s: By plates of ir'n, which o'er the shield were laid:


s: Thro' folded brass and tough bull hides it pass'd,


s: His corslet pierc'd, and reach'd his heart at last.


s: In vain the youth tugs at the broken wood;


s: The soul comes issuing with the vital blood:


s: And with his bloody teeth he bites the ground.


s: Turnus bestrode the corpse: "Arcadians, hear,"


s: Said he; "my message to your master bear:


s: Such as the sire deserv'd, the son I send;


s: It costs him dear to be the Phrygians' friend.


s: Unask'd, to rest his wand'ring ghost below."


s: He said, and trampled down with all the force


s: Of his left foot, and spurn'd the wretched corse;


s: Then snatch'd the shining belt, with gold inlaid;


s: The belt Eurytion's artful hands had made,


s: Where fifty fatal brides, express'd to sight,


s: All in the compass of one mournful night,


s: Depriv'd their bridegrooms of returning light.


s: Those golden spoils, and in a worse he wore.


s: O mortals, blind in fate, who never know


s: To bear high fortune, or endure the low!


s: The time shall come, when Turnus, but in vain,


s: Shall wish untouch'd the trophies of the slain;


s: Shall wish the fatal belt were far away,


s: And curse the dire remembrance of the day.


s: The sad Arcadians, from th' unhappy field,


s: Bear back the breathless body on a shield.


s: O grace and grief of war! at once restor'd,


s: With praises, to thy sire, at once deplor'd!


s: One day first sent thee to the fighting field,


s: Beheld whole heaps of foes in battle kill'd;


s: One day beheld thee dead, and borne upon thy shield.


s: This dismal news, not from uncertain fame,


s: His friends upon the brink of ruin stand,


s: He whirls his sword around, without delay,


s: And hews thro' adverse foes an ample way,


s: To find fierce Turnus, of his conquest proud:


s: Evander, Pallas, all that friendship ow'd


s: To large deserts, are present to his eyes;


s: Four sons of Sulmo, four whom Ufens bred,


s: He took in fight, and living victims led,


s: To please the ghost of Pallas, and expire,


s: At Magus next he threw: he stoop'd below


s: The flying spear, and shunn'd the promis'd blow;


s: Then, creeping, clasp'd the hero's knees, and pray'd:


s: O spare my life, and send me back to see


s: A lofty house I have, and wealth untold,


s: All these, and sums besides, which see no day,


s: The ransom of this one poor life shall pay.


s: If I survive, will Troy the less prevail?


s: A single soul's too light to turn the scale."


s: "Thy bars and ingots, and the sums beside,


s: Leave for thy children's lot. Thy Turnus broke


s: All rules of war by one relentless stroke,


s: When Pallas fell: so deems, nor deems alone


s: Thus having said, of kind remorse bereft,


s: He seiz'd his helm, and dragg'd him with his left;


s: Then with his right hand, while his neck he wreath'd,


s: Up to the hilts his shining fauchion sheath'd.


s: Glitt'ring in arms, he shone amidst the crowd;


s: Much of his god, more of his purple, proud.


s: Him the fierce Trojan follow'd thro' the field:


s: The holy coward fell; and, forc'd to yield,


s: The prince stood o'er the priest, and, at one blow,


s: Sent him an off'ring to the shades below.


s: His arms Seresthus on his shoulders bears,


s: And Umbro, born upon the mountains' height.


s: The champion cheers his troops t' encounter those,


s: And seeks revenge himself on other foes.


s: At Anxur's shield he drove; and, at the blow,


s: Both shield and arm to ground together go.


s: So made by mutter'd spells; and, from the spheres,


s: Had life secur'd, in vain, for length of years.


s: Exulting in bright arms, he braves the prince:


s: With his protended lance he makes defense;


s: Bears back his feeble foe; then, pressing on,


s: Arrests his better hand, and drags him down;


s: Stands o'er the prostrate wretch, and, as he lay,


s: Vain tales inventing, and prepar'd to pray,


s: Mows off his head: the trunk a moment stood,


s: Then sunk, and roll'd along the sand in blood.


s: The vengeful victor thus upbraids the slain:


s: "Lie there, proud man, unpitied, on the plain;


s: Lie there, inglorious, and without a tomb,


s: Far from thy mother and thy native home,


s: Exposed to savage beasts, and birds of prey,


s: Or thrown for food to monsters of the sea."


s: Two chiefs of Turnus, and who led his van.


s: They fled for fear; with these, he chas'd along


s: Camers the yellow-lock'd, and Numa strong;


s: Both great in arms, and both were fair and young.


s: Camers was son to Volscens lately slain,


s: In wealth surpassing all the Latian train,


s: And in Amycla fix'd his silent easy reign.


s: And, as Aegaeon, when with heav'n he strove,


s: Mov'd all his hundred hands, provok'd the war,


s: At fifty mouths his flaming breath expires,


s: And flash for flash returns, and fires for fires;


s: In his right hand as many swords he wields,


s: And takes the thunder on as many shields:


s: With strength like his, the Trojan hero stood;


s: And soon the fields with falling corps were strow'd,


s: When once his fauchion found the taste of blood.


s: With fury scarce to be conceiv'd, he flew


s: Against Niphaeus, whom four coursers drew.


s: They, when they see the fiery chief advance,


s: And pushing at their chests his pointed lance,


s: Wheel'd with so swift a motion, mad with fear,


s: They threw their master headlong from the chair.


s: They stare, they start, nor stop their course, before


s: They bear the bounding chariot to the shore.


s: With two white steeds; but Liger holds the reins,


s: Bold brethren both. The former wav'd in air


s: His flaming sword: Aeneas couch'd his spear,


s: Unus'd to threats, and more unus'd to fear.


s: Then Liger thus: "Thy confidence is vain


s: To scape from hence, as from the Trojan plain:


s: Nor these the steeds which Diomede bestrode,


s: Nor this the chariot where Achilles rode;


s: Nor Venus' veil is here, near Neptune's shield;


s: Thy fatal hour is come, and this the field."


s: Return'd his answer with his flying spear.


s: Prone to the wheels, and his left foot protends,


s: Prepar'd for fight; the fatal dart arrives,


s: And thro' the borders of his buckler drives;


s: Pass'd thro' and pierc'd his groin: the deadly wound,


s: Cast from his chariot, roll'd him on the ground.


s: Whom thus the chief upbraids with scornful spite:


s: "Blame not the slowness of your steeds in flight;


s: Vain shadows did not force their swift retreat;


s: But you yourself forsake your empty seat."


s: He said, and seiz'd at once the loosen'd rein;


s: By the same shock: then, stretching out his hands,


s: The recreant thus his wretched life demands:


s: "Now, by thyself, O more than mortal man!


s: By her and him from whom thy breath began,


s: Who form'd thee thus divine, I beg thee, spare


s: This forfeit life, and hear thy suppliant's pray'r."


s: Thus much he spoke, and more he would have said;


s: But the stern hero turn'd aside his head,


s: You talk'd not thus before the fight began.


s: Now take your turn; and, as a brother should,


s: Attend your brother to the Stygian flood."


s: Then thro' his breast his fatal sword he sent,


s: As storms the skies, and torrents tear the ground,


s: Thus rag'd the prince, and scatter'd deaths around.


s: Broke from the camp, so long besieg'd in vain.


s: Held conference with his queen, and thus began:


s: "My sister goddess, and well-pleasing wife,


s: Still think you Venus' aid supports the strife-


s: Sustains her Trojans- or themselves, alone,


s: With inborn valor force their fortune on?


s: How fierce in fight, with courage undecay'd!


s: Judge if such warriors want immortal aid."


s: To whom the goddess with the charming eyes,


s: "Why, O my sov'reign lord, whose frown I fear,


s: And cannot, unconcern'd, your anger bear;


s: Why urge you thus my grief? when, if I still


s: (As once I was) were mistress of your will,


s: From your almighty pow'r your pleasing wife


s: Might gain the grace of length'ning Turnus' life,


s: Securely snatch him from the fatal fight,


s: And give him to his aged father's sight.


s: Now let him perish, since you hold it good,


s: And glut the Trojans with his pious blood.


s: Yet from our lineage he derives his name,


s: And, in the fourth degree, from god Pilumnus came;


s: And offers daily incense at your shrine."


s: Then shortly thus the sov'reign god replied:


s: "Since in my pow'r and goodness you confide,


s: If for a little space, a lengthen'd span,


s: I grant you leave to take your Turnus hence


s: From instant fate, and can so far dispense.


s: But, if some secret meaning lies beneath,


s: To save the short-liv'd youth from destin'd death,


s: To change the fates; you feed your hopes in vain."


s: To whom the goddess thus, with weeping eyes:


s: "And what if that request, your tongue denies,


s: Your heart should grant; and not a short reprieve,


s: But length of certain life, to Turnus give?


s: Now speedy death attends the guiltless youth,


s: If my presaging soul divines with truth;


s: Which, O! I wish, might err thro' causeless fears,


s: And you (for you have pow'r) prolong his years!"


s: Thus having said, involv'd in clouds, she flies,


s: And drives a storm before her thro' the skies.


s: Swift she descends, alighting on the plain,


s: Where the fierce foes a dubious fight maintain.


s: Of air condens'd a specter soon she made;


s: And, what Aeneas was, such seem'd the shade.


s: Adorn'd with Dardan arms, the phantom bore


s: This hand appear'd a shining sword to wield,


s: With manly mien he stalk'd along the ground,


s: Nor wanted voice belied, nor vaunting sound.


s: (Thus haunting ghosts appear to waking sight,


s: Or dreadful visions in our dreams by night.)


s: The specter seems the Daunian chief to dare,


s: At this, advancing, Turnus hurl'd his spear:


s: The phantom wheel'd, and seem'd to fly for fear.


s: And with vain hopes his haughty fancy fed.


s: "Whether, O coward?" (thus he calls aloud,


s: Nor found he spoke to wind, and chas'd a cloud,)


s: "Why thus forsake your bride! Receive from me


s: The fated land you sought so long by sea."


s: He said, and, brandishing at once his blade,


s: With eager pace pursued the flying shade.


s: By chance a ship was fasten'd to the shore,


s: Which from old Clusium King Osinius bore:


s: The plank was ready laid for safe ascent;


s: For shelter there the trembling shadow bent,


s: And skipp't and skulk'd, and under hatches went.


s: Ascends the plank, and to the galley pass'd.


s: Scarce had he reach'd the prow: Saturnia's hand


s: The haulsers cuts, and shoots the ship from land.


s: With wind in poop, the vessel plows the sea,


s: And measures back with speed her former way.


s: And sends his slaughter'd troops to shades below.


s: The guileful phantom now forsook the shroud,


s: And flew sublime, and vanish'd in a cloud.


s: Too late young Turnus the delusion found,


s: Far on the sea, still making from the ground.


s: Then, thankless for a life redeem'd by shame,


s: With sense of honor stung, and forfeit fame,


s: Fearful besides of what in fight had pass'd,


s: His hands and haggard eyes to heav'n he cast;


s: "O Jove!" he cried, "for what offense have


s: Whence am I forc'd, and whether am I borne?


s: How, and with what reproach, shall I return?


s: What will they say of their deserting chief


s: The war was mine: I fly from their relief;


s: I led to slaughter, and in slaughter leave;


s: And ev'n from hence their dying groans receive.


s: Here, overmatch'd in fight, in heaps they lie;


s: There, scatter'd o'er the fields, ignobly fly.


s: Gape wide, O earth, and draw me down alive!


s: Or, O ye pitying winds, a wretch relieve!


s: On sands or shelves the splitting vessel drive;


s: Or set me shipwrack'd on some desart shore,


s: Unknown to friends, or foes, or conscious Fame,


s: Lest she should follow, and my flight proclaim."


s: Thus Turnus rav'd, and various fates revolv'd:


s: The choice was doubtful, but the death resolv'd.


s: And now the sword, and now the sea took place,


s: That to revenge, and this to purge disgrace.


s: Sometimes he thought to swim the stormy main,


s: By stretch of arms the distant shore to gain.


s: Thrice he the sword assay'd, and thrice the flood;


s: But Juno, mov'd with pity, both withstood.


s: And thrice repress'd his rage; strong gales supplied,


s: And push'd the vessel o'er the swelling tide.


s: At length she lands him on his native shores,


s: And to his father's longing arms restores.


s: Meantime, by Jove's impulse, Mezentius arm'd,


s: Succeeding Turnus, with his ardor warm'd


s: His fainting friends, reproach'd their shameful flight,


s: Repell'd the victors, and renew'd the fight.


s: Against their king the Tuscan troops conspire;


s: Such is their hate, and such their fierce desire


s: Of wish'd revenge: on him, and him alone,


s: All hands employ'd, and all their darts are thrown.


s: To raging winds and roaring waves oppos'd,


s: From his proud summit looking down, disdains


s: Their empty menace, and unmov'd remains.


s: Beneath his feet fell haughty Hebrus dead,


s: His face was flatted, and his helmet rung.


s: But Palmus from behind receives his wound;


s: Hamstring'd he falls, and grovels on the ground:


s: His crest and armor, from his body torn,


s: Thy shoulders, Lausus, and thy head adorn.


s: Born on that fatal night, when, big with fire,


s: The queen produc'd young Paris to his sire:


s: But Paris in the Phrygian fields was slain,


s: And, as a savage boar, on mountains bred,


s: With forest mast and fatt'ning marshes fed,


s: When once he sees himself in toils inclos'd,


s: By huntsmen and their eager hounds oppos'd-


s: He whets his tusks, and turns, and dares the war;


s: Th' invaders dart their jav'lins from afar:


s: All keep aloof, and safely shout around;


s: But none presumes to give a nearer wound:


s: He frets and froths, erects his bristled hide,


s: And shakes a grove of lances from his side:


s: Not otherwise the troops, with hate inspir'd,


s: And just revenge against the tyrant fir'd,


s: Their darts with clamor at a distance drive,


s: Who left his spouse betroth'd, and unconsummate night.


s: Mezentius sees him thro' the squadrons ride,


s: Proud of the purple favors of his bride.


s: A gamesome goat, who frisks about the folds,


s: Or beamy stag, that grazes on the plain-


s: He runs, he roars, he shakes his rising mane,


s: He grins, and opens wide his greedy jaws;


s: The prey lies panting underneath his paws:


s: He fills his famish'd maw; his mouth runs o'er


s: With unchew'd morsels, while he churns the gore:


s: Stretch'd at his length, he spurns the swarthy ground;


s: The lance, besmear'd with blood, lies broken in the wound.


s: Then with disdain the haughty victor view'd


s: But, running, gain'd th' advantage of the ground:


s: Then turning short, he met him face to face,


s: Mezentius fix'd his foot upon his breast,


s: And rested lance; and thus aloud he cries:


s: "Lo! here the champion of my rebels lies!"


s: And peals of shouts applaud the conqu'ring king.


s: At this the vanquish'd, with his dying breath,


s: Thus faintly spoke, and prophesied in death:


s: "Nor thou, proud man, unpunish'd shalt remain:


s: Like death attends thee on this fatal plain."


s: Then, sourly smiling, thus the king replied:


s: "For what belongs to me, let Jove provide;


s: But die thou first, whatever chance ensue."


s: He said, and from the wound the weapon drew.


s: A hov'ring mist came swimming o'er his sight,


s: And seal'd his eyes in everlasting night.


s: Orses the strong to greater strength must yield;


s: He, with Parthenius, were by Rapo kill'd.


s: Who from Lycaon's blood his lineage drew.


s: But from his headstrong horse his fate he found,


s: Who threw his master, as he made a bound:


s: The chief, alighting, stuck him to the ground;


s: Then Clonius, hand to hand, on foot assails:


s: The Trojan sinks, and Neptune's son prevails.


s: Agis the Lycian, stepping forth with pride,


s: And not belied his mighty father's fame.


s: Salius to death the great Antronius sent:


s: Slain by Nealces' hand, well-skill'd to throw


s: The flying dart, and draw the far-deceiving bow.


s: Thus equal deaths are dealt with equal chance;


s: By turns they quit their ground, by turns advance:


s: Victors and vanquish'd, in the various field,


s: The gods from heav'n survey the fatal strife,


s: Concern'd for each: here Venus, Juno there.


s: Her scourge aloft, and crest of hissing snakes.


s: Once more the proud Mezentius, with disdain,


s: Brandish'd his spear, and rush'd into the plain,


s: Where tow'ring in the midmost rank she stood,


s: Like tall Orion stalking o'er the flood.


s: (When with his brawny breast he cuts the waves,


s: His shoulders scarce the topmost billow laves),


s: Or like a mountain ash, whose roots are spread,


s: Deep fix'd in earth; in clouds he hides his head.


s: And dauntless undertook the doubtful war.


s: Collected in his strength, and like a rock,


s: Pois'd on his base, Mezentius stood the shock.


s: He stood, and, measuring first with careful eyes


s: The space his spear could reach, aloud he cries:


s: "My strong right hand, and sword, assist my stroke!


s: (Those only gods Mezentius will invoke.)


s: He said; and with his utmost force he threw


s: The massy spear, which, hissing as it flew,


s: Reach'd the celestial shield, that stopp'd the course;


s: But, glancing thence, the yet unbroken force


s: The side and bowels fam'd Anthores fix'd.


s: Alcides' friend, and brother of the war;


s: Till, tir'd with toils, fair Italy he chose,


s: Now, falling by another's wound, his eyes


s: He cast to heav'n, on Argos thinks, and dies.


s: The shield gave way; thro' treble plates it went


s: And three bull hides which round the buckler fold.


s: All these it pass'd, resistless in the course,


s: Transpierc'd his thigh, and spent its dying force.


s: The gaping wound gush'd out a crimson flood.


s: The Trojan, glad with sight of hostile blood,


s: His faunchion drew, to closer fight address'd,


s: And with new force his fainting foe oppress'd.


s: His father's peril Lausus view'd with grief;


s: He sigh'd, he wept, he ran to his relief.


s: And here, heroic youth, 't is here I must


s: Posterity will scarce believe 't is true.


s: Pain'd with his wound, and useless for the fight,


s: The father sought to save himself by flight:


s: Incumber'd, slow he dragg'd the spear along,


s: Which pierc'd his thigh, and in his buckler hung.


s: The pious youth, resolv'd on death, below


s: The lifted sword springs forth to face the foe;


s: Protects his parent, and prevents the blow.


s: Shouts of applause ran ringing thro' the field,


s: To see the son the vanquish'd father shield.


s: All, fir'd with gen'rous indignation, strive,


s: And with a storm of darts to distance drive


s: The Trojan chief, who, held at bay from far,


s: As, when thick hail comes rattling in the wind,


s: The plowman, passenger, and lab'ring hind


s: For shelter to the neighb'ring covert fly,


s: Or hous'd, or safe in hollow caverns lie;


s: But, that o'erblown, when heav'n above 'em smiles,


s: Return to travel, and renew their toils:


s: The storm of darts, undaunted, did abide;


s: And thus to Lausus loud with friendly threat'ning cried:


s: "Why wilt thou rush to certain death, and rage


s: In rash attempts, beyond thy tender age,


s: Betray'd by pious love?" Nor, thus forborne,


s: The youth desists, but with insulting scorn


s: Provokes the ling'ring prince, whose patience, tir'd,


s: Gave place; and all his breast with fury fir'd.


s: For now the Fates prepar'd their sharpen'd shears;


s: And lifted high the flaming sword appears,


s: Which, full descending with a frightful sway,


s: Thro' shield and corslet forc'd th' impetuous way,


s: The purple streams thro' the thin armor strove,


s: And drench'd th' imbroider'd coat his mother wove;


s: And life at length forsook his heaving heart,


s: But when, with blood and paleness all o'erspread,


s: The pious prince beheld young Lausus dead,


s: He griev'd; he wept; the sight an image brought


s: Of his own filial love, a sadly pleasing thought:


s: Then stretch'd his hand to hold him up, and said:


s: "Poor hapless youth! what praises can be paid


s: To love so great, to such transcendent store


s: Of early worth, and sure presage of more?


s: Untouch'd thy arms, untaken be thy sword;


s: And all that pleas'd thee living, still remain


s: To rest thy soul, at least, if shadows know,


s: There to thy fellow ghosts with glory tell:


s: ''T was by the great Aeneas hand I fell.'"


s: With this, his distant friends he beckons near,


s: Provokes their duty, and prevents their fear:


s: Himself assists to lift him from the ground,


s: With clotted locks, and blood that well'd from out the wound.


s: Meantime, his father, now no father, stood,


s: And wash'd his wounds by Tiber's yellow flood:


s: Oppress'd with anguish, panting, and o'erspent,


s: His fainting limbs against an oak he leant.


s: His heavier arms lay scatter'd on the plain:


s: A chosen train of youth around him stand;


s: His drooping head was rested on his hand:


s: His grisly beard his pensive bosom sought;


s: And all on Lausus ran his restless thought.


s: Careful, concern'd his danger to prevent,


s: He much enquir'd, and many a message sent


s: To warn him from the field- alas! in vain!


s: Behold, his mournful followers bear him slain!


s: O'er his broad shield still gush'd the yawning wound,


s: And drew a bloody trail along the ground.


s: Far off he heard their cries, far off divin'd


s: With dust he sprinkled first his hoary head;


s: Then both his lifted hands to heav'n he spread;


s: Last, the dear corpse embracing, thus he said:


s: "What joys, alas! could this frail being give,


s: And am I then preserv'd, and art thou lost?


s: How much too dear has that redemption cost!


s: This is a wound too deep for time to heal.


s: My guilt thy growing virtues did defame;


s: My blackness blotted thy unblemish'd name.


s: Chas'd from a throne, abandon'd, and exil'd


s: For foul misdeeds, were punishments too mild:


s: I ow'd my people these, and, from their hate,


s: With less resentment could have borne my fate.


s: And yet I live, and yet sustain the sight


s: But will not long." With that he rais'd from ground


s: His fainting limbs, that stagger'd with his wound;


s: Yet, with a mind resolv'd, and unappall'd


s: With pains or perils, for his courser call'd


s: Well-mouth'd, well-manag'd, whom himself did dress


s: With daily care, and mounted with success;


s: Soothing his courage with a gentle stroke,


s: The steed seem'd sensible, while thus he spoke:


s: "O Rhoebus, we have liv'd too long for me-


s: If life and long were terms that could agree!


s: This day thou either shalt bring back the head


s: This day thou either shalt revenge my woe,


s: Our conquest, with thy conquer'd master die:


s: Thou wilt no foreign reins, or Trojan load endure."


s: He said; and straight th' officious courser kneels,


s: To take his wonted weight. His hands he fills


s: With pointed jav'lins; on his head he lac'd


s: His glitt'ring helm, which terribly was grac'd


s: With waving horsehair, nodding from afar;


s: Then spurr'd his thund'ring steed amidst the war.


s: Love, anguish, wrath, and grief, to madness wrought,


s: Despair, and secret shame, and conscious thought


s: Of inborn worth, his lab'ring soul oppress'd,


s: Roll'd in his eyes, and rag'd within his breast.


s: Then loud he call'd Aeneas thrice by name:


s: The loud repeated voice to glad Aeneas came.


s: "Great Jove," he said, "and the far-shooting god,


s: Inspire thy mind to make thy challenge good!"


s: He spoke no more; but hasten'd, void of fear,


s: And threaten'd with his long protended spear.


s: To whom Mezentius thus: "Thy vaunts are vain.


s: The wretched sire is murther'd in the son.


s: Forbear thy threats: my bus'ness is to die;


s: He said; and straight a whirling dart he sent;


s: Round in a spacious ring he rides the field,


s: And vainly plies th' impenetrable shield.


s: Thrice rode he round; and thrice Aeneas wheel'd,


s: Turn'd as he turn'd: the golden orb withstood


s: The strokes, and bore about an iron wood.


s: To wrench the darts which in his buckler light,


s: Urg'd and o'er-labor'd in unequal fight;


s: At length resolv'd, he throws with all his force


s: Full at the temples of the warrior horse.


s: Just where the stroke was aim'd, th' unerring spear


s: Made way, and stood transfix'd thro' either ear.


s: Seiz'd with unwonted pain, surpris'd with fright,


s: The wounded steed curvets, and, rais'd upright,


s: Lights on his feet before; his hoofs behind


s: Spring up in air aloft, and lash the wind.


s: Down comes the rider headlong from his height:


s: His horse came after with unwieldy weight,


s: And, flound'ring forward, pitching on his head,


s: His lord's incumber'd shoulder overlaid.


s: From either host, the mingled shouts and cries


s: Of Trojans and Rutulians rend the skies.


s: Aeneas, hast'ning, wav'd his fatal sword


s: High o'er his head, with this reproachful word:


s: "Now; where are now thy vaunts, the fierce disdain


s: Of proud Mezentius, and the lofty strain?"


s: Struggling, and wildly staring on the skies,


s: With scarce recover'd sight he thus replies:


s: "Why these insulting words, this waste of breath,


s: To souls undaunted, and secure of death?


s: Nor ask I life, nor fought with that design:


s: As I had us'd my fortune, use thou thine.


s: The gift is hateful from his murd'rer's hand.


s: Too well I know th' insulting people's hate;


s: Protect me from their vengeance after fate:


s: This refuge for my poor remains provide,


s: And lay my much-lov'd Lausus by my side."


s: He said, and to the sword his throat applied.


s: The crimson stream distain'd his arms around,


s: And the disdainful soul came rushing thro' the wound.


s: Scarce had the rosy Morning rais'd her head


s: Above the waves, and left her wat'ry bed;


s: The pious chief, whom double cares attend


s: For his unburied soldiers and his friend,


s: Yet first to Heav'n perform'd a victor's vows:


s: He bar'd an ancient oak of all her boughs;


s: Then on a rising ground the trunk he plac'd,


s: Which with the spoils of his dead foe he grac'd.


s: The coat of arms by proud Mezentius worn,


s: Was hung on high, and glitter'd from afar,


s: Above his arms, fix'd on the leafless wood,


s: Appear'd his plumy crest, besmear'd with blood:


s: His brazen buckler on the left was seen;


s: Truncheons of shiver'd lances hung between;


s: And on the right was placed his corslet, bor'd;


s: And to the neck was tied his unavailing sword.


s: A crowd of chiefs inclose the godlike man,


s: Who thus, conspicuous in the midst, began:


s: "Our toils, my friends, are crown'd with sure success;


s: The greater part perform'd, achieve the less.


s: Now follow cheerful to the trembling town;


s: Press but an entrance, and presume it won.


s: Fear is no more, for fierce Mezentius lies,


s: As the first fruits of war, a sacrifice.


s: Turnus shall fall extended on the plain,


s: Prepar'd in arms, pursue your happy chance;


s: That none unwarn'd may plead his ignorance,


s: And I, at Heav'n's appointed hour, may find


s: Your warlike ensigns waving in the wind.


s: Meantime the rites and fun'ral pomps prepare,


s: To shield their shadows from contempt below.


s: That conquer'd earth be theirs, for which they fought,


s: And which for us with their own blood they bought;


s: But first the corpse of our unhappy friend


s: Who, not inglorious, in his age's bloom,


s: Was hurried hence by too severe a doom."


s: Thus, weeping while he spoke, he took his way,


s: Where, new in death, lamented Pallas lay.


s: Acoetes watch'd the corpse; whose youth deserv'd


s: The father's trust; and now the son he serv'd


s: With equal faith, but less auspicious care.


s: Th' attendants of the slain his sorrow share.


s: A troop of Trojans mix'd with these appear,


s: And mourning matrons with dishevel'd hair.


s: Soon as the prince appears, they raise a cry;


s: All beat their breasts, and echoes rend the sky.


s: They rear his drooping forehead from the ground;


s: But, when Aeneas view'd the grisly wound


s: And the fair flesh distain'd with purple gore;


s: First, melting into tears, the pious man


s: Deplor'd so sad a sight, then thus began:


s: "Unhappy youth! when Fortune gave the rest


s: Of my full wishes, she refus'd the best!


s: She came; but brought not thee along, to bless


s: My longing eyes, and share in my success:


s: She grudg'd thy safe return, the triumphs due


s: To prosp'rous valor, in the public view.


s: Not thus I promis'd, when thy father lent


s: Embrac'd me, parting for th' Etrurian land,


s: He warn'd, and from his own experience told,


s: Our foes were warlike, disciplin'd, and bold.


s: And now perhaps, in hopes of thy return,


s: While we, with vain officious pomp, prepare


s: To send him back his portion of the war,


s: No farther debt, but to the pow'rs below.


s: The wretched father, ere his race is run,


s: Shall view the fun'ral honors of his son.


s: These are my triumphs of the Latian war,


s: Fruits of my plighted faith and boasted care!


s: And yet, unhappy sire, thou shalt not see


s: A son whose death disgrac'd his ancestry;


s: Thou shalt not blush, old man, however griev'd:


s: He died no death to make thee wish, too late,


s: Thou hadst not liv'd to see his shameful fate:


s: But what a champion has th' Ausonian coast,


s: And what a friend hast thou, Ascanius, lost!"


s: Thus having mourn'd, he gave the word around,


s: To raise the breathless body from the ground;


s: And chose a thousand horse, the flow'r of all


s: His warlike troops, to wait the funeral,


s: To bear him back and share Evander's grief:


s: Then on their shoulders the sad burden rear.


s: Strew'd leaves and funeral greens the bier adorn.


s: All pale he lies, and looks a lovely flow'r,


s: New cropp'd by virgin hands, to dress the bow'r:


s: No more to mother earth or the green stern shall owe.


s: Then two fair vests, of wondrous work and cost,


s: Of purple woven, and with gold emboss'd,


s: Which with her hands Sidonian Dido wrought.


s: One vest array'd the corpse; and one they spread


s: O'er his clos'd eyes, and wrapp'd around his head,


s: That, when the yellow hair in flame should fall,


s: The catching fire might burn the golden caul.


s: Besides, the spoils of foes in battle slain,


s: Arms, trappings, horses, by the hearse are led


s: In long array- th' achievements of the dead.


s: Then, pinion'd with their hands behind, appear


s: Th' unhappy captives, marching in the rear,


s: Appointed off'rings in the victor's name,


s: To sprinkle with their blood the fun'ral flame.


s: Inferior trophies by the chiefs are borne;


s: Gauntlets and helms their loaded hands adorn;


s: And fair inscriptions fix'd, and titles read


s: Of Latian leaders conquer'd by the dead.


s: With feeble steps, supported by his friends.


s: Pausing at ev'ry pace, in sorrow drown'd,


s: Betwixt their arms he sinks upon the ground;


s: Where grov'ling while he lies in deep despair,


s: He beats his breast, and rends his hoary hair.


s: The champion's chariot next is seen to roll,


s: Besmear'd with hostile blood, and honorably foul.


s: To close the pomp, Aethon, the steed of state,


s: Is led, the fun'rals of his lord to wait.


s: Stripp'd of his trappings, with a sullen pace


s: He walks; and the big tears run rolling down his face.


s: The lance of Pallas, and the crimson crest,


s: Are borne behind: the victor seiz'd the rest.


s: The march begins: the trumpets hoarsely sound;


s: The pikes and lances trail along the ground.


s: Thus while the Trojan and Arcadian horse


s: To Pallantean tow'rs direct their course,


s: In long procession rank'd, the pious chief


s: Stopp'd in the rear, and gave a vent to grief:


s: "The public care," he said, "which war attends,


s: Diverts our present woes, at least suspends.


s: Peace with the manes of great Pallas dwell!


s: Hail, holy relics! and a last farewell!"


s: He said no more, but, inly thro' he mourn'd,


s: Restrained his tears, and to the camp return'd.


s: Now suppliants, from Laurentum sent, demand


s: A truce, with olive branches in their hand;


s: Beg leave to draw the bodies of their slain.


s: They plead, that none those common rites deny


s: To conquer'd foes that in fair battle die.


s: All cause of hate was ended in their death;


s: Nor could he war with bodies void of breath.


s: A king, they hop'd, would hear a king's request,


s: Whose son he once was call'd, and once his guest.


s: Their suit, which was too just to be denied,


s: The hero grants, and farther thus replied:


s: In causeless quarrels has involv'd your state,


s: Who sought your friendship ere the war began!


s: You beg a truce, which I would gladly give,


s: Not only for the slain, but those who live.


s: I came not hither but by Heav'n's command,


s: And sent by fate to share the Latian land.


s: Nor wage I wars unjust: your king denied


s: My proffer'd friendship, and my promis'd bride;


s: Left me for Turnus. Turnus then should try


s: His cause in arms, to conquer or to die.


s: My right and his are in dispute: the slain


s: Fell without fault, our quarrel to maintain.


s: And let him vanquish, whom his fates befriend.


s: This is the way (so tell him) to possess


s: The royal virgin, and restore the peace.


s: Bear this message back, with ample leave,


s: That your slain friends may fun'ral rites receive."


s: Thus having said- th' embassadors, amaz'd,


s: Stood mute a while, and on each other gaz'd.


s: Drances, their chief, who harbor'd in his breast


s: Long hate to Turnus, as his foe profess'd,


s: Broke silence first, and to the godlike man,


s: With graceful action bowing, thus began:


s: "Auspicious prince, in arms a mighty name,


s: But yet whose actions far transcend your fame;


s: Would I your justice or your force express,


s: Thought can but equal; and all words are less.


s: If wish'd success our labor shall attend,


s: Think peace concluded, and the king your friend:


s: Let Turnus leave the realm to your command,


s: Build you the city which your fates assign;


s: We shall be proud in the great work to join."


s: Thus Drances; and his words so well persuade


s: The rest impower'd, that soon a truce is made.


s: Twelve days the term allow'd: and, during those,


s: Latians and Trojans, now no longer foes,


s: Mix'd in the woods, for fun'ral piles prepare


s: Loud axes thro' the groaning groves resound;


s: Oak, mountain ash, and poplar spread the ground;


s: First fall from high; and some the trunks receive


s: In loaden wains; with wedges some they cleave.


s: Thro' the short circuit of th' Arcadian town,


s: Of Pallas slain- by Fame, which just before


s: Rushing from out the gate, the people stand,


s: Each with a fun'ral flambeau in his hand.


s: Wildly they stare, distracted with amaze:


s: The fields are lighten'd with a fiery blaze,


s: That cast a sullen splendor on their friends,


s: The marching troop which their dead prince attends.


s: Both parties meet: they raise a doleful cry;


s: The matrons from the walls with shrieks reply,


s: And their mix'd mourning rends the vaulted sky.


s: The town is fill'd with tumult and with tears,


s: Till the loud clamors reach Evander's ears:


s: With a disorder'd pace, and cleaves the throng;


s: Falls on the corpse; and groaning there he lies,


s: With silent grief, that speaks but at his eyes.


s: Short sighs and sobs succeed; till sorrow breaks


s: A passage, and at once he weeps and speaks:


s: "O Pallas! thou hast fail'd thy plighted word,


s: To fight with caution, not to tempt the sword!


s: I warn'd thee, but in vain; for well I knew


s: What perils youthful ardor would pursue,


s: That boiling blood would carry thee too far,


s: Young as thou wert in dangers, raw to war!


s: Prelude of bloody fields, and fights to come!


s: Vain vows to Heav'n, and unavailing care!


s: Thrice happy thou, dear partner of my bed,


s: Whose holy soul the stroke of Fortune fled,


s: Praescious of ills, and leaving me behind,


s: To drink the dregs of life by fate assign'd!


s: My Pallas late set out, but reach'd too soon.


s: If, for my league against th' Ausonian state,


s: Amidst their weapons I had found my fate,


s: (Deserv'd from them,) then I had been return'd


s: A breathless victor, and my son had mourn'd.


s: Yet will I not my Trojan friend upbraid,


s: Nor grudge th' alliance I so gladly made.


s: 'T was not his fault, my Pallas fell so young,


s: But my own crime, for having liv'd too long.


s: Yet, since the gods had destin'd him to die,


s: First for his friends he won the fatal shore,


s: And sent whole herds of slaughter'd foes before;


s: A death too great, too glorious to deplore.


s: Content with those the Trojan hero gave:


s: That funeral pomp thy Phrygian friends design'd,


s: In which the Tuscan chiefs and army join'd.


s: Great spoils and trophies, gain'd by thee, they bear:


s: Then let thy own achievements be thy share.


s: Even thou, O Turnus, hadst a trophy stood,


s: Whose mighty trunk had better grac'd the wood,


s: If Pallas had arriv'd, with equal length


s: Of years, to match thy bulk with equal strength.


s: These troops, to view the tears thou shedd'st in vain?


s: Go, friends, this message to your lord relate:


s: Tell him, that, if I bear my bitter fate,


s: And, after Pallas' death, live ling'ring on,


s: 'T is to behold his vengeance for my son.


s: 'T is all that he can give, or we demand.


s: To greet my Pallas with such news below."


s: The morn had now dispell'd the shades of night,


s: Restoring toils, when she restor'd the light.


s: The Trojan king and Tuscan chief command


s: To raise the piles along the winding strand.


s: Their friends convey the dead fun'ral fires;


s: Black smold'ring smoke from the green wood expires;


s: The light of heav'n is chok'd, and the new day retires.


s: Then thrice around the kindled piles they go


s: Thrice horse and foot about the fires are led;


s: And thrice, with loud laments, they hail the dead.


s: Tears, trickling down their breasts, bedew the ground,


s: And drums and trumpets mix their mournful sound.


s: Amid the blaze, their pious brethren throw


s: The spoils, in battle taken from the foe:


s: Helms, bits emboss'd, and swords of shining steel;


s: One casts a target, one a chariot wheel;


s: Some to their fellows their own arms restore:


s: The fauchions which in luckless fight they bore,


s: Their bucklers pierc'd, their darts bestow'd in vain,


s: And shiver'd lances gather'd from the plain.


s: Whole herds of offer'd bulls, about the fire,


s: And bristled boars, and woolly sheep expire.


s: Around the piles a careful troop attends,


s: To watch the wasting flames, and weep their burning friends;


s: Ling'ring along the shore, till dewy night


s: New decks the face of heav'n with starry light.


s: The conquer'd Latians, with like pious care,


s: Piles without number for their dead prepare.


s: Part in the places where they fell are laid;


s: And part are to the neighb'ring fields convey'd.


s: The corps of kings, and captains of renown,


s: Borne off in state, are buried in the town;


s: The rest, unhonor'd, and without a name,


s: Are cast a common heap to feed the flame.


s: Trojans and Latians vie with like desires


s: To make the field of battle shine with fires,


s: And the promiscuous blaze to heav'n aspires.


s: Now had the morning thrice renew'd the light,


s: And thrice dispell'd the shadows of the night,


s: When those who round the wasted fires remain,


s: Perform the last sad office to the slain.


s: They rake the yet warm ashes from below;


s: These, and the bones unburn'd, in earth bestow;


s: These relics with their country rites they grace,


s: And raise a mount of turf to mark the place.


s: A scene more solemn, and a pomp of tears.


s: Maids, matrons, widows, mix their common moans;


s: Orphans their sires, and sires lament their sons.


s: And curse the cause of this unhappy war:


s: A broken league, a bride unjustly sought,


s: A crown usurp'd, which with their blood is bought!


s: These are the crimes with which they load the name


s: "Let him who lords it o'er th' Ausonian land


s: His is the gain; our lot is but to serve;


s: 'T is just, the sway he seeks, he should deserve."


s: This Drances aggravates; and adds, with spite:


s: "His foe expects, and dares him to the fight."


s: His cause and credit in the Latian court.


s: His former acts secure his present fame,


s: And the queen shades him with her mighty name.


s: While thus their factious minds with fury burn,


s: The legates from th' Aetolian prince return:


s: Sad news they bring, that, after all the cost


s: And care employ'd, their embassy is lost;


s: Unmov'd with presents, and as deaf to pray'r.


s: Some new alliance must elsewhere be sought,


s: Or peace with Troy on hard conditions bought.


s: Latinus, sunk in sorrow, finds too late,


s: The wrath of Heav'n is hov'ring o'er his head.


s: The gods, he saw, espous'd the juster side,


s: When late their titles in the field were tried:


s: Witness the fresh laments, and fun'ral tears undried.


s: Thus, full of anxious thought, he summons all


s: The princes come, commanded by their head,


s: And crowd the paths that to the palace lead.


s: Supreme in pow'r, and reverenc'd for his years,


s: He takes the throne, and in the midst appears.


s: And bids his envoys their success relate.


s: Was hush'd, and sacred silence reign'd around.


s: "We have," said he, "perform'd your high command,


s: And pass'd with peril a long tract of land:


s: We reach'd the place desir'd; with wonder fill'd,


s: The Grecian tents and rising tow'rs beheld.


s: Great Diomede has compass'd round with walls


s: From his own Argos nam'd. We touch'd, with joy,


s: When introduc'd, our presents first we bring,


s: Then crave an instant audience from the king.


s: His leave obtain'd, our native soil we name,


s: And tell th' important cause for which we came.


s: Attentively he heard us, while we spoke;


s: Then, with soft accents, and a pleasing look,


s: Made this return: 'Ausonian race, of old


s: Renown'd for peace, and for an age of gold,


s: What madness has your alter'd minds possess'd,


s: Solicit arms unknown, and tempt the sword,


s: We- for myself I speak, and all the name


s: Of Grecians, who to Troy's destruction came,


s: Omitting those who were in battle slain,


s: Not one but suffer'd, and too dearly bought


s: The prize of honor which in arms he sought;


s: Some doom'd to death, and some in exile driv'n.


s: Outcasts, abandon'd by the care of Heav'n;


s: So worn, so wretched, so despis'd a crew,


s: In storms; the vengeful Capharean coast;


s: Th' Euboean rocks! the prince, whose brother led


s: Have seen Charybdis and the Cyclops' den.


s: Restor'd to scepters, and expell'd again?


s: Ev'n he, the King of Men, the foremost name


s: Of all the Greeks, and most renown'd by fame,


s: Yet by his own adult'ress lost his life;


s: Fell at his threshold; and the spoils of Troy


s: The gods have envied me the sweets of life,


s: My much lov'd country, and my more lov'd wife:


s: Banish'd from both, I mourn; while in the sky,


s: Transform'd to birds, my lost companions fly:


s: Hov'ring about the coasts, they make their moan,


s: And cuff the cliffs with pinions not their own.


s: What squalid specters, in the dead of night,


s: Break my short sleep, and skim before my sight!


s: I might have promis'd to myself those harms,


s: Presum'd against immortal pow'rs to move,


s: And violate with wounds the Queen of Love.


s: Such arms this hand shall never more employ;


s: To think of past events, or good or bad.


s: Your presents I return: whate'er you bring


s: To buy my friendship, send the Trojan king.


s: We met in fight; I know him, to my cost:


s: With what a whirling force his lance he toss'd!


s: Heav'ns! what a spring was in his arm, to throw!


s: How high he held his shield, and rose at ev'ry blow!


s: Had Troy produc'd two more his match in might,


s: They would have chang'd the fortune of the fight:


s: Th' invasion of the Greeks had been return'd,


s: Our empire wasted, and our cities burn'd.


s: The long defense the Trojan people made,


s: The war protracted, and the siege delay'd,


s: Were due to Hector's and this hero's hand:


s: In pious reverence to the gods excell'd.


s: Make peace, ye Latians, and avoid with care


s: He said no more; but, with this cold excuse,


s: Refus'd th' alliance, and advis'd a truce."


s: A jarring murmur fill'd the factious court:


s: As, when a torrent rolls with rapid force,


s: And dashes o'er the stones that stop the course,


s: The flood, constrain'd within a scanty space,


s: White foam in gath'ring eddies floats around;


s: The murmur ceas'd: then from his lofty throne


s: The king invok'd the gods, and thus begun:


s: Had been resolv'd before it was too late.


s: To have been earlier wise, than now to call


s: A council, when the foe surrounds the wall.


s: With men not only Heav'n's peculiar care,


s: But Heav'n's own race; unconquer'd in the field,


s: Or, conquer'd, yet unknowing how to yield.


s: What hopes you had in Diomedes, lay down:


s: Our hopes must center on ourselves alone.


s: Yet those how feeble, and, indeed, how vain,


s: You see too well; nor need my words explain.


s: Vanquish'd without resource; laid flat by fate;


s: Factions within, a foe without the gate!


s: Not but I grant that all perform'd their parts


s: With manly force, and with undaunted hearts:


s: With our united strength the war we wag'd;


s: With equal numbers, equal arms, engag'd.


s: You see th' event.- Now hear what I propose,


s: To save our friends, and satisfy our foes.


s: A tract of land the Latins have possess'd


s: Along the Tiber, stretching to the west,


s: And their mix'd cattle graze the fruitful hill.


s: Those mountains fill'd with firs, that lower land,


s: If you consent, the Trojan shall command,


s: Call'd into part of what is ours; and there,


s: On terms agreed, the common country share.


s: There let'em build and settle, if they please;


s: Unless they choose once more to cross the seas,


s: Then twice ten galleys let us build with speed,


s: Or twice as many more, if more they need.


s: Materials are at hand; a well-grown wood


s: Runs equal with the margin of the flood:


s: Let them the number and the form assign;


s: The care and cost of all the stores be mine.


s: Shall be commission'd hence with ample pow'rs,


s: With olive the presents they shall bear,


s: And all the marks of sway that Latian monarchs wear,


s: And sums of gold. Among yourselves debate


s: This great affair, and save the sinking state."


s: Then Drances took the word, who grudg'd, long since,


s: The rising glories of the Daunian prince.


s: Factious and rich, bold at the council board,


s: But cautious in the field, he shunn'd the sword;


s: A close caballer, and tongue-valiant lord.


s: Noble his mother was, and near the throne;


s: But, what his father's parentage, unknown.


s: He rose, and took th' advantage of the times,


s: To load young Turnus with invidious crimes.


s: "Such truths, O king," said he, "your words contain,


s: As strike the sense, and all replies are vain;


s: What common needs require, but fear to speak.


s: Let him give leave of speech, that haughty man,


s: Whose pride this unauspicious war began;


s: Fear set apart, tho' death is in my way)


s: The plains of Latium run with blood around.


s: A town in mourning, and a land in tears;


s: While he, th' undoubted author of our harms,


s: Yet, after all his boasts, forsook the fight,


s: And sought his safety in ignoble flight.


s: Now, best of kings, since you propose to send


s: Such bounteous presents to your Trojan friend;


s: One which he values more than all the rest:


s: Give him the fair Lavinia for his bride;


s: With that alliance let the league be tied,


s: And for the bleeding land a lasting peace provide.


s: But, with a father's right, bestow your own.


s: If still we fear his force, he must be woo'd;


s: His haughty godhead we with pray'rs implore,


s: Your scepter to release, and our just rights restore.


s: Wage wars unjust, and fall in fight, for thee!


s: What right hast thou to rule the Latian state,


s: And send us out to meet our certain fate?


s: 'T is a destructive war: from Turnus' hand


s: Let the fair bride to the brave chief remain;


s: If not, the peace, without the pledge, is vain.


s: Turnus, I know you think me not your friend,


s: Nor will I much with your belief contend:


s: I beg your greatness not to give the law


s: In others' realms, but, beaten, to withdraw.


s: Nor twist our fortunes with your sinking fate.


s: Your interest is, the war should never cease;


s: But we have felt enough to wish the peace:


s: Yet, if desire of fame, and thirst of pow'r,


s: A beauteous princess, with a crown in dow'r,


s: So fire your mind, in arms assert your right,


s: And meet your foe, who dares you to the fight.


s: Mankind, it seems, is made for you alone;


s: We, but the slaves who mount you to the throne:


s: Should share such triumphs, and detain from you


s: Rather alone your matchless force employ,


s: These words, so full of malice mix'd with art,


s: Inflam'd with rage the youthful hero's heart.


s: Then, groaning from the bottom of his breast,


s: He heav'd for wind, and thus his wrath express'd:


s: "You, Drances, never want a stream of words,


s: Then, when the public need requires our swords.


s: First in the council hall to steer the state,


s: While our strong walls secure us from the foe,


s: Ere yet with blood our ditches overflow:


s: And with the brand of coward blot my name;


s: Free leave is giv'n him, when his fatal hand


s: Has cover'd with more corps the sanguine strand,


s: And high as mine his tow'ring trophies stand.


s: If any doubt remains, who dares the most,


s: And issue both abreast, where honor calls-


s: Foes are not far to seek without the walls-


s: And feet were giv'n him but to speed his flight.


s: Had he but ev'n beheld the fight, his eyes


s: Had witness'd for me what his tongue denies:


s: What heaps of Trojans by this hand were slain,


s: And how the bloody Tiber swell'd the main.


s: All saw, but he, th' Arcadian troops retire


s: In scatter'd squadrons, and their prince expire.


s: The giant brothers, in their camp, have found,


s: I was not forc'd with ease to quit my ground.


s: Not such the Trojans tried me, when, inclos'd,


s: First forc'd an entrance thro' their thick array;


s: Then, glutted with their slaughter, freed my way.


s: But to the Phrygian pirate, and to thee!


s: Meantime proceed to fill the people's ears


s: With false reports, their minds with panic fears:


s: Extol the strength of a twice-conquer'd race;


s: Our foes encourage, and our friends debase.


s: Triumphant stands; the Grecians are o'erthrown;


s: Suppliant at Hector's feet Achilles lies,


s: Runs backward from the sea, and hides his head,


s: When the great Trojan on his bank appears;


s: For that's as true as thy dissembled fears


s: Thou, Drances, art below a death from me.


s: Let that vile soul in that vile body rest;


s: The lodging is well worthy of the guest.


s: "Now, royal father, to the present state


s: Of our affairs, and of this high debate:


s: And think your fortune is already tried;


s: If one defeat has brought us down so low,


s: As never more in fields to meet the foe;


s: Then I conclude for peace: 't is time to treat,


s: And lie like vassals at the victor's feet.


s: One drop of all our fathers', in our veins,


s: That man would I prefer before the rest,


s: Who dar'd his death with an undaunted breast;


s: To shun that sight, and, dying, gnaw'd the ground.


s: But, if we still have fresh recruits in store,


s: If the contended field we bravely fought,


s: Their losses equal'd ours; and, for their slain,


s: With equal fires they fill'd the shining plain;


s: Why thus, unforc'd, should we so tamely yield,


s: And, ere the trumpet sounds, resign the field?


s: Appear by turns, as fortune shifts the scene:


s: Some, rais'd aloft, come tumbling down amain;


s: Then fall so hard, they bound and rise again.


s: The great Messapus yet remains our friend:


s: Tolumnius, who foretells events, is ours;


s: Th' Italian chiefs and princes join their pow'rs:


s: Nor least in number, nor in name the last,


s: Your own brave subjects have your cause embrac'd


s: And heads a squadron, terrible to sight,


s: With glitt'ring shields, in brazen armor bright.


s: If you consent, he shall not be refus'd,


s: This new Achilles, let him take the field,


s: I, Turnus, not the least of all my name,


s: Devote my soul. He calls me hand to hand,


s: Drances shall rest secure, and neither share


s: The danger, nor divide the prize of war."


s: While they debate, nor these nor those will yield,


s: And moves his camp. The scouts with flying speed


s: Return, and thro' the frighted city spread


s: Th' unpleasing news, the Trojans are descried,


s: And bending to the town. They take th' alarm:


s: Some tremble, some are bold; all in confusion arm.


s: Th' impetuous youth press forward to the field;


s: They clash the sword, and clatter on the shield:


s: The fearful matrons raise a screaming cry;


s: Old feeble men with fainter groans reply;


s: A jarring sound results, and mingles in the sky,


s: Like that of swans remurm'ring to the floods,


s: Or birds of diff'ring kinds in hollow woods.


s: Turnus th' occasion takes, and cries aloud:


s: "Talk on, ye quaint haranguers of the crowd:


s: Declaim in praise of peace, when danger calls,


s: And the fierce foes in arms approach the walls."


s: He said, and, turning short, with speedy pace,


s: Casts back a scornful glance, and quits the place:


s: "Thou, Volusus, the Volscian troops command


s: To mount; and lead thyself our Ardean band.


s: Along the fields, to charge the Trojan horse.


s: Some guard the passes, others man the wall;


s: Drawn up in arms, the rest attend my call."


s: They swarm from ev'ry quarter of the town,


s: And with disorder'd haste the rampires crown.


s: Good old Latinus, when he saw, too late,


s: The gath'ring storm just breaking on the state,


s: Dismiss'd the council till a fitter time,


s: Who, forc'd against his reason, had complied


s: To break the treaty for the promis'd bride.


s: Some help to sink new trenches; others aid


s: To ram the stones, or raise the palisade.


s: Hoarse trumpets sound th' alarm; around the walls


s: Runs a distracted crew, whom their last labor calls.


s: A sad procession in the streets is seen,


s: Of matrons, that attend the mother queen:


s: High in her chair she sits, and, at her side,


s: With downcast eyes, appears the fatal bride.


s: They mount the cliff, where Pallas' temple stands;


s: Pray'rs in their mouths, and presents in their hands,


s: With censers first they fume the sacred shrine,


s: Propitious hear, and lend thy Latins aid!


s: Break short the pirate's lance; pronounce his fate,


s: And lay the Phrygian low before the gate."


s: Now Turnus arms for fight. His back and breast


s: Well-temper'd steel and scaly brass invest:


s: The cuishes which his brawny thighs infold


s: Are mingled metal damask'd o'er with gold.


s: His faithful fauchion sits upon his side;


s: Nor casque, nor crest, his manly features hide:


s: But, bare to view, amid surrounding friends,


s: With godlike grace, he from the tow'r descends.


s: Exulting in his strength, he seems to dare


s: Freed from his keepers, thus, with broken reins,


s: The wanton courser prances o'er the plains,


s: Or in the pride of youth o'erleaps the mounds,


s: And snuffs the females in forbidden grounds.


s: Or seeks his wat'ring in the well-known flood,


s: To quench his thirst, and cool his fiery blood:


s: And o'er his shoulder flows his waving mane:


s: He neighs, he snorts, he bears his head on high;


s: Before his ample chest the frothy waters fly.


s: Soon as the prince appears without the gate,


s: The Volscians, with their virgin leader, wait


s: His last commands. Then, with a graceful mien,


s: Lights from her lofty steed the warrior queen:


s: Her squadron imitates, and each descends;


s: Whose common suit Camilla thus commends:


s: Of inborn worth, that can all tests endure,


s: Then, I alone, sustain'd by these, will meet


s: The Tyrrhene troops, and promise their defeat.


s: Ours be the danger, ours the sole renown:


s: You, gen'ral, stay behind, and guard the town:"


s: Turnus a while stood mute, with glad surprise,


s: And on the fierce virago fix'd his eyes;


s: Not only words lie lab'ring in my breast,


s: But thought itself is by thy praise oppress'd.


s: My toils, my hazard, and my fame, with thine.


s: Sends his light horse before to scour the field:


s: Himself, thro' steep ascents and thorny brakes,


s: This news my scouts confirm, and I prepare


s: To foil his cunning, and his force to dare;


s: With chosen foot his passage to forelay,


s: Thou, with thy Volscians, face the Tuscan horse;


s: The brave Messapus shall thy troops inforce


s: With those of Tibur, and the Latian band,


s: This said, he warns Messapus to the war,


s: Then ev'ry chief exhorts with equal care.


s: All thus encourag'd, his own troops he joins,


s: And hastes to prosecute his deep designs.


s: Inclos'd with hills, a winding valley lies,


s: By nature form'd for fraud, and fitted for surprise.


s: Leads, thro' perplexing thorns, to this obscure abode.


s: High o'er the vale a steepy mountain stands,


s: Whence the surveying sight the nether ground commands.


s: Of war; and from the war a safe retreat:


s: For, on the right and left, is room to press


s: The foes at hand, or from afar distress;


s: To drive 'em headlong downward, and to pour


s: On their descending backs a stony show'r.


s: Thither young Turnus took the well-known way,


s: Possess'd the pass, and in blind ambush lay.


s: Meantime Latonian Phoebe, from the skies,


s: Beheld th' approaching war with hateful eyes,


s: And call'd the light-foot Opis to her aid,


s: To meet her death amidst her fatal foes:


s: The nymphs I lov'd of all my mortal train,


s: 'T was born with her; and with her years it grew.


s: Snatch'd up, and sav'd from his prevailing foes,


s: This tender babe, companion of his woes.


s: And call'd Camilla. Thro' the woods he flies;


s: Wrapp'd in his robe the royal infant lies.


s: His foes in sight, he mends his weary pace;


s: With shout and clamors they pursue the chase.


s: The banks of Amasene at length he gains:


s: The raging flood his farther flight restrains,


s: Rais'd o'er the borders with unusual rains.


s: Prepar'd to plunge into the stream, he fears,


s: Not for himself, but for the charge he bears.


s: Anxious, he stops a while, and thinks in haste;


s: Then, desp'rate in distress, resolves at last.


s: A knotty lance of well-boil'd oak he bore;


s: The middle part with cork he cover'd o'er:


s: He clos'd the child within the hollow space;


s: With twigs of bending osier bound the case;


s: Then pois'd the spear, heavy with human weight,


s: And thus invok'd my favor for the freight:


s: 'Accept, great goddess of the woods,' he said,


s: Thro' air she flies a suppliant to thy shrine;


s: And the first weapons that she knows, are thine.'


s: He said; and with full force the spear he threw:


s: Then, press'd by foes, he stemm'd the stormy tide,


s: And gain'd, by stress of arms, the farther side.


s: His fasten'd spear he pull'd from out the ground,


s: And, victor of his vows, his infant nymph unbound;


s: Nor, after that, in towns which walls inclose,


s: Would trust his hunted life amidst his foes;


s: But, rough, in open air he chose to lie;


s: Earth was his couch, his cov'ring was the sky.


s: His daughter with the milk of mares he fed.


s: The dugs of bears, and ev'ry salvage beast,


s: He drew, and thro' her lips the liquor press'd.


s: And, that she might her stagg'ring steps command,


s: He with a slender jav'lin fills her hand.


s: Her flowing hair no golden fillet bound;


s: Nor swept her trailing robe the dusty ground.


s: Instead of these, a tiger's hide o'erspread


s: Her back and shoulders, fasten'd to her head.


s: The flying dart she first attempts to fling,


s: And round her tender temples toss'd the sling;


s: Then, as her strength with years increas'd, began


s: To pierce aloft in air the soaring swan,


s: And from the clouds to fetch the heron and the crane.


s: The Tuscan matrons with each other vied,


s: To bless their rival sons with such a bride;


s: But she disdains their love, to share with me


s: Of salvage spoils, she had not sought the wars!


s: Then had she been of my celestial train,


s: And shunn'd the fate that dooms her to be slain.


s: But since, opposing Heav'n's decree, she goes


s: Haste with these arms, and take thy steepy flight.


s: Where, with the gods, averse, the Latins fight.


s: This bow to thee, this quiver I bequeath,


s: This chosen arrow, to revenge her death:


s: By whate'er hand Camilla shall be slain,


s: Let him not pass unpunish'd from the plain.


s: Then, in a hollow cloud, myself will aid


s: Unspoil'd shall be her arms, and unprofan'd


s: And in a marble tomb laid in her native land."


s: She said. The faithful nymph descends from high


s: With rapid flight, and cuts the sounding sky:


s: Black clouds and stormy winds around her body fly.


s: By this, the Trojan and the Tuscan horse,


s: Drawn up in squadrons, with united force,


s: Approach the walls: the sprightly coursers bound,


s: Press forward on their bits, and shift their ground.


s: Shields, arms, and spears flash horribly from far;


s: And the fields glitter with a waving war.


s: Oppos'd to these, come on with furious force


s: These in the body plac'd, on either hand


s: Sustain'd and clos'd by fair Camilla's band.


s: Advancing in a line, they couch their spears;


s: And less and less the middle space appears.


s: Thick smoke obscures the field; and scarce are seen


s: The neighing coursers, and the shouting men.


s: In distance of their darts they stop their course;


s: Then man to man they rush, and horse to horse.


s: The face of heav'n their flying jav'lins hide,


s: And deaths unseen are dealt on either side.


s: By mettled coursers borne in full career,


s: Meet first oppos'd; and, with a mighty shock,


s: Their horses' heads against each other knock.


s: Far from his steed is fierce Aconteus cast,


s: As with an engine's force, or lightning's blast:


s: He rolls along in blood, and breathes his last.


s: The Latin squadrons take a sudden fright,


s: And sling their shields behind, to save their backs in flight


s: Spurring at speed to their own walls they drew;


s: Close in the rear the Tuscan troops pursue,


s: And urge their flight: Asylas leads the chase;


s: Till, seiz'd, with shame, they wheel about and face,


s: Receive their foes, and raise a threat'ning cry.


s: The Tuscans take their turn to fear and fly.


s: So swelling surges, with a thund'ring roar,


s: Driv'n on each other's backs, insult the shore,


s: Bound o'er the rocks, incroach upon the land,


s: Then backward, with a swing, they take their way,


s: Repuls'd from upper ground, and seek their mother sea;


s: With equal hurry quit th' invaded shore,


s: And swallow back the sand and stones they spew'd before.


s: Twice were the Tuscans masters of the field,


s: Twice by the Latins, in their turn, repell'd.


s: Asham'd at length, to the third charge they ran;


s: Both hosts resolv'd, and mingled man to man.


s: Now dying groans are heard; the fields are strow'd


s: With falling bodies, and are drunk with blood.


s: Arms, horses, men, on heaps together lie:


s: Confus'd the fight, and more confus'd the cry.


s: Orsilochus, who durst not press too near


s: Strong Remulus, at distance drove his spear,


s: And stuck the steel beneath his horse's ear.


s: The fiery steed, impatient of the wound,


s: Curvets, and, springing upward with a bound,


s: His helpless lord cast backward on the ground.


s: His reeking lance, and at Herminius threw,


s: His neck and throat unarm'd, his head was bare,


s: But shaded with a length of yellow hair:


s: Secure, he fought, expos'd on ev'ry part,


s: A spacious mark for swords, and for the flying dart.


s: Across the shoulders came the feather'd wound;


s: Transfix'd he fell, and doubled to the ground.


s: The sands with streaming blood are sanguine dyed,


s: And death with honor sought on either side.


s: In danger unappall'd, and pleas'd with blood.


s: One side was bare for her exerted breast;


s: One shoulder with her painted quiver press'd.


s: Now with her ax's edge she hews her way:


s: And when, too closely press'd, she quits the ground,


s: From her bent bow she sends a backward wound.


s: Her maids, in martial pomp, on either side,


s: Italians all; in peace, their queen's delight;


s: In war, the bold companions of the fight.


s: When Thermodon with bloody billows roll'd:


s: Such troops as these in shining arms were seen,


s: When Theseus met in fight their maiden queen:


s: From the fierce virgin when the Grecians fled;


s: With such, return'd triumphant from the war,


s: Her maids with cries attend the lofty car;


s: They clash with manly force their moony shields;


s: With female shouts resound the Phrygian fields.


s: Who foremost, and who last, heroic maid,


s: On the cold earth were by thy courage laid?


s: Thy spear, of mountain ash, Eumenius first,


s: With fury driv'n, from side to side transpierc'd:


s: A purple stream came spouting from the wound;


s: Bath'd in his blood he lies, and bites the ground.


s: The former, as the slacken'd reins he drew


s: Of his faint steed; the latter, as he stretch'd


s: His arm to prop his friend, the jav'lin reach'd.


s: By the same weapon, sent from the same hand,


s: Both fall together, and both spurn the sand.


s: The rest in rout she follows o'er the plain:


s: And Chromis, at full speed her fury shun.


s: Of all her deadly darts, not one she lost;


s: Swift for the chase, and of Apulian breed.


s: Him from afar she spied, in arms unknown:


s: O'er his broad back an ox's hide was thrown;


s: His helm a wolf, whose gaping jaws were spread


s: A cov'ring for his cheeks, and grinn'd around his head,


s: He clench'd within his hand an iron prong,


s: And tower'd above the rest, conspicuous in the throng.


s: Him soon she singled from the flying train,


s: And slew with ease; then thus insults the slain:


s: "Vain hunter, didst thou think thro' woods to chase


s: The savage herd, a vile and trembling race?


s: Here cease thy vaunts, and own my victory:


s: A woman warrior was too strong for thee.


s: Yet, if the ghosts demand the conqu'ror's name,


s: Confessing great Camilla, save thy shame."


s: But Butes breast to breast: the spear descends


s: Above the gorget, where his helmet ends,


s: And o'er the shield which his left side defends.


s: He seems to follow, and she seems to fly;


s: But in a narrower ring she makes the race;


s: And then he flies, and she pursues the chase.


s: She swings her ax, and rises to the blow


s: Full on the helm behind, with such a sway


s: The weapon falls, the riven steel gives way:


s: He groans, he roars, he sues in vain for grace;


s: Brains, mingled with his blood, besmear his face.


s: Astonish'd Aunus just arrives by chance,


s: To see his fall; nor farther dares advance;


s: He stares, and shakes, and finds it vain to fly;


s: Yet, like a true Ligurian, born to cheat,


s: (At least while fortune favor'd his deceit,)


s: Cries out aloud: "What courage have you shown,


s: Who trust your courser's strength, and not your own?


s: Forego the vantage of your horse, alight,


s: And then on equal terms begin the fight:


s: It shall be seen, weak woman, what you can,


s: When, foot to foot, you combat with a man,"


s: He said. She glows with anger and disdain,


s: Dismounts with speed to dare him on the plain,


s: And leaves her horse at large among her train;


s: With her drawn sword defies him to the field,


s: And, marching, lifts aloft her maiden shield.


s: The youth, who thought his cunning did succeed,


s: Reins round his horse, and urges all his speed;


s: Adds the remembrance of the spur, and hides


s: The goring rowels in his bleeding sides.


s: "Vain fool, and coward!" cries the lofty maid,


s: "Caught in the train which thou thyself hast laid!


s: Thin stratagems and tricks of little hearts


s: Are lost on me: nor shalt thou safe retire,


s: With vaunting lies, to thy fallacious sire."


s: At this, so fast her flying feet she sped,


s: That soon she strain'd beyond his horse's head:


s: Then turning short, at once she seiz'd the rein,


s: And laid the boaster grov'ling on the plain.


s: Not with more ease the falcon, from above,


s: Trusses in middle air the trembling dove,


s: Then plumes the prey, in her strong pounces bound:


s: The feathers, foul with blood, come tumbling to the ground.


s: Now mighty Jove, from his superior height,


s: With his broad eye surveys th' unequal fight.


s: He fires the breast of Tarchon with disdain,


s: And sends him to redeem th' abandon'd plain.


s: Betwixt the broken ranks the Tuscan rides,


s: And these encourages, and those he chides;


s: Recalls each leader, by his name, from flight;


s: Renews their ardor, and restores the fight.


s: "What panic fear has seiz'd your souls? O shame,


s: Drives, breaks, and scatters your ignoble band!


s: Now cast away the sword, and quit the shield!


s: What use of weapons which you dare not wield?


s: Not thus you fly your female foes by night,


s: Nor shun the feast, when the full bowls invite;


s: When to fat off'rings the glad augur calls,


s: And the shrill hornpipe sounds to bacchanals.


s: These are your studied cares, your lewd delight:


s: Swift to debauch, but slow to manly fight."


s: Thus having said, he spurs amid the foes,


s: The first he found he seiz'd with headlong haste,


s: In his strong gripe, and clasp'd around the waist;


s: 'T was Venulus, whom from his horse he tore,


s: And, laid athwart his own, in triumph bore.


s: Loud shouts ensue; the Latins turn their eyes,


s: And view th' unusual sight with vast surprise.


s: The fiery Tarchon, flying o'er the plains,


s: Press'd in his arms the pond'rous prey sustains;


s: Then, with his shorten'd spear, explores around


s: His jointed arms, to fix a deadly wound.


s: Nor less the captive struggles for his life:


s: He writhes his body to prolong the strife,


s: And, fencing for his naked throat, exerts


s: So stoops the yellow eagle from on high,


s: And bears a speckled serpent thro' the sky,


s: Fast'ning his crooked talons on the prey:


s: The pris'ner hisses thro' the liquid way;


s: Resists the royal hawk; and, tho' oppress'd,


s: She fights in volumes, and erects her crest:


s: Turn'd to her foe, she stiffens ev'ry scale,


s: And shoots her forky tongue, and whisks her threat'ning tail.


s: Against the victor, all defense is weak:


s: Th' imperial bird still plies her with his beak;


s: He tears her bowels, and her breast he gores;


s: Then claps his pinions, and securely soars.


s: Thus, thro' the midst of circling enemies,


s: Strong Tarchon snatch'd and bore away his prize.


s: The Tyrrhene troops, that shrunk before, now press


s: The Latins, and presume the like success.


s: Then Aruns, doom'd to death, his arts assay'd,


s: To murther, unespied, the Volscian maid:


s: This way and that his winding course he bends,


s: And, whereso'er she turns, her steps attends.


s: When she retires victorious from the chase,


s: He wheels about with care, and shifts his place;


s: When, rushing on, she seeks her foes flight,


s: He keeps aloof, but keeps her still in sight:


s: He threats, and trembles, trying ev'ry way,


s: Chloreus, the priest of Cybele, from far,


s: Glitt'ring in Phrygian arms amidst the war,


s: Was by the virgin view'd. The steed he press'd


s: Was proud with trappings, and his brawny chest


s: With scales of gilded brass was cover'd o'er;


s: With deadly wounds he gall'd the distant foe;


s: Gnossian his shafts, and Lycian was his bow:


s: A golden helm his front and head surrounds


s: A gilded quiver from his shoulder sounds.


s: Gold, weav'd with linen, on his thighs he wore,


s: With flowers of needlework distinguish'd o'er,


s: With golden buckles bound, and gather'd up before.


s: Him the fierce maid beheld with ardent eyes,


s: Or that the temple might his trophies hold,


s: Or else to shine herself in Trojan gold.


s: Blind in her haste, she chases him alone.


s: And seeks his life, regardless of her own.


s: This lucky moment the sly traitor chose:


s: Then, starting from his ambush, up he rose,


s: And threw, but first to Heav'n address'd his vows:


s: Phoebus, the ruling pow'r among the gods,


s: Whom first we serve, whole woods of unctuous pine


s: Are fell'd for thee, and to thy glory shine;


s: Thro' flames unsing'd we march, and tread the kindled coals


s: Nor spoils, nor triumph, from the fact I claim,


s: But with my future actions trust my fame.


s: Let me, by stealth, this female plague o'ercome,


s: And from the field return inglorious home."


s: Apollo heard, and, granting half his pray'r,


s: Shuffled in winds the rest, and toss'd in empty air.


s: He gives the death desir'd; his safe return


s: By southern tempests to the seas is borne.


s: Now, when the jav'lin whizz'd along the skies,


s: Both armies on Camilla turn'd their eyes,


s: Th' unhappy virgin, tho' concern'd the most,


s: On golden spoils, and on her prey intent;


s: Infix'd, and deeply drunk the purple blood.


s: Their dying lady, drooping on the plain.


s: Far from their sight the trembling Aruns flies,


s: With beating heart, and fear confus'd with joys;


s: Nor dares he farther to pursue his blow,


s: Or ev'n to bear the sight of his expiring foe.


s: As, when the wolf has torn a bullock's hide


s: At unawares, or ranch'd a shepherd's side,


s: Conscious of his audacious deed, he flies,


s: And claps his quiv'ring tail between his thighs:


s: So, speeding once, the wretch no more attends,


s: But, spurring forward, herds among his friends.


s: She wrench'd the jav'lin with her dying hands,


s: But wedg'd within her breast the weapon stands;


s: The wood she draws, the steely point remains;


s: She staggers in her seat with agonizing pains:


s: (A gath'ring mist o'erclouds her cheerful eyes,


s: And from her cheeks the rosy color flies:)


s: Then turns to her, whom of her female train


s: She trusted most, and thus she speaks with pain:


s: "Acca, 't is past! he swims before my sight,


s: Bear my last words to Turnus; fly with speed,


s: And bid him timely to my charge succeed,


s: Repel the Trojans, and the town relieve:


s: Farewell! and in this kiss my parting breath receive."


s: She said, and, sliding, sunk upon the plain:


s: Dying, her open'd hand forsakes the rein;


s: Short, and more short, she pants; by slow degrees


s: Her mind the passage from her body frees.


s: She drops her sword; she nods her plumy crest,


s: Her drooping head declining on her breast:


s: In the last sigh her struggling soul expires,


s: And, murm'ring with disdain, to Stygian sounds retires.


s: A shout, that struck the golden stars, ensued;


s: Despair and rage the languish'd fight renew'd.


s: The Trojan troops and Tuscans, in a line,


s: Advance to charge; the mix'd Arcadians join.


s: But Cynthia's maid, high seated, from afar


s: Surveys the field, and fortune of the war,


s: Unmov'd a while, till, prostrate on the plain,


s: Welt'ring in blood, she sees Camilla slain,


s: And, round her corpse, of friends and foes a fighting train.


s: Then, from the bottom of her breast, she drew


s: A mournful sigh, and these sad words ensue:


s: "Too dear a fine, ah much lamented maid,


s: For warring with the Trojans, thou hast paid!


s: Nor aught avail'd, in this unhappy strife,


s: Yet unreveng'd thy goddess will not leave


s: Her vot'ry's death, nor; with vain sorrow grieve.


s: Branded the wretch, and be his name abhorr'd;


s: Th' inglorious coward soon shall press the plain:


s: Thus vows thy queen, and thus the Fates ordain."


s: High o'er the field there stood a hilly mound,


s: Sacred the place, and spread with oaks around,


s: A king that once in Latium bore the sway.


s: The beauteous Opis thither bent her flight,


s: To mark the traitor Aruns from the height.


s: Swoln with success; and loudly thus she cried:


s: "Thy backward steps, vain boaster, are too late;


s: Turn like a man, at length, and meet thy fate.


s: And say I sent thee to the shades below,


s: An honor undeserv'd from Cynthia's bow."


s: She said, and from her quiver chose with speed


s: The winged shaft, predestin'd for the deed;


s: Then to the stubborn yew her strength applied,


s: Till the far distant horns approach'd on either side.


s: The bowstring touch'd her breast, so strong she drew;


s: At once the twanging bow and sounding dart


s: The traitor heard, and felt the point within his heart.


s: Him, beating with his heels in pangs of death,


s: His flying friends to foreign fields bequeath.


s: The conqu'ring damsel, with expanded wings,


s: The welcome message to her mistress brings.


s: Their leader lost, the Volscians quit the field,


s: And, unsustain'd, the chiefs of Turnus yield.


s: The frighted soldiers, when their captains fly,


s: More on their speed than on their strength rely.


s: Confus'd in flight, they bear each other down,


s: And spur their horses headlong to the town.


s: Driv'n by their foes, and to their fears resign'd,


s: Not once they turn, but take their wounds behind.


s: These drop the shield, and those the lance forego,


s: Or on their shoulders bear the slacken'd bow.


s: The hoofs of horses, with a rattling sound,


s: Beat short and thick, and shake the rotten ground.


s: Black clouds of dust come rolling in the sky,


s: And o'er the darken'd walls and rampires fly.


s: The trembling matrons, from their lofty stands,


s: Rend heav'n with female shrieks, and wring their hands.


s: Are crush'd in crowds, a mingled multitude.


s: Some happy few escape: the throng too late


s: Rush on for entrance, till they choke the gate.


s: Ev'n in the sight of home, the wretched sire


s: Looks on, and sees his helpless son expire.


s: Then, in a fright, the folding gates they close,


s: But leave their friends excluded with their foes.


s: The vanquish'd cry; the victors loudly shout;


s: 'T is terror all within, and slaughter all without.


s: Blind in their fear, they bounce against the wall,


s: Or, to the moats pursued, precipitate their fall.


s: The Latian virgins, valiant with despair,


s: Arm'd on the tow'rs, the common danger share:


s: So much of zeal their country's cause inspir'd;


s: Poles, sharpen'd in the flames, from high they throw,


s: Their lives for godlike freedom they bequeath,


s: And crowd each other to be first in death.


s: Meantime to Turnus, ambush'd in the shade,


s: With heavy tidings came th' unhappy maid:


s: "The Volscians overthrown, Camilla kill'd;


s: The foes, entirely masters of the field,


s: Like a resistless flood, come rolling on:


s: The cry goes off the plain, and thickens to the town."


s: Inflam'd with rage, (for so the Furies fire


s: The Daunian's breast, and so the Fates require,)


s: He leaves the hilly pass, the woods in vain


s: Possess'd, and downward issues on the plain.


s: Scarce was he gone, when to the straits, now freed


s: From secret foes, the Trojan troops succeed.


s: Thro' the black forest and the ferny brake,


s: Unknowingly secure, their way they take;


s: From the rough mountains to the plain descend,


s: And there, in order drawn, their line extend.


s: Both armies now in open fields are seen;


s: Nor far the distance of the space between.


s: Thro' smoking fields, his hast'ning enemies;


s: And hears th' approaching horses proudly neigh.


s: Soon had their hosts in bloody battle join'd;


s: But westward to the sea the sun declin'd.


s: Intrench'd before the town both armies lie,


s: While Night with sable wings involves the sky.


s: When Turnus saw the Latins leave the field,


s: Their armies broken, and their courage quell'd,


s: Himself become the mark of public spite,


s: His honor question'd for the promis'd fight;


s: The more he was with vulgar hate oppress'd,


s: The more his fury boil'd within his breast:


s: He rous'd his vigor for the last debate,


s: And rais'd his haughty soul to meet his fate.


s: As, when the swains the Libyan lion chase,


s: He makes a sour retreat, nor mends his pace;


s: But, if the pointed jav'lin pierce his side,


s: The lordly beast returns with double pride:


s: He wrenches out the steel, he roars for pain;


s: His sides he lashes, and erects his mane:


s: So Turnus fares; his eyeballs flash with fire,


s: Thro' his wide nostrils clouds of smoke expire.


s: Trembling with rage, around the court he ran,


s: At length approach'd the king, and thus began:


s: In arms prepar'd to combat, hand to hand,


s: The Trojan, by his word, is bound to take


s: The same conditions which himself did make.


s: Renew the truce; the solemn rites prepare,


s: The Latians unconcern'd shall see the fight;


s: This arm unaided shall assert your right:


s: Then, if my prostrate body press the plain,


s: To him the crown and beauteous bride remain."


s: "Brave youth, the more your valor has been tried,


s: The more becomes it us, with due respect,


s: To weigh the chance of war, which you neglect.


s: You want not wealth, or a successive throne,


s: Or cities which your arms have made your own:


s: My towns and treasures are at your command,


s: And stor'd with blooming beauties is my land;


s: Now let me speak, and you with patience hear,


s: Things which perhaps may grate a lover's ear,


s: But sound advice, proceeding from a heart


s: Sincerely yours, and free from fraudful art.


s: The gods, by signs, have manifestly shown,


s: No prince Italian born should heir my throne:


s: Oft have our augurs, in prediction skill'd,


s: And oft our priests, foreign son reveal'd.


s: Yet, won by worth that cannot be withstood,


s: Brib'd by my kindness to my kindred blood,


s: Urg'd by my wife, who would not be denied,


s: Her from her plighted lord by force I took;


s: All ties of treaties, and of honor, broke:


s: With what success, 't is needless to declare;


s: I and my subjects feel, and you have had your share.


s: Twice vanquish'd while in bloody fields we strive,


s: Scarce in our walls we keep our hopes alive:


s: The rolling flood runs warm with human gore;


s: The bones of Latians blanch the neighb'ring shore.


s: Still unresolv'd, and still a slave to fate?


s: If Turnus' death a lasting peace can give,


s: Why should I not procure it whilst you live?


s: Should I to doubtful arms your youth betray,


s: What would my kinsmen the Rutulians say?


s: And, should you fall in fight, (which Heav'n defend!)


s: How curse the cause which hasten'd to his end


s: The daughter's lover and the father's friend?


s: Weigh in your mind the various chance of war;


s: Pity your parent's age, and ease his care."


s: Such balmy words he pour'd, but all in vain:


s: The proffer'd med'cine but provok'd the pain.


s: The wrathful youth, disdaining the relief,


s: With intermitting sobs thus vents his grief:


s: "The care, O best of fathers, which you take


s: But make the best exchange of life for praise.


s: This arm, this lance, can well dispute the prize;


s: And the blood follows, where the weapon flies.


s: His goddess mother is not near, to shroud


s: But now the queen, who fear'd for Turnus' life,


s: And loath'd the hard conditions of the strife,


s: Held him by force; and, dying in his death,


s: In these sad accents gave her sorrow breath:


s: "O Turnus, I adjure thee by these tears,


s: Within thy breast, since thou art all my hope,


s: My sickly mind's repose, my sinking age's prop;


s: Refuse me not this one, this only pray'r,


s: To waive the combat, and pursue the war.


s: Whatever chance attends this fatal strife,


s: Think it includes, in thine, Amata's life.


s: A crimson blush her beauteous face o'erspread,


s: Varying her cheeks by turns with white and red.


s: Run here and there, and flush, and fade away.


s: Delightful change! Thus Indian iv'ry shows,


s: Which with the bord'ring paint of purple glows;


s: Or lilies damask'd by the neighb'ring rose.


s: The lover gaz'd, and, burning with desire,


s: The more he look'd, the more he fed the fire:


s: Revenge, and jealous rage, and secret spite,


s: Roll in his breast, and rouse him to the fight.


s: Then fixing on the queen his ardent eyes,


s: Firm to his first intent, he thus replies:


s: Such boding omens, and prejudge the war.


s: To shun my death, if Heav'n my death decree."


s: Then turning to the herald, thus pursues:


s: "Go, greet the Trojan with ungrateful news;


s: Denounce from me, that, when to-morrow's light


s: Shall gild the heav'ns, he need not urge the fight;


s: Shall dye, with mutual blood, the Latian shore:


s: Our single swords the quarrel shall decide,


s: And to the victor be the beauteous bride."


s: He said, and striding on, with speedy pace,


s: He sought his coursers of the Thracian race.


s: At his approach they toss their heads on high,


s: The sires of these Orythia sent from far,


s: The drifts of Thracian snows were scarce so white,


s: Nor northern winds in fleetness match'd their flight.


s: Officious grooms stand ready by his side;


s: And some with combs their flowing manes divide,


s: And others stroke their chests and gently soothe their pride.


s: He sheath'd his limbs in arms; a temper'd mass


s: Of golden metal those, and mountain brass.


s: Then to his head his glitt'ring helm he tied,


s: And girt his faithful fauchion to his side.


s: That fauchion labor'd for the hero's sire;


s: Immortal keenness on the blade bestow'd,


s: And plung'd it hissing in the Stygian flood.


s: Propp'd on a pillar, which the ceiling bore,


s: Was plac'd the lance Auruncan Actor wore;


s: Which with such force he brandish'd in his hand,


s: The tough ash trembled like an osier wand:


s: Then cried: "O pond'rous spoil of Actor slain,


s: Fail not this day thy wonted force; but go,


s: Sent by this hand, to pierce the Trojan foe!


s: Give me to tear his corslet from his breast,


s: And from that eunuch head to rend the crest;


s: Dragg'd in the dust, his frizzled hair to soil,


s: Hot from the vexing ir'n, and smear'd with fragrant oil!"


s: Thus while he raves, from his wide nostrils flies


s: A fiery steam, and sparkles from his eyes.


s: So fares the bull in his lov'd female's sight:


s: Proudly he bellows, and preludes the fight;


s: He tries his goring horns against a tree,


s: He pushes at the winds; he digs the strand


s: With his black hoofs, and spurns the yellow sand.


s: Nor less the Trojan, in his Lemnian arms,


s: To future fight his manly courage warms:


s: He whets his fury, and with joy prepares


s: To terminate at once the ling'ring wars;


s: To cheer his chiefs and tender son, relates


s: What Heav'n had promis'd, and expounds the fates.


s: Then to the Latian king he sends, to cease


s: The morn ensuing, from the mountain's height,


s: Had scarcely spread the skies with rosy light;


s: Th' ethereal coursers, bounding from the sea,


s: From out their flaming nostrils breath'd the day;


s: In friendly labor join'd, the list prepar'd.


s: Beneath the walls they measure out the space;


s: Then sacred altars rear, on sods of grass,


s: Where, with religious their common gods they place.


s: In purest white the priests their heads attire;


s: And, o'er their linen hoods and shaded hair,


s: Long twisted wreaths of sacred veryain wear.


s: The Latin legion, arm'd with pointed spears;


s: And from the fields, advancing on a line,


s: Their various arms afford a pleasing sight;


s: A peaceful train they seem, in peace prepar'd for fight.


s: Betwixt the ranks the proud commanders ride,


s: Glitt'ring with gold, and vests in purple dyed;


s: Here Mnestheus, author of the Memmian line,


s: And there Messapus, born of seed divine.


s: The sign is giv'n; and, round the listed space,


s: Each man in order fills his proper place.


s: Reclining on their ample shields, they stand,


s: And fix their pointed lances in the sand.


s: Now, studious of the sight, a num'rous throng


s: Of either sex promiscuous, old and young,


s: Swarm the town: by those who rest behind,


s: The gates and walls and houses' tops are lin'd.


s: Meantime the Queen of Heav'n beheld the sight,


s: With eyes unpleas'd, from Mount Albano's height


s: (Since call'd Albano by succeeding fame,


s: But then an empty hill, without a name).


s: She thence survey'd the field, the Trojan pow'rs,


s: The Latian squadrons, and Laurentine tow'rs.


s: Then thus the goddess of the skies bespoke,


s: With sighs and tears, the goddess of the lake,


s: King Turnus' sister, once a lovely maid,


s: Ere to the lust of lawless Jove betray'd:


s: Compress'd by force, but, by the grateful god,


s: Now made the Nais of the neighb'ring flood.


s: "O nymph, the pride of living lakes," said she,


s: "O most renown'd, and most belov'd by me,


s: Long hast thou known, nor need I to record,


s: The wanton sallies of my wand'ring lord.


s: To thee alone I grudg'd not his embrace,


s: But gave a part of heav'n, and an unenvied place.


s: Now learn from me thy near approaching grief,


s: While fortune favor'd, nor Heav'n's King denied


s: I sav'd thy brother, and the sinking state:


s: And goes, with gods averse, o'ermatch'd in might,


s: Nor must I break the truce, nor can sustain the sight.


s: Thou, if thou dar'st thy present aid supply;


s: It well becomes a sister's care to try."


s: At this the lovely nymph, with grief oppress'd,


s: Thrice tore her hair, and beat her comely breast.


s: To whom Saturnia thus: "Thy tears are late:


s: Haste, snatch him, if he can be snatch'd from fate:


s: Who knows what changeful fortune may produce?


s: 'T is not a crime t' attempt what I decree;


s: Or, if it were, discharge the crime on me."


s: She said, and, sailing on the winged wind,


s: Left the sad nymph suspended in her mind.


s: Four steeds the chariot of Latinus bear;


s: Twelve golden beams around his temples play,


s: To mark his lineage from the God of Day.


s: Two snowy coursers Turnus' chariot yoke,


s: And in his hand two massy spears he shook:


s: Then issued from the camp, in arms divine,


s: And by his side Ascanius took his place,


s: The second hope of Rome's immortal race.


s: Adorn'd in white, a rev'rend priest appears,


s: And off'rings to the flaming altars bears;


s: A porket, and a lamb that never suffer'd shears.


s: Then to the rising sun he turns his eyes,


s: And strews the beasts, design'd for sacrifice,


s: With salt and meal: with like officious care


s: He marks their foreheads, and he clips their hair.


s: Betwixt their horns the purple wine he sheds;


s: With the same gen'rous juice the flame he feeds.


s: Aeneas then unsheath'd his shining sword,


s: And thus with pious pray'rs the gods ador'd:


s: "All-seeing sun, and thou, Ausonian soil,


s: For which I have sustain'd so long a toil,


s: Thou, King of Heav'n, and thou, the Queen of Air,


s: Propitious now, and reconcil'd by pray'r;


s: Ye living fountains, and ye running floods,


s: Hear, and bear record: if I fall in field,


s: Or, recreant in the fight, to Turnus yield,


s: My Trojans shall encrease Evander's town;


s: Ascanius shall renounce th' Ausonian crown:


s: All claims, all questions of debate, shall cease;


s: Nor he, nor they, with force infringe the peace.


s: But, if my juster arms prevail in fight,


s: (As sure they shall, if I divine aright,)


s: My Trojans shall not o'er th' Italians reign:


s: Both equal, both unconquer'd shall remain,


s: Join'd in their laws, their lands, and their abodes;


s: The care of those religious rites be mine;


s: His be the sov'reign sway. Nor will I share


s: His pow'r in peace, or his command in war.


s: For me, my friends another town shall frame,


s: And bless the rising tow'rs with fair Lavinia's name."


s: Thus he. Then, with erected eyes and hands,


s: The Latian king before his altar stands.


s: "By the same heav'n," said he, "and earth, and main,


s: And all the pow'rs that all the three contain;


s: Whose thunder signs the peace, who seals it with his nod;


s: I touch the sacred altars, touch the flames,


s: And all those pow'rs attest, and all their names;


s: No term of time this union shall divide:


s: No force, no fortune, shall my vows unbind,


s: Or shake the steadfast tenor of my mind;


s: Not tho' the circling seas should break their bound,


s: O'erflow the shores, or sap the solid ground;


s: Not tho' the lamps of heav'n their spheres forsake,


s: Hurl'd down, and hissing in the nether lake:


s: Ev'n as this royal scepter" (for he bore


s: A scepter in his hand) "shall never more


s: Shoot out in branches, or renew the birth:


s: An orphan now, cut from the mother earth


s: And cas'd in brass, for Latian kings to bear."


s: When thus in public view the peace was tied


s: With solemn vows, and sworn on either side,


s: All dues perform'd which holy rites require;


s: The victim beasts are slain before the fire,


s: The trembling entrails from their bodies torn,


s: And to the fatten'd flames in chargers borne.


s: O'ermatch'd in arms, before the fight began.


s: First rising fears are whisper'd thro' the crowd;


s: Then, gath'ring sound, they murmur more aloud.


s: Now, side to side, they measure with their eyes


s: The champions' bulk, their sinews, and their size:


s: The nearer they approach, the more is known


s: Conscious of fate, desponding of the fight.


s: Slowly he moves, and at his altar stands


s: With eyes dejected, and with trembling hands;


s: And, while he mutters undistinguish'd pray'rs,


s: With anxious pleasure when Juturna view'd


s: Th' increasing fright of the mad multitude,


s: When their short sighs and thick'ning sobs she heard,


s: And found their ready minds for change prepar'd;


s: Camertus' mien, his habit, and his look;


s: A chief of ancient blood; in arms well known


s: Was his great sire, and he his greater son.


s: His shape assum'd, amid the ranks she ran,


s: And humoring their first motions, thus began:


s: "For shame, Rutulians, can you bear the sight


s: Of one expos'd for all, in single fight?


s: Can we, before the face of heav'n, confess


s: Our courage colder, or our numbers less?


s: View all the Trojan host, th' Arcadian band,


s: And Tuscan army; count 'em as they stand:


s: Scarce ev'ry second man will share a foe.


s: Turnus, 't is true, in this unequal strife,


s: Shall lose, with honor, his devoted life,


s: Succeeding to the gods, from whence he came:


s: For foreign lords shall sow your native land,


s: Those fruitful fields your fighting fathers gain'd,


s: Which have so long their lazy sons sustain'd."


s: With words like these, she carried her design:


s: Then ev'n the city troops, and Latians, tir'd


s: With tedious war, seem with new souls inspir'd:


s: Their champion's fate with pity they lament,


s: And of the league, so lately sworn, repent.


s: Nor fails the goddess to foment the rage


s: With lying wonders, and a false presage;


s: But adds a sign, which, present to their eyes,


s: Inspires new courage, and a glad surprise.


s: Appears in pomp th' imperial bird of Jove:


s: A plump of fowl he spies, that swim the lakes,


s: And o'er their heads his sounding pinions shakes;


s: Then, stooping on the fairest of the train,


s: In his strong talons truss'd a silver swan.


s: Th' Italians wonder at th' unusual sight;


s: But, while he lags, and labors in his flight,


s: Clam'rous around the royal hawk they fly,


s: And, thick'ning in a cloud, o'ershade the sky.


s: They cuff, they scratch, they cross his airy course;


s: Nor can th' incumber'd bird sustain their force;


s: But vex'd, not vanquish'd, drops the pond'rous prey,


s: And, lighten'd of his burthen, wings his way.


s: Th' Ausonian bands with shouts salute the sight,


s: Then King Tolumnius, vers'd in augurs' arts,


s: Cries out, and thus his boasted skill imparts:


s: "At length 't is granted, what I long desir'd!


s: This, this is what my frequent vows requir'd.


s: Advance, my friends, and charge! I lead the way.


s: These are the foreign foes, whose impious band,


s: Like that rapacious bird, infest our land:


s: But soon, like him, they shall be forc'd to sea


s: By strength united, and forego the prey.


s: Your timely succor to your country bring,


s: Haste to the rescue, and redeem your king."


s: He said; and, pressing onward thro' the crew,


s: Pois'd in his lifted arm, his lance he threw.


s: The winged weapon, whistling in the wind,


s: Came driving on, nor miss'd the mark design'd.


s: At once the cornel rattled in the skies;


s: At once tumultuous shouts and clamors rise.


s: Nine brothers in a goodly band there stood,


s: Born of Arcadian mix'd with Tuscan blood,


s: Aim'd at the midmost of the friendly crew.


s: A passage thro' the jointed arms it found,


s: Just where the belt was to the body bound,


s: And struck the gentle youth extended on the ground.


s: Then, fir'd with pious rage, the gen'rous train


s: And some with eager haste their jav'lins throw;


s: And some with sword in hand assault the foe.


s: The wish'd insult the Latine troops embrace,


s: And meet their ardor in the middle space.


s: The Trojans, Tuscans, and Arcadian line,


s: With equal courage obviate their design.


s: Peace leaves the violated fields, and hate


s: With impious haste their altars are o'erturn'd,


s: The sacrifice half-broil'd, and half-unburn'd.