'bed?'

Witheyesdejected,inalowlytone,

Afteramodestpauseshethusbegun:

"'OonlyhappymaidofPriam'srace,

Whomdeathdeliver'dfromthefoes'embrace!

CommandedonAchilles'tombtodie,

Notforc'd,likeus,tohardcaptivity,

Orinahaughtymaster'sarmstolie.

InGrecianshipsunhappywewereborne,

Endur'dthevictor'slust,sustain'dthescorn:

ThusIsubmittedtothelawlesspride

OfPyrrhus,moreahandmaidthanabride.

Cloy'dwithpossession,heforsookmybed,

AndHelen'slovelydaughtersoughttowed;

ThenmetoTrojanHelenusresign'd,

Andhistwoslavesinequalmarriagejoin'd;

TillyoungOrestes,pierc'dwithdeepdespair,

Andlongingtoredeemthepromis'dfair,

BeforeApollo'saltarslewtheravisher.

ByPyrrhus'deaththekingdomweregain'd:

AtleastonehalfwithHelenusremain'd.

Ourpart,fromChaon,heChaoniacalls,

AndnamesfromPergamushisrisingwalls.

Butyou,whatfateshavelandedonourcoast?

Whatgodshavesentyou,orwhatstormshavetoss'd?

DoesyoungAscaniuslifeandhealthenjoy,

Sav'dfromtheruinsofunhappyTroy?

Otellmehowhismother'slosshebears,

Whathopesarepromis'dfromhisbloomingyears,

HowmuchofHectorinhisfaceappears?'

Shespoke;andmix'dherspeechwithmournfulcries,

Andfruitlesstearscametricklingfromhereyes.

"Atlengthherlorddescendsupontheplain,

Inpomp,attendedwithanum'roustrain;

Receiveshisfriends,andtothecityleads,

Andtearsofjoyamidsthiswelcomesheds.

Proceedingon,anotherTroyIsee,

Or,inlesscompass,Troy'sepitome.

Ariv'letbythenameofXanthusran,

AndIembracetheScaeangateagain.

Myfriendsinporticoeswereentertain'd,

Andfeastsandpleasuresthro'thecityreign'd.

Thetablesfill'dthespacioushallaround,

Andgoldenbowlswithsparklingwinewerecrown'd.

Twodayswepass'dinmirth,tillfriendlygales,

Blownfromthesouthsuppliedourswellingsails.

ThentotheroyalseerIthusbegan:

'Othou,whoknow'st,beyondthereachofman,

Thelawsofheav'n,andwhatthestarsdecree;

WhomPhoebustaughtunerringprophecy,

Fromhisowntripod,andhisholytree;

Skill'dinthewing'dinhabitantsofair,

Whatauspicestheirnotesandflightsdeclare:

Osay-forallreligiousritesportend

Ahappyvoyage,andaprosp'rousend;

Andev'rypowerandomenofthesky

Directmycoursefordestin'dItaly;

ButonlydireCelaeno,fromthegods,

Adismalfaminefatallyforebodes-

OsaywhatdangersIamfirsttoshun,

Whattoilsvanquish,andwhatcoursetorun.'

"Theprophetfirstwithsacrificeadores

Thegreatergods;theirpardonthenimplores;

Unbindsthefilletfromhisholyhead;

ToPhoebus,next,mytremblingstepsheled,

Fullofreligiousdoubtsandawfuldread.

Then,withhisgodpossess'd,beforetheshrine,

Thesewordsproceededfromhismouthdivine:

'Ogoddess-born,(forHeav'n'sappointedwill,

Withgreaterauspicesofgoodthanill,

Foreshowsthyvoyage,andthycoursedirects;

Thyfatesconspire,andJovehimselfprotects,)

OfmanythingssomefewIshallexplain,

Teachtheetoshunthedangersofthemain,

Andhowatlengththepromis'dshoretogain.

TherestthefatesfromHelenusconceal,

AndJuno'sangrypow'rforbidstotell.

First,then,thathappyshore,thatseemssonigh,

Willfarfromyourdeludedwishesfly;

LongtractsofseasdivideyourhopesfromItaly:

ForyoumustcruisealongSicilianshores,

Andstemthecurrentswithyourstrugglingoars;

Thenroundth'Italiancoastyournavysteer;

And,afterthis,toCirce'sislandveer;

And,last,beforeyournewfoundationsrise,

MustpasstheStygianlake,andviewthenetherskies.

Nowmarkthesignsoffutureeaseandrest,

Andbearthemsafelytreasur'dinthybreast.

When,intheshadyshelterofawood,

Andnearthemarginofagentleflood,

Thoushaltbeholdasowupontheground,

Withthirtysuckingyoungencompass'dround;

Thedamandoffspringwhiteasfallingsnow-

Theseonthycityshalltheirnamebestow,

Andthereshallendthylaborsandthywoe.

Norletthethreaten'dfaminefrightthymind,

ForPhoebuswillassist,andFatethewaywillfind.

Letnotthycoursetothatillcoastbebent,

Whichfrontsfromfarth'Epiriancontinent:

ThosepartsareallbyGrecianfoespossess'd;

ThesalvageLocriansheretheshoresinfest;

TherefierceIdomeneushiscitybuilds,

AndguardswitharmstheSalentinianfields;

Andonthemountain'sbrowPetiliastands,

WhichPhilocteteswithhistroopscommands.

Ev'nwhenthyfleetislandedontheshore,

Andpriestswithholyvowsthegodsadore,

Thenwithapurpleveilinvolveyoureyes,

Lesthostilefacesblastthesacrifice.

Theseritesandcustomstotherestcommend,

Thattoyourpiousracetheymaydescend.

"'When,partedhence,thewind,thatreadywaits

ForSicily,shallbearyoutothestraits

WhereproudPelorusopesawiderway,

Tacktothelarboard,andstandofftosea:

Veerstarboardseaandland.Th'Italianshore

AndfairSicilia'scoastwereone,before

Anearthquakecaus'dtheflaw:theroaringtides

Thepassagebrokethatlandfromlanddivides;

Andwherethelandsretir'd,therushingoceanrides.

Distinguish'dbythestraits,oneitherhand,

Nowrisingcitiesinlongorderstand,

Andfruitfulfields:somuchcantimeinvade

Themold'ringworkthatbeauteousNaturemade.

Farontheright,herdogsfoulScyllahides:

Charybdisroaringontheleftpresides,

Andinhergreedywhirlpoolsucksthetides;

Thenspoutsthemfrombelow:withfurydriv'n,

Thewavesmountupandwashthefaceofheav'n.

ButScyllafromherden,withopenjaws,

Thesinkingvesselinhereddydraws,

Thendashesontherocks.Ahumanface,

Andvirginbosom,hideshertail'sdisgrace:

Herpartsobscenebelowthewavesdescend,

Withdogsinclos'd,andinadolphinend.

'Tissafer,then,tobearalooftosea,

AndcoastPachynus,tho'withmoredelay,

ThanoncetoviewmisshapenScyllanear,

Andtheloudyellofwat'rywolvestohear.

"'Besides,iffaithtoHelenusbedue,

AndifpropheticPhoebustellmetrue,

Donotthispreceptofyourfriendforget,

WhichthereforemorethanonceImustrepeat:

Abovetherest,greatJuno'snameadore;

PayvowstoJuno;Juno'saidimplore.

Letgiftsbetothemightyqueendesign'd,

Andmollifywithpray'rsherhaughtymind.

Thus,atthelength,yourpassageshallbefree,

AndyoushallsafedescendonItaly.

Arriv'datCumae,whenyouviewtheflood

OfblackAvernus,andthesoundingwood,

ThemadpropheticSibylyoushallfind,

Darkinacave,andonarockreclin'd.

Shesingsthefates,and,inherfranticfits,

Thenotesandnames,inscrib'd,toleafscommits.

Whatshecommitstoleafs,inorderlaid,

Beforethecavern'sentrancearedisplay'd:

Unmov'dtheylie;but,ifablastofwind

Without,orvaporsissuefrombehind,

Theleafsarebornealoftinliquidair,

Andsheresumesnomorehermusefulcare,

Norgathersfromtherocksherscatter'dverse,

Norsetsinorderwhatthewindsdisperse.

Thus,manynotsucceeding,mostupbraid

Themadnessofthevisionarymaid,

Andwithloudcursesleavethemysticshade.

"'Thinkitnotlossoftimeawhiletostay,

Tho'thycompanionschidethylongdelay;

Tho'summon'dtotheseas,tho'pleasinggales

Invitethycourse,andstretchthyswellingsails:

Butbegthesacredpriestesstorelate

Withwillingwords,andnottowritethyfate.

ThefierceItalianpeopleshewillshow,

Andallthywars,andallthyfuturewoe,

Andwhatthoumay'stavoid,andwhatmustundergo.

Sheshalldirectthycourse,instructthymind,

Andteachtheehowthehappyshorestofind.

ThisiswhatHeav'nallowsmetorelate:

Nowpartinpeace;pursuethybetterfate,

Andraise,bystrengthofarms,theTrojanstate.'

"Thiswhenthepriestwithfriendlyvoicedeclar'd,

Hegavemelicense,andrichgiftsprepar'd:

Bounteousoftreasure,hesuppliedmywant

Withheavygold,andpolish'delephant;

ThenDodonaeancaldronsputonboard,

Andev'ryshipwithsumsofsilverstor'd.

Atrustycoatofmailtomehesent,

Thricechain'dwithgold,foruseandornament;

ThehelmofPyrrhusaddedtotherest,

Thatflourish'dwithaplumeandwavingcrest.

Norwasmysireforgotten,normyfriends;

Andlargerecruitshetomynavysends:

Men,horses,captains,arms,andwarlikestores;

Suppliesnewpilots,andnewsweepingoars.

Meantime,mysirecommandstohoistoursails,

Lestweshouldlosethefirstauspiciousgales.

"Theprophetbless'dthepartingcrew,andlast,

Withwordslikethese,hisancientfriendembrac'd:

'Oldhappyman,thecareofgodsabove,

Whomheav'nlyVenushonor'dwithherlove,

Andtwicepreserv'dthylife,whenTroywaslost,

Beholdfromfarthewish'dAusoniancoast:

Thereland;buttakealargercompassround,

Forthatbeforeisallforbiddenground.

TheshorethatPhoebushasdesign'dforyou,

Atfartherdistancelies,conceal'dfromview.

Gohappyhence,andseekyournewabodes,

Blestinason,andfavor'dbythegods:

ForIwithuselesswordsprolongyourstay,

Whensoutherngaleshavesummon'dyouaway.'

"Norlessthequeenourpartingthencedeplor'd,

NorwaslessbounteousthanherTrojanlord.

Anoblepresenttomysonshebrought,

Arobewithflow'rsongoldentissuewrought,

Aphrygianvest;andloadswithgiftsbeside

Ofprecioustexture,andofAsianpride.

'Accept,'shesaid,'thesemonumentsoflove,

WhichinmyyouthwithhappierhandsIwove:

Regardthesetriflesforthegiver'ssake;

'TisthelastpresentHector'swifecanmake.

Thoucall'stmylostAstyanaxtomind;

IntheehisfeaturesandhisformIfind:

Hiseyessosparkledwithalivelyflame;

Suchwerehismotions;suchwasallhisframe;

Andah!hadHeav'nsopleas'd,hisyearshadbeenthesame.'

"WithtearsItookmylastadieu,andsaid:

'Yourfortune,happypair,alreadymade,

Leavesyounofartherwish.Mydiff'rentstate,

Avoidingone,incursanotherfate.

Toyouaquietseatthegodsallow:

Youhavenoshorestosearch,noseastoplow,

NorfieldsofflyingItalytochase:

(Deludingvisions,andavainembrace!)

YouseeanotherSimois,andenjoy

Thelaborofyourhands,anotherTroy,

Withbetterauspicethanherancienttow'rs,

AndlessobnoxioustotheGrecianpow'rs.

Ife'erthegods,whomIwithvowsadore,

ConductmystepstoTiber'shappyshore;

IfeverIascendtheLatianthrone,

AndbuildacityImaycallmyown;

AsbothofusourbirthfromTroyderive,

Soletourkindredlinesinconcordlive,

Andbothinactsofequalfriendshipstrive.

Ourfortunes,goodorbad,shallbethesame:

ThedoubleTroyshalldifferbutinname;

Thatwhatwenowbeginmayneverend,

Butlongtolateposteritydescend.'

"NeartheCeraunianrocksourcoursewebore;

Theshortestpassagetoth'Italianshore.

Nowhadthesunwithdrawnhisradiantlight,

Andhillswerehidinduskyshadesofnight:

Weland,and,onthebosomOftheground,

Asaferetreatandabarelodgingfound.

Closebytheshorewelay;thesailorskeep

Theirwatches,andtherestsecurelysleep.

Thenight,proceedingonwithsilentpace,

Stoodinhernoon,andview'dwithequalface

Hersteepyriseandherdecliningrace.

ThenwakefulPalinurusrose,tospy

Thefaceofheav'n,andthenocturnalsky;

Andlisten'dev'rybreathofairtotry;

Observesthestars,andnotestheirslidingcourse,

ThePleiads,Hyads,andtheirwat'ryforce;

AndboththeBearsiscarefultobehold,

AndbrightOrion,arm'dwithburnish'dgold.

Then,whenhesawnothreat'ningtempestnigh,

Butasurepromiseofasettledsky,

Hegavethesigntoweigh;webreakoursleep,

Forsakethepleasingshore,andplowthedeep.

"Andnowtherisingmornwithrosylight

Adornstheskies,andputsthestarstoflight;

Whenwefromfar,likebluishmists,descry

Thehills,andthentheplains,ofItaly.

Achatesfirstpronounc'dthejoyfulsound;

Then,'Italy!'thecheerfulcrewrebound.

MysireAnchisescrown'dacupwithwine,

And,off'ring,thusimplor'dthepow'rsdivine:

'Yegods,presidingoverlandsandseas,

Andyouwhoragingwindsandwavesappease,

Breatheonourswellingsailsaprosp'rouswind,

Andsmoothourpassagetotheportassign'd!'

Thegentlegalestheirflaggingforcerenew,

Andnowthehappyharborisinview.

Minerva'stemplethensalutesoursight,

Plac'd,asalandmark,onthemountain'sheight.

Wefurloursails,andturntheprowstoshore;

Thecurlingwatersroundthegalleysroar.

Thelandliesopentotheragingeast,

Then,bendinglikeabow,withrockscompress'd,

Shutsoutthestorms;thewindsandwavescomplain,

Andventtheirmaliceonthecliffsinvain.

Theportlieshidwithin;oneitherside

Twotow'ringrocksthenarrowmouthdivide.

Thetemple,whichaloftweview'dbefore,

Todistanceflies,andseemstoshuntheshore.

Scarcelanded,thefirstomensIbeheld

Werefourwhitesteedsthatcropp'dtheflow'ryfield.

'War,waristhreaten'dfromthisforeignground,'

Myfathercried,'wherewarlikesteedsarefound.

Yet,sincereclaim'dtochariotstheysubmit,

Andbendtostubbornyokes,andchampthebit,

Peacemaysucceedtowar.'Ourwaywebend

ToPallas,andthesacredhillascend;

Thereprostratetothefierceviragopray,

Whosetemplewasthelandmarkofourway.

EachwithaPhrygianmantleveil'dhishead,

AndallcommandsofHelenusobey'd,

AndpiousritestoGrecianJunopaid.

Theseduesperform'd,westretchoursails,andstand

Tosea,forsakingthatsuspectedland.

"FromhenceTarentum'sbayappearsinview,

ForHerculesrenown'd,iffamebetrue.

Justopposite,LacinianJunostands;

Cauloniantow'rs,andScylacaeanstrands,

Forshipwrecksfear'd.MountAetnathencewespy,

Knownbythesmokyflameswhichcloudthesky.

Faroffwehearthewaveswithsurlysound

Invadetherocks,therockstheirgroansrebound.

Thebillowsbreakuponthesoundingstrand,

Androlltherisingtide,impurewithsand.

ThenthusAnchises,inexperienceold:

''TisthatCharybdiswhichtheseerforetold,

Andthosethepromis'drocks!Bearofftosea!'

Withhastethefrightedmarinersobey.

FirstPalinurustothelarboardveer'd;

Thenallthefleetbyhisexamplesteer'd.

Toheav'naloftonridgywavesweride,

Thendowntohelldescend,whentheydivide;

Andthriceourgalleysknock'dthestonyground,

Andthricethehollowrocksreturn'dthesound,

Andthricewesawthestars,thatstoodwithdewsaround.

Theflaggingwindsforsookus,withthesun;

And,wearied,onCyclopianshoreswerun.

Theportcapacious,andsecurefromwind,

Istothefootofthund'ringAetnajoin'd.

Byturnsapitchycloudsherollsonhigh;

Byturnshotembersfromherentrailsfly,

Andflakesofmountingflames,thatlickthesky.

Oftfromherbowelsmassyrocksarethrown,

And,shiver'dbytheforce,comepiecemealdown.

Oftliquidlakesofburningsulphurflow,

Fedfromthefieryspringsthatboilbelow.

Enceladus,theysay,transfix'dbyJove,

Withblastedlimbscametumblingfromabove;

And,wherehefell,th'avengingfatherdrew

Thisflaminghill,andonhisbodythrew.

Asoftenasheturnshiswearysides,

Heshakesthesolidisle,andsmoketheheavenshides.

Inshadywoodswepassthetediousnight,

Wherebellowingsoundsandgroansoursoulsaffright,

Ofwhichnocauseisoffer'dtothesight;

Fornotonestarwaskindledinthesky,

Norcouldthemoonherborrow'dlightsupply;

Formistycloudsinvolv'dthefirmament,

Thestarsweremuffled,andthemoonwaspent.

"Scarcehadtherisingsunthedayreveal'd,

Scarcehadhisheatthepearlydewsdispell'd,

Whenfromthewoodstherebolts,beforeoursight,

Somewhatbetwixtamortalandasprite,

Sothin,soghastlymeager,andsowan,

Sobareofflesh,hescarceresembledman.

Thisthing,alltatter'd,seem'dfromfart'implore

Ourpiousaid,andpointedtotheshore.

Welookbehind,thenviewhisshaggybeard;

Hisclothesweretagg'dwiththorns,andfilthhislimbs

besmear'd;

Therest,inmien,inhabit,andinface,

Appear'daGreek,andsuchindeedhewas.

Hecastonus,fromfar,afrightfulview,

WhomsoonforTrojansandforfoesheknew;

Stoodstill,andpaus'd;thenallatoncebegan

Tostretchhislimbs,andtrembledasheran.

Soonasapproach'd,uponhiskneeshefalls,

Andthuswithtearsandsighsforpitycalls:

'Now,bythepow'rsabove,andwhatweshare

FromNature'scommongift,thisvitalair,

OTrojans,takemehence!Ibegnomore;

Butbearmefarfromthisunhappyshore.

'Tistrue,IamaGreek,andfartherown,

Amongyourfoesbesieg'dth'imperialtown.

Forsuchdemeritsifmydeathbedue,

Nomoreforthisabandon'dlifeIsue;

Thisonlyfavorletmytearsobtain,

Tothrowmeheadlongintherapidmain:

Sincenothingmorethandeathmycrimedemands,

Idiecontent,todiebyhumanhands.'

Hesaid,andonhiskneesmykneesembrac'd:

Ibadehimboldlytellhisfortunepast,

Hispresentstate,hislineage,andhisname,

Th'occasionofhisfears,andwhencehecame.

ThegoodAnchisesrais'dhimwithhishand;

Who,thusencourag'd,answer'dourdemand:

'FromIthaca,mynativesoil,Icame

ToTroy;andAchaemenidesmyname.

MemypoorfatherwithUlyssessent;

(OhadIstay'd,withpovertycontent!)

But,fearfulforthemselves,mycountrymen

LeftmeforsakenintheCyclops'den.

Thecave,tho'large,wasdark;thedismalfloor

Waspav'dwithmangledlimbsandputridgore.

Ourmonstroushost,ofmorethanhumansize,

Erectshishead,andstareswithintheskies;

Bellowinghisvoice,andhorridishishue.

Yegods,removethisplaguefrommortalview!

Thejointsofslaughter'dwretchesarehisfood;

Andforhiswinehequaffsthestreamingblood.

Theseeyesbeheld,whenwithhisspacioushand

Heseiz'dtwocaptivesofourGrecianband;

Stretch'donhisback,hedash'dagainstthestones

Theirbrokenbodies,andtheircracklingbones:

Withspoutingbloodthepurplepavementswims,

Whilethediregluttongrindsthetremblinglimbs.

"'Notunreveng'dUlyssesboretheirfate,

Northoughtlessofhisownunhappystate;

For,gorg'dwithflesh,anddrunkwithhumanwine

Whilefastasleepthegiantlaysupine,

Snoringaloud,andbelchingfromhismaw

Hisindigestedfoam,andmorselsraw;

Wepray;wecastthelots,andthensurround

Themonstrousbody,stretch'dalongtheground:

Each,ashecouldapproachhim,lendsahand

Toborehiseyeballwithaflamingbrand.

Beneathhisfrowningforeheadlayhiseye;

Foronlyonedidthevastframesupply-

Butthataglobesolarge,hisfrontitfill'd,

Likethesun'sdiskorlikeaGrecianshield.

Thestrokesucceeds;anddownthepupilbends:

Thisvengeancefollow'dforourslaughter'dfriends.

Buthaste,unhappywretches,hastetofly!

Yourcablescut,andonyouroarsrely!

Such,andsovastasPolyphemeappears,

Ahundredmorethishatedislandbears:

Likehim,incavestheyshuttheirwoollysheep;

Likehim,theirherdsontopsofmountainskeep;

Likehim,withmightystrides,theystalkfromsteeptosteep

Andnowthreemoonstheirsharpen'dhornsrenew,

Sincethus,inwoodsandwilds,obscurefromview,

Idragmyloathsomedayswithmortalfright,

Andindesertedcavernslodgebynight;

Oftfromtherocksadreadfulprospectsee

OfthehugeCyclops,likeawalkingtree:

FromfarIhearhisthund'ringvoiceresound,

Andtramplingfeetthatshakethesolidground.

Cornelsandsalvageberriesofthewood,

Androotsandherbs,havebeenmymeagerfood.

WhileallaroundmylongingeyesIcast,

Isawyourhappyshipsappearatlast.

OnthoseIfix'dmyhopes,totheseIrun;

'TisallIask,thiscruelracetoshun;

Whatotherdeathyouplease,yourselvesbestow.'

"Scarcehadhesaid,whenonthemountain'sbrow

Wesawthegiantshepherdstalkbefore

Hisfollowingflock,andleadingtotheshore:

Amonstrousbulk,deform'd,depriv'dofsight;

Hisstaffatrunkofpine,toguidehisstepsaright.

Hispond'rouswhistlefromhisneckdescends;

Hiswoollycaretheirpensivelordattends:

Thisonlysolacehishardfortunesends.

Soonashereach'dtheshoreandtouch'dthewaves,

Fromhisbor'deyethegutt'ringbloodhelaves:

Hegnash'dhisteeth,andgroan'd;thro'seashestrides,

Andscarcethetopmostbillowstouch'dhissides.

"Seiz'dwithasuddenfear,weruntosea,

Thecablescut,andsilenthasteaway;

Thewell-deservingstrangerentertain;

Then,bucklingtothework,ouroarsdividethemain.

Thegiantharken'dtothedashingsound:

But,whenourvesselsoutofreachhefound,

Hestridedonward,andinvainessay'd

Th'Ioniandeep,anddurstnofartherwade.

Withthatheroar'daloud:thedreadfulcry

Shakesearth,andair,andseas;thebillowsfly

BeforethebellowingnoisetodistantItaly.

Theneigh'ringAetnatremblingallaround,

Thewindingcavernsechotothesound.

HisbrotherCyclopsheartheyellingroar,

And,rushingdownthemountains,crowdtheshore.

Wesawtheirsterndistortedlooks,fromfar,

Andone-eyedglance,thatvainlythreaten'dwar:

Adreadfulcouncil,withtheirheadsonhigh;

(Themistycloudsabouttheirforeheadsfly;)

Notyieldingtothetow'ringtreeofJove,

OrtallestcypressofDiana'sgrove.

Newpangsofmortalfearourmindsassail;

Wetugatev'ryoar,andhoistupev'rysail,

Andtaketh'advantageofthefriendlygale.

Forewarn'dbyHelenus,westrivetoshun

Charybdis'gulf,nordaretoScyllarun.

Anequalfateoneithersideappears:

We,tackingtotheleft,arefreefromfears;

For,fromPelorus'point,theNortharose,

AnddroveusbackwhereswiftPantagiasflows.

Hisrockymouthwepass,andmakeourway

ByThapsusandMegara'swindingbay.

ThispassageAchaemenideshadshown,

Tracingthecoursewhichhebeforehadrun.

"Righto'eragainstPlemmyrium'swat'rystrand,

Thereliesanisleoncecall'dth'Ortygianland.

Alpheus,asoldfamereports,hasfound

FromGreeceasecretpassageunderground,

BylovetobeauteousArethusaled;

And,minglinghere,theyrollinthesamesacredbed.

AsHelenusenjoin'd,wenextadore

Diana'sname,protectressoftheshore.

Withprosp'rousgaleswepassthequietsounds

OfstillElorus,andhisfruitfulbounds.

Then,doublingCapePachynus,wesurvey

Therockyshoreextendedtothesea.

ThetownofCamarinefromfarwesee,

Andfennylake,undrain'dbyfate'sdecree.

InsightoftheGeloanfieldswepass,

Andthelargewalls,wheremightyGelawas;

ThenAgragas,withloftysummitscrown'd,

Longfortheraceofwarlikesteedsrenown'd.

Wepass'dSelinus,andthepalmyland,

AndwidelyshuntheLilybaeanstrand,

Unsafe,forsecretrocksandmovingsand.

Atlengthonshorethewearyfleetarriv'd,

WhichDrepanum'sunhappyportreceiv'd.

Here,afterendlesslabors,oftentoss'd

Byragingstorms,anddriv'nonev'rycoast,

Mydear,dearfather,spentwithage,Ilost:

Easeofmycares,andsolaceofmypain,

Sav'dthro'athousandtoils,butsav'dinvain

Theprophet,whomyfuturewoesreveal'd,

Yetthis,thegreatestandtheworst,conceal'd;

AnddireCelaeno,whoseforebodingskill

Denounc'dallelse,wassilentoftheill.

Thismylastlaborwas.Somefriendlygod

Fromthenceconvey'dustoyourblestabode."

Thus,tothelist'ningqueen,theroyalguest

Hiswand'ringcourseandallhistoilsexpress'd;

Andhereconcluding,heretir'dtorest.

BOOKIV

Butanxiouscaresalreadyseiz'dthequeen:

Shefedwithinherveinsaflameunseen;

Thehero'svalor,acts,andbirthinspire

Hersoulwithlove,andfanthesecretfire.

Hiswords,hislooks,imprintedinherheart,

Improvethepassion,andincreasethesmart.

Now,whenthepurplemornhadchas'daway

Thedewyshadows,andrestor'dtheday,

Hersisterfirstwithearlycareshesought,

Andthusinmournfulaccentseas'dherthought:

"MydearestAnna,whatnewdreamsaffright

Mylab'ringsoul!whatvisionsofthenight

Disturbmyquiet,anddistractmybreast

WithstrangeideasofourTrojanguest!

Hisworth,hisactions,andmajesticair,

Amandescendedfromthegodsdeclare.

Feareverarguesadegeneratekind;

Hisbirthiswellassertedbyhismind.

Then,whathesuffer'd,whenbyFatebetray'd!

WhatbraveattemptsforfallingTroyhemade!

Suchwerehislooks,sogracefullyhespoke,

That,wereInotresolv'dagainsttheyoke

Ofhaplessmarriage,nevertobecurst

Withsecondlove,sofatalwasmyfirst,

TothisoneerrorImightyieldagain;

For,sinceSichaeuswasuntimelyslain,

Thisonlymanisabletosubvert

Thefix'dfoundationsofmystubbornheart.

And,toconfessmyfrailty,tomyshame,

SomewhatIfindwithin,ifnotthesame,

Toolikethesparklesofmyformerflame.

Butfirstletyawningearthapassagerend,

Andletmethro'thedarkabyssdescend;

FirstletavengingJove,withflamesfromhigh,

Drivedownthisbodytothenethersky,

Condemn'dwithghostsinendlessnighttolie,

BeforeIbreaktheplightedfaithIgave!

No!hewhohadmyvowsshalleverhave;

For,whomIlov'donearth,Iworshipinthegrave."

Shesaid:thetearsrangushingfromhereyes,

Andstopp'dherspeech.Hersisterthusreplies:

"OdearerthanthevitalairIbreathe,

Willyoutogriefyourbloomingyearsbequeath,

Condemn'dtowasteinwoesyourlonelylife,

Withoutthejoysofmotherorofwife?

Thinkyouthesetears,thispompoustrainofwoe,

Areknownorvaluedbytheghostsbelow?

Igrantthat,whileyoursorrowsyetweregreen,

Itwellbecameawoman,andaqueen,

ThevowsofTyrianprincestoneglect,

ToscornHyarbas,andhislovereject,

WithalltheLibyanlordsofmightyname;

Butwillyoufightagainstapleasingflame!

Thislittlespotofland,whichHeav'nbestows,

Onev'rysideishemm'dwithwarlikefoes;

Gaetuliancitiesherearespreadaround,

AndfierceNumidiansthereyourfrontiersbound;

Hereliesabarrenwasteofthirstyland,

AndtheretheSyrtesraisethemovingsand;

Barcaeantroopsbesiegethenarrowshore,

AndfromtheseaPygmalionthreatensmore.

PropitiousHeav'n,andgraciousJuno,lead

Thiswand'ringnavytoyourneedfulaid:

Howwillyourempirespread,yourcityrise,

Fromsuchaunion,andwithsuchallies?

Implorethefavorofthepow'rsabove,

Andleavetheconductoftheresttolove.

Continuestillyourhospitableway,

Andstillinventoccasionsoftheirstay,

Tillstormsandwinterwindsshallceasetothreat,

Andplanksandoarsrepairtheirshatter'dfleet."

Thesewords,whichfromafriendandsistercame,

Witheaseresolv'dthescruplesofherfame,

Andaddedfurytothekindledflame.

Inspir'dwithhope,theprojecttheypursue;

Onev'ryaltarsacrificerenew:

Achoseneweoftwoyearsoldtheypay

ToCeres,Bacchus,andtheGodofDay;

PreferringJuno'spow'r,forJunoties

Thenuptialknotandmakesthemarriagejoys.

Thebeauteousqueenbeforeheraltarstands,

Andholdsthegoldengobletinherhands.

Amilk-whiteheifershewithflow'rsadorns,

Andpourstheruddywinebetwixtherhorns;

And,whilethepriestswithpray'rthegodsinvoke,

ShefeedstheiraltarswithSabaeansmoke,

Withhourlycarethesacrificerenews,

Andanxiouslythepantingentrailsviews.

Whatpriestlyrites,alas!whatpiousart,

Whatvowsavailtocureableedingheart!

Agentlefireshefeedswithinherveins,

Wherethesoftgodsecureinsilencereigns.

Sickwithdesire,andseekinghimsheloves,

FromstreettostreettheravingDidoroves.

Sowhenthewatchfulshepherd,fromtheblind,

Woundswitharandomshaftthecarelesshind,

Distractedwithherpainshefliesthewoods,

Boundso'erthelawn,andseeksthesilentfloods,

Withfruitlesscare;forstillthefataldart

Sticksinherside,andranklesinherheart.

AndnowsheleadstheTrojanchiefalong

Theloftywalls,amidstthebusythrong;

DisplaysherTyrianwealth,andrisingtown,

Whichlove,withouthislabor,makeshisown.

Thispompsheshows,totemptherwand'ringguest;

Herfalt'ringtongueforbidstospeaktherest.

Whendaydeclines,andfeastsrenewthenight,

Stillonhisfaceshefeedsherfamish'dsight;

Shelongsagaintoheartheprincerelate

HisownadventuresandtheTrojanfate.

Hetellsito'erando'er;butstillinvain,

Forstillshebegstohearitonceagain.

Theheareronthespeaker'smouthdepends,

Andthusthetragicstoryneverends.

Then,whentheypart,whenPhoebe'spalerlight

Withdraws,andfallingstarstosleepinvite,

Shelastremains,whenev'ryguestisgone,

Sitsonthebedhepress'd,andsighsalone;

Absent,herabsentheroseesandhears;

OrinherbosomyoungAscaniusbears,

Andseeksthefather'simageinthechild,

Iflovebylikenessmightbesobeguil'd.

Meantimetherisingtow'rsareatastand;

Nolaborsexercisetheyouthfulband,

Noruseofarts,nortoilsofarmstheyknow;

Themoleisleftunfinish'dtothefoe;

Themounds,theworks,thewalls,neglectedlie,

Shortoftheirpromis'dheighth,thatseem'dtothreatthesky,

ButwhenimperialJuno,fromabove,

SawDidofetter'dinthechainsoflove,

Hotwiththevenomwhichherveinsinflam'd,

Andbynosenseofshametobereclaim'd,

WithsoothingwordstoVenusshebegun:

"Highpraises,endlesshonors,youhavewon,

Andmightytrophies,withyourworthyson!

Twogodsasillywomanhaveundone!

NoramIignorant,youbothsuspect

Thisrisingcity,whichmyhandserect:

Butshallcelestialdiscordnevercease?

'Tisbetterendedinalastingpeace.

Youstandpossess'dofallyoursouldesir'd:

PoorDidowithconsumingloveisfir'd.

YourTrojanwithmyTyrianletusjoin;

SoDidoshallbeyours,Aeneasmine:

Onecommonkingdom,oneunitedline.

ElizashallaDardanlordobey,

AndloftyCarthageforadow'rconvey."

ThenVenus,whoherhiddenfrauddescried,

Whichwouldthescepteroftheworldmisguide

ToLibyanshores,thusartfullyreplied:

"Who,butafool,wouldwarswithJunochoose,

Andsuchallianceandsuchgiftsrefuse,

IfFortunewithourjointdesirescomply?

ThedoubtisallfromJoveanddestiny;

Lestheforbid,withabsolutecommand,

Tomixthepeopleinonecommonland-

OrwilltheTrojanandtheTyrianline

Inlastingleaguesandsuresuccessionjoin?

Butyou,thepartnerofhisbedandthrone,

Maymovehismind;mywishesareyourown."

"Mine,"saidimperialJuno,"bethecare;

Timeurges,now,toperfectthisaffair:

Attendmycounsel,andthesecretshare.

WhennexttheSunhisrisinglightdisplays,

Andgildstheworldbelowwithpurplerays,

Thequeen,Aeneas,andtheTyriancourt

Shalltotheshadywoods,forsylvangame,resort.

There,whilethehuntsmenpitchtheirtoilsaround,

Andcheerfulhornsfromsidetosideresound,

Apitchycloudshallcoveralltheplain

Withhail,andthunder,andtempestuousrain;

Thefearfultrainshalltaketheirspeedyflight,

Dispers'd,andallinvolv'dingloomynight;

Onecaveagratefulsheltershallafford

TothefairprincessandtheTrojanlord.

Iwillmyselfthebridalbedprepare,

Ifyou,toblessthenuptials,willbethere:

Soshalltheirlovesbecrown'dwithduedelights,

AndHymenshallbepresentattherites."

TheQueenofLoveconsents,andcloselysmiles

Athervainproject,anddiscover'dwiles.

Therosymornwasrisenfromthemain,

Andhornsandhoundsawaketheprincelytrain:

Theyissueearlythro'thecitygate,

Wherethemorewakefulhuntsmenreadywait,

Withnets,andtoils,anddarts,besidetheforce

OfSpartandogs,andswiftMassylianhorse.

TheTyrianpeersandofficersofstate

Fortheslowqueeninantechamberswait;

Herloftycourser,inthecourtbelow,

Whohismajesticriderseemstoknow,

Proudofhispurpletrappings,pawstheground,

Andchampsthegoldenbit,andspreadsthefoamaround.

Thequeenatlengthappears;oneitherhand

Thebrawnyguardsinmartialorderstand.

Aflow'r'dsimarwithgoldenfringeshewore,

Andatherbackagoldenquiverbore;

Herflowinghairagoldencaulrestrains,

AgoldenclasptheTyrianrobesustains.

ThenyoungAscanius,withasprightlygrace,

LeadsontheTrojanyouthtoviewthechase.

Butfarabovetherestinbeautyshines

ThegreatAeneas,thetroophejoins;

LikefairApollo,whenheleavesthefrost

Ofwint'ryXanthus,andtheLyciancoast,

WhentohisnativeDelosheresorts,

Ordainsthedances,andrenewsthesports;

WherepaintedScythians,mix'dwithCretanbands,

Beforethejoyfulaltarsjointheirhands:

Himself,onCynthuswalking,seesbelow

Themerrymadnessofthesacredshow.

Greenwreathsofbayshislengthofhairinclose;

Agoldenfilletbindshisawfulbrows;

Hisquiversounds:notlesstheprinceisseen

Inmanlypresence,orinloftymien.

Nowhadtheyreach'dthehills,andstorm'dtheseat

Ofsalvagebeasts,indens,theirlastretreat.

Thecrypursuesthemountaingoats:theybound

Fromrocktorock,andkeepthecraggyground;

Quiteotherwisethestags,atremblingtrain,

Inherdsunsingled,scourthedustyplain,

Andalongchaseinopenviewmaintain.

ThegladAscanius,ashiscourserguides,

Spursthro'thevale,andtheseandthoseoutrides.

Hishorse'sflanksandsidesareforc'dtofeel

Theclankinglash,andgoringofthesteel.

Impatientlyheviewsthefeebleprey,

Wishingsomenoblerbeasttocrosshisway,

Andratherwouldthetuskyboarattend,

Orseethetawnyliondownwardbend.

Meantime,thegath'ringcloudsobscuretheskies:

Frompoletopoletheforkylightningflies;

Therattlingthundersroll;andJunopours

Awintrydelugedown,andsoundingshow'rs.

Thecompany,dispers'd,toconvertsride,

Andseekthehomelycots,ormountain'shollowside.

Therapidrains,descendingfromthehills,

Torollingtorrentsraisethecreepingrills.

Thequeenandprince,asloveorfortuneguides,

Onecommoncaverninherbosomhides.

Thenfirstthetremblingearththesignalgave,

Andflashingfiresenlightenallthecave;

Hellfrombelow,andJunofromabove,

Andhowlingnymphs,wereconsciousoftheirlove.

Fromthisill-omen'dhourintimearose

Debateanddeath,andallsucceedingwoes.

Thequeen,whomsenseofhonorcouldnotmove,

Nolongermadeasecretofherlove,

Butcall'ditmarriage,bythatspeciousname

Toveilthecrimeandsanctifytheshame.

Theloudreportthro'Libyancitiesgoes.

Fame,thegreatill,fromsmallbeginningsgrows:

Swiftfromthefirst;andev'rymomentbrings

Newvigortoherflights,newpinionstoherwings.

Soongrowsthepigmytogiganticsize;

Herfeetonearth,herforeheadintheskies.

Inrag'dagainstthegods,revengefulEarth

Produc'dherlastoftheTitanianbirth.

Swiftisherwalk,moreswiftherwingedhaste:

Amonstrousphantom,horribleandvast.

Asmanyplumesasraiseherloftyflight,

Somanypiercingeyesinlargehersight;

MillionsofopeningmouthstoFamebelong,

Andev'rymouthisfurnish'dwithatongue,

Androundwithlist'ningearstheflyingplagueishung.

Shefillsthepeacefuluniversewithcries;

Noslumbersevercloseherwakefuleyes;

Byday,fromloftytow'rsherheadsheshews,

Andspreadsthro'tremblingcrowdsdisastrousnews;

Withcourtinformershaunts,androyalspies;

Thingsdonerelates,notdoneshefeigns,andminglestruthwithlies.

Talkisherbusiness,andherchiefdelight

Totellofprodigiesandcauseaffright.

Shefillsthepeople'searswithDido'sname,

Who,losttohonorandthesenseofshame,

Admitsintoherthroneandnuptialbed

Awand'ringguest,whofromhiscountryfled:

Wholedayswithhimshepassesindelights,

Andwastesinluxurylongwinternights,

Forgetfulofherfameandroyaltrust,

Dissolv'dinease,abandon'dtoherlust.

Thegoddesswidelyspreadstheloudreport,

AndfliesatlengthtoKingHyarba'scourt.

Whenfirstpossess'dwiththisunwelcomenews

Whomdidhenotofmenandgodsaccuse?

Thisprince,fromravish'dGaramantisborn,

Ahundredtemplesdidwithspoilsadorn,

InAmmon'shonor,hiscelestialsire;

Ahundredaltarsfedwithwakefulfire;

And,thro'hisvastdominions,priestsordain'd,

Whosewatchfulcaretheseholyritesmaintain'd.

Thegatesandcolumnswerewithgarlandscrown'd,

Andbloodofvictimbeastsenrich'dtheground.

He,whenheheardafugitivecouldmove

TheTyrianprincess,whodisdain'dhislove,

Hisbreastwithfuryburn'd,hiseyeswithfire,

Madwithdespair,impatientwithdesire;

Thenonthesacredaltarspouringwine,

Hethuswithpray'rsimplor'dhissiredivine:

"GreatJove!propitioustotheMoorishrace,

Whofeastonpaintedbeds,withoff'ringsgrace

Thytemples,andadorethypow'rdivine

Withbloodofvictims,andwithsparklingwine,

Seestthounotthis?ordowefearinvain

Thyboastedthunder,andthythoughtlessreign?

Dothybroadhandstheforkylightningslance?

Thinearethebolts,ortheblindworkofchance?

Awand'ringwomanbuilds,withinourstate,

Alittletown,boughtataneasyrate;

Shepaysmehomage,andmygrantsallow

AnarrowspaceofLibyanlandstoplow;

Yet,scorningme,bypassionblindlyled,

Admitsabanish'dTrojantoherbed!

AndnowthisotherParis,withhistrain

Ofconquer'dcowards,mustinAfricreign!

(Whom,whattheyare,theirlooksandgarbconfess,

Theirlockswithoilperfum'd,theirLydiandress.)

Hetakesthespoil,enjoystheprincelydame;

AndI,rejectedI,adoreanemptyname."

Hisvows,inhaughtyterms,hethuspreferr'd,

Andheldhisaltar'shorns.ThemightyThund'rerheard;

ThencasthiseyesonCarthage,wherehefound

Thelustfulpairinlawlesspleasuredrown'd,

Lostintheirloves,insensibleofshame,

Andbothforgetfuloftheirbetterfame.

HecallsCyllenius,andthegodattends,

Bywhomhismenacingcommandhesends:

"Go,mountthewesternwinds,andcleavethesky;

Then,withaswiftdescent,toCarthagefly:

TherefindtheTrojanchief,whowasteshisdays

Inslothfulriotandingloriousease,

Normindsthefuturecity,giv'nbyfate.

Tohimthismessagefrommymouthrelate:

'NotsofairVenushop'd,whentwiceshewon

Thylifewithpray'rs,norpromis'dsuchason.

Herswasahero,destin'dtocommand

Amartialrace,andruletheLatianland,

WhoshouldhisancientlinefromTeucerdraw,

Andontheconquer'dworldimposethelaw.'

Ifglorycannotmoveamindsomean,

Norfuturepraisefromfadingpleasurewean,

Yetwhyshouldhedefraudhissonoffame,

AndgrudgetheRomanstheirimmortalname!

Whatarehisvaindesigns!whathopeshemore

Fromhislongling'ringonahostileshore,

Regardlesstoredeemhishonorlost,

Andforhisracetogainth'Ausoniancoast!

BidhimwithspeedtheTyriancourtforsake;

Withthiscommandtheslumb'ringwarriorwake."

Hermesobeys;withgoldenpinionsbinds

Hisflyingfeet,andmountsthewesternwinds:

And,whethero'ertheseasorearthheflies,

Withrapidforcetheybearhimdowntheskies.

Butfirsthegraspswithinhisawfulhand

Themarkofsov'reignpow'r,hismagicwand;

Withthishedrawstheghostsfromhollowgraves;

WiththishedrivesthemdowntheStygianwaves;

Withthishesealsinsleepthewakefulsight,

Andeyes,tho'clos'dindeath,restorestolight.

Thusarm'd,thegodbeginshisairyrace,

Anddrivestherackingcloudsalongtheliquidspace;

NowseesthetopsofAtlas,asheflies,

Whosebrawnybacksupportsthestarryskies;

Atlas,whosehead,withpinyforestscrown'd,

Isbeatenbythewinds,withfoggyvaporsbound.

Snowshidehisshoulders;frombeneathhischin

Thefountsofrollingstreamstheirracebegin;

Abeardoficeonhislargebreastdepends.

Here,pois'duponhiswings,thegoddescends:

Then,restedthus,hefromthetow'ringheight

Plung'ddownward,withprecipitatedflight,

Lightsontheseas,andskimsalongtheflood.

Aswaterfowl,whoseektheirfishyfood,

Less,andyetless,todistantprospectshow;

Byturnstheydancealoft,anddivebelow:

Likethese,thesteerageofhiswingsheplies,

Andnearthesurfaceofthewaterflies,

Till,havingpass'dtheseas,andcross'dthesands,

Heclos'dhiswings,andstoop'donLibyanlands:

Whereshepherdsoncewerehous'dinhomelysheds,

Nowtow'rswithinthecloudsadvancetheirheads.

Arrivingthere,hefoundtheTrojanprince

Newrampartsraisingforthetown'sdefense.

Apurplescarf,withgoldembroider'do'er,

(QueenDido'sgift,)abouthiswaisthewore;

Asword,withglitt'ringgemsdiversified,

Forornament,notuse,hungidlybyhisside.

Thenthus,withwingedwords,thegodbegan,

Resuminghisownshape:"Degenerateman,

Thouwoman'sproperty,whatmak'stthouhere,

TheseforeignwallsandTyriantow'rstorear,

Forgetfulofthyown?All-pow'rfulJove,

Whoswaystheworldbelowandheav'nabove,

Hassentmedownwiththisseverecommand:

Whatmeansthyling'ringintheLibyanland?

Ifglorycannotmoveamindsomean,

Norfuturepraisefromflittingpleasurewean,

Regardthefortunesofthyrisingheir:

Thepromis'dcrownletyoungAscaniuswear,

Towhomth'Ausonianscepter,andthestate

OfRome'simperialnameisow'dbyfate."

Sospokethegod;and,speaking,tookhisflight,

Involv'dinclouds,andvanish'doutofsight.

Thepiousprincewasseiz'dwithsuddenfear;

Mutewashistongue,anduprightstoodhishair.

Revolvinginhismindthesterncommand,

Helongstofly,andloathesthecharmingland.

Whatshouldhesay?orhowshouldhebegin?

Whatcourse,alas!remainstosteerbetween

Th'offendedloverandthepow'rfulqueen?

Thiswayandthatheturnshisanxiousmind,

Andallexpedientstries,andnonecanfind.

Fix'donthedeed,butdoubtfulofthemeans,

Afterlongthought,tothisadviceheleans:

Threechiefshecalls,commandsthemtorepair

Thefleet,andshiptheirmenwithsilentcare;

Someplausiblepretensehebidsthemfind,

Tocolorwhatinsecrethedesign'd.

Himself,meantime,thesoftesthourswouldchoose,

Beforethelove-sickladyheardthenews;

Andmovehertendermind,byslowdegrees,

Tosufferwhatthesov'reignpow'rdecrees:

Jovewillinspirehim,when,andwhattosay.

Theyhearwithpleasure,andwithhasteobey.

Butsoonthequeenperceivesthethindisguise:

(Whatartscanblindajealouswoman'seyes!)

Shewasthefirsttofindthesecretfraud,

Beforethefatalnewswasblaz'dabroad.

Lovethefirstmotionsoftheloverhears,

Quicktopresage,andev'ninsafetyfears.

NorimpiousFamewaswantingtoreport

Theshipsrepair'd,theTrojans'thickresort,

AndpurposetoforsaketheTyriancourt.

Franticwithfear,impatientofthewound,

Andimpotentofmind,sherovesthecityround.

LesswildtheBacchanaliandamesappear,

When,fromafar,theirnightlygodtheyhear,

Andhowlaboutthehills,andshakethewreathyspear.

Atlengthshefindsthedearperfidiousman;

Preventshisform'dexcuse,andthusbegan:

"Baseandungrateful!couldyouhopetofly,

Andundiscover'dscapealover'seye?

Norcouldmykindnessyourcompassionmove.

Norplightedvows,nordearerbandsoflove?

Oristhedeathofadespairingqueen

Notworthpreventing,tho'toowellforeseen?

Ev'nwhenthewintrywindscommandyourstay,

Youdarethetempests,anddefythesea.

Falseasyouare,supposeyouwerenotbound

Tolandsunknown,andforeigncoaststosound;

WereTroyrestor'd,andPriam'shappyreign,

Nowdurstyoutempt,forTroy,theragingmain?

Seewhomyoufly!amIthefoeyoushun?

Now,bythoseholyvows,solatebegun,

Bythisrighthand,(sinceIhavenothingmore

Tochallenge,butthefaithyougavebefore;)

Ibegyoubythesetearstootrulyshed,

Bythenewpleasuresofournuptialbed;

IfeverDido,whenyoumostwerekind,

Werepleasinginyoureyes,ortouch'dyourmind;

Bythesemypray'rs,ifpray'rsmayyethaveplace,

Pitythefortunesofafallingrace.

ForyouIhaveprovok'datyrant'shate,

Incens'dtheLibyanandtheTyrianstate;

ForyoualoneIsufferinmyfame,

Bereftofhonor,andexpos'dtoshame.

WhomhaveInowtotrust,ungratefulguest?

(Thatonlynameremainsofalltherest!)

WhathaveIleft?orwhithercanIfly?

MustIattendPygmalion'scruelty,

OrtillHyarbashallintriumphlead

Aqueenthatproudlyscorn'dhisproffer'dbed?

Hadyoudeferr'd,atleast,yourhastyflight,

Andleftbehindsomepledgeofourdelight,

Somebabetoblessthemother'smournfulsight,

SomeyoungAeneas,tosupplyyourplace,

Whosefeaturesmightexpresshisfather'sface;

Ishouldnotthencomplaintolivebereft

Ofallmyhusband,orbewhollyleft."

Herepaus'dthequeen.Unmov'dheholdshiseyes,

ByJove'scommand;norsuffer'dlovetorise,

Tho'heavinginhisheart;andthusatlengthreplies:

"Fairqueen,younevercanenoughrepeat

Yourboundlessfavors,orIownmydebt;

NorcanmymindforgetEliza'sname,

Whilevitalbreathinspiresthismortalframe.

Thisonlyletmespeakinmydefense:

Ineverhop'dasecretflightfromhence,

Muchlesspretendedtothelawfulclaim

Ofsacrednuptials,orahusband'sname.

For,ifindulgentHeav'nwouldleavemefree,

Andnotsubmitmylifetofate'sdecree,

MychoicewouldleadmetotheTrojanshore,

Thoserelicstoreview,theirdustadore,

AndPriam'sruin'dpalacetorestore.

ButnowtheDelphianoraclecommands,

AndfateinvitesmetotheLatianlands.

Thatisthepromis'dplacetowhichIsteer,

Andallmyvowsareterminatedthere.

Ifyou,aTyrian,andastrangerborn,

Withwallsandtow'rsaLibyantownadorn,

Whymaynotwe-likeyou,aforeignrace-

Likeyou,seekshelterinaforeignplace?

Asoftenasthenightobscurestheskies

Withhumidshades,ortwinklingstarsarise,

Anchises'angryghostindreamsappears,

Chidesmydelay,andfillsmysoulwithfears;

AndyoungAscaniusjustlymaycomplain

Ofhisdefraudedanddestin'dreign.

Ev'nnowtheheraldofthegodsappear'd:

WakingIsawhim,andhismessageheard.

FromJovehecamecommission'd,heav'nlybright

Withradiantbeams,andmanifesttosight

(ThesenderandthesentIbothattest)

Thesewallsheenter'd,andthosewordsexpress'd.

Fairqueen,opposenotwhatthegodscommand;

Forc'dbymyfate,Ileaveyourhappyland."

Thuswhilehespoke,alreadyshebegan,

Withsparklingeyes,toviewtheguiltyman;

Fromheadtofootsurvey'dhispersono'er,

Norlongertheseoutrageousthreatsforebore:

"Falseasthouart,and,morethanfalse,forsworn!

Notsprungfromnobleblood,norgoddess-born,

Buthewnfromharden'dentrailsofarock!

AndroughHyrcaniantigersgavetheesuck!

WhyshouldIfawn?whathaveIworsetofear?

Didheoncelook,orlentalist'ningear,

Sigh'dwhenIsobb'd,orshedonekindlytear?-

Allsymptomsofabaseungratefulmind,

Sofoul,that,whichisworse,'tishardtofind.

Ofman'sinjusticewhyshouldIcomplain?

Thegods,andJovehimself,beholdinvain

Triumphanttreason;yetnothunderflies,

NorJunoviewsmywrongswithequaleyes;

Faithlessisearth,andfaithlessaretheskies!

Justiceisfled,andTruthisnownomore!

Isav'dtheshipwrack'dexileonmyshore;

WithneedfulfoodhishungryTrojansfed;

Itookthetraitortomythroneandbed:

FoolthatIwas-'tislittletorepeat

Therest-Istor'dandrigg'dhisruin'dfleet.

Irave,Irave!Agod'scommandhepleads,

AndmakesHeav'naccessarytohisdeeds.

NowLycianlots,andnowtheDeliangod,

NowHermesisemploy'dfromJove'sabode,

Towarnhimhence;asifthepeacefulstate

Ofheav'nlypow'rsweretouch'dwithhumanfate!

Butgo!thyflightnolongerIdetain-

Goseekthypromis'dkingdomthro'themain!

Yet,iftheheav'nswillhearmypiousvow,

Thefaithlesswaves,nothalfsofalseasthou,

Orsecretsands,shallsepulchersafford

Tothyproudvessels,andtheirperjur'dlord.

Thenshaltthoucalloninjur'dDido'sname:

Didoshallcomeinablacksulph'ryflame,

Whendeathhasoncedissolv'dhermortalframe;

Shallsmiletoseethetraitorvainlyweep:

Herangryghost,arisingfromthedeep,

Shallhaunttheewaking,anddisturbthysleep.

Atleastmyshadethypunishmentshallknow,

AndFameshallspreadthepleasingnewsbelow."

Abruptlyhereshestops;thenturnsaway

Herloathingeyes,andshunsthesightofday.

Amaz'dhestood,revolvinginhismind

Whatspeechtoframe,andwhatexcusetofind.

Herfearfulmaidstheirfaintingmistressled,

Andsoftlylaidheronherivorybed.

ButgoodAeneas,tho'hemuchdesir'd

Togivethatpitywhichhergriefrequir'd;

Tho'muchhemourn'd,andlabor'dwithhislove,

Resolv'datlength,obeysthewillofJove;

Reviewshisforces:theywithearlycare

Unmoortheirvessels,andforseaprepare.

Thefleetissoonafloat,inallitspride,

Andwell-calk'dgalleysintheharborride.

Thenoaksforoarstheyfell'd;or,astheystood,

Ofitsgreenarmsdespoil'dthegrowingwood,

Studiousofflight.Thebeachiscover'do'er

WithTrojanbands,thatblackenalltheshore:

Onev'rysideareseen,descendingdown,

Thickswarmsofsoldiers,loadenfromthetown.

Thus,inbattalia,marchembodiedants,

Fearfulofwinter,andoffuturewants,

T'invadethecorn,andtotheircellsconvey

Theplunder'dforageoftheiryellowprey.

Thesabletroops,alongthenarrowtracks,

Scarcebeartheweightyburthenontheirbacks:

Somesettheirshoulderstothepond'rousgrain;

Someguardthespoil;somelashthelaggingtrain;

Allplytheirsev'raltasks,andequaltoilsustain.

WhatpangsthetenderbreastofDidotore,

When,fromthetow'r,shesawthecover'dshore,

Andheardtheshoutsofsailorsfromafar,

Mix'dwiththemurmursofthewat'rywar!

All-pow'rfulLove!whatchangescanstthoucause

Inhumanhearts,subjectedtothylaws!

Oncemoreherhaughtysoulthetyrantbends:

Topray'rsandmeansubmissionsshedescends.

Nofemaleartsoraidssheleftuntried,

Norcounselsunexplor'd,beforeshedied.

"Look,Anna!look!theTrojanscrowdtosea;

Theyspreadtheircanvas,andtheiranchorsweigh.

Theshoutingcrewtheirshipswithgarlandsbind,

Invoketheseagods,andinvitethewind.

CouldIhavethoughtthisthreat'ningblowsonear,

Mytendersoulhadbeenforewarn'dtobear.

Butdonotyoumylastrequestdeny;

Withyonperfidiousmanyourint'resttry,

Andbringmenews,ifImustliveordie.

Youarehisfav'rite;youalonecanfind

Thedarkrecessesofhisinmostmind:

Inallhistrustedsecretsyouhavepart,

Andknowthesoftapproachestohisheart.

Hastethen,andhumblyseekmyhaughtyfoe;

Tellhim,IdidnotwiththeGreciansgo,

Nordidmyfleetagainsthisfriendsemploy,

NorsworetheruinofunhappyTroy,

Normov'dwithhandsprofanehisfather'sdust:

Whyshouldhethenrejectasuitsojust!

Whomdoesheshun,andwhitherwouldhefly!

Canhethislast,thisonlypray'rdeny!

Lethimatleasthisdang'rousflightdelay,

Waitbetterwinds,andhopeacalmersea.

ThenuptialshedisclaimsIurgenomore:

Lethimpursuethepromis'dLatianshore.

AshortdelayisallIaskhimnow;

Apauseofgrief,anintervalfromwoe,

Tillmysoftsoulbetemper'dtosustain

Accustom'dsorrows,andinur'dtopain.

Ifyouinpitygrantthisonerequest,

Mydeathshallglutthehatredofhisbreast."

ThismournfulmessagepiousAnnabears,

Andsecondswithherownhersister'stears:

Butallherartsarestillemploy'dinvain;

Againshecomes,andisrefus'dagain.

Hisharden'dheartnorpray'rsnorthreat'ningsmove;

Fate,andthegod,hadstopp'dhisearstolove.

As,whenthewindstheirairyquarreltry,

Justlingfromev'ryquarterofthesky,

Thiswayandthatthemountainoaktheybend,

Hisboughstheyshatter,andhisbranchesrend;

Withleavesandfallingmasttheyspreadtheground;

Thehollowvalleysechotothesound:

Unmov'd,theroyalplanttheirfurymocks,

Or,shaken,clingsmorecloselytotherocks;

Farasheshootshistow'ringheadonhigh,

Sodeepinearthhisfix'dfoundationslie.

NolessastormtheTrojanherobears;

Thickmessagesandloudcomplaintshehears,

Andbandiedwords,stillbeatingonhisears.

Sighs,groans,andtearsproclaimhisinwardpains;

Butthefirmpurposeofhisheartremains.

Thewretchedqueen,pursuedbycruelfate,

Beginsatlengththelightofheav'ntohate,

Andloathestolive.Thendireportentsshesees,

Tohastenonthedeathhersouldecrees:

Strangetorelate!forwhen,beforetheshrine,

Shepoursinsacrificethepurplewine,

Thepurplewineisturn'dtoputridblood,

Andthewhiteoffer'dmilkconvertstomud.

Thisdirepresage,toheralonereveal'd,

Fromall,andev'nhersister,sheconceal'd.

Amarbletemplestoodwithinthegrove,

Sacredtodeath,andtohermurther'dlove;

Thathonor'dchapelshehadhungaround

Withsnowyfleeces,andwithgarlandscrown'd:

Oft,whenshevisitedthislonelydome,

Strangevoicesissuedfromherhusband'stomb;

Shethoughtsheheardhimsummonheraway,

Invitehertohisgrave,andchideherstay.

Hourly'tisheard,whenwithabodingnote

Thesolitaryscreechowlstrainsherthroat,

And,onachimney'stop,orturret'sheight,

Withsongsobscenedisturbsthesilenceofthenight.

Besides,oldpropheciesaugmentherfears;

AndsternAeneasinherdreamsappears,

Disdainfulasbyday:sheseems,alone,

Towanderinhersleep,thro'waysunknown,

Guidelessanddark;or,inadesartplain,

Toseekhersubjects,andtoseekinvain:

LikePentheus,when,distractedwithhisfear,

Hesawtwosuns,anddoubleThebes,appear;

OrmadOrestes,whenhismother'sghost

Fullinhisfaceinfernaltorchestoss'd,

Andshookhersnakylocks:heshunsthesight,

Flieso'erthestage,surpris'dwithmortalfright;

TheFuriesguardthedoorandintercepthisflight.

Now,sinkingunderneathaloadofgrief,

Fromdeathalonesheseeksherlastrelief;

Thetimeandmeansresolv'dwithinherbreast,

Shetohermournfulsisterthusaddress'd

(Dissemblinghope,hercloudyfrontsheclears,

Andafalsevigorinhereyesappears):

"Rejoice!"shesaid."Instructedfromabove,

MyloverIshallgain,orlosemylove.

NighrisingAtlas,nextthefallingsun,

LongtractsofEthiopianclimatesrun:

ThereaMassylianpriestessIhavefound,

Honor'dforage,formagicartsrenown'd:

Th'Hesperiantemplewashertrustedcare;

'Twasshesuppliedthewakefuldragon'sfare.

Shepoppyseedsinhoneytaughttosteep,

Reclaim'dhisrage,andsooth'dhimintosleep.

Shewatch'dthegoldenfruit;hercharmsunbind

Thechainsoflove,orfixthemonthemind:

Shestopsthetorrents,leavesthechanneldry,

Repelsthestars,andbackwardbearsthesky.

Theyawningearthrebellowstohercall,

Paleghostsascend,andmountainashesfall.

Witness,yegods,andthoumybetterpart,

HowlothIamtotrythisimpiousart!

Withinthesecretcourt,withsilentcare,

Erectaloftypile,expos'dinair:

HangonthetopmostparttheTrojanvest,

Spoils,arms,andpresents,ofmyfaithlessguest.

Next,underthese,thebridalbedbeplac'd,

WhereImyruininhisarmsembrac'd:

Allrelicsofthewretcharedoom'dtofire;

Forsothepriestessandhercharmsrequire."

Thusfarshesaid,andfartherspeechforbears;

Amortalpalenessinherfaceappears:

YetthemistrustlessAnnacouldnotfind

Thesecretfun'ralintheseritesdesign'd;

Northoughtsodirearagepossess'dhermind.

Unknowingofatrainconceal'dsowell,

Shefear'dnoworsethanwhenSichaeusfell;

Thereforeobeys.Thefatalpiletheyrear,

Withinthesecretcourt,expos'dinair.

Theclovenholmsandpinesareheap'donhigh,

Andgarlandsonthehollowspaceslie.

Sadcypress,vervain,yew,composethewreath,

Andev'rybalefulgreendenotingdeath.

Thequeen,determin'dtothefataldeed,

Thespoilsandswordheleft,inorderspread,

Andtheman'simageonthenuptialbed.

Andnow(thesacredaltarsplac'daround)

Thepriestessenters,withherhairunbound,

Andthriceinvokesthepow'rsbelowtheground.

Night,Erebus,andChaossheproclaims,

AndthreefoldHecate,withherhundrednames,

AndthreeDianas:next,shesprinklesround

Withfeign'dAverniandropsthehallow'dground;

Cullshoarysimples,foundbyPhoebe'slight,

Withbrazensicklesreap'datnoonofnight;

Thenmixesbalefuljuicesinthebowl,

Andcutstheforeheadofanewbornfoal,

Robbingthemother'slove.Thedestin'dqueen

Observes,assistingattheritesobscene;

Aleaven'dcakeinherdevotedhands

Sheholds,andnextthehighestaltarstands:

Onetenderfootwasshod,herotherbare;

Girtwashergather'dgown,andlooseherhair.

Thusdress'd,shesummon'd,withherdyingbreath,

Theheav'nsandplanetsconsciousofherdeath,

Andev'rypow'r,ifanyrulesabove,

Whominds,orwhorevenges,injur'dlove.

"'Twasdeadofnight,whenwearybodiesclose

Theireyesinbalmysleepandsoftrepose:

Thewindsnolongerwhisperthro'thewoods,

Normurm'ringtidesdisturbthegentlefloods.

Thestarsinsilentordermov'daround;

AndPeace,withdownywings,wasbroodingontheground

Theflocksandherds,andparty-color'dfowl,

Whichhauntthewoods,orswimtheweedypool,

Stretch'donthequietearth,securelylay,

Forgettingthepastlaborsoftheday.

Allelseofnature'scommongiftpartake:

UnhappyDidowasaloneawake.

Norsleepnoreasethefuriousqueencanfind;

Sleepfledhereyes,asquietfledhermind.

Despair,andrage,andlovedivideherheart;

Despairandragehadsome,butlovethegreaterpart.

Thenthusshesaidwithinhersecretmind:

"WhatshallIdo?whatsuccorcanIfind?

BecomeasupplianttoHyarba'spride,

Andtakemyturn,tocourtandbedenied?

ShallIwiththisungratefulTrojango,

Forsakeanempire,andattendafoe?

HimselfIrefug'd,andhistrainreliev'd-

'Tistrue-butamIsuretobereceiv'd?

CangratitudeinTrojansoulshaveplace!

Laomedonstilllivesinallhisrace!

Then,shallIseekalonethechurlishcrew,

Orwithmyfleettheirflyingsailspursue?

WhatforcehaveIbutthosewhomscarcebefore

Idrewreluctantfromtheirnativeshore?

Willtheyagainembarkatmydesire,

Oncemoresustaintheseas,andquittheirsecondTyre?

Ratherwithsteelthyguiltybreastinvade,

Andtakethefortunethouthyselfhastmade.

Yourpity,sister,firstseduc'dmymind,

OrsecondedtoowellwhatIdesign'd.

Thesedear-boughtpleasureshadIneverknown,

HadIcontinuedfree,andstillmyown;

Avoidinglove,Ihadnotfounddespair,

Butshar'dwithsalvagebeaststhecommonair.

Likethem,alonelylifeImighthaveled,

Notmourn'dtheliving,nordisturb'dthedead."

Thesethoughtsshebroodedinheranxiousbreast.

Onboard,theTrojanfoundmoreeasyrest.

Resolv'dtosail,insleephepass'dthenight;

Andorder'dallthingsforhisearlyflight.

Towhomoncemorethewingedgodappears;

Hisformeryouthfulmienandshapehewears,

Andwiththisnewalarminvadeshisears:

"Sleep'stthou,Ogoddess-born!andcanstthoudrown

Thyneedfulcares,sonearahostiletown,

Besetwithfoes;norhear'stthewesterngales

Invitethypassage,andinspirethysails?

Sheharborsinherheartafurioushate,

Andthoushaltfindthedireeffectstoolate;

Fix'donrevenge,andobstinatetodie.

Hasteswiftlyhence,whilethouhastpow'rtofly.

Theseawithshipswillsoonbecover'do'er,

Andblazingfirebrandskindlealltheshore.

Preventherrage,whilenightobscurestheskies,

Andsailbeforethepurplemornarise.

Whoknowswhathazardsthydelaymaybring?

Woman'savariousandachangefulthing."

ThusHermesinthedream;thentookhisflight

Aloftinairunseen,andmix'dwithnight.

Twicewarn'dbythecelestialmessenger,

Thepiousprincearosewithhastyfear;

Thenrous'dhisdrowsytrainwithoutdelay:

"Hastetoyourbanks;yourcrookedanchorsweigh,

Andspreadyourflyingsails,andstandtosea.

Agodcommands:hestoodbeforemysight,

Andurg'dusonceagaintospeedyflight.

Osacredpow'r,whatpow'rsoe'erthouart,

TothyblestordersIresignmyheart.

Leadthoutheway;protectthyTrojanbands,

Andprosperthedesignthywillcommands."

Hesaid:and,drawingforthhisflamingsword,

Histhund'ringarmdividesthemany-twistedcord.

Anemulatingzealinspireshistrain:

Theyrun;theysnatch;theyrushintothemain.

Withheadlonghastetheyleavethedesertshores,

Andbrushtheliquidseaswithlab'ringoars.

Auroranowhadlefthersaffronbed,

Andbeamsofearlylighttheheav'nso'erspread,

When,fromatow'r,thequeen,withwakefuleyes,

Sawdaypointupwardfromtherosyskies.

Shelook'dtoseaward;buttheseawasvoid,

Andscarceinkenthesailingshipsdescried.

Stungwithdespite,andfuriouswithdespair,

Shestruckhertremblingbreast,andtoreherhair.

"Andshallth'ungratefultraitorgo,"shesaid,

"Mylandforsaken,andmylovebetray'd?

Shallwenotarm?notrushfromev'rystreet,

Tofollow,sink,andburnhisperjur'dfleet?

Haste,haulmygalleysout!pursuethefoe!

Bringflamingbrands!setsail,andswiftlyrow!

WhathaveIsaid?whereamI?Furyturns

Mybrain;andmydistemper'dbosomburns.

Then,whenIgavemypersonandmythrone,

Thishate,thisrage,hadbeenmoretimelyshown.

Seenowthepromis'dfaith,thevauntedname,

Thepiousman,who,rushingthro'theflame,

Preserv'dhisgods,andtothePhrygianshore

Theburthenofhisfeeblefatherbore!

Ishouldhavetornhimpiecemeal;strow'dinfloods

Hisscatter'dlimbs,orleftexpos'dinwoods;

Destroy'dhisfriendsandson;and,fromthefire,

Havesetthereekingboybeforethesire.

Eventsaredoubtful,whichonbattleswait:

Yetwhere'sthedoubt,tosoulssecureoffate?

MyTyrians,attheirinjur'dqueen'scommand,

Hadtoss'dtheirfiresamidtheTrojanband;

Atonceextinguish'dallthefaithlessname;

AndImyself,invengeanceofmyshame,

Hadfall'nuponthepile,tomendthefun'ralflame.

ThouSun,whoview'statoncetheworldbelow;

ThouJuno,guardianofthenuptialvow;

ThouHecatehearkenfromthydarkabodes!

YeFuries,fiends,andviolatedgods,

Allpow'rsinvok'dwithDido'sdyingbreath,

Attendhercursesandavengeherdeath!

IfsotheFatesordain,Jovecommands,

Th'ungratefulwretchshouldfindtheLatianlands,

Yetletaraceuntam'd,andhaughtyfoes,

Hispeacefulentrancewithdirearmsoppose:

Oppress'dwithnumbersinth'unequalfield,

Hismendiscourag'd,andhimselfexpell'd,

Lethimforsuccorsuefromplacetoplace,

Tornfromhissubjects,andhisson'sembrace.

First,lethimseehisfriendsinbattleslain,

Andtheiruntimelyfatelamentinvain;

Andwhen,atlength,thecruelwarshallcease,

Onhardconditionsmayhebuyhispeace:

Norlethimthenenjoysupremecommand;

Butfall,untimely,bysomehostilehand,

Andlieunburiedonthebarrensand!

Thesearemypray'rs,andthismydyingwill;

Andyou,myTyrians,ev'rycursefulfil.

Perpetualhateandmortalwarsproclaim,

Againsttheprince,thepeople,andthename.

Thesegratefuloff'ringsonmygravebestow;

Norleague,norlove,thehostilenationsknow!

Now,andfromhence,inev'ryfutureage,

Whenrageexcitesyourarms,andstrengthsuppliestherage

RisesomeavengerofourLibyanblood,

Withfireandswordpursuetheperjur'dbrood;

Ourarms,ourseas,ourshores,oppos'dtotheirs;

Andthesamehatedescendonallourheirs!"

Thissaid,withinheranxiousmindsheweighs

Themeansofcuttingshortherodiousdays.

ThentoSichaeus'nurseshebrieflysaid

(For,whenshelefthercountry,herswasdead):

"Go,Barce,callmysister.Lethercare

Thesolemnritesofsacrificeprepare;

Thesheep,andallth'atoningoff'ringsbring,

Sprinklingherbodyfromthecrystalspring

Withlivingdrops;thenlethercome,andthou

Withsacredfilletsbindthyhoarybrow.

ThuswillIpaymyvowstoStygianJove,

Andendthecaresofmydisastrouslove;

ThencasttheTrojanimageonthefire,

And,asthatburns,mypassionsshallexpire."

Thenursemovesonward,withofficiouscare,

Andallthespeedheragedlimbscanbear.

ButfuriousDido,withdarkthoughtsinvolv'd,

Shookatthemightymischiefsheresolv'd.

Withlividspotsdistinguish'dwasherface;

Redwereherrollingeyes,anddiscompos'dherpace;

Ghastlyshegaz'd,withpainshedrewherbreath,

Andnatureshiver'datapproachingdeath.

Thenswiftlytothefatalplaceshepass'd,

Andmountsthefun'ralpilewithfurioushaste;

UnsheathestheswordtheTrojanleftbehind

(Notforsodireanenterprisedesign'd).

Butwhensheview'dthegarmentslooselyspread,

Whichoncehewore,andsawtheconsciousbed,

Shepaus'd,andwithasightherobesembrac'd;

Thenonthecouchhertremblingbodycast,

Repress'dthereadytears,andspokeherlast:

"Dearpledgesofmylove,whileHeav'nsopleas'd,

Receiveasoul,ofmortalanguisheas'd:

Myfatalcourseisfinish'd;andIgo,

Agloriousname,amongtheghostsbelow.

Aloftycitybymyhandsisrais'd,

Pygmalionpunish'd,andmylordappeas'd.

Whatcouldmyfortunehaveaffordedmore,

HadthefalseTrojannevertouch'dmyshore!"

Thenkiss'dthecouch;and,"MustIdie,"shesaid,

"Andunreveng'd?'Tisdoublytobedead!

Yetev'nthisdeathwithpleasureIreceive:

Onanyterms,'tisbetterthantolive.

Theseflames,fromfar,maythefalseTrojanview;

Thesebodingomenshisbaseflightpursue!"

Shesaid,andstruck;deepenter'dinherside

Thepiercingsteel,withreekingpurpledyed:

Clogg'dinthewoundthecruelweaponstands;

Thespoutingbloodcamestreamingonherhands.

Hersadattendantssawthedeadlystroke,

Andwithloudcriesthesoundingpalaceshook.

Distracted,fromthefatalsighttheyfled,

Andthro'thetownthedismalrumorspread.

Firstfromthefrightedcourttheyellbegan;

Redoubled,thencefromhousetohouseitran:

Thegroansofmen,withshrieks,laments,andcries

Ofmixingwomen,mountthevaultedskies.

Notlesstheclamor,thanif-ancientTyre,

OrthenewCarthage,setbyfoesonfire-

Therollingruin,withtheirlov'dabodes,

Involv'dtheblazingtemplesoftheirgods.

Hersisterhears;and,furiouswithdespair,

Shebeatsherbreast,andrendsheryellowhair,

And,callingonEliza'snamealoud,

Runsbreathlesstotheplace,andbreaksthecrowd.

"Wasallthatpompofwoeforthisprepar'd;

Thesefires,thisfun'ralpile,thesealtarsrear'd?

Wasallthistrainofplotscontriv'd,"saidshe,

"Allonlytodeceiveunhappyme?

Whichistheworst?Didstthouindeathpretend

Toscornthysister,ordeludethyfriend?

Thysummon'dsister,andthyfriend,hadcome;

Oneswordhadserv'dusboth,onecommontomb:

WasItoraisethepile,thepow'rsinvoke,

Nottobepresentatthefatalstroke?

Atoncethouhastdestroy'dthyselfandme,

Thytown,thysenate,andthycolony!

Bringwater;bathethewound;whileIindeath

Layclosemylipstohers,andcatchtheflyingbreath."

Thissaid,shemountsthepilewitheagerhaste,

Andinherarmsthegaspingqueenembrac'd;

Hertempleschaf'd;andherowngarmentstore,

Tostanchthestreamingblood,andcleansethegore.

ThriceDidotriedtoraiseherdroopinghead,

And,faintingthrice,fellgrov'lingonthebed;

Thriceop'dherheavyeyes,andsoughtthelight,

But,havingfoundit,sicken'datthesight,

Andclos'dherlidsatlastinendlessnight.

ThenJuno,grievingthatsheshouldsustain

Adeathsoling'ring,andsofullofpain,

SentIrisdown,tofreeherfromthestrife

Oflab'ringnature,anddissolveherlife.

Forsinceshedied,notdoom'dbyHeav'n'sdecree,

Orherowncrime,buthumancasualty,

Andrageoflove,thatplung'dherindespair,

TheSistershadnotcutthetopmosthair,

WhichProserpineandtheycanonlyknow;

Normadehersacredtotheshadesbelow.

Downwardthevariousgoddesstookherflight,

Anddrewathousandcolorsfromthelight;

Thenstoodabovethedyinglover'shead,

Andsaid:"Ithusdevotetheetothedead.

Thisoff'ringtoth'infernalgodsIbear."

Thuswhileshespoke,shecutthefatalhair:

Thestrugglingsoulwasloos'd,andlifedissolv'dinair.

BOOKV

MeantimetheTrojancutshiswat'ryway,

Fix'donhisvoyage,thro'thecurlingsea;

Then,castingbackhiseyes,withdireamaze,

SeesonthePunicshorethemountingblaze.

Thecauseunknown;yethispresagingmind

ThefateofDidofromthefiredivin'd;

Heknewthestormysoulsofwomankind,

Whatsecretspringstheireagerpassionsmove,

Howcapableofdeathforinjur'dlove.

DireauguriesfromhencetheTrojansdraw;

Tillneitherfiresnorshiningshorestheysaw.

Nowseasandskiestheirprospectonlybound;

Anemptyspaceabove,afloatingfieldaround.

Butsoontheheav'nswithshadowswereo'erspread;

Aswellingcloudhunghov'ringo'ertheirhead:

Lividitlook'd,thethreat'ningofastorm:

Thennightandhorrorocean'sfacedeform.

Thepilot,Palinurus,criedaloud:

"Whatgustsofweatherfromthatgath'ringcloud

Mythoughtspresage!Ereyetthetempestroars,

Standtoyourtackle,mates,andstretchyouroars;

Contractyourswellingsails,andlufftowind."

Thefrightedcrewperformthetaskassign'd.

Then,tohisfearlesschief:"NotHeav'n,"saidhe,

"Tho'JovehimselfshouldpromiseItaly,

Canstemthetorrentofthisragingsea.

Markhowtheshiftingwindsfromwestarise,

Andwhatcollectednightinvolvestheskies!

Norcanourshakenvesselsliveatsea,

Muchlessagainstthetempestforcetheirway.

'Tisfatedivertsourcourse,andfatewemustobey.

Notfarfromhence,ifIobserv'daright

Thesouthingofthestars,andpolarlight,

Sicilialies,whosehospitableshores

Insafetywemayreachwithstrugglingoars."

Aeneasthenreplied:"ToosureIfind

Westriveinvainagainsttheseasandwind:

Nowshiftyoursails;whatplacecanpleasememore

Thanwhatyoupromise,theSicilianshore,

Whosehallow'dearthAnchises'bonescontains,

AndwhereaprinceofTrojanlineagereigns?"

Thecourseresolv'd,beforethewesternwind

Theyscudamain,andmaketheportassign'd.

MeantimeAcestes,fromaloftystand,

Beheldthefleetdescendingontheland;

And,notunmindfulofhisancientrace,

Downfromthecliffheranwitheagerpace,

Andheldtheheroinastrictembrace.

OfaroughLibyanbearthespoilshewore,

Andeitherhandapointedjav'linbore.

HismotherwasadameofDardanblood;

HissireCrinisus,aSicilianflood.

Hewelcomeshisreturningfriendsashore

Withplenteouscountrycatesandhomelystore.

Now,whenthefollowingmornhadchas'daway

Theflyingstars,andlightrestor'dtheday,

Aeneascall'dtheTrojantroopsaround,

Andthusbespokethemfromarisingground:

"Offspringofheav'n,divineDardanianrace!

Thesun,revolvingthro'th'etherealspace,

Theshiningcircleoftheyearhasfill'd,

Sincefirstthisislemyfather'sashesheld:

Andnowtherisingdayrenewstheyear;

Adayforeversad,foreverdear.

ThiswouldIcelebratewithannualgames,

Withgiftsonaltarspil'd,andholyflames,

Tho'banish'dtoGaetulia'sbarrensands,

CaughtontheGrecianseas,orhostilelands:

Butsincethishappystormourfleethasdriv'n

(Not,asIdeem,withoutthewillofHeav'n)

Uponthesefriendlyshoresandflow'ryplains,

WhichhideAnchisesandhisblestremains,

Letuswithjoyperformhishonorsdue,

Andprayforprosp'rouswinds,ourvoyagetorenew;

Pray,thatintownsandtemplesofourown,

ThenameofgreatAnchisesmaybeknown,

Andyearlygamesmayspreadthegods'renown.

OursportsAcestes,oftheTrojanrace,

Withroyalgiftsordain'd,ispleas'dtograce:

Twosteersonev'ryshipthekingbestows;

Hisgodsandoursshallshareyourequalvows.

Besides,if,ninedayshence,therosymorn

Shallwithuncloudedlighttheskiesadorn,

ThatdaywithsolemnsportsImeantograce:

Lightgalleysontheseasshallrunawat'ryrace;

Someshallinswiftnessforthegoalcontend,

Andotherstrythetwangingbowtobend;

Thestrong,withirongauntletsarm'd,shallstand

Oppos'dincombatontheyellowsand.

Letallbepresentatthegamesprepar'd,

Andjoyfulvictorswaitthejustreward.

Butnowassisttherites,withgarlandscrown'd."

Hesaid,andfirsthisbrowswithmyrtlebound.

ThenHelymus,byhisexampleled,

AndoldAcestes,eachadorn'dhishead;

ThusyoungAscanius,withasprightlygrace,

Histemplestied,andalltheTrojanrace.

Aeneasthenadvanc'damidstthetrain,

Bythousandsfollow'dthro'theflow'ryplain,

TogreatAnchises'tomb;whichwhenhefound,

Hepour'dtoBacchus,onthehallow'dground,

Twobowlsofsparklingwine,ofmilktwomore,

Andtwo(fromoffer'dbulls)ofpurplegore,

Withrosesthenthesepulcherhestrow'd

Andthushisfather'sghostbespokealoud:

"Hail,Oyeholymanes!hailagain,

Paternalashes,nowreview'dinvain!

Thegodspermittednot,thatyou,withme,

Shouldreachthepromis'dshoresofItaly,

OrTiber'sflood,whatfloodsoe'eritbe."

Scarcehadhefinish'd,when,withspeckledpride,

Aserpentfromthetombbegantoglide;

Hishugybulkonsev'nhighvolumesroll'd;

Bluewashisbreadthofback,butstreak'dwithscalygold:

Thusridingonhiscurls,heseem'dtopass

Arollingfirealong,andsingethegrass.

Morevariouscolorsthro'hisbodyrun,

ThanIriswhenherbowimbibesthesun.

Betwixttherisingaltars,andaround,

Thesacredmonstershotalongtheground;

Withharmlessplayamidstthebowlshepass'd,

Andwithhislollingtongueassay'dthetaste:

Thusfedwithholyfood,thewondrousguest

Withinthehollowtombretir'dtorest.

Thepiousprince,surpris'datwhatheview'd,

Thefun'ralhonorswithmorezealrenew'd,

Doubtfulifthisplace'sgeniuswere,

Orguardianofhisfather'ssepulcher.

Fivesheep,accordingtotherites,heslew;

Asmanyswine,andsteersofsablehue;

Newgen'rouswinehefromthegobletspour'd.

Andcall'dhisfather'sghost,fromhellrestor'd.

Thegladattendantsinlongordercome,

Off'ringtheirgiftsatgreatAnchises'tomb:

Someaddmoreoxen:somedividethespoil;

Someplacethechargersonthegrassysoil;

Someblowthefires,andofferedentrailsbroil.

Nowcamethedaydesir'd.Theskieswerebright

Withrosylusteroftherisinglight:

Thebord'ringpeople,rous'dbysoundingfame

OfTrojanfeastsandgreatAcestes'name,

Thecrowdedshorewithacclamationsfill,

Parttobehold,andparttoprovetheirskill.

Andfirstthegiftsinpublicviewtheyplace,

Greenlaurelwreaths,andpalm,thevictors'grace:

Withinthecircle,armsandtripodslie,

Ingotsofgoldandsilver,heap'donhigh,

Andvestsembroider'd,oftheTyriandye.

Thetrumpet'sclangorthenthefeastproclaims,

Andallpreparefortheirappointedgames.

Fourgalleysfirst,whichequalrowersbear,

Advancing,inthewat'rylistsappear.

ThespeedyDolphin,thatoutstripsthewind,

BoreMnestheus,authoroftheMemmiankind:

GyasthevastChimaera'sbulkcommands,

Whichrising,likeatow'ringcitystands;

ThreeTrojanstugatev'rylab'ringoar;

Threebanksinthreedegreesthesailorsbore;

Beneaththeirsturdystrokesthebillowsroar.

Sergesthus,whobegantheSergianrace,

InthegreatCentaurtooktheleadingplace;

Cloanthusonthesea-greenScyllastood,

FromwhomCluentiusdrawshisTrojanblood.

Farinthesea,againstthefoamingshore,

Therestandsarock:theragingbillowsroar

Abovehisheadinstorms;but,when'tisclear,

Uncurltheirridgybacks,andathisfootappear.

Inpeacebelowthegentlewatersrun;

Thecormorantsaboveliebaskinginthesun.

Onthistheherofix'danoakinsight,

Themarktoguidethemarinersaright.

Tobearwiththis,theseamenstretchtheiroars;

Thenroundtherocktheysteer,andseektheformershores.

Thelotsdecidetheirplace.Abovetherest,

EachleadershininginhisTyrianvest;

Thecommoncrewwithwreathsofpoplarboughs

Theirtemplescrown,andshadetheirsweatybrows:

Besmear'dwithoil,theirnakedshouldersshine.

Alltaketheirseats,andwaitthesoundingsign:

Theygripetheiroars;andev'rypantingbreast

Israis'dbyturnswithhope,byturnswithfeardepress'd.

Theclangorofthetrumpetgivesthesign;

Atoncetheystart,advancinginaline:

Withshoutsthesailorsrendthestarryskies;

Lash'dwiththeiroars,thesmokybillowsrise;

Sparklesthebrinymain,andthevex'doceanfries.

Exactintime,withequalstrokestheyrow:

Atoncethebrushingoarsandbrazenprow

Dashupthesandywaves,andopethedepthsbelow.

Notfierycoursers,inachariotrace,

Invadethefieldwithhalfsoswiftapace;

Notthefiercedriverwithmorefurylends

Thesoundinglash,and,erethestrokedescends,

Lowtothewheelshispliantbodybends.

Thepartialcrowdtheirhopesandfearsdivide,

Andaidwitheagershoutsthefavor'dside.

Cries,murmurs,clamors,withamixingsound,

Fromwoodstowoods,fromhillstohillsrebound.

Amidsttheloudapplausesoftheshore,

Gyasoutstripp'dtherest,andsprungbefore:

Cloanthus,bettermann'd,pursuedhimfast,

Buthiso'er-mastedgalleycheck'dhishaste.

TheCentaurandtheDolphinbrushthebrine

Withequaloars,advancinginaline;

AndnowthemightyCentaurseemstolead,

AndnowthespeedyDolphingetsahead;

Nowboardtoboardtherivalvesselsrow,

Thebillowslavetheskies,andoceangroansbelow.

Theyreach'dthemark.ProudGyasandhistrain

Intriumphrode,thevictorsofthemain;

But,steeringround,hecharg'dhispilotstand

Moreclosetoshore,andskimalongthesand-

"Letothersbeartosea!"Menoetesheard;

Butsecretshelvestoocautiouslyhefear'd,

And,fearing,soughtthedeep;andstillaloofhesteer'd.

Withloudercriesthecaptaincall'dagain:

"Beartotherockyshore,andshunthemain."

Hespoke,and,speaking,athissternhesaw

TheboldCloanthusneartheshelvingsdraw.

BetwixtthemarkandhimtheScyllastood,

Andinaclosercompassplow'dtheflood.

Hepass'dthemark;and,wheeling,gotbefore:

Gyasblasphem'dthegods,devoutlyswore,

Criedoutforanger,andhishairhetore.

Mindlessofothers'lives(sohighwasgrown

Hisrisingrage)andcarelessofhisown,

Thetremblingdotardtothedeckhedrew;

Thenhoistedup,andoverboardhethrew:

Thisdone,heseiz'dthehelm;hisfellowscheer'd,

Turn'dshortupontheshelfs,andmadlysteer'd.

Hardlyhisheadtheplungingpilotrears,

Clogg'dwithhisclothes,andcumber'dwithhisyears:

Nowdroppingwet,heclimbsthecliffwithpain.

Thecrowd,thatsawhimfallandfloatagain,

Shoutfromthedistantshore;andloudlylaugh'd,

Toseehisheavingbreastdisgorgethebrinydraught.

ThefollowingCentaur,andtheDolphin'screw,

Theirvanish'dhopesofvictoryrenew;

WhileGyaslags,theykindleintherace,

Toreachthemark.Sergesthustakestheplace;

Mnestheuspursues;andwhilearoundtheywind,

Comesup,nothalfhisgalley'slengthbehind;

Then,onthedeck,amidsthismatesappear'd,

Andthustheirdroopingcouragehecheer'd:

"Myfriends,andHector'sfollowersheretofore,

Exertyourvigor;tugthelab'ringoar;

Stretchtoyourstrokes,mystillunconquer'dcrew,

WhomfromtheflamingwallsofTroyIdrew.

Inthis,ourcommonint'rest,letmefind

Thatstrengthofhand,thatcourageofthemind,

Aswhenyoustemm'dthestrongMaleanflood,

Ando'ertheSyrtes'brokenbillowsrow'd.

Iseeknotnowtheforemostpalmtogain;

Tho'yet-but,ah!thathaughtywishisvain!

Letthoseenjoyitwhomthegodsordain.

Buttobelast,thelagsofalltherace!-

Redeemyourselvesandmefromthatdisgrace."

Now,oneandall,theytugamain;theyrow

Atthefullstretch,andshakethebrazenprow.

Theseabeneath'emsinks;theirlab'ringsides

Areswell'd,andsweatrunsgutt'ringdownintides.

Chanceaidstheirdaringwithunhop'dsuccess;

Sergesthus,eagerwithhisbeaktopress

Betwixttherivalgalleyandtherock,

Shutsupth'unwieldlyCentaurinthelock.

Thevesselstruck;and,withthedreadfulshock,

Heroarssheshiver'd,andherheadshebroke.

Thetremblingrowersfromtheirbanksarise,

And,anxiousforthemselves,renouncetheprize.

Withironpolestheyheaveherofftheshores,

Andgatherfromtheseatheirfloatingoars.

ThecrewofMnestheus,withelatedminds,

Urgetheirsuccess,andcallthewillingwinds;

Thenplytheiroars,andcuttheirliquidway

Inlargercompassontheroomysea.

As,whenthedoveherrockyholdforsakes,

Rous'dinafright,hersoundingwingssheshakes;

Thecavernringswithclatt'ring;outsheflies,

Andleaveshercallowcare,andcleavestheskies:

Atfirstsheflutters;butatlengthshesprings

Tosmootherflight,andshootsuponherwings:

SoMnestheusintheDolphincutsthesea;

And,flyingwithaforce,thatforceassistshisway.

SergesthusintheCentaursoonhepass'd,

Wedg'dintherockyshoals,andstickingfast.

Invainthevictorhewithcriesimplores,

Andpracticestorowwithshatter'doars.

ThenMnestheusbearswithGyas,andoutflies:

Theship,withoutapilot,yieldstheprize.

Unvanquish'dScyllanowaloneremains;

Herhepursues,andallhisvigorstrains.

Shoutsfromthefav'ringmultitudearise;

ApplaudingEchototheshoutsreplies;

Shouts,wishes,andapplauserunrattlingthro'theskies.

TheseclamorswithdisdaintheScyllaheard,

Muchgrudg'dthepraise,butmoretherobb'dreward:

Resolv'dtoholdtheirown,theymendtheirpace,

Allobstinatetodie,orgaintherace.

Rais'dwithsuccess,theDolphinswiftlyran;

Fortheycanconquer,whobelievetheycan.

Bothurgetheiroars,andfortunebothsupplies,

Andbothperhapshadshar'danequalprize;

WhentotheseasCloanthusholdshishands,

Andsuccorfromthewat'rypow'rsdemands:

"Godsoftheliquidrealms,onwhichIrow!

If,giv'nbyyou,thelaurelbindmybrow,

Assisttomakemeguiltyofmyvow!

Asnow-whitebullshallonyourshorebeslain;

Hisoffer'dentrailscastintothemain,

Andruddywine,fromgoldengobletsthrown,

Yourgratefulgiftandmyreturnshallown."

Thechoirofnymphs,andPhorcus,frombelow,

WithvirginPanopea,heardhisvow;

AndoldPortunus,withhisbreadthofhand,

Push'don,andspedthegalleytotheland.

Swiftasashaft,orwingedwind,sheflies,

And,dartingtotheport,obtainstheprize.

Theheraldsummonsall,andthenproclaims

Cloanthusconqu'rorofthenavalgames.

Theprincewithlaurelcrownsthevictor'shead,

Andthreefatsteersaretohisvesselled,

Theship'sreward;withgen'rouswinebeside,

Andsumsofsilver,whichthecrewdivide.

Theleadersaredistinguish'dfromtherest;

Thevictorhonor'dwithanoblervest,

Wheregoldandpurplestriveinequalrows,

Andneedleworkitshappycostbestows.

ThereGanymedeiswroughtwithlivingart,

Chasingthro'Ida'sgrovesthetremblinghart:

Breathlessheseems,yeteagertopursue;

Whenfromaloftdescends,inopenview,

ThebirdofJove,and,sousingonhisprey,

Withcrookedtalonsbearstheboyaway.

Invain,withliftedhandsandgazingeyes,

Hisguardsbeholdhimsoaringthro'theskies,

Anddogspursuehisflightwithimitatedcries.

Mnestheusthesecondvictorwasdeclar'd;

And,summon'dthere,thesecondprizeheshard.

Acoatofmail,braveDemoleusbore,

MorebraveAeneasfromhisshoulderstore,

InsinglecombatontheTrojanshore:

Thiswasordain'dforMnestheustopossess;

Inwarforhisdefense,forornamentinpeace.

Richwasthegift,andglorioustobehold,

Butyetsopond'rouswithitsplatesofgold,

Thatscarcetwoservantscouldtheweightsustain;

Yet,loadedthus,Demoleuso'ertheplain

Pursuedandlightlyseiz'dtheTrojantrain.

Thethird,succeedingtothelastreward,

Twogoodlybowlsofmassysilvershar'd,

Withfiguresprominent,andrichlywrought,

AndtwobrasscaldronsfromDodonabrought.

Thusall,rewardedbythehero'shands,

Theirconqu'ringtemplesboundwithpurplebands;

AndnowSergesthus,clearingfromtherock,

Broughtbackhisgalleyshatter'dwiththeshock.

Forlornshelook'd,withoutanaidingoar,

And,houtedbythevulgar,madetoshore.

Aswhenasnake,surpris'dupontheroad,

Iscrush'dathwartherbodybytheload

Ofheavywheels;orwithamortalwound

Herbellybruis'd,andtroddentotheground:

Invain,withloosen'dcurls,shecrawlsalong;

Yet,fierceabove,shebrandisheshertongue;

Glareswithhereyes,andbristleswithherscales;

But,grovelinginthedust,herpartsunsoundshetrails:

SoslowlytotheporttheCentaurtends,

But,whatshewantsinoars,withsailsamends.

Yet,forhisgalleysav'd,thegratefulprince

Ispleas'dth'unhappychieftorecompense.

Pholoe,theCretanslave,rewardshiscare,

Beauteousherself,withlovelytwinsasfair.

FromthencehiswaytheTrojanherobent

Intotheneighb'ringplain,withmountainspent,

Whosesideswereshadedwithsurroundingwood.

Fullinthemidstofthisfairvalleystood

Anativetheater,which,risingslow

Byjustdegrees,o'erlook'dthegroundbelow.

Highonasylvanthronetheleadersate;

Anum'roustrainattendinsolemnstate.

Herethosethatintherapidcoursedelight,

Desireofhonorandtheprizeinvite.

Therivalrunnerswithoutorderstand;

TheTrojansmix'dwiththeSicilianband.

FirstNisus,withEuryalus,appears;

Euryalusaboyofbloomingyears,

Withsprightlygraceandequalbeautycrown'd;

Nisus,forfriendshiptotheyouthrenown'd.

Dioresnext,ofPriam'sroyalrace,

ThenSaliusjoinedwithPatron,tooktheirplace;

(ButPatroninArcadiahadhisbirth,

AndSaliushisfromArcananianearth;)

ThentwoSicilianyouths-thenamesofthese,

SwiftHelymus,andlovelyPanopes:

Bothjollyhuntsmen,bothinforestbred,

AndowningoldAcestesfortheirhead;

Withsev'ralothersofignoblername,

Whomtimehasnotdeliver'do'ertofame.

Tothesetheherothushisthoughtsexplain'd,

Inwordswhichgen'ralapprobationgain'd:

"Onecommonlargessisforalldesign'd,

(Thevanquish'dandthevictorshallbejoin'd,)

Twodartsofpolish'dsteelandGnosianwood,

Asilver-studdedax,alikebestow'd.

Theforemostthreehaveolivewreathsdecreed:

Thefirstoftheseobtainsastatelysteed,

Adorn'dwithtrappings;andthenextinfame,

ThequiverofanAmazoniandame,

Withfeather'dThracianarrowswellsupplied:

Agoldenbeltshallgirdhismanlyside,

Whichwithasparklingdiamondshallbetied.

ThethirdthisGrecianhelmetshallcontent."

Hesaid.Totheirappointedbasetheywent;

Withbeatingheartsth'expectedsignreceive,

And,startingallatonce,thebarrierleave.

Spreadout,asonthewingedwinds,theyflew,

Andseiz'dthedistantgoalwithgreedyview.

Shotfromthecrowd,swiftNisusallo'erpass'd;

Norstorms,northunder,equalhalfhishaste.

Thenext,buttho'thenext,yetfardisjoin'd,

CameSalius,andEuryalusbehind;

ThenHelymus,whomyoungDioresplied,

Stepafterstep,andalmostsidebyside,

Hisshoulderspressing;and,inlongerspace,

Hadwon,orleftatleastadubiousrace.

Now,spent,thegoaltheyalmostreachatlast,

WheneagerNisus,haplessinhishaste,

Slipp'dfirst,and,slipping,fellupontheplain,

Soak'dwiththebloodofoxennewlyslain.

Thecarelessvictorhadnotmark'dhisway;

But,treadingwherethetreach'rouspuddlelay,

Hisheelsflewup;andonthegrassyfloor

Hefell,besmear'dwithfilthandholygore.

Notmindlessthen,Euryalus,ofthee,

Norofthesacredbondsofamity,

Hestroveth'immediaterival'shopetocross,

AndcaughtthefootofSaliusasherose.

SoSaliuslayextendedontheplain;

Euryalusspringsout,theprizetogain,

Andleavesthecrowd:applaudingpealsattend

Thevictortothegoal,whovanquish'dbyhisfriend.

NextHelymus;andthenDiorescame,

Bytwomisfortunesmadethethirdinfame.

ButSaliusenters,and,exclaimingloud

Forjustice,deafensanddisturbsthecrowd;

Urgeshiscausemayinthecourtbeheard;

Andpleadstheprizeiswrongfullyconferr'd.

ButfavorforEuryalusappears;

Hisbloomingbeauty,withhistendertears,

Hadbrib'dthejudgesforthepromis'dprize.

Besides,Dioresfillsthecourtwithcries,

Whovainlyreachesatthelastreward,

IfthefirstpalmonSaliusbeconferr'd.

Thenthustheprince:"Letnodisputesarise:

Wherefortuneplac'dit,Iawardtheprize.

Butfortune'serrorsgivemeleavetomend,

Atleasttopitymydeservingfriend."

Hesaid,and,fromamongthespoils,hedraws

(Pond'rouswithshaggymaneandgoldenpaws)

Alion'shide:toSaliusthishegives.

Nisuswithenvyseesthegift,andgrieves.

"Ifsuchrewardstovanquish'dmenaredue."

Hesaid,"andfallingistorisebyyou,

WhatprizemayNisusfromyourbountyclaim,

Whomeritedthefirstrewardsandfame?

Infalling,bothanequalfortunetried;

Wouldfortuneformyfallsowellprovide!"

Withthishepointedtohisface,andshow'd

Hishandandallhishabitsmear'dwithblood.

Th'indulgentfatherofthepeoplesmil'd,

Andcaus'dtobeproduc'danampleshield,

Ofwondrousart,byDidymaonwrought,

LongsincefromNeptune'sbarsintriumphbrought.

Thisgiv'ntoNisus,hedividestherest,

Andequaljusticeinhisgiftsexpress'd.

Theracethusended,andrewardsbestow'd,

Oncemoretheprincebespeaksth'attentivecrowd:

"Ifthereheherewhosedauntlesscouragedare

Ingauntlet-fight,withlimbsandbodybare,

Hisoppositesustaininopenview,

Standforththechampion,andthegamesrenew.

TwoprizesIpropose,andthusdivide:

Abullwithgildedhorns,andfilletstied,

Shallbetheportionoftheconqu'ringchief;

Aswordandhelmshallcheertheloser'sgrief."

ThenhaughtyDaresinthelistsappears;

Stalkinghestrides,hisheaderectedbears:

Hisnervousarmstheweightygauntletwield,

Andloudapplausesechothro'thefield.

Daresaloneincombatus'dtostand

ThematchofmightyParis,handtohand;

Thesame,atHector'sfun'rals,undertook

GiganticButes,ofth'Amycianstock,

And,bythestrokeofhisresistlesshand,

Stretch'dthevastbulkupontheyellowsand.

SuchDareswas;andsuchhestrodealong,

Anddrewthewonderofthegazingthrong.

Hisbrawnybackandamplebreastheshows,

Hisliftedarmsaroundhisheadhethrows,

Anddealsinwhistlingairhisemptyblows.

Hismatchissought;but,thro'thetremblingband,

Notonedaresanswertotheprouddemand.

Presumingofhisforce,withsparklingeyes

Alreadyhedevoursthepromis'dprize.

Heclaimsthebullwithawlessinsolence,

Andhavingseiz'dhishorns,accoststheprince:

"Ifnonemymatchlessvalordaresoppose,

HowlongshallDareswaithisdastardfoes?

Permitme,chief,permitwithoutdelay,

Toleadthisuncontendedgiftaway."

Thecrowdassents,andwithredoubledcries

Fortheproudchallengerdemandstheprize.

Acestes,fir'dwithjustdisdain,tosee

Thepalmusurp'dwithoutavictory,

Reproach'dEntellusthus,whosatebeside,

Andheardandsaw,unmov'd,theTrojan'spride:

"Once,butinvain,achampionofrenown,

Sotamelycanyoubeartheravish'dcrown,

Aprizeintriumphbornebeforeyoursight,

Andshun,forfear,thedangerofthefight?

WhereisourEryxnow,theboastedname,

Thegodwhotaughtyourthund'ringarmthegame?

Wherenowyourbaffledhonor?Wherethespoil

Thatfill'dyourhouse,andfamethatfill'dourisle?"

Entellus,thus:"Mysoulisstillthesame,

Unmov'dwithfear,andmov'dwithmartialfame;

Butmychillbloodiscurdledinmyveins,

Andscarcetheshadowofamanremains.

OcouldIturntothatfairprimeagain,

Thatprimeofwhichthisboasterissovain,

Thebrave,whothisdecrepidagedefies,

Shouldfeelmyforce,withoutthepromis'dprize."

Hesaid;and,risingattheword,hethrew

Twopond'rousgauntletsdowninopenview;

GauntletswhichEryxwontinfighttowield,

Andsheathehishandswithinthelistedfield.

Withfearandwonderseiz'd,thecrowdbeholds

Theglovesofdeath,withsev'ndistinguish'dfolds

Oftoughbullhides;thespacewithinisspread

Withiron,orwithloadsofheavylead:

Dareshimselfwasdauntedatthesight,

Renounc'dhischallenge,andrefus'dtofight.

Astonish'dattheirweight,theherostands,

Andpois'dthepond'rousenginesinhishands.

"Whathadyourwonder,"saidEntellus,"been,

HadyouthegauntletsofAlcidesseen,

Orview'dthesterndebateonthisunhappygreen!

ThesewhichIbearyourbrotherEryxbore,

Stillmark'dwithbatter'dbrainsandmingledgore.

Withthesehelongsustain'dth'Herculeanarm;

AndtheseIwieldedwhilemybloodwaswarm,

Thislanguish'dframewhilebetterspiritsfed,

Ereageunstrungmynerves,ortimeo'ersnow'dmyhead.

Butifthechallengerthesearmsrefuse,

Andcannotwieldtheirweight,ordarenotuse;

IfgreatAeneasandAcestesjoin

Inhisrequest,thesegauntletsIresign;

Letuswithequalarmsperformthefight,

Andlethimleavetofear,sinceIresignmyright."

Thissaid,Entellusforthestrifeprepares;

Stripp'dofhisquiltedcoat,hisbodybares;

Compos'dofmightybonesandbrawnhestands,

Agoodlytow'ringobjectonthesands.

ThenjustAeneasequalarmssupplied,

Whichroundtheirshoulderstotheirwriststheytied.

Bothonthetiptoestand,atfullextent,

Theirarmsaloft,theirbodiesinlybent;

Theirheadsfromaimingblowstheybearafar;

Withclashinggauntletsthenprovokethewar.

Oneonhisyouthandpliantlimbsrelies;

Oneonhissinewsandhisgiantsize.

Thelastisstiffwithage,hismotionslow;

Heheavesforbreath,hestaggerstoandfro,

Andcloudsofissuingsmokehisnostrilsloudlyblow.

Yetequalinsuccess,theyward,theystrike;

Theirwaysarediff'rent,buttheirartalike.

Before,behind,theblowsaredealt;around

Theirhollowsidestherattlingthumpsresound.

Astormofstrokes,wellmeant,withfuryflies,

Anderrsabouttheirtemples,ears,andeyes.

Noralwayserrs;foroftthegauntletdraws

Asweepingstrokealongthecracklingjaws.

Heavywithage,Entellusstandshisground,

Butwithhiswarpingbodywardsthewound.

Hishandandwatchfuleyekeepevenpace;

WhileDarestraversesandshiftshisplace,

And,likeacaptainwhobeleaguersround

Somestrong-builtcastleonarisingground,

Viewsallth'approacheswithobservingeyes:

Thisandthatotherpartinvainhetries,

Andmoreonindustrythanforcerelies.

Withhandsonhigh,Entellusthreatsthefoe;

ButDareswatch'dthemotionfrombelow,

Andslipp'daside,andshunn'dthelongdescendingblow.

Entelluswasteshisforcesonthewind,

And,thusdeludedofthestrokedesign'd,

Headlongandheavyfell;hisamplebreast

Andweightylimbshisancientmotherpress'd.

Sofallsahollowpine,thatlonghadstood

OnIda'sheight,orErymanthus'wood,

Tornfromtheroots.Thediff'ringnationsrise,

Andshoutsandmingledmurmursrendtheskies,

Acestusrunswitheagerhaste,toraise

Thefall'ncompanionofhisyouthfuldays.

Dauntlessherose,andtothefightreturn'd;

Withshamehisglowingcheeks,hiseyeswithfuryburn'd.

Disdainandconsciousvirtuefir'dhisbreast,

Andwithredoubledforcehisfoehepress'd.

Helaysonloadwitheitherhand,amain,

AndheadlongdrivestheTrojano'ertheplain;

Norstops,norstays;norrestnorbreathallows;

Butstormsofstrokesdescendabouthisbrows,

Arattlingtempest,andahailofblows.

Butnowtheprince,whosawthewildincrease

Ofwounds,commandsthecombatantstocease,

AndboundsEntellus'wrath,andbidsthepeace.

FirsttotheTrojan,spentwithtoil,hecame,

Andsooth'dhissorrowforthesuffer'dshame.

"Whatfuryseiz'dmyfriend?Thegods,"saidhe,

"Tohimpropitious,andaversetothee,

Havegiv'nhisarmsuperiorforcetothine.

'Tismadnesstocontendwithstrengthdivine."

Thegauntletfightthusended,fromtheshore

HisfaithfulfriendsunhappyDaresbore:

Hismouthandnostrilspour'dapurpleflood,

Andpoundedteethcamerushingwithhisblood.

Faintlyhestagger'dthro'thehissingthrong,

Andhunghishead,andtrail'dhislegsalong.

Theswordandcasquearecarriedbyhistrain;

Butwithhisfoethepalmandoxremain.

Thechampion,then,beforeAeneascame,

Proudofhisprize,butprouderofhisfame:

"Ogoddess-born,andyou,Dardanianhost,

Markwithattention,andforgivemyboast;

LearnwhatIwas,bywhatremains;andknow

Fromwhatimpendingfateyousav'dmyfoe."

Sternlyhespoke,andthenconfrontsthebull;

And,onhisampleforeheadaimingfull,

Thedeadlystroke,descending,pierc'dtheskull.

Downdropsthebeast,norneedsasecondwound,

Butsprawlsinpangsofdeath,andspurnstheground.

Then,thus:"InDares'steadIofferthis.

Eryx,acceptanoblersacrifice;

Takethelastgiftmywither'darmscanyield:

ThygauntletsIresign,andhererenouncethefield."

Thisdone,Aeneasorders,fortheclose,

Thestrifeofarcherswithcontendingbows.

ThemastSergesthus'shatter'dgalleybore

Withhisownhandsheraisesontheshore.

Aflutt'ringdoveuponthetoptheytie,

Thelivingmarkatwhichtheirarrowsfly.

Therivalarchersinalineadvance,

Theirturnofshootingtoreceivefromchance.

Ahelmetholdstheirnames;thelotsaredrawn:

OnthefirstscrollwasreadHippocoon.

Thepeopleshout.Uponthenextwasfound

YoungMnestheus,latewithnavalhonorscrown'd.

Thethirdcontain'dEurytion'snoblename,

Thybrother,Pandarus,andnextinfame,

WhomPallasurg'dthetreatytoconfound,

AndsendamongtheGreeksafeather'dwound.

Acestesinthebottomlastremain'd,

Whomnothisagefromyouthfulsportsrestrain'd.

Soonallwithvigorbendtheirtrustybows,

Andfromthequivereachhisarrowchose.

Hippocoon'swasthefirst:withforcefulsway

Itflew,and,whizzing,cuttheliquidway.

Fix'dinthemastthefeather'dweaponstands:

Thefearfulpigeonfluttersinherbands,

Andthetreetrembled,andtheshoutingcries

Ofthepleas'dpeoplerendthevaultedskies.

ThenMnestheustotheheadhisarrowdrove,

Withliftedeyes,andtookhisaimabove,

Butmadeaglancingshot,andmissedthedove;

Yetmiss'dsonarrow,thathecutthecord

Whichfasten'dbythefoottheflittingbird.

Thecaptivethusreleas'd,awaysheflies,

Andbeatswithclappingwingstheyieldingskies.

Hisbowalreadybent,Eurytionstood;

And,havingfirstinvok'dhisbrothergod,

Hiswingedshaftwitheagerhastehesped.

Thefatalmessagereach'dherasshefled:

Sheleavesherlifealoft;shestrikestheground,

Andrendersbacktheweaponinthewound.

Acestes,grudgingathislot,remains,

Withoutaprizetogratifyhispains.

Yet,shootingupward,sendshisshaft,toshow

Anarcher'sart,andboasthistwangingbow.

Thefeather'darrowgaveadireportent,

Andlatteraugursjudgefromthisevent.

Chaf'dbythespeed,itfir'd;and,asitflew,

Atrailoffollowingflamesascendingdrew:

Kindlingtheymount,andmarktheshinyway;

Acrosstheskiesasfallingmeteorsplay,

Andvanishintowind,orinablazedecay.

TheTrojansandSicilianswildlystare,

And,trembling,turntheirwonderintopray'r.

TheDardanprinceputonasmilingface,

Andstrain'dAcesteswithacloseembrace;

Then,hon'ringhimwithgiftsabovetherest,

Turn'dthebadomen,norhisfearsconfess'd.

"Thegods,"saidhe,"thismiraclehavewrought,

Andorder'dyoutheprizewithoutthelot.

Acceptthisgoblet,roughwithfigur'dgold,

WhichThracianCisseusgavemysireofold:

Thispledgeofancientamityreceive,

WhichtomysecondsireIjustlygive."

Hesaid,and,withthetrumpets'cheerfulsound,

Proclaim'dhimvictor,andwithlaurel-crown'd.

NorgoodEurytionenviedhimtheprize,

Tho'hetransfix'dthepigeonintheskies.

Whocuttheline,withsecondgiftswasgrac'd;

Thethirdwashiswhosearrowpierc'dthemast.

Thechief,beforethegameswerewhollydone,

Call'dPeriphantes,tutortohisson,

Andwhisper'dthus:"WithspeedAscaniusfind;

And,ifhischildishtroopbereadyjoin'd,

Onhorsebacklethimgracehisgrandsire'sday,

Andleadhisequalsarm'dinjustarray."

Hesaid;and,callingout,thecirqueheclears.

Thecrowdwithdrawn,anopenplainappears.

Andnowthenobleyouths,offormdivine,

Advancebeforetheirfathers,inaline;

Theridersgracethesteeds;thesteedswithgloryshine.

Thusmarchingoninmilitarypride,

Shoutsofapplauseresoundfromsidetoside.

Theircasquesadorn'dwithlaurelwreathstheywear,

Eachbrandishingaloftacornelspear.

Someattheirbackstheirgildedquiversbore;

Theirchainsofburnish'dgoldhungdownbefore.

Threegracefultroopstheyform'duponthegreen;

Threegracefulleadersattheirheadwereseen;

Twelvefollow'dev'rychief,andleftaspacebetween.

ThefirstyoungPriamled;alovelyboy,

Whosegrandsirewasth'unhappykingofTroy;

Hisraceinaftertimeswasknowntofame,

NewhonorsaddingtotheLatianname;

AndwelltheroyalboyhisThraciansteedbecame.

Whitewerethefetlocksofhisfeetbefore,

Andonhisfrontasnowystarhebore.

ThenbeauteousAtys,withIulusbred,

Ofequalage,thesecondsquadronled.

Thelastinorder,butthefirstinplace,

Firstinthelovelyfeaturesofhisface,

RodefairAscaniusonafierysteed,

QueenDido'sgift,andoftheTyrianbreed.

Surecoursersfortherestthekingordains,

Withgoldenbitsadorn'd,andpurplereins.

Thepleas'dspectatorspealsofshoutsrenew,

Andalltheparentsinthechildrenview;

Theirmake,theirmotions,andtheirsprightlygrace,

Andhopesandfearsalternateintheirface.

Th'unfledg'dcommandersandtheirmartialtrain

Firstmakethecircuitofthesandyplain

Aroundtheirsires,and,atth'appointedsign,

Drawnupinbeauteousorder,formaline.

Thesecondsignalsounds,thetroopdivides

Inthreedistinguish'dparts,withthreedistinguish'dguides

Againtheyclose,andonceagaindisjoin;

Introoptotroopoppos'd,andlinetoline.

Theymeet;theywheel;theythrowtheirdartsafar

Withharmlessrageandwell-dissembledwar.

Theninaroundthemingledbodiesrun:

Flyingtheyfollow,andpursuingshun;

Broken,theybreak;and,rallying,theyrenew

Inotherformsthemilitaryshew.

Atlast,inorder,undiscern'dtheyjoin,

Andmarchtogetherinafriendlyline.

And,astheCretanlabyrinthofold,

Withwand'ringwaysandmanyawindingfold,

Involv'dthewearyfeet,withoutredress,

Inarounderror,whichdeniedrecess;

SofoughttheTrojanboysinwarlikeplay,

Turn'dandreturn'd,andstilladiff'rentway.

Thusdolphinsinthedeepeachotherchase

Incircles,whentheyswimaroundthewat'ryrace.

Thisgame,thesecarousels,Ascaniustaught;

And,buildingAlba,totheLatinsbrought;

Shew'dwhathelearn'd:theLatinsiresimpart

Totheirsucceedingsonsthegracefulart;

FromtheseimperialRomereceiv'dthegame,

WhichTroy,theyouthstheTrojantroop,theyname.

Thusfarthesacredsportstheycelebrate:

ButFortunesoonresum'dherancienthate;

For,whiletheypaythedeadhisannualdues,

ThoseenviedritesSaturnianJunoviews;

Andsendsthegoddessofthevariousbow,

Totrynewmethodsofrevengebelow;

Suppliesthewindstowingherairyway,

Whereintheportsecurethenavylay.

SwiftlyfairIrisdownherarchdescends,

And,undiscern'd,herfatalvoyageends.

Shesawthegath'ringcrowd;and,glidingthence,

Thedesartshore,andfleetwithoutdefense.

TheTrojanmatrons,onthesandsalone,

WithsighsandtearsAnchises'deathbemoan;

Then,turningtotheseatheirweepingeyes,

Theirpitytothemselvesrenewstheircries.

"Alas!"saidone,"whatoceansyetremain

Forustosail!whatlaborstosustain!"

Alltaketheword,and,withagen'ralgroan,

Implorethegodsforpeace,andplacesoftheirown.

Thegoddess,greatinmischief,viewstheirpains,

Andinawoman'sformherheav'nlylimbsrestrains.

InfaceandshapeoldBeroeshebecame,

Doryclus'wife,avenerabledame,

Onceblestwithriches,andamother'sname.

Thuschang'd,amidstthecryingcrowdsheran,

Mix'dwiththematrons,andthesewordsbegan:

"Owretchedwe,whomnottheGrecianpow'r,

Norflames,destroy'd,inTroy'sunhappyhour!

Owretchedwe,reserv'dbycruelfate,

Beyondtheruinsofthesinkingstate!

Nowsev'nrevolvingyearsarewhollyrun,

Sincethisimprosp'rousvoyagewebegun;

Since,toss'dfromshorestoshores,fromlandstolands,

Inhospitablerocksandbarrensands,

Wand'ringinexilethro'thestormysea,

WesearchinvainforflyingItaly.

Nowcastbyfortuneonthiskindredland,

Whatshouldourrestandrisingwallswithstand,

Orhinderheretofixourbanish'dband?

Ocountrylost,andgodsredeem'dinvain,

Ifstillinendlessexileweremain!

ShallwenomoretheTrojanwallsrenew,

OrstreamsofsomedissembledSimoisview!

Haste,joinwithme,th'unhappyfleetconsume!

Cassandrabids;andIdeclareherdoom.

InsleepIsawher;shesuppliedmyhands

(ForthisImorethandreamt)withflamingbrands:

'Withthese,'saidshe,'thesewand'ringshipsdestroy:

Theseareyourfatalseats,andthisyourTroy.'

Timecallsyounow;theprecioushouremploy:

Slacknotthegoodpresage,whileHeav'ninspires

Ourmindstodare,andgivesthereadyfires.

See!Neptune'saltarsministertheirbrands:

Thegodispleas'd;thegodsuppliesourhands."

Thenfromthepileaflamingfireshedrew,

And,toss'dinair,amidstthegalleysthrew.

Wrapp'dinamaze,thematronswildlystare:

ThenPyrgo,reverenc'dforherhoaryhair,

Pyrgo,thenurseofPriam'snum'rousrace:

"NoBeroethis,tho'shebeliesherface!

Whatterrorsfromherfrowningfrontarise!

Beholdagoddessinherardenteyes!

Whatraysaroundherheav'nlyfaceareseen!

Markhermajesticvoice,andmorethanmortalmien!

BeroebutnowIleft,whom,pin'dwithpain,

Herageandanguishfromtheseritesdetain,"

Shesaid.Thematrons,seiz'dwithnewamaze,

Rolltheirmalignanteyes,andonthenavygaze.

Theyfear,andhope,andneitherpartobey:

Theyhopethefatedland,butfearthefatalway.

Thegoddess,havingdonehertaskbelow,

Mountsuponequalwings,andbendsherpaintedbow.

Struckwiththesight,andseiz'dwithragedivine,

Thematronsprosecutetheirmaddesign:

Theyshriekaloud;theysnatch,withimpioushands,

Thefoodofaltars;firesandflamingbrands.

Greenboughsandsaplings,mingledintheirhaste,

Andsmokingtorches,ontheshipstheycast.

Theflame,unstopp'datfirst,morefurygains,

AndVulcanridesatlargewithloosen'dreins:

Triumphanttothepaintedsternshesoars,

Andseizes,inthisway,thebanksandcracklingoars.

Eumeluswasthefirstthenewstobear,

Whileyettheycrowdtheruraltheater.

Then,whattheyhear,iswitness'dbytheireyes:

Astormofsparklesandofflamesarise.

Ascaniustookth'alarm,whileyetheled

Hisearlywarriorsonhisprancingsteed,

And,spurringon,hisequalssoono'erpass'd;

Norcouldhisfrightedfriendsreclaimhishaste.

Soonastheroyalyouthappear'dinview,

Hesenthisvoicebeforehimasheflew:

"Whatmadnessmovesyou,matrons,todestroy

ThelastremaindersofunhappyTroy!

Nothostilefleets,butyourownhopes,youburn,

Andonyourfriendsyourfatalfuryturn.

BeholdyourownAscanius!"Whilehesaid,

Hedrewhisglitt'ringhelmetfromhishead,

Inwhichtheyouthstosportfularmsheled.

Bythis,Aeneasandhistrainappear;

Andnowthewomen,seiz'dwithshameandfear,

Dispers'd,towoodsandcavernstaketheirflight,

Abhortheiractions,andavoidthelight;

Theirfriendsacknowledge,andtheirerrorfind,

Andshakethegoddessfromtheiralter'dmind.

Notsotheragingfirestheirfurycease,

But,lurkingintheseams,withseemingpeace,

Workontheirwayamidthesmold'ringtow,

Sureindestruction,butinmotionslow.

Thesilentplaguethro'thegreentimbereats,

Andvomitsoutatardyflamebyfits.

Downtothekeels,andupwardtothesails,

Thefiredescends,ormounts,butstillprevails;

Norbucketspour'd,norstrengthofhumanhand,

Canthevictoriouselementwithstand.

Thepiousherorendshisrobe,andthrows

Toheav'nhishands,andwithhishandshisvows.

"OJove,"hecried,"ifpray'rscanyethaveplace;

Ifthouabhorr'stnotalltheDardanrace;

Ifanysparkofpitystillremain;

Ifgodsaregods,andnotinvok'dinvain;

YetsparetherelicsoftheTrojantrain!

Yetfromtheflamesourburningvesselsfree,

Orletthyfuryfallaloneonme!

Atthisdevotedheadthythunderthrow,

Andsendthewillingsacrificebelow!"

Scarcehadhesaid,whensouthernstormsarise:

Frompoletopoletheforkylightningflies;

Loudrattlingshakesthemountainsandtheplain;

Heav'nbelliesdownward,anddescendsinrain.

Wholesheetsofwaterfromthecloudsaresent,

Which,hissingthro'theplanks,theflamesprevent,

Andstopthefierypest.Fourshipsalone

Burntothewaist,andforthefleetatone.

Butdoubtfulthoughtsthehero'sheartdivide;

IfheshouldstillinSicilyreside,

Forgetfulofhisfates,ortemptthemain,

Inhopethepromis'dItalytogain.

ThenNautes,oldandwise,towhomalone

ThewillofHeav'nbyPallaswasforeshown;

Vers'dinportents,experienc'd,andinspir'd

Totellevents,andwhatthefatesrequir'd;

Thuswhilehestood,toneitherpartinclin'd,

Withcheerfulwordsreliev'dhislab'ringmind:

"Ogoddess-born,resign'dinev'rystate,

Withpatiencebear,withprudencepushyourfate.

Bysuff'ringwell,ourFortunewesubdue;

Flywhenshefrowns,and,whenshecalls,pursue.

YourfriendAcestesisofTrojankind;

Tohimdisclosethesecretsofyourmind:

Trustinhishandsyouroldanduselesstrain;

Toonum'rousfortheshipswhichyetremain:

Thefeeble,old,indulgentoftheirease,

Thedameswhodreadthedangersoftheseas,

Withallthedastardcrew,whodarenotstand

Theshockofbattlewithyourfoesbyland.

Hereyoumaybuildacommontownforall,

And,fromAcestes'name,Acestacall."

Thereasons,withhisfriend'sexperiencejoin'd,

Encourag'dmuch,butmoredisturb'dhismind.

'Twasdeadofnight;whentohisslumb'ringeyes

Hisfather'sshadedescendedfromtheskies,

Andthushespoke:"Omorethanvitalbreath,

Lov'dwhileIliv'd,anddearev'nafterdeath;

Oson,invarioustoilsandtroublestoss'd,

TheKingofHeav'nemploysmycarefulghost

Onhiscommands:thegod,whosav'dfromfire

Yourflamingfleet,andheardyourjustdesire.

Thewholesomecounselofyourfriendreceive,

Andherethecowardtrainandwomanleave:

Thechosenyouth,andthosewhonoblydare,

Transport,totemptthedangersofthewar.

ThesternItalianswilltheircouragetry;

Rougharetheirmanners,andtheirmindsarehigh.

ButfirsttoPluto'spalaceyoushallgo,

Andseekmyshadeamongtheblestbelow:

Fornotwithimpiousghostsmysoulremains,

Norsufferswiththedamn'dperpetualpains,

ButbreathesthelivingairofsoftElysianplains.

ThechasteSibyllashallyourstepsconvey,

Andbloodofoffer'dvictimsfreetheway.

Thereshallyouknowwhatrealmsthegodsassign,

Andlearnthefatesandfortunesofyourline.

Butnow,farewell!Ivanishwiththenight,

Andfeeltheblastofheav'n'sapproachinglight."

Hesaid,andmix'dwithshades,andtookhisairyflight.

"Whithersofast?"thefilialdutycried;

"Andwhy,ahwhy,thewish'dembracedenied?"

Hesaid,androse;asholyzealinspires,

Herakeshotembers,andrenewsthefires;

HiscountrygodsandVestathenadores

Withcakesandincense,andtheiraidimplores.

Next,forhisfriendsandroyalhosthesent,

Reveal'dhisvision,andthegods'intent,

Withhisownpurpose.All,withoutdelay,

ThewillofJove,andhisdesiresobey.

Theylistwithwomeneachdegeneratename,

Whodaresnothazardlifeforfuturefame.

Thesetheycashier:thebraveremainingfew,

Oars,banks,andcables,halfconsum'd,renew.

Theprincedesignsacitywiththeplow;

Thelotstheirsev'raltenementsallow.

Thispartisnam'dfromIlium,thatfromTroy,

Andthenewkingascendsthethronewithjoy;

Achosensenatefromthepeopledraws;

Appointsthejudges,andordainsthelaws.

Then,onthetopofEryx,theybegin

ArisingtempletothePaphianqueen.

Anchises,last,ishonor'dasagod;

Apriestisadded,annualgiftsbestow'd,

Andgrovesareplantedroundhisblestabode.

Ninedaystheypassinfeasts,theirtemplescrown'd;

Andfumesofincenseinthefanesabound.

Thenfromthesoutharoseagentlebreeze

Thatcurl'dthesmoothnessoftheglassyseas;

Therisingwindsarufflinggaleafford,

Andcallthemerrymarinersaboard.

Nowloudlamentsalongtheshoresresound,

Ofpartingfriendsincloseembracesbound.

Thetremblingwomen,thedegeneratetrain,

Whoshunn'dthefrightfuldangersofthemain,

Ev'nthosedesiretosail,andtaketheirshare

Oftheroughpassageandthepromis'dwar:

WhomgoodAeneascheers,andrecommends

Totheirnewmaster'scarehisfearfulfriends.

OnEryx'saltarsthreefatcalveshelays;

Alambnew-fallentothestormyseas;

Thenslipshishaulsers,andhisanchorsweighs.

Highonthedeckthegodlikeherostands,

Witholivecrown'd,achargerinhishands;

Thencastthereekingentrailsinthebrine,

Andpour'dthesacrificeofpurplewine.

Freshgalesarise;withequalstrokestheyvie,

Andbrushthebuxomseas,ando'erthebillowsfly.

Meantimethemothergoddess,fulloffears,

ToNeptunethusaddress'd,withtendertears:

"TheprideofJove'simperiousqueen,therage,

Themalicewhichnosuff'ringscanassuage,

Compelmetothesepray'rs;sinceneitherfate,

Nortime,norpity,canremoveherhate:

Ev'nJoveisthwartedbyhishaughtywife;

Stillvanquish'd,yetshestillrenewsthestrife.

Asif'twerelittletoconsumethetown

Whichaw'dtheworld,andworeth'imperialcrown,

SheprosecutestheghostofTroywithpains,

Andgnaws,ev'ntothebones,thelastremains.

Letherthecausesofherhatredtell;

Butyoucanwitnessitseffectstoowell.

Yousawthestormsherais'donLibyanfloods,

Thatmix'dthemountingbillowswiththeclouds;

When,bribingAeolus,sheshookthemain,

Andmov'drebellioninyourwat'ryreign.

Withfuryshepossess'dtheDardandames,

Toburntheirfleetwithexecrableflames,

Andforc'dAeneas,whenhisshipswerelost,

Toleavehisfoll'wersonaforeigncoast.

Forwhatremains,yourgodheadIimplore,

Andtrustmysontoyourprotectingpow'r.

IfneitherJove'snorFate'sdecreewithstand,

SecurehispassagetotheLatianland."

ThenthusthemightyRuleroftheMain:

"WhatmaynotVenushopefromNeptune'sreign?

Mykingdomclaimsyourbirth;mylatedefense

Ofyourindanger'dfleetmayclaimyourconfidence.

Norlessbylandthanseamydeedsdeclare

Howmuchyourlov'dAeneasismycare.

Thee,Xanthus,andthee,Simois,Iattest.

YourTrojantroopswhenproudAchillespress'd,

Anddrovebeforehimheadlongontheplain,

Anddash'dagainstthewallsthetremblingtrain;

Whenfloodswerefill'dwithbodiesoftheslain;

WhencrimsonXanthus,doubtfulofhisway,

Stooduponridgestobeholdthesea;

(Newheapscametumblingin,andchok'dhisway;)

WhenyourAeneasfought,butfoughtwithodds

Offorceunequal,andunequalgods;

Ispreadacloudbeforethevictor'ssight,

Sustain'dthevanquish'd,andsecur'dhisflight;

Ev'nthensecur'dhim,whenIsoughtwithjoy

Thevow'ddestructionofungratefulTroy.

Mywill'sthesame:fairgoddess,fearnomore,

YourfleetshallsafelygaintheLatianshore;

Theirlivesaregiv'n;onedestin'dheadalone

Shallperish,andformultitudesatone."

Thushavingarm'dwithhopesheranxiousmind,

HisfinnyteamSaturnianNeptunejoin'd,

Thenaddsthefoamybridletotheirjaws,

Andtotheloosen'dreinspermitsthelaws.

Highonthewaveshisazurecarheguides;

Itsaxlesthunder,andtheseasubsides,

Andthesmoothoceanrollshersilenttides.

Thetempestsflybeforetheirfather'sface,

Trainsofinferiorgodshistriumphgrace,

Andmonsterwhalesbeforetheirmasterplay,

AndchoirsofTritonscrowdthewat'ryway.

Themarshal'dpow'rsinequaltroopsdivide

Torightandleft;thegodshisbetterside

Inclose,andontheworsetheNymphsandNereidsride.

Nowsmilinghope,withsweetvicissitude,

Withinthehero'smindhisjoysrenew'd.

Hecallstoraisethemasts,thesheetsdisplay;

Thecheerfulcrewwithdiligenceobey;

Theyscudbeforethewind,andsailinopensea.

Aheadofallthemasterpilotsteers;

And,asheleads,thefollowingnavyveers.

ThesteedsofNighthadtravel'dhalfthesky,

Thedrowsyrowersontheirbencheslie,

WhenthesoftGodofSleep,witheasyflight,

Descends,anddrawsbehindatrailoflight.

Thou,Palinurus,arthisdestin'dprey;

Totheealonehetakeshisfatalway.

Diredreamstothee,andironsleep,hebears;

And,lightingonthyprow,theformofPhorbaswears.

Thenthusthetraitorgodbeganhistale:

"Thewinds,myfriend,inspireapleasinggale;

Theships,withoutthycare,securelysail.

Nowstealanhourofsweetrepose;andI

Willtaketherudderandthyroomsupply."

Towhomtheyawningpilot,halfasleep:

"Medostthoubidtotrustthetreach'rousdeep,

Theharlotsmilesofherdissemblingface,

AndtoherfaithcommittheTrojanrace?

ShallIbelievetheSirenSouthagain,

And,oftbetray'd,notknowthemonstermain?"

Hesaid:hisfasten'dhandstherudderkeep,

And,fix'donheav'n,hiseyesrepelinvadingsleep.

Thegodwaswroth,andathistemplesthrew

AbranchinLethedipp'd,anddrunkwithStygiandew:

Thepilot,vanquish'dbythepow'rdivine,

Soonclos'dhisswimmingeyes,andlaysupine.

Scarcewerehislimbsextendedattheirlength,

Thegod,insultingwithsuperiorstrength,

Fellheavyonhim,plung'dhiminthesea,

And,withthestern,theruddertoreaway.

Headlonghefell,and,strugglinginthemain,

Criedoutforhelpinghands,butcriedinvain.

Thevictordaemonmountsobscureinair,

Whiletheshipsailswithoutthepilot'scare.

OnNeptune'sfaiththefloatingfleetrelies;

Butwhatthemanforsook,thegodsupplies,

Ando'erthedang'rousdeepsecurethenavyflies;

GlidesbytheSirens'cliffs,ashelfycoast,

Longinfamousforshipsandsailorslost,

Andwhitewithbones.Th'impetuousoceanroars,

Androcksrebellowfromthesoundingshores.

Thewatchfulherofelttheknocks,andfound

Thetossingvesselsail'donshoalyground.

Sureofhispilot'sloss,hetakeshimself

Thehelm,andsteersaloof,andshunstheshelf.

Inlyhegriev'd,and,groaningfromthebreast,

Deplor'dhisdeath;andthushispainexpress'd:

"Forfaithrepos'donseas,andontheflatt'ringsky,

Thynakedcorpseisdoom'donshoresunknowntolie."

BOOKVI

Hesaid,andwept;thenspreadhissailsbefore

Thewinds,andreach'datlengththeCumaeanshore:

Theiranchorsdropp'd,hiscrewthevesselsmoor.

Theyturntheirheadstosea,theirsternstoland,

Andgreetwithgreedyjoyth'Italianstrand.

Somestrikefromclashingflintstheirfieryseed;

Somegathersticks,thekindledflamestofeed,

Orsearchforhollowtrees,andfellthewoods,

Ortracethro'valleysthediscover'dfloods.

Thus,whiletheirsev'ralchargestheyfulfil,

Thepiousprinceascendsthesacredhill

WherePhoebusisador'd;andseekstheshade

Whichhidesfromsighthisvenerablemaid.

DeepinacavetheSibylmakesabode;

Thencefulloffatereturns,andofthegod.

Thro'Trivia'sgrovetheywalk;andnowbehold,

Andenternow,thetempleroof'dwithgold.

WhenDaedalus,toflytheCretanshore,

Hisheavylimbsonjointedpinionsbore,

(Thefirstwhosail'dinair,)'tissungbyFame,

TotheCumaeancoastatlengthhecame,

Andherealighting,builtthiscostlyframe.

Inscrib'dtoPhoebus,herehehungonhigh

Thesteerageofhiswings,thatcutthesky:

Theno'ertheloftygatehisartemboss'd

Androgeos'death,andoff'ringstohisghost;

Sev'nyouthsfromAthensyearlysent,tomeet

ThefateappointedbyrevengefulCrete.

Andnexttothosethedreadfulurnwasplac'd,

Inwhichthedestin'dnamesbylotswerecast:

Themournfulparentsstandaroundintears,

AndrisingCreteagainsttheirshoreappears.

Theretoo,inlivingsculpture,mightbeseen

ThemadaffectionoftheCretanqueen;

Thenhowshecheatsherbellowinglover'seye;

Therushingleap,thedoubtfulprogeny,

Thelowerpartabeast,amanabove,

Themonumentoftheirpollutedlove.

Notfarfromthencehegrav'dthewondrousmaze,

Athousanddoors,athousandwindingways:

Heredwellsthemonster,hidfromhumanview,

Nottobefound,butbythefaithfulclew;

Tillthekindartist,mov'dwithpiousgrief,

Lenttothelovingmaidthislastrelief,

Andallthoseerringpathsdescrib'dsowell

ThatTheseusconquer'dandthemonsterfell.

HerehaplessIcarushadfoundhispart,

Hadnotthefather'sgriefrestrain'dhisart.

Hetwiceassay'dtocasthissoningold;

Twicefromhishandshedropp'dtheformingmold.

Allthiswithwond'ringeyesAeneasview'd;

Eachvaryingobjecthisdelightrenew'd:

Eagertoreadtherest-Achatescame,

Andbyhissidethemaddiviningdame,

Thepriestessofthegod,Deiphobehername.

"Timesuffersnot,"shesaid,"tofeedyoureyes

Withemptypleasures;hastethesacrifice.

Sev'nbullocks,yetunyok'd,forPhoebuschoose,

AndforDianasev'nunspottedewes."

Thissaid,theservantsurgethesacredrites,

Whiletothetempleshetheprinceinvites.

Aspaciouscave,withinitsfarmostpart,

Washew'dandfashion'dbylaboriousart

Thro'thehill'shollowsides:beforetheplace,

Ahundreddoorsahundredentriesgrace;

Asmanyvoicesissue,andthesound

OfSybil'swordsasmanytimesrebound.

Nowtothemouththeycome.Aloudshecries:

"Thisisthetime;enquireyourdestinies.

Hecomes;beholdthegod!"Thuswhileshesaid,

(Andshiv'ringatthesacredentrystay'd,)

Hercolorchang'd;herfacewasnotthesame,

Andhollowgroansfromherdeepspiritcame.

Herhairstoodup;convulsiveragepossess'd

Hertremblinglimbs,andheav'dherlab'ringbreast.

Greaterthanhumankindsheseem'dtolook,

Andwithanaccentmorethanmortalspoke.

Herstaringeyeswithsparklingfuryroll;

Whenallthegodcamerushingonhersoul.

Swiftlysheturn'd,and,foamingasshespoke:

"Whythisdelay?"shecried-"thepow'rsinvoke!

Thypray'rsalonecanopenthisabode;

Elsevainaremydemands,anddumbthegod."

Shesaidnomore.ThetremblingTrojanshear,

O'erspreadwithadampsweatandholyfear.

Theprincehimself,withawfuldreadpossess'd,

HisvowstogreatApollothusaddress'd:

"Indulgentgod,propitiouspow'rtoTroy,

Swifttorelieve,unwillingtodestroy,

DirectedbywhosehandtheDardandart

Pierc'dtheproudGrecian'sonlymortalpart:

Thusfar,byfate'sdecreesandthycommands,

Thro'ambientseasandthro'devouringsands,

Ourexil'dcrewhassoughtth'Ausonianground;

Andnow,atlength,theflyingcoastisfound.

ThusfarthefateofTroy,fromplacetoplace,

Withfuryhaspursuedherwand'ringrace.

Herecease,yepow'rs,andletyourvengeanceend:

Troyisnomore,andcannomoreoffend.

Andthou,Osacredmaid,inspir'dtosee

Th'eventofthingsindarkfuturity;

GivemewhatHeav'nhaspromis'dtomyfate,

ToconquerandcommandtheLatianstate;

Tofixmywand'ringgods,andfindaplace

ForthelongexilesoftheTrojanrace.

Thenshallmygratefulhandsatemplerear

Tothetwingods,withvowsandsolemnpray'r;

Andannualrites,andfestivals,andgames,

Shallbeperform'dtotheirauspiciousnames.

Norshaltthouwantthyhonorsinmyland;

Fortherethyfaithfuloraclesshallstand,

Preserv'dinshrines;andev'rysacredlay,

Which,bythymouth,Apolloshallconvey:

Allshallbetreasur'dbyachosentrain

Ofholypriests,andevershallremain.

ButO!commitnotthypropheticmind

Toflittingleaves,thesportofev'rywind,

Lesttheydisperseinairouremptyfate;

Writenot,but,whatthepow'rsordain,relate."

Strugglinginvain,impatientofherload,

Andlab'ringunderneaththepond'rousgod,

Themoreshestrovetoshakehimfromherbreast,

Withmoreandfarsuperiorforcehepress'd;

Commandshisentrance,and,withoutcontrol,

Usurpsherorgansandinspireshersoul.

Now,withafuriousblast,thehundreddoors

Opeofthemselves;arushingwhirlwindroars

Withinthecave,andSibyl'svoicerestores:

"Escap'dthedangersofthewat'ryreign,

Yetmoreandgreaterillsbylandremain.

Thecoast,solongdesir'd(nordoubtth'event),

Thytroopsshallreach,but,havingreach'd,repent.

Wars,horridwars,Iview-afieldofblood,

AndTiberrollingwithapurpleflood.

SimoisnorXanthusshallbewantingthere:

AnewAchillesshallinarmsappear,

Andhe,too,goddess-born.FierceJuno'shate,

Addedtohostileforce,shallurgethyfate.

Towhatstrangenationsshaltnotthouresort,

Driv'ntosolicitaidatev'rycourt!

ThecausethesamewhichIliumonceoppress'd;

Aforeignmistress,andaforeignguest.

Butthou,secureofsoul,unbentwithwoes,

Themorethyfortunefrowns,themoreoppose.

Thedawningsofthysafetyshallbeshown

Fromwhencethouleastshalthope,aGreciantown."

Thus,fromthedarkrecess,theSibylspoke,

Andtheresistingairthethunderbroke;

Thecaverebellow'd,andthetempleshook.

Th'ambiguousgod,whorul'dherlab'ringbreast,

Inthesemysteriouswordshismindexpress'd;

Sometruthsreveal'd,intermsinvolv'dtherest.

Atlengthherfuryfell,herfoamingceas'd,

And,ebbinginhersoul,thegoddecreas'd.

Thenthusthechief:"Noterrortomyview,

Nofrightfulfaceofdangercanbenew.

Inur'dtosuffer,andresolv'dtodare,

TheFates,withoutmypow'r,shallbewithoutmycare.

Thisletmecrave,sincenearyourgrovetheroad

Tohellliesopen,andthedarkabode

WhichAcheronsurrounds,th'innavigableflood;

Conductmethro'theregionsvoidoflight,

Andleadmelongingtomyfather'ssight.

Forhim,athousanddangersIhavesought,

And,rushingwherethethickestGreciansfought,

Safeonmybackthesacredburthenbrought.

He,formysake,theragingoceantried,

AndwrathofHeav'n,mystillauspiciousguide,

Andborebeyondthestrengthdecrepidagesupplied.

Oft,sincehebreath'dhislast,indeadofnight

Hisreverendimagestoodbeforemysight;

Enjoin'dtoseek,below,hisholyshade;

Conductedtherebyyourunerringaid.

Butyou,ifpiousmindsbypray'rsarewon,

Obligethefather,andprotecttheson.

Yoursisthepow'r;norProserpineinvain

Hasmadeyoupriestessofhernightlyreign.

IfOrpheus,arm'dwithhisenchantinglyre,

Theruthlesskingwithpitycouldinspire,

Andfromtheshadesbelowredeemhiswife;

IfPollux,off'ringhisalternatelife,

Couldfreehisbrother,andcandailygo

Byturnsaloft,byturnsdescendbelow-

WhynameITheseus,orhisgreaterfriend,

Whotrodthedownwardpath,andupwardcouldascend?

NotlessthantheirsfromJovemylineagecame;

Mymothergreater,mydescentthesame."

Sopray'dtheTrojanprince,and,whilehepray'd,

Hishandupontheholyaltarlaid.

Thenthusrepliedtheprophetessdivine:

"Ogoddess-bornofgreatAnchises'line,

Thegatesofhellareopennightandday;

Smooththedescent,andeasyistheway:

Buttoreturn,andviewthecheerfulskies,

Inthisthetaskandmightylaborlies.

TofewgreatJupiterimpartsthisgrace,

Andthoseofshiningworthandheav'nlyrace.

Betwixtthoseregionsandourupperlight,

Deepforestsandimpenetrablenight

Possessthemiddlespace:th'infernalbounds

Cocytus,withhissablewaves,surrounds.

Butifsodirealoveyoursoulinvades,

Astwicebelowtoviewthetremblingshades;

Ifyousohardatoilwillundertake,

Astwicetopassth'innavigablelake;

Receivemycounsel.Intheneighb'ringgrove

Therestandsatree;thequeenofStygianJove

Claimsitherown;thickwoodsandgloomynight

Concealthehappyplantfromhumansight.

Oneboughitbears;but(wondroustobehold!)

Theductilerindandleavesofradiantgold:

Thisfromthevulgarbranchesmustbetorn,

AndtofairProserpinethepresentborne,

Ereleavebegiv'ntotemptthenetherskies.

Thefirstthusrentasecondwillarise,

Andthesamemetalthesameroomsupplies.

Lookroundthewood,withliftedeyes,tosee

Thelurkinggolduponthefataltree:

Thenrenditoff,asholyritescommand;

Thewillingmetalwillobeythyhand,

Followingwithease,iffavor'dbythyfate,

Thouartforedoom'dtoviewtheStygianstate:

Ifnot,nolaborcanthetreeconstrain;

Andstrengthofstubbornarmsandsteelarevain.

Besides,youknownot,whileyouhereattend,

Th'unworthyfateofyourunhappyfriend:

Breathlesshelies;andhisunburiedghost,

Depriv'doffun'ralrites,pollutesyourhost.

Payfirsthispiousdues;and,forthedead,

Twosablesheeparoundhishearsebeled;

Then,livingturfsuponhisbodylay:

Thisdone,securelytakethedestin'dway,

Tofindtheregionsdestituteofday."

Shesaid,andheldherpeace.Aeneaswent

Sadfromthecave,andfullofdiscontent,

UnknowingwhomthesacredSibylmeant.

Achates,thecompanionofhisbreast,

Goesgrievingbyhisside,withequalcaresoppress'd.

Walking,theytalk'd,andfruitlesslydivin'd

Whatfriendthepriestessbythosewordsdesign'd.

Butsoontheyfoundanobjecttodeplore:

Misenuslayextendedontheshore;

SonoftheGodofWinds:nonesorenown'd

Thewarriortrumpetinthefieldtosound;

Withbreathingbrasstokindlefiercealarms,

Androusetodaretheirfateinhonorablearms.

Heserv'dgreatHector,andwasevernear,

Notwithhistrumpetonly,buthisspear.

ButbyPelides'armswhenHectorfell,

HechoseAeneas;andhechoseaswell.

Swolnwithapplause,andaimingstillatmore,

Henowprovokestheseagodsfromtheshore;

WithenvyTritonheardthemartialsound,

Andtheboldchampion,forhischallenge,drown'd;

Thencasthismangledcarcassonthestrand:

Thegazingcrowdaroundthebodystand.

Allweep;butmostAeneasmournshisfate,

Andhastenstoperformthefuneralstate.

Inaltar-wise,astatelypiletheyrear;

Thebasisbroadbelow,andtopadvanc'dinair.

Anancientwood,fitfortheworkdesign'd,

(Theshadycovertofthesalvagekind,)

TheTrojansfound:thesoundingaxisplied;

Firs,pines,andpitchtrees,andthetow'ringpride

Offorestashes,feelthefatalstroke,

Andpiercingwedgescleavethestubbornoak.

Hugetrunksoftrees,fell'dfromthesteepycrown

Ofthebaremountains,rollwithruindown.

Arm'dliketheresttheTrojanprinceappears,

Andbyhispiouslaborurgestheirs.

Thuswhilehewrought,revolvinginhismind

Thewaystocompasswhathiswishdesign'd,

Hecasthiseyesuponthegloomygrove,

Andthenwithvowsimplor'dtheQueenofLove:

"Omaythypow'r,propitiousstilltome,

Conductmystepstofindthefataltree,

Inthisdeepforest;sincetheSibyl'sbreath

Foretold,alas!tootrue,Misenus'death."

Scarcehadhesaid,when,fullbeforehissight,

Twodoves,descendingfromtheirairyflight,

Secureuponthegrassyplainalight.

Heknewhismother'sbirds;andthushepray'd:

"Beyoumyguides,withyourauspiciousaid,

Andleadmyfootsteps,tillthebranchbefound,

Whoseglitt'ringshadowgildsthesacredground.

Andthou,greatparent,withcelestialcare,

Inthisdistressbepresenttomypray'r!"

Thushavingsaid,hestopp'dwithwatchfulsight,

Observingstillthemotionsoftheirflight,

Whatcoursetheytook,whathappysignstheyshew.

Theyfed,and,flutt'ring,bydegreeswithdrew

Stillfartherfromtheplace,butstillinview:

Hoppingandflying,thustheyledhimon

Totheslowlake,whosebalefulstenchtoshun

Theywing'dtheirflightaloft;then,stoopinglow,

Perch'donthedoubletreethatbearsthegoldenbough.

Thro'thegreenleafstheglitt'ringshadowsglow;

As,onthesacredoak,thewintrymistletoe,

Wheretheproudmotherviewsherpreciousbrood,

Andhappierbranches,whichsheneversow'd.

Suchwastheglitt'ring;suchtheruddyrind,

Anddancingleaves,thatwanton'dinthewind.

Heseiz'dtheshiningboughwithgripinghold,

Andrentaway,withease,theling'ringgold;

ThentotheSibyl'spalaceboretheprize.

MeantimetheTrojantroops,withweepingeyes,

TodeadMisenuspayhisobsequies.

First,fromthegroundaloftypiletheyrear,

Ofpitchtrees,oaks,andpines,andunctuousfir:

Thefabric'sfrontwithcypresstwigstheystrew,

Andstickthesideswithboughsofbalefulyew.

Thetopmostparthisglitt'ringarmsadorn;

Warmwaters,then,inbrazencaldronsborne,

Arepour'dtowashhisbody,jointbyjoint,

Andfragrantoilsthestiffen'dlimbsanoint.

WithgroansandcriesMisenustheydeplore:

Thenonabier,withpurplecover'do'er,

Thebreathlessbody,thusbewail'd,theylay,

Andfirethepile,theirfacesturn'daway-

Suchreverendritestheirfathersus'dtopay.

Pureoilandincenseonthefiretheythrow,

Andfatofvictims,whichhisfriendsbestow.

Thesegiftsthegreedyflamestodustdevour;

Thenonthelivingcoalsredwinetheypour;

And,last,therelicsbythemselvesdispose,

Whichinabrazenurnthepriestsinclose.

OldCorynaeuscompass'dthricethecrew,

Anddipp'danolivebranchinholydew;

Whichthricehesprinkledround,andthricealoud

Invok'dthedead,andthendismissedthecrowd.

ButgoodAeneasorder'dontheshore

Astatelytomb,whosetopatrumpetbore,

Asoldier'sfauchion,andaseaman'soar.

Thuswashisfriendinterr'd;anddeathlessfame

Stilltotheloftycapeconsignshisname.

Theseritesperform'd,theprince,withoutdelay,

Hastestothenetherworldhisdestin'dway.

Deepwasthecave;and,downwardasitwent

Fromthewidemouth,arockyroughdescent;

Andhereth'accessagloomygrovedefends,

Andthereth'unnavigablelakeextends,

O'erwhoseunhappywaters,voidoflight,

Nobirdpresumestosteerhisairyflight;

Suchdeadlystenchesfromthedepthsarise,

Andsteamingsulphur,thatinfectstheskies.

FromhencetheGrecianbardstheirlegendsmake,

AndgivethenameAvernustothelake.

Foursablebullocks,intheyokeuntaught,

Forsacrificethepiousherobrought.

Thepriestesspoursthewinebetwixttheirhorns;

Thencutsthecurlinghair;thatfirstoblationburns,

InvokingHecatehithertorepair:

Apow'rfulnameinhellandupperair.

Thesacredpriestswithreadyknivesbereave

Thebeastsoflife,andinfullbowlsreceive

Thestreamingblood:alambtoHellandNight

(Thesablewoolwithoutastreakofwhite)

Aeneasoffers;and,byfate'sdecree,

Abarrenheifer,Proserpine,tothee,

WithholocaustshePluto'saltarfills;

Sev'nbrawnybullswithhisownhandhekills;

Thenonthebroilingentrailsoilhepours;

Which,ointedthus,theragingflamedevours.

Latethenocturnalsacrificebegun,

Norendedtillthenextreturningsun.

Thenearthbegantobellow,treestodance,

Andhowlingdogsinglimm'ringlightadvance,

EreHecatecame."Farhencebesoulsprofane!"

TheSibylcried,"andfromthegroveabstain!

Now,Trojan,takethewaythyfatesafford;

Assumethycourage,andunsheathethysword."

Shesaid,andpass'dalongthegloomyspace;

Theprincepursuedherstepswithequalpace.

Yerealms,yetunreveal'dtohumansight,

Yegodswhoruletheregionsofthenight,

Yeglidingghosts,permitmetorelate

Themysticwondersofyoursilentstate!

Obscuretheywentthro'drearyshades,thatled

Alongthewastedominionsofthedead.

Thuswandertravelersinwoodsbynight,

Bythemoon'sdoubtfulandmalignantlight,

WhenJoveinduskycloudsinvolvestheskies,

Andthefaintcrescentshootsbyfitsbeforetheireyes.

Justinthegateandinthejawsofhell,

RevengefulCaresandsullenSorrowsdwell,

AndpaleDiseases,andrepiningAge,

Want,Fear,andFamine'sunresistedrage;

HereToils,andDeath,andDeath'shalf-brother,Sleep,

Formsterribletoview,theirsentrykeep;

WithanxiousPleasuresofaguiltymind,

DeepFraudsbefore,andopenForcebehind;

TheFuries'ironbeds;andStrife,thatshakes

Herhissingtressesandunfoldshersnakes.

Fullinthemidstofthisinfernalroad,

Anelmdisplaysherduskyarmsabroad:

TheGodofSleeptherehideshisheavyhead,

Andemptydreamsonev'ryleafarespread.

Ofvariousformsunnumber'dspectersmore,

Centaurs,anddoubleshapes,besiegethedoor.

Beforethepassage,horridHydrastands,

AndBriareuswithallhishundredhands;

Gorgons,Geryonwithhistripleframe;

AndvainChimaeravomitsemptyflame.

Thechiefunsheath'dhisshiningsteel,prepar'd,

Tho'seiz'dwithsuddenfear,toforcetheguard,

Off'ringhisbrandish'dweaponattheirface;

HadnottheSibylstopp'dhiseagerpace,

Andtoldhimwhatthoseemptyphantomswere:

Formswithoutbodies,andimpassiveair.

HencetodeepAcherontheytaketheirway,

Whosetroublededdies,thickwithoozeandclay,

Arewhirl'daloft,andinCocytuslost.

ThereCharonstands,whorulesthedrearycoast-

Asordidgod:downfromhishoarychin

Alengthofbearddescends,uncomb'd,unclean;

Hiseyes,likehollowfurnacesonfire;

Agirdle,foulwithgrease,bindshisobsceneattire.

Hespreadshiscanvas;withhispolehesteers;

Thefreightsofflittingghostsinhisthinbottombears.

Helook'dinyears;yetinhisyearswereseen

Ayouthfulvigorandautumnalgreen.

Anairycrowdcamerushingwherehestood,

Whichfill'dthemarginofthefatalflood:

Husbandsandwives,boysandunmarriedmaids,

Andmightyheroes'moremajesticshades,

Andyouths,intomb'dbeforetheirfathers'eyes,

Withhollowgroans,andshrieks,andfeeblecries.

Thickastheleavesinautumnstrowthewoods,

Orfowls,bywinterforc'd,forsakethefloods,

Andwingtheirhastyflighttohappierlands;

Such,andsothick,theshiv'ringarmystands,

Andpressforpassagewithextendedhands.

Nowthese,nowthose,thesurlyboatmanbore:

Theresthedrovetodistancefromtheshore.

Thehero,whobeheldwithwond'ringeyes

Thetumultmix'dwithshrieks,laments,andcries,

Ask'dofhisguide,whattherudeconcoursemeant;

Whytotheshorethethrongingpeoplebent;

Whatformsoflawamongtheghostswereus'd;

Whysomewereferriedo'er,andsomerefus'd.

"SonofAnchises,offspringofthegods,"

TheSibylsaid,"youseetheStygianfloods,

Thesacredstreamwhichheav'n'simperialstate

Attestsinoaths,andfearstoviolate.

Theghostsrejectedareth'unhappycrew

Depriv'dofsepulchersandfun'raldue:

Theboatman,Charon;those,theburiedhost,

Heferriesovertothefarthercoast;

Nordareshistransportvesselcrossthewaves

Withsuchwhosebonesarenotcompos'dingraves.

Ahundredyearstheywanderontheshore;

Atlength,theirpenancedone,arewaftedo'er."

TheTrojanchiefhisforwardpacerepress'd,

Revolvinganxiousthoughtswithinhisbreast,

Hesawhisfriends,who,whelm'dbeneaththewaves,

Theirfun'ralhonorsclaim'd,andask'dtheirquietgraves.

ThelostLeucaspisinthecrowdheknew,

AndthebraveleaderoftheLyciancrew,

Whom,ontheTyrrheneseas,thetempestsmet;

Thesailorsmaster'd,andtheshipo'erset.

Amidstthespirits,Palinuruspress'd,

Yetfreshfromlife,anew-admittedguest,

Who,whilehesteeringview'dthestars,andbore

HiscoursefromAfrictotheLatianshore,

Fellheadlongdown.TheTrojanfix'dhisview,

Andscarcelythro'thegloomthesullenshadowknew.

Thenthustheprince:"Whatenviouspow'r,Ofriend,

Broughtyourlov'dlifetothisdisastrousend?

ForPhoebus,evertrueinallhesaid,

Hasinyourfatealonemyfaithbetray'd.

Thegodforetoldyoushouldnotdie,before

Youreach'd,securefromseas,th'Italianshore.

Isthisth'unerringpow'r?"Theghostreplied;

"NorPhoebusflatter'd,norhisanswerslied;

Norenviousgodshavesentmetothedeep:

But,whilethestarsandcourseofheav'nIkeep,

Myweariedeyeswereseiz'dwithfatalsleep.

Ifell;and,withmyweight,thehelmconstrain'd

Wasdrawnalong,whichyetmygriperetain'd.

NowbythewindsandragingwavesIswear,

Yoursafety,morethanmine,wasthenmycare;

Lest,oftheguidebereft,therudderlost,

Yourshipshouldrunagainsttherockycoast.

Threeblust'ringnights,bornebythesouthernblast,

Ifloated,anddiscover'dlandatlast:

HighonamountingwavemyheadIbore,

Forcingmystrength,andgath'ringtotheshore.

Panting,butpastthedanger,nowIseiz'd

Thecraggycliffs,andmytir'dmemberseas'd.

While,cumber'dwithmydroppingclothes,Ilay,

Thecruelnation,covetousofprey,

Stain'dwithmybloodth'unhospitablecoast;

Andnow,bywindsandwaves,mylifelesslimbsaretoss'd:

WhichOavert,byyonethereallight,

WhichIhavelostforthiseternalnight!

Or,ifbydearertiesyoumaybewon,

Byyourdeadsire,andbyyourlivingson,

Redeemfromthisreproachmywand'ringghost;

OrwithyournavyseektheVelincoast,

Andinapeacefulgravemycorpsecompose;

Or,ifanearerwayyourmothershows,

Withoutwhoseaidyoudurstnotundertake

Thisfrightfulpassageo'ertheStygianlake,

Lendtothiswretchyourhand,andwafthimo'er

Tothesweetbanksofyonforbiddenshore."

Scarcehadhesaid,theprophetessbegan:

"Whathopesdeludethee,miserableman?

Think'stthou,thusunintomb'd,tocrossthefloods,

ToviewtheFuriesandinfernalgods,

Andvisit,withoutleave,thedarkabodes?

Attendthetermoflongrevolvingyears;

Fate,andthedoominggods,aredeaftotears.

Thiscomfortofthydiremisfortunetake:

ThewrathofHeav'n,inflictedforthysake,

Withvengeanceshallpursueth'inhumancoast,

Tilltheypropitiatethyoffendedghost,

Andraiseatomb,withvowsandsolemnpray'r;

AndPalinurus'nametheplaceshallbear."

Thiscalm'dhiscares;sooth'dwithhisfuturefame,

Andpleas'dtohearhispropagatedname.

NownearertotheStygianlaketheydraw:

Whom,fromtheshore,thesurlyboatmansaw;

Observ'dtheirpassagethro'theshadywood,

Andmark'dtheirnearapproachestotheflood.

Thenthushecall'daloud,inflam'dwithwrath:

"Mortal,whate'er,whothisforbiddenpath

Inarmspresum'sttotread,Ichargethee,stand,

Andtellthyname,andbus'nessintheland.

Knowthis,therealmofnight-theStygianshore:

Myboatconveysnolivingbodieso'er;

NorwasIpleas'dgreatTheseusoncetobear,

Whoforc'dapassagewithhispointedspear,

NorstrongAlcides-menofmightyfame,

Andfromth'immortalgodstheirlineagecame.

Infettersonethebarkingportertied,

Andtookhimtremblingfromhissov'reign'sside:

Twosoughtbyforcetoseizehisbeauteousbride."

TowhomtheSibylthus:"Composethymind;

Norfraudsareherecontriv'd,norforcedesign'd.

Stillmaythedogthewand'ringtroopsconstrain

Ofairyghosts,andvextheguiltytrain,

Andwithhergrislylordhislovelyqueenremain.

TheTrojanchief,whoselineageisfromJove,

Muchfam'dforarms,andmoreforfiliallove,

IssenttoseekhissireinyourElysiangrove.

Ifneitherpiety,norHeav'n'scommand,

CangainhispassagetotheStygianstrand,

Thisfatalpresentshallprevailatleast."

Thenshew'dtheshiningbough,conceal'dwithinhervest.

Nomorewasneedful:forthegloomygod

Stoodmutewithawe,toseethegoldenrod;

Admir'dthedestin'doff'ringtohisqueen-

Avenerablegift,sorarelyseen.

Hisfurythusappeas'd,heputstoland;

Theghostsforsaketheirseatsathiscommand:

Heclearsthedeck,receivesthemightyfreight;

Theleakyvesselgroansbeneaththeweight.

Slowlyshesails,andscarcelystemsthetides;

Thepressingwaterpourswithinhersides.

Hispassengersatlengtharewaftedo'er,

Expos'd,inmuddyweeds,uponthemiryshore.

Nosoonerlanded,inhisdentheyfound

ThetripleporteroftheStygiansound,

GrimCerberus,whosoonbegantorear

Hiscrestedsnakes,andarm'dhisbristlinghair.

TheprudentSibylhadbeforeprepar'd

Asop,inhoneysteep'd,tocharmtheguard;

Which,mix'dwithpow'rfuldrugs,shecastbefore

Hisgreedygrinningjaws,justop'dtoroar.

Withthreeenormousmouthshegapes;andstraight,

Withhungerpress'd,devoursthepleasingbait.

Longdraughtsofsleephismonstrouslimbsenslave;

Hereels,and,falling,fillsthespaciouscave.

Thekeepercharm'd,thechiefwithoutdelay

Pass'don,andtookth'irremeableway.

Beforethegates,thecriesofbabesnewborn,

Whomfatehadfromtheirtendermotherstorn,

Assaulthisears:thenthose,whomformoflaws

Condemn'dtodie,whentraitorsjudg'dtheircause.

Norwanttheylots,norjudgestoreview

Thewrongfulsentence,andawardanew.

Minos,thestrictinquisitor,appears;

Andlivesandcrimes,withhisassessors,hears.

Roundinhisurntheblendedballsherolls,

Absolvesthejust,anddoomstheguiltysouls.

Thenext,inplaceandpunishment,arethey

Whoprodigallythrowtheirsoulsaway;

Fools,who,repiningattheirwretchedstate,

Andloathinganxiouslife,suborn'dtheirfate.

Withlaterepentancenowtheywouldretrieve

Thebodiestheyforsook,andwishtolive;

Theirpainsandpovertydesiretobear,

Toviewthelightofheav'n,andbreathethevitalair:

Butfateforbids;theStygianfloodsoppose,

Andwithcirclingstreamsthecaptivesoulsinclose.

Notfarfromthence,theMournfulFieldsappear

Socall'dfromloversthatinhabitthere.

Thesoulswhomthatunhappyflameinvades,

Insecretsolitudeandmyrtleshades

Makeendlessmoans,and,piningwithdesire,

Lamenttoolatetheirunextinguish'dfire.

HereProcris,Eriphyleherehefound,

Baringherbreast,yetbleedingwiththewound

Madebyherson.HesawPasiphaethere,

WithPhaedra'sghost,afoulincestuouspair.

ThereLaodamia,withEvadne,moves,

Unhappyboth,butloyalintheirloves:

Caeneus,awomanonce,andonceaman,

Butendinginthesexshefirstbegan.

NotfarfromthesePhoenicianDidostood,

Freshfromherwound,herbosombath'dinblood;

WhomwhentheTrojanherohardlyknew,

Obscureinshades,andwithadoubtfulview,

(Doubtfulashewhosees,thro'duskynight,

Orthinkshesees,themoon'suncertainlight,)

Withtearshefirstapproach'dthesullenshade;

And,ashisloveinspir'dhim,thushesaid:

"Unhappyqueen!thenisthecommonbreath

Ofrumortrue,inyourreporteddeath,

AndI,alas!thecause?ByHeav'n,Ivow,

Andallthepow'rsthatruletherealmsbelow,

UnwillingIforsookyourfriendlystate,

Commandedbythegods,andforc'dbyfate-

Thosegods,thatfate,whoseunresistedmight

Havesentmetotheseregionsvoidoflight,

Thro'thevastempireofeternalnight.

Nordar'dItopresume,that,press'dwithgrief,

Myflightshouldurgeyoutothisdirerelief.

Stay,stayyoursteps,andlistentomyvows:

'Tisthelastinterviewthatfateallows!"

Invainhethusattemptshermindtomove

Withtears,andpray'rs,andlate-repentinglove.

Disdainfullyshelook'd;thenturninground,

Butfix'dhereyesunmov'dupontheground,

Andwhathesaysandswears,regardsnomore

Thanthedeafrocks,whentheloudbillowsroar;

Butwhirl'daway,toshunhishatefulsight,

Hidintheforestandtheshadesofnight;

ThensoughtSichaeusthro'theshadygrove,

Whoanswer'dallhercares,andequal'dallherlove.

Somepioustearsthepityingheropaid,

Andfollow'dwithhiseyestheflittingshade,

Thentooktheforwardway,byfateordain'd,

And,withhisguide,thefartherfieldsattain'd,

Where,sever'dfromtherest,thewarriorsoulsremain'd.

Tydeushemet,withMeleager'srace,

Theprideofarmies,andthesoldiers'grace;

AndpaleAdrastuswithhisghastlyface.

OfTrojanchiefsheview'danum'roustrain,

Allmuchlamented,allinbattleslain;

GlaucusandMedon,highabovetherest,

Antenor'ssons,andCeres'sacredpriest.

AndproudIdaeus,Priam'scharioteer,

Whoshakeshisemptyreins,andaimshisairyspear.

Thegladsomeghosts,incirclingtroops,attend

Andwithunweariedeyesbeholdtheirfriend;

Delighttohovernear,andlongtoknow

Whatbus'nessbroughthimtotherealmsbelow.

ButArgivechiefs,andAgamemnon'strain,

Whenhisrefulgentarmsflash'dthro'theshadyplain,

Fledfromhiswell-knownface,withwontedfear,

Aswhenhisthund'ringswordandpointedspear

Droveheadlongtotheirships,andglean'dtheroutedrear.

Theyrais'dafeeblecry,withtremblingnotes;

Buttheweakvoicedeceiv'dtheirgaspingthroats.

HerePriam'sson,Deiphobus,hefound,

Whosefaceandlimbswereonecontinuedwound:

Dishonest,withlopp'darms,theyouthappears,

Spoil'dofhisnose,andshorten'dofhisears.

Hescarcelyknewhim,strivingtodisown

Hisblottedform,andblushingtobeknown;

Andthereforefirstbegan:"OTeucer'srace,

Whodurstthyfaultlessfigurethusdeface?

Whatheartcouldwish,whathandinflict,thisdiredisgrace?

'Twasfam'd,thatinourlastandfatalnight

Yoursingleprowesslongsustain'dthefight,

Tilltir'd,notforc'd,agloriousfateyouchose,

Andfelluponaheapofslaughter'dfoes.

But,inremembranceofsobraveadeed,

Atombandfun'ralhonorsIdecreed;

Thricecall'dyourmanesontheTrojanplains:

Theplaceyourarmorandyournameretains.

YourbodytooIsought,and,hadIfound,

Design'dforburialinyournativeground."

Theghostreplied:"Yourpietyhaspaid

Allneedfulrites,torestmywand'ringshade;

Butcruelfate,andmymorecruelwife,

ToGrecianswordsbetray'dmysleepinglife.

ThesearethemonumentsofHelen'slove:

TheshameIbearbelow,themarksIboreabove.

Youknowinwhatdeludingjoyswepass'd

ThenightthatwasbyHeav'ndecreedourlast:

For,whenthefatalhorse,descendingdown,

Pregnantwitharms,o'erwhelm'dth'unhappytown

Shefeign'dnocturnalorgies;leftmybed,

And,mix'dwithTrojandames,thedancesled

Then,wavinghighhertorch,thesignalmade,

Whichrous'dtheGreciansfromtheirambuscade.

Withwatchingoverworn,withcaresoppress'd,

UnhappyIhadlaidmedowntorest,

Andheavysleepmywearylimbspossess'd.

Meantimemyworthywifeourarmsmislaid,

Andfrombeneathmyheadmyswordconvey'd;

Thedoorunlatch'd,and,withrepeatedcalls,

Invitesherformerlordwithinmywalls.

Thusinhercrimeherconfidencesheplac'd,

Andwithnewtreasonswouldredeemthepast.

WhatneedImore?Intotheroomtheyran,

Andmeanlymurther'dadefenselessman.

Ulysses,baselyborn,firstledtheway.

Avengingpow'rs!withjusticeifIpray,

Thatfortunebetheirownanotherday!

Butansweryou;andinyourturnrelate,

Whatbroughtyou,living,totheStygianstate:

Driv'nbythewindsanderrorsofthesea,

OrdidyouHeav'n'ssuperiordoomobey?

Ortellwhatotherchanceconductsyourway,

Toviewwithmortaleyesourdarkretreats,

Tumultsandtormentsofth'infernalseats."

Whilethusintalktheflyinghourstheypass,

Thesunhadfinish'dmorethanhalfhisrace:

Andthey,perhaps,inwordsandtearshadspent

ThelittletimeofstaywhichHeav'nhadlent;

ButthustheSibylchidestheirlongdelay:

"Nightrushesdown,andheadlongdrivestheday:

'Tishere,indifferentpaths,thewaydivides;

TherighttoPluto'sgoldenpalaceguides;

Thelefttothatunhappyregiontends,

WhichtothedepthofTartarusdescends;

Theseatofnightprofound,andpunish'dfiends."

ThenthusDeiphobus:"Osacredmaid,

Forbeartochide,andbeyourwillobey'd!

Lo!tothesecretshadowsIretire,

Topaymypenancetillmyyearsexpire.

Proceed,auspiciousprince,withglorycrown'd,

AndborntobetterfatesthanIhavefound."

Hesaid;and,whilehesaid,hisstepsheturn'd

Tosecretshadows,andinsilencemourn'd.

Thehero,lookingontheleft,espied

Aloftytow'r,andstrongonev'ryside

Withtreblewalls,whichPhlegethonsurrounds,

Whosefieryfloodtheburningempirebounds;

And,press'dbetwixttherocks,thebellowingnoiseresounds

Wideisthefrontinggate,and,rais'donhigh

Withadamantinecolumns,threatsthesky.

Vainistheforceofman,andHeav'n'sasvain,

Tocrushthepillarswhichthepilesustain.

Sublimeontheseatow'rofsteelisrear'd;

AnddireTisiphonetherekeepstheward,

Girtinhersanguinegown,bynightandday,

Observantofthesoulsthatpassthedownwardway.

Fromhenceareheardthegroansofghosts,thepains

Ofsoundinglashesandofdraggingchains.

TheTrojanstoodastonish'dattheircries,

Andask'dhisguidefromwhencethoseyellsarise;

Andwhatthecrimes,andwhatthetortureswere,

Andloudlamentsthatrenttheliquidair.

Shethusreplied:"Thechasteandholyrace

Areallforbiddenthispollutedplace.

ButHecate,whenshegavetorulethewoods,

Thenledmetremblingthro'thesedireabodes,

Andtaughtthetorturesofth'avenginggods.

Thesearetherealmsofunrelentingfate;

AndawfulRhadamanthusrulesthestate.

Hehearsandjudgeseachcommittedcrime;

Enquiresintothemanner,place,andtime.

Theconsciouswretchmustallhisactsreveal,

(Lothtoconfess,unabletoconceal),

Fromthefirstmomentofhisvitalbreath,

Tohislasthourofunrepentingdeath.

Straight,o'ertheguiltyghost,theFuryshakes

Thesoundingwhipandbrandisheshersnakes,

Andthepalesinner,withhersisters,takes.

Then,ofitself,unfoldsth'eternaldoor;

Withdreadfulsoundsthebrazenhingesroar.

Yousee,beforethegate,whatstalkingghost

Commandstheguard,whatsentrieskeepthepost.

MoreformidableHydrastandswithin,

Whosejawswithironteethseverelygrin.

Thegapinggulflowtothecenterlies,

Andtwiceasdeepasearthisdistantfromtheskies.

Therivalsofthegods,theTitanrace,

Here,sing'dwithlightning,rollwithinth'unfathom'dspace.

Herelieth'Alaeantwins,(Isawthemboth,)

Enormousbodies,ofgiganticgrowth,

Whodar'dinfighttheThund'rertodefy,

Affecthisheav'n,andforcehimfromthesky.

Salmoneus,suff'ringcruelpains,Ifound,

ForemulatingJove;therattlingsound

Ofmimicthunder,andtheglitt'ringblaze

Ofpointedlightnings,andtheirforkyrays.

Thro'ElisandtheGreciantownsheflew;

Th'audaciouswretchfourfierycoursersdrew:

Hewav'datorchaloft,and,madlyvain,

Soughtgodlikeworshipfromaserviletrain.

Ambitiousfool!withhornyhoofstopass

O'erhollowarchesofresoundingbrass,

Torivalthunderinitsrapidcourse,

Andimitateinimitableforce!

Buthe,theKingofHeav'n,obscureonhigh,

Bar'dhisredarm,and,launchingfromthesky

Hiswrithenbolt,notshakingemptysmoke,

Downtothedeepabysstheflamingfelonstrook.

ThereTityuswastosee,whotookhisbirth

Fromheav'n,hisnursingfromthefoodfulearth.

Herehisgiganticlimbs,withlargeembrace,

Infoldnineacresofinfernalspace.

Arav'nousvulture,inhisopen'dside,

Hercrookedbeakandcrueltalonstried;

Stillforthegrowingliverdigg'dhisbreast;

Thegrowingliverstillsuppliedthefeast;

Stillarehisentrailsfruitfultotheirpains:

Th'immortalhungerlasts,th'immortalfoodremains.

IxionandPerithousIcouldname,

AndmoreThessalianchiefsofmightyfame.

Higho'ertheirheadsamold'ringrockisplac'd,

Thatpromisesafall,andshakesatev'ryblast.

Theyliebelow,ongoldenbedsdisplay'd;

Andgenialfeastswithregalpomparemade.

TheQueenofFuriesbytheirsidesisset,

Andsnatchesfromtheirmouthsth'untastedmeat,

Whichiftheytouch,herhissingsnakessherears,

Tossinghertorch,andthund'ringintheirears.

Thenthey,whobrothers'betterclaimdisown,

Expeltheirparents,andusurpthethrone;

Defraudtheirclients,and,tolucresold,

Sitbroodingonunprofitablegold;

Whodarenotgive,andev'nrefusetolend

Totheirpoorkindred,orawantingfriend.

Vastisthethrongofthese;norlessthetrain

Oflustfulyouths,forfouladult'ryslain:

Hostsofdeserters,whotheirhonorsold,

Andbaselybroketheirfaithforbribesofgold.

Allthesewithinthedungeon'sdepthremain,

Despairingpardon,andexpectingpain.

Asknotwhatpains;norfartherseektoknow

Theirprocess,ortheformsoflawbelow.

Somerollaweightystone;some,laidalong,

Andboundwithburningwires,onspokesofwheelsarehung

UnhappyTheseus,doom'dforeverthere,

Isfix'dbyfateonhiseternalchair;

AndwretchedPhlegyaswarnstheworldwithcries

(Couldwarningmaketheworldmorejustorwise):

'Learnrighteousness,anddreadth'avengingdeities.'

Totyrantsothershavetheircountrysold,

Imposingforeignlords,forforeigngold;

Somehaveoldlawsrepeal'd,newstatutesmade,

Notasthepeoplepleas'd,butastheypaid;

Withincestsometheirdaughters'bedprofan'd:

Alldar'dtheworstofills,and,whattheydar'd,attain'd.

HadIahundredmouths,ahundredtongues,

Andthroatsofbrass,inspir'dwithironlungs,

Icouldnothalfthosehorridcrimesrepeat,

Norhalfthepunishmentsthosecrimeshavemet.

Butletushasteourvoyagetopursue:

ThewallsofPluto'spalaceareinview;

Thegate,andironarchaboveit,stands

Onanvilslabor'dbytheCyclops'hands.

BeforeourfartherwaytheFatesallow,

Heremustwefixonhighthegoldenbough."

Shesaid:andthro'thegloomyshadestheypass'd,

Andchosethemiddlepath.Arriv'datlast,

Theprincewithlivingwatersprinkledo'er

Hislimbsandbody;thenapproach'dthedoor,

Possess'dtheporch,andonthefrontabove

Hefix'dthefatalboughrequir'dbyPluto'slove.

Theseholyritesperform'd,theytooktheirway

Wherelongextendedplainsofpleasurelay:

Theverdantfieldswiththoseofheav'nmayvie,

Withethervested,andapurplesky;

Theblissfulseatsofhappysoulsbelow.

Starsoftheirown,andtheirownsuns,theyknow;

Theirairylimbsinsportstheyexercise,

Andonthegreencontendthewrestler'sprize.

Someinheroicversedivinelysing;

Othersinartfulmeasuresledthering.

TheThracianbard,surroundedbytherest,

Therestandsconspicuousinhisflowingvest;

Hisflyingfingers,andharmoniousquill,

Strikessev'ndistinguish'dnotes,andsev'natoncetheyfill.

HerefoundtheyTeucer'soldheroicrace,

Bornbettertimesandhappieryearstograce.

AssaracusandIlushereenjoy

Perpetualfame,withhimwhofoundedTroy.

Thechiefbeheldtheirchariotsfromafar,

Theirshiningarms,andcourserstrain'dtowar:

Theirlancesfix'dinearth,theirsteedsaround,

Freefromtheirharness,grazetheflow'ryground.

Theloveofhorseswhichtheyhad,alive,

Andcareofchariots,afterdeathsurvive.

Somecheerfulsoulswerefeastingontheplain;

Somedidthesong,andsomethechoirmaintain,

Beneathalaurelshade,wheremightyPo

Mountsuptowoodsabove,andhideshisheadbelow.

Herepatriotslive,who,fortheircountry'sgood,

Infightingfields,wereprodigalofblood:

Priestsofunblemish'dlivesheremakeabode,

Andpoetsworthytheirinspiringgod;

Andsearchingwits,ofmoremechanicparts,

Whograc'dtheiragewithnew-inventedarts:

Thosewhotoworththeirbountydidextend,

Andthosewhoknewthatbountytocommend.

Theheadsofthesewithholyfilletsbound,

Andalltheirtempleswerewithgarlandscrown'd.

TothesetheSibylthusherspeechaddress'd,

Andfirsttohimsurroundedbytherest

(Tow'ringhisheight,andamplewashisbreast):

"Say,happysouls,divineMusaeus,say,

WherelivesAnchises,andwhereliesourway

Tofindthehero,forwhoseonlysake

Wesoughtthedarkabodes,andcross'dthebitterlake?"

Tothisthesacredpoetthusreplied:

"Innofix'dplacethehappysoulsreside.

Ingroveswelive,andlieonmossybeds,

Bycrystalstreams,thatmurmurthro'themeads:

Butpassyoneasyhill,andthencedescend;

Thepathconductsyoutoyourjourney'send."

Thissaid,heledthemupthemountain'sbrow,

Andshewsthemalltheshiningfieldsbelow.

Theywindthehill,andthro'theblissfulmeadowsgo.

ButoldAnchises,inaflow'ryvale,

Review'dhismuster'drace,andtookthetale:

Thosehappyspirits,which,ordain'dbyfate,

Forfuturebeingsandnewbodieswait-

Withstudiousthoughtobserv'dth'illustriousthrong,

Innature'sorderastheypass'dalong:

Theirnames,theirfates,theirconduct,andtheircare,

Inpeacefulsenatesandsuccessfulwar.

He,whenAeneasontheplainappears,

Meetshimwithopenarms,andfallingtears.

"Welcome,"hesaid,"thegods'undoubtedrace!

Olongexpectedtomydearembrace!

Oncemore'tisgiv'nmetobeholdyourface!

Theloveandpiousdutywhichyoupay

Havepass'dtheperilsofsohardaway.

'Tistrue,computingtimes,Inowbeliev'd

Thehappydayapproach'd;noraremyhopesdeceiv'd.

Whatlengthoflands,whatoceanshaveyoupass'd;

Whatstormssustain'd,andonwhatshoresbeencast?

HowhaveIfear'dyourfate!butfear'ditmost,

Whenloveassail'dyou,ontheLibyancoast."

Tothis,thefilialdutythusreplies:

"Yoursacredghostbeforemysleepingeyes

Appear'd,andoftenurg'dthispainfulenterprise.

AfterlongtossingontheTyrrhenesea,

Mynavyridesatanchorinthebay.

Butreachyourhand,Oparentshade,norshun

Thedearembracesofyourlongingson!"

Hesaid;andfallingtearshisfacebedew:

Thenthricearoundhisneckhisarmshethrew;

Andthricetheflittingshadowslipp'daway,

Likewinds,oremptydreamsthatflytheday.

Now,inasecretvale,theTrojansees

Asep'rategrove,thro'whichagentlebreeze

Playswithapassingbreath,andwhispersthro'thetrees;

And,justbeforetheconfinesofthewood,

TheglidingLetheleadshersilentflood.

Abouttheboughsanairynationflew,

Thickasthehummingbees,thathuntthegoldendew;

Insummer'sheatontopsofliliesfeed,

Andcreepwithintheirbells,tosuckthebalmyseed:

Thewingedarmyroamsthefieldsaround;

Theriversandtherocksremurmurtothesound.

Aeneaswond'ringstood,thenask'dthecause

Whichtothestreamthecrowdingpeopledraws.

Thenthusthesire:"Thesoulsthatthrongtheflood

Arethosetowhom,byfate,areotherbodiesow'd:

InLethe'slaketheylongobliviontaste,

Offuturelifesecure,forgetfulofthepast.

Longhasmysouldesir'dthistimeandplace,

Tosetbeforeyoursightyourgloriousrace,

Thatthispresagingjoymayfireyourmind

Toseektheshoresbydestinydesign'd."-

"Ofather,canitbe,thatsoulssublime

Returntovisitourterrestrialclime,

Andthatthegen'rousmind,releas'dbydeath,

Cancovetlazylimbsandmortalbreath?"

Anchisesthen,inorder,thusbegun

Toclearthosewonderstohisgodlikeson:

"Know,first,thatheav'n,andearth'scompactedframe,

Andflowingwaters,andthestarryflame,

Andboththeradiantlights,onecommonsoul

Inspiresandfeeds,andanimatesthewhole.

Thisactivemind,infus'dthro'allthespace,

Unitesandmingleswiththemightymass.

Hencemenandbeaststhebreathoflifeobtain,

Andbirdsofair,andmonstersofthemain.

Th'etherealvigorisinallthesame,

Andeverysoulisfill'dwithequalflame;

Asmuchasearthylimbs,andgrossallay

Ofmortalmembers,subjecttodecay,

Bluntnotthebeamsofheav'nandedgeofday.

Fromthiscoarsemixtureofterrestrialparts,

Desireandfearbyturnspossesstheirhearts,

Andgrief,andjoy;norcanthegrovelingmind,

Inthedarkdungeonofthelimbsconfin'd,

Assertthenativeskies,orownitsheav'nlykind:

Nordeathitselfcanwhollywashtheirstains;

Butlong-contractedfilthev'ninthesoulremains.

Therelicsofinveteratevicetheywear,

Andspotsofsinobsceneinev'ryfaceappear.

Forthisarevariouspenancesenjoin'd;

Andsomearehungtobleachuponthewind,

Someplung'dinwaters,otherspurg'dinfires,

Tillallthedregsaredrain'd,andalltherustexpires.

Allhavetheirmanes,andthosemanesbear:

Thefew,socleans'd,totheseabodesrepair,

Andbreathe,inamplefields,thesoftElysianair.

Thenaretheyhappy,whenbylengthoftime

Thescurfiswornawayofeachcommittedcrime;

Nospeckisleftoftheirhabitualstains,

Butthepureetherofthesoulremains.

But,whenathousandrollingyearsarepast,

(Solongtheirpunishmentsandpenancelast,)

Wholedrovesofmindsare,bythedrivinggod,

Compell'dtodrinkthedeepLethaeanflood,

Inlargeforgetfuldraughtstosteepthecares

Oftheirpastlabors,andtheirirksomeyears,

That,unrememb'ringofitsformerpain,

Thesoulmaysuffermortalfleshagain."

Thushavingsaid,thefatherspiritleads

Thepriestessandhissonthro'swarmsofshades,

Andtakesarisingground,fromthencetosee

Thelongprocessionofhisprogeny.

"Survey,"pursuedthesire,"thisairythrong,

As,offer'dtothyview,theypassalong.

Theseareth'Italiannames,whichfatewilljoin

Withours,andgraffupontheTrojanline.

Observetheyouthwhofirstappearsinsight,

Andholdstheneareststationtothelight,

Alreadyseemstosnuffthevitalair,

Andleansjustforward,onashiningspear:

Silviusishe,thylast-begottenrace,

Butfirstinordersent,tofillthyplace;

AnAlbanname,butmix'dwithDardanblood,

Borninthecovertofashadywood:

HimfairLavinia,thysurvivingwife,

Shallbreedingroves,toleadasolitarylife.

InAlbaheshallfixhisroyalseat,

And,bornaking,araceofkingsbeget.

ThenProcas,honoroftheTrojanname,

Capys,andNumitor,ofendlessfame.

AsecondSilviusaftertheseappears;

SilviusAeneas,forthynamehebears;

Forarmsandjusticeequallyrenown'd,

Who,laterestor'd,inAlbashallbecrown'd.

Howgreattheylook!howvig'rouslytheywield

Theirweightylances,andsustaintheshield!

Butthey,whocrown'dwithoakenwreathsappear,

ShallGabianwallsandstrongFidenarear;

Nomentum,Bola,withPometia,found;

AndraiseCollatiantow'rsonrockyground.

Alltheseshallthenbetownsofmightyfame,

Tho'nowtheylieobscure,andlandswithoutaname.

SeeRomulusthegreat,borntorestore

Thecrownthatoncehisinjur'dgrandsirewore.

Thisprinceapriestessofyourbloodshallbear,

Andlikehissireinarmsheshallappear.

Tworisingcrests,hisroyalheadadorn;

Bornfromagod,himselftogodheadborn:

Hissirealreadysignshimfortheskies,

Andmarkstheseatamidstthedeities.

Auspiciouschief!thyrace,intimestocome,

ShallspreadtheconquestsofimperialRome-

Rome,whoseascendingtow'rsshallheav'ninvade,

Involvingearthandoceaninhershade;

HighastheMotheroftheGodsinplace,

Andproud,likeher,ofanimmortalrace.

Then,wheninpompshemakesthePhrygianround,

Withgoldenturretsonhertemplescrown'd;

Ahundredgodshersweepingtrainsupply;

Heroffspringall,andallcommandthesky.

"Nowfixyoursight,andstandintent,tosee

YourRomanrace,andJulianprogeny.

ThemightyCaesarwaitshisvitalhour,

Impatientfortheworld,andgraspshispromis'dpow'r.

Butnextbeholdtheyouthofformdivine,

Ceasarhimself,exaltedinhisline;

Augustus,promis'doft,andlongforetold,

SenttotherealmthatSaturnrul'dofold;

Borntorestoreabetterageofgold.

AfricandIndiashallhispow'robey;

Heshallextendhispropagatedsway

Beyondthesolaryear,withoutthestarryway,

WhereAtlasturnstherollingheav'nsaround,

Andhisbroadshoulderswiththeirlightsarecrown'd.

Athisforeseenapproach,alreadyquake

TheCaspiankingdomsandMaeotianlake:

Theirseersbeholdthetempestfromafar,

Andthreat'ningoraclesdenouncethewar.

Nilehearshimknockingathissev'nfoldgates,

Andseekshishiddenspring,andfearshisnephew'sfates.

NorHerculesmorelandsorlaborsknew,

Nottho'thebrazen-footedhindheslew,

FreedErymanthusfromthefoamingboar,

Anddipp'dhisarrowsinLernaeangore;

NorBacchus,turningfromhisIndianwar,

Bytigersdrawntriumphantinhiscar,

FromNisus'topdescendingontheplains,

Withcurlingvinesaroundhispurplereins.

Anddoubtweyetthro'dangerstopursue

Thepathsofhonor,andacrowninview?

Butwhat'stheman,whofromafarappears?

Hisheadwitholivecrown'd,hishandacenserbears,

Hishoarybeardandholyvestmentsbring

Hislostideaback:IknowtheRomanking.

HeshalltopeacefulRomenewlawsordain,

Call'dfromhismeanabodeasceptertosustain.

HimTullusnextindignitysucceeds,

Anactiveprince,andpronetomartialdeeds.

Heshallhistroopsforfightingfieldsprepare,

Disus'dtotoils,andtriumphsofthewar.

Bydintofswordhiscrownheshallincrease,

Andscourhisarmorfromtherustofpeace.

WhomAncusfollows,withafawningair,

Butvainwithin,andproudlypopular.

NextviewtheTarquinkings,th'avengingsword

OfBrutus,justlydrawn,andRomerestor'd.

Hefirstrenewstherodsandaxsevere,

Andgivestheconsulsroyalrobestowear.

Hissons,whoseekthetyranttosustain,

Andlongforarbitrarylordsagain,

Withignominyscourg'd,inopensight,

Hedoomstodeathdeserv'd,assertingpublicright.

Unhappyman,tobreakthepiouslaws

Ofnature,pleadinginhischildren'scause!

Howeerthedoubtfulfactisunderstood,

'Tisloveofhonor,andhiscountry'sgood:

Theconsul,notthefather,shedstheblood.

BeholdTorquatusthesametrackpursue;

And,next,thetwodevotedDeciiview:

TheDrusianline,Camillusloadedhome

Withstandardswellredeem'd,andforeignfoeso'ercome

Thepairyouseeinequalarmorshine,

Now,friendsbelow,incloseembracesjoin;

But,whentheyleavetheshadyrealmsofnight,

And,cloth'dinbodies,breatheyourupperlight,

Withmortalhateeachothershallpursue:

Whatwars,whatwounds,whatslaughtershallensue!

FromAlpineheightsthefatherfirstdescends;

Hisdaughter'shusbandintheplainattends:

Hisdaughter'shusbandarmshiseasternfriends.

Embraceagain,mysons,befoesnomore;

Norstainyourcountrywithherchildren'sgore!

Andthou,thefirst,laydownthylawlessclaim,

Thou,ofmyblood,whobearisttheJulianname!

Anothercomes,whoshallintriumphride,

AndtotheCapitolhischariotguide,

Fromconquer'dCorinth,richwithGrecianspoils.

Andyetanother,fam'dforwarliketoils,

OnArgosshallimposetheRomanlaws,

AndontheGreeksrevengetheTrojancause;

ShalldraginchainstheirAchilleanrace;

Shallvindicatehisancestors'disgrace,

AndPallas,forherviolatedplace.

GreatCatothere,forgravityrenown'd,

Andconqu'ringCossusgoeswithlaurelscrown'd.

WhocanomittheGracchi?whodeclare

TheScipios'worth,thosethunderboltsofwar,

ThedoublebaneofCarthage?Whocansee

Withoutesteemforvirtuouspoverty,

SevereFabricius,orcanceaset'admire

Theplowmanconsulinhiscoarseattire?

Tir'dasIam,mypraisetheFabiiclaim;

Andthou,greathero,greatestofthyname,

Ordain'dinwartosavethesinkingstate,

And,bydelays,toputastoptofate!

Letothersbettermoldtherunningmass

Ofmetals,andinformthebreathingbrass,

Andsoftenintofleshamarbleface;

Pleadbetteratthebar;describetheskies,

Andwhenthestarsdescend,andwhentheyrise.

But,Rome,'tisthinealone,withawfulsway,

Torulemankind,andmaketheworldobey,

Disposingpeaceandwarbythyownmajesticway;

Totametheproud,thefetter'dslavetofree:

Theseareimperialarts,andworthythee."

Hepaus'd;and,whilewithwond'ringeyestheyview'd

Thepassingspirits,thushisspeechrenew'd:

"SeegreatMarcellus!how,untir'dintoils,

Hemoveswithmanlygrace,howrichwithregalspoils!

He,whenhiscountry,threaten'dwithalarms,

Requireshiscourageandhisconqu'ringarms,

ShallmorethanoncethePunicbandsaffright;

ShallkilltheGaulishkinginsinglefight;

ThentotheCapitolintriumphmove,

AndthethirdspoilsshallgraceFeretrianJove."

Aeneasherebeheld,offormdivine,

Agodlikeyouthinglitt'ringarmorshine,

WithgreatMarcelluskeepingequalpace;

Butgloomywerehiseyes,dejectedwashisface.

Hesaw,and,wond'ring,ask'dhisairyguide,

Whatandofwhencewashe,whopress'dthehero'sside:

"Hisson,oroneofhisillustriousname?

Howliketheformer,andalmostthesame!

Observethecrowdsthatcompasshimaround;

Allgaze,andalladmire,andraiseashoutingsound:

Buthov'ringmistsaroundhisbrowsarespread,

Andnight,withsableshades,involveshishead."

"Seeknottoknow,"theghostrepliedwithtears,

"Thesorrowsofthysonsinfutureyears.

Thisyouth(theblissfulvisionofaday)

Shalljustbeshownonearth,andsnatch'daway.

Thegodstoohighhadrais'dtheRomanstate,

Werebuttheirgiftsaspermanentasgreat.

WhatgroansofmenshallfilltheMartianfield!

Howfierceablazehisflamingpileshallyield!

Whatfun'ralpompshallfloatingTibersee,

When,risingfromhisbed,heviewsthesadsolemnity!

Noyouthshallequalhopesofglorygive,

Noyouthaffordsogreatacausetogrieve;

TheTrojanhonor,andtheRomanboast,

Admir'dwhenliving,andador'dwhenlost!

Mirrorofancientfaithinearlyyouth!

Undauntedworth,inviolabletruth!

Nofoe,unpunish'd,inthefightingfield

Shalldarethee,foottofoot,withswordandshield;

Muchlessinarmsopposethymatchlessforce,

Whenthysharpspursshallurgethyfoaminghorse.

Ah!couldstthoubreakthro'fate'sseveredecree,

AnewMarcellusshallariseinthee!

Fullcanistersoffragrantliliesbring,

Mix'dwiththepurplerosesofthespring;

Letmewithfun'ralflow'rshisbodystrow;

Thisgiftwhichparentstotheirchildrenowe,

Thisunavailinggift,atleast,Imaybestow!"

Thushavingsaid,heledtheheroround

TheconfinesoftheblestElysianground;

WhichwhenAnchisestohissonhadshown,

Andfir'dhismindtomountthepromis'dthrone,

Hetellsthefuturewars,ordain'dbyfate;

ThestrengthandcustomsoftheLatianstate;

Theprince,andpeople;andforearmshiscare

Withrules,topushhisfortune,ortobear.

TwogatesthesilenthouseofSleepadorn;

Ofpolish'divorythis,thatoftransparenthorn:

Truevisionsthro'transparenthornarise;

Thro'polish'divorypassdeludinglies.

Ofvariousthingsdiscoursingashepass'd,

Anchiseshitherbendshisstepsatlast.

Then,thro'thegateofiv'ry,hedismiss'd

Hisvaliantoffspringanddiviningguest.

StraighttotheshipsAeneashisway,

Embark'dhismen,andskimm'dalongthesea,

Stillcoasting,tillhegain'dCajeta'sbay.

Atlengthonoozygroundhisgalleysmoor;

Theirheadsareturn'dtosea,theirsternstoshore.

BOOKVII

Andthou,Omatronofimmortalfame,

Heredying,totheshorehastleftthyname;

Cajetastilltheplaceiscall'dfromthee,

ThenurseofgreatAeneas'infancy.

HererestthybonesinrichHesperia'splains;

Thyname('tisallaghostcanhave)remains.

Now,whentheprinceherfun'ralriteshadpaid,

Heplow'dtheTyrrheneseaswithsailsdisplay'd.

Fromlandagentlebreezearosebynight,

Serenelyshonethestars,themoonwasbright,

Andtheseatrembledwithhersilverlight.

NowneartheshelvesofCirce'sshorestheyrun,

(Circetherich,thedaughteroftheSun,)

Adang'rouscoast:thegoddesswastesherdays

Injoyoussongs;therocksresoundherlays:

Inspinning,ortheloom,shespendsthenight,

Andcedarbrandssupplyherfather'slight.

Fromhencewereheard,rebellowingtothemain,

Theroarsoflionsthatrefusethechain,

Thegruntsofbristledboars,andgroansofbears,

Andherdsofhowlingwolvesthatstunthesailors'ears.

Thesefromtheircaverns,atthecloseofnight,

Fillthesadislewithhorrorandaffright.

Darklingtheymourntheirfate,whomCirce'spow'r,

(Thatwatch'dthemoonandplanetaryhour,)

Withwordsandwickedherbsfromhumankind

Hadalter'd,andinbrutalshapesconfin'd.

WhichmonsterslesttheTrojans'pioushost

Shouldbear,ortouchuponth'inchantedcoast,

PropitiousNeptunesteer'dtheircoursebynight

Withrisinggalesthatspedtheirhappyflight.

Suppliedwiththese,theyskimthesoundingshore,

Andheartheswellingsurgesvainlyroar.

Now,whentherosymornbegantorise,

Andwav'dhersaffronstreamerthro'theskies;

WhenThetisblush'dinpurplenotherown,

Andfromherfacethebreathingwindswereblown,

Asuddensilencesateuponthesea,

Andsweepingoars,withstruggling,urgetheirway.

TheTrojan,fromthemain,beheldawood,

Whichthickwithshadesandabrownhorrorstood:

BetwixtthetreestheTibertookhiscourse,

Withwhirlpoolsdimpled;andwithdownwardforce,

Thatdrovethesandalong,hetookhisway,

Androll'dhisyellowbillowstothesea.

Abouthim,andabove,androundthewood,

Thebirdsthathauntthebordersofhisflood,

Thatbath'dwithin,orbaskeduponhisside,

Totunefulsongstheirnarrowthroatsapplied.

Thecaptaingivescommand;thejoyfultrain

Glidethro'thegloomyshade,andleavethemain.

Now,Erato,thypoet'smindinspire,

Andfillhissoulwiththycelestialfire!

RelatewhatLatiumwas;herancientkings;

Declarethepastandstateofthings,

WhenfirsttheTrojanfleetAusoniasought,

Andhowtherivalslov'd,andhowtheyfought.

Thesearemytheme,andhowthewarbegan,

Andhowconcludedbythegodlikeman:

ForIshallsingofbattles,blood,andrage,

Whichprincesandtheirpeopledidengage;

Andhaughtysouls,that,mov'dwithmutualhate,

Infightingfieldspursuedandfoundtheirfate;

Thatrous'dtheTyrrhenerealmwithloudalarms,

AndpeacefulItalyinvolv'dinarms.

Alargersceneofactionisdisplay'd;

And,risinghence,agreaterworkisweigh'd.

Latinus,oldandmild,hadlongpossess'd

TheLatinscepter,andhispeopleblest:

HisfatherFaunus;aLaurentiandame

Hismother;fairMaricawashername.

ButFaunuscamefromPicus:Picusdrew

HisbirthfromSaturn,ifrecordsbetrue.

ThusKingLatinus,inthethirddegree,

HadSaturnauthorofhisfamily.

Butthisoldpeacefulprince,asHeav'ndecreed,

Wasblestwithnomaleissuetosucceed:

Hissonsinbloomingyouthweresnatch'dbyfate;

Oneonlydaughterheir'dtheroyalstate.

Fir'dwithherlove,andwithambitionled,

Theneighb'ringprincescourthernuptialbed.

Amongthecrowd,butfarabovetherest,

YoungTurnustothebeauteousmaidaddress'd.

Turnus,forhighdescentandgracefulmien,

Wasfirst,andfavor'dbytheLatianqueen;

WithhimshestrovetojoinLavinia'shand,

Butdireportentsthepurpos'dmatchwithstand.

Deepinthepalace,oflonggrowth,therestood

Alaurel'strunk,avenerablewood;

Whereritesdivinewerepaid;whoseholyhair

Waskeptandcutwithsuperstitiouscare.

ThisplantLatinus,whenhistownhewall'd,

Thenfound,andfromthetreeLaurentumcall'd;

Andlast,inhonorofhisnewabode,

Hevow'dthelaureltothelaurel'sgod.

Ithappen'donce(abodingprodigy!)

Aswarmofbees,thatcuttheliquidsky,

(Unknownfromwhencetheytooktheirairyflight,)

Uponthetopmostbranchincloudsalight;

Therewiththeirclaspingfeettogetherclung,

Andalongclusterfromthelaurelhung.

Anancientaugurprophesiedfromhence:

"BeholdonLatianshoresaforeignprince!

Fromthesamepartsofheav'nhisnavystands,

Tothesamepartsonearth;hisarmylands;

Thetownheconquers,andthetow'rcommands."

Yetmore,whenfairLaviniafedthefire

Beforethegods,andstoodbesidehersire,

(Strangetorelate!)theflames,involv'dinsmoke

Ofincense,fromthesacredaltarbroke,

Caughtherdishevel'dhairandrichattire;

Hercrownandjewelscrackledinthefire:

Fromthencethefumingtrailbegantospread

Andlambentgloriesdanc'daboutherhead.

Thisnewportenttheseerwithwonderviews,

Thenpausing,thushisprophecyrenews:

"Thenymph,whoscattersflamingfiresaround,

Shallshinewithhonor,shallherselfbecrown'd;

But,caus'dbyherirrevocablefate,

Warshallthecountrywaste,andchangethestate."

Latinus,frightedwiththisdireostent,

ForcounseltohisfatherFaunuswent,

Andsoughttheshadesrenown'dforprophecy

WhichnearAlbunea'ssulph'rousfountainlie.

TothesetheLatianandtheSabineland

Fly,whendistress'd,andthencereliefdemand.

Thepriestonskinsofoff'ringstakeshisease,

Andnightlyvisionsinhisslumbersees;

Aswarmofthinaerialshapesappears,

And,flutt'ringroundhistemples,deafshisears:

Theseheconsults,thefuturefatestoknow,

Frompow'rsabove,andfromthefiendsbelow.

Here,forthegods'advice,Latinusflies,

Off'ringahundredsheepforsacrifice:

Theirwoollyfleeces,astheritesrequir'd,

Helaidbeneathhim,andtorestretir'd.

Nosoonerwerehiseyesinslumberbound,

When,fromabove,amorethanmortalsound

Invadeshisears;andthusthevisionspoke:

"Seeknot,myseed,inLatianbandstoyoke

OurfairLavinia,northegodsprovoke.

Aforeignsonuponthyshoredescends,

Whosemartialfamefrompoletopoleextends.

Hisrace,inarmsandartsofpeacerenown'd,

NotLatiumshallcontain,norEuropebound:

'Tistheirswhate'erthesunsurveysaround."

Theseanswers,inthesilentnightreceiv'd,

Thekinghimselfdivulg'd,thelandbeliev'd:

Thefamethro'alltheneighb'ringnationsflew,

WhennowtheTrojannavywasinview.

Beneathashadytree,theherospread

Histableontheturf,withcakesofbread;

And,withhischiefs,onforestfruitshefed.

Theysate;and,(notwithoutthegod'scommand,)

Theirhomelyfaredispatch'd,thehungryband

Invadetheirtrenchersnext,andsoondevour,

Tomendthescantymeal,theircakesofflour.

Ascaniusthisobserv'd,andsmilingsaid:

"See,wedevourtheplatesonwhichwefed."

Thespeechhadomen,thattheTrojanrace

Shouldfindrepose,andthisthetimeandplace.

Aeneastooktheword,andthusreplies,

Confessingfatewithwonderinhiseyes:

"Allhail,Oearth!allhail,myhouseholdgods!

Beholdthedestin'dplaceofyourabodes!

ForthusAnchisesprophesiedofold,

Andthisourfatalplaceofrestforetold:

'When,onaforeignshore,insteadofmeat,

Byfamineforc'd,yourtrenchersyoushalleat,

TheneaseyourwearyTrojanswillattend,

Andthelonglaborsofyourvoyageend.

Rememberonthathappycoasttobuild,

Andwithatrenchinclosethefruitfulfield.'

Thiswasthatfamine,thisthefatalplace

Whichendsthewand'ringofourexil'drace.

Then,onto-morrow'sdawn,yourcareemploy,

Tosearchtheland,andwherethecitieslie,

Andwhatthemen;butgivethisdaytojoy.

NowpourtoJove;and,afterJoveisblest,

CallgreatAnchisestothegenialfeast:

Crownhighthegobletswithacheerfuldraught;

Enjoythepresenthour;adjournthefuturethought."

Thushavingsaid,theheroboundhisbrows

Withleafybranches,thenperform'dhisvows;

Adoringfirstthegeniusoftheplace,

ThenEarth,themotheroftheheav'nlyrace,

Thenymphs,andnativegodheadsyetunknown,

AndNight,andallthestarsthatgildhersablethrone,

AndancientCybel,andIdaeanJove,

Andlasthissirebelow,andmotherqueenabove.

Thenheav'n'shighmonarchthunder'dthricealoud,

Andthriceheshookaloftagoldencloud.

Soonthro'thejoyfulcamparumorflew,

Thetimewascometheircitytorenew.

Thenev'rybrowwithcheerfulgreeniscrown'd,

Thefeastsaredoubled,andthebowlsgoround.

Whennexttherosymorndisclos'dtheday,

Thescoutstosev'ralpartsdividetheirway,

Tolearnthenatives'names,theirtownsexplore,

Thecoastsandtrendingsofthecrookedshore:

HereTiberflows,andhereNumicusstands;

HerewarlikeLatinsholdthehappylands.

Thepiouschief,whosoughtbypeacefulways

Tofoundhisempire,andhistowntoraise,

Ahundredyouthsfromallhistrainselects,

AndtotheLatiancourttheircoursedirects,

(Thespaciouspalacewheretheirprinceresides,)

Andalltheirheadswithwreathsofolivehides.

Theygocommission'dtorequireapeace,

Andcarrypresentstoprocureaccess.

Thuswhiletheyspeedtheirpace,theprincedesigns

Hisnew-electedseat,anddrawsthelines.

TheTrojansroundtheplacearampirecast,

Andpalisadesaboutthetrenchesplac'd.

Meantimethetrain,proceedingontheirway,

Fromfarthetownandloftytow'rssurvey;

Atlengthapproachthewalls.Withoutthegate,

TheyseetheboysandLatianyouthdebate

Themartialprizesonthedustyplain:

Somedrivethecars,andsomethecoursersrein;

Somebendthestubbornbowforvictory,

Andsomewithdartstheiractivesinewstry.

Apostingmessenger,dispatch'dfromhence,

Ofthisfairtroopadvis'dtheiragedprince,

Thatforeignmenofmightystaturecame;

Uncouththeirhabit,andunknowntheirname.

Thekingordainstheirentrance,andascends

Hisregalseat,surroundedbyhisfriends.

ThepalacebuiltbyPicus,vastandproud,

Supportedbyahundredpillarsstood,

Androundincompass'dwitharisingwood.

Thepileo'erlook'dthetown,anddrewthesight;

Surpris'datoncewithreverenceanddelight.

Therekingsreceiv'dthemarksofsov'reignpow'r;

Instatethemonarchsmarch'd;thelictorsbore

Theirawfulaxesandtherodsbefore.

Herethetribunalstood,thehouseofpray'r,

Andherethesacredsenatorsrepair;

Allatlargetables,inlongorderset,

Aramtheiroff'ring,andaramtheirmeat.

Abovetheportal,carv'dincedarwood,

Plac'dintheirranks,theirgodlikegrandsiresstood;

OldSaturn,withhiscrookedscythe,onhigh;

AndItalus,thatledthecolony;

AndancientJanus,withhisdoubleface,

Andbunchofkeys,theporteroftheplace.

TheregoodSabinus,planterofthevines,

Onashortpruninghookhisheadreclines,

Andstudiouslysurveyshisgen'rouswines;

Thenwarlikekings,whofortheircountryfought,

Andhonorablewoundsfrombattlebrought.

Aroundthepostshunghelmets,darts,andspears,

Andcaptivechariots,axes,shields,andbars,

Andbrokenbeaksofships,thetrophiesoftheirwars.

Abovetherest,aschiefofalltheband,

WasPicusplac'd,abucklerinhishand;

Hisotherwav'dalongdiviningwand.

GirtinhisGabingowntheherosate,

Yetcouldnotwithhisartavoidhisfate:

ForCircelonghadlov'dtheyouthinvain,

Tilllove,refus'd,convertedtodisdain:

Then,mixingpow'rfulherbs,withmagicart,

Shechang'dhisform,whocouldnotchangehisheart;

Constrain'dhiminabird,andmadehimfly,

Withparty-color'dplumes,achatt'ringpie.

Inthishightemple,onachairofstate,

Theseatofaudience,oldLatinussate;

ThengaveadmissiontotheTrojantrain;

Andthuswithpleasingaccentshebegan:

"Tellme,yeTrojans,forthatnameyouown,

Norisyourcourseuponourcoastsunknown-

Saywhatyouseek,andwhitherwereyoubound:

Wereyoubystressofweathercastaground?

(Suchdangersasonseasareoftenseen,