The Wound
At regina gravi iamdudum saucia cura
Now felt the Queen the sharp, slow-gathering pangs
volnus alit venis, et caeco carpitur igni.
of love; and out of every pulsing vein
Multa viri virtus animo, multusque recursat
nourished the wound and fed its viewless fire.
gentis honos: haerent infixi pectore voltus
Her hero's virtues and his lordly line
5
verbaque, nec placidam membris dat cura quietem.
keep calling to her soul; his words, his glance,
Postera Phoebea lustrabat lampade terras,
cling to her heart like lingering, barbed steel,
umentemque Aurora polo dimoverat umbram,
and rest and peace from her vexed body fly.
cum sic unanimam adloquitur male sana sororem:
A new day's dawn with Phoebus' lamp divine
Anna soror, quae me suspensam insomnia terrent!
lit up all lands, and from the vaulted heaven
10
Quis novus hic nostris successit sedibus hospes,
Aurora had dispelled the dark and dew;
quem sese ore ferens, quam forti pectore et armis!
when thus unto the ever-answering heart
Credo equidem, nec vana fides, genus esse deorum.
of her dear sister spoke the stricken Queen:
Degeneres animos timor arguit: heu, quibus ille
“Anna, my sister, what disturbing dreams
iactatus fatis! Quae bella exhausta canebat!
perplex me and alarm? What guest is this
15
Si mihi non animo fixum immotumque sederet,
new-welcomed to our house? How proud his mien!
ne cui me vinclo vellem sociare iugali,
What dauntless courage and exploits of war!
postquam primus amor deceptam morte fefellit;
Sooth, I receive it for no idle tale
si non pertaesum thalami taedaeque fuisset,
that of the gods he sprang. 'T is cowardice
huic uni forsan potui succumbere culpae.
betrays the base-born soul. Ah me! How fate
20
Anna, fatebor enim, miseri post fata Sychaei
has smitten him with storms! What dire extremes
coniugis et sparsos fraterna caede Penatis,
of war and horror in his tale he told!
solus hic inflexit sensus, animumque labantem
O, were it not immutably resolved
impulit: adgnosco veteris vestigia flammae.
in my fixed heart, that to no shape of man
Sed mihi vel tellus optem prius ima dehiscat,
I would be wed again (since my first love
25
vel Pater omnipotens adigat me fulmine ad umbras,
left me by death abandoned and betrayed);
pallentis umbras Erebi noctemque profundam,
loathed I not so the marriage torch and train,
ante, Pudor, quam te violo, aut tua iura resolvo.
I could—who knows?—to this one weakness yield.
Ille meos, primus qui me sibi iunxit, amores
Anna, I hide it not! But since the doom
abstulit; ille habeat secum servetque sepulchro.
of my ill-starred Sichaeus, when our shrines
30
Sic effata sinum lacrimis implevit obortis.
were by a brother's murder dabbled o'er,
Anna refert: O luce magis dilecta sorori,
this man alone has moved me; he alone
solane perpetua maerens carpere iuventa,
has shaken my weak will. I seem to feel
nec dulcis natos, Veneris nec praemia noris?
the motions of love's lost, familiar fire.
Id cinerem aut Manis credis curare sepultos?
But may the earth gape open where I tread,
35
Esto: aegram nulli quondam flexere mariti,
and may almighty Jove with thunder-scourge
non Libyae, non ante Tyro; despectus Iarbas
hurl me to Erebus' abysmal shade,
ductoresque alii, quos Africa terra triumphis
to pallid ghosts and midnight fathomless,
dives alit: placitone etiam pugnabis amori?
before, O Chastity! I shall offend
Nec venit in mentem, quorum consederis arvis?
thy holy power, or cast thy bonds away!
40
Hinc Gaetulae urbes, genus insuperabile bello,
He who first mingled his dear life with mine
et Numidae infreni cingunt et inhospita Syrtis;
took with him all my heart. 'T is his alone —
hinc deserta siti regio, lateque furentes
o, let it rest beside him in the grave!”
Barcaei. Quid bella Tyro surgentia dicam,
She spoke: the bursting tears her breast o'erflowed.
germanique minas?
“O dearer to thy sister than her life,”
45
Dis equidem auspicibus reor et Iunone secunda
Anna replied, “wouldst thou in sorrow's weed
hunc cursum Iliacas vento tenuisse carinas.
waste thy long youth alone, nor ever know
Quam tu urbem, soror, hanc cernes, quae surgere regna
sweet babes at thine own breast, nor gifts of love?
coniugio tali! Teucrum comitantibus armis
Will dust and ashes, or a buried ghost
Punica se quantis attollet gloria rebus!
reck what we do? 'T is true thy grieving heart
50
Tu modo posce deos veniam, sacrisque litatis
was cold to earlier wooers, Libya's now,
indulge hospitio, causasque innecte morandi,
and long ago in Tyre. Iarbas knew
dum pelago desaevit hiemps et aquosus Orion,
thy scorn, and many a prince and captain bred
quassataeque rates, dum non tractabile caelum.
in Afric's land of glory. Why resist
His dictis incensum animum inflammavit amore,
a love that makes thee glad? Hast thou no care
55
spemque dedit dubiae menti, solvitque pudorem.
what alien lands are these where thou dost reign?
Principio delubra adeunt, pacemque per aras
Here are Gaetulia's cities and her tribes
exquirunt; mactant lectas de more bidentis
unconquered ever; on thy borders rove
legiferae Cereri Phoeboque patrique Lyaeo,
Numidia's uncurbed cavalry; here too
Iunoni ante omnis, cui vincla iugalia curae.
lies Syrtis' cruel shore, and regions wide
60
Ipsa, tenens dextra pateram, pulcherrima Dido
of thirsty desert, menaced everywhere
candentis vaccae media inter cornua fundit,
by the wild hordes of Barca. Shall I tell
aut ante ora deum pinguis spatiatur ad aras,
of Tyre's hostilities, the threats and rage
instauratque diem donis, pecudumque reclusis
of our own brother? Friendly gods, I bow,
pectoribus inhians spirantia consulit exta.
wafted the Teucrian ships, with Juno's aid,
65
Heu vatum ignarae mentes! quid vota furentem,
to these our shores. O sister, what a throne,
quid delubra iuvant? Est mollis flamma medullas
and what imperial city shall be thine,
interea, et tacitum vivit sub pectore volnus.
if thus espoused! With Trojan arms allied
Uritur infelix Dido, totaque vagatur
how far may not our Punic fame extend
urbe furens, qualis coniecta cerva sagitta,
in deeds of power? Call therefore on the gods
70
quam procul incautam nemora inter Cresia fixit
to favor thee; and, after omens fair,
pastor agens telis, liquitque volatile ferrum
give queenly welcome, and contrive excuse
nescius; illa fuga silvas saltusque peragrat
to make him tarry, while yon wintry seas
Dictaeos; haeret lateri letalis arundo.
are loud beneath Orion's stormful star,
Nunc media Aenean secum per moenia ducit,
and on his battered ships the season frowns.”
75
Sidoniasque ostentat opes urbemque paratam;
So saying, she stirred a passion-burning breast
incipit effari, mediaque in voce resistit;
to Iove more madly still; her words infused
nunc eadem labente die convivia quaerit,
a doubting mind with hope, and bade the blush
Iliacosque iterum demens audire labores
of shame begone. First to the shrines they went
exposcit, pendetque iterum narrantis ab ore.
and sued for grace; performing sacrifice,
80
Post, ubi digressi, lumenque obscura vicissim
choosing an offering of unblemished ewes,
luna premit suadentque cadentia sidera somnos,
to law-bestowing Ceres, to the god
sola domo maeret vacua, stratisque relictis
of light, to sire Lyeus, Iord of wine;
incubat, illum absens absentem auditque videtque;
but chiefly unto Juno, patroness
aut gremio Ascanium, genitoris imagine capta,
of nuptial vows. There Dido, beauteous Queen
85
detinet, infandum si fallere possit amorem.
held forth in her right hand the sacred bowl
Non coeptae adsurgunt turres, non arma iuventus
and poured it full between the lifted horns
exercet, portusve aut propugnacula bello
of the white heifer; or on temple floors
tuta parant; pendent opera interrupta, minaeque
she strode among the richly laden shrines,
murorum ingentes aequataque machina caelo.
the eyes of gods upon her, worshipping
The Cave
90
Quam simul ac tali persensit peste teneri
with many a votive gift; or, peering deep
cara Iovis coniunx, nec famam obstare furori,
into the victims' cloven sides, she read
talibus adgreditur Venerem Saturnia dictis:
the fate-revealing tokens trembling there.
Egregiam vero laudem et spolia ampla refertis
How blind the hearts of prophets be! Alas!
tuque puerque tuus, magnum et memorabile numen,
Of what avail be temples and fond prayers
95
una dolo divom si femina victa duorum est!
to change a frenzied mind? Devouring ever,
Nec me adeo fallit veritam te moenia nostra
love's fire burns inward to her bones; she feels
suspectas habuisse domos Karthaginis altae.
quick in her breast the viewless, voiceless wound.
Sed quis erit modus, aut quo nunc certamine tanto?
Ill-fated Dido ranges up and down
Quin potius pacem aeternam pactosque hymenaeos
the spaces of her city, desperate
100
exercemus? Habes, tota quod mente petisti:
her life one flame—like arrow-stricken doe
ardet amans Dido, traxitque per ossa furorem.
through Cretan forest rashly wandering,
Communem hunc ergo populum paribusque regamus
pierced by a far-off shepherd, who pursues
auspiciis; liceat Phrygio servire marito,
with shafts, and leaves behind his light-winged steed,
dotalisque tuae Tyrios permittere dextrae.
not knowing; while she scours the dark ravines
105
Olli—sensit enim simulata mente locutam,
of Dicte and its woodlands; at her heart
quo regnum Italiae Libycas averteret oras—
the mortal barb irrevocably clings.
sic contra est ingressa Venus: Quis talia demens
around her city's battlements she guides
abnuat, aut tecum malit contendere bello,
aeneas, to make show of Sidon's gold,
si modo, quod memoras, factum fortuna sequatur.
and what her realm can boast; full oft her voice
110
Sed fatis incerta feror, si Iuppiter unam
essays to speak and frembling dies away:
esse velit Tyriis urbem Troiaque profectis,
or, when the daylight fades, she spreads anew
miscerive probet populos, aut foedera iungi.
a royal banquet, and once more will plead
Tu coniunx tibi fas animum temptare precando.
mad that she is, to hear the Trojan sorrow;
Perge; sequar. Tum sic excepit regia Iuno:
and with oblivious ravishment once more
115
Mecum erit iste labor: nunc qua ratione, quod instat
hangs on his lips who tells; or when her guests
confieri possit, paucis, adverte, docebo.
are scattered, and the wan moon's fading horn
Venatum Aeneas unaque miserrima Dido
bedims its ray, while many a sinking star
in nemus ire parant, ubi primos crastinus ortus
invites to slumber, there she weeps alone
extulerit Titan, radiisque retexerit orbem.
in the deserted hall, and casts her down
120
His ego nigrantem commixta grandine nimbum,
on the cold couch he pressed. Her love from far
dum trepidant alae, saltusque indagine cingunt,
beholds her vanished hero and receives
desuper infundam, et tonitru caelum omne ciebo.
his voice upon her ears; or to her breast,
Diffugient comites et nocte tegentur opaca:
moved by a father's image in his child,
speluncam Dido dux et Troianus eandem
she clasps Ascanius, seeking to deceive
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devenient; adero, et, tua si mihi certa voluntas,
her unblest passion so. Her enterprise
conubio iungam stabili propriamque dicabo,
of tower and rampart stops: her martial host
hic hymenaeus erit.—Non adversata petenti
no Ionger she reviews, nor fashions now
adnuit, atque dolis risit Cytherea repertis.
defensive haven and defiant wall;
Oceanum interea surgens Aurora reliquit.
but idly all her half-built bastions frown,
130
It portis iubare exorto delecta iuventus;
and enginery of sieges, high as heaven.
retia rara, plagae, lato venabula ferro,
But soon the chosen spouse of Jove perceived
Massylique ruunt equites et odora canum vis.
the Queen's infection; and because the voice
Reginam thalamo cunctantem ad limina primi
of honor to such frenzy spoke not, she,
Poenorum exspectant, ostroque insignis et auro
daughter of Saturn, unto Venus turned
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stat sonipes, ac frena ferox spumantia mandit.
and counselled thus: “How noble is the praise,
Tandem progreditur, magna stipante caterva,
how glorious the spoils of victory,
Sidoniam picto chlamydem circumdata limbo.
for thee and for thy boy! Your names should be
Cui pharetra ex auro, crines nodantur in aurum,
in lasting, vast renown—that by the snare
aurea purpuream subnectit fibula vestem.
of two great gods in league one woman fell!
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Nec non et Phrygii comites et laetus Iulus
it 'scapes me not that my protected realms
incedunt. Ipse ante alios pulcherrimus omnis
have ever been thy fear, and the proud halls
infert se socium Aeneas atque agmina iungit.
of Carthage thy vexation and annoy.
Qualis ubi hibernam Lyciam Xanthique fluenta
Why further go? Prithee, what useful end
deserit ac Delum maternam invisit Apollo,
has our long war? Why not from this day forth
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instauratque choros, mixtique altaria circum
perpetual peace and nuptial amity?
Cretesque Dryopesque fremunt pictique Agathyrsi;
Hast thou not worked thy will? Behold and see
ipse iugis Cynthi graditur, mollique fluentem
how Iove-sick Dido burns, and all her flesh
fronde premit crinem fingens atque implicat auro;
'The madness feels! So let our common grace
tela sonant umeris: haud illo segnior ibat
smile on a mingled people! Let her serve
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Aeneas; tantum egregio decus enitet ore.
a Phrygian husband, while thy hands receive
Postquam altos ventum in montis atque invia lustra,
her Tyrian subjects for the bridal dower!”
ecce ferae, saxi deiectae vertice, caprae
In answer (reading the dissembler's mind
decurrere iugis; alia de parte patentis
which unto Libyan shores were fain to shift
transmittunt cursu campos atque agmina cervi
italia's future throne) thus Venus spoke:
155
pulverulenta fuga glomerant montisque relinquunt.
“'T were mad to spurn such favor, or by choice
At puer Ascanius mediis in vallibus acri
be numbered with thy foes. But can it be
gaudet equo, iamque hos cursu, iam praeterit illos,
that fortune on thy noble counsel smiles?
spumantemque dari pecora inter inertia votis
To me Fate shows but dimly whether Jove
optat aprum, aut fulvum descendere monte leonem.
unto the Trojan wanderers ordains
160
Interea magno misceri murmure caelum
a common city with the sons of Tyre,
incipit; insequitur commixta grandine nimbus;
with mingling blood and sworn, perpetual peace.
et Tyrii comites passim et Troiana iuventus
His wife thou art; it is thy rightful due
Dardaniusque nepos Veneris diversa per agros
to plead to know his mind. Go, ask him, then!
tecta metu petiere; ruunt de montibus amnes.
For humbly I obey!” With instant word
165
Speluncam Dido dux et Troianus eandem
Juno the Queen replied: “Leave that to me!
deveniunt: prima et Tellus et pronuba Iuno
But in what wise our urgent task and grave
dant signum; fulsere ignes et conscius aether
may soon be sped, I will in brief unfold
conubiis, summoque ulularunt vertice nymphae.
to thine attending ear. A royal hunt
Ille dies primus leti primusque malorum
in sylvan shades unhappy Dido gives
170
causa fuit; neque enim specie famave movetur,
for her Aeneas, when to-morrow's dawn
nec iam furtivum Dido meditatur amorem:
uplifts its earliest ray and Titan's beam
coniugium vocat; hoc praetexit nomine culpam.
shall first unveil the world. But I will pour
Iarbas and Jupiter
Extemplo Libyae magnas it Fama per urbes—
black storm-clouds with a burst of heavy hail
Fama, malum qua non aliud velocius ullum;
along their way; and as the huntsmen speed
175
mobilitate viget, viresque adquirit eundo,
to hem the wood with snares, I will arouse
parva metu primo, mox sese attollit in auras,
all heaven with thunder. The attending train
ingrediturque solo, et caput inter nubila condit.
shall scatter and be veiled in blinding dark,
Illam Terra parens, ira inritata deorum,
while Dido and her hero out of Troy
extremam (ut perhibent) Coeo Enceladoque sororem
to the same cavern fly. My auspices
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progenuit, pedibus celerem et pernicibus alis,
I will declare—if thou alike wilt bless;
monstrum horrendum, ingens, cui, quot sunt corpore plumae
and yield her in true wedlock for his bride.
tot vigiles oculi subter, mirabile dictu,
Such shall their spousal be!” To Juno's will
tot linguae, totidem ora sonant, tot subrigit aures.
Cythera's Queen inclined assenting brow,
Nocte volat caeli medio terraeque per umbram,
and laughed such guile to see. Aurora rose,
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stridens, nec dulci declinat lumina somno;
and left the ocean's rim. The city's gates
luce sedet custos aut summi culmine tecti,
pour forth to greet the morn a gallant train
turribus aut altis, et magnas territat urbes;
of huntsmen, bearing many a woven snare
tam ficti pravique tenax, quam nuntia veri.
and steel-tipped javelin; while to and fro
Haec tum multiplici populos sermone replebat
run the keen-scented dogs and Libyan squires.
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gaudens, et pariter facta atque infecta canebat:
The Queen still keeps her chamber; at her doors
venisse Aenean, Troiano sanguine cretum,
the Punic lords await; her palfrey, brave
cui se pulchra viro dignetur iungere Dido;
in gold and purple housing, paws the ground
nunc hiemem inter se luxu, quam longa, fovere
and fiercely champs the foam-flecked bridle-rein.
regnorum immemores turpique cupidine captos.
At last, with numerous escort, forth she shines:
195
Haec passim dea foeda virum diffundit in ora.
her Tyrian pall is bordered in bright hues,
Protinus ad regem cursus detorquet Iarban,
her quiver, gold; her tresses are confined
incenditque animum dictis atque aggerat iras.
only with gold; her robes of purple rare
Hic Hammone satus, rapta Garamantide Nympha,
meet in a golden clasp. To greet her come
templa Iovi centum latis immania regnis,
the noble Phrygian guests; among them smiles
200
centum aras posuit, vigilemque sacraverat ignem,
the boy Iulus; and in fair array
excubias divom aeternas, pecudumque cruore
Aeneas, goodliest of all his train.
pingue solum et variis florentia limina sertis.
In such a guise Apollo (when he leaves
Isque amens animi et rumore accensus amaro
cold Lycian hills and Xanthus' frosty stream
dicitur ante aras media inter numina divom
to visit Delos to Latona dear)
205
multa Iovem manibus supplex orasse supinis:
ordains the song, while round his altars cry
Iuppiter omnipotens, cui nunc Maurusia pictis
the choirs of many islands, with the pied,
gens epulata toris Lenaeum libat honorem,
fantastic Agathyrsi; soon the god
aspicis haec, an te, genitor, cum fulmina torques,
moves o'er the Cynthian steep; his flowing hair
nequiquam horremus, caecique in nubibus ignes
he binds with laurel garland and bright gold;
210
terrificant animos et inania murmura miscent?
upon his shining shoulder as he goes
Femina, quae nostris errans in finibus urbem
the arrows ring:—not less uplifted mien
exiguam pretio posuit, cui litus arandum
aeneas wore; from his illustrious brow
cuique loci leges dedimus, conubia nostra
such beauty shone. Soon to the mountains tall
reppulit, ac dominum Aenean in regna recepit.
the cavalcade comes nigh, to pathless haunts
215
Et nunc ille Paris cum semiviro comitatu,
of woodland creatures; the wild goats are seen,
Maeonia mentum mitra crinemque madentem
from pointed crag descending leap by leap
subnexus, rapto potitur: nos munera templis
down the steep ridges; in the vales below
quippe tuis ferimus, famamque fovemus inanem.
are routed deer, that scour the spreading plain,
Talibus orantem dictis arasque tenentem
and mass their dust-blown squadrons in wild flight,
220
audiit omnipotens, oculosque ad moenia torsit
far from the mountain's bound. Ascanius
regia et oblitos famae melioris amantes.
flushed with the sport, spurs on a mettled steed
Tum sic Mercurium adloquitur ac talia mandat:
from vale to vale, and many a flying herd
Vade age, nate, voca Zephyros et labere pennis,
his chase outspeeds; but in his heart he prays
Dardaniumque ducem, Tyria Karthagine qui nunc
among these tame things suddenly to see
225
exspectat, fatisque datas non respicit urbes,
a tusky boar, or, leaping from the hills,
adloquere, et celeris defer mea dicta per auras.
a growling mountain-lion, golden-maned.
Non illum nobis genetrix pulcherrima talem
Meanwhile low thunders in the distant sky
promisit, Graiumque ideo bis vindicat armis;
mutter confusedly; soon bursts in full
sed fore, qui gravidam imperiis belloque frementem
the storm-cloud and the hail. The Tyrian troop
230
Italiam regeret, genus alto a sanguine Teucri
is scattered wide; the chivalry of Troy,
proderet, ac totum sub leges mitteret orbem.
with the young heir of Dardan's kingly line,
Si nulla accendit tantarum gloria rerum,
of Venus sprung, seek shelter where they may,
nec super ipse sua molitur laude laborem,
with sudden terror; down the deep ravines
Ascanione pater Romanas invidet arces?
the swollen torrents roar. In that same hour
235
Quid struit, aut qua spe inimica in gente moratur,
Queen Dido and her hero out of Troy
nec prolem Ausoniam et Lavinia respicit arva?
to the same cavern fly. Old Mother-Earth
Naviget: haec summa est; hic nostri nuntius esto.
and wedlock-keeping Juno gave the sign;
Dixerat. Ille patris magni parere parabat
the flash of lightnings on the conscious air
imperio; et primum pedibus talaria nectit
were torches to the bridal; from the hills
240
aurea, quae sublimem alis sive aequora supra
the wailing wood-nymphs sobbed a wedding song.
seu terram rapido pariter cum flamine portant;
Such was that day of death, the source and spring
tum virgam capit: hac animas ille evocat Orco
of many a woe. For Dido took no heed
pallentis, alias sub Tartara tristia mittit,
of honor and good-name; nor did she mean
dat somnos adimitque, et lumina morte resignat.
her loves to hide; but called the lawlessness
245
Illa fretus agit ventos, et turbida tranat
a marriage, and with phrases veiled her shame.
nubila; iamque volans apicem et latera ardua cernit
Swift through the Libyan cities Rumor sped.
Atlantis duri, caelum qui vertice fulcit,
Rumor! What evil can surpass her speed?
Atlantis, cinctum adsidue cui nubibus atris
In movement she grows mighty, and achieves
piniferum caput et vento pulsatur et imbri;
strength and dominion as she swifter flies.
250
nix umeros infusa tegit; tum flumina mento
small first, because afraid, she soon exalts
praecipitant senis, et glacie riget horrida barba.
her stature skyward, stalking through the lands
Hic primum paribus nitens Cyllenius alis
and mantling in the clouds her baleful brow.
constitit; hinc toto praeceps se corpore ad undas
The womb of Earth, in anger at high Heaven,
misit, avi similis, quae circum litora, circum
bore her, they say, last of the Titan spawn,
255
piscosos scopulos humilis volat aequora iuxta.
sister to Coeus and Enceladus.
Haud aliter terras inter caelumque volabat,
Feet swift to run and pinions like the wind
litus harenosum Libyae ventosque secabat
the dreadful monster wears; her carcase huge
materno veniens ab avo Cyllenia proles.
is feathered, and at root of every plume
Ut primum alatis tetigit magalia plantis,
a peering eye abides; and, strange to tell,
260
Aenean fundantem arces ac tecta novantem
an equal number of vociferous tongues,
conspicit; atque illi stellatus iaspide fulva
foul, whispering lips, and ears, that catch at all.
ensis erat, Tyrioque ardebat murice laena
At night she spreads midway 'twixt earth and heaven
demissa ex umeris, dives quae munera Dido
her pinions in the darkness, hissing loud,
fecerat, et tenui telas discreverat auro.
nor e'er to happy slumber gives her eyes:
265
Continuo invadit: Tu nunc Karthaginis altae
but with the morn she takes her watchful throne
fundamenta locas, pulchramque uxorius urbem
high on the housetops or on lofty towers,
exstruis, heu regni rerumque oblite tuarum?
to terrify the nations. She can cling
Ipse deum tibi me claro demittit Olympo
to vile invention and malignant wrong,
regnator, caelum ac terras qui numine torquet;
or mingle with her word some tidings true.
270
ipse haec ferre iubet celeris mandata per auras:
She now with changeful story filled men's ears,
quid struis, aut qua spe Libycis teris otia terris?
exultant, whether false or true she sung:
Si te nulla movet tantarum gloria rerum,
how, Trojan-born Aeneas having come,
nec super ipse tua moliris laude laborem,
Dido, the lovely widow, Iooked his way,
Ascanium surgentem et spes heredis Iuli
deigning to wed; how all the winter long
275
respice, cui regnum Italiae Romanaque tellus
they passed in revel and voluptuous ease,
debentur. Tali Cyllenius ore locutus
to dalliance given o'er; naught heeding now
mortalis visus medio sermone reliquit,
of crown or kingdom—shameless! lust-enslaved!
et procul in tenuem ex oculis evanuit auram.
Such tidings broadcast on the lips of men
The Decision
At vero Aeneas aspectu obmutuit amens,
the filthy goddess spread; and soon she hied
280
arrectaeque horrore comae, et vox faucibus haesit.
to King Iarbas, where her hateful song
Ardet abire fuga dulcisque relinquere terras,
to newly-swollen wrath his heart inflamed.
attonitus tanto monitu imperioque deorum.
Him the god Ammon got by forced embrace
Heu quid agat? Quo nunc reginam ambire furentem
upon a Libyan nymph; his kingdoms wide
audeat adfatu? Quae prima exordia sumat?
possessed a hundred ample shrines to Jove,
285
Atque animum nunc huc celerem, nunc dividit illuc,
a hundred altars whence ascended ever
in partisque rapit varias perque omnia versat.
the fires of sacrifice, perpetual seats
Haec alternanti potior sententia visa est:
for a great god's abode, where flowing blood
Mnesthea Sergestumque vocat fortemque Serestum,
enriched the ground, and on the portals hung
classem aptent taciti sociosque ad litora cogant,
garlands of every flower. The angered King,
290
arma parent, et quae rebus sit causa novandis
half-maddened by malignant Rumor's voice,
dissimulent; sese interea, quando optuma Dido
unto his favored altars came, and there,
nesciat et tantos rumpi non speret amores,
surrounded by the effluence divine,
temptaturum aditus, et quae mollissima fandi
upraised in prayer to Jove his suppliant hands.
tempora, quis rebus dexter modus. Ocius omnes
“Almighty Jupiter, to whom each day,
295
imperio laeti parent ac iussa facessunt.
at banquet on the painted couch reclined,
At regina dolos—quis fallere possit amantem?
Numidia pours libation! Do thine eyes
praesensit, motusque excepit prima futuros,
behold us? Or when out of yonder heaven,
omnia tuta timens. Eadem impia Fama furenti
o sire, thou launchest the swift thunderbolt,
detulit armari classem cursumque parari.
is it for naught we fear thee? Do the clouds
300
Saevit inops animi, totamque incensa per urbem
shoot forth blind fire to terrify the soul
bacchatur, qualis commotis excita sacris
with wild, unmeaning roar? O, Iook upon
Thyias, ubi audito stimulant trieterica Baccho
that woman, who was homeless in our realm,
orgia, nocturnusque vocat clamore Cithaeron.
and bargained where to build her paltry town,
Tandem his Aenean compellat vocibus ultro:
receiving fertile coastland for her farms,
305
Dissimulare etiam sperasti, perfide, tantum
by hospitable grant! She dares disdain
posse nefas, tacitusque mea decedere terra?
our proffered nuptial vow. She has proclaimed
Nec te noster amor, nec te data dextera quondam,
Aeneas partner of her bed and throne.
nec moritura tenet crudeli funere Dido?
And now that Paris, with his eunuch crew,
Quin etiam hiberno moliris sidere classem,
beneath his chin and fragrant, oozy hair
310
et mediis properas aquilonibus ire per altum,
ties the soft Lydian bonnet, boasting well
crudelis? Quid, si non arva aliena domosque
his stolen prize. But we to all these fanes,
ignotas peteres, sed Troia antiqua maneret,
though they be thine, a fruitless offering bring,
Troia per undosum peteretur classibus aequor
and feed on empty tales our trust in thee.”
Mene fugis? Per ego has lacrimas dextramque tuam te
As thus he prayed and to the altars clung,
315
(quando aliud mihi iam miserae nihil ipsa reliqui)
th' Omnipotent gave ear, and turned his gaze
per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos,
upon the royal dwelling, where for love
si bene quid de te merui, fuit aut tibi quicquam
the amorous pair forgot their place and name.
dulce meum, miserere domus labentis, et istam—
Then thus to Mercury he gave command:
oro, si quis adhuc precibus locus—exue mentem.
“Haste thee, my son, upon the Zephyrs call,
320
Te propter Libycae gentes Nomadumque tyranni
and take thy winged way! My mandate bear
odere, infensi Tyrii; te propter eundem
unto that prince of Troy who tarries now
exstinctus pudor, et, qua sola sidera adibam,
in Tyrian Carthage, heedless utterly
fama prior. Cui me moribundam deseris, hospes?
of empire Heaven-bestowed. On winged winds
Hoc solum nomen quoniam de coniuge restat.
hasten with my decrees. Not such the man
325
Quid moror? An mea Pygmalion dum moenia frater
his beauteous mother promised; not for this
destruat, aut captam ducat Gaetulus Iarbas?
twice did she shield him from the Greeks in arms:
Saltem si qua mihi de te suscepta fuisset
but that he might rule Italy, a land
ante fugam suboles, si quis mihi parvulus aula
pregnant with thrones and echoing with war;
luderet Aeneas, qui te tamen ore referret,
that he of Teucer's seed a race should sire,
330
non equidem omnino capta ac deserta viderer.
and bring beneath its law the whole wide world.
Dixerat. Ille Iovis monitis immota tenebat
If such a glory and event supreme
lumina, et obnixus curam sub corde premebat.
enkindle not his bosom; if such task
Tandem pauca refert: Ego te, quae plurima fando
to his own honor speak not; can the sire
enumerare vales, numquam, regina, negabo
begrudge Ascanius the heritage
335
promeritam; nec me meminisse pigebit Elissae,
of the proud name of Rome? What plans he now?
dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regit artus.
What mad hope bids him linger in the lap
Pro re pauca loquar. Neque ego hanc abscondere furto
of enemies, considering no more
speravi—ne finge—fugam, nec coniugis umquam
the land Lavinian and Ausonia's sons.
praetendi taedas, aut haec in foedera veni.
Let him to sea! Be this our final word:
340
Me si fata meis paterentur ducere vitam
this message let our herald faithful bear.”
auspiciis et sponte mea componere curas,
He spoke. The god a prompt obedience gave
urbem Troianam primum dulcisque meorum
to his great sire's command. He fastened first
reliquias colerem, Priami tecta alta manerent,
those sandals of bright gold, which carry him
et recidiva manu posuissem Pergama victis.
aloft o'er land or sea, with airy wings
345
Sed nunc Italiam magnam Gryneus Apollo,
that race the fleeting wind; then lifted he
Italiam Lyciae iussere capessere sortes:
his wand, wherewith he summons from the grave
hic amor, haec patria est. Si te Karthaginis arces,
pale-featured ghosts, or, if he will, consigns
Phoenissam, Libycaeque aspectus detinet urbis,
to doleful Tartarus; or by its power
quae tandem, Ausonia Teucros considere terra,
gives slumber or dispels; or quite unseals
350
invidia est? Et nos fas extera quaerere regna.
the eyelids of the dead: on this relying,
Me patris Anchisae, quotiens umentibus umbris
he routs the winds or cleaves th' obscurity
nox operit terras, quotiens astra ignea surgunt,
of stormful clouds. Soon from his flight he spied
admonet in somnis et turbida terret imago;
the summit and the sides precipitous
me puer Ascanius capitisque iniuria cari,
of stubborn Atlas, whose star-pointing peak
355
quem regno Hesperiae fraudo et fatalibus arvis.
props heaven; of Atlas, whose pine-wreathed brow
Nunc etiam interpres divom, Iove missus ab ipso—
is girdled evermore with misty gloom
testor utrumque caput—celeris mandata per auras
and lashed of wind and rain; a cloak of snow
detulit; ipse deum manifesto in lumine vidi
melts on his shoulder; from his aged chin
intrantem muros, vocemque his auribus hausi.
drop rivers, and ensheathed in stiffening ice
360
Desine meque tuis incendere teque querelis:
glitters his great grim beard. Here first was stayed
Italiam non sponte sequor.
the speed of Mercury's well-poising wing;
Talia dicentem iamdudum aversa tuetur,
here making pause, from hence he headlong flung
huc illuc volvens oculos, totumque pererrat
his body to the sea; in motion like
luminibus tacitis, et sic accensa profatur:
some sea-bird's, which along the levelled shore
365
Nec tibi diva parens, generis nec Dardanus auctor,
or round tall crags where rove the swarming fish,
perfide; sed duris genuit te cautibus horrens
flies Iow along the waves: o'er-hovering so
Caucasus, Hyrcanaeque admorunt ubera tigres.
between the earth and skies, Cyllene's god
Nam quid dissimulo, aut quae me ad maiora reservo?
flew downward from his mother's mountain-sire,
Num fletu ingemuit nostro? Num lumina flexit?
parted the winds and skimmed the sandy merge
370
Num lacrimas victus dedit, aut miseratus amantem est?
of Libya. When first his winged feet
Quae quibus anteferam? Iam iam nec maxuma Iuno,
came nigh the clay-built Punic huts, he saw
nec Saturnius haec oculis pater aspicit aequis.
Aeneas building at a citadel,
Nusquam tuta fides. Eiectum litore, egentem
and founding walls and towers; at his side
excepi, et regni demens in parte locavi;
was girt a blade with yellow jaspers starred,
375
amissam classem, socios a morte reduxi.
his mantle with the stain of Tyrian shell
Heu furiis incensa feror! Nunc augur Apollo,
flowed purple from his shoulder, broidered fair
nunc Lyciae sortes, nunc et Iove missus ab ipso
by opulent Dido with fine threads of gold,
interpres divom fert horrida iussa per auras.
her gift of love; straightway the god began:
Scilicet is Superis labor est, ea cura quietos
“Dost thou for lofty Carthage toil, to build
380
sollicitat. Neque te teneo, neque dicta refello.
foundations strong? Dost thou, a wife's weak thrall,
I, sequere Italiam ventis, pete regna per undas.
build her proud city? Hast thou, shameful loss!
Spero equidem mediis, si quid pia numina possunt,
Forgot thy kingdom and thy task sublime?
supplicia hausurum scopulis, et nomine Dido
From bright Olympus, I. He who commands
saepe vocaturum. Sequar atris ignibus absens,
all gods, and by his sovran deity
385
et, cum frigida mors anima seduxerit artus,
moves earth and heaven—he it was who bade
omnibus umbra locis adero. Dabis, improbe, poenas.
me bear on winged winds his high decree.
Audiam et haec Manis veniet mihi fama sub imos.
What plan is thine? By what mad hope dost thou
His medium dictis sermonem abrumpit, et auras
linger so Iong in lap of Libyan land?
aegra fugit, seque ex oculis avertit et aufert,
If the proud reward of thy destined way
390
linquens multa metu cunctantem et multa parantem
move not thy heart, if all the arduous toil
dicere. Suscipiunt famulae, conlapsaque membra
to thine own honor speak not, Iook upon
marmoreo referunt thalamo stratisque reponunt.
Iulus in his bloom, thy hope and heir
At pius Aeneas, quamquam lenire dolentem
Ascanius. It is his rightful due
solando cupit et dictis avertere curas,
in Italy o'er Roman lands to reign.”
395
multa gemens magnoque animum labefactus amore,
After such word Cyllene's winged god
iussa tamen divom exsequitur, classemque revisit.
vanished, and e'er his accents died away,
Italiam non sponte sequor
Tum vero Teucri incumbunt, et litore celsas
dissolved in air before the mortal's eyes.
deducunt toto naves: natat uncta carina;
Aeneas at the sight stood terror-dumb
frondentisque ferunt remos et robora silvis
with choking voice and horror-rising hair.
400
infabricata, fugae studio.
He fain would fly at once and get him gone
Migrantis cernas, totaque ex urbe ruentis.
from that voluptuous land, much wondering
Ac velut ingentem formicae farris acervum
at Heaven's wrathful word. Alas! how stir?
cum populant, hiemis memores, tectoque reponunt;
What cunning argument can plead his cause
it nigrum campis agmen, praedamque per herbas
before th' infuriate Queen? How break such news?
405
convectant calle angusto; pars grandia trudunt
Flashing this way and that, his startled mind
obnixae frumenta umeris; pars agmina cogunt
makes many a project and surveys them all.
castigantque moras; opere omnis semita fervet.
But, pondering well, his final counsel stopped
Quis tibi tum, Dido, cernenti talia sensus?
at this resolve: he summoned to his side
quosve dabas gemitus, cum litora fervere late
Mnestheus, Sergestus, and Serestus bold,
410
prospiceres arce ex summa, totumque videres
and bade them fit the fleet, all silently
misceri ante oculos tantis clamoribus aequor?
gathering the sailors and collecting gear,
Improbe Amor, quid non mortalia pectora cogis?
but carefully dissembling what emprise
Ire iterum in lacrimas, iterum temptare precando
such novel stir intends: himself the while
cogitur, et supplex animos submittere amori,
(Since high-born Dido dreamed not love so fond
415
ne quid inexpertum frustra moritura relinquat.
could have an end) would seek an audience,
Anna, vides toto properari litore; circum
at some indulgent time, and try what shift
undique convenere; vocat iam carbasus auras,
such matters may require. With joy they heard,
puppibus et laeti nautae imposuere coronas.
and wrought, assiduous, at their prince's plan.
Hunc ego si potui tantum sperare dolorem,
But what can cheat true love? The Queen foreknew
420
et perferre, soror, potero. Miserae hoc tamen unum
his stratagem, and all the coming change
exsequere, Anna, mihi. Solam nam perfidus ille
perceived ere it began. Her jealous fear
te colere, arcanos etiam tibi credere sensus;
counted no hour secure. That unclean tongue
sola viri mollis aditus et tempora noras.
of Rumor told her fevered heart the fleet
I, soror, atque hostem supplex adfare superbum:
was fitting forth, and hastening to be gone.
425
non ego cum Danais Troianam exscindere gentem
Distractedly she raved, and passion-tossed
Aulide iuravi, classemve ad Pergama misi,
roamed through her city, like a Maenad roused
nec patris Anchisae cineres Manisve revelli,
by the wild rout of Bacchus, when are heard
cur mea dicta neget duras demittere in auris.
the third year's orgies, and the midnight scream
Quo ruit? Extremum hoc miserae det munus amanti:
to cold Cithaeron calls the frenzied crew.
430
exspectet facilemque fugam ventosque ferentis.
Finding Aeneas, thus her plaint she poured:
Non iam coniugium antiquum, quod prodidit, oro,
“Didst hope to hide it, false one, that such crime
nec pulchro ut Latio careat regnumque relinquat:
was in thy heart,—to steal without farewell
tempus inane peto, requiem spatiumque furori,
out of my kingdom? Did our mutual joy
dum mea me victam doceat fortuna dolere.
not move thee; nor thine own true promise given
435
Extremam hanc oro veniam—miserere sororis—
once on a time? Nor Dido, who will die
quam mihi cum dederit, cumulatam morte remittam.
a death of sorrow? Why compel thy ships
Talibus orabat, talisque miserrima fletus
to brave the winter stars? Why off to sea
fertque refertque soror: sed nullis ille movetur
so fast through stormy skies? O, cruelty!
fletibus, aut voces ullas tractabilis audit;
If Troy still stood, and if thou wert not bound
440
fata obstant, placidasque viri deus obstruit auris.
for alien shore unknown, wouldst steer for Troy
Ac, velut annoso validam cum robore quercum
through yonder waste of waves? Is it from me
Alpini Boreae nunc hinc nunc flatibus illinc
thou takest flight? O, by these flowing tears,
eruere inter se certant; it stridor, et altae
by thine own plighted word (for nothing more
consternunt terram concusso stipite frondes;
my weakness left to miserable me),
445
ipsa haeret scopulis, et, quantum vertice ad auras
by our poor marriage of imperfect vow,
aetherias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit:
if aught to me thou owest, if aught in me
haud secus adsiduis hinc atque hinc vocibus heros
ever have pleased thee—O, be merciful
tunditur, et magno persentit pectore curas;
to my low-fallen fortunes! I implore,
mens immota manet; lacrimae volvuntur inanes.
if place be left for prayer, thy purpose change!
The Last Appeals
450
Tum vero infelix fatis exterrita Dido
Because of thee yon Libyan savages
mortem orat; taedet caeli convexa tueri.
and nomad chiefs are grown implacable,
Quo magis inceptum peragat lucemque relinquat,
and my own Tyrians hate me. Yes, for thee
vidit, turicremis cum dona imponeret aris,
my chastity was slain and honor fair,
horrendum dictu, latices nigrescere sacros,
by which alone to glory I aspired,
455
fusaque in obscenum se vertere vina cruorem.
in former days. To whom dost thou in death
Hoc visum nulli, non ipsi effata sorori.
abandon me? my guest!—since but this name
Praeterea fuit in tectis de marmore templum
is left me of a husband! Shall I wait
coniugis antiqui, miro quod honore colebat,
till fell Pygmalion, my brother, raze
velleribus niveis et festa fronde revinctum:
my city walls? Or the Gaetulian king,
460
hinc exaudiri voces et verba vocantis
Iarbas, chain me captive to his car? .
visa viri, nox cum terras obscura teneret;
O, if, ere thou hadst fled, I might but bear
solaque culminibus ferali carmine bubo
some pledge of love to thee, and in these halls
saepe queri et longas in fletum ducere voces;
watch some sweet babe Aeneas at his play,
multaque praeterea vatum praedicta priorum
whose face should be the memory of thine own —
465
terribili monitu horrificant. Agit ipse furentem
I were not so forsaken, Iost, undone!”
in somnis ferus Aeneas; semperque relinqui
She said. But he, obeying Jove's decree,
sola sibi, semper longam incomitata videtur
gazed steadfastly away; and in his heart
ire viam, et Tyrios deserta quaerere terra.
with strong repression crushed his cruel pain;
Eumenidum veluti demens videt agmina Pentheus,
then thus the silence broke: “O Queen, not one
470
et solem geminum et duplicis se ostendere Thebas;
of my unnumbered debts so strongly urged
aut Agamemnonius scaenis agitatus Orestes
would I gainsay. Elissa's memory
armatam facibus matrem et serpentibus atris
will be my treasure Iong as memory holds,
cum fugit, ultricesque sedent in limine Dirae.
or breath of life is mine. Hear my brief plea!
Ergo ubi concepit furias evicta dolore
'T was not my hope to hide this flight I take,
475
decrevitque mori, tempus secum ipsa modumque
as thou hast dreamed. Nay, I did never light
exigit, et, maestam dictis adgressa sororem,
a bridegroom's torch, nor gave I thee the vow
consilium voltu tegit, ac spem fronte serenat:
of marriage. Had my destiny decreed,
Inveni, germana, viam—gratare sorori—
that I should shape life to my heart's desire,
quae mihi reddat eum, vel eo me solvat amantem.
and at my own will put away the weight
480
Oceani finem iuxta solemque cadentem
of foil and pain, my place would now be found
ultimus Aethiopum locus est, ubi maxumus Atlas
in Troy, among the cherished sepulchres
axem humero torquet stellis ardentibus aptum:
of my own kin, and Priam's mansion proud
hinc mihi Massylae gentis monstrata sacerdos,
were standing still; or these my loyal hands
Hesperidum templi custos, epulasque draconi
had rebuilt Ilium for her vanquished sons.
485
quae dabat, et sacros servabat in arbore ramos,
But now to Italy Apollo's power
spargens umida mella soporiferumque papaver.
commands me forth; his Lycian oracles
Haec se carminibus promittit solvere mentes
are loud for Italy. My heart is there,
quas velit, ast aliis duras immittere curas,
and there my fatherland. If now the towers
sistere aquam fluviis, et vertere sidera retro;
of Carthage and thy Libyan colony
490
nocturnosque movet Manis: mugire videbis
delight thy Tyrian eyes; wilt thou refuse
sub pedibus terram, et descendere montibus ornos.
to Trojan exiles their Ausonian shore?
Testor, cara, deos et te, germana, tuumque
I too by Fate was driven, not less than thou,
dulce caput, magicas invitam accingier artes.
to wander far a foreign throne to find.
Tu secreta pyram tecto interiore sub auras
Oft when in dewy dark night hides the world,
495
erige, et arma viri, thalamo quae fixa reliquit
and flaming stars arise, Anchises' shade
impius, exuviasque omnis, lectumque iugalem,
looks on me in my dreams with angered brow.
quo perii, superimponas: abolere nefandi
I think of my Ascanius, and the wrong
cuncta viri monumenta iuvat, monstratque sacerdos.
to that dear heart, from whom I steal away
Haec effata silet; pallor simul occupat ora.
Hesperia, his destined home and throne.
500
Non tamen Anna novis praetexere funera sacris
But now the winged messenger of Heaven,
germanam credit, nec tantos mente furores
sent down by Jove (I swear by thee and me!),
concipit, aut graviora timet, quam morte Sychaei:
has brought on winged winds his sire's command.
ergo iussa parat.
My own eyes with unclouded vision saw
At regina, pyra penetrali in sede sub auras
the god within these walls; I have received
505
erecta ingenti taedis atque ilice secta,
with my own ears his word. No more inflame
intenditque locum sertis, et fronde coronat
with lamentation fond thy heart and mine.
funerea; super exuvias ensemque relictum
'T is not my own free act seeks Italy.”
effigiemque toro locat, haud ignara futuri.
She with averted eyes and glance that rolled
Stant arae circum, et crines effusa sacerdos
speechless this way and that, had listened long
510
ter centum tonat ore deos, Erebumque Chaosque,
to his reply, till thus her rage broke forth:
tergeminamque Hecaten, tria virginis ora Dianae.
“No goddess gave thee birth. No Dardanus
Sparserat et latices simulatos fontis Averni,
begot thy sires. But on its breast of stone
falcibus et messae ad lunam quaeruntur aënis
Caucasus bore thee, and the tigresses
pubentes herbae nigri cum lacte veneni;
of fell Hyrcania to thy baby lip
515
quaeritur et nascentis equi de fronte revolsus
their udders gave. Why should I longer show
et matri praereptus amor.
a lying smile? What worse can I endure?
Ipsa mola manibusque piis altaria iuxta,
Did my tears draw one sigh? Did he once drop
unum exuta pedem vinclis, in veste recincta,
his stony stare? or did he yield a tear
testatur moritura deos et conscia fati
to my lament, or pity this fond heart?
520
sidera; tum, si quod non aequo foedere amantes
Why set my wrongs in order? Juno, now,
curae numen habet iustumque memorque, precatur.
and Jove, the son of Saturn, heed no more
Nox erat, et placidum carpebant fessa soporem
where justice lies. No trusting heart is safe
corpora per terras, silvaeque et saeva quierant
in all this world. That waif and castaway
aequora: cum medio volvuntur sidera lapsu,
I found in beggary and gave him share—
525
cum tacet omnis ager, pecudes pictaeque volucres,
fool that I was!—in my own royal glory.
quaeque lacus late liquidos, quaeque aspera dumis
His Iost fleet and his sorry crews I steered
rura tenent, somno positae sub nocte silenti
from death away. O, how my fevered soul
lenibant curas, et corda oblita laborum.
unceasing raves! Forsooth Apollo speaks!
At non infelix animi Phoenissa, nec umquam
His Lycian oracles! and sent by Jove
530
Solvitur in somnos, oculisve aut pectore noctem
the messenger of Heaven on fleeting air
accipit: ingeminant curae, rursusque resurgens
the ruthless bidding brings! Proud business
saevit amor, magnoque irarum fluctuat aestu.
for gods, I trow, that such a task disturbs
Sic adeo insistit, secumque ita corde volutat:
their still abodes! I hold thee back no more,
En, quid ago? Rursusne procos inrisa priores
nor to thy cunning speeches give the lie.
535
experiar, Nomadumque petam conubia supplex,
Begone! Sail on to Italy, thy throne,
quos ego sim totiens iam dedignata maritos?
through wind and wave! I pray that, if there be
Iliacas igitur classes atque ultima Teucrum
any just gods of power, thou mayest drink down
iussa sequar? Quiane auxilio iuvat ante levatos,
death on the mid-sea rocks, and often call
et bene apud memores veteris stat gratia facti?
with dying gasps on Dido's name—while I
540
Quis me autem, fac velle, sinet, ratibusve superbis
pursue with vengeful fire. When cold death rends
invisam accipiet? Nescis heu, perdita, necdum
the body from the breath, my ghost shall sit
Laomedonteae sentis periuria gentis?
forever in thy path. Full penalties
Quid tum, sola fuga nautas comitabor ovantes,
thy stubborn heart shall pay. They'll bring me never
an Tyriis omnique manu stipata meorum
in yon deep gulf of death of all thy woe.”
545
inferar, et, quos Sidonia vix urbe revelli,
Abrupt her utterance ceased; and sick at heart
rursus agam pelago, et ventis dare vela iubebo?
she fled the light of day, as if to shrink
Quin morere, ut merita es, ferroque averte dolorem.
from human eyes, and left Aeneas there
Tu lacrimis evicta meis, tu prima furentem
irresolute with horror, while his soul
his, germana, malis oneras atque obicis hosti.
framed many a vain reply. Her swooning shape
550
Non licuit thalami expertem sine crimine vitam
her maidens to a marble chamber bore
degere, more ferae, tales nec tangere curas!
and on her couch the helpless limbs reposed.
Non servata fides cineri promissa Sychaeo!
Aeneas, faithful to a task divine,
The Pyre
Tantos illa suo rumpebat pectore questus.
though yearning sore to remedy and soothe
Aeneas celsa in puppi, iam certus eundi,
such misery, and with the timely word
555
carpebat somnos, rebus iam rite paratis.
her grief assuage, and though his burdened heart
Huic se forma dei voltu redeuntis eodem
was weak because of love, while many a groan
obtulit in somnis, rursusque ita visa monere est—
rose from his bosom, yet no whit did fail
omnia Mercurio similis, vocemque coloremque
to do the will of Heaven, but of his fleet
et crinis flavos et membra decora iuventa:
resumed command. The Trojans on the shore
560
Nate dea, potes hoc sub casu ducere somnos,
ply well their task and push into the sea
nec, quae te circum stent deinde pericula, cernis,
the lofty ships. Now floats the shining keel,
demens, nec Zephyros audis spirare secundos?
and oars they bring all leafy from the grove,
Illa dolos dirumque nefas in pectore versat,
with oak half-hewn, so hurried was the flight.
certa mori, varioque irarum fluctuat aestu.
Behold them how they haste—from every gate
565
Non fugis hinc praeceps, dum praecipitare potestas?
forth-streaming!—just as when a heap of corn
Iam mare turbari trabibus, saevasque videbis
is thronged with ants, who, knowing winter nigh,
conlucere faces, iam fervere litora flammis,
refill their granaries; the long black line
si te his attigerit terris Aurora morantem.
runs o'er the levels, and conveys the spoil
Heia age, rumpe moras. Varium et mutabile semper
in narrow pathway through the grass; a part
570
femina. Sic fatus, nocti se immiscuit atrae.
with straining and assiduous shoulder push
Tum vero Aeneas, subitis exterritus umbris,
the kernels huge; a part array the file,
corripit e somno corpus, sociosque fatigat:
and whip the laggards on; their busy track
Praecipites vigilate, viri, et considite transtris;
swarms quick and eager with unceasing toil.
solvite vela citi. Deus aethere missus ab alto
O Dido, how thy suffering heart was wrung,
575
festinare fugam tortosque incidere funes
that spectacle to see! What sore lament
ecce iterum stimulat. Sequimur te, sancte deorum,
was thine, when from the towering citadel
quisquis es, imperioque iterum paremus ovantes.
the whole shore seemed alive, the sea itself
Adsis o placidusque iuves, et sidera caelo
in turmoil with loud cries! Relentless Love,
dextra feras. Dixit, vaginaque eripit ensem
to what mad courses may not mortal hearts
580
fulmineum, strictoque ferit retinacula ferro.
by thee be driven? Again her sorrow flies
Idem omnes simul ardor habet, rapiuntque ruuntque;
to doleful plaint and supplication vain;
litora deseruere; latet sub classibus aequor;
again her pride to tyrant Love bows down
adnixi torquent spumas et caerula verrunt.
lest, though resolved to die, she fail to prove
Et iam prima novo spargebat lumine terras
each hope of living: “O Anna, dost thou see
585
Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile.
yon busy shore? From every side they come.
Regina e speculis ut primum albescere lucem
their canvas wooes the winds, and o'er each prow
vidit, et aequatis classem procedere velis,
the merry seamen hang their votive flowers.
litoraque et vacuos sensit sine remige portus,
Dear sister, since I did forebode this grief,
terque quaterque manu pectus percussa decorum,
I shall be strong to bear it. One sole boon
590
flaventesque abscissa comas, Pro Iuppiter, ibit
my sorrow asks thee, Anna! Since of thee,
hic ait et nostris inluserit advena regnis?
thee only, did that traitor make a friend,
Non arma expedient, totaque ex urbe sequentur,
and trusted thee with what he hid so deep —
deripientque rates alii navalibus? Ite,
the feelings of his heart; since thou alone
ferte citi flammas, date vela, impellite remos!—
hast known what way, what hour the man would yield
595
Quid loquor, aut ubi sum? Quae mentem insania mutat?
to soft persuasion—therefore, sister, haste,
Infelix Dido, nunc te facta impia tangunt.
and humbly thus implore our haughty foe:
Tum decuit, cum sceptra dabas.—En dextra fidesque,
‘I was not with the Greeks what time they swore
quem secum patrios aiunt portare Penates,
at Aulis to cut off the seed of Troy;
quem subiisse umeris confectum aetate parentem!
I sent no ships to Ilium. Pray, have I
600
Non potui abreptum divellere corpus, et undis
profaned Anchises' tomb, or vexed his shade?’
spargere? Non socios, non ipsum absumere ferro
Why should his ear be deaf and obdurate
Ascanium, patriisque epulandum ponere mensis?—
to all I say? What haste? May he not make
Verum anceps pugnae fuerat fortuna:—fuisset.
one last poor offering to her whose love
Quem metui moritura? Faces in castra tulissem,
is only pain? O, bid him but delay
605
implessemque foros flammis, natumque patremque
till flight be easy and the winds blow fair.
cum genere extinxem, memet super ipsa dedissem.
I plead no more that bygone marriage-vow
Sol, qui terrarum flammis opera omnia lustras,
by him forsworn, nor ask that he should lose
tuque harum interpres curarum et conscia Iuno,
his beauteous Latium and his realm to be.
nocturnisque Hecate triviis ululata per urbes,
Nothing but time I crave! to give repose
610
et Dirae ultrices, et di morientis Elissae,
and more room to this fever, till my fate
accipite haec, meritumque malis advertite numen,
teach a crushed heart to sorrow. I implore
et nostras audite preces. Si tangere portus
this last grace. (To thy sister's grief be kind!)
infandum caput ac terris adnare necesse est,
I will requite with increase, till I die.”
et sic fata Iovis poscunt, hic terminus haeret:
Such plaints, such prayers, again and yet again,
615
at bello audacis populi vexatus et armis,
betwixt the twain the sorrowing sister bore.
finibus extorris, complexu avulsus Iuli,
But no words move, no lamentations bring
auxilium imploret, videatque indigna suorum
persuasion to his soul; decrees of Fate
funera; nec, cum se sub leges pacis iniquae
oppose, and some wise god obstructs the way
tradiderit, regno aut optata luce fruatur,
that finds the hero's ear. Oft-times around
620
sed cadat ante diem, mediaque inhumatus harena.
the aged strength of some stupendous oak
Haec precor, hanc vocem extremam cum sanguine fundo.
the rival blasts of wintry Alpine winds
Tum vos, o Tyrii, stirpem et genus omne futurum
smite with alternate wrath: Ioud is the roar,
exercete odiis, cinerique haec mittite nostro
and from its rocking top the broken boughs
munera. Nullus amor populis, nec foedera sunto.
are strewn along the ground; but to the crag
625
Exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor,
steadfast it ever clings; far as toward heaven
qui face Dardanios ferroque sequare colonos,
its giant crest uprears, so deep below
nunc, olim, quocumque dabunt se tempore vires.
its roots reach down to Tartarus:—not less
Litora litoribus contraria, fluctibus undas
the hero by unceasing wail and cry
imprecor, arma armis; pugnent ipsique nepotesque.
is smitten sore, and in his mighty heart
The Death of Dido
630
Haec ait, et partis animum versabat in omnis,
has many a pang, while his serene intent
invisam quaerens quam primum abrumpere lucem.
abides unmoved, and tears gush forth in vain.
Tum breviter Barcen nutricem adfata Sychaei;
Then wretched Dido, by her doom appalled,
namque suam patria antiqua cinis ater habebat:
asks only death. It wearies her to see
Annam cara mihi nutrix huc siste sororem;
the sun in heaven. Yet that she might hold fast
635
dic corpus properet fluviali spargere lympha,
her dread resolve to quit the light of day,
et pecudes secum et monstrata piacula ducat:
behold, when on an incense-breathing shrine
sic veniat; tuque ipsa pia tege tempora vitta.
her offering was laid—O fearful tale!—
Sacra Iovi Stygio, quae rite incepta paravi,
the pure libation blackened, and the wine
perficere est animus, finemque imponere curis,
flowed like polluting gore. She told the sight
640
Dardaniique rogum capitis permittere flammae.
to none, not even to her sister's ear.
Sic ait: illa gradum studio celerabat anili.
A second sign was given: for in her house
At trepida, et coeptis immanibus effera Dido,
a marble altar to her husband's shade,
sanguineam volvens aciem, maculisque trementis
with garlands bright and snowy fleeces dressed,
interfusa genas, et pallida morte futura,
had fervent worship; here strange cries were heard
645
interiora domus inrumpit limina, et altos
as if her dead spouse called while midnight reigned,
conscendit furibunda rogos, ensemque recludit
and round her towers its inhuman song
Dardanium, non hos quaesitum munus in usus.
the lone owl sang, complaining o'er and o'er
Hic, postquam Iliacas vestes notumque cubile
with lamentation and long shriek of woe.
conspexit, paulum lacrimis et mente morata,
Forgotten oracles by wizards told
650
incubuitque toro, dixitque novissima verba:
whisper old omens dire. In dreams she feels
Dulces exuviae, dum fata deusque sinebant,
cruel Aeneas goad her madness on,
accipite hanc animam, meque his exsolvite curis.
and ever seems she, friendless and alone,
Vixi, et, quem dederat cursum fortuna, peregi,
some lengthening path to travel, or to seek
et nunc magna mei sub terras ibit imago.
her Tyrians through wide wastes of barren lands.
655
Urbem praeclaram statui; mea moenia vidi;
Thus frantic Pentheus flees the stern array
ulta virum, poenas inimico a fratre recepi;
of the Eumenides, and thinks to see
felix, heu nimium felix, si litora tantum
two noonday lights blaze oer his doubled Thebes;
numquam Dardaniae tetigissent nostra carinae!
or murdered Agamemnon's haunted son,
Dixit, et, os impressa toro, Moriemur inultae,
Orestes, flees his mother's phantom scourge
660
sed moriamur ait. Sic, sic iuvat ire sub umbras:
of flames and serpents foul, while at his door
Hauriat hunc oculis ignem crudelis ab alto
avenging horrors wait. Now sorrow-crazed
Dardanus, et nostrae secum ferat omina mortis.
and by her grief undone, resolved on death,
Dixerat; atque illam media inter talia ferro
the manner and the time her secret soul
conlapsam aspiciunt comites, ensemque cruore
prepares, and, speaking to her sister sad,
665
spumantem, sparsasque manus. It clamor ad alta
she masks in cheerful calm her fatal will:
atria; concussam bacchatur Fama per urbem.
“I know a way—O, wish thy sister joy!—
Lamentis gemituque et femineo ululatu
to bring him back to Iove, or set me free.
tecta fremunt; resonat magnis plangoribus aether,
On Ocean's bound and next the setting sun
non aliter, quam si immissis ruat hostibus omnis
lies the last Aethiop land, where Atlas tall
670
Karthago aut antiqua Tyros, flammaeque furentes
lifts on his shoulder the wide wheel of heaven,
culmina perque hominum volvantur perque deorum.
studded with burning stars. From thence is come
Audiit exanimis, trepidoque exterrita cursu
a witch, a priestess, a Numidian crone,
unguibus ora soror foedans et pectora pugnis
who guards the shrine of the Hesperides
per medios ruit, ac morientem nomine clamat:
and feeds the dragon; she protects the fruit
675
Hoc illud, germana, fuit? Me fraude petebas?
of that enchanting tree, and scatters there
Hoc rogus iste mihi, hoc ignes araeque parabant?
her slumb'rous poppies mixed with honey-dew.
Quid primum deserta querar? Comitemne sororem
Her spells and magic promise to set free
sprevisti moriens? Eadem me ad fata vocasses:
what hearts she will, or visit cruel woes
idem ambas ferro dolor, atque eadem hora tulisset.
on men afar. She stops the downward flow
680
His etiam struxi manibus, patriosque vocavi
of rivers, and turns back the rolling stars;
voce deos, sic te ut posita crudelis abessem?
on midnight ghosts she calls: her vot'ries hear
Exstinxti te meque, soror, populumque patresque
earth bellowing loud below, while from the hills
Sidonios urbemque tuam. Date volnera lymphis
the ash-trees travel down. But, sister mine,
abluam, et, extremus si quis super halitus errat,
thou knowest, and the gods their witness give,
685
ore legam. Sic fata, gradus evaserat altos,
how little mind have I to don the garb
semianimemque sinu germanam amplexa fovebat
of sorcery. Depart in secret, thou,
cum gemitu, atque atros siccabat veste cruores.
and bid them build a lofty funeral pyre
Illa, graves oculos conata attollere, rursus
inside our palalce-wall, and heap thereon
deficit; infixum stridit sub pectore vulnus.
the hero's arms, which that blasphemer hung
690
Ter sese attollens cubitoque adnixa levavit;
within my chamber; every relic bring,
ter revoluta toro est, oculisque errantibus alto
and chiefly that ill-omened nuptial bed,
quaesivit caelo lucem, ingemuitque reperta.
my death and ruin! For I must blot out
Tum Iuno omnipotens, longum miserata dolorem
all sight and token of this husband vile.
difficilisque obitus, Irim demisit Olympo,
'T is what the witch commands.” She spoke no more,
695
quae luctantem animam nexosque resolveret artus.
and pallid was her brow. Yet Anna's mind
Nam quia nec fato, merita nec morte peribat,
knew not what web of death her sister wove
sed misera ante diem, subitoque accensa furore,
by these strange rites, nor what such frenzy dares;
nondum illi flavum Proserpina vertice crinem
nor feared she worse than when Sichaeus died,
abstulerat, Stygioque caput damnaverat Orco.
but tried her forth the errand to fulfil.
700
Ergo Iris croceis per caelum roscida pennis,
Soon as the funeral pyre was builded high
mille trahens varios adverso sole colores,
in a sequestered garden, Iooming huge
devolat, et supra caput adstitit: Hunc ego Diti
with boughs of pine and faggots of cleft oak,
sacrum iussa fero, teque isto corpore solvo.
the queen herself enwreathed it with sad flowers
Sic ait, et dextra crinem secat: omnis et una
and boughs of mournful shade; and crowning all
705
dilapsus calor, atque in ventos vita recessit.
she laid on nuptial bed the robes and sword
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