Aeneid — Book 11 — Gadsden Classics

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The Spoils and the Funeral of Pallas The Truce and Evander's Grief The Latin War Council Turnus and Camilla's Plan The Aristeia of Camilla The Death of Camilla The Rout and Turnus's Ambush Abandoned

Virgil

Book 11

The Spoils and the Funeral of Pallas

Oceanum interea surgens Aurora reliquit:

Up from the sea now soared the dawning day:

Aeneas, quamquam et sociis dare tempus humandis

Aeneas, though his sorrow bids him haste

praecipitant curae turbataque funere mens est,

to burial of the slain, and his sad soul

vota deum primo victor solvebat Eoo.

is clouded with the sight of death, fulfils,

5 Ingentem quercum decisis undique ramis

for reward to his gods, a conqueror's vow,

constituit tumulo fulgentiaque induit arma,

at morning's earliest beam. A mighty oak

Mezenti ducis exuvias, tibi, magne, tropaeum,

shorn of its limbs he sets upon a hill

bellipotens: aptat rorantis sanguine cristas

and clothes it o'er with glittering arms, the spoil

telaque trunca viri et bis sex thoraca petitum

of King Mezentius, and a trophy proud

10 perfossumque locis clipeumque ex aere sinistrae

to thee, great lord of war. The hero's plumes

subligat atque ensem collo suspendit eburnum.

bedewed with blood are there, and splintered spears;

Tum socios, namque omnis eum stipata tegebat

there hangs the corselet, by the thrusting steel

turba ducum, sic incipiens hortatur ovantis:

twelve times gored through; upon the left he binds

Maxima res effecta, viri; timor omnis abesto,

the brazen shield, and from the neck suspends

15 quod superest: haec sunt spolia et de rege superbo

the ivory-hilted sword. Aeneas thus,

primitiae, manibusque meis Mezentius hic est.

as crowding close his train of captains throng,

Nunc iter ad regem nobis murosque Latinos.

addressed his followers: “Ye warriors mine,

Arma parate animis et spe praesumite bellum,

our largest work is done. Bid fear begone

nequa mora ignaros, ubi primum vellere signa

of what is left to do. Behold the spoils!

20 adnuerint superi pubemque educere castris,

Yon haughty King was firstfruits of our war.

impediat segnisve metu sententia tardet.

See this Mezentius my hands have made!

Interea socios inhumataque corpora terrae

Now to the Latin town and King we go.

mandemus, qui solus honos Acheronte sub imo est.

Arm you in soul! With heart of perfect hope

Ite, ait, egregias animas, quae sanguine nobis

prepare the war! So when the gods give sign

25 hanc patriam peperere suo, decorate supremis

to open battle and lead forth our brave

muneribus, maestamque Evandri primus ad urbem

out of this stronghold, no bewilderment,

mittatur Pallas, quem non virtutis egentem

nor tarrying, nor fearful, faltering mind

abstulit atra dies et funere mersit acerbo.

shall slack our march. Meanwhile in earth we lay

Sic ait inlacrimans recipitque ad limina gressum,

our comrades fallen; for no honor else

30 corpus ubi exanimi positum Pallantis Acoetes

in Acheron have they. Go forth,” said he,

servabat senior, qui Parrhasio Evandro

“bring gifts of honor and of last farewell

armiger ante fuit, sed non felicibus aeque

to those high hearts by shedding of whose blood

tum comes auspiciis caro datus ibat alumno.

our country lives. To sad Evander's town

Circum omnis famulumque manus Troianaque turba

bear Pallas first; who, though he did not fail

35 et maestum Iliades crinem de more solutae.

of virtue's crown, was seized by doom unblest,

Ut vero Aeneas foribus sese intulit altis,

and to the bitterness of death consigned.”

ingentem gemitum tunsis ad sidera tollunt

Weeping he spoke, and slowly backward drew

pectoribus, maestoque immugit regia luctu.

to the tent-door, where by the breathless clay

Ipse caput nivei fultum Pallantis et ora

of Pallas stood Acoetes, aged man,

40 ut vidit levique patens in pectore vulnus

once bearer of Evander's arms, but now

cuspidis Ausoniae, lacrimis ita fatur obortis.

under less happy omens set to guard

Tene, inquit, miserande puer, cum laeta veniret,

his darling child. Around him is a throng

invidit Fortuna mihi, ne regna videres

of slaves, with all the Trojan multitude,

nostra neque ad sedes victor veherere paternas?

and Ilian women, who the wonted way

45 Non haec Evandro de te promissa parenti

let sorrow's tresses loosely flow. When now

discedens dederam, cum me complexus euntem

Aeneas to the lofty doors drew near,

mitteret in magnum imperium metuensque moneret

all these from smitten bosoms raised to heaven

acris esse viros, cum dura proelia gente.

a mighty moaning, till the King's abode

Et nunc ille quidem spe multum captus inani

was loud with anguish. There Aeneas viewed

50 fors et vota facit cumulatque altaria donis:

the pillowed head of Pallas cold and pale,

nos iuvenem exanimum et nil iam caelestibus ullis

the smooth young breast that bore the gaping wound

debentem vano maesti comitamur honore.

of that Ausonian spear, and weeping said:

Infelix, nati funus crudele videbis!

“Did Fortune's envy, smiling though she came,

Hi nostri reditus expectatique triumphi!

refuse me, hapless boy, that thou shouldst see

55 Haec mea magna fides! At non, Evandre, pudendis

my throne established, and victorious ride

vulneribus pulsum adspicies nec sospite dirum

beside me to thy father's house? Not this

optabis nato funus pater. Ei mihi, quantum

my parting promise to thy King and sire,

praesidium Ausonia et quantum tu perdis, Iule!

Evander, when with friendly, fond embrace

Haec ubi deflevit, tolli miserabile corpus

to win imperial power he bade me go;

60 imperat et toto lectos ex agmine mittit

yet warned me anxiously I must resist

mille viros, qui supremum comitentur honorem

bold warriors and a stubborn breed of foes.

intersintque patris lacrimis, solacia luctus

And haply even now he cheats his heart

exigua ingentis, misero sed debita patri.

with expectation vain, and offers vows,

Haud segnes alii crates et molle feretrum

heaping with gifts the altars of his gods.

65 arbuteis texunt virgis et vimine querno

But we with unavailing honors bring

exstructosque toros obtentu frondis inumbrant.

this lifeless youth, who owes the gods of heaven

Hic iuvenem agresti sublimem stramine ponunt,

no more of gift and vow. O ill-starred King!

qualem virgineo demessum pollice florem

Soon shalt thou see thy son's unpitying doom!

seu mollis violae seu languentis hyacinthi,

What a home-coming! This is glory's day

70 cui neque fulgor adhuc necdum sua forma recessit:

so Iong awaited; this the solemn pledge

non iam mater alit tellus viresque ministrat.

I proudly gave. But fond Evander's eyes

Tum geminas vestes auroque ostroque rigentis

will find no shameful wounding on the slain,

extulit Aeneas, quas illi laeta laborum

nor for a son in coward safety kept

ipsa suis quondam manibus Sidonia Dido

wilt thou, the sire, crave death. But woe is me!

75 fecerat et tenui telas discreverat auro.

How strong a bulwark in Ausonia falls!

Harum unam iuveni supremum maestus honorem

What loss is thine, Iulus!” Thus lamenting,

induit arsurasque comas obnubit amictu,

he bids them lift the body to the bier,

multaque praeterea Laurentis praemia pugnae

and sends a thousand heroes from his host

aggerat et longo praedam iubet ordine duci.

to render the last tributes, and to share

80 Addit equos et tela, quibus spoliaverat hostem.

father's tears:—poor solace and too small

Vinxerat et post terga manus, quos mitteret umbris

for grief so great, but due that mournful sire.

inferias, caeso sparsuros sanguine flammas,

Some busy them to build of osiers fine

indutosque iubet truncos hostilibus armis

the simple litter, twining sapling oaks

ipsos ferre duces inimicaque nomina figi.

with evergreen, till o'er death's Iofty bed

85 Ducitur infelix aevo confectus Acoetes:

the branching shade extends. Upon it lay,

pectora nunc foedans pugnis, nunc unguibus ora

as if on shepherd's couch, the youthful dead,

sternitur et toto proiectus corpore terrae.~.~.

like fairest flower by virgin fingers culled,

Ducunt et Rutulo perfusos sanguine currus.

frail violet or hyacinth forlorn,

Post bellator equus positis insignibus Aethon

of color still undimmed and leaf unmarred;

90 it lacrimans guttisque umectat grandibus ora.

but from the breast of mother-earth no more

Hastam alii galeamque ferunt, nam cetera Turnus

its life doth feed. Then good Aeneas brought

victor habet. Tum maesta phalanx Teucrique sequuntur

two broidered robes of scarlet and fine gold,

Tyrrhenique omnes et versis Arcades armis.

which with the gladsome labor of her hands

Postquam omnis longe comitum praecesserat ordo,

Sidonian Dido wrought him long ago,

95 substitit Aeneas gemituque haec addidit alto:

the thin-spun gold inweaving. One of these

Nos alias hinc ad lacrimas eadem horrida belli

the sad prince o'er the youthful body threw

fata vocant: salve aeternum mihi, maxime Palla,

for parting gift; and with the other veiled

aeternumque vale. Nec plura effatus ad altos

those tresses from the fire; he heaped on high

tendebat muros gressumque in castra ferebat.

Laurentum's spoils of war, and bade to bring

The Truce and Evander's Grief

100 Iamque oratores aderant ex urbe Latina,

much tribute forth: horses and arms he gave,

velati ramis oleae veniamque rogantes:

seized from the fallen enemy; with hands

corpora, per campos ferro quae fusa iacebant,

fettered behind them filed a captive train

redderet ac tumulo sineret succedere terrae;

doomed to appease the shades, and with the flames

nullum cum victis certamen et aethere cassis;

to mix their flowing blood. He bade his chiefs

105 parceret hospitibus quondam socerisque vocatis.

set up the trunks of trees and clothe them well

Quos bonus Aeneas haud aspernanda precantis

with captured arms, inscribing on each one

prosequitur venia et verbis haec insuper addit:

some foeman's name. Then came Acoetes forth,

Quaenam vos tanto fortuna indigna, Latini,

a wretched, worn old man, who beat his breast

implicuit bello, qui nos fugiatis amicos?

with tight-clenched hands, and tore his wrinkled face

110 Pacem me exanimis et Martis sorte peremptis

with ruthless fingers; oft he cast him down

oratis? Equidem et vivis concedere vellem.

full length along the ground. Then lead they forth

Nec veni, nisi fata locum sedemque dedissent,

the blood-stained Rutule chariots of war;

nec bellum cum gente gero: rex nostra reliquit

Aethon, the war-horse, of his harness bare,

hospitia et Turni potius se credidit armis.

walks mournful by; big teardrops wet his cheek.

115 Aequius huic Turnum fuerat se opponere morti.

Some bear the lance and helm; for all the rest

Si bellum finire manu, si pellere Teucros

victorious Turnus seized. Then filed along

apparat, his mecum decuit concurrere telis:

a mournful Teucrian cohort; next the host

vixet, cui vitam deus aut sua dextra dedisset.

Etrurian and the men of Arcady

Nunc ite et miseris supponite civibus ignem.

with trailing arms reversed. Aeneas now,

120 Dixerat Aeneas. Illi obstipuere silentes

when the long company had passed him by,

conversique oculos inter se atque ora tenebant.

spoke thus and groaned aloud: “Ourselves from hence

Tum senior semperque odiis et crimine Drances

are summoned by the same dread doom of war

infensus iuveni Turno sic ore vicissim

to other tears. Farewell forevermore!

orsa refert: O fama ingens, ingentior armis

Heroic Pallas! be forever blest!

125 vir Troiane, quibus caelo te laudibus aequem?

I bid thee hail, farewell!” In silence then

Iustitiaene prius mirer belline laborum?

back to the stronghold's Iofty walls he moved.

Nos vero haec patriam grati referemus ad urbem

Now envoys from the Latin citadel

et te, siqua viam dederit fortuna, Latino

came olive-crowned, to plead for clemency:

iungemus regi: quaerat sibi foedera Turnus.

would he not yield those bodies of the dead

130 Quin et fatalis murorum attollere moles

sword-scattered o'er the plain, and let them lie

saxaque subvectare umeris Troiana iuvabit.

beneath an earth-built tomb? Who wages war

Dixerat haec, unoque omnes eadem ore fremebant.

upon the vanquished, the unbreathing slain?

Bis senos pepigere dies et pace sequestra

To people once his hosts and kindred called,

per silvas Teucri mixtique inpune Latini

would he not mercy show? To such a prayer,

135 erravere iugis. Ferro sonat alta bipenni

deemed not unworthy, good Aeneas gave

fraxinus, evertunt actas ad sidera pinus,

the boon, and this benignant answer made:

robora nec cuneis et olentem scindere cedrum

“Ye Latins, what misfortune undeserved

nec plaustris cessant vectare gementibus ornos.

has snared you in so vast a war, that now

Et iam Fama volans, tanti praenuntia luctus,

you shun our friendship? Have you here implored

140 Evandrum Evandrique domos et moenia replet,

peace for your dead, by chance of battle fallen?

quae modo victorem Latio Pallanta ferebat.

Pain would I grant it for the living too.

Arcades ad portas ruere et de more vetusto

I sailed not hither save by Heaven's decree,

funereas rapuere faces; lucet via longo

which called me to this land. I wage no war

ordine flammarum et late discriminat agros.

with you, the people; 't was your King refused

145 Contra turba Phrygum veniens plangentia iungit

our proffered bond of peace, and gave his cause

agmina. Quae postquam matres succedere tectis

to Turnus' arms. More meet and just it were

viderunt, maestam incendunt clamoribus urbem.

had Turnus met this death that makes you mourn.

At non Evandrum potis est vis ulla tenere,

If he would end our quarrel sword in hand,

sed venit in medios. Feretro Pallanta reposto

thrusting us Teucrians forth, 't was honor's way

150 procubuit super atque haeret lacrimansque gemensque,

to cross his blade with mine; that man to whom

et via vix tandem vocis laxata dolore est.

the gods, or his own valor, had decreed

Non haec, O Palla, dederas promissa parenti,

the longer life, had lived. But now depart!

cautius ut saevo velles te credere Marti;

Beneath your lost friends light the funeral fires!”

haud ignarus eram, quantum nova gloria in armis

So spoke Aeneas; and with wonder mute

155 et praedulce decus primo certamine posset.

all stood at gaze, each turning to behold

Primitiae iuvenis miserae bellique propinqui

his neighbor's face. Then Drances, full of years,

dura rudimenta et nulli exaudita deorum

and ever armed with spite and slanderous word

vota precesque meae! Tuque, O sanctissima coniunx,

against young Turnus, made this answering plea:

felix morte tua neque in hunc servata dolorem!

“O prince of mighty name, whose feats of arms

160 Contra ego vivendo vici mea fata, superstes

are even mightier! Trojan hero, how

restarem ut genitor. Troum socia arma secutum

shall my poor praise exalt thee to the skies?

obruerent Rutuli telis! Animam ipse dedissem

Is it thy rectitude or strenuous war

atque haec pompa domum me, non Pallanta, referret,

most bids me wonder? We will bear thy word

nec vos arguerim, Teucri, nec foedera nec quas

right gladly to the city of our sires;

165 iunximus hospitio dextras: sors ista senectae

and there, if Fortune favor it, contrive

debita erat nostrae. Quod si immatura manebat

a compact with the Latin King. Henceforth

mors natum, caesis Volscorum milibus ante

let Turnus find his own allies! Ourselves

ducentem in Latium Teucros cecidisse iuvabit.

will much rejoice to see thy destined walls,

Quin ego non alio digner te funere, Palla,

and our own shoulders will be proud to bear

170 quam pius Aeneas et quam magni Phryges et quam

the stone for building Troy.” Such speech he made,

Tyrrhenique duces, Tyrrhenum exercitus omnis.

and all the common voice consented loud.

Magna tropaea ferunt, quos dat tua dextera Leto:

So twelve days' truce they swore, and safe from harm

tu quoque nunc stares immanis truncus in armis,

Latins and Teucrians unmolested roved

esset par aetas et idem si robur ab annis,

together o'er the wooded hills. Now rang

175 Turne. Sed infelix Teucros quid demoror armis?

loud steel on ash-tree bole; enormous pines,

Vadite et haec memores regi mandata referte:

once thrusting starward, to the earth they threw;

quod vitam moror invisam Pallante perempto,

and with industrious wedge asunder clove

dextera causa tua est, Turnum natoque patrique

stout oak and odorous cedar, piling high

quam debere vides. Meritis vacat hic tibi solus

harvest of ash-trees on the creaking wain.

180 fortunaeque locus. Non vitae gaudia quaero,

Now Rumor, herald of prodigious woe,

nec fas, sed nato Manis perferre sub imos.

to King Evander hied, Evander's house

The Latin War Council

Aurora interea miseris mortalibus almam

and city filling, where, but late, her word

extulerat lucem, referens opera atque labores:

had told in Latium Pallas' victory.

iam pater Aeneas, iam curvo in litore Tarchon

th' Arcadians thronging to the city-gates

185 constituere pyras. Huc corpora quisque suorum

bear funeral torches, the accustomed way;

more tulere patrum, subiectisque ignibus atris

in lines of flame the long street flashes far,

conditur in tenebras altum caligine caelum.

lighting the fields beyond. To meet them moves

Ter circum accensos cincti fulgentibus armis

a Phrygian company, to join with theirs

decurrere rogos, ter maestum funeris ignem

its lamentation loud. The Latin wives,

190 lustravere in equis ululatusque ore dedere;

soon as they saw them entering, aroused

spargitur et tellus lacrimis, sparguntur et arma:

the whole sad city with shrill songs of woe.

it caelo clamorque virum clangorque tubarum.

No hand could stay Evander. Forth he flew

Hic alii spolia occisis derepta Latinis

into the midmost tumult, and fell prone

coniciunt igni, galeas ensesque decoros

on his dead Pallas, on the resting bier;

195 frenaque ferventisque rotas; pars munera nota,

he clung to the pale corse with tears, with groans,

ipsorum clipeos et non felicia tela.

till anguish for a space his lips unsealed:

Multa boum circa mactantur corpora Morti,

“Not this thy promise, Pallas, to thy sire,

saetigerosque sues raptasque ex omnibus agris

to walk not rashly in the war-god's way.

in flammam iugulant pecudes. Tum litore toto

I knew too well how honor's morning-star,

200 ardentis spectant socios semustaque servant

and sweet, foretasted glory tempt and woo

busta neque avelli possunt, nox umida donec

in a first battle. O first-fruit forlorn

invertit caelum stellis ardentibus aptum.

of youth so fair! O prelude pitiless

Nec minus et miseri diversa in parte Latini

of war approaching! O my vows and prayers,

innumeras struxere pyras, et corpora partim

which not one god would hear! My blessed wife,

205 multa virum terrae infodiunt avectaque partim

how happy was the death that spared thee not

finitimos tollunt in agros urbique remittunt,

to taste this bitterness! But I, the while,

cetera confusaeque ingentem caedis acervum

by living longer lived to meet my doom,—

nec numero nec honore cremant: tunc undique vasti

a father sole-surviving. Would I myself

certatim crebris conlucent ignibus agri.

had perished by the Rutule's cruel spear,

210 Tertia lux gelidam caelo dimoverat umbram:

the Trojan's cause espousing! This breath of life

maerentes altum cinerem et confusa ruebant

how gladly had I given! And O, that now

ossa focis tepidoque onerabant aggere terrae.

yon black solemnity were bearing home

Iam vero in tectis, praedivitis urbe Latini,

myself, not Pallas, dead! Yet blame I not,

praecipuus fragor et longi pars maxima luctus.

O Teucrians, the hallowed pact we made,

215 Hic matres miseraeque nurus, hic cara sororum

nor hospitable bond and clasp of hands.

pectora maerentum puerique parentibus orbi

This doom ye bring me was writ long ago,

dirum exsecrantur bellum Turnique hymenaeos:

for my old age. And though my child is fallen

ipsum armis ipsumque iubent decernere ferro,

untimely, I take comfort that he fell

qui regnum Italiae et primos sibi poscat honores.

where thousands of the Volscians slaughtered lie,

220 ingravat haec saevus Drances solumque vocari

and into Latium led the Teucrian arms.

testatur, solum posci in certamina Turnum.

What brighter glory could I crave in death

Multa simul contra variis sententia dictis

for thee, my Pallas, than Aeneas brings,

pro Turno, et magnum reginae nomen obumbrat,

and Phrygian princes, and Etrurian lords

multa virum meritis sustentat fama tropaeis.

with all Etruria's legions? Lo, they bear

225 Hos inter motus, medio in flagrante tumultu,

yon glittering spoils of victims of thy sword!

ecce super maesti magna Diomedis ab urbe

Thou, Turnus, too, wert now an effigy

legati responsa ferunt: nihil omnibus actum

in giant armor clad, if but his years

tantorum impensis operum, nil dona neque aurum

and strength full ripe had been fair match for thine!

nec magnas valuisse preces, alia arma Latinis

But now my woes detain the Trojan host

230 quaerenda aut pacem Troiano ab rege petendum.

from battle. I beseech ye haste away,

Deficit ingenti luctu rex ipse Latinus.

and bear this faithful message to your King:

Fatalem Aenean manifesto numine ferri

since I but linger out a life I loathe,

admonet ira deum tumulique ante ora recentes.

without my Pallas, nothing but thy sword

Ergo concilium magnum primosque suorum

can bid me live. Then let thy sword repay

235 imperio accitos alta intra limina cogit.

its debt to sire and son by Turnus slain!

olli convenere fluuntque ad regia plenis

Such deed alone may with thy honor fit,

tecta viis. Sedet in mediis et maximus aevo

and happier fortunes. But my life to me

et primus sceptris haud laeta fronte Latinus.

has no joy left to pray for, save to bring

Atque hic legatos Aetola ex urbe remissos,

my son that solace in the shadowy land.”

240 quae referant, fari iubet et responsa reposcit

Meanwhile o'er sorrowing mortals the bright morn

ordine cuncta suo. Tum facta silentia linguis,

had lifted her mild beam, renewing so

et Venulus dicto parens ita farier infit:

the burden of man's toil. Aeneas now

Vidimus, o cives, Diomedem Argivaque castra

built funeral pyres along the winding shore,

atque iter emensi casus superavimus omnis

King Tarchon at his side. Each thither brought

245 contigimusque manum, qua concidit Ilia tellus.

the bodies of his kin, observing well

Ille urbem Argyripam patriae cognomine gentis

all ancient ritual. The fuming fires

victor Gargani condebat Iapygis agris.

burned from beneath, till highest heaven was hid

Postquam introgressi et coram data copia fandi,

in blackest, overmantling cloud. Three times

munera praeferimus, nomen patriamque docemus,

the warriors, sheathed in proud, resplendent steel,

250 qui bellum intulerint, quae causa attraxerit Arpos.

paced round the kindling pyres; and three times

Auditis ille haec placido sic reddidit ore:

fair companies of horsemen circled slow,

O fortunatae gentes, Saturnia regna,

with loud lamenting, round the doleful flame.

antiqui Ausonii, quae vos fortuna quietos

The wail of warriors and the trumpets' blare

sollicitat suadetque ignota lacessere bella?

the very welkin rend. Cast on the flames

255 Quicumque Iliacos ferro violavimus agros,

are spoils of slaughtered Latins,—helms and blades,

mitto ea, quae muris bellando exhausta sub altis,

bridles and chariot-wheels. Yet others bring

quos Simois premat ille viros, infanda per orbem

gifts to the dead familiar, their own shields

supplicia et scelerum poenas expendimus omnes,

and unavailing spears. Around them slain

vel Priamo miseranda manus: scit triste Minervae

great herds of kine give tribute unto death:

260 sidus et Euboicae cautes ultorque Caphareus.

swine, bristly-backed, from many a field are borne,

Militia ex illa diversum ad litus abacti

and slaughtered sheep bleed o'er the sacred fire.

Atrides Protei Menelaus adusque columnas

So on the shore the wailing multitude

exsulat, Aetnaeos vidit Cyclopas Ulixes.

behold their comrades burning, and keep guard

Regna Neoptolemi referam versosque penates

o'er the consuming pyres, nor turn away

265 Idomenei? Libycone habitantis litore Locros?

till cooling night re-shifts the globe of heaven,

Ipse Mycenaeus magnorum ductor Achivom

thick-strewn with numberless far-flaming stars.

coniugis infandae prima inter limina dextra

Likewise the mournful Latins far away

oppetiit: devictam Asiam subsedit adulter.

have built their myriad pyres. Yet of the slain

Invidisse deos, patriis ut redditus aris

not few in graves are laid, and borne with tears

270 coniugium optatum et pulchram Calydona viderem?

to neighboring country-side or native town;

Nunc etiam horribili visu portenta sequuntur,

the rest—promiscuous mass of dead unknown—

et socii amissi petierunt aethera pennis

to nameless and unhonored ashes burn;

fluminibusque vagantur aves, heu dira meorum

with multitude of fires the far-spread fields

supplicia, et scopulos lacrimosis vocibus implent.

blaze forth unweariedly. But when from heaven

275 Haec adeo ex illo mihi iam speranda fuerunt

the third morn had dispelled the dark and cold,

tempore, cum ferro caelestia corpora demens

the mournful bands raked forth the mingled bones

adpetii et Veneris violavi volnere dextram.

and plenteous ashes from the smouldering pyres,

Ne vero, ne me ad talis impellite pugnas:

then heaped with earth the one sepulchral mound.

nec mihi cum Teucris ullum post eruta bellum

Now from the hearth-stones of the opulent town

280 Pergama, nec veterum memini laetorve malorum.

of old Latinus a vast wail burst forth,

Munera, quae patriis ad me portatis ab oris,

for there was found the chief and bitterest share

vertite ad Aenean. Stetimus tela aspera contra

of all the woe. For mothers in their tears,

contulimusque manus: experto credite, quantus

lone brides, and stricken souls of sisters fond,

in clipeum adsurgat, quo turbine torqueat hastam.

and boys left fatherless, fling curses Ioud

285 Si duo praeterea talis Idaea tulisset

on Turnus' troth-plight and the direful war:

terra viros, ultro Inachias venisset ad urbes

“Let him, let Turnus, with his single sword

Dardanus, et versis lugeret Graecia fatis.

decide the strife,”—they cry,—“and who shall claim

Quidquid apud durae cessatum est moenia Troiae,

Lordship of Italy and power supreme.”

Hectoris Aeneaeque manu victoria Graium

Fierce Drances whets their fury, urging all

290 haesit et in decimum vestigia rettulit annum.

that Turnus singly must the challenge hear,

Ambo animis, ambo insignes praestantibus armis

and singly wage the war; but others plead

hic pietate prior. Coeant in foedera dextrae,

in Turnus' favor; the Queen's noble name

qua datur; ast armis concurrant arma cavete.

protects him, and his high renown in arms

Et responsa simul quae sint, rex optime, regis

defends his cause with well-won trophies fair.

295 audisti et quae sit magno sententia bello.

Amid these tumults of the wrathful throng,

Vix ea legati, variusque per ora cucurrit

lo, the ambassadors to Diomed

Ausonidum turbata fremor: ceu saxa morantur

arrive with cloudy forehead from their quest

cum rapidos amnis, fit clauso gurgite murmur

in his illustrious town; for naught availed

vicinaeque fremunt ripae crepitantibus undis.

their toilsome errand, nor the gifts and gold,

300 Ut primum placati animi et trepida ora quierunt,

nor strong entreaty. Other help in war

praefatus divos solio rex infit ab alto:

the Latins now must find, or humbly sue

Ante equidem summa de re statuisse, Latini,

peace from the Trojan. At such tidings dire

et vellem et fuerat melius, non tempore tali

even Latinus trembles: Heaven's decrees

cogere concilium, cum muros adsidet hostis.

and influence of gods too visible

305 Bellum importunum, cives, cum gente deorum

sustain Aeneas; so the wrath divine

invictisque viris gerimus, quos nulla fatigant

and new-filled sepulchres conspicuous

proelia: nec victi possunt absistere ferro.

give warning clear. Therefore the King convenes

Spem siquam adscitis Aetolum habuistis in armis,

a general council of his captains brave

ponite. Spes sibi quisque, sed haec quam angusta videtis;

beneath the royal towers. They, gathering,

310 cetera qua rerum iaceant perculsa ruina,

throng the approaches thither, where their Iord,

ante oculos interque manus sunt omnia vestras.

gray-haired Latinus, takes the central throne,

Nec quemquam incuso: potuit quae plurima virtus

wearing authority with mournful brow.

esse, fuit; toto certatum est corpore regni.

He bids the envoys from Aetolia's King

Nunc adeo quae sit dubiae sententia menti

sent back, to speak and tell the royal words

315 expediam et paucis, animos adhibete, docebo.

in order due. Forthwith on every tongue

Est antiquus ager Tusco mihi proximus amni,

fell silence, while the princely Venulus,

longus in occasum, finis super usque Sicanos;

heeding his Iord's behest, began the parle:

Aurunci Rutulique serunt et vomere duros

“My countrymen,” he said, “our eyes have seen

exercent colles atque horum asperrima pascunt.

strongholds of Greeks and Diomed the King.

320 Haec omnis regio et celsi plaga pinea montis

We braved all perils to our journey's end

cedat amicitiae Teucrorum, et foederis aequas

and clasped that hand whereof the dreadful stroke

dicamus leges sociosque in regna vocemus.

wrought Ilium's fall. The hero built a town,

Considant, si tantus amor, et moenia condant.

Argyripa, hereditary name,

Sin alios finis aliamque capessere gentem

near mount Garganus in Apulian land:

325 est animus possuntque solo decedere nostro:

passing that city's portal and the King's,

bis denas Italo texamus robore navis

we found free audience, held forth thy gifts,

seu pluris complere valent, iacet omnis ad undam

and told our names and fatherland. We showed

materies, ipsi numerumque modumque carinis

what condict was enkindled, and what cause

praecipiant, nos aera manus navalia demus.

brought us to Arpi's King. He, hearing all,

330 Praeterea qui dicta ferant et foedera firment

with brow benign made answer to our plea:

centum oratores prima de gente Latinos

‘O happy tribes in Saturn's kingdom born,

ire placet pacisque manu praetendere ramos,

Ausonia's ancient stem! What fortune blind

munera portantis aurique eborisque talenta

tempts ye from peace away, and now ensnares

et sellam regni trabeamque insignia nostri.

in wars unknown? Look how we men that dared

335 Consulite in medium et rebus succurrite fessis.

lay Ilium waste (I speak not of what woes

Turnus and Camilla's Plan

Tum Drances idem infensus, quem gloria Turni

in battling neath her lofty walls we bore,

obliqua invidia stimulisque agitabat amaris,

nor of dead warriors sunk in Simois' wave)

largus opum et lingua melior, sed frigida bello

have paid the penalty in many a land

dextera, consiliis habitus non futilis auctor,

with chastisement accurst and changeful woe,

340 seditione potens (genus huic materna superbum

till Priam's self might pity. Let the star

nobilitas dabat, incertum de patre ferebat),

of Pallas tell its tale of fatal storm,

surgit et his onerat dictis atque aggerat iras:

off grim Caphereus and Eubcea's crags.

Rem nulli obscuram nostrae nec vocis egentem

Driven asunder from one field of war,

consulis, O bone rex: cuncti se scire fatentur,

Atrides unto farthest Egypt strayed,

345 quid fortuna ferat populi, sed dicere mussant.

and wise Ulysses saw from Aetna's caves

Det libertatem fandi flatusque remittat

the Cyclops gathering. Why name the throne

cuius ob auspicium infaustum moresque sinistros

of Pyrrhus, or the violated hearth

(dicam equidem, licet arma mihi mortemque minetur)

whence fled Idomeneus? Or Locri cast

lumina tot cecidisse ducum totamque videmus

on Libya's distant shore? For even he,

350 consedisse urbem luctu, dum Troia temptat

Lord of Mycenae by the Greeks obeyed,

castra fugae fidens et caelum territat armis.

fell murdered on his threshold by the hand

Unum etiam donis istis, quae plurima mitti

of that polluted wife, whose paramour

Dardanidis dicique iubes, unum, optime regum,

trapped Asia's conqueror. The envious gods

adicias nec te ullius violentia vincat,

withheld me also from returning home

355 quin natam egregio genero dignisque hymenaeis

to see once more the hearth-stone of my sires,

des, pater, et pacem hanc aeterno foedere iungas.

the wife I yearn for, and my Calydon,

Quod si tantus habet mentes et pectora terror,

the beauteous land. For wonders horrible

ipsum obtestemur veniamque oremus ab ipso:

pursue me still. My vanished followers

cedat, ius proprium regi patriaeque remittat.

through upper air take wing, or haunt and rove

360 Quid miseros totiens in aperta pericula cives

in forms of birds the island waters o'er:

proicis, O Latio caput horum et causa malorum?

ah me, what misery my people feel!

Nulla salus bello: pacem te poscimus omnes,

The tall rocks ring with their lament and cry.

Turne, simul pacis solum inviolabile pignus.

Naught else had I to hope for from that day

Primus ego, invisum quem tu tibi fingis, et esse

when my infatuate sword on gods I drew,

365 nil moror, en supplex venio. Miserere tuorum,

and outraged with abominable wound

pone animos et pulsus abi. Sat funera fusi

the hand of Venus. Urge me not, I pray,

vidimus ingentis et desolavimus agros.

to conflicts in this wise. No more for me

Aut si fama movet, si tantum pectore robur

of war with Trojans after Ilium's fall!

concipis et si adeo dotalis regia cordi est,

I take no joy in evils past, nor wish

370 aude atque adversum fidens fer pectus in hostem.

such memory to renew. Go, lay these gifts,

Scilicet ut Turno contingat regia coniunx,

brought to my honor from your ancient land,

nos animae viles, inhumata infletaque turba,

at great Aeneas' feet. We twain have stood

sternamur campis. Etiam tu, siqua tibi vis,

confronting close with swords implacable

si patrii quid Martis habes, illum aspice contra,

in mortal fray. Believe me, I have known

375 qui vocat.

the stature of him when he lifts his shield,

Talibus exarsit dictis violentia Turni;

and swings the whirlwind of his spear. If Troy

dat gemitum rumpitque has imo pectore voces

two more such sons had bred, the Dardan horde

Larga quidem, Drance, semper tibi copia fandi

had stormed at Argos' gates, and Greece to-day

tum, cum bella manus poscunt, patribusque vocatis

were for her fallen fortunes grieving sore.

380 primus ades. Sed non replenda est curia verbis,

Our lingering at Ilium's stubborn wall,

quae tuto tibi magna volant, dum distinet hostem

our sluggard conquest halting ten years Iong,

agger murorum nec inundant sanguine fossae.

was his and Hector's work. Heroic pair!

Proinde tona eloquio, solitum tibi, meque timoris

Each one for valor notable, and each

argue tu, Drance, quando tot stragis acervos

famous in enterprise of arms,—but he

385 Teucrorum tua dextra dedit passimque tropaeis

was first in piety. Enclasp with his

insignis agros. Possit quid vivida virtus,

your hands in plighted peace as best ye may:

experiare licet; nec longe scilicet hostes

but shock of steel on steel ye well may shun.’

quaerendi nobis: circumstant undique muros.

now hast thou heard, good King, a king's reply,

Imus in adversos: quid cessas? An tibi Mavors

and how his wisdom sits in this vast war.”

390 ventosa in lingua pedibusque fugacibus istis

Soon as the envoys ceased, an answering sound

semper erit?

of troubled voices through the council flowed

Pulsus ego? Aut quisquam merito, foedissime, pulsum

of various note, as when its rocky bed

arguet, Iliaco tumidum qui crescere Thybrim

impedes an arrowy stream, and murmurs break

sanguine et Evandri totam cum stirpe videbit

from the strait-channelled flood; the fringing shores

395 procubuisse domum atque exutos Arcadas armis?

repeat the tumult of the clamorous wave.

Haud ita me experti Bitias et Pandarus ingens

But when their hearts and troublous tongues were still,

et quos mille die victor sub Tartara misi,

the King, invoking first the gods in heaven,

inclusus muris hostilique aggere saeptus.

thus from a Iofty throne his sentence gave:

Nulla salus bello. Capiti cane talia, demens,

“Less evil were our case, if long ago

400 Dardanio rebusque tuis. Proinde omnia magno

ye had provided for your country's weal,

ne cessa turbare metu atque extollere vires

O Latins, as I urged. It is no time

gentis bis victae, contra premere arma Latini.

to hold dispute, while, compassing our walls,

Nunc et Myrmidonum proceres Phrygia arma tremescunt,

the foeman waits. Ill-omened war is ours

nunc et Tydides et Larissaeus Achilles,

against a race of gods, my countrymen,

405 amnis et Hadriacas retro fugit Aufidus undas.

invincible, unwearied in the fray,

Vel cum se pavidum contra mea iurgia fingit

and who, though lost and fallen, clutch the sword.

artificis scelus et formidine crimen acerbat.

If hope ye cherished of Aetolia's power,

Numquam animam talem dextra hac, absiste moveri,

dismiss it! For what hope ye have is found

amittes: habitet tecum et sit pectore in isto.

in your own bosoms only. But ye know

410 Nunc ad te et tua magna, pater, consulta revertor.

how slight it is and small. What ruin wide

Si nullam nostris ultra spem ponis in armis,

has fallen, is now palpable and clear.

si tam deserti sumus et semel agmine verso

No blame I cast. What valor's uttermost

funditus occidimus neque habet Fortuna regressum?

may do was done; our kingdom in this war

oremus pacem et dextras tendamus inertis.

strained its last thews. Now therefore I will tell

415 Quamquam O, si solitae quicquam virtutis adesset!

such project as my doubtful mind may frame,

Ille mihi ante alios fortunatusque laborum

and briefly, if ye give good heed, unfold:

egregiusque animi, qui, nequid tale videret,

an ancient tract have I, close-bordering

procubuit moriens et humum semel ore momordit.

the river Tiber; it runs westward far

Sin et opes nobis et adhuc intacta iuventus

beyond Sicania's bound, and filth it bears

420 auxilioque urbes Italae populique supersunt,

to Rutule and Auruncan husbandmen,

sin et Troianis cum multo gloria venit

who furrow its hard hills or feed their flocks

sanguine, sunt illis sua funera parque per omnis

along the stonier slopes. Let this demesne,

tempestas: cur indecores in limine primo

together with its pine-clad mountain tall,

deficimus? Cur ante tubam tremor occupat artus?

be given the Teucrian for our pledge of peace,

425 Multa dies variisque labor mutabilis aevi

confirmed by free and equitable league,

rettulit in melius, multos alterna revisens

and full alliance with our kingly power.

lusit et in solido rursus Fortuna locavit.

Let them abide there, if it please them so,

Non erit auxilio nobis Aetolus et Arpi:

and build their city's wall. But if their hearts

at Messapus erit felixque Tolumnius et quos

for other land or people yearn, and fate

430 tot populi misere duces, nec parva sequetur

permits them hence to go, then let us build

gloria delectos Latio et Laurentibus agris.

twice ten good galleys of Italian oak,

Est et Volscorum egregia de gente Camilla,

or more, if they can man them. All the wood

agmen agens equitum et florentis aere catervas.

lies yonder on the shore. Let them but say

Quod si me solum Teucri in certamina poscunt

how numerous and large the ships they crave,

435 idque placet tantumque bonis communibus obsto,

and we will give the brass, the artisans,

non adeo has exosa manus Victoria fugit,

and ship-supplies. Let us for envoys choose

ut tanta quicquam pro spe temptare recusem.

a hundred of the Latins noblest born

Ibo animis contra, vel magnum praestet Achillem

to tell our message and arrange the peace,

factaque Vulcani manibus paria induat arma

bearing mild olive-boughs and weighty gifts

440 ille licet. Vobis animam hanc soceroque Latino

of ivory and gold, with chair of state

Turnus ego, haud ulli veterum virtute secundus,

and purple robe, our emblems as a king.

devovi. Solum Aeneas vocat: et vocet oro,

But freely let this council speak; give aid

nec Drances potius, sive est haec ira deorum,

to our exhausted cause.” Then Drances rose,

morte luat, sive est virtus et gloria, tollat.

that foe inveterate, whom Turnus' fame

The Aristeia of Camilla

445 Illi haec inter se dubiis de rebus agebant

to stinging hate and envy double-tongued

certantes; castra Aeneas aciemque movebat:

ever pricked on. Of liberal wealth was he

nuntius ingenti per regia tecta tumultu

and flowing speech, but slack of hand in war

ecce ruit magnisque urbem terroribus implet,

at council board accounted no weak voice,

instructos acie Tiberino a flumine Teucros

in quarrels stronger still; of lofty birth

450 Tyrrhenamque manum totis descendere campis.

in the maternal line, but by his sire's

Extemplo turbati animi concussaque vulgi

uncertain and obscure. He, claiming place,

pectora et adrectae stimulis haud mollibus irae.

thus multiplies with words the people's ire:

Arma manu trepidi poscunt, fremit arma iuventus,

“A course most clear, nor needing voice of mine,

flent maesti mussantque patres. Hic undique clamor

thy council is, good King; for all men see

455 dissensu vario magnus se tollit in auras

the way of public weal, but smother close

haud secus atque alto in luco cum forte catervae

the telling of it. Turnus must concede

consedere avium piscosove amne Padusae

freedom to speak, and his own arrogance

dant sonitum rauci per stagna loquacia cycni.

diminish! Under his ill-boding star

Immo, ait, O cives adrepto tempore, Turnus,

and fatal conduct—yea, I speak it plain,

460 cogite concilium et pacem laudate sedentes:

though with his naked steel my death he swear—

illi armis in regna ruunt. Nec plura locutus

yon host of princes fell, and we behold

corripuit sese et tectis citus extulit altis.

the whole land bowed with grief; while he assails

Tu, Voluse, armari Volscorum edice maniplos,

the Trojan camp (beating such bold retreats!)

duc, ait, et Rutulos. Equitem Messapus in armis

and troubles Heaven with war. One gift the more,

465 et cum fratre Coras latis diffundite campis.

among the many to the Trojans given,

Pars aditus urbis firmet turrisque capessat,

one chiefly, best of kings, thy choice should be.

cetera, qua iusso, mecum manus inferat arma.

Let not wild violence thy will restrain

Ilicet in muros tota discurritur urbe.

from granting, sire, thy virgin daughter's hand

Consilium ipse pater et magna incepta Latinus

to son-in-law illustrious, in a match

470 deserit ac tristi turbatus tempore differt

worthy of both,—and thus the lasting bond

multaque se incusat, qui non adceperit ultro

of peace establish. But if verily

Dardanium Aenean generumque adsciverit urbi.

our hearts and souls be weak with craven fear,

Praefodiunt alii portas aut saxa sudesque

let us on Turnus call, and grace implore

subvectant. Bello dat signum rauca cruentum

even of him. Let him no more oppose;

475 bucina. Tum muros varia cinxere corona

but to his country and his King concede

matronae puerique: vocat labor ultimus omnis.

their natural right. Why wilt thou o'er and o'er

Nec non ad templum summasque ad Palladis arces

fling thy poor countrymen in danger's way,

subvehitur magna matrum regina caterva

O chief and fountain of all Latium's pain?

dona ferens, iuxtaque comes Lavinia virgo,

War will not save us. Not a voice but sues

480 causa mali tanti, oculos deiecta decoros.

for peace, O Turnus! and, not less than peace,

Succedunt matres et templum ture vaporant

its one inviolable pledge. Behold,

et maestas alto fundunt de limine voces:

I lead in this petition! even I

Armipotens, praeses belli, Tritonia virgo,

whom thou dost feign thy foe—(I waste no words

frange manu telum Phrygii praedonis et ipsum

denying)—look! I supplicate of thee,

485 pronum sterne solo portisque effunde sub altis.

take pity on thy kindred; drop thy pride,

Cingitur ipse furens certatim in proelia Turnus.

and get thee home defeated. We have seen

Iamque adeo rutilum thoraca indutus aenis

slaughter enough, enough of funeral flames,

horrebat squamis surasque incluserat auro,

and many a wide field waste and desolate.

tempora nudus adhuc, laterique adcinxerat ensem

If glory move thee, if thy martial breast

490 fulgebatque alta decurrens aureus arce,

so swell with strength, and if a royal dower

exsultatque animis et spe iam praecipit hostem:

be thy dear dream, go, pluck thy courage up,

qualis ubi abruptis fugit praesaepia vinclis

and front thy own brave bosom to the foe.

tandem liber equus campoque potitus aperto

for, lo, that Turnus on his wedding day

aut ille in pastus armentaque tendit equarum

may win a princess, our cheap, common lives—

495 aut adsuetus aquae perfundi flumine noto

we the mere mob, unwept, unsepulchred—

emicat adrectisque fremit cervicibus alte

must be spilled forth in battle! Thou, I say,

luxurians, luduntque iubae per colla, per armos.

if there be mettle in thee and some drops

Obvia cui Volscorum acie comitante Camilla

of thy undaunted sires, Iook yonder where

occurrit portisque ab equo regina sub ipsis

the Trojan chieftain waits thee in the field.”

500 desiluit, quam tota cohors imitata relictis

By such discourse he stirred the burning blood

ad terram defluxit equis; tum talia fatur:

of Turnus, who groaned loud and from his heart

Turne, sui merito siqua est fiducia forti,

this utterance hurled: “O Drances, thou art rich

audeo et Aeneadum promitto occurrere turmae

in large words, when the day of battle calls

solaque Tyrrhenos equites ire obvia contra.

for actions. If our senators convene

505 Me sine prima manu temptare pericula belli

thou comest early. But the council hall

tu pedes ad muros subsiste et moenia serva.

is not for swollen talk, such as thy tongue

Turnus ad haec, oculos horrenda in virgine fixus:

in safety tosses forth; so long as walls

O decus Italiae virgo, quas dicere grates

hold back thy foes, and ere the trenches flow

quasve referre parem? Sed nunc, est omnia quando

with blood of brave men slain. O, rattle on

510 iste animus supra, mecum partire laborem.

in fluent thunder—thy habitual style!

Aeneas, ut fama fidem missique reportant

Brand me a coward, Drances, when thy sword

exploratores, equitum levia improbus arma

has heaped up Trojan slain, and on the field

praemisit, quaterent campos; ipse ardua montis

thy shining trophies rise. Now may we twain

per deserta iugo superans adventat ad urbem.

our martial prowess prove. Our foe, forsooth,

515 Furta paro belli convexo in tramite silvae,

is not so far to seek; around yon wall

ut bivias armato obsidam milite fauces.

he lies in siege: to front him let us fly!

Tu Tyrrhenum equitem conlatis excipe signis;

Why art thou tarrying? Wilt thou linger here,

tecum acer Messapus erit turmaeque Latinae

a soldier only in thy windy tongue,

Tiburtique manus, ducis et tu concipe curam.

and thy swift, coward heels? Defeated, I?

520 Sic ait, et paribus Messapum in proelia dictis

Foul wretch, what tongue that honors truth can tell

hortatur sociosque duces et pergit in hostem.

of my defeat, while Tiber overflows

Est curvo anfractu valles, adcommoda fraudi

with Trojan blood? while King Evander's house

armorumque dolis, quam densis frondibus atrum

in ruin dies, and his Arcadians lie

urget utrimque latus, tenuis quo semita ducit

stripped naked on the field? O, not like thee

525 angustaeque ferunt fauces aditusque maligni.

did Bitias or the giant Pandarus

Hanc super in speculis summoque in vertice montis

misprize my honor; nor those men of Troy

planities ignota iacet tutique receptus,

whom this good sword to death and dark sent down,

seu dextra laevaque velis occurrere pugnae,

a thousand in a day,—though I was penned

sive instare iugis et grandia volvere saxa.

a prisoner in the ramparts of my foe.

530 Huc iuvenis nota fertur regione viarum

War will not save us? Fling that prophecy

arripuitque locum et silvis insedit iniquis.

on the doomed Dardan's head, or on thy own,

Velocem interea superis in sedibus Opim,

thou madman! Aye, with thy vile, craven soul

unam ex virginibus sociis sacraque caterva,

disturb the general cause. Extol the power

compellabat et has tristis Latonia voces

of a twice-vanquished people, and decry

535 ore dabat: Graditur bellum ad crudele Camilla,

Latinus' rival arms. From this time forth

O virgo, et nostris nequiquam cingitur armis,

let all the Myrmidonian princes cower

cara mihi ante alias. Neque enim novus iste Dianae

before the might of Troy; let Diomed

venit amor subitaque animum dulcedine movit.

and let Achilles tremble; let the stream

Pulsus ob invidiam regno viresque superbas

of Aufidus in panic backward flow

540 Priverno antiqua Metabus cum excederet urbe,

from Hadria's wave. But hear me when I say

infantem fugiens media inter proelia belli

that though his guilt and cunning feign to feel

sustulit exsilio comitem matrisque vocavit

fear of my vengeance, much embittering so

nomine Casmillae mutata parte Camillam.

his taunts and insult—such a life as his

Ipse sinu prae se portans iuga longa petebat

my sword disdains. O Drances, be at ease!

545 solorum nemorum: tela undique saeva premebant

In thy vile bosom let thy breath abide!

et circumfuso volitabant milite Volsci.

But now of thy grave counsel and thy cause,

Ecce fugae medio summis Amasenus abundans

O royal sire, I speak. If from this hour

spumabat ripis: tantus se nubibus imber

thou castest hope of armed success away,

ruperat. Ille, innare parans, infantis amore

if we be so unfriended that one rout

550 tardatur caroque oneri timet. Omnia secum

o'erwhelms us utterly, if Fortune's feet

versanti subito vix haec sententia sedit.

never turn backward, let us, then, for peace

Telum immane manu valida quod forte gerebat

offer petition, lifting to the foe

bellator, solidum nodis et robore cocto,

our feeble, suppliant hands. Yet would I pray

huic natam, libro et silvestri subere clausam,

some spark of manhood such as once we knew

555 implicat atque habilem mediae circumligat hastae;

were ours once more! I count him fortunate,

quam dextra ingenti librans ita ad aethera fatur:

and of illustrious soul beyond us all,

Alma, tibi hanc, nemorum cultrix, Latonia virgo,

who, rather than behold such things, has fallen

ipse pater famulam voveo; tua prima per auras

face forward, dead, his teeth upon the dust.

tela tenens supplex hostem fugit. Accipe, testor,

But if we still have power, and men-at-arms

560 diva tuam, quae nunc dubiis committitur auris.

unwasted and unscathed, if there survive

Dixit et adducto contortum hastile lacerto

Italian tribes and towns for help in war,

immittit: sonuere undae, rapidum super amnem

aye! if the Trojans have but won success

infelix fugit in iaculo stridente Camilla.

at bloody cost,—for they dig graves, I ween,

At Metabus, magna propius iam urgente caterva,

storm-smitten not less than we,—O, wherefore now

565 dat sese fluvio atque hastam cum virgine victor

stand faint and shameful on the battle's edge?

gramineo donum Triviae de caespite vellit.

Why quake our knees before the trumpet call?

Non illum tectis ullae, non moenibus urbes

Time and the toil of shifting, changeful days

accepere neque ipse manus feritate dedisset:

restore lost causes; ebbing tides of chance

pastorum et solis exegit montibus aevom.

deceive us oft, which after at their flood

570 Hic natam in dumis interque horrentia lustra

do lift us safe to shore. If aid come not

armentalis equae mammis et lacte ferino

from Diomed in Arpi, our allies

nutribat, teneris immulgens ubera labris.

shall be Mezentius and Tolumnius,

Utque pedum primis infans vestigia plantis

auspicious name, and many a chieftain sent

institerat, iaculo palmas armavit acuto

from many a tribe; not all inglorious

575 spiculaque ex umero parvae suspendit et arcum.

are Latium's warriors from Laurentian land!

Pro crinali auro, pro longae tegmine pallae

Hither the noble Volscian stem sends down

tigridis exuviae per dorsum a vertice pendent.

Camilla with her beauteous cavalry

Tela manu iam tum tenera puerilia torsit

in glittering brass arrayed. But if, forsooth,

et fundam tereti circum caput egit habena

the Trojans call me singly to the fight,

580 Strymoniamque gruem aut album deiecit olorem.

if this be what ye will, and I so much

Multae illam frustra Tyrrhena per oppida matres

the public weal impair—when from this sword

optavere nurum: sola contenta Diana

has victory seemed to fly away in scorn?

aeternum telorum et virginitatis amorem

I should not hopeless tread in honor's way

intemerata colit. Vellem haud correpta fuisset

whate'er the venture. Dauntless will I go

585 militia tali, conata lacessere Teucros:

though equal match for great Achilles, he,

cara mihi comitumque foret nunc una mearum.

and though he clothe him in celestial arms

Verum age, quandoquidem fatis urgetur acerbis,

in Vulcan's smithy wrought. I, Turnus, now,

abere, nympha, polo finisque invise Latinos,

not less than equal with great warriors gone,

tristis ubi infausto committitur omine pugna.

vow to Latinus, father of my bride,

590 Haec cape et ultricem pharetra deprome sagittam:

and to ye all, each drop of blood I owe.

hac quicumque sacrum violarit volnere corpus,

Me singly doth Aeneas call? I crave

Tros Italusque, mihi pariter det sanguine poenas.

that challenge. Drances is not called to pay

Post ego nube cava miserandae corpus et arma

the debt of death, if wrath from Heaven impend;

inspoliata feram tumulo patriaeque reponam.

nor his a brave man's name and fame to share.”

595 Dixit; at illa levis caeli delapsa per auras

Thus in their doubtful cause the chieftains strove.

insonuit, nigro circumdata turbine corpus.

Meanwhile Aeneas his assaulting line

At manus interea muris Troiana propinquat

moved forward. The ill tidings wildly sped

Etruscique duces equitumque exercitus omnis,

from royal hall to hall, and filled the town

compositi numero in turmas. Fremit aequore toto

with rumors dark: for now the Trojan host

600 insultans sonipes et pressis pugnat habenis

o'er the wide plains from Tiber's wave was spread

huc conversus et huc; tum late ferreus hastis

in close array of war. The people's soul

horret ager campique armis sublimibus ardent.

was vexed and shaken, and its martial rage

Nec non Messapus contra celeresque Latini

rose to the stern compulsion. Now for arms

et cum fratre Coras et virginis ala Camillae

their terror calls; the youthful soldiery

605 adversi campo apparent hastasque reductis

clamor for arms; the sires of riper days

protendunt longe dextris et spicula vibrant,

weep or repress their tears. On every side

adventusque virum fremitusque ardescit equorum.

loud shouts and cries of dissonant acclaim

Iamque intra iactum teli progressus uterque

trouble the air, as when in lofty grove

substiterat: subito erumpunt clamore furentisque

legions of birds alight, or by the flood

610 exhortantur equos; fundunt simul undique tela

of Padus' fishy stream the shrieking swans

crebra nivis ritu caelumque obtexitur umbra.

far o'er the vocal marish fling their song.

Continuo adversis Tyrrhenus et acer Aconteus

Then, seizing the swift moment, Turnus cried:

conixi incurrunt hastis primique ruina

“Once more, my countrymen,—ye sit in parle,

dant sonitum ingenti perfractaque quadrupedantum

lazily praising peace, while yonder foe

615 pectora pectoribus rumpunt: excussus Aconteus

speeds forth in arms our kingdom to obtain.”

fulminis in morem aut tormento ponderis acti

He spoke no more, but hied him in hot haste,

praecipitat longe et vitam dispergit in auras.

and from the housetop called, “Volusus, go!

Extemplo turbatae acies, versique Latini

Equip the Volscian companies! Lead forth

reiciunt parmas et equos ad moenia vertunt.

my Rutules also! O'er the spreading plain,

620 Troes agunt, princeps turmas inducit Asilas.

ye brothers Coras and Messapus range

Iamque propinquabant portis, rursusque Latini

our host of cavalry! Let others guard

clamorem tollunt et mollia colla reflectunt:

the city's gates and hold the walls and towers:

hi fugiunt penitusque datis referuntur habenis.

I and my followers elsewhere oppose

Qualis ubi alterno procurrens gurgite pontus

the shock of arms.” Now to and fro they run

625 nunc ruit ad terram scopulusque superiacit unda

to man the walls. Father Latinus quits—

spumeus extremamque sinu perfundit arenam,

the place of council and his large design,

nunc rapidus retro atque aestu revoluta resorbens

vexed and bewildered by the hour's distress.

saxa fugit litusque vado labente relinquit:

He blames his own heart that he did not ask

bis Tusci Rutulos egere ad moenia versos,

Trojan Aeneas for his daughter's Iord,

630 bis reiecti armis respectant terga tegentes.

and gain him for his kingdom's lasting friend.

Tertia sed postquam congressi in proelia totas

They dig them trenches at the gates, or lift

implicuere inter se acies legitque virum vir:

burden of stakes and stones. The horn's harsh note

tum vero et gemitus morientum et sanguine in alto

sounds forth its murderous signal for the war;

armaque corporaque et permixti caede virorum

striplings and women, in a motley ring,

635 semianimes volvuntur equi, pugna aspera surgit.

defend the ramparts; the decisive hour

Orsilochus Remuli, quando ipsum horrebat adire,

lays tasks on all. Upon the citadel

hastam intorsit equo ferrumque sub aure reliquit.

a train of matrons, with the doleful Queen,

Quo sonipes ictu furit arduus altaque iactat

toward Pallas' temple moves, and in their hand

vulneris impatiens arrecto pectore crura:

are gifts and offerings. See, at their side

640 volvitur ille excussus humi. Catillus Iollan

the maid Lavinia, cause of all these tears,

ingentemque animis, ingentem corpore et armis

drops down her lovely eyes! The incense rolls

deicit Herminium, nudo cui vertice fulva

in clouds above the altar; at the doors

caesaries nudique umeri, nec vulnera terrent:

with wailing voice the women make this prayer:

tantus in arma patet. Latos huic hasta per armos

“Tritonian virgin, arbitress of war!

645 acta tremit duplicatque virum transfixa dolore.

Break of thyself yon Phrygian robber's spear!

Funditur ater ubique cruor; dant funera ferro

Hurl him down dying in the dust! Spill forth

certantes pulchramque petunt per vulnera mortem.

his evil blood beneath our lofty towers!”

At medias inter caedes exsultat Amazon,

Fierce Turnus girds him, emulous to slay:

unum exserta latus pugnae, pharetrata Camilla,

a crimson coat of mail he wears, with scales

650 et nunc lenta manu spargens hastilia denset,

of burnished bronze; beneath his knees are bound

nunc validam dextra rapit indefessa bipennem;

the golden greaves; upon his naked brow

aureus ex umero sonat arcus et arma Dianae.

no helm he wears; but to his thigh is bound

Illa etiam in tergum, siquando pulsa recessit,

a glittering sword. Down from the citadel

spicula converso fugientia dirigit arcu.

runs he, a golden glory, in his heart

655 At circum lectae comites, Larinaque virgo

boldly exulting, while impatient hope

Tullaque et aeratam quatiens Tarpeia securem,

fore-counts his fallen foes. He seemed as when,

Italides, quas ipsa decus sibi dia Camilla

from pinfold bursting, breaking his strong chain,

delegit pacisque bonas bellique ministras:

th' untrammelled stallion ranges the wide field,

quales Threiciae cum flumina Thermodontis

or tries him to a herd of feeding mares,

660 pulsant et pictis bellantur Amazones armis

or to some cooling river-bank he knows,

seu circum Hippolyten, seu cum se Martia curru

most fierce and mettlesome; the streaming mane

Penthesilea refert, magnoque ululante tumultu

o'er neck and shoulder flies. Across his path

feminea exsultant lunatis agmina peltis.

Camilla with her Volscian escort came,

Quem telo primum, quem postremum, aspera virgo,

and at the city-gate the royal maid

665 deicis? Aut quot humi morientia corpora fundis?

down from her charger leaped; while all her band

Eunaeum Clitio primum patre, cuius apertum

at her example glided to the ground,

adversi longa transverberat abiete pectus:

their horses leaving. Thus the virgin spoke:

sanguinis ille vomens rivos cadit atque cruentam

“Turnus, if confidence beseem the brave,

mandit humum moriensque suo se in volnere versat.

I have no fear; but of myself do vow

670 Tum Lirim Pagasumque super; quorum alter habenas

to meet yon squadrons of Aeneadae

suffosso revolutus equo dum colligit, alter

alone, and front me to the gathered charge

dum subit ac dextram labenti tendit inermem,

of Tuscan cavalry. Let me alone

praecipites pariterque ruunt. His addit Amastrum

the war's first venture-prove. Take station, thou,

Hippotaden, sequiturque incumbens eminus hasta

here at the walls, this rampart to defend.”

675 Tereaque Harpalycumque et Demophoonta Chrominque;

With fixed eyes on the terror-striking maid,

quotque emissa manu contorsit spicula virgo,

Turnus replied, “O boast of Italy,

tot Phrygii cecidere viri. Procul Ornytus armis

O virgin bold! What praise, what gratitude

ignotis et equo venator Iapyge fertur,

can words or deeds repay? But since thy soul

cui pellis latos umeros erepta iuvenco

so large of stature shows, I bid thee share

680 pugnatori operit, caput ingens oris hiatus

my burden and my war. Our spies bring news

et malae texere lupi cum dentibus albis,

that now Aeneas with pernicious mind

agrestisque manus armat sparus; ipse catervis

sends light-armed horse before him, to alarm

vertitur in mediis et toto vertice supra est.

the plains below, while through the wilderness

Hunc illa exceptum, neque enim labor agmine verso,

he climbs the steep hills, and approaches so

685 traicit et super haec inimico pectore fatur:

our leaguered town. But I in sheltered grove

Silvis te, Tyrrhene, feras agitare putasti?

a stratagem prepare, and bid my men

Advenit qui vestra dies muliebribus armis

in ambush at a mountain cross-road lie.

verba redarguerit. Nomen tamen haud leve patrum

Meet thou the charge of Tuscan cavalry

manibus hoc referes, telo cecidisse Camillae.

with all thy banners. For auxiliar strength

690 Protinus Orsilochum et Buten, duo maxima Teucrum

take bold Messapus with his Latin troop

corpora, sed Buten aversum cuspide fixit

and King Tiburtus' men: but the command

loricam galeamque inter, qua colla sedentis

shall be thy task and care.” He spoke, and urged

lucent et laevo dependet parma lacerto,

with like instruction for the coming fray

Orsilochum fugiens magnumque agitata per orbem

Messapus and his captains; then advanced

695 eludit gyro interior sequiturque sequentem,

to meet the foe. There is a winding vale

tum validam perque arma viro perque ossa securim

for armed deception and insidious war

altior exsurgens oranti et multa precanti

well fashioned, and by interlacing leaves

congeminat: vulnus calido rigat ora cerebro.

screened darkly in; a small path thither leads,

Incidit huic subitoque aspectu territus haesit

through strait defile-a passage boding ill.

700 Appenninicolae bellator filius Auni,

Above it, on a mountain's lofty brow,

haud Ligurum extremus, dum fallere fata sinebant.

are points of outlook, level spaces fair,

Isque ubi se nullo iam cursu evadere pugnae

and many a safe, invisible retreat

posse neque instantem reginam avertere cernit,

from whence on either hand to challenge war,

consilio versare dolos ingressus et astu

or, standing on the ridges, to roll down

705 incipit haec: Quid tam egregium, si femina forti

huge mountain boulders. Thither Turnus fared,

fidis equo? Dimitte fugam et te comminus aequo

and, ranging the familiar tract, chose out

mecum crede solo pugnaeque adcinge pedestri:

his cunning ambush in the dangerous grove.

iam nosces, ventosa ferat cui gloria fraudem.

But now in dwellings of the gods on high,

Dixit, at illa furens acrique adcensa dolore

Diana to fleet-footed Opis called,

710 tradit equum comiti paribusque resistit in armis,

a virgin from her consecrated train,

ense pedes nudo puraque interrita parma.

and thus in sorrow spoke: “O maiden mine!

At iuvenis, vicisse dolo ratus, avolat ipse,

Camilla now to cruel conflict flies;

haud mora, conversisque fugax aufertur habenis

with weapons like my own she girds her side,

quadrupedemque citum ferrata calce fatigat.

in vain, though dearest of all nymphs to me.

715 Vane Ligus frustraque animis elate superbis,

Nor is it some new Iove that stirs to-day

nequiquam patrias temptasti lubricus artis,

with sudden sweetness in Diana's breast:

nec fraus te incolumem fallaci perferet Auno,

for long ago, when from his kingdom driven,

haec fatur virgo et pernicibus ignea plantis

for insolent and envied power, her sire

transit equum cursu frenisque adversa prehensis

King Metabus, from old Privernum's wall

720 congreditur poenasque inimico ex sanguine sumit:

was taking flight amidst opposing foes,

quam facile accipiter saxo sacer ales ab alto

he bore a little daughter in his arms

consequitur pennis sublimem in nube columbam

to share his exile; and he called the child

comprensamque tenet pedibusque eviscerat uncis;

(Changing Casmilla, her queen-mother's name)

tum cruor et vulsae labuntur ab aethere plumae.

Camilla. Bearing on his breast the babe,

The Death of Camilla

725 At non haec nullis hominum sator atque deorum

he fled to solitary upland groves.

observans oculis summo sedet altus Olympo:

But hovering round him with keen lances, pressed

Tyrrhenum genitor Tarchonem in proelia saeva

the Volscian soldiery. Across his path,

suscitat et stimulis haud mollibus incitat iras.

lo, Amasenus with full-foaming wave

Ergo inter caedes cedentiaque agmina Tarchon

o'erflowed its banks—so huge a rain had burst

730 fertur equo variisque instigat vocibus alas,

but lately from the clouds. There would he fain

nomine quemque vocans, reficitque in proelia pulsos.

swim over, but the love of that sweet babe

Quis metus, O numquam dolituri, O semper inertes

restrained him, trembling for his burden dear.

Tyrrheni, quae tanta animis ignavia venit?

In his perplexed heart suddenly arose

Femina palantis agit atque haec agmina vertit!

firm resolve. It chanced the warrior bore

735 Quo ferrum quidve haec gerimus tela inrita dextris?

huge spear in his brawny hand, strong shaft

At non in Venerem segnes nocturnaque bella

of knotted, seasoned oak; to this he lashed

aut ubi curva choros indixit tibia Bacchi,

his little daughter with a withe of bark

exspectate dapes et plenae pocula mensae,

pulled from a cork-tree, and with skilful bonds

hic amor, hoc studium, dum sacra secundus haruspex

fast bound her to the spear; then, poising it

740 nuntiet ac lucos vocet hostia pinguis in altos!

high in his right hand, thus he called on Heaven:

Haec effatus equum in medios, moriturus et ipse,

‘Latona's daughter, whose benignant grace

concitat et Venulo adversum se turbidus infert

protects this grove, behold, her father now

dereptumque ab equo dextra complectitur hostem

gives thee this babe for handmaid! Lo, thy spear

et gremium ante suum multa vi concitus aufert.

her infant fingers hold, as from her foes

745 Tollitur in caelum clamor, cunctique Latini

she flies a suppliant to thee! Receive,

convertere oculos. Volat igneus aequore Tarchon

O goddess, I implore, what now I cast

arma virumque ferens; tum summa ipsius ab hasta

upon the perilous air.’—He spoke, and hurled

defringit ferrum et partis rimatur apertas,

with lifted arm the whirling shaft. The waves

qua vulnus letale ferat; contra ille repugnans

roared loud, as on the whistling javelin

750 sustinet a iugulo dextram et vim viribus exit.

hapless Camilla crossed th' impetuous flood.

Utque volans alte raptum cum fulva draconem

But Metabus, his foes in hot pursuit,

fert aquila implicuitque pedes atque unguibus haesit,

dared plunge him in mid-stream, and, triumphing,

saucius at serpens sinuosa volumina versat

soon plucked from grass-grown river-bank the spear,

adrectisque horret squamis et sibilat ore,

the child upon it,—now to Trivia vowed,

755 arduus insurgens; illa haud minus urget obunco

a virgin offering. Him nevermore

luctantem rostro, simul aethera verberat alis:

could cities hold, nor would his wild heart yield

haud aliter praedam Tiburtum ex agmine Tarchon

its sylvan freedom, but his days were passed

portat ovans. Ducis exemplum eventumque secuti

with shepherds on the solitary hills.

Maeonidae incurrunt. Tum fatis debitus Arruns

His daughter too in tangled woods he bred:

760 velocem iaculo et multa prior arte Camillam

a brood-mare from the milk of her fierce breast

circuit et quae sit fortuna facillima, temptat.

suckled the child, and to its tender lips

Qua se cumque furens medio tulit agmine virgo,

.Her udders moved; and when the infant feet

hac Arruns subit et tacitus vestigia lustrat;

their first firm steps had taken, the small palms

qua victrix redit illa pedemque ex hoste reportat,

were armed with a keen javelin; her sire

765 hac iuvenis furtim celeris detorquet habenas.

a bow and quiver from her shoulder slung.

Hos aditus iamque hos aditus omnemque pererrat

Instead of golden combs and flowing pall,

undique circuitum et certam quatit improbus hastam.

she wore, from her girl-forehead backward thrown,

Forte sacer Cybelo Chloreus olimque sacerdos

the whole skin of a tigress; with soft hands

insignis longe Phrygiis fulgebat in armis

she made her plaything of a whirling spear,

770 spumantemque agitabat equum, quem pellis aënis

or, swinging round her head the polished thong

in plumam squamis auro conserta tegebat.

of her good sling, she fetched from distant sky

Ipse, peregrina ferrugine clarus et ostro,

Strymonian cranes or swans of spotless wing.

spicula torquebat Lycio Gortynia cornu;

From Tuscan towns proud matrons oft in vain

aureus ex umeris erat arcus et aurea vati

sought her in marriage for their sons; but she

775 cassida; tum croceam chlamydemque sinusque crepantis

to Dian only turned her stainless heart,

carbaseos fulvo in nodum collegerat auro

her virgin freedom and her huntress' arms

pictus acu tunicas et barbara tegmina crurum.

with faithful passion serving. Would that now

Hunc virgo, sive ut templis praefigeret arma

this Iove of war had ne'er seduced her mind

Troïa, captivo sive ut se ferret in auro

the Teucrians to provoke! So might she be

780 venatrix, unum ex omni certamine pugnae

one of our wood-nymphs still. But haste, I pray,

caeca sequebatur totumque incauta per agmen

for bitter is her now impending doom.

femineo praedae et spoliorum ardebat amore,

Descend, dear nymph, from heaven, and explore

telum ex insidiis cum tandem tempore capto

the country of the Latins, where the fight

concitat et superos Arruns sic voce precatur:

with unpropitious omens now begins.

785 Summe deum, sancti custos Soractis Apollo,

These weapons take, and from this quiver draw

quem primi colimus, cui pineus ardor acervo

a vengeful arrow, wherewith he who dares

pascitur et medium freti pietate per ignem

to wound her sacred body, though he be

cultores multa premimus vestigia pruna,

a Trojan or Italian, shall receive

da, pater, hoc nostris aboleri dedecus armis,

bloody and swift reward at my command.

790 omnipotens. Non exuvias pulsaeve tropaeum

Then, in a cloud concealed, I will consign

virginis aut spolia ulla peto (mihi cetera laudem

her corpse, ill-fated but inviolate

facta ferent): haec dira meo dum vulnere pestis

unto the sepulchre, restoring so

pulsa cadat, patrias remeabo inglorius urbes.

the virgin to her native land.” Thus spake

Audiit et voti Phoebus succedere partem

the goddess; but her handmaid, gliding down,

795 mente dedit, partem volucris dispersit in auras:

took her loud pathway on the moving winds,

sterneret ut subita turbatam morte Camillam,

and mantled in dark storm her shape divine.

adnuit oranti; reducem ut patria alta videret,

Meanwhile the Teucrian legions to the wall

non dedit, inque Notos vocem vertere procellae.

draw near, with Tuscan lords and cavalry

Ergo ut missa manu sonitum dedit hasta per auras,

in numbered troops arrayed. Loud-footed steeds

800 convertere animos acris oculosque tulere

prance o'er the field, to manage of the rein

cuncti ad reginam Volsci. Nihil ipsa nec aurae

rebellious, but turned deftly here or there.

nec sonitus memor aut venientis ab aethere teli,

The iron harvest of keen spears spreads far,

hasta sub exsertam donec perlata papillam

and all the plain burns bright with lifted steel.

haesit virgineumque alte bibit acta cruorem.

Messapus and swift Latin cavalry,

805 Concurrunt trepidae comites dominamque ruentem

Coras his brother, and th' attending train

suscipiunt. Fugit ante omnis exterritus Arruns,

of the fair maid Camilla, form their lines

laetitia mixtoque metu, nec iam amplius hastae

in the opposing field. Their poised right hands

credere nec telis occurrere virginis audet.

point the long lances forward, and light shafts

Ac velut ille, prius quam tela inimica sequantur,

are brandished in the air; the warrior hosts

810 continuo in montis sese avius abdidit altos

on steeds of fire come kindling as they ride.

occiso pastore lupus magnove iuvenco,

One instant, at a spear-throw's space, each line

conscius audacis facti, caudamque remulcens

its motion stays; then with one sudden cry

subiecit pavitantem utero silvasque petivit:

they rush forth, spurring on each frenzied steed.

haud secus ex oculis se turbidus abstulit Arruns

From-every side the multitudinous spears

815 contentusque fuga mediis se immiscuit armis.

pour down like snowflakes, mantling heaven in shade.

Illa manu moriens telum trahit, ossa sed inter

Now with contending spears and straining thews,

ferreus ad costas alto stat vulnere mucro:

Tyrrhenus, and Aconteus, champion bold,

labitur exsanguis, labuntur frigida leto

ride forward; with the onset terrible

lumina, purpureus quondam color ora reliquit.

loudly their armor rings; their chargers twain

820 Tum sic exspirans Accam ex aequalibus unam

crash breast to breast, and like a thunderbolt

adloquitur fidam ante alias, quae sola Camillae,

Aconteus drops, or like a ponderous stone

quicum partiri curas; atque haec ita fatur:

hurled from a catapult; full length he falls,

Hactenus, Acca soror, potui: nunc vulnus acerbum

surrend'ring to the winds his fleeting soul.

conficit, et tenebris nigrescunt omnia circum.

Now all is panic: holding their light shields

825 Effuge et haec Turno mandata novissima perfer:

behind their backs, the Latin horse wheel round,

succedat pugnae Troianosque arceat urbe.

retreating to the wall, the Trojan foe

Iamque vale. Simul his dictis linquebat habenas,

in close pursuit. Asilas, chieftain proud,

ad terram non sponte fluens. Tum frigida toto

led on th' assault. Hard by the city gates

paulatim exsolvit se corpore lentaque colla

the Latins wheeled once more and pressed the rein

830 et captum leto posuit caput, arma relinquunt,

strong on the yielding neck; the charging foe

vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.

took flight and hurried far with loose-flung rein.

Tum vero immensus surgens ferit aurea clamor

'T was like the shock and onset of the sea

sidera: deiecta crudescit pugna Camilla,

that landward hurls the alternating flood

incurrunt densi simul omnis copia Teucrum

and hides high cliffs in foam,—the tawny sands

835 Tyrrhenique duces Evandrique Arcades alae.

upflinging as it rolls; then, suddenly

The Rout and Turnus's Ambush Abandoned

At Triviae custos iamdudum in montibus Opis

whirled backward on the reingulfing waves,

alta sedet summis spectatque interrita pugnas.

it quits the ledges, and with ebbing flow

Utque procul medio iuvenum in clamore furentum

far from the shore retires. The Tuscans twice

prospexit tristi multatam morte Camillam,

drive back the flying Rutules to the town;

840 ingemuitque deditque has imo pectore voces:

and twice repulsed, with shields to rearward thrown,

Heu nimium, virgo, nimium crudele luisti

glare back at the pursuer; but conjoined

supplicium, Teucros conata lacessere bello!

in the third battle-charge, both armies merge

Nec tibi desertae in dumis coluisse Dianam

confusedly together in grim fight

profuit aut nostras umero gessisse sagittas.

of man to man; then follow dying groans,

845 Non tamen indecorem tua te regina reliquit

armor blood-bathed and corpses, and strong steeds

extrema iam in morte, neque hoc sine nomine letum

inextricably with their masters slain,

per gentis erit aut famam patieris inultae.

so fierce the fray. Orsilochus—afraid

Nam quicumque tuum violavit vulnere corpus,

to front the warrior's arms—launched forth a spear

morte luet merita. Fuit ingens monte sub alto

at Remulus' horse, and left the fatal steel

850 regis Dercenni terreno ex aggere bustum

clinging below its ear; the charger plunged

antiqui Laurentis opacaque ilice tectum:

madly, and tossed its trembling hoofs in air,

hic dea se primum rapido pulcherrima nisu

sustaining not the wound; the rider fell,

sistit et Arruntem tumulo speculatur ab alto.

flung headlong to the ground. Catillus slew

Ut vidit laetantem animis ac vana tumentem,

Iollas; and then struck Herminius down,

855 Cur, inquit, diversus abis? Huc dirige gressum,

great-bodied and great-hearted, who could wield

huc periture veni, capias ut digna Camillae

a monster weapon, and whose yellow hair

praemia. Tune etiam telis moriere Dianae?

from naked head to naked shoulder flowed.

dixit, et aurata volucrem Threissa sagittam

By wounds unterrified he dared oppose

deprompsit pharetra cornuque infensa tetendit

his huge bulk to the foe: the quivering spear

860 et duxit longe, donec curvata coirent

pierced to his broad back, and with throes of pain

inter se capita et manibus iam tangeret aequis,

bowed the man double and clean clove him through.

laeva aciem ferri, dextra nervoque papillam.

Wide o'er the field th' ensanguined horror flowed,

Extemplo teli stridorem aurasque sonantis

where fatal swords were crossed and cut their way

audiit una Arruns, haesitque in corpore ferrum.

through many a wound to famous death and fair.

865 Illum exspirantem socii atque extrema gementem

Swift through the midmost slaughter proudly strides

obliti ignoto camporum in pulvere linquunt,

the quiver-girt Camilla, with one breast

Opis ad aetherium pennis aufertur Olympum.

thrust naked to the fight, like Amazon.

Prima fugit domina amissa levis ala Camillae;

Oft from her hand her pliant shafts she rains,

turbati fugiunt Rutuli, fugit acer Atinas

or whirls with indefatigable arm

870 disiectique duces desolatique manipli

a doughty battle-axe; her shoulder bears

tuta petunt et equis aversi ad moenia tendunt.

Diana's sounding arms and golden bow.

Nec quisquam instantis Teucros letumque ferentis

Sometimes retreating and to flight compelled,

sustentare valet telis aut sistere contra,

the maiden with a rearward-pointing bow

sed laxos referunt umeris languentibus arcus,

shoots arrows as she flies. Around her move

875 quadrupedumque putrem cursu quatit ungula campum.

her chosen peers, Larina, virgin brave,

Volvitur ad muros caligine turbidus atra

Tarpeia, brandishing an axe of bronze,

pulvis, et e speculis percussae pectora matres

and Tulla, virgins out of Italy

femineum clamorem ad caeli sidera tollunt.

whom the divine Camilla chose to be

Qui cursu portas primi inrupere patentis,

her glory, each a faithful servitress

880 hos inimica super mixto premit agmine turba;

in days of peace or war. The maids of Thrace

nec miseram effugiunt mortem, sed limine in ipso,

ride thus along Thermodon's frozen flood,

moenibus in patriis atque inter tuta domorum

and fight with blazoned Amazonian arms

confixi exspirant animas. Pars claudere portas:

around Hippolyta; or when returns

nec sociis aperire viam nec moenibus audent

Penthesilea in triumphal car

885 accipere orantis, oriturque miserrima caedes

'mid acclamations shrill, and all her host

defendentum armis aditus inque arma ruentum.

of women clash in air the moon-shaped shield.

Exclusi ante oculos lacrumantumque ora parentum

What warrior first, whom last, did thy strong spear,

pars in praecipitis fossas urgente ruina

fierce virgin, earthward fling? Or what thy tale

volvitur, immissis pars caeca et concita frenis

of prostrate foes laid gasping on the ground?

890 arietat in portas et duros obice postis.

Eunaeus first, the child of Clytius' Ioins,

Ipsae de muris summo certamine matres,

whose bared breast, as he faced his foe, she pierced

monstrat amor verus patriae, ut videre Camillam,

with fir-tree javelin; from his lips outpoured

tela manu trepidae iaciunt ac robore duro

the blood-stream as he fell; and as he bit

stipitibus ferrum sudibusque imitantur obustis

the gory dust, he clutched his mortal wound.

895 praecipites primaeque mori pro moenibus ardent.

Then Liris, and upon him Pagasus

Interea Turnum in silvis saevissimus implet

she slew: the one clung closer to the reins

nuntius, et iuveni ingentem fert Acca tumultum:

of his stabbed horse, and rolled off on the ground;

deletas Volscorum acies, cecidisse Camillam,

the other, flying to his fallen friend,

ingruere infensos hostis et Marte secundo

reached out a helpless hand; so both of these

900 omnia corripuisse, metum iam ad moenia ferri.

fell on swift death together. Next in line

Ille furens, et saeva Iovis sic numina pellunt,

she smote Amastrus, son of Hippotas;

deserit obsessos collis, nemora aspera linquit.

then, swift-pursuing, pierced with far-flung spear

Vix e conspectu exierat campumque tenebat,

Tereus, Harpalycus, Demophoon,

cum pater Aeneas saltus ingressus apertos

and Chromis; every shaft the virgin threw

905 exsuperatque iugum silvaque evadit opaca.

laid low its Phrygian warrior. From afar

Sic ambo ad muros rapidi totoque feruntur

rode Ornytus on his Apulian steed,

agmine nec longis inter se passibus absunt;

bearing a hunter's uncouth arms; for cloak

ac simul Aeneas fumantis pulvere campos

he wore upon his shoulders broad a hide

prospexit longe Laurentiaque agmina vidit,

from some wild bull stripped off; his helmet was

910 et saevum Aenean adgnovit Turnus in armis

a wolf's great, gaping mouth, with either jaw

adventumque pedum flatusque audivit equorum.

full of white teeth; the weapon in his hand,

Continuoque ineant pugnas et proelia temptent,

a farmer's pole. He strode into the throng,

ni roseus fessos iam gurgite Phoebus Hibero

head taller than them all. But him she seized

tinguat equos noctemque die labente reducat:

and clove him through (his panic-stricken troop

915 considunt castris ante urbem et moenia vallant.

gave her advantage), and with wrathful heart

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Manuscript Sources

Digitised manuscripts and papyri containing this text.

Vergilius Vaticanus (Vat. lat. 3225)
c. 400 CE

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One of only three illustrated ancient manuscripts to survive from the classical world. Painted in Rome around 400 CE, its miniatures show scenes from the Aeneid and Georgics in a style that bridges Roman wall-painting and the medieval tradition. Only 76 leaves survive from an original estimated at over 400.

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City · Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (DigiVatLib) · Free access for study

Vergilius Romanus (Vat. lat. 3867)
5th century CE

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A complete text of the Aeneid from the 5th century, with 19 full-page miniatures in gold-leaf frames. The illustrations are cruder than the Vaticanus but fascinating — they show how late-antique artists imagined Virgil's scenes. One of the most important surviving witnesses to the complete poem.

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City · Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (DigiVatLib) · Free access for study

Vergilius Palatinus (Pal. lat. 1631)
c. 500 CE

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A late-antique manuscript containing all three of Virgil's major works: Eclogues, Georgics, and Aeneid. Written around 500 CE, it came from Lorsch Monastery in Germany and is now split between the Vatican and Heidelberg. An important witness because it preserves some readings lost in other traditions.

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City (from Lorsch Monastery) · Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (DigiVatLib) · Free access for study

P. Berlin 21138 — Bilingual Aeneid
450-499 CE

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A papyrus codex from Egypt with the Latin text of the Aeneid and a Greek translation written between the lines. Evidence of how the poem was studied in the Greek-speaking eastern Empire during the 5th century. Laid out in four columns with 362 surviving lines from Books 1 and 2.

Agyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin · Berlin Papyrus Database (BerlPap) · CC BY 3.0

P. Berlin 21299 — Aeneid Book 10
4th century CE

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A 4th-century papyrus fragment preserving part of Aeneid Book 10, including the death of Mezentius. Found in Egypt, it shows Latin literature circulating far from Rome. The handwriting suggests a professional scribe rather than a student exercise.

Agyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin · Berlin Papyrus Database (BerlPap) · CC BY 3.0

O. Claud. I 190 — Mons Claudianus Ostracon
100-120 CE

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The oldest surviving witness to Virgil's text. Scratched onto a pottery shard at a Roman quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, around 100–120 CE — within a generation of when our earliest Aeneid manuscripts were being copied. A soldier or worker wrote out the opening lines of the Aeneid, probably from memory.

Qift Archaeological Storeroom, Egypt · Nakala (IIIF) · CC BY 3.0

P. Ryl. Gr. 478 — Manchester Bilingual Aeneid
4th century CE

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A school exercise book from 4th-century Egypt. A student copied out passages from the Aeneid in Latin with a Greek crib alongside — homework that survived nearly two millennia. Now in the John Rylands Library, Manchester.

University of Manchester Library, John Rylands Collection · University of Manchester (John Rylands Collection) · CC BY 3.0

Greenough 1881

Greenough, Ginn and Company, 1881 · 1881

The Editor

James Bradstreet Greenough (1833–1901) was Professor of Latin at Harvard University and one of the most influential American Latinists of the 19th century. He is best remembered for Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar (1888), which became the standard Latin grammar textbook in American schools and universities for over a century. His edition of Virgil, produced with collaborators for the American classroom, combined a reliable text with extensive commentary aimed at students.

About This Edition

Greenough's Virgil, published by Ginn and Company (1881), is a school/university text rather than a critical edition in the Teubner or OCT sense. It does not present an independent critical apparatus but follows the best available text of its time, with editorial choices aimed at clarity for students. For a pure critical text of Virgil, the OCT editions by Mynors (Aeneid, 1969; revised 1972) and Clausen (Eclogues, 1994) should be preferred. Greenough's text remains historically interesting as one of the first major American contributions to Virgilian scholarship.