s: Disturb my quiet, and distract my breast


s: His worth, his actions, and majestic air,


s: Then, what he suffer'd, when by Fate betray'd!


s: What brave attempts for falling Troy he made!


s: Such were his looks, so gracefully he spoke,


s: That, were I not resolv'd against the yoke


s: With second love, so fatal was my first,


s: The fix'd foundations of my stubborn heart.


s: And, to confess my frailty, to my shame,


s: Somewhat I find within, if not the same,


s: Too like the sparkles of my former flame.


s: But first let yawning earth a passage rend,


s: And let me thro' the dark abyss descend;


s: First let avenging Jove, with flames from high,


s: Condemn'd with ghosts in endless night to lie,


s: Before I break the plighted faith I gave!


s: For, whom I lov'd on earth, I worship in the grave."


s: She said: the tears ran gushing from her eyes,


s: And stopp'd her speech. Her sister thus replies:


s: Will you to grief your blooming years bequeath,


s: Condemn'd to waste in woes your lonely life,


s: Think you these tears, this pompous train of woe,


s: Are known or valued by the ghosts below?


s: I grant that, while your sorrows yet were green,


s: With all the Libyan lords of mighty name;


s: But will you fight against a pleasing flame!


s: This little spot of land, which Heav'n bestows,


s: On ev'ry side is hemm'd with warlike foes;


s: Gaetulian cities here are spread around,


s: And fierce Numidians there your frontiers bound;


s: Here lies a barren waste of thirsty land,


s: And there the Syrtes raise the moving sand;


s: Barcaean troops besiege the narrow shore,


s: And from the sea Pygmalion threatens more.


s: Propitious Heav'n, and gracious Juno, lead


s: This wand'ring navy to your needful aid:


s: How will your empire spread, your city rise,


s: From such a union, and with such allies?


s: And leave the conduct of the rest to love.


s: And still invent occasions of their stay,


s: Till storms and winter winds shall cease to threat,


s: And planks and oars repair their shatter'd fleet."


s: These words, which from a friend and sister came,


s: With ease resolv'd the scruples of her fame,


s: Inspir'd with hope, the project they pursue;


s: The nuptial knot and makes the marriage joys.


s: The beauteous queen before her altar stands,


s: And holds the golden goblet in her hands.


s: A milk-white heifer she with flow'rs adorns,


s: And pours the ruddy wine betwixt her horns;


s: And, while the priests with pray'r the gods invoke,


s: She feeds their altars with Sabaean smoke,


s: And anxiously the panting entrails views.


s: What priestly rites, alas! what pious art,


s: What vows avail to cure a bleeding heart!


s: A gentle fire she feeds within her veins,


s: Where the soft god secure in silence reigns.


s: Sick with desire, and seeking him she loves,


s: From street to street the raving Dido roves.


s: So when the watchful shepherd, from the blind,


s: Wounds with a random shaft the careless hind,


s: Distracted with her pain she flies the woods,


s: Bounds o'er the lawn, and seeks the silent floods,


s: With fruitless care; for still the fatal dart


s: Sticks in her side, and rankles in her heart.


s: And now she leads the Trojan chief along


s: The lofty walls, amidst the busy throng;


s: Displays her Tyrian wealth, and rising town,


s: Which love, without his labor, makes his own.


s: This pomp she shows, to tempt her wand'ring guest;


s: Her falt'ring tongue forbids to speak the rest.


s: When day declines, and feasts renew the night,


s: Still on his face she feeds her famish'd sight;


s: She longs again to hear the prince relate


s: He tells it o'er and o'er; but still in vain,


s: For still she begs to hear it once again.


s: The hearer on the speaker's mouth depends,


s: Then, when they part, when Phoebe's paler light


s: Withdraws, and falling stars to sleep invite,


s: She last remains, when ev'ry guest is gone,


s: Sits on the bed he press'd, and sighs alone;


s: And seeks the father's image in the child,


s: If love by likeness might be so beguil'd.


s: Meantime the rising tow'rs are at a stand;


s: Nor use of arts, nor toils of arms they know;


s: The mounds, the works, the walls, neglected lie,


s: Short of their promis'd heighth, that seem'd to threat the sky,


s: Saw Dido fetter'd in the chains of love,


s: Hot with the venom which her veins inflam'd,


s: And by no sense of shame to be reclaim'd,


s: "High praises, endless honors, you have won,


s: And mighty trophies, with your worthy son!


s: But shall celestial discord never cease?


s: You stand possess'd of all your soul desir'd:


s: Then Venus, who her hidden fraud descried,


s: Which would the scepter of the world misguide


s: To Libyan shores, thus artfully replied:


s: "Who, but a fool, would wars with Juno choose,


s: And such alliance and such gifts refuse,


s: If Fortune with our joint desires comply?


s: In lasting leagues and sure succession join?


s: But you, the partner of his bed and throne,


s: May move his mind; my wishes are your own."


s: "Mine," said imperial Juno, "be the care;


s: Time urges, now, to perfect this affair:


s: Attend my counsel, and the secret share.


s: When next the Sun his rising light displays,


s: And gilds the world below with purple rays,


s: Shall to the shady woods, for sylvan game, resort.


s: There, while the huntsmen pitch their toils around,


s: And cheerful horns from side to side resound,


s: A pitchy cloud shall cover all the plain


s: With hail, and thunder, and tempestuous rain;


s: The fearful train shall take their speedy flight,


s: Dispers'd, and all involv'd in gloomy night;


s: One cave a grateful shelter shall afford


s: To the fair princess and the Trojan lord.


s: If you, to bless the nuptials, will be there:


s: So shall their loves be crown'd with due delights,


s: And Hymen shall be present at the rites."


s: The Queen of Love consents, and closely smiles


s: At her vain project, and discover'd wiles.


s: And horns and hounds awake the princely train:


s: Where the more wakeful huntsmen ready wait,


s: With nets, and toils, and darts, beside the force


s: Of Spartan dogs, and swift Massylian horse.


s: For the slow queen in antechambers wait;


s: Proud of his purple trappings, paws the ground,


s: And champs the golden bit, and spreads the foam around.


s: The queen at length appears; on either hand


s: The brawny guards in martial order stand.


s: A flow'r'd simar with golden fringe she wore,


s: Her flowing hair a golden caul restrains,


s: A golden clasp the Tyrian robe sustains.


s: Then young Ascanius, with a sprightly grace,


s: Leads on the Trojan youth to view the chase.


s: Like fair Apollo, when he leaves the frost


s: Of wint'ry Xanthus, and the Lycian coast,


s: Ordains the dances, and renews the sports;


s: Where painted Scythians, mix'd with Cretan bands,


s: Before the joyful altars join their hands:


s: Green wreaths of bays his length of hair inclose;


s: His quiver sounds: not less the prince is seen


s: Now had they reach'd the hills, and storm'd the seat


s: Of salvage beasts, in dens, their last retreat.


s: The cry pursues the mountain goats: they bound


s: From rock to rock, and keep the craggy ground;


s: Quite otherwise the stags, a trembling train,


s: In herds unsingled, scour the dusty plain,


s: The glad Ascanius, as his courser guides,


s: Spurs thro' the vale, and these and those outrides.


s: His horse's flanks and sides are forc'd to feel


s: The clanking lash, and goring of the steel.


s: Wishing some nobler beast to cross his way,


s: Meantime, the gath'ring clouds obscure the skies:


s: From pole to pole the forky lightning flies;


s: The rattling thunders roll; and Juno pours


s: A wintry deluge down, and sounding show'rs.


s: The company, dispers'd, to converts ride,


s: And seek the homely cots, or mountain's hollow side.


s: The rapid rains, descending from the hills,


s: To rolling torrents raise the creeping rills.


s: The queen and prince, as love or fortune guides,


s: Then first the trembling earth the signal gave,


s: And flashing fires enlighten all the cave;


s: And howling nymphs, were conscious of their love.


s: Debate and death, and all succeeding woes.


s: The queen, whom sense of honor could not move,


s: But call'd it marriage, by that specious name


s: To veil the crime and sanctify the shame.


s: The loud report thro' Libyan cities goes.


s: Fame, the great ill, from small beginnings grows:


s: Swift from the first; and ev'ry moment brings


s: New vigor to her flights, new pinions to her wings.


s: Her feet on earth, her forehead in the skies.


s: Inrag'd against the gods, revengeful Earth


s: Produc'd her last of the Titanian birth.


s: Swift is her walk, more swift her winged haste:


s: As many plumes as raise her lofty flight,


s: So many piercing eyes inlarge her sight;


s: Millions of opening mouths to Fame belong,


s: And ev'ry mouth is furnish'd with a tongue,


s: And round with list'ning ears the flying plague is hung.


s: She fills the peaceful universe with cries;


s: No slumbers ever close her wakeful eyes;


s: By day, from lofty tow'rs her head she shews,


s: And spreads thro' trembling crowds disastrous news;


s: With court informers haunts, and royal spies;


s: Talk is her business, and her chief delight


s: To tell of prodigies and cause affright.


s: She fills the people's ears with Dido's name,


s: Who, lost to honor and the sense of shame,


s: A wand'ring guest, who from his country fled:


s: Whole days with him she passes in delights,


s: And wastes in luxury long winter nights,


s: Dissolv'd in ease, abandon'd to her lust.


s: The goddess widely spreads the loud report,


s: And flies at length to King Hyarba's court.


s: When first possess'd with this unwelcome news


s: This prince, from ravish'd Garamantis born,


s: A hundred temples did with spoils adorn,


s: And, thro' his vast dominions, priests ordain'd,


s: Whose watchful care these holy rites maintain'd.


s: The gates and columns were with garlands crown'd,


s: And blood of victim beasts enrich'd the ground.


s: The Tyrian princess, who disdain'd his love,


s: His breast with fury burn'd, his eyes with fire,


s: Mad with despair, impatient with desire;


s: He thus with pray'rs implor'd his sire divine:


s: "Great Jove! propitious to the Moorish race,


s: Who feast on painted beds, with off'rings grace


s: With blood of victims, and with sparkling wine,


s: Seest thou not this? or do we fear in vain


s: Thy boasted thunder, and thy thoughtless reign?


s: Do thy broad hands the forky lightnings lance?


s: Thine are the bolts, or the blind work of chance?


s: A wand'ring woman builds, within our state,


s: Yet, scorning me, by passion blindly led,


s: And now this other Paris, with his train


s: Of conquer'd cowards, must in Afric reign!


s: (Whom, what they are, their looks and garb confess,


s: Their locks with oil perfum'd, their Lydian dress.)


s: He takes the spoil, enjoys the princely dame;


s: And I, rejected I, adore an empty name."


s: His vows, in haughty terms, he thus preferr'd,


s: And held his altar's horns. The mighty Thund'rer heard;


s: Then cast his eyes on Carthage, where he found


s: The lustful pair in lawless pleasure drown'd,


s: Lost in their loves, insensible of shame,


s: And both forgetful of their better fame.


s: He calls Cyllenius, and the god attends,


s: "Go, mount the western winds, and cleave the sky;


s: Then, with a swift descent, to Carthage fly:


s: There find the Trojan chief, who wastes his days


s: Nor minds the future city, giv'n by fate.


s: To him this message from my mouth relate:


s: 'Not so fair Venus hop'd, when twice she won


s: Thy life with pray'rs, nor promis'd such a son.


s: A martial race, and rule the Latian land,


s: Who should his ancient line from Teucer draw,


s: And on the conquer'd world impose the law.'


s: Nor future praise from fading pleasure wean,


s: Yet why should he defraud his son of fame,


s: And grudge the Romans their immortal name!


s: What are his vain designs! what hopes he more


s: From his long ling'ring on a hostile shore,


s: And for his race to gain th' Ausonian coast!


s: Bid him with speed the Tyrian court forsake;


s: With this command the slumb'ring warrior wake."


s: His flying feet, and mounts the western winds:


s: And, whether o'er the seas or earth he flies,


s: With rapid force they bear him down the skies.


s: But first he grasps within his awful hand


s: The mark of sov'reign pow'r, his magic wand;


s: With this he draws the ghosts from hollow graves;


s: With this he drives them down the Stygian waves;


s: With this he seals in sleep the wakeful sight,


s: And eyes, tho' clos'd in death, restores to light.


s: Thus arm'd, the god begins his airy race,


s: And drives the racking clouds along the liquid space;


s: Now sees the tops of Atlas, as he flies,


s: Whose brawny back supports the starry skies;


s: Atlas, whose head, with piny forests crown'd,


s: Is beaten by the winds, with foggy vapors bound.


s: Snows hide his shoulders; from beneath his chin


s: The founts of rolling streams their race begin;


s: A beard of ice on his large breast depends.


s: Here, pois'd upon his wings, the god descends:


s: Then, rested thus, he from the tow'ring height


s: Plung'd downward, with precipitated flight,


s: Lights on the seas, and skims along the flood.


s: As waterfowl, who seek their fishy food,


s: Less, and yet less, to distant prospect show;


s: By turns they dance aloft, and dive below:


s: Like these, the steerage of his wings he plies,


s: And near the surface of the water flies,


s: Till, having pass'd the seas, and cross'd the sands,


s: He clos'd his wings, and stoop'd on Libyan lands:


s: Where shepherds once were hous'd in homely sheds,


s: Now tow'rs within the clouds advance their heads.


s: Arriving there, he found the Trojan prince


s: New ramparts raising for the town's defense.


s: A purple scarf, with gold embroider'd o'er,


s: (Queen Dido's gift,) about his waist he wore;


s: A sword, with glitt'ring gems diversified,


s: For ornament, not use, hung idly by his side.


s: Then thus, with winged words, the god began,


s: Resuming his own shape: "Degenerate man,


s: Thou woman's property, what mak'st thou here,


s: These foreign walls and Tyrian tow'rs to rear,


s: Forgetful of thy own? All-pow'rful Jove,


s: Who sways the world below and heav'n above,


s: Has sent me down with this severe command:


s: What means thy ling'ring in the Libyan land?


s: Nor future praise from flitting pleasure wean,


s: The promis'd crown let young Ascanius wear,


s: To whom th' Ausonian scepter, and the state


s: Of Rome's imperial name is ow'd by fate."


s: So spoke the god; and, speaking, took his flight,


s: Involv'd in clouds, and vanish'd out of sight.


s: The pious prince was seiz'd with sudden fear;


s: Mute was his tongue, and upright stood his hair.


s: Revolving in his mind the stern command,


s: He longs to fly, and loathes the charming land.


s: What should he say? or how should he begin?


s: What course, alas! remains to steer between


s: Th' offended lover and the pow'rful queen?


s: This way and that he turns his anxious mind,


s: And all expedients tries, and none can find.


s: Fix'd on the deed, but doubtful of the means,


s: After long thought, to this advice he leans:


s: Three chiefs he calls, commands them to repair


s: The fleet, and ship their men with silent care;


s: Some plausible pretense he bids them find,


s: Himself, meantime, the softest hours would choose,


s: Before the love-sick lady heard the news;


s: And move her tender mind, by slow degrees,


s: To suffer what the sov'reign pow'r decrees:


s: Jove will inspire him, when, and what to say.


s: They hear with pleasure, and with haste obey.


s: But soon the queen perceives the thin disguise:


s: (What arts can blind a jealous woman's eyes!)


s: She was the first to find the secret fraud,


s: Before the fatal news was blaz'd abroad.


s: Love the first motions of the lover hears,


s: Quick to presage, and ev'n in safety fears.


s: The ships repair'd, the Trojans' thick resort,


s: And purpose to forsake the Tyrian court.


s: Frantic with fear, impatient of the wound,


s: And impotent of mind, she roves the city round.


s: Less wild the Bacchanalian dames appear,


s: When, from afar, their nightly god they hear,


s: And howl about the hills, and shake the wreathy spear.


s: At length she finds the dear perfidious man;


s: Prevents his form'd excuse, and thus began:


s: "Base and ungrateful! could you hope to fly,


s: Nor could my kindness your compassion move.


s: Nor plighted vows, nor dearer bands of love?


s: Not worth preventing, tho' too well foreseen?


s: Ev'n when the wintry winds command your stay,


s: You dare the tempests, and defy the sea.


s: False as you are, suppose you were not bound


s: To lands unknown, and foreign coasts to sound;


s: Were Troy restor'd, and Priam's happy reign,


s: Now durst you tempt, for Troy, the raging main?


s: See whom you fly! am I the foe you shun?


s: By this right hand, (since I have nothing more


s: To challenge, but the faith you gave before;)


s: I beg you by these tears too truly shed,


s: By the new pleasures of our nuptial bed;


s: Were pleasing in your eyes, or touch'd your mind;


s: By these my pray'rs, if pray'rs may yet have place,


s: For you I have provok'd a tyrant's hate,


s: Incens'd the Libyan and the Tyrian state;


s: Whom have I now to trust, ungrateful guest?


s: (That only name remains of all the rest!)


s: A queen that proudly scorn'd his proffer'd bed?


s: Had you deferr'd, at least, your hasty flight,


s: And left behind some pledge of our delight,


s: Some babe to bless the mother's mournful sight,


s: Some young Aeneas, to supply your place,


s: Whose features might express his father's face;


s: I should not then complain to live bereft


s: Here paus'd the queen. Unmov'd he holds his eyes,


s: By Jove's command; nor suffer'd love to rise,


s: Tho' heaving in his heart; and thus at length replies:


s: "Fair queen, you never can enough repeat


s: Your boundless favors, or I own my debt;


s: While vital breath inspires this mortal frame.


s: I never hop'd a secret flight from hence,


s: Of sacred nuptials, or a husband's name.


s: For, if indulgent Heav'n would leave me free,


s: And not submit my life to fate's decree,


s: My choice would lead me to the Trojan shore,


s: Those relics to review, their dust adore,


s: And fate invites me to the Latian lands.


s: That is the promis'd place to which I steer,


s: With walls and tow'rs a Libyan town adorn,


s: Why may not we- like you, a foreign race-


s: Like you, seek shelter in a foreign place?


s: As often as the night obscures the skies


s: With humid shades, or twinkling stars arise,


s: Anchises' angry ghost in dreams appears,


s: Chides my delay, and fills my soul with fears;


s: Ev'n now the herald of the gods appear'd:


s: Waking I saw him, and his message heard.


s: From Jove he came commission'd, heav'nly bright


s: With radiant beams, and manifest to sight


s: These walls he enter'd, and those words express'd.


s: Fair queen, oppose not what the gods command;


s: Forc'd by my fate, I leave your happy land."


s: With sparkling eyes, to view the guilty man;


s: From head to foot survey'd his person o'er,


s: Nor longer these outrageous threats forebore:


s: "False as thou art, and, more than false, forsworn!


s: Not sprung from noble blood, nor goddess-born,


s: But hewn from harden'd entrails of a rock!


s: And rough Hyrcanian tigers gave thee suck!


s: Why should I fawn? what have I worse to fear?


s: Did he once look, or lent a list'ning ear,


s: Sigh'd when I sobb'd, or shed one kindly tear?-


s: So foul, that, which is worse, 'tis hard to find.


s: Of man's injustice why should I complain?


s: The gods, and Jove himself, behold in vain


s: Triumphant treason; yet no thunder flies,


s: Nor Juno views my wrongs with equal eyes;


s: Faithless is earth, and faithless are the skies!


s: Justice is fled, and Truth is now no more!


s: I sav'd the shipwrack'd exile on my shore;


s: With needful food his hungry Trojans fed;


s: I took the traitor to my throne and bed:


s: The rest- I stor'd and rigg'd his ruin'd fleet.


s: I rave, I rave! A god's command he pleads,


s: And makes Heav'n accessary to his deeds.


s: Now Lycian lots, and now the Delian god,


s: Now Hermes is employ'd from Jove's abode,


s: To warn him hence; as if the peaceful state


s: Of heav'nly pow'rs were touch'd with human fate!


s: Go seek thy promis'd kingdom thro' the main!


s: Yet, if the heav'ns will hear my pious vow,


s: The faithless waves, not half so false as thou,


s: Or secret sands, shall sepulchers afford


s: To thy proud vessels, and their perjur'd lord.


s: Then shalt thou call on injur'd Dido's name:


s: Dido shall come in a black sulph'ry flame,


s: When death has once dissolv'd her mortal frame;


s: Shall smile to see the traitor vainly weep:


s: Shall haunt thee waking, and disturb thy sleep.


s: At least my shade thy punishment shall know,


s: And Fame shall spread the pleasing news below."


s: Abruptly here she stops; then turns away


s: Her loathing eyes, and shuns the sight of day.


s: What speech to frame, and what excuse to find.


s: Her fearful maids their fainting mistress led,


s: To give that pity which her grief requir'd;


s: Tho' much he mourn'd, and labor'd with his love,


s: Resolv'd at length, obeys the will of Jove;


s: Reviews his forces: they with early care


s: Unmoor their vessels, and for sea prepare.


s: The fleet is soon afloat, in all its pride,


s: And well-calk'd galleys in the harbor ride.


s: Then oaks for oars they fell'd; or, as they stood,


s: Of its green arms despoil'd the growing wood,


s: Studious of flight. The beach is cover'd o'er


s: With Trojan bands, that blacken all the shore:


s: On ev'ry side are seen, descending down,


s: Thick swarms of soldiers, loaden from the town.


s: T' invade the corn, and to their cells convey


s: The plunder'd forage of their yellow prey.


s: The sable troops, along the narrow tracks,


s: Scarce bear the weighty burthen on their backs:


s: Some set their shoulders to the pond'rous grain;


s: Some guard the spoil; some lash the lagging train;


s: All ply their sev'ral tasks, and equal toil sustain.


s: What pangs the tender breast of Dido tore,


s: When, from the tow'r, she saw the cover'd shore,


s: And heard the shouts of sailors from afar,


s: Mix'd with the murmurs of the wat'ry war!


s: All-pow'rful Love! what changes canst thou cause


s: Once more her haughty soul the tyrant bends:


s: To pray'rs and mean submissions she descends.


s: No female arts or aids she left untried,


s: Nor counsels unexplor'd, before she died.


s: "Look, Anna! look! the Trojans crowd to sea;


s: They spread their canvas, and their anchors weigh.


s: The shouting crew their ships with garlands bind,


s: Invoke the sea gods, and invite the wind.


s: Could I have thought this threat'ning blow so near,


s: My tender soul had been forewarn'd to bear.


s: With yon perfidious man your int'rest try,


s: And bring me news, if I must live or die.


s: You are his fav'rite; you alone can find


s: In all his trusted secrets you have part,


s: And know the soft approaches to his heart.


s: Haste then, and humbly seek my haughty foe;


s: Tell him, I did not with the Grecians go,


s: Nor did my fleet against his friends employ,


s: Nor mov'd with hands profane his father's dust:


s: Whom does he shun, and whither would he fly!


s: Can he this last, this only pray'r deny!


s: Let him at least his dang'rous flight delay,


s: Wait better winds, and hope a calmer sea.


s: The nuptials he disclaims I urge no more:


s: Let him pursue the promis'd Latian shore.


s: Till my soft soul be temper'd to sustain


s: My death shall glut the hatred of his breast."


s: And seconds with her own her sister's tears:


s: But all her arts are still employ'd in vain;


s: His harden'd heart nor pray'rs nor threat'nings move;


s: Fate, and the god, had stopp'd his ears to love.


s: As, when the winds their airy quarrel try,


s: This way and that the mountain oak they bend,


s: His boughs they shatter, and his branches rend;


s: With leaves and falling mast they spread the ground;


s: Unmov'd, the royal plant their fury mocks,


s: Or, shaken, clings more closely to the rocks;


s: Far as he shoots his tow'ring head on high,


s: So deep in earth his fix'd foundations lie.


s: Thick messages and loud complaints he hears,


s: And bandied words, still beating on his ears.


s: Sighs, groans, and tears proclaim his inward pains;


s: But the firm purpose of his heart remains.


s: The wretched queen, pursued by cruel fate,


s: Begins at length the light of heav'n to hate,


s: And loathes to live. Then dire portents she sees,


s: To hasten on the death her soul decrees:


s: Strange to relate! for when, before the shrine,


s: The purple wine is turn'd to putrid blood,


s: And the white offer'd milk converts to mud.


s: This dire presage, to her alone reveal'd,


s: From all, and ev'n her sister, she conceal'd.


s: Sacred to death, and to her murther'd love;


s: With snowy fleeces, and with garlands crown'd:


s: Strange voices issued from her husband's tomb;


s: She thought she heard him summon her away,


s: Invite her to his grave, and chide her stay.


s: Hourly 't is heard, when with a boding note


s: The solitary screech owl strains her throat,


s: And, on a chimney's top, or turret's height,


s: With songs obscene disturbs the silence of the night.


s: Besides, old prophecies augment her fears;


s: To wander in her sleep, thro' ways unknown,


s: Guideless and dark; or, in a desart plain,


s: To seek her subjects, and to seek in vain:


s: Like Pentheus, when, distracted with his fear,


s: He saw two suns, and double Thebes, appear;


s: Full in his face infernal torches toss'd,


s: And shook her snaky locks: he shuns the sight,


s: Flies o'er the stage, surpris'd with mortal fright;


s: The Furies guard the door and intercept his flight.


s: Now, sinking underneath a load of grief,


s: From death alone she seeks her last relief;


s: The time and means resolv'd within her breast,


s: She to her mournful sister thus address'd


s: (Dissembling hope, her cloudy front she clears,


s: "Rejoice!" she said. "Instructed from above,


s: Nigh rising Atlas, next the falling sun,


s: There a Massylian priestess I have found,


s: Honor'd for age, for magic arts renown'd:


s: Th' Hesperian temple was her trusted care;


s: 'T was she supplied the wakeful dragon's fare.


s: She poppy seeds in honey taught to steep,


s: Reclaim'd his rage, and sooth'd him into sleep.


s: She watch'd the golden fruit; her charms unbind


s: The chains of love, or fix them on the mind:


s: She stops the torrents, leaves the channel dry,


s: Repels the stars, and backward bears the sky.


s: The yawning earth rebellows to her call,


s: Pale ghosts ascend, and mountain ashes fall.


s: Witness, ye gods, and thou my better part,


s: Within the secret court, with silent care,


s: Hang on the topmost part the Trojan vest,


s: Spoils, arms, and presents, of my faithless guest.


s: Next, under these, the bridal bed be plac'd,


s: All relics of the wretch are doom'd to fire;


s: For so the priestess and her charms require."


s: Thus far she said, and farther speech forbears;


s: Yet the mistrustless Anna could not find


s: The secret fun'ral in these rites design'd;


s: Nor thought so dire a rage possess'd her mind.


s: She fear'd no worse than when Sichaeus fell;


s: Therefore obeys. The fatal pile they rear,


s: Within the secret court, expos'd in air.


s: The cloven holms and pines are heap'd on high,


s: Sad cypress, vervain, yew, compose the wreath,


s: The queen, determin'd to the fatal deed,


s: The spoils and sword he left, in order spread,


s: And now (the sacred altars plac'd around)


s: The priestess enters, with her hair unbound,


s: And thrice invokes the pow'rs below the ground.


s: And threefold Hecate, with her hundred names,


s: And three Dianas: next, she sprinkles round


s: With feign'd Avernian drops the hallow'd ground;


s: Culls hoary simples, found by Phoebe's light,


s: With brazen sickles reap'd at noon of night;


s: And cuts the forehead of a newborn foal,


s: Robbing the mother's love. The destin'd queen


s: Observes, assisting at the rites obscene;


s: She holds, and next the highest altar stands:


s: One tender foot was shod, her other bare;


s: Girt was her gather'd gown, and loose her hair.


s: Thus dress'd, she summon'd, with her dying breath,


s: The heav'ns and planets conscious of her death,


s: Who minds, or who revenges, injur'd love.


s: "'T was dead of night, when weary bodies close


s: Their eyes in balmy sleep and soft repose:


s: The winds no longer whisper thro' the woods,


s: Nor murm'ring tides disturb the gentle floods.


s: And Peace, with downy wings, was brooding on the ground


s: The flocks and herds, and party-color'd fowl,


s: Which haunt the woods, or swim the weedy pool,


s: Stretch'd on the quiet earth, securely lay,


s: All else of nature's common gift partake:


s: Nor sleep nor ease the furious queen can find;


s: Sleep fled her eyes, as quiet fled her mind.


s: Despair, and rage, and love divide her heart;


s: Despair and rage had some, but love the greater part.


s: Then thus she said within her secret mind:


s: "What shall I do? what succor can I find?


s: And take my turn, to court and be denied?


s: Himself I refug'd, and his train reliev'd-


s: 'T is true- but am I sure to be receiv'd?


s: Can gratitude in Trojan souls have place!


s: Then, shall I seek alone the churlish crew,


s: Or with my fleet their flying sails pursue?


s: What force have I but those whom scarce before


s: I drew reluctant from their native shore?


s: Once more sustain the seas, and quit their second Tyre?


s: Rather with steel thy guilty breast invade,


s: And take the fortune thou thyself hast made.


s: Your pity, sister, first seduc'd my mind,


s: These dear-bought pleasures had I never known,


s: But shar'd with salvage beasts the common air.


s: Like them, a lonely life I might have led,


s: Not mourn'd the living, nor disturb'd the dead."


s: These thoughts she brooded in her anxious breast.


s: On board, the Trojan found more easy rest.


s: Resolv'd to sail, in sleep he pass'd the night;


s: And order'd all things for his early flight.


s: To whom once more the winged god appears;


s: His former youthful mien and shape he wears,


s: And with this new alarm invades his ears:


s: "Sleep'st thou, O goddess-born! and canst thou drown


s: Thy needful cares, so near a hostile town,


s: Beset with foes; nor hear'st the western gales


s: Invite thy passage, and inspire thy sails?


s: She harbors in her heart a furious hate,


s: And thou shalt find the dire effects too late;


s: Haste swiftly hence, while thou hast pow'r to fly.


s: The sea with ships will soon be cover'd o'er,


s: And blazing firebrands kindle all the shore.


s: Prevent her rage, while night obscures the skies,


s: Who knows what hazards thy delay may bring?


s: Woman's a various and a changeful thing."


s: Thus Hermes in the dream; then took his flight


s: Aloft in air unseen, and mix'd with night.


s: Twice warn'd by the celestial messenger,


s: Then rous'd his drowsy train without delay:


s: "Haste to your banks; your crooked anchors weigh,


s: And spread your flying sails, and stand to sea.


s: A god commands: he stood before my sight,


s: And urg'd us once again to speedy flight.


s: O sacred pow'r, what pow'r soe'er thou art,


s: Lead thou the way; protect thy Trojan bands,


s: And prosper the design thy will commands."


s: He said: and, drawing forth his flaming sword,


s: His thund'ring arm divides the many-twisted cord.


s: They run; they snatch; they rush into the main.


s: With headlong haste they leave the desert shores,


s: And brush the liquid seas with lab'ring oars.


s: And beams of early light the heav'ns o'erspread,


s: When, from a tow'r, the queen, with wakeful eyes,


s: Saw day point upward from the rosy skies.


s: She look'd to seaward; but the sea was void,


s: And scarce in ken the sailing ships descried.


s: Stung with despite, and furious with despair,


s: She struck her trembling breast, and tore her hair.


s: "And shall th' ungrateful traitor go," she said,


s: "My land forsaken, and my love betray'd?


s: Shall we not arm? not rush from ev'ry street,


s: To follow, sink, and burn his perjur'd fleet?


s: Haste, haul my galleys out! pursue the foe!


s: Bring flaming brands! set sail, and swiftly row!


s: What have I said? where am I? Fury turns


s: My brain; and my distemper'd bosom burns.


s: Then, when I gave my person and my throne,


s: This hate, this rage, had been more timely shown.


s: See now the promis'd faith, the vaunted name,


s: The pious man, who, rushing thro' the flame,


s: Preserv'd his gods, and to the Phrygian shore


s: I should have torn him piecemeal; strow'd in floods


s: His scatter'd limbs, or left expos'd in woods;


s: Destroy'd his friends and son; and, from the fire,


s: Have set the reeking boy before the sire.


s: Events are doubtful, which on battles wait:


s: Yet where's the doubt, to souls secure of fate?


s: My Tyrians, at their injur'd queen's command,


s: Had toss'd their fires amid the Trojan band;


s: At once extinguish'd all the faithless name;


s: Had fall'n upon the pile, to mend the fun'ral flame.


s: Thou Sun, who view'st at once the world below;


s: Thou Hecate hearken from thy dark abodes!


s: All pow'rs invok'd with Dido's dying breath,


s: Th' ungrateful wretch should find the Latian lands,


s: Yet let a race untam'd, and haughty foes,


s: His peaceful entrance with dire arms oppose:


s: Oppress'd with numbers in th' unequal field,


s: His men discourag'd, and himself expell'd,


s: Let him for succor sue from place to place,


s: Torn from his subjects, and his son's embrace.


s: First, let him see his friends in battle slain,


s: And when, at length, the cruel war shall cease,


s: On hard conditions may he buy his peace:


s: But fall, untimely, by some hostile hand,


s: These are my pray'rs, and this my dying will;


s: And you, my Tyrians, ev'ry curse fulfil.


s: Perpetual hate and mortal wars proclaim,


s: Against the prince, the people, and the name.


s: These grateful off'rings on my grave bestow;


s: Nor league, nor love, the hostile nations know!


s: Now, and from hence, in ev'ry future age,


s: When rage excites your arms, and strength supplies the rage


s: With fire and sword pursue the perjur'd brood;


s: Our arms, our seas, our shores, oppos'd to theirs;


s: And the same hate descend on all our heirs!"


s: This said, within her anxious mind she weighs


s: The means of cutting short her odious days.


s: Then to Sichaeus' nurse she briefly said


s: (For, when she left her country, hers was dead):


s: "Go, Barce, call my sister. Let her care


s: The sheep, and all th' atoning off'rings bring,


s: Sprinkling her body from the crystal spring


s: With living drops; then let her come, and thou


s: With sacred fillets bind thy hoary brow.


s: Thus will I pay my vows to Stygian Jove,


s: And end the cares of my disastrous love;


s: And, as that burns, my passions shall expire."


s: The nurse moves onward, with officious care,


s: And all the speed her aged limbs can bear.


s: But furious Dido, with dark thoughts involv'd,


s: Shook at the mighty mischief she resolv'd.


s: With livid spots distinguish'd was her face;


s: Red were her rolling eyes, and discompos'd her pace;


s: Ghastly she gaz'd, with pain she drew her breath,


s: And nature shiver'd at approaching death.


s: Then swiftly to the fatal place she pass'd,


s: And mounts the fun'ral pile with furious haste;


s: Unsheathes the sword the Trojan left behind


s: (Not for so dire an enterprise design'd).


s: But when she view'd the garments loosely spread,


s: Which once he wore, and saw the conscious bed,


s: She paus'd, and with a sigh the robes embrac'd;


s: Then on the couch her trembling body cast,


s: Repress'd the ready tears, and spoke her last:


s: "Dear pledges of my love, while Heav'n so pleas'd,


s: Receive a soul, of mortal anguish eas'd:


s: A glorious name, among the ghosts below.


s: Pygmalion punish'd, and my lord appeas'd.


s: What could my fortune have afforded more,


s: Had the false Trojan never touch'd my shore!"


s: Then kiss'd the couch; and, "Must I die," she said,


s: "And unreveng'd? 'T is doubly to be dead!


s: Yet ev'n this death with pleasure I receive:


s: On any terms, 't is better than to live.


s: These flames, from far, may the false Trojan view;


s: These boding omens his base flight pursue!"


s: She said, and struck; deep enter'd in her side


s: The piercing steel, with reeking purple dyed:


s: Clogg'd in the wound the cruel weapon stands;


s: The spouting blood came streaming on her hands.


s: Her sad attendants saw the deadly stroke,


s: And with loud cries the sounding palace shook.


s: Distracted, from the fatal sight they fled,


s: And thro' the town the dismal rumor spread.


s: First from the frighted court the yell began;


s: Redoubled, thence from house to house it ran:


s: The groans of men, with shrieks, laments, and cries


s: Of mixing women, mount the vaulted skies.


s: Not less the clamor, than if- ancient Tyre,


s: Or the new Carthage, set by foes on fire-


s: The rolling ruin, with their lov'd abodes,


s: Involv'd the blazing temples of their gods.


s: Her sister hears; and, furious with despair,


s: She beats her breast, and rends her yellow hair,


s: Runs breathless to the place, and breaks the crowd.


s: "Was all that pomp of woe for this prepar'd;


s: These fires, this fun'ral pile, these altars rear'd?


s: Was all this train of plots contriv'd," said she,


s: Which is the worst? Didst thou in death pretend


s: To scorn thy sister, or delude thy friend?


s: Thy summon'd sister, and thy friend, had come;


s: One sword had serv'd us both, one common tomb:


s: Was I to raise the pile, the pow'rs invoke,


s: At once thou hast destroy'd thyself and me,


s: Bring water; bathe the wound; while I in death


s: Lay close my lips to hers, and catch the flying breath."


s: This said, she mounts the pile with eager haste,


s: And in her arms the gasping queen embrac'd;


s: Her temples chaf'd; and her own garments tore,


s: To stanch the streaming blood, and cleanse the gore.


s: Thrice Dido tried to raise her drooping head,


s: And, fainting thrice, fell grov'ling on the bed;


s: Thrice op'd her heavy eyes, and sought the light,


s: But, having found it, sicken'd at the sight,


s: And clos'd her lids at last in endless night.


s: Then Juno, grieving that she should sustain


s: A death so ling'ring, and so full of pain,


s: Sent Iris down, to free her from the strife


s: Of lab'ring nature, and dissolve her life.


s: For since she died, not doom'd by Heav'n's decree,


s: And rage of love, that plung'd her in despair,


s: The Sisters had not cut the topmost hair,


s: Which Proserpine and they can only know;


s: Nor made her sacred to the shades below.


s: Downward the various goddess took her flight,


s: And drew a thousand colors from the light;


s: Then stood above the dying lover's head,


s: And said: "I thus devote thee to the dead.


s: This off'ring to th' infernal gods I bear."


s: Thus while she spoke, she cut the fatal hair:


s: The struggling soul was loos'd, and life dissolv'd in air.


s: Meantime the Trojan cuts his wat'ry way,


s: Fix'd on his voyage, thro' the curling sea;


s: Then, casting back his eyes, with dire amaze,


s: Sees on the Punic shore the mounting blaze.


s: The cause unknown; yet his presaging mind


s: What secret springs their eager passions move,


s: Dire auguries from hence the Trojans draw;


s: Till neither fires nor shining shores they saw.


s: Now seas and skies their prospect only bound;


s: An empty space above, a floating field around.


s: But soon the heav'ns with shadows were o'erspread;


s: A swelling cloud hung hov'ring o'er their head:


s: Livid it look'd, the threat'ning of a storm:


s: Then night and horror ocean's face deform.


s: "What gusts of weather from that gath'ring cloud


s: My thoughts presage! Ere yet the tempest roars,


s: Stand to your tackle, mates, and stretch your oars;


s: Contract your swelling sails, and luff to wind."


s: The frighted crew perform the task assign'd.


s: Then, to his fearless chief: "Not Heav'n," said he,


s: "Tho' Jove himself should promise Italy,


s: Can stem the torrent of this raging sea.


s: Mark how the shifting winds from west arise,


s: And what collected night involves the skies!


s: Much less against the tempest force their way.


s: 'T is fate diverts our course, and fate we must obey.


s: Not far from hence, if I observ'd aright


s: The southing of the stars, and polar light,


s: In safety we may reach with struggling oars."


s: We strive in vain against the seas and wind:


s: Now shift your sails; what place can please me more


s: Than what you promise, the Sicilian shore,


s: Whose hallow'd earth Anchises' bones contains,


s: And where a prince of Trojan lineage reigns?"


s: The course resolv'd, before the western wind


s: They scud amain, and make the port assign'd.


s: Beheld the fleet descending on the land;


s: Down from the cliff he ran with eager pace,


s: Of a rough Libyan bear the spoils he wore,


s: He welcomes his returning friends ashore


s: With plenteous country cates and homely store.


s: Now, when the following morn had chas'd away


s: The flying stars, and light restor'd the day,


s: And thus bespoke them from a rising ground:


s: "Offspring of heav'n, divine Dardanian race!


s: The sun, revolving thro' th' ethereal space,


s: The shining circle of the year has fill'd,


s: Since first this isle my father's ashes held:


s: This would I celebrate with annual games,


s: With gifts on altars pil'd, and holy flames,


s: Tho' banish'd to Gaetulia's barren sands,


s: Caught on the Grecian seas, or hostile lands:


s: But since this happy storm our fleet has driv'n


s: (Not, as I deem, without the will of Heav'n)


s: Upon these friendly shores and flow'ry plains,


s: Which hide Anchises and his blest remains,


s: And pray for prosp'rous winds, our voyage to renew;


s: Pray, that in towns and temples of our own,


s: The name of great Anchises may be known,


s: And yearly games may spread the gods' renown.


s: With royal gifts ordain'd, is pleas'd to grace:


s: Two steers on ev'ry ship the king bestows;


s: His gods and ours shall share your equal vows.


s: Besides, if, nine days hence, the rosy morn


s: Shall with unclouded light the skies adorn,


s: That day with solemn sports I mean to grace:


s: Light galleys on the seas shall run a wat'ry race;


s: Some shall in swiftness for the goal contend,


s: And others try the twanging bow to bend;


s: The strong, with iron gauntlets arm'd, shall stand


s: Let all be present at the games prepar'd,


s: And joyful victors wait the just reward.


s: But now assist the rites, with garlands crown'd."


s: He said, and first his brows with myrtle bound.


s: Thus young Ascanius, with a sprightly grace,


s: His temples tied, and all the Trojan race.


s: By thousands follow'd thro' the flow'ry plain,


s: To great Anchises' tomb; which when he found,


s: He pour'd to Bacchus, on the hallow'd ground,


s: Two bowls of sparkling wine, of milk two more,


s: And two (from offer'd bulls) of purple gore,


s: With roses then the sepulcher he strow'd


s: And thus his father's ghost bespoke aloud:


s: The gods permitted not, that you, with me,


s: Should reach the promis'd shores of Italy,


s: Or Tiber's flood, what flood soe'er it be."


s: Scarce had he finish'd, when, with speckled pride,


s: His hugy bulk on sev'n high volumes roll'd;


s: Blue was his breadth of back, but streak'd with scaly gold:


s: Thus riding on his curls, he seem'd to pass


s: A rolling fire along, and singe the grass.


s: The sacred monster shot along the ground;


s: With harmless play amidst the bowls he pass'd,


s: And with his lolling tongue assay'd the taste:


s: Thus fed with holy food, the wondrous guest


s: The pious prince, surpris'd at what he view'd,


s: The fun'ral honors with more zeal renew'd,


s: Five sheep, according to the rites, he slew;


s: New gen'rous wine he from the goblets pour'd.


s: And call'd his father's ghost, from hell restor'd.


s: Off'ring their gifts at great Anchises' tomb:


s: Some add more oxen: some divide the spoil;


s: Some place the chargers on the grassy soil;


s: Some blow the fires, and off entrails broil.


s: Now came the day desir'd. The skies were bright


s: The bord'ring people, rous'd by sounding fame


s: Of Trojan feasts and great Acestes' name,


s: The crowded shore with acclamations fill,


s: Part to behold, and part to prove their skill.


s: And first the gifts in public view they place,


s: Green laurel wreaths, and palm, the victors' grace:


s: Within the circle, arms and tripods lie,


s: Ingots of gold and silver, heap'd on high,


s: And vests embroider'd, of the Tyrian dye.


s: The trumpet's clangor then the feast proclaims,


s: And all prepare for their appointed games.


s: Four galleys first, which equal rowers bear,


s: The speedy Dolphin, that outstrips the wind,


s: Bore Mnestheus, author of the Memmian kind:


s: Which rising, like a tow'ring city stands;


s: Three Trojans tug at ev'ry lab'ring oar;


s: Three banks in three degrees the sailors bore;


s: Beneath their sturdy strokes the billows roar.


s: In the great Centaur took the leading place;


s: Cloanthus on the sea-green Scylla stood,


s: From whom Cluentius draws his Trojan blood.


s: Far in the sea, against the foaming shore,


s: There stands a rock: the raging billows roar


s: Above his head in storms; but, when 't is clear,


s: Uncurl their ridgy backs, and at his foot appear.


s: The cormorants above lie basking in the sun.


s: To bear with this, the seamen stretch their oars;


s: Then round the rock they steer, and seek the former shores.


s: The lots decide their place. Above the rest,


s: The common crew with wreaths of poplar boughs


s: Their temples crown, and shade their sweaty brows:


s: Besmear'd with oil, their naked shoulders shine.


s: All take their seats, and wait the sounding sign:


s: They gripe their oars; and ev'ry panting breast


s: Is rais'd by turns with hope, by turns with fear depress'd.


s: The clangor of the trumpet gives the sign;


s: At once they start, advancing in a line:


s: With shouts the sailors rend the starry skies;


s: Lash'd with their oars, the smoky billows rise;


s: Sparkles the briny main, and the vex'd ocean fries.


s: Exact in time, with equal strokes they row:


s: At once the brushing oars and brazen prow


s: Dash up the sandy waves, and ope the depths below.


s: Invade the field with half so swift a pace;


s: Not the fierce driver with more fury lends


s: The sounding lash, and, ere the stroke descends,


s: Low to the wheels his pliant body bends.


s: The partial crowd their hopes and fears divide,


s: And aid with eager shouts the favor'd side.


s: Cries, murmurs, clamors, with a mixing sound,


s: From woods to woods, from hills to hills rebound.


s: Gyas outstripp'd the rest, and sprung before:


s: Cloanthus, better mann'd, pursued him fast,


s: But his o'er-masted galley check'd his haste.


s: The Centaur and the Dolphin brush the brine


s: And now the mighty Centaur seems to lead,


s: Now board to board the rival vessels row,


s: The billows lave the skies, and ocean groans below.


s: They reach'd the mark. Proud Gyas and his train


s: In triumph rode, the victors of the main;


s: But, steering round, he charg'd his pilot stand


s: More close to shore, and skim along the sand-


s: "Let others bear to sea!" Menoetes heard;


s: But secret shelves too cautiously he fear'd,


s: And, fearing, sought the deep; and still aloof he steer'd.


s: With louder cries the captain call'd again:


s: "Bear to the rocky shore, and shun the main."


s: He spoke, and, speaking, at his stern he saw


s: The bold Cloanthus near the shelvings draw.


s: Betwixt the mark and him the Scylla stood,


s: And in a closer compass plow'd the flood.


s: He pass'd the mark; and, wheeling, got before:


s: Gyas blasphem'd the gods, devoutly swore,


s: Cried out for anger, and his hair he tore.


s: Mindless of others' lives (so high was grown


s: His rising rage) and careless of his own,


s: Then hoisted up, and overboard he threw:


s: This done, he seiz'd the helm; his fellows cheer'd,


s: Turn'd short upon the shelfs, and madly steer'd.


s: Hardly his head the plunging pilot rears,


s: Clogg'd with his clothes, and cumber'd with his years:


s: Now dropping wet, he climbs the cliff with pain.


s: The crowd, that saw him fall and float again,


s: Shout from the distant shore; and loudly laugh'd,


s: To see his heaving breast disgorge the briny draught.


s: The following Centaur, and the Dolphin's crew,


s: While Gyas lags, they kindle in the race,


s: To reach the mark. Sergesthus takes the place;


s: Mnestheus pursues; and while around they wind,


s: Comes up, not half his galley's length behind;


s: Then, on the deck, amidst his mates appear'd,


s: And thus their drooping courage he cheer'd:


s: "My friends, and Hector's followers heretofore,


s: Stretch to your strokes, my still unconquer'd crew,


s: Whom from the flaming walls of Troy I drew.


s: In this, our common int'rest, let me find


s: That strength of hand, that courage of the mind,


s: As when you stemm'd the strong Malean flood,


s: And o'er the Syrtes' broken billows row'd.


s: I seek not now the foremost palm to gain;


s: Tho' yet- but, ah! that haughty wish is vain!


s: Let those enjoy it whom the gods ordain.


s: But to be last, the lags of all the race!-


s: Redeem yourselves and me from that disgrace."


s: Now, one and all, they tug amain; they row


s: At the full stretch, and shake the brazen prow.


s: The sea beneath 'em sinks; their lab'ring sides


s: Are swell'd, and sweat runs gutt'ring down in tides.


s: Chance aids their daring with unhop'd success;


s: Sergesthus, eager with his beak to press


s: Shuts up th' unwieldly Centaur in the lock.


s: The vessel struck; and, with the dreadful shock,


s: Her oars she shiver'd, and her head she broke.


s: The trembling rowers from their banks arise,


s: And, anxious for themselves, renounce the prize.


s: With iron poles they heave her off the shores,


s: And gather from the sea their floating oars.


s: The crew of Mnestheus, with elated minds,


s: Urge their success, and call the willing winds;


s: Then ply their oars, and cut their liquid way


s: As, when the dove her rocky hold forsakes,


s: Rous'd in a fright, her sounding wings she shakes;


s: The cavern rings with clatt'ring; out she flies,


s: And leaves her callow care, and cleaves the skies:


s: At first she flutters; but at length she springs


s: To smoother flight, and shoots upon her wings:


s: So Mnestheus in the Dolphin cuts the sea;


s: And, flying with a force, that force assists his way.


s: Sergesthus in the Centaur soon he pass'd,


s: Wedg'd in the rocky shoals, and sticking fast.


s: In vain the victor he with cries implores,


s: And practices to row with shatter'd oars.


s: Then Mnestheus bears with Gyas, and outflies:


s: The ship, without a pilot, yields the prize.


s: Her he pursues, and all his vigor strains.


s: Shouts from the fav'ring multitude arise;


s: Shouts, wishes, and applause run rattling thro' the skies.


s: These clamors with disdain the Scylla heard,


s: Much grudg'd the praise, but more the robb'd reward:


s: Resolv'd to hold their own, they mend their pace,


s: Rais'd with success, the Dolphin swiftly ran;


s: For they can conquer, who believe they can.


s: Both urge their oars, and fortune both supplies,


s: And both perhaps had shar'd an equal prize;


s: When to the seas Cloanthus holds his hands,


s: And succor from the wat'ry pow'rs demands:


s: "Gods of the liquid realms, on which I row!


s: If, giv'n by you, the laurel bind my brow,


s: A snow-white bull shall on your shore be slain;


s: His offer'd entrails cast into the main,


s: And ruddy wine, from golden goblets thrown,


s: Your grateful gift and my return shall own."


s: The choir of nymphs, and Phorcus, from below,


s: And old Portunus, with his breadth of hand,


s: Push'd on, and sped the galley to the land.


s: Swift as a shaft, or winged wind, she flies,


s: And, darting to the port, obtains the prize.


s: The herald summons all, and then proclaims


s: The prince with laurel crowns the victor's head,


s: And three fat steers are to his vessel led,


s: The ship's reward; with gen'rous wine beside,


s: And sums of silver, which the crew divide.


s: The leaders are distinguish'd from the rest;


s: Where gold and purple strive in equal rows,


s: There Ganymede is wrought with living art,


s: Chasing thro' Ida's groves the trembling hart:


s: Breathless he seems, yet eager to pursue;


s: The bird of Jove, and, sousing on his prey,


s: In vain, with lifted hands and gazing eyes,


s: His guards behold him soaring thro' the skies,


s: And dogs pursue his flight with imitated cries.


s: Mnestheus the second victor was declar'd;


s: And, summon'd there, the second prize he shard.


s: More brave Aeneas from his shoulders tore,


s: This was ordain'd for Mnestheus to possess;


s: In war for his defense, for ornament in peace.


s: Rich was the gift, and glorious to behold,


s: But yet so pond'rous with its plates of gold,


s: That scarce two servants could the weight sustain;


s: Yet, loaded thus, Demoleus o'er the plain


s: Pursued and lightly seiz'd the Trojan train.


s: The third, succeeding to the last reward,


s: Two goodly bowls of massy silver shar'd,


s: With figures prominent, and richly wrought,


s: And two brass caldrons from Dodona brought.


s: Their conqu'ring temples bound with purple bands;


s: And now Sergesthus, clearing from the rock,


s: Brought back his galley shatter'd with the shock.


s: Forlorn she look'd, without an aiding oar,


s: And, houted by the vulgar, made to shore.


s: As when a snake, surpris'd upon the road,


s: Her belly bruis'd, and trodden to the ground:


s: In vain, with loosen'd curls, she crawls along;


s: Yet, fierce above, she brandishes her tongue;


s: Glares with her eyes, and bristles with her scales;


s: But, groveling in the dust, her parts unsound she trails:


s: So slowly to the port the Centaur tends,


s: But, what she wants in oars, with sails amends.


s: Yet, for his galley sav'd, the grateful prince


s: Is pleas'd th' unhappy chief to recompense.


s: Pholoe, the Cretan slave, rewards his care,


s: Beauteous herself, with lovely twins as fair.


s: From thence his way the Trojan hero bent


s: Into the neighb'ring plain, with mountains pent,


s: Whose sides were shaded with surrounding wood.


s: Full in the midst of this fair valley stood


s: By just degrees, o'erlook'd the ground below.


s: High on a sylvan throne the leader sate;


s: A num'rous train attend in solemn state.


s: Here those that in the rapid course delight,


s: The Trojans mix'd with the Sicilian band.


s: With sprightly grace and equal beauty crown'd;


s: Nisus, for friendship to the youth renown'd.


s: Then Salius joined with Patron, took their place;


s: Then two Sicilian youths- the names of these,


s: Both jolly huntsmen, both in forest bred,


s: Whom time has not deliver'd o'er to fame.


s: To these the hero thus his thoughts explain'd,


s: In words which gen'ral approbation gain'd:


s: "One common largess is for all design'd,


s: (The vanquish'd and the victor shall be join'd,)


s: Two darts of polish'd steel and Gnosian wood,


s: The foremost three have olive wreaths decreed:


s: The first of these obtains a stately steed,


s: Adorn'd with trappings; and the next in fame,


s: With feather'd Thracian arrows well supplied:


s: A golden belt shall gird his manly side,


s: Which with a sparkling diamond shall be tied.


s: The third this Grecian helmet shall content."


s: He said. To their appointed base they went;


s: With beating hearts th' expected sign receive,


s: And, starting all at once, the barrier leave.


s: Spread out, as on the winged winds, they flew,


s: And seiz'd the distant goal with greedy view.


s: Shot from the crowd, swift Nisus all o'erpass'd;


s: Nor storms, nor thunder, equal half his haste.


s: The next, but tho' the next, yet far disjoin'd,


s: Step after step, and almost side by side,


s: His shoulders pressing; and, in longer space,


s: Had won, or left at least a dubious race.


s: Now, spent, the goal they almost reach at last,


s: Slipp'd first, and, slipping, fell upon the plain,


s: Soak'd with the blood of oxen newly slain.


s: The careless victor had not mark'd his way;


s: But, treading where the treach'rous puddle lay,


s: His heels flew up; and on the grassy floor


s: He fell, besmear'd with filth and holy gore.


s: He strove th' immediate rival's hope to cross,


s: And caught the foot of Salius as he rose.


s: Euryalus springs out, the prize to gain,


s: And leaves the crowd: applauding peals attend


s: The victor to the goal, who vanquish'd by his friend.


s: By two misfortunes made the third in fame.


s: For justice, deafens and disturbs the crowd;


s: Urges his cause may in the court be heard;


s: And pleads the prize is wrongfully conferr'd.


s: His blooming beauty, with his tender tears,


s: Had brib'd the judges for the promis'd prize.


s: Besides, Diores fills the court with cries,


s: If the first palm on Salius be conferr'd.


s: Then thus the prince: "Let no disputes arise:


s: Where fortune plac'd it, I award the prize.


s: But fortune's errors give me leave to mend,


s: He said, and, from among the spoils, he draws


s: (Pond'rous with shaggy mane and golden paws)


s: Nisus with envy sees the gift, and grieves.


s: "If such rewards to vanquish'd men are due."


s: He said, "and falling is to rise by you,


s: What prize may Nisus from your bounty claim,


s: In falling, both an equal fortune tried;


s: Would fortune for my fall so well provide!"


s: With this he pointed to his face, and show'd


s: His hand and all his habit smear'd with blood.


s: Th' indulgent father of the people smil'd,


s: And caus'd to be produc'd an ample shield,


s: Long since from Neptune's bars in triumph brought.


s: This giv'n to Nisus, he divides the rest,


s: And equal justice in his gifts express'd.


s: The race thus ended, and rewards bestow'd,


s: Once more the princes bespeaks th' attentive crowd:


s: "If there he here whose dauntless courage dare


s: In gauntlet-fight, with limbs and body bare,


s: Stand forth the champion, and the games renew.


s: A bull with gilded horns, and fillets tied,


s: Shall be the portion of the conqu'ring chief;


s: A sword and helm shall cheer the loser's grief."


s: Then haughty Dares in the lists appears;


s: Stalking he strides, his head erected bears:


s: His nervous arms the weighty gauntlet wield,


s: And loud applauses echo thro' the field.


s: The match of mighty Paris, hand to hand;


s: The same, at Hector's fun'rals, undertook


s: And, by the stroke of his resistless hand,


s: Stretch'd the vast bulk upon the yellow sand.


s: Such Dares was; and such he strode along,


s: And drew the wonder of the gazing throng.


s: His brawny back and ample breast he shows,


s: His lifted arms around his head he throws,


s: And deals in whistling air his empty blows.


s: His match is sought; but, thro' the trembling band,


s: Not one dares answer to the proud demand.


s: Presuming of his force, with sparkling eyes


s: He claims the bull with awless insolence,


s: And having seiz'd his horns, accosts the prince:


s: "If none my matchless valor dares oppose,


s: The crowd assents, and with redoubled cries


s: For the proud challenger demands the prize.


s: Acestes, fir'd with just disdain, to see


s: Reproach'd Entellus thus, who sate beside,


s: And heard and saw, unmov'd, the Trojan's pride:


s: "Once, but in vain, a champion of renown,


s: So tamely can you bear the ravish'd crown,


s: A prize in triumph borne before your sight,


s: And shun, for fear, the danger of the fight?


s: Where is our Eryx now, the boasted name,


s: The god who taught your thund'ring arm the game?


s: Where now your baffled honor? Where the spoil


s: That fill'd your house, and fame that fill'd our isle?"


s: Entellus, thus: "My soul is still the same,


s: Unmov'd with fear, and mov'd with martial fame;


s: But my chill blood is curdled in my veins,


s: O could I turn to that fair prime again,


s: That prime of which this boaster is so vain,


s: The brave, who this decrepid age defies,


s: Should feel my force, without the promis'd prize."


s: He said; and, rising at the word, he threw


s: Two pond'rous gauntlets down in open view;


s: Gauntlets which Eryx wont in fight to wield,


s: And sheathe his hands with in the listed field.


s: With fear and wonder seiz'd, the crowd beholds


s: The gloves of death, with sev'n distinguish'd folds


s: Of tough bull hides; the space within is spread


s: Renounc'd his challenge, and refus'd to fight.


s: Astonish'd at their weight, the hero stands,


s: And pois'd the pond'rous engines in his hands.


s: "What had your wonder," said Entellus, "been,


s: Or view'd the stern debate on this unhappy green!


s: These which I bear your brother Eryx bore,


s: Still mark'd with batter'd brains and mingled gore.


s: With these he long sustain'd th' Herculean arm;


s: And these I wielded while my blood was warm,


s: This languish'd frame while better spirits fed,


s: Ere age unstrung my nerves, or time o'ersnow'd my head.


s: But if the challenger these arms refuse,


s: And cannot wield their weight, or dare not use;


s: In his request, these gauntlets I resign;


s: Let us with equal arms perform the fight,


s: And let him leave to fear, since I resign my right."


s: This said, Entellus for the strife prepares;


s: Stripp'd of his quilted coat, his body bares;


s: Compos'd of mighty bones and brawn he stands,


s: Which round their shoulders to their wrists they tied.


s: Both on the tiptoe stand, at full extent,


s: Their arms aloft, their bodies inly bent;


s: Their heads from aiming blows they bear afar;


s: With clashing gauntlets then provoke the war.


s: One on his youth and pliant limbs relies;


s: The last is stiff with age, his motion slow;


s: He heaves for breath, he staggers to and fro,


s: And clouds of issuing smoke his nostrils loudly blow.


s: Yet equal in success, they ward, they strike;


s: Their ways are diff'rent, but their art alike.


s: Before, behind, the blows are dealt; around


s: Their hollow sides the rattling thumps resound.


s: A storm of strokes, well meant, with fury flies,


s: And errs about their temples, ears, and eyes.


s: Nor always errs; for oft the gauntlet draws


s: A sweeping stroke along the crackling jaws.


s: Heavy with age, Entellus stands his ground,


s: But with his warping body wards the wound.


s: His hand and watchful eye keep even pace;


s: While Dares traverses and shifts his place,


s: And, like a captain who beleaguers round


s: Some strong-built castle on a rising ground,


s: Views all th' approaches with observing eyes:


s: This and that other part in vain he tries,


s: With hands on high, Entellus threats the foe;


s: But Dares watch'd the motion from below,


s: And slipp'd aside, and shunn'd the long descending blow.


s: And, thus deluded of the stroke design'd,


s: Headlong and heavy fell; his ample breast


s: And weighty limbs his ancient mother press'd.


s: So falls a hollow pine, that long had stood


s: Torn from the roots. The diff'ring nations rise,


s: And shouts and mingled murmurs rend the skies,


s: The fall'n companion of his youthful days.


s: Dauntless he rose, and to the fight return'd;


s: With shame his glowing cheeks, his eyes with fury burn'd.


s: Disdain and conscious virtue fir'd his breast,


s: And with redoubled force his foe he press'd.


s: He lays on load with either hand, amain,


s: And headlong drives the Trojan o'er the plain;


s: Nor stops, nor stays; nor rest nor breath allows;


s: But storms of strokes descend about his brows,


s: A rattling tempest, and a hail of blows.


s: But now the prince, who saw the wild increase


s: Of wounds, commands the combatants to cease,


s: And bounds Entellus' wrath, and bids the peace.


s: First to the Trojan, spent with toil, he came,


s: And sooth'd his sorrow for the suffer'd shame.


s: "What fury seiz'd my friend? The gods," said he,


s: Have giv'n his arm superior force to thine.


s: 'T is madness to contend with strength divine."


s: The gauntlet fight thus ended, from the shore


s: His faithful friends unhappy Dares bore:


s: His mouth and nostrils pour'd a purple flood,


s: And pounded teeth came rushing with his blood.


s: Faintly he stagger'd thro' the hissing throng,


s: And hung his head, and trail'd his legs along.


s: The sword and casque are carried by his train;


s: But with his foe the palm and ox remain.


s: Proud of his prize, but prouder of his fame:


s: "O goddess-born, and you, Dardanian host,


s: Mark with attention, and forgive my boast;


s: Learn what I was, by what remains; and know


s: From what impending fate you sav'd my foe."


s: Sternly he spoke, and then confronts the bull;


s: The deadly stroke, descending, pierc'd the skull.


s: Down drops the beast, nor needs a second wound,


s: But sprawls in pangs of death, and spurns the ground.


s: Then, thus: "In Dares' stead I offer this.


s: Take the last gift my wither'd arms can yield:


s: Thy gauntlets I resign, and here renounce the field."


s: This done, Aeneas orders, for the close,


s: The strife of archers with contending bows.


s: The mast Sergesthus' shatter'd galley bore


s: With his own hands he raises on the shore.


s: A flutt'ring dove upon the top they tie,


s: The living mark at which their arrows fly.


s: Their turn of shooting to receive from chance.


s: A helmet holds their names; the lots are drawn:


s: The people shout. Upon the next was found


s: Young Mnestheus, late with naval honors crown'd.


s: The third contain'd Eurytion's noble name,


s: Thy brother, Pandarus, and next in fame,


s: Whom Pallas urg'd the treaty to confound,


s: And send among the Greeks a feather'd wound.


s: Whom not his age from youthful sports restrain'd.


s: Soon all with vigor bend their trusty bows,


s: And from the quiver each his arrow chose.


s: Hippocoon's was the first: with forceful sway


s: It flew, and, whizzing, cut the liquid way.


s: Fix'd in the mast the feather'd weapon stands:


s: The fearful pigeon flutters in her bands,


s: And the tree trembled, and the shouting cries


s: Of the pleas'd people rend the vaulted skies.


s: Then Mnestheus to the head his arrow drove,


s: With lifted eyes, and took his aim above,


s: But made a glancing shot, and missed the dove;


s: Yet miss'd so narrow, that he cut the cord


s: Which fasten'd by the foot the flitting bird.


s: The captive thus releas'd, away she flies,


s: And beats with clapping wings the yielding skies.


s: And, having first invok'd his brother god,


s: His winged shaft with eager haste he sped.


s: The fatal message reach'd her as she fled:


s: She leaves her life aloft; she strikes the ground,


s: And renders back the weapon in the wound.


s: Yet, shooting upward, sends his shaft, to show


s: An archer's art, and boast his twanging bow.


s: The feather'd arrow gave a dire portent,


s: And latter augurs judge from this event.


s: Chaf'd by the speed, it fir'd; and, as it flew,


s: A trail of following flames ascending drew:


s: Kindling they mount, and mark the shiny way;


s: Across the skies as falling meteors play,


s: And vanish into wind, or in a blaze decay.


s: And, trembling, turn their wonder into pray'r.


s: The Dardan prince put on a smiling face,


s: And strain'd Acestes with a close embrace;


s: Then, hon'ring him with gifts above the rest,


s: Turn'd the bad omen, nor his fears confess'd.


s: "The gods," said he, "this miracle have wrought,


s: And order'd you the prize without the lot.


s: Accept this goblet, rough with figur'd gold,


s: Which Thracian Cisseus gave my sire of old:


s: He said, and, with the trumpets' cheerful sound,


s: Proclaim'd him victor, and with laurel-crown'd.


s: Tho' he transfix'd the pigeon in the skies.


s: Who cut the line, with second gifts was grac'd;


s: The third was his whose arrow pierc'd the mast.


s: The chief, before the games were wholly done,


s: And whisper'd thus: "With speed Ascanius find;


s: And, if his childish troop be ready join'd,


s: On horseback let him grace his grandsire's day,


s: And lead his equals arm'd in just array."


s: He said; and, calling out, the cirque he clears.


s: The crowd withdrawn, an open plain appears.


s: And now the noble youths, of form divine,


s: Advance before their fathers, in a line;


s: The riders grace the steeds; the steeds with glory shine.


s: Shouts of applause resound from side to side.


s: Their casques adorn'd with laurel wreaths they wear,


s: Some at their backs their gilded quivers bore;


s: Their chains of burnish'd gold hung down before.


s: Three graceful troops they form'd upon the green;


s: Three graceful leaders at their head were seen;


s: Twelve follow'd ev'ry chief, and left a space between.


s: The first young Priam led; a lovely boy,


s: Whose grandsire was th' unhappy king of Troy;


s: His race in after times was known to fame,


s: And well the royal boy his Thracian steed became.


s: White were the fetlocks of his feet before,


s: The last in order, but the first in place,


s: First in the lovely features of his face,


s: Queen Dido's gift, and of the Tyrian breed.


s: Sure coursers for the rest the king ordains,


s: With golden bits adorn'd, and purple reins.


s: The pleas'd spectators peals of shouts renew,


s: And all the parents in the children view;


s: Their make, their motions, and their sprightly grace,


s: And hopes and fears alternate in their face.


s: Th' unfledg'd commanders and their martial train


s: First make the circuit of the sandy plain


s: Around their sires, and, at th' appointed sign,


s: Drawn up in beauteous order, form a line.


s: The second signal sounds, the troop divides


s: In three distinguish'd parts, with three distinguish'd guides


s: Again they close, and once again disjoin;


s: In troop to troop oppos'd, and line to line.


s: They meet; they wheel; they throw their darts afar


s: With harmless rage and well-dissembled war.


s: Broken, they break; and, rallying, they renew


s: At last, in order, undiscern'd they join,


s: With wand'ring ways and many a winding fold,


s: Involv'd the weary feet, without redress,


s: So fought the Trojan boys in warlike play,


s: Turn'd and return'd, and still a diff'rent way.


s: Thus dolphins in the deep each other chase


s: In circles, when they swim around the wat'ry race.


s: This game, these carousels, Ascanius taught;


s: And, building Alba, to the Latins brought;


s: Shew'd what he learn'd: the Latin sires impart


s: To their succeeding sons the graceful art;


s: From these imperial Rome receiv'd the game,


s: Which Troy, the youths the Trojan troop, they name.


s: Thus far the sacred sports they celebrate:


s: But Fortune soon resum'd her ancient hate;


s: For, while they pay the dead his annual dues,


s: Those envied rites Saturnian Juno views;


s: And sends the goddess of the various bow,


s: Supplies the winds to wing her airy way,


s: Swiftly fair Iris down her arch descends,


s: And, undiscern'd, her fatal voyage ends.


s: She saw the gath'ring crowd; and, gliding thence,


s: The desart shore, and fleet without defense.


s: With sighs and tears Anchises' death bemoan;


s: Then, turning to the sea their weeping eyes,


s: Their pity to themselves renews their cries.


s: "Alas!" said one, "what oceans yet remain


s: For us to sail! what labors to sustain!"


s: All take the word, and, with a gen'ral groan,


s: Implore the gods for peace, and places of their own.


s: The goddess, great in mischief, views their pains,


s: And in a woman's form her heav'nly limbs restrains.


s: Once blest with riches, and a mother's name.


s: Thus chang'd, amidst the crying crowd she ran,


s: Mix'd with the matrons, and these words began:


s: "O wretched we, whom not the Grecian pow'r,


s: Nor flames, destroy'd, in Troy's unhappy hour!


s: Now sev'n revolving years are wholly run,


s: Since this improsp'rous voyage we begun;


s: Since, toss'd from shores to shores, from lands to lands,


s: Wand'ring in exile thro' the stormy sea,


s: Now cast by fortune on this kindred land,


s: What should our rest and rising walls withstand,


s: Or hinder here to fix our banish'd band?


s: O country lost, and gods redeem'd in vain,


s: Shall we no more the Trojan walls renew,


s: Or streams of some dissembled Simois view!


s: Haste, join with me, th' unhappy fleet consume!


s: In sleep I saw her; she supplied my hands


s: (For this I more than dreamt) with flaming brands:


s: 'With these,' said she, 'these wand'ring ships destroy:


s: These are your fatal seats, and this your Troy.'


s: Time calls you now; the precious hour employ:


s: Slack not the good presage, while Heav'n inspires


s: Our minds to dare, and gives the ready fires.


s: See! Neptune's altars minister their brands:


s: The god is pleas'd; the god supplies our hands."


s: Then from the pile a flaming fire she drew,


s: And, toss'd in air, amidst the galleys threw.


s: Wrapp'd in amaze, the matrons wildly stare:


s: Then Pyrgo, reverenc'd for her hoary hair,


s: Pyrgo, the nurse of Priam's num'rous race:


s: "No Beroe this, tho' she belies her face!


s: What terrors from her frowning front arise!


s: What rays around her heav'nly face are seen!


s: Mark her majestic voice, and more than mortal mien!


s: Beroe but now I left, whom, pin'd with pain,


s: Her age and anguish from these rites detain,"


s: She said. The matrons, seiz'd with new amaze,


s: Roll their malignant eyes, and on the navy gaze.


s: They fear, and hope, and neither part obey:


s: They hope the fated land, but fear the fatal way.


s: The goddess, having done her task below,


s: Mounts up on equal wings, and bends her painted bow.


s: Struck with the sight, and seiz'd with rage divine,


s: They shriek aloud; they snatch, with impious hands,


s: The food of altars; fires and flaming brands.


s: Green boughs and saplings, mingled in their haste,


s: And smoking torches, on the ships they cast.


s: The flame, unstopp'd at first, more fury gains,


s: And Vulcan rides at large with loosen'd reins:


s: Triumphant to the painted sterns he soars,


s: And seizes, in this way, the banks and crackling oars.


s: Then, what they hear, is witness'd by their eyes:


s: A storm of sparkles and of flames arise.


s: Ascanius took th' alarm, while yet he led


s: His early warriors on his prancing steed,


s: And, spurring on, his equals soon o'erpass'd;


s: Nor could his frighted friends reclaim his haste.


s: Soon as the royal youth appear'd in view,


s: He sent his voice before him as he flew:


s: "What madness moves you, matrons, to destroy


s: Not hostile fleets, but your own hopes, you burn,


s: And on your friends your fatal fury turn.


s: Behold your own Ascanius!" While he said,


s: He drew his glitt'ring helmet from his head,


s: In which the youths to sportful arms he led.


s: And now the women, seiz'd with shame and fear,


s: Dispers'd, to woods and caverns take their flight,


s: Abhor their actions, and avoid the light;


s: Their friends acknowledge, and their error find,


s: And shake the goddess from their alter'd mind.


s: Not so the raging fires their fury cease,


s: But, lurking in the seams, with seeming peace,


s: Work on their way amid the smold'ring tow,


s: Sure in destruction, but in motion slow.


s: The silent plague thro' the green timber eats,


s: Down to the keels, and upward to the sails,


s: The fire descends, or mounts, but still prevails;


s: Nor buckets pour'd, nor strength of human hand,


s: The pious hero rends his robe, and throws


s: To heav'n his hands, and with his hands his vows.


s: "O Jove," he cried, "if pray'rs can yet have place;


s: If thou abhorr'st not all the Dardan race;


s: If gods are gods, and not invok'd in vain;


s: Yet spare the relics of the Trojan train!


s: Yet from the flames our burning vessels free,


s: Scarce had he said, when southern storms arise:


s: From pole to pole the forky lightning flies;


s: Loud rattling shakes the mountains and the plain;


s: Heav'n bellies downward, and descends in rain.


s: Whole sheets of water from the clouds are sent,


s: Which, hissing thro' the planks, the flames prevent,


s: And stop the fiery pest. Four ships alone


s: Burn to the waist, and for the fleet atone.


s: But doubtful thoughts the hero's heart divide;


s: Forgetful of his fates, or tempt the main,


s: Then Nautes, old and wise, to whom alone


s: The will of Heav'n by Pallas was foreshown;


s: Vers'd in portents, experienc'd, and inspir'd


s: To tell events, and what the fates requir'd;


s: Thus while he stood, to neither part inclin'd,


s: With cheerful words reliev'd his lab'ring mind:


s: "O goddess-born, resign'd in ev'ry state,


s: With patience bear, with prudence push your fate.


s: By suff'ring well, our Fortune we subdue;


s: Fly when she frowns, and, when she calls, pursue.


s: To him disclose the secrets of your mind:


s: Trust in his hands your old and useless train;


s: Too num'rous for the ships which yet remain:


s: The feeble, old, indulgent of their ease,


s: The dames who dread the dangers of the seas,


s: The shock of battle with your foes by land.


s: Here you may build a common town for all,


s: The reasons, with his friend's experience join'd,


s: Encourag'd much, but more disturb'd his mind.


s: 'T was dead of night; when to his slumb'ring eyes


s: His father's shade descended from the skies,


s: And thus he spoke: "O more than vital breath,


s: Lov'd while I liv'd, and dear ev'n after death;


s: O son, in various toils and troubles toss'd,


s: The King of Heav'n employs my careful ghost


s: On his commands: the god, who sav'd from fire


s: Your flaming fleet, and heard your just desire.


s: The wholesome counsel of your friend receive,


s: And here the coward train and woman leave:


s: The chosen youth, and those who nobly dare,


s: Transport, to tempt the dangers of the war.


s: The stern Italians will their courage try;


s: Rough are their manners, and their minds are high.


s: But first to Pluto's palace you shall go,


s: And seek my shade among the blest below:


s: For not with impious ghosts my soul remains,


s: Nor suffers with the damn'd perpetual pains,


s: But breathes the living air of soft Elysian plains.


s: The chaste Sibylla shall your steps convey,


s: And blood of offer'd victims free the way.


s: There shall you know what realms the gods assign,


s: And learn the fates and fortunes of your line.


s: But now, farewell! I vanish with the night,


s: And feel the blast of heav'n's approaching light."


s: He said, and mix'd with shades, and took his airy flight.


s: "Whither so fast?" the filial duty cried;


s: "And why, ah why, the wish'd embrace denied?"


s: He said, and rose; as holy zeal inspires,


s: He rakes hot embers, and renews the fires;


s: With cakes and incense, and their aid implores.


s: Next, for his friends and royal host he sent,


s: Reveal'd his vision, and the gods' intent,


s: With his own purpose. All, without delay,


s: They list with women each degenerate name,


s: Who dares not hazard life for future fame.


s: These they cashier: the brave remaining few,


s: Oars, banks, and cables, half consum'd, renew.


s: The prince designs a city with the plow;


s: This part is nam'd from Ilium, that from Troy,


s: And the new king ascends the throne with joy;


s: Appoints the judges, and ordains the laws.


s: A priest is added, annual gifts bestow'd,


s: And groves are planted round his blest abode.


s: Nine days they pass in feasts, their temples crown'd;


s: And fumes of incense in the fanes abound.


s: Then from the south arose a gentle breeze


s: That curl'd the smoothness of the glassy seas;


s: The rising winds a ruffling gale afford,


s: Now loud laments along the shores resound,


s: Of parting friends in close embraces bound.


s: The trembling women, the degenerate train,


s: Who shunn'd the frightful dangers of the main,


s: Ev'n those desire to sail, and take their share


s: Of the rough passage and the promis'd war:


s: To their new master's care his fearful friends.


s: On Eryx's altars three fat calves he lays;


s: Then slips his haulsers, and his anchors weighs.


s: High on the deck the godlike hero stands,


s: With olive crown'd, a charger in his hands;


s: Then cast the reeking entrails in the brine,


s: And pour'd the sacrifice of purple wine.


s: Fresh gales arise; with equal strokes they vie,


s: And brush the buxom seas, and o'er the billows fly.


s: Meantime the mother goddess, full of fears,


s: To Neptune thus address'd, with tender tears:


s: "The pride of Jove's imperious queen, the rage,


s: The malice which no suff'rings can assuage,


s: Compel me to these pray'rs; since neither fate,


s: Nor time, nor pity, can remove her hate:


s: Ev'n Jove is thwarted by his haughty wife;


s: Still vanquish'd, yet she still renews the strife.


s: As if 't were little to consume the town


s: Which aw'd the world, and wore th' imperial crown,


s: She prosecutes the ghost of Troy with pains,


s: And gnaws, ev'n to the bones, the last remains.


s: But you can witness its effects too well.


s: You saw the storm she rais'd on Libyan floods,


s: That mix'd the mounting billows with the clouds;


s: When, bribing Aeolus, she shook the main,


s: And mov'd rebellion in your wat'ry reign.


s: With fury she possess'd the Dardan dames,


s: To burn their fleet with execrable flames,


s: And forc'd Aeneas, when his ships were lost,


s: To leave his foll'wers on a foreign coast.


s: For what remains, your godhead I implore,


s: And trust my son to your protecting pow'r.


s: If neither Jove's nor Fate's decree withstand,


s: "What may not Venus hope from Neptune's reign?


s: My kingdom claims your birth; my late defense


s: Of your indanger'd fleet may claim your confidence.


s: Nor less by land than sea my deeds declare


s: Thee, Xanthus, and thee, Simois, I attest.


s: Your Trojan troops when proud Achilles press'd,


s: And drove before him headlong on the plain,


s: And dash'd against the walls the trembling train;


s: When floods were fill'd with bodies of the slain;


s: When crimson Xanthus, doubtful of his way,


s: (New heaps came tumbling in, and chok'd his way;)


s: When your Aeneas fought, but fought with odds


s: I spread a cloud before the victor's sight,


s: Sustain'd the vanquish'd, and secur'd his flight;


s: Ev'n then secur'd him, when I sought with joy


s: The vow'd destruction of ungrateful Troy.


s: My will's the same: fair goddess, fear no more,


s: Your fleet shall safely gain the Latian shore;


s: Their lives are giv'n; one destin'd head alone


s: Shall perish, and for multitudes atone."


s: Thus having arm'd with hopes her anxious mind,


s: His finny team Saturnian Neptune join'd,


s: Then adds the foamy bridle to their jaws,


s: And to the loosen'd reins permits the laws.


s: High on the waves his azure car he guides;


s: Its axles thunder, and the sea subsides,


s: And the smooth ocean rolls her silent tides.


s: The tempests fly before their father's face,


s: Trains of inferior gods his triumph grace,


s: And monster whales before their master play,


s: And choirs of Tritons crowd the wat'ry way.


s: The marshal'd pow'rs in equal troops divide


s: To right and left; the gods his better side


s: Inclose, and on the worse the Nymphs and Nereids ride.


s: Now smiling hope, with sweet vicissitude,


s: Within the hero's mind his joys renew'd.


s: He calls to raise the masts, the sheets display;


s: They scud before the wind, and sail in open sea.


s: And, as he leads, the following navy veers.


s: The steeds of Night had travel'd half the sky,


s: When the soft God of Sleep, with easy flight,


s: Descends, and draws behind a trail of light.


s: Dire dreams to thee, and iron sleep, he bears;


s: And, lighting on thy prow, the form of Phorbas wears.


s: Then thus the traitor god began his tale:


s: "The winds, my friend, inspire a pleasing gale;


s: The ships, without thy care, securely sail.


s: Now steal an hour of sweet repose; and I


s: Will take the rudder and thy room supply."


s: "Me dost thou bid to trust the treach'rous deep,


s: The harlot smiles of her dissembling face,


s: And to her faith commit the Trojan race?


s: And, oft betray'd, not know the monster main?"


s: He said: his fasten'd hands the rudder keep,


s: And, fix'd on heav'n, his eyes repel invading sleep.


s: The god was wroth, and at his temples threw


s: A branch in Lethe dipp'd, and drunk with Stygian dew:


s: The pilot, vanquish'd by the pow'r divine,


s: Soon clos'd his swimming eyes, and lay supine.


s: Scarce were his limbs extended at their length,


s: The god, insulting with superior strength,


s: Fell heavy on him, plung'd him in the sea,


s: And, with the stern, the rudder tore away.


s: Headlong he fell, and, struggling in the main,


s: Cried out for helping hands, but cried in vain.


s: The victor daemon mounts obscure in air,


s: While the ship sails without the pilot's care.


s: On Neptune's faith the floating fleet relies;


s: But what the man forsook, the god supplies,


s: And o'er the dang'rous deep secure the navy flies;


s: Glides by the Sirens' cliffs, a shelfy coast,


s: Long infamous for ships and sailors lost,


s: And white with bones. Th' impetuous ocean roars,


s: And rocks rebellow from the sounding shores.


s: The watchful hero felt the knocks, and found


s: The tossing vessel sail'd on shoaly ground.


s: Sure of his pilot's loss, he takes himself


s: The helm, and steers aloof, and shuns the shelf.


s: Inly he griev'd, and, groaning from the breast,


s: Deplor'd his death; and thus his pain express'd:


s: "For faith repos'd on seas, and on the flatt'ring sky,


s: Thy naked corpse is doom'd on shores unknown to lie."


s: He said, and wept; then spread his sails before


s: The winds, and reach'd at length the Cumaean shore:


s: Their anchors dropp'd, his crew the vessels moor.


s: They turn their heads to sea, their sterns to land,


s: And greet with greedy joy th' Italian strand.


s: Some strike from clashing flints their fiery seed;


s: Some gather sticks, the kindled flames to feed,


s: Or search for hollow trees, and fell the woods,


s: Or trace thro' valleys the discover'd floods.


s: Thus, while their sev'ral charges they fulfil,


s: The pious prince ascends the sacred hill


s: Where Phoebus is ador'd; and seeks the shade


s: Which hides from sight his venerable maid.


s: Thence full of fate returns, and of the god.


s: Thro' Trivia's grove they walk; and now behold,


s: And enter now, the temple roof'd with gold.


s: His heavy limbs on jointed pinions bore,


s: (The first who sail'd in air,) 't is sung by Fame,


s: And here alighting, built this costly frame.


s: Inscrib'd to Phoebus, here he hung on high


s: The steerage of his wings, that cut the sky:


s: Then o'er the lofty gate his art emboss'd


s: Androgeos' death, and off'rings to his ghost;


s: Sev'n youths from Athens yearly sent, to meet


s: And next to those the dreadful urn was plac'd,


s: In which the destin'd names by lots were cast:


s: The mournful parents stand around in tears,


s: And rising Crete against their shore appears.


s: There too, in living sculpture, might be seen


s: Then how she cheats her bellowing lover's eye;


s: Not far from thence he grav'd the wondrous maze,


s: A thousand doors, a thousand winding ways:


s: Here dwells the monster, hid from human view,


s: Not to be found, but by the faithful clew;


s: Till the kind artist, mov'd with pious grief,


s: Lent to the loving maid this last relief,


s: And all those erring paths describ'd so well


s: That Theseus conquer'd and the monster fell.


s: Had not the father's grief restrain'd his art.


s: He twice assay'd to cast his son in gold;


s: Twice from his hands he dropp'd the forming mold.


s: All this with wond'ring eyes Aeneas view'd;


s: Each varying object his delight renew'd:


s: The priestess of the god, Deiphobe her name.


s: "Time suffers not," she said, "to feed your eyes


s: With empty pleasures; haste the sacrifice.


s: Sev'n bullocks, yet unyok'd, for Phoebus choose,


s: This said, the servants urge the sacred rites,


s: While to the temple she the prince invites.


s: A spacious cave, within its farmost part,


s: Was hew'd and fashion'd by laborious art


s: Thro' the hill's hollow sides: before the place,


s: A hundred doors a hundred entries grace;


s: Now to the mouth they come. Aloud she cries:


s: "This is the time; enquire your destinies.


s: He comes; behold the god!" Thus while she said,


s: (And shiv'ring at the sacred entry stay'd,)


s: Her color chang'd; her face was not the same,


s: And hollow groans from her deep spirit came.


s: Her hair stood up; convulsive rage possess'd


s: Her trembling limbs, and heav'd her lab'ring breast.


s: Greater than humankind she seem'd to look,


s: And with an accent more than mortal spoke.


s: Her staring eyes with sparkling fury roll;


s: When all the god came rushing on her soul.


s: Swiftly she turn'd, and, foaming as she spoke:


s: "Why this delay?" she cried- "the pow'rs invoke!


s: She said no more. The trembling Trojans hear,


s: O'erspread with a damp sweat and holy fear.


s: The prince himself, with awful dread possess'd,


s: His vows to great Apollo thus address'd:


s: "Indulgent god, propitious pow'r to Troy,


s: Pierc'd the proud Grecian's only mortal part:


s: Thus far, by fate's decrees and thy commands,


s: Thro' ambient seas and thro' devouring sands,


s: Our exil'd crew has sought th' Ausonian ground;


s: And now, at length, the flying coast is found.


s: Thus far the fate of Troy, from place to place,


s: With fury has pursued her wand'ring race.


s: Here cease, ye pow'rs, and let your vengeance end:


s: Troy is no more, and can no more offend.


s: And thou, O sacred maid, inspir'd to see


s: Give me what Heav'n has promis'd to my fate,


s: To conquer and command the Latian state;


s: To fix my wand'ring gods, and find a place


s: Then shall my grateful hands a temple rear


s: To the twin gods, with vows and solemn pray'r;


s: And annual rites, and festivals, and games,


s: Shall be perform'd to their auspicious names.


s: Nor shalt thou want thy honors in my land;


s: For there thy faithful oracles shall stand,


s: Preserv'd in shrines; and ev'ry sacred lay,


s: Which, by thy mouth, Apollo shall convey:


s: All shall be treasur'd by a chosen train


s: To flitting leaves, the sport of ev'ry wind,


s: Lest they disperse in air our empty fate;


s: Write not, but, what the pow'rs ordain, relate."


s: Struggling in vain, impatient of her load,


s: And lab'ring underneath the pond'rous god,


s: The more she strove to shake him from her breast,


s: With more and far superior force he press'd;


s: Commands his entrance, and, without control,


s: Usurps her organs and inspires her soul.


s: Now, with a furious blast, the hundred doors


s: Ope of themselves; a rushing whirlwind roars


s: Within the cave, and Sibyl's voice restores:


s: "Escap'd the dangers of the wat'ry reign,


s: Yet more and greater ills by land remain.


s: The coast, so long desir'd (nor doubt th' event),


s: Thy troops shall reach, but, having reach'd, repent.


s: Wars, horrid wars, I view- a field of blood,


s: Simois nor Xanthus shall be wanting there:


s: And he, too, goddess-born. Fierce Juno's hate,


s: Added to hostile force, shall urge thy fate.


s: To what strange nations shalt not thou resort,


s: The cause the same which Ilium once oppress'd;


s: A foreign mistress, and a foreign guest.


s: But thou, secure of soul, unbent with woes,


s: The more thy fortune frowns, the more oppose.


s: The dawnings of thy safety shall be shown


s: From whence thou least shalt hope, a Grecian town."


s: Thus, from the dark recess, the Sibyl spoke,


s: And the resisting air the thunder broke;


s: The cave rebellow'd, and the temple shook.


s: Th' ambiguous god, who rul'd her lab'ring breast,


s: In these mysterious words his mind express'd;


s: Some truths reveal'd, in terms involv'd the rest.


s: At length her fury fell, her foaming ceas'd,


s: And, ebbing in her soul, the god decreas'd.


s: Then thus the chief: "No terror to my view,


s: The Fates, without my pow'r, shall be without my care.


s: This let me crave, since near your grove the road


s: Which Acheron surrounds, th' innavigable flood;


s: Conduct me thro' the regions void of light,


s: And lead me longing to my father's sight.


s: For him, a thousand dangers I have sought,


s: And, rushing where the thickest Grecians fought,


s: Safe on my back the sacred burthen brought.


s: He, for my sake, the raging ocean tried,


s: And wrath of Heav'n, my still auspicious guide,


s: And bore beyond the strength decrepid age supplied.


s: Oft, since he breath'd his last, in dead of night


s: His reverend image stood before my sight;


s: Enjoin'd to seek, below, his holy shade;


s: But you, if pious minds by pray'rs are won,


s: Yours is the pow'r; nor Proserpine in vain


s: Has made you priestess of her nightly reign.


s: If Orpheus, arm'd with his enchanting lyre,


s: The ruthless king with pity could inspire,


s: And from the shades below redeem his wife;


s: Could free his brother, and can daily go


s: Why name I Theseus, or his greater friend,


s: Who trod the downward path, and upward could ascend?


s: Not less than theirs from Jove my lineage came;


s: My mother greater, my descent the same."


s: So pray'd the Trojan prince, and, while he pray'd,


s: Then thus replied the prophetess divine:


s: "O goddess-born of great Anchises' line,


s: The gates of hell are open night and day;


s: Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:


s: But to return, and view the cheerful skies,


s: To few great Jupiter imparts this grace,


s: And those of shining worth and heav'nly race.


s: Betwixt those regions and our upper light,


s: Possess the middle space: th' infernal bounds


s: Cocytus, with his sable waves, surrounds.


s: But if so dire a love your soul invades,


s: As twice below to view the trembling shades;


s: Receive my counsel. In the neighb'ring grove


s: There stands a tree; the queen of Stygian Jove


s: Claims it her own; thick woods and gloomy night


s: Conceal the happy plant from human sight.


s: One bough it bears; but (wondrous to behold!)


s: The ductile rind and leaves of radiant gold:


s: This from the vulgar branches must be torn,


s: And to fair Proserpine the present borne,


s: Ere leave be giv'n to tempt the nether skies.


s: The first thus rent a second will arise,


s: And the same metal the same room supplies.


s: Look round the wood, with lifted eyes, to see


s: Then rend it off, as holy rites command;


s: Following with ease, if favor'd by thy fate,


s: Thou art foredoom'd to view the Stygian state:


s: If not, no labor can the tree constrain;


s: And strength of stubborn arms and steel are vain.


s: Besides, you know not, while you here attend,


s: Th' unworthy fate of your unhappy friend:


s: Breathless he lies; and his unburied ghost,


s: Depriv'd of fun'ral rites, pollutes your host.


s: Pay first his pious dues; and, for the dead,


s: Two sable sheep around his hearse be led;


s: This done, securely take the destin'd way,


s: She said, and held her peace. Aeneas went


s: Sad from the cave, and full of discontent,


s: Goes grieving by his side, with equal cares oppress'd.


s: Walking, they talk'd, and fruitlessly divin'd


s: What friend the priestess by those words design'd.


s: But soon they found an object to deplore:


s: Son of the God of Winds: none so renown'd


s: The warrior trumpet in the field to sound;


s: With breathing brass to kindle fierce alarms,


s: And rouse to dare their fate in honorable arms.


s: He serv'd great Hector, and was ever near,


s: Not with his trumpet only, but his spear.


s: Swoln with applause, and aiming still at more,


s: He now provokes the sea gods from the shore;


s: With envy Triton heard the martial sound,


s: And the bold champion, for his challenge, drown'd;


s: Then cast his mangled carcass on the strand:


s: All weep; but most Aeneas mourns his fate,


s: And hastens to perform the funeral state.


s: In altar-wise, a stately pile they rear;


s: The basis broad below, and top advanc'd in air.


s: An ancient wood, fit for the work design'd,


s: The Trojans found: the sounding ax is plied;


s: Firs, pines, and pitch trees, and the tow'ring pride


s: And piercing wedges cleave the stubborn oak.


s: Huge trunks of trees, fell'd from the steepy crown


s: Of the bare mountains, roll with ruin down.


s: Arm'd like the rest the Trojan prince appears,


s: Thus while he wrought, revolving in his mind


s: The ways to compass what his wish design'd,


s: And then with vows implor'd the Queen of Love:


s: "O may thy pow'r, propitious still to me,


s: Conduct my steps to find the fatal tree,


s: In this deep forest; since the Sibyl's breath


s: Foretold, alas! too true, Misenus' death."


s: Scarce had he said, when, full before his sight,


s: Two doves, descending from their airy flight,


s: He knew his mother's birds; and thus he pray'd:


s: "Be you my guides, with your auspicious aid,


s: And lead my footsteps, till the branch be found,


s: Whose glitt'ring shadow gilds the sacred ground.


s: And thou, great parent, with celestial care,


s: In this distress be present to my pray'r!"


s: Thus having said, he stopp'd with watchful sight,