The Flames on the Shore
Interea medium Aeneas iam classe tenebat
Meanwhile Aeneas, now well launched away,
certus iter, fluctusque atros Aquilone secabat,
steered forth with all the fleet to open sea,
moenia respiciens, quae iam infelicis Elissae
on his unswerving course, and ploughed the waves,
conlucent flammis. Quae tantum accenderit ignem,
sped by a driving gale; but when his eyes
5
causa latet; duri magno sed amore dolores
looked back on Carthage, they beheld the glare
polluto, notumque, furens quid femina possit,
of hapless Dido's fire. Not yet was known
triste per augurium Teucrorum pectora ducunt.
what kindled the wild flames; but that the pang
Ut pelagus tenuere rates, nec iam amplius ulla
of outraged love is cruel, and what the heart
occurrit tellus, maria undique et undique caelum,
of desperate woman dares, they knew too well,
10
olli caeruleus supra caput adstitit imber,
and sad foreboding shook each Trojan soul.
noctem hiememque ferens, et inhorruit unda tenebris.
Soon in mid-sea, beyond all chart of shore,
Ipse gubernator puppi Palinurus ab alta:
when only seas and skies were round their way,
Heu! quianam tanti cinxerunt aethera nimbi?
full in the zenith loomed a purple cloud,
Quidve, pater Neptune, paras? Sic deinde locutus
storm-laden, dark as night, and every wave
15
colligere arma iubet validisque incumbere remis,
grew black and angry; from his Iofty seat
obliquatque sinus in ventum, ac talia fatur:
the helmsman Palinurus cried, “Alas!
Magnanime Aenea, non, si mihi Iuppiter auctor
What means this host of storms encircling heaven?
spondeat, hoc sperem Italiam contingere caelo.
What, Neptune, wilt thou now?” He, having said,
Mutati transversa fremunt et vespere ab atro
bade reef and tighten, bend to stronger stroke,
20
consurgunt venti, atque in nubem cogitur aër.
and slant sail to the wind; then spake again:
Nec nos obniti contra, nec tendere tantum
“High-souled Aeneas, not if Jove the King
sufficimus. Superat quoniam Fortuna, sequamur,
gave happy omen, would I have good hope
quoque vocat, vertamus iter. Nec litora longe
of making Italy through yonder sky.
fida reor fraterna Erycis portusque Sicanos,
Athwart our course from clouded evening-star
25
si modo rite memor servata remetior astra.
rebellious winds run shifting, and the air
Tum pius Aeneas: Equidem sic poscere ventos
into a cloud-wrack rolls. Against such foes
iamdudum et frustra cerno te tendere contra:
too weak our strife and strain! Since now the hand
Flecte viam velis. An sit mihi gratior ulla,
of Fortune triumphs, let us where she calls
quove magis fessas optem demittere naves,
obedient go. For near us, I believe,
30
quam quae Dardanium tellus mihi servat Acesten,
lies Eryx' faithful and fraternal shore:
et patris Anchisae gremio complectitur ossa?
here are Sicilian havens, if my mind
Haec ubi dicta, petunt portus, et vela secundi
of yon familiar stars have knowledge true.”
intendunt Zephyri; fertur cita gurgite classis,
then good Aeneas: “For a friendly wind
et tandem laeti notae advertuntur harenae.
long have I sued, and watched thee vainly strive.
35
At procul ex celso miratus vertice montis
Shift sail! What happier land for me and mine,
adventum sociasque rates occurrit Acestes,
or for our storm-beat ships what safer shore,
horridus in iaculis et pelle Libystidis ursae,
than where Dardanian Acestes reigns;
Troïa Criniso conceptum flumine mater
the land whose faithful bosom cherishes
quem genuit: veterum non immemor ille parentum
Anchises' ashes?” Heedful of his word,
40
gratatur reduces, et gaza laetus agresti
they landward steer, while favoring zephyrs fill
excipit, ac fessos opibus solatur amicis.
the spreading sail. On currents swift and strong
Postera cum primo stellas Oriente fugarat
the fleet is wafted, and with thankful soul
clara dies, socios in coetum litore ab omni
they moor on Sicily's familiar strand.
advocat Aeneas, tumulique ex aggere fatur:
From a far hill-top having seen with joy
45
Dardanidae magni, genus alto a sanguine divom,
the entering ships, and knowing them for friends,
annuus exactis completur mensibus orbis,
good King Acestes ran to bid them hail.
ex quo reliquias divinique ossa parentis
Garbed in rough pelt of Libyan bear was he,
Condidimus terra maestasque sacravimus aras.
and javelins he bore, in sylvan guise:
Iamque dies, nisi fallor, adest, quem semper acerbum,
for him the river-god Crimisus sired
50
semper honoratum—sic di voluistis—habebo.
of Trojan wife. Remembering in his heart
Hunc ego Gaetulis agerem si Syrtibus exsul,
his ancient blood, he greeted with glad words
Argolicove mari deprensus et urbe Mycenae;
the wanderers returned; bade welcome to
annua vota tamen sollemnisque ordine pompas
his rude abundance, and with friendly gifts
exsequerer, strueremque suis altaria donis.
their weariness consoled. The morrow morn,
55
Nunc ultro ad cineres ipsius et ossa parentis,
soon as the new beams of a golden day
haud equidem sine mente, reor, sine numine divom,
had banished every star, Aeneas called
adsumus et portus delati intramus amicos.
a council of his followers on the shore,
Ergo agite, et laetum cuncti celebremus honorem;
and from a fair green hillock gave this word:
poscamus ventos; atque haec me sacra quotannis
“Proud sons of Dardanus, whose lofty line
60
urbe velit posita templis sibi ferre dicatis.
none but the gods began! This day fulfils
Bina boum vobis Troia generatus Acestes
the annual cycle of revolving time,
dat numero capita in naves; adhibete Penates
since the dear relics of my god-like sire
et patrios epulis et quos colit hospes Acestes.
to earth we gave, and with dark offerings due
Praeterea, si nona diem mortalibus almum
built altars sorrowful. If now I err not,
65
Aurora extulerit radiisque retexerit orbem,
this is my day—ye gods have willed it so! —
prima citae Teucris ponam certamina classis;
for mourning and for praise. Should it befall
quique pedum cursu valet, et qui viribus audax
me exiled in Gaetulia's wilderness,
aut iaculo incedit melior levibusque sagittis,
or sailing some Greek sea, or at the walls
seu crudo fidit pugnam committere caestu,
of dire Mycenae, still would I renew
70
cuncti adsint, meritaeque exspectent praemia palmae.
unfailing vows, and make solemnity
Ore favete omnes, et cingite tempora ramis.
with thankful rites, and worshipful array,
Sic fatus, velat materna tempora myrto;
at altars rich with gifts. But, lo, we come,
hoc Elymus facit, hoc aevi maturus Acestes,
beyond all hope, where lie the very bones
hoc puer Ascanius, sequitur quos cetera pubes.
of my great sire. Nor did it come to pass
75
Ille e concilio multis cum milibus ibat
without divine intent and heavenly power,
ad tumulum, magna medius comitante caterva.
that on these hospitable shores we stand.
Hic duo rite mero libans carchesia Baccho
Up, then! For we will make a festal day,
fundit humi, duo lacte novo, duo sanguine sacro,
imploring lucky winds! O, may his spirit
purpureosque iacit flores, ac talia fatur:
grant me to build my city, where his shrines
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Salve, sancte parens: iterum salvete, recepti
forever shall receive perpetual vows
nequiquam cineres, animaeque umbraeque paternae.
made in his name! This prince of Trojan line,
Non licuit fines Italos fataliaque arva,
Acestes, upon every ship bestows
nec tecum Ausonium (quicumque est) quaerere Thybrim.
a pair of oxen. To our offerings call
Dixerat haec, adytis cum lubricus anguis ab imis
the powers that bless the altars and the fires
85
septem ingens gyros, septena volumina traxit,
of our ancestral hearth; and join with these
amplexus placide tumulum lapsusque per aras,
the gods of good Acestes. Presently,
caeruleae cui terga notae, maculosus et auro
when the ninth dawn shall bring its beam benign
squamam incendebat fulgor, ceu nubibus arcus
to mortal men, and show the radiant world,
mille iacit varios adverso sole colores.
or all my Teucrian people I ordain
90
Obstipuit visu Aeneas. Ille agmine longo
a holiday of games; the flying ships
tandem inter pateras et levia pocula serpens
shall first contend; then swiftest runners try
libavitque dapes, rursusque innoxius imo
a foot-race; after that the champions bold
successit tumulo, et depasta altaria liquit.
who step forth for a cast of javelins,
Hoc magis inceptos genitori instaurat honores,
or boast the soaring arrow; or fear not
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incertus, geniumne loci famulumne parentis
the boxing-bout, with gauntlet of thick thongs.
esse putet: caedit binas de more bidentes,
This summons is for all; let all have hope
totque sues, totidem nigrantis terga iuvencos;
to earn some noble palm! And from this hour
vinaque fundebat pateris, animamque vocabat
speak but well-boding words, and bind your brows
Anchisae magni Manisque Acheronte remissos.
with garlands green.” So saying, he twined a wreath
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Nec non et socii, quae cuique est copia, laeti
of his own mother's myrtle-tree, to shade
dona ferunt, onerant aras, mactantque iuvencos;
his sacred brow; the hero Helymus,
ordine aena locant alii, fusique per herbam
and King Acestes for his tresses gray,
subiciunt veribus prunas et viscera torrent.
like coronals took on; Ascanius
The Memorial Games Begin
Exspectata dies aderat, nonamque serena
and all the warrior youth like emblems wore.
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Auroram Phaethontis equi iam luce vehebant,
Then in th' attendant throng conspicuous,
famaque finitimos et clari nomen Acestae
with thousands at his side, the hero moved
excierat; laeto complerant litora coetu,
from place of council to his father's tomb.
visuri Aeneadas, pars et certare parati.
There on the ground he poured libation due,
Munera principio ante oculos circoque locantur
two beakers of good wine, of sweet milk two,
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in medio, sacri tripodes viridesque coronae,
two of the victim's blood—and scattered flowers
et palmae pretium victoribus, armaque et ostro
of saddest purple stain, while thus he prayed:
perfusae vestes, argenti aurique talenta;
“Hail, hallowed sire! And hail, ye ashes dear
et tuba commissos medio canit aggere ludos.
of him I vainly saved! O soul and shade
Prima pares ineunt gravibus certamina remis
of my blest father! Heaven to us denied
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quattuor ex omni delectae classe carinae.
to find together that predestined land
Velocem Mnestheus agit acri remige Pristim,
of Italy, or our Ausonian stream
mox Italus Mnestheus, genus a quo nomine Memmi;
of Tiber—ah! but where?” He scarce had said,
ingentemque Gyas ingenti mole Chimaeram,
when from the central shrine a gliding snake,
urbis opus, triplici pubes quam Dardana versu
coiled seven-fold in seven spirals wide,
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impellunt, terno consurgunt ordine remi;
twined round the tomb and trailed innocuous o'er
Sergestusque, domus tenet a quo Sergia nomen,
the very altars; his smooth back was flecked
Centauro invehitur magna, Scyllaque Cloanthus
with green and azure, and his changeful scales
caerulea, genus unde tibi, Romane Cluenti.
gleamed golden, as the cloud-born rainbow flings
Est procul in pelago saxum spumantia contra
its thousand colors from th' opposing sun.
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litora, quod tumidis submersum tunditur olim
Aeneas breathless watched the serpent wind
fluctibus, hiberni condunt ubi sidera cori;
among the bowls and cups of polished rim,
tranquillo silet, immotaque attollitur unda
tasting the sacred feast; where, having fed,
campus, et apricis statio gratissima mergis.
back to the tomb all harmless it withdrew.
Hic viridem Aeneas frondenti ex ilice metam
Then with new zeal his sacrifice he brings
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constituit signum nautis pater, unde reverti
in honor of his sire; for he must deem
scirent, et longos ubi circumflectere cursus.
that serpent the kind genius of the place,
Tum loca sorte legunt, ipsique in puppibus auro
or of his very father's present shade
ductores longe effulgent ostroque decori;
some creature ministrant. Two lambs he slew,
cetera populea velatur fronde iuventus,
the wonted way, two swine, and, sable-hued,
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nudatosque umeros oleo perfilsa nitescit.
the yoke of bulls; from shallow bowl he poured
Considunt transtris, intentaque brachia remis;
libation of the grape, and called aloud
intenti exspectant signum, exsultantiaque haurit
on great Anchises' spirit, and his shade,
corda pavor pulsans, laudumque arrecta cupido.
from Acheron set free. Then all the throng,
Inde, ubi clara dedit sonitum tuba, finibus omnes,
each from his separate store, heap up the shrines
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haud mora, prosiluere suis; ferit aethera clamor
with victims slain; some range in order fair
nauticus, adductis spumant freta versa lacertis.
the brazen cauldrons; or along the grass,
Infindunt pariter sulcos, totumque dehiscit
scattered at ease, hold o'er the embers bright
convulsum remis rostrisque tridentibus aequor.
the spitted flesh and roast it in the flames.
Non tam praecipites biiugo certamine campum
Arrived the wished-for day; through cloudless sky
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corripuere, ruuntque effusi carcere currus,
the coursers of the Sun's bright-beaming car
nec sic immissis aurigae undantia lora
bore upward the ninth morn. The neighboring folk
concussere iugis pronique in verbera pendent.
thronged eager to the shore; some hoped to see
Tum plausu fremituque virum studiisque faventum
Aeneas and his warriors, others fain
consonat omne nemus, vocemque inclusa volutant
would their own prowess prove in bout and game.
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litora, pulsati colles clamore resultant.
Conspicuous lie the rewards, ranged in sight
Effugit ante alios primisque elabitur undis
in the mid-circus; wreaths of laurel green,
turbam inter fremitumque Gyas; quem deinde Cloanthus
the honored tripod, coronals of palm
consequitur, melior remis, sed pondere pinus
for conquerors' brows, accoutrements of war,
tarda tenet. Post hos aequo discrimine Pristis
rare robes of purple stain, and generous weight
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Centaurusque locum tendunt superare priorem;
of silver and of gold. The trumpet's call
et nunc Pristis habet, nunc victam praeterit ingens
proclaimed from lofty mound the opening games.
Centaurus, nunc una ambae iunctisque feruntur
First, side by side, with sturdy, rival oars,
frontibus, et longa sulcant vada salsa carina.
four noble galleys, pride of all the fleet,
Iamque propinquabant scopulo metamque tenebant,
come forward to contend. The straining crew
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cum princeps medioque Gyas in gurgite victor
of Mnestheus bring his speedy Pristis on, —
rectorem navis compellat voce Menoeten:
Mnestheus in Italy erelong the sire
Quo tantum mihi dexter abis? Huc dirige gressum;
of Memmius' noble line. Brave Gyas guides
litus ama, et laevas stringat sine palmula cautes;
his vast Chimaera, a colossal craft,
altum alii teneant. Dixit; sed caeca Menoetes
a floating city, by a triple row
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saxa timens proram pelagi detorquet ad undas.
of Dardan sailors manned, whose banks of oars
Quo diversus abis? iterum Pete saxa, Menoete!
in triple order rise. Sergestus, he
cum clamore Gyas revocabat; et ecce Cloanthum
of whom the Sergian house shall after spring,
respicit instantem tergo, et propiora tenentem.
rides in his mighty Centaur. Next in line,
Ille inter navemque Gyae scopulosque sonantes
on sky-blue Scylla proud Cloanthus rides —
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radit iter laevum interior, subitoque priorem
whence thy great stem, Cluentius of Rome!
praeterit, et metis tenet aequora tuta relictis.
Fronting the surf-beat shore, far out at sea
Tum vero exarsit iuveni dolor ossibus ingens,
rises a rock, which under swollen waves
nec lacrimis caruere genae, segnemque Menoeten,
lies buffeted unseen, when wintry storms
oblitus decorisque sui sociumque salutis,
mantle the stars; but when the deep is calm,
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in mare praecipitem puppi deturbat ab alta;
lifts silently above the sleeping wave
ipse gubernaclo rector subit, ipse magister,
its level field,—a place where haunt and play
hortaturque viros, clavumque ad litora torquet.
flocks of the sea-birds, Iovers of the sun.
At gravis, ut fundo vix tandem redditus imo est,
Here was the goal; and here Aeneas set
iam senior madidaque fluens in veste Menoetes
a green-leaved flex-tree, to be a mark
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summa petit scopuli siccaque in rupe resedit.
for every captain's eye, from whence to veer
Ilium et labentem Teucri et risere natantem,
the courses of their ships in sweeping curves
et salsos rident revomentem pectore fluctus.
and speed them home. Now places in the line
Hic laeta extremis spes est accensa duobus,
are given by lot. Upon the lofty sterns
Sergesto Mnestheique, Gyan superare morantem.
the captains ride, in beautiful array
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Sergestus capit ante locum scopuloque propinquat,
of Tyriao purple and far-flaming gold;
nec tota tamen ille prior praeeunte carina;
the crews are poplar-crowned, the shoulders bare
parte prior, partem rostro premit aemula Pristis.
rubbed well with glittering oil; their straining arms
At media socios incedens nave per ipsos
make long reach to the oar, as on the thwarts
hortatur Mnestheus: Nunc, nunc insurgite remis,
they sit attentive, listening for the call
190
Hectorei socii, Troiae quos sorte suprema
of the loud trumpet; while with pride and fear
delegi comites; nunc illas promite vires,
their hot hearts throb, impassioned for renown.
nunc animos, quibus in Gaetulis Syrtibus usi,
Soon pealed the signal clear; from all the line
Ionioque mari Maleaeque sequacibus undis.
instant the galleys bounded, and the air
Non iam prima peto Mnestheus, neque vincere certo;
rang to the rowers, shouting, while their arms
195
quamquam O!—sed superent, quibus hoc, Neptune, dedisti;
pulled every inch and flung the waves in foam;
extremos pudeat rediisse; hoc vincite, cives,
deep cut the rival strokes; the surface fair
et prohibete nefas. Olli certamine summo
yawned wide beneath their blades and cleaving keels.
procumbunt; vastis tremit ictibus aerea puppis,
Not swifter scour the chariots o'er the plain,
subtrahiturque solum; tum creber anhelitus artus
sped headlong from the line behind their teams
200
aridaque ora quatit, sudor fluit undique rivis.
of mated coursers, while each driver shakes
Attulit ipse viris optatum casus honorem.
loose, rippling reins above his plunging pairs,
Namque furens animi dum proram ad saxa suburguet
and o'er the lash leans far. With loud applause
interior, spatioque subit Sergestus iniquo,
vociferous and many an urgent cheer
infelix saxis in procurrentibus haesit.
the woodlands rang, and all the concave shores
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Concussae cautes, et acuto in murice remi
back from the mountains took the Trojan cry
obnixi crepuere, inlisaque prora pependit.
in answering song. Forth-flying from his peers,
Consurgunt nautae et magno clamore morantur,
while all the crowd acclaims, sped Gyas' keel
ferratasque trudes et acuta cuspide contos
along the outmost wave. Cloanthus next
expediunt, fractosque legunt in gurgite remos.
pushed hard upon, with stronger stroke of oars
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At laetus Mnestheus successuque acrior ipso
but heavier ship. At equal pace behind
agmine remorum celeri ventisque vocatis
the Pristis and the Centaur fiercely strive
prona petit maria et pelago decurrit aperto.
for the third place. Now Pristis seems to lead,
Qualis spelunca subito commota columba,
now mightier Centaur past her flies, then both
cui domus et dulces latebroso in pumice nidi,
ride on together, prow with prow, and cleave
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fertur in ana volans, plausumque exterrita pennis
long lines of foaming furrow with swift keels.
dat tecto ingentem, mox aere lapsa quieto
Soon near the rock they drew, and either ship
radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet alas:
was making goal,—when Gyas, in the lead,
sic Mnestheus, sic ipsa fuga secat ultima Pristis
and winner of the half-course, Ioudly hailed
aequora, sic illam fert impetus ipse volantem.
menoetes, the ship's pilot: “Why so far
220
Et primum in scopulo luctantem deserit alto
to starboard, we? Keep her head round this way!
Sergestum, brevibusque vadis frustraque vocantem
Hug shore! Let every oar-blade almost graze
auxilia, et fractis discentem currere remis
that reef to larboard! Let the others take
Inde Gyan ipsamque ingenti mole Chimaeram
the deep-sea course outside!” But while he spoke,
consequitur; cedit, quoniam spoliata magistro est.
Menoetes, dreading unknown rocks below,
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Solus iamque ipso superest in fine Cloanthus:
veered off to open sea. “Why steer so wide?
quem petit, et summis adnixus viribus urguet.
Round to the rock, Menoetes!” Gyas roared, —
Tum vero ingeminat clamor, cunctique sequentem
again in vain, for looking back he saw
instigant studiis, resonatque fragoribus aether.
cloanthus hard astern, and ever nearer,
Hi proprium decus et partum indignantur honorem
who, in a trice, betwixt the booming reef
230
ni teneant, vitamque volunt pro laude pacisci;
and Gyas' galley, lightly forward thrust
hos successus alit: possunt, quia posse videntur.
the beak of Scylla to the inside course,
Et fors aequatis cepissent praemia rostris,
and, quickly taking lead, flew past the goal
ni palmas ponto tendens utrasque Cloanthus
to the smooth seas beyond. Then wrathful grief
fudissetque preces, divosque in vota vocasset:
flamed in the warrior's heart, nor was his cheek
235
Di, quibus imperium est pelagi, quorum aequora curro,
unwet with tears; and, reckless utterly
vobis laetus ego hoc candentem in litore taurum
of his own honor and his comrades, lives,
constituam ante aras, voti reus, extaque salsos
he hurled poor, slack Menoetes from the poop
porriciam in fluctus et vina liquentia fundam.
headlong upon the waters, while himself,
Dixit, eumque imis sub fluctibus audiit omnis
pilot and master both, the helm assuming,
240
Nereidum Phorcique chorus Panopeaque virgo,
urged on his crew, and landward took his way.
et pater ipse manu magna Portunus euntem
But now, with heavy limbs that hardly won
impulit; illa Noto citius volucrique sagitta
his rescue from the deep, engulfing wave,
ad terram fugit, et portu se condidit alto.
up the rude rock graybeard Menoetes climbed
Tum satus Anchisa, cunctis ex more vocatis,
with garment dripping wet, and there dropped down
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victorem magna praeconis voce Cloanthum
upon the cliff's dry top. With laughter loud
declarat viridique advelat tempora lauro,
the Trojan crews had watched him plunging, swimming,
muneraque in naves ternos optare iuvencos,
and now to see his drink of bitter brine
vinaque et argenti magnum dat ferre talentum.
spewed on the ground, the sailors laughed again.
Ipsis praecipuos ductoribus addit honores:
But Mnestheus and Sergestus, coming last,
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victori chlamydem auratam, quam plurima circum
have joyful hope enkindled in each heart
purpura maeandro duplici Meliboea cucurrit,
to pass the laggard Gyas. In the lead
intextusque puer frondosa regius Ida
Sergestus' ship shoots forth; and to the rock
veloces iaculo cervos cursuque fatigat,
runs boldly nigh; but not his whole long keel
acer, anhelanti similis, quem praepes ab Ida
may pass his rival; the projecting beak
255
sublimem pedibus rapuit Iovis armiger uncis;
is followed fast by Pristis' emulous prow.
longaevi palmas nequiquam ad sidera tendunt
Then, striding straight amidships through his crew,
custodes, saevitque canum latratus in auras.
thus Mnestheus urged them on: “O Hector's friends!
At qui deinde locum tenuit virtute secundum,
Whom in the dying hours of Troy I chose
levibus huic hamis consertam auroque trilicem
for followers! Now stand ye to your best!
260
loricam, quam Demoleo detraxerat ipse
Put forth the thews of valor that ye showed
victor apud rapidum Simoënta sub Ilio alto,
in the Gaetulian Syrtes, or that sea
donat habere viro, decus et tutamen in armis.
Ionian, or where the waves race by
Vix illam famuli Phegeus Sagarisque ferebant
the Malean promontory! Mnestheus now
multiplicem, conixi umeris; indutus at olim
hopes not to be the first, nor do I strive
265
Demoleos cursu palantes Troas agebat.
for victory. O Father Neptune, give
Tertia dona facit geminos ex aere lebetas,
that garland where thou wilt! But O, the shame
cymbiaque argento perfecta atque aspera signis.
if we are last! Endure it not, my men!
Iamque adeo donati omnes opibusque superbi
The infamy refuse!” So, bending low,
puniceis ibant evincti tempora taenis,
they enter the home-stretch. Beneath their stroke
270
cum saevo e scopulo multa vix arte revolsus,
the brass-decked galley throbs, and under her
amissis remis atque ordine debilis uno,
the sea-floor drops away. On, on they fly!
inrisam sine honore ratem Sergestus agebat.
Parched are the panting lips, and sweat in streams
Qualis saepe viae deprensus in aggere serpens,
pours down their giant sides; but lucky chance
aerea quem obliquum rota transiit, aut gravis ictu
brought the proud heroes what their honor craved.
275
seminecem liquit saxo lacerumque viator;
For while Sergestus furiously drove
nequiquam longos fugiens dat corpore tortus,
his ship's beak toward the rock, and kept inside
parte ferox, ardensque oculis, et sibila colla
the scanty passage, by his evil star
arduus attollens, pars volnere clauda retentat
he grounded on the jutting reef; the cliffs
nexantem nodis seque in sua membra plicantem:
rang with the blow, and his entangled oars
280
tali remigio navis se tarda movebat;
grated along the jagged granite, while
vela facit tamen, et velis subit ostia plenis.
the prow hung wrecked and helpless. With loud cry
Sergestum Aeneas promisso munere donat,
upsprang the sailors, while the ship stood still,
servatam ob navem laetus sociosque reductos.
and pushed off with long poles and pointed iron,
Olli serva datur, operum haud ignara Minervae,
or snatched the smashed oars from the whirling tide.
285
Cressa genus, Pholoë, geminique sub ubere nati.
Mnestheus exults; and, roused to keener strife
The Foot Race
Hoc pius Aeneas misso certamine tendit
by happy fortune, with a quicker stroke
gramineum in campum, quem collibus undique curvis
of each bright rank of oars, and with the breeze
cingebant silvae, mediaque in valle theatri
his prayer implored, skims o'er the obedient wave
circus erat; quo se multis cum milibus heros
and sweeps the level main. Not otherwise
290
consessu medium tulit exstructoque resedit.
a startled dove, emerging o'er the fields
Hic, qui forte velint rapido contendere cursu,
from secret cavern in the crannied hill
invitat pretiis animos, et praemia ponit.
where her safe house and pretty nestlings lie,
Undique conveniunt Teucri mixtique Sicani,
soars from her nest, with whirring wings—but soon
Nisus et Euryalus primi,
through the still sky she takes her path of air
295
Euryalus forma insignis viridique iuventa,
on pinions motionless. So Pristis sped
Nisus amore pio pueri; quos deinde secutus
with Mnestheus, cleaving her last stretch of sea,
regius egregia Priami de stirpe Diores;
by her own impulse wafted. She outstripped
hunc Salius simul et Patron, quorum alter Acarnan,
Sergestus first; for he upon the reef
alter ab Arcadio Tegeaeae sanguine gentis;
fought with the breakers, desperately shouting
300
tum duo Trinacrii iuvenes, Helymus Panopesque,
for help, for help in vain, with broken oars
adsueti silvis, comites senioris Acestae;
contriving to move on. Then Mnestheus ran
multi praeterea, quos fama obscura recondit.
past Gyas, in Chimaera's ponderous hulk,
Aeneas quibus in mediis sic deinde locutus:
of pilot now bereft; at last remains
Accipite haec animis, laetasque advertite mentes:
Cloanthus his sole peer, whom he pursues
305
nemo ex hoc numero mihi non donatus abibit.
with a supreme endeavor. From the shore
Gnosia bina dabo levato lucida ferro
burst echoing cheers that spur him to the chase,
spicula caelatamque argento ferre bipennem;
and wild applause makes all the welkin ring.
omnibus hic erit unus honos. Tres praemia primi
The leaders now with eager souls would scorn
accipient flavaque caput nectentur oliva.
to Iose their glory, and faint-hearted fail
310
Primus equum phaleris insignem victor habeto;
to grasp a prize half-won, but fain would buy
alter Amazoniam pharetram plenamque sagittis
honor with life itself; the followers too
Threïciis, lato quam circum amplectitur auro
are flushed with proud success, and feel them strong
balteus et tereti subnectit fibula gemma;
because their strength is proven. Both ships now
tertius Argolica hac galea contentus abito.
with indistinguishable prows had sped
315
Haec ubi dicta, locum capiunt, signoque repente
to share one prize,—but with uplifted hands
corripiunt spatia audito, limenque relinquunt,
spread o'er the sea, Cloanthus, suppliant,
effusi nimbo similes, simul ultima signant.
called on the gods to bless his votive prayer:
Primus abit longeque ante omnia corpora Nisus
“Ye gods who rule the waves, whose waters be
emicat, et ventis et fulminis ocior alis;
my pathway now; for you on yonder strand
320
proximus huic, longo sed proxumus intervallo,
a white bull at the altar shall be slain
insequitur Salius; spatio post deinde relicto
in grateful tribute for a granted vow;
tertius Euryalus:
and o'er the salt waves I will scatter far
Euryalumque Helymus sequitur; quo deinde sub ipso
the entrails, and outpour the flowing wine.”
ecce volat calcemque terit iam calce Diores,
He spoke; and from the caverns under sea
325
incumbens umero, spatia et si plura supersint,
Phorcus and virgin Panopea heard,
transeat elapsus prior, ambiguumque relinquat.
and all the sea-nymphs' choir; while with strong hand
Iamque fere spatio extremo fessique sub ipsam
the kindly God of Havens rose and thrust
finem adventabant, levi cum sanguine Nisus
the gliding ship along, that swifter flew
labitur infelix, caesis ut forte iuvencis
than south wind, or an arrow from the string,
330
fusus humum viridisque super madefecerat herbas.
and soon made land in haven safe and sure.
Hic iuvenis iam victor ovans vestigia presso
Aeneas then, assembling all to hear,
haud tenuit titubata solo, sed pronus in ipso
by a far-sounding herald's voice proclaimed
concidit immundoque fimo sacroque cruore.
Cloanthus victor, and arrayed his brows
Non tamen Euryali, non ille oblitus amorum;
with the green laurel-garland; to the crews
335
nam sese opposuit Salio per lubrica surgens;
three bulls, at choice, were given, and plenteous wine
ille autem spissa iacuit revolutus harena.
and talent-weight of silver; to the chiefs
Emicat Euryalus, et munere victor amici
illustrious gifts beside; the victor had
prima tenet, plausuque volat fremituque secundo.
a gold-embroidered mantle with wide band
Post Helymus subit, et nunc tertia palma Diores.
of undulant Meliboean purple rare,
340
Hic totum caveae consessum ingentis et ora
where, pictured in the woof, young Ganymede
prima patrum magnis Salius clamoribus implet,
through Ida's forest chased the light-foot deer
ereptumque dolo reddi sibi poscit honorem.
with javelin; all flushed and panting he.
Tutatur favor Euryalum, lacrimaeque decorae,
But lo! Jove's thunder-bearing eagle fell,
gratior et pulchro veniens in corpore virtus.
and his strong talons snatched from Ida far
345
Adiuvat et magna proclamat voce Diores,
the royal boy, whose aged servitors
qui subiit palmae, frustraque ad praemia venit
reached helpless hands to heaven; his faithful hound
ultima, si primi Salio reddentur honores.
bayed fiercely at the air. To him whose worth
Tum pater Aeneas Vestra inquit munera vobis
the second place had won, Aeneas gave
certa manent, pueri, et palmam movet ordine nemo;
a smooth-linked golden corselet, triple-chained,
350
me liceat casus misereri insontis amici.
of which his own victorious hand despoiled
Sic fatus, tergum Gaetuli immane leonis
Demoleos, by the swift, embattled stream
dat Salio, villis onerosum atque unguibus aureis.
of Simois, under Troy,—and bade it be
Hic Nisus, Si tanta inquit sunt praemia victis,
a glory and defence on valor's field;
et te lapsorum miseret, quae munera Niso
scarce might the straining shoulders of two slaves,
355
digna dabis, primam merui qui laude coronam,
Phegeus and Sagaris, the load endure,
ni me, quae Salium, fortuna inimica tulisset?
yet oft Demoleos in this armor dressed
Et simul his dictis faciem ostentabat et udo
charged down full speed on routed hosts of Troy.
turpia membra fimo. Risit pater optimus olli
The third gift was two cauldrons of wrought brass,
et clipeum efferri iussit, Didymaonis artem,
and bowls of beaten silver, cunningly
360
Neptuni sacro Danais de poste refixum.
embossed with sculpture fair. Bearing such gifts,
Hoc iuvenem egregium praestanti munere donat;
th' exultant victors onward moved, each brow
The Boxing Match
Post, ubi confecti cursus, et dona peregit:
bound with a purple fillet. But behold!
Nunc, si cui virtus animusque in pectore praesens,
Sergestus, from the grim rock just dragged off
adsit, et evinctis attollat brachia palmis.
by cunning toil, one halting rank of oars
365
Sic ait, et geminum pugnae proponit honorem,
left of his many lost, comes crawling in
victori velatum auro vittisque iuvencum,
with vanquished ship, a mockery to all.
ensem atque insignem galeam solacia victo.
As when a serpent, on the highway caught,
Nec mora: continuo vastis cum viribus effert
some brazen wheel has crushed, or traveller
ora Dares, magnoque virum se murmure tollit;
with heavy-smiting blow left half alive
370
solus qui Paridem solitus contendere contra,
and mangled by a stone; in vain he moves
idemque ad tumulum, quo maximus occubat Hector,
in writhing flight; a part is lifted high
victorem Buten immani corpore, qui se
with hissing throat and angry, glittering eyes;
Bebrycia veniens Amyci de gente ferebat,
but by the wounded part a captive still
perculit, et fulva moribundum extendit harena.
he knots him fold on fold: with such a track
375
Talis prima Dares caput altum in proelia tollit,
the maimed ship labored slow; but by her sails
ostenditque umeros latos, alternaque iactat
she still made way, and with full canvas on
brachia protendens, et verberat ictibus auras.
arrived at land. Aeneas then bestowed
Quaeritur huic alius; nec quisquam ex agmine tanto
a boon upon Sergestus, as was meet
audet adire virum manibusque inducere caestus.
for reward of the ship in safety brought
380
Ergo alacris, cunctosque putans excedere palma,
with all its men; a fair slave was the prize,
Aeneae stetit ante pedes, nec plura moratus
the Cretan Pholoe, well taught to weave,
tum laeva taurum cornu tenet, atque ita fatur:
and twin boy-babes upon her breast she bore.
Nate dea, si nemo audet se credere pugnae,
Then good Aeneas, the ship-contest o'er,
quae finis standi? Quo me decet usque teneri?
turned to a wide green valley, circled round
385
Ducere dona iube. Cuncti simul ore fremebant
with clasp of wood-clad hills, wherein was made
Dardanidae, reddique viro promissa iubebant.
an amphitheatre; entering with a throng
Hic gravis Entellum dictis castigat Acestes,
of followers, the hero took his seat
proximus ut viridante toro consederat herbae:
in mid-arena on a lofty mound.
Entelle, heroum quondam fortissime frustra,
For the fleet foot-race, now, his summons flies, —
390
tantane tam patiens nullo certamine tolli
he offers gifts, and shows the rewards due.
dona sines? Ubi nunc nobis deus ille magister
The mingling youth of Troy and Sicily
nequiquam memoratus Eryx? Ubi fama per omnem
hastened from far. Among the foremost came
Trinacriam, et spolia illa tuis pendentia tectis?
the comrades Nisus and Euryalus,
Ille sub haec: Non laudis amor, nec gloria cessit
Euryalus for beauty's bloom renowned,
395
pulsa metu; sed enim gelidus tardante senecta
Nisus for loyal love; close-following these
sanguis hebet, frigentque effetae in corpore vires.
Diores strode, a prince of Priam's line;
Si mihi, quae quondam fuerat, quaque improbus iste
then Salius and Patron, who were bred
exsultat fidens, si nunc foret illa iuventas,
in Acarnania and Arcady;
haud equidem pretio inductus pulchroque iuvenco
then two Sicilian warriors, Helymus
400
venissem, nec dona moror. Sic deinde locutus
and Panopes, both sylvan bred and born,
in medium geminos immani pondere caestus
comrades of King Acestes; after these
proiecit, quibus acer Eryx in proelia suetus
the multitude whom Fame forgets to tell.
ferre manum, duroque intendere brachia tergo.
Aeneas, so surrounded, thus spake forth:
Obstipuere animi: tantorum ingentia septem
“Hear what I purpose, and with joy receive!
405
terga boum plumbo insuto ferroque rigebant.
of all your company, not one departs
Ante omnes stupet ipse Dares, longeque recusat;
with empty hand. The Cretan javelins
magnanimusque Anchisiades et pondus et ipsa
bright-tipped with burnished steel, and battle-axe
huc illuc vinclorum immensa volumina versat.
adorned with graven silver, these shall be
Tum senior talis referebat pectore voces:
the meed of all. The three first at the goal
410
Quid, si quis caestus ipsius et Herculis arma
shall bind their foreheads with fair olive green,
vidisset, tristemque hoc ipso in litore pugnam?
and win the rewards due. The first shall lead,
Haec germanus Eryx quondam tuus arma gerebat;—
victorious, yon rich-bridled steed away;
sanguine cernis adhuc sparsoque infecta cerebro;—
this Amazonian quiver, the next prize,
his magnum Alciden contra stetit; his ego suetus,
well-stocked with Thracian arrows; round it goes
415
dum melior vires sanguis dabat, aemula necdum
a baldrick broad and golden,—in its clasp
temporibus geminis canebat sparsa senectus.
a lustrous gem. The third man goes away
Sed si nostra Dares haec Troius arma recusat,
taking this helmet from the Argive spoil.”
idque pio sedet Aeneae, probat auctor Acestes,
They heard, and took their places. The loud horn
aequemus pugnas. Erycis tibi terga remitto;
gave signal, and impetuous from the line,
420
solve metus; et tu Troianos exue caestus.
swift as a bursting storm they sped away,
Haec fatus, duplicem ex umeris reiecit amictum
eyes fixed upon the goal. Far in advance
et magnos membrorum artus, magna ossa lacertosque
Nisus shot forward, swifter than the winds
exuit, atque ingens media consistit harena.
or winged thunderbolt; the next in course,
Tum satus Anchisa caestus pater extulit aequos,
next, but out-rivalled far, was Salius,
425
et paribus palmas amborum innexuit armis.
and after him a space, Euryalus
Constitit in digitos extemplo arrectus uterque,
came third; him Helymus was hard upon;
brachiaque ad superas interritus extulit auras.
and, look! Diores follows, heel on heel,
Abduxere retro longe capita ardua ab ictu,
close at his shoulder—if the race be long
immiscentque manus manibus, pugnamque lacessunt.
he sure must win, or claim a doubtful prize.
430
Ille pedum melior motu, fretusque iuventa;
Now at the last stretch, spent and panting, all
hic membris et mole valens, sed tarda trementi
pressed to the goal, when in a slime of blood
genua labant, vastos quatit aeger anhelitus artus.
Nisus, hard fate! slipped down, where late the death
Multa viri nequiquam inter se volnera iactant,
of victims slain had drenched the turf below.
multa cavo lateri ingeminant, et pectore vastos
Here the young victor, with his triumph flushed,
435
dant sonitus, erratque auris et tempora circum
lost foothold on the yielding ground, and plunged
crebra manus, duro crepitant sub volnere malae.
face forward in the pool of filth and gore;
Stat gravis Entellus nisuque immotus eodem,
but not of dear Euryalus was he
corpore tela modo atque oculis vigilantibus exit.
forgetful then, nor heedless of his friend;
Ille, velut celsam oppugnat qui molibus urbem,
but rising from the mire he hurled himself
440
aut montana sedet circum castella sub armis,
in Salius' way; so he in equal plight
nunc hos, nunc illos aditus, omnemque pererrat
rolled in the filthy slough. Euryalus
arte locum, et variis adsultibus inritus urguet.
leaped forth, the winner of the race by gift
Ostendit dextram insurgens Entellus, et alte
of his true friend, and flying to the goal
extulit: ille ictum venientem a vertice velox
stood first, by many a favoring shout acclaimed.
445
praevidit, celerique elapsus corpore cessit.
Next Helymus ran in; and, for the third, last prize,
Entellus vires in ventum effudit, et ultro
Diores. But the multitude now heard
ipse gravis graviterque ad terram pondere vasto
the hollowed hill-side ringing with wild wrath
concidit, ut quondam cava concidit aut Erymantho,
from Salius, clamoring where the chieftains sate
aut Ida in magna, radicibus eruta pinus.
for restitution of his stolen prize,
450
Consurgunt studiis Teucri et Trinacria pubes;
lost by a cheat. But general favor smiles
it clamor caelo, primusque accurrit Acestes,
upon Euryalus, whose beauteous tears
aequaevumque ab humo miserans attollit amicum.
commend him much, and nobler seems the worth
At non tardatus casu neque territus heros
of valor clothed in youthful shape so fair.
acrior ad pugnam redit ac vim suscitat ira.
Diores, too, assists the victor's claim,
455
Tum pudor incendit vires et conscia virtus,
with loud appeal—he too has won a prize,
praecipitemque Daren ardens agit aequore toto,
and vainly holds his last place, if the first
nunc dextra ingeminans ictus, nunc ille sinistra;
to Salius fall. Aeneas then replied:
nec mora, nec requies: quam multa grandine nimbi
“Your gifts, my gallant youths, remain secure.
culminibus crepitant, sic densis ictibus heros
None can re-judge the prize. But to console
460
creber utraque manu pulsat versatque Dareta.
the misadventure of a blameless friend,
Tum pater Aeneas procedere longius iras
is in my power.” Therewith to Salius
et saevire animis Entellum haud passus acerbis;
an Afric lion's monstrous pelt he gave,
sed finem imposuit pugnae, fessumque Dareta
with ponderous mane, the claws o'erlaid with gold.
eripuit mulcens dictis, ac talia fatur:
But Nisus cried: “If such a gift be found
465
Infelix, quae tanta animum dementia cepit?
for less than victory, and men who fall
Non vires alias conversaque numina sentis?
are worthy so much sorrow, pray, what prize
Cede deo. Dixitque et proelia voce diremit.
shall Nisus have? For surely I had won
Ast illum fidi aequales, genua aegra trahentem,
the proudest of the garlands, if one stroke
iactantemque utroque caput, crassumque cruorem
of inauspicious fortune had not fallen
470
ore eiectantem mixtosque in sanguine dentes,
on Salius and me.” So saying, he showed
ducunt ad naves; galeamque ensemque vocati
his smeared face and his sorry limbs befouled
accipiunt; palmam Entello taurumque relinquunt.
with mire and slime. Then laughed the gracious sire,
Hic victor, superans animis tauroque superbus:
and bade a shield be brought, the cunning work
Nate dea, vosque haec inquit cognoscite, Teucri,
of Didymaon, which the Greeks tore down
475
et mihi quae fuerint iuvenali in corpore vires,
from Neptune's temple; with this noble gift
et qua servetis revocatum a morte Dareta.
he sent the high-born youth upon his way.
Dixit, et adversi contra stetit ora iuvenci,
The foot-race over and the gifts disbursed,
qui donum adstabat pugnae, durosque reducta
“Come forth!” he cries, “if any in his heart
libravit dextra media inter cornua caestus,
have strength and valor, let him now pull on
480
arduus, effractoque inlisit in ossa cerebro.
the gauntlets and uplift his thong-bound arms
sternitur exanimisque tremens procumbit humi bos.
in challenge.” For the reward of this fight
Ille super tales effundit pectore voces:
a two-fold gift he showed: the victor's meed,
Hanc tibi, Eryx, meliorem animam pro morte Daretis
a bullock decked and gilded; but a sword
persolvo; hic victor caestus artemque repono.
and glittering helmet to console the fallen.
The Archery Contest
485
Protinus Aeneas celeri certare sagitta
Straightway, in all his pride of giant strength,
invitat qui forte velint, et praemia ponit,
Dares Ioomed up, and wondering murmurs ran
ingentique manu malum de nave Seresti
along the gazing crowd; for he alone
erigit, et volucrem traiecto in fune columbam,
was wont to match with Paris, he it was
quo tendant ferrum, malo suspendit ab alto.
met Butes, the huge-bodied champion
490
Convenere viri, deiectamque aerea sortem
boasting the name and race of Amycus,
accepit galea; et primus clamore secundo
Bythinian-born; him felled he at a blow,
Hyrtacidae ante omnes exit locus Hippocoöntis;
and stretched him dying on the tawny sand.
quem modo navali Mnestheus certamine victor
Such Dares was, who now held high his head,
consequitur, viridi Mnestheus evinctus oliva.
fierce for the fray, bared both his shoulders broad,
495
Tertius Eurytion, tuus, o clarissime, frater,
lunged out with left and right, and beat the air.
Pandare, qui quondam, iussus confundere foedus,
Who shall his rival be? Of all the throng
in medios telum torsisti primus Achivos.
not one puts on the gauntlets, or would face
Extremus galeaque ima subsedit Acestes,
the hero's challenge. Therefore, striding forth,
ausus et ipse manu iuvenum temptare laborem.
believing none now dare but yield the palm,
500
Tum validis flexos incurvant viribus arcus
he stood before Aeneas, and straightway
pro se quisque viri, et depromunt tela pharetris.
seized with his left hand the bull's golden horn,
Primaque per caelum, nervo stridente, sagitta
and cried, “O goddess-born, if no man dares
Hyrtacidae iuvenis volucres diverberat auras;
to risk him in this fight, how Iong delay?
et venit, adversique infigitur arbore mali.
how Iong beseems it I should stand and wait?
505
Intremuit malus, timuitque exterrita pennis
Bid me bear off my prize.” The Trojans all
ales, et ingenti sonuerunt omnia plausu.
murmured assent, and bade the due award
Post acer Mnestheus adducto constitit arcu,
of promised gift. But with a brow severe
alta petens, pariterque oculos telumque tetendit.
Acestes to Entellus at his side
Ast ipsam miserandus avem contingere ferro
addressed upbraiding words, where they reclined
510
non valuit: nodos et vincula linea rupit,
on grassy bank and couch of pleasant green:
quis innexa pedem malo pendebat ab alto:
“O my Entellus, in the olden days
illa notos atque alta volans in nubila fugit.
bravest among the mighty, but in vain!
Tum rapidus, iamdudum arcu contenta parato
Endurest thou to see yon reward won
tela tenens, fratrem Eurytion in Pota vocavit,
without a blow? Where, prithee, is that god
515
iam vacuo laetam caelo speculatus, et alis
who taught thee? Are thy tales of Eryx vain?
plaudentem nigra figit sub nube columbam.
Does all Sicilia praise thee? Is thy roof
Decidit exanimis, vitamque reliquit in astris
with trophies hung?” The other in reply:
aetheriis, fixamque refert delapsa sagittam.
“My jealous honor and good name yield not
Amissa solus palma superabat Acestes;
to fear. But age, so cold and slow to move,
520
qui tamen aerias telum contendit in auras,
makes my blood laggard, and my ebbing powers
ostentans artemque pater arcumque sonantem.
in all my body are but slack and chill.
Hic oculis subito obicitur magnoque futurum
O, if I had what yonder ruffian boasts—
augurio monstrum; docuit post exitus ingens,
my own proud youth once more! I would not ask
seraque terrifici cecinerunt omina vates.
the fair bull for a prize, nor to the lists
525
Namque volans liquidis in nubibus arsit harundo,
in search of gifts come forth.” So saying, he threw
signavitque viam flammis, tenuisque recessit
into the mid-arena a vast pair
consumpta in ventos, caelo ceu saepe refixa
of ponderous gauntlets, which in former days
transcurrunt crinemque volantia sidera ducunt.
fierce Eryx for his fights was wont to bind
Attonitis haesere animis, superosque precati
on hand and arm, with the stiff raw-hide thong.
530
Trinacrii Teucrique viri; nec maximus omen
All marvelled; for a weight of seven bulls' hides
abnuit Aeneas; sed laetum amplexus Acesten
was pieced with lead and iron. Dares stared
muneribus cumulat magnis, ac talia fatur:
astonished, and step after step recoiled;
Sume, pater; nam te voluit rex magnus Olympi
high-souled Anchises' son, this way and that,
talibus auspiciis exsortem ducere honores.
turned o'er the enormous coil of knots and thongs;
535
Ipsius Anchisae longaevi hoc munus habebis,
then with a deep-drawn breath the veteran spoke:
cratera impressum signis, quem Thracius olim
“O, that thy wondering eyes had seen the arms
Anchisae genitori in magno munere Cisseus
of Hercules, and what his gauntlets were!
ferre sui dederat monumentum et pignus amoris.
Would thou hadst seen the conflict terrible
Sic fatus cingit viridanti tempora lauro,
upon this self-same shore! These arms were borne
540
et primum ante omnes victorem appellat Acesten.
by Eryx. Look; thy brother's!—spattered yet
Nec bonus Eurytion praelato invidit honori,
with blood, with dashed-out brains! In these he stood
quamvis solus avem caelo deiecit ab alto.
when he matched Hercules. I wore them oft
Proximus ingreditur donis, qui vincula rupit;
when in my pride and prime, ere envious age
extremus, volucri qui fixit arundine malum.
shed frost upon my brows. But if these arms
The Trojan Ride
545
At pater Aeneas, nondum certamine misso,
be of our Trojan Dares disapproved,
custodem ad sese comitemque impubis Iuli
if good Aeneas rules it so, and King
Epytiden vocat, et fidam sic fatur ad aurem:
Acestes wills it, let us offer fight
Vade age, et Ascanio, si iam puerile paratum
on even terms. Let Eryx' bull's-hide go.
agmen habet secum, cursusque instruxit equorum,
Tremble no more! But strip those gauntlets off —
550
ducat avo turmas, et sese ostendat in armis,
fetched here from Troy.” So saying, he dropped down
dic ait. Ipse omnem longo decedere circo
the double-folded mantle from his shoulders,
infusum populum, et campos iubet esse patentes.
stripped bare the huge joints, the huge arms and thews,
Incedunt pueri, pariterque ante ora parentum
and towered gigantic in the midmost ring.
frenatis lucent in equis, quos omnis euntes
Anchises' son then gave two equal pairs
555
Trinacriae mirata fremit Troiaeque iuventus.
of gauntlets, and accoutred with like arms
omnibus in morem tonsa coma pressa corona;
both champions. Each lifted him full height
cornea bina ferunt praefixa hastilia ferro;
on tiptoe; each with mien unterrified
pars levis umero pharetras; it pectore summo
held both fists high in air, and drew his head
flexilis obtorti per collum circulus auri.
far back from blows assailing. Then they joined
560
Tres equitum numero turmae, ternique vagantur
in struggle hand to hand, and made the fray
ductores: pueri bis seni quemque secuti
each moment fiercer. One was light of foot
agmine partito fulgent paribusque magistris.
and on his youth relied; the other strong
Una acies iuvenum, ducit quam parvus ovantem
in bulk of every limb, but tottering
nomen avi referens Priamus,—tua clara, Polite,
on sluggish knees, while all his body shook
565
progenies, auctura Italos,—quem Thracius albis
with labor of his breath. Without avail
portat equus bicolor maculis, vestigia primi
they rained their blows, and on each hollow side,
alba pedis frontemque ostentans arduus albam.
each sounding chest, the swift, reverberate strokes
Alter Atys, genus unde Atii duxere Latini,
fell without pause; around their ears and brows
parvus Atys, pueroque puer dilectus Iulo.
came blow on blow, and with relentless shocks
570
Extremus, formaque ante omnis pulcher, Iulus
the smitten jaws cracked loud. Entellus stands
Sidonio est invectus equo, quem candida Dido
unshaken, and, the self-same posture keeping,
esse sui dederat monumentum et pignus amoris.
only by body-movement or quick eye
Cetera Trinacrii pubes senioris Acestae
parries attack. Dares (like one in siege
fertur equis.
against a mountain-citadel, who now will drive
575
Excipiunt plausu pavidos, gaudentque tuentes
with ram and engine at the craggy wall,
Dardanidae, veterumque adgnoscunt ora parentum.
now wait in full-armed watch beneath its towers)
Postquam omnem laeti consessum oculosque suorum
tries manifold approach, most craftily
lustravere in equis, signum clamore paratis
invests each point of vantage, and renews
Epytides longe dedit insonuitque flagello.
his unsuccessful, ever various war.
580
Olli discurrere pares, atque agmina terni
Then, rising to the stroke, Entellus poised
diductis solvere choris, rursusque vocati
aloft his ponderous right; but, quick of eye,
convertere vias infestaque tela tulere.
the other the descending wrath foresaw
Inde alios ineunt cursus aliosque recursus
and nimbly slipped away; Entellus so
adversi spatiis, alternosque orbibus orbes
wasted his stroke on air, and, self-o'erthrown,
585
impediunt, pugnaeque cient simulacra sub armis;
dropped prone to earth his monstrous length along,
et nunc terga fuga nudant, nunc spicula vertunt
as when on Erymanth or Ida falls
infensi, facta pariter nunc pace feruntur.
a hollowed pine from giant roots uptorn.
Ut quondam Creta fertur Labyrinthus in alta
Alike the Teucrian and Trinacrian throng
parietibus textum caecis iter, ancipitemque
shout wildly; while Acestes, pitying, hastes
590
mille viis habuisse dolum, qua signa sequendi
to lift his gray companion. But, unchecked,
falleret indeprensus et inremeabilis error;
undaunted by his fall, the champion brave
haud alio Teucrum nati vestigia cursu
rushed fiercer to the fight, his strength now roused
impediunt texuntque fugas et proelia ludo,
by rage, while shame and courage confident
delphinum similes, qui per maria umida nando
kindle his soul; impetuous he drives
595
Carpathium Libycumque secant, luduntque per undas.
Dares full speed all round the ring, with blows
Hunc morem cursus atque haec certamina primus
redoubled right and left. No stop or stay
Ascanius, Longam muris cum cingeret Albam,
gives he, but like a storm of rattling hail
rettulit, et priscos docuit celebrare Latinos,
upon a house-top, so from each huge hand
quo puer ipse modo, secum quo Troïa pubes;
the champion's strokes on dizzy Dares fall.
600
Albani docuere suos; hinc maxima porro
Then Sire Aeneas willed to make a stay
accepit Roma, et patrium servavit honorem;
to so much rage, nor let Entellus' soul
Troiaque nunc pueri, Troianum dicitur agmen.
flame beyond bound, but bade the battle pause,
Hac celebrata tenus sancto certamina patri.
and, rescuing weary Dares, thus he spoke
The Burning of the Ships
Hic primum fortuna fidem mutata novavit.
in soothing words: “Ill-starred! What mad attempt
605
Dum variis tumulo referunt sollemnia ludis,
is in thy mind? Will not thy heart confess
Irim de caelo misit Saturnia Iuno
thy strength surpassed, and auspices averse?
Iliacam ad classem, ventosque adspirat eunti,
Submit, for Heaven decrees!” With such wise words
multa movens, necdum antiquum saturata dolorem.
he sundered the fell strife. But trusty friends
Illa, viam celerans per mille coloribus arcum,
bore Dares off: his spent limbs helpless trailed,
610
nulli visa cito decurrit tramite virgo.
his head he could not lift, and from his lips
Conspicit ingentem concursum, et litora lustrat,
came blood and broken teeth. So to the ship
desertosque videt portus classemque relictam.
they bore him, taking, at Aeneas' word,
At procul in sola secretae Troades acta
the helmet and the sword—but left behind
amissum Anchisen flebant, cunctaeque profundum
Entellus' prize of victory, the bull.
615
pontum adspectabant flentes. Heu tot vada fessis
He, then, elate and glorying, spoke forth:
et tantum superesse maris! vox omnibus una.
“See, goddess-born, and all ye Teucrians, see,
Urbem orant; taedet pelagi perferre laborem.
what strength was mine in youth, and from what death
Ergo inter medias sese haud ignara nocendi
ye have clelivered Dares.” Saying so,
conicit, et faciemque deae vestemque reponit;
he turned him full front to the bull, who stood
620
fit Beroë, Tmarii coniunx longaeva Dorycli,
for reward of the fight, and, drawing back
cui genus et quondam nomen natique fuissent;
his right hand, poising the dread gauntlet high,
ac sic Dardanidum mediam se matribus infert:
swung sheer between the horns and crushed the skull;
O miserae, quas non manus inquit Achaïca bello
a trembling, lifeless creature, to the ground
traxerit ad letum patriae sub moenibus! O gens
the bull dropped forward dead. Above the fallen
625
infelix, cui te exitio Fortuna reservat?
Entellus cried aloud, “This victim due
Septuma post Troiae exscidium iam vertitur aestas,
I give thee, Eryx, more acceptable
cum freta, cum terras omnes, tot inhospita saxa
than Dares' death to thy benignant shade.
sideraque emensae ferimur, dum per mare magnum
For this last victory and joyful day,
Italiam sequimur fugientem, et volvimur undis.
my gauntlets and my art I leave with thee.”
630
Hic Erycis fines fraterni, atque hospes Acestes:
Forthwith Aeneas summons all who will
quis prohibet muros iacere et dare civibus urbem?
to contest of swift arrows, and displays
O patria et rapti nequiquam ex hoste Penates,
reward and prize. With mighty hand he rears
nullane iam Troiae dicentur moenia? Nusquam
a mast within th' arena, from the ship
Hectoreos amnes, Xanthum et Simoenta, videbo?
of good Sergestus taken; and thereto
635
Quin agite et mecum infaustas exurite puppes.
a fluttering dove by winding cord is bound
Nam mihi Cassandrae per somnum vatis imago
for target of their shafts. Soon to the match
ardentes dare visa faces: Hic quaerite Troiam;
the rival bowmen came and cast the lots
hic domus est inquit vobis. Iam tempus agi res,
into a brazen helmet. First came forth
nec tantis mora prodigiis. En quattuor arae
Hippocoon's number, son of Hyrtacus,
640
Neptuno; deus ipse faces animumque ministrat.
by cheers applauded; Mnestheus was the next,
Haec memorans, prima infensum vi corripit ignem,
late victor in the ship-race, Mnestheus crowned
sublataque procul dextra conixa coruscat,
with olive-garland; next Eurytion,
et iacit: arrectae mentes stupefactaque corda
brother of thee, O bowman most renowned,
Iliadum. Hic una e multis, quae maxima natu,
Pandarus, breaker of the truce, who hurled
645
Pyrgo, tot Priami natorum regia nutrix:
his shaft upon the Achaeans, at the word
Non Beroë vobis, non haec Rhoeteïa, matres,
the goddess gave. Acestes' Iot and name
est Dorycli coniunx; divini signa decoris
came from the helmet last, whose royal hand
ardentesque notate oculos; qui spiritus illi,
the deeds of youth dared even yet to try.
qui voltus, vocisque sonus, vel gressus eunti.
Each then with strong arm bends his pliant bow,
650
Ipsa egomet dudum Beroen digressa reliqui
each from the quiver plucks a chosen shaft.
aegram, indignantem, tali quod sola careret
First, with loud arrow whizzing from the string,
munere, nec meritos Anchisae inferet honores.
the young Hippocoon with skyward aim
Haec effata.
cuts through the yielding air; and lo! his barb
At matres primo ancipites oculisque malignis
pierces the very wood, and makes the mast
655
ambiguae spectare rates miserum inter amorem
tremble; while with a fluttering, frighted wing
praesentis terrae fatisque vocantia regna,
the bird tugs hard,—and plaudits fill the sky.
cum dea se paribus per caelum sustulit alis,
Boldly rose Mnestheus, and with bow full-drawn
ingentemque fuga secuit sub nubibus arcum.
aimed both his eye and shaft aloft; but he
Tum vero attonitae monstris actaeque furore
failing, unhappy man, to bring his barb
660
conclamant, rapiuntque focis penetralibus ignem;
up to the dove herself, just cut the cord
pars spoliant aras, frondem ac virgulta facesque
and broke the hempen bond, whereby her feet
coniciunt. Furit immissis Volcanus habenis
were captive to the tree: she, taking flight,
transtra per et remos et pictas abiete puppes.
clove through the shadowing clouds her path of air.
Nuntius Anchisae ad tumulum cuneosque theatri
But swiftly—for upon his waiting bow
665
incensas perfert naves Eumelus, et ipsi
he held a shaft in rest—Eurytion
respiciunt atram in nimbo volitare favillam.
invoked his brother's shade, and, marking well
Primus et Ascanius, cursus ut laetus equestres
the dove, whose happy pinions fluttered free
ducebat, sic acer equo turbata petivit
in vacant sky, pierced her, hard by a cloud;
castra, nec exanimes possunt retinere magistri.
lifeless she fell, and left in light of heaven
670
Quis furor iste novus? Quo nunc, quo tenditis inquit,
her spark of life, as, floating down, she bore
heu, miserae cives? Non hostem inimicaque castra
the arrow back to earth. Acestes now
Argivum, vestras spes uritis. En, ego vester
remained, last rival, though the victor's palm
Ascanius! Galeam ante pedes proiecit inanem,
to him was Iost; yet did the aged sire,
qua ludo indutus belli simulacra ciebat;
to show his prowess and resounding bow,
675
accelerat simul Aeneas, simul agmina Teucrum.
hurl forth one shaft in air; then suddenly
Ast illae diversa metu per litora passim
all eyes beheld such wonder as portends
diffugiunt, silvasque et sicubi concava furtim
events to be (but when fulfilment came,
saxa petunt; piget incepti lucisque, suosque
too late the fearful seers its warning sung):
mutatae adgnoscunt, excussaque pectore Iuno est.
for, soaring through the stream of cloud, his shaft
680
Sed non idcirco flammae atque incendia vires
took fire, tracing its bright path in flame,
indomitas posuere; udo sub robore vivit
then vanished on the wind,—as oft a star
stuppa vomens tardum fumum, lentusque carinas
will fall unfastened from the firmament,
est vapor, et toto descendit corpore pestis,
while far behind its blazing tresses flow.
nec vires heroum infusaque flumina prosunt.
Awe-struck both Trojan and Trinacrian stood,
685
Tum pius Aeneas umeris abscindere vestem,
calling upon the gods. Nor came the sign
auxilioque vocare deos, et tendere palmas:
in vain to great Aeneas. But his arms
Iuppiter omnipotens, si nondum exosus ad unum
folded the blest Acestes to his heart,
Troianos, si quid pietas antiqua labores
and, Ioading him with noble gifts, he cried:
respicit humanos, da flammam evadere classi
“Receive them, sire! The great Olympian King
690
nunc, Pater, et tenues Teucrum res eripe leto.
some peerless honor to thy name decrees
Vel tu, quod superest infesto fulmine morti,
by such an omen given. I offer thee
si mereor, demitte, tuaque hic obrue dextra.
this bowl with figures graven, which my sire,
Vix haec ediderat, cum effusis imbribus atra
good gray Anchises, for proud gift received
tempestas sine more furit, tonitruque tremescunt
of Thracian Cisseus, for their friendship's pledge
695
ardua terrarum et campi; ruit aethere toto
and memory evermore.” Thereon he crowned
turbidus imber aqua densisque nigerrimus austris;
his brows with garland of the laurel green,
implenturque super puppes; semiusta madescunt
and named Acestes victor over all.
robora; restinctus donec vapor omnis, et omnes,
Nor could Eurytion, noble youth, think ill
quattuor amissis, servatae a peste carinae.
of honor which his own surpassed, though he,
The Counsel of Nautes
700
At pater Aeneas, casu concussus acerbo,
he only, pierced the bird in upper air.
nunc huc ingentes, nunc illuc pectore curas
Next gift was his whose arrow cut the cord;
mutabat versans, Siculisne resideret arvis,
last, his whose light shaft clove the lofty pine.
oblitus fatorum, Italasne capesseret oras.
Father Aeneas now, not making end
Tum senior Nautes, unum Tritonia Pallas
of game and contest, summoned to his side
705
quem docuit multaque insignem reddidit arte,
Epytides, the mentor and true friend
haec responsa dabat, vel quae portenderet ira
of young Iulus, and this bidding gave
magna deum, vel quae fatorum posceret ordo;
to his obedient ear: “Arise and go
isque his Aenean solatus vocibus infit:
where my Ascanius has lined his troop
Nate dea, quo fata trahunt retrahuntque, sequamur;
of youthful cavalry, and trained the steeds
710
quidquid erit, superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est.
to tread in ranks of war. Bid him lead forth
Est tibi Dardanius divinae stirpis Acestes:
the squadron in our sire Anchises' name,
hunc cape consiliis socium et coniunge volentem;
and wear a hero's arms!” So saying, he bade
huic trade, amissis superant qui navibus, et quos
the course be cleared, and from the whole wide field
pertaesum magni incepti rerumque tuarum est;
th' insurging, curious multitude withdrew.
715
longaevosque senes ac fessas aequore matres,
In rode the boys, to meet their parents' eyes,
et quidquid tecum invalidum metuensque pericli est,
in even lines, a glittering cavalry;
delige, et his habeant terris sine moenia fessi:
while all Trinacria and the host from Troy
urbem appellabunt permisso nomine Acestam.
made loud applause. On each bright brow
Talibus incensus dictis senioris amici,
a well-trimmed wreath the flowing tresses bound;
720
tum vero in curas animo diducitur omnes.
two javelins of corner tipped with steel
Et nox atra polum bigis subvecta tenebat:
each bore for arms; some from the shoulder slung
visa dehinc caelo facies delapsa parentis
a polished quiver; to each bosom fell
Anchisae subito tales effundere voces:
a pliant necklace of fine, twisted gold.
Nate, mihi vita quondam, dum vita manebat,
Three bands of horsemen ride, three captains proud
725
care magis, nate, Iliacis exercite fatis,
prance here and there, assiduous in command,
imperio Iovis huc venio, qui classibus ignem
each of his twelve, who shine in parted lines
depulit, et caelo tandem miseratus ab alto est.
which lesser captains lead. One cohort proud
Consiliis pare, quae nunc pulcherrima Nautes
follows a little Priam's royal name —
dat senior; lectos iuvenes, fortissima corda,
one day, Polites, thy illustrious race
730
defer in Italiam; gens dura atque aspera cultu
through him prolonged, shall greater glory bring
debellanda tibi Latio est. Ditis tamen ante
to Italy. A dappled Thracian steed
infernas accede domos, et Averna per alta
with snow-white spots and fore-feet white as snow
congressus pete, nate, meos. Non me impia namque
bears him along, its white face lifted high.
Tartara habent, tristes umbrae, sed amoena piorum
Next Atys rode, young Atys, sire to be
735
concilia Elysiumque colo. Huc casta Sibylla
of th' Atian house in Rome, a boy most dear
nigrarum multo pecudum te sanguine ducet:
unto the boy Iulus; last in line,
tum genus omne tuum, et quae dentur moenia, disces.
and fairest of the throng, Iulus came,
Iamque vale: torquet medios Nox humida cursus,
astride a steed from Sidon, the fond gift
et me saevus equis Oriens adflavit anhelis.
of beauteous Dido and her pledge of love.
740
Dixerat, et tenuis fugit, ceu fumus, in auras.
Close followed him the youthful chivalry
Aeneas, Quo deinde ruis, quo proripis? inquit,
of King Acestes on Trinacrian steeds.
Quem fugis, aut quis te nostris complexibus arcet?
The Trojans, with exultant, Ioud acclaim,
Haec memorans cinerem et sopitos suscitat ignes,
receive the shy-faced boys, and joyfully
Pergameumque Larem et canae penetralia Vestae
trace in the features of the sons their sires.
745
farre pio et plena supplex veneratur acerra.
After, with smiling eyes, the horsemen proud
Extemplo socios primumque arcessit Acesten,
have greeted each his kin in all the throng,
et Iovis imperium et cari praecepta parentis
Epytides th' appointed signal calls,
edocet, et quae nunc animo sententia constet.
and cracks his lash; in even lines they move,
Haud mora consiliis, nec iussa recusat Acestes.
then, Ioosely sundering in triple band,
750
Transcribunt urbi matres, populumque volentem
wheel at a word and thrust their lances forth
deponunt, animos nil magnae laudis egentes.
in hostile ranks; or on the ample field
Ipsi transtra novant, flammisque ambesa reponunt
retreat or charge, in figure intricate
robora navigiis, aptant remosque rudentesque,
of circling troop with troop, and swift parade
exigui numero, sed bello vivida virtus.
of simulated war; now from the field
755
Interea Aeneas urbem designat aratro
they flee with backs defenceless to the foe;
sortiturque domos; hoc Ilium et haec loca Troiam
then rally, lance in rest—or, mingling all,
esse iubet. Gaudet regno Troianus Acestes,
make common front, one legion strong and fair.
indicitque forum et patribus dat iura vocatis.
As once in Crete, the lofty mountain-isle,
Tum vicina astris, Erycino in vertice sedes
that-fabled labyrinthine gallery
760
fundatur Veneri Idaliae, tumuloque sacerdos
wound on through lightless walls, with thousand paths
ac lucus late sacer additur Anchiseo.
which baffled every clue, and led astray
Iamque dies epulata novem gens omnis, et aris
in unreturning mazes dark and blind:
factus honos: placidi straverunt aequora venti,
so did the sons of Troy their courses weave
creber et adspirans rursus vocat Auster in altum.
in mimic flights and battles fought for play,
765
Exoritur procurva ingens per litora fletus;
like dolphins tumbling in the liquid waves,
complexi inter se noctemque diemque morantur.
along the Afric or Carpathian seas.
Ipsae iam matres, ipsi, quibus aspera quondam
This game and mode of march Ascanius,
visa maris facies et non tolerabile nomen,
when Alba Longa's bastions proudly rose,
ire volunt, omnemque fugae perferre laborem.
taught to the Latin people of the prime;
770
Quos bonus Aeneas dictis solatur amicis,
and as the princely Trojan and his train
et consanguineo lacrimans commendat Acestae.
were wont to do, so Alba to her sons
Tris Eryci vitulos et Tempestatibus agnam
the custom gave; so glorious Rome at last
caedere deinde iubet, solvique ex ordine funem.
the heritage accepted and revered;
Ipse, caput tonsae foliis evinctus olivae,
and still we know them for the “Trojan Band,”
775
stans procul in prora pateram tenet, extaque salsos
and call the lads a “Troy.” Such was the end
proiicit in fluctus ac vina liquentia fundit.
of game and contest at Anchises' grave.
Prosequitur surgens a puppi ventus euntes.
Then fortune veered and different aspect wore.
Certatim socii feriunt mare et aequora verrunt.
For 'ere the sacred funeral games are done,
Palinurus
At Venus interea Neptunum exercita curis
Saturnian Juno from high heaven sent down
780
adloquitur, talesque effundit pectore questus:
the light-winged Iris to the ships of Troy,
Iunonis gravis ira nec exsaturabile pectus
giving her flight good wind—still full of schemes
cogunt me, Neptune, preces descendere in omnes;
and hungering to avenge her ancient wrong.
quam nec longa dies, pietas nec mitigat ulla,
Unseen of mortal eye, the virgin took
nec Iovis imperio fatisque infracta quiescit.
her pathway on the thousand-colored bow,
785
Non media de gente Phrygum exedisse nefandis
and o'er its gliding passage earthward flew.
urbem odiis satis est, nec poenam traxe per omnem:
She scanned the vast assemblage; then her gaze
reliquias Troiae, cineres atque ossa peremptae
turned shoreward, where along the idle bay
insequitur: causas tanti sciat illa furoris.
the Trojan galleys quite unpeopled rode.
Ipse mihi nuper Libycis tu testis in undis
But far removed, upon a lonely shore,
790
quam molem subito excierit: maria omnia caelo
a throng of Trojan dames bewailed aloud
miscuit, Aeoliis nequiquam freta procellis,
their lost Anchises, and with tears surveyed
in regnis hoc ausa tuis.
the mighty deep. “O weary waste of seas!
Per scelus ecce etiam Troianis matribus actis
What vast, untravelled floods beyond us roll!”
exussit foede puppes, et classe subegit
So cried they with one voice, and prayed the gods
795
amissa socios ignotae linquere terrae.
for an abiding city; every heart
Quod superest, oro, liceat dare tuta per undas
loathed utterly the long, laborious sea.
vela tibi, liceat Laurentem attingere Thybrim:
Then in their midst alighted, not unskilled
si concessa peto, si dant ea moenia Parcae.
in working woe, the goddess; though she wore
Tum Saturnius haec domitor maris edidit alti:
nor garb nor form divine, but made herself
800
Fas omne est, Cytherea, meis te fidere regnis,
one Beroe, Doryclus' aged wife,
unde genus ducis: merui quoque; saepe furores
who in her happier days had lineage fair
compressi, et rabiem tantam caelique marisque.
and sons of noble name; in such disguise
Nec minor in terris, Xanthum Simoëntaque testor,
she called the Trojan dames:“O ye ill-starred,
Aeneae mihi cura tui. Cum Troia Achilles
that were not seized and slain by Grecian foes
805
exanimata sequens impingeret agmina muris,
under your native walls! O tribe accursed,
milia multa daret leto, gemerentque repleti
what death is Fate preparing? Since Troy fell
amnes, nec reperire viam atque evolvere posset
the seventh summer flies, while still we rove
in mare se Xanthus, Pelidae tunc ego forti
o'er cruel rocks and seas, from star to star,
congressum Aenean nec dis nec viribus aequis
from alien land to land, as evermore
810
nube cava rapui, cuperem cum vertere ab imo
we chase, storm-tossed, that fleeting Italy
structa meis manibus periurae moenia Troiae.
across the waters wide. Behold this land
Nunc quoque mens eadem perstat mihi: pelle timores.
of Eryx, of Acestes, friend and kin;
Tutus, quos optas, portus accedet Averni.
what hinders them to raise a rampart here
Unus erit tantum, amissum quem gurgite quaeres;
and build a town? O city of our sires!
815
unum pro multis dabitur caput.
O venerated gods from haughty foes
His ubi laeta deae permulsit pectora dictis,
rescued in vain! Will nevermore a wall
iungit equos auro genitor, spumantiaque addit
rise in the name of Troy? Shall I not see
frena feris, manibusque omnes effundit habenas.
a Xanthus or a Simois, the streams
Caeruleo per summa levis volat aequora curru;
to Hector dear? Come now! I lead the way.
820
subsidunt undae, tumidumque sub axe tonanti
Let us go touch their baneful ships with fire!
sternitur aequor aquis; fugiunt vasto aethere nimbi.
I saw Cassandra in a dream. Her shade,
Tum variae comitum facies, immania cete,
prophetic ever, gave me firebrands,
et senior Glauci chorus, Inousque Palaemon,
and cried, ‘Find Ilium so! The home for thee
Tritonesque citi, Phorcique exercitus omnis;
is where thou art.’ Behold, the hour is ripe
825
laeva tenent Thetis, et Melite, Panopeaque virgo,
for our great act! No longer now delay
Nisaee, Spioque, Thaliaque, Cymodoceque.
to heed the heavenly omen. Yonder stand
Hic patris Aeneae suspensam blanda vicissim
four altars unto Neptune. 'T is the god,
gaudia pertemptant mentem: iubet ocius omnes
the god himself, gives courage for the deed,
attolli malos, intendi brachia velis.
and swift-enkindling fire.” So having said,
830
Una omnes fecere pedem pariterque sinistros,
she seized a dreadful brand; then, lifting high,
nunc dextros solvere sinus; una ardua torquent
waved it all flaming, and with furious arm
cornua detorquentque; ferunt sua flamina classem.
hurled it from far. The Ilian matrons gazed,
Princeps ante omnes densum Palinurus agebat
bewildered and appalled. But one, of all
agmen; ad hunc alii cursum contendere iussi.
the eldest, Pyrgo, venerated nurse
835
Iamque fere mediam caeli Nox humida metam
of Priam's numerous sons, exclaimed, “Nay, nay!
contigerat; placida laxabant membra quiete
This is no Beroe, my noble dames.
sub remis fusi per dura sedilia nautae:
Doryclus knew her not. Behold and see
cum levis aetheriis delapsus Somnus ab astris
her heavenly beauty and her radiant eyes!
aëra dimovit tenebrosum et dispulit umbras,
What voice of music and majestic mien,
840
te, Palinure, petens, tibi somnia tristia portans
what movement like a god! Myself am come
insonti; puppique deus consedit in alta,
from Beroe sick, and left her grieving sore
Phorbanti similis, funditque has ore loquelas:
that she, she only, had no gift to bring
Iaside Palinure, ferunt ipsa aequora classem;
of mournful honor to Anchises' shade.”
aequatae spirant aurae; datur hora quieti.
She spoke. The women with ill-boding eyes
845
Pone caput, fessosque oculos furare labori:
looked on the ships. Their doubting hearts were torn
ipse ego paulisper pro te tua munera inibo.
'twixt tearful passion for the beauteous isle
Cui vix attollens Palinurus lumina fatur:
their feet then trod, and that prophetic call
Mene salis placidi voltum fluctusque quietos
of Fate to lands unknown. Then on wide wings
ignorare iubes? Mene huic confidere monstro?
soared Iris into heaven, and through the clouds
850
Aenean credam quid enim fallacibus auris
clove a vast arch of light. With wonder dazed,
et caelo, totiens deceptus fraude sereni?
the women in a shrieking frenzy rose,
Talia dicta dabat, clavumque affixus et haerens
took embers from the hearth-stones, stole the fires
nusquam amittebat, oculosque sub astra tenebat.
upon the altars—faggots, branches, brands —
Ecce deus ramum Lethaeo rore madentem,
and rained them on the ships. The god of fire,
855
vique soporatum Stygia, super utraque quassat
through thwarts and oars and bows of painted fir,
tempora, cunctantique natantia lumina solvit.
ran in unbridled flame. Swift to the tomb
Vix primos inopina quies laxaverat artus,
of Sire Anchises, to the circus-seats,
et super incumbens cum puppis parte revolsa,
the messenger Eumelus flew, to bring
cumque gubernaclo, liquidas proiecit in undas
news of the ships on fire; soon every eye
860
praecipitem ac socios nequiquam saepe vocantem;
the clouds of smoke and hovering flame could see.
ipse volans tenues se sustulit ales ad auras.
Ascanius, who had led with smiling brow
Currit iter tutum non secius aequore classis,
his troops of horse, accoutred as he was,
promissisque patris Neptuni interrita fertur.
rode hot-haste to the turmoil of the camp,
Iamque adeo scopulos Sirenum advecta subibat,
nor could his guards restrain . “What madness now?
865
difficiles quondam multorumque ossibus albos,
What is it ye would do?” he cried. “Alas!
tum rauca adsiduo longe sale saxa sonabant:
Ill-fated women! Not our enemies,
cum pater amisso fluitantem errare magistro
nor the dread bulwarks of the Greek ye burn,
sensit, et ipse ratem nocturnis rexit in undis,
but all ye have to hope for. Look at me,
multa gemens, casuque animum concussus amici
your own Ascanius!” His helmet then
870
O nimium caelo et pelago confise sereno,
into their midst he flung, which he had worn
nudus in ignota, Palinure, iacebis harena!
for pageantry of war. Aeneas, too,
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