Turnus Attacks the Camp
Atque ea diversa penitus dum parte geruntur,
While thus in distant region moves the war,
Irim de caelo misit Saturnia Iuno
down to bold Turnus Saturn's daughter sends
audacem ad Turnum. Luco tum forte parentis
celestial Iris. In a sacred vale,
Pilumni Turnus sacrata valle sedebat.
the seat of worship at his grandsire's tomb,
5
Ad quem sic roseo Thaumantias ore locuta est:
Pilumnus, Faunus' son, the hero mused.
Turne, quod optanti divom promittere nemo
And thus the wonder-child of Thaumas called
auderet, volvenda dies en attulit ultro.
with lips of rose: “O Turnus, what no god
Aeneas urbe et sociis et classe relicta
dared give for reward of thy fondest vow,
sceptra Palatini sedemque petit Euandri.
has come unbidden on its destined day.
10
Nec satis: extremas Corythi penetravit ad urbes
Behold, Aeneas, who has left behind
Lydorumque manum collectos armat agrestis.
the city with his fleet and followers,
Quid dubitas? Nunc tempus equos, nunc poscere currus.
is gone to kingly Palatine, the home
Rumpe moras omnis et turbata arripe castra.
of good Evander. Yea, his march invades
Dixit et in caelum paribus se sustulit alis
the far Etrurian towns, where now he arms
15
ingentemque fuga secuit sub nubibus arcum.
the Lydian rustics. Wilt thou longer muse?
Adgnovit iuvenis duplicisque ad sidera palmas
Call for thy chariot and steeds! Away!
sustulit ac tali fugientem est voce secutus:
Take yonder tents by terror and surprise!”
Iri, decus caeli, quis te mihi nubibus actam
She spoke; and heavenward on poising wings
detulit in terras? Unde haec tam clara repente
soared, cleaving as she fled from cloud to cloud
20
tempestas? Medium video discedere caelum
a vast, resplendent bow. The warrior saw,
palantisque polo stellas. Sequor omina tanta,
and, lifting both his hands, pursued with prayer
quisquis in arma vocas. Et sic effatus ad undam
the fading glory: “Beauteous Iris, hail!
processit summoque hausit de gurgite lymphas,
Proud ornament of heaven! who sent thee here
multa deos orans, oneravitque aethera votis.
across yon cloud to earth, and unto me?
25
Iamque omnis campis exercitus ibat apertis,
Whence may this sudden brightness fall? I see
dives equum, dives pictaï vestis et auri;
the middle welkin lift, and many a star,
Messapus primas acies, postrema coercent
far-wandering in the sky. Such solemn sign
Tyrrhidae iuvenes, medio dux agmine Turnus,
I shall obey, and thee, O god unknown!”
vertitur arma tenens et toto vertice supra est.
So saying, he turned him to a sacred stream,
30
Ceu septem surgens sedatis amnibus altus
took water from its brim, and offered Heaven
per tacitum Ganges aut pingui flumine Nilus
much prayer, with many an importuning vow.
cum refluit campis et iam se condidit alveo.
Soon o'er the spreading fields in proud array
Hic subitam nigro glomerari pulvere nubem
the gathered legions poured; no lack was there
prospiciunt Teucri ac tenebras insurgere campis.
of steeds all fire, and broidered pomp and gold.
35
Primus ab adversa conclamat mole Caicus:
Messapus led the van; in rearguard rode
Quis globus, o cives, caligine volvitur atra?
the sons of Tyrrheus; kingly Turnus towered
Ferte citi ferrum, date tela, ascendite muros,
from the mid-column eminent: the host
hostis adest, heia! Ingenti clamore per omnis
moved as great Ganges lifting silently
condunt se Teucri portas et moenia complent.
his seven peaceful streams, or when the flood
40
Namque ita discedens praeceperat optumus armis
of fructifying Nile from many a field
Aeneas: siqua interea fortuna fuisset,
back to his channel flows. A swift-blown cloud
neu struere auderent aciem neu credere campo;
of black, uprolling dust the Teucrians see
castra modo et tutos servarent aggere muros.
o'ershadowing the plain; Calcus calls
Ergo etsi conferre manum pudor iraque monstrat,
from lofty outpost: “O my countrymen,
45
obiciunt portas tamen et praecepta facessunt
I see a huge, black ball of rolling smoke.
armatique cavis expectant turribus hostem.
Your swords and lances! Man the walls! To arms!
Turnus ut ante volans tardum praecesserat agmen
The foe is here! What ho!” With clamors loud
viginti lectis equitum comitatus, et urbi
the Teucrians through the city-gates retire,
improvisus adest; maculis quem Thracius albis
and muster on the walls. For, wise in war,
50
portat equus cristaque tegit galea aurea rubra.
Aeneas, ere he went, had left command
Ecquis erit, mecum, iuvenes, qui primus in hostem?
they should not range in battle-line, nor dare,
En, ait et iaculum attorquens emittit in auras,
whate'er might hap, to risk in open plain
principium pugnae, et campo sese arduus infert.
the bold sortie, but keep them safe entrenched
Clamore excipiunt socii fremituque sequuntur
in mounded walls. So now, though rage and shame
55
horrisono: Teucrum mirantur inertia corda,
prick to a close fight, they defensive bar
non aequo dare se campo, non obvia ferre
each portal strong, and, patient of control,
arma viros, sed castra fovere. Huc turbidus atque huc
from hollow towers expect th' encircling foe.
lustrat equo muros aditumque per avia quaerit.
Turnus, at full speed, had outridden far
Ac veluti pleno lupus insidiatus ovili
his laggard host, and, leading in his train
60
cum fremit ad caulas, ventos perpessus et imbris,
a score of chosen knights, dashed into view
nocte super media; tuti sub matribus agni
hard by the walls. A barb of Thracian breed
balatum exercent, ille asper et improbus ira
dappled with white he rode; a crimson plume
saevit in absentis, collecta fatigat edendi
flamed over his golden helmet. “Who,” he cries,
ex longo rabies et siccae sanguine fauces:
“Is foremost at the foe? Who follows me?
65
haud aliter Rutulo muros et castra tuenti
Behold!” And, with the word, he hurled in air
ignescunt irae, duris dolor ossibus ardet.
a javelin, provoking instant war:
Qua temptet ratione aditus et quae via clausos
and, towering from his horse, charged o'er the field.
excutiat Teucros vallo atque effundat in aequum?
With answering shout his men-at-arms pursue,
Classem, quae lateri castrorum adiuncta latebat,
and war-cries terrible. They laugh to scorn
70
aggeribus saeptam circum et fluvialibus undis,
“the craven hearts of Troy, that cannot give
invadit sociosque incendia poscit ovantis
fair, equal vantage, matching man to man,
atque manum pinu flagranti fervidus implet.
but cuddle into camp.” This way and that
Tum vero incumbunt, urget praesentia Turni,
Turnus careers, and stormily surveys
atque omnis facibus pubes accingitur atris.
the frowning rampart, and where way is none
75
Diripuere focos; piceum fert fumida lumen
some entering breach would find: so prowls a wolf
taeda et commixtam Volcanus ad astra favillam.
nigh the full sheepfold, and through wind and rain
Quis deus, o musae, tam saeva incendia Teucris
stands howling at the postern all night long;
avertit? Tantos ratibus quis depulit ignes?
beneath the ewes their bleating lambs lie safe;
Dicite. Prisca fides facto, sed fama perennis.
but he, with undesisting fury, more
80
Tempore quo primum Phrygia formabat in Ida
rages from far, made frantic for his prey
Aeneas classem et pelagi petere alta parabat,
by hunger of long hours, his foaming jaws
ipsa deum fertur genetrix Berecyntia magnum
athirst for blood: not less the envy burned
vocibus his adfata Iovem: Da, nate, petenti,
of the Rutulian, as he scanned in vain
quod tua cara parens domito te poscit Olympo.
the stronghold of his foe. Indignant scorn
85
Pinea silva mihi, multos dilecta per annos
thrilled all his iron frame. But how contrive
lucus in arce fuit summa, quo sacra ferebant,
to storm the fortress or by force expel
nigranti picea trabibusque obscurus acernis:
the Trojans from the rampart, and disperse
has ego Dardanio iuveni, cum classis egeret,
along the plain? Straightway he spied the ships,
laeta dedi; nunc sollicitam timor anxius angit.
in hiding near the camp, defended well
90
Solve metus atque hoc precibus sine posse parentem:
by mounded river-bank and fleeting wave.
ne cursu quassatae ullo neu turbine venti
On these he fell; while his exultant crew
vincantur, prosit nostris in montibus ortas.
brought firebrands, and he with heart aflame
Filius huic contra, torquet qui sidera mundi:
grasped with a vengeful hand the blazing pine.
O genetrix, quo fata vocas, aut quid petis istis?
To the wild work his followers sped; for who
95
Mortaline manu factae immortale carinae
could prove him craven under Turnus' eye?
fas habeant certusque incerta pericula lustret
The whole troop for the weapon of their rage
Aeneas? Cui tanta deo permissa potestas?
seized smoking coals, of many a hearth the spoil;
Immo ubi defunctae finem portusque tenebunt
red glare of fuming torches burned abroad,
Ausonios olim, quaecumque evaserit undis
and Vulcan starward flung a sparkling cloud.
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Dardaniumque ducem Laurentia vexerit arva,
What god, O Muses, saved the Trojans then
mortalem eripiam formam magnique iubebo
from wrathful flame? Who shielded then the fleet,
aequoris esse deas, qualis Nereia Doto
I pray you tell, from bursting storm of fire?
et Galatea secant spumantem pectore pontum.
From hoary eld the tale, but its renown
Dixerat idque ratum Stygii per flumina fratris,
sings on forever. When Aeneas first
105
per pice torrentis atraque voragine ripas
on Phrygian Ida hewed the sacred wood
adnuit et totum nutu tremefecit Olympum.
for rib and spar, and soon would put to sea,
Ergo aderat promissa dies et tempora Parcae
that mighty mother of the gods, they say,
debita complerant, cum Turni iniuria Matrem
the Berecynthian goddess, thus to Jove
admonuit ratibus sacris depellere taedas.
addressed her plea: “Grant, O my son, a boon,
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Hic primum nova lux oculis offulsit et ingens
which thy dear mother asks, who aided thee
visus ab Aurora caelum transcurrere nimbus
to quell Olympian war. A grove I have
Idaeique chori; tum vox horrenda per auras
of sacred pine, long-loved from year to year.
excidit et Troum Rutulorumque agmina complet:
On lofty hill it grew, and thither came
Ne trepidate meas, Teucri, defendere navis
my worshippers with gifts, in secret gloom
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neve armate manus: maria ante exurere Turno
of pine-trees dark and shadowing maple-boughs.;
quam sacras dabitur pinus. Vos ite solutae,
these on the Dardan warrior at his need
ite deae pelagi: genetrix iubet. Et sua quaeque
I, not unwilling, for his fleet bestowed.
continuo puppes abrumpunt vincula ripis
But I have fears. O, Iet a parent's prayer
delphinumque modo demersis aequora rostris
in this prevail, and bid my care begone!
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ima petunt. Hinc virgineae (mirabile monstrum)
Let not rude voyages nor the shock of storm
quot prius aeratae steterant ad litora prorae
my ships subdue, but let their sacred birth
reddunt se totidem facies pontoque feruntur.
on my charmed hills their strength and safety be!”
Obstipuere animis Rutuli, conterritus ipse
Then spake her son, who guides the wheeling spheres:
turbatis Messapus equis, cunctatur et amnis
“Wouldst thou, my mother, strive to oversway
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rauca sonans revocatque pedem Tiberinus ab alto.
the course of Fate? What means this prayer of thine?
At non audaci Turno fiducia cessit;
Can it be granted ships of mortal mould
ultro animos tollit dictis atque increpat ultro:
to wear immortal being? Wouldst thou see
Troianos haec monstra petunt, his Iuppiter ipse
Aeneas pass undoubting and secure
auxilium solitum eripuit, non tela neque ignes
through doubtful strait and peril? On what god
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exspectans Rutulos. Ergo maria invia Teucris
was e'er such power bestowed? Yet will I grant
nec spes ulla fugae: rerum pars altera adempta est.
a different boon. Whatever ships shall find
Terra autem in nostris manibus, tot milia gentes
a safe Ausonian haven, and convey
arma ferunt Italae. Nil me fatalia terrent,
safe through the seas to yon Laurentian plain
siqua Phryges prae se iactant, responsa deorum:
the Dardan King, from such I will remove
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sat fatis Venerique datum, tetigere quod arva
their perishable shapes, and bid them be
fertilis Ausoniae Troes. Sunt et mea contra
sea-nymphs divine, like Nereus' daughters fair,
fata mihi, ferro sceleratam exscindere gentem,
Doto and Galatea, whose white breasts
coniuge praerepta: nec solos tangit Atridas
divide the foaming wave.” He said, and swore
iste dolor solisque licet capere arma Mycenis.
by his Tartarean brother's mournful stream,
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Sed periisse semel satis est: peccare fuisset
the pitch-black floods and dark engulfing shore
ante satis penitus modo non genus omne perosos
of Styx; then great Jove bowed his head, and all
femineum. Quibus haec medii fiducia valli
Olympus quaked at his consenting brow.
fossarumque morae, leti discrimina parva,
Now was the promised day at hand (for Fate
dant animos. At non viderunt moenia Troiae
had woven the web so far) when Turnus' rage
145
Neptuni fabricata manu considere in ignis?
stirred the divine progenitress to save
Sed vos, o lecti, ferro qui scindere vallum
her sacred ships from fire. Then sudden shone
apparat et mecum invadit trepidantia castra.
a strange effulgence in the eastern air;
Non armis mihi Volcani, non mille carinis
and in a storm-cloud wafted o'er the sky
est opus in Teucros; addant se protinus omnes
were Corybantic choirs, whose dreadful song
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Etrusci socios, tenebras et inertia furta
smote both on Teucrian and Rutulian ear:
Palladii caesis summae custodibus arcis
“O Teucrians, fear not for the sure defence
ne timeant, nec equi caeca condemur in alvo:
of all the ships, nor arm your mortal hands.
luce palam certum est igni circumdare muros.
Yon impious Turnus shall burn up the seas
Haud sibi cum Danais rem faxo et pube Pelasga
before my pine-trees blest. Arise! Be free,
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esse ferant, decumum quos distulit Hector in annum.
ye goddesses of ocean, and obey
Nunc adeo, melior quoniam pars acta diei,
your mother's mighty word.” Then instant broke
quod superest, laeti bene gestis corpora rebus
the hawsers of the sterns; the beaked prows
procurate, viri, et pugnam sperate parari.
went plunging like great dolphins from the shore
Interea vigilum excubiis obsidere portas
down to the deeps, and, wonderful to tell,
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cura datur Messapo et moenia cingere flammis.
the forms of virgin goddesses uprose,
Bis septem Rutuli, muros qui milite servent,
one for each ship, and seaward sped away.
delecti; ast illos centeni quemque sequuntur
The hearts of the Rutulian host stood still
purpurei cristis iuvenes auroque corusci.
in panic, and Messapus terrified
Discurrunt variantque vices fusique per herbam
his trembling horses reined; the sacred stream
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indulgent vino et vertunt crateras aenos.
of Father Tiber, harshly murmuring,
Conlucent ignes, noctem custodia ducit
held back his flood and checked his seaward way.
insomnem ludo.
But Turnus' courage failed not; he alone
The Ships Become Sea-Nymphs
Haec super e vallo prospectant Troes et armis
his followers roused, and with reproachful words
alta tenent, nec non trepidi formidine portas
alone spoke forth: “These signs and prodigies
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explorant pontisque et propugnacula iungunt,
threaten the Trojan only. Jove himself
tela gerunt. Instat Mnestheus acerque Serestus,
has stripped them of their wonted strength: no more
quos pater Aeneas, siquando adversa vocarent,
can they abide our deadly sword and fire.
rectores iuvenum et rerum dedit esse magistros.
The Trojan path to sea is shut. What hope
Omnis per muros legio, sortita periclum,
of flight is left them now? The half their cause
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excubat exercetque vices, quod cuique tuendum est.
is fallen. The possession of this land
Nisus erat portae custos, acerrimus armis,
is ours already; thousands of sharp swords
Hyrtacides, comitem Aeneae quem miserat Ida
Italia's nations bring. Small fear have I
venatrix iaculo celerem levibusque sagittis;
of Phrygia's boasted omens. What to me
it iuxta comes Euryalus, quo pulchrior alter
their oracles from heaven? The will of Fate
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non fuit Aeneadum Troiana neque induit arma,
and Venus have achieved their uttermost
ora puer prima signans intonsa iuventa.
in casting on Ausonia's fruitful shore
His amor unus erat, pariterque in bella ruebant:
yon sons of Troy. I too have destinies:
tum quoque communi portam statione tenebant.
and mine, good match for theirs, with this true blade
Nisus ait: Dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,
will spill the blood of all the baneful brood,
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Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido?
in vengeance for my stolen wife. Such wrongs
Aut pugnam aut aliquid iamdudum invadere magnum
move not on Atreus' sons alone, nor rouse
mens agitat mihi nec placida contenta quietest.
only Mycenae to a righteous war.
Cernis, quae Rutulos habeat fiducia rerum.
Say you, ‘Troy falls but once?’ One crime, say I,
Lumina rara micant; somno vinoque soluti
should have contented them; and now their souls
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procubuere; silent late loca: percipe porro,
should little less than loathe all womankind.
quid dubitem et quae nunc animo sententia surgat.
These are the sort of soldiers that be brave
Aenean acciri omnes, populusque patresque,
behind entrenchment, where the moated walls
exposcunt mittique viros, qui certa reportent.
may stem the foe and make a little room
Si tibi quae posco promittunt (nam mihi facti
betwixt themselves and death. Did they not see
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fama sat est), tumulo videor reperire sub illo
how Troy's vast bulwark built by Neptune's hand
posse viam ad muros et moenia Pallantea.
crumbled in flame? Forward, my chosen brave!
Obstipuit magno laudum percussus amore
Who follows me to cleave his deadly way
Euryalus; simul his ardentem adfatur amicum:
through yonder battlement, and leap like storm
Mene igitur socium summis adiungere rebus,
upon its craven guard? I have no need
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Nise, fugis? Solum te in tanta pericula mittam?
of arms from Vulcan's smithy; nor of ships
Non ita me genitor, bellis adsuetus Opheltes,
a thousand strong against our Teucrian foes,
Argolicum terrorem inter Troiaeque labores
though all Etruria's league enlarge their power.
sublatum erudiit, nec tecum talia gessi,
Let them not fear dark nights, nor coward theft
magnanimum Aenean et fata extrema secutus:
of Pallas' shrine, nor murdered sentinels
205
est hic, est animus lucis contemptor et istum
on their acropolis. We shall not hide
qui vita bene credat emi, quo tendis, honorem.
in blinding belly of a horse. But I
Nisus ad haec: Equidem de te nil tale verebar
in public eye and open day intend
nec fas, non, ita me referat tibi magnus ovantem
to compass their weak wall with siege and fire.
Iuppiter aut quicumque oculis haec aspicit aequis.
I'll prove them we be no Pelasgic band,
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Sed siquis, quae multa vides discrimine tali,
no Danaan warriors, such as Hector's arm
siquis in adversum rapiat casusve deusve,
ten years withstood. But look! this day hath spent
te superesse velim; tua vita dignior aetas.
its better part. In what remains, rejoice
Sit qui me raptum pugna pretiove redemptum
in noble deeds well done; let weary flesh
mandet humo solita aut siqua id Fortuna vetabit,
have rest and food. My warriors, husband well
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absenti ferat inferias decoretque sepulchro.
your strength against to-morrow's hopeful war.”
Neu matri miserae tanti sim causa doloris,
Meanwhile to block their gates with wakeful guard
quae te sola, puer, multis e matribus ausa
is made Messapus' work, and to gird round
persequitur magni nec moenia curat Acestae,
their camp with watchfires. Then a chosen band,
Ille autem: Causas nequiquam nectis inanis,
twice seven Rutulian chieftains, man the walls
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nec mea iam mutata loco sententia cedit:
with soldiery; each leads a hundred men
adceleremus, ait. Vigiles simul excitat, illi
crested with crimson, armed with glittering gold.
succedunt servantque vices: statione relicta
Some post to separate sentries, and prepare
ipse comes Niso graditur, regemque requirunt.
alternate vigil; others, couched on grass,
Cetera per terras omnis animalia somno
laugh round the wine and lift the brazen bowls.
225
laxabant curas et corda oblita laborum:
The camp-fires cheerly burn; the jovial guard
ductores Teucrum primi et delecta iuventus
spend the long, sleepless night in sport and game.
consilium summis regni de rebus habebant,
The Trojans peering from the lofty walls
quid facerent quisve Aeneae iam nuntius esset.
survey the foe, and arm for sure defence
Stant longis adnixi hastis, et scuta tenentes,
of every point exposed. They prove the gates
230
castrorum et campi medio. Tum Nisus et una
with fearful care, bind bridge with tower, and bring
Euryalus confestim alacres admittier orant:
good store of javelins. Serestus bold
rem magnam, pretiumque morae fore. Primus Iulus
and Mnestheus to their labors promptly fly,
accepit trepidos ac Nisum dicere iussit.
whom Sire Aeneas bade in time of stress
Tum sic Hyrtacides: Audite O mentibus aequis,
to have authority and free command
235
Aeneadae, neve haec nostris spectentur ab annis,
over his warriars. Along the walls
quae ferimus. Rutuli somno vinoque soluti
the legions, by the cast of lots, divide
conticuere; locum insidiis conspeximus ipsi,
the pain and peril, giving each his due
qui patet in bivio portae, quae proxuma ponto;
of alternating vigil and repose.
interrupti ignes, aterque ad sidera fumus
Nisus kept sentry at the gate: a youth
240
erigitur: si fortuna permittitis uti
of eager heart for noble deeds, the son
quaesitum Aenean et moenia Pallantea,
of Hyrtacus, whom in Aeneas' train
mox hic cum spoliis ingenti caede peracta
Ida the huntress sent; swift could he speed
adfore cernetis. Nec nos via fallit euntis:
the spear or light-winged arrow to its aim.
vidimus obscuris primam sub vallibus urbem
Beside him was Euryalus, his friend:
245
venatu adsiduo et totum cognovimus amnem.
of all th' Aeneadae no youth more fair
Hic annis gravis atque animi maturus Aletes:
wore Trojan arms; upon his cheek unshorn
Di patrii, quorum semper sub numine Troia est,
the tender bloom of boyhood lingered still.
non tamen omnino Teucros delere paratis,
Their loving hearts were one, and oft in war
cum talis animos iuvenum et tam certa tulistis
they battled side by side, as in that hour
250
pectora. Sic memorans umeros dextrasque tenebat
a common sentry at the gate they shared.
Nisus and Euryalus — The Plan
amborum et voltum lacrimis atque ora rigabat.
Said Nisus: “Is it gods above that breathe
Quae vobis, quae digna, viri, pro laudibus istis
this fever in my soul, Euryalus?
praemia posse rear solvi? Pulcherrima primum
or is the tyrant passion of each breast
di moresque dabunt vestri; tum cetera reddet
the god it serves? Me now my urgent mind
255
actutum pius Aeneas atque integer aevi
to battles or some mighty deed impels,
Ascanius, meriti tanti non immemor umquam.
and will not give me rest. Look yonder, where
Immo ego vos, cui sola salus genitore reducto,
the Rutuli in dull security
excipit Ascanius, per magnos, Nise, penatis
the siege maintain. Yet are their lights but few.
Assaracique larem et canae penetralia Vestae
They are asleep or drunk, and in their line
260
obtestor; quaecumque mihi fortuna fidesque est,
is many a silent space. O, hear my thought,
in vestris pono gremiis: revocate parentem,
and what my heart is pondering. To recall
reddite conspectum; nihil illo triste recepto.
Aeneas is the dearest wish to-night
Bina dabo argento perfecta atque aspera signis
of all, both high and low. They need true men
pocula, devicta genitor quae cepit Arisba,
to find him and bring tidings. If our chiefs
265
et tripodas geminos, auri duo magna talenta,
but grant me leave to do the thing I ask
cratera antiquum, quem dat Sidonia Dido.
(Claiming no reward save what honor gives),
Si vero capere Italiam sceptrisque potiri
methinks I could search out by yonder hill
contigerit victori et praedae dicere sortem,
a path to Pallanteum.” The amazed
vidisti quo Turnus equo, quibus ibat in armis
Euryalus, flushed warm with eager love
270
aureus: ipsum illum, clipeum cristasque rubentis
for deeds of glory, instantly replied
excipiam sorti, iam nunc tua praemia, Nise.
to his high-hearted friend: “Dost thou refuse,
Praeterea bis sex genitor lectissima matrum
my Nisus, to go with me hand in hand
corpora captivosque dabit suaque omnibus arma,
when mighty deeds are done? Could I behold
insuper his campi quod rex habet ipse Latinus.
thee venturing alone on danger? Nay!
275
Te vero, mea quem spatiis propioribus aetas
Not thus my sire Opheltes, schooled in war,
insequitur, venerande puer, iam pectore toto
taught me his true child, 'mid the woes of Troy
accipio et comitem casus complector in omnis.
and Argive terrors reared; not thus with thee
Nulla meis sine te quaeretur gloria rebus;
have I proved craven, since we twain were leal
seu pacem seu bella geram, tibi maxima rerum
to great Aeneas, sharing all his doom.
280
verborumque fides. Contra quem talia fatur
In this breast also is a heart which knows
Euryalus: Me nulla dies tam fortibus ausis
contempt of life, and deems such deeds, such praise,
dissimilem arguerit; tantum, fortuna secunda
well worth a glorious death.” Nisus to him:
aut adversa cadat. Sed te super omnia dona
“I have not doubted thee, nor e'er could have
unum oro, genetrix Priami de gente vetusta
one thought disloyal. May almighty Jove,
285
est mihi, quam miseram tenuit non Ilia tellus
or whatsoe'er good power my purpose sees,
mecum excedentem, non moenia regis Acestae.
bring me triumphant to thy arms once more!
Hanc ego nunc ignaram huius quodcumque pericli est
But if, as oft in doubtful deeds befalls,
inque salutatam linquo: nox et tua testis
some stroke of chance, or will divine, should turn
dextera, quod nequeam lacrumas perferre parentis
to adverse, 't is my fondest prayer that thou
290
at tu, oro, solare inopem et succurre relictae.
shouldst live the longer of us twain. Thy years
Hanc sine me spem ferre tui: audentior ibo
suit better with more life. Oh! let there be
in casus omnis. Percussa mente dedere
one mourner true to carry to its grave
Dardanidae lacrimas; ante omnis pulcher Iulus,
my corpse, recaptured in the desperate fray,
atque animum patriae strinxit pietatis imago.
or ransomed for a price. Or if this boon
295
Tum sic effatur:
should be—'t is Fortune's common way—refused,
Sponde digna tuis ingentibus omnia coeptis.
then pay the debt of grief and loyal woe
Namque erit ista mihi genetrix nomenque Creusae
unto my far-off dust, and garlands leave
solum defuerit, nec partum gratia talem
upon an empty tomb. No grief I give
parva manet. Casus factum quicumque sequentur,
to any sorrowing mother; one alone,
300
per caput hoc iuro, per quod pater ante solebat:
of many Trojan mothers, had the heart
quae tibi polliceor reduci rebusque secundis,
to follow thee, her child, and would not stay
haec eadem matrique tuae generique manebunt.
in great Acestes' land.” His friend replied:
Sic ait inlacrimans; umero simul exuit ensem
“Thou weavest but a web of empty words
auratum, mira quem fecerat arte Lycaon
and reasons vain, nor dost thou shake at all
305
Gnosius atque habilem vagina aptarat eburna.
my heart's resolve. Come, let us haste away!”
Dat Niso Mnestheus pellem horrentisque leonis
He answered so, and summoned to the gate
exuvias; galeam fidus permutat Aletes.
a neighboring watch, who, bringing prompt relief,
Protinus armati incedunt; quos omnis euntis
the sentry-station took; then quitted he
primorum manus ad portas iuvenumque senumque
his post assigned; at Nisus' side he strode,
310
prosequitur votis. Nec non et pulcher Iulus,
and both impatient sped them to the King.
ante annos animumque gerens curamque virilem,
Now in all lands all creatures that have breath
multa patri mandata dabat portanda: sed aurae
lulled care in slumber, and each heart forgot
omnia discerpunt et nubibus inrita donant.
its load of toil and pain. But they who led
Nisus and Euryalus — The Slaughter
Egressi superant fossas noctisque per umbram
the Teucrian cause, with all their chosen brave,
315
castra inimica petunt, multis tamen ante futuri
took counsel in the kingdom's hour of need
exitio. Passim somno vinoque per herbam
what action to command or whom dispatch
corpora fusa vident, arrectos litore currus,
with tidings to Aeneas. In mid-camp
inter lora rotasque viros, simul arma iacere,
on long spears leaning and with ready shield
vina simul. Prior Hyrtacides sic ore locutus:
to leftward slung, th' assembled warriors stood.
320
Euryale, audendum dextra; nunc ipsa vocat res.
Thither in haste arrived the noble pair,
Hac iter est. Tu, ne qua manus se attollere nobis
brave Nisus with Euryalus his friend,
a tergo possit, custodi et consule longe;
and craved a hearing, for their suit, they said,
haec ego vasta dabo et lato te limite ducam.
was urgent and well-worth a patient ear.
Sic memorat vocemque premit; simul ense superbum
Iulus to the anxious striplings gave
325
Rhamnetem adgreditur, qui forte tapetibus altis
a friendly welcome, bidding Nisus speak.
exstructus toto proflabat pectore somnum.
The son of Hyrtacus obeyed: “O, hear,
Rex idem et regi Turno gratissimus augur,
Princes of Teucria, with impartial mind,
sed non augurio potuit depellere pestem.
nor judge by our unseasoned youth the worth
Tris iuxta famulos temere inter tela iacentis
of what we bring. Yon Rutule watch is now
330
armigerumque Remi premit aurigamque sub ipsis
in drunken sleep, and all is silent there.
nanctus equis ferroque secat pendentia colla;
With our own eyes we picked out a good place
tum caput ipsi aufert domino truncumque relinquit
to steal a march, that cross-road by the gate
sanguine singultantem; atro tepefacta cruore
close-fronting on the bridge. Their lines of fire
terra torique madent. Nec non Lamyrumque Lamumque
are broken, and a murky, rolling smoke
335
et iuvenem Serranum, illa qui plurima nocte
fills all the region. If ye grant us leave
luserat, insignis facie, multoque iacebat
by this good luck to profit, we will find
membra deo victus: felix, si protinus illum
Aeneas and the walls of Palatine,
aequasset nocti ludum in lucemque tulisset.
and after mighty slaughter and huge spoil
Impastus ceu plena leo per ovilia turbans
ye soon shall see us back. Nor need ye fear
340
(suadet enim vesana fames) manditque trahitque
we wander from the way. Oft have we seen
molle pecus mutumque metu, fremit ore cruento:
that city's crest loom o'er the shadowy vales,
nec minor Euryali caedes; incensus et ipse
where we have hunted all day long and know
perfurit ac multam in medio sine nomine plebem,
each winding of yon river.” Then uprose
Fadumque Herbesumque subit Rhoetumque Abarimque,
aged Aletes, crowned with wisdom's years:
345
ignaros, Rhoetum vigilantem et cuncta videntem,
“Gods of our fathers, who forevermore
sed magnum metuens se post cratera tegebat;
watch over Troy, ye surely had no mind
pectore in adverso totum cui comminus ensem
to blot out Teucria's name, when ye bestowed
condidit adsurgenti et multa morte recepit.
such courage on young hearts, and bade them be
Purpuream vomit ille animam et cum sanguine mixta
so steadfast and so leal.” Joyful he clasped
350
vina refert moriens; hic furto fervidus instat.
their hands in his, and on their shoulders leaned,
Iamque ad Messapi socios tendebat; ibi ignem
his aged cheek and visage wet with tears.
deficere extremum et religatos rite videbat
“What reward worthy of such actions fair,
carpere gramen equos: breviter cum talia Nisus.
dear heroes, could be given? Your brightest prize
sensit enim nimia caede atque cupidine ferri:
will come from Heaven and your own hearts. The rest
355
Absistamus, ait, nam lux inimica propinquat.
Aeneas will right soon bestow; nor will
Poenarum exhaustum satis est, via facta per hostis.
Ascanius, now in youth's unblemished prime,
Multa virum solido argento perfecta relinquunt
ever forget your praise.” Forthwith replied
armaque craterasque simul pulchrosque tapetas.
Aeneas' son, “By all our household gods,
Euryalus phaleras Rhamnetis et aurea bullis
by great Assaracus, and every shrine
360
cingula, Tiburti Remulo ditissimus olim
of venerable Vesta, I confide
quae mittit dona hospitio cum iungeret absens
my hopes, my fortunes, and all future weal
Caedicus, ille suo moriens dat habere nepoti,
to your heroic hearts. O, bring me back
post mortem bello Rutuli pugnaque potiti
my father! Set him in these eyes once more!
haec rapit atque umeris nequiquam fortibus aptat.
That day will tears be dry; and I will give
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Tum galeam Messapi habilem cristisque decoram
two silver wine-cups graven and o'erlaid
induit. Excedunt castris et tuta capessunt.
with clear-cut figures, which my father chose
Interea praemissi equites ex urbe Latina,
out of despoiled Arisbe; also two
cetera dum legio campis instructa moratur,
full talents of pure gold, and tripods twain,
ibant et Turno regi responsa ferebant,
and ancient wine-bowl, Tyrian Dido's token.
370
tercentum, scutati omnes, Volcente magistro.
But if indeed our destiny shall be
Iamque propinquabant castris murosque subibant,
to vanquish Italy in prosperous war,
cum procul hos laevo flectentis limite cernunt
to seize the sceptre and divide the spoil, —
et galea Euryalum sublustri noctis in umbra
saw you that steed of Turnus and the arms
prodidit immemorem radiisque adversa refulsit.
in which he rode, all golden? That same steed,
375
Haud temere est visum. Conclamat ab agmine Volcens
that glittering shield and haughty crimson crest
State, viri. Quae causa viae? Quive estis in armis?
I will reserve thee, e'er the lots are cast,
Quove tenetis iter? Nihil illi tendere contra,
and, Nisus, they are thine. Hereto my sire
sed celerare fugam in silvas et fidere nocti.
will add twelve captive maids of beauty rare,
Obiciunt equites sese ad divortia nota
and slaves in armor; last, thou hast the fields
380
hinc atque hinc omnemque abitum custode coronant.
which now Latinus holds. But as for thee,
Silva fuit late dumis atque ilice nigra
to whom my youth but binds me closer still,
horrida, quam densi complerant undique sentes;
thee, kingly boy, my whole heart makes my own,
rara per occultos lucebat semita calles.
and through all changeful fortune we shall be
Euryalum tenebrae ramorum onerosaque praeda
inseparable peers: nor will I seek
385
impediunt fallitque timor regione viarum;
renown and glory, or in peace or war,
Nisus abit, iamque imprudens evaserat hostis
forgetting thee: but trust thee from this day
atque locos, qui post Albae de nomine dicti
in deed and word.” To him in answer spoke
Albani, tum rex stabula alta Latinus habebat,
euryalus, “O, may no future show
ut stetit et frustra absentem respexit amicum.
this heart unworthy thy heroic call!
390
Euryale infelix, qua te regione reliqui?
And may our fortune ever prosperous prove,
Quave sequar, rursus perplexum iter omne revolvens
not adverse. But I now implore of thee
fallacis silvae? Simul et vestigia retro
a single boon worth all beside. I have
observata legit dumisque silentibus errat.
a mother, from the venerated line
Audit equos, audit strepitus et signa sequentum.
of Priam sprung, whom not the Trojan shore
395
Nec longum in medio tempus, cum clamor ad auris
nor King Acestes' city could detain,
pervenit ac videt Euryalum, quem iam manus omnis
alas! from following me. I leave her now
fraude loci et noctis, subito turbante tumultu,
without farewell; nor is her love aware
oppressum rapit et conantem plurima frustra.
of my supposed peril. For I swear
Quid faciat? Qua vi iuvenem, quibus audeat armis
by darkness of this night and thy right hand,
400
eripere? An sese medios moriturus in enses
that all my courage fails me if I see
inferat et pulchram properet per volnera mortem?
a mother's tears. O, therefore, I implore,
Ocius adducto torquens hastile lacerto,
be thou her sorrow's comfort and sustain
suspiciens altam Lunam sic voce precatur:
her solitary day. Such grace from thee
Tu, dea, tu praesens nostro succurre labori,
equip me for my war, and I shall face
405
astrorum decus et nemorum Latonia custos.
with braver heart whatever fortune brings.”
Siqua tuis umquam pro me pater Hyrtacus aris
With sudden sorrow thrilled, the veteran lords
dona tulit, siqua ipse meis venatibus auxi
of Teucria showed their tears. But most of all
suspendive tholo aut sacra ad fastigia fixi:
such likeness of his own heart's filial love
hunc sine me turbare globum et rege tela per auras.
on fair Iulus moved, and thus he spoke:
410
Dixerat, et toto conixus corpore ferrum
“Promise thyself what fits thy generous deeds.
conicit: hasta volans noctis diverberat umbras
Thy mother shall be mine, Creusa's name
et venit aversi in tergum Sulmonis ibique
alone not hers; nor is the womb unblest
frangitur ac fisso transit praecordia ligno.
that bore a child like thee. Whate'er success
Volvitur ille vomens calidum de pectore flumen
may follow, I make oath immutable
415
frigidus et longis singultibus ilia pulsat.
by my own head, on which my father swore,
Diversi circumspiciunt. Hoc acrior idem
that all I promise thee of gift or praise
ecce aliud summa telum librabat ab aure.
if home thou comest triumphing, shall be
Dum trepidant, it hasta Tago per tempus utrumque
the glory of thy mother and thy kin.”
stridens traiectoque haesit tepefacta cerebro.
Weeping he spoke, and from his shoulder drew
420
Saevit atrox Volcens nec teli conspicit usquam
the golden sword, well-wrought and wonderful,
auctorem nec quo se ardens inmittere possit.
which once in Crete Lycaon's cunning made
Tu tamen interea calido mihi sanguine poenas
and sheathed in ivory. On Nisus then
persolves amborum, inquit; simul ense recluso
Mnestheus bestowed a shaggy mantle torn
ibat in Euryalum. Tum vero exterritus, amens
from a slain lion; good Aletes gave
425
conclamat Nisus, nec se celare tenebris
exchange of crested helms. In such array
amplius aut tantum potuit perferre dolorem.
they hastened forth; and all the princely throng,
Me me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum,
young men and old, ran with them to the gates,
O Rutuli, mea fraus omnis; nihil iste nec ausus
praying all gods to bless. Iulus then,
nec potuit, caelum hoc et conscia sidera testor,
a fair youth, but of grave, heroic soul
430
tantum infelicem nimium dilexit amicum.
beyond his years, gave them in solemn charge
Talia dicta dabat; sed viribus ensis adactus
full many a message for his sire, but these
transabiit costas et candida pectora rumpit.
the hazard of wild winds soon scattered far,
Volvitur Euryalus leto, pulchrosque per artus
and flung them fruitless on the darkening storm.
it cruor, inque umeros cervix conlapsa recumbit:
Forth through the moat they climb, and steal away
435
purpureus veluti cum flos succisus aratro
through midnight shades, to where their foemen lie
languescit moriens lassove papavera collo
encamped in arms; of whom, before these fall,
demisere caput, pluvia cum forte gravantur.
a host shall die. Along the turf were seen,
At Nisus ruit in medios solumque per omnis
laid low in heavy slumber and much wine,
Volcentem petit in solo Volcente moratur.
a prostrate troop; the horseless chariots
440
Quem circum glomerati hostes hinc comminus atque hinc
stood tilted on the shore, 'twixt rein and wheel
proturbant. Instat non setius ac rotat ensem
the drivers dozed, wine-cups and idle swords
fulmineum, donec Rutuli clamantis in ore
strewn round them without heed. The first to speak
condidit adverso et moriens animam abstulit hosti.
was Nisus. “Look, Euryalus,” he cried,
Tum super exanimum sese proiecit amicum
“Now boldly strike. The hour to do the deed
445
confossus placidaque ibi demum morte quievit.
is here, the path this way. Keep wide-eyed watch
Nisus and Euryalus — The Death
Fortunati ambo! Siquid mea carmina possunt,
that no man smite behind us. I myself
nulla dies umquam memori vos eximet aevo,
will mow the mighty fieid, and lead thee on
dum domus Aeneae Capitoli immobile saxum
in a wide swath of slaughter.” With this word
accolet imperiumque pater Romanus habebit.
he shut his lips; and hurled him with his sword
450
Victores praeda Rutuli spoliisque potiti
on haughty Rhamnes, who lay propped at ease
Volcentem exanimum flentes in castra ferebant.
on pillows huge, and from his heaving breast
Nec minor in castris luctus Rhamnete reperto
poured slumber loud: of royal stem was he
exsangui et primis una tot caede peremptis,
and honored of King Turnus for his skill
Serranoque Numaque. Ingens concursus ad ipsa
in augury; yet could no augur's charm
455
corpora seminecisque viros tepidaque recentem
that bloody stroke forefend. And Nisus slew
caede locum et plenos spumanti sanguine rivos.
three slaves near by, that lay in reckless sleep
Agnoscunt spolia inter se galeamque nitentem
upon their spears; then him that bore the shield
Messapi et multo phaleras sudore receptas.
of Remus, then the driver of his car
Et iam prima novo spargebat lumine terras
close to the horses caught; his sword cut through
460
Tithoni croceum linquens Aurora cubile:
their prostrate necks; then their great master's head
iam sole infuso, iam rebus luce retectis
he lifted high, and left decapitate
Turnus in arma viros, armis circumdatus ipse,
the huge corpse spilling forth its crimson gore
suscitat, aeratasque acies in proelia cogit
o'er couch and ground. Like stroke on Lamus fell
quisque suas variisque acuunt rumoribus iras.
and Lamyrus, with young Serranus, who
465
Quin ipsa arrectis (visu miserabile) in hastis
had gamed the midnight through and sleeping lay,
praefigunt capita et multo clamore sequuntur
his fair young body to the wine-god given;
Euryali et Nisi.
but happier now had that long-revelling night
Aeneadae duri murorum in parte sinistra
been merry till the dawn! Thus round full folds
opposuere aciem, nam dextera cingitur amni,
of sheep a famished lion fiercely prowls;
470
ingentisque tenent fossas et turribus altis
mad hunger moves him; he devours and rends
stant maesti; simul ora virum praefixa movebant,
with bloody, roaring mouth, the feeble flock
nota nimis miseris atroque fluentia tabo.
that trembles and is dumb. Nor was the sword
Interea pavidam volitans pennata per urbem
of fair Euryalus less fatal found;
nuntia Fama ruit matrisque adlabitur auris
but fiercely raging on his path of death,
475
Euryali. At subitus miserae calor ossa reliquit,
he pressed on through a base and nameless throng,
excussi manibus radii revolutaque pensa.
Rhoetus, Herbesus, Fadus, Abaris;
Evolat infelix et femineo ululatu,
surprising all save Rhoetus, who awake
scissa comam, muros amens atque agmina cursu
saw every stroke, and crouched in craven fear
prima petit, non illa virum, non illa pericli
behind a mighty wine-bowl; but not less
480
telorumque memor; caelum dehinc questibus implet:
clean through his bare breast as he started forth
Hunc ego te, Euryale, aspicio? Tune illa senectae
the youth thrust home his sword, then drew it back
sera meae requies, potuisti linquere solam,
death-dripping, while the bursting purple stream
crudelis? Nec te, sub tanta pericula missum,
of life outflowed, with mingling blood and wine.
adfari extremum miserae data copia matri?
Then, flushed with stealthy slaughter, he crept near
485
Heu, terra ignota canibus data praeda Latinis
the followers of Messapus, where he saw
alitibusque iaces, nec te, tua funera mater
their camp-fire dying down, and tethered steeds
produxi pressive oculos aut volnera lavi,
upon the meadow feeding. Nisus then
veste tegens, tibi quam noctes festina diesque
knew the hot lust of slaughter had swept on
urgebam et tela curas solabar anilis.
too far, and cried, “Hold off! For, lo,
490
Quo sequar, aut quae nunc artus avolsaque membra
the monitory dawn is nigh. Revenge
et funus lacerum tellus habet? Hoc mihi de te,
has fed us to the full. We have achieved
nate, refers? Hoc sum terraque marique secuta?
clean passage through the foe.” Full many a prize
Figite me, siqua est pietas, in me omnia tela
was left untaken: princely suits of mail
conicite, o Rutuli, me primam absumite ferro:
enwrought with silver pure, huge drinking-bowls,
495
aut tu, magne pater divom, miserere tuoque
and broideries fair. Yet grasped Euryalus
invisum hoc detrude caput sub Tartara telo,
the blazonry at Rhamnes' corselet hung,
quando aliter nequeo crudelem abrumpere vitam.
and belt adorned with gold: which were a gift
Hoc fletu concussi animi, maestusque per omnis
to Remulus of Tibur from the store
it gemitus: torpent infractae ad proelia vires.
of opulent Caedicus, who sued from far
500
Illam incendentem luctus Idaeus et Actor
to be a friend; and these in death he gave
Illionei monitu et multum lacrimantis Iuli
to his son's son, who slain in battle fell,
corripiunt interque manus sub tecta reponunt.
and proud Rutulians seized them with the spoil.
The Assault on the Walls
At tuba terribilem sonitum procul aere canoro
Euryalus about his shoulder strong
increpuit; sequitur clamor caelumque remugit.
this booty slung—unprofitable gain! —
505
Adcelerant acta pariter testudine Volsci
and fitted on a gorgeous, crested helm
et fossas implere parant ac vellere vallum.
which once Messapus wore. So from the camp,
Quaerunt pars aditum et scalis ascendere muros,
escaping danger, the two champions ran.
qua rara est acies interlucetque corona
But horsemen from the Latin city sent
non tam spissa viris. Telorum effundere contra
to join the serried legions of the plain
510
omne genus Teucri ac duris detrudere contis,
had come at Turnus' call, three hundred strong
adsueti longo muros defendere bello.
all bearing shields, and under the command
Saxa quoque infesto volvebant pondere, siqua
of Volscens. Nigh the camp and walls they drew;
possent tectam aciem perrumpere: cum tamen omnis
and soon they spied upon the leftward path
ferre iuvat subter densa testudine casus;
th' heroic pair, where in dim shades of night
515
nec iam sufficiunt. Nam qua globus imminet ingens,
the helmet of Euryalus betrayed
immanem Teucri molem volvuntque ruuntque,
the heedless boy, and with a glancing beam
quae stravit Rutulos late armorumque resolvit
flashed on the foe. Nor was it seen in vain.
tegmina. Nec curant caeco contendere Marte
Loud from the line the voice of Volscens called:
amplius audaces Rutuli, sed pellere vallo
“Stand, gentlemen! What business brings you here?
520
missilibus certant.
Whose your allegiance? Whither speed so fast?”
Parte alia horrendus visu quassabat Etruscam
No answer gave they save to fly in haste
pinum et fumiferos infert Mezentius ignis;
to cover of the forest and deep gloom
at Messapus equum domitor, Neptunia proles,
of the defensive night. The horsemen then
rescindit vallum et scalas in moenia poscit.
blocked every crossway known, and, scattering wide,
525
Vos, o Calliope, precor, adspirate canenti,
kept sentry at the entrance. The great wood
quas ibi tum ferro strages, quae funera Turnus
was all of tangled brush and blinding shade
ediderit, quem quisque virum demiserit Orco;
of flex-boughs. Impenetrable thorns
et mecum ingentis oras evolvite belli,
had thickly overgrown, and seldom showed
et meministis enim, divae, et memorare potestis.
a pathway through the maze. Euryalus,
530
Turris erat vasto suspectu et pontibus altis,
by the black branches and his ponderous spoil
opportuna loco, summis quam viribus omnes
impeded, groped along in fearful doubt,
expugnare Itali summaque evertere opum vi
deceived and quite astray. Nisus his friend
certabant, Troes contra defendere saxis
had quit him, and incautiously had forced
perque cavas densi tela intorquere fenestras.
a sally through the close-encircling foe,
535
Princeps ardentem coniecit lampada Turnus
into that region which should after bear
et flammam adfixit lateri, quae plurima vento
the name of Alba—a rude shelter then
corripuit tabulas et postibus haesit adesis.
for King Latinus' herds. He stayed him there
Turbati trepidare intus frustraque malorum
and looked, but vainly, for the comrade gone.
velle fugam. Dum se glomerant retroque residunt
“Euryalus, ill-fated boy!” he cried,
540
in partem, quae peste caret, tum pondere turris
“Where have I lost thee in the pathless wild?
procubuit subito et caelum tonat omne fragore.
How find thee? How retrace the blinding maze
Semineces ad terram, immani mole secuta,
of yonder treacherous wood?” Yet ere he said,
confixique suis telis et pectora duro
on his own path he turns him back, and scans
transfossi ligno veniunt. Vix unus Helenor
his own light footprints through the tangled thorn,
545
et Lycus elapsi. Quorum primaevus Helenor,
so dark and still. But suddenly he hears
Maeonio regi quem serva Licymnia furtim
the tread of horses, with confusing din
sustulerat vetitisque ad Troiam miserat armis,
and tumult of pursuit. Nor was it long
ense levis nudo parmaque inglorius alba;
he tarried ere upon his anguished ear
isque ubi se Turni media inter milia vidit,
smote a great cry: and, lo! Euryalus,
550
hinc acies atque hinc acies adstare Latinas:
trapped by the dark night, the deceptive ground,
ut fera, quae densa venantum saepta corona
faced the whole onset, and fell back o'erwhelmed
contra tela furit seseque haud nescia morti
by a loud mob of foes, while his sole sword
inicit et saltu supra venabula fertur,
tried many a thrust in vain. O, what defence
haud aliter iuvenis medios moriturus in hostis
may Nisus bring? With what audacious arms
555
inruit et, qua tela videt densissima, tendit.
his chosen comrade save? Shall he make bare
At pedibus longe melior Lycus inter et hostis
his dying breast to all their swords, and run
inter et arma fuga muros tenet altaque certat
to honorable death that bloody way?
prendere tecta manu sociumque attingere dextras.
he swung his spear with lifted arm, then looked
Quem Turnus, pariter cursu teloque secutus,
to the still moon, in heaven, and thus implored:
560
increpat his victor: Nostrasne evadere, demens,
“O goddess, aid me in my evil case.
sperasti te posse manus? Simul adripit ipsum
O glory of the stars, Latona's child!
pendentem et magna muri cum parte revellit.
O guardian of groves, if in my name
Qualis ubi aut leporem aut candenti corpore cycnum
my father Hyrtacus made offerings
sustulit alta petens pedibus Iovis armiger uncis
on burning altars, if my own right hand,
565
quaesitum aut matri multis balatibus agnum
successful in the chase, ere hung its gift
Martius a stabulis rapuit lupus. Undique clamor
beneath thy dome or on thy sacred wall,
tollitur: invadunt et fossas agere complent;
grant me yon troop to scatter. Guide my spear
ardentis taedas alii ad fastigia iactant.
along its path in air.” He spoke, and hurled
Ilioneus saxo atque ingenti fragmine montis
with all his gathered strength the shaft of steel.
570
Lucetium portae subeuntem ignisque ferentem,
the swift spear clove the shades of night, and struck
Emathiona Liger, Corynaeum sternit Asilas,
full in the back of Sulmo, where it split,
hic iaculo bonus, hic longe fallente sagitta,
but tore through to his very heart. The breast
Ortygium Caeneus, victorem Caenea Turnus,
poured forth life's glowing stream, and he, o'erthrown
Turnus Ityn Cloniumque, Dioxippum Promolumque
lay cold in death, while his huge, heaving sides
575
et Sagarim et summis stantem pro turribus Idan,
gave lingering throes. The men about him stared
Privernum Capys. Hunc primo levis hasta Themillae
this way and that. But Nisus, fiercer still,
strinxerat: ille manum proiecto tegmine demens
poised level with his ear a second shaft,
ad volnus tulit; ergo alis adlapsa sagitta
and, while the foeman paused, the whizzing spear
et laevo infixa est lateri manus abditaque intus
straight through the brows of Tagus drove, and clung
580
spiramenta animae letali volnere rupit.
deep in the cloven brain. In frenzy rose
Stabat in egregiis Arcentis filius armis,
Volscens, but nowhere could espy what hand
pictus acu chlamydem et ferrugine clarus Hibera,
the shaft had hurled, nor whither his wild rage
insignis facie, genitor quem miserat Arcens,
could make reply. “But thou,” he cried, “shalt feed
eductum Matris luco Symaethia circum
with thy hot blood my honor and revenge
585
flumina, pinguis ubi et placabilis ara Palici:
for both the slain.” Then with a sword unsheathed
stridentem fundam positis Mezentius hastis
upon Euryalus he fell. Loud shrieked
ipse ter adducta circum caput egit habena
Nisus, of reason reft, who could not bear
et media adversi liquefacto tempora plumbo
such horror, nor in sheltering gloom of night
diffidit ac multa porrectum extendit harena.
longer abide: “'T is I, 't is I!” he said.
Turnus Inside the Walls
590
Tum primum bello celerem intendisse sagittam
look on the man who slew them! Draw on me
dicitur ante feras solitus terrere fugaces
your swords, Rutulians! The whole stratagem
Ascanius fortemque manu fudisse Numanum,
was mine, mine only, and the lad ye slay
cui Remulo cognomen erat, Turnique minorem
dared not, and could not. O, by Heaven above
germanam nuper thalamo sociatus habebat.
and by the all-beholding stars I swear,
595
Is primam ante aciem digna atque indigna relatu
he did but love his hapless friend too well.”
vociferans tumidusque novo praecordia regno
But while he spoke, the furious-thrusting sword
ibat et ingentem sese clamore ferebat:
had pierced the tender body, and run through
Non pudet obsidione iterum valloque teneri,
the bosom white as snow. Euryalus
bis capti Phryges, et morti praetendere muros?
sank prone in death; upon his goodly limbs
600
En qui nostra sibi bello conubia poscunt!
the life-blood ran unstopped, and low inclined
Quis deus Italiam, quae vos dementia adegit
the drooping head; as when some purpled flower,
Non hic Atridae nec fandi fictor Ulixes:
cut by the ploughshare, dies, or poppies proud
durum a stirpe genus natos ad flumina primum
with stem forlorn their ruined beauty bow
deferimus saevoque gelu duramus et undis,
before the pelting storm. Then Nisus flew
605
venatu invigilant pueri silvasque fatigant,
straight at his foes; but in their throng would find
flectere ludus equos et spicula tendere cornu.
Volscens alone, for none but Volscens stayed:
At patiens operum parvoque adsueta iuventus
they gathered thickly round and grappled him
aut rastris terram domat aut quatit oppida bello.
in shock of steel with steel. But on he plunged,
Omne aevum ferro teritur, versaque iuvencum
swinging in ceaseless circles round his head
610
terga fatigamus hasta; nec tarda senectus
his lightning-sword, and thrust it through the face
debilitat vires animi mutatque vigorem:
of shrieking Volscens, with his own last breath
canitiem galea premimus, semperque recentis
striking his foeman down; then cast himself
comportare iuvat praedas et vivere rapto.
upon his fallen comrade's breast; and there,
Vobis picta croco et fulgenti murice vestis,
stabbed through, found tranquil death and sure repose.
615
desidiae cordi, iuvat indulgere choreis,
Heroic pair and blest! If aught I sing
et tunicae manicas et habent redimicula mitrae.
have lasting music, no remotest age
O vere Phrygiae, neque enim Phryges, ite per alta
shall blot your names from honor's storied scroll:
Dindyma ubi adsuetis biforem dat tibia cantum!
not while the altars of Aeneas' line
Tympana vos buxusque vocat Berecyntia Matris
shall crown the Capitol's unshaken hill,
620
Idaeae sinite arma viris et cedite ferro.
nor while the Roman Father's hand sustains
Talia iactantem dictis ac dira canentem
its empire o'er the world.
non tulit Ascanius nervoque obversus equino
The Rutules seized the spoils of victory,
contendit telum diversaque bracchia ducens
and slowly to their camp, with wail and cry,
constitit, ante Iovem supplex per vota precatus:
bore Volscens' corse; and in the eamp they made
625
Iuppiter omnipotens, audacibus adnue coeptis.
like wailing over Rhamnes lifeless found,
Ipse tibi ad tua templa feram sollemnia dona
o'er Numa and Serranus, and a throng
et statuam ante aras aurata fronte iuvencum
of princes dead. The gazing people pressed
candentem pariterque caput cum matre ferentem,
around the slain, the dying, where the earth
iam cornu petat et pedibus qui spargat harenam.
ran red with slaughter and full many a stream
630
Audiit et caeli Genitor de parte serena
of trickling gore; nor did they fail to know
intonuit laevum, sonat una fatifer arcus:
Messapus' glittering helm, his baldric fair,
effugit horrendum stridens adducta sagitta
recaptured now with lavish sweat and pain.
perque caput Remuli venit et cava tempora ferro
Now, from Tithonus' saffron couch set free,
traicit. I, verbis virtutem inlude superbis!
Aurora over many a land outpoured
635
His capti Phryges haec Rutulis responsa remittunt.
the rising morn; the sun's advancing beam
Hoc tantum Ascanius. Teucri clamore sequuntur
unveiled the world; and Turnus to his host
laetitiaque fremunt animosque ad sidera tollunt.
gave signal to stand forth, while he arrayed
Aetheria tum forte plaga crinitus Apollo
himself in glorious arms. Then every chief
desuper Ausonias acies urbemque videbat,
awoke his mail-clad company, and stirred
640
nube sedens, atque his victorem adfatur Iulum:
their slumbering wrath with tidings from the foe.
Macte nova virtute, puer: sic itur ad astra,
Tumultuously shouting, they impaled
dis genite et geniture deos. Iure omnia bella
on lifted spears—O pitiable sight! —
gente sub Assaraci fato ventura resident,
the heads of Nisus and Euryalus.
nec te Troia capit. Simul haec effatus ab alto
Th' undaunted Trojans stood in battle-line
645
aethere se misit, spirantis dimovet auras
along the wall to leftward (for the right
Ascaniumque petit. Forma tum vertitur oris
the river-front defended) keeping guard
antiquum in Buten; hic Dardanio Anchisae
on the broad moat; upon the ramparts high
armiger ante fuit fidusque ad limina custos,
sad-eyed they stood, and shuddered as they saw
tum comitem Ascanio pater addidit. Ibat Apollo
the hero-faces thrust aloft; too well
650
omnia longaevo similis, vocemque coloremque
their loyal grief the blood-stained features knew.
et crinis albos et saeva sonoribus arma,
On restless pinions to the trembling town
atque his ardentem dictis adfatur Iulum:
had voiceful Rumor hied, and to the ears
Sit satis, Aenide, telis impune Numanum
of that lone mother of Euryalus
oppetiisse tuis; primam hanc tibi magnus, Apollo
relentless flown. Through all her feeble frame
655
concedit laudem et paribus non invidet armis:
the chilling sorrow sped. From both her hands
cetera parce, puer, bello. Sic orsus Apollo
dropped web and shuttle; she flew shrieking forth,
mortalis medio aspectus sermone reliquit
ill-fated mother! and with tresses torn,
et procul in tenuem ex oculis evanuit auram.
to the wide ramparts and the battle-line
Agnovere deum proceres divinaque tela
ran frantic, heeding naught of men-at-arms,
660
Dardanidae pharetramque fuga sensere sonantem.
nor peril nor the rain of falling spears;
Ergo avidum pugnae dictis ac numine Phoebi
and thus with loud and lamentable cry
Ascanium prohibent, ipsi in certamina rursus
filled all the air: “Is it in yonder guise,
succedunt animasque in aperta pericula mittunt.
Euryalus, thou comest? Art thou he,
It clamor totis per propugnacula muris,
last comfort of my life? O cruel one!
665
intendunt acris arcus amentaque torquent.
Couldst thou desert me? When they thrust thee forth
Sternitur omne solum telis, tum scuta cavaeque
to death and danger, did they dare refuse
dant sonitum flictu galeae, pugna aspera surgit:
a wretched mother's last embrace? But now —
quantus ab occasu veniens pluvialibus Haedis
O woe is me!—upon this alien shore
verberat imber humum, quam multa grandine nimbi
thou liest for a feast to Latin dogs
670
in vada praecipitant, cum Iuppiter horridus austris
and carrion birds. Nor did thy mother lead
torquet aquosam hiemem et caelo cava nubila rumpit.
the mourners to thy grave, nor shut those eyes,
Pandarus et Bitias, Idaeo Alcanore creti,
nor wash the dreadful wounds, nor cover thee
quos Iovis eduxit luco silvestris Iaera
with the fair shroud, which many a night and day
abietibus iuvenes patriis et montibus aequos,
I swiftly wove, and at my web and loom
675
portam, quae ducis imperio commissa, recludunt,
forgot my years and sorrows. Whither now
freti animis, ultroque invitant moenibus hostem.
to seek and follow thee? What spot of earth
Ipsi intus dextra ac laeva pro turribus adstant,
holds the torn body and the mangled limbs?
armati ferro et cristis capita alta corusci:
Is all the gift thou bringest home, dear child,
quales aëriae liquentia flumina circum,
this? O, was this the prize for which I came
680
sive Padi ripis Athesim seu propter amoenum,
o'er land and sea? O, stab me very deep,
consurgunt geminae quercus intonsaque caelo
if ye have any pity; hurl on me
attollunt capita et sublimi vertice nutant.
your every spear, Rutulians; make of me
inrumpunt aditus Rutuli ut videre patentis
your swords' first work. Or, Father of the gods!
continuo Quercens et pulcher Aquiculus armis
Show mercy, thou! and with thy lightning touch
685
et praeceps animi Tmarus et Mavortius Haemon
this head accurst, and let it fall by thee
agminibus totis: at versi terga dedere
down to the dark. For else what power is mine
aut ipso portae posuere in limine vitam.
my tortured life to end?” Her agony
Tum magis increscunt animis discordibus irae;
smote on their listening souls; a wail of woe
et iam collecti Troes glomerantur eodem
along the concourse ran. Stern men-at-arms
690
et conferre manum et procurrere longius audent.
felt valor for a moment sleep, and all
Ductori Turno diversa in parte furenti
their rage of battle fail. But while she stirred
turbantique viros perfertur nuntius, hostem
the passion of her grief, Ilioneus
fervere caede nova et portas praebere patentis.
and young Iulus, weeping filial tears,
Deserit inceptum atque immani concitus ira
bade Actor and Idaeus, lifting her
695
Dardaniam ruit ad portam fratresque superbos.
in both their reverent arms, to bear her home.
Et primum Antiphaten, is enim se primus agebat,
But now the brazen trumpet's fearsome song
Thebana de matre nothum Sarpedonis alti,
blares loud, and startled shouts of soldiery
coniecto sternit iaculo; volat Itala cornus
spread through the roaring sky. The Volscian band
aëra per tenerum stomachoque infixa sub altum
press to the siege, and, locking shield with shield,
700
pectus abit: reddit specus atri volneris undam
fill the great trenches, tear the palisades,
spumantem, et fixo ferrum in pulmone tepescit.
or seek approach by ladders up the walls,
Tum Meropem atque Erymanta manu, tum sternit Aphidnum,
where'er the line of the defenders thins, and light
tum Bitian ardentem oculis animisque frementem
through their black circle shines. The Trojans pour
non iaculo, neque enim iaculo vitam ille dedisset,
promiscuous missiles down, and push out hard
705
sed magnum stridens contorta phalarica venit,
with heavy poles—so well have they been schooled
fulminis acta modo, quam nec duo taurea terga
to fight against long sieges. They fling down
nec duplici squama lorica fidelis et auro
a crushing weight of rocks, in hope to break
sustinuit: conlapsa ruunt immania membra.
th' assailing line, where roofed in serried shields
Dat tellus gemitum, et clipeum super intonat ingens.
the foe each charge repels. But not for long
710
Talis in Euboico Baiarum litore quondam
the siegers stand; along their dense array
saxea pila cadit, magnis quam molibus ante
the crafty Teucrians down the rampart roll
constructam ponto iaciunt; sic illa ruinam
a boulder like a hill-top, laying low
prona trahit penitusque vadis inlisa recumbit:
the Rutule troop and crashing through their shields.
miscent se maria, et nigrae attolluntur harenae;
Nor may the bold Rutulian longer hope
715
tum sonitu Prochyta alta tremit durumque cubile
to keep in cover, but essays to storm
Inarime Iovis imperiis imposta Typhoeo.
only with far-flung shafts the bastion strong.
Hic Mars armipotens animum viresque Latinis
Here grim Mezentius, terrible to see,
addidit et stimulos acris sub pectore vertit
waved an Etrurian pine, and made his war
immisitque Fugam Teucris atrumque Timorem.
with smoking firebrands; there, in equal rage,
720
Undique conveniunt, quoniam data copia pugnae
Messapus, the steed-tamer, Neptune's son,
bellatorque animo deus incidit.
ripped down the palisade, and at the breach
Pandarus ut fuso germanum corpore cernit
strung a steep path of ladders up the wall.
et quo sit fortuna loco, qui casus agat res,
Aid, O Calliope, the martial song!
portam vi magna converso cardine torquet,
Tell me what carnage and how many deaths
725
obnixus latis umeris, multosque suorum
the sword of Turnus wrought: what peer in arms
moenibus exclusos duro in certamine linquit;
each hero to the world of ghosts sent down.
ast alios secum includit recipitque ruentis,
Unroll the war's great book before these eyes.
demens, qui Rutulum in medio non agmine regem
A tower was there, well-placed and looming large,
viderit inrumpentem ultroque incluserit urbi,
with many a lofty bridge, which desperately
730
immanem veluti pecora inter inertia tigrim.
th' Italians strove to storm, and strangely plied
Continuo nova lux oculis effulsit, et arma
besieging enginery to cast it down:
horrendum sonuere; tremunt in vertice cristae
the Trojans hurled back stones, or, standing close,
sanguineae, clipeoque micantia fulmina mittit:
flung through the loopholes a swift shower of spears.
agnoscunt faciem invisam atque immania membra
But Turnus launched a firebrand, and pierced
735
turbati subito Aeneadae. Tum Pandarus ingens
the wooden wall with flame, which in the wind
emicat et mortis fraternae fervidus ira
leaped larger, and devoured from floor to floor,
effatur: Non haec dotalis regia Amatae,
burning each beam away. The trembling guards
nec muris cohibet patriis media Ardea Turnum.
sought flight in vain; and while they crowded close
Castra inimica vides; nulla hinc exire potestas.
into the side unkindled yet, the tower
740
Olli subridens sedato pectore Turnus:
bowed its whole weight and fell, with sudden crash
Incipe, siqua animo virtus, et consere dextram:
that thundered through the sky. Along the ground
hic etiam inventum Priamo narrabis Achillem.
half dead the warriors fell (the crushing mass
Dixerat. Ille rudem nodis et cortice crudo
piled over them) by their own pointed spears
intorquet summis adnixus viribus hastam:
pierced to the heart, or wounded mortally
745
excepere aurae volnus; Saturnia Iuno
by cruel splinters of the wreck. Two men,
detorsit veniens, portaeque infigitur hasta.
Helenor one, and Lyeus at his side,
At non hoc telum, mea quod vi dextera versat,
alone get free. Helenor of the twain
effugies; neque enim is teli nec volneris auctor.
was a mere youth; the slave Lycymnia
Sic ait et sublatum alte consurgit in ensem
bore him in secret to the Lydian King,
750
et mediam ferro gemina inter tempora frontem
and, arming him by stealth, had sent away
dividit inpubesque immani volnere malas.
to serve the Trojan cause. One naked sword
Fit sonus, ingenti concussa est pondere tellus:
for arms had he, and on his virgin shield
conlapsos artus atque arma cruenta cerebro
no blazon of renown; but when he saw
sternit humi moriens, atque illi partibus aequis
the hosts of Turnus front him, and the lines
755
huc caput atque illuc umero ex utroque pependit.
this way and that of Latins closing round, —
Diffugiunt versi trepida formidine Troes:
as a fierce, forest-creature, brought to bay
et si continuo victorem ea cura subisset,
in circling pack of huntsmen, shows its teeth
rumpere claustra manu sociosque immittere portis,
against the naked spears, and scorning death
ultimus ille dies bello gentique fuisset;
leaps upward on the javelins,—even so,
760
sed furor ardentem caedisque insana cupido
not loth to die, the youthful soldier flew
egit in adversos.
straight at the centre of his foes, and where
Principio Phalerim et succiso poplite Gygen
the shining swords looked thickest, there he sprung.
excipit; hinc raptas fugientibus ingerit hastas
But Lyeus, swifter-footed, forced his way
in tergum, Iuno vires animumque ministrat;
past the opposing spears and made escape
765
addit Halym comitem et confixa Phegea parma,
far as the ciity-wall, where he would fain
ignaros deinde in muris Martemque cientis
clutch at the coping and climb up to clasp
Alcandrumque Haliumque Noemonaque Prytanimque.
some friend above: but Turnus, spear in hand,
Lyncea tendentem contra sociosque vocantem
had hotly followed, and exulting loud
vibranti gladio conixus ab aggere dexter
thus taunted him, “Hadst thou the hope, rash fool,
770
occupat; huic uno desectum comminus ictu
beyond this grasp to fly?” So, as he clung,
cum galea longe iacuit caput. Inde ferarum
he tore him down; and with him broke and fell
vastatorem Amycum, quo non felicior alter
a huge piece of the wall: not otherwise
ungere tela manu ferrumque armare veneno,
a frail hare, or a swan of snow-white wing,
et Clytium Aeoliden et amicum Crethea Musis,
is clutched in eagle-talons, when the bird
775
Crethea Musarum comitem, cui carmina semper
of Jove soars skyward with his prey; or tender lamb
et citharae cordi numerosque intendere nervis.
from bleating mother and the broken fold
Semper equos atque arma virum pugnasque canebat.
is stolen by the wolf of Mars. Wild shouts
Tandem ductores audita caede suorum
on every side resound. In closer siege
conveniunt Teucri, Mnestheus acerque Serestus,
the foe press on, and heap the trenches full,
780
palantisque vident socios hostemque receptum.
or hurl hot-flaming torches at the towers.
Et Mnestheus: Quo deinde fugam, quo tenditis? inquit.
Ilioneus with mountain-mass of stone
Quos alios muros, quae iam ultra moenia habetis?
struck down Lucetius, as he crept with fire
Unus homo et vestris, o cives, undique saeptus
too near the city-gate. Emathion fell
aggeribus tantas strages inpune per urbem
by Liger's hand, and Corynteus' death
785
ediderit, iuvenum primos tot miserit Orco?
Asilas dealt: one threw the javelin well;
Non infelicis patriae veterumque deorum
th' insidious arrow was Asilas' skill.
et magni Aeneae, segnes, miseretque pudetque?
Ortygius was slain by Caeneus, then
Talibus accensi firmantur et agmine denso
victorious Geneus fell by Turnus' ire.
consistunt. Turnus paulatim excedere pugna
Then smote he Dioxippus, and laid low
790
et fluvium petere ac partem, quae cingitur unda;
Itys and Promolus and Sagaris
acrius hoc Teucri clamore incumbere magno
and Clonius, and from the lofty tower
et glomerare manum. Ceu saevum turba leonem
shot Idas down. The shaft of Capys pierced
cum telis premit infensis, at territus ille,
Privernus, whom Themilla's javelin
asper, acerba tuens, retro redit, et neque terga
but now had lightly grazed, and he, too bold,
795
ira dare aut virtus patitur, nec tendere contra
casting his shield far from him, had outspread
ille quidem hoc cupiens potis est per tela virosque:
his left hand on the wound: then sudden flew
haud aliter retro dubius vestigia Turnus
the feathered arrow, and the hand lay pinned
improperata refert, et mens exaestuat ira.
against his left side, while the fatal barb
Quin etiam bis tum medios invaserat hostis,
was buried in his breathing life. The son
800
bis confusa fuga per muros agmina vertit;
of Arcens now stood forth in glittering arms.
sed manus e castris propere coit omnis in unum,
His broidered cloak was red Iberian stain,
nec contra vires audet Saturnia Iuno
and beautiful was he. Arcens his sire
sufficere, aëriam caelo nam Iuppiter Irim
had sent him to the war; but he was bred
demisit germanae haud mollia iussa ferentem,
in a Sicilian forest by a stream
805
ni Turnus cedat Teucrorum moenibus altis.
to his nymph-mother dear, where rose the shrine
Ergo nec clipeo iuvenis subsistere tantum
of merciful Palicus, blest and fair.
nec dextra valet: iniectis sic undique telis
But, lo! Mezentius his spear laid by,
obruitur. Strepit adsiduo cava tempora circum
and whirled three times about his head the thong
tinnitu galea, et saxis solida aera fatiscunt,
of his loud sling: the leaden bullet clove
810
discussaeque iubae capiti, nec sufficit umbo
the youth's mid-forehead, and his towering form
ictibus: ingeminant hastis et Troes et ipse
fell prostrate its full length along the ground.
fulmineus Mnestheus. Tum toto corpore sudor
'T was then Ascanius first shot forth in war
liquitur et piceum, nec respirare potestas,
the arrow swift from which all creatures wild
flumen agit; fessos quatit aeger anhelitus artus.
were wont to fly in fear: and he struck down
815
Tum demum praeceps saltu sese omnibus armis
with artful aim Numanus, sturdy foe,
in fluvium dedit: ille suo cum gurgite flavo
called Remulus, who lately was espoused
accepit venientem ac mollibus extulit undis
to Turnus' younger sister. He had stalked
et laetum sociis abluta caede remisit.
before the van, and made vociferous noise
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