P. VIRGILIUS MARO.  
THE WORKS OF PUBLIUS VIRGILIUS MARO.  
Translated by JOHN OGILBY.  Will: Martial sculpsit. 1649.   

THE WORKS OF PUBLIUS VIRGILIUS MARO.  
Translated by JOHN OGILBY.  Claud. de bell. Get. & in Alethium. 
Respice judicium quàm grave Musa subis!  
Nec tua securum te, Maro, fama vehit.  
LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Crook. 1649.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, My very good Lord, WILLIAM Marquis and Earl of Hartford, Viscount Beauchamp, and Lord Seymour.  
My Lord,  
IT hath been the custom of the most knowing men, to dedicate their Labours to Persons of that quality, from whom with justice they might expect both protection and honour. Our Nation hath not been unfruitful of such, with some difference of degrees, though at present under a cloud: and it cannot be thought flattery while I make my humble address to your Lordship, my ambition enjoys the best; since You are not only descended from Sceptered Ancestors, (from whose influence I may derive a modest security) but endowed with those abilities of Judgement and Science, to know, and place an exemplary value upon Dedications of this nature. So that I may take up that of the famous Lyric in my just application to your Lordship:  Maecenas atavis edite Regibus, O & praesidium, & dulce decus meum. 
And that it might not be thought a stain to so great a Patron, I have presurned (which is the second part of my bold undertaking) to wait on your Honour with no less than the Prince of Latin Poets; though in relation to myself, I call it but the shadow, and cold resemblance of Virgil. And although this Translation (for it is hard to render weight for weight, and measure for measure) may relish more of Thrace then Greece, having been bred in phlegmatic Regions, and among people returning to their ancient barbarity; And that our English Wool may seem but an unworthy habit for that Muse, which from her conception was adorned with all the gold and spoils of Italy, the most glorious Mistress of the world: Yet if your Lordship shall be pleased to smile upon the dress she now wears, it may live to be be received (when time shall ripen more ornament of Sculpture and Annotations) with none of the meanest attempts of this nature; And the Translator though unworthy, encouraged by Your gracious acceptance, shall most gratefully acknowledge himself,  
My Lord, The most humble Honourer of Your Name and Virtue, JOHN OGILBY.   

Virgil's BUCOLICS.  

The first Eclog.  
Tityrus.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Sad Mclibaeus banished declares  
Those miseries attend on civil Wars,  
But happy Tityrus, the safe defence  
People enjoy, under a settled Prince.  Tityrus. Melibaeus. Melibaeus. 
UNder the spreading Beech at ease from cares,  
Thou Tityrus play'st on slender reeds soft airs:  
We, must our Land and pleasant fields forsake,  
Our country fly: thou in cool shades dost make  
The woods fair Amaryllis to resound.  Tityrus. 
This peace from God we (Melibaeus) found,  
(For he shall ever be my God) a soft  
Lamb from our folds shall bathe his altars oft:  
He grants my herds to range, and what I will,  
Thou seest I play upon a rural quill.  Melibaeus. 
I envy not, but wonder th' art so blest  
Since all with Sequestrations are oppressed:  
Lo! I undone, away my Goats must drive,  
And scarce I lead, O Tityrus! this alive.  
For mongst thick hazels th'hope of all my flock,  
Ah! she hath left upon a naked rock.  
Oft this mischance (had we not senseless been)  
By Thunder-stricken oaks I had foreseen,  
And on the hollow elm, by th'ominous crow:  
But who this God may be, pray let us know.  Tityrus. 
That city they call Rome, I did account  
Fond like this of ours, where Swains are wont  
Yearly with care, to wean their tender lambs;  
So I conceived whelps equal to their dams,  
And judged that Kids were as their mothers, tall:  
So used I great things to compare with small.  
But she, 'bove other cities lifts her head,  
As o'er the shrubs the lofty Cedars spread.  Melibaeus. 
What to see Rome did so thy journey haste?  Tityrus. 
Freedom, which looked on me, though mean, at last:  
When first my downy chin the razor shaved,  
She looked at last, and with her smile she saved.  
When me first Amaryllis did possess,  
And Galatea left; for I'll confess,  
Whilst me that Galatea did enjoy,  
My freedom lost, no stock I did employ.  
Although my folds then many offerings spared,  
And for th' ingrateful city, I prepared  
The richest cheese I could, yet never brought  
My right hand home again with money fraught.  Milebaeus. 
I muse why Amaryllis Gods implored,  
For whom she keeps her tree with apples stored.  
Tityrus was absent, Tityrus the Pines,  
For thee the fountains call, and tender Vines.  Tityrus. 
What should I do? thraldom I must not leave,  
Nor could elsewhere, Gods so propitious have.  
And here that shepherd first I saw, for whom  
Twice six days annually our altars fume:  
He answering first my suit said: Shepherds, now  
Your cattles feed, and let your oxen plow.  Melibaeus. 
O happy man! since large enough for thee  
Thou fields injoyst, though all thy pastures be  
With stones, with plashie Fens, and rushes spread.  
Not thy big females, in strange commons fed  
Shall suffer, nor sick cattles taint their bloods.  
O happy man! here by the well-known floods,  
And sacred fountains, thou fresh air shalt take;  
Then quicksets, which our neighbouring limits make,  
Whose sallow flower Hyblaean Bees invade,  
Oft with soft murmurs shall to sleep persuade.  
Then shall the Woodman under high rocks chant;  
Nor thy delight, sad Stock-doves, shalt thou want,  
Nor turtles cease to groan from elmy bows.  Tityrus. 
In empty skies, first nimble Dear shall browse,  
The Ocean leave his naked fish on shore;  
The confines wandered of both lands before,  
Parthians drink Arar, Germane Tigris taste,  
That his Idea shall forsake our breast.  Melibaeus. 
But we must go to thirsty Lybian Realms,  
To Scythia or Oaxes chalky streams,  
And from the world divided, Britain.  
Shall ever I again my Country see,  
And my poor house, which I with turf did rear;  
My seats admiring after many a year?  
Shall th' impious Soldier have this new plow'd fields?  
Barbarians reap this corn? What discord yields,  
See Wretched Citizens, See, for whom we blow:  
Set Pears, Melibaeus, and plant Vineyards now.  
Farewell my Goats, farewell once happy flock.  
I stretched on verdant banks you on a rock  
No more shall see hang on the shrubby top:  
Nor Verses sing, nor fed by me to crop  
Sharp sallows, and the spreading Cythisus.  Tityrus. 
But here this night you may repose with us  
In this green bower; here are ripe Apples, we  
Soft Chestnuts have, and store of curds there be:  
The Villages do smoke, and from the tall  
Mountains far off, now larger shadows fall.   

The second Eclog.  
Alexis.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Coridon means how learned men are bend  
To honour those of place and high descent:  
But often they like to Alexis prove,  
And nothing but disdin return for love.  

POor Coridon for fair Alexis burns,  
Joy of his Lord, nor hopes for love-returns.  
But yet he daily came, where a cool shade  
The spreading tops of the tall Beeches made:  
And there in these unpolished lines alone  
In vain to Woods, and Mountains makes his moan.   

Cruel Alexis doth my Verse disdain,  
And without pity me with scorn hath slain.  
The  now in cooling shades abide,  
And speckled Lizarrds in the bushes hid;  
And Thestylis, for Reapers, tired with heat,  
With strong herbs Betony doth, and Garlic beat:  
Whilst I am seeking where thou mayst be found  
Amongst the shrubs the Grasshoppers resound.  
Were it not better that I should have born  
Proud Amaryllis wrath, and haughty scorn?  
Were it not better for Menalcas smart,  
Though he is brown, and thou so beauteous art?  
Sweet youth, in beauty not such trust repose,  
White Blossoms fall, when Blackberries are chose.  
Scorned me, Alexis not desires to know,  
How rich in flocks, and how my pails o'erflow:  
My thousand lambs Sicilian mountains haunt,  
Summer, nor Winter, milk I do not want.  
Lung those notes which once Amphyon did,  
Calling his Herds to Aracynthus mead:  
Nor am I so deformed, late I beheld  
Myself in the calm sea, with winds unsweled:  
And wert thou Judge, I should not Daphnis fear,  
If any shadow true resemblance bear.  
O that with me thou in these homely parts  
And humble coats wouldst stay, and shoot swift Hearts;  
There with a green wand drive the flocks of Goats,  
Then in the grove we'll imitate Pan's notes.  
Pan taught us join first many quills with wax,  
Pan minds our sheep and masters of the flocks.  
Nor shalt thou ere repent this Pipe to use,  
For which Amyntas nothing would refuse.  
Composed with seven differing reeds I have  
A Pipe, which once to me Dametas gave;  
And dying said, this thee now second knows,  
At which Amyntas fond, his envy shows.  
Besides two Kid's I have, I lately found  
As they were straying in a dangerous ground:  
Their skins with white already dapled be,  
Two Yews they suck; these I preserve for thee.  
Which Thestylis would fain have got; and shall,  
Since you our presents not regard at all.  
Sweet youth draw near; for thee whole baskets full  
The beauteous Nymphs of unstained Lillyes cull,  
For thee fair Nais gathers Violets,  
Tulips Narcissus, and sweet Poppy gets,  
Blossoms of Annis joins, hath intermixed  
Cassia, with other pleasant flowers betwixt,  
Soft Cowslips with bright Marigolds are decked,  
I shall the tender wooll-skined Peach select,  
And Chestnuts which my Amaryllis loved,  
Damsons I'll add; this fruit shall be approved,  
And you O Laurels cull, thou Myrtle next,  
Because so placed your smell is best commixed.  
Coridon's rude, nor doth Alexis grace  
His gifts, nor to thee gives jolas' place.  
What wouldst thou wretch! I have let tempests spoil  
My flowers, and boars my crystal fountains soil.  
Whom fliest thou fond! the Gods have dwelled in bowers;  
So Paris lived, let Pallas keep her towers;  
But let cool Groves 'bove all things please us best.  
Stern Lions, Wolves, Wolves have the Goat in quest,  
The wanton Goat fresh Cythisus invites,  
Thou me, each one pursues his own delights.  
Behold they now unyoke the weary Steer,  
And the Sun setting, larger shades appear;  
Still love burns me, there is no mean in love,  
Ah Corydon, what madness doth thee move?  
On the green Elm hangs my half-pruned Vine,  
But rather now, some needful task design,  
Prepare soft twigs, the limber Bulrush wind,  
And if Alexis scorn, some other find.    

The third Eclog.  
Palaemon.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
These Swains present, how virtue and the arts  
Still emulation breed in men of parts.  
But grave Palaemon doth their passions calm,  
Both praising, yet to neither gives the Palm.  Menalcas. Dametas. Palaemon. Menalcas. 
ARe these, Dametas, Melibaeus sheep?  Dametas. 
No: Damon's, for he gave them me to keep.  Menalcas. 
Still hapless flocks, whilst that Neaera he  
Courts, fond jealous better she loves me.  
For twice this stranger hourly drains the Dams,  
Robbing the Ewes of strength, of milk the Lambs.  Dametas. 
Henceforth such crimes more sparingly object,  
We know what you did, if we would detect,  
And how the He-Goats vexed looked on the while,  
And in what place; but th' easy Nymphs did smile.  Menalcas. 
Sure 'twas when I in Mycon's ground was took  
Pruning his Vines with an unwelcome hook.  Dametas. 
Or when you Daphnis Bow and arrows broke,  
At the old Beech, which thou so ill didst take  
To see bestowed upon the boy from thee.  
For couldst thou not do mischief, thou wouldst die.  Menalcas. 
What will not Masters, when the servants dare  
So bold attempts as these? when thou didst snare  
Poor Damon's Goat, vild Swain, did I not mark,  
Though all the while at thee his Dog did bark?  
And when I cried, Hold thief, where doth he rush?  
Swain, count thy Goats, thou skulk'st behind a bush.  Dametas. 
Vanquished in singing why should he refuse,  
To pay the Goat, won by my Pipe, and Muse!  
That Goat (if you must know) was mine, no less  
Damon who could not pay it, did confess.  Menaclas. 
Thou him in singing? hadst thou ever yet  
A Pipe with wax conjoined, didst thou not sit  
In high ways, thou lewd Piper, and there use,  
On hissing quills to spoil a wretched Muse?  Dametas. 
The skill that either hath, let us now try;  
I'll lay this Heifer (lest thou shouldst deny)  
Twice she to milking comes, and at her teats  
Two Calves she feeds; then say, what are thy beats.  Menalcas. 
I dare not from my flock a wager lay;  
I have a sire and stepdame, twice a day  
Both tell the sheep; the Goats another counts.  
What you shall grant, thy Heifer far surmounts,  
(Since thou art pleased to rant) beech Cups I will  
Stake down, carved by divine Alcymidons skill.  
On which with a smooth turn soft Vines he shapes,  
And with pale Ivy cloaths the spreading Grapes.  
Amidst two signs, Conon-who's th'other then?  
He with his Art describes Earth's Globe to men;  
What time the Ploughmen, and the Reapers have,  
Which yet my lips ne'er touched, but clean I save.  Dametas. 
Also for us two Cups Alcymidon made,  
The handles round with bright Acanthus laid,  
Orpheus amidst, and following woods they have,  
Which yet my lips ne'er touched, but clean I save.  
But if that well my Heifer thou dost weigh,  
In thy Cups praise so much thou wouldst not say.  Menalcas. 
Thou shalt not scape, I'll meet where thou darest please,  
Call when you will; let him be Judge of these  
That next we meet; Palaemon see before,  
I'll make thee that thou ne'er shalt challenge more.  Dametas. 
Say what thou hast, in me is no delay,  
Nor eat I any; friend Palaemon stay,  
No trifle's laid, thy best attention fit.  Palaemon. 
Begin, since now on the soft grass we sit,  
Now every field, all trees now fruitful are,  
Now flourish Groves, the season is most fair.  
Dametas' first, Menalcas next rehearse,  
For still the Muses love alternate verse.  Dametas. 
With Jove begin, all things are full of Jove,  
He Swains regards, and doth my Verses love.  Menalcas. 
And Phoebus me, and I have for him still  
His own fresh bay, and blushing daffodil.  Dametas. 
Me Galatea would with Apples win,  
Then flies to shades, but strives first to be seen.  Menalcas. 
My flame Amyntas courts me oft alone,  
Nor to our dogs is Delia better known.  Dametas. 
Gifts for my love I have, and by my search  
I know the place where her swift Pigeons perch.  Menalcas. 
Such as I had, red Apples half a score  
The youth I sent, to morrow I le send more.  Dametas. 
What words to us did Galatea say,  
You winds a part unto the Gods convey.  Menalcas. 
That thou not scornest me, am I better yet;  
If whilst thou huntest wild Boars I keep the net?  Dametas. 
Phyllis jolas' send, my birthday 'tis,  
Thyself come, when for fruit I sacrifice.  Menalcas. 
Her I loved best, for tears she parting shed,  
And long farewell, farewel, fair jolas' said.  Dametas. 
Stern Wolves the Stalls, winds trees, ripe fruit the showers,  
Me Amaryllis ruins, if she lowrs.  Menalcas. 
Soft dew the corn, low shrubs the weaned kids,  
Small sallow Goats, but me Amyntas feeds.  Dametas. 
Pollio, though she be rustic, loves our muse:  
A Calf you Muses, for your reader choose.  Menalcas. 
Pollio makes verses, let a Bull be fed  
That strikes with bornes, with feet the sand doth spread.  Dametas. 
To joys like thine, who loves thee Pollio come,  
For him flows honey, thorns bear Amomum.  Menalcas. 
Who hates not Bavius, may love Maevius notes,  
The same may Foxes join, and milk he Goats.  Dametas. 
Fly, who cull flowers and earthborn strawberries,  
For in the grass a cold Snake hidden lies.  Menalcas. 
Led home the Ewes, lest heat their milk detain,  
And you as lately press the teat in vain.  Dametas. 
How poor my Bull is in a fertile field?  
One love, the herd, and the herds Lord hath killed.  Menalcas. 
Sure love is not the cause, see how they show!  
Nor what eye witched my tender Lambs I know.  Dametas. 
Say, (and my great Apollo be) what shore  
The Sky extends three fathoms, and no more.  Menalcas. 
Say in what Land, the names of Prince's sign  
The springing flowers, and Phyllis shall be thine.  Palamon. 
'tis not in us this difference to compose,  
You both deserve the praise, and each, who knows  
Or fears sweet love, or hath the bitter tried.  
Swains shut your Springs, the Meads are satisfied.   

The fourth Eclog.  
Pollio.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Here Sibyl is appli'de to Pollio's son,  
Her Prophecies his Gnethliacon,  
But Christ's birth he by happy error sings.  
The Prince of Poets crowns the King of Kings.  

SIcilian Muses, sing we one note higher,  
All like not tamarisk nor the humble brier:  
If Woods we sing, Woods worthy Consuls be,  
Last times are come, Cumea's Prophecy,  
And times great order now again is borne,  
The maid returns, Saturnian Realms return:  
Now from high Heaven springs a new Progeny:  
To th' infant chaste Lucina favouring be,  
Who ending iron ages, through all Lands  
Shall golden plant: thy Phoebus now commands.  
Thou child being Consul, Pollio shall possess  
This Fame of th' Age, great months themselves address;  
If any prints of our old vice remained,  
By thee they r void, and fear shall leave the Land.  
He a God's life shall take, with Gods shall see  
Mixed Heroes, and himself their object be.  
Rule with paternal power th' appeased earth,  
Which shall to thee (sweet child) undressed, bring forth,  
Berries, wild Ivy, and shall pay first fruits  
Of mixed Acanthus, with Egyptian roots  
The Goats themselves shall home full udders bear,  
Nor shall the herds the mighty Lion's fear.  
Flowers shall thy cradle sprout, the Serpent shall  
And the deceitful herb of venom, fall;  
In each place Roses of Assyria grow.  
As soon as thou the Hero's fame shalt know,  
And thy Sires acts, virtue thyself attain,  
The fields shall mellow wax with golden grain:  
The blushing Grape shall hang on thorns unset,  
And boisterous Oak, with dewy honey sweat.  
Some steps of ancient fraud shall yet be found,  
Thetis to tempt with ships, and to surround  
Cities with walls, bids earth in furrows tear,  
A second Typhis, a new Argo bear  
Choice Heroes, and another war, employ  
Again a great Achilles sent to Troy.  
Here when full years shall make thee perfect man,  
The Sailor shall forsake the Ocean,  
Nor Navigable Pines shall traffic ware:  
But each part of the world shall all things bear.  
Nor Earth feel harrows, nor the Vine the hook,  
Nor shall his Steers, the rustic tiler yoke;  
Nor Wool with various colours shall deceive,  
But in the meadows' Rams shall scarlet have,  
And changing sometimes golden fleeces wear,  
And feeding Lambs, shall native purple bear.  
The Fates conspiring with eternal doom  
Said to their Spindle, Let such ages come.  
Attempt great honours, for the time draws near,  
Dear race of Gods, great stock of Jupiter,  
Behold! the world shakes on its ponderous axe,  
See, earth and heavens immense and th'Ocean tracts,  
How all things at th'approaching age rejoice!  
Oh that my life would last so long, and voice,  
As would suffice thy actions to rehearse:  
Not Orpheus then shall vanquish me in Verse,  
Nor Linus, though their parents present be;  
Phoebus got this, and that Calliope.  
Should Pan with me strive by Arcadia's doom,  
Although a God, Pan should be overcome.  
Begin sweet child, with smiles thy mother know,  
Who ten long months did with thy burden go.  
Sweet child begin, cheered by no parents look,  
To 's board no God, t' her bed no goddess took.    

The fifth Eclog.  
Daphnis.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Since Kings as common Fathers cherish all,  
Subjects like children should lament their fall;  
But learned men of grief should have more sense,  
When violent death seizes a gracious Prince.  Menalcas. Mopsus. Menalcas. 
MAy we not Mopsus (both being skilful, met,  
Thou on small Pipes to play, I verse repeat)  
Here amongst Elms commixed with hazels sit?  Mopsus. 
Thou eldest art, whom me t' obey is fit.  
Whether to trembling shades light Zephyrs wave  
We go, or take some Grot; See, how you Cave  
Hath from wild spreading Vines a Canopy.  Menalcas. 
In our hills only Amintas strive with thee.  Mopsus. 
What if t'excel Phoebus in song he aims?  Menalcas. 
Say Mopsus, if thou hast, or Phyllis flames,  
Or Alcons' praise, or Codrus brawls begin:  
And Tityrus shall thy feeding Kids keep in.  Mopsus. 
I le try those strains on the green Beech I wrote,  
And with alternate change did warbling note.  
Then boldly bid Amyntas strive with me.  Menalcas. 
As the bright Olive stains the sallow tree,  
As blushing Roses humble Lavender,  
So thee before Amyntas we prefer.  
Dear Swain, no more, here is the cave's descent.  Mopsus. 
The Nymphs lost Daphnis funeral did lament,  
Witness you Hazels, Nymphs, and purling streams;  
When the sad mother razed the mangled limbs  
Of her dear son, Gods, stars, she cruel calls.  
Not any then oh Daphnis! from their stalls  
The Cattles drove to cooling Springs, the flood  
No herd did taste, nor touched sweet grass for food.  
Rough hills, and Groves, with echoes did resound  
Daphnis thy death, and Lybian Lions gron'de:  
Daphnis Armenian Tigers first conjoined  
In's Chariot, and to Bacchus' rites designed:  
Did trembling Spears with gentle leaves combine.  
As Vines the woods adorn, as Grapes the Vine,  
As Males the herds, as Corn the fertile field:  
Thou thine didst grace: when thou to Fates didst yield,  
Both Pales and Apollo left our plain.  
In furrows where we oft sowed largest grain,  
Sad darnel, and wild Oats o'erspread, and where  
Purple Narcissus, and soft Violets were,  
The Thistle and rough prickling brambles spring.  
Swains strew fresh boughs, shades to your Fountains bring,  
Such honours Daphnis for himself did doom,  
His Monument rear, and this write on his Tomb.  
I Daphnis known in woods unto the Sky,  
Kept a fair Flock, and yet more fair was I.  Menalcas. 
O divine Poet! such thy Verse to me,  
As to the tired, in grass sweet slumbers be,  
Cool streams in heat the thirsty so rejoice;  
Thou, both the Pipe dost match, and Master's voice.  
O happy Swain! thou shalt his second be,  
Our song what ere it is, I shall to thee  
Begin, and to the Stars thy Daphnis bear:  
Daphnis loved us, Daphnis to heaven we'll rear.  Mopsus. 
What gift more welcome unto us? the Swaine  
Was worthy to be sung, and every strain  
Stymichon lately did to us approve.  Menalcas. 
Fair Daphnis wonders at strange courts above,  
Who clouds, and stars beneath his feet beheld,  
Joy ravished Pan, the woods, and every field,  
The Shepherds, and the virgin Dryades.  
No Wolf laid wait for sheep, no nets to seize  
By craft the Dear, good Daphnis peace did love.  
The unshorn hills glad echoes raise above  
The highest Stars, Rocks in a cheerful Ode,  
And shrubs Menalcas sound, the God, the God.  
Be good and blessed to thine; four Altars see,  
For Daphnis two, and Phoebus two for thee.  
Two Bowls with new milk frothing yearly we,  
And with the fat of Olives, two decree.  
Rejoicing feasts with plenteous Bacchus made,  
If cold, with lusty fire, if hot, in shade.  
Arrissian Wine, brisk Nectar I shall bring.  
To me Dametas shall, and Aegon sing,  
And Satire like Alphisiboeus Dance.  
These shall be ever thine; and when w'advance  
Our rites to Nymphs, fields purge with th'annual rite.  
Whilst Boars on hills, whilst fish in streams delight,  
Grasshoppers dew, and Thyme the bees repast,  
So long thy honour, name, and praise shall last.  
As Swains to Bacchus, and to Ceres pay  
Their yearly vows, so they to thee shall pray.  Mopsus. 
Now for such Verse, what present shall I find?  
Not murmurs of th' approaching Southern wind,  
Nor waves more please, when they the shores assail;  
Nor water gliding through a stony vale.  Menalcas. 
This slender Pipe we give, our love returns,  
This Corydon for fair Alexis burns.  
To this I sung, These Melibaeus sheep.  Mopsus. 
Take thou this book which hardly I could keep,  
From dear Antigines who well deserved,  
Which is with brass (Menalcas) neatly carved.   

The sixth Eclog.  
Silenus.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Those Sects which promise sensual delights,  
Soon infect, and gain most Proselytes;  
But oft those Tenets which are held divine,  
Rise from full bellies, and heads charged with Wine.  

FIrst our Thalia chanted rural strains  
In Verse, nor she to dwell in woods disdains.  
Phoebus, when I did sing of Kings, and war,  
Said, Tityrus. And nipped me by the ear;  
Shepherds should feed their flocks, and tune soft lays.  
Now I (for thou O Varus, and thy praise  
Others shall strive to sing, and wars rehearse)  
On slender Reeds shall tune an humble verse.  
I chant not things forbidden; if struck with love  
Any shall read, the shrubs, and every Grove  
Shall sing thee Varus; what can more engage  
Phoebus, than thy name on the title page?  
Say Muses; Chromis, Mnasylus, beheld  
Stretched in a Cave Sylenus sleeping, swelled  
With last night's Bacchus, as his usual guise;  
Far off, fallen from his head his garland lies,  
On a worn handle, his great bottle hung.—  
They went (for when the old man should have sung  
He mocked their hopes) and with's own Chaplets bound.  
With them joined Eagle, whom she timorous found:  
Aegle the fairest Nymph; this fraud he spies,  
Whil'sts she with Mulberries his temples dies,  
And smiling said, why bind you me? let go;  
It is enough that you have seen me so,  
My promised Verses take, they now are done;  
Her otherwise Il' please, then thus begun.   

Then thou mightst see wild beasts, and fauns advance  
Sporting in troops, and the tall Oaks to dance.  
Nor so in Phoebus, joy Parnassus spires,  
Nor Ismare, Rodophe, Orpheus so admires.  
For he sung how collected seeds did come  
Of Earth, Aire, Sea, through the huge vacuum,  
And glittering fire: how all things first commenced  
From these, and the world's tender Orb condensed:  
Then Earth grew hard, and Nereus did exclude,  
And by degrees the forms of things endued.  
That a new Sun did shine, the Lands admire,  
And showers to fall from Clouds now mounted higher:  
When first the sprouting woods began t' appear,  
And beasts in unknown hills, grazed here and there;  
Next Saturn's reign, and stones that Pyrrha fling,  
Caucasus foul, Prometheus' theft, he sung:  
Adds Hylas lost, where Sailors near the Spring  
Call Hylas, Hylas, till the shores did ring.  
And with a white Bull's love did please the Queen  
Pasiphae, happy, if no herds had been.  
Poor Virgin, why didst thou to folly yield?  
And Pretides launs, with feigned lowings filled;  
Yet such foul lust, not any of the herd:  
Pursued, although their necks the yoke had feared.  
And oft had horns sought in their tender brow.  
Ah miserable, in woods thou wanderest now,  
His snowy side upon soft Daffodils laid,  
Chewing the Cud, under an oaken shade:  
Or woe's some other in the ample drove.  
Shut Nymphs, Dictaean Nymphs, shut close your Grove,  
If any tracts as he shall wand'ring pass  
By chance we find, or took with verdant grass,  
Or following Cattles, other Heifers call,  
And they entice him to Gortinas stall.  
Next, her pleased with Hesperian fruit he shows,  
Than Phaeton's sisters, whom sour moss enclose,  
And from the Earth the lofty Aldar brings.  
And Gallus wand'ring by Permessus springs.  
How him a Muse led to th' Aonian top,  
And how to th' man, Phoebus' whole Choir stood up.  
In divine Verse how Linus these expressed;  
His hair with flowers, and bitter Apium dressed.  
These Pipes the Muses give thee, take, behold!  
These ancient Hesiods wear, with which, he could  
sing, wild ashes from the Mountains move:  
With these thou mayst describe Apollo's Grove:  
Lest Phoebus should in any woods more pride.  
What shall I say of Scylla? whose white side,  
(As Fame reports) with barking Monsters bound,  
Vexing Dulichian ships; ah! in that sound  
She trembling Sailors with her Sea-hounds tears.  
And Tereus limbs transformed, he next declares,  
Philomel's banquets, and what gifts she brought,  
And with what speed, she wretched, deserts sought,  
And with what wings once o'er her Court she flew,  
He sung all these, which blessed Eurotas known  
From Phoebus once: and bids the Laurel sing.  
And to the stars the Vales with echo ring.  
Till night bid house their flocks, their numbers tell,  
And from unwilling skies the evening fell.    

The seventh Eclog.  
Melibaeus.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
The Vulgar like the worst, and make their choice  
Not from best Language, but the loudest voice:  
And oft those men get fame, and win the prize,  
Who guard with boldness weak abilities.  Corydon. Thyrsis. 

AS Daphnis sat under a murmuring Oak,  
Thyrsis, and Corydon drove on the flock.  
Sheep Thyrsis, Corydon milch Goats did bring:  
Arcadians both, in youth both flourishing,  
Both matched to sing, to answer both prepared.  
Here whilst soft myrtle me from cold did guard,  
The Goat chief of the flock strayed; and I spied  
Daphnis, when he beheld me, strait he cried,  
Melibe, here, safe is thy Goat, and Kids;  
Rest in this shade, if no affair forbids,  
The herds themselves to drink here, pass the Meads,  
Green Mincius here with soft reeds Couches spreads,  
Now from the sacred Oak the swarms resound.  
What should I do? no maid was to be found,  
That carefully my new weaned Lambs should watch:  
When Corydon and Thyrsis sung their match.  
Yet for the sport my business I laid by,  
Then, both in Verse strove for the victory;  
The Muse their parts alternate did divide,  
These Corydon sung, and Thyrsis thus replied.   Corydon. 
You Fountain- Nymphs, our love, or grant me Verse,  
As once to Codrus, who did strains rehearse  
Like Phoebus; but, if such can not be mine,  
This Pipe shall hang upon the sacred Pine.  Thyrsis. 
Your rising Poet crown Arcadian Swains  
With Ivy, and let spite burst Codrus veins,  
Or if he'll praise too much, let berries arm  
My brows, lest an ill tongue your Poet harm.  Corydon. 
A Boars head Delia, Mycon doth impart  
To thee, and large horns of a long-lived hart.  
Thy Statue shall be in fine Marble placed,  
If this thou grant, with purple buskins graced.  Thyrisis. 
Priapus, only Cream and Cakes expect  
Yearly, thou our poor Orchards dost protect,  
We for a time, thee but in Marble mould:  
But if our flocks increase, thou shalt be gold.  Corydon. 
Galate me doth more than Thyme delight,  
Bright Ivy not so fair, nor Swans more white,  
When the fed  first to stalls repair;  
Come, if thou hast of Corydon a care.  Thyrsis. 
I bitterer to thee than Sardan grass,  
More rough than broom shall seem, then Owse more base,  
If this day shows not longer than whole years,  
Go, if you ' have any shame, go home, fed steers.  Corydon. 
You mossy Springs, and grass more soft than sleep,  
And verdant boughs, which you with shadows keep,  
In summer save my flocks, great heat comes now,  
And pregnant Crapes swell on the glad some bough.  Thyrsis. 
A hearth, fat Pine, nor ample fire we lack,  
With daily smoke, our Chimney pieces black:  
The cold of Boreas here we fear no more,  
Then Wolves our Cattles, or fierce streams the shore.  Corydon. 
Here Junipers and downy Chestnuts be,  
And tempting Apples under every tree.  
All things now smile, but if Alexis fly  
Our Mountains, thou shalt see the rivers dry.  Thyrsis. 
In scorched fields th' air infected herbage kills,  
Bacchus his viney shade denies the hills:  
When Phyllis comes all shall wax green again,  
And Jove descend in joyful showers of rain.  Corydon. 
Alcides' Poplar, Bacchus Vines doth grace,  
Fair Venus' Myrtle, and Apollo Bayss,  
Phyllis loves hazels, if she these allow,  
Myrtle and Laurel both to hazels bow.  Thyrsis. 
The Ash in woods, in Orchards Pines are fair,  
Poplar in streams, Sirs in high Mountains are;  
But if fair Lycida oft thou visit me,  
The lofty Ash and Pine shall bow to thee.  Melibaeus. 
These I record, and Thyrsis vanquished, thus  
From that time Corydon, Corydon for us.   

The eight Eclog.  
Pharmaceutria.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Nothing can ease the pangs of cruel love,  
Though a base object do the fancy move,  
And when they feel the power of Cupid's Dart,  
They will not stick to use the blackest Art.  Damou. Alphesibus. 

ALphesibe, and Damon's Muse we sing,  
At whose contention young steers wondering  
Forgot to feed, Lynxes their verse amaze,  
And in his course the flowing River stays.  
Alphesibe and Damon's Muse we sing.  
Whether thou pass by great Tymavus Spring,  
Or cut Illyrian waves. Shall once the day  
Appear, when I thy victories shall display?  
It shall; and I thy praise through earth rehearse,  
Fit only for a Sophoclean verse.   

These sprung from thee, in thee must end. Take lays  
Begun by thy Commands; mongst conquering bays  
Suffer this Ivy round thy brows to spread.  
Scarce nights cold shadows from the sky were fled;  
When due the herds delight, had pearled the Mead,  
On a smooth Olive, leaning, Damon said.   Damon. 

Lucifer rise, usher the joyful day,  
Whilst I complain, me Nisa doth betray  
With feigned love, and yet at my last hour,  
The Gods (who knew I gained not) I implore,  
And now my Pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Menalus never wanted murmuring Groves,  
And whispering pines, it always heard the loves  
Of passionate shepherds, and great Pan who still,  
Suffered not Swains to have an idle quill.  
And now my Pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Mopsus hath Nisa: Then all love may speed,  
And now winged Griphins may with horses breed;  
And timorous Deer in following times be found,  
Fearless to water with the cruel hound.  
Mopsus new torches cut, now thou art wed,  
Strew nuts, for thy sake Hesper goes to bed.  
And now my Pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Oh nobly matched, whilst thou didst all despise,  
My Pipes and Goats not pleasing in thy eyes,  
My hairy eye brows, and my unshorn beard,  
Nor thinkest that any God for mortals cared.  
And now my Pipes begin Menalean strains.   

I, thee a little one, with thy mother found  
Once gathering mellow apples in our ground;  
I was your guide, at twelve years from my birth,  
And then could slender boughs reach from the earth,  
Soon as I saw, as soon I perished,  
Alas, how great an error me misled!  
And now my Pipe begin Menalean strains.   

Now Love I know, Ismarus him hath fed,  
Or Rodophe, or farthest Africa bred,  
Mongst wild forsaken Rocks, those places could  
Produce no offspring of our stock, or blood.  
And now my pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Dire Love a mother taught, her hand t' imbrue  
In her son's blood, thou a stern mother too;  
Has she more rage, or the boy less desert?  
He's stubborn, and thou cruel mother art.  
And now my pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Let wolfs now naturally avoid our flocks,  
And golden Apples grow on stubborn Okes;  
From the base Eldar sprout the daffodil,  
And Amber from low Tamarisk distil;  
Owls strive with Swans, let Tityrus Orpheus be,  
Orpheus in woods, Arion on the sea:  
And now my pipes begin Menalean strains.   

Let all parts now be sea, farewell you woods,  
From airy hills, I'll leap into the floods,  
T'accept a dying man's last present deign.  
Leave pipes, leave off now, the Menalcan strain.   

Thus Damon: what Alphesibe answered, you  
Muses relate! all cannot all things do.  
Bring water, with fost wreaths the Altars dress,  
Rich Gums, and juicy vervain sacrifice,  
That I my love with Magic may disarm  
Of his disdain; there only wants a Charm.  
My Verse bring from the Town, bring Daphnis home.   

Charms can command the Moon down from the sky;  
Circe's Charms changed Ulysses company:  
A frozen Snake being charm d, burst in the meads.  
I walk around with these three several threads,  
'Bout th' Altars thrice I shall thy Image bear;  
Odd numbers to the God delightful are.  
Bring from the Town my verse, bring Daphnis home.   

Knots Amaryllis tie, of colours three,  
Then say these chains I knit, for Venus be.  
Bring from the Town my verse, bring Daphnis home.   

As with one fire this clay doth harder prove,  
This wax more soft. So Daphnis with our love,  
Break Cakes, fire Laurel with a sacred blaze,  
Daphnis burns me, for him I'll burn this bays.  
Bring from the Town my verse, bring Daphnis home.   

So Daphnis as a wearied Heifer loves,  
Seeking a steer in woods, and shady Groves,  
She near a stream laid on green siege doth mourn,  
And when night calls, regards not to return.  
So Daphnis loves, and I his cure not mind:  
He once a pledge his garments left behind.  
Which now in th'entrance, Earth, I give to thee,  
This pledge for Daphnis is engaged to me.  
Bring from the town my verse, bring Daphnis home.   

Moeris for me these herbs in Pontus chose,  
And curious drugs, for there great plenty grows.  
I many times with these have Maeris spied,  
Changed to a wolf, and in the woods to hid.  
Bring from the town, my verse, bring Daphnis home.   

Bear th'ashes Amaryllis forth, and them  
Cast o'er thy head, into a running stream,  
Nor look back. These for Daphnis I prepared,  
For he doth neither Gods, nor Charms regard.  
Bring from the town, my verse, my Daphnis home.   

See th' ashes, of themselves on th' Altars blaze,  
Whilst I to bear them out did make delays.  
I know not what it means; oh may it thrive;  
And Hylax barks at door! Do we believe,  
Or those who love, dreams to themselves still feign?  
Now Charms forbear, Daphnis comes home again.    

The ninth Eclog.  
THE ARGUMENT  
Best Princes Peace affect, and more delight  
Their Subjects to preserve, than their own right;  
But those who follow War no power can awe,  
Swords make oppression just, and madness Law.  Lycidas. Moeris. Lycidas. 
MOEris, where go'st? to Town the common way?  Moeris. 
We Lycidas live to hear a stranger say  
(Which we ne'er thought) who now the fields doth own,  
These Lands are mine; you rustic Swains be gone.  
Vanquished and sad, since chance sways all things, we  
Send him these Kids; may they unlucky be.  Lycidas. 
Truly I heard, where th' hill gins to bend,  
And with a gentle stooping to descend,  
Towards the brook, where the old torn Beech doth stand,  
Menalcas by his song had all regained.  Moeris. 
Thou heardst, and so 'twas famed; but our verse proves  
'Gainst martial arms, as the Chaonian Doves  
When the Eagle comes; If from the holl●● tree,  
The ominous Crow had not premonished me,  
To cut off new debates, nor more to strive,  
I, nor Menalcas had not been alive.  Lycidas. 
Alas! can any man so impious be?  
Menalcas, all our Joys are lost with thee.  
Who shall the Nymphs record? who with sweet flowers,  
Strew earth, and Springs surround with shady bowers?  
Or who such verse I had from thee shall write,  
When thou courtdst, Amaryllis our delight?  
Tityrus, till I come, nor long I'll stay,  
Feed thou my Goats, and having fed convey  
To watering, and whilst they driving are,  
Look how you meet the Goat, he'll strike, beware.  Moeris. 
He sung to Varus this unpolished strain,  
Varus thy name (if Mantua ours remain,  
Mantua, (to sad Cremona, ah too nigh.)  
Harmonious Swans shall carry to the sky.  Lycidas. 
So from the Cyrnean yewes thy bees retreat,  
So Cythisus extends the Cow's full teat:  
Begin if thou hast aught; the muses me  
A Poet made, and I can versify;  
And me a Poet too the Shepherds deem,  
But I want confidence to credit them.  
I've nought worth Varus yet, or Cinna's choice,  
But like a goose mongst Swans I make a noise.  Moeris. 
And so do I, and to myself rehearse,  
(Can I remember) no unworthy verse.  
Come hither Galate, what sport is there  
Amongst the streams? the purple spring is here:  
The Earth adorns the banks with every flower,  
And silver Poplar hides this pleasant bower,  
And tender vine-twigs wove into a shade.  
Come hither, let wild floods the shores invade.  Lycidas. 
What was't I heard thee sing, the last fair night?  
I have the tune, could I the words recite.  Moeris. 
O Daphnis why observest thou ancient signs,  
Dionean Coesars' star, behold, now shines:  
The star, which fields with fruit, and gladness fills,  
And colours vines upon the sunny hills.  
Daphnis set pears, thy race shall fruit enjoy,  
Age all things wastes: the mind too; I a boy  
With song have often tired the summer's sun,  
Now all those strains are lost, and my voice gone;  
A wolf saw Moeris first. Menalcas yet  
At large to thee shall all those lines repeat.  Moeris. 
Thou by delays our long dost increase,  
Through every field is spread a silent peace;  
The air is still, the middle path is here;  
And see now Bianors tomb gins t appear.  
Here where the Shepherds have their bavins tied,  
Moeris let's sing, and lay thy Kids aside:  
Timely we'll reach the town, and if we fear  
The night should gather rain, ere we come there,  
Singing lets go, the way shall better please:  
That I may sing, thee of thy load I'll ' ease.  Lycidas. 
Shepherd, no more, let's do what next remains,  
When our chief comes we'll fancy better strains.   

The tenth Eclog.  
Gallus.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Both wise and valiant men oft feel the flames  
Of cruel love, and follow Wanton dames;  
Yet scornful Ladies still this curse pursues,  
To slight the better, and the worse to choose.  

THis my last work, O Arethusa speed.  
For Gallus, which Lycoris self might read,  
Strains must be sung: who Gallus will deny?  
So gliding under floods of Sicily,  
May not with thee, salt Doris mix her stream.  
Begin, let Gallus sad love be our theme,  
Whilst flat no'sd Goats shall crop the tender buds;  
To deaf we sing not, answered by the woods.  
In what woods were you Naiads, what Grove,  
When Gallus perished, by unworthy love?  
Parnassus' tops, Pindus have not delayed,  
Nor for you Aganippe's fountain stayed.  
Laurels for him, and tamarisk tears did pay,  
And Menalus whilst by a Rock he lay,  
With cold Lycaus Cliffs did him lament.  
That sheep stand round us we do not repent;  
Nor divine Poet dost thou flocks contemn:  
The fair Adonis fed sheep near the stream.  
The shepherds come, and the dull herdsmen haste,  
And fat Menalcas flies from winter mast.  
All ask whence sprung this love; Apollo came,  
And said, what madness Gallus doth inflame?  
Thy dear Lycoris wanders through the snows,  
And through rough ways after another goes.  
Sylvanus comes adorned with rural boughs,  
Lilies, and fennel dangling on his brows.  
Pan comes, Arcadia's God, whom we have spied,  
With Synople, and blushing berries died;  
Betwixt extremes is there no mean? he says,  
Love hath regard to no such things as these.  
Not love with tears, nor grass with streams, nor bees  
With thyme are satisfied, nor Goats with trees.  
Pensive he said, O you Arcadians chant  
About our hills, for you no cunning want.  
Oh! than my ashes shall find peaceful rest,  
When by your quill my passions are expressed.  
I would with you a shepherd's life were mine,  
To follow sheep, or prune the swelling vine:  
Then Phyllis, or Amyntas were mine own,  
Or some love (though I grant, Amyntas brown,  
Dark are the violets, so the bilberrie)  
Would mongst soft vines and sallowes rest with me.  
Phyllis should wreathe me flowers, Amyn●as sing.  
Lycoris, here are meads, here the cool spring,  
Thou far from home. (I wish it were not so)  
Seest without me, cold Rhine, and Alpine snow:  
May thee no bleak winds, nor rough tempests meet,  
Ah may not sharp ice wound thy tender feet.  
I'll go and play in a Chalcidick strain,  
My notes on reeds, of a Sicilian Swain.  
Rather in Deserts I resolve to live,  
And in the dens of savage beasts to grieve;  
There on the tender barks to carve my love,  
And as they grow so shall my hopes improve.  
Mean while commixed with the Nymphs, I'll view  
Menalus, or the cruel boar pursue:  
Nor shall I be with hardest frosts withstood,  
To set with dogs, round the Parthenian wood.  
Through murmuring Groves, and rocks me thinks I go,  
Pleased to shoot arrows, from a Parthian bow.  
As if this were a medicine for our love,  
Or by man's sufferings, Cupid milder prove,  
Verses displease now, Muses in disgrace,  
And now again, you shady Groves give place.  
Nor can our troubles work him to a change,  
Should we drink Hebrus, in midwinter range  
Amongst huge frosts, and Scythian snow; should we,  
When on high elms the parched vines dying be.  
The southern flocks, under hot Cancer move,  
Love conquers all, let us give place to love.  
Let this suffice your Poet to have said,  
Whilst he a basket of fine bulrush made:  
Muses, you shall great things for Gallus do,  
Whose love to me as much doth hourly grow,  
As the green Alder shooteth in the spring.  
Let us arise; shades oft hurt those who sing;  
Juniper shades are to our fruit a foe,  
The Evening comes, go home, my fed Kids, go.     


THE FIRST BOOK OF Virgil's GEORGICS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
What times are best to sow, what natures are  
Of differing grounds; what industry and care.  
What hurts the corn, the Ploughman's several Rules:  
Who musters up innumerable tools.  
Who first the world with th' art of tillage blest.  
Summer and winter Swains must take no rest.  
Plowmen must learn the stars; which frost and snow,  
Fair and fowl weather, rain and winds foreshow,  
Clashing of Nobles, tumults, and of late  
Popular fury, and great Caesar's fate.  

WHat makes rich grounds (Maecenas:) in what signs  
'Tis best to blow, and marry elms with vines:  
What care of sheep; with  what agrees:  
And how much skill belongs to frugal bees;  
Now I shall sing. You glorious Lights, who bear  
In your swift motion round the sliding year:  
Bacchus, blest Ceres, if from you we gain  
For poor Chaonian acorns, golden grain;  
And wine t' enrich our watery cups: and you  
Fauns, who to Swains your bounty still allow:  
Together Fauns, and virgin Dryades come;  
Your gifts I sing: and Neptune, thou to whom  
Earth trident-struck, brought forth a generous steed:  
And woods protector, thou, whose snowy breed  
Three hundred graze on Caeas fertile grounds,  
Pan, the flocks guardian, leaving native bounds  
And Lycian groves, if Maenalus thou prise,  
With Pallas come, who th' Olive did devise:  
And thou Inventor of the crooked Blow  
Silvanus, bearing a soft Cypress bough.  
All Gods our fields protect; and those who feed  
The tender grain, still cherishing our seed,  
And who from skies on corn, send plenteous rain;  
Thou Caesar, whom what seat shall entertain  
In Heaven's unknown: whether thou take the care  
Of Realms, and Cities, or the world declare  
Thee Lord of fruit, to whom the seasons bow,  
And with thy mother's myrtle wreathe thy brow;  
Or rule vast waves, alone thy Deity  
Seamen adore, and farthest Thule obey:  
Or Thetys' with the Ocean purchased thee:  
Or to slow months a new sign added be,  
Whom Libra, and Erigone may embrace,  
Whilst burning Scorpio shrinks to give thee place:  
And doth his ampler part in heaven forsake.  
What ere thou'lt be (let not the Stygian Lake  
Accept thee Lord, nor have thou such desire:  
Although the Greeks Elysium fields admire,  
Nor for her mother car d, sought Proserpina.)  
Grant a free course, and aid my bold design;  
Pity the Ignorance of Swains, with me,  
And to b● invoked with prayers accustomed be.   

When the warm spring dissolves the mountains snows,  
And the fat soil with West-winds softer grows,  
Then let my steers at plough to groan begin,  
And by the furrow my worn Coulter shine.  
The greedy Husbandman likes best that mould,  
Hath felt two summers, and two winters cold.  
That man's great harvest doth his Garners burst.  
But ere thou break the unknown fallow, first  
Observe the winds, and mark heavens various face,  
Old custom, and the nature of the place:  
What every soil will bear, and what refuse:  
This corn, that vines, more kindly doth produce;  
Here, plants best thrive, and there rank herbage grows,  
Seest not how Safron Tmolus still bestows?  
India sends Ivory, sweet Sabea Gums:  
From the naked Chalybs, steel; from Pontus comes  
The Beaver stone, from Epire Mares for race;  
For nature hath imposed on every place  
Eternal Laws, since first Deucalion hurled  
Stones to repair the populated world;  
Whence men a hard race, sprung. Therefore go on,  
And thy rich soil with the first warming sun  
Let thy strong Oxen turn, when Phoebus makes  
Long days, and humid clods with ardour bakes.  
If poor thy soil, before Arcturus rise,  
To break a shallow furrow will suffice.  
Here lest the corn should harm from weeds receive,  
There, lest small moisture barren acres leave.  
And let thy furrow lie each year untilled,  
And to grow hard with rest thy worn-out field:  
Or where in season thou didst barely sow,  
And pleasant pulse, with dangling cod didst mow,  
Where brittle stalks of woeful Lupins stood,  
Or slender Veches like a whispering wood.  
The field, flax, oats, and sleepy Poppy, burns,  
But easy is the labour made by turns.  
Nor a dry soil with rich marvel spare to feed,  
And uncleansed ashes on poor grounds to spread.  
So with changed seed, Swains rest give to the fields,  
And Land left fallow no less profit yields;  
From burning sterile plains oft plenty comes,  
And brittle stubble crackling fire consumes.  
Whether from this new force, and nourishment  
The Earth receives; or else all venom spent  
By fire: and forth superfluous moisture sweat:  
Or many dark hide breathe laxed by heat,  
By which, fresh sap the springing corn sustains,  
Or more condensed it binds the gaping veins.  
Lest soaking showers, or Sols more potent beam,  
Or Boreas piercing cold should whither them;  
And much he helps his field, who barren mould  
Breaks, harrows then; nor Ceres doth behold  
That Husbandman from the high heaven in vain,  
And who the gleab athwhart runs over again,  
Turning his plough, and crossing breaks the soil,  
Making the field obedient with his toil.  
Swains pray for winter's fair, and summers wet;  
Winter dust, joys the earth, and glads the wheat:  
Not Maesia then shall harvests boast like these,  
Nor Phrygian hills admire their own increase.  
What shall I say of those have sowed their land?  
Then strait goes on, casts heaps of barren sand,  
And streams to's corn in flowing rivers turns:  
And when scorched fields with dying herbage burns,  
From rising ground conducts a crystal lake;  
Which mongst smooth rocks doth gentle murmurs make,  
And bubbling forth refresh the parched field.  
Or those lest too large ears the stalk should yield,  
The rank corn, and soft stem eat down again,  
When first it hides the earth; and those who drain,  
With thirsty sand the plashes in their ground,  
Most when in doubtful months the floods abound,  
Whence slimy mud hath covered all the vale,  
Making the ditches a hot steam exhale.  
But yet (for all men's toil and oxens pains,  
Skilful in tillage) the Strymonian Cranes,  
Geese, and shade harm, or bitter Succory.  
Nor was Jove pleased tillage should easy be:  
And first commands with art to plough the soil,  
On mortal hearts imposing care, and toil;  
Nor lets dull sloth benumb men where he reigns.  
Before Jove's time, no ploughman tilled the plains,  
None marked out limits, or a mere set forth;  
But all in common: then the liberal earth  
Without compulsion brought each kind of grain,  
He first black Serpents armed with deadly bane,  
Commands stern Wolves to prey, the Sea to swell,  
From leaves shakes honey, and did fire conceal:  
To wine than rivers gave a stricter bound,  
That several arts by labour might be found,  
And men in furrows seek the grain that fell,  
And hidden fire from veins of flint compel.  
Then Alder-boats first swom, than Mariners  
Gave names, and told the number of the stars:  
The Kids, the Pleyades, and the Northern Bear.  
Then birds they catch with Lime, and beasts in snare,  
And with their dogs, the mighty woods beset.  
This strikes broad rivers with his casting net;  
At sea his humid lines another draws:  
Then force of ir'n, and blades of grating saws;  
(For first they wedges to soft wood did use)  
Then came strange arts, fierce labour all subdues.  
Enforced by bold Necessity, and Want,  
First, Ceres mortals taught the earth to plant:  
When mast, and acorns sacred groves suppli d,  
And Dodon's forest nourishment denied.  
Then was more sweat for corn; lest mildews spoil  
The grain, and thistles overrun the soil:  
The crop than fails, destructive weeds appear,  
Briers and burrs suppress the golden ear:  
Then hapless Darnell, and wilde-oats command,  
Unless with rakes thou daily break thy land:  
Fright birds with noise, and cut the shady bows  
Of thy dark ground, and call for rain with vows.  
Thou shalt in vain see others store increase,  
When shaken oaks thy hunger must appease.   

The hardy Ploughman's tools we next must know;  
Which wanting, we can neither reap nor sow.  
A heavy plough of crooked oak; a share;  
And with flow wheels th' Elusine mother's car;  
Sledges and flails, rakes, ponderous enough,  
Fine osier baskets, country householdstuff,  
Hurdles, and last, Jaccus mystic Van;  
All which, if th' art a careful husbandman,  
Remember to provide, if the diune  
Glory of tillage, thou intendest thine.  
Soon in the woods with mighty labour bow  
An Elm, and form it to a crooked Blow.  
To this a Tceme beneath of eight foot cut;  
To th'double back two ears, and Dentals put:  
Of lofty Beech your Plowtaile: but the yoke,  
Let that be from the gentle Tile tree took,  
Which from behind should the deep turn guide,  
And oak with hanging in the chimney tried.   

Here many ancient rules I could declare,  
Unless thou shun'st, and scornest so mean a care.  
With a great rowler first, thy Barn flore lay,  
Smoothed with the hand, confirmed with binding clay,  
Lest grass spring up, or it should dusty grow,  
Then many mischiefs chance; for oft below  
The little Mouse her store hath and abode:  
And the blind Mole her bed; in holes the toad  
Is found; much vermin from the earth are borne,  
The Weasel plunders the great heap of corn,  
And the Ant fearing age and want to come.  
Observe when first the nut gins to bloom,  
Gracing the woods, bending the fragrant tree:  
If they exceed, such thy increase shall be,  
And with great heat a mighty harvest found;  
But if with swelling leaves the shades abound,  
Then thou shalt thrash a chassie stalk in vain,  
I have seen many to anoint their grain  
With nitre first, than lees of oyse to spread,  
That husks deceitful should have larger seed:  
Then with soft fire they swell the hastened grain,  
Seed long picked I have seen, and could with pain,  
And yet degenerate; unless yearly we  
The largest choose. All things by destiny  
So hasten to grow worse and backward goes,  
As one against the stream his Vessel rows,  
Who if by chance his arm a little slack,  
The Boat in the swift channel hurries back;  
They observations from the stars should make,  
Mark rising Kids, and note the glittering Snake,  
As those who homewards through rough Pontus' trade,  
And straits of narrow Hellespont assayed.  
When Libra in just balances shall weigh  
Darkness with Light, and shadows with the day,  
Then exercise your steers, and barely sow,  
Till too extreme the cruel winter grow.  
Flax, Poppy then, cover with earth and plough  
Whilst the Clouds hang, and thirsty grounds allow.  
Beans sow in spring; then clavae grass rich earth takes,  
And Millet then your annual care awakes;  
When Taurus golden horns open the year,  
And Syrius leaves to other stars the Sphere.  
But if for wheat and stronger corn thy ground  
Thou exercise, and but a crop propound;  
First, let the Eastern Pleyades go down,  
And the bright star of Ariadne's Crown:  
Commit dew-seed to furrows then, and here  
Trust earth with hope of the ensuing year.  
Wouldst thou thy ground should fetch, and Fessels bear,  
Nor shalt despise Egyptian Lentils care;  
Boötes fall no obscure sign will show;  
Begin, and sowing to midwinter sow.  
Wherefore the golden Sun in equal lines  
The great orb governs, through the world's twelve signs.  
Five Zones the heavens enfold, one still is beat  
With scorching beams, torrid with mighty heat:  
On either hand th' extremes extend their tract,  
Bound still with cruel ice, with tempests black:  
Between the midst, and these, two more there are,  
Which seats the Gods for mortals did prepare:  
Through both of these a passage doth divide,  
Through which the signs in obliqne order glide.  
As to Ryphaean hills the world ascends,  
So to the South of Lybia down it bends:  
To us the Pole is elevated still,  
But Ghosts see them beneath, and dismal hell:  
Here in huge bend glides the winding Snake,  
And like a river doth Meanders make:  
Through both the Bear's incireling them about,  
Who to be dipped in th'ocean's billows, doubt.  
Here, (as they say) either is lasting night,  
And gloomy shade for ever hindering light:  
Or else from us to them Aurora speeds  
Ushering the day: and when with panting steeds  
The Orient breaths on us; there purple night  
Ascending adds, late Tapers to the light.  
Hence from no doubtful signs we Seasons know,  
What time is best to Reap, and when to Sow,  
And when the faithless Sea we may again  
Row with tough Oars, when venture to the Main  
An armed Fleet, or fell the lofty Pines.  
Nor vain we mark, setting, and rising signs,  
Which in four Seasons th'equal year divide.  
But if cold showers force Swains within to bide,  
Much work asks haste, which 'gainst the weather's fair  
Is to be done: to whet the blunted share,  
And of a tree to make a hollow bark,  
To measure Corn, or else their Sheep to mark;  
These sharpen Forks and Stakes, the tender Vine  
Others enfold with bonds of Amarine:  
And some with Rubean twigs, neat baskets bind,  
Now dry their corn at fire, and then they grind.   

Some works on Holidays are to be done:  
To draw out water, no Religion  
Nor Law forbids us; nor to hedge our Corn,  
And Snares to lay for Birds, to burn the Thorn,  
To wash the bleating Flocks in curing Floods.  
The driver of the slow Ass, often loads  
His back with Oil, or Fruit, returning fetch  
From Town a Handmill, or black mass of Pitch.   

The Moon grants several days should be employed  
Luckie for several works: the fift, avoid:  
Hell, and the Furies than were borne; and Earth  
Gave mighty Typhon, and the Giant's birth  
Which covenanting Brethren thrice assay  
To pull down Heaven, Pelion on Ossa lay;  
On Ossa green Olympus to have thrown;  
Thrice Jove with thunder cast those mountains down.   

The seventeenth day is best to plant the Vine,  
Oxen to break, threads to the Web to join:  
The ninth is best for flight, and Bad for thiefs.  
Cold night to many works perfection gives;  
Or at Sun rise, when fall the early dews:  
Night, to mow Stubble, or dry Meadows, choose:  
For suppling moisture wants not in the night.  
Some by late fires will watch, and Winter light,  
Sharpening a stake, mean while his task, though long  
His dear wife shortens with a pleasing Song;  
Running her sounding Shuttle through her Frame.  
Or she decots sweet Must with gentle flame;  
And scums with leaves froth from the boiling Pot.  
But blushing Ceres' best at noon is cut;  
Amidst the heat, the dry corn thrashes best;  
Blow and sow, naked, Winter is for rest:  
Then Husbandmen enjoy what they did gain,  
And with glad seasts each other entertain:  
The Genial time invites, and frees from care.  
As wealthy ships, when mor'd within the Bar,  
The Sailors on the Sterns fresh Garlands set.  
But you may Mast, and Laurel berries get.  
With Oil and bleeding Myrtle then, and snare  
Cranes by the feet, and nets for Bucks prepare,  
Cours timorous Hares, shoot fallow Dear, or swing  
With hempen whip, the Balearian sling,  
When Snow lies deep, when Ice the river bars.   

What shall I say of the Autumnal Stars,  
When lesser heat gives day a swifter wing;  
Which must be watched; so must the floury Spring.  
Oft I have seen, when corn from golden lands  
Ready to house, just when the strawie bands  
Should bind the sheaves; in war the winds contend,  
And from the root the yellow harvest rend,  
The tempest with so black a whirlwind flew,  
And the light straw, and flying stubble blue.  
Oft from the sky a mighty deluge powers,  
And black storms muster with condensed showers,  
Clouds from sea gather, the arched skies resound,  
And Oxens labour the rich corn is drown d.  
Then dikes are filled, and swelling waters raise  
Loud murmurs, and, seas roar in stormy bays.  
Then in the hideous night, Jupiter takes  
In's hand bright lightning, which discharging, shakes  
The mighty earth; beasts fly, and mortal hearts  
Base fear dejects. He, with his blazing darts  
Down Athes, Rhodope, or Ceraunia throws:  
South winds arise, blacker the tempest grows;  
Now woods complain with wind, and now the shore.  
This fearing know heaven stars, and signs, before:  
Where Melancholy Saturn doth retire,  
And through what Orb wanders Cylenian fire.  
But first the gods adore; to Ceres yield  
Rites yearly, working in the gladsome field,  
When the soft Spring rough Winter shall succeed  
Then wine grows mellow and Lambs begin to feed,  
Then sleep is pleasant, shades spread mountains over.  
Let all the jocund Swains Ceres adore,  
Nor one presume sickles to thrust in corn,  
Till Oaken wreathes, for her, his brows adorn,  
Dance Country Measures, and like Verses sing.   

What most sure signs may to our knowledge bring  
Drowth, rain, and wind, which ushers in the cold,  
Jove hath decreed; what new Moons should unfold.  
When South winds rest, what Swains so oft perceive  
When nearer to their stalls their herds they leave.  
Then strait with rising gusts the Ocean swells,  
And a loud Fragor heard in lofty hills:  
Or afar off shores sound with raging seas,  
And mighty murmurs in the woods increase.  
From tallest ships than bellows scarce refrain,  
When Cormorants with clamour from the main  
Fly to the shore, and when the Sea-foul sports  
On the dry Strand, and from the Fen resorts;  
And mounting 'bove the lofty clouds the Herne.   

Oft before winds thou shalt the stars discern,  
Shoot swiftly through the sky, and in the night  
To leave behind a train of blazing light,  
And often chaff to fly, and falling leaves  
With floating feathers, sport on bounding waves.  
But when it thunders from the cruel North,  
And when the East and Western winds draw forth:  
All dikes are filled, the Sailor at th'Alarms  
Strikes his wet sail, no storm the wise man harms?  
From which the soaring Crane to Valleys flies;  
Or else the Cow viewing the open skies,  
At her wide nostrils the perception takes.  
Or chattering Swallows fly about the Lakes;  
Or in the mud Frogs sing their old complaint.  
Oft through strait paths to secret roofs the Ant  
Conveys her Eggs; deep drinks the mighty bow:  
And from their food in a great flight, the Crow  
Makes his retreat, and sounds his fanning wings.  
Various Sea-foul, with those haunt pleasant Springs,  
And Asian Meadows of Cayster use,  
Busy, their shoulders bathe, with sprinkling dews.  
Now under water thou mayst see them dive,  
And in their sportful washing vainly strive;  
The wicked Crow, aloud then rain demands,  
And all alone stalks proudly on dry sands.  
Nor at Nocturnal wheels the Maidens be  
Of storms nnskilfull when they shining see  
The oil to sparkle in the shining Lamp,  
And the hard snuff to make the light grow damp.  
Nor less may'st thou from storms fair weather learn,  
And long before by surest signs discern:  
For than no star an obtuse beam displays,  
Nor is the Moon estranged from Phoebus' rays,  
Nor fine wool fleeces driven through the sky;  
Nor to warm Sun's ashore with spread wings lie  
Halcyon's belov'd of Thetis: nor lose straw,  
Fowl Swine remember in their mouths to draw.  
But Clouds sink lower, and to Vales retreat:  
And from high roofs observing Phoebus set,  
The Owl in vain, late notes doth exercise.  
Nisus appears, high in the Crystal skies,  
And Scylla punisheth for the purple hair.  
Where ere she flying cuts the yielding air,  
Nisus behold! her stern foe through the skies,  
Sounding, pursues: where through the Heaven he flies,  
On swift wings shuning through the Clouds she bends,  
Then oft the Crow her watery throat extends.  
Redoubling notes oft in their towrie nest:  
(With what unwonted joy I have not guest)  
Sport 'mongst the leaves, the storm past, glad to see  
Their ancient buildings, and fair Progeny.  
Nor think I Heaven on them such Knowledge states,  
Nor that their Prudence is above the Fates.  
But when a tempest, and the fleeting rack  
Hath changed their course, and the moist air grows black  
With Southern winds, which thicken in the skies  
Thin vapours, and the grosser, rarefies;  
Their thoughts are change d, the motions of their mind  
Inconstant are, like Clouds before the wind:  
Hence 'tis that birds chant forth melodious notes,  
The beasts are glad, and Crows stretch joyful throats.  
If the swift Sun whose horses never swerve,  
And Moons in order following thou observe:  
Th'ensuing day shall never thee deceive,  
Nor nights fair promises of hope bereave.  
When first the Moon renewing flame adorns;  
If a gross air, obscure her blunted horns,  
Great showers, for sea, and Husbandmen prepare:  
But if her face a Virgin blush declare,  
It shall be winde 'gainst wind she blusheth still.  
If the fourth day her Orb with silver fill,  
(For that by long experience hath been tried)  
Nor with blunt horns through Crystal Heaven shall glide:  
That day, and all that follow, you shall find  
To the month's end, free, both from rain and wind.  
To Milecert, Glaucus, Panapaea now  
Sailors preserved, from danger, pay their vow.  
Also true signs the Sun at rising shows,  
And when he doth in Thetis lap repose,  
For the most certain on the Sun attend:  
Both in the morn, and when the stars ascend.  
When rising he with many spots grows pale.  
Drowned in a Cloud, and half his Orb doth veil:  
Then storms expect, than Southwinds rise from sea,  
To trees, and corn, and Cattles, enemy.  
Or when amongst thick Clouds before the day  
Many refracted beams themselves dlsplay;  
Or when forsaking Tython's saffron bed,  
Much paleness hath Aurora's cheek o'erspread.  
Ah! then but ill, the vines defend their grapes,  
Such horrid hail on house tops rattling leaps.  
This to remember it will profit thee:  
When he high Heaven forsakes, (for oft we see  
Strange colours wand'ring in his visage, joined)  
The dusky threatens rain, the fiery wind.  
But if the spots red slashes shall unfold,  
All vexed with rain, and wind thou shalt behold.  
That night shall none persuade me to the sea,  
Nor yet advise, that I my anchor weigh.  
But when he gives, or takes the day again,  
His Orb be clear, thou fearest a shower in vain.  
Then thou mayst see soft gales to move the woods;  
What Vesper next, (whence winds drive empty clouds)  
What Austere plots, the Sun doth signify,  
And who so bold to give the Sun the lie.  
Clandestine tumults, he doth oft foreshow,  
And open war, from secret plots to grow:  
He pitying Rome at Caesar's funerals spread  
A mourning veil, o'er his illustrious head.  
The impious age than feared eternal night,  
Though in that time Earth and vast Amphytrite,  
Fierce Dogs, and cruel foul strange signs did yield;  
We, smoking AEtna i'th' Cyclopian field  
Oft saw to rage, and from broke tunnels came  
Huge liquid stones, and mighty globes of flame.  
Germany heard from heaven a sound of arms,  
And the Alps trembled at unused alarms:  
A mighty voice in silent groves was heard,  
And ghastly spirits, wondrous pale, appeared  
Before 'twas night: and beasts (o wondrous) spoke;  
Swift rivers stand, and yawning earth did quake:  
Brass in the Temple's sweat: sad Ivory weeps,  
High woods, Eridanus, King of rivers, sweeps;  
And on the plains with hostile billows falls,  
Bearing with him the cattles and their stalls.  
Nor then sad entrails threaten ceased to show,  
Nor through the channels putrid blood to flow;  
And then the populous Cities did resound  
With howling wolves, which walked their nightly round,  
Nor from clear skies ever more lightning came,  
Nor such dire Comets oftener seen to flame.  
Again, Phillipi, Roman Squadrons saw  
With equal arms, for dreadful battle draw.  
Twice with our blood the Gods did not disdain  
To enrich Aemus, and th' Aemathian plain.  
Time comes, by Swians, when turning up their ground  
Eaten with rust, large Javelins shall be found:  
Or boisterous rakes, from empty helms strike fire,  
And shall huge bones digged from their tombs admire.  
Great Vesta, Romulus, and our native Gods,  
Who lofty Rome preserve, and Tuscan floods.  
Ah for the Prince, at length yourselves engage,  
That he again repair this ruined Age.  
Long since enough we with our bloods did pay  
For sacrelegious perjuries of Troy.  
Caesar, long since Heavens court envi'de us thee,  
Grieved thou shouldst pleased with mortal triumphs be.  
Wrong was turned right, and war through all the world,  
So many shapes of wickedness had hurled.  
To the scorned Blow, no man doth honour yield,  
Swains pressed to arms, waste lies th' uncultured field:  
And crooked Sythes to swords transformed are.  
Euphrates here, there Germany makes war:  
The neighbouring Towns in Civil arms engage,  
And impious Mars through all the world doth rage.   

As when the Chariots starting from the bar  
Strait through the listed Champain hurried are:  
The Charioteer is borne away, in vain  
Checking their speed; who now contemn the rain.    

THE SECOND BOOK OF Virgil's GEORGICS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
How trees by nature grow, some from the root,  
Some from the seed, some of themselves do sprout,  
As many ways of Art experience grants.  
The Gardner graffs, inoculates, transplants,  
What fruitful trees in several Countries are;  
But none with happy Italy compare.  
How to discern the goodness of each ground,  
Where choicest Olives and best Vines are found,  
What safety in the harmless Country lies:  
What dangers from rebellious Cities rise.  

THus much of tillage, and the Planets sway,  
I'll thee now Bacchus, and wild plants display,  
And the slow Olives race; father, draw near,  
(All things are full of thy great bounty here)  
Thou pregnant fields deckest with Autumnal vine,  
Till foaming presses overflow with wine;  
O Father come, and lay thy buskins by  
With me in Must then stain thy naked thigh.   

Trees in their growth of different natures are,  
Some spring themselves, unforced by humane care,  
As in the fields where winding rivers flow,  
The gentle Broom, Poplar, and Sallow grow,  
And Willows with fresh branches flourishing.  
Some from their seed being set, as Chestnuts spring,  
And Jove's great Aeschylus which all groves excelled,  
And Okes which Grecians still oraculous held.  
In mighty Groves some spring from their own root,  
So Cherries, Elms, Parnassian Laurel, shoot:  
Which small in great shade of their mother rise.  
These ways first nature gave: by these all trees  
In Orchards, woods, and sacred Forests grow:  
Others there are, which use and custom show.  
Here, from the tender Parent, this man gets  
The sprouting twigs, and in a furrow sets.  
There in the earth, another covers stocks  
Of ancient trees, pales, posts, and cloven blocks;  
Some trees require their boughs be set archwise,  
And make their own soil, living nurseries.  
Some need no root, nor doth the Gardner doubt,  
That sprigs set in the ground shall timely sprout.  
And wondrous to be told, the Olive root  
From a dry stick, cut at the end will shoot.  
And oft without impairing, we may see  
The boughs of one, changed to another tree,  
And Pears from grafted Apples for to spread,  
And stony cornel, with ripe plums wax red.  
Therefore O Husbandmen, the best means try  
T'improve wild fruit, lest waste your Orchards lie.  
To plant the vine in Ismare we are glad,  
And that Taburnus verdant Olives clad.  
Help, O Mecaenass and this work review,  
My glory and my chief fame, springs from you;  
Swell thou my sail, now venturing to the main,  
Nor all things would I in my verse contain;  
Had I hundred mouths, a hundred tongues,  
A voice of steel; help me to coast along;  
The task is easy; nor I'll thee detain  
With dull descriptions, nor fables vain.   

Those trees which of themselves are fostered,  
Unfruitful be, but strong, and fair they spread:  
Because they draw their nature from the soil;  
But these, if any sow, or shall with toil  
Transplant, and then in cultured orchards set;  
Their wilder disposition they forget:  
With often pruning then not slowly will  
Answerthy labour, and obey thy skill;  
So those which spring sroom roots like profit yield,  
If you transplant them to the open field,  
These, boughs before and parent-branches shade,  
Which stops their growth, and makes the body fade.  
Plants which from seed arise of slow growth are,  
And shades for our posterity prepare;  
Apples grow wild, and lose their former taste,  
And Vines harsh clusters bear for birds to waste,  
All labour ask, and covering in rich soil;  
And must be conquered, with much art and toil.  
Th' Olive from trunks, vines prosper best from stocks,  
And Paphian Myrtle springs from solid oaks;  
Tall Ash, and Hazel, best from Sciens takes,  
And Poplar which Herculean Garlands makes:  
So Jove's Chaonian oak, and high Palms grow,  
And Fir which must the Sailor's fortune know,  
Arbuts from Nuts, the sterile Plane tree bears  
Best Apples, Chestnuts, Beech; blossoms of Pears.  
The wild Ash silvers with a snowy flower,  
And under Elms rough Swine the mast devour.   

T' inoculate, and graft, are several arts:  
For where the bud shoots from the tender parts,  
And breaks the geutle Film, just, where they bind;  
They make an orifice in the knotty rind;  
Imprisoning there, the sprig of th' other tree;  
And with moist bark they teach them to agree.  
Or else the knotless trunk they cut again,  
And with a wedge deep wound the solid grain.  
After the slip so valued, there enclose,  
Nor longs the time, when sprouts with fruitful boughs  
A mighty tree to heaven, at leaves unknown  
Admiring, and strange Apples not her own.  
Nor of one kind strong Elins, and Sallowes be,  
The Lotus, nor th' Id●an Cypress tree;  
Nor in one manner the rich Olive comes,  
Orchites, and Radies, and sour Pausian plums,  
Alcivous apples, nor such branches bear  
Wardens, Crustumians, and the Syrian pear;  
Nor the same Vintages our clusters grant,  
Which Lesbos hath, from the Methymnean plant,  
Thasians there are, and silver Mareots, these  
Fat grounds affect, and those the lighter please;  
And Pscithian grapes best dried; Legeos strong,  
Which soon will try your feet, and tie your tongue;  
Purple, and early grapes there are. What verse  
You Rhetick Vineyards shall your praise rehearse?  
But yet contend not with Falernian vine,  
There are Aminian grapes, a most sound wine;  
Tmolus to this, and King Phanaeus give,  
And less Argitis homage; none will strive  
With this to fill the Press, with cheering juice,  
Nor last so many years, and fit for use:  
Nor Rhodian gracing Feasts, and rites, shall scape,  
Nor the Bumaste, that so swelling grape;  
Their names, and kinds innumerable are,  
Nor for their catalogue we need not care,  
Which who would know, as soon may count the sands,  
The western winds, raise on the Lybian strands,  
Or when East-windes at sea more violent roar,  
Reckon Aeonian waves, which roll to shore.  
All grounds not all things bear; the Alder tree  
Grows in thick Fens, with Sallows brooks agree,  
Ash craggy Mountains, shores sweet Myrtle fills,  
And lastly Bacchus loves the sunny hills:  
The Yew best prospers in the North, and cold.  
The conquered world's remotest Swains behold,  
Where Arabs painted Gelonie are found;  
Each Land shows several plants; the Indian ground  
Bears Ebony, Sabea, Frankincense.  
What shall I say to thee sweet wood? from whence  
Balsam distils, and berries ever green  
Of bright Acanthus? How shall I begin  
Of trees in Aethiopia, white with wool?  
Where from the leaves the Natives fleeces cull:  
Or of those groves in utmost India bred,  
Near the world's border, whose aspiring head,  
No arrow could by Archers skill surmount;  
And yet good Bowmen we those men account.  
Media brings wholesome apples of harsh juice,  
'Gainst stepdames poison nothing more in use:  
When baneful herbs they mix with deadly charms,  
This helps, and vital spirits 'gainst venom arms.  
This mighty tree, Laurel resembles well,  
But that it casts abroad another smell;  
No winds offend the leaves, the flowers endure:  
With this, their tainted breaths the Medians cure,  
And it to old men's Tysicks medicine yields.  
But Median groves, nor all those plenteous fields,  
Nor India, Ganges Hermes full of gold,  
May strive with Italy, nor Bactrians bold,  
Nor great Panchaia, rich with Frankincense.  
This place no Bulls whose nostrils fire dispense  
Have tiled, to set the teeth of Dragons there,  
Nor did it crops of Spears, and Helmets bear.  
But luscious fruit, and rich wine fill the Press,  
And Olive plants, and joyful herds possess.  
Here warlike Steeds troth proudly through the fields,  
This snowy flocks, and Bulls prime offerings yields;  
Which bathed Clitumnus in thy sacred floods,  
Rome's triumphs draw, to Temples of the Gods.  
A lasting Spring, and summer all the year;  
Our flocks twice teem, our plants twice apples bear,  
This no fierce Tigers, nor stern Lions breeds,  
Nor Symplers here deceived with poisonous weeds.  
Nor scaly Dragon quarters in this soil,  
Wreathing himself to a prodigious pile.  
To these so many famous Cities add,  
works of great care, with art, cost, labour, made;  
So many seats cut from the quarries side,  
Under whose ancient walls sweet rivers glide.  
What shall I say of both those Seas which lave  
Our Coasts? or of those many Lakes we have?  
Or speak of thee great Laris, and thy waves  
Benacus, which so like the Ocean raves?  
Or Ports, or Lucrine Sluices shall I sing?  
Whose raging floods with mighty murmur ring.  
Where Julian streams thunder in troubled seas,  
And Tyrrhen waters fill th' Avernian bays.  
Here we have silver rivers, brazen Mines,  
And with much gold this happy Country shines;  
Here a bold race, the valiant Marsians are,  
Stout Sabels'. and Ligurii used to war;  
The long speared Volscii, Decii, Marii, hence,  
And the Camilli draw their old descents.  
This the bold Scipio's and thee Caesar bore;  
Who Conqueror now in utmost Asia's shore,  
Driv'st from the Roman Towers, th' unwarlick Bands  
Of India. Hail great Saturnian Lands,  
Parent of fruit, and men of noble parts:  
To undertake thy ancient fame, and Arts,  
Boldly I'll open now, the sacred Spring,  
And through Rome's seats, Ascraean verses sing,   

Now several kinds of ground we must declare,  
Their colour, strength, and what they willing bear;  
And first your harder soil, and barren hills,  
Where stone and thin clay, mixed in shrubby fields,  
Fresh Groves of living Olives, these rejoice;  
And by wild Olives of that Land make choice:  
And where sour Berries through the Country spread.  
But a rich ground, with pleasant moisture fed,  
Where store of grass, and verdant champains be,  
Such as in wanton vales we use to see;  
Where Rivers from the lofty Rock descend,  
With fruitful mud, and to the Southward bend,  
Nourishing Ferne, which so much hurts the Blow:  
Here, for thee Bacchus' strongest wine shall grow  
To swell the Press; this the rich Grape shall bear,  
Such as in Gold for offerings we prepare;  
When the swollen Tuskans on their Cornets play,  
And we on Altars smoking entrails lay.  
But if thou herds, and Steers delight to keep;  
Or Goats that burn the corn, or fleecy sheep;  
Seek pleasant Groves, and rich Tarentum's Coast,  
And plains which woeful Mantua hath lost.  
Where silver Swans near flourie Rivers plant,  
Where Crystal Springs, nor grass the  want.  
How much thy herds eat in the longest day,  
So much cold dews in the short night repay.  
Black grounds which under heavy Ploughs are rich,  
A brittle soil (for tillage makes it such)  
Is best for corn; upon no ground appears  
More Cars returning home with weary Steers;  
Or where the angry Swain cuts down a wood,  
And fruitless Groves which many years had stood,  
And by the roots, Birds ancient seats o rethrew,  
Who to the skies their nests forsaken, flew.  
But a rough Champain soon improves with toil;  
For hungry grounds, and a rough stony soil,  
Scarce bees with Cassia, and sweet dew supply.  
In whose dark hollow Rocks, foul Serpents lie:  
No Land they say with better choice is stored  
Of food for Snakes nor better nests afford.  
That Earth exhales thin Clouds, and flying mists;  
And moisture drinks, repaying when it lists;  
Which always her own verdant Livery wears,  
Nor hurts with cooming, and foul rust the shares,  
Where Elms with joyful vine are interwove,  
Where Olives grow; that soil you may approve,  
Both for your Cattles, and the heavy Blow.  
For they such plains ne'er wealthy Capua sow:  
And those which border nigh Vesuvius heights;  
And Clanius who, oft poor Acerra frights.   

I'll teach thee now moulds differing to discern;  
That what's too thick, or loser thou mayst learn.  
Since one, corn best affects, the other Vines;  
To Ceres ●●●ick, to Bacchus' thin inclines.  
First with great diligence let a place be found;  
There let a pit be made, deep in the ground;  
This done, cast in the thrown-out mould again,  
And with thy feet tread the whole surface plain.  
If there want Earth, 'tis lose; that most inclines  
Cattles to feed, and cherish prospering Vines.  
But if t' its bounds, 'twill not be brought again,  
And the pit filled, some earth shall yet remain,  
That soil is thick: plough with thy sturdy yoke,  
There the hard glebe, let that tough soil be broke.  
Land that is salt, and which we bitter find,  
Is bad for fruit, to tillage not inclined;  
All plants shall here degenerate, and the vine  
Loseth the name, and this shall be the sign.  
From smoky roofs, an Osier basket take,  
And such a strainer as for wine they make:  
There Earth with streams drawn from a Crystal Spout  
Commix; and all the water will run out,  
And in great drops shall through the strainer flow,  
But soon the taste will clear distinction show;  
And strait thou may'st with bitterness espy,  
The tasters mouth displeased, be drawn awry.  
And lastly we thus rich soil understand,  
It will not moulder kneading in your hand;  
But to your fingers it will cling like pitch.  
Moist ground hath weeds, and that which is too rich.  
Ah! Let not mine too fertile prove, nor bear  
Upon a heavy stalk a ponderous ear.  
Mould that is sad, that, silently by weight  
Itself betrays; and so we find what's light.  
Black, and all colours, strait our eyes discern.  
But cursed cold, is wondrous hard to learn.  
Yet sometimes pitchy Fir, and fatal Yew,  
Or winding Ivy will sad tokens show.  
This known with care, thy earth plough long before,  
And raise the ridges of thy Furrows more:  
And let thy turned up Gleab stern Boreas' face,  
Before thou set the vines rejoicing race.  
Brittle is best, which wind and frost endure;  
And rustic Swains with turning oft manure.  
But those men who no care, or labour fly,  
Choose places fit both for a Nursery,  
And where they may transplanted after grow:  
Lest they their mother sudden changed not know.  
Also Heavens quarters on they bark the score,  
That they may coast it, as it was before:  
Which Southern heat sustains, which viewed the Pole,  
Such strength hath custom in each tender soul.   

First know, if hills or dales best please the grape,  
Wouldst thou the plenty of rich vineyards reap.  
Sow the vale thick, then will thy press abound;  
But if it hilly be, and rising ground,  
Set thin thy ranks, nor less in every tract,  
Range ordered vines the walks drawn out exact.   

As when a mighty battle's to be fought;  
Up to the front the ordered files are brought,  
Troops hid the fields; and ready for alarms,  
All the vast Champain shines, with glittering arms;  
Before in horrid fight the battle joins,  
And doutbfull Mars, to neither part inclines.   

So let thy ranks in even number grow.  
Not that vain fancy should be fed with show;  
But else th' earth grants not equal nourishment;  
Nor can their branches have their full extent.   

Perhaps how deep to furrow thou wouldst know.  
In shallow trenches I my vines dare sow.  
But the huge Aeschylus, that mighty tree  
Must in earth's bosom deeply fixed be:  
How much to Heaven her spreading branches shoot,  
So much towards hell extend her fixed root.  
Therefore not her, showers with huge tempests mixed,  
Nor cruel winter harms, but remains fixed,  
And many years and ages she endures,  
Of short-lived man; whom her own strength secures.  
Tall branches guard her, and huge bows displayed  
Protect her round with her own mighty shade.  
Nor make thy vineyard where the Sun declines;  
Nor plant rough hazels mongst the tender vines,  
Nor pull the lofty branches, nor impair  
The sprouting bows; for great must be thy care:  
Nor rusty pruners harm, the hopeful seed,  
Nor let wild Olives in thy vineyard breed.  
Mongst careless Swains oft happens fire: which first  
Under the sappy rind is closely nursed:  
Then by degrees to the high branches flies  
And spreading sends loud fragor to the skies:  
A victor strait from bough to bough aspires;  
And the Crown seized, involveth all with fires.  
To Heaven black clouds and pitchy mists are sent,  
And dismal vapours scale the firmament.  
But more if from the North atempest rise;  
And in the groves wind makes the flame increase.  
This happens, than their stocks decatd, no more  
Sprout fresh again, nor flourish as before:  
Nor from the earth like nourishment receives:  
But cursed wild Olives grow, with bitter leaves.   

Let none how ever skilful, thee advise  
To turn hard grounds, when Northern winds arise.  
Winter binds earth with frost, nor grants the seed  
To take firm root, nor tender plants to feed.   

Then set thy vines, when the white bird appears  
In blushing spring, which the long Serpent fears:  
Or in first Autums cold, before the sun  
Hath cooled his steeds in winter, summer done.  
Spring clothes the woods with leaves, and groves attires,  
Earth swells with spring, and genital seed requires.  
In fruitful showers th' Almighty from above  
Descends i'th' lap, of his delighted love:  
And great, he with the mighty body joined,  
Both propagates, and fosters every kind.  
Harmonious birds than sing in every grove,  
And cattles taste the sweet delights of love.  
Earth blest, now teems: soft winds dissolve the Meads,  
With cheering warmth through all sweet moisture spreads.  
To the new sun, the tender herbage dare  
Open their leaves, nor vines rough Austere fear:  
Nor thundering Boreas ushering dreadful showers;  
But all things bud with blossom, leaf and flowers.   

Sure I believe, when first the world was made,  
So shone the day; and such bright conduct had.  
That was the Spring; the Spring made all things fair,  
And blustering Eurus did cold tempests spare.  
Then cattles breed: in unplowed fields began  
First to appear, that iron race of man:  
Wild beasts possessed the wood, and Heaven the stars.   

Nor tender creatures could endure such cares;  
If not those breathe were twixt heat, and cold,  
And Heaven's indulgence did the earth uphold.   

What ever plant thou in the earth dost set,  
First dung it well, and deeply cover it.  
Let shells, and limestones guard it with a pail:  
That streams may glide betwixt, and may exhale  
A gentle vapour, that may cheer the plant.   

Some stones, and potshcards use to lay upon't:  
Which a defence 'gainst rising tempests yield,  
And when hot Syrius chaps the parched field.   

Thy plants being set, next often draw the mould  
About the roots; to break the clods be bold:  
And with a thwarting Blow turn cross thy ground:  
And let thy labouring steers thy vines surround.  
Then take smooth reeds, and wands, and sticks prepare,  
With ashen poles, and stakes that pointed are.  
Supported thus, the winds they will contemn,  
And boldly climb the high Elms tallest stem.  
But whilst in tender Infancy they are,  
Sprouting new leaves, the gentle offspring spare:  
Nor when the verdant branches do arise,  
And with lose reins are posting to the skies:  
Use not thy sharper knife, but gently pull  
Th' ambitious bows, and haughty branches cull.  
But when grown strong th'embrace the blms high top,  
Then shave their locks, and dangling tresses crop:  
Before they feared the knife; more rigorous now  
Use thy commands, upon the stubborn bough.  
And from all cattles strongly them immare,  
Whilst the soft bows disturbance not endure.  
TO whom Cowes, and Goats, and Sheep more harm have done,  
Than freezing winter, and the scorching Sun:  
Cold not so much, nor white congealing frosts,  
Nor vexing beams, which beat on sandy coasts,  
As cattles harm, when with a venomed tooth  
They wound the branches, in their tender youth.   

Only for this crime we on Altars pay,  
Bacchus a Goat, and act the ancient play.  
Then from great villages Athenians haste  
And where the highways meet the prize is placed.  
They to soft meads, heightened with wine, advance:  
And joyfully mongst oiled bottles dance.  
Th' Asonian race, and those from Troy did spring,  
Dissolved with laughter rustic verses sing:  
In Vizards of rough bark conceal their face,  
And with glad numbers thee great Bacchus grace:  
Hanging soft pictures on thy lofty pine.  
Then vineyards swell, pregnant with cheering wine,  
The shady Groves, and the deep vales o'erflow,  
Where e'er the God shows his illustrious brow.  
To Bacchus then, let us due praises sing  
In ancient verse; wafers, and Javelins bring.  
A sacred Goat to th' Altars draw by th'horn;  
On hazel spits then the fat entrails turn.   

But other toils in dressing vines are found,  
And ne'er enough: three or four times thy ground  
Turn yearly, and with forks reversed, the clods  
Constantly break: and cleanse from leaves the woods.  
Labour returns in circle to the Swain,  
And years revolve in their own steps again.   

But when thy vineyard her last leaves removes,  
And cold North-winds despoil the glorious Groves;  
Then the industrious Husbandman takes care  
T'extend his labour-to th' ensuing year;  
To lop the vine which hitherto escapes,  
And with old Satur's hook, he pruning shapes.  
First dig thy ground, and shreads and refuse burn,  
And under roofs the poles, and stakes return.  
Gather your vintage last; vines twice have shade,  
And twice the corn thick briers, and weeds invade.  
Both toils are painful: a large Farm commend:  
A little, till. Thorns that to woods extend,  
And reeds, which clog the banks, to cut prepare:  
And on wild Sallow take especial care.  
The vines are bound, pruners no more they want,  
And round the empty walls the Gardeners chant.  
Yet still must labour be, and toil in dust,  
And grapes being ripe, a tempest they mistrust.   

On th'other side; Olives you may neglect,  
They need no care, nor crooked Sythes expect,  
Nor the tenacious Rake: once set, they rise  
Shooting luxurious branches to the skies.  
Those grounds supply, turned with the crooked Blow  
Moisture enough, and large increase allow.  
Th' Emblem of Peace, thus the rich Olive grows.  
So Apples when they feel extending boughs,  
And growing strength, sudden the stars invade,  
By their own virtue, scorning humane aid.   

Nor less with fruit are laden every bush.  
And wilder Forests with red berries blush,  
There shrubs are cut, and Fir in tall woods breed  
Nocturnal fires, and Torches thence proceed.  
And shall men doubt to plant and careful be?  
Why urge I these? Broome and the Sallow tree.  
Or feed the sheep, or else the shepherd shade  
Yield honey, or for corn are hedges made.   

What pleasure is t to view Cytorus, rich  
With waving Box, and groves of Marick pitch.  
How am I pleased to see those fields that are,  
Glorious undressed, nor used to humane care!  
Those barren trees high Caucasus do crown,  
Which storms oft tears, and often tumble down,  
Are of great use: There Pines for Masts are field,  
And Cypress, and tall Cedars towers to build:  
Here cover for their Cars, and spoaks for wheels,  
Husbandmen get, and ships find crooked keels.  
Sallowes have boughs, the tall Elms leavy are,  
Myrtle for Spears, and cornel fit for war,  
And Yewes are bend into Ityrian bows:  
Smooth Tile and Box the skilful Turner knows  
How to complete, and with his tools to trim,  
And down the Po in rough streams Alders swim.  
In rugged bark the bees conceal their stocks,  
And hoard in hollow wombs of ancient oaks.  
Can Bacchus' blessing like to these dispense?  
'Twas Bacchus first proud quarrels did commence.  
He in cold death did those hot Centauris tame,  
Hylaeus, Rhetus, Polus, overcame:  
As threatening Lapiths he a Goblet threw.  
Oh happy Swains if their own good they knew,  
To whom just Earth remote from cruel wars  
From her full breasts soft nourishment prepares:  
Although from high roofs through proud Arches come  
No floods of Clients early from each room;  
Nor Marble pillars seek which bright shells grace,  
Gold-woven vestments, nor Chorinthian brass;  
Nor white wool stained in the Assyrian juice,  
Nor simple oil corrupt with Cassias use:  
But rest secure, a fraudless life in peace,  
Variously rich in their large Farms at ease;  
Tempe's cool shades, dark Caves, and purling streams,  
Lowing of Cattles, under trees soft dreams,  
Nor lack they woods, and dens, where wild beasts haunt,  
Youth in toil patiented. and inur'd to want.  
Their Gods and parents sacred; Justice took,  
Through those her last steps when she Earth forsook.  
Let the sweet Muses most of me approve,  
Whose Priest I am, struck with almighty Love.  
They shall to me Heavens starry tracts make known;  
And strange Eclipses of the Sun and Moon.  
Thence Earthquakes are, why the swollen Ocean beats  
Over his banks, and then again retreats:  
Why Winter Sun's haste so to touch the main,  
And what delays the tardy night restrain.   

But if these gifts of Nature I not find,  
And a cold blood beleaguereth my mind.  
Then I'll delight in vales, ne'er pleasant floods,  
And unrenowned, haunt rivers, hills, and woods;  
Thy banks sweet Sperchius', and Taygeta, where  
The Grecian virgins stately feasts prepare.  
How shall I be to Haemus' vale convaid,  
And crown my temples with a mighty shade?  
Happy is he that hidden causes knows,  
And bold all shapes of danger dares oppose:  
Trampling beneath his feet the cruel Fates,  
Whom Death, nor swallowing Acheron amates.  
And he is blest who knows our Country Gods;  
Pan, old Sylvanus, and the Nymphs abodes:  
He fears not Sceptres, nor aspiring States,  
Nor treacherous brethren stirring up debates:  
Nor Dacians Covenant, at Ister's streams:  
Nor Rome's affairs, and nigh destroyed Realms,  
Or poor men pities, or the rich envies.  
What nourishment the bounteous field supplies,  
What trees allow, he takes: nor ever saw  
Mad Parliaments, Acts of Commons, nor sword-Law;  
Some vex the Sea, and some to war resorts,  
Attend on Kings, and wait in Princes Courts.  
This would his Country, and his God betray  
To drink in Gems, and on proud scarlet lie.  
This hides his wealth, and brood's on hidden gold,  
This loves to plead, and that to be extolled  
Through all the seats of Commons, and the sires.  
To bathe in's brother's blood this man desires.  
Some banished, must their native seats exchange,  
And Countries, under other Climates range.  
The Husbandman turns up his fruitful plains;  
Whence he, his children, and poor house sustains,  
His herds, and labouring steers: no rest is found,  
Either his trees with blushing fruit abound,  
His folds with Lambs, or else his stacks with corn:  
Or plenty loads his field, or cracks his barn.  
In winter he Sycanian Olives mills,  
And the fat swine, with mast and acorns fills.  
All sorts of fruit in plenteous Autumn falls,  
And milder vines grow ripe on sunny walls.  
Whilst 'bout his neck his pretty Children cling,  
His chaste house modest: home his heifers bring  
Extended teats: in meads his fat Kid's rest,  
And with their horns in wanton sport contest.  
He keeps the festive days on grass laid down,  
And friends about the fire the Goblets crown.  
Bacchus implored, then for his Hinds sticks fast  
A prize; at which, they nimble Javelins cast;  
Stripping their hardened limbs for rustic strife.   

Of old this was the ancient Sabins life,  
Rhemus, and Romulus, and Tuscans fierce:  
And Rome great mistress of the Universe,  
Who seven proud hills than did with walls surround,  
Before Dictaean Jupiter was crowned,  
Or Sounding Trumpers heard, or any made  
Ring on hard anviles the imposed blade.   

But we have passed now through a spacious plain,  
And now's high time our smoking steeds t'unrein.    

THE THIRD BOOK OF Virgil's GEORGICS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
How to choose Cattles, and best ways to breed.  
To train a Horse, for labour, war, or speed.  
The power of Love: whose fire consumes the Males,  
Makes Bulls to fight, and Mares court Western gales.  
Of Sheep and Goats: of milk what profit made,  
Of hair and wool, which drive a mighty trade.  
Of Dogs for hunting, or a watchful Guard,  
Serpents and Flies from Beasts must be debarred.  
With what diseases Cattles are annoyed,  
How rots and murrains have whole Realms destroyed.  

GReat Pales, and th' Amphrisian Swain renowned,  
Lycaean streams, and woods, I'll now resound.  
All things that took up idle minds are shown;  
For who hath not cruel Euristeus known?  
And bloody altars fierce Busiris reared,  
Or not of Hylas, or of Delos heard?  
Of swift Hypodame and Pelops famed  
For's ivory shoulders, who proud horses tamed:  
To raise myself a way must now be found,  
That through all Nations I may be renowned.   

First to my Country (if I live) I will  
Convey the Muses from th' Aeonian hill;  
And Idumean palms to Mantua bear:  
Then in green fields a Marble temple rear,  
Where ●●e great Mincius slowly winding glides,  
And borders with a tender reed his sides.   

Amidst the fane, shall Caesar's statue be,  
Who shall in purple me triumphing see,  
Driving a hundred Chariots to the floods,  
Leaving Alpheus, and Molorchian woods:  
All Greece shall strive with whirlbats and the race,  
And offering Olive leaves, my brows shall grace.  
How it delights to see the solemn train,  
March to the Temples and the bullocks slain!  
Or as the scene, with fronts rever'st shall shift,  
And painted Britain's purple hang lift.  
There, I'll in gold and ivory draw th' alarms  
Of India, and conquering Caesar's arms;  
And huge Nile swelling both with waves, and war.  
On brazen beams I'll naval trophies rear.  
Next conquered Asia and Niphates show,  
And Parthians flying, bold to use their bow.  
In Parian Marble, and respiring brass,  
Shall stand the statues of the Dardan race;  
And all their titles, who from high Jove came;  
Old Tros, and Phoebus, who did Ilium frame.  
Let cursed Envy at the Furies shake,  
And tremble at the dreadful Stygian Lake,  
And at Ixion's twisted Serpents groan,  
His racking wheel, and never resting stone.  
Mean while let us seek Groves, where Sylvane Gods,  
Their dwellings have, and search untracted woods,  
Your hard commands Maecenas to pursue.  
Our muse no lofty flight takes, wanting you.  
Ah quickly come, nor make delay at all,  
For now Cithaeron with loud voice doth call.  
Horse-taming Epire, and Tagetian hounds,  
And woods the clamour echoing resounds;  
Next I shall Caesar's mighty wars proclaim,  
And through as many years extend his fame:  
As hath been since bright Phoebus did adorn  
The world with light, till thou great Prince wert borne.   

Who ere Olympic games admiring steeds,  
Or for the Blow his sturdy bullocks, breeds,  
To choose well bodied females must have care;  
Of the best shape the sowr-looked heifers are,  
Her head great, thick her neck and to her thigh  
Down from her chin, her dewlaps dangling lie.  
Longsided, all parts large, whom great feet bears,  
And under crooked horns her brisly ears.  
Those best I like whom spots of white adorn,  
Or shun the yoke, oft butting with the horn,  
The whole Cow fair and visaged like the male  
Sweeping the ground with her long bushy tail.  
The fourth year past, Lucina they implore,  
And after ten taste joys of love no more.  
Their strength to blow, or procreate then fails:  
Whilst wanton youth thy herds boast, free thy males,  
Thy flocks whilst they are young to Venus bring,  
That from the old new progenies may spring.  
The best days first from mortal wretches fly,  
Disease, sad age, labour, and death supply:  
But always there are some, which rather you  
Would wish to change; then still your breed renew;  
Lest thou for lost things seek, begin before,  
And let a yearly race supply thy store.   

Nor choosing horse from the like precepts swerve,  
Those thou intend'st must their great stock preserve,  
They at the first thy special care require:  
For the fair issue of the generous sire,  
Walks proudly round about the spacious field;  
Whilst his soft thighs in supple flexures yield.  
First dares the way, and threatening rivers, take;  
And o'er an unknown bridge, at full speed make;  
Nor fears vain found'st, one hath a lofty neck,  
A hand some head, short belly, and broad back:  
Luxuriant swell on his valiant breast,  
White, sorrel, worst; Bay, or bright grey is best.  
But when from far a sound of arms he hears,  
He knows no stand, he shakes, and pricks his ears,  
And fierce to charge, fire from his nostrils flies;  
And his thick maine on his right shoulder lies.  
His backbone broad, he beats the earth, and proof  
With thundering strokes makes off his solid hoof.   

Such was swift Cylarus, whom bold Pollux tamed,  
Mars and Achilles Chariot horses, famed  
Mongst Grecian Poets; Saturn changed, had such  
A flowing a main, and at his wives approach  
Flying high Pelion, thunders with his neighs.  
But when diseases shall his body craze,  
And struck in years his sinews weaker are;  
Keep him at home, his age not sordid spare.  
Aged they coldly Venus entertain,  
And the ingrateful work prolong in vain;  
And if to join loves battle they engage,  
Like fire in straw, they vainly spend their rage.  
Therefore their years and courage chief learn,  
Next, other qualities, and breed discern.  
Beat, how they grieve, how joyful when they win.  
When through the fields they fly, hast thou not seen  
How they swift Chariots hurry to the bar?  
Twixt hope and fear men's hearts distracted are;  
They ply the whip, and bending give the reine,  
The burning axe flies thundering through the plain;  
Now low they are, now up they seem to rise,  
And easy air dividing, scale the skies:  
Nor the lest breathing use, nor make delays,  
But a dark cloud of dusky sand they raise,  
With faom, and followers breath bedewed they are,  
So love they praise, of conquest so much care.   

First Erycthonius Chariot-horses joined,  
And on swift wheels triumphing dared the wind.  
Lapithes first the art of riding found,  
And horsemen taught t' insult over trampled ground,  
Armed cap-a-pe, and thick proud steps to use,  
Both task's alike; and skilful riders choose  
One young as well as swift, and fierce for fight.  
Though he hath often put the foe to flight;  
And Epire, or Mycenae his Country call,  
Or boast from Neptune his original.  
This being known, take thou especial care,  
To feed them high when they must serve the Marc,  
Whom for the Stud a Lord they have decreed,  
They give sweet grass, clear streams, and strongest bread,  
Lest strength they want, loves task to undergo,  
And their Si●es f●iling a poor offspring show.   

But carefully they make the female lean;  
And when known lust provokes to Venus, than  
They keep from food, and drive them from the streams,  
And often chase and tyre in Phoebus' beams,  
When with thrashed corn the beaten barneflore's groan;  
And the light chaff by Western winds is blown.  
These Arts they use, lest that the field of love,  
By too much wanton rankness barren prove,  
And oily fatness make the furrows thin,  
But greedy take the seed, and keep it in.   

The Sires care past, now is the Dams begun,  
When near their time, with rekconed monchts they 'ave gone,  
To draw a laden carr let no man force,  
Or to leap ditches, or in speedy course  
Run through the meads, or in swift floods to swim,  
But feed in large groves, near some pleasant stream,  
Where banks with moss, and verdant grass arrayed,  
Sheltered with caves, and with a rocky shade.   

A Fly about the Groves of Silarus haunts,  
And high Alburnus, green with stately plants,  
Asylus called by Romans, but the same  
The Greeks style Aestron by an ancient name;  
Loud-sounding, fierce, from which affrighted, fly  
The herds, and with loud bellowing shake the sky,  
And Groves, and thirsty Tangerus banks. Heaven's queen  
This Monster sent to wreak her deadly spleen  
On Io then transformed into a Cow.  
This (for 'tis worst when hotter it doth grow)  
Beat from thy herds, and feed the pregnant Mares,  
When Phoebus drives, or night brings on the stars.  
But when they have teemed, on th' offspring place all care,  
Which strait they name, and mark what breed they are,  
Which to increase their stock they most allow,  
Or sacred Altars serve, or draw the Blow,  
Or those thou wouldst to Country uses frame.  
Instruct them young, and with much custom tame,  
Whilst pliant are their joints, and soft their mind.  
And first about their necks lose colours bind,  
Made with soft twigs, Next, when the freeborn are  
To service used, them in fit couples pair,  
And let them join their equal steps with Art,  
And often use to draw an empty cart;  
To print a small tract in the dusty road.  
Then groans the be chen axe with ponderous load:  
Next a brass teeme, with mighty wheels he draws.  
Mean while th' unbroken steers, not only grass,  
And fennie rushes, must with Sallow feed,  
But bring him corn thyself; nor let thy breed  
Their snowy milk pails, as th' old custom fill,  
But the full teat, give their dear offspring still.   

If thou in war, and cruel arms dost pride,  
Or near Alphoeus streams delight'st to ride,  
And drive swift Chariots through the sacred Grove;  
First make thy horse, armed men and arms to love;  
Make him shrill Trumpets suffer, and to hear  
The groaning wheels, nor lashing whips to fear;  
And at th' applauses and his master's voice,  
And sounding of his clap't neck, to rejoice.  
This from the mother's teat he must endure,  
And to soft headstals him you must inure.  
Whilst weak, and trembling, sturdy age unknown:  
The third year spent, the fourth now drawing on,  
Let him begin to ride the ring, and all  
His Airs to learn, Curvet, and Caprioll.  
Let his swift thighs alternate flexures bend;  
Then with the winds in nimble course contend,  
And with lose reins fly through the open strands,  
Scarce leaving any print upon the sands.   

As from the Northern shores when Boreas fierce  
Doth Scythian storms, and airy clouds disperse.  
When with loud blasts, the waving Chaimpaine crowned  
With rank corn shakes, and the tall woods resound.  
Huge billows charge the shore with all their force,  
winds fly, and Sea and Land scour in their course.   

This at the games of Elis swiftly flies  
Through the great lists, sweeting to gain the prize,  
From's mouth flows bloody some, or else allots  
His soft neck for the Belgic Chariots.  
Then let the large limbed grow, nor feeding spare  
When they are broke; before, they stubborn are;  
When taken up, their haughty souls disdain  
The gentlest stroke, nor will endure the rain.   

No art more keeps their strength then to remove  
Venus, and cruel shafts of blinded Love;  
Whether in herds thou dost, or horses pride.  
Far of the bulls alone are feeding ti de  
Behind a mountain, or beyond some flood,  
Or at full stalls, shut up with plenteous food,  
The female in their sights, consume their strength,  
Who burning, mind nor food, nor groves at length.  
She with her sweet enticements oft provokes  
Proud rivals, till their fury turn to strokes.  
In pleasant groves the beauteous Heifer feeds;  
But they join battle, and in warlike deeds  
Gain many wounds; their bodies bathed in gore,  
Closing their horns most dreadfully they roar.  
The mighty woods, and heavens vast Court resound.  
Nor more these warrior's pasture in one ground;  
Exiled to coasts unknown, the vanquished goes,  
Moaning his shame, and the proud Conqueror's blows.  
That unrevenged from him his love was taken,  
And looking back his native Realm forsaken.  
Then he improves his strength with all his care,  
Amongst hard rocks all night his lodgings are:  
There he rough leaves, and brisly Carix eats,  
And striving with his horns, his anger whets  
Against a tree; his blows the wind excite,  
Raising the sand a Prologue to the fight.  
Strength once regained, he doth to battle go,  
And sudden chargeth his forgetful foe.  
As when amidst the Sea billows grow white;  
Rolling from th' ocean, gather to a height,  
And now at Land, 'gainst rocks it strangely rores;  
Nor less than Mountains break upon the shores,  
The deep waves boil, whirled with a foaming tide,  
And working casts up sand on every side.   

All men on earth, and beasts, both wild and tame,  
Sea-monsters, gaudy fowl, rush to this flame:  
The same love works in all; with love engaged.  
The Lioness mindelesse of her whelps, enraged  
Wanders the fields, nor foul Bears oftener take  
So many lives, nor greater slaughter make;  
Nor cruel Tigers, nor the raging Boar:  
Ah'tis ill wand'ring then, dry Lybia's shore.  
Seest thou how horses will all over shake,  
When in their nostril's the known sent they take?  
Nor they with curbs, nor stripes can be debarred,  
Nor Rocks, nor Rivers can their course retard;  
Though down they sweep whole Mountains with their waves.  
The Sabell Boar whetting his tusks, then raves  
Rubbing against a tree, and tears the ground,  
Hardening his shoulders 'gainst th' ensuing wound.   

How was that young man took, when fierce desire  
In his hot blood kindled so great a fire!  
For he when all the elements, did fight,  
Through Seas turned Mountains swom in hideous night,  
When at him heavens Artillery thundered round,  
And broken billows 'gainst the Rocks resound:  
Nor could his woeful parents him recall,  
Nor she whose Fate attends his funeral.   

But the Mare's fury above all is fam'de;  
For Venus with such rage their minds inflamed.  
When Glaucus Chariot Mares with fury stirred.  
Did with revenging teeth devour their Lord.  
Beyond high Gargarus, loud Ascanius stream,  
O'er hills, and deepest floods, Love carries them,  
And strait with hidden fire their marrow burns:  
But most i'th' Spring, when heat of blood returns.  
Then all to courting Zephir turn their face,  
And placed on Rocks, lascivious gales embrace,  
And oft they pregnant prove without a mate,  
Big with the winds and (wondrous to relate)  
Then over hills and dales are carried on;  
Not to thee Eurus, nor the rising Sun,  
To Boreas, nor whence Auster doth arise,  
And with black showers in mourning  the skies.  
Hence comes that poison which the Shepherds call  
Hippomanes, and from their groin doth fall.  
The woeful bane oft cruel stepdame's use,  
And with a charm mongst powerful drugs infuse.  
But time irreparable hasts away.  
Whilst we with love transported waste the day.   

Thus much for herds; Next be your care to keep  
The shaggy Goat, and drive the fleecy sheep:  
From this expect your glory, rustic Swains:  
Nor am I ignorant how great a pains  
It is low things with glorious words to praise,  
And slender arguments to such honour raise.  
But me, love of Parnassus doth invite  
To hills untracted, there is my delight;  
Where no old path is to Castalia found.  
And now great Pales thee I shall resound.   

First in warm Coats preserve thy flocks, and feed  
Till fresh spring give new liveries to the Mead:  
Let straw and litter keep their lodgings warm,  
Lest cruel cold, the gentle offspring harm,  
Breeding the scab and rot; but Arbuts bring  
To wanton Goats, and water from the spring.  
Then free from winds against the winter sun  
Place thou their stalls, where Phoebus warms at noon.  
When cold Aquarius shall no more appear,  
Sprinkling i'll dews on the concluding year.   

And to keep Goats take thou no smaller care,  
Nor less shall be thy gain, then if they were  
In rich Milesian fleeces clothed, and sold,  
Blushing in Tyrian purple for much gold.  
These still will breed, hence store of milk you get:  
The more the pail foams with the drained teat,  
The more sweet streams from the pressed udder spin.  
Besides they cut the beards and hoary chin  
Of the Cyniphian Goats, and brisly hairs,  
Useful for Camps, and woeful Mariners.  
But they in woods and high Lycaeus rove,  
Feeding on briers, and bramble berries love.  
Then home return, leading their own fair strain,  
And scarce with full teats o'er the threshold gain.  
But careful keep from them cold winds and snow:  
Because they less the want of mortals know.  
And bring sweet food, for them green branches cut,  
Nor from the hay stack all long winter-shut.  
But when the spring the Western winds invokes;  
To Groves and Meads invite then both thy flocks.  
At the first dawn, in cold grounds let them feed,  
Whilst day is young, and pearled is the mead.  
When dew to cattles dear, on soft grass lies,  
And the fourth hour heat musters from the skies;  
And amongst shrubs the murmuring Grasshopper sings;  
Command thy flocks then to the Lakes or Springs:  
Or let them taste sweet streams in pipes conveyed;  
And when grown hot, to seek some cooling shade;  
Or Jove's great Oak, preserved long from harms  
By ancient rites, stretching his mighty arms.  
Or where dark Groves are with thick branches made  
Awful, and sacred with a horrid shade.  
To water then, and feed again, prepare  
At Sunset, when sweet Vesper cools the air,  
When the bright Moon relieves the thirsty ground,  
Halcyan on shores, and birds on trees resound.   

Why should I thee of Lybian shepherds tell?  
Their pastures, and how scatteringly they dwell?  
Oft night and day, for a whole month they feed,  
And unhoused  through vast deserts lead.  
In open field the Lybian Shepherd lies,  
With him his stock, his house, and Deities,  
His arms, his Spartan Dog, and Cretan bow.  
So doth the armed Roman Soldier show  
Loaden in's march; then stands in well pitched tents,  
Before the foe could have intelligence.   

But Scythians who Maeotick Lakes command,  
And stormy Ister rolling golden sand,  
Where Rhodope doth to the pool extend,  
There in close stalls the Cattles they defend.  
The fields no grass, the trees no leaves do boast:  
But snowy mountains, and a horrid frost  
Hides all the earth, at least seven Cubits high,  
Still cold, North winds blowing eternally.  
Nor can the Sun those gloomy shades displace;  
Nor when his horse mount the Meridian race,  
Nor when he cools them in the Western main.  
There, icy setters strait swift rivers chain.  
Wheels shod with iron the strong-backed water bears,  
And where ships sailed, now safe go laden Cars.  
It breaks hard brass, cloaths freeze upon their backs,  
And wine once liquid, suffers now the axe:  
And mighty lakes transformed to ice; soon hard  
Grow drops of water on their uncombed beard.  
Mean while all heaven is dark with snow, sheep die,  
And under mighty drifts fair Cattles lie;  
Whole herds of Deer, new Mountains there enfold;  
That scarce you may their lofty crests behold.  
Nor these with nets they snare, nor seize with hounds;  
Nor are they frighted when the arrow sounds;  
But as they struggle under hills in vain,  
Kill with their Swords, whilst they aloud complain,  
Then bear them home, triumphing with a cry.  
These under ground, in Caves securely lie.  
Whole Elms, and loads of mighty Oak are laid  
Upon the hearth, when the huge fire is made.  
They spend the night in sport; strong Ale they quaff,  
And wanting Wine carouse sharp Cervice off.  
People so fierce nigh Hyperborean hills  
Under cold stars of th' Arctic Region dwells;  
Still beaten with the sharp Ryphaean blasts,  
Their body clothed with Sable Furs of beasts.   

But if thou wool esteem, from thorns thy sheep,  
From burrs and briers preserve: from rank grass keep.  
And with soft fleeces snowy flocks elect;  
But him (although the Ram be white) reject  
Whose mouth is always moist, with a black tongue,  
Lest he should change the colours of the young.  
But choose another through the spacious plain,  
With a white fleece (if it may credit gain),  
Arcadian Pan, thee Luna to the grove,  
Calling enticed; nor didst thou scorn his love.   

Is milk thy care, then Lotus, Cythesus bring?  
And in their coats store of salt herbage fling.  
This makes them drink which more the reat extends,  
And with a quicker taste the milk commends.  
Some from the Dams hinders the tender Kids.  
And with hard muzzles from the pap forbids.  
What they at morning milk, they press at night,  
What they at evening gain, when day grows light  
The Swains to Market bring, or sprinkled o'er  
With salt, they keep it for their winter store.   

Nor of thy Dogs have thou less care; but feed  
Fleet Spartan whelps, and thy Mollossian breed  
With store of whey; commanding such a guard,  
'Gainst thiefs by night, or wolves thou art prepared:  
Nor shall the fierce Iberian thee affright.  
Thou the wild timorous Ass shalt put to flight.  
Oft hunt the Hare and Deer with full-mouthed hounds,  
And thrust forth Boars sheltered in wood-land grounds:  
And from high Mountains with loud shouts beset  
Sometimes huge Stags, and drive them to thy net.   

Next learn to burn sweet Cedar in their rooms,  
And smoke out Serpents with Galbanian gums.  
For  amongst the planks a Viper lies,  
Deadly to touch, and light affrighted flies.  
Or else a Snake in sheltering roofs doth use,  
Which will on Cattles cruel bane infuse  
Hid in the ground: take thou a stake, or stone,  
And as he swells, and hisseth, knock him down.  
But if he threaten, yet thou mayst be sure,  
He will by flight his Coward head secure.  
His armed ribs being bruised, and harnesed train,  
Scarce rallying up his broken rear again.  
In the Portuguese Groves there haunts a snake,  
Wreathing a haughty Crest, and scaly back,  
And mingled spots on his long belly show.  
Who whilst the rivers from the Mountains flow;  
Earth with the Spring dewed, and the showery South,  
He lives in fens, glutting his greedy mouth  
With fish, and croaking frogs; but when earth gapes,  
And Lakes are drained with heat, to Land he escapes:  
Rolling his flaming eyes; Then far and wide  
Rages with thirst, with heat much terrifi'de.  
Then let not me under heaven's Canopy  
Sweet slumber seize, nor on the grass to lie  
Near murmuring Groves, when he hath cast his skin,  
And rolling shines in want on youth again;  
Leaving in's nest his eggs, or else the young,  
And dares at Phoebus shake his triple tongue.   

The signs and causes now of each disease,  
I'll thee inform: foul scabs thy flock will seize  
When chilling showers invade life's strongest hold;  
And horrid frosts wax grim with bitter cold.  
Or when foul sweat sticks to them lately shorn,  
And with rough briers their naked bodies torn.  
For wiser Shepherds the whole flock will take,  
And deeply plunge them in some cleansing Lake:  
Far in to drench his fleece the Ram is thrown,  
Who with the gentle stream comes gliding down.  
Or when they're shorn, the lees of oil apply,  
Or silver spume, commixed with Mercuris,  
Idean pitch, and store of oily tar,  
Scylla, Bitumen and black Hellebor.  
And no endeavour shall find more success,  
Then if the skilful Swain an orifice  
With a sharp Lance shall open on the head;  
Corruption lives, and is by covering fed.  
Whilst the idle Swain neglects to dress the sore,  
And from the Gods doth better things implore.   

When in the Bleater's marrow aches breed,  
And putrid fevors on his spirits feed;  
It will be good t' avert the raging pain,  
By opening in his foot, the beating vein.  
So the Bisaltians were accustomed,  
And the most fierce Gelonians, when they fled  
To Rhodope, or Getan wilds; to quaff,  
Mixed with thick milk, the blood of horses off.  
If thou seest any to the cool shades draw,  
And sweet grass nibble, as they had no maw,  
Or lag behind, or grazing to lie down,  
And ere they fouled, to march away alone,  
Strait kill the guilty, ere the dire disease  
Infect the flock, and careless vulgar seize.  
Nor oftener is the floods disturbed with wind  
Then sheep with rots, nor doth the sickness find  
One to destroy; but suddenly doth fall  
On root and branch, stock and original.   

If any th' Alps and Norick Castles knows,  
Placed on high hills, and where Tymavus flows;  
Deserted Realms, now he may see of Swains,  
And every where Groves, and forsaken plains.   

Here, once the air infected did beget  
A plague, which raged through the Autumnal heat:  
All kind of Cattles, and of wild beasts died;  
The grass was tainted, rivers putrifi'de;  
Nor was one way for death, but when the flame  
With burning thirst through feav'rous bodies came,  
Cold Rheums again abound; and the disease  
Their feeble limbs consumed by degrees.   

Oft sacrifices, at the Altars placed  
With snowy wreaths, and flowery Garlands graced;  
 Sacrificers could dispatch, fall dead:  
Or if before the Priest one slaughtered,  
The bowels on the Altars will not burn;  
Nor the Diviner answers can return.  
And scarce their knives with blood are sprinkled o'er,  
And the top-sand be stained with watery gore.  
Then the fat Calf in richest pasture falls;  
And his sweet life gives up at plenteous stalls.  
Hence Dogs run mad, and sickly Boars perplexed  
With a short cough; and with swollen jaws are vexed.  
The Conquering steed, mindeless of war or food,  
Unhappy falls, and leaves the cooling flood,  
And with his feet the hard ground often beats.  
His ears now hang, and faint with troubled sweats  
Which near their death grows cold; their skins are dry,  
And to be handled roughly do comply.  
To burning eyes short breathe grant no rest.  
Sometimes they groan; and deeply from their breast  
Fetch a sad sigh; blood from their nostrils flows,  
And in lank jaws their tongue now rougher grows.  
To drench them with a horn of wine be sure:  
For to them dying this the only cure.  
Sometimes it kills; for thus refreshed, they burn.  
(God bless good men, on bad this error turn)  
With greater rage; and as cold death draws near,  
With cruel teeth they their own members tear.  
The smoking Ox is taken at the Blow,  
And from his mouth blood mixed with foam doth flow,  
Groaning his last; whilst the sad Ploughman here  
Unyoaks (mourning his brother's death.) The steer,  
And midst his work the Blow leaves in the field.  
Nor shady groves, nor soft meads pleasure yield;  
Nor streams which through the vales from mountains glide,  
And are more clear than crystal purisi de.  
His sides grown lank, darkness his eyes o'er spread,  
And to the ground falls, on his drooping head.  
What avails toil or profit? what to turn  
Th'unwilling gleab? These not with rich wine burn,  
Nor surfeits at high banquets taint their blood;  
But leaves, and simple herbage are their food.  
They drink pure fountains, and the running streams,  
Nor vexing care disturbs their healthy dreams;  
Then only in those Realms as fame hath taught,  
The Cattles were for Juno's offering sought.  
And unmatched steers her Chariot did convey  
To the high places where they honours pay.   

The Earth they dig themselves, and set the corn,  
Nor from the mountains with their own neck scorn  
To draw the groaning Car. No wolf did plot  
By stratagem to take some wealthy coat:  
Nor walks nocturnal rounds about the sheep,  
A cruel sickness him at home did keep.  
And now the nimble Buck and timorous do,  
Amongst the Dogs, about the houses go.  
And then the Ocean's numerous race, and all  
Those kinds that boast from thence original,  
Washed with the floods, as shipwrecked bodies come  
To shore, and Sea-calves up fresh rivers swam.  
No lurking hole the viper now avails,  
Nor dreadful Serpents with erected scales.  
Nor safety from sweet air could birds receive,  
But falling, in the Clouds their spirits leave.  
All Arts now harm, the wise Physicians fail.  
Chiron, Melampus, know not what they ail,  
Pale Tisiphone rages, sent from Stygian shades,  
In open light, and fear and sickness leads;  
Her greedy jaws by day raised high from ground.  
The Rivers, hills, and sandy banks resound  
With bleating flocks, and loud complaining steers.  
And carcases in mighty heaps she rears,  
Whole flocks she kills; with gore the stalls are drowned:  
Till they had learned to lay them in the ground.  
Their skins unuseful, water could not rinse  
Their bowels, nor the fire their entrails cleanse,  
Nor shear, for the disease; their fleeces full  
Of filthiness, Nor touch the tainted wool:  
And those durst wear the loathsome garments, get  
Inflamed Carbuncles, a clamie sweat  
Seizeth their noisome limbs, and in few hours  
Th' infected bodies sacred fire devours.    

THE FOURTH BOOK OF Virgil's GEORGICS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
How for the Bees fit stations to contrive.  
Of what, and how, to build the stately hive.  
In settling Realms, they oft divided are;  
And for their Kings contend in mighty war.  
Their Diet, Customs, Laws and Chastity:  
Their toil and rest, they winds and rain foresee.  
Their stocks, their age, and Loyalty to Kings  
What their invention to perfection brings.  
What cures against Diseases to afford,  
And how th' whole Nation lost, may be restored.  

I'll to Etherial honey next proceed,  
Heaven's choicest gift, this too, (Maecenas) read.  
Wonders admired, to thee of lowly things,  
In order their whole stocks, magnanimous Kings,  
Wars, labours, manners, Nations I'll recite,  
'Slight is the theme, but not the glory slight;  
If pleased powers grant, and called Apollo hear.   

First, for thy bees seek a fit station, where  
No winds approach, (for them each gale forbids  
To bring home food. Nor sheep and wanton Kids  
Tread down the grass, or heifers shake the dews  
Wand'ring the plains; and tender herbage bruise  
Thence speckled Lizards with pied shoulders drive  
Woodpecks, and other birds from the rich hive,  
And Progne who a bloody hand did smear.  
For all things these devast, in their mouths bear  
The winged Bee, sweet food to cruel nests.  
Let Springs be near, and Lakes green moss invests;  
And a pure river gliding through the mead,  
Where Palm their gates, and branching Olive shade.  
That when new Kings shall forth their Colonies bring,  
And youth drawn out sport in the wanton spring;  
The neighbouring banks may them from heat invite,  
And willing trees with courteous boughs delight,   

Amidst; whether the water stand or runs,  
Lay twigs a cross, and cast in mighty stones,  
That they on many bridges safe may stand,  
And to the warming sun their wings expand.  
When stormy Eurus hath them tardy found,  
And scattered, or endangered to have drowned.  
Let verdant Cassia round about them dwell;  
And betony which gives so large a smell:  
And of sweet-breathing Succory store be set,  
And let them drink the dews of Violet.   

Whether of hollow bark thou dost contrive,  
Or else with limber twigs compose the hive:  
Make strait the gate: for cold congeals the wax,  
And heat by melting doth again relax:  
Both which extremes the Bees alike do fear.  
Nor they in vain those breathing crannies smear  
Of their low roofs with wax, endeavouring still,  
Th' edges with balm, and pleasant flowers to fill.  
And for this use a glue they gather, which  
Excels all birdlime and Idaean pitch.   

Oft in deep Caves, (if fame a truth report)  
Low underneath, they vault their waxed Court;  
And oft discovered in a hollow Rock,  
Or in the belly of an aged Oak.  
But thou their rooms with clay well-tempered, seel;  
And with leaves cover, that no cold they feel.  
About their Court let no Yewes grow, nor bake  
The fiery crab, nor trust too deep a Lake:  
Or where bad smells, or hollow Rocks resound,  
And angry echoes of the voice rebound.   

Next when bright Sol makes winter to retreat  
Behind the Earth, and opens Heaven with heat,  
Strait they draw out, and wander Groves and woods,  
Reap purple flowers, and taste the crystal floods.  
By what instinct I know not, than they fly  
To their own Courts, and their dear progeny.  
Next with great Art, their waxed Cells contrive,  
And the elaborated honey stive.   

But when thou seest a troup aspiring, fly;  
Drawn from their winter quarters through the sky;  
And curious haste with admiration spied  
A sable Cloud through crystal Spheres to glide;  
Then to sweet springs, and pleasant shades they go,  
Here oderous flowers, and beaten Milfoyle strew,  
With honey- Suckles make a brazen sound,  
And beat the Cymbals of the Goddess round:  
They on charmed boughs will stay, or else retreat,  
As is the custom to their parent's seat.   

But if they draw to battle, (oft between  
Two Kings great discord, and sad wars have been)  
And strait thou mayst foresee the vulgar rage:  
Wild for mad war; for those who not engage,  
The martial note provokes, heard is th' alarm,  
Like dreadful Trumpets when they sound to arm.  
They list proud troops in haste, their Spears they whet,  
Their light shields furnish, and their arms they fit,  
Guarding their King thick to the Court they go,  
And with loud clamour challenge out the foe.  
Then when'tis fair, the open field they take,  
They join their battle, and they joining make  
A noise scales heaven, and in close order all  
Strongly embodied charge, then headlong fall.   

Not thicker hail doth in a tempest pour,   

Nor shaken Okes more plenteous acorns shower.  
The Kings amidst the bands in armour shine,  
And mighty souls in narrow breasts confine,  
Both resolute not to yield, till these or they  
Are to proud Conquerors forced to give the day:  
These huge commotions, and so mighty war,  
Sudden with thrown-up dust appeased are.   

But when both Princes you from battle call,  
Who seems the worst, lest he a prodigal  
Should waste the stock; command him to be slain,  
And let the best in th' empty palace reign.  
One shines with gold, whom glorious colours grace,  
Two sorts there are: the best, his noble face  
Hath blushing cheeks, with sloth the other pale  
His sagging belly after him doth trail.  
As their two Kings, such their two Nations are;  
For one s deformed, as when a traveller  
Through clouds of dust, extremely thirsty gets  
And from's dry mouth a sulleid water spits.  
The other shines with gold, and glory graced;  
And equal spots upon their bodies placed.  
This Progeny is best, from these you may  
Sweet honey at the certain time convey,  
Not only sweet, but also shall be fine,  
And which shall qualify your sharpest wine.   

But when they wander, sporting through the skies,  
Forsake their hives, and cooling roofs despise,  
Let not their straggling minds seek idle things:  
Nor hard's the task; but cut their Prince's wings,  
They staying at home, none dares to scale heavens arch,  
Or with spread ensigns from their camp to march.  
Them, let sweet gardens with fresh flowers invite,  
And old Priapus, who the thiefs doth fright,  
And spoiling birds from thence with's awful look,  
All safe preserving with his sallow hook.   

Set thyme about their roofs, and Pines remove  
From lofty hills if thou such labours love  
Weary thy hand with toil, and pleasant bowers  
Plant round, and due the earth with friendly showers.  
And did not I, now to my Port draw near;  
And striking sail my prow to shore did steer;  
How to adorn fair gardens I would sing,  
And Pestum, where there is a double spring.  
Why Succory in pleasant streams delights,  
And verdant parseley swelling banks invites;  
And Cucumbers grow plump along the grass,  
Nor would I Daffodils long in growth, orepasse;  
Or soft Acanthus, winding Ivie's store,  
And Myrtle so enamoured on the shore.   

I call to mind near high Oebalius towers,  
Where slow Galesus waters Ceres' bowers,  
I saw an old Corycian, who enjoyed  
Few acres, not for pasturage employed,  
Nor was it fit for corn or vineyard found.  
Yet he, mongst thorns, choice herbs and lilies round  
His garden vervain did, and Poppy find,  
That wealthiest Kings he equalled in his mind:  
And late at night returning home well stored,  
He with unpurchased banquets jades his board.  
He in the spring did first sweet Roses pull;  
And could in Autumn apples soon cull;  
When stones with cold the cruel winter cleaves,  
And bridles up with ice the flowing waves.  
His soft Acanthus now he gently twined,  
Chiding the tardy spring, and lingering wind.  
Therefore huge swarms, his bees first pregnant brought,  
And his full combs rivers of honey fraught,  
His Pines and barren Lindons' fruitful were;  
As many blossoms as his tree did bear,  
So many apples it in Autumn graced:  
And he the lofty Elms in order placed.  
Wardens, and Thorn, which now a damson made,  
And Planes which to Carousers are a shade;  
But these excluded by a narrow strait,  
I leave to others after to relate.   

Now I'll declare those gifts which were conferred  
On bees by Jove himself, for what reward  
They followed tinkling brass, and Curets sound,  
And fed the King of heaven under ground.   

In common only they maintain their race,  
And like a City ranged their houses place;  
And understrictest Laws they aged grow,  
Their native Country, and fixed mansions know,  
Mindful of winter, labour in the Spring,  
And to the public store their profit bring.   

For some provide, and by a compact made  
Labour abroad; others within are stayed  
To lay Narcissus' tears, and yielding gum  
As the first groundwork, of the honey comb:  
And after they tenacious honey spread.  
Others the Nations hope, young Colonies breed.  
A second part the purest honey stives;  
Until the liquid Nectar crack the hives.   

There are by lot attend the gates, t'inform  
Approaching showers, and to foretell a storm.  
To ease the loaden, or embattled drive  
The Drones, a slothful cattles from the hive.  
Work heats; of thyme the fragrant honey smells.  
As when the Cyclops the soft mass compels,  
Hasting for Jove huge thunderbolts to make:  
Some with the bellows air return, and take;  
Others in water dip the hissing o'er;  
Aetnean Caves with beaten anvils roar:  
They with much strength, their arms in order raise,  
And turn with tongues the mass a thousand ways.  
So (if I may great things compare with small)  
Bees to their work for love of profit fall,  
Each hath his task, the aged Rulers are,  
And frame Dedalian roofs, and combs repair;  
But those that youthful be, and in their prime,  
Late in the night return, loaden with thyme,  
On every bush, and tree about they spread;  
And are with Cassia and rich Saffron fed,  
Or purple Daffodils, and Lindors tall.  
All rest at once; at once they labour all.  
Early they take the field, at night again  
When Vesper them from feeding doth constrain;  
Homeward they draw; and strength decayed restore,  
And with soft murmurs throng about the door.   

When they repose, all night they silent are,  
And pleasant sleep doth wearied limbs repair;  
Nor from their hives they stir, when rain is nigh,  
Nor trust their persons to a stormy sky.  
But safe they water near their City's wall;  
And oft with Pebbles journeys make, but small,  
As a light boat balanced on raging seas,  
With which through vacant air themselves they peise.   

'Tis strange that Bees such customs should maintain,  
Venus to scorn: in wanton lust disdain  
To waste their strength; and without throws they breed;  
But cull from leaves, and various flowers their seed.  
Their Kings and petty Princes they proclaim,  
Then Palaces and waxed Kingdoms frame,  
But oft their wings are torn on Rocks abroad,  
And free they spend their lives beneath their load,  
So love they flowers, and to make honey pride.  
Though soon the term of their short life doth glide,  
(For the seventh summer a full period gives)  
Yet their immortal race for ever lives.  
Their noble house for many years remains,  
And records keep of ancient Princes reigns.   

Next not rich Egypt, nor great Lydia,  
Parthians or Medians, more their Prince obey,  
Whilst their King lives, they all agree in one,  
But dead, the public faith is overthrown.  
They make the Common wealth a spoil, and rend  
Their Waxed Realms, his life did all defend.  
They honour him, and with a martial sound  
Circle about, and strongly guard him round.  
Bear on their back, twixed him and death they stood,  
And purchased noble funerals with their blood.   

From these examples some there are maintain,  
That Bees derive from a celestial strain,  
And heavenly race; they say the Deity  
Is mixed through earth, the Sea, and lofty sky,  
Hence men and beasts, both wild, and tame derive;  
And what so ere by breathing air survive.  
To this they after are dissolved, and then  
Returned assume first Principles again:  
Nor is there place for death; their spirits fly  
To the great stars, and plant the lofty sky.  
But if their narrow Courts thou meanest to spoil,  
And seize the treasure of the honey pile,  
Water with silence in their chambers spout,  
And with your hand extended smoke them out.  
Twice they swarm yearly, twice a large increase  
Their harvest brings; first when the Pleyades  
Her sacred brow above the earth doth shoot,  
And spurns the scorned Ocean with her foot;  
Or when that star from watery signs retires,  
And sad in stormy waves conceases her fires.   

But when incensed their anger knows no mean,  
For if you hurt them; they inspire a bane;  
And in the body fixed their Javelins leave;  
And where they give the wound, their death receive.   

But fearest thou cruel winter, and wouldst spare  
Pitying their broken minds, and sad affair;  
Who doubts to cut them wax, and to presume  
With thyme? for oft base Lizards spoil the coomb,  
And the blind Beetle wastes the precious hoard,  
●●nd Drones free-quartered at another's board.  
Or cruel Wasps charge with unequals arms,  
Or the Moths eating generation harms,  
Or else Minerva's hateful Spider sets  
About their Palace gates, intangling nets.  
How much by fortune they exhausted are,  
So much they strive their ruins to repair  
Of their fallen Nation, and they fill th' Exchange  
Adorning with the choicest flowers their grange.   

But if (since Bees know our calamities)  
Their bodies languish in a sad disease,  
Which thou by signs to manifest mayst know,  
Their looks are changed, and their dejected brow  
Paleness deforms▪ when they to shades descend,  
In order woeful funerals they attend.  
Or else they mourn linger about the door,  
Or in their chambers privately deplore;  
Till they with hunger, and stiff could grow numb.  
Then sadder notes are heard, a doleful hum.  
As when rough Austere murmurs through the woods,  
Or as loud waves roar with incensed floods,  
Or dreadful flames rage's penned in furnaces.  
To burn Galbanian odour I'll advise,  
And bring the mourner's honey in a cane,  
T'entice the wretches to known food again.  
Juice of Oke-apples mixed with Roses dried;  
And richest wine, with fire well purifi'de,  
To these Cecropian thyme, and Centaurie join,  
And grapes which dangle on th' Psythian vine.   

There is a flower, which grows in meadow ground:  
Swains call Amello, easy to be found:  
Which golden, like a mighty grove doth sprout:  
But the thick leaves, that shade it round about  
Are clad in purple; which the Altars oft  
Embraceth with sweet wreathes, and garlands soft:  
Sharp in the taste; wise Shepherds gather them  
In flowery vales, near Mellas sacred stream.  
The root of these they mix with Bacchus' blood,  
And at their gates leave plenty of this food.   

But should the whole stock fail, not one remain,  
From whom they should derive their house again;  
Th' Arcadians rare invention we must here  
Remember, who with blood of a slain steer  
Oft Bees restored. I will recount it all  
And tell the story from th' original.   

Where happy people plant Canopus' soil,  
And dwell near spreading streams of flowing Nile,  
And through their Country painted vessels rows,  
And where the stream from the tanned Indian flows,  
Which borders nigh the quivered Persian land,  
And verdant Egypt nails with fruitful sand;  
Then spreading doth in seven large channels part,  
These Nations all are confident in this art.  
First take a little place, for that use chose,  
Then tile it, and with narrow walls enclose,  
And let there be four windows next designed,  
With obliqne lights, made from each several wind.  
Then take a steer; graced with a branching top,  
Of two year old; his breath and nostrils stop;  
And whilst he struggles, him with beating kill,  
That the sound hid his dissolved bowels fill.  
Thus dead they leave it shut and under lay  
Green branches, thyme and freshest Cassia.  
This must be done, when Zephir calms the main,  
Before the Meads blush with new flowers again,  
Ere her high nest the chattering Swallow makes.  
Whilst in young bones the cherished humour takes,  
Then moving Creatures, (wondrous to behold,)  
First without feet, then sounding wings unfold;  
Then boldly by degrees to heaven they tower,  
And sally forth, thick as a summer shower;  
Or as a cloud of arrows in their flight,  
When the bold Parthians are engaged in fight.  
What God o Muse! this strange art did invent,  
From whence had man this new experiment.   

When Aristhaeus left sweet Tempe's coast,  
His Bees by famine and diseases lost,  
Sad, standing at the sacred fountains head,  
Complaining much he to his mother said.  
Mother, Cyrene, who commands these floods,  
Why me, the noble offspring of the Gods  
(If Phoebus is my Sire as you declare)  
Borest thou the scorn of Fate? where is your care?  
Thou gav'st me hope, that I in heaven should reign;  
But now those honours mortal life sustain  
Of corn, and herds, got by such toil, and care,  
I now must lose, though you my Mother are.  
Go, and my fertile groves thyself annoy,  
And burn my stalls; with fire my corn destroy.  
Hue down, and spoil my vineyards; if to thee,  
So grievous are those honours granted me.   

Under the streams soft bed his Mother heard,  
Whilst round her Nymphs Milesian wool did card,  
Stained with rich green. Drimo and Xantho, fair  
Philodoce and Ligea, their bright hair  
Upon their snowy necks dishevelled lay,  
Spio, Nisaee, Cymodoce and Thalia,  
Lycorias, Cydipe; a virgin one,  
The other had pangs of Lucina known:  
Clio, and Beroe, both to th' Ocean borne,  
Whom gold, and curious mantles did adorn.  
Ephyre, and Ophis, Asian Diope,  
And Arethusa swift her arms laid by.   

Amongst these Climene did vain cares relate  
Of Vulcan, those sweet thefts and Mars deceit,  
Gods many loves, from Chaos did rehearse  
Whilst they their soft webs ply, pleased with the verse.  
Aristaeus grief, then pierced his mother's ear;  
All on their crystal seats amazed were.  
But Arethusa first her golden head  
Advancing from a swelling billow, said,  
Dear sister, not in vain we troubled are,  
With such a sad complaint; thy chiefest care  
Poor Aristaeus, at his father's streams  
Stands weeping, and thy cruelty condemns:  
Then said his mother, struck with sudden fear,  
Hast, hast, and show him in, he may repair  
To the God's Court; then bids the waves divide,  
To make her Son a passage: on each side  
Billows like Mountains stand; then she receives  
Him twixt the flood; and leads beneath the waves.  
He wondering goes, through Courts, and crystal Realms;  
Loud groves, and Caves, which water over-whelms;  
And with tumultuous waves astonished found  
All the great rivers, gliding under ground  
Through divers ways, whence Phasis, Lycus spread,  
And where deep Inepeus shows his head,  
And where old Tiber, and sweet Aniens flows,  
Where murmuring Hypanis, and Lycus risen,  
Golden Eridanus, with a double horn,  
Faced like a Bull: through fertile fields of corn  
Then whom none swifter of the Ocean's sons  
Down to the purple Adriatic runs.   

When he to chambers arched with pumice drew,  
And that Cyrene his vain sorrow knew,  
To wash his hands, his sisters from the spring  
Draw crystal water, and fringed towels bring,  
Tables they load with meat, and full Cups placed,  
Then with Pancheian fire the Altar graced.   

Here spoke his mother, Let rich wine be paid  
Unto the sea; next to the Ocean prayed,  
Founder of things, and to the nymphs, who woods  
Preserve a hundred, and as many floods.  
Now thrice on fire she casts the flowing wine,  
As oft with flame the lofty ceilings shine.  
Pleased with the Omen than she thus began.   

Green Proteus dwells in the Carpathian main,  
Prophet to Neptune, through broad seas he glides;  
And in his Chariot with Sea-horses rides.  
Now gone t' Emathia and his native shore:  
We Sea Nymphs, and old Nereus him adore.  
For the great Prophet all things doth foresee,  
What is, what was, and what shall after be:  
This Neptune gave him, whose great herd he breeds,  
And nuge Sea-Calves beneath the water feeds.  
But him thou first must bind, ere heel'le declare  
Cause of thy loss, and prosper thy affair.  
Unless you force him, no advice he grants,  
And is inexorable to all complaints.  
Handle him roughly then, and bind him fast,  
And all his slights shall useless prove at last.  
I'll bring thee (when at noon the Sun invades  
The scorched grass, and beasts retire to shades;)  
To th' old man's Cave; whom sudden thou mayst seize,  
As he in soft repose shall take his ease.   

But when th' hast bound him, and with chains subdued,  
With various transformations he'll delude;  
A savage Boar, fierce Tiger, scaly Snake,  
And a huge Lion with a shaggy neck;  
Or to escape shall thunder like a flame;  
Or glide from thee in a swift crystal stream:  
How much the more he changes to all shapes,  
So much more careful (son) prevent escapes;  
Till his first form returns, which thou didst spy,  
When he in pleasant slumber closed his eye.   

This said she with a heavenly odour strews,  
Her son all over, and Ambrosian dews:  
Her comely tresses breathe celestial air,  
And did his body with new strength repair.   

There is a Cave, worn in a mountains side,  
Where stormy winds oft forced the swelling tide,  
Which cuts itself into a land-lockd bay,  
Where once strest Mariners in safety lay.   

Proteus' in this lies guarded with a vast  
Fence-work of Rock; here she the young man placed  
Sheltered with darkness, from discovering light:  
But she to thin air vanished from his sight.   

And now hot Syrius through dry India hurled,  
Raged from the sky, and all the middle world  
The Sun inflamed; grass burns, and to the mud  
The scorching beams boil the exhausted flood,  
When Proteus came to his accustomed place,  
About him the vast Ocean's watery race,  
Who sporting, off the brackish water shake,  
Then stretched along the shore, sound sleep they take.  
He as a herdman in the mountains, when  
Vesper invites Cattles to house again;  
And bleating Lambs, the cruel wolves provoke,  
Sits on a cliff, and numbers all his flock.   

He since so fair the opportunity shows,  
Scarce grants th' old man his weary limbs compose,  
But rusheth with a shout and bond him laid.  
Who not unmindful of his arts t' evade,  
Transforms himself into all monsters dire:  
Now he's a beast, a flood, and strait a fire.  
But when no slight prevailed, he vanquished  
Himself assumes, and with a man's voice said.   

O most undaunted youth, by whose commands  
Found'st thou our Court? what seekest thou at our hands?  
But he replied: Proteus, thou know'st, thou knowst;  
Nor of beguiling thee may any boast.  
Desist; I seek, commanded here by Fate,  
How to repair my now decayed state.   

The Prophet then rolling his fiery eyes  
With flaming beams, enraged, thus replies,  
And Destiny declares: No common God  
Displeased, on thee hath laid his heavy rod;  
A great plague is begun; this punishment,  
(And less than thou deservst) hath Orpheus sent.  
For he incensed (if Fates not interpose)  
For his lost wife, will yet procure more woes.  
Who whilst she swiftly by the river side  
From thee pursuing fled, unhappy Bride  
Saw not the mighty Snake, which lurking was  
Under the bank and hid in spreading grass.  
Alone the Dryads on mountains wept,  
The Rhodopeian towers her funerals kept,  
Lofty Pangaea, and bold Rhesus coast,  
Geteses, Hebrus, and Actium Orythia most.  
He on his well-tun'de instrument, alone  
His hapless love, thee his sweet wife did moan;  
And by himself thee on forsaken shores,  
Early and late, thee in his song deplores;  
He Taenarus, and woeful gates of Dis;  
And horrid groves where dreadful darkness is,  
And Manes passed, to the stern King repairs,  
And courts not used to bend to humane prayers.  
He with his song, charmed from the dismal Coasts,  
Of Eribus pale souls, and liveless Ghosts,  
Men, women, and magnanimous Heroes, here  
Boys, virgins, young men laid upon the beer  
Before their Parent's face: whom hellish mud  
And horrid reeds of th' Acherontic flood,  
With slow fens of th' innavigable sound  
Binds in, and Styx nine times incircles round.  
Hell's court, and gates of death amazed were;  
The furies now not twist their snaky hair,  
Then silenced were loud Cerberus triple jaws,  
Ixion's restless wheel stood at a pause:  
All these he past; then back returns, with fair  
Eurydice, to the Etherial air,  
She following him (for so hell's Queen enjoined)  
When fond thoughts seized th' incautelous lover's mind:  
The fault was small, if fiends to pardon knew;  
He made a stand; as to the light he drew,  
Forgetful, love prevailing o'er his mind,  
On his Eurydice to look back, inclined;  
His labour lost, hell's Tyrant promise brake,  
And thrice a sound rose from th' Avernian Lake.   

But she Dear Orpheus said, what thee could move  
To ruin both? why was so much thy love?  
Behold I am recalled by destinies,  
Eternal sleep closeth my failing eyes;  
And now farewell; black night surroundeth me,  
Stretching weak hands, alas, not thine, to thee.  
This said; she sudden vanished from his eyes,  
And like smoke mixed with wind, dispersed, flies,  
Nor saw him catch in vain the yielding air,  
Earnest his mighty sorrow to declare.  
Nor would hells churlish Ferryman again  
Transport him o'er the Acherontic fen.  
What can he do? twice having lost his love,  
Or with what suit infernal spirits move?  
She sailing in the Stygian boat grows cold.  
Whilst seven long months delaying periods told  
Under a Rock, (as fame reports) he kept;  
And at forsaken Strymons billows wept.  
Mourning in dismal Caves, Tigers, once fierce,  
Grow mild, and stubborn Okes move at his Verse.   

As mongst the Poplar shade in doleful strains  
Robbed of her young, sad Philomela complains;  
Whom scarce yet fleged, some rustic having found  
Took from the nest: but she doth woes resound  
Perched on a tree; and the whole night laments,  
Filling all places with her sad complaints.   

No love, nor other bed, could him entice:  
Alone he goes, through Hyperborean ice,  
And Tanais snow, wand'ring through bitter coasts,  
For ever wedded to Rhiphaean frosts:  
Pluto's vain gift Eurydice he mourned.  
The Thracian Dames because their beds he scorned,  
Him at their Bacchanalian orgies tore,  
And strew the young man's limbs about the shore.  
His head then from his Ivory shoulders torn,  
Was down the channel of swift Hebrus born,  
And whilst his dying tongue could move at all;  
Eurydice, Eurydice, did call:  
And all the banks resound Eurydice.  
This Proteus said, and leapt into the Sea,  
And where he leapt did make the foamy wave  
Under his body, with huge strokes to rave.   

Then thus Cyrene spoke, to ease his care.  
My dearest son, now lay aside all fear,  
Since the whole cause is known of thy mischance,  
The Nymphs with whom in groves she used to dance,  
Have sent this sad destruction on thy Bees,  
Then humbly them appease with sacrifice,  
And there the yielding Dryads adore;  
They will forgive, if thou with vows implore.  
But first know how thou shalt thy offering make.   

Four of thy large, and best-fed bullocks take,  
Which now on tops of green Lycaeus' use;  
As many of thy unbroke heifers choose,  
Then with great care for these four Altars raise  
In the high Temples of the Goddesses:  
And from their throats let forth the sacred blood,  
Then leave their bodies in a shady wood;  
And when the ninth Aurora brings the day,  
To Orpheus' Ghost Lethaean Poppy pay,  
And a black sheep: then view the grove again  
Pleasing Eurydice with a fat Calf slain.  
He the Commands of's mother strait obeyed,  
Went to the temple, and four Altars made:  
And four of's largest bullocks forth he took;  
As many comely heisers never broke.   

And when the ninth day bright Aurora showed,  
He worships Orpheus, and the would review d.  
A wonder not to be believed! he sees  
From the dissolved entrails swarms of Bees  
Which from the broken ribs, resounding fly,  
And in a thick cloud sally to the sky.  
On a tall trees top-branch they cluster now,  
As grapes hang dangling on the gentle bow.   

Thus tillage, beasts, and trees, have been my theme,  
Whilst mighty Caesar at Euphrates stream  
Thunders with war, and Conqueror Laws ordains  
For willing Realms, and heaven with valour gains.  
To me sweet Capua breeding then imparts,  
Pleased with the study of contemned arts:  
There a bold youth, I chanted rural airs,  
And Tityrus sung in cool shade free from cares.     


THE FIRST BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
JUNO a storm procures; the Trojans tossed,  
By Neptune's favour gain the Lybian coast:  
Venus Complaint. The King of Gods relates  
To her Rome's greatness, and ensuing fates.  
Hermes to Lybia sent. Venus appears,  
And in a mortal form Aeneas cheers.  
He visits Carthage, and lost ships regains.  
Dido the weary Trojans entertains.  
But whilst glad guests, full cups and banquets move,  
She takes a fatal draught, and drinks long love.  

I, That on small reeds once played rural strains,  
And leaving woods, enforced the neighbouring plains  
To satisfy the greedy Villager,  
A grateful work for swains; now horrid war,  
Arms and the man I sing who first did come,  
Driven by fate, from Troy to Latium.  
And Tyrrhen shores; Much toffed by Land and Sea  
By wrath of Gods, and lasting enmity  
Of cruel Juno, suffering much by Wars  
Whiles he a City builds, and Gods transfers  
To Latium whence, Latin Originals  
The Alban fathers, and Rome's lofty walls.   

Say Muse the cause, what God profaned, or why  
Heaven's Queen incensed, one famed for piety  
Did to such roils, dangers so great compel?  
What I can in heavenly minds such passions dwell?   

There was an ancient City. Carthage, south  
From Italy, opposing Tiber's mouth,  
By Tyrians held: rich, fierce in War, which place  
juno was said more than all lands to grace,  
Samos neglected, here her arms and here  
Her Chariot was, that this earth's sway should bear  
(If Fates permit) she fosters and intends.  
But she had heard that from Troy's stock descends  
A Progeny, should Tyrian Towrs deface:  
Hence of vast rule, in War a haughty race  
Must come from Lybia's fall: so fates foretell.  
This fearing. Juno minding Wars of old  
She for dear Argos first 'gainst Troy did wage;  
Her cruel grief and causes of her rage  
Were still awake, deep Paris choice remained  
Fixed in her breast, th' affront of form disdained;  
And the loathed stock: rapt Ganymede highly graced.  
With these more vexed, on all shores Trojans cast,  
Relics of Greeks and stern Aeacides  
She far from Latium drove; round the vast Seas  
They wandered long enforced by various chance  
Such labour 'twas Rome's Empire to advance.  
Scarce out of Sicily's view, their sails they raise  
Glad, for the main, and plough the foaming Seas.  
When juno thus, who nourished in her breast,  
Th' eternal wound; vanquished shall I desist?  
Nor yet this Trojan Prince from Latium turn  
Because the fates deny? could Pallas burn  
The Argive Fleet, and sink them in the Sea  
For one man's crime, Ajas impiety?  
She cast Ioves winged lightning from a cloud,  
D'spersed their Ships, with winds the Ocean ploughed;  
Him breathing flame, his breast quite thorough struck  
With whirlwinds snatched, and on a sharp rock stuck.  
But I heaven's Queen, sister, and wife to jove,  
So many years' War with one nation move:  
And who will now Saturnias' power obey,  
Or suppliant on our altars honours lay?   

Such things revolving, fired with discontent  
She to the Land of storms Aeolia went,  
Coasts big with tempests, Aeolus here confines  
In vast caves struggling gusts, and thundering winds  
In prison chains: they scorning their restraint,  
Round their dark dungeon roar with loud complaint.  
In a high tower, here sceptered Aeolus sways,  
Softens their fury, and their rage alleys,  
Else in their rapid course with them they'd bear,  
Sea, Land, high Heaven, and sweep them through the air.  
This fearing, them jove in a cave imures.  
And under weight of mighty hills secures,  
Then did a King by firm decree ordain,  
Who knows to check, or when to give the reine.  
To whom thus juno then was suppliant.   

Aeolus (for Heavens great King to thee did grant,  
With wind the floods t' incense, or to appease)  
A race my foe now sail the Tyrrhen Seas,  
Bearing to Latium, conquered Gods and Troy.  
Raise thou a storm, and their crazed Fleet destroy,  
Or through the waves their scattered bodies send.  
Twice seven most beauteous Nymphs on us attend,  
The fairest Deiopeia I will join  
To thee in wedlock, dedicate her thine:  
Still to remain for such especial grace,  
And make thee father of a beauteous race.  
When Aeolus thus. 'Tis thy part to enjoin  
Commands, O'Queen, but to obey is mine.  
Thou in this realm and throne didst me invest,  
By thy means I with jove and God, do feast:  
Thou mad'st the storms and tempests me to fear.  
This said, the hollow mountain with his spear  
He pierced i'th' side, winds as in mutinous bands  
Force their own way, and thunder through the strands.  
They take the Sea, Eurus, and Notus raves,  
And stormy Africus from deepest caves  
Th' whole Ocean vexed, tumbling vast waves to shore,  
Cries of men follow, shrowds and tackling tore:  
When from the Trojans sight, swift clouds restrain  
Heaven, and the day black night brood's on the main;  
It thunders, air with frequent lightning shone;  
And all things menace quick destruction.  
Strait are Aeneas limbs dissolved with sear,  
He groans, and to the Stars his hands doth rear.  
Then said, most happy you, whose funerals  
Your Parents saw under the Trojan walls.  
Why was not I by thee, O Diomedes slain,  
Most valiant Greeian on the Dardan plain?  
Why lost I not this life by that hand, where  
Hector the stout, fell by Achilles' spear?  
Where great Sarpedon, where so many bold  
Heroes, shields, helms, in Simois streams are rolled.  
Then from the North a clamoring gust did rise  
Smote cross their sails, and waves advanced to skies.  
Their oars are broke, about then comes the ship,  
And nigh ore-set, her sails in water dip,  
A Mountain breaking o'er her weather side,  
Scours all the deck: these a huge billow ride;  
Between the floods to them a yawning wave  
The bottom shows, the sands with breaches rave.  
By South-winds drove on hidden Rocks three came,  
Rocks far from shore Italians altars name,  
Whose craggy shoulders range above the Sea;  
Eurus on shoals (a woeful sight) forced three,  
Bilged on the banks, and stuck in beds of sands.  
One, true Orontes bore, and Lycian bands,  
In his own view, a huge Sea from the North  
Breaks o'er her stern, the Master tumbled forth.  
Pitched on his head: but she thrice hurried round  
With a swift eddy in the Ocean drowned.  
Some few appear swimming on raging floods  
With arms of men oars, planks, and Trojan goods.  
Ileoneus' stout Ship now the tempest tore,  
Now bold Achates, next that Abas bore,  
Then old Alethes, through ripped sides each takes  
In hostile waves, and foundered are with leaks.   

When Neptune th' Ocean mixed with horrid sound  
And the raised storm perceived, from deeps profound  
Whole floods turned up: much moved from Sea did raise  
His favouring brows, and from high waves survaies:  
Driven through the Sea Aeneas Fleet he spies,  
With waves distressed, and fury of the skies:  
Nor junos' fraud nor spleen to him was hid.  
Then Eurus Zephyre hailing, thus he chid.   

Have you such confidence of your high birth  
Without our Licence, Winds thus heaven and earth  
To mix, and dare you raise such hills as these?  
Which I— but floods enraged 'tis best to ' appease.  
Nor shall I thus such crimes hereafter spare.  
Hasten your flight, these to your King declare.  
Not the Sea's power, and mighty trident fell  
TO his lot, but mine; let him in huge rocks dwell  
Eurus thy house, in those courts Aeolus may  
Command, and in the winds close prison sway.  
Sooner then said he calms the raging sea,  
Scatters thick clouds restores again the day.  
The Ships Symothe did with Tryton raise  
And Neptune from sharp rocks with's Trident weighs  
Opening vast Syrts, he calms the raging tides,  
And with light wheels over the surface glides.   

As oft when a great people mutiny  
Ignoble vulgar rage; stones, firebrands fly,  
Fury finds arms; but if they chance to see  
A grave man meriting for piety,  
All silent listening stand; he soon allays  
With words the tumult, and their passion sways.   

Thus ceased all fragor of the Sea, which when  
The father saw, carried through skies serene  
He his blessed Chariot drives, and turns his horse.  
To the next shores the Trojans bend their course,  
And weary to the Lybian confines glide.   

There was a place, far in, an Isle whose side  
Stretched made a port, which broke all storms from Sea,  
And cuts itself into a land-locked bay.  
On each side mighty cliffs, and two rocks were  
Threatening the sky, under whose tops a fair  
And quiet Sea; a trembling wood displayed  
Above, and dark groves gave a horrid shade.  
A cave was opposite with rocks o'er grown,  
Within sweet springs, and seats of living stone,  
The Nymph's abodes: strest Ship within this sound  
Cable ne'er held, nor sharp flooked anchor bound.  
Hither Aeneas with seven vessels bore,  
The rest now lost, much longing for the shore  
The Trojans make no little haste to land,  
And rest their Sea-sick bodies on the Sand.  
Then first Achates sparks strikes out of flint  
And feeds the fire with leaves, dry nourishment  
He next about the catching flame supplied.  
They wearied out, such as they had provide:  
Corn with salt water tainted, what they find,  
They dry with fire, and with a stone they grind.  
Mean while Aeneas climbs the rock, th' whole coast  
To Seaward views, if Anteus weather tossed,  
Capys or any sail he might discern,  
Or Caicus' arms upon his lofty stern:  
But none appeared. When on the shore three Deer,  
Feeding he spied, the whole heard following near,  
And the long troop fed in the vales below.  
Aeneas stands takes his swift shafts, and bow,  
Faithful Achates charge those weapons were,  
And first slew those who tallest heads did bear  
With branching crests, the vulgar then, and drove  
Th' whole heard with shooting to the leavy grove:  
Nor left till victor seven fat bucks he laid  
Dead on the ground, which his Ships number made.  
Returning then, these with his friends he shared:  
Wine good Acestes had in casks prepared,  
In Sicily, and gave his parting guests,  
The Prince divides: and cheers their troubled breasts.  
Dear friends (for we have many sorrows past)  
You worse have felt, God these will end at last,  
You Sulla's rage, and cliffs resounding wide  
Have passed, and the Cyclopian rocks have tried.  
Courage recall, banish sad fear; delight  
It may hereafter these things to recite,  
How through strange chances, through such dangers we  
To Latium bend, where blessed seats destiny  
Foreshews, where we Troy's Realms may readvance:  
Live, and preserve yourselves for better chance.  
This said with weighty cares oppressed, he feigns  
Hope in his face, within deep grief restrains.  
They take the quarry and prepare the feast;  
They straight unlace the Deer, and th' humbles dressed,  
Some pieces cut, which trembling spitted were,  
On shore some boilers place, and fire prepare,  
Strength they recruit with food, through the grass spread  
They with fat venison, and old wine are fed.  
Hunger alaid, and boards removed, much they  
Of lost friends talk, 'twixt hope and fear much say,  
If dead, and quite despaired of, or alive,  
Most the good Prince doth for Orontes grieve,  
And Lycus and Amicus cruel fates,  
Cloanthus, Gyas much compassionates.   

When jove from his etherial height survaies  
The fixed earth and navigable Seas,  
Shores, and spread nations, on heaven's spire he stands  
And fixed his eyes upon the Lybian strands.  
To him revolving in his breast such cares,  
Sad, having drowned her sparkling eyes in tears  
Spoke Venus. Thou, who by eternal Law  
Rul'st men and Gods, and dost with thunder awe.  
How could my son so highly thee displease?  
Or Trojans? who, suffering such miseries,  
In quest of Latium, lose the Universe.  
Hence Romans should arise in after years,  
Hence Lords should come from Teucer's blood renevved,  
Who sea, and land should hold in servitude  
Thou once didst grant, what changes thy decree?  
In Troy's destruction this did comfort me,  
And sad, I fate with fate did counterpoise:  
Yet the like chance, the wretches still annoys.  
What end great King grants thou to all their woes?  
Safe could Antevor scape through Grecian foes,  
Pierce the Ilyrick straits, & inmost Realms  
Of the Lyburni, pass Timavus streams:  
Which like a Sea breaks nine ways from a hill,  
And with loud waves doth the vast champain fill.  
Yet here at length he did Patavium frame,  
Built Trojan seats, and gave to them a name,  
Then fixed the Teucrian arms, and now at ease  
Enjoys the blessing of a happy peace.  
But we, thy race, heirs to thy starry throne,  
Our ships being lost, are by the wrath of one  
Strangely oppressed, and drove from Latiums' shore,  
This virtues pay? thus dost thou Realms restore?  
The father of the Gods, and King of men,  
Smiling on her with such a look, as when  
He clouds disperseth, and serenes the skies,  
Kissing his daughter, gently thus replies.   

Fear not my Cytherea, fates decree  
For thine stand fixed, thou promised walls shalt see  
Of strong Lavinium, and with high stars range  
Great sold Aeneas, my decrees not change.  
And since thou hast so much desire to know  
These things, the book of fate I'll open now:  
He shall great Wars in Latium wage, subject  
Proud nations, Laws impose, and walls erect,  
Three winter's spent, and Rutilie o'ercome  
Three springs shall see him crowned in Latium.  
But young Ascanius, now julus, late  
Called Ilus, whilst great, Ilium held her State,  
Shall reign full thirty years, with months complete,  
And from Lavinium shall transfer his seat;  
Then shall with mighty power long Alba rear.  
Here Hector's race must rule three hundred year;  
Till IIlia, Queen and Priests shall bring forth  
Pregnant by Mars, at once a double birth.  
Then Romulus proud in's wolf nurse yellow skin  
Shall gather men, and Martial walls begin,  
And from his own name style the Roman race.  
To them no bounds of things, or times, or place,  
Power grant I without end; stern June, here  
Who now earth, Seas, and skies, wearies with fear,  
Shall better counsels take, with us embrace  
The Romans Lords of all, and the gownd race.  
Thus pleased: times come with sliding lustres, when  
Assaracus house shall make the high Mycenae  
And Phthia tame, and over proud Argos reign,  
Then Trojan Caesar springs of a fair strain,  
With Sesse to bond his power, with Stars his fame,  
Julius, from great Julus, comes that name.  
He heaped with Eastern spoils shall be installed  
In heaven by thee, and shall with vows be called.  
Fierce times then milder grow, wars laid aside:  
Old Faith, and Vesta, Romulus shall provide  
With Remus Laws, suries dire gates shall bar  
With steel and brass, within sits impious war  
On cruel arms, bound with a hundred chains,  
And horrid with a bloody mouth complains.  
This said from heaven he Maia's offspring sends,  
That Carthage Lands, and new towers might as friends  
Trojans receive, lest Dido should deny  
Not knowing fates; he glides through ample sky,  
On fanning wings, and straight touched Lybian shores;  
His charge performed; mild grow the barbarous Moors  
A God commanding first the Queen expressed,  
Calm thoughts to Trojans, and a bounteous breast.   

But many cares that night the Prince revolves,  
And with the dawn to search strange coasts resolves,  
On what shores driven by winds, by whom possessed  
(For Lands he saw untiled) if man or beast.  
Which done to tell his friends, the Fleet did lie  
Under a hollow cleft: from any eye,  
Obscured by trees, which gave a horrid shade:  
Only Achates his companion made.  
In his hand shaking two broad pointed Spears.  
When his fair mother in the grove appears;  
A Virgin's face, and dress, so Virgins be  
Of Sparta armed, or such Harpalice  
Who horses tired, and Hebrus could outgo.  
For th' huntress as the use, a handsome bow  
Wore at her back her hair exposed to winds,  
Bare kneed, a knot her flowing garment binds.  
And first she said, youngmen declare if ye  
Did this way any of my sisters see,  
With quivers girt, they spotted linx-skins wear,  
Or chasing of the foaming boar did hear.  
Thus Venus said, than Venus' son replied.  
None of thy sisters we, nor heard or spied:  
But who art thou, thy looks not mortal be,  
Nor humane voice, some Goddess certainly,  
Or Phoebus' sister, or a Nymph you are.  
Be blest what e'er; and say, to ease our care  
In what strange clime, on what coast we are thrown,  
We wander here, the place and men unknown,  
Drove by vast floods and winds, by this hand shall  
Before thy altars many offerings fall.  
Then Venus said, too great such honours are  
For me, a quiver Tyrian Virgins bear,  
And to their calves bind purple buskins neat.  
Carthage thou seest, Tyrians Agenor's seat;  
But Lybick coasts, nations by war unbroke.  
Dido reigns here, who Tyrian realms forsook  
Flying her brother: long the injuries are,  
And circumstance, but things thus briefly were.   

Sychaeus was her Lord, his wealth beyond  
All Tire, and she of him extremely fond.  
To whom her father did espouse a maid  
With solemn rites, but Tyre Pygmalion swayed,  
Her brother who in wickedness exceeds  
All those whom fury stirs to impious deeds.  
He blind with love of gold, Sychaeus too  
Secure, in secret at the altars slew:  
Sure of her love, he hides the fact, much feigns  
And a sick Lover with vain hope detains.  
To her in sleep, her Lord unburied now  
Appears, raising a wondrous ghastly brow:  
The altars shows, and's breast run through with steel,  
Did all close mischief of her house reveal;  
Persuades her leave the Land, with speed to fly,  
Where hidden treasure should her want supply  
In gold and silver a nuge mass, declared.  
Dido thus moved, both flight, and friends prepared:  
Those who did hate or fear the Tyrant, meet;  
And suddenly they seize a ready Fleet  
And lad with gold greedy Pygmalion's coin  
Transport: A woman chief of the design,  
Came to these parts where now huge walls, and new  
Towers of aspiring Carthage, thou mayst view:  
Called Byrsa from the bargain, so much ground  
Bought, as a Buis hid might incompased round.  
But who are you? whence come? or whether go?  
To her enquiring, he surcharged with woe  
From a full breast drew these. Should I recall  
O Goddess things from their original,  
And would you hear the annals of our woes?  
Vesper would first day in Olympus close.  
We from old Troy (by chance if to your ear  
Troy's name hath come) through divers Seas did steer,  
A storm now drove us on the Lybian shore.  
I am Aeneas, who from enemies bore  
My Gods with me aboard, my fame above  
The stars is known, and sprung from mighty jove,  
A race I seek, and native Italy:  
I twice ten ships launched to the Phrygian Sea,  
What course my goddess mother did ordain,  
And fates, I have observed; scarce seven remain,  
By waves and tempests crazed: unknown, and poor  
Driven from Europe, and the Asian shore,  
I wander Lybick, wild's. Here Venus broke  
Off his sad tale, and interrupting spoke.  
Who ere thou art, I judge that thou survivest  
Dear to the Gods, at Carthage who ariv'st.  
Therefore go on, to the Queen's Court repair;  
For I, thy friends and fleet returned, declare,  
And with changed Northern winds to safety brought,  
Else me in vain fond Parents augury taught.  
Lo! twice six Swans in a glad company  
Ioves bird pursued through the Aetherial sky  
In Heavens broad tracks: now earth in a long train  
They seem to take or taken to disdain;  
As they return with sounding wings they sport,  
And Heaven surrounding, in a song consort.  
Just so, I say, thy friends and fleet have gained  
The Port, or with full sails the Bay obtained.  
Therefore go on (she said) as leads the way,  
And turning did her rosy neck display,  
When her Ambrosian hair a heavenly sweet  
Breathes from her head, robes flow beneath her feet,  
Her Gate a Goddess shows. He when he knew  
His Mother, thus, her flying did pursue.  
Why cruel too dost thou so oft deceive  
Thy son with feigned shapes? may we not give  
Right hands? hear real stories, and reply?  
Thus blaming her, he to the walls drew nigh.  
But Venus them in obscure air did shroud.  
The Goddess veiled them in a mighty cloud;  
Lest any touch, ●est any them discern,  
Or move delay, or cause of coming learn.  
She flies to Paphos, visits her own seat:  
Where in her fane a hundred altars sweat  
With Eastern Gums, and with fresh Garlands smoke.  
Then they the path, which most invited took.  
Now they ascend a hill, which much the town  
o'er tops, and looks on adverse Bulwarks down.  
The Prince admires the Pile, once cottages,  
Admires the Port, the paved streets and noise.  
The Trojans work, some lay foundations  
For walls, and towers, others roll mighty stones,  
These draw out grounds, and with a trench enclose;  
Laws, Magistrates, a holy Senate chose.  
Some make a Port, and these a great work drew  
For theatres, from rocks vast Pillars hue,  
High ornaments the future Scenes t'adorn,  
As Bees through flowery meads i'th'sunny morn  
Work in the spring, when hopeful youth they train,  
Or when they stive their sweet, and liquid gain,  
And with the purest Nectar stretch the Hive,  
Or ease the laden, or imbatteld drive  
The Drones, a slothful cattles from the Cels.  
Work heats, of thyme the fragrant honey smells.  
Blessed men whose walls now rise, Aeneas said,  
And their high towers admiring, then survaid:  
Wrapped in a cloud (most wondrous) he walks in  
With people mixed, and was of no man seen.   

Amidst the town was a sweet shady Grove,  
Where first with winds, and waves, the Paente drove  
An omen digged, which royal juno sent:  
A horse his head, which showed they eminent  
Should be in war, and still in wealth abound:  
Here Juno's Fane did Tyrian Dido found,  
Wealthy with presents, and the Goddess grace:  
Brass Portals mount, with steps, and beams of brass,  
And the joined hinges rung with brazen Gates.  
First in this grove new objects mitigates  
His fear; here safety first Aeneas dares  
To hope, and better trust to sad affairs.  
Weighting the Queen, whilst there he all did see,  
Whilst he admires, what the town's chance might be,  
The artists emulous hand, and works so rare,  
He see in order all the Trojan War.  
War famous now through the whole Universe:  
Atrides, Priam, and Achilles fierce  
To both: he weeping then Achates said,  
What Realms hath not our woe replenished?  
Lo! Priam here, reward here virtue finds;  
Troy tears, and humane sufferings pitying minds,  
Fear not he said this same may help our need,  
Then did his fancy on vain Pictures feed,  
Much grieved his face with a large stream he drovvned,  
When he beheld how Trey beleaguered round,  
Hear Grecians fly, and Hector presses on,  
Achilles charges there, and Trojans run.  
Near this he Rhesus snowy tents survaid  
Weeping, his men in their first sleep betrayed,  
Bloody Tydides' with great slaughter wastes,  
And to his camp the fiery horses hasts,  
Ere they drank Xanthus, on Troy's Pastures grazed.  
Poor Troilus disarmed, here flies amazed;  
Too weak for thee Achilles backwards fling  
Dragged with his horse, by the empty Chariot hung,  
Holding the reins, earth soils his neck and hair,  
Scribbling the dust with his inverted spear.  
When the Ilian dames with flowing tresses went  
To unpleased Pallas fane, and robes present,  
Beating their breasts, sad in the humblest guise:  
But the angry Goddess fixed on earth her eyes.  
Achilles' round Troy's walls dragged Hector thrice,  
And gold for his pale corpse he made the price.  
Then a deep sigh he from his breast did send.  
When he the corpse, spoils, chariot of his friend,  
And Priam saw, when unarmed hands he rears.  
He knows himself mixed with the Grecian Peers,  
Knew Eastern squadrons, and black Memnon's arms;  
Penthesilea raging midst alarms  
Her crescent sheelded Amazons brought on,  
Her naked breast girt with a golden zone,  
Amidst the thickest bands she chargeth then,  
And the bold virgin dares encounter men.   

Whilst on these things the Dardan Prince did look,  
And much admiring with the object took;  
Then with a guard, Queen Dido, the most fair,  
To she high Temple did in state repair.  
Such on Eurotas banks, or Cynthus meads,  
Shows bright Diana, when she dances, leads  
A thousand mountain Nymphs on every side,  
Her golden quiver at her shoulders tide.  
Walking she all the Goddesses excels,  
Whilst joy Latona's silent bosom swells:  
Such Dido was, so cheerfully she went  
Hastening the works, and future government,  
In Juno's porch, the temples mid-arch, round  
Guarded with arms on high she sat enthroned;  
A woman gave men Laws, and tasks assigns  
In equal portion, or by lot enjoins.   

When straight Aeneas did with throngs behold  
Anteus, Sergestus, and Cloanthus bold;  
And other Trojans, which the black storm bore  
And waves dispersed unto a distant shore.  
Both were amazed, and both at once admire,  
'Twixt joy and fear, to join right hands desire:  
But troubled with the unknown chance they shroud,  
Listening Spectators in a hollow cloud.  
What fortune happened to his friends, and where  
They lest their Fleet, what chance had brought them there,  
For to beg quarter, from each ship were sent  
Choice men; who clamouring to the Temple went.  
After admission, and free audience had,  
Undiscomposed bold Ileonus said.   

Great Queen whom Jove did grant new seats to build,  
Pleased that proud Nations to thy sway should yield.  
We tempest-beaten Trojans, thee desire  
To save our Navy from consuming fire.  
And nearer view our cause; the pious spare.  
Nor brought we to the Libick confines war,  
Nor come to drive rich preys: vanquished long since  
We lost such courage, and such insolence.  
There is a place the Greeks Hesperia stilc,  
An ancient warlike Land, a fertile soil,  
B' Aenotrians tilled '; Posterity they fame  
Since called it Italy, for their Prince's name,  
Hither we steered,  
When strait Oryon with a storm did rise,  
And us with furious Auster did surprise,  
And on the rocks with conquering billows bore;  
A few of us swom hither to your shore.  
What a strange Nation's this? what barbarous land  
Such custom's use? the hospitable strand  
We are denied, by force prohibited  
Upon the margins of your coasts to tread.  
Aeneas was our King, for piety,  
Justice, and prowess, none more great than he.  
Which man if fates preserve, if yet he breathe,  
If cruel shades receive him not in death?  
You need not fear, nor shall you  repent  
That you did us in courtesy prevent.  
We have in Cicilie, Cities, Arms, and Lands,  
Where great Acestes, sprung from Troy, commands.  
That we draw up our Navy condescend,  
To rig them new, tackling, and oars to mend.  
That if our King, and friends be found, than we  
May steer our course with joy for Italy,  
And Latium seek. But if no help be found,  
And thou best Trojan Princei'th ' tempest drowned;  
Nor of Ascanius hope; Sicanian roads,  
Whence we sailed hither, and prepared abodes,  
Old King Acestes, we at last shall find.  
I leoneus said; the Trojans with one mind  
Gave full applause.  
Then Dido brief and modestly declares.  
O Trojans fear not, and seclude your cares:  
To settle our new State we find so hard,  
That we our confines are enforced to guard.  
Of Trojans who? of Troy who ignorant are!  
Those Worthies, Valour, fury of that War?  
Tyrians are not so dull, nor yet the Sun's  
Chariot so distant from our City runs.  
Seek you great Italy, Saturnian lands,  
Or Erix shores, the King Acestes strands:  
I'll safe disinisse you, and supply your want.  
Will you alike with us, this City plant?  
This town I build is yours; your ships forsake,  
'Twixt Tyrians, Trojans, I'll no difference make.  
Would the same wind had hither brought your Prince,  
But I will issue forth Commands from hence,  
That he be sought through all the Lybian coast,  
Should he in Deserts be, or Cities lost.  
Achates, and the King, with these words fired  
Long since, to break the gloomy cloud desired.  
Then bold Achates to Aeneas said,   

Great Goddess son, what doubts may now dissuade:  
Thy friends, and ships, all safe thou seest, but one  
Which in our sight, the raging Seas did drown:  
All suits thy mother's words. Scarce these he said,  
When suddenly the circumsused shade  
Purged to thin air, and forth Aeneas stood,  
His garb, his face, and person like a God.  
Venus had trimmed his hair, youth's beauty dies  
His cheeks, she breathed glad honours on his eyes.  
So Ivory graced by art, so Silver would,  
Or Parian marble show, set in pure gold.  
And sudden unexpected did appear;  
Then to the Queen. I, whom you seek am here,  
Trojan Aeneas scap't the Lybick Seas.  
O thou alone, pitying our miseries!  
Who us Greek relics, spent, by various fates  
Of land and sea, thou joyn'st associates  
To thee, and thine: we, nor all dardan's strain  
Through great earth scattered can require again,  
The Gods (if there be any Providence,  
Or Justice, will the pious recompense)  
Sure must reward thee. O! what age of worth,  
What so great Parents, such as thee brought forth?  
Whiles convexed hills have shadows, to the main  
Whilst rivers run, whilst poles the stars sustain,  
Thy honour; name, and same, shall last, what land  
Soever me invites. Then his right hand  
I lioneus takes, his left Sergestus meets,  
Bold Gyas, stout Cloanthus; all he greets.  
At the first sight Dido was much dismayed,  
And wondering at so strange a story, said;   

What dangerous fate pursued thee Goddess son,  
What forced thee, on these Barbarous shores to run?  
Art thou Aeneas whom fair Venus bore  
Near Simois streams, Dardan Anchises heir?  
Teucer I call to mind expelled his land  
To Sidon came, did Belus aid demand  
New Realms to gain: my father then subdued  
Cyprus, and conqueror held in servitude.  
Since than I understood the Trojan fate,  
Thy name, and every Grecian Potentate.  
He though a foe your valour did commend,  
And said himself, did from your stock descend.  
Therefore bold Trojans to our Court advance;  
We in such dangers tossed, and various chance  
At length ourselves did in this country plant,  
I know t'help others, taught by my own want.   

Then she Aeneas to the Court conveys,  
And the God's honours on the altars pays,  
Next to the shores twenty fat beefs she sends,  
With them a hundred swine to feast his friends;  
And with the ewes as many fattened lambs,  
With wine, Lyaeus' joy,  
But all within with royal pomp was graced.  
And midst the Hall a stately feast they placed.  
Wrought carpets with proud scarlet did enfold  
Huge silver tables, where was graved in gold  
Her Grandsire's acts in a long series stood  
Drawn from so many Princes of the blood.   

The King (for love paternal never sleeps)  
Sent down in haste Achates to the ships,  
To tell this to Ascanius, then repair  
With him to Court, who was his father's care.  
To bring gifts saved from Troy the long robe which  
Was purled with gold, and with imbroideric rich,  
A vail, the edge with bright Acanthus wrought;  
Fair Helen's dress, which, she from Argos brought  
To Troy, and fatal marriages set forth;  
Her mother Leda's gift of wondrous worth.  
The Sceptre too which once Ilium bore,  
Priam's first daughter, the Pearl-chain she wore  
And Coronet, with gold and gems enchased.  
For these Achates to the Fleet did haste.   

But Venus now new arts, new counsels took;  
That Cupid should like young Ascanius look,  
And in the furious Queen he might inspire  
The flames of love, and pierce her bones with fire.  
Double tongued Tyrians, doubtful house she fears:  
Fierce Juno frights, with night increased her cares.  
Therefore to winged love she briefly said,   

Dear son, my strength dear son, my chiefest aid,  
Who only sleights great Jave's Typhoan fire,  
I fly to thee, suppliant thy aid require.  
Thou know'st thy brother my Aeneas hath  
Felt on all Lands and Seas fierce Juno's wrath,  
And of our sorrow hadst as great a sense.  
Him Dido courts, and stays with blandishments.  
Junonian entertainments I suspect,  
Nor she so great occasion will neglect.  
Therefore I plot first to deceive, and bind  
The Queen with flames, lest some power change her mind,  
That she with me Aeneas love involve.  
Which to effect, know this is my resolve.  
The Royal boy for Carthage does prepare  
By his dear Father called: my greatest care  
Brings gifts preserved from Troy's flame and the deep.  
In high Cytherum him I'll cast asleep,  
And in Idalium's sacred mansions lay;  
Left he appearing should our plot betray.  
Assume his form only one nights short space;  
Use art, a boy put on a boys known face,  
That when glad Dido hugs thee at her lap  
At royal feasts, crowned with the cheering grape.  
When she embracing, shall sweet kisses give,  
Inspire hid flame, with deadly bane deceive.   

His mother love obeys, his wings he leaves  
And joyfully Ascanius garb receives,  
But V●nus through Julus limbs distils  
Sweet sleep, and bears to the Idalian hills,  
And in soft Marjerom the boy she laid.  
Whose flowers embraced him with a pleasant shade.   

But Cuptd then his mother's will obeyed,  
Bore gifts to Carthage, and Achates led.  
When he came in, the Queen was placed in state  
On golden beds, and in the midst she sat.  
Aeneas, and the Trojan Captains met,  
And raised high, they on spread scarlet set.  
The servants water bring and served up bread,  
In chargers; some neat fringed towels spread.  
And fifty Dames to serve the bill of fare,  
Had charge within, and Inscence to prepare.  
A hundred more, with youth of like age, graced  
Tables with dishes, and the goblets placed.  
Through joyful halls in throngs the Tyrians pressed,  
Commanded on embroidered couches rest.  
Aeneas' gifts th'admire, Julus praised,  
At th'Gods bright looks, and feigned words amazed:  
The robe, and curious yaile, they much commend.  
But Dido destined to a woeful end,  
Can not be satisfied, burning at the sight  
The Boy and presents equally delight.   

Aeneas neck when he embracing held  
And the great love of a wrong Father filled,  
He Courts the Queen; she strange affection shows,  
Fixing her eyes, lays in her lap; nor knows  
What God betrayed a wretch; but Cupid is  
Mindful of Venus, blotting by degrees  
Sychaeus out, and tries with lively love  
Fixed thoughts, and resolutions to remove.   

After the feast was ended, all took down,  
They mighty goblet's place, and Bacchus' crown.  
The ample Palace rung with noises mixed,  
And shining lamps to golden roofs were fixed:  
Bright torches vanquish the dark night with fires.  
Here, rich with gems, and gold, the Queen requires  
A bowl with wine, which Belus used, and all  
From Belus sprung, than silence through the hall.   

O Jove (for thou giv'st laws to every guest)  
To Tyrian, Trojans let this day be blest,  
And still observed by our posterity:  
Glad Bacchus and good Juno, present be,  
You favouring Tyrians keep this feast, she said.  
And flowing honour on the table paid.  
Then having gently kissed the swelling cup  
Gave't Bitias, he the full gold soon turns up,  
And drenched himself in the overflowing draught.  
Next other Peers: What greatest Atlas taught  
On's golden harp, long haired jopas plays,  
Sols labours, and the moons, inconstant ways,  
Whence man and beasts, whence showers, and lightning sprung,  
Wet kids, Arturus, Northern bears, he sung.  
Why winters suns haste so to touch the main,  
And what delays the tardy might restrain.  
Tyrians, and Trojans, praise with one consent.   

But the slow night, unhappy Dido spent  
In various discourse; and long love quast:  
Oft asks of Priam, and of Hector oft,  
Now in what arms, Aurora's offspring came,  
Of Diomedes' horse, now of Achilles same.  
My guest from first original relate  
Greeks treacheries (she said) and your own fate,  
And wander since, for now seven years hath tossed  
You on all shores, and drove to every coast.    

THE SECOND BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
APollo's priest the Trojan horse assails.  
Sinon's false story, with feigned tears, prevails.  
Laocoon and his sons by serpent's slaine.  
The horse drawn in, the Greeks return again.  
The City taken by their stratagem.  
Aeneas riseth from a troubled dream,  
And gathers aid; resistance makes in vain;  
The Palace burnt, Polites, Priam slain.  
Through sword, and fire, Vews her son convaies.  
Glad Omens raise Anchises from delays.  
Creusa lost, Aeneas from Troy's sack,  
Ascends mount Ide, his father on his back.  

ALl silent, and with deep attention sat:  
Then thus the Prince spoke from his bed of State.  
Unheardof grïefs great Queen, you bid renew:  
How Troy's unhappy Realm the Greeks o'erthrew;  
Whose sad destruction I myself have seen,  
And in her loss have no small sharer been.  
Which of the Dolops, Myrmidons, or fierce  
Ulysses soldier, such things to rehearse  
Can tears refrain? and now the dewy night  
●s almost spent, rest setting stars invite:  
But if that you desire our chance to know,  
And brief would hear, Troy's final overthrow:  
Though at the thought such horror I within  
My wounded soul conserve yet, I'll begin.   

Broken by war now many sliding years,  
And forced by fate; at length the Grecian Peers  
A horse frame like a mountain, by divine  
Minerva's art, the sides with wrought fir join.  
They for return feign vows; wide spreads that fame,  
Here secretly by lot, in the dark frame,  
Choice men th'inclose, and full the Caverns large,  
And the huge belly, with armed Soldiers charge.   

In sight lay Tenedos, the I'll well known  
By fame, and rich whilst Priam held the Crown:  
Now but a bay, to Ships a faithless road.  
Here they arrived, in desert shores abode.  
We thought them gone, and for Mycenae steered:  
Therefore all Troy from her long grief was cleared,  
Gates opened, to behold Greek Camps they joyed,  
To visit coasts forsook, and places void.  
Here Dolops, fierce Achilles there abode,  
Here they joined battle, there the Navy road.   

Some wonder at chaste Pallas gift, accursed,  
And the huge horse admire. Thymetes first  
Bids drawed within the wall, place in the fane,  
Either by fraud, or such Troy's fates ordain.  
But Capys, and the graver heads, advise  
Those gifts suspected, and Greek treacheries  
To drown i'th' Sea, and in the flames consume,  
Or vast caves pierce, and try the hollow womb.  
Th' inconstant rout, in sides divided be.  
Laocoon first, with a great company  
From a high tower ran chafing: then from far.  
What madness this? think you Greek presents are  
Without deceit? believe the foe is gone?  
O wretched men, is thus Ulysses known.  
Either in this enclosed Grecians hid,  
Or 'gainst our walls this Engine they provide  
To view our houses, and the town to force:  
Some deceit lurks, dardan's trust not this Horse,  
What ere it is, Greeks bringing gifts I fear.   

This said, with huge strength he a mighty spear  
At the beasts side, and crooked belly fling:  
Trembling it fixed, the mighty Caverns rung,  
The Bulk being struck, and hollow, grown within.  
Had fate so pleased, had we not senseless been,  
He had Argolick dens with steel constrained:  
Now Troy had stood, and Priam's high Towers remained.   

Behold! mean while the Dardan Shepherds bring  
One bound with mighty clamours to the King.  
Who unknown, fieely yields, this plot to lay,  
That he the town might to the Greeks betray.  
Bold, and prepared for both, or to procure  
His ends, or most assured death endure.  
From all parts joined, the youthful Trojans flock,  
Glad to behold, by turns the captive mock.  
Receive Greeks treacheries now; and from one crime  
Learn all.   

For as amidst, troubled, disarmed he stands,  
And casts his eyes round on the Phrygian bands.  
Ah what land now, or what sea entertains  
A wretch (he said) for poor me what remains?  
Who have no place in Greece, Trojans incensed  
Expect with blood, now to be recompensed.  
With which complaint our minds are changed, all rage  
Compressed, we bid him tell his Parentage.  
What news: how they might trust him captive made,  
Then casting off all fear at length he said.   

All truths what ere, to thee great King will I  
Confess, nor that I am a Greek deny;  
This first: though cruel fortune Sinon hath  
Made wretched thus, she cannot false of faith.   

If you have heard of Palamedes name,  
From Belus sprung, his glory great by fame,  
Whom innocent, falsely the Greeks accused  
And by strange law, because he war refused  
Condemned to die, and him now dead lament.  
Hither at first, me my poor father sent  
In arms with him companion, near of blood.  
Whilst safe he was at home, and his realms stood  
By counsel; we, bore also name, and state.  
But afterward by sly Ulysses hate,  
I speak things known, he to the pale shades went,  
Grieved, I my life in woe, and darkness spent;  
And mourned alone loss of my injured friend.  
Nor soolish held my tongue, what chance attend,  
If native Greece I ere touch conqueror,  
I vowed revenge; with words, sharp malice stir.  
Hence my first woes; hence Ithac●s gave out  
New crimes to fright, spreads 'mongst the vulgar rout  
Ambiguous words, conscious plots new designs:  
Nor rests till Chalcas in his project joins—   

Why trivial things recount I thus in vain?  
Wherefore delay? if all the Grecian strain  
You in one listesteem? enough is told?  
Now let me suffer, this Ulysses would,  
This with much treasure would Atrides buy.  
Then we grow earnest, to know how or why:  
Of such plots ignorant, and Pelasgian art.  
Who trembling thus proceeds with feigned heart.   

To raise their siege the Grecians oft desired,  
And Troy forsake by flight, with long war tired.  
(And would they had) whom ready, storms at Sea  
Did oft shut in, and rough winds terrify.  
But more since we with ample beams did form  
This horse, all heaven did thunder with a storm.  
Perplexed, to th'Oracle, Euryphilus  
We sent, who these sad answers brought to us.   

The winds you first appeased with virgin blood,  
When first for Trojan shores, you Grecians stood:  
With blood you must, and a Greek sacrifice  
Gain your return. When through the Camp this flies,  
Amazed through their bones shot trembling fear,  
Whom Phoebus meant, for whom such fates prepare.   

Ulysses here, with great stir, midst the bands  
From Prophet Calchas, asks the God's Commands.  
Th'artists dire plot, many did to me  
Foretell, and wisely did the event foresee.  
Silent ten days, he cunning did refuse  
Any to name, and the sad Victim choose:  
At last, forced by Ulysses clamours, he  
Breaks silence, and to th'altars destinies me.  
They all assent, what each himself did fear,  
Turned to the ruin of one wretch, they bear.  
Now came the fatal day, rites are designed,  
Salt fruit they bring, my brows with garlands bind.  
I grant, I broke my bonds, fcapt death by flight,  
And hid with reeds, in a foul lake all night  
I lay: till they set sail, if so they would.  
No hope is left my Country to behold,  
Sweet Children, or dear father now, which may  
For my escape be called, sad mulcts to pay,  
And my crime expiate with their own death.  
You by the gods, by sacred truth, by faith  
Inviolate, I pray (if any be  
'Mongst mortals yet) pity my misery,  
Pity a wretch so great injustice bears.  
We grant both life, and pity, to his tears.  
And Priam first his manacles to ease  
And chains Commands; and courteously said these.   

Who ere thou art, forget the Grecians gone:  
Thou shalt be ours; but now these truths make known,  
Why placed they this huge horse? who authors are?  
What would they? sacred is't, or work of war?  
Then skilled in arts, and Grecian treacheries,  
His hands unbound he raiseth to the skies.   

Eternal fires, you powers from violence free,  
Altars, dire swords I scaped, my witness be,  
And the God's wreaths, which me your offering crowned:  
Now from our sacred oath I am unbound,  
Now I may hate the Greeks, and all things hid  
Disclose; nor hath our countries' laws forbidden.  
If thou keep promise, if thou Troy prove true,  
If truths, if great things I repay to you.   

The Greeks chief hopes, and confidence was laid  
Since first this war begun, in Pallas aid.  
But since that impious Diomedes conjoined  
With Ithacus, who all cursed plots designed,  
Fatal Palladium from the sacred fane  
Entering they snatched, the high towers warders slain,  
took the blessed image, and with bloody hand  
Rudely the virgin fillets then profaned,  
The Grecian hopes ran backward, and declind.  
Broken their strength a verse the Goddess mind.  
Nor gave she fignes by doubtful prodigies:  
Scarce placed within our camp, her burning eyes  
Shine with bright flames; and from her body flows  
Salt sweat, and wondrous, thrice from ground she risen,  
Bearing her target, and her trembling spear.  
Calchas cries straight, to Sea they must repair,  
Nor Grecian arms, should conquer Troy, unless  
The Omens, and the Power return to Greece,  
Which they with them to Sea in vast keels brought.   

Native Micene now with fair winds is sought.  
Arms, Gods, and friends, prepared; remeasuring Seas  
Soon they return: thus Calchas ordered these.  
This, being advised, they for Palladium left,  
For th'injured Power, to expiate the theft.  
This mighty frame, Calchas bid rear so high,  
And ribbed with oak commands to touch the sky,  
Lest it within your ports, or walls attain,  
Lest her old love, it should your Nation gain.  
But if Minerva's gift you violate,  
Great woes (which may the Gods on them translate)  
The Phrygians shall, and Priam's Realms attend.  
But by your hands if this your feats ascend,  
Asia 'gainst Greece, shall mighty wars maintain,  
And for our offspring, shall those fates remain.  
Thus perjured Sinon's craft, belief prepares,  
And vanquished those, with fraud, and feigned tears,  
Whom neither Diomedes, Achilles, nor  
A thousand Ships could tame, nor ten years war.   

But now a chance fell out of greater dread,  
And their distracted minds astonished.  
In stead of Neptune's priest the annual due  
A bull Laocoon at the Altar slew.  
Behold from Tenidos, two huge Serpents came,  
(I shake to mention) through calm Seas they swum,  
And took the deep: to shore at once they bend,  
Their breasts erected, bloody necks extend  
Above the floods, their sterns divide the main,  
Winding long backs, with a voluminous train.  
The foamy brine resounds, to shore they came,  
Their burning eyes speckled with blood, and flame,  
And bissing mouths lick with a brandished tongue.  
Pale at the sight we fly: they march along,  
Laocom seek; and first the slonder waist  
Of his two Sons the winding Snakes embraced,  
And on the children's wretched members fed.  
Next him, for aid with weapons furnished  
They seized; bind with huge spires: and now twice could  
About his waste, twicescaly backs enfold  
His neck, above his head tall crests they rear.  
With both his hands he strives those knots to tear,  
And with foul blood; and gore his garlands dies,  
And to the Stars at once raised horrid cries.  
So rores a hurt Bull, having Altars fled,  
And the incertain axe shaken from his head.  
But the two Serpents to the high Fane went,  
And crawling to stern Pallas temple bend:  
Under the Goddess feet, and targe hid.   

Then through our trembling breasts strange terrors glide,  
The Trojans say, Laocoon had his due,  
Who at the sacred Oak his jaulin threw,  
And at the side did cast an impious spear.  
All cry to sacred seats the image bear,  
And on the Goddess call.  
We break our Rampires, and our Walls divide,  
All ply the work, cords to the neck are tide,  
Wheels to the feet, the fatal frame aspires,  
Pregnant with arms, boys, virgins, round in Quires  
Chant sacred hymns, and touch the ropes with joy.  
It goes, and inennacing it enters Troy.   

O Country, Troy, where Gods once masions found;  
And, O you Dardan walls, in war renowned!  
Four times in th'entrance of the gates it hung;  
Four times within the clash of harness rung:  
Yet we, blind, senseless, draw with all our power  
The unhappy monster, to the sacred tower.  
Cassandra then, these future fates foretold,  
Whom Trojans ne'er believed, so Phoebus would.  
Poor we to whom that day must be the last,  
Each where, with festive bows, the temples graced.   

But now the heavens were turned; night risen from Seas,  
Shading earth, skies, and Grecian treacheries.  
Trojans dispearced lay silent on the walls,  
And deep sleep on their weary bodies falls.  
And now in Ships prepared the Argive band  
From Tenedos sail, and steer the well-known strand,  
Following by friendly silence of the Moon  
The Admiral's light: Sinon forewarned, as soon  
(Saved by ill fates) frees, from a door of Pines  
The Greeks enclosed; whom now the horse resigns  
To the fresh air: glad, from the hollow oak,  
Tisandrus, Sthenelus, fierce Ulysses broke,  
Athamas, Thoas, Pyrrhus, Machaon,  
And Menelaus, by long ropes slide down,  
With Epeus, who the engine did design.  
Th'invade the town, buried in sleep, and wine,  
The watch was slain, and they by open gates  
Receive their friends, and join to their known mates.   

It was the time, first sleep the weary soul  
Possessed, and heaven's best gift on mortals stole.  
Behold! most sadly Hector then appears  
To me in sleep, shedding abundant tears:  
Dragged at a chariot, black with bloody dust  
As e'rst, and through his swollen feet reins were thrust.  
Ah! how much changed, how from that Hector, whom  
Achilles' spoils once graced, returning home.  
Or darting Phrygian fire, on th' Argive Fleet.  
Squalid his beard, his hair with blood concrete,  
Bearing those wounds, those many, ne'er Troy's wall,  
He had received, weeping I seem to call  
The man, and thus sad speeches did commence.   

O Dardan light! O Troy's chief confidence!  
Why such delays? O Hector from what coast  
Comest thou desired? that thee, so many lost,  
After such labours, of the town, and men,  
Weary we view: what sad chance thy serene  
Looks hath defiled? or why those wounds view I?  
But he to vain demands made no reply.  
But fetching deep from's breast a heavy groan  
Ah fly, he said, from fire scape Venus' son.  
Troy's high towers sink, the walls the Grecians have.  
Enough for her, and Priam, could strength save  
Ilium, this hand had saved her; and now she  
Her sacred things, and Gods commends to thee,  
Take these companions of thy fates, with these  
Build a great City, having past the Seas.   

This said, he wreaths, and mighty Vesta brought,  
And fires eternal from her sacred vault.   

Mean while with various cries the walls resound,  
And more and more (although in shady ground  
My father's house remote obscurely lay)  
Loud noise draws near, and clashing arms dismay.  
I shake off sleep, and mount the battlement  
With speedy steps, and stood with ears intent.  
As when with rough winds, fire, in standing corn,  
Or mountain floods, with a rapt torrent borne,  
Drounds the ranck●orn and meads, toils of the ox,  
Woods headlong sweeps: amazed, on lofty rocks,  
The shepherd ignorant, receives the sound.  
Then faith was manifest, and Greeks treason found.  
Deiphobus ample frames now overturns  
By Vulcan's rage and next Ucaligon's burns,  
With fire now shine the broad Sigean Bayss,  
The trumpets sound, men higher clamours raise.  
Mad I take arms, armed void of counsel, then  
To aid the tower, with friends to gather men  
My bosom burns: rage, fury, judgement charms;  
And we conceive it brave to die in arms.  
Panthus, behold! escaped the enemies,  
Apollo's priest, Panthus Otriades,  
Bearing things sacred, vanquished gods, he led  
His Nephew, and tothth' shore distracted fled.   

How stand things Panthus? what fort do we hold?  
Scarce said. with a deep sigh thus much he told.  
The last days come, Troy's unavoided date;  
Trojans we were, Troy was, and the high state  
Of Troy hath been: Jove, cruel, all to Greece  
Transfers, and Greeks the burning town possess.  
That horse within the walls, that mighty frame  
Powers forth armed men, bold Sinon stirs the flame  
Insulting others open gates possess,  
So many thousands never came from Greece.  
Some on both sides the narrow passes guard,  
And drawn swords shining stand, to kill prepared.  
The watches of the outworks they invade,  
Who in disorder weak resistance made.   

With Panthus' words, and aid of Gods I pass  
Through flames, through arms, where sad Erynnis was.  
Where sorrow calls, and clamours heaven ascend.  
Ripheus, old Iphitus, companions joined,  
By Moonlight brought, Dymas, and Hypanis,  
Throng to our side, and young Migdonidis,  
Who in those days by chance to Ilium came,  
Whom with fond love, Cassandra did inflame.  
The hapless son brought Troy and Priam aid,  
But prophecies of the inspired maid  
Did not regard.  
Yet when I saw a fight they durst maintain,  
Bold youth, I said, your valour is in vain,  
To save the burning town, if you desire  
To meet your certain death, bravely t'expire;  
You see the chance; those kept this Realm, our Gods  
Their altars have forsaken, and blessed abodes;  
Then let's encounter death, fall bravely on,  
Vanquished men's safety is to hope for none.   

Our youth being thus enraged, as in dark night  
Wolves ravening hunt, spurred by fierce appetite,  
Their whelps being left, wait with dry jaws; so we  
Through weapons rush, rush through the enemy  
To certain death, and through the City made,  
Black night surrounding with a hollow shade.   

Who can the cruel funerals of that night  
Declare? with equal tears those woes recite?  
Th'old City falls, potent so many years:  
In every street, slaughter in heaps appears,  
Bodies in houses, sacred temples, thrown.  
Nor did the Trojans suffer death alone,  
The vanquished their courages recall,  
And now the Grecian conquerors do fall:  
In all parts cruel grief, in all parts fear,  
And various shapes of death was every where.  
Androgeus' first of all, the Greeks came up  
To us, and followed with a mighty troop,  
He unadvised for his friends did take,  
And first with courteous language freely spoke.   

Hast sirs, O slothful, what delays you thus  
Whilst others ransack, burning Pergamus,  
March you but now, from the tall fleet? (this said)  
And strait (for we but doubtful answers made)  
Perceives himself engaged, amidst his foes,  
And with the word astonished backward goes,   

As one who on a Serpent 'mongst sharp briers  
Treads unawares, and frighted strait retires  
From his raised wrath, and purple swelling head;  
So at the sight Androgeus frighted fled.  
We fiercely charge, and round about them drew;  
Amazed, and ignorant of the place o'erthrew:  
And fortune did, this our first service aid.   

Here heightened with success Chorabus said,  
O friends, where our first fortune way hath shown  
For safety take, as she directs let's on.  
Let us change shields, in Graeoian armour go;  
Who fraud or valour questions in a foe?  
These shall give arms, thus saying he assumes  
Androgeus glittering shield and crested plumes;  
And fits an Argive sword unto his thigh.  
This Ripheus. Dymas, all the company:  
Each armed himself in recent spoilcs with joy,  
Then mixed with Greeks, wanting our Deity,  
And through night's gloomy shades, oft on we fell,  
And many a Grecian soul we sent to hell.  
Some fly to th' Ships, and swift to safe shores bend,  
Others with base fear struck, again ascend  
The mighty horse, and in the known bulk hid.   

Ah, who may hope if by the Gods denied!  
Cassandra lo! the Priamaenian maid,  
From Pallas temple dragged, her hair displayed,  
To heaven her bright eyes raising then in vain;  
Her eyes, for cords her tender hands restrain.   

Enraged Choraebus' not enduring this  
Willing to die, leaps midst his enemies,  
All after rush, 'mongst thickest squadrons went.  
Here first by darts from the high temple sent,  
Our own destroy us, and sad slaughters make,  
By change of Arms and Grecian helms mistake  
The Graectans gather, stirred with grief and rage,  
And for the rescued Virgin all engage.  
Then both th' Atrideses, and his men drew up  
Fierce Ajax and the stern Dolopian troop.   

So advers winds, contest with all their force;  
West, South, and Eurus, on his Eastern horse:  
The woods resound, and foamy Nereus raves,  
And with his trydent stirs up dreadful waves.   

Those we by stratagem had overthrown,  
And by nights help chased round about the town,  
Appear, and first they knew our feigned arms,  
The difference of our language, and alarms.  
We are orepowred; and first at Pallas fane  
Chorebus was, by Peneleus slain.  
Next Ripheus fell, most faithful to his trust:  
Nor in all Troy was known a man more just:  
Though by the Gods otherwise looked upon.  
Hypanis, Dymas, were by friends o'erthrown,  
Nor Phoebus' Mitre could deliver thee  
Panthus from death, nor thy great piety.  
Troy's ashes witness, and last flames of mine,  
If in your fall I danger did decline,  
Or Graectan force: death, had my fate been full,  
This hand did merit. Thence with us we pull  
Iphitus, Pelias, I phitus age detained,  
Pelias a wound he from Ulysses gained.   

Hence clamour calls to Priam's Palace, there  
A huge fight was, as if no war elsewhere,  
Nor in the whole town other funerals.  
So untamed Mars, Greeks rushing to the walls  
We saw strong gates with testudes they assail,  
High pillars climb, and walls with sadders scale;  
Shields their left hands protect, oppose defence  
'Gainst darts, their right hands seize the battlements.  
dardan's resist; down roofs, and towers they cast  
And with such arms, since they behold their last,  
Prepare to save themselves in deaths extremes:  
High honours of old Princes, golden beams  
They tumble down; others with drawn swords stood  
To keep the gates, and with strong guards make good.  
Courage restored, we to the Palace made,  
To join our force, and give the vanquished aid.   

There was a porch with private gates, a way  
Well known in Court, behind the pillars lay;  
Often by which, whilst Ilium did remain  
Hapless Andromache, without a train  
Old Priam used to visit, and did bring  
Her son Astyanax, to delight the King.  
Strait I this way the battlements ascend,  
From whence in vain their darts the Trojans spend.  
There was a tower erected wondrous high,  
And with proud Bulworks seemed to kiss the sky,  
From whence all Troy accustomed to see  
The Camp, and Navy of the enemy.  
This with my sword I loosed, and on that part  
Wherre jutting beams did from their mortisse start,  
We gave a shove; when sudden from that height  
Thundering it fell, and on the Greeks did light:  
But fresh men Charge, nor stones, nor any kind  
Of weapons ceased mean while.  
Pyrrhus' just at the entrance in the pass  
Triumphs in arms, and shines in glittering brass.  
So in the Spring a sterved Snake comes forth,  
Whom swollen, cold Winter drove beneath the earth;  
Now having cast his skin, he fresh appears  
With skining youth, and proud his bosom rears  
In towrie wind to the cheering South,  
His triple stings, brandishing in his mouth.  
With him huge Periphas, Automedon  
Achilles Charioteere, and Squire comes on;  
These seconded by all the Scyrian bands,  
Who on the roofs cast fire, and flaming brands.  
Through strong gates first, he with an axe did pass,  
And from the hinges tore down beams of brass,  
Then hews huge pillars, cleaving knotty oak,  
And a large breach with a wide passage broke.  
The house within appears, long halls unfold,  
Prtams bedchamber, and the Kings of old;  
The entrance they might see, armed soldiers guard,  
Within mixed tumults, and loud skreeks are heard,  
The arched ceilings howl with female cries,  
And c'amours to the golden stars arise.  
Then fearful Matrons through vast buildings mixed  
The posts embracing held, and kisses fixed.  
With's father's strength, Pyrrhus maintains the fight,  
Nor guards nor rampires, can resist his might:  
Gates with his battering Ram are overthrown,  
And from their hinges Jaumes are tumbled down.  
They force their way: the first they meet they kill,  
And royal Courts the basest soldiers fill.   

A soaming river not so fiercely goes,  
When breaking forth, his banks he overthrows:  
And on the plains with hostile billows falls,  
Bearing with him, both carrell and then stalls.  
I saw how slaughtering Pyrrhus was enraged:  
To enter how th' Atrides were engaged:  
The Queen, a hundred Ladies, Priam viewed,  
And fires he hallowed, with's own blood embrued.  
He fifty Daughters did with marriage grace,  
Such hopes there was of his illustrious race.  
Beams rich with gold, and spoils fall by their ire,  
And Greeks possess what's not possessed by fire.   

But here you may inquire of Priam's fates,  
When Troy he saw was taken, and his gates  
Torn down, through all the Court the foe to rage:  
Arms long unworn, th'old man, trembling with age  
Girds on in vain; a useless sword he takes,  
And desperate, where the foe was thickest, makes.   

Amidst the court, under heaven's canopy  
An Altar stood, an ancient Laurel nigh  
Embraced the Gods with a declining shade:  
Hither in vain, the Queen and Daughters fled.  
But when in youthful arms she Priam spied.  
Oh! my most wretched husband (strait she cried:)  
What counsel thee to put on arms did move?  
Into what danger dost thou run dear love?  
These times no such defenders will allow,  
No, if my Hector should be present now.  
Draw near: this altar may protect us all,  
Or here in death we will together fall.  
Then she her husband by the hand did bring,  
And placed in sacred seats the aged King.   

Behold! Polites one of Priam's sons  
Having escaped from slaughtering Pyrrhus runs  
Wounded to seek some sheltering place, he flies  
Through arms, through foes, courts, and long galleries,  
Whom raging Pyrrhus did with arms pursue:  
Now takes and strikes him with his javeline through.  
At last as in his parent's sight he stood,  
He fell and powers his soul out with much blood.   

Here Priam though beset with death, abstained  
Neither from language, nor his wrath restrained.  
The Gods for this, who such a bold act dared,  
If any power in heaven such things regard,  
They'll recompense, and due rewards bequeath  
To thee, who forced me see my dear sons death,  
And with his blood the Parent's face defiled.  
Achilles, whom thou father false hast styled  
Was no such foe to me, he blushed when I  
Implored the law of arms, nor did deny  
Hector's pale corpse should have a native tomb,  
And me again sent with a convoy home.   

This said, th'old man, a feeble jaulin threw,  
Which could not pierce his sounding target through:  
But on the boss did hang the harmless spear,  
Then Pyrrhus said: this news my father bear,  
My cruel deeds remember to relate;  
And how that I his son degenerate.  
For thou shalt die; as soon as this he said,  
Through his son's blood, he dragging him conveyed  
Trembling to th'altars: than his hair he wreaths  
In his left hand, his right his sword unsheathes,  
Which to the hilts he buries in his side.  
So finished Priam's fates, and thus he died,  
Seeing Ilium burn, whose proud Commands did sway  
So many potent Realms in Asia.  
Now on the strand his sacred body lies  
Headless without a name or obsequies.  
Amazed, than first strange fear surrounded me,  
I on my father thought, when I did see  
The equal aged King give up his life  
With a sad wound, and my neglected wife,  
My rifled house, and poor julus' chance.  
Round I behold, what force I could advance;  
All weary had forsook me, and leapt down,  
Or in the flames, their wretched bodies thrown.   

Now by myself; in Vesta's porch I found  
Helen concealed, silent, on sacred ground  
Close hid she lay: a light those burn vast  
Me wand'ring gave, as round my eyes I cast.  
She for Troy's fall expects the Trojans sword,  
Greek censures, wrath, of her forsaken Lord.  
Common Erynnis both to Greece and Troy,  
Obscure, and hated did at Altars lie.  
My mind inflames, rage my revenge did call.  
To give her punishments for my country's fall.  
Shall safely she behold her native soil?  
A Queen in Sparta triumph in our spoil?  
Her husband, court, children and parents see?  
Shall Trojan Dames, Phrygtans her servants be?  
Priam by th'sword fall? flames destroy his seat?  
So oft with blood the Dardan confines sweat?  
Not so. Although no memorable name  
Have female punishments, or such conquest's fame;  
Yet I'll be praised to punish, nay to kill  
So cursed a wretch; I'll satisfy my will  
Flames to revenge, and my friends ashes please.  
With rage I was transported saying these.  
When my blessed mother did to me appear,  
Never before in night she shined more clear.  
Goddess confessed; such, and so great, as she  
Is seen to those above; and wring me  
Fast by the hand, from rosy lips she said,  
Dear Son, what rage hath such distemper made?  
Why ravest thou thus? and where are our respects?  
Nor look'st thou first, where bedrid thou neglects  
Anchises now? lives thy Creusa yet?  
And young. Ascanius? which the Greeks beset  
On all sides round: did not I aid afford,  
Flames had devoured them, or the enemy's sword.  
Nor Helen's beauty blame, nor Paris hate,  
The Gods, the Gods incensed o'erthrow this seat,  
And from her deep foundations ruin Troy.  
Behold (for all these clouds which thus annoy  
Thy mortal sight, and thus thick mists display  
I shall remove, nor fear thou to obey  
Thy mother's will, nor her Commands resist.)  
Here where fallen heaps, stones torn from stones thou leest  
Lie mixed with ashes thus, and waving smoke,  
Neptune the walls with his great trident shaken,  
And the whole City turns up from her seats.  
Here cruel Juno guards the Scaean gates;  
And raging from the Fleet her favourites calls,  
Girt with a sword.  
On high towers placed thou mayst Trytonia spy,  
In a bright cloud, the cruel Gorgon by.  
With strength, and courage, Jove the Greeks supplies,  
And 'gainst Troy's arms excites the Deities.  
Fly son, thy Labours finish, I'll be near,  
And safe thee to thy father's thresholds bear.  
Then she herself in nights dark shades concealed,  
And cruel shapes, great Deities revealed  
Themselves a verse to Troy.  
And now all Ilium seems in flames to burn.  
Neptunian Troy's foundations over-turn.  
As an old ash hath lofty mountains crowned,  
With frequent axes hewed, with steel cut round  
By striving swains: she threatening nods, and now  
She shakes her tresses with a trembling brow,  
Till vanquished with wounds she gives a groan,  
And from the mountain torn, lies overthrown.  
Thence led by her, I pass through foes, and fire.  
Weapons give place, and horrid flames retire.   

But when to our paternal seats I came,  
Our ancient house, my father, my first aim,  
First sought to carry to the mountains, he  
Refused to live, and would no exile be  
Ilium destroyed: you in whose youthful veins,  
He said, fresh blood flows, solid strength remains,  
Take you your flight.  
If heaven would spare my life, these seats for me  
Had been preserved; it is too much, I see  
One fall, once to outlive this City took:  
Thus let, O thus the bedrid be forsaken.  
I shall find death pitied by foes, who shall  
My spoils seek; Loss of Sepulchre is small.  
Hated by heaven, useless I live, since when  
The Father of the Gods, and King of men  
With thunder struck, with lightning blasted me.   

Thus he discoursed, and fixed remained: whilst we  
Are drowned in tears, my wife, Ascanius,  
With all the house, lest his delays, might us  
With him destroy, tempting, to urgent fate.  
Yet he denies, fixed in one posture sat.  
I arm again, and wretched wish to die.  
What avails counsel, what can chance supply.  
Think you dear Sir, I'll stir, you left behind;  
Can such strange words fall from a father's mind?  
If nothing heaven of such a town will leave,  
And you and yours you'll to Troy's ruins give,  
That death is near, from Priam's slaughter now  
Pyrrhus will come, who at the altar slew  
The father, and the Son before the Sire.  
For this blessed mother, me through sword and fire  
Didst bring? To see my foe within my house,  
My father, wife, and young Ascanius  
Behold in one another's blood lie dead.  
Arm, arm, the last hour calls the vanquished.  
Let me return and seek the enemy,  
Nor shall we now all unrevenged die.   

Here I gird on my sword, my target brace  
To my left arm, ready to leave the place.  
Lo! then my wife, clings fast unto my knee,  
Just in the Porch, and shows my son to me.  
Goest thou to die, take us through all alarms,  
But if expert thou'st confidence in arms,  
First guard this house, Ascanius now contains,  
Where father, wife, once called thine, remains.  
At this the house rung with a woeful cry;  
When strait appears a wondrous prodigy.  
Betwixt our hands, in the sad parent's sight,  
Lo! from Julus crown a flaming light  
Was seen to rise, and harmless fire did spread  
With a soft touch, and round his temples fed.  
We frighted haste to shake the flagrant hair,  
Water to quench the sacred flame prepare.  
But to the stars Anchises lift his eyes,  
His voice and hands advancing to the skies.   

Almighty Jove, if any prayer move thee,  
Look down, if we deserve for piety:  
Confirm this sign, O father, and grant aid.  
Scarce th'old man thus, when strait it thundered  
On the left hand, gliding through shades, from skies  
A star shoots blazing, and with much light flies,  
Which we beheld o'er the high roofs to move,  
And our course marking to th' Idean grove  
Concealed itself, then in a furrow broke  
And shining made those parts with sulphur, smoke.   

My father now persuaded left his bed,  
Adores the sacred star, Gods worshipped;  
Haste, now I follow whether you shall please,  
O save our house, and race, you Deities,  
This is your Omen, Troy is yours; O Son,  
I yield, and go now thy companion.  
Then from the walls, we hear the crackling flame  
Louder to sound, and near the burn came.  
Dear father on my neck yourself sustain,  
Lay here your weight, such labour is no pain:  
What ever chance, one common danger we  
Shall equal share, to both one safety be.  
I shall Ascanius my companion choose,  
Dear wife observe my steps, but distance use,  
And you my servants list to my commands.  
Near Troy a tomb, an ancient temple stands,  
Of slighted Ceres, an old Cypress nigh,  
Which long your grandsires kept religiously,  
By several ways, to this let us repair.  
OurGods, and sacred things, dear father bear:  
For me unfit to touch, returned from blood  
And so great battles, till the living flood  
Cleanse me again.  
Then o'er my shoulder and my neck I tied  
Above my vest a yellow lions hid.  
I take the load, Ascanius did embrace  
My hand, and followed with unequal pace.  
My wife behind, we passed through parts obscure:  
I who before durst showers of darts endure  
And adverse ranks of thickest Greeks; now fear,  
Each breath of wind, the smallest noise I hear;  
Alike both for my son and burden dread.  
I reach the gates, long ways are vanquished,  
When sound of trampling feet our ears invades,  
My father spies them through the gloomy shades,  
And cries aloud, O son, fly, they draw near,  
Their shining arms, and glittering shields appear.   

Nor can I give account what God unkind  
Trembling, amazed, did here distract my mind,  
Whilst uncouth ways I choose, lest the known coast,  
Ah, by sad fate I my Creusa lost.  
Whether she died, did stray, and tired gave o'er  
Her journey, but I saw her face no more;  
Nor looked behind, nor missed her till we come  
To sacred seats, and ancient Ceres' tomb:  
Here we all met, one only thus bereaved,  
Who me, her father, and her son deceived,  
What God or man did not my frenzy call  
In question, what worse chance, since Ilium's fall?  
My son, my father, and our Gods I did  
Leave with my friends, and in a valley hid.  
Troy I revisit, gird on shining arms  
All dangers to renew, through all alarms  
Ilium to search, again past danger try.  
The walls I first, then gloomy gates draw nigh;  
Obscured with night, back step by step I went  
With wary pace, and eyes as vigilant.  
Horror each where, nay filence strikes a fear.  
Thence home, hoping by chance to find her there.  
Through all the roofs, the cruel Greeks I had,  
And eating fire rolled to the tops with wind:  
Then flames ascend, fire towereth in th'air.  
To Priam's seats, and palace I repair.  
There Phoenix, dire Ulysses, guard the spoils  
In Juno's temple and forsaken isles.  
From all parts hither Dardan treasure came,  
Saved from God's tables, temples sunk in flame:  
Goblets of gold, rich robes in heaps are laid;  
Youth, fearful matrons, orderly arrayed  
Stand round about.  
Bold, also I the streets with clamour fill,  
And call through shades, ingeminating still  
Again in vain, again Creusa. Hear  
To me in quest, thus raging every where  
Appears her shade, and sad similitude:  
And her known form a larger shape endued.  
Amazed, struck dumb, erected was my hair.  
When thus she spoke with words appeasing care.   

Why so much pleaseth thee a task so vain?  
O my dear Lord, since thus the Gods ordain.  
Neither must thou transport me from these strands;  
The King of high Olympus countermands.  
Thou shalt long exile blow vast seas, before  
Hesperia's found, where through a fertile shore  
The Lydian Tiber's gentle waters glide.  
Glad things wait there, a Realm, a royal Bride.  
Spare for thy loved Creusa tears; for I  
Dolops proud seats, nor Myrmydons shall see,  
Or go a slave to Grecian Dames commands,  
Allied to Dardan and blessed Venus.  
The Gods great mother stays me on these strands.  
Farewell and love our only son. Me then  
Weeping and much prepared to speak again,  
She left, in thin air vanished; thrice I assayed  
T'embrace her neck, three times the fleeting shade  
In vain I with extended arms assail,  
Which like a swift dream flies, or nimble gale.   

Then I revisit night thus spent my mates,  
Where was huge troops of new associates,  
Men, women, youth numbers admiring found,  
And woeful vulgar to sad exile bound,  
From all parts met, ready with aid, and mind,  
To sail what lands soever I designed.  
When the day star from high browed Ida rise  
Ushering the morn, our gates the enemies  
Kept with strong guards: no hope left, I retire  
And take the hills, bearing my aged sire.    

THE THIRD BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Torn myrtle bleeds; slain Polydore complains,  
Not from a tree, blood flows, but from his veins  
His rites performed they leave the Thracianish  
To Delos soil, Apollo they implore.  
Phoebus' mistake, they plant in Crect: from thence  
Admonished by a dream, and pestilence  
They launch again, a storm at Sea. the seats  
Of Ravenous Harpies. dire Celaenos threats.  
Helenus; Priam's son, in Epire reigns  
TO Andromache matched, and Trojans entertains.  
He shows what coasts of Latium they must steer.  
Aetna, the Cyclops, Polypheme appear.  
To sad Dyrachium next Aeneas bends,  
Thence drove to Lybia, where his story ends.  

AFter the Gods had pleased the Asian State  
And Priam's guiltless line t'exterminate,  
Proud Ilium fall'n, Troy smoking on the ground:  
To strange shores, divers exiles we are bound  
By auguries of the Gods, and Ships provide  
Near to Antandrous, under Phrygian Ide,  
Not knowing where to plant, what course to run;  
We gather men: scarce was the Spring begun,  
When to set sail to Fates, my sire commands.  
Weeping I leave the Port, and native strands,  
Fields where Troy was, exiled am born through seas  
With friends, my son, Lar and great Deities.   

Far off the Thracians blow a warlike land  
And vast, which once Lycurgus did command:  
Troy's ancient friends, joined with associate gods,  
Whilst fortune smiled: here I our first abodes  
Brought by cross fates, on winding shores did build:  
Which I Aeneades by my own name styled.  
To my blessed mother, and Gods favouring  
Our enterprise, and to heavens mighty King,  
Upon those shores a snowy bull I slew.   

By chance a hill was nigh where Cornel grew,  
Whose top rough myrtle with thick prickles bore:  
I went, and from the earth green branches tore,  
That I with verdant bows might th'altars dress,  
A prodigy no language can express  
I saw: From the first plant which up I tore,  
The roots being broke; drops gushed of purple gore,  
And stained the earth with blood: cold fear my knees  
Did shake, my veins congealed with terror freeze.  
Again I plucked another tender bow,  
That better I might hidden causes know,  
And this rind also a black blood did sweat.  
Amazed I humbly rural nymphs entreat,  
And powerful Murs, who rules the Getick field,  
To bless the sign: the Omen prosperous yield.  
On a third after my whole strength I true,  
And with my knees on th'earth did struggling lie.  
Shall I be dumb or speak? a groan I hear  
Sound from beneath, and these words piereed my ear.  
Why tearest thou me Aeneas? spare the dead;  
Profane not pious hands: Troy hath not bred  
Me strange to thee; from no root flows this gore.  
Fly cruel coasts, ah fly this treacherous shore.  
I'm Polydore, this iron crop of spears  
Hides me here slain, and cruel javelins bears.  
Then was my mind perplexed with doubtful scar,  
Amazed struck dumb, erected was my hair.   

This Polydorus with vast sums of gold  
Unhappy Priam secretly of old  
Sent to the King of Thrace: but when he found  
Trojan arms fail, and Troy beleaguered round,  
The Dardan fortune, and her power declined,  
With conquering arms, and Agamemnon joined.  
Breaks laws, kills him, and wealth with blood did gain.  
Dire thirst of gold, what dost not thou constrain  
In mortal breasts! When lessened was my fear,  
I to my father, and prime men declare  
The prodigy, and their advices crave.  
All vote as one, those impious shores to leave,  
And with full sails from tainted friendship fly.  
We Polydore inter, his monument high  
With earth erect, to Ghosts sad altars placed  
With mourning garlands and black Cypress graced.  
Round Ilium dames with flowing tresses stood:  
Cups flowing with warm milk, and sacred blood  
We as the custom offer, and we lay  
The soul entomb, then loud, last rites we pay.   

Whence, when we first might trust the sea again,  
Soft Southern breezes calling to the main,  
The waves appeased, we launch, and fill the strands,  
The Port forsake, Cities retrcit and lands.  
A sacred Isle is placed amidst the seas  
Pleasing the mother of Neriades  
And the Aegaean Neptune most: this land,  
The heavenly Archer wand'ring to each strand,  
With lofty Mycon then and Gyaros binds,  
Made firm to dwell in, and contemn the winds.   

Here landing, a safe Port, and pleasant shore  
W'injoyed, Apollo's City we adore.  
King Anias, Phoebus' priest, and King of men  
Crowned with blessed wreathes, and Laurel met us then,  
And straight his ancient friend Anchises knew.  
We join right hands, and to the Palace drew.  
In his old temple Phoebus I implore.   

He would safe dwellings to the tired restore;  
A stock, a lasting City grant unto  
The poor remains of Troy: all that the foe  
And fierce Achilles' rage hath spared: what way,  
Now must we seek? whom follow? or where lay  
The next foundations? Father now impart  
One blessed Omen, and revive our heart.   

Scarce said, when suddenly the temple shakes,  
Apollo's Laurel, the whole mountain quakes;  
Within the Tripos rung: prostrate to ground  
We fall, when to our ears approached this sound.   

That land, bold dardan's, did your sires maintain,  
The same with joy shall cherish you again:  
Seek your old mother; there the Trojans shall  
For endless generations govern all.  
Thus Phoebus, then with joy, they all demand,  
And noise confused, where was that happy land,  
Apol'o to the wanderers had designed.  
My father then, calling old things to mind.  
O Peers (he said) your hopes now understand:  
Crete placed amidst the Sea, is great Jove's land;  
Mount Ida there, from thence we sprung; this Isle  
A hundred Cities hath, a most rich soil;  
Hence our great sire, (hath not my memory failed)  
First Teucrus to the Rhetian Kingdoms sailed,  
And sought a Realm; Ilium as yet unbuilt,  
And Pergam towers, they in low valleys dwelled.  
Hence Cybele, the Choribants, the hill  
Ida: with silence at the altars still.  
The Goddess Chariot with joined Lions drawn.  
Therefore where heaven Commands, let us go on,  
Appease the winds, for Gnossian Kingdoms steer,  
Nor long's the course, if so please Jupiter,  
O●r ships in three days may reach Crete. This said  
He deserved honours on the altars paid:  
A bull to Neptune, such was Phoebus right  
To storms a black sheep to fair winds a white.   

Fame flies that driven from his father's seat,  
Idomeneus left deserted Crect,  
Lands and Courts, vacant of an enemy.  
We leave Ortygian Ports through Seas we fly,  
And green Denysa, Naxus viny head,  
Olearus, and white Parus, Cyclads spread  
Through seas, and floods, thick set with Isles we steered.  
The Sailors raise their cry, and their Mates cheered.  
Now let's to Crect, our Grandsire's country sail;  
When at our stern attends a rising g●le.  
And then to th'ancient Curets shores we run.  
The wished for Cities, walls I there begun;  
Stil'de Pergamus; our men pleased with the name,  
I call to serve the gods, and high towers frame.   

And now our Fleet was drawn high on the sands,  
While in the choosing of new wives, and lands  
Our young men were employed, to whom I soon  
Gave laws, and several habitation.  
When on the sudden a most sad disease,  
By heaven's corrupted influence did seize  
The trees, and corn, 'twas a destructive year.  
They die, or at the best, faint bodies bear;  
Hot Syrius scorcheth then the barren fields;  
The grass is burnt, nor food the parched earth yields;  
To th'Oracle my father then would have  
Us go, and put to Sea, there pardon crave:  
What end our toils should have, where his command  
Bids them they should address, for what course stand.   

IT was night, when sleep profound did mortals seize,  
God's sacred forms, and Phrygian deities  
Which I from Troy, and through the burning town  
Had brought, appeared before me then laid down  
To take my rest, clear by much light displayed,  
Which through the windows the full Moon convaid.  
Then thus they spoke, with these did ease my care.   

What Phoebus at Ortygia would declare,  
Lo! here he sings, and us to thee did send.  
We through Troy's flame, did thee, thy arms attend,  
We in ships measured the rough seas with thee:  
And to the stars shall raise thy Progeny;  
And give thy city rule; great walls prepare  
For greater things; long flight, nor labour spare:  
Change seats, Apalla not advised these lands,  
Nor thee to plant in Crect though God commands.  
There is a place the Greeks Hesperia stile,  
Aenotrians till, a rich and potent soil,  
An ancient land, posterity, (they same,)  
Since called it Italy, from their Captain's name:  
These are our proper seats hence Dardan first,  
Old Jasius sprung this place our grandsires must.  
Rise, let thy aged father understand  
These truths, Corytus seek, Ausonia's strand:  
For Jove Dictean fields denies to thee.  
Such visions, speaking Gods astenish me,  
Nor was it sleep, their visages I knew,  
Their veiled hairs, and present faces view.  
Cold sweat than flows through all my limbs, I rise,  
My hands, and voice, extending to the skies,  
And did due offerings pay; which done to old  
Anchises every circumstance I told.   

He knows the double stock, the doubtful race,  
Sees his new error of the ancient place.  
Then said, Dear son, busies in Troy's affair,  
Cassandra only did such fates declare,  
Now I recall, these Kingdoms she foretold  
Due to our race, and oft Hesperia would,  
Oft Italy name, but who could understand,  
Trojans must come to the Ausonian strand?  
Or whom could then divine Cassandra move?  
Phoebus' obey, best things advised, approve.   

This said, all glad perform what was enjoined.  
This seat we leave, a few being left behind,  
Set sail, in hollow keels through vast Seas bore.  
After we took the main, nor any more  
Countries appear; every where sea, and skies;  
With night and tempest big a cloud did rise:  
The water horrid with the darkness grows;  
Winds roll huge waves, and mighty seas arose.  
We through vast gulfs are tossed, storms hid the day,  
And heaven is to the hurnid night a prey:  
Flames breaking often from the gaping clouds.  
Drove from our course, we wander through dark floods:  
Nor Palinurus knows in such a sky  
Or day, or night, or what course now to ply;  
Three days uncertain, with blind mists we err,  
As many nights wander without a star.  
The fourth day we did rising land behold,  
And far-off hills, which wand'ring clouds enfold.  
Sails struck, with oars the lusty Seamen sweep  
The foaming waves, and brush the azure deep.   

Escaped the floods, first me the Strophades  
Received, Isles midst the great jonean Seas  
Greeks call the Strophades, which Celaeno took,  
And other Harpies, after they forsook  
Phineas barred gates, and former boards through fear.  
No monsters are like these, nor more severe,  
A plague, or wrath of God, ere rose from Styx;  
The foul are Virgin-faced a loathsome flix  
Works on them still, hooked claws, and always pale  
With hunger vexed.  
This having reached, we for the harbour stand,  
When we beheld fat herds about the strand,  
And shaggy goats, no herdsman, on we fall  
Straight with our swords, the Gods, and Jove we call  
To share the prey: then tables we prepare  
On winding shores; and highly feasted were.  
When from the hills, did dreadful Harpies rise,  
And swift they shake their wings, with hideous cries;  
Our meat they seize, and with foul talons rend,  
And with a putrid breath dire skreeches send.   

Far more withdrawn, under Arched rocks shut in  
With trees, and with a horrid shade, again  
Tables we spread, Altars with fire supplied.  
Again from lurking holes, on th'other side,  
Loud troops with pounced feet, round our dishes swarm,  
And spoil our meat then, that my friends should arm  
I gave command, and fight with that dire race.  
They did as I required, and in the grass  
They leave their swords, and hid their glittering shields,  
That when they sounding flew through ample fields;  
Misenus with his trumpet might a sign  
Give from a hill: they charge, strange battles join,  
And horrid sea-fowle with their steel attempt,  
But no stroke hurts their plumes, their backs exempt  
From wounds, they with swift flight to heaven are born  
And with fowl prints forsake their prey half torn.   

Celaeno parched alone on a high rock,  
Unhappy Prophetess, thus silence broke.  
For slaughtered cattles, and slain bullocks, are  
These fights, O Trojans? or prepare ye war  
Us innocent Harpies from our realms t'expel?  
If so, hear this, these words remember well;  
What Jove Apollo, Phoebus me foretold,  
I greatest of the furies now unfold.   

Your quest is Italy, Italy you shall sail,  
Enter her Ports, with the implored gale.  
But ere you shall surround your town with walls  
Dire famine for our unjust funerals  
Shall make you eat your trenchers: these she said,  
And to the woods she flies on wings displayed.   

Then sudden fear doth my companions seize,  
Cold blood benumbs, their courage falls, not peace  
Seek they with arms now, but with vows and prayer,  
Whether they Goddesses or fowl birds are.  
But from the shore my sire extends his hands,  
Great powers implores, and sacred rites commands.  
You gods forbidden these threats, you Deities  
Avert such chance; to save the pious please.  
And order gave to lose our cables then,  
And clear our trembling anchorage again.   

Pregnant our sails, we fly through foamy seas,  
What course the South winds, and our master please.  
Woody Zacynthus now from sea arose,  
Dulichium, Same, high cleft Neritos,  
Ithacus rocks, Laertian realms we fled,  
And curse the shore cruel Ulysses bred.  
Leucates cloud-crowned mountains next arise,  
And Phoebus which the Sailor terrifies.   

Here tired we came, to the small City hast,  
Our ships possess the shores, and anchors cast,  
Then we unhop'd-for land at length enjoy,  
We purge to Jove, Altars with vows employ,  
And Troy's games celebrate on th' Actium soil.  
Naked my friends wrestle in flowing oil.  
To scape so many Grecian Cities we  
Rejoice, and thus to have steered through th'enemy.   

Mean while the Sun had his great circle run,  
And North winds vexed the Seas, Winter begun.  
A brazen shield which Abas wore I fix  
Upon a pillar, and this verse annex.  
These arms from conquering Greeks Aeneas bore.  
I bid them quit the Port, fit to their ore,  
Striving they cuff the billows, brush the tide.  
Pheacus airy turrets soon we hid,  
By Epire, to Chaonian Harbours bend,  
Buthrotus lofty City we ascend.   

Here fame incredible did my ears invade,  
That Helenus Priam's son in Epire swayed,  
By Pyrrhus' wife those realms he did obtain:  
Andromache marched in her own stock again.  
Amazed my bosom burns, with strong desire  
To see the man, and the strange chance inquire.  
I do forsake the Navy, shores, and bay.  
Andromache, then solemn rites did pay  
To Hector's dust; with gifts his ghost implores  
Within a Grove nigh to false Sinois shores;  
Before the city, made of sods she rears  
Two altars at his tomb; her cause of tears.  
Seeing me advance; when Trojan arms she spied,  
Distracted, and with wonder terrified;  
Her limbs grew stiff; heat flies, she sounding falls;  
And scarce at last thus she her speech recalls.   

This a true face? comest thou thyself to me?  
O Goddess son, liv'st thou? if dead thou be,  
Where's Hector? at these words she wept; her cry  
Fills all the place; to her distempers, I  
In brief with faltering voice short answers give.  
Through all extremes escaped behold! I live;  
Doubt not, for truth you see.  
What chance attends thee left of such a Lord,  
Can any worthy fate one smile afford?  
Is Hector's wife turned into Pyrrhus' bride?  
With looks dejected softly she replied.   

O happiest virgin of King Priam's race,  
Who on the enemy's tomb, and in the face  
Of Troy, didst suffer death, by no chance led  
Captive to touch a conquering masters bed.  
We from our country's flames through all Seas borne,  
Felt the proud youth Achilles offsprings scorn,  
Both slaves: who after with Hermione falls  
In love, and Lacedaemon nuptials.  
And me his slave to his slave Helenus joined.  
But him Orestes, raging in his mind,  
Inflamed with love of is lost bride did pursue,  
Surprised, and at his father's altars slew.  
Thus Pyrrhus dead, part of his Kingdom yields  
To Helenus, who styled these Chaon fields,  
From Trojan Chaon, all Chaonia named,  
And Ilian towers hath on these rise framed.  
What wind? what fare transports thee to this land?  
What God thee ignorant brought to touch our strand?  
Lives young Ascanius? draws he vital air?  
Whom Troy to thee.  
Of his lost Country hath he any care?  
How doth his fathers, or his uncle's name  
Hector, his soul to manly acts inflame?   

This she said weeping and spent floods in vain.  
When from the City with a stately train  
The Hero Helenus, Priam's son appears.  
He knows his own, and to his Palace steers  
Our course with joy; while his wet eyes afford  
A liberal tear to wait upon each word.  
Now I acknowledge little Troy, and small  
Pergamus like the great one; and did call  
The river by the name of Xanthus' wave,  
And to the Scene gate embraces gave.  
In their associate City Trojans rest.  
The King receives at ample ports his guest:  
Amidst large halls Bacchus in bowls they taste,  
Cups they present, in gold our banquets placed.   

One day succeeds another, gentle gales  
Invite to sea, soft Auster swells our sails.  
When I the Prophet move, this suit prefer.  
O Trojan born, the God's interpreter,  
Thou Phoebus, tripods, laurel, thou the stars,  
Birds language know'st, swift wings thy augurers:  
Declare (our course all Oracles have said  
Shall prosperous be, this heavenly powers persuade  
Latium to seek, attempt prepared seats:  
Only Selaeno sings, now dreadful threats,  
Dire rage sad hunger) how we shall eschew  
Dangers so near, and toils so great subdue.   

Here with slain steers, Helenus as the guise  
Implores the Gods, from sacred brows unties  
His wreath, and by the hand, O Phoebus, me  
Leads to thy floors, struck with thy Deity:  
From lips inspired the priest than prophesies.   

O Goddess son (for thou must sail through seas,  
This do the greater auguries design,  
And King of Gods, that doth all fates enjoin  
By a fixed law) from much take briefly these;  
Safer to search more hospitable seas.  
From Helenus' knowledge fate the rest hath hid,  
Saturnian Juno hath my tongue forbid.   

First, Italy which thou conceivest is near,  
And fond preparest those neighbouring coasts to steer,  
Long ways unknown divide, far distant shores;  
In the Cicilian waves first try thy oars,  
Ausonia's briny flood; thy Fleet must go  
By Circe's Isle, and cut those Seas below,  
Before safe lands to plant in thou shalt find;  
And this the Omen, fix it in thy mind.  
When at an obscure stream solicitous thou  
Under wild oaks, shalt find a mighty sow,  
Pregnant, her farrow thirty, laid to rest:  
A white sow, a white issue at her breast:  
There ends thy toil, thy City there erect.  
Nor let thy eating trenchers thee deject:  
Fate shall find means, Phoebus implored will aid.  
But these coasts, these adjacent shores evade,  
This Italy fly-washed with our swelling tide,  
For in those City's wicked Greeks reside,  
Naritius here hath Locrian walls prepared,  
Idomeneus his armed squadrons guard  
Salentine fields: there Melibaeus, small  
Petilia joined to Philoctetes wall.  
But when they ships transported reach the bay,  
And there arrived, vows you on Altars pay,  
With purple veils, your covered hair attire:  
Lest in heavens honours, midst the sacred fire,  
Some hostile face, seen, should disturb the sign.  
This pious use impose, on thee, and thine;  
In this thy chaste posterity instruct.   

But when to Cicilies' shores fair winds conduct,  
Opening Pelorus narrow straits, then fly  
The starboard seas, and strands: long courses ply  
Through lar-board deeps, shave thou the left hand shore.  
Those coasts (they say) by a vast ruin tore,  
(Such change works length of time) asunder start,  
And countries which before conjoined now part:  
With violent waves Pontus Hesperia forced  
From Cicilie; Cities, and Towns divorced  
Shores, interwash since with a narrow tide.  
Scylla the right. Charybdis the left side  
Inexorable guards Thrice she doth drink  
Vast floods, which down to hell's dark bottom sink,  
Then belched again, lasheth the sky with waves.  
But Scylla keeps her den, and lurking caves;  
Engaging ships in rocky mouths that gape,  
A female with fair breasts, a virgin's shape  
She is above the waste; beneath a Whale,  
And to her wolvish womb, a Dolphin's tail,  
Better for thee to seek Pachynas' strand,  
And with long steerage to Cicilia stand,  
Then once fierce Scylla in vast caves descry,  
Or Rocks resounding with her blue dogs cry.   

Besides, if Helenus any prudence hath,  
Phoebus with truth inspire, if any faith,  
One special charge I press. O Goddess son  
Again, again, repeat, it must be done.  
Great Juno move with prayers, and her adore:  
The powerful Goddess with free vows implore,  
With humble gifts subdue: victor at last  
Then steer Italian shores, Sicilia past.   

When thou hast reached to Cuma, and hast found  
Lakes sacred, heard in woods Avernus sound;  
In a deep rock the Prophetess doth sit  
Foretelling Fates and doth to leaves commit  
The characters, and names, what verse she puts  
In those she counts, and in her cavern shuts:  
Firm they remain, and keep their place designed;  
Which, the door opening, than a whisking wind  
Disorders, and the thin leaves doth dispierce.  
She not collects again the scattered verse,  
Or cares to join, or place; not hearing fate  
They vexed departed, and Sibyl's mansions hate.   

But let not such delays disturb thy mind,  
Though thy friends call to Sea, and a fair wind  
Invites with swelling sails, yet first repair  
To her, and Oracles beseech with prayer.  
Oh let her as she please our fate declare,  
She shall to thee, Italy, future war,  
Those labours how to bear, or wave, display:  
And honoured she shall grant a prosperous way.  
These are the things, nor more may I advise;  
Go, raise great Troy by valour of the skies.   

After these hopeful words the Prophet said,  
By his commands they to the Fleet conveyed  
Ivory, and gold, and with a mighty mass  
Of silver load our keels, and Dodon brass.  
A coat of mail with gold most richly wrought,  
A stately helm with flowing plumes they brought,  
And Pyrrhus arms, my father's gifts, who then  
Recrutes the oars, and armeth all our men  
And horse and riders adds.  
In the mean time Anchises bade prepare  
Our Fleet for Sea against the wind blew fair.  
Whom Phoebus Prophet with much honour calls.  
Anchises graced with Venus' nuptials,  
Twice saved from ruin'd Troy, thou'rt heaven's care now,  
See thy own Italy, and possess it too,  
But thou must steer much wide of this; behold!  
Where those parts are, Apollo did unfold,  
Blest with a pious son, farewell, I stay  
Too long, and coming winds with talk delay.  
No less Andromache sad, departing brought  
Vests hid in gold, with rich embroidery wrought.  
T' Ascanius (worthy him) a Phrygian cloak,  
And loading him with wealthy gifts thus spoke.   

Take these remembrances my own hand wove,  
The witness of Andromache's long love.  
Keep these last last gifts of thine: to me, O thou  
Sole Image left, of my Astyanax now:  
Such eyes such hands, thy face the same appears,  
Who now had been with thee of equal years.  
Then with abortive tears. I thus at last;  
Live happy you, your miseties are past.  
Us fate from fate commands you rest obtain,  
Nor must you blow vast billows of the main,  
Or seek still flying shores of Italy.  
Xanthus' effiges, Pergamus you see,  
Which yourselves built, a better fate have these   

I wish and not so obvious unto Greece.  
If ere I enter Tiber, fields adjoined  
To Tiber view and walls to us designed:  
Then seats allied, nations one blood with us,  
Having one fate, one father Dardanus,  
Latium and Epire both one Trow: shall be,  
And to our sons we shall these law's decree.   

From thence by neighbouring Ceraunia we  
By sea short courses steer to Italy.  
Mean while Sun set, dark mountains shades invest:  
We near the Sea on earth's loved bosom rest,  
Our oars being shipped, dispersed along the shores  
Reposed, deep sleep our wearied limbs restores.   

Night drove by th'hours scarce reached the middle skies,  
When careful Palinurus did arise,  
Explores all gales, the winds tries with his ears:  
And notes each star which glide in filent spheres.  
He the wet Kids, Arcturus did behold  
The Triones and Orion armed with gold.  
After he saw serene, and settled skies,  
He from his stern the signal gave; we rise,  
Our course we stand, and our furled cnnvasse spread.  
Blushing Aurora risen, the stars now fled.  
When obscure hills from fare, low Italy we  
Descry: Achates first cries Italy,  
With a glad shout, Italy hail out men.  
A Goblet crowned, my sire Anchises then  
Fills with rich wine, and calls the Deities,  
Placed on the lofty stern.  
Lords of the tempests, Gods of earth and seas,  
Propitious breath, bless with fair winds the way.  
The wished gale risen: then opens strait the bay,  
The Temple, and Minerva's towers appear,  
My mates strike sail, their prowess to shore they steer.  
Bow-bent the Port lay to the Eastern flood,  
Dashed with the brine, high cliffs opposing stood  
'Mongst towering Rocks, this douhle guarded lies  
In bays obscure, from shore the temple flies.   

Here our first sign, four horses I beheld  
grazing about, whose whiteness snow excelled.  
My sire, then said, fair soil, thou war dost bear,  
These are for battle, horses threaten war,  
But yet in Chariots they accustomed join,  
With curbing reins of peace a hopeful sign.   

And here we armed Pallas did implore,  
Who first received us joyful on this shore.  
In Phrygian veils we at the Aitars stand  
Of Argive Juno; Helenus command  
With care perform, and her due honours pay.  
Our vows in order finished, no delay  
But to haled bowlings, yards and canvasse yields.  
Greek seats we fly, and leave suspected fields.  
Herculean Tarents bay, if fame be true,  
We saw, opposed divine Lacinia view.  
Cauloni towers, wrack Scylacaeum rose,  
Then fare from sea, Sicilian Aeina shows:  
Huge groaning of the waves, beat rocks from far  
We hear: and broken thunderings at the bar.  
Sholes rage, the sands with billows mix: at this  
Anchises said, here sure Charybdis is,  
Those Rocks sung Helenus, and horrid shores.  
Haste, helm alec, and stoutly ply your oars.  
They do as bid, first Palmurus stood  
Steering his prow unto the lar-board flood.  
With winds and oars that course the whole Fleet lay.  
Heaven we advance to in the crooked bay,  
Then sink to hell with a descending wave.  
Three groans the cliffs, and rocky caverns gave,  
Thrice breaking foam, we saw the Planets wet.  
We weary, whilst the winds with Phoebus set,  
By unknown shores of the Cyclopians glide.   

The Port within was safe from storms, and wide.  
But Aetna with torn ruins thunders near,  
Black clouds he throws oft through the Hemisphere.  
Smoke, blazing sparks, in pitchy whirlwinds rise,  
And globes of flame exalted kiss the skies.  
Oft rocks, torn bowels of the mountain vent,  
And liquid stones belched to the firmament  
Break thick with groans, heats from the deep aspire.  
Fame is Enceladus halfe burnt with fire  
This hill depressed, above huge Aetna laid,  
These flames he breathes, through tunnells broke conveyed,  
And when he weary turns, all Sicily  
With murmur shakes, and smoke involves the sky.   

That night woods sheltered us; huge monsters there  
We heard, nor causes of those found'st appear.  
For no star shone, nor were the Poles aloud  
Etherial light, all heaven was in a cloud,  
The Moon in nights tempestuous vapours hid.   

Aurora from the East now rising, did  
Remove moist shadows, and the day began.  
When from the woods a strange and unknown man  
Sudden appeared; pined, spent, wretchedly poor,  
Raising his hands came suppliant to the shore.  
We view him direly fowl, o'ergrown his beard:  
His coat thorns pined, the rest a Greek appeared,  
Who native arms against Troy had borne. When he  
The Trojan habits, and our arms did see  
Something affrighted at the first he stayed,  
And fixed remained, then to the shore he made  
With tears and prayers. Now by the stars I pray,  
And by the Gods, by heavens life-breathing day,  
O Trojans take, bear me to any strand,  
I know myself one of the Grecian band,  
Let this suffice, and sought Troy's Gods by war.  
For which, if so great our offences are,  
Strew me amongst the waves, drowned in vast seas,  
If by men's hands I fall, my death shall please.  
Upon his knees he then embracing hung  
On mine: to tell his name, from what race sprung,  
And to declare his fortunes we demand,  
As a firm pledge to save his life, his hand  
Me sire Anchises freely gave the man:  
Who shaking fear of thus at length began.  
From Ithaca, Ach'menides my name;  
Hapless Ulysses friend, to Troy I came  
With my poor sire: Ah had my fate fixed there.  
But my companions struck with horrid fear  
In the black Cyclops den, forsook their mate,  
And fled the dire abode: the monsters seat  
A vast, and mighty Cave, within all o'er  
Was darkened with corrupted food and gore,  
And he so tall his head might knock the skies,  
From earth you Gods avert such plagues as these.  
His visage stern, a churlish voice; his food  
Bowels of wretched men, and putrid blood.  
I saw his huge hand seize two of our men,  
He lying on his back stretched midst his den,  
And broke on rocks; filth drowned the sprinkled flore;  
I saw him eat limbs flowing with black gore,  
The warm flesh trembling in his teeth. But thus  
Ulysses takes it not, or Ithacus  
Forgetful, did, dangers so great decline.  
But when full gorged he lay buried in wine,  
His neck awry, stretched in his spacious den,  
Gobets with bloody wine, mixed gore again  
Belching in sleep; we the great Gods implore,  
And took our chance, surrounding him, we bore  
With a sharp lance his eye, which mighty did  
Lie single, in his frowning forehead hid,  
Like Phoebus' lamp, or an Argolick shield:  
So glad revenge to our friend's shade we yield.  
But fly, O wretches fly these dangerous coasts,  
Your cables cut.  
Like Polyphenee, who in his Cave doth keep  
The woolly flocks, and milks th'imprisoned sheep,  
A hundred cruel Cyclops wander more  
These lofty hills, and haunt this winding shore.  
Thrice Phoebe's horns their light replenished,  
Whilst I my life in wild beasts deserts said  
In dens and caves, vast Cyclops viewed from high  
Trembling to hear their sounding feet, and cry:  
Shrubs, berries was my wretched food, the fruit  
Of stony cornel, and the herbs torn root.  
Surveying round, I saw you first arrive  
Resolved who  you were, myself to give  
Your prisoner; 'tis enough their rage to fly,  
And if by men no matter how I die.   

Scarce said, when we discover from above  
Amongst his flocks, where Polypheme did move  
Like to a walking hill, known shores to find,  
A horrid monster, huge, deformed, and blind.  
To ease his steps a mighty Pine he bore  
In his right hand his fleecy sheep before,  
His pipe, his comfort, and the only check  
To rising sorrow, hung about his neck.   

Ater he touched the deeps, and reached the flood,  
From his lost eyes, he washed the flowing blood;  
Groaning he grinds his teeth, stalks through the tides,  
Whilst the deep waves scarce touch his lofty sides.  
We trembling fly; aboard the suppliant put,  
So meriting, and silent, cables cut,  
And brush with striving o'er the deeps profound.  
He hears and turns unto our voices sound.  
But when no power was given to use his force,  
Nor could jonian billows match in course;  
He raised a huge cry, Pontus, all the sea  
Trembles, it shakes far frighted Italy.  
Aetna aloud from winding caverns rores:  
But the Cyclopian race rush to the shores,  
And called from woods and mountains, fill the strand.  
We saw in vain the Aetnean brothers stand  
With a sour look, high heads to heaven they bear,  
A horrid council, airy oaks so rear  
Their lofty tops, or spiry Cypress stood,  
Such as Diana's grove, or Jove's high wood.  
Drove with sharp fear cables in hast we clear,  
And with hoist sails and prosperous winds did steer,  
But nigh death's jaws Helenus showed a way  
Which betwixt Scylla and Charybdis lay,  
That course we stood, with turned sails this pursue.  
When from Pelorus straits the North wind blue;  
Pantagias mouth's of living stone I clear  
Megaras' bays I pass, by Tapsus steer.  
Hapless Ulysses friend Ach'menides,  
named all these coasts remeasuring back those seas.   

In the Sicanian bay stretched, lies an Isle  
'Gainst rough Plemmyrium, which our grandsires stile  
Ortygia: Alpheus here they fame  
Under the sea by obscure channels came:  
Now Arethusa mingling with thy wave.  
To th'Isles great gods we rites commanded gave,  
Fennie Elorus fertile fields we lost,  
And shave Pachinus high cleft rocky coast:  
Camerina ever fixed by fates commands  
Far-off appears, and the Geloian strands,  
And mighty Gela styled so from the flood.  
Far off high Agragas strong bulworks showed,  
Which once bred generous horse; with prosperous wind  
Palmie Selinis thee I left behind:  
By Lilybeis rocks, and shoals I bore;  
To Drepanum thence, on that unhappy shore  
I landed, where with many tempests tossed,  
Anchises th'ease of all my cares I lost.  
There my dear father weary, me forsook,  
Alas in vain from so great dangers took.  
Not Helenus, who such horiors did unfold  
This lass declared, nor dire Celoeno told;  
Here was his travels bounds, this his last toil.  
From whence, the Gods did guide me to your soil.   

Aeneas having to their listening ear  
Told these sad fortunes, closed his story here.    

THE FOURTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
DIdo complains; her sister gives advise  
To cherish love, and offer sacrifice  
To favouring Gods. Juno craves peace; her ends  
Venus perceives, and smiling condescends.  
Aeneas, and the Queen to hunt prepare.  
A tempest. Juno thunders through the air.  
To one cave Dido and the Trojan came.  
Stolen love through Lybia spread by impious fame.  
Jarbas vexed his father Jove implores.  
Hermes commands Aeneas from those shores.  
Eliza on the Trojan sword expires,  
Quenching love's flame in her own funeral fires.  

BUt long since Dido struck with great desire.  
Feeds a sad wound, and wastes in hidden fire.  
His valour, his high birth run in her mind:  
His face, and language, deep impression find,  
Nor doth her care grant rest. Soon as the morn  
Did with Phaebean flames the world adorn;  
And from high heaven dismissed the gloomy shade,  
To her loved sister thus, she troubled, said.  
Dear Anne, what dreams disturbed my troubled mind?  
What stranger's this our Court hath entertained?  
What noble looks? how valiant? armed? sure he  
(Nor vain's the faith) sprung from some Deity.  
Fear shows degenerate minds. Ah by what fates  
Hath he been tossed, what fierce wars he relates?  
Were I not full resolved, fixed in my mind,  
No more in wedlock bonds to be conjoined,  
Since my first love by death deceived me:  
Can I with maeriage, and those rites agree;  
I might perchance give place to this one crime.  
For (I confess) since poor Sychaeus time,  
By fratricide our Gods dispersed; I find  
This only bends my thoughts, and wavering mind,  
I feel some Kindle now of former love.  
But first earth swallow me, or mighty Jove  
Shall to the shades with dreadful thunder smite,  
Pale shades of Erebus and deepest night,  
Ere shame I violate thee, or wrong thy rites,  
Who was my first love took all love's delights  
With him to's grave, there let him keep it still.  
This said, a flood of tears her bosom fill.   

More dear to me then day, shall grief thy flower  
Of youth (said Anne) and solitude devour?  
Children unknown, and Venus sweet reward?  
Hath dust a sense, or souls entombed regard?  
Grant, though no Lybian could your love obtain,  
Though you at Tyre Jarbas did disdain,  
Though glorious men of afric could not move,  
Will you declare hostility to love.  
Hast thou forgot whose fields thou plantst? here are  
Getulian seats, Nations untamed by war;  
Numidians fierce, inhospitable sands,  
Wild Barceans: there, vast drought deserted strands.  
What shall I say of war from Tyre may rise  
Thy brother threats?  
Sure prosperous Juno, favouring Deities,  
Here with a storm the Trojan Navy cast;  
What City mayst thou see, what Kingdoms vast  
By such a Marriage, by the power of Troy  
What glories may the Punic realms enjoy.  
First to the Gods with sacrifices pray,  
And then thy guest with courtesy delay,  
Whilst Winter and Orion vex the sea;  
His Navy crazed, and skies tempestuous be.  
Thus she with love did her pierced soul inflame,  
Gave hopes to wavering thoughts, and banished shame.   

First in the temples, at the Altars, they  
Implore; and choice sheep as the custom slay.  
To Ceres, Phoebus, Bacchus; before all  
To Juno, mistress of rites conjugal.  
Holding a cup, most beauteous Dido now  
Betwixt the horns powers of a snowy cow:  
Or walks before the Gods, and th'altars plies  
Whole days with gifts, inspects the sacrifice,  
Beasts panting bowels hot consulted are.  
Ah ignorant Priests, what avails temples, prayer,  
To ease th'enraged! whilst soft fire wastes her veins,  
And in her breast, a silent wound remains.   

Unhappy Dido burns, and furious roves  
Through the whole town, as in the Cretan groves  
Th'incautelous hind, by an armed shepherd shot:  
He leaves the winged steel, and knows it not.  
She through Dictean woods, and forest flies,  
Whilst in her side the deadly arrow lies.   

Now with Aeneas to the walls she walks,  
Boasts Tyrian wealth, of her new kingdom talks,  
Gins to speak, and stops words half expressed:  
And day declining she prepares to feast.  
The Trojan war she longs to hear once more:  
And on the tellers lips, hangs as before.  
And when departed Phoebus paler light  
Hath day subdued, rest setting stars invite,  
Alone she mourns, then on his couch she lies,  
And him though absent, thinks she hears and sees;  
Or for the father doth his son embrace,  
If so she might her raging love displace.  
Now tower's not rise, nor Tyrians use their arms,  
The harbour stops, strong piles 'gainst all alarms  
Are at a stand, works interrupted lie,  
Huge Walls and Rampires equalling the sky.   

When Jove's dear wife perceived how great a bane  
Had seized the Queen, nor fame could her restrain,  
In these words Juno did to Venus say.  
You, and your son, bore gallant spoils away,  
A mighty conquest got, and lasting fame,  
When two God's fraud, one woman over-came.  
I find thou fearest those walls we now erect:  
And seats of lofty Carthage dost suspect.  
But to what end, why such debates? firm peace  
Rather conclude, and lasting marriages  
Let us prepare; thou hast obtained thy aims,  
Fond Dido burns, her bones are pierced with flames.  
Let us in common with like auspice sway  
These men, let her a Trojan Lord obey,  
And Tyrian dowries I'll permit to thee.  
Venus (for she perceived the fallacy,  
To keep the Roman sway from Lybia's stand)  
Replied; who fond would such things withstand?  
Or rather would with thee in strife contend?  
If to thy promise fortune condescend.  
Of fates I doubtful am: if Jove will grant  
Trojans and Tyrians in one town should plant,  
Nations commixed in firm leagues be conjoined:  
Thou art his wife, try to persuade his mind.  
Go. I'll assist. Great Juno then begun,  
Leave that to us; but how it shall be done,  
And by what means I briefly shall declare.  
Aeneas end the hapless Queen prepare  
To hunt in Groves, when Titan next displays  
The morn, the world discovering with his rays:  
On them commixed with hail a storm I'll pour  
(whilst nets surround the woods, horse thickets scour)  
And I all heaven to thunder shall excite;  
Their troops shall fly, hid in opacious night;  
The Trojan, and the Queen shall take one cave,  
I will be present, if thy aid I have  
In wedlock firm I'll dedicate her thine.  
There, Hymen them in private shall combine.  
These fair proposals Venus not denied,  
Smiling when she her cunning drift espied.   

Meanwhile the morning from the Sea arose:  
When through the gate, a troup of prime youth goes  
With nets, toils, spears, and full-mouthed hounds suppl●●●  
And forth Massilians bravely mounted ride,  
At the Court gates the Trojan nobles stayed,  
Whilst in her chamber the fair Queen delayed:  
In trapping rich with gold and purple, fit,  
Her proud horse stands, and champs the foaming bit.  
With a great troop, she guarded comes at last;  
Her Tyrian habit a rich border graced,  
Her quiver gold, gold did her hair enfold,  
The button of her purple vest was gold.  
Then all the Phrygian Lords in order went,  
Sprightly Ascanius: but most eminent  
For person, and for honour, last marched up,  
Aeneas, and to them conjoins his troop.   

So Phoebus shows, when Lycia he forsakes,  
And progress to his native Delos makes;  
Revels gins; when dancing in a round,  
'Bout th'Altars Crets, and Driopos resound.  
He walks on Cynthus tops, soft bows enfold  
His flowing hair, and bind with purest gold;  
His quiver rung; such was Aneas grace,  
Such honour shines, in his majestic face.   

After they come to the high mountains fide,  
And unfrrquented woods, behold! they spied  
Wild goats affrighted, running o'er the cliffs:  
On th'other hand, swift Dear put to their shifts,  
In a thick heard the open champagne take,  
And lost in dusty flight the hills forsake.  
But young Ascanius in the valleys prides  
In his fierce horse, now these, now them outrides:  
Wishing a Boar with those dull herds would blend,  
Or a fierce Lion from the hills descend.   

Meanwhile high heaven with murmurs loud contends,  
And strait a shower, commixed with hail descends.  
The Trojan Nobles, and the Phrygian train,  
With young Ascanius, scattered through the plain,  
Seek several shelters, floods from mountains rave.  
The Trojan Prince and Dido take one cave.  
First earth and marrying Juno gave the sign:  
Fire air both conscious of the Contract shine,  
And Nymphs sit howling on the high-browd hills.  
This the first day of death, and first of ils  
The cause; for neither form, nor fame did move,  
Nor Dido judgeth this unlawful love;  
She styles it wedlock, gives her crime that name.  
Through Lybist's ample Cities, strait flies Fame.  
Fame is an evil, none more swift, which gains  
By motion strength, in flying force obtains,  
Small first by fear, to heaven advanced now shrowds,  
Stalking on earth her head amongst the clouds.  
To Coeus, and Enceladus, the earth  
Vexed by the wrath of Gods (they tell) brought forth  
This sister last: swift footed, quick she flies,  
A huge fowl Monster, in each feather lies  
A watching eye concealed, (and strange) she bears  
As many tongues loud mouths, and listening ears.  
A watch by day, on battlements she lights,  
Or lofty towers, and mighty towns affrights.  
Falsehoods, and lies, of as the truth she tells,  
And Nations then with various rumours swells.  
Things feigned and real, glad alike she sung.  
Aeneas from the blood of Trojans sprung,  
To marry him fair Dido condescends,  
And the long Winter in vast riot spends  
Careless of rule, took with fowl lust: such things  
From every mouth the cruel Goddess flings,  
And swift to King jabrbas Courts she came  
And with these tidings did his soul inflame.   

This Joves, and ravished Garamantis son  
Had built within his vast dominion  
A hundred temples to his father's name,  
As many altars, and the Vigil flame,  
The Gods eternal watch he hallowed,  
The soil with blood of cattles daily fed,  
And with fresh Garlands flowery porches dressed,   

With the harsh rumour next, his soul oppressed,  
He at the Altars mongst the Gods (they say)  
Suppliant to Jove with rear'd-up hands did pray.   

Great Jupiter, to whom the Moors being plac d  
On wrought beds feasting now rich Bacchus taste.  
Seest this o father? or in vain our hearts  
Quake at thy thunder, and when lightning darts  
From broken clouds with noise, is fond our fear?  
Wand'ring our coasts a woman purchased here  
A little seat, to whom we gave rich lands;  
To whom our laws; and This our match withstands,  
And in her Kingdom Lord Aeneas states.  
That Paris now, with his effeminate mates,  
In his Maeonian hat, and perfumed hair,  
Enjoys the prize: we to thy Temple bear  
Offerings, and have in vain thy name extolled.  
Thus praying he the Altar fast did hold.  
Th' all-potent heard: then views the royal frame,  
And lovers mindless now of better fame.   

And such things then to Mercury enjoined;  
Fly son with speed, and call the western wind,  
And to the Trojan Prince on swift wings glide,  
Who now resolves at Carthage to abide,  
And promised seats neglects: this message bear  
With speed to him, and cut the yielding air.   

For him fair Venus no such promise gave,  
And therefore twice from Grecian arms did save;  
But one that should command Italian Realms  
Groaning with war, pregnant with Diadems,  
A race must spring from Teucer's noble line,  
That shall their Laws to the whole world enjoin.  
If him no glory of such acts inflame,  
Neither will strive to raise his own great fame,  
Will he his son the Roman towers envy?  
What strange hope stays him with the enemy?  
Forgets he Latium and those promised Lands?  
Let him set sail; in brief bear these commands.   

This said, he his great father's will obeys.  
And first on's feet his golden shoes he ties,  
Which winged bore him over Sea and Land,  
Swift as the fleeting clouds; then takes his wand  
With which from hell he calls up dismals Ghosts,  
And others sends to sad infernal coasts;  
Gives, and takes sleep, and seals up dying eyes:  
With this drives winds, and through loud tempests flies.  
At last rough Atlas' cliffs, and rocky side,  
Who on his shoulders heaven supports, he spied.  
Atlas' pine-bearing head, black clouds still bind,  
Snow hides his shoulders beat with showers and wind,  
His horrid beard with crusted ice is froze,  
And from the old man's chin a river flows.   

Here first with wings dispsaid, Cyllenius stood;  
From thence then swiftly glides unto the flood,  
Like to a bird which haunts the deeps, and nigh  
The fishie Rocks, does with low pinions fly.  
So the Cyllenian race twixt earth and skies  
Cutting the air, to sandy Lybia flies;  
And from his mother's father took his flight.  
As his winged feet did on a Cottage light;  
He saw Aeneas towers and roofs prepared,  
A sword he wore with shining Jasperstard,  
Lose on his shoulders a rich mantle played  
Of scarlet die, which wealthy Dido made,  
The thread with fine gold mixed. Who thus did say,   

Thou now uxorious dost foundations lay  
Of lofty Carthage, dost fair seats prepare,  
Of Realms unmindful, and thy own affair:  
The King of Gods who rules both earth and sky,  
To thee from high Heaven sends this embassy,  
And gave command with speed I should convey:  
What Plot? what hope makes thee in Lybia stay?  
If thee no glory of such great acts move,  
And thy own fame thou strivest not to improve,  
Hopeful Ascanius, fair Julus view  
T'whom Italy and Roman lands are due.  
From sight, this said, abruptly Hermes fled,  
And to thin air a far off vanished.   

At this Aeneas is struck dumb with fear,  
Amazed he stood, erected was his hair  
Earnest to fly, and leave those pleasant lands,  
Admonished strictly by the God's commands.  
Alas what shall he do? or which way move?  
Or how begin to Dido mad with love?  
His swift thoughts he divides; this course he tries,  
Then that, and rapt, through all invention flies.  
At last as best on this opinion falls.  
Sergestus he, Mnestheus, Cloanthus calls:  
Bids private rig the fleet, tackling prepare,  
Gather their men, and a feigned cause declare.  
Himself mean while would beauteous Dido move,  
Since she suspected not in mighty love  
So great a breach, and times of best access  
Would choose to speak, and make his best address.  
With joy they execute what he propounds.  
But she (who can deceive a Lover▪) sounds  
The guile: at first perceives their future aim,  
All things suspecting: the same impious Fame  
The furious told, to sail they had designed.  
Through the whole town she rages, vexed in mind,  
Like Thyas, when the sacred things are stirred,  
And dire trienials raised, Bacchus being neard,  
When with loud shouts nightly Cithaeron calls:  
Then in such words she on Aeneas falls.   

Couldst thou perfidious use such subtle art?  
Such wickedness? and secretly departed?  
Can not our love, nor our conjoined right hands,  
Nor perishing Dido stay thee in our lands?  
But thou wilt sail under the winter star?  
Prepare to sea, when North winds frequent are?  
Faithless, if no strange country thou shouldst gain,  
Unknown seats find, did ancient Troy remain  
Through swelling seas wouldst thou to Troy now stand?  
Or fliest thou me? by these tears, this right hand,  
(Since nothing else remains to woeful me)  
Our marriage, our prepared solemnity.  
If I have well deserved, or ought was mine,  
Pity a falling house, change this design  
If prayers have power: for thee I gain the hate  
Of all my Tyrians, and the Lybick state;  
For thee alone extinguished is my shame,  
And what I climbed the stars by, former fame.  
For whose sake leav'st thou dying me O guest?  
That name doth after husband only rest.  
Why live I? till my brother raze my wall?  
Or captive I to wronged jarbas fall?  
If I had proved before thy flight, by thee  
Had offspring, could a young Aeneas see  
Sport in thy Palace, with thy face, and look,  
I should not seem so captive, or forsook.   

She said; but he fixed by commands of Jove  
His eyes, and in his heart conceals his love.  
Then briefly said, those many favours I  
From you received, great Queen, I'll not deny,  
Nor shall I Dido's memory disdain,  
Whilst I draw breath, or life these limbs sustain;  
But for my cause I'll plead; that I did plot  
From hence to steal in secret, feign it not:  
I thee to be my wife did never take,  
Nor did I ever any promise make.  
If Fates gave leave to order my affairs  
At my own will; and to compose my cares;  
The Trojan towers I would again erect,  
And the poor remnant of my friends protect:  
Then Priam's courts should stand, another Troy  
By this hand reared, the vanquished should enjoy.  
But Phoebus now bids us for Latium stand,  
And Lycean lots for Italy command.  
This is my love, and this my Country is.  
If Carthage towers thee a Phaenissian please,  
And the fair prospect of thy City like;  
Why should it trouble you that Trojans seek  
New seats in Latium, and Ausovia gain?  
And why not we in foreign Kingdoms reign?  
Oft as the night's moist shadow canopies  
The earth; as oft as radiant stars arise;  
My father's Ghost, me warning, frights in dreams,  
Ascanius' loss of the Hesperian Realms,  
And destined fields, my dear sons injury.  
Jove sent the God's Ambassador to me,  
Both our heads witness, through the aetherial sky  
He brought commands; I saw the Deity  
Enter these walls; distinct his voice did hear.  
With plaints to grieve thee and myself forbear.  
Against my will I Latium seek.   

She turning, views him, having these things said,  
Rolling her eye each where, and round survaid  
With silent look: incensed, then thus begun.   

Thou art not dardan's race, or Venus' son,  
But thee perfidious Caucasus hath bred  
On cruel rocks, and Hyrcan tigers fed.  
Why feign I? or why stay for greater woes?  
Turns he his eyes? sighs at our grief or shows  
Vanquished a tear a lover pitying?  
What shall I say? great Juno, nor heaven's King  
View these with equal eyes: true faith is lost.  
In want him received, drove on our coast,  
And fond, with him part of my Kingdom shared,  
His friends preserved from death, his fleet repaired.  
Ah how am I transported with fond love!  
Now Phoebus, Lycian lots, and now from Jove  
A strict command the God's interpreter bears:  
Yes, heavenly powers regards these things, such cares  
Disturb their quiet well, ● make no suit  
To stay thee here, nor shall with words refute:  
Go, sail for Latium, Realms seek through the Seas:  
I hope if there be any Deities)  
That thou mongst rocks cruel like thee shalt fall,  
Where oft thou Dido by her name shalt call;  
And absent I will follow thee with fire:  
And when my soul shall in cold death expire,  
I'll haunt thee, and thy tortures I shall know,  
By fame, conve●'d me to the shades below.   

Then midst her speech breaks off, and sick, the light  
Avoids away she flings, with draws from sight,  
Forsaking him perplexed in mighty fear;  
As many things to peak he did prepare.  
Her maids support her sounding then and led  
T'her marble chamber, laid upon her bed.   

But good Aeneas though he strove to suage  
With comfort, grief, with words t'avert her rage,  
Oft sighing shaken with mighty love, yet he  
Reviews his fleet, obeys the Deity.  
Than Trojans labour, from all shores they come,  
Tall ships are launched, and well calked bottoms swam,  
And from the woods branc'hd oak and oars unhewed,  
Studious of flight they bring.  
Each where thou mightst have rushing Trojans viewed,  
As when large heaps of corn pillaged by aunts  
They lay in hoards, remembering winter's wants,  
The black band march, the prey through grass is borne  
In narrow tracts; others the fuller corn  
With shoulders joined sustain, others the slow  
Compel, chastise, all parts with labour glow.   

What couldst thou think, O Dido, at this sight?  
Or what sighs send, when from a turret's height  
Thou saw'st the shores wax hot, the sea to move,  
Commixed with mighty murmurs? Impious love,  
What canst not thou compel in mortal breasts?  
Again to tears, again to try requests  
She is enforced, and suppliant love obeyed,  
Lest dying she should leave aught unassaid.   

Anne, seest not how they hasten to the Port  
On all sides? how their sails the winds do court?  
And the glad Seamen crown their sterns? If I  
Had such woes feared, (sister) the misery  
I might have borne: thou must for woeful me  
This one thing do, the false man still loved thee:  
To thee he made his greatest counsels known,  
And thou the times of best accession  
To move his pity know'st. Dear sister go,  
And suppliant, thus petition the proud foe.  
I did not swear at Aulis to destroy  
The Dardan race, or sent one ship to Troy,  
Nor yet defaced his father's sepulchre.  
Why 'gainst my suit stops he his cruel ear?  
To a sad lover let him be thus kind;  
Then he may sail before a prosperous wind,  
Nor I th' old contract he hath broken crave,  
Nor that he kingdoms in fair Latium wave.  
Some rest I ask for love, a short reprieve,  
Whilst my own fortune teach me how to grieve.  
This last request to thy dear sister grant,  
And at my death thou shalt no riches want.  
This said, to and again sad Anna bears  
Her deep complaints: but he's not moved with tears,  
Nor can be wrought upon by all her woes,  
A God hath stopped his ear, and Fates oppose.   

As Northern winds striving to overthrow  
Some ancient Oak, now here, now there they blow:  
Huge gusts resound: her bows and curled locks  
Strew thick the earth; whilst she stands fixed mongst Rocks:  
How much to heaven her head advancing shoots,  
So much to hell descend her fixed roots.  
So daily she the Trojan Prince invades  
Now with these reasons, now with those persuades,  
And storms his valiant breast with mighty cares:  
Yet his resolves are fixed, in vain her tears.   

Unhappy Dido terrified by Fates,  
Then wished to die: to look on heaven she hates.  
But this provoked her more to leave the day:  
As gifts on incense-burning Altars lay,  
The sacred milk grew black (to mention strange)  
And wine infused, to putrid gore did change.  
This she to none, not to her sister told,  
Besides there was a temple to her old  
Husband of stone, which much she did respect,  
And had with boughs and snowy fleeces decked.  
Here, she supposed she heard Sychaeus call  
When gloomy night upon the earth did fall:  
And oft from thence the Owl extends her throat  
With death-presaging, and a direful note.  
Many predictions her before did fright:  
Cruel Aeneas troubles her each night,  
And raving always seems to walk alone,  
Still wand'ring far, without companion,  
And seeking Tyrians in a wilderness.  
So Pentheus saw troops of Eumenideses,  
Two sons beheld, as many Thebes espies,  
Or like Orestes acted, when he flies  
His mother, who black snakes and torches bore,  
Whilst the revenging furies guard the door.   

Struck with the rage, vanquished with sorrow, now  
Resolved to die; the time, and manner how  
Contrived; to her sad sister thus she went,  
She clears her brow, and coversher intent.   

Sister, I have the means, rejoice with me,  
Which may gain him, or me from passion free.  
There is a place in utmost Ethyop, near  
The setting sun, the Ocean's confines, where  
Great Atlas' shoulders bears heavens starry frame.  
From hence a Priestesse, a Massilian came,  
Who kept th' Hesperian temple, did allow  
The Dragon food, and saved the sacred bough  
By sprinkling honey, drowsy Poppy: she  
Can keep all minds she please from sorrow free,  
Or send to pains, swift streams stop in their ways,  
Call back the stars, and nightly spirits raise;  
Under her feet earth seems with groans to rend,  
And from the mountain stubborn Okes descend.  
Witness the Gods (sister) and thy dear head,  
Unwilling I to magic arts am lead.  
In the back court, a pile in secret rear,  
The arms, and garments from my chamber bear  
The impious left; above those, place the bed  
Where I was lost, All be abolished  
Of the false man, the Priestess bids: This said,  
She silent was, paleness her lips invade.  
Nor Anne did think her funerals designed  
By this, or that such rage possessed her mind:  
Or feared worse things than when Sychaeus died,  
Therefore did her commands.  
But Dido in the inward court did raise  
A mighty pile, where she in order lays  
Whole loads of cloven Ash, set torches round,  
Which she with wreaths, and funeral branches crowned;  
His picture, , and sword which he forgot,  
Laid on the bed, too mindful of her plot.  
Altars stand round; the Priestess with long hair  
Unto three hundred Gods thunders her prayer;  
Hell, Chaos, and the triple Hecate,  
Virgin Diana, who hath aspects three:  
Then sprinkling dews feigned from Avernus brought,  
Drugs cut with brazen fythes by moonlight sought,  
And did with juice of deadly poison brew  
Th' Hippomanes, on a colts foreheae grew,  
The love snatched from the Dam.   

She with a cake erecting pious hands,  
Before the Altars, on foot naked stands:  
With garments tucked she dying invocates  
The Gods, and Planets, conscious of her Fates,  
If any power regardeth lovers cares,  
Those just and mindful, she implores with prayers.   

'Twas night when weary limbs sweet sleep possessed  
Through all the world; woods, raging seas, at rest:  
The stars had midnight told, and silence deep  
Commands the sields; beasts, gaudy birds asleep  
Which haunt the crystal fountains, or delight  
In wood land Countries, under quiet night  
Forget their labour, and their cares appease:  
But slumber could not hapless Dido seize.  
Her eyes ne'er closed, or night her woes assuaged:  
Cares double, and again love rising raged  
With a great flood of wrath when she revolves  
Thus with herself. Lo! what are my resolves?  
Shall I old suitors court I did disdain?  
Suppliant implore Numidian loves again?  
Those I so oft despised? shall I submit  
To Trojan Laws, and follow now their fleet?  
Because that for my help they prove so kind,  
And my great favours bear so well in mind.  
But grant I willing were, who'd give me leave,  
And me now scorned in their proud ships receive?  
Ah wretched woman hast thou yet not known,  
That perjured off spring of Laomedon?  
Shall I alone with haughty Seamen go?  
Or raise the Tyrians to pursue the foe?  
And those who scarce I could persuade from Tyre,  
Shall again to try the Sea desire?  
Nay, rather as thou hast deserved, die;  
And with a sword conclude thy misery.  
Won by my tears, thou sister, first with woe  
Didst load the furious, and let in the foe.  
And why like wild beasts, faultless might not we  
Live without marriage from such troubles free?  
My promise to Sychaeus I not kept.  
With grief oppressed, thus she complaining, wept.   

But now Aeneas shipped, resolved to weigh,  
All things prepared, in quiet slumber lay.  
To whom the God in the same form presents.  
Himself again, with these admonishments.  
In all like Hermes, both in voice, and face,  
His yellow hair, and comely youthful grace.   

Oh Goddess son, canist thou now sleep so sound?  
Perceivest thou not what dangers thee surround?  
Dost thou not hear how the fair gales invite?  
But she's contriving now some strange deceit,  
Resolved to die, rage doth her blood incense:  
Fliest thou not then whilst thou hast power from hence?  
Thou shalt behold the sea to foam with oars,  
And fires and torches flaming on the shores,  
If thee Aurora here delaying find:  
Fly; still inconstant is a woman's mind.  
Then mixed with gloomy night, thus having said.   

Aeneas at the vision much dismayed  
Starts from his sleep, and strait gives this command:  
Rise quickly, sirs, and to your tackling stand:  
With speed unfurl your sails, yours oars now ply:  
To hasten flight, a God sent from the sky  
Bids Cables cut, and suddenly departed.  
Blessed power, we follow thee, who e'er thou art;  
And joyfully obey thy will again;  
Be pleased to aid, and prosperous stars ordain.  
This said, he drew his sword, with shining steel  
The hawsers cut, all the like spirit feel.  
The shores forsaken, the Navy hides the deep,  
They roll the foam, and azure billows sweep.   

And now Aurora with fresh beams had spread  
The earth, leaving Tythonius' saffron bed.  
The Queen from a high tower, as dawn appeared,  
Saw how with sails a-trip to sea they steered,  
The Strands, and vacant Coasts without an oar.  
Then beating oft her beauteous breast, she tore  
Her golden hair, and said, Jove, shall he go?  
And shall this stranger mock our Kingdom so?  
Shall not the City arm and follow them?  
What, will none launch our Fleet into the stream?  
Go, haste, bring fire, sail, row; what shall I say?  
Or where am I? What folly I betray!  
Do impious deeds now touch thee hapless queen?  
 thou gav'st up thy Crown, this should have been:  
Behold his faith, and promise, who (they say)  
Did from the foe his native Gods convey:  
And hath on's back his aged father borne.  
What, could not I him limb from limb have torn?  
And scattered in the sea? his friends and boy  
At once with my revenging sword destroy?  
Then served the son up for the father's dish?  
But chance of war is doubtful; 'tis my wish.  
Whom should I dying fear? I should have thrown  
Fire on their feet, and burned their floating town,  
And the whole race, father and son destroy,  
And last above them fall myself with joy.   

O Sun, whose eye views all the world's affairs;  
And thou great Juno conscious of these cares:  
Nocturnal Hecate, who oft dost raise  
Loud cries through Cities, in cross meeting ways,  
Revenging Furies, and you Gods that are  
Dying Eliza's, harken to my prayer:  
Show your deserved wrath: if he must gain  
His port, that impious man those coasts attain;  
If Fate decree, and fixed the periods are;  
Let him be vexed with a bold peoples war.  
Exiled, forced from his sons embrace; may he  
Seek aid, and his own friends sad funerals see.  
Nor when dishonoured peace he makes with them,  
Let him loved life enjoy, or Diadem:  
But die before his day, the sand his grave:  
And with my blood this last request I crave.  
O Tyrians, strive this Nation to supplant  
With restless wars this to my ashes grant:  
Never join leagues, contract no amities,  
And from our bones let some revenger rise,  
Who Trojans may pursue with fire, and sword,  
Ah, may when ever time shall strength afford,  
Shore's shores oppose, seas seas, our stocks debate  
With arms 'gainst arms maintain, I imprecate.   

This said, her faucie each where did revolve,  
How best she might her loathed life dissolve.  
To Barce then Sychaeus nurse, she said,  
In native dust her own long since was laid.  
Dear nurse, my sister call, and bid her bring  
The cattles, the appointed offering,  
Let her with riverwater sprinkle now,  
And bind thy temples with a sacred bough.  
Those rites which I to Stygian Jove prepare,  
I mean to finish, and conclude my care.  
Fire must consume the Dardan monument.  
This said, with an old woman's pace she went.   

But the fierce Queen shook with an Enterprise  
So horrible, rolling her bloody eyes,  
Her cheeks were sported, pale with thought of death,  
The inner court by violence entereth,  
And furious mounts the lofty pile: then draws  
The Dardan sword, not left for such a cause.  
After the Ilian garments she survaide,  
And the known bed, with tears, and thoughts delayed  
A while she stops; then spoke her last. To me  
Sweet spoils, whilst God was pleased, and destiny;  
Receive this soul, and free from cares: I have  
Lived, and performed that course my fortune gave,  
And now the earth must my great shade seclude.  
I a far City built, my own walls viewed;  
Punished my brother, pleased my husband's Ghost;  
Blest, too much blest, if never on our coast  
Troy's keels had touched. This said, she kissed the bed,  
Shall we die unrevenged? but die she said:  
Thus, thus it pleaseth to the shades to go.  
These flames at Sea may to the Dardan show,  
And let our death sad Omens him afford.  
This said, they saw her fall'n upon the sword;  
Sprinkled her hands with blood, the weapon foams.  
Then from the lofty Palace clamour comes:  
Fame wanders the distracted City round:  
The roofs with lamentations, groans, resound,  
And female shrieks: loud sorrows pierce the sky.  
No otherwise than if the enemy,  
All Carthage seized, or ancient Tyre; the frames  
Of men, and Gods, involved in raging flames.   

Her sister pale, dismayed, with trembling pace  
Beating her breast, disfiguring her face,  
Rushed in, and called the dying by her name;  
For this, O sister? was this fraud your aim?  
For this the pile, fire, Altars? ah! lost me,  
What shall I do? scornest thou my company?  
Dying, thou shouldst have called me to these Fates,  
One sword, grief, hour, had finished both our dates.  
Built I this pile, and to our Gods did make  
My prayer that cruel, thee I should forsake?  
Me, and thyself, dear sister, and thy town,  
Both Peers, and people, thou hast overthrown.  
Some water bring, that I may bathe the wound;  
And if that any breath be wand'ring found  
My lips shall gather it. Thus having said,  
She mounts the pile, her dying sister laid  
With sweet embraces closely to her breast,  
And groaning dries the black blood with her vest.   

To raise her heavy eyes again she tried,  
And fails, the deep wound bubbling in herside.  
Thrice leaning on her arms assayed to rise,  
Thrice turning on her bed, with wand'ring eyes  
Heaven's light she sought, and finding groans again;   

Then royal juno pitying her long pain  
And tedious death, Iris from heaven commands  
To free her soul, and ease life's struggling bands.  
Since she died not by death deserved, nor Fates,  
But sudden rage her day anticipates,  
Nor Proserpina did yet her bright hair take,  
Nor doomed her head unto the Stygian Lake.   

From heaven then dewy rose-winged Iris flew;  
She 'gainst the sun a thousand colours drew,  
Placed on her head, Sacred to Dis, from thee  
This charged I bear; Be from thy body free.  
This said, she cuts her hair, all heat expires,  
And with it life into the air retires.    

VIRGIL'S AENEIS THE FIFTH BOOK.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Dido's ascending flames sad Trojans see.  
Storms drive Aeneas back to Sicily.  
Anchises rites renewed. The annual games.  
Iris from juno stirs the Trojan dames  
To burn the fleet. Aeneas prays; a shower  
Prevents the mischief, quenching all but four.  
Trojans set sail. Venus of Neptune craves  
Safe passage for their Navy through his waves.  
The God assents Somnus with Stygian boughs  
Besprinkles watchful Palinurus brows.  
Over board he falls, the loss Aeneas spies,  
And weeping at the helm his place supplies.  

Mean while his course resolved Aeneas sails,  
And the dark waves divides with northern gales,  
Viewing unhappy Dido's walls, which shone  
With flames, the cause such fire had raised, unknown;  
But what a woman might in sorrow drowned,  
Struck deep with grief and burning love was found;  
And by sad auguries Trojans understand.   

As they possessed the deep; nor any land  
Now more in ken: seas every where, and skies;  
Freighted with night and tempest did arise  
A black cloud, waves grew horrid with the shade;  
Then from the high stern Palinurus said,  
Ah! what huge storms surround the hemisphere?  
Or, sather Neptune, what dost thou prepare?  
Here bids them ply tough oars, stand to their tack,  
Then turns her side to windward, and thus spoke.   

Great Prince, if Jove should promise, with this wind  
I should despair Italian coasts to find;  
Gusts rising shift, the black west grows more loud:  
And the whole heaven condensed into one cloud:  
In vain we strive, nor make we any way;  
Therefore since fortune conquers, let's obey,  
Where she calls, sail: kind shores of Erix are  
And the Sycanian ports from hence not far,  
If rightly stars observed I bear in mind.   

Then said the Prince: I saw long since the wind  
Grew scarce, and you in vain strove: Roomer stand:  
To ease our weary fleet not any land  
More grateful is, or I could wish for more  
Than the Dardanian Acestes shore,  
Whose lap infolds my father's bones. This said,  
Fair Zephyre swells their sails, the port they made,  
With a swift current in the Navy stands,  
And joyful sails at last to well-known sands.   

Acestes wondered from a mountains height  
To see them come, then hasts to th' friendly fleet.  
A Libyan Bears skin rough with darts he wore;  
whom th' Ilian Dame to flood Crinisus bore;  
He mindful ofs old stock, congratulates  
Them now returned, and cheers with rural cates,  
The tired inviting to a friendly feast.  
When the next morn had chased stars from the East  
Aeveas having warned from all parts round  
His friends to meet; spoke from a rising ground.   

Ye Trojans sprung from the high blood of Gods;  
A year hath finished monthly periods.  
Since we interred the dust of my divine  
Father, and made the funeral altars shine:  
The day draws nigh (I guess) which I must still  
Lament and honour (Gods, such is your will)  
An exile in Getulian Syrts were I,  
Or in Mycenae took i'th' Grecian sea;  
Yet annual vows and solemn rites I'd pay,  
And heaped up offerings on his Altars lay.   

Now we are present at my father's dust,  
Nor without heavenly providence, I trust,  
Arrived all safe within a friendly shore,  
Glad honours celebrate, and winds implore:  
These rites he bid should annually be paid  
In temples dedicate, our City laid.  
Trojan Acestes will two beefs bestow  
On every ship; your Country Gods allow,  
And those Acestes honours at the feast.  
And if the ninth Aurora from the East  
Brings a clear day, does earth with beams disclose,  
I'll for the swiftest ship a prize propose,  
For him runs best, who bold strong nerves excite,  
Good at the dart, or shoots the nimble Flight,  
Or dare in fight a cruel Cestus' trust;  
Come all, due Palms receive, and honours just;  
Give your applause, your temples crowned with boughs.  
This said, his mother's myrtle shades his brows.  
This Helymus, this old Acestes did,  
Ascanius this, the youth all followed.   

Midst a great troop from thence, Aeneas went  
With many thousands, to the monument,  
And poured two bowls of rich wine on the flore,  
Two of new milk, and two of sacred gore,  
Strewing the place with purple flowers, then said:  
Hail my blessed father, hail paternal shade,  
And dust preserved in vain; heaven would not grant  
Latium with thee, and promised fields to plant,  
Nor (what ere) Lydian Tiber to be sought.   

This said, a huge snake from the secret vault  
With seven vast gires, seven mighty fold glides,  
And gently wreathed the tomb, by the Altar slides,  
His back with green was freckled, and a bright  
Purple, with gold, cast from his scales a light.  
As in the clouds the mighty bow displays  
A thousand various hues, 'gainst Phoebus' rays.  
Aeneas' wonders, his long train he rolls  
Amongst the Goblets, and the standing bowls;  
Then feeds, and having tasted, harmless went,  
Leaving the Altars to the monument.  
This made him more his father's rites renew,  
And solemn sacrifice, suspecting now  
That either this one of his servants was,  
Or else the sacred Genius of the place:  
Five sheep he then did kill, as many swine,  
With black-backed steers, and as the use, pours wine  
From bowls, and great Anchises soul implores,  
And Ghosts remitted from the Stygian shores.  
Then all his friends of their own plenty paid  
Glad offerings, and slain Steers the Altars lad;  
Some spits prepare, and boilers plant of brass,  
They entrails roast, dispersed upon the grass.   

Th' expected day was present, with the dawn,  
Phaetous bright Steeds the ninth morn fair had drawn;  
Glad troops from all parts fill the shore, by fame  
Brought thither, and renowned Acestes name.  
Some Trojans come to see, others to play.  
Amidst the Cirque, in view the prizes lay,  
Wreaths, sacred tripods, palm the victor's prize,  
With arms, a garment of rich scarlet lies.  
Gold, silver talents, and appointed games,  
A trumpet from amidst the heap proclaims.   

First from the Fleet four chosen galleys try  
Their ponderous oars, striving for victory.  
In the swift Priests stout-oared Mnesteus came,  
Mnesteus who gave the Mnemnian house a name,  
Gyas in huge Chimaera, a vast Hull,  
The City's work, which lusty Trojans pull  
with triple oars, on threefold banks. Next came  
Sergestus who gave Sergius stock a name  
I'th' Centaur: Scylla bold Cloanthus drives,  
Whence Rome's Cluentian family derives.   

Against the foaming shores a high Rock stood,  
Which oft was drowned, beat with the swelling flood,  
When storms involve the stars, and seen again  
When a soft calm doth overspread the main,  
To sea-fowle a most grateful station now.  
The Prince here fixed the goal, an oaken bough,  
The Sailor's mark, by which they understood  
To turn, and bend long courses to the flood.   

They draw for place, in the high sterns behold  
The Captains shine, in scarlet clad and gold.  
The rest with Poplar crowned, their shoulders bare  
Glitter with oil, fixed on their banks they were:  
Their arms stretched forth with oars, the sign th'expect,  
Whilst their insulting hearts are countercheck t.  
With trembling fear, and raised with love of praise.  
Thence as the trumpet sounds without delays  
All start, the sea-mens' shouts the heavens ascend,  
And with long strokes they foamy billows rend.  
All plough the waves, the gaping Ocean feels  
Their wounding oars, and force of thundering keels.   

In Chariot games more swift not Chariots are  
Borne through the Champaign, when they leave the bar.  
Nor Charioteers bending their bodies strain  
More at a lose, shaking the flowing maine.  
With loud applauses, shouts from parties then  
Favouring their friends, the woods resound again,  
Including shores tumble the voice about,  
And the struck hills echo at every shout.   

First Gyas swiftly through the billows glides  
With clamours great. Cloanthus next divides  
The waves with better oars, his pine a slug  
Lost way: next Priests and the Centaur tug  
Who shall get foremost, with an equal oar.  
Now Priests, now great Centaur is before,  
And now together, they their fore-decks join,  
Whilst their long keels blow up the shallow brine.  
At last the Rock drew near, the goal they make,  
When Gyas first a Conqueror bespoke  
Menaetes at the helm. Why dost thou steer  
The starboard thus: love thou the shore: lie here:  
Bind Larboard cliffs; let them stand off (he said.)  
But still Menaetes of hid Rocks afraid  
Boar to the sea. Where goest thou? Gyas here  
Again cass loud; these cliffs, Menaetes steer.  
And close behind him, lo! Cloanthus spies  
Shaving the Larboard rocks, and inward plies  
Betwixt the sounding tops, and Gyas ship.  
And suddenly the foremost did outstrip,  
The goal being left behind, to safe seas came.   

But then great grief the young man's bones inflame:  
Nor tears are wanting; slow Menaetes, then  
Honour forgot, and safety of his men,  
From the high stern he tumbles in the flood;  
And at the helm,  and master stood  
Cheering his mates; to shore the rudder bends.  
At length the old man from the deep ascends,  
Menaetes clogged with garments, dropping wet  
Seeks a high cliff, and on the dry Rock set.  
The Trojans shout to see him fall and swim,  
And vomiting salt water, laugh at him.   

Sergestus, Mnestheus, now the two last, were  
Hopeful to beat retarded Gyas here,  
Sergestus first drew nigh the Rock, nor more  
Than his ships length a-head, part was before,  
Part emulous Priests pressed with fore-decks near.  
When Mnesteus midst his ship his men did cheer,   

Now now rise to your oars Hectorian mates,  
Whom at Troy's fall I chose associates;  
That force showed in Getulian syrts again  
Make good, and as before in th' Ionian maine,  
Or Malea's following streams; Mnesteus desires  
Not to be first, nor victory requires.  
Though O Let them thou please great Neptune gain,  
But to be last, this vanquish, such a stain,  
Such shame forbidden. Then their whole strength they use,  
And with vast strokes they shake the brazen prowess,  
The seas are past, and short breath shakes their sides,  
Drowth clams their mouths, sweat down in rivers glides.  
Fortune herself the man wished honour brought:  
For whilst too near the rocks Sergestus sought  
An inner course, a fatal space betwixt,  
Unhappy on the cliffs he running fixed;  
The crags being struck, and oars contending rung  
In the sharp Rock, and the struck foreship hung;  
The sailors rise, stayed with a mighty cry;  
Ir'n-headed staves, sharp pointed poles apply,  
And gather in the sea their broken oars.   

But Mnesteus glad, proud with success, implores  
The winds, and with a band of rowers stood  
Through the safe seas, and glides to th' open flood.  
O'th' sudden so a frighted Dove doth rise,  
Whose loved nest, in some dark pumice lies:  
And striking the house top with timorous wings,  
Amazed into the field at random springs;  
Till with a slide, to calmer air she comes,  
And cuts it without motion of her plumes.  
So Mnesteus through the frowning billows glides,  
So Priests last the flying waves divides:  
And with a violent course her way she makes.  
Sergestus first on the steep rock forsakes,  
Who struggling in the shallows, aid implores  
In vain: learning to row with broken oars.  
Gyas in vast Chimaera next o'ertook,  
And past, since she her Master had forsaken.  
Cloanthus only left to be subdued,  
To him he bears, with his whole strength pursued.  
These their new glory, honours got despise,  
Unless they keep it, and to gain the prize  
Would sell their lives; success feeds them; they may  
Because they think they can obtain the day.  
And for the Goal with equal prows they'd stood;  
But that Cloanthus prayed unto the flood,  
With rear'd-up hands, and Gods called with a vow.   

You powers who rule the sea, whose waves I blow,  
Joyful I'll place a white bull on this coast  
Before your Altars, and fat offerings cast  
In your salt waves, and purest wine I'll pay;  
This said, all heard him from the deepest sea:  
Neriades, Panopaea, Forcus band,  
Him old Portunus shoves with his great hand:  
Swifter than tempest, or winged shaft, he glides  
To shore, and in the harbours bosom hides.  
Aeneas (as the use) all summoned; there  
Cloanthus with a herald did declare  
Victor, and with fresh laurel vails his brows:  
And to the ships three steers with wine allows,  
And a great silver talon; then presents  
The Captains with especial ornaments.  
A vest of gold he to Cloanthus gave,  
Edged with rich purple in a double wave;  
The royal boy in leafy Ida wove,  
Fierce, panting seems, as with his dart he drove  
Fleet deer in chase, whom Jove's swift Eagle bears  
From thence aloft, trust in his hooked sears.  
In vain th' old Guardians hands to heaven did rear,  
And dogs their mouths spend, raging in the air.  
But who by virtue second place did hold,  
He gave a curious male, wrought thick with gold,  
(Which he a Conqueror from Demolius bore  
Under high Ilium, on swift Simois shore)  
Both for defence and grace in arms; scarce this  
With shoulders joined, Phegeus, and Saguris  
His servants bore: Demolius in times passed  
In these arms swiftly straggling Trojans chased.  
Two brazen Caldrons to the third was brought,  
And two fair Cups with silver richly wrought.  
And now all proud with honours thus assigned;  
Their temples they with rosy Garlands bind.  
When from the dire rock scarce with much art cleared,  
Sergestus his scorned ship, unhonoured steered:  
His oars being broke, weak with one single rank.  
Such in the way a Serpent on a bank,  
o'er whom obliqne, swift brazen wheels have gone:  
Or passenger left halfdead, hurt with a stone:  
Flying in vain, he long contortions wrists,  
Part fierce, with burning eyes, and hissing crests,  
Rising aloft, part maimed a wound withholds,  
Tangling in knots his own coil him infolds.  
With such a rowing his slow ship made way,  
Yet sailed, she with full sails possessed the bay.  
The Prince the promised gift Sergestus gave,  
Glad he his ship and friends so well did save,  
Pholoe a Cretan borne, who skill professed  
In Pallas art, two twins hung at her breast.   

Pious Aeneas, this sport finished, led  
To a green plain, which woods encompassed  
With trending hills, the vale a Theatre crowned.  
The Hero here, with many thousands round  
About him placed, did his high Chair ascend:  
Here those who would in the swift race contend  
He with rewards invites, and prizes fixed.  
Trojans, Sicanians come, from all parts mixed.  
Nisus, Euryalus first.  
Euryalus most fair and youthful was,  
Whom Nisus dearly loved; next him took place  
Royal Diores, Priam's famous stem,  
Salius and Patron next, conjoined with them:  
From Epire this, Arcadia that descends,  
Helymus, Panopes, old Acostes friends,  
Sicilian youths in woods accustomed, came.  
And many more buried in obscure fame.   

To them thus spoke the Prince; Hear, and regard  
None shall departed from hence without reward;  
Two polished Gnossian spears I shall afford,  
And with a silver hilt a two edged sword:  
This honour each shall have, and I allow  
The first three shall with olives bind their brow.  
I to the first a brave horse furnished yield:  
The next an Amasonian quiver, filled  
With Thracian shafts, the belt a golden one  
Fast with a button of a polished stone.  
This Grecian helmet shall the third content,  
Thus having said they to their station went.   

The signal heard, the bar forsook; they came  
Like a swift shower, and at the goal they aim.  
First Nisus gains the start of all by far,  
Not swifter winds, nor wings of lightning are;  
Next him, but at great distance followed next,  
Salius, and after him a space betwixt,  
Euryalus was third.  
Helymus Euryalus pursues, next whom  
Diores hasts, now side by side did come;  
Strikes foot by foot, and had there been more space,  
Had got before, or doubtful left the race:  
Now to the end they came, and tired drew near,  
When Nisus in the blood of a slain steer  
Which wet the verdant grass, unlucky slides.  
Here as the young man, now a victor prides,  
Tripping, his steps could not recall again;  
But fell in sacred gore, and mud unclean.  
Yet not unmindful of Euryalus love,  
Rising, he gave to Salius a shove,  
And tumbling with him, on the hard sand laid,  
Euryalus got first by Nisus aid,  
Outstripping all with shouts and joyful cries.  
Helymus' next, Diores the third prize.  
Here Salius makes the Theatre to ring  
Moving the Fathers with loud clamouring  
To grant those honours he's bereaved on thus.  
Beauty, sweat tears defend Euryalus:  
Virtue with beauty joined more grateful is;  
Diores helps aloud, who the last prize,  
If Salius got the first, had won in vain.  
Then spoke Aeneas, Firm your gifts remain;  
None shall remove the palm, but I may yet  
My hapless friends mischance compassionate.  
Then a huge lions hid he Salius gave  
Rich-fured, with golden claws. If vanquished have  
These things, said Nisus, and such pity be  
On them that fall, what gift's reserved for me,  
Who with applause had the prime honour got,  
Had I not met with Salius spiteful lot?  
This saying, he his limbs and face defiled  
With foul mud showed; The best of Princes smiled,  
Bids the shield give him Didymaon wrought,  
Which he from Neptun's sacred pillar brought.  
The brave youth this fair present satisfies.   

After the course was done, disposed each prize,  
Now come the stout whose bosoms courage fill,  
And for the prize now show their strength and skill,  
This said, two honours for the fight are placed,  
A Bull the victors, gold, and garlands graced,  
A sword and helm to cheer him got the worst.  
Strait from the throng then mighty Dares burst:  
And his vast limbs with great applause were shown.  
He oft with Paris did contend alone.  
He huge sized Butes at great Hector's tomb,  
Who from Amycus of Bebricia come  
Did overthrow, and with his conquering hands,  
Measured his length upon the yellow sands.  
Such Dares for the fight, his head raised high  
Shows his broad shoulders, and alternatly  
Swings his extended arms, and beats the winds.  
His match is sought, none that great concourse finds  
Dares take the Cestus, or himself present.   

To bear the palm from all he confident  
Before Aeneas stood; nor more delayed,  
His left hand holding the bulls horn, then said.  
Great Goddess son, if no man dare resist,  
Why stand I here, command I be dismissed,  
And grant the prize. Trojans with one consent  
Cried he the man should promised gifts present.   

Here old Acestes chides Entellus, as  
Near placed they sat, on beds of verdant grass;  
Entellus, valiantest Hero once in vain,  
If thou let him untride, such honour gain:  
where's now thy God and Master Erix name  
In slight regard? and where is now thy fame  
Through Sicily spread? and spoils hung on thy walls?  
Then he: Not love of praise and glory fails  
Vveakened by fear; but me cold blood restrains,  
Benumbed with age, and weakeness in my veins.  
Had I that youth which he with insolence  
Doth triumph in, from me long parted since,  
Gifts should not draw me, nor would I regard  
A goodly steer, nor stand upon reward.  
Two mighty bats he casts in, this being said,  
With which the cruel Erix oft had played,  
And tried th' hard skins. All were astonished,  
Seven huge bull hides, sow'de stiff, with ir'n and lead.  
Dares was most dismayed, and long denies,  
The mighty weight great Anchisiades,  
And immense fold, here, and there did roll:  
While in such words the old man spoke his soul.  
Had any seen those clubs Alcides bore!  
And cruel battle fought upon this shore!  
These arms thou seest, which blood and brains yet smear,  
Thy cousin Erix in times past did bear;  
With these coped Hercules; I with these did fight  
Whilst blood gave better strength; before the spite  
Of envious age had silvered thus my brows.  
If Trojan Dares shall my arms refuse,  
If so Aeneas and the King shall please,  
We'll match our arms, for thee I'll these release;  
Fear not, lay by thy Trojan arms. This said,  
His thick lined vest he from his shoulders laid,  
His huge limbs, bones, and brawny muscles showed;  
Then midst the place a mighty man he stood.  
When Prince Aeneas equal clubs commands,  
And weapons matched he puts into their hands.  
Each stood prepared, themselves then raising high,  
Boldly they lift their arms unto the sky:  
Far back they draw their tall heads from the stroke,  
They join in fight, and blows with blows provoke.  
One trusting youth, best traversed his ground,  
Th' other in strength and sife advantage found:  
But with stiff knees Entellus earnest slides,  
Whilst short thick breathe shake his ample sides.  
Many blows past, yet neither had the best,  
Redoubled strokes ring on their spacious breast,  
And hollow sides, about their ears and brows  
A swift hand flies, and cheeks resound with blows.   

Unmoved yet old Entellus stood, his skill  
And watchful eye, warding his body still.  
As at a fenced City Dares lies,  
Or a high tower by leaguer to surprise:  
This entrance, that, strives by his art to gain,  
And with oft storming seeks to get in vain.  
Entellus raised his arm, and high did rise  
To make a stroke; the coming blow he spies,  
And with his nimble body did prevent;  
Upon the air the old man's strength is spent,  
And heavy, he with a huge weight comes down.  
In Erymanthus so, or Ida's Crown,  
Torn from the roots, tumbles a hollow Pine.  
Trojans applauding rise, Sicilians join,  
Clamour scales heaven; Acestes first runs forth  
To raise his equal aged friend from earth.  
But th' Hero this retards not, nor affrights,  
He fiercer now comes on, rage strength excites,  
And shame with conscious virtue force revives.  
Then Dares headlong every where he drives  
With both his hands redoubling blows, nor stops  
Nor stays. As in a storm the houses tops  
Rattle with hail, so thick he strokes bestows,  
And falls on Dares, with a shower of blows.  
Aeneas here forbids then to engage  
Further, unwilling that Entellus rage  
Proceed, so ends the fight, and thence conveyed  
Spent Dares, and with words appeasing, said.  
Hapless, what folly did thy mind bereave?  
Dost thou not more then humane strength perceive?  
Yield to the God; then brought him off, this said.  
But Dares with weak knees tossing his head,  
His teeth all bloody, and gore vomiting,  
His faithful equals to the navy bring:  
The helm and sword appointed they receive,  
The bull, the prize unto Entellus leave.  
Proud of the palm, the Conqueror raised with joy,  
Then said, know Goddess Son, and you of Troy,  
By this, what strength I in my youth might have,  
And from what death you rescued Dares save.  
This said, as he against the bull did stand,  
Now his by fight, his bat poised in his hand,  
Rising, betwixt the horns he takes him full,  
And beats into his battered brain his skull.  
Dead he falls down, trembling on th' earth he lay;  
And thus much adds, Erix to thee I pay  
This better gift than Dares life, and part  
A victor here, both with my arms, and art.   

Forthwith Aeneas those would exercise  
The nimble shaft invites, and placed the prize.  
Brought from Serestus ship with a great throng  
A mast he fixed, to it a pigeon hung,  
This as a mark to aim at he made fast,  
And in a brazen helm the lots were cast.  
All being met; first place with great applause  
The bold Hyrtacides Hippocoon draws.  
Then Mnesteus conqueror in the naval game,  
Crowned with fresh olives up glad Mnesteus came.  
Eurytion third; thy brother most renowned  
Pandarus, who did once the peace confound,  
And first his arrow mongst the Grecians shot.  
Acestes last drew from the helm his lot,  
And bold in youthful games will yet contend.  
Then with great strength their hooked bows they bend;  
Each for himself, and forth their arrow drew;   

First through the sky from his loud bowstring flew  
Hyrtacides shaft, and cutting swift air past,  
Then fixed itself upon the adverse mast.  
It shook; the frighted bird flutters her wings,  
And every part with loud applauses rings.  
After bold Mnestheus stands, his bow he bent,  
Taking his aim, his eye with th' arrow went;  
Though he was not so happy with the shot  
To hit the pigeon, yet he broke the knot,  
By which her feet to the high mast were tied;  
She down the wind in a dark cloud did glide.   

Then swift Eurytion did his shaft prepare,  
And ready, calls his brother in his prayer;  
As with spread wings thence the glad pigeon flew  
Through vacant air, in gloomy clouds he slew.  
Breathless she fell, life in aetherial spheres  
Forsook, and falling the fixed arrow bears.   

Acestes yet remained, the palm being got;  
Yet through the ample sky his arrow shot,  
Boasting his art, and sounding bow; straight, here  
A future prodigy, and great signs appear,  
Such after-chance declared, and omens late  
Which dreadful prophets did prognosticate.  
For flying through moist clouds, the arrow fires,  
And chalks the way with flames, then spent expires  
Amongst the winds; as often through the air  
A meteor shoots, and stars with blazing hair.  
All are amazed: Trojans, Sicilians join  
In prayers; but great Aeneas liked the sign,  
And did Acestes joyfully embrace,  
Then loading him with mighty gifts, thus says;  
Best father take (for so would heavens great King  
By these strange signs we, thee prime honours bring)  
This cup enchased with figures thou must have,  
Which Thracian Cisseus old Anchises gave:  
The mighty gift my Sire he did present,  
Both of his love the pledge and monument,  
And with fresh laurel binds his brows. This said,  
Then over all Acestes conqueror made;  
Nor good Eurytion did such grace envy.  
Though he the Dove brought from the losty sky.  
Next he rewards him, broke the cord, and last  
Who fixed his winged arrow in the mast.   

But Prince Aeneas, scarce this sport being done,  
Epytides, tutor, and companion  
T' Ascanius, calls, and speak in's trusty ear;  
If Julus, and the young troops ready were,  
The horses trained, he with the band should come,  
And show himself, armed at his grandsires tomb;  
Then straight commands the thronged in People, here  
To make an open field, the Place to clear.   

The boys march up, before their Parents show  
On gallant steeds, whom Trojans as they go  
And the Trinacrian youth, with shouts admired.  
All as the use, bright helmed, and brave attired,  
And with steel points two cornel javelins bore,  
Light quivers, some, and chains of gold they wore  
About their necks, that rich and curious be.  
Three troops marched on, lead up by captains three:  
Twice six youth march in a divided band,  
Bravely drawn up, whom equal chiefs command.  
Young Priam named from's grandsire first in Place  
Led up his youth, Polites thy fair race,  
Latium t'augment a Thracian courser bore  
With white spots dapled, and white feet before,  
Who lofty in his forehead showed a star.   

Next Atys, whence the Latin Atii are,  
Young Atys whom Ascanius loved; and last  
Ascanius who in beauty all surpassed,  
Rid a brave horse, which Dido did present  
Of her dear love the pledge and monument.  
Each other youth was mounted on a Steed  
Of old Acestes, pure Trinacrian breed.  
The Trojans full of joy, did entertain  
With acclamation this ambitious train,  
Who by their faces their old Parents knew.  
When these they had seen, delighted with the show,  
Epytides gave the sign, to them prepared,  
And makes his loud switch ring; no sooner heard,  
They ran together, in three squadrons, then  
Divide, and open at the word again,  
Their courses change, and cruel javelins bear,  
They countermarch, the front becomes the rear;  
Alternate orbs with wheeling they include,  
Now armed they seem to fight, and now subdued  
They make retreat, than cheered they turn the lance,  
And peace concluding equally advance.   

As once the Labyrinth in high Crete (fame says)  
A thousand turn had, with doubtful ways,  
Which did no sign unto the followers leave,  
But with perpetual errors did deceive.  
So youthful Trojans wheet, and in that sort,  
They flight and battle interweave with sport:  
As Dolphins who the swelling waves divide  
In Lybick seas, and wanton in the tide.  
Ascanius when long Alba he did frame  
Did first appoint this custom, and this game,  
And th'ancient Latins taught to celebrate:  
What he and Trojan youth did, th' Alban state  
Their offspring showed this greatest Rome from hence  
Received, and kept those honours ever since,  
The game, Troy's youthful troops the Trojan names,  
Thus finished he his blessed father's games.   

Here first inconstant fortune changed her brow,  
Whilst they with various rites performed their vow,  
From heaven Saturnian juno Iris sent  
To th' Ilian Fleet: winds breathing as she went:  
Revolving much, nor was her ancient spleen  
Yet satisfied; the Virgin swift unseen,  
Straight through the bow of thousand colours flies,  
The shores she views, and mighty concourse spies,  
The port forsook, all from the Navy gone:  
But far off Trojan dames she saw alone,  
Who mourned Anchises, and the deeps survaid,  
And weeping ah so many floods (they said)  
And shoals must yet the weary pass, all pray  
For seats, toiled with the troubles of the sea.   

Skilful in mischief, in 'mongst these she pressed,  
And lays aside her goddess form and vest,  
And straight old Beroe, Dorycles wife became,  
Who once had children, honour and great fame,  
And thus she did midst Ilian dames declare.  
O wretches! whom not Grecian in this war  
Vouchsafed to kill at home, unfortunate,  
For what sad end are you preserved by fate?  
Since Troy's destruction now seven years are past,  
Whilst we by seas, dire rocks, and countries' vast,  
Rai●ing new Stars, are born through floods: whilst we  
Involved with waves, seek flying Italy.  
Fraternal Erix, kind Acestes strands  
To plant in, build a city, who withstands?   

O country, and our Gods preserved in vain,  
Shall no place Troy be styled? shall we again  
Hectorian streams, nor Xanthus, Simois see?  
Come, this unhappy Navy burn with me.  
In sleep to me Cassandra did appear,  
She brought me fire, and said, Your Troy seek here,  
This is your seat; now is the time to act,  
Neptune's four altars see; let's not protract:  
The God himself courage, and brands, affords.  
Then cruel fire she snatched (using these words)  
And far off bran dishing she casts the flames,  
Raised and astonished are the Ilian dames.   

Here one, called Pyrgo, who by age took place,  
Nurse to so many of great Priam's race;  
Said, This not Beroe, Dorycles wife, nor this  
A Rhetian dame; here divine beauty is:  
Mark her bright eyes, and breath; behold her face,  
Her voices accent, and her stately grace.  
I now left Beroe sick, much grieved that she  
Should only from such offering absent be,  
Nor could t' Anchises bring due sacrifice.  
Such things she said.  
But they the Fleet behold with cruel eyes,  
Doubtful 'twixt woeful love of present seats  
They stood, or lands to them designed by fates:  
When with spread wings to heaven the Goddess glides,  
And the great bow under the clouds divides.  
Enraged and wondering then the Ilian dames  
With great noise snatch from private harths the flames;  
Some altars spoil, and boughs, leaves, firebrands threw;  
'Mongst painted sterns, banks, oars, with lose reins flew,  
Vulcan enraged. When to Anchises tomb  
And to the theatre Eumelus did come  
From the fireed navy, and such tidings told,  
Then they in clouds black rising smoke behold.  
And first Ascanius, sprightly as he did  
His troop lead, to the camp disturbed rid;  
Nor by his fearful tutors could be stayed;  
What new rage? whither now? what mean ye? said.  
Ah wretched women, you your own hopes burn,  
Not th'enemies' camp; to your Ascanius turn:  
And at their feet his empty helm he cast,  
Which personating war, his forehead graced.  
Aeneas hastes; with him the Trojan bands;  
But they amazed, fled, scattered through the strands,  
To woods, and hollow rocks: their minds restored  
They know their own; their enterprise abhorred,  
And Juno now is shaken from their breast;  
But not those untamed fires could be suppressed,  
Tow, smothering lives under the sappy oak;  
The vessels catching, vomit gloomy smoke;  
The cruel plague seized the whole Fleet at length,  
'Gainst rivers power, and all the Hero's strength.  
Pious Aeneas then his garments rents,  
And to the Gods for aid his hands extends.   

All-potent Jove, if all the Trojans be  
Not in thy hate, if ancient Piety  
Humane affairs regards; these flames destroy;  
O father, save the poor remains of Troy;  
Or if deserved, with thunder strike me dead,  
And now orewhelm with thy right hand. Scarce said,  
When a black tempest raged; a mighty rain  
Fell without mean: the mountains, all the plain  
With thunder shook; condensing Auster sent  
A most black storm through the whole firmament.  
The decks are filled; Oak once half burnt, grows moist  
Until the flame was quenched; four only lost,  
Saved from that plague. But Prince Aeneas here  
Shook with the bitter chance, now here, now there,  
Great cares revolving in his breast; if he  
Mindless of fates, should plant in Sicily,  
Or take Italian shore. Old Nautes said,  
Whom Pallas with much art had famous made,  
Then to the Prince: What ere the mighty ire  
Of gods portend, or what the fates require,  
We must endure. Comforting, he begun  
Thus to Aeneas: O thou Goddess son,  
Let us obey the fates; whatever chance,  
All fortunes vanquished are by sufferance.  
Trojan Acestes of a race divine,  
Unto thy counsels an associate join.  
Let him receive thy lost ships companies:  
And those now tired with thy great enterprise.  
The weary matrons, and old men select,  
The weak, and those whom dangers now deject;  
Here let them plant, and here a city frame,  
And from Acestes give the walls a name.   

He with these words of his old friend was cheered,  
Yet in his breast still many cares appeared.  
When nights black chariot had possessed the pole,  
From thence he saw descend Anchises soul,  
And pouring forth such voices, did appear;   

O son, than life, whilst life remained, more dear!  
O son, bosied in Trojun fates! I am  
By Jove's command sent hither; who from flame.  
Preserved thy ships, and pitied from the sky.  
Old Nautes counsel take, for Italy;  
And bold youth choose; a race thou must o'ercome  
Cruel by use of war in Latium.  
But first to Pluto's dismal courts repair,  
And deep Avernus, where my dwellings are.  
I am not with sad shades, in implous hell,  
But with the blessed in glad Elysium dwell.  
 Sibyl shall conduct thee to the place,  
With much blood of black sheep: there all thy race,  
And new seats thou shalt know; and now farewell,  
Moist night hath reached her vertick parallel;  
The cruel East blows me with panting steeds,  
He through thin air like smoke thus saying, speeds.  
Aeneas then: Where hastes thou? to what place?  
Whom dost thou fly? why driven from our embrace?  
This said, he ashes stirs, and covered fire,  
The Trojan lar; and in old Vesta's choir,  
Suppliant with holy bread, and full cups bends.  
Acestes raising first, and next his friends.  
Both his dear father's will, and Jove's command  
Declares: and what shall now resolved stand.  
Nor more advice, these did Acestes grant.  
They place the matrons; willing People plant:  
A city gave souls ignorant of great fame;  
Ships half-consumed repair, new banks they frame:  
Oars, cables fit, but few their numbers are,  
But of most lively courages in war.   

Mean while Aeneas ploughs their city walls,  
Houses allots, this Troy, that Ilium calls:  
Acestes joys in his new realms; and draws  
A Forum out, giveth Conscript father's laws.  
On Erix top, a fane nigh heaven was reared  
To Venus, and a sacred grove prepared,  
And a Priest added to Anchises tomb;  
And now the ninth day of their feast was come;  
Altars they grace: when soft gales calm the main,  
And breathing Auster calls to Sea again.  
Through trending shores complain loud ascend;  
Both day and night they with embraces spend;  
Those Women now, To whom before the Sea  
Seemed rough, nor could endure the Deity,  
Would fly, and every danger now contemn;  
With kind words good Aeneas comforts them,  
And weeping recommends t' Acestes care.  
To storms a lamb, three calus to Erix are  
Offered, and then lose cables he commands,  
And on the prow, crowned with cut Olive stands,  
Holding a bowl, and in the swelling brine  
He entrails casts, and powers forth liquid Wine;  
Fair gales attend his stern; the sailors sweep  
The curled waves, and brush the azure deep.   

But Venus mean while exercised in cares,  
To Neptune spoke, and such complaints declares.  
Juno's sad wrath, and unappeased breast.  
Makes me descend to thee with this request:  
Whom neither time nor Piety can move,  
Nor fates can quiet, nor commands of Jove.  
Was't not enough with fierce spleen to destroy  
The Phrygian city? poor remains of Troy,  
To force through miseries; but bones and dust  
She persecutes; can such a rage be just?  
Thou knowst what storms on Lybian seas did rise  
By her commands, commixing waves and skies,  
And with Aeolian gusts what hills she raised,  
Thus daring in thy realms.  
Ah shame! behold, the Trojan Dames she drove  
To fire their Fleet; and their ships lost, did move  
Their friends to leave them on strange shores. I crave  
Those yet remain may through their billows have  
Safe pass: Laurentian Tiber touch: if I  
Those walls require, granted by destiny.   

The deep seas Tamer then; O Erycine  
Trust to our Realms, from whence thou drawest thy line.  
I also have deserved; who did withstand  
Heaven and seas rage so oft: nor less by land  
My care of thy Aeneas, witnessed  
Simois, Xanthus, when the Trojans fled  
Trembling before Achilles to their walls.  
Who many thousands sent to funerals.  
Full rivers groaned, nor Xanthus to the Seas  
Can find his course; from strong Aeasides  
I in a hollow cloud brought off thy son  
Weaker in strength and Gods; destruction  
Wishing that perjured Troy these hands did rear.  
My mind is still the same; then banish fear;  
He shall in safety touch th' Avernid● coast:  
One only shall he miss in th' Ocean lost;  
One life for many must be paid.   

At this the goddess sad care intermits;  
The God his steeds conjoins, and foamy bits  
Adds to the fierce, and with ejected rain,  
His azure chariot hurries o'er the main.  
Billows give place, under his loud axe lie  
Waves levelled now, and storms forsake the sky;  
Then varied shapes, and mighty whales appear,  
Old Glaucus troops, Inons, Palamon, there  
The active Tritons, Forcus finny train,  
Upon the left hand of th'appeased main,  
Thetis, Thalia, Spio, Panope,  
Melite, Nise and Cymodoce.   

Here Prince Aeneas flattering joys did find  
At last to raise his long dejected mind.  
Then cheerful to the sailors gave command.  
To rear the top masts, to their tackling stand.  
All pull at once; larboard and starboard hale:  
Unfurl the sheets, and hoist the lofty sail,  
The wished gale drives them: Palinure preceds,  
And being admiral, the squadron leads.  
All steer as he commands. And now moist night  
Had almost touched mid heavens vertick height.  
The sailor on hard benches 'mongst his oars,  
His weary limbs with quiet rest restores.   

When from etherial stars, soft Somnus glides,  
Removes the airy darkness, shades divides,  
With a sad dream (poor Palinure) to thee,  
Upon the high stern sat the deity,  
Like Phorbas, and with these words did appear;  
Palinure, the sea itself thy ship will steer;  
A soft gale breaths, there is a time to rest:  
Lie down, steal sleep for eyes with toil oppressed,  
And I thy charge shall for a while supply,  
Palinure then said, scarce lifting up his eye;  
Wouldst thou I should a quiet sea believe,  
To this inconstant monster credit give?  
Should I Aeneas to false Austere leave,  
And serene skies, that me so oft deceive?  
This said, he fixed unto the rudder lies,  
Holds fast, and on the stars he held his eyes.  
The God, behold, in Lethe steeped, a bough  
Sleepy with Stygian strength, shakes o'er his brow,  
And wand'ring eyes of him resisting closed.  
Scarce were his nerves in quiet slumber loosed,  
Leaning, that part being lose on which he stood,  
He with the helm, falls in the briny flood,  
And oft in vain to his companions cries.  
With wings the God mounts the aetherial skies.  
Fearless, the ship not slower, a safe course sails,  
Nor in in his promise father Neptune fails.   

Near Siren's rocks, once dangerous, now they stood,  
White with the bones of men, beat with the flood  
Hoarse waves resound; but when the Prince perceived  
The ship to wander, of her guide bereaved,  
Through nightly waves he did the helm attend,  
Much sighing the misfortune of his friend:   

O Palinure, trusting fair feas and sky,  
Thou naked on some coast unknown must lie.    

THE SIXTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT  
At Sibyl's cave Aeneas asks his fates;  
Inspired, she answers through a hundred gates.  
Misenus rites; the golden bough is found.  
Hell's dismal passage, and the Stygian sound.  
Rude Charon pleased; a sop loud Cerberus takes.  
Sad souls hemmed in with nine infernal lakes.  
Dido is seen; Deiphobus appears.  
Hell and Elysium. Every thousand years'  
Souls Lethe drink, and bodies reassume.  
Anchises shows his son those Lords of Rome  
Must spring from him; their character relates;  
And after lets him forth at ivory gates.  

THus he said weeping, and with full sail stands,  
Gliding at last to the Euboick strands.  
They turn from Sea their prows, their ships they more,  
And the tall Navy guards the winding shore.  
The glad vouth leaped on land, straight some desire  
To force from flint the hidden seeds of fire.  
Some tear the shelters of wild beasts, the woods,  
Whilst others look about for fresher floods.   

But good Aeneas sought high towers which have  
Phoebus their Lord, dread sibils wondrous cave,  
Secrets remote; on whom the God bestows  
An ample mind, and future things foreshews,  
To Diane's grows and golden roofs they came,   

Daedalus flying Minos realms, (they fame)  
To swift wings trusting boldly, through the skies  
A way untracted to the cold North flies,  
At last on Chalcis tower he stands, where he  
First lighting, Phoebus, gave his wings to thee;  
And a large Temple built; whose porch presents  
Androgeus' death, Athenian punishments,  
(A woeful thing) leven children, the demands  
Annually paid, with lots the sad urn stands.  
Crete that surveys the Sea was opposite;  
A bulls dire love, Pasiphaes' stolen delight,  
The mixed race Minotaur, his Monstrous son,  
The monument of her foul lust was done.  
The structure, and the Labyrinth here was seen;  
But Daedalus pitying th'enamoured Qneen.  
The art and wind of that house betrays,  
Showing the clew; thou Icarus in these  
Shouldst a great part (had grief permitted) shared;  
To draw thy chance in gold he twice prepar d,  
Twice fell the father's hands, Soon the whole frame,  
They had surveyed; but that Achates came  
And did the priestesse of great Phoebus bring  
Deiphobe, who thus bespoke the King;   

This is no time such sights to entertain;  
Then bids seven steers from untouched herds be slain,  
And as the custom equal sheep be paid.  
Having said there, the rites were not delayed,  
And bids the Twojaus to the Temple come.   

A cave was cut from a rocks vaster womb,  
Whence through a hundred gates, a hundred ways,  
Sibyl as many prophecies conveys.  
As he drew near, the Virgin cries; Be bold  
To ask thy fate; The god the god behold  
This said, her colour changed; nor had her face  
And comely tresses, the same form or grace:  
But her swollen bosom pants, a mighty rage  
Doth all the faculties of her soul engage:  
Nor humane voice, greater she seems to be  
Inspired with th'approaching Deity.   

Trojan Aeneas, then aloud she said,  
Hast thou not made thy vows? hast thou not prayed?  
Nor vast gates of the fatal house till then  
Shall open. Here she silent was again;  
And through the Trojans bones shot trembling fear;  
Whilst from his soul the King powers forth his prayer.   

O Phoebus, thou that strov'st still to protect  
Unhappy Troy, and didst the shaft direct,  
And Paris hand to wound Aeacides:  
I, led by thee, strange lands and many seas  
To the remote Massylian shores have past,  
And realms extended unto deserts vast.  
We Italy's flying coasts at length have took,  
But by our own sad fortune not forsaken.  
And all you Gods and Goddesses that were  
Foes to Troy's glory, now that nation spare,  
And you blessed Prophetess humbly I entreat,  
(I seek but realms are due to me by fate).  
That we in Latium may find new abodes,  
And habitations for our wand ring gods;  
I then to Phoebus and Diana shall  
A temple build of marble; where I'll call  
On solemn days, on great Apollo's name,  
And in our realm Chapels for thee I'll frame,  
In which the fates and fortunes of our race  
Which pleased you now foretell, shall have their place;  
And there, blessed maid, I'll consecrate choice men.  
Commit not unto leaves thy verses then,  
Lest they to wanton winds a sport be made:  
But sing thyself, I pray. He ends, this said.   

But in the cave she furious takes no rest,  
Striving to shake the great God from her breast;  
Who tires her more, her raging mouth he frames,  
And by constraining her fierce bosom tames.  
The hundred gates themselves now open fling,  
And through the air Sibylla's answer bring.   

Thou scaped from dangers of the sea, far more  
Remain at land; the Trojans shall the shore  
Of Latium find; thy breast from such cares free,  
And soon repent: Wars, horrid wars I see,  
And Tiber swelled with blood, nor shalt thou miss  
Greek camps, a Xanthus and a Simois,  
A new Achilles of a Goddess come,  
And you shall Juno find in Latium.  
What people, what Italian seats in want,  
Shalt thou not sue to as a suppliant?  
A wife shall cause again the Trojan woe,  
And foreign marriage.  
Yet dangers fear not, but on bolder go,  
What course thy fortune grants, thy first supplies  
Which thou least thinks, from a Greek seat shall rise.   

These horrid circumstances from her cell,  
Cumean Sibyl bellowing did foretell,  
With dark phrase clouding truth: then Phoebus shakes  
His reins, and her chafed heart more fury takes.  
When she grew calm and her wild rage alaid;  
Aeneas spoke; Not any toil, O Maid,  
To me an new unlooked for shape presents,  
I foresee all, and cast their worst events.  
One boon I crave (since to infernal realms  
This way conducts and Acheron's dismal streams)  
That I my dearest father may behold.  
Open the way, enchanted gates unfold;  
Him I from thousand weapons through the flame  
Brought on my shoulders, through an host I came,  
He me accompanied through all the main  
And weak did threatening seas and skies ●●●taine  
Above the strength, and temper of his age.  
Us at thy gates t' attend, he did engage.  
O pity then the father and the son  
Blessed Maid, for all things can by thee be done.  
Nor Hecate placed thee o'er those groves in vain.  
If Orpheus could Eurydice regain,  
Helped by his Thracian lyres sweet harmony;  
Can Pollux by alternate dying free  
His brother and return? why should I name  
Theseus, Alcides? that from Jove I came?   

Such things he prayed, and by the altars hung.  
Then she replied; Trojan Aeneas, sprung  
From blood of Gods: to hel's an easy way,  
Black Pluto's gates stand open night: And day  
But to return, and the bright air to view,  
This is the work, the labour of a few,  
Whom Jove esteems, or virtue hath raised high,  
And sprung from God's Woods in the middle lie,  
And round, Cocytus' motes with a black lake.  
If so great love, if such desires thee take,  
Twice to swim Styx, black hell twice to survey,  
And to strange toils th' art pleased to give such way,  
Hear thy first task. A golden bough doth lie,  
With shining leaves hid in a shady tree;  
Sacred t'infernall Juno this is said;  
This the whole woods, and obscure valleys shade:  
To visit parts below all are restrained  
Until the bough with golden leaves is gained,  
Which to fair Proserpina must presented be.  
This plucked, another golden from the tree  
Sprouts with like metal; with your eye search round,  
And break it gently off, when it is found.  
If fates call thee, it will with ease be gained,  
Else not by ●y violence constrained:  
Nor shall by thee with hardest steel be got,  
But now thy dead friend, ah thou know'st it not,  
The whole fleet with his corpse contaminates,  
Whilst thou consulting at our threshold waits;  
Him first in quiet shade entomb; then bring.  
Black sheep, an expiating offering;  
Dark reasms deny the the living thou mayst then  
Behold. This said, she silent was again.   

Aeneas with fixed eyes, and sad looks went,  
And leaves the cave musing the sad event;  
Faithful Achates his companion goes  
With equal steps, dividing equal woes;  
Betwixt themselves many conjectures, whom  
She meant was dead, what corpse they should entomb.  
When as they go, they saw Misenus left  
On the dry shore, by a sad death bereft.  
Misenus, none more excellent was found,  
T inflame to battle by his trumpets sound;  
Great Hector's friend, who with him fights achieved,  
Whom, when Achilles had of life deprived,  
This valiant Hero to Aeneas joined,  
Who nothing was in feats of War behind,  
But sounding his shrill trumpet towards the seas  
And fond challenging the deities;  
Him, emulous Triton (if it credit have)  
Among the rocks, drowned in a foamy wave.   

Groaning with great complaints, about they stand;  
Pious Aeneas chief: Sibyls command  
Weeping they haste, and with heaped wood the while  
Up to high heaven they rear his funeral pile,   

He visits an old wood, where wild beasts dwell,  
Elms ring with axes, and tall Cedars fell,  
They trunks of ash, and oak with wedges rive,  
And down the hills, woods of wild ashes drive.  
Amidst the works, Aeneas foremost cheered  
His friends, and girded with like arms appeared.  
When with a sad heart to himself he said,  
Viewing the mighty wood, and thus he prayed;   

O that the golden bough itself would show,  
In this huge grove, since all hath proved too true  
Of thee Misenus, which the Priestesse said.  
Scarce spoke: when from the skies two pigeons made  
Their flight to him, and to the green earth drew.  
His mother's doves soon the great Hero knew:  
And joyful prayed; If through those tracts above  
Lies any way, direct me to the grove,  
Where the rich bough the fertile soil doth shade:  
Blessed mother help, still reay to my aid.  
These having spoke, on cheerfully he went,  
Their flight observing, and what course they bent.  
But feeding they, no farther distance flew,  
Then they which follow with clear sight may view.  
Thence to Avernus noisome gulf they fly  
A nimble course, and cut the liquid sky:  
On seats descried, two boughs they parched, whence rays  
Through branches of discoloured gold displays.  
As in the woods oft times a tree will show,  
Fresh in cold winter, green with mislletoe;  
And a new leaf not from her own sap shoots,  
Embracing the smooth bowl with blushing fruits.  
So from the shady elm the branches shined,  
The spangles crackling with the gentle wind,  
Th'unwilling branch strait down Aeneas tore,  
And to the Prophetess Sibylla bore.   

Nor less mean while Trojans Misenus mourn,  
And his sad dust with funeral rites adorn.  
First a huge pile with sappy pine erect,  
And cloven oak, with sable branches decked:  
About the sides they mournful cypress place,  
And with his shining arms the structure grace.  
Some water warm, the flowing Cauldron swims  
Over flames; they bathe, and 'noint, his frigid limbs.  
Then with a groan him on the bier they lay:  
Above his purple vest, known weeds display.  
Part, a sad work, take up the ponderous hearse,  
And as the ancient use, faces reverse  
Held to the torch; full bowls of oil they turn,  
And gifts of frankincense congested burn.   

After the ashes fell, and flames decline,  
The relics, and dry sparks they quench in wine,  
In brass the bones than Chorineus urns,  
About his mates twice with pure water turns,  
And he from boughs of happy olive spread  
Light dews: and they being purged, the last words said.  
But good Aeneas a huge tomb did raise,  
On which his arms, his oar, and trumpet lays,  
Under a mighty hill which now they call  
From him Misenus, and for ever shall.  
This, done he did Sibyl's commands dispatch.   

There was a deep cave with a mighty breach,  
With black lakes moted, and a horrid grove,  
o'er which not safely swiftest wings could move,  
Such were the vapours from those fowl jaws came;  
This place the Grecians did Avernus name.   

Here first he four black bullocks did design  
The Priest upon the forehead pouring wine,  
Hair plucked betwixt the horns, on sacred flame  
Lays the prime gift, calling on Hecate's name,  
Powerful in heaven, and hell: with knives some stood  
Prepared, and saved in bowls the reeking blood,  
A black fleeced lamb pious Aeneas slew,  
The fury's mother, and great sister's dew,  
A barren Cow, thee Proserpina they bring,  
Then rear night altars to the Stygian King:  
And bulls firm entrails on the flames did pile,  
And pour on scorching bowels purest oil.  
When with the dawn behold! and rising sun,  
Beneath their feet earth groans, the cliffs begun  
Of the high woods to move, dogs in the shade  
Howle as the Goddess her approaches made.   

Far, O far off from hence, be all profane,  
(The Priestesse cries) and from the Grove abstain;  
And thou Aeneas draw thy sword, and go,  
Now courage needs, now thy great valour show.  
This said, in th'open cave the Furious leaps,  
As fast he follows with undaunted steps.   

You Gods who souls command, and silent ghosts,  
Phlegeton, Chaos, nights vast dismal coasts.  
Grant I declare things heard, by your aid show  
What earth and darkness long hath hid below.  
Obscured through shades, and woeful night they passed  
Through Pluto's empty courts, and kingdoms waste.  
As through dark woods, when a new moon displayed  
Pale beams, and Jove the sky hides with a shade,  
And black night colour did from things compel.  
Just at the door, before the gates of hell,  
Sorrow reposed, with her revenging Rage,  
Pale sicknesses and discontented age,  
Fear, with dire Famine, and base Poverty,  
Labour and death, shapes terrible to see.  
Then sleep allied to Death, and fond joys are  
Placed on the other side, with deadly War,  
On iron beds, Furies and Discord sit,  
Their viperous hair with bloody fillets knit.   

Here a dark elm, did ancient boughs display,  
The seat (as they report) where vain dreams lay,  
And stuck 〈◊〉 every leaf: then a huge brood  
Of various monsters, biformed Scylla stood,  
And Centaitrs in the porch; with hundred hands  
Briareus and the Lernian Hydra stands,  
Chimaera hissing loud, and armed with fire,  
The triple shade, Gorgon's and Harpies dire.  
Aeneas draws, then struck with sudden fear,  
Opposing the sharp point to them drew near.  
But that his learned companion him persuades,  
They were but fleeting forms, and empty shades,  
In vain he had attempted ghosts to wound.   

Hence led the way to th' Acherontic sound;  
With a vast gulf here whirlpits vexed with mud,  
Boiling casts sands up from the Stygian flood.  
Charon the horrid ferryman these deeps  
With dreadiul squallidnesse, and river keeps.  
His untrimed cheeks were rough with hoary hair,  
Knotty his beard, his fiery eyes did stare,  
Tied on his shoulders hung a sordid coat;  
He trims his sails, drives with a pole his boat,  
And in his rusty bark wafts Passengers;  
The God was youthful still, though struck in years.  
Here all the scattered throngs rush to these coasts,  
Men, Women came, and valiant Hero's Ghosts,  
Deprived of life; boys, virgins, young men, here  
Before their Parents laid upon the bier.   

As in first cold of autumn from the trees  
The leaves fall thick, or to the shore from seas  
The birds repair in flocks, when early frosts  
Drive them from water unto warmer coasts.  
They stand, and first for passages implore,  
Their hands lift up, longing for th'other shore;  
But the grim wafter these, now them receives,  
But others far off on the sand he leaves.   

Aeneas wondering at the tumult, said  
Wherefore this concourse to the streams, O maid?  
Say what these souls require, why those the shores.  
Forsake, and other billows roll with oars.  
Brief, th'aged Priestesse thus to him replies.  
Anchises son, sure stock of deities,  
Thou Styx, Cocytus viewst, by this to swear  
And to deceive the power, the Gods do fear.  
All those sad troops thou seest, are not interred;  
That Charon; those he wafts are sepulchred.  
Until their bones in quiet rest, before,  
None pass these hoarse waves to the horrid shore.  
A hundred years to wander here theyare bound,  
Permitted then to pass the Stygian sound.   

The Prince at this no further did advance,  
And full of thoughts, pitying their sad mischance,  
Leucaspes and Orontes there he spies,  
The Lycian chief, sad, wanting obsequies;  
Whom the black south o'er set with tempest, when  
They sailed to Troy, waves swallowing ship and men.  
Lo! Palinure the master next appeared,  
Whom whilst by stars from Lybia he steered,  
Fell midst the waves, and tumbles with the stern,  
Him when he could in so much shade discern,  
O Palinure, first said what deity  
Snatched thee from us and drowned amidst the Sea,  
Speak; for to me still Phoebus' words proved true,  
But only in my hopes concerning you.  
He said, thou safe to Latium through the seas,  
Shouldst pass; behold! Are these his promises?   

Great Trojan Prince, Phoebus deceived not thee,  
Said Palinure, nor hath the God drowned me;  
For the torn rudder grasping with much force,  
As to my charge I stuck, and steered my course,  
With it I fell, by the rough seas I swear,  
Nor for myself conceived I so much fear,  
But that the Master wanting at the helm,  
Such swelling waves thy ship might overwhelm.  
Three stormy nights rough south winds carried me  
Through the vast waves; the fourth dawn, Italy  
Raised on a swelling wave I saw, and swum  
Softly to shore, and to firm footing came,  
When cruel men on me with weapons set,  
Grasping rough banks, loaden with garments wet,  
Who ignorantly took me for a prey;  
The waves possess me now, and in the sea  
The winds oft roll my body to the shore;  
But by heavens pleasant light I thee implore,  
Py thy dear Father, and thy hopeful heir  
Take me from hence great Prince, or else inter  
(For thou hast power) and seek m'in Velins bay.  
Or if thy mother Venus show the way,  
(For I believe without some aiding God  
Thou comest not now, to fail this dreadful flood)  
Then help a wretch, and me transport with thee,  
That I at last in death may quiet be.  
This said, than Sibyl thus herself expressed,   

Whence Palinurus, comes this strange request?  
Wouldst thou unburied, Styx, the fury's Lake,  
Behold, and without leave these shores forsake?  
Desist to hope that fates will hear thy prayer;  
But take this comfort to appease thy care.  
The neighbouring Cities shall thy bones inter,  
And moved by omens, build thy sepulchre;  
Then to thy tomb pay yearly rites, and shall  
The place for ever Palinurus call.  
These words appeased his cares, and grief overcame,  
Proud of a country that should bear his name.   

Then on they went, and to the stream drew nigh.  
As Charon these from Stygian waves did spy  
Bending through silent groves, to his sad strands:  
Thus rudely first gins, and threatening stands.   

Who ere thus armed approachest to our streams,  
Your business tell: this is the place of dreams,  
Of shades, and drowsy night; depart, nor can  
My Stygian boat transport a living man.  
Nor pleased it me to waft o'er Stygian seas,  
Theseus, Pirithous, nor great Hercules,  
Though sprung from Gods, men never vanquished.  
From our King's Throne, in chains Alcides led  
Hell's porter trembling, the other did combine  
To take from Plutoe's bed chaste Proserpina.   

Then Sibyl said, give not such way to rage,  
Here are no stratagems nor arms t'engage  
A violence; let hell's Porter ever lie  
In's kennel, and pale Shadows terrify;  
Still in her Uncle's Court the Queen may be.  
Aeneas famed for arms and piety,  
To see his father, through dark shades descends.  
If thee no shape of such affection bends,  
Behold this bough (which hidden in her vest  
She shows) then swelling rage forsakes his breast:  
Nor more he said, but the strange gift admires,  
The fatal bough not seen in many years.  
Then turns his sable vessel toward the strand,  
Thence drives those Ghosts sat waiting on the sand,  
Opens his hatches, and receives his freight.  
The crazed boat groans with great Aeneas weight,  
And leaky drunk much water; safe at last  
He with the Priestesse and Aeneas passed,  
And free from foul mud, 'mongst black rushes lands.   

From triple jaws great Cerberus through those strdans  
Still barks, and huge in a vast kennel lies.  
When she his neck dreadful with serpent's spies,  
She casts to him a soporiferous bit:  
He opens his three mouths to swallow it,  
Then being laid, stretched forth his long back lies  
Measuring his kennel with his mighty size.  
Aeneas past, whilst Cerberus sleeps, and leaves  
The shores of irrenavigable waves.   

Then they heard voices, and a mighty cry  
Of Infants weeping, which in th'entrance lie;  
Whom from sweet life a woeful death did call  
From the loved teat, with timeless funeral;  
Next, those who falsely were condemned to die,  
And did not without Lot or judgement lie.  
Minos' being placed, a silent council calls,  
And lives examines of the criminals.   

Next after these, those wretched Ghosts reside,  
Who nating life, have by their own hands died,  
And lost their souls: who now to live again  
Would not hard toil and poverty disdain;  
Them fates deny, and the most dreadful sound  
Binds in, and Styx nine times incircles round.  
Not fare from hence they to large champaigns came,  
The fields of sorrow called, such was the name;  
Here those whom cruel love with grief devours,  
Did haunt close walks, concealed in myrtle bowers,  
Nor in their death relinquish they their woes;  
There Phedra, Procris, and Euryphile goes,  
Showing those wounds her son had made, he saw  
Pasiphae, Evadne, Laodomia,  
Coeneus with them, now woman, once a man,  
Whom fates restored to her own sex again.   

Amongst these, Dido wandered the great wood,  
With a fresh wound, whom, as Troy's Hero stood,  
And drawing nigh, through obscure shades he knew:  
Such in her prime, the rising moon we view,  
Or seem at least to see, through clouds displayed:  
Pouring forth tears, then with sweet love he said;   

Ah hapless Dido, truth that news did tell  
Which said thou'rt dead, and by thy own hand fell.  
I was the cause; now by the stars I vow,  
By Gods, and faith, if any is below,  
Unwillingly best Queen, I left thy lands,  
But was enforced by the gods commands:  
Who now compel me through these shades to pass,  
Through deepest night, and this most dismal place.  
Nor my departure could I ere suppose  
Can thee, alas, engage in so much woes.  
O stay, and part not thus. whom fliest thou? me?  
We ne'er shall meet again, so fates decree.  
These to her vexed and frowning he declares  
Her to appease, but forceth his own tears:  
Fixed on the earth her eyes averse she held,  
Nor was to change no more with words compelled,  
Then if hard flint, or Parian Rocks had stood:  
Then flies displeased, and seeks some shady wood;  
To her first Lord Sichaeus she repairs,  
Who answers all her love, and meets her cares.  
Aeneas no less strucken with these woes,  
Follows with tears, lamenting as he goes.  
Thence on they pass, to fields remote they went,  
And Groves where souls renowned in war frequent;  
Valiant Parthenopus and Tydeus here  
With pale Adrastus' shade, did first appear;  
Those much above lamented, in a train,  
He all those dardan's saw in battle slain;  
Glaucus, and Medon, Thersilocus he moans,  
Polybetes Ceres Priest, Antenor's sons,  
Idaeus in's chariot armed; thick souls frequent  
Now on each hand, nor is't sufficient  
To see him once, to tarry they desire,  
And walk with him, his coming they inquire.  
But the Greek Captains, Agamemnon's bands,  
Viewing the man's bright arms through shady strands,  
Shake with huge fear: part, as in times past, fly  
To seek their ships, part raise a feeble cry,  
And the raised clamour in the utterance dies.   

Here Priam's son Deiphobus he spies,  
Wounded all ore; his mangled face appears,  
His face and hands, his head despoiled of ears,  
With a dishonoured wound his ravished nose;  
Him pale, and dire wounds hiding, scarce he knows;  
At last with known voice spoke: O valiant  
Deiphobus, of Teucer's high descent,  
Whom could such cruel punishments delight?  
Who had the power? that last and woeful night,  
I heard that thou with Grecian slaughter tired,  
Upon a heap of confused corpse expired.  
An empty tomb I on the Rhetian coast  
Have reared, and thrice aloud implored thy Ghost;  
There are thy arms and name; but thee not found,  
I could not bury friend in native ground.   

Then he: Nothing dear friend didst thou neglect;  
All rites are paid, my tomb thou didst erect:  
But my own fates, cursed Helen me bereft,  
Drowned in these woes, and she these monuments left.  
For as thou know'st, we passed with false delight  
Never to be forgot, that last sad night,  
When through great Troy the fatal horse did come,  
And pregnant with an army in his womb;  
She feigned a dance, and Phrygian dames in wild  
Orgies she led, amidst a huge torch held,  
And calls the Grecians from a battlement.  
Tired with my cares, and drowsy, than I went  
To my unhappy bed, where in calm rest  
I slept as with the charms of death possessed.  
Mean while my dear wife took my arms away,  
And from my head did my good sword convey,  
Opens the gates, lets Menelaus in,  
Hoping by this great act his love to win,  
And past offences to extinguish thus.  
They rush in (to be brief) with Ithacus  
Plotter of mischief; heaven such Greeks repay,  
If for revenge with pious lips I pray.  
But tell what chance thee living hither sent,  
Driven by storms, or by the god's consent?  
Or by what fortune brought, that thou resorts  
To these dark places, sad and dismal courts.   

By this the morn in her bright chariot ran  
Betwixt the poles to heaven's Meridian,  
And th' whole time granted they had thus delayed;  
But Sibyl them advis d, and briefly said:   

Night hastes, O Prince, and hours in weeping glide,  
This is the place where the two ways divide;  
the right, which to great Pluto's Palace bends,  
T' Elizum leads; the left, to hell descends,  
Where wicked men receive their punishment.   

Deiphabus' said, great Priestesse be content,  
I shall departed, and fill in shades the list.  
But go you on and better fates assist.  
This said, he takes his leave. On his left side,  
Aeneas then under a Rock espied  
A mighty fort surrounded with three walls,  
Where Phlegeton with a swift current falls  
Of flaming waves: rolling huge stones along,  
The gates on adamantine pillars hung;  
No strength of men, of steel, nor gods, has power  
This to destroy, high stands the brazen tower.  
Gird in a bloody robe Tisiphone keeps  
The entrance night and day, and never sleeps.  
Hence cruel lashes sound and groaning pains,  
Clashing of steel, and rattling of huge chains.   

Amazed Aeneas stands, and frighted said,  
What dreadful sights are these, declare O maid.  
What are these tortures? whence these hideous cries?  
Renowned Trojan, Sibyl then replies,  
In this dire place none but the guilty are:  
When Hecate left these dark groves to my care,  
She showed me all their pains, and lead each way.   

Stern Gnossian Radamanth these realms doth sway,  
Hears and corrects their crimes, forcing to tell  
What they 'mongst mortals vainly did conceal,  
Sins which at late death unrepented were.  
Then fierce Tisiphone makes the guilty fear,  
Shaking her whip from her left hand extends  
Her twisted snakes, and calls the cruel friends:  
On groaning hinges then th' enchanted gates  
Are opened strait; seest thou what porter waits  
In th'entrance there, what monster keeps the door?  
Hydra with fifty ugly jaws: one more  
Cruel than this by far, within doth dwell,  
Whence two steep ways lead headlong down to hell:  
So far it doth beneath earth's surface lie,  
As tall Olympus thrusts into the sky.   

Here young Titanians are, earths ancien race,  
Struck down with thunder to the lowest place.  
There saw I both th' melodies, those vast  
Giants, who strove heavens fabrics to have razed,  
And Jove t'have thrust from heavens high Monarchy.  
And saw Salmonius in great tortures lie,  
Whilst he heaven's fire, and thunder imitates,  
Brandishing flames, and through the Grecian states,  
Borne on four steeds, proudly through Elis drives  
With fond pretence to heaven's prerogatives:  
Who did in imitable fire and rain,  
With brass, and speed of horn hoofed horses, feign.  
Then through the clouds from Jove almighty came  
A dart, he sends no brands, nor earthy flame,  
And headlong him with enraged whitlwinds quelled.   

Th'all bearing earth's son Tityus, I beheld  
There, whose vast corpse did nine whole acres fill,  
And a huge vulture with a hooked bill  
His bowels and immortal liver searched,  
Fresh food for pains, and on's breast tiering peached,  
To his renewing veins allows no ease.   

What need I mention both the Lapiths,  
A black stone seems now falling on their heads;  
Golden frames shine with high and genial beds,  
Before them cates, with kingly luxuries;  
But not far off the greatest fury lies,  
Forbids to eat, and rising from the ground,  
Swings her black torch, and makes a thundering sound,  
Here those who living, did their brother's hate,  
Murdered their sires, to clients used deceit,  
Or who alone brooding on riches lie,  
Lending to none, the greatest company;  
Who slain for lust, who impious arms pursued,  
Nor feared the trust of Princes to delude.  
Here meet their dooms: Seek not these woes to sound,  
Nor by what way fate did their souls confound.  
These roll huge stones, and stretched on wheels do lie.  
There Theseus sits, and shall eternally.  
Aloud through shades sad Phlegyas warning cries,  
Admonished, justice learn, nor Gods despise.  
This to a potent Prince his country sold,  
And laws enacted, and repealed for gold;  
This beds his daughter, and no incest spared;  
All dared strange crimes, and thrived in what they dared.  
Had I a hundred mouths, as many tongues,  
A voice of iron, to these had brazen lungs;  
Their crimes and tortures ne'er could be displayed.   

When Phoebus aged Priestesse thus had said,  
Go on, she bids, and finish your intents,  
I see the Cyclops forged battlements  
And ports which stand with obvious arches; there  
To place the present, we commanded were.  
Then through dark ways they went with equal pace,  
The mid path taking, and approach the place:  
Aeneas came to th'porch, and purged with clear  
Water, the golden bough he fixed there.   

These rites performed, the Goddess gift being placed,  
In joyful places they arrived at last,  
And came to groves where happy souls do rest  
In pleasant greene's, the dwellings of the blessed.  
Here larger skies did cloth with purple rays  
The field, which their own Sun and Stars obeys.  
Some in green meads their time in wrestling spend.  
Some gallantly on the bright sand contend,  
Some graceful footing with a song present.  
In a long robe the Thracian Poet went,  
On seven sweet strings he descants sacred lays,  
His hand now strikes, his ivory quill now plays.   

Here Teucer's old line, a fair race appears,  
‛ Most valiant Heroes, borne in better years,  
Ilus, Asaracus, and who built Troy's spires,  
Their arms and empty chariots he admires,  
Their spears stuck down, their horses through the ground  
Carelessly fed; and what delight they found  
In arms, or chariots, or brave steeds alive,  
That pleasure under earth did still survive.  
Others he saw on each side banqueting,  
And in a solemn dance glad Paeans sing,  
Shaded with odorous Laurel, by whose woods  
Eridanus rising, rowls his swelling floods.  
And here were those did for their country die,  
With Priests who in their lives vowed chastity;  
And sacred Poets who pleased Phoebus best,  
Or by invented arts man's life assist,  
And others in their memories renowned,  
Their temples all with snowy garlands bound.   

To those about her thus Sibylla says,  
But to Musaeus first, who midst them was,  
And taller by the head then all the rest;  
Say blessed souls, and thou of Poets best,  
Where is Anchises seat● to him we come,  
And the great streams of Erebus have swom.  
To whom the Hero in few words again:  
We have no certain places, we remain   

On beds of grass, and walk in shady woods  
And meadows ever fresh with crystal floods.  
But if you please t'ascend this rising brow,  
I shall the most convenient passage show.   

This said, he went before, and a fair plain  
Discovering there, thence they descend again.  
But old Anchises sought with mighty care  
Souls which in pleasant vales confined were,  
Which soon must view th' aetherial skies; where he  
Numbered his own renowned progeny,  
Their manners, power, their riches, and their doom.  
When towards him he saw Aeneas come,  
Through pleasant greene's, joyful, his hands did raise,  
And bathing of his cheeks with tears, thus says.  
Thou comest at last, and thy great love to me  
Hath vanquished the hard journey; I may see  
Thee now dear son, and change discourses here;  
Thus I forethought, and judged the time drew near:  
Nor hath my care deceived me; from what coast  
Through vast seas comest thou, with what perils tossed,  
That now I meet thee here? my mind misgave  
Lest thou in Lybia some mischance might have.  
But he: Dear father thy, thy woeful shade  
Appearing oft, this journey did persuade:  
Our fleet hides Tyrrhen shores; grant, grant that we  
May join right hands, nor our embraces flee.  
Large floods then drowned his cheeks; thrice he assayed  
T'infold his neck, three times the fleeting shade  
In vain he with extended arms assails.  
Which like a swift dream flies, or nimble gales.   

When in a winding vale Aeneas fees  
A secret grove, and far off murmuring trees  
And pleasant seats, which Lethe warered; here  
People in numerous nations did appear:  
And as in meads, the bees, in the bright spring  
Sat on the various flowers, incircleing  
Bright lilleys, and all the fields resound with noise.  
Aeneas being ignorant, asks the cause,  
Struck with the sight, what were those streams, wherefore  
Such multitudes of men had filled the shore;  
Anchises then: Those souls to whom fates own  
New bodies, where the streams of Lethe flow,  
Drink secure draughts, and long oblivion.  
These I desired to thee should be foreshown,  
And these our stock to number: whence the more  
Thou mayst rejoice finding th' Ausonian shore.  
O sir, must such pure souls aetherial air  
Review again, and to dull flesh repair.  
Why have the wretches such a strange delight  
To visit day. I shall the cause recite,  
Nor will I hold thee in sulpence, dear son;  
Then thus Anchises orderly went on.   

At first the heaven, and earth, the liquid plain,  
The moons bright globe, and stars Titanian,  
A spirit fed within, spread through the whole,  
And with the huge heap mixed infused a soul.  
Hence man, and beasts, and birds derive their strain,  
And monsters floating in the marbled main.  
These seeds have fiery vigour and a birth  
Of heavenly race; but clogged with heavy earth,  
Which their dull limbs and dying members drowned:  
Hence fears, and hopes, sorrows, and joy abound;  
Shut in dark flesh their natures they forget;  
But when their latest light and life is set,  
Not all woes leave them, nor all tortures quite  
Forsake the wretches there; and 'tis but right;  
Things strangely grown by custom into crimes,  
They must be punished for their misspent times,  
And tortures feel; some in the winds are hung,  
Others to cleanse their spotted sins are fling  
In a vast gulf, or purged in fire they are:  
We all have our own tortures: then repair  
TO Elysium and some few blessed seats obtain,  
Till length of time purge their contracted stain,  
And leave a fire cleansed from all earthly sense,  
A pure aetherial intelligence.  
When thousand years have filled their period,  
All these God calls in troops to Lethe's flood,  
To th' ●nd that they forgetful of what's past,  
May reascend, and bodies take at last.  
Anchises then his son and her (this said)  
'Mongst busy troops, and noysfull throngs convaid,  
Then takes a hill from whence they might discern  
Them march in order, and their faces learn.   

Now comes thy glory, and the Dardan race,  
Nephews which shall in Latium have great place.  
Illustrious souls, to whom our name must be.  
In brief, I'll show thee thy own destiny.   

Seest thou that youth, who leans upon his lance?  
Next lots shall him t'aetheriall air advance:  
Silvius, and Alban name, thy posthume race,  
Sprung from Italian blood shall next take place:  
To thee then old, thy wife Lavinia brings  
Him forth in woods, a King, and sire of Kings,  
From whom our race shall in long Alba reign.  
Next Procus glory of the Dardan strain,  
Numitor, ●apys, Silvius named from thee  
Aeneas matched in arms and piety,  
If he at any time rule Alba. View  
Now thore brave youths, and what great strength they show;  
These shall with civic wreaths their temples bound,  
Nomentum, Gabii, Fidena found;  
These Collatine towers famous for chastity  
Shall raise 'mongst hills, and proud Pometii,  
And Inous city, Bola, Cora frame,  
Thus called hereafter, now without a name.  
Then Martial Romulus shall himself conjoin  
Companion to his grandsire from the line  
Of great Assaracus, whom Ilia bare.  
Behold a double crown impails his hair;  
Jove this shall honour as himself (dear son)  
He shall to Rome give earths dominion,  
Her fame to heaven advance, enclosing then  
Seven hills with walls, happy with valiant men.   

As Berecinthia crowned with turrets rides  
Through Phrygian cities, joyful: by her sides,  
Her race of Gods a hundred she embraced,  
All heaven's inhabitants supremely placed.   

But here bend both thine eyes, this offspring see,  
Thy Roman Caesar Julius Progeny  
Must heavens great axe next scale: this, this, the Prince  
That was so often promised thee long since!  
Augustus Caesar, sprung of Gods, once more  
To Latium shall the golden age restore,  
Where Saturn reigned, and stretch his proud command  
Past Garamant and Ind: there lies a land  
Beyond the year and Sun, where Atlas bears  
heavens axletree adorned with shining stars;  
The Caspian and Meotick lands, when he  
Draws nigh, heaven's oracles shall terrify,  
And Nile shall tremble in his seven fold streams;  
Nor did Alcides know so many realms,  
Though the swift stag and boar he did subdue,  
And with his shafts in Lerna Hydra slew;  
Nor conquering Bacchus who joined tigers bend,  
With viney reins, from Nisa's steep descent.  
Doubt we to raise our glory then, shall we  
Dispair to plant ourselves in Italy.  
What's he far off graced with the olive bough  
Presenting offerings? his white chin I know;  
A Roman King, whose laws first settled Rome,  
And from small Curets, a poor soil shall come  
To great command; next Tullus who shall break  
His countries' peace, and slothful People make  
Who knew no triumphs, active in the Wan.  
Next him comes Ancus, one more haughty far,  
And swollen with popular breath; wouldst thou behold  
The Tar quine Princes, and the mighty should,  
Revengeful Brutus, who the fasces had,  
Sharp axes, and was first a Consul made.  
Who th'hapless sire shall cause his son to die,  
Raising new war, for specious liberty:  
How ere posterity the fact shall doom,  
Him love of fame, and's country did o'ercome.  
The Decii, Drusii, stern Torquates see;  
Camillus full of gold and victory.  
But these behold, whose like arms shine so bright,  
Concording souls, now hid in shady night:  
Ah when they live, what wars shall they maintain,  
Opposing each! what fights, what numbers slain!  
From the steep Alps, and the Meotick towers.  
The sire descends, the son brings Eastern powers.  
Do not brave youth in such a war contend,  
Nor with such force your countries' bowels rend.  
But thou my blood who drawest from heaven thy race,  
First pity, and thy arms lay down.  
Famed with Greek slaughters he a Conqueror shall  
From Corinth proudly to the Capitol  
His chariot drive; Argos, Micene, deface,  
And shall revenge on great Achilles' race,  
Old Troy, and temples which profaned be.  
Who could forget great Cato Gracchi, thee  
Cossus, or the thunderboults in War  
Those Scipio's, who the Lybian conquerors were:  
Temperate Fabricius, or Serranus thee  
Holding the Blow! where will the F●bii me  
Ttansport! thou Maximus the only man  
Who by delays Rome's fortune must regain,  
Others I grant shall mould respiring brass,  
And cut in marble a most lively face;  
Some better plead, and some Astronomers,  
Describe heavens motion and the rising stars:  
Be thou ambitious how to govern best,  
In these arts, Roman, thou must be professed.  
That we a peace well grounded may enjoy,  
Subjects to spare, and Rebels to destroy.   

Anchises said, they wondering all the while,  
Marcellus view, glorious in wealthy spoil;  
This conqueror doth in virtue all o'ercome,  
And shall in mightiest tumults calm great Rome,  
The Puny waist, and Gauls most rebel swarms,  
And thrice to Romulus dedicate their arms.   

Aeneas here (for he a youth beheld  
March in bright arms, whose personage excelled  
But with sad looks, and a dejected face)  
Said, who is this? with him keeps equal pace,  
Is he his son, or one of of his great stock?  
How like himself! what noise! what suitors flock!  
But black night with sad clouds, involves his head.  
Then with abortive tears Anchises said,  
Know not, dear son, great sorrows of thy own:  
This to the world by fates shall be but shown,  
Then snatched away; Rome's stock too great had seemed,  
Should the Gods grant a gift so much esteemed.  
What groans from Mars his camp afflict great Rome,  
Tiber, when gliding by his new made tomb,  
What funerals wilt thou see! nor any shall  
Like him who sprung from Troy's original  
Raise Latium's hope: and never Roman earth  
Shall boast herself to foster such a birth.  
Ah piety, ancient faith, th'unconquered hand,  
None shall him armed with any power withstand:  
Whether on foot he comes, to charge his foe,  
Or from his foamy steed makes blood to flow.  
O youth to be lamented, thou shalt be  
Marcellus, if thou break'st thy destiny.  
Handfuls of Lillys bring, and purple flowers,  
That I may strew this noble soul of ours,  
And heap with gifts. Thns' through all parts they went  
And saw the vast aerial continent.  
Then with his son alone Anchises came,  
And fires his mind with love of future fame;  
After to him he did the War relate,  
Laurentian people, and Latinus state,  
And how all toils should be eschewed or borne.   

There are two gates of sleep, the one is horn,  
From whence with passage free true visions fly:  
The other fair, shines with bright Ivory;  
This to the skies in sleep false Manes bears.  
These, whilst to's son and Sibyl he declares,  
Anchises lets him forth at Ivory gates.  
He straight to's Fleet went, and reviews his mates,  
And to Caieta came, where then abode  
His navy, and at anchor fafely road.    

THE SEVENTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
MAny strange signs and prodigies declare,  
A foreign Prince must wed th' Ausonian heir.  
Aenas enters Latium: threatened wants  
Turned to a jest; the promised Land he plants,  
And Embasies to King Latinus sends.  
A peace is made. Vexed Juno stirs the Fiends,  
And calls Allecto's aid, since heaven denies.  
A tame dear kill d, has bloody obsequies.  
The Queen and Turnus spurred by hellish charms,  
From long peace Latium roused to impious arms.  
'Gainst th' old King's advice, all straight engage:  
Janus gates opened, the fierce vulgar rage.  
The Martial list. Camilla in the rear.  
AVirgin marched, armed with a Myrtle spear.  

ANd thou Aeneas nurse Caietae, hast  
Given to our shores a name by death, shall last;  
The place thy honour keeps, sealed with thy name,  
Great Latium hath thy bones (if that be fame,)  
But good Aeneas, Funeral rites being paid,  
Her Tomb high reared and swelling Seas alaid,  
Hoysts sail, and leaves the port; fresh gales arise  
With night, nor the bright Moon his course denies,  
But with a trembling splendour guilds the flood.  
By the next lands Circaean coasts they stood.  
In unpassed groves, there Sols rich daughter calls  
With usual songs, burning in sumptuous halls  
Sweet smelling cedar, with nocturnal flame,  
Running neat shutles through a curious frame.  
Hence before night, is heard the raging sound  
Of Lion's chaffed, refusing to be bound;  
And bristled Boars; hence, Bears in collars storm,  
And shapes of huge Wolves howl; whose humane form  
The cruel Goddess Circe there invests  
With fierce aspects, and changed to savage Beasts:  
Lest pious Trojans were transformed to such  
Entering the Port, lest they dire shores should touch,  
With fair Winds Neptune swelled their sails, and bore  
With prosperous flight, beyond that dangerous shore.   

And now the Sea blushed with the morning beam,  
Aurora shining from her golden team,  
When the winds fell, a sudden calm again,  
And oars now struggled in the azure maine.  
And here Aeneas spies a mighty wood,  
Through which ran Tiber, with a pleasant flood  
And nimble edies, bright with golden sand  
Into the Sea, about, and o'er the strand;  
Much fowl did haunt, and in the channel throng;  
Then flying through groves, high heaven pleased with a song.  
Here he commands to bend, and steer those lands,  
And glad he for the shady River stands.   

Now Erato, what Kings, what times those were,  
What was old Latium, when the stranger, there  
First with his Fleet arrived, I shall recite,  
And what first made such quarrels, bring to light.  
Help Goddess, help, I horrid wars shall sing,  
Armies, and Kings, rage did to funerals bring,  
The Tyrrhen troops, and all the Ausonian land  
Mustered in arms, great tasks I take in hand.  
And bold attempts. Glad fields, and cities blest  
Now aged Latinuses in long peace, possessed.  
Whom, on the Nymph Marica as they fame  
Faunus begot, Faunus from Picus came,  
Picus O Saturn thee did father call,  
Of the high blood thou the original.  
But to Latinus, heaven no son had left,  
For he was in his prime by fates bereft;  
One daughter was t' enjoy this vast estate,  
Now ripe for Marriage, and a Princely Mate.  
From all Ausonia, and great Latium went  
Many to win her, Turnus by descent  
From a high stock, and most for beauty famed  
A suitor was, whom the great Queen inflamed  
With much affection, strove to her to join,  
But threatening prodigies hindered the design.   

A sacred Laurel, midst the Court did rear  
A lofty top, long kept by pious fear,  
Found by Latinus when he built that feat;  
Which then to Phoebus he did consecrate,  
And gave from this the Laurentines a name.  
When swarms of Bees (a wondrous story) came  
With a great murmur, and a sudden flight  
Through the clear skies, then on the branches light,  
Cling to the Bows, and hang upon the tree.  
Straight cries the Augur a strange man we see,  
From those parts coming now, and foreign powers  
To Take these coasts, and rule our lofty Towers.  
Besides, when chaste Livinia did bear  
To Altars Virgin flames, her father there;  
Her fair long tresses seemed to catch the fire,  
And crackling flames to burn her rich attire,  
Her royal dress, and crown with jewels bright:  
Then smoke involveth with a pitchy light,  
And through the high roofs conquering Vulcan rolled;  
But this, the wondrous prodigy foretold,  
That she in fame, and fortune should transcend;  
Yet to the Nation did great War portend.  
But troubled with these signs, Latinus moves  
His inspired Father, in th' Albunean groves  
Asks Faunus' Oracles, where the sacred floods  
Sulphur exhales, in thick resounding woods.  
From hence Italians, all Oenotria, sought  
Answers to doubts; when gifts the priest had brought,  
Here he reposed on skins of slaughtered sheep,  
And under silent night prepares to sleep.  
When many wondrous fleeting forms he sees,  
Strange voices hears, and talks with Deities,  
Confers with Acheron, and the deeps below.  
Here King Latinus Oracles to know,  
Then did a hundred choice sheep sacrifice,  
And on their skins, and spreading fleeces lies:  
When the thick grove gave answer to this fence.   

Match not thy child to any Latin Prince,  
Dear offspring, nor those rites prepared grant:  
A foreign son mustcome, our name shall plant  
Amongst the Stars; from him a progeny.  
Beneath their feet shall all things governed see,  
Which Phoebus doth from Sea to Sea behold.  
These answers which in silent night were told,  
And Counsels, King Latinus not concealed:  
But to Ausonian Cities 'twas revealed  
By flying fame, when first the Trojan bands  
Did more their Fleet, on high and verdant strands,  
Aeneas his prime chiefs, and the young Prince  
Reposed, under a spreading trees defence,  
Then feasts prepare on grass, and cut their meat,  
(So Jove foretold) on cakes of purest wheat:  
And did with jucy fruit their biscuit swell.  
Their victuals spent, as hunger did compel,  
They on the hard bread fall with violence broke,  
And with bold teeth assault the fatal cake.  
Nor spared their wheaten plates thus squared, t' invade:  
We eat our trenchers too Ascanius said.  
Nor saying more: this heard, an end affords  
To all their toil, his father took the words,  
Amazed at the accomplished prophecy.  
And straight he said, hail lands are due to me  
By fates, and hail you faithful Trojan Gods,  
This seat is yours, and here are your abodes.  
Such secrets I recall my Sire did leave.  
Dear son, when unknown shores shall thee receive,  
And hunger shall enforce trenchers to eat:  
There expect rest, remember there to seat,  
And there build walls, and roofs with bulwarks plant,  
This is the famine, and remaining want  
Last ruin threats,  
Glad let us then, with early dawn prepare  
To search these coasts, and what the people are,  
And several ways discover from the shore,  
Now pay Jove bowls, my father now implore,  
On table's place Anchises wine: his brows  
(Thus having said) he wreaths with Olive bows.  
The genius of the place, the first of God's  
Tellus adores, with Nymphs, and unknown floods,  
Nights rising stars, Idean Jupiter,  
And to the Phrygian Mother made his prayer,  
And parents which in heaven, and hell abode,  
Thrice from above thundered th' all-potent God,  
He brandished lightning in his hand did hold,  
Which in the sky sparkled with beams of gold.  
Here, through the Trojans spread a sudden fame,  
The day was come, their promised walls to frame,  
Joyful they feast, and at the mighty sign,  
They goblet's place, and crown the flowing wine.   

When the next day the world with beams displayed,  
To search the Country several ways they made:  
And here the fountains of Numicus swell,  
Hence Tiber flows, and there bold Latins dwell.  
Aeneas then a hundred prime men calls,  
To bear his Embassy to the Royal walls.  
With Kingly presents, they with olives crowned,  
Should for the Trojans terms of peace propound.  
Without delay they haste what was enjoined:  
Whilst he slight works to a mean trench designed,  
Erects a Fort, and camp-wise did begin  
His first abodes, and fenced with bulwarks in.   

Now going on, they to the walls draw nigh,  
When Latin roofs, and lofty Towers they spy,  
And gallant youth before the City just,  
Riding brave horse, and chariots tamed in dust,  
Or cast light Javelins, or stiff bows to bend,  
And in the race, or Tilting to contend.  
When one with speed brought to the Royal ear,  
That great men in strange weeds, attending were,  
He commands straight to th' presence they be shown,  
And takes his place then, in his Grandsire's throne,  
Raised on a hundred pillars midst the Town,  
Stood Picus Court, and Palace of renown,  
Awful with groves, and mysteries profound.  
Here Kings first Sceptres had, and first were crowned,  
This was to them their Temple, and their Court,  
Here they at sacred festivals resort,  
And fathers, when a Ram was offered, sat  
As was the custom, at long boards in state.  
Cut in old Cedar the Effigies there,  
Of ancient Italus, Sabinus were,  
Who first set Vines, his hook still in his hand;  
Old Saturn and by fronted Janus stand  
In th' entrance, with some of the ancient strain,  
Who bold in Wars were for their Country slain.  
Then many arms on sacred pillars fixed,  
With captive chariots, battle axes mixed,  
Helms, and huge bars of gates, the posts adorn,  
With darts, and shields, and prowess from Galleys torn.  
Horse-taming Picus, a short garment wore,  
A little shield, a augure staff he bore:  
Whose love, when slighted Circe could not gain,  
She with her charming wand, and hellish bane  
Changed to a bird, and spots his coloured wings.  
In such a Temple, in th' old Throne of Kings,  
Latinus sat, and calls the Trojans in,  
And thus with pleasant language did begin.   

Say Trojans (for your City we have known  
And stock, your voyage hath to us been shown)  
What is your sure, what cause inforc'd you come  
Through many swelling waves to Latinum?  
Missed you your course, or by some tempest tossed,  
(For many so in the deep seas are lost)  
That thus you have entered, anchored in our road.  
Nor scorn our friendship; know from Satur's blood  
We Latines sprung, who without Laws, or tie,  
Justice afford, like the old deity.  
Now I recall, but time obscureth fame,  
That old Aruncus said, Dardanus came  
To Phrygian Ida's cities, from that place  
To Thracian Samos, now called Samothrace:  
Whom now from Tyrrhen Coryths city gone,  
Heavens starry court hath in a golden throne,  
And fills the number of the deities.  
He said; then Iloneus thus replies:   

Great King, from honoured Faunus sprung; not tossed  
By waves and tempests came we to your coast,  
Nor missed our course, we by advice were brought,  
And have with willing mind thy city sought,  
Driven from our realms, which once Sol looking down  
From high Olympus, saw of most renown.  
From Jove we sprung, the Dardan nation are  
Proud of their mighty grandsire Jupiter;  
The King himself derived from Jove's high race,  
Trojan Aeneas sent us to this place.  
How great a storm cruel Mycenae hurled  
On Trojan fields, and by what fates, each world  
Of Europe, Asia, strove: if any man  
Dwell in far lands, beyond the Ocean,  
These he hath heard, or who so ere resides  
Where hot Sols lines stretched out, four zones divides,  
Through vast Seas from so great a deluge bore  
A small seat for our gods, a harmless shore,  
Water and air, common to all, we crave.  
Nor shall we be your realm's disgrace, nor have  
Your glory light, nor shall forget your grant,  
Nor Latium irk Troy in her lap did plant.  
I. by Aeneas fates, and right hand swear,  
If any tried his faith or force in war,  
Us many Realms, (nor slight us that we bring  
These wreaths, and speak like men petitioning)  
And many Nations to themselves would join:  
But fate did us unto your shore design:  
Hence Dardan sprung, and here returns again;  
Us Phoebus did with great commands constrain  
Tiber to seek, and blessed Numicus spring,  
Besides small gifts of former wealth, our King  
Presents to thee, from burning Troy convaid.  
In this gold cup Anchises Offerings made:  
When Priam Laws established, this, he bore,  
And he this sacred Crown, and Sceptre wore,  
And robes, the art of Trojan dames.   

At Ileoneus' speech Latinus bent  
A steadfast look, and fixed his eyes intent  
Upon the earth: the King not much approved  
Wrought purple, not with Priam's Crown was moved;  
As in his daughrers match he was delayed,  
Fortunes revolving which old Faunus said:  
This was the son, fate told from foreign strands  
Was called with equal auspice to these lands,  
Whose progeny in valour should excel,  
And by their prowess, the whole world compel.  
Then joyful said, you Gods assist our tasks,  
And your own sign; take Trojan what thou asks.  
Nor I despise your gifts: rich fields enjoy  
Whilst I am King, and what you brought from Troy.  
Aeneas, if such love he us intent,  
If to join leagues he hasts, and be styled friend,  
Let him approach, nor fear our amity;  
T'embrace your King, of peace shall th' earnest be.  
And to your Prince from us bear this reply:  
I have a child, paternal lots deny  
And many prodigies from heaven debar  
To match at home: a son must come from far:  
This they foretell remains for Italy,  
Whose stock shall raise our name unto the sky.  
This I believe is he, the fates require,  
And if my mind prompt rightly, I desire.  
This said, he chosen horses did command,  
Fair steeds three hundred, in high stables stand,  
And bids they should be to the Trojans led,  
Whom gallant trappings graced with scarlet spread:  
Gold portals hung, gold did their breast enfold,  
And with their teeth, they champed the burnished gold.  
The King a Chariot sent, which four steeds drew  
Of heavenly race, fire from their nostrils flew,  
Of the same kind, who were of Circe's breed,  
Stole by a Mare, leapt with a heavenly steed.  
With these gifts, and the answers of the King,  
The Trojans bravely mounted peace did bring.   

But then behold! from Argos did repair  
Jove's cruel wife, and flying cuts the air.  
The Trojan Fleet, and glad Aeneas, she  
Saw through the sky, as far as Sicily;  
Sees how they houses build, and leave the flood,  
Now trusting land, with sharp grief fixed she stood;  
Shaking her head, thus forth her woes did pour:   

Ah hateful race, and Troy's fate cross to our:  
In Dardan fields, why did they not expire?  
Or captives took, why did not Ilium's fire  
Consume these men? midst arms, through flames they passed.  
My power I fear weary lies down at last,  
And I with hatred satisfied, rest.  
I bold, these fugitives with waves distressed,  
Myself and all the floods against them bend,  
And fury of the winds, and waters spent.  
How helped my Syrts, Scylla, Carybdis vast?  
Since now through Tiber's wished streams they have passed,  
Free from the Sea, and us; could Mars destroy  
The mighty Lapithes? could heaven's King annoy  
At Diane's suit, so much old Calydon?  
What were those great offences they had done?  
But I, great wife to Jove unhappy I,  
Left nothing unassayed, did all ways try.  
Aeneas, I am vanquished by thee:  
But if my own power not sufficient be,  
Undaunted, aids I'll seek where ere they dwell;  
Will heaven not grant my suit, I'll raise up hell;  
Grant, spite of us he must in Latium seat,  
And that Lavinia shall be his by fate:  
Yet we may work delay in such great things,  
And may destroy the subjects of both Kings.  
Let son and father join such rates being paid,  
Trojan and Rutile blood shall dowry thee Maid,  
Bellona give thee, nor alone a brand  
Shall pregnant Cisseis bear to waste the land:  
A Paris, and such births she shall enjoy,  
And funeral Fires again for rising Troy.   

This said, she dreadful to the earth descends,  
And from th' infernal shades, and seats of fiends  
Woeful Allecto calls, who breeds sad war,  
Rage, Treachery, and all crimes that are.  
Pluto himself doth this foul Monster hate,  
And her own sisters do abominate:  
So oft she's changed, and forms so dreadful takes,  
And foul still pregnant with so many Snakes.  
Whom Juno with such words exciting said,  
Virgin night's daughter help, and now give aid,  
Lest our unquestioned name, and honour fall,  
Lest by these marriages the Trojans shall  
Latium enjoy, and great Ausonia share.  
Thou loving brothers canst provoke to War,  
Houses destroy with hate, both sword and flames  
Bring to their roofs; thou hast a thousand names,  
As many nocent arts; then quickly shake  
Thy pregnant breasts, and peace confirmed, break;  
Lay grounds for cruel war, make with thy charms  
Their wild youth rage, require, and take up arms.   

Big with foul poison thence the hag resorts  
To Latium, and Latinus lofty courts,  
And silent to Amatus chamber went,  
Who boiled with female care and discontent,  
'Bout Turnus' match, and Trojans coming there.  
At her Allecto from her snaky hair  
A serpent cast, and fixed it in her side:  
By which enraged, she might th'whole house divide.  
It 'mongst her weeds did on her bosom roull,  
And her then raging with a viperous soul  
Unfelt, inspired: The snake's a chain of gold,  
A fillet now her tresses to enfold;  
And each were glides. When first this pestilence  
Had with a strong infection seized each sense,  
And filled her blood with fire: not yet the flame  
Her soft mind catched, nor through her bosom came.  
But as kind mothers use to speak she says,  
Mourning her child, and Phrygian marriages.   

Sir, will you give Lavinia to th' exiled  
Trojan? thyself not pitying, nor thy child,  
Nor me, whom the false pirate will forsake,  
And next fair wind to sea the virgin take.  
The Phrygian Swain so entered Greece, and bore  
Laedean Helen to the Trojan shore.  
Where's sacred faith? and care thou hadst of thine?  
The hand with Turnus thou so oft didst join?  
If that a son must come from foreign lands,  
Thou fix on that; and this thy sire commands:  
Sure I believe all country's foreign are  
Which we not rule, and so the gods declare.  
And if you Turnus lineage view, he springs  
From Inachus and Acrisius Grecian Kings.   

When she had found persuasion was in vain,  
And saw him fixed, then wrought the viperous bane,  
Shoots through her bowels, spread through all her breast,  
Then troops of fiends the hapless queen possessed,  
And through the town distracted she did rove,  
So flies a top with strokes resounding, drove;  
Which boys in huge rings earnest at their sports  
Through winding entries, and large vacant courts  
With scourges force; amazed the childish troup  
And smooth-chinned band, admire the spinning top,  
That lives with strokes, so giddily she went  
Through the whole town, and people discontent.   

Then flies to th' woods like a wild Bacchanal,  
And more enraged, on greater plots doth fall.  
For she in shady hills her daughter hid,  
That so she might the Trojan banes forbidden.  
And Bacchus cries, The virgin's only thine,  
Who bears for thee javelins adorned with vine,  
For thee they dance, and save their sacred hair.  
Fame flies, the matrons all distempered are  
Like rage moves all, they leave their own to find  
New roofs, their tresses flowing in the wind.  
Others made heaven with hideous cries resound,  
Girded with skins, with viney javelins bound,  
Bearing a flaming pine, amidst the flings,  
And Turnus and her daughter's hymen sings,  
Rolling her bloody eyes loud she exclaims,  
With dreadful looks; Ió! you Latin dames,  
If any love in your chaste bosoms yet  
Remains for me, the most unfortunate;  
If any care of mother's power excites;  
Bound tresses lose, with me act Bacchus rites.   

Thus through vast woods and wilds Allecto brings  
Amata, raging with infernal stings.  
After she saw enough her fury burned,  
Latinus counsel, his whole house o'erturned:  
Strait the sad goddess thence on black wings came  
Unto bold Turnus' walls, whose seat they fame  
Danae built with her Acrisian race,  
Drove there by storms: from birds of old the place  
Ardea styled, Ardea's name now great.   

It chanced, than Turnus in his lofty seat  
Amidst the silent night, soft quiet took.  
Allecto leaves her shape, and furies look,  
And is transformed to an old woman now,  
Ploughing deep furrows in her wrinkled brow;  
Binds her white hair, than olive branches ties,  
And she old Calybe Juno's Vestal is,  
And strait herself presenting thus began.   

Tamely wilt thou, Turnus, such wrongs sustain?  
Thy crown transferred to th' Dardan Colony?  
The King, the match and dowry thou shouldst enjoy,  
Denies, and now a foreign heir hath chose.  
Scorned, go, thyself t'ingratefull toil expose;  
Tyrrhens destroy, yes, and Latinus guard.  
Great Juno bid, this News should be declared  
To thee in silent night: Arise with speed,  
Arm the bold youth, and through the gates proceed;  
March where the Trojan captains in the sweet  
Tiber now ride, and burn their painted fleet.  
A god bids this: and if the King withstands  
Thy marriages, nor yields to thy demands,  
Let him in arms then Turnus valour try.  
Here the Prince smiling, thus did make reply.   

Not as thou thinkest, the news hath scaped my ear,  
Of ships hath entered Tiber streams; such fear  
Thou needest not fain, nor royal Juno will  
Unmindful be of us.  
But thee, O mother, fond age doting still,  
Troubles in vain with care, and terror brings,  
Deluding with false fear of arms and Kings.  
Take for the Temple and the Statues care,  
Let men t'whom it belongs, make peace and war.   

At this Allecto raged: but whilst he spoke  
A sudden trembling all his body shook,  
His eyes grew stiff, such shapes she did unfold,  
Hissing with snakes, her flaming eyes she rolled;  
Repulsing him, who linger did prepare  
To speak: two serpents darting from her hair.  
Then lashing him, from dire lips thus she stormed:  
Lo! I whom doting age hath ill informed,  
Of kings and arms deluding with false fear,  
I from the fury's seat am present here,  
And in this hand bring war and death.   

This said, at him a blazing torch she cast,  
And gloomy fire fixed in his bosom fast.  
Great fear doth vanquish sleep, through all his limbs  
A salt sweat flows, in brine his body swims.  
Arm, arm, he cries; for arms the bed room sought,  
Love of steel raged, and wars cursed madness wrought.  
Ire swells; As when fired bavins are applied  
With mighty noise to a full cauldrons side.  
Sea's rage within, the boiling liquor steams,  
And fuming high, bubbles with frothy streams,  
Nor self-contained, to heaven black vapours risen.   

He to the King and the prime Nobles shows,  
Peace thus being broke, that arms should be prepared  
To drive the foe from thence, and Latium guard,  
Trojans and Latins both he could invade:  
Then calls the gods with vows and prayers. This said,  
Rutilians strive each other to engage,  
This taken with his noble personage,  
His royal pedigree another charms,  
Him youth enticeth, and great deeds in arms.   

Whilst Turnus his Rutilians' did inflame,  
The hag on Stygian wings 'mongst Trojans came,  
Where fair Ascanius did with course and snares  
Pursue wild beasts, there she new art prepares.  
Here th'hellish Virgin cast a sudden rage  
Amongst the dogs, did with known scent engage  
More hot to chase: hence sprung the woeful jar,  
And first incensed the rustic soul, for war   

There was a fair large Deer with stately crests,  
Whom Tyrrhens sons took from the mother's breast,  
And Tyrrhens fed, the royal  were,  
And those large fields entrusted to his care.  
This same, their sister Sylvia with great care  
Adorned his crest, and binds with garlands fair,  
Did comb and bathe him in the crystal ford:  
He used to hand, and to his master's board  
Wandered in woods, and would return, although  
Late in the night, and his own dwelling know.  
This wand'ring far Ascanius fierce hounds chased,  
When he by chance the pleasant river past,  
And hot on verdant banks prepared to rest.  
Then love of praise inflamed Ascanius breast,  
That from his bow he lets the arrow fly;  
Nor to his hand wanted a deity.  
The sounding shaft did through his bowels come.  
But the Dear wounded flies to his own home,  
Entering he groans, and bloody, with sad voice  
Imploring aid, fills all the house with noise.  
Beating her breasts, first Sylvia complains,  
And calls aloud to aid, the sturdy swains:  
They (for in silent groves Allecto hides)  
Suddenly came; this a  stake provides,  
That a huge knotty club; what each man finds  
Rage makes a weapon, Tyrrhus calls his hinds  
As he by chance did cleave in four an oak,  
And threatening mainly, a sharp axe he took,  
But the foul hag watching her time to harm,  
Ascends, and sounds the pastoral alarm  
From a high roof, and her infernal voice  
Sends through a winding-horn: at the dire noise  
The woods did tremble, and the groves profound  
Thundered, and Trivias' lake far off the sound,  
And sulphur Nar, and Velins fountains hear,  
And mothers grasp their children struck with fear.  
But then fierce Rustics swift, where the alarms  
The trumpet sounded, rush with snatch'd-up arms  
From all parts, and Trojuns t' Ascanius aid  
From open camps like a full torrent made,  
In order draw; No rustic fight they make  
With knotty clubs, and a  pointed stake.  
But fierce with steel they charge, the dusky field  
With drawn swords dreadful, arms a splendour yield  
Struck with the sun, and easts to heaven a light  
As when with rising winds the waves grow white,  
Seas by degrees advance, then higher rise,  
At last rolled from their bottom, kiss the skies.  
And here young Almon, Tyrrhus' eldest son,  
Was in the front by a swift shaft o'erthrown:  
For in his throat it stuck, and stopped his breath,  
Imprisoning th'airy soul with blood in death.  
There many were, with old Galesus slain,  
Whilst he for peace opposed himself in vain;  
The justest man which all Ausonia yields,  
And once the richest both in stock and fields;  
Five bleating flocks, five herds he did command,  
And with a hundred ploughs turns up his land.   

Now whilst the field with equal fortune stood,  
Allecto promise kept, when she in blood  
Had both imbrued, and had first slaughters made,  
She leaving earth, to heaven herself conveyed,  
Proud with success, to Juno these declares.  
Pehold division ripened for sad wars!  
Now let them friendship join and leagues conclude,  
Since Trojans I with Tyrrhen blood imbrued.  
And to the act I'll add this, if you please;  
The bordering towns to war with rumours raise,  
To love dire Mars them I'll inflame with charms,  
All parts shall aid, I'll strew the fields with arms.   

Then Juno said, Of jealousies and fears  
There are enough, firm stand the grounds of wars:  
Now they have fought, what weapons they have gained  
By chance at first, with foreign blood is stained.  
Let Venus great stock and Latinus join  
Such Nuptials, and such marriage's design.  
But thee, great Jove who rules high heaven, denies  
Foldly to wander through celestial skies:  
Retire; what new emergencies betid  
Shall be my care. Saturnia thus replied,  
But she displayed her hissing wings with snakes,  
Stooping to hell, and heavens bright sphere forsakes.   

There is a place 'midst Italy, which stands  
Under high mountains, famed through many lands;  
Which sacred vales, and a thick grove surrounds,  
And on each side with a dark shadow bounds,  
And in the midst a foaming torrent groans,  
Rattling with mighty edies through the stones.  
Here the dire cave, and Pluto's gates were shown,  
And the huge gulf of gaping Acheron  
Opens foul jaws: hither Allecto flies,  
And hated, eased at once both earth and skies.   

No less mean while Saturnia perfects war  
To Court the shepherds fly, and slain friends bear,  
Young Almond and Galesus foul with gore:  
The gods they call, and the old King implore.   

Turnus' arrived amidst these loud debates,  
And terrors of the fight ingeminates:  
That Trojans there should plant, the Phrygian race  
Should mix with them, he thrust forth in disgrace.  
Then they, whose mothers Bachanalian rage  
Orgies to lead through deserts did engage;  
(Great was the Queen's example) gathered are  
From every part, and weary Mars for war.  
Against the gods, and fate, and omens, all  
For impious war with strange perverseness call;  
And clamouring round Latinuses court they stood.  
But he like a fixed rock against the flood,  
Like a fixed rock, which when a breaking wave  
Tumbles against him and loud billows rave,  
Stands by his weight; the foamy cliffs in vain  
Thunder, and back bruised weeds are rolled again,   

But when no power mad counsels could prevent,  
And th'whole affair with cruel Juno went;  
Then did the king the gods, and heaven attest,  
Ah we are lost by fates, by storms distressed!  
Wretches, your impious blood shall punished be  
For this; and Turnus, sad rewards for thee  
Remains; when thou shalt late the gods request,  
I soon shall reach my haven, and find rest,  
Though glorious funerals want. Nor more he spoke,  
But strait retires, and did the helm forsake.   

There was an ancient use in Latium,  
Which Alban towns held sacred, and now Rome  
Greatest in power, observes; when they prepare  
'Gainst Getae, Hircans, Arabs cruel war,  
Or march to India and the Eastern main,  
Or enfigns from the Parthians to regain.  
There are two gates of war, that name they bear,  
To dire Mars sacred, with religious fear;  
A hundred brazen doors, which lasting bands  
Of steel enclosed; in th' entrance Janus stands.  
Here when the Senate have a war decreed,  
The Consul glorious in his regal weed  
And Sabine robe, opens the groaning gates  
Proclaiming it; and all the youth than waits,  
And doleful notes on brazen rrumpets sound.  
Then to the King 'gainst Trojans they propound  
War to denounce, and open Janus gates;  
He shuns the task, and foul engagement hates,  
And hides himself. Then Juno from the sky  
Descending, made th'unwilling gates to fly  
Open by force, and the huge brazen bars  
Saturnia breaks, and turns the hinge of wars.  
Ausonia raised now burns, roused from long peace;  
Some in the fields foot-squadrons exercise,  
Some break proud steeds, and use them to alarms;  
Wrapped in a dusty cloud, all mad take arms.  
This scours his shield, his axe whets, oils his spear,  
Proud to bear ensigns, and loud trumpets hear.  
Five mighty towns to make arms, anvils lay,  
Tiber, Ardea potent Atina,  
Towrie Antemna, Crustumere the great:  
Helms of high proof they work, and shields complete  
With sallow wrought; these shining breastplates cast,  
Or with fine silver smooth-wrought Greves enchased.  
Farewell all love, and honour of the plough!  
Their father's swords again they furbush now:  
The trumpets sound, proclaimed is the war;  
These fit their casks, those neighing steeds prepare,  
This braced his shield, his golden mail that tried,  
And girds his trusty sword unto his side.   

Open your springs you Muses, raise my verse!  
What Kings provoked to wars, what armies fierce  
Supplied the field, with what men Latium famed  
Did flourish then, and with what arms inflamed,  
'tis, you can tell for you did register;  
Only a slender fame did touch our ear.   

First proud Mezentius from the Tyrrhen lands  
The gods contemnor marched, with armed bands:  
And Lausus next, his son, than whom more fair  
Was none, unless Laurentian Turnus were.  
Horse-taming Lausus wild beasts vanquished,  
A thousand men from Agelina led;  
Worthy in better times his realms to have swayed,  
And not Mezentius for his sire to have had.  
With conquering steeds, in's chariot next to these  
Came Aventine, thy son bold Hercules.  
Upon his shield his father's arms he takes,  
A hundred serpents, Hydra girt with snakes,  
Whom Rhea bore in Aventina's wood  
Private, a woman proving by a god,  
After Alcides to the Laurent plain  
A conqueror came, when Geryon he had slain,  
And Spanish bulls washed in the Tyrrhen wave.  
In war these piles and cruel weapons have,  
They fight with Tucks and with Sabellian spears;  
Himself on foot a Lion's huge skin wears,  
Rough hair, and white teeth, dreadful on his head,  
Thus horrid, he the palace entered,  
Th' Herculean mantle flowing on his back.   

Two brothers then Tyburtian walls forsake,  
Whose brother Tybert gave the place a name,  
From Greece fierce Coras and Catillus came.  
Before the ranks amidst thick arms they bend,  
As cloud-born Centaurs from the hills descend,  
When snowy Othrys they or Omole  
Forsake; then to their flight the woods give way,  
And all the bows with mighty fragor yield.   

Nor was he wanting did Preneste build,  
The race of Vulcan. who mongst  reigned,  
Found on the hearths; all times this truth maintained.  
Rustics a legion, Coeculus commands  
From high Preneste, and cold Anio's strands  
Whom Gabii, and rough Hernicis bred,  
With rivers clear those rich Anagnia fed,  
Old Amasens: not all bore arms, or ring  
With shields and chariots: A great number sling  
Bullets of lead, and some two javelins bear,  
And on their heads did yellow bonnets wear  
Of a wolves skin with their left foot they did  
March naked, a raw brogue the other hid.   

Well horsed Messapus, Neptune's offspring, whom  
Nor fire or sword had power to overcome,  
People in ease, uncustomed to alarms  
Invites to war, soon taught to use their arms.  
These the just Falscians and Fescennian bands,  
Those held Soractes towers, Flavinian strands.  
Mount Cymins lake and Capen groves; who sing  
Marching harm onious numbers of their King  
As midst the clouds when silver swans retire  
From their repast; they in a joyful choir  
Tune their long pipes; then all the Asian coast  
And floods far off resound.  
Nor think the brazen bands in that great host  
Confusion had: like thick clouds through the sky  
Of cackling fowl from sea to land they fly.   

Lo! ancient Sabine blood, Clausus commands  
Great troops; himself great as his mighty bands.  
From him the race, and Claudian family come,  
After the Sabines shared a part in Rome.  
Great Amiterna, old Quirites, and  
Olived Mutisca, all the Eretian band,  
Who Nomentum, those rosey Veline till,  
Tetricah, rough with rocks, Severus hill:  
Those plant Casperia, Folurus, and them  
Drink Hymel, Faber, and the Tiber's stream.  
Cold Nursia, Hortine troops and Latins came,  
Those Allia parts, with an unhappy name.  
As many waves from Lybick seas are rolled,  
When stern Orion winter storms enfold,  
Or as thick corn parched in the summer stands:  
In Hermus, or in Lycias golden strands,  
So shields resound, earth trembling as they came.  
Atrides son, foe to the Trojan name,  
Halesus straight his chariot horses joins,  
A thousand fierce men brought: those blest with vines,  
Massica plough, Arunciau father's train  
From the high hills, Sidicina near the main.  
Those who left Cales, and who till the stream  
Of dry Vulturnus, Saticulus with them  
And Oscian bands; these fight with javelins long,  
Put as their custom, fit with a soft thong;  
These Falchions have, and leather shields protect.  
Nor thee, Oebalus, must our Muse neglect:  
Whom Nymph Sebetide to Telon bore,  
Now old he held the Telebonian shore:  
The son, not with his father's realms content,  
To his subjection the Sarrastians' bent;  
And those whom Sarnus watereth, forced to vield,  
Them Rufus, Batulus hold, and Celen field,  
And those fruitbearing ‛ Bellas rampiers view,  
Who darts in the Teutonick manner threw.  
Their heads are armed with Cork-trees torn from vines,  
They shine in brazen arms, a brass sword shines:  
With thee to war from hilly Nursia came  
O Vfens blest in arms, and great in fame,  
A cruel race, with hunt used to toil  
In woods; Aequicola a barren soil  
These armed plough and always love to drive  
Fresh prey and plunder, and by rapine live.  
Next came a priest of the Marubian race,  
His helm green bows, of happy olive grace,  
From King Archippus sent, Vmbro most bold,  
The vip rs blood, and hissing serpents could  
By chaims, or with his hand to sleep engage,  
Their bitings cure, and by his art assuage:  
But for the Dardan spear no help he found,  
Nor could a sleepy medicine ease the wound,  
Nor all those herbs in Marsian mountains be.  
Thee Angits grove, Fucinus clear waves thee,  
thou crystal lakes have wept  
To war the fair race of Hippolytus went,  
Virbius, whom his mother Aritia sent  
To Aegeias' groves, in the Hymetian strand,  
Where altars fat of pleased Diana stand.  
After his stepdame's art, Hippolytus killed,  
Paternal punishments with blood fulfilled;  
Torn by mad steeds: T'etherial stars (they fame)  
And heavens supernal air again he came  
Restored by physic, and Diana's love;  
This much incensing the all-potent Jove,  
A mortal from infernal shades should rise,  
Phoebus' son, who so great skill did devise  
With thun er sent to Styx. But Trivia  
Hippolytus did to fecret seats to convey,  
And to Aegerian groves confined alone,  
In Italian woods he finished life unnkown,  
Where by a changed name he was Virbius styled.  
From Trivias' fane, groves sacred, are exiled  
All horses, since the youth and's chariot they  
Frighted o'erthrew to monsters of the sea.   

No less his son did horses exercise,  
And to the wars he in his chariot flies.  
Among the first most beauteous Turnus led,  
Marching in arms, and taller by the head:  
From his high crests three bushy horse-maines came,  
Chimaera there, breathing Aetnean flame;  
Then louder roars, with fire more fiercely glows,  
When in hot fight blood in abundance flows.  
His polished shield, Io with gold adorns,  
A cow now clothed with hair, and dressed with horns:  
Argus who kept the maid, and Inachus stood,  
Where with rare art his urn pours forth a flood.  
A cloud of foot did follow, the whole strands  
Shield-bearing squadrons hid; the Argive bands,  
The Arunci, Rutilii, ancient Sicanie,  
Sacrans, and shields of painted Labici:  
Those plough thy shores, O Tiber, people tills  
Sacred Numicus, sow Rutilian hills,  
Circaeus tops, who Anxurs fields, where Jove  
Commands, and glad Feronias' verdant grove:  
Where black fend satire lies, cold Vfens did  
Glide through deep vales, and in the ocean hid.   

Volscean Camilla marched with these: she leads  
Regiments of horse; the Warrioresse precedes  
Bands bright in arms, her female fingers are  
Not used to Pallas arts: to cruel war  
The maid inur'd; or in her swift course borne  
T'outstrip the winds, and fly o'er standing corn,  
Nor bruise the tender ear, she was so fleet  
Through sea to run, nor dip her nimble feet.  
From fields and houses, youth and matrons haste;  
How she with purple regal honour graced  
On her strait shoulders, marching, they behold  
Amazed: how th'button knit her hair with gold;  
Then how she did her Lycian quiver bears,  
And tipped with steel her pastoral myrtle spear.    

THE EIGHTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Aeneas is admonished by a dream  
To seek Evanders' aid, up Tiber's stream.  
Arcadians solemnising annual feasts,  
Aeneas and the Trojans make their guests.  
Cacus strange story, and Herculean rites.  
The King Aeneas to his court invites.  
Fair Venus with sweet love her husband charms,  
And for her son obtains Vulcanian arms.  
Evander Pallas sends t' Aeneas aid.  
A league th' Etrurians and the Trojans made.  
Venus presents the arms; a golden field  
With Roman victories charged, adorned the shield.  

AS Turnus had with warlike ensigns crowned  
Laurentian towers, and made shrill trumpets sound;  
As he the horse had raised, and forced to arms,  
Strait all disturbed, great Latium in alarms  
Together take an oath, the fierce youth rave.  
Mesaphus, Vfens the prime conduct have;  
With them Mezentius, who the gods disdains,  
Each where they press, and fields deprive of swains.  
Venalus is sent to Diomedes the great  
For aid, and to declare the Trojans seat  
In Latium: Aeneas who doth bring  
His conquered gods, says, fates decree him King:  
That many people to the Trojans join,  
His name in Italy spreads: what his design,  
If fortune grant to him the hoped event  
By war, to Diomedes is more evident  
Than can Latinus or King Turnus find.  
Thus Latium stood: Aeneas in his mind  
All these revolved, tossed with a flood of care,  
When his swift thoughts divide now here, now there,  
And carried divers ways, through all things run.  
As waters trembling light, struck by the sun  
Or image of the radiant moon, 'gainst brass,  
Now raised to heaven, flies wide through every place,  
And to the ceilings of high roofs is hurled.   

'Twas night, when weary creatures through the world  
Both beasts and birds, soft slumber did relax;  
When prince Aeneas under heavens cold axe  
Upon the shore, his bosom fraight with cares  
Or the sad war, late for repose prepares.  
The genius of the place old Tiber risen  
From the glad stream amongst the popular boughs:  
Of finest canvas was his azure weed,  
And his head covered with a shady reed.  
And thus his cares assuaged. O race of gods  
Whem Troy hath brought from foes, to our abodes:  
Thou shalt for ever Pergamus protect,  
Laurentian soil and Latin fields expect:  
Here are sure houses, here thy certain seats,  
Nor fear wars menacings; all the rage and threats  
Of gods give place.  
(Nor think a dream vain fictions coins) for thou  
Under wild oaks shalt find a mighty sow,  
Pregnant, her farrow thirty, laid to rest,  
A white sow, a white issue, at her breast.  
There's certain quiet, there thy city build;  
Ascanius shall thrice ten years' circles filled  
There great named Alba raise: I speak things sure.  
Now by what means thou conqueror mayst procure  
A present aid, list, brief I shall declare.  
Th' Arcadians here a race from Pallas are,  
Who to these coasts led by Evander came,  
And on these hills their city chose to frame,  
From Pallas Pallanteum styled the place.  
These war continual with the Latin race.  
With these associate, leagues conjoin with them.  
I by my banks shall guide thee up the stream,  
That thou with oars mayst stem the floods. Arise  
O goddess son, with prayers bring sacrifice  
To Juno with the dawn; her wrath allay  
With humble vows: Victor, me honour pay.  
I am whom thou beholdest, whose full stream glides  
Washing these banks, and fertile lands divides:  
Blue Tiber, heaven's delight: large walls for me,  
And here a head to lofty seats must be.   

This said, the river dives into the deep,  
And from Aeneas flies both night and sleep.  
He rose, and views the bright Suns Eastern beams;  
Then in his hollow palms takes from the streams  
Water, the use: thus praying to the skies.  
Laurentian nymphs, nymphs where these floods arise.  
O Tiber, father, with thy blessed wave  
At last receive me, and from dangers save!  
And wheresoever, thou pitying of our woes  
Shalt glide; most fair, where ere thy water flows,  
Still I shall honour, always presents bring.  
Horned flood, of the Hesperian rivers king,  
Oh now assist and give us present aid!  
Two vessels from the fleet he chose, this said,  
And tackling fits; his mates did oars provide:  
When he behold! the wondrous omen spied;  
A white sow, with as white a farrow laid,  
And through the wood on a green bank survaid.  
To thee, to thee great Juno this he slew,  
And with her issue altars did imbrue.  
Tiber did all that night his swelling flood  
Appease; his flowing waves in silence stood,  
And his streams levels like a gentle lake,  
That with their oars no struggling they should make.  
They haste their course, up with the tide they drove,  
The waves admire, and th'unfrequented grove  
Wonders, when glittering shields far off they spied  
And painted galleys through the stream to glide.  
They haste both night and day, long reaches made,  
And hid with trees, cut through a pleasant shade.   

Now the bright Sun had reached the middle sky,  
When they far off did scattered houses spy,  
And slender battlements with a little tower,  
But now to heaven advanced by Roman power;  
Then but a poor state King Evander had.  
Sraight prores they turn, and to the city made:  
By chance, th' Arcadian solemn rites that day  
To great Alcides and the gods did pay  
Before the Town, Pallas his son was there,  
All the prime youth, and the poor Senate bear  
Incense, and altars smoke with lukewarm blood.   

As they tall ships saw through th' Opacus wood  
To haste with silent oars; frighted, they rise,  
And at the sight, forsook the sacrifice.  
Bold Pallas all forbids to quit the board,  
And hastens to them with a ready sword:  
Then from a bank far off— Sirs, what cause made  
Ye tempt strange shores? or whither bound? he said:  
What race? whence come you? bring ye peace or war?   

Then did Aenaeas from his stern declare,  
And in his hand the peaceful olive shows:  
Trojans, and arms thou seest to Latines foes,  
Who us exiled enforce with cruel war.  
We seek Evander; him inform, here are  
Troy's prime Commanders, who his aid entreat.   

Pallas amazed, struck with a name so great;  
Who e'er, come forth, these to the King declare,  
And to our countries' gods a guest repair!  
Then he receives him with a strict embrace,  
The grove they enter, and forsake the place.  
When to the King Aeneas friendly said.  
O best of Greeks! to whom me fortune made  
A suitor now, and olive boughs to bear:  
Nor thee, though a Greek Captain, did I fear,  
From both Atrideses though thou drawest thy line;  
But me, thy own worth, th'Oracles divine,  
And ancient Kin, thy fame through all coasts spread,  
Sent me to thee; and fates the willing led.  
Our Grandsire Dardan, who built Ilium  
(As the Greeks say) did from Electra come;  
He sailed to Troy; she was great Atlas' strain,  
Whose shoulders the actherial orbs sustain:  
Mercury thy father is, whom Maia fair  
Conceiving, on Cylenes cold tops bare.  
But Atlas Maia, (if we credit fame)  
That Atlas got, supports heavens starry frame,  
So from one blood the stocks of both divide.  
This trusting, I no messenger employed,  
Nor tried thee first by art, but myself came,  
And life adventuring, here now suppliant am.  
The same Rutilians which with cruel wars  
Press thee, when we're expelled think nought debars,  
But all Hesperia shall their yoke obey,  
Or whatsoever is washed by either Sea.  
Let us join leagues; we have stout men of war,  
And valiant youth that long experienced are.  
Aeneas thus, whilst he all over survaid  
The Trojan, than Evander briefly said.   

Bold Dardan know, how I accept thy choice,  
And meet thy love! how I thy father's voice  
And face recall, and have in memory  
When Priam went Hesione to see,  
And Salamina view his sister's court,  
They did to cold Arcadian shores resort.  
Then budding youth had first my cheeks attired  
With a soft down; I Trojan Chiefs admired,  
With wonder youthful Priam me possessed:  
But most Anchises, taller than the rest,  
With great affection did my mind excite  
To know the man, and join right hand to right;  
Joyful I led him round our battlements:  
He a fair quiver, Lycian shafts presents  
And a rich cloak to me, taking his leave,  
With golden reins, which since I Pallas gave  
Therefore I grant thy suit, and leagues conjoin;  
And when the morn with purple light shall shine,  
I will dismiss you both with aid and gold.  
Mean while (since friends you're here) these annuals hold,  
A sin now to neglect; and keep our feast,  
Making yourselves to friends a welcome guest.  
Then he commands to bring full bowls, and meat,  
And placed the Trojans on a grassy seat;  
But to a bed a Lion's rough skin graced  
He brought their Prince, and in a chair he placed.  
The Priest, and chosen youth then altars spread  
With beasts fat entrails, served with purest bread,  
And rich wine fill: The Trojans and their Chief  
Feast with rich offerings, and huge chines of beef.   

Hunger appeased, and feasted to the height,  
Evander said: On us this solemn rite  
By superstition, nor by ignorance came  
To be imposed. From dangers saved, we do  
Yearly these honours (noble guest) renew.   

First on that hanging Rock with torn cliffs look,  
And far-off scattered heaps, that house forsaken  
Stands on the hill, whose tops such ruins have,  
'Twas there the monster Cacus had his cave,  
And in those vast recesses his dire face  
Always he hide, the sun ne'er pierced that place;  
Steaming with slaughters fresh on his proud door  
Pale heads of men hung in their loathsome gore.  
Vulcan the monster's father, fire still flies  
Black from his mouth, he of a dreadful size.  
But time brought aid, and one of mighty fame.  
For the revenger great Alcides came,  
Proud with the triple Gerion's death, and spoil:  
The conqueror drove his  to this soil,  
His herds possessed the vale and rivers side.  
But furious Cacus, lest he ought untride  
Of wickedness or villainy should leave,  
Four stately oxen from their stalls did drive,  
As many well-shaped heifers; these he hales,  
Lest tracts should be discovered by the tails,  
Into his den, and in the dark rock hid,  
Nor any footstep to the cave did lead.  
But when great Hercules removed his herd,  
Leaving those grounds, and to be gone prepared;  
Departing, loud they bellow, clamour fills  
The neighbouring woods, they mourning leave the hills:  
One cow makes answer, and from hidden caves  
Aloud complains, and Cacus hope deceives.  
But here great rage Alcides did provoke;  
He arms, and takes a ponderous knotty oak,  
And to the top of the high mountain flies.  
Now first we saw fear Cacus to surprise,  
And his look changed; he, than East-winds more fleet  
Hastes to his cave, for terror winged his feet;  
Shuts himself up, and down a huge stone fling  
With broken chains, which Vulcan's art had hung  
With steel, and the strong gates guards with a bar.  
Soon Herc'les came, and raging every where  
Sought entrance, gnashing of his teeth he turns  
Now here, now there: thrice, whilst with rage he burns,  
Aventine sought, thrice did in vain assail  
The marble door, as oft rests in the vale.  
A rising sharp rock with torn cliffs there was  
Behind the cave, a fit and lofty place  
Where birds of prey might build: this as it stood  
To the left hand, and leaning to the flood,  
He on the right hand shoves, and at the last  
Tears from the root, than down it headlong casts.  
At which great crack the lofty skies did thunder.  
Th' aftrighted streams retire, banks fly asunder:  
Then the huge cave, and Cacus courts appear,  
The dismal caverns all discovered were.   

As when the ground torn with an earthquake, shows  
Infernal seats, and doth sad realms disclose  
Hateful to deities, and all hell in sight,  
Then pale ghosts tremble at the sent-in light.  
Now he surprised with unexpected day,  
Shut up in's cave, Alcides did assay  
With weapons from above, all arms he tries,  
And him with trees and mighty millstones plies.  
He (when he could not from the danger break)  
Vomits huge smoke, and (wonderful to speak)  
Darkens the place with mist, blinding the sight,  
And mixed with fire, thickens black shades of night.   

Nor did Alcides hold, but in he broke  
Amidst the flame, and rushed through waving smoke;  
The den with vapour steemed: he Cacus took,  
In darkness belching fire, and in the lock  
He whirls him round, thrown down, he on him lies  
Grasping his throat and squeezing out his eyes.  
The dark house strait with open doors displayed,  
Back were the , and base stealth convaid;  
Out by the feet the ugly corpse he drew,  
On's dreadful eyes enough they could not view,  
The monsters hairy breast, and horrid brow,  
And fire within his mouth extinguished now.   

These rites, this day, posterity maintain  
Ere since, which first Potitius did ordain;  
And Hercules priests Penarians did seat  
This altar in these groves, which always great  
Is styled by us, and great shall still remain.  
Therefore, brave Youth, in such high praise ordain  
Boughs for your hair, your right hands cups extend,  
Implore the common god, wine freely spend.  
Mixt-coloured Poplar with Herculean shade.  
His tresses veiled and bound with leaves; this said,  
A sacred bowl fills his right hand; strait all  
Glad power on Tables, and the gods do call.   

Mean while the night falls from heavens spangled arch,  
When all the priests and first Potitius march,  
Girt as they use with skins, and torches bear.  
Feasts they renew, and second course prepare,  
Tables they load, the Salii then dance round  
About the altars to sweet music, crowned  
With poplar boughs: here young men, there the old,  
Who far-ramed Hercules brave deeds extolled,  
And his twelve labours sung. How first he takes  
His stepdames monsters, kills her double snakes:  
How Troy, Ochalia, famous towns had been  
By him o'erthrown: what toils by Juno's spleen  
And King Euristheus he did undergo.  
Thou cloud-born Hyleus, Pholus didst o'erthrow,  
Thou the dire Cretian monsters didst subdue,  
And at Nemea the huge Lion slew.  
At thee shook Stygian lakes, hell's porter then  
On gnawn bones lying in his bloody den,  
No form, not huge Typhaeus could confound,  
Though armed, nor Flydra though his heads charge round.  
Hail Jove's true race, an honour to the skies,  
T'us be propitious and thy sacrifice.  
Such things they sang: but Ca us cause in higher  
Notes they resound, and how he breathed out fire:  
The groves did ring, the hills with echo stormed.   

Thence, all divine solemnities performed,  
Homewards they all unto the city bend,  
And King Evander with the foremost went,  
With whom Aenaeas and his son did walk:  
And going, ease the way with various talk.   

Aeveas taken with those parts, admires,  
His quick eyes viewing all things round, inquires,  
And glad would hear records of former men.  
Evander, rounder of Rome's Palace then.   

Nymphs, native Fauns, these groves inhabited;  
Men, trunks of trees produced, and hard oak bred,  
Who nor for law, tillage nor oxen care,  
Nor knew to gather riches, nor to spare:  
But these fierce hunting, and wild fruit relieved.  
When from Olympus Saturn first arrived,  
Who from Jove's arms and his lost kingdom fled,  
He the fierce Nation in high mountains bred  
Reduced, and gave them Laws: this Latium styled,  
Because these shores in safety him concealed.  
They said the golden age was when he reigned,  
Since in such peace his kingdom he maintained.  
Then base ages by degrees succeed,  
Which rage of war, and love of riches breed:  
Ausonian bands then, and Sycanians came,  
And oft Saturnian fields have lost their name:  
Thence Kings, and Tiber giant like, whence we  
Have Tiber called this stream of Italy;  
The true old name of Albula is lost.  
Forced through all feas, expulsed my native coast,  
All-conquering fate, and fortunes powerful hand  
Have placed me here, and the severe command  
Of my blessed mother the Nymph Carmen sent,  
And great Apollo's strict admonishment.   

Scarce said, he shows an altar as they came,  
And the Carmental gates, a Roman name,  
Which ancient honour Nymphs did dedicated  
To Carmen, skilful of ensuing fate,  
Who first declared the Trojans should be great,  
And Pallanteum a renowned seat.  
Next, a huge grove which valiant Romulus chose  
For sanctuary, he Lupercal shows  
To Pan was under cold rocks consecrate,  
After the manner of th' Athenian state.  
Then t' Argiletums sacred grove he led,  
And told the place where his guest Argus died.  
Tarpeia and the Capitol he showed,  
Now golden, then dark with a horrid wood.  
Dread of the place, than did the shepherds move,  
And oft they trembled at the rock and grove.  
This wood (he said) this mountains levy brow  
A god inhabited, but uncertain who.  
Arcadians, here, think Jove himself they spied,  
Shaking his shiel, and on the winds to ride.  
These two dismantled towns thou dost behold,  
Are but sad relics of the men of old:  
This, father Janus, that, Saturnus framed;  
Janiculum this, that was Saturnius named.   

With these discourses, near the Court they drew  
Of poor Evander, where they  view  
Lowing i'th' Roman change, and lofty streets.  
As to the gates they came he said, These seats  
Alcides entered, here he kept his court:  
Sir, wealth despise, and now thyself deport  
As did the god, with homely fare content.  
This said, he straight with great Aeneas went  
Under low roofs, and him on couches placed  
Softened with leaves, and with a Bear's skin graced.   

Night fell, and with black wings the earth did hid;  
But Venus' mind not vainly terrified  
With Laurent threats, and with sad stirs dismayed,  
To Vulcan in his golden bed she said,  
And with sweet language divine love inspires.  
Whilst the Greek Kings with war and hostile fires  
Razed destined Troy, and her high towers distressed;  
No aid nor arms did I for them request  
Made by thy art or power; nor thee, dear love,  
Would I to exercise vain labours move.  
Though much I own to Priam's high descent,  
And oft Aeneas hard toils might lament.  
Now by Jove's will Rutilian shores they plant.  
O my blessed power! I come a suppliant,  
A mother for a son craves arms. Dear Love,  
Thetis, Aurora thee with tears could move:  
Behold what realms conspire, what cities join  
Council, by war to ruin me and mine.   

The Goddess here round with her snowyarms  
In soft embraces him consulting warms.  
Strait he takes fire, and through his marrow came  
Accustomed heat, and did his blood inflame.  
So from a fiery breach crupted flies  
Shining with flame, bright thunder through the skies.  
Glad, strait she finds her plot, and beauty take.  
When bound with lasting love, thus Vulcan spoke:   

What needs such far-fetched stories, goddess? where  
's Your confidence of me? had you such care,  
The Trojans than I might with arms supplied;  
Nor Jove, nor fate, that Troy should stand denied,  
And Priam ten years more to have remained.  
If you resolve, and have a war ordained,  
I promise both my art, my power, and care,  
What iron and soft Electrum can prepare,  
What fire and bellows may. Leave to persuade,  
Nor doubt thy power with us. Thus having said,  
He wished embraces gave, and to sweet rest  
Prepares, reposing in the goddess breast.   

Then when he wakened, after his first sleep  
At midnight: As a woman who doth keep  
Herself by spinning and Minerva's hire,  
Stirs up the ashes and the sleeping fire.  
Night adding to her work; long tasks she plies,  
And at her lamp her servants exercise,  
That chaste she might preserve her husband's bed,  
And her small children to supply with bread.  
No drowsier at that hour Vulcan arose  
From his soft bed, and to his forge he goes.   

Near to Sycanian coasts an Island lifts  
High shoulders up, and tall with smoky cliffs:  
Eat with Cyclopen flames, a Cave lies under,  
And huge Aetnean vaults, which always thunder,  
Where mighty strokes on anvils did resound,  
And bars of massy steel roar under ground  
In water quenched, by forges breathing flame.  
This Vulcan's seat, Vulcania the lands name.  
Hither the god descended from the sky,  
Where sparkling heats in vast caves Cyclops ply.  
Brontes, Steropes, naked Piracmon stand,  
A thunderbolt half wrought they had in hand:  
Of such, great store from heaven to earth are thrown  
By angry Jove, the rest as yet not done.  
Three parts of hail, three of a watery cloud,  
As much of fire, and three of wind allowed;  
Their work with flash, noise, and fear they mixed,  
And dreadful wrath, pursuing flame betwixt.  
Here haste they Mars his chariot, and swift spokes,  
With which he men and mighty towns provokes:  
These the dread shield of angry Pallas mould,  
And wrought her arms with Dragon's scales and gold;  
The goddess crest with twisted snakes they deck,  
And Gorgon's head dissected from her neck.   

Cyclops, he said, take all these things away,  
Set by your tasks, and list to what I say.  
Arms for a bold man must be made; impart  
Now all your strength, and show your greatest art,  
Break off delays. Nor more he said. They hot  
All ply the work, and equal tasks by lot  
Receive; strait brass and gold in rivers flows,  
In a vast furnace hard steel liquid grows.  
A mighty shield they frame, one should withstand  
The warlike store of all th' Ausonian land.  
Rounded with mighty orbs, seven orbs they make;  
Some with the bellows air retain and take,  
Others in water dip the hissing ore;  
The hollow vaults with beating anvils roar:  
They with much strength their arms in order raise,  
And turn with tongs the mass a thousand ways.   

Whilst in Aeolian Caverns Vulcan sweats,  
Hastening the work: blessed morn, from humble seats  
Evander raised, and chirping birds did call  
Up with sweet notes under his Palace wall.  
The old man risen, puts on his coat, and tied  
His Tyrrhen sandals on, then to his side  
Girds a Tegean sword, next o'er he fling  
A Panther's skin, which from his left side hung;  
From the high floor his double guard descend,  
And on their master's steps the dogs attend.  
T' Aeneas chamber went; for he had not  
Promised assistance, nor his word forgot.  
And full as early prince Aeneas risen,  
Pallas with that, with this Achates goes.  
Met, they salute; and in the hall being placed,  
Desired conference they enjoyed at last.  
And first the King began.   

Great Trojan prince, Thou safe, I never shall  
Confess Troy vanquished, nor her kingdoms fall.  
Our aids are small for one so much renowned;  
Here are we with the Tusscan river bound,  
There Rutils stop us, and oft storm our wall.  
But I great nations and rich kingdoms shall  
Draw to thy help; unlooked for chance presents  
Thee secure, and thou comest by fates consents.  
Not far from hence built on an ancient rock,  
Stands Agelina, where the Lydian stock  
Once famed in war, Hetrurian mountains plants.  
This flourishing many years, all former grants  
At last Mizentius by his proud commands  
Infringed, and garrisoned with cruel bands.  
His murders I forbear and tyrannies,  
The gods return the like on him and his!  
For he dead bodies to the living joined,  
Puts face to face, and hand in hand combined:  
Strange torture! when foul gore and blood imbrues  
Their sad embrace, and with long death pursues.  
At last the weary subjects take up arms,  
And him, then raging, they with fierce alarms  
In's court besieged, his counsellors they slew,  
And wildfire on his lofty palace threw.  
He scapes'mongst slaughters to Rutilian strands,  
To seek protection from kind Turnus' hands.  
Now all Hetruria up in cruel rage,  
To bring their King to justice they engage.  
Over their armies I'll make thee the head,  
Now sounding shores are with the Navy spread,  
Ready to fail; but their old priest withstands,  
Opening the fates. You choice Meonian bands  
Flower of the ancients, whom just griefs engage  
Against Mizentius with deserved rage:  
No ‛ Italian must so great a nation sway,  
Seck foreign Chiefs. This did th' Etrurians stay,  
Affrighted by the gods admonishments.  
Tarchons' ambassador to me presents  
The sceptre, crown, ensigns to my commands,  
And would possess me of the Tyrrhen lands.  
But feeble age with cold blood me retracts  
From such a task, too weak for valiant acts.  
I would my son prefer, but that his line  
By's mother comes from them: Thee fates design  
By blood, and years; the gods this meant for thee.  
Go, most bold Chief of Troy and Italy.  
To thee I'll Pallas join, my hope, and care,  
Thou being his master to inure to war  
And Mars hard toils; thy prowess used to see  
From's youth he may admire, and honour thee.  
Two hundred chosen horse well mounted all,  
I shall bestow, as many Pallas shall.   

Scarce said, the Trojan Anchisiades  
And good Achates stand, with fixed eyes;  
Who, many sad things troubled, then divine.  
When from high heaven fair Venus gave a sign.  
For from a cloud with mighty fragor broke  
A flash of lightning, all things seemed to shake;  
From heaven a Tyrrhen trumpet sounds alarms,  
And oft they hear the rattling noise of arms,  
And armour saw shine through a gilded cloud  
Amongst bright spheres, and struck to thunder loud.  
Others admire; but Troy's great Hero, these  
Perceives to be his mother's promises.  
Then said, O king, what these strange portents are  
Seek not to know, for me the gods declare.  
This my blessed mother told, if war should rise,  
She would Vulcanian arms bring through the skies  
For my defence.  
Ah what great slaughters Latium wait on thee,  
On Turnus how will I revenged be!  
When Tiber's waves, shields, helms, and men involve,  
Let them now arm, and to break peace resolve.  
This said, down from his lofty throne he came,  
And on Herculean altars stirs the flame,  
And joyful did the last day's rites renew,  
And chosen sheep, he as the custom, slew.  
The same, Evander and the Trojans did.  
Thence he his fleet and friends revisited,  
And from their number chose the valiantest  
Who in the war should follow him; the rest  
Go with the stream, and down the river fell,  
That the glad news they might Ascanius tell.  
Trojans are horsed, for Tyrrhen countries bend,  
A matchless one t' Aeneas they present,  
Caparisoned with a mighty Lion's skin,  
Which covering him, with golden claws did shine.   

Strait nimble fame through the small city flew,  
That troops of horse to Tyrrhen kingdoms drew:  
Matrons their vows redouble with their fears,  
And wars dire visage greater now appears.  
Evander then on them departing lays  
Weeping, his hands, and thus embracing says—  
O Jove! wouldst thou my former youth renew,  
When at Preneste I the Van o'erthrew,  
And heaps of shields to ashes did compel,  
And with this hand King Herelus sent to hell.  
Three souls his mother gave him at his birth,  
(Strange to be told) thrice he must fall to earth,  
Thrice was to die: yet I not suffering harm,  
Took all those lives, and did as oft disarm.  
I then dear son not from thy'mbrace would be  
Deprived, nor should Mizentius over me  
Thus much insult, nor oft so near our gate  
Slaughter our men, and town depopulate.  
But oh you gods, and greatest Jove, now bring  
Comfort, and pity the Arcadian King;  
And hear a father's prayer, if power you have  
My Pallas to preserve, if fates will save!  
If! may see him, and we meet again,  
Then life I crave, all labour I'll disdain;  
But him if fortune with sad chance pursues,  
O now my woeful life now let me lose!  
Whilst doubtful cares, and hopes incertain be,  
Whilst the sole comfort of my age, I thee  
Dear son enfold with strict embraces here,  
Before a sadder message wound my ear.   

His father these at his last farewell said,  
Whom fall'n, his servants to his court convaid.   

Now through the open gates the horsemen bend,  
Aeneas first with good Achates went,  
Then other Chiefs, Pallas amidst the bands  
In warlike habit and bright arms commands.  
As on the ocean Lucifer reflects,  
Whom Venus before other stars respects,  
Raising his sacred head, all darkness flies.  
The fearful matrons crown the walls, their eyes  
The dusky cloud and glittering band pursue.  
The troops through nearest ways and thickets drew:  
A clamour rose, drawn up in rank and file,  
With trampling hoofs they shake the beaten soil.   

There are large groves, near Coeris frigid wave,  
Sacred of old, which hollow mountains have  
With gloomy fir beset, and closed with wood.  
The ancient Greeks unto Sylvanus, god  
Of fields and herds, this grove and lest did grant,  
Who first did in the Latin confines plant.  
Not far from this, safely encamped lay  
Tarchon and Tyrrhens, all the army they,  
Saw from a height possess a spacious plain.  
Here bends Aeneas and his warlike train,  
And weary, for themselves and horse provide.   

But Venus through the crystal spheres did glide,  
Fair goddess, bearing gifts, in secret she  
Her son in winding vales far off did see.  
And thus to him herself discovering said,  
Behold the promised gift my husband made:  
Dear son, now fear not proud Laurentian spite,  
Nor to encounter Turnus in the fight.  
Venus thus laid, having her son embraced,  
Against an oak the shining armour placed.  
Proud of so great an honour, each where he  
Rolled his quick eye, nor satisfied could be,  
Trying on several pieces, he admires  
The dreadful plumed helm, ejecting fires,  
And fatal sword, bloody habergion,  
Mighty and stiff with brass; such, when the sun  
Gilds a dark cloud with rays, which far off shine.  
Then his soft greaveses, gold, and Electrum join,  
And the rare workmanship on's spear and shield,  
Which Latian acts and Roman triumphs held.   

Vulcan, who well could future things foresee,  
Had graved there all Ascanius progeny,  
And wars in order as they have been fought.   

Laid in a verdant cave, Mars wolf he wrought,  
Fast on her teats the double offspring sticks,  
Whom sporting, their kind foster-mother licks;  
She bending her smooth neck, delights the young  
By turns, and shapes their bodies with her tongue,  
Not far from this, Rome and the Sabine dames  
Raped from the Theatre, and Circensian games;  
Whence to the Romans a new war arose.  
Here he old Tatius and stern Cures shows;  
After those Kings armed, reconciled stand  
Before Jove's altar, goblets in their hand,  
And to confirm the league, a swine they slew.  
Not far from thence, four horses Metius drew  
In sunder (but thou Alban shouldst have stood  
Unto thy promise) Tullus through the wood  
The traitor's bowels with long dragging tore,  
And dewed the sprinkled briers with his gore.   

Porsenna next, Tarquin to reinthrone  
Commands, and with strict siege begirt the town.  
Romans for liberty their lives contemn.  
Thou'dst think at once he frowned, and threatened them;  
Because the bridge the valiant Cocles broke,  
And Cleia scaped from bonds, the river took.  
Upon the top of the Tarpeian tower  
Manlius the Captain stood, with all his power  
The Temple and the Capitol to watch,  
And new built courts, rough with Romulean thatch;  
And here the silver goose through ports of gold  
Flying, the Gauls to be in th'entrance told.  
Gauls through the shrubs did to the tower ascend,  
Whom the dark shade and gloomy night defend.  
Their beards were golden, golden was their hair,  
They in branched cassocks shine, with gold their fair  
Necks be adorned; each shook two Alpine spears,  
And for defence a mighty target bears.   

Here dancing Salii, naked Luperci  
With woolly crowns those shields fell from the sky.  
Drawn in soft litters, here chaste matrons are  
Rites bearing through the city. Hence not far  
Hell's courts and Pluto's gates he did design,  
And for crimes, tortures: and thee Catiline  
Hung on a rock, fearing the fury's jaws:  
The blessed withdrawn, where Cato gives the Laws.  
The deep seas golden image he engraves  
Mongst these, but th'azure foamed with silver waves.  
About the ring bright silver Dolphins glide,  
Brush with their sterns the deep, and waves divide.  
Amidst thou might'st behold the brazen fleet,  
The Actium war, and all Leucates sweat,  
Ready to charge, prepared for the fight:  
Thou might'st have viewed with gold the billows bright.  
With him his Gods, the Peers and People came,  
Who standing on the stern, a double flame  
Darts from his brows, his father's star appears.  
Agrippa there, with winds, heaven favouring, steers  
His squadron up, and brings his ensigns on,  
His brows decked with a naval garland shone.  
Antonius here with strange and differing bands  
Both from the red sea and the Eastern strands,  
Forces of Egypt, and the Bactrians led,  
Th' Egyptian Queen (shameless) him followed.  
At once all charge, and with their labouring oars  
The whole sea foams, ploughed up with thundering prores,  
They take the deep, thou wouldst suppose again  
That floating Cycladeses swum upon the main,  
Or mountains did with mighty mountains meet,  
They with such force charge in the towrie fleet:  
Wildfire they cast, swift steel, and darts are spread,  
And Neptune's fields grow with fresh slaughter red.  
With Egypt's trumpets in the midst, the Queen  
Calls up her fleet, approaching snakes not seen.  
The barking Anubis, all the monstruous brood  
Of gods, 'gainst Neptune, Venus, Pallas stood  
Opposed in arms: Mars through the battle raved.  
From heaven sad furies he in steel engraved;  
And proud of her torn garments, Discord goes;  
Bellona with a bloody whip pursues;  
His bow Actium Apollo from above  
These viewing, bent: all with that terror drove,  
Egyptians, Indians, and Arabians fly,  
The Queen herself, with winds implored, to ply  
Her sails appeared, and with loosed bolings went.  
Her midst the slaughters, the Ignipotent  
Made pale with future death, through waves to fly;  
Opposed to this did huge-limbed Nilus' lie,  
Spreading his garment, calls into his breast,  
To sheltering waves inviting the distressed.  
But to Rome Caesar with three triumphs road,  
And on our gods immortal vows bestowed;  
Him ample fanes three hundred joyful greet,  
And loud applause did ring through every street,  
In all the Temples quires of Dames resound,  
Slain Steers before the altars strew the ground.  
He in bright porches of great Phoebus sits,  
And gifts of nations to proud pillars fits.  
Of conquered people, a long train proceeds;  
These, various all, in language, arms, and weeds.  
Here Vulcan framed Africans, Nomades,  
Lelegs, Cures, and dart-armed Gelones.  
Euphrates now glides softer, and Morine  
Furthest of Nations, double-horned Rhine:  
Daae Araxes, who a bridge doth scorn.  
Wondering how Vulcan did the shield adorn;  
And ignorant he glories in the frame,  
Then strait claps on his offsprings fate and fame.    

THE NINTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Iris commands bold Turnus to invade  
The Trojans, whilst Aeneas gathers aid.  
He draws the Army forth: attempts to burn  
The fleet, which scape, and into Sea-Nymphs turn.  
Euryalus and Nisus venture through  
The enemy's camp by night and many slew.  
Their woeful deaths. Italians with the dawn  
To storm the town are from their quarters drawn.  
The Trojans sally forth; in whose retreat  
Turnus engaged is shut within their gate.  
Many brave men he kills, than on he goes  
Single against whole regiments of foes:  
At last leaps over the wall the river swum,  
And off with all his arms in safety came.  

WHilst thus affairs in several places went,  
Juno to valiant Turnus Iris sent.  
Then in the sacred grove by chance he sat,  
Was to his sire Pilumnus consecrate.  
To whom she thus from rosy lips began.  
What no god dares vouchsafe to any man,  
(Turnus) behold, at length time freely sends!  
Aeneas having left his fleet and friends,  
Is to Evanders' palace gone: nay more,  
Past to the confines of the Tuscan shore;  
There arms the Rustics and the Lydian force.  
What doubtst thou? now's the time; raise chariots, horse;  
Break all delay, their troubled camp invade.   

Thus saying, to heaven she mounts on wings displayed,  
And through the great bow midst the clouds she flies.  
He knows her, and his hands raised to the skies,  
Then with such words pursues her as she went.  
Iris, heaven's glory, who to me hath sent  
Thee from above? from whence this sudden light?  
I see heaven open, and behold the bright  
Stars wander round the poles: the signs obeyed,  
Who ere thou art, commands to arms. This said,  
From crystal streams he water takes, then plies  
The Gods with prayers, and loads with vows the skies.   

And now they took the field with all their force,  
Bravely appointed both in arms and horse.  
The Van Messapus, Tyrrheus offspring had  
Charge of the Rear, Turnus the Battle led;  
And by the shoulders armed he taller shows.  
As in seven channels silent Ganges flows  
With gentle waves; or when the fat-streamed Nile  
Hides in himself, and leaves the fertile soil.   

The Trojan camp a sudden cloud espies  
Thick with black dust, and a dark smoke to rise.  
Caicus' first from high works calls aloud,  
What body (sirs) advanceth in that cloud?  
Arm, arm, stand to your arms; ascend the wall:  
The foe draws nigh. Then, with great clamour all  
The Trojans fill the works and bulwarks manned.  
For the most warlike Prince gave this command  
At his departing; Whatsoever chance,  
Not to give battle, nor to field advance,  
But keep their trenches, and their walls maintain.  
Therefore though shame or danger do constrain,  
They kept their gates obeying that command;  
And armed, on towers the foe expecting stand.  
Turnus outstripping the slow Regiments,  
With twenty chosen horse, himself presents  
Before the Town, on a brave Thracian born;  
His golden helmet crimson plumes adorn.  
Then thus he said; Who first will charge the foe?  
And as he spoke, did his swift javelin throw  
Signal to th' fight; and bravely first rides out.  
They all obey, and follow with a shout:  
Admiring Trojans to such cowardice yield;  
That men should fear to fight in open field,  
And lie encamped. Vexed he the walls survaies,  
And secks to enter by obscurest ways.   

As a sly wolf near a full sheep-coat lies,  
Suffering both wind and weathers injuries,  
Growling till midnight, whilst the tender Lambs  
Exercise bleating safe beneath their dams:  
He sharp 'gainst th' absent raves; long want the cause  
Of greedy hunger, and bloodthirsty jaws.  
So Turnus anger burns, those warlike frames  
Viewing, and sorrow his hard bones inflames,  
How to get in, and by what means to train  
The Trojans forth, and draw to th'open plain   

The Fleet which lay close by the Trenches side,  
Round with the stream and buswarks fortified,  
He charged, and of his proud mates fire demands;  
And fierce, a flaming pine now fills his hands.  
Strait they fall on; his presence courage bred;  
With black brands all the youth are furnished,  
They spoil the hearths; now pitchy vapours rise,  
And Vulcan mixed with smoke, ascends the skies.   

What god, O Muse, could make such flames retire?  
And save the Trojan fleet from cruel fire?  
Though old the fact, yet lasting is the fame.  
When first Aenaeas did in Ida frame  
His fleet, and rig'd to sail the mighty seas.  
Cybele mother of the Deities  
Bespoke great Jove. Dear son, thy ear incline  
To thy loved mother's suit, since heaven is thine.  
I many years did love a piney wood,  
There I had rites, there my high temple stood,  
Dark with black fir-trees, and a maple shade.  
These, when the Dardan prince his navy made,  
I freely gave. Now fear me much molests.  
To ease sad care, thy mother this requests:  
Let them no voyage craze, nor storm orerhrow;  
This grant, because they on our hills did grow.  
Then spoke her son, who rules the world's bright fires,  
Mother, why temptest thou fate? what's thy desire?  
Shall ships by mortals built, immortal be?  
And shall Aeneas safe all dangers see?  
Is such power given to any deity?  
But when their voyage ends, they anchor'dly  
On Latian shores: What ships escape the main,  
And set the Dardan on th' Ausonian plain;  
Their mortal form I'll change; of the great sea  
Goddesses make, as Doto, Galate,  
Who foaming Pontus with their breasts divide.  
This by the Stygian streams he ratified,  
Banks full of sulphur, and the horrid lakes,  
Then with his nod he all Olympus shakes.   

The promised day was come, times due by fate  
Were full; when much incensed by Turnus hate  
Cybele saved from fire the sacred pines.  
Here in their eyes a wondrous light first shines,  
And from the East a cloud was seen to fly.  
Idaeans dance: words dreadful from the sky  
Amazed the Trojans, and Rutilian bands:  
Fear not, O Trojans, neither arm your hands  
To save my fleet: Turnus shall burn the sea,  
Before these sacred vessels. Go, be free,  
And Sea-nymphs go; Cybele bids. They tore  
Their anchorge then, and sudden launched from shore,  
And with their beaks like Dolphin's duck (most strange)  
Dive to the bottom, and to Virgin's change.  
As many brazen prowess at shore did ride,  
So many beauties to the Ocean glide.  
All wonder fierce Messapus is dismayed,  
His horse disordered, and swift Tiber stayed  
Murmuring hoarse things, his foot from sea retreats.  
But not bold Turnus confidence abates:  
He cheers, now chides, than thus his men upbraids;   

This th'eatens them, Jove now withdraws all aids.  
Nor dare they Rutile sword nor fire abide;  
And now the Ocean is to them denied;  
No hope of flight, that part of help is lost,  
We have the land, such thousands in our host  
Of Latium armed; nor me those oracles daunt,  
If for themselves the Phrygians any vaunt;  
Enough for Venus' fate, rich Italy  
That they have touched; and there are fates for me,  
This wicked nation to cut off with steel,  
Robbed of my wife; nor do th' Atrid's feel  
Alone this grief, nor may Greece only arm.  
It might suffice once to have fallen, to harm:  
Once was enough, all women then to hate.  
Whom these slight works, and this entrenched gate  
Grant small delays t'assured funerals.  
Have they not seen in flames the Trojan walls  
To lie, which Neptune which his hands did rear?  
But valiant youth, who will with me appear  
To force the trench, and trembling can ps t'invade.  
Vulcanian arms, a thousand ships for aid  
We need not have: let all th' Etrurians come.  
Nor the dull theft of the Palladium  
They shall not fear, the high towers warder's slain;  
Nor shall a horse dark belly us contain.  
Their walls by day I will with fire surround,  
I'll make them know not Argives they have found,  
Young Greeks, whom Hector did ten years prevent.  
But since the best part of the day is spent;  
What now remains, all things being carried right,  
But to refresh, and then expect to fight?   

Mean while to guard the ports, and fire prepare,  
To round the walls, was bold Messapus care.  
Twice seven Rutilian Captains chosen, then  
To keep the works; each led a thousand men,  
Who did with crests of gold, and purple shine.  
They scout, and watch by turns: on grass, rich wine  
Freely they drink, at fires full goblets they  
Exhausted turn, the watch consume with play  
The restless night.  
All which the Trojans from their towers descried,  
And struck with fear, from port to port they ride,  
And armed, they bridges and strong bulworks join;  
Mnestheus, Serestus, hastening the design,  
Whom Prince Aeneas, should there danger fall,  
Prime Leaders made, and gave the charge of all.  
The squadrons watch, the danger they divide,  
And take their turns, Each man his place supplied.   

The gate was Nisus charge, Hyrtacus son;  
Whom th'huntress Ida sent companion  
With great Aeneas, one most fierce in war,  
Who well could shoot, as well could cast his spear.  
Euryalus joined; for comeliness and grace  
None was his equal 'mongst the Trojan race,  
Nor better arms became; now first was seen  
Soft down to spread upon his youthful chin.  
One was their love, at once they charged in war;  
And now to guard the port, their common care.   

When Nisus said; Doth God our mind inspire,  
Or makes each man a god of's own desire?  
What ere it is, I can't to rest incline,  
My genius prompts me to some great design.  
Seest thou the Rutils how secure they lie,  
Buried in sleep, and wine? few lights we spy,  
All silent are. Therefore receive my mind  
And resolution that I have designed.  
The Peers and People would recall the Prince,  
And want now Spies to bring intelligence.  
If what I ask, they shall confer on thee,  
(Fame of th'exploit enough shall honour me)  
Under that brow I think I have espied  
A pass, that will to Palanteum guide.   

Euryalus struck with mighty love of praise,  
Then to his earnest friend thus briefly says.  
In so great danger dost thou me decline,  
Alone thyself engage in this design?  
Have I with thee so ill myself behaved,  
Serving our King, when seas and tempests raved?  
Here is a soul, that values not to live;  
And life, to purchase so much fame, would give.   

Of thee I never harboured such a thought,  
O my dear friend, said Nisus then; Nor ought.  
No, as I hope great Jove will safely me  
Or other favouring gods, bring back to thee.  
But if (for such attempts great dangers wait)  
That I miscarry by mischance or fate,  
Thee I'd have live; of life thou worthier art,  
That to my ransomed corpse thou mightst impart  
Accustomed earth; which if my chance denies,  
Yet grant my shade a tomb and obsequies:  
Lest to thy mother I the cause should be  
Of so much grief, who only followed thee,  
Nor great Acestes walls could her detain.   

But he. Thou weak excuses framest in vain,  
I fully am resolved; come, let's dispatch.  
This having said, straight he relieves the watch:  
All things in order, Sentinels being placed,  
He to Ascanius did with Nisus haste.   

Now through the world all creatures sleep possessed,  
Easing their cares, their hearts from labour rest.  
Prime Trojan Captains, and choice youth repairs  
To hold a Council of their State affairs,  
What they should do; whom to Aeneas send.  
Amidst the camp they on long javelins leaned,  
Bearing their shields. Nisus, Euryalus, crave  
Without delay, they might admittance have:  
Demurs in great affairs most dangerous are.  
The Prince bids Nisus first their minds declare.   

With thoughts unbyass'd hear you Trojan Peers,  
Neither prejudge the matter by our years.  
In wine and sleep Rutilians buried lie;  
For we ourselves now did a way descry,  
Parts near the gate, which next the ocean lies.  
Their fires wax dim, black smoke ascends the skies.  
If now our fortune you'll to us permit,  
Aeneas sought, at King Evanders' seat,  
With mighty slaughter and huge spoil you may  
Shortly behold: nor can we miss our way;  
We daily hunting in dark vales below,  
Have seen the town, and the whole river know.   

Then old Alethes said, You deities  
In whose protection always Ilium lies;  
Not us t'extirp you utterly intent,  
When to our youth you such true valour send.   

Thus having said, he with a strict embrace  
Infolds them both, whilst tears bedew his face.  
To you for such attempts, what can we give?  
What shall I judge a worthy donative?  
Heaven and your merits first, shall grant the best;  
Pious Aeneas next, shall pay the rest:  
Nor yet Ascanius in his flourishing state  
Such your deservings ever shall forget.   

Nisus, but I (Ascanius then replies)  
Whose only safety in my father lies,  
Thee by Asaracus deities desire,  
And Trojan Gods, and Vesta's sacred fire;  
Whate'er my fortune or my counsels are,  
I cast myself and them upon your care.  
Recall my father, let me see his face,  
And woe shall vanish in his dear embrace.  
Two silver bowls I'll give, richly engraved,  
Which from Arisba's sack my father saved:  
Two triphos, two great talents of pure gold,  
And Dido's gift, a cup of ancient mould.  
But if we Latium win, and these realm's sway,  
If it shall chance we conquerors share the prey.  
Hast thou brave Turnus horse and arms beheld  
In which he prides? his bloody plumes and shield  
Shall not be shared; now Nisus, they are thine:  
Besides, my father shall twelve Ladies join,  
As many captive Lords complete in arms,  
With all Latina's manors, parks, and farms.  
But thee, whose age mine in a nearer space  
Pursues, brave youth. I take in full embrace:  
Thou in all fortunes my companion be;  
My deeds shall seek no glory wanting thee;  
In peace or war, my actions and advice  
Thou most shalt sway. Euryalus replies,   

For any bold employment no time shall  
Prove me unfit, what chance soever fall.  
But above all, one thing of thee I crave;  
I of King Priam's stock a mother have,  
Whom (best of Parents!) Troy could not recall  
From following me, nor King Acestes wall.  
Her, unacquainted with the dangers, I  
Now unsaluted leave: Night testify,  
And thy right hand, her tears I could not brook.  
But thee, I pray, now help her, thus forsaken:  
Assure me this, and I shall bolder go  
Against all chance. Then from the Trojans flow  
Rivers of tears: the Prince most grief expressed,  
And now his father's love affects his breast.  
And thus he said—   

Worthy this great design, I all things grant:  
For she shall be my mother, only want  
Creusa's name: nor is her honour small,  
That she bore thee, whatever chance befall.  
Now by this head, by which my father swore,  
What was my grant, if fortune thee restore  
To us in safety, I'll thy friends afford.  
Weeping he said; and strait casts off his sword,  
Which with admired art Lycaon made,  
And with an ivory sheathe adorned the blade.  
A lion's skin Mnestheus on Nisus pressed,  
And good Alethes changed with him his crest.   

Now armed they march: as to the gates they bend,  
Both young and old with vows and prayers attend.  
And fair Ascanius, who above his age  
In manly care and courage did engage,  
Many commands charged them to's father bear,  
Which vanished and flew in empty air.   

They pass the trench; through gloomy night they go  
To th' enemy's camp, with a great overthrow:  
Buried in wine and sleep the guards they spy,  
And all along the shore their wagons lie;  
Men amongst arms, wheels, reins and goblets laid,  
Spread on the grass: When thus bold Nisus said.  
Now let us use our arms, th'occasion calls,  
This is the path: But thou, lest any falls  
Upon our rear, watch, and behind survey;  
These I'll destroy, and make thee open way.   

This said, he silent to proud Rhamnes went,  
Who then by chance slept in his lofty tent,  
And with loud snoring did his bosom move,  
A King, and Prophet, Turnus most did love.  
But by his skill he could not death evade:  
Three of his train he slew 'mongst weapons laid,  
And Rhemus squire: his charioteer he found  
Amongst the horse, and pined him to the ground;  
Then heads their Lord, and weltering in his blood  
Forsakes the panting corpse; a purple flood  
Besmears the earth, and bed. Next Lamyrus slew  
With Lamus, and sprightly Serranus, who  
Most beauteous was; he all that night had played,  
And vanquished now in wine and sleep is laid.  
Happy if he had equalised his play  
Unto that night, and gamed it out till day.   

As when a hungry Lion fierce invades  
A flock of sheep, (dire famine much persuades)  
He the poor innocent beast struck dumb with fears,  
Growling with bloody jaws, devours and tears.  
Slaughter no less Euryalus did inflame,  
And many than he slew without a name.  
Fadus, Hebesus Abaris he killed,  
And Rhetus, who awake all this beheld,  
He frighted, under a huge charger hid:  
In open breast up to the hilts he did  
Sheath his bright sword, than drew it stained with blood;  
Dying, his soul he vomits with a flood  
Of wine and gore commixed. Then on he went  
And to Messapus quarters, raging, bent:  
Where now their fires almost consumed he spied,  
Their horses feeding, as the manner, tied.   

Then Nisus briefly said, Let us be gone,  
(Seeing him drawn with love of slaughter on;)  
For th'envious dawn appears: let this suffice,  
Our way is made now through the enemies.  
Nor arms of beaten silver they did mind,  
Rich hang, massy plates they leave behind.  
Rhamnes rich trappings, and his girts of gold,  
(Which Cedicus sent to Remulus of old;  
When with that present he a league conjoined;  
This dying, to his nephew he assigned.  
After by war Rutilians made their prize.)  
Euryalus seized, and on his shoulder ties,  
Claps on Messapus helm, with plumes displayed;  
Then left the camp, and through them safe way made.   

Mean while, some horse came from Latinus seat,  
Whilst the whole Legion stood, drawn up complete,  
To bring King Turnus some advertisement,  
Three hundred shieldmen under Volscens sent.  
And now th'approach the camp, the trench drew nigh,  
When far off these they on the left hand spy:  
Euryalus helm through shades of gloomy night  
Did him betray, reflecting back the light.  
Not vainly seen, cries Volscens from the band,  
Stand, Who goes there? why armed? your business? stand.  
They answer not again, but hasten flight  
Amongst the woods, and trust themselves to night.  
The horse beset the paths, all parts surround,  
And with a guard the several passes crowned.   

There was a wood shady with sable oak,  
Which thick briers did and thorns with brambles choke,  
Where a small path led through an obscure way;  
The tangling boughs, and burden of his prey  
Euryalus stopped, and fear his feet entraps:  
Nisus went on, and from the foe escapes,  
Past Alban lakes, which are from Alba named,  
Where king Latinus his high stables framed.   

As for his friend, in vain he looking stayed,  
Ah poor Euryalus, where art thou? he said;  
How shall I find thee out? Then through the maze  
Of the dark wood returns, and thousand ways  
Seeks his own steps, and roves through silent briers.  
Noise, horse, and sounding trumpets strait he hears,  
And sudden the huge clamour understands,  
And saw Euryalus, whom all the bands  
With disadvantage of the night and lane  
Had round beset, much striving, but in vain.  
What shall he do? what arms, what forces try  
To rescue him? should he, resolved to die  
Charge midst his foes, and for brave death advance?  
Then strait, as he his arm raised with his lance,  
To the high moon, he prayed: Assist me now  
Great goddess, glory of the stars, and thou,  
Great Queen of all the groves and forests, aid.  
If ere for me my father presents paid  
At thy blessed altars; or if ever I  
From my own hunting did with gifts supply,  
Or graced thy shield, or sacred pillars decked:  
Grant that I rout this troop, my spear direct.   

This said, with his whole strength a lance he cast,  
Through shady night the flying javelin past,  
And piercing Sulmons back, the staff there broke,  
Yet through his bowels glides the knotty oak.  
From's breast a warm stream vomiting, he fell,  
And short breath panting, makes his bosom swell.  
All look about: he takes another spear,  
Cheered with success, and poised it at his ear.  
Whilst they're amazed, through Tagus' brows and arms  
Singing it flew, and in his hot brain warms.  
Fierce Volscens raged, nor any he espied  
Which threw the spear, nor knew which way to ride.   

But thou, for both shalt with warm blood afford  
Me satisfaction, first. This said, his sword  
He drew, and at Euryalus raging flies.  
But then aloud affrighted Nisus cries,  
Nor longer could conceal, nor such grief bear.  
At me, me; I, who did the fact am here;  
At me convert your steel, Rutilians bold,  
The fraud is mine; he neither durst, nor could;  
This heaven, these conscious stars shall witness such:  
He only loved his hapless friend too much.  
Such things he said; but the drawn sword his chest,  
With violence pierced, and tore his snowy breast.  
Dead he sinks down; blood through his fair limbs sprung,  
And his neck falling, on his shoulders hung:  
As when a purple flower cut by the plough  
Langueshing dies; or heads of Poppy bow  
Their weary necks, oppressed with showers that fall.  
But in bold Nisus charged, Volscens through all  
Alone he seeks, only at Volscens made;  
Though round about, him enemies invade,  
Wheeling his sword, no slower he rushed on,  
Till in the mouth of the Rutilian  
He buried it, and dying kills his foe:  
Then wounded on his friend himself did throw,  
And there at last in quiet death did rest.  
You, if my verse have power, be ever blest,  
No age shall you forget whilst Trojans shall  
Plant the fixed Rock, of the high Capitol,  
Or Roman Fathers shall the Empire sway.  
But the Rutilian conquerors share the prey,  
And weeping to the Camp dead Volscens bear.  
Nor was less grief, Rhamnes found slaughtered there,  
So many in one massackre, prime men  
Serranus, Numa; mighty concourse then  
Visit the corpse, some not quite dead; they floor  
Fresh slaughter warmed, and full streams fresh with gore,  
Messapus spoils they know and glittering cask,  
And reins recovered by so hard a task.   

And here Aurora with new light had spread  
The earth, leaving Tithonius' saffron bed;  
Now when the Sun had showed the world again,  
Armed Turnus forth did his armed soldiers train,  
And all the Iron ranks in order sets;  
Each man his wrath with various rumours whets,  
When Nisus and Euryalus heads they bring,  
Fixed on tall spears, and with loud clamouring  
(A woeful sight) came on  
The valiant Trojans the left hand made good,  
The right side was secured with the flood.  
They mighty trenches man'd with all their powers,  
And sad they stood upon their lofty towers,  
When well known heads they saw, t'increase the more  
Their swelling grief, flowing with purple-gore.   

Whilst through the fearful town flew swift-winged fame,  
And gliding to Euryalus mother came,  
Which from the wretch did strait all heat compel;  
Her yarn she tumbles down, her spindle fell:  
Out then with female cries, tearing her hair  
Distract she runs, and did to th' works repair:  
Danger of men and weapons she defies,  
Where thus with loud complaints she fills the skies.  
Thus view I thee, Euryalus? art thou he  
That shouldst support my age? thus leav'st thou me?  
Nor to thy mother grantest one compliment,  
Before thou wast to such great dangers sent?  
Ah thou art left to dogs and birds a prey  
In a strange land; nor doth thy mother pay  
Thee funeral rites, nor close thine eyes, nor lave  
Thy wounds, nor cover with the vest I have  
Working both night and day hastened for thee,  
Which task in my old age did comfort me.  
Where shall I seek thee? in what coast remains  
Thy mangled limbs? what land thy corpse contains?  
This the returns for all my love, dear son?  
For this have I by land and sea thus gone?  
Kill me, Rutilians, if you pity have,  
Dart all at me, and give me first a grave!  
Or thou great Jove thyself in mercy show,  
O father! this my body, hateful now,  
Unto the Stygian shade with thunder send,  
Since else my woeful life I cannot end.   

This pierced their souls, a sad groan passed through all:  
Their courages in war undaunted, fall.  
Idaeus and sad Actor, by command  
Of Ilioneus, whilst she thus complained,  
Moved with Ascanius tears, lead her away  
By either arm, and to her house convey.   

But now from far loud trumpets terrify,  
Followed with shouts, which echo from the sky.  
The Volsceans' haste, and strait a Testude form,  
Trenches to fill prepare, and works to storm;  
Some entrance seek, and strive to scale the wall  
Where men stood thinnest, and the guards but small.  
Trojans on them all sorts of weapons throw,  
And with sharppointed spears repel the foe,  
Trained by long war a city to defend,  
Huge rocks and mighty millstones down they lend  
To break their fence-work, under which they slight  
All chances, and in danger take delight.  
Which now not serves; for where they thickest drew,  
On them a mighty heap the Trojans threw,  
Which beat the Rutils down, their shield-work broke.  
Nor more the hardy Volsceans undertook  
T'assault with engines, but by open force  
To drive them from their works:  
On th'other side dreadful Mizentius came,  
Brandishing fire, and casts in pitchy flame.  
Messapus that brave horseman, Neptune's race,  
Past trenches, and did scaling ladders place.  
O thou Calliope, inspire my verse  
Slaughters to sing, and funerals to rehearse  
Which Turnus made! whom, each man sent to hell.  
With me that wars great circumstances tell,  
For this you know, and to relate have power.   

With transomes' vast in prospect was a tower,  
A place of strength, 'gainst which th' Italians join  
Their force: this to o'erthrow, their chief design.  
With stones the Trojans in great flocks defend,  
And from their loopholes deadly weapons send.  
A brand Prince Turnus cast, and blazing flame  
Fixed to the work; which, with the wind, the frame  
Suddenly seized, on burning posts fast stuck.  
Amazed, within all shake; and whilst they flock  
Contriving to escape, and make retreat  
Where was no fire; the tower with mighty weight  
Suddenly fell, heaven thunders with the sound.  
Half dead with the vast load, they come to ground,  
With their own weapons hurt; that cruel steel  
Did guard their breasts, they in their bosoms feel.  
Hardly escaped Lycus and Helenor,  
Helenor the eldest, whom Lycimnia bore,  
Bondslave to the Maeoanian King did rear,  
And sent to Troy unlawful arms to bear,  
With a white shield, and sword inglorious yet.   

He, when he saw himself with troops beset,  
And Latin bands on every side he found,  
Like a wild beast which hunters do surround,  
Runs on the weapons, and resolved to die  
Leaps through the toils upon the enemy.  
So charged the desperate youth upon his foes,  
And where he saw the thickest squadron, goes.   

Lycus much swifter through the enemies  
And through their arms to the high bulwark flies;  
Then strives the tops of the tall works to reach,  
Endeavouring his friends right hands to catch.  
Whom Turnus follows with as swift a course,  
And thus bespeaks: Fond, couldst thou hope our force  
Thus to escape? This said, him hanging caught,  
And down with great part of the bulwark brought.   

A silver swan, or hare Jove's eagle bear;  
So through the sky, trust in his hooked sears,  
Or Mars' wolf takes from the flock a lamb,  
Sought with much bleating of the mourning dam.  
They shout, they storm, to fill the trenches haste,  
And fireworks to the lofty bulwarks cast.  
Ilioneus with a stone, part of a hill,  
Firing the gates, did bold Lucetius kill.  
Lyger, Emathion; Asylas did o'erthrow  
Chorinaeus; This the dart used, that the bow.  
Caeneus, Ortygius. Turnus Caenaeus slew,  
Dioxe, and Ideas, as they did maintain  
Their towers, Privernus was by Capys slain.  
This first a slight wound got from Themella's lance;  
But he his hand did to the wound advance  
Fondly to bind it, when a shaft did glide  
On nimble wings, and pined it to his side;  
The breathing places of his soul it found,  
And panting lungs pierced with a deadly wound.   

In arms complete stood Arcens gallant son,  
Of Spanish die a rich coat he had on:  
A most fair youth, whom Arcens scent to have  
Breeding in Atars his grove near Symeths' wave,  
Where pleased Palicus smoking altar stands.  
Mizentius laying by his arms, commands  
A sounding sling; then thrice about his head  
He whirls it round, and with the molten lead  
He piereed his temples through, and from his stand  
He lays him weltering on a bed of sand.  
Then first in war Ascanius (as they fame)  
A swift-winged arrow at the foe did aim:  
Before accustomed wild beasts to pursue,  
And stout Numanus with his own hand slew,  
Styled Rhemulus, who lately did espouse  
Turnus young sister, joined to th' royal house.   

Boasting things fit and unfit to relate;  
Before the bands, puffed up with his new state,  
He struts, and on with mighty clamour came.   

Again, twice captived Phrygians, is't not shame  
To be besieged, and keep out death with walls?  
Behold, who seek by war our nuptials!  
What god, or folly, caused you Latium steer?  
Here's no Atrides, no Ulysses here.  
We a hard race, use infants to the stream,  
In cruel ice and water harden them.  
Our children hunting use, in woods resort  
To break wild horse, and shooting is their sport.  
Youth in toil patiented, and inur'd to want,  
They blow the field; or armed, proud cities daunt.  
We spend our age in war, and goad our steers  
With our turned javelins: and when struck in years,  
Our courage fails not, nor our strength decays;  
We crush grey hairs with helms, and still fresh preys  
Delight to take, and live by spoils of war.  
You clothed in purple, and in scarlet are,  
Are pleased with sloth, in wanton dances pride;  
Your coats have hanging sleeves, your mitres tied:  
True female Phrygians; men you are not: Go  
To Dyndimus, whose well-set tunes you know,  
Where lutes and harps of Bericynthian Ide  
Invites; and let Men war; lay arms aside.   

Boasting such things, words of so dire extent  
Ascanius not endured: his bow he bend  
With a horse nerve; stretching his arms, prepares  
Before Jove standing suppliant thus, with prayers,   

Great Jupiter, grant my bold enterprise,  
I'll to thy fanes bring solemn sacrifice;  
And at thy Altars place a snowy steer,  
Who lofry crests doth like his mother bear;  
And butts with horns, his feet the sand doth spread.  
Jove heard and from the left-side thundered  
Through the clear sky; then sounds the deadly bow,  
As soon through Rhemulus head the shaft did go,  
And the winged steel did through both temples glide;  
Go, now, and valour with proud words deride,  
Twice captived Phrygians you these answers send,  
Ascanius said. Trojans with shouts attend  
And loud applause, to heaven their hope advance.   

Then bright-haired Phoebus from the sky by chance  
The City and Ausonian bands survaid  
Flaced in a cloud, and to Ascanius said.  
Go with new prowess boy; so climb the stars,  
From Gods sprung, Gods to get; 'tis just all wars  
Under Assaracus house by fate should seize;  
Nor Troy shall thee contain. As he said these,  
He cuts the breathing air, from heaven descends,  
And in old Butes form t'Ascanius bends.  
Trojan Anchises Squire he was before,  
And faithful kept a guard still at his door,  
Whom then to wait on's Son, Aeneas sent.  
In all points like th'old man, Apollo went,  
Such his white hair, complexion, and his voice,  
And dreadful arms, rattling with mighty noise:  
Who thus to fierce Ascanius then began.  
Trojan enough! Numanus thou hast slain,  
To thee Apollo grants thy first desire,  
Nor envies equal arms; from fight retire.  
Having thus said, from mortal eves he fled,  
And far from thence, to thin air vanished.  
The God, and heavenly shafts, the Trojans knew,  
And saw his sounding quive as he flew.  
Strait from the fight Ascanius they convey,  
And Phoebus' power and his command obey.  
But they returue again to charge the foes,  
And 'gainst all dangers do their lives expose.  
Then clamour rounds the walls from tower to tower,  
They bend their bows, and clouds of arrows pour.  
The earth is strewed with arms, with mighty blows  
Helms and Shields rattle: a huge fight arose;  
As from moist, Kids when boisterous storms assail  
The yieldihg earth, and showers commixed with hail  
Swell to a flood, the sky with rough winds loud  
Drives wintry night, and tears a hollow cloud.   

Pandarus and Bitias, both Alcanors seed,  
Whom Nymph Hiera in love's wood did breed,  
Youths like their countries fir, and mountains tall,  
Open a gate, which to the charge did fall  
Of their own chief; these bold in arms did go,  
And bravely challenged to the walls their foe;  
Within, themselves on either hand they place;  
And armed with steel, bright crests their heads did grace.  
Such as sky-kissing oaks by twins that grow  
Near crystal streams, or pleasant banks of Po,  
Or nigh fair Athesis, to heaven they spread,  
And unloped boughs shake with a stately head.   

Ausonians rush, seeing the open gate,  
Bold Quercens then, and fair Equicolus strait  
With Martial Haemon charge, and Tmarus stout,  
Or with whole squadrons these would face about,  
Or in the entrance of the gate expire.  
The quarrel heats, and more increased their ire.  
There Trojans gather with a mighty shout,  
Fight hand to hand, dare sally further out.   

A Messenger, whilst valiant Turnus fought  
Bravely 'gainst other parts, these tidings brought,  
Foes fleshed with slaughter open gates afford.  
He leavs all business then, with anger stirred  
To Dardan gates, and the proud brothers goes.  
Antiphates first, (for he did first oppose)  
(Sarpedons' natural son by a Theban dame)  
He with his spear ' o'erthrew; the javelin came  
Through yielding air, and through his entrails glides,  
He from the wound a purple river bleeds,  
And in his lungs warm grows the sixed steel.  
Then he did Merops, Erymanthus kill.  
Next, Bitias with fierce eyes, and raging heart,  
Not with a spear (he yields not to a dart)  
With a huge Phalarick he did assail,  
Like lightning sent; neither his trusty mail,  
Strengthened with gold, nor two bull hides defend.  
The mighty falls, the earth a groan did send:  
Above his huge shield rung: As in times passed  
On the Euboick shores of Baia placed,  
A stone pile sinks: which erst with mighty walls  
Stood in the Sea, now with a ruin falls,  
And in the shoals torn from foundations lies.  
Waves mixed with waves, and the deep sands arise;  
Then high Phrochyta trembles at the sound,  
And the hard bed where Jove Typhaeus bound.   

Here bloody Mars, the Ausonians courage stirs,  
And in their bosoms strikes his sharpest spurs:  
But to the Trojans sends base fear, and flight.  
Each where they charge, occasion given to fight,  
The God of War inflames their minds.   

As Pandarus beheld his brother slain,  
And what sad fortune might for him remain,  
He strait with mighty strength claps to the gates  
With his broad shoulders: many of his mates  
Then he shut out, and in hard conflict leavs,  
But many others rushing in, receivs:  
Who fond then saw not; urnus in the troop  
Boldly break in, and willingly shut up,  
Like a huge Tiger 'mongst tame cattles found.  
His eyes seem fierce, his dreadful arms resound:  
And on his crest tremble his bloody plumes,  
Whilst from his thundering shield, bright lightning comes.  
They know his hated face, and Giant size,  
Which much th'amazed Trojans terrines.  
Then up to him strait mighty Pandarus made  
And raging for his brother's slaughter said.  
This not the royal portion from the Queen  
Which you expect, nor are you now within  
Ardea, nor your native Country (Prince.)  
This the foes camp; nor shalt thou 'scape from hence.  
Then Turnus smiling, calmly did reply,  
If you're so stout, come and your prowess try;  
For thou shalt tell to Priam underground,  
That here a new Achilles thou hast found.  
He said, whilst Pandarus boldly did advance,  
And cast at him a rough and knotty lance;  
The air receivs the wound, Juno being there  
Turns it, and in the gate she fixed the spear.   

But this good sword which in my right hand I  
Command with so much strength, thou shalt not fly.  
Our weapons are not like, nor shall the wound.  
Then with his sword raising himself from ground,  
He with a mighty blow his forehead cleaves,  
And on his downy cheeks a huge gash leaves.  
Shaken with his mighty weight earth did resound,  
He stretched his dying limbs upon the ground;  
His arms besmeared with brain, his cloven head  
On both sides hung, over each shoulder spread.  
The Trojans fly, routed with trembling fear;  
And if the Conqueror strait had took that care  
T'have broke the bars, and let his soldiers in,  
To th'war, and nation, that day last had been.  
But fury, and mad love of slaughter, him  
Drove raging 'gainst the foe  
And first he Gyges maimed, and Phalaris slew,  
And spears from flyers snatched, at them he threw.  
For Juno did both strength and courage yield.  
Halys he kills, runs Phegeus through his shield.  
Alcander, Halias, Noemon, Prytanus slew,  
Whilst hot in fight, of this they nothing knew.  
And Lynceus, as he charged, and others calls,  
With his bright sword surprised them on the walls:  
Whose head and healmet cut off at one blow,  
Tumbles far off. Amycus, than a foe  
To savage beasts; none better could anoint  
Weapons than he, with poison arm the point.  
Clitius and Creteus next, the Muse's friend,  
Creteus that loved the Muses, verses penned;  
Pleased with the Lyre, he numbers set to strings,  
And still of horse, and arms, and battles sings.   

At last the Trojan leaders at the fame  
Of this great slaughter, in to rescue came;  
And up with Mnestheus bold Serestus bends,  
They saw the foe, and their amazed friends.  
When Mnestheus said, Where fly you? where d'ye go?  
What other strength or bulwarks do you know?  
Shall one man, sirs, and round enclosed with walls,  
Escape, and make so many funerals,  
And such great numbers of prime men destroy?  
Base cowards! Of yourselves, and hapless Troy  
Have you no pity? blush you not with shame  
For your old gods, and great Aeneas fame?   

With words like these encouraged, boldly then  
In a thick body they drew up again.  
But Turnus by degrees retreats from them,  
Tothth' river and those parts lay near the stream.  
At which more fierce the Trojans with a shout  
Press boldly on, and gather round about:   

As when a troop a Lion hath beset  
With cruel spears, he makes a brave retreat,  
Although forbidden by valour and by rage,  
Nor can, though willing, 'gainst such power engage.  
So unresolved, bold Turnus did retire,  
Whilst in his bosom boils a flood of ire.  
Yet twice, where foes were thickest, on he falls,  
And twice he drove that party from the walls.  
When from the Camp, in a full body made  
'Gainst one, th'whole army drew; nor longer aid  
T'oppose such forces, Juno durst supply.  
For Jove had sent bright Iris from the sky,  
Who to Saturnia carried strict commands  
That Turnus should escape the Trojan bands.  
Therefore his shield and strength too weak he found,  
O'erwhelmed with darts, with showers of arrows drowned;  
His hollow cask which armed his temples, groans,  
And solid brass gives way to battering stones:  
His plumes are beaten off, nor doth his targe  
Sustain the blows, nor thundering Mnestheus charge;  
Whilst thick their javelins a whole army throws,  
No intermission: then a salt sweat flows  
Over all his limbs, and a black river glides,  
And faint short-breathing shakes his ample sides.  
At last with all his arms a leap he gave  
Into the stream, which on his silver wave  
Received him, and on yielding billows bore  
From slaughter cleansed, to's friends on th'other shore.    

THE TENTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Jove calls a Council, and declares the fates:  
Venus complains: Juno recriminates.  
Aeneas, Tarchon, and the Tyrrhens joined,  
Their men aboard, they sail with prosperous wind.  
The martial List. Ships turned to Nymphs appear,  
And sad Aeneas with their counsel cheer.  
Landed, they fight; the Plain huge slaughter fills.  
Aeneas, Lausus; Turnus, Pallas kills.  
Shaped like Aeneas, a fantastic shade  
Turnus provokes, and thence to sea conveyed.  
Mizentius, to revenge his son, again  
Entering the fight, is by Aeneas slain.  

MEan while heavens mighty courts are open, when  
The father of the gods, and king of men  
A counsel calls: from starry thrones, all lands  
He views, the Dardan camps, and Latian bands.  
And thus, all placed, he said: You deities,  
Wherefore so often change you your decrees?  
And why in sharp debates are you thus hot?  
Latium to war with Troy, granted not.  
Why this unlawful strife? what jealousies made  
Or these, or them take arms, to fight persuade?  
Just time of war (nor hasten it) shall come,  
When cruel Carthage to the towers of Rome  
Through open Alps shall great destruction send.  
Then may they all things spoil, with hate contend;  
But now desist, and make a happy peace.   

Jove brief; but beauteous Venus answered these  
At large.—   

Father, of men and gods eternal king,  
(For to none else may we petitions bring)  
Thou seest how Rutils boast, and Turnus rides  
Triumphing through the bands, who bold now prides  
In wars success; nor Trojans walls defend,  
But they within their gates and works contend,  
With blood their trenches flow, and now their Prince  
Aeneas absent, wants intelligence.  
Must we be still besieged? must we again  
The walls of rising Troy 'gainst foes maintain?  
More armies yet? shall once more Diomedes  
Against the dardan's his Aeolians lead?  
Then I new wounds, as I suppose, must feel,  
And I thy race, be pierced with mortal steel.  
If Trojans, without leave, for Latium made,  
Let them be punished, neither grant them aid:  
But if they all those Oracles obey  
Which Gods and Manes gave, who thy decree  
Can alter then? or why new fates ordain?  
Of our fired Navy why should I complain?  
Nor of the King of tempests, and those loud  
Storms which he raised, nor Iris from a cloud.  
And now the fiends (which only were untride  
Of all the world) she raiseth to her side,  
And strait Allecto sent from Stygian waves:  
Who now through all th' Ausonian Cities raves.  
Nor am I moved for realms; whilst fortune stood  
We hoped; let them now conquer thou thinkest good.  
If no land thy stern wife grants them t'enjoy;  
By smoky ruins of consumed Troy,  
Father, I thee beseech; from arms detain  
Ascanius safe, preserved, let him remain.  
Aeneas may be tossed through unknown seas,  
And whatsoever course fortune shall please  
He may pursue; Let me but save the boy,  
Ah let not cruel war the child destroy.  
Mine lorty Paphos, mine Amathus is,  
Cytherum and Idalian Palaces;  
Let him unexercised in cruel strife  
Of dreadful war, there finish quiet life;  
Command aspiring Carthage then to lay  
Huge taxes on subdued Ausonia,  
And Tyrian Towers that nothing shall debar.  
What helped it us to 'scape from cruel war?  
To fly through Grecian fire, and to exhaust  
All dangers of the sea and countries' vast,  
Whilst Trojans for new Troy and Latium stand.  
We'had better built, on ashes of our land,  
Dwelled where Troy stood. Xanthus and Simois grant,  
And that again we Il●um may replant.   

Highly incensed then Royal Juno spoke;  
Why makest thou me deep silence thus to break,  
And in this place our hidden grief declare?  
What God or man Aeneas forced to war?  
Or to the king Latinus made a foe?  
Fate him to Italy sent; then be it so.  
Drove by Cassandra's rage, have we enjoined  
Him to set sail, and venture iife to wind?  
Or trust a boy with conduct in the war?  
Or Tyrrhen faith, or realms in peace to stir?  
What power of mine betrayed him, or what god?  
Where's Juno here, or Iris from a cloud?  
It is unjust Italians should surround  
Troy with a leaguer, and on native ground  
Turnus should stand, the great Pilumnus heir,  
Whom bright Venilia the blessed goddess bare.  
Shall Trojans thus with fire and sword pursue,  
Take spoils, and lawless others land subdue;  
Match where they please, rob husbands of their bride;  
Make show of peace, and yet for war provide?  
Thou couldst from Grecian troops thy son regain;  
Place empty clouds, and shadows for the man:  
Thou couldst to Nymphs the Trojan Navy change:  
But if we help the Rutils, this seems strange.  
Aeneas absent, wants intelligence;  
And absent let him: thou for thy defence  
Idalium, high Cytherum haste: why then  
Temp'st thou seats big with war and valiant men?  
Did we declining Phrygia's realm destroy?  
Or they who moved the Greeks to war with Troy?  
What did to arms Europe and Asia stir,  
And to break peace by rape? Th' Adulterer  
Did he take Sparta by our conduct led?  
Did I give arms, or war with foul lust fed?  
Thou shouldst have then been careful; now complaints  
Are but in vain falsely thou me attainst.   

Thus Juno pleads, and all the gods a noise  
With votes divided made; as when winds rise,  
And stopped by woods, a sudden mutmur send,  
Which doth a storm to marmers portend.  
Then mighty Jove began who governs all,  
Silence imposed through the Olympic Hall.  
Earth to the Centre shook, Heaven at a stand,  
The winds were laid, seas smooth as champaign land;   

Careful attend my words; and bear in mind.  
Since these two nations cannot be conjoined,  
And your divisions never will have end:  
What hope or fortune doth on each attend?  
Twixt Trojans, Rutils, I'll no difference make.  
This Siege by fate, if Latins undertake,  
Or else by Troy's ill conduct or advice:  
Let each the chance of his own enterprise  
And danger bear: Jove's the same King to all,  
The fates will make their way whatever fall.  
This by his brother's streams he ratified,  
Which round about th'infernal kingdom glide,  
Banks full of sulphur, and the horrid lakes,  
And with his nod he all Olymus shakes.  
Then from his golden throne great jove did rise,  
Attended to his Court by deities.   

Mean while the Rutils with great clamour came,  
Close to the gates, and hemmed the walls with flame;  
But in their trenches kept the Trojan band,  
No hope to 'scape, sad on high towers they stand;  
To man their works but slender guards they place,  
jasius, Thymetes, bold Hicetons' race,  
With Castor, th' Assaraci and Tiber stood,  
With them two brothers of Sarpedons' blood,  
Who them accompanied from the Lycian shore.   

Acmon with all his strength a huge stone bore,  
A mountains greatest part, who in the wars  
No less than's father, or his brother dares;  
Some Javelins cast, and others stones did throw;  
And these did wildfire hurl, or use their bow,  
Behold Ascanius, Venus' chiefest care,  
Amidst the thickest, with his Temples bare.  
So shines a jewel set in purest gold,  
Made to adorn the head, or neck enfold,  
Such lustre ivory doth to box impart;  
Or to Orician brazill wrought by art.  
His snowy neck, his flowing hair receives:  
And purest gold his tresses interweaves.   

Aiming thy shafts, and poisoning darts, the bold,  
Nations did thee, brave Ismarus, behold,  
In Lybia born, where men blow fertile lands,  
And rich Pactolus rowls his golden sands.   

And Mnestheus present was, whose late success,  
When from the walls he Turnus did repress,  
Him honour gave; and Capys of great fame,  
From whom Campania doth derive her name.   

Whilst thus they were engaged in cruel fight;  
Aeneas sails through the dark seas by night.  
As soon as he to th' Etrurian army came,  
He'acquaints the General with his stock and name,  
What aids he needs, and what he hath declares:  
And what great force Mizentius prepares:  
And shows how fury Turnus doth incense,  
In humane greatness what small confidence  
Is to be placed; and humbly help did beg.  
Strait Tarchon forces joins, and makes a League;  
Then freed by fate the Lydyans haste aboard,  
Under the conduct of a foreign Lord.   

Aeneas ship the Admiral, sail before,  
And in her prow two Phrygian Lions bore.  
Ida above which Trojans much old take;  
In this Aeneas did his voyage make,  
And various chance of war did ruminate;  
But on his left hand youthful Pallus sat,  
And learns the stars by which through night they stand  
Their course, his suffering then by sea and land.   

You Muses, now open your sacred spring,  
And raise my notes, that I inspired may sing  
What bands Aeneas brought from Tuscan shore,  
Who man'd his ships which him to th' ocean bore.   

I'th' brazen Tiger Massicus first stands,  
From Clusus he a thousand youth commands;  
Who Cosas left, these darts and javelins throw,  
And bear light quivers with a deadly bow;  
Fierce Abas next, with complete armed bands,  
On's stern in gold shining Apollo stands.  
His mother Populonia did present  
Six hundred expert; and three, Ilva sent.  
The I'll for inexhausted mines preferred.   

Asylas, gods interpreter, was third,  
Whom smoking entrails, and the stars obeyed;  
He tongues of birds, presaging thunder swayed;  
A thousand he did with sharp spears convey,  
Whom Latian Pisa that they should obey  
Gave strict command; and joined in covenant,  
Who in the Ceres dwell, and those who plant  
By Minio's streams, them from old Pyrgians were,  
And from Gravisca of intemperate air.   

Cycnus that bold Lygurian, neither you  
Cupavo I'll orepasse, who led but few:  
A swans bright plume did from his crest advance,  
Of his transformed sire the cognisance.  
Love was your only crime: for, as 'tis said,  
Whilst Cycnus mourning in his sister's shade  
For his dear Phaeton, in the poplar grove,  
And with his sweet Muse comforts his sad love,  
His hoary hair into soft feathers grew,  
Then mounting to the stars he singing flew.  
His son accompanied with equal bands,  
Rows the great Centaur; she through billows stands  
Threatening the waves, tall like a mighty hill,  
And the deep ocean ploughs with her long keel.   

Ornus a band raised from his father's shore,  
Prophetic Manto him to Tiber bore,  
Who gave to Mantua walls, and's mothers name:  
Mantua high-stocked, but not from one race came:  
A triple kind, four tribes in each of them;  
But this the head, and strength o'th' Tusoan stem.   

Hence came five hundred, which Mizentius deeds  
Armed 'gainst himself, whom Mincius crowned with reeds  
Brought down from ancient Benachus, the brine  
They boldly blow in a most warlike pine.   

A hundred oars with bold Auletes come,  
Who sweep the waves, and make the billows foam.  
This mighty Triton bore, frighting the tides  
With his shrill trump, his face and hairy sides  
Above presents a man, a whale the rest,  
And foamy waves resound beneath his breast.  
In thrice ten ships as many Leaders go  
Troy to relieve; and the salt ocean plow.   

Now day had heaven forsaken, and the bright  
Moons black chariot scales Olympus height.  
The Prince, (for no rest grants his troubled mind)  
Sits at the helm, and swells the sails with wind.  
But then, behold! amidst his voyage, bends  
To him a train of Nymphs, his ancient friends;  
Whom blest Cybelle bid to rule the seas,  
And had from ships transformed to goddesses.  
They swum together, and the waves divide;  
As many ships did once at anchor ride:  
They knew their King, and round about him dance.  
Cymodocea, of best utterance,  
Seized with her right his stern, her left hand laves  
(Raising herself from sea) the silent waves,  
And thus she spoke: Sleepest thou, O goddess son?  
Awake, great Prince, and clap more canvas on.  
We are those pines which once crowned sacred Ide,  
Thy Fleet, now changed to Nymphs: when terrified  
With Turnus, threatening sword and fire than we  
Our cables broke, and through the sea sought thee:  
Cybelle pitying us, this form did give,  
Sea-Nymphs to be, and under waves to live.  
Put young Ascanius is beleaguered round  
With arms, and Latins ever warlike found;  
And now th' Arcadian horse join with the bold  
Etrurians, and allotted quarters hold:  
To send a party, 's Turnus main design  
To keep the pass; lest both their forces join.  
Rise, and command thy friends with early dawn,  
To arm themselves, and brace thy target on  
Which Vulcan gave thee, and th'unconquered shield  
Did with pure gold on the large border gild.  
Next day, if thou conceive my words not vain,  
Thou shalt behold huge heaps of Rutils' slain.   

This said, she takes her leave, and as she dives  
Her skilful hand, the lusty vessel drives.  
Swift as a dart through billows flies the ship,  
Or winged shafts that nimble winds outstrip.  
So the whole fleet divide the briny seas,   

This, much amazed great Anchisiades,  
But yet the omen did his spirits raise:  
Then freely viewing heavens mighty convex, prays,   

Mother of gods, thou who in Dyndimus prid'st,  
And towre-crowned cities, and with lion's rid'st:  
O guide me in the fight! Dear goddess, be  
Near with protection, and blessed augury!   

Whilst thus he prayed, Aurora with new light  
Led on the day, and darkness put to flight.  
First he commands that they should all appear,  
Refresh their spirits, and for fight prepare.  
And now his Dardan city he beheld,  
Then from the stern he shows his glittering shield,  
At which a Trojan shout mounts to the stars;  
And hope thus added, more their fury spurs.  
Then thick they javelins cast: Cranes, not so loud  
Extend their voices from a gloomy cloud  
When they with clamour cut the yielding sky,  
And from a threatened tempest sounding fly.   

But the Rutilian King, and all the bold  
Ausonian chiefs with wonder did behold,  
Till they to shore saw the tall Navy stood,  
And winged vessels hid the ample flood.  
His crest now burns, flames from his plumes aspire,  
And Turnus golden helm did shine with fire.   

As in moist night, a blazing Comet streams  
With bloody omens red, and Syrius beams  
Brings to sad mortals sicknesses and thirst,  
And heaven in mourning hangs, with influence cursed.   

But nothing daunts bold Turnus' confidence  
To march to shore, and drive th'adventurers thence;  
And thus, with words did sleeping valour rouse.   

You have obtained what long you sought with vows,  
And now you have it in your power to fight;  
Then let your wives and fortunes you excite!  
Your father's facts and fame to memory call;  
Let's sudden charge, and on them bravely fall,  
Whilst now they landing reel, with staggering feet.  
Fortune assists the bold.  
This said, he casts what forces out to lead,  
And whom to trust with walls beleaguered.  
Me while Aeneas laders for his men  
Placed from the lofty ships: but many than  
Observed when waves retreated from the shores,  
Then leap to land; but others trust their oars.  
Tarchon supposing he a coast had found  
Where was no shoal, nor broke waves did resound,  
But a calm water with a swelling tide.  
Thither he turns, and to his men thus cried.   

Now lusty youth, now to your tackling stand;  
Drive in the ship, and strike that enemy land;  
And let the keel in its own furrow sit;  
To gain that landing, I'll my vessel split.   

This said, at once all stoutly ply their oars,  
And brought their foaming ships to Latin shores,  
Until their fleet safe on dry ground did stand,  
And without harm the whole navy came to land.  
But thy ship Tarchon did not save herself,  
For whilst it hung upon a spiteful shelf,  
Beaten with billows, it was bilged at last,  
And all her Soldiers in the Ocean cast;  
Whilst Planks and broken oars did hinder them,  
And drew their sliding feet back with the stream.   

Nor Turnus used delay, but all his bands  
'Gainst Trojans draws, and on the shore he stands,  
They sound a charge; and first Aeneas sets  
On rustic bands, and a good sign, defeats  
A Latin squadron, and bold Thero slew,  
Who at Aeneas desperately flew;  
Quite through his golden mail, and brazen targe,  
His sword in's bosom found a passage large.  
Then Lycus ripped from's mother's belly killed,  
Sacred to thee O Phoebus, though a child,  
He steel escaped: not far from thence orethrows  
Stern Cysseus and huge Gyas, dealing blows  
With knotty clubs; nor could Alcides arms  
Nor mighty size, nor could in those alarms  
Their father help, who Hercules did aid  
In all th'adventures which on earth he made.  
Behold! whilst Pharon vainly boasts, he cast  
A spear, which in's clamouring mouth stuck fast:  
And nexed unhappy Cydon, whilst he seeks  
His new love Clytius, fair with downy cheeks  
Aeneas slew, and of that love now freed  
Youth to him made; thou hadst lamented died,  
But that thy brothers up against him drew,  
Seven, Phorcus offspring, who seven javelins threw:  
Some harmless, on his shield and helm resound,  
Some Venus broke, not suffering to wound.   

Then did Aeneas true Achates call,  
And said, bring me those darts (nor this hand shall  
Spend one against the Rutilie in vain)  
Drawn from Greek bodies on the Dardan plain.  
This said, he snatched a javelin strong and large,  
Which well aimed, pierced through Meons brazen targe,  
And through his breast and breastplate passage made.  
Alcanor his bold brother giving aid,  
Bringing his dying brother of, by chance,  
Through th'arm sustained him flies the winged lance,  
And sticking in the wound with blood was died:  
His hand, with slack nerves hanging by his side.   

From's brother's body Numitor, a lance  
Having pulled forth, t' Aeneas did advance;  
But him it must not wound, the spear passed by,  
And fixed itself in great Achates thigh.  
Here youthful Lausus up a squadron brings,  
And a rough javelin at bold Driophes flings;  
Under his chin, in's throat fast stuck the lance;  
Bereaving him of speech and life at once.  
Down on his face he tumbles on the earth;  
And a deep sea of purple vomits forth.   

Three Thracians next, of Boreas high descent,  
And three of Ida's sons, from Ismar sent  
By several ways he slew: Hales brings on  
Aruncian bands; next charge great Neptune's son  
Well horsed Messapus: these get ground, now they,  
They fought in th'entrance of Ausonia:  
At warring tempests meet, in th'ample skies,  
With equal strength, and equal courages;  
Nor winds, nor clouds, nor seas give place; in doubt  
The battle stands, resolved to fight it out.  
So came the Trojans and the Latins on,  
Set foot to foot and close up man to man.   

But on the other side, where streams had born  
Down rolling stones, and shrubs from banks had torn,  
Pallas beheld, th' Arcadian horse unskiled  
To fight with foot, to shrink, and leave the field,  
Whom disadvantage of the ground compels  
To quit their horse, having no succour else  
In that extreme; these he entreats and prays,  
And now with sharp words did their courage raise.   

Where do you fly? by th'acts which you have done,  
By great Evanders' name, and victories won,  
And my adventures for my countries' praise:  
Trust not to flight, but charge the enemies;  
And where they thickest stand, there venture through;  
Your Prince, your Country, this requires of you.  
No Gods oppose, mortal 'gainst mortal stands,  
You have more courage; and as many hands;  
Before the Ocean's waves opposed be,  
No land is left, are you for Troy by sea?   

This said, he charged amongst the thickest foes,  
Whom Lagus by stern fates did first oppose;  
Who whilst he lifts at him a mighty stone,  
Was with his spear run through the shoulder bone;  
Then back again he drew the fastened lance,  
Whom Hisbon could not, though he did advance,  
Relieve: for Pallas whilst he rushed betwixt  
Him in his rage, with the same javelin fixed,  
And gave him his companions cruel death;  
For he his sword in's swelling lungs did sheathe,  
Next Sthelenus and Anchemelus he killed,  
Who boldly his stepmother's bed defiled.  
Then Thymber and Larides were o'erthrown  
In Rutile fields, these twins, so like, that none  
Though well acquainted, could a difference make;  
Whose Parents oft rejoiced at the mistake.  
But Pallas now a sad distinction made,  
Lordship's Thymbers head off with th' Evandrian blade,  
And thy right hand for thee (Larides) felt;  
The halfdead fingers trembling, sought the hilt;   

Moved with this speech and valour of the man,  
Vexed and ashamed, on the Arcadians ran,  
And here the valiant Pallas Rhetus slew,  
As in his chariot passing by he flew;  
(This only stay there was of Ilus chance,  
For he at Ilus aimed his mighty lance.)  
And Rhetus hits, as cowardly he shuns  
Bold Teuthrus thee, and from thy brother runs  
With his death's wound he from his chariot reels,  
And beats Rutilian Plains with dying heels;   

As when a swain in woods makes many fires,  
When gales in spring, blow fresh, to his desires:  
Strait the main body's seized; all meet again,  
And Vulcan's bands triumphing spread the Plain;  
Whilst victor he the conquering flames survaid:  
So Pallas friends conjoined to bring him aid.   

But stout Halesus bends 'gainst all alarms,  
And puts himself in posture with his arms.  
Demodocus, Ladon, Pharetes did dispatch,  
Lops Strymons hands, which at his throat did catch:  
Then with a stone o'th' head takes Thoas full,  
And beats into his brains his battered scull.   

Halesus was in woods by's father hid,  
Foreseeing fate: but when the old man died,  
Him destiny with cruel hands did seize,  
And by th' Evandrian sword did sacrifice,  
Whom Pallas charged, thus having made his prayer.   

O father Tiber! grant, this brandished spear  
May through Halesus bosom make its way!  
And to thy oak his arms and spoils I'll pay.  
The god inclined; whilst he did Imaon save,  
His open breast t' Arcadian lance he gave.  
But Lausus powerful in the war, kept all  
His men undaunted, at this Captains fall.  
First Abas slew, who first maintained the fight,  
Th' Arcadians and Etrurians put to flight,  
And you O! Trojans, scaped the Grecian bands.  
They charge with equal Chiefs, and like commands;  
Double their fronts, so thick the iron grove  
They could not use their arms, nor weapons move.  
Here Pallas charges: Lausus did engage  
Another party there; nor of their age  
Much difference was, and both most gallant men:  
But fortune had denied they should again  
Their native country see; for whom commands  
Olympus starry palaces, withstands  
That they should meet, in single fight oppose;  
On them their fates attend by greater foes.   

Mean while his sister Turnus did advise  
Lausus to help: he through the battle flies  
On winged wheels; and there where he espied  
His men engaged, he spoke; Stand all aside,  
And let me only now with Pallas join,  
The honour of his death must needs be mine:  
I would his father were spectator here!  
This said, the field at his command they clear.  
But Pallas, when the Rutils had retired,  
Then Turnus proud commands the youth admired;  
And viewing his huge body, was amazed:  
Yet with a cruel eye upon him gazed;  
And saying thus, against the Tyrant came:   

I shall obtain his spoils and mighty fame,  
Or noble death; each will my father please.  
Then briefly said, Forbear such threats as these.  
And with the word, drew to the open plains.  
Cold fear th' Arcadians blood drives from their veins.  
Turnus from's chariot lights, on foot to fight:  
And as a Lion comes who from a height  
Hath seen a Bull, for battle to prepare;  
So in his march the King himself did bear.   

When Pallas saw he could him with his sance  
Reach, as he pleased; then first he did advance,  
If fortune pleased, would him, though weaker, aid:  
Then thus to Hercules in high heaven he prayed.   

Oh, by my father's hospitable board,  
Which thou a stranger honour'dst once; afford  
Assistance now to this great enterprise!  
Let Turnus me behold with dying eyes,  
Breathing his last, a Conqueror to seize  
His bloody arms! This heard great Hercules;  
And pouring vain tears forth, he gave a groan,  
Then Jove with comfort thus bespoke his son,  
Each hath his fate; Short and irreparable time  
Man's life enjoys: But by brave deeds to climb  
To honour's height, this they by valour gain.  
How many sons of Gods at Troy were slain?  
Sarpedon there, my progeny, did fall;  
And Turnus fates for him already call,  
And he to his appointed date must yield.  
This said, his eye turns from th' Ausonian field.   

But Pallas with huge strength his javelin threw,  
And's glittering sword strait from his scabbard drew;  
It through aethereal orbs resounding flies,  
Where the high cover of his shoulder lies;  
Then through the skirts of's shield a passage found,  
And gave to mighty Turnus a small wound.   

Here Turnus having poised a spear of oak,  
Pointed with steel, aiming at Pallas, spoke:  
See if our javelin will not better pass.  
This said, his shield plated with steel and brass,  
So thick with bull-hides lined, trembling, it pressed;  
And through his corslet pierced his ample breast.  
He from the wound in vain the warm spear drew,  
Whilst the same way, blood and his soul, pursue.  
Falling on's wound, his arms above resound,  
And dying, bites with bloody mouth the ground.  
Then Turnus standing over,  
Arcadians, tell Evander these he said;  
I Pallas send such as he merited:  
Whate'er the honour is of obsequy  
And joy at funerals, shall my bounty be;  
Aeneas entertainment shall be paid  
Back with no small reward. Thus having said,  
And treading with his left foot on the dead,  
He seized his belt richly embroidered,  
Wrought with a crime; in one nights nuptials slain  
So many youths, blood, bridal chambers slain.  
And with pure gold skilful Eurytion wrought,  
Which spoils now Turnus boasts proud to have got;  
Men not foreseeing chanee, and future fates,  
And to observe a mean in prosperous States.  
The time shall come, when Turnus will in vain  
Wish, with a Kingdom's price, Pallas unslain,  
And with those spoils he shall abhor the day.  
With groans and tears his servants Pallas lay  
Upon a shield, and round about him mourn,  
Great grief and glory to thy sire return,  
This thy first day in war, and this thy last,  
But yet thou heaps of slain Rutilians sawst.   

Not of so great misfortune only fame,  
But certain tidings to Aeneas came;  
Which told his army in great danger stands,  
And now or never aid his shrinking bands.  
Whoere he meets, he levels with his sword,  
And steel to him a passage did afford.  
Seeking thee Turnus with new slaughter proud:  
Pallas, Evander, favours they allowed  
To him a Stranger, and those aids he brought  
Present themselves, to his revengeful thought.  
Four gallant youths, which were at Sulmon bred,  
As many which cold Vfens nonrished,  
Living he took: for shades an offering dire,  
Whose captive blood should due the funeral fire.   

At Mago then a dreadful spear he threw,  
Who stooping, o'er him, the swift javelin flew;  
He suppliant then, grasping his knees, begun.  
By thy sire's Manes, and thy hopeful son,  
This life, both for a son and father save.  
I have a Palace, where I talents have  
Of hoarded silver, and huge sums of gold,  
Coined and uncoined. This victory can't withhold.  
Nor one man's life so great a difference make.  
This said: Then thus to him Aeneas spoke.  
The gold and silver which thou mentionest, spare  
To help thy children; Turnus in this War  
Hath barred all quarter since he Pallas slew,  
This to my father, and my son is due.  
Then, whilst he mercy craves, he seized his crest  
And ran to th'hilts his sword within his breast.   

Hard by was Phoebus pressed, Aemonius son  
With all his robes, Surplice and mitre on,  
Known by his glorious arms, and glittering shield,  
Him first he charged, and drives through all the field.  
Then of him fallen a sacrifice he made,  
And standing over, hides with his mighty shade.  
Serestus takes his curious arms to be  
A lasting trophy, father Mars to thee.   

Ceculus, Vulcan's son, and Vmbro, who  
Came from th' Martian fields, the fight renew,  
Whom the Prince meets: as Anxure did advance,  
He lops off both his shield and arm at once.  
For he devin'd t'himself some great success,  
And vain Enthusiasms, believed no less;  
With his fantastic spirit he mounts the stars,  
Promising t'himself long life and hoary hairs.   

Well armed Tarquitus then came boldly on,  
Whom the nymph Dryope bore, old Faunus' son,  
Towards him Aeneas raging did advance,  
And through his shield and corslet drives his lance.  
Whilst he did many ways beg life in vain,  
And used persuasions quarter to obtain,  
Cuts off his head the warm trunk down did roll;  
Then standing o'er him, from a bitter soul  
Thus much he said. Thou so much feared lie there,  
Nor shall thy woeful mother thee inter:  
Or in thy father's tomb thy body lay;  
Thou shalt be left for birds and beasts a prey,  
Or waves shall roll thee in the ocean drowned,  
And greedy fish shall lick thy bleeding wound.   

Anthaeus and Lycus next he followed,  
Who the prime squadrons of bold Turnus led.  
Stout Numa did, and bright-haired Camers chase,  
Sprung from great Volscens, who the richest was  
Of Italy, and ruled Amyclean lands.  
As bold Aegean with a hundred hands  
Did belch from fifty mouths devouring flame,  
When armed against Jove's thunderbolts he came;  
As many swords did shake, and sounding shields.  
So raged Aeneas' conquering through the fields:  
His sword now warm, behold he next proceeds  
Dreadful against Nyphaeus chariot steeds;  
But they far off, as him they saw draw near,  
Raging extremely, turn, being struck with fear,  
And rushing back, their Captain overthrew,  
And to the shore they with the chariot flew.  
But mean while Lucagus with white horse rides,  
In th'open plain his brother Lyger guides  
The winged chariot, and the reins commands,  
His drawn sword Leucagus brandished in his hands,  
Nor them Aeneas suffers to advance,  
But 'gainst them boldly he presents his lance.  
To whom then Lyger said,  
These are not Diomedes horse, nor dost thou see  
Achilles' chariot, nor Greek enemy:  
Now, in this field thou life and war shalt end.  
Thus vapouring Lyger did with words contend.  
But the bold Trojan studied not reply,  
He throws his javelin at the enemy:  
When Leucagus bending, having cast his spear,  
His left foot out, did for the fight prepare.  
Under his shield Aeneas javelin found  
Way to his left thigh with a mighty wound:  
He from his chariot tumbles down half dead,  
When in stern language thus Aeneas said:   

Sir, your slow horse have not your chariot lost,  
Nor were they frighted from the enemy's host;  
But you yourself your chariot have forsaken,  
And straight he seized the horses, as he spoke.  
His brother then disarmed, himself submits,  
And craving quarter, he his office quits.  
Now for thyself and thy great parents sake,  
Brave Prince, O spare my life, and pity take!  
Aeneas said, You were more malapert:  
Die; for thy brother thou shalt not desert.  
Then he the closet of his soul displayed  
With his bright sword. The Dardan Hero made  
Such slaughters then, and like a whirlwind raves,  
Or some huge deluge with o'erwhelming waves.  
Ascanius and his bands besieged in vain,  
Break through their ports, and sally to the plain.   

Mean while to Juno thus bespoke great Jove:  
My dearest sister, and my most dear Love;  
As thou believst, (nor doth thy judgement err)  
Venus upholds the Trojans in this war;  
And not great strength, and lively courages.   

To whom then Juno modestly replies:  
Great Sir, why do you thus disquiet me  
Oppressed with woe, fearing thy sad decree?  
Had I that power by love, which once was mine,  
And should be still; at least thou wouldst incline  
That I in safety from the fight should bring  
Turnus to's fathers court. But now, great King,  
Let him be slain, and if thou think it good,  
Let cruel Trojans shed his royal blood,  
Though he from us derive his stock and name,  
Who from Pilumnus the fourth of spring came,  
And oft thy altars heaped with sacrifice.   

To whom Olympus mighty King replies:  
If thou delays from speedy death wouldst have,  
And for a time the hapless young man save;  
And if thou thinkest it lies within my power,  
Turnus by flight save from the fatal hour.  
This I may grant: but if in your request  
Concealed you drive a further interest,  
So the whole fortune of the war again  
To bring about; thou foster'st hope in vain.   

Then Juno weeping, said: You may connive  
At what you dare not grant; and he may live.  
But now his woeful destiny draws near,  
Or else I am transported with vain fear:  
Oh that false terror still would me delude!  
And thou, who mayst, wouldst better things conclude.   

Thus having said, from lofty heaven she flies,  
Girded with clouds, winds driving through the skies;  
And to th' Ausonian camp and Trojans made.  
Then she an airy cloud, a hoslow shade  
Formed like Aeneas, which (most strange) she dressed  
In Dardan arms, and shield; a flowing crest  
Puts on his honoured head; then made it talk,  
Speak without lungs, and like Aeneas walk.  
Such shapes they say, that dead men's spirits have,  
Or those in dreams our drowsy sense deceive.   

But the insulting shadow takes the Van,  
Calling aloud, and challenged out the man.  
Turnus advanced, and's sounding javelin threw;  
The Shade retreats, and suddenly withdrew.  
As soon as Turnus did himself persuade  
Aeneas fled, swollen with vain hope, he said:  
What, fliest thou Trojan, and thy bride dost leave?  
The land thou soughtest by sea, this hand shall give.  
Thus brandishing his sword, he eased his mind;  
Nor thought his hope did fleet before the wind.   

Behind a rock, by chance, in a calm bay  
With ready ladders a tall vessel lay,  
Which king Osinius brought to Clusine shore;  
Hither itself the fleeting shadow bore,  
And takes the hold; nor slower were Turnus steps,  
All stay he conquers, o'er high bridges leaps.  
No sooner shipped. Juno the cable cuts,  
And to the sea the floating vessel puts.   

But through the fight mean while Aeneas goes  
Turnus to find and many overthrows.  
Nor longer the fantastic shadow lies  
Hid under deck, but vanishing, it flies  
Up to the stars, and with dark clouds conjoined:  
Whilst Turnus drives to sea before the wind,  
And both his hands did to high heaven advance,  
For safety thankless, ignorant of the chance:  
O Jove, he said, deserve I this from thee?  
And is't thy will thus, thus to punish me?  
Ah whether must I go? from whence came I?  
Where shall I land? or whither do I fly?  
Shall I Laurentian towers behold again?  
View my own camp, where all those gallant men  
Which did my fortune and my arms attend,  
Ah, I have left, to meet a woeful end!  
I hear their dying groans; now now I view  
My routed army fly: what shall I do!  
Oh that the earth would gape and swallow me:  
Or rather gentle winds, more favouring be,  
(For your assistance Turnus now invokes)  
Ah drive this vessel on obdurate rocks;  
Split on the sands where friends shall never see  
My corpse, nor blasted fame shall follow me.   

This said, his mind on no resolve could place;  
Whether he should for this so vile disgrace  
Upon himself a punishment afford.  
And desperate in his bowels sheathe his sword;  
Or leap into the sea, and swim to shore,  
And 'gainst the Trojans arm himself once more.  
Thrice he attempted both; great Juno thrice  
His rashness stayed with soberer advice.  
The ship cuts billows, and with favouring tides  
To the old city of his father glides.   

Jove did mean while Mizentius soul enlarge,  
That with fresh power the conquerors he should charge.  
'Gainst whom the Tyrrhens join; all 'gainst one man  
With deadly hate and cruel weapons ran.  
He as a rock amongst vast billows stood,  
Scorning loud winds, and raging of the flood;  
And fixed remaining, all the force defies  
Mustered from threatening seas, and thundering skies.  
Hebrus, Dolicaons' son, he overthrew,  
Latagus with him, and Palmus as he flew;  
But with a stone, no small part of a hill,  
Dashing in s face, he Latagus did kill.  
Palmus comes over maimed with his wounded knee,  
And gave his arms, bold Lausus, unto thee.  
Next Thrygian Eauns, Mimas was o'erthrown,  
Of Paris age, and his companion,  
Whom, the same night the Queen gave Paris birth,  
Pregnant with fire, Theano did bring forth  
To old Amycus: he at home was slain,  
But Mimas fell in the Laurentian Plain.   

He as a hunted bore from mountains bends,  
Whom, long, pine bearing Vesulus defends,  
And many years Laurentian marshes bred,  
Where he with mast and bul-rushes was fed,  
After he finds himself amidst their nets,  
He stands, and foaming, up his bristles sets,  
Against his rage the boldest dare not go,  
But with safe shouts at distance javelins throw.  
So stood Mizentius 'gainst his Subject's rage,  
Yet none so hardy durst their King engage;  
Put out of reach at him they cast their spears  
With mighty shouts; he not the proudest fears,  
But angry rangeth through the spacious field,  
Bearing a grove of javelins on his shield.   

Acron a Greek, but in Corytus bred,  
Drawn to this war, left his new-marriage bed:  
Him when he saw amongst the squadrons, dressed  
In wedding garments, and a purple vest;  
As a starved lion who doth oft invade  
Some lofty stall, (for hunger will persuade)  
If he a nimble goat espy by chance,  
Or else a dear a tall crest to advance,  
Gaping he raves, and bristles up his main,  
And growling lies devouring of the slain?  
Then baths his mouth with blood.   

So fierce Mizentius raged 'mongst thickest foes,  
And most unhappy Acron overthrows.  
Breathing his last, beating the earth, he lies,  
And the strong javelin with his blood he dies.   

Yet scorns Orodes flying to o'erthrow,  
And through his back to give the deadly blow;  
But runs and meets him; he by prowess can  
More than by art, and charges man to man;  
Then on him down setting his foot and spear,  
Said great Orodes, once so feared, lies here:  
His Soldiers raise a shout. But dying, he  
Who e'er thou art, said, I revenged shall be;  
Nor shalt thou long triumph, thy fate draws nigh,  
And thou with me, in the same field shalt lie.  
With a grim smile Mizentius then replies,  
Thou first shalt die: who rules both earth and skies,  
Let him dispose of me. Thus saying, he than  
His javelin draws from the dead corpse again:  
A hard and iron rest sealed up his sight,  
And closed his eye in everlasting night.   

Caedicus, Alcathous; and Sacrator slew  
Hydaspes; Rapo, Parthens overthrew,  
And valiant Orses; but Messapus sped  
Clonius and Ericates he left dead;  
This tangled in the trappings of his steed;  
On foot makes th'other sure: next did proceed  
Lycius 'gainst him who Valerus did kill,  
Though he was cunning at his Grandsire's skill.  
Salius, Autronius; Neacles, Salius slew,  
Who used the dart, and well a long bow drew.  
Now bloody Mars enraged on both sides falls,  
Matching their grief with equal funerals;  
Victors and those are worsted, both come on,  
And both retreat: flight is to neither known.  
The Gods in loves High court pity their rage,  
That thus poor mortals should themselves engage.  
Here Venus sits, there cruel juno stands,  
And pale Tisiphone raves amidst the bands.   

But here Mizentius a huge javeline shakes,  
And to the field highly incensed makes.  
So tall Oryon through the swelling tides  
Marcheth on foot, the waves scarce reach his sides;  
Or when he stalks more proudly on dry land,  
Bringing from hills an old ash in his hand;  
Whilst his proud head amongst the clouds he hides:  
So in his mighty arms Mizentius prides.   

Aeneas having spied him through the bands,  
Marches against him: He undaunted stands,  
Waiting th'approach of his magnanimous foe;  
And having took the measure of his throw:  
This hand which is my God, and this my spear  
Which now I poise, grant your assistance here.  
That cruel Pirate's spoils and arms I now  
For thee a trophy, dearest Lausus vow.  
This said, at him he cast his sounding lance.  
But the swift spear did from his target glance,  
And far from thence through noble author run;  
This was great Hercules' companion,  
Who sent from Argos with Evander stayed,  
And his abode now in Ausonia made.  
Thus hurt he falls, and hapless views the skies,  
Remembering his dear Argos as he dies.   

His javelin then valiant Aeneas threw,  
Which through his brazen quilted target flew,  
Where three bull-hides tanned did their force conjoin,  
And fast it stuck, in bold Mizentius groin.  
Whose strength now fails: soon as Aeneas saw  
The Tyrrhens blood, strait he his sword did draw,  
And whilst he was astonish d, rusheth on,   

This Lausus viewing, fetched a heavy groan  
For his dear father, and salt tears he sheds:  
Here thy sad death, and most renowned deeds,  
If ancient stories have related truth,  
I shall not silence, O most noble youth.  
Mizentius hurt, began some ground to yield,  
Drawing the hostil weapon from his shield;  
Lausus steps in and brought his father aid,  
And took the blow which fierce Aeneas made  
On his own shield; receives him with delays;  
At which a shout his glad companions raise:  
Whilst the hurt father from the fight withdrew,  
Defended by his son, javelins they threw,  
And 'gainst the foe their lances thick discharge:  
Aeneas raged protected with his targe.   

As when a shower descends of hail and rain,  
Strait all the husbandmen forsake the Plain;  
Under dry roofs himself the traveller saves,  
Or shelters under banks, or rocky caves,  
Until the storm is o'er: that when the Sun  
Returns, he may perfect the work begun.   

So was Aeneas overwhelmed with darts,  
Bearing the tempest thundering from all parts:  
And Lausus he rebukes; now menaceth  
The bold youth thus; why hastenst thou thy death?  
And dost so much above thy strength assay?  
Thy Piety, fond youth, doth thee betray.  
But he no less rashly himself engaged;  
At which the Dardan Prince extremely raged;  
And now ●is thread of life the fates had span;  
In him to th'hilts his sword Aeneas ran,  
And through the threatners' shield, and arms it passed,  
And coat, his mother with pure gold had graced:  
I lood drowned his breast, his soul her Progress makes  
Down to pale shades, and the cold corpse forsakes.  
But when his face great Anehisiades,  
And cheeks now wonderfully pale espies,  
He stretched his hand, than sighed with grief oppressed,  
And now his father's love affects his breast,  
Saying poor youth, what fame for thee is due?  
What worthy gift shall I bestow on you?  
Take thy loved arms (if those thou dost regard)  
And with thy Royal Parents be interred,  
This comfort have in thy sad funeral,  
That thou by great Aeneas hand didst fall.  
Then checks his lingering friends, himself before  
Raising him up, his hair defiled with gore.   

Mean while his father at the crystal streams  
Of Tiber cleansed his wound, and eased his limbs  
Against a tree, on which his helm he hung,  
And on the grass his ponderous armour fling;  
A choice guard round: panting, his neck did rest,  
Which bowing, with his beard covered his breast;  
Then asks for Lausus, and oft sends to find,  
And call him off, since 'twas his father's mind.  
But the dead youth, his friends in sorrow drowned  
Boar on a shield, slain by a mighty wound;  
Far off the cry his soul presaging knew,  
Then on his silver hair roll dust he threw,  
And both his hands at once to heaven he heaves,  
Then thus complaining to the body cleaves.   

Dear son, was life to me so sweet that thou  
Whom: begot, for me shouldst suffer now,  
Must I thy father draw this vital breath,  
Saved by thy wounds, and live by thy sad death?  
O let me now to woeful exile go,  
Since I behold this wound, this fatal blow.  
Oh son, my acts have blasted thy renown,  
Expulsed by malice from my throne and crown;  
'Twas I should suffer in this hateful strife,  
And many deaths pay for this wicked life;  
Yet still I live, view heaven, converse with man;  
But I'll forsake them all. Then he began,  
Thus saying, to raise his feeble thigh from ground,  
And though it failed him with so great a wound,  
Undaunted he, commands his horse provide.  
This was his comfort, this his only pride,  
On this through all his fights did Conqueror go,  
To whom he spoke, declaring thus his woe;   

Of long life (Phoebus) we have had the proof,  
(If any time to mortals were enough,)  
Either we must Aeneas head this day,  
And bloody spoils in triumph bear away,  
Revenging Lausus: or if fates deny  
Assistance, we will both together die.  
For sure most valiant Steed thou'lt not admit  
A Trojan rider, nor a stranger's bit.   

Thus having spoke, up sad Mizentius gets,  
And soon himself in comely manner seats;  
Then both his hands did with sharp javelins load;  
On his bright helm whole mains of horses fload.  
And strait he marches up; whilst mighty shame,  
Grief and distraction, did his soul inflame,  
Love provokes rage; and loss of honour, all.  
Then thrice aloud, did for Aeneas call.  
The Trojan knew the voice, and thus he prayed,  
So may great Jove and Phoebus now persuade  
That thou begin the fight.   

And praying, with a dreadful spear marched on.  
But he, why hast thou robbed me of my son  
Most cruel man, and terrifiest me thus?  
Since no way else thou hadst to ruin us:  
Nor fear we death, nor any God regard.  
Leave of thy prayers, to die I come prepared;  
But first these legacies I'll on thee bestow.  
This said, he cast a javelin at the foe,  
Another after, than another flings;  
And swiftly wheels about in mighty rings.  
Aeneas shield receives them; thrice he goes  
About him standing, and sharp lances throws.  
Three times the Trojan turning where he stood,  
Bore on his brazen shield a mighty wood.  
Vexed with delay, and plucking from his targe  
So many spears, and with the dangerous charge,  
Plotting all means, at last he did advance,  
And through his horse's head he sent his lance;  
Who rising then, beats with his feet the skies,  
And tumbling backward, on his rider lies  
Oppressing much his arm extended out.  
Trojans and Latins send to heaven a shout.  
In, leaps Aeneas, and his bright sword drew,  
And thus he said; Where's proud Mizentius now,  
And that fierce courage made him once so bold?   

But he, as soon as heaven he did behold,  
And coming to himself recovered breath;  
Why triumphest thou, proud foe, and threatenst death?  
May I not die? Therefore I fought with thee,  
Nor made my son such articles for me.  
One thing (if vanquished foes gain suits) I crave  
A burial: I know my people have  
Me in disdain; their fury, oh prevent,  
And grant my son and me one monument.   

This said, his throat receive th'expected blow,  
And on his arms his soul in blood did flow.    

THE ELEVENTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Mizentius trophy. Pallas funerals.  
Cessation made. The King a council calls.  
Diomed's answer Venulus relates.  
Drances, and Turnus, loud in hot debates.  
Aeneas gives the City an alarm.  
The King his Council leaves, and Latins arm.  
Camilla's story. Troops of horse maintain  
A doubtful fight: the bold Virago slain.  
The Trojans, flying Rutilie pursue.  
Turnus' informed strait from his ambush drew.  
Aeneas takes the passage, than marched down  
To th' open plain, and lies before the town.  

MEan while Aurora from the sea ascends,  
Aeneas (although care t'interre his friends  
The time required, much for their death dismayed)  
Early his vows to heaven a conqueror paid.  
A mighty oak, deprived of bows, he plac d  
Upon a hill, and with bright armour grac d;  
The spoils of King Mizentius to be  
A trophy, mighty God of war, to thee.  
His plumes bedewed with blood, and broken lance,  
And breast plate twelve times pierced he did advance.  
Then to his friends triumphing, (for a guard  
They made about him) he himself declared.   

Most valiant Trojans, the great work is done;  
What now remains, but that all fear we shun?  
The proud King's spoils, here, our first offering, stands;  
Mizentius now serves under our commands.  
Next for Latinus walls let us prepare,  
And boldly arm, nor doubt the chance of war.  
Lest for their stay, any plead ignorance;  
When first the Gods shall please, we will advance  
Our standard, and our army forth shall lead.  
Nor for base fear let none excuses plead.  
Mean while let's bear our friends unto the grave;  
The only honour which the dead can have.  
Go, those brave souls with solemn rites attend,  
Whose blood for us hath purchased this land:  
Put first on Pallas mournful obsequies wait,  
And bear him to his father's woeful seat:  
Whom from sweet life a cruel death did call  
(Wanting no valour) to sad funeral.  
Weeping he said, and to the hearse he bends,   

Where old Acetes Pallas corpse attends;  
Who when Evanders squire, much honour won,  
But not so happy waiting on his son.  
Round him his servants, and the Trojans were,  
And Ilian dames, sad with dishevelled hair.  
But when Aeneas entered, a huge cry,  
Beating their breasts, they raise unto the sky,  
And the whole court with loud complaining filled.  
Soon as he had dear Pallas corpse beheld,  
And the wide wound upon his lovely breast,  
With many tears, his grief he thus expressed.   

Brave youth, when better fortune came, did she  
For very spite, deprive us strait of thee:  
Lest thou shouldst see our conquest, and return  
Unto thy father's Court in triumph born.  
I to Evander no such promise made  
At my departure when with mighty aid  
He me dismissed; and fearful, did foresh ewe  
We should encounter with a dangerous foe.  
But now perhaps glad hope his mind doth raise,  
And vows he makes with frequent sacrifice,  
Whilst to the dead, who's not indebted now  
To any God, vain honour we allow.  
These are the promised triumphs thou shalt see  
Performed by us, thy sons sad obsequy.  
Thus I discharge my trust But no base wound  
Shall by Evander on his corpse be found,  
Nor shall he wish his life at honour's cost.  
What strength hath Latium and Ascanius lost?  
This said, to raise the sad corpse he commands,  
And sends a thousand chosen from the bands,  
Who should attend his last solemnity,  
And with Evanders' tears their sorrow Vie,  
And to a mourning father comfort be,  
Though small, yet grateful in great misery.  
Some busy, joining verdant Arbuts were;  
And deck with oaken leaves the stately Bier:  
Then the sad hearse, with boughs and branches shade,  
Where, on green rushes the brave youth they laid.   

Such the pace Daffodil or Violet  
Plucked by a Virgin's hand: whose beauty yet  
And form remains; though from the stalk now rend  
Their mother earth affords no nourishment.   

The Prince, two robes of gold and purple brought,  
Which with her own hand beauteous Dido wrought,  
And to Aeneas did present of old,  
And mixed the curious web with purest gold.  
Which for a hearse-cloth on the corpse he laid,  
Then with a vail his comely hair did shade,  
And with Laurentian spoils did him adorn,  
Bids what he won, in order to be born,  
And horse and arms were taken from the foe;  
Then those to shades a sacrifice must go,  
Quenching the cruel flame with lukewarm blood,  
Their hands behind them bound, prepared stood.  
Next bids prime Captains hostile arms to bear,  
And names of slaughtered foes upon their spear.   

They old Acetes led, with grief oppressed,  
Tearing his hair, beating his woeful breast;  
Who falling down on th'earth extended lay:  
They chariots stained with Rutile gore convey.  
Ethon his horse in mourning next took place,  
And weeping with great tears blubbered his face.  
This bore his lance, and that his shining crest,  
For Turnus being Couquerour, spoiled the rest.  
The Trojans follow, and the Tyrrhen Peers,  
And sad Arcadians trailing of their spears.  
Next all the mourners marched in order on;  
Then spoke Aeneas with a heavy groan;   

Now we must others mourn in battle fell,  
Dear Pallas now eternally farewel,  
For evermore adieu. Nor more he said,  
But to the walls of the high City made.   

When from Latinus some were sent to treat,  
With olive veiled, a breathing space to get,  
That he would please, the bodies of the slain,  
Which now in heaps lay scattered on the plain,  
They might inter: for with the vanquished  
Should not contention be, nor with the dead;  
And those once styled his friends, he now would spare.   

Their suits, which not to be rejected were,  
Aeneas grants, and did their fears assuage.   

Sirs, what strange fortune forced you to engage  
In such a war, and us your friends to shun?  
Seek you a peace for those in fight o'erthrown?  
I'd rather grant it unto them remain.  
Nor had I come, but that the fates ordain  
These seats for me, nor had with you made war.  
Your King left us, for Turnus did declare.  
IT were fit, Turnus should in single fight  
Tried out himself; if he would put to flight  
The Trojan bands, and give the war an end,  
Let him with me then hand to hand contend;  
And let whom God, and's right hand favour, live.  
Go, and your hapless friends due funerals give,  
Aeneas said; whilst they stood all amazed,  
And with deep silence on each other gazed.  
Old Drances then, who bore eternal spleen  
'Gainst valiant Turnus did at last begin.   

O Trojan, great by fame, greater by wars,  
How shall I match thy honour with the stars?  
Shall I thy power, or justice first admire?  
Humbly our King shall know of thy desire:  
If fortune aid us, we shall him persuade  
To peace: let who so will then Turnus' aid.  
To build your promised city we shall joy,  
And bear upon our backs the stones of Troy.   

All with one voice approve the words he said,  
And a cessation for twelve days is made.  
Trojans and Lutines wander here and there  
Through woods and mountains, and no danger fear.  
Now mighty Ashes with the axe resound,  
And Pines that kissed the stars, tumble to ground;  
Whole Okes they cleave, sweet Cedar is o'erthrown,  
And with wild Ash huge cars continual groan.   

And now swift fame this sad disaster tells;  
Evanders court the doleful rumour fills,  
Which said but now, Pallas the victory won.  
Swift to the gates amazed Arcadians run,  
And as the ancient custom torches bear:  
With a long train of light the ways appear,  
And all the field with funeral tapers shine.  
Whilst to these mourners the sad Trojans join;  
Whom, when the matrons did behold draw nigh,  
They through the City raised a woeful cry;  
When no persuasions could Evander stay,  
But in he comes, and falling down, he lay  
Fixed on the hearse, weeping and groaning there,  
And long, ere thus his grief he could declare.   

Dear Pallas, thoust not kept thy word with me,  
That thou in fight wouldst not so venturous be.  
I knew how much new glory would inflame,  
And in first service the desire of fame.  
Woeful first fruits! too hard such rudiments are  
In thy first lesson, which thou learnest in war.  
No God did hear my prayer, nor mind my vow;  
And thou blessed wife, in death most happy now,  
That didst not live to see this sight; whilst I  
Now do survive my own sad destiny,  
And a most wretched father must remain.  
I should have died, and Rutils me have slain  
For joining with the Trojans; and for me,  
Not Pallas, should have been this obsequy.  
Nor will I blame the Trojans, nor shall rue  
Th' association which I made with you  
This chance belonged to my grey hairs. But since  
Untimely death hath took my son from hence;  
I joy that thousand Volsceans fell before  
Him leading Trojans to th' Au onian shore.  
Nor other rites, dear Pallas, shalt thou have  
Then what Aeneas and bold Phrygians gave;  
What Tarchon and their Captains did ordain,  
Who honouring bear, trophies of those thoust slain:  
For thee a huge one, Turnus, we had seen,  
If he of equal strength and age had been.   

But I the Trojans keep too long from war.  
Farewell; and to your King this message bear,  
That I loathed life prolong, Pallas being gone;  
His valour must a father, and a son,  
Revenge on Turnus; this remains for him  
Whose worth hath placed in Fortune's best esteem.  
Nor joys of life I wish for but to stay  
Till I these tidings to my son convey.   

Mean while Aurora clears the darkened air,  
And brought to wretched mortals toil and care.  
Aeneas then, and Tarchon on the shores  
Huge piles erect; and as their ancestors,  
Here their dead friends they brought, then kindle fire,  
And to high heaven clouds of thick smoke aspire.  
Thrice round about the burning pi●es they go  
Gilded in shining arms; th●ee fires or woe  
Mounted on mourning horses they surround,  
A doleful cry they raise, l●ud trumpets sound;  
Arms, and the earth is watered with their tears,  
And lamentations scale the highest spheres,  
Some in the fire the Latin spoils do burn,  
Helms, swords, and reins, and wheels from chariots torn;  
Some their friends shields, well known in all alarms,  
Cast after them, and their unhappy arms.  
Whole herds of  and of swine were killed,  
And flocks of sheep brought in from every field.  
Their burning friends they view through all the strand,  
And round about the half-burnt piles they stand;  
Nor could be taken off, till dewy night  
Adorned high heaven with constellations bright.   

No less on th'other side, the Latins rear  
Innumerable piles, many inter,  
Many are to the neighbouring confines born,  
And to the city some again return.  
The rest, confused heaps of slaughtered men,  
They burn uncounted, and unhonoured; then  
The spacious fields with frequent fires are bright.  
When the third day from heaven drove gloomy night,  
Mourning they sweep the ashes from the hearth,  
And mingled bones yet warm, they load with earth.   

Now in the Court, and rich Latinus seat,  
Were loudest cries, and lamentations great:  
Here mother's sisters there the woeful nurle,  
Children deprived of parents, weeping curse  
The cruel war, and Turnus hapless suit,  
That he alone the quarrel should dispute,  
Who hopes to gain all Latium with the bride,  
Fierce Drances urged, nor could it be denied,  
That Turnus had been challenged to the fight.  
These warm debates their Votes made opposite.  
But he stands shaded with the Queen's great name,  
And lasting trophies of's deserved fame.   

Amidst these tumults and commotions great,  
Behold then sad, from Diomed's Royal seat  
Ambassadors answers brought; they nothing could  
With so much toil, expense, nor gifts, nor gold,  
No suit availed, they must seek elsewhere aid,  
Or with the Trojans must a Peace be made.  
Latinus faints under a load of care;  
Heaven anger, and their slaughtered friends declare,  
Aeneas came by Fates authority.  
Then his great council, all prime nobles, he  
Summoned before him at his Royal Court:  
And through full streets to th'palace they resort;  
Then first his place old King Latinus took  
Holding his Sceptre with a heavy look,  
And bids his Lords returned from Diomedes, say  
What they had brought, and his whole answer lay  
In order open: silence then being made,  
Obeying his command, thus Venulus said.   

My Lords, Tydides' seat we saw, and past  
All dangers of the tedious way at last,  
And kissed that hand the Trojans overcame.  
He Argyripa built, and gave a name  
From his own stock, now in Apulian Plains,  
A Conqueror he in settled peace remains.  
After admittance, we to audience came;  
Gifts we present, our country tell, and name,  
Who raised this war, what business brought us there;  
He full of honour did himself declare.   

Blessed Nation of the old Ausonian race,  
Of Satur's realm, what chance disturbs your peace?  
And to a war so dangerous doth persuade?  
whoever did sacred Trojan fields invade  
(Those I'll omit, who under her high wall  
Perished by war, or Simois drowned) we all  
Scattered throughout the world, had punishment:  
Such as would make Priam, himself relent.  
Euboick rocks, and Pallas cruel star,  
And vengeful Caphareus witness are,  
We from that war were driven from coast to coast;  
Menelaus was t' Hercules pillars tossed:  
And Ithacus, Aetnean Cyclops viewed.  
Why should I mention Pyrrhus' realms subdued?  
Idomeneus, or his Kingdom lost?  
Or Locrians dwelling on the Lybick coast?  
Then the great General of the Grecian bands  
By his false wife was murdered as he lands.  
O'er Asia now, th'Adulterer doth reign.  
The Gods withstand my native soil again,  
My house, and Calydon that I should see;  
And still most dreadful Prodigies follow me.  
My friends have wings, and soar unto the sky,  
And changed to birds 'bout rivers margins fly.  
Oh! what sad troubles my companions found,  
Whose doleful notes made woods and rocks resound,  
Which since that time should have been feared by me.  
When I enraged, assailed a Deity,  
And on fair Venus' hand did leave a scar;  
Seek not my aid, not mine in such a war.  
Troy's fallen, nor more 'gainst Trojans will I fight:  
Nor to remember ancient woes delight.  
Those gifts you me present; t' Aeneas bear;  
We oft have fought, and changed a dangerous spear.  
Experience trust; armed how would he advance?  
With what a whirlwind would he throw his lance?  
If two like him Idaean realms had bred,  
Priam, th' Inachian seats had conquered;  
And Greece of her changed fortune had complained.  
Whatever us at Troy's strong walls detained,  
Hector, and he, our victory withheld,  
Whilst ten long years their lingering periods filled;  
Both bold, most expert both in war; but he,  
Was most of all preferred for Piety.  
Make Peace then as you can, but still beware  
How you provoke such valiant men to war.  
Now best of Kings his answer you have heard,  
What he concerning this great war declared.   

Scarce these were said, when a great mumur rose  
Of votes divided: as when water flows  
Delayed by rocks, and floods imprisoned roar,  
Whilst thundering waves sound 'gainst the neighbouring shore.  
When all were settled, and their noise allayed,  
Having the Gods besought, Latinus said.   

I won d, and better we had thought of all  
Before, rather than now a council call,  
When round about our walls the enemy lies.  
'Gainst men undaunted, sprung from Deities,  
We have engaged; whom nothing could debar:  
Nor being vanquished will desist from war.  
What hope you had from Diomedes, lay that by:  
For and although but small, you must rely  
Upon yourselves. You see how things now stand,  
We're lost your strength is all in your own hand:  
I none accuse, what force we could, we brought;  
And with the power of the whole realm 'twas fought.   

Now in my doubtful mind what counsels are  
I shall unfold, and briefly will declare.  
I have some ancient forest lands, which lie  
Near Tiber west, bordering on Sicanie,  
Which the Aruncians and Rutilians plough;  
Their worst is pasturage, and their best the sow.  
Let all that tract, and high-hils stored with pine,  
The Trojans have, and let us leagues conjoin,  
And them associates in our Kingdom call;  
There let them dwell, and build their City's wall.  
But if some other shore they'd rather plant,  
And leave our coast, let s twenty vessels grant  
Built of Italian oak, or more provide,  
All our materials near the river's side.  
But first let our Commissioners be chose,  
Empowered with these Concessions, to ompose  
A settled Peace, and olive boughs to wear:  
And let them Presents gold and ivory bear;  
The nations honour, gown and chair be sent;  
Consult, and help in this great exigent.   

Then the same Drances vexed with Turnus' State,  
With squinting envy spurred, and bitter hate,  
Rich, and most eloquent, but cold in war,  
Yet in debates a most grave Counsellor,  
And one t'apppease sedition excellent;  
Who from his mother sprung of high descent;  
But in obscurity his father's name;  
He rose, and with these words stirs up the flame.   

Renowned King, the matter now you state  
Is not obscure, nor needs a long debate;  
For all confess to see what woes must fall  
Upon this realm yet dare not speak at all.  
Let him free-voting grant and threats forbear,  
By whose contrivements, and cross counsels are  
(I'll speak my mind though now he threaten death)  
So many valiant Chiefs deprived of breath.  
And now th'whole City drowned in sorrow lies,  
Whilst he provokes the Trojans, and then flies,  
Outbraving th'air: unto those gifts, which thou  
Intendest upon the Trojans to allow,  
Present one more, this one (Renowned Prince,)  
Nor be o recome by any violence:  
That thou a sire, thy daughter shouldst not give  
A worthy son, that we in Peace might live.  
But if our hearts have so much fear possessed,  
Let s sue to him, and gain by our request  
The King his just prerogatives, and law  
That we enjoy. Ah! whither wilt thou draw  
This wretched people to their ruining,  
O thou of Latiums' woe the source and spring!  
In war's no safety: All crave peace from thee  
Turnus, and th'only pledge of amity,  
I, whom thou call'st a foe, nor do I care,  
Behold! petition first: Thy nation spare;  
Worsted, give over; slaughter too much  seen,  
And our large country hath devasted been.  
But if that honour, and thy strength excite,  
And if the royal dowry thy soul invite,  
Something attempt, to meet the foe provide:  
Yes, Turnus so may gain the royal bride.  
We, poor unburied souls, multitudes lie  
About the field, and have no obsequy.  
But thou, if thou hast honour, if thou hast  
The prowess which thy ancestors did boast,  
Behold who dares thee forth!   

Vexed with these words, a deep groan passage made  
From Turnus' breast, and highly moved, he said:  
Drances thoust still full regiments of words,  
When war craves deed; Thou first of summoned Lords  
Appear'st; but speeches will not serve these courts:  
Which safe thou utterst, whilst our walls and ports  
Keep out the foe, nor trenches flow with blood.  
With flashy eloquence then thunder loud,  
And charge thou me of flight, when thou dost send  
So many Trojans to untimely end;  
Graced with such trophies, now thy valour try,  
Nor far off need we seek the enemy.  
Behold, eachwhere about the walls they throng!  
Come, charge; why stay we thus? Thy fluent tongue,  
And flying feet, in those thy martial strength  
Hath always been  
Was I repulsed, base man? turned I my face?  
Will any lay on me so high disgrace?  
Who Tiber saw with Trojan blood to swell;  
How with Evanders' house his whole stock fell,  
When from the field disarmed th' Arcadians ran,  
Pander and Bitias found me no such man,  
When I shut in with hostile works and walls  
To hell did send so many funerals.  
In war no safety! Tell the Trojan so,  
And thy own party: Use all cunning too  
Vain fears to raise, and the twice vanquished race,  
Their power extol, but Latin arms disgrace,  
At Phrygian forces now Greek Princes shake;  
Now Diomedes and fierce Achilles' quake,  
From th' Adriatic, Aufidus retreats,  
And when the timorous feins to dread our threats,  
On us lays scandals by pretended fear:  
Nor shalt thou lose that soul of thine forbear  
To tremble thus) by this hand; let it rest  
With thee, and dwell within that narrow breast.   

Now Sir to you, and your command, great Prince;  
If in our arms you have no confidence;  
If so we are deserted, lost, oreborn  
By one defeat, nor fortune will return:  
With unarmed hands for peace let us entreat.  
But oh! were any ancient valour yet,  
He seems to me the happiest of all,  
In that last fight, and the most noble soul,  
Who would not live to see such things brought forth,  
But rather died, and dying bit the earth.  
Yet we have wealth, and yet unbroken bands;  
And we have aid through all th' Ausonian lands:  
Nor can the Trojans bloodless victory boast,  
They have their funerals, and as many lost.  
Why then at first so poorly lose we ground,  
And tremble, ere we hear the trumpet sound?  
The various work of time and many days,  
Often affairs from worse to better raise,  
Fortune reviewing those she hath cast down,  
Sporting restores again unto their crown.  
Will not Aetolians give their aid to us?  
Messapus will, and rich Tolumnius  
And prime Commanders many more will send;  
Nor small fame on Laurentian Lords attend,  
Camilla of the noble Volscean line,  
Leads troops of horse who all in armour shine.  
If me to fight the Trojan doth command,  
And I alone the common good withstand;  
So far from me victory not took her flight  
I should refuse for such a prize to fight.  
I'll meet him, had he great Achilles charms,  
And let him have like him Vulcanian arms.  
To you great King this life I Turnus now  
Second to none of my great fathers, vow,  
Aeneas calls me forth; that he may call  
Is my desire nor Drances rather shall,  
Whether it be the wrath of deities,  
Appease by death or glory win the prize.   

Whilst these hard questions thus debared were  
With differing votes; the Trojan Prince drew near,  
Which to the Court a speedy messenger brought,  
And with strange terror the whole city fraught.  
All are distracted, but the vulgar rage,  
Whom no small Provocations did engage.  
Arm, arm they cry, the youth are mad for Arms,  
The old men silent mourn; here, there alarms  
With factious tumults mixed ascend the sky.  
As when by chance a flock of seafowl fly  
To lofty groves, or when loud swans do go  
Sounding through murmuring lakes, to pleasant Poe.   

On this occasion, Sirs, than Turnus says,  
Call counsels: yes, and Peace thus sitting praise  
Whilst they the town invade. Nor more he spoke,  
But straight the hall and lofty Courts forsaken.   

Volusus draw forth now, thy Voscean force,  
And dear Messapus, let thy Rutile horse,  
Joined with thy brothers, march to th'open plain.  
Let some make good the gates, and towers maintain,  
Those in my conduct forth with me shall go.   

Strait to the walls the towns whole forces flow.  
The king his council and design forsook,  
And vexed with stirs, for better times did look,  
Blaming himself, that he did not declare,  
The Trojan Prince his son, and make his heir.  
Some trench the gates; these palisado round;  
For war, loud trumpets bloody signals sound.  
Women and children to the walls are sent,  
All must assist in this great exigent.   

When bearing gifts, the sad Queen with a train  
Of matrons went to Pallas lofty fane;  
Next her the virgin fair Lavinia goes,  
Those eyes dejected had procured such woes.  
The matrons enter, and the choir perfume,  
And with sad voices from high portals come.   

Pallas, armed virgin, Patroness of war,  
O break thyself the Phrygian Pirate's spear.  
Most warlike maid, tumble him to the ground,  
And near our gates give him his deadly wound.   

Whilst Turnus for the battle arms in haste,  
And rough with brazen scales, strait on he braced  
Rutilio ilian arms, and golden cuishes tied,  
His head unarmed, a sword girds to his side,  
Shining in gold; then quits the lofty towers,  
And in his hope the enemy devours.   

So when a horse flies out in broken reins,  
And stables left, enjoys the open plains;  
Either through meads he seeks a stud of mares,  
Or to accustomed watering repairs;  
Wanton, his head erected, loud he neighs,  
His mane upon his neck and shoulder plays.   

Camilla meets him with her Volscean force,  
And bravely in the gates leaps from her horse.  
Then all the squadrons imitate the maid;  
And quit their steeds. Bold Turnus, than she said,  
If any confidence of the valiant be,  
To charge the foe, I dare; and promise thee,  
Alone the Tyrrhen horsemen to defy:  
Grant that I first may charge the enemy,  
Let your force guard the walls. Then Turnus said,  
Fixing his eye upon the valiant maid,   

Bold Virgin, glory of Ausonia,  
These great obligements how shall I repay?  
But now, since all the danger of the war  
Thy soul contemns, with me the honour share.  
Aenaeas (as fame tells, and scouts inform)  
Through th'plains light-horse hath sent to give th'alarm,  
Whilst from the rocks and mountains he comes down  
With the main body to assault the town.  
An ambush in the woods I have designed,  
And in the pass, the hedges strongly lined:  
Messapus shall, and Tyburt march with thee,  
And to thy care shall the whole conduct be.  
Messapus and the other Leaders, so  
Encouraged, they march against the so.   

There is a winding vale, for feats of war  
And ambush fit; the dark sides sheltered are  
With a thick wood, where leads a narrow path  
Through a straight pass, and dangerous entrance hath.  
Above the valley, in the mountains heights,  
Lay unfrequented plains, and safe retreats;  
If on the right, or left thou wouldst come on,  
Or guard the top, and huge stones tumble down.   

Mean while Diana from superior seats  
Swift Opis calls, one of her virgin mates  
And sacred train; and thus her grief declares.   

The maid Camilla goes to cruel wars,  
And with our arms she girds herself in vain;  
More dear to us then any of our train;  
Nor new acquaintance takes me with her love,  
Which doth the mind with sudden sweetness move.   

Metabus drove from's realm by force and hate;  
When he Privernus left, his ancient seat,  
Scaping through fierce alarms of cruel war,  
With him the infant did companion bear;  
And from her mother's name, the change but small,  
Casmilla, did the child Camilla call;  
Her in his lap; he seeks the highest parts  
Of desert woods, oppressed with cruel darts  
Which from each side came from the Volscean ranks,  
When Amasenus had oreflown his banks,  
And with a huge shower swelling hindered him,  
He careful of his charge, prepared to swim;  
Delayed with her dear love, all means revolves,  
And suddenly at last on this resolves.  
The warrior then in his strong hand did bear  
Of solid oak a huge and knotty spear:  
His daughter swaddling up in cork-tree rinds,  
Fast to the middle of his lance he binds;  
Then poising it in's large hand, thus he prayed:   

Great Queen of forests, blessed Latonian maid,  
To thee the father doth this handmaid vow,  
Bearing thy arms through skies; a suppliant now  
To scape the foe. Goddess, receive thy own,  
Which to th'inconstant winds is left alone.  
Thus having said, with mighty strength he fling  
The sounding spear, the swelling billows rung;  
And poor Camilla the winged javelin bore  
Over the swift stream safe to the other shore.   

But Metabus, as th'enemy drew near,  
Swum o'er the river, pulling with the spear  
The maid ‛ Diana's Votress from the shore.   

Nor dwelled he in walled towns or cities more,  
Displeased with vulgar rage and popular strife;  
But in high mountains led a shepherd's life,  
Where in dark caves and groves the child he fed,  
And with the milk of wild mares fostered,  
Draining betwixt her pretty lips the teat.  
When she her tender feet to ground could set,  
He loads her hand with a sharp spear, and tied  
A bow and quiver to the virgin's side;  
For golden hair, for a long courtly gown,  
A Tiger's spoils hung flowing from her crown.  
From her soft hand now childish darts she slings,  
And skilful round her head whirls smooth-thonged slings;  
Kills a fair Swan, or a Strymonian Crane.   

Her many Tyrrhen matrons wished in vain  
For their own sons: but to Diana she  
For ever vowed unstained virginity,  
And the eternal love of arms did swear.  
Would she had not engaged in such a war,  
Nor with the Trojans strove, who dear to me  
The number fills of my chaste company.  
But now since she draws nigh a cruel end;  
Glide from high heaven, and to Ausonia bend,  
Where a sad fight gins, with signs of woe.  
Take thou this vengerul arrow and this bow:  
Who ever with a wound shall violate  
Her sacred person, give with this his fate;  
Let him be Trojan, or Italian, he  
In blood shall be accountable to me.  
Her corpse unspoil d, wrapped in a cloud I'll bear,  
And with her royal ancestors inter.   

This said, through skies swift Opis thundered loud,  
Borne with a whirlwind in a dusky cloud.   

Mean while to th' walls drew nigh the Trojan force,  
Hetrurian Chiefs and all the troops of horse  
In order were drawn up: through all the plains  
Proud hories neigh, and strive with curbing reins;  
Here, there they turn, dreadful are th'iron fields  
With spears, the champaign shines with glittering shields:  
Messapus, Coras, and his brother brings  
Swift Latines, and the maid Camilla's wings  
Appear against them, and far off the bands  
Shake their proud javelins, raising high their hands  
With threatening points: th'advance of men at arms  
And neithing steeds, make dreadful the alarms.  
And now marched up in distance of their lance  
They make a stand; then with a stout advance  
Spurring their steeds, at once from all sides pour  
Darts thick as hail, heaven darkened with the shower.  
And now Tyrrhenus and Aconteus first,  
Each other charged, and their huge javelins burst  
With a loud crack; full breast to breast they met;  
As lightning bold Aconteus fell from's seat,  
Or stone which from some thundering engine flies,  
And leaves his life behind him in the skies.  
The bands are broke, and flying Latins cast  
Their shields behind them, and to th'City haste.  
Trojans pursue, Asylas follows hot,  
And now draw nigh the gates, the Latins shout,  
And turn their ready horse: then through the Plains  
The Trojans fly and slack their kerbing reins.   

As when the sea moved with alternate tides,  
Hasts to the shore; o'er rocks now proudly rides  
A foaming wave, a swelling billow beats  
'Gainst highest banks, then swift again retreats,  
Lose stones with him in much disorder sweeps,  
And shores forsaking, sinks into the deeps.   

Twice Tuscans drive the Rutiles from the fields,  
And twice they save their flying backs with shields.  
But the third time they charged with all their might,  
Break through and through, and man to man they fight.  
Then dying groans, then in a crimson sea,  
Helms, Shields, and slaughtered men commixed be,  
And over all were half dead horses rolled:  
And a most cruel fight you might behold.   

Orsylocus cast at Remulus horse a spear,  
(Who durst not meet) and fixed beneath his ear.  
The horse then raged, vexed with the grievous wound,  
And rising, cast his rider to the ground.  
Great sold jola, Catillus o'erthrew,  
And huge in arms and size, Herminius slew.  
His head and shoulders naked, golden hair  
He wore for arms, nor so did danger fear:  
Through his broad shoulders the swift javelin flew,  
And in his body did itself imbrue.  
The fields wax red: such funerals they bequeath,  
Seeking by wounds an honourable death:   

But midst these slaughters th' Amazon delights  
Quivered Camilla, one breast seared for fights.  
Now thick she javelins casts; and now she takes  
In her strong hand a mighty battle axe.  
Her golden bow Diana's arms resound,  
Hanging behind; if flying she gave ground  
At any time; as much she galled the foe,  
With deadly shafts from her reversed bow.  
Larina, Tulla, and Tarpeia, were  
Her chosen guard, who brazen axes bear,  
Italian maids; the bold Camilla these  
Chose to attend on her, in war or peace.  
So armed, the Thracian Amazons come on  
Warring about the streams of Thermidon;  
Such guard Hyppolyte, or with martial pride  
About Penthisilea's chariot ride;  
Then female shouts resound through all the fields,  
And virgin troops triumph with crescent shields.   

Whom first or last didst thou o'erthrow bold maid?  
How many in the earth by thee lay dead?  
Eumenius, Clytius offspring first she slew,  
And his bare bosom with a spear thrust through;  
Casting a stream of blood, the purple ground  
Dying he bites, and turns upon his wound,  
Then Lyris, Pegasus one, his horse being slain;  
As stooping down to recollect his rain;  
Th'other, whilst he stretched his hand to aid,  
Tumbles with him, slain by the valiant maid.  
Amastrus next, was by her lance o'erthrown,  
Tereas, Harpalicus, Chromis, Demophon.  
As many javelins as the Virgin threw,  
So many valiant Phrygians she slew.   

Ornitus in strange arms far of she spied,  
The hunter road on an Apulian Steed,  
O'er his huge shoulders a bullhide was cast,  
And gaping with huge jaws upon his crest  
With silver teeth, a Wolf's head he did bear,  
His hand was armed with a rough knotty spear.  
Amidst the battle he a squadron lead,  
And wheeling taller shows by all the head.  
Him (and 'twas easy whilst he turn d) she laid  
Dead on the ground, and like a foe thus said.   

Thought'st thou in woods wild beasts thou didst pursue?  
The time draws nigh when female arms shall you  
Better inform: and this great honour bear  
Thy Father's ghost, thou fellst, b'a Virgin's spear.  
Orsilochus and Butes men of might,  
Next fell by her; strong Butes she did smite  
Betwixt his Cask and Mail through the neck bone,  
Whilst his left hand hung with his larget down.  
Orsilochus did with a large turn delude,  
Then wheeling the persewer she prived,  
Raising herself high with her mighty Axe,  
His Cask and Scull whilst he for quarter speaks,  
She cleaves at once his brains on's face did run.   

Struck at this sight was Aunus valiant son,  
In Aponine bred who whilst the fates gave leave,  
Was not the worst Lygnrian to deceive;  
He, when to shun the fight no way was seen  
Not knowing how t'escape the following Queen,  
Tride what his art could do, and thus began.  
What ●ame is't that a woman charge a man,  
And worst him better mounted? dar'st thou fight  
With me on foot? if so, then quickly light,  
And know to whom vain glory grants the fame.   

Strait the bold maid whom anger did inflame,  
Gives to the next her horse, and in the field,  
Stands with a naked sword and silver shield.  
But the young man thinking his Plot had took,  
Swift as the winds the place and her forsook.  
And his reins turning, his swift courser rides,  
Dying his rowels in his bloody sides.  
Then spoke the Queen, puffed up with pride in vain,  
Conceivest thou thus to 'scape from me again?  
Tricks shall not thee to thy false father bear;  
This said, on foot she cuts the yielding air,  
Outstrips his horse, and strait his reins did seize,  
Then with his blood her anger did appease;  
As easy from a rock a Falcon flies,  
After a dove, soaring in lofty skies,  
And trussing up, doth in his pounces bear,  
Then blood and plumes fall scattered through the air.   

Whilst the great sire of men and deities  
Regardless viewed not this from starry skies,  
But stirs up Tyrrhen, Tarchon to engage  
In cruel fight, and urged with no small rage,  
'Mongst slaughter he, and slaughtering squadrons rides,  
And by their names, his soldiers cheers and chides;  
And those which shrunk, to turn again commands.  
And said, whence is this fear, base Tyrrhen bands?  
What breeds this terror? shall a woman beat  
Our straggling troops, and our whole power defeat?  
For what these arms? why march you with vain spears?  
You're bold at Venus, and nocturnal wars,  
Or when for Bacchus' sports, loud cornets sound,  
Or boards with banquets, and full goblins crowned.  
Th'is all your care, and when the Priest approves  
Entrails and offerings call to sacred groves.  
This said, amongst the thick'st he spurs his horse;  
And from his Steed pulls Venulus by force,  
And desperate raging, grasping of the foe  
Carries away, laid on his Saddle bow  
Shouts heaven ascend the fact the Latins view,  
But through the plains the fiery Tarchon flew,  
Bearing both arms, and man, his javelins point  
Breaks of then in his arms he seeks a joint,  
To give the deadly wound; he strong, his hands  
Keeps from his throat, and strength with strength withstands.  
So with a Serpent a swift eagle flies,  
Wreathd in her feet, and talons through the skies,  
The wounded Snake winding himself defends,  
Brisling his scales a hssing tongue extends,  
She with her beak and pounces tears, and eats,  
And the soft Air with spreading pinions beats:  
Triumphing so bold Tarchon did convey,  
From the Tyburtine troops the woeful prey,  
Their chiefs example and success enlarged,  
The ●useane courage that again they charged,  
When subtle Arun's one condemned by fate  
Did with much cunning on Camilla weight:  
And to dispatch her, safest means he tried  
Where ere the Virgin through the troops did ride,  
Thither by stealth his speedy course he makes,  
Now this way he attempts now that way takes;  
And round about her marches every where,  
Then cruel shakes at her his deadly Spear.   

Chloreus Cybeles priest did then by chance,  
Shining far of in Phrygian arms advance,  
And rid a ●oming Steed, whom skins enfold  
Plume wise commixd, with orazen Scales and gold,  
In Tyrian purple oravely he did show,  
And Cretan shafts sent from a Lycian bow,  
Which golden hung at's back; golden his crest,  
His swollen train rustled, and his Scarlet Vest  
With burnished gold drawn in a knot he ties:  
His Coat was wrought, rich cuishes on his thighs,  
The Queen that she the Temple might adorn  
With Trojan Arms, or would herself have worn  
The golden spoil, this man of all the foes  
She singles out, t'encounter him she goes,  
And careless through whole squadrons made her way,  
Inflamed with female love, spoil, and prey.  
Taking th' occasion Arune threw his spear,  
And to the powers above thus made his Prayer.   

Phoebus who swayst Soracte, best of Gods,  
Whom first we'adore: to whom we burn whole loads  
Of scorching pines, and then pass through the fire  
With much devotion: grant almighty Sire,  
That our Arms may abolish this disgrace;  
Nor I desire the Virgin's spoils to place  
A Trophy, nor at any prey I aim;  
My other actions shall preserve my name,  
That I may give this Plague her deadly wound,  
Then pleased I will return home unrenowned.   

Apollo heard, and partly grants his prayer,  
The other part flies with the fleeting air,  
He grants by him Camilla should be slain  
But not to see his native Land again,  
That the swift winds did carry from his ear;  
Then through the clouds resounds the flying spear,  
The squadrons look about, and all begin  
To cast their eyes upon the Volscean Queen;  
But she did nothing the great sound regard,  
Nor coming through the sky the Lance she heard,  
Till in her naked breast the Jaulin stood,  
And thirsty takes a draught of virgin's blood.  
Trembling with fear her Ladies all rush in  
To keep supported up the falling Queen.  
But Aruns frighted, did not now forbear  
Basely to fly, his joy commixd with fear,  
Nor longer now would trust unto his Lance,  
Nor durst against the Virgin's spear advance.   

And as a Wolf, when he some shepherd kills,  
Or mighty steer, flies to the lofty hills  
Before that hostile weapons him distress,  
And conscious of so bold a wickedness,  
Cowering, betwixt his legs his tail he casts,  
And struck with terror to the Forest hasts.  
So from their eyes affrighted Aruns bends,  
Hasting his flight and mingles with his friends.  
To pull the saulin out she dying tried,  
But fast the steel sticks in her wounded side.  
Pale, she sinks down and cold death seals her eyes,  
And from her cheeks her rosy colour flies,  
Breathing her last: to Acca than she spoke,  
One most she loveed who always did partake  
Her cares, and counsels, the most trusty maid  
Attended her; and thus she groaning, said.   

Sister, I once had strength, but now I fall,  
By a sad wound, and darkness covers all;  
To Turnus hast and these my last words tell,  
That he fall on, the Trojans to repel,  
Adieu. This said, no more her reins she guides,  
And though unwilling, to the ground she slides;  
Then by degrees benumbed with cold she dies,  
Her yielding neck now bends, her head now lies  
Prisoner to death, leaving her arms diseased,  
And life to shades flies with a groan displeased.   

The golden stars then mighty clammors smite,  
Camilla slain, afresh gins the fight,  
And a hot charge with all the Trojan force,  
The Tyrrhen Captains, and th' Arcadian horse,   

But Opis sent by Trivia, undismayed,  
Placed on a rising hill the fight survaid,  
'Mongst cries of raging youth as far of she  
Camilla punished by sad death did see;  
She sighed and weeping said; ah Virgin such  
A punishment for thee, was too too much.  
Because thou Trojans boldly hast assailed;  
Nor hath Diana's service thee availed,  
Or quiver at thy shoulders to have borne:  
Nor will thy Queen forsake thee this a scorn  
In death, nor shalt thou without honour die,  
Nor unrevenged, through earth thy fame shall fly,  
For who slew thee redeserved death shall come.   

Under the hill did stand a mighty Tomb,  
For th'ancient Latin King Dercennus made,  
Which high with earth an aged ●●ke did shade;  
Hither the beauteous Goddess swiftly flies;  
And Aruns from the Sepulchre espies.  
As him in bright arms swollen with pride she saw,  
Why said she dost thou shun us? hither draw,  
Come, and Camilla's Legacy receive:  
Diana's shafts shall thee of life bereave;  
The Thracian from her golden quiver drew  
An Arrow, and enraged bends her bow,  
And so much strength to draw the tree she set,  
Until the crooked ends together met.  
To th' iron head her left hand she did bring,  
Her right unto her bosom brought the string;  
Aruns at once did hear the air resound,  
And in his breast the feathered weapon round.  
He, now expiring, as he groaning sends  
His last breath forth, neglected by his friends  
In dust of foreign fields forsaken lies;  
And winged Opis mounts unto the skies.   

Their Lady slain, Camilla's troops first fled,  
Rutilians' next, Atinas followed;  
The officers desert their soldiers, all  
Now fly, and swift ran to the city's wall.  
Nor any could the Trojan charge withstand,  
By arms or strength death bearing in their hand.  
Their bows unbent hung at their weary backs,  
And iron-hoofed steeds the ground beneath them shakes.  
Then black and troubled clouds of dust appear,  
Darkening the sun, and to the walls drew near.  
Beating their breasts, the matrons female cries  
Send from the towers, and clamours raise to skies;  
Who first through open gates did entrance make,  
In, the foes troup with them commixed, broke:  
Nor could the wretches woeful death avoid,  
But are at home just at their doors destroyed,  
And under their own battlements their fates  
Receive by steel; when others shut the gates,  
And durst not open to receive within  
Their calling friends: sad slaughters now begin  
Of those the pass kept, and maintained the fight.  
Some shut out, in their weeping parents sight,  
Into the trench are tumbled headlong down;  
Others with lose reins desperately ride on,  
And tilt against the gates and massy bars.  
The matrons, in such danger of the wars,  
Moved with Camilla, and their country's love,  
Logs, blocks and stones do tumble from above,  
And these in stead of better weapons use,  
To save their country death they not refuse.  
Turnus' mean while sad news heard in the groves,  
And him with mighty sorrow Acca moves.  
Volsceans were scattered, and Camilla slain,  
Favoured by Mars, they did the battle gain,  
Who now pursue and drove them to the gates;  
For so had Jove decreed and cruel fates.  
He from the hills than risen, with fury struck,  
And the rough groves, and dangerous pass forsaken.   

Scarce out of sight into the Plains he drew,  
But Prince Aeneas marching he might view  
Down to the open Champaign, and at last  
The danger of the hill and forest past.  
So both now marched unto the Royal seat,  
Nor was the distance 'twixt the armies great.  
At once from far Aeneas viewed the lands  
Smoking with dust, and the Laurentian bands;  
And Turnus fierce in arms, Aeneas saw,  
Herd his horse neigh, and squadrons nearer draw.   

Strait they in fight had joined, and battle gave,  
Had not bright Phoebus in the Western wave  
Washed his tired Steeds, night vanquishing the day;  
Entrenched before the town both Armies lay.    

THE TWELFTH BOOK OF VIRGIL'S AENEIS.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
Turnus' resolved by fight to end the wars,  
Strait challengeth Aeneas; he prepares  
To meet. The Tim● and Place appointed, both  
To observe articles, take a solemn Oath.  
juturna sent th'agreement to disturb.  
Nor could the Trojan Prince his Army curb.  
Aeneas hurt: Turnus encouraged, then  
Enters the fight, and slaughters many men.  
Venus' her offspring cures. Enraged he goes  
To seek bold Turnus, amongst thickest foes;  
But missing him, attempts the Town to gain;  
Amata's woeful death and Turnus stain.  

WHen Turnus saw the valiant Latins tired  
With bad success, his promise now required,  
Himself now looked upon he rages more,  
And courage takes. As on the Lybian shore,  
A wounded Lion by the Hunters chased,  
Bold makes a stand, and chargeth them at last.  
Breaking the spear, he shakes his curled main,  
And roaring, doth with bloody mouth complain.  
Such rage as this inflames bold Turnus' breast,  
Who thus to th'King his troubled mind expressed.   

There shall be no delay in Turnus' sword;  
Will the perfidions Trojans keep their word,  
And stand to their engagement? I will fight;  
Perform great King for leagues the sacred rite.  
Either this Asian fugitive by me  
Shall perish, (let the Latins sit and see)  
And I this common mischief shall destroy,  
Or he victorious over me, enjoy  
The fair Lavinia for his Royal bride.  
To whom the King undiscomposed replied.   

Most valiant Prince; the more thy virtues be,  
So much more careful it behoveth me  
Council to take, and weigh each chance with care.  
Thine Daunus realms, and many cities are  
By wars success and thy great valour thine;  
By wealth and power I have enough for mine.  
In Latium other Virgins may be found,  
Who for their high extraction are renowned.  
Let me unfold these say which are hard,  
Without formalities, and my words regard;  
That I to no Italian Prince should wed  
My daughter, men and gods all prophes'ed.  
Took with thy love, with thy alliance took,  
And with my sad wives tears, all bonds I broke,  
The promised bride detained, took impious arms;  
Since you have seen what miseries, wars, what harms  
Ensued, and thy own danger; we o'erthrown  
In two great battles, scarce defend the town;  
And swollen with Latin blood, yet Tiber boils,  
Our bones make white the fields in mighty piles.  
How is our mind with various counsels tossed?  
What weakness changeth it? were Turnus lost,  
I should make peace; why rather then all strife  
Remove not I, and yet preserve thy life?  
What will thy own Rutilians' think? what may  
The other Princes of Ausonia say?  
If (heaven forbidden it) I should ruin thee,  
Seeking our daughter and affinity,  
View wars events, and thy old father spare,  
Who now at home for thee lies plunged in care.  
But words could nothing Turnus' wrath assuage,  
The medicine makes him worse, and more to rage,  
Soon as he could, thus he began to say.  
What care you take for me, great Prince; I pray  
For me lay by: sire is sold cheap for fame,  
Nor we dear father feeble javelins aim  
And from those wounds I deal blood will appear.  
Nor shall his goddess mother then be near,  
Him flying with a female cloud to save.  
Nor with vain shadows shall our eyes deceive.   

But the Queen weeping, with wars chance dismayed,  
O'erwhelmed with grief, thus did her son dissuade,  
Dear Turnus by these tears, if any love  
Of sad Amata thy kind bosom move,  
(Thou my sole comfort, and my age's prop,  
Who art our glory, and our Kingdoms hope,  
On whom our falling house doth only rest)  
O challenge not the Dardan I request.  
Whatever chance attends thee in that fight,  
I must bear part, and shall this hated light  
Forsake at once, nor captive will I see  
That fugitive my son in law to be.   

Lavinia heard her mother's speech; whilst tears  
Drowned her fair cheeks, on which a blush appears  
Like new born flame, and o'er clear beauty flows;  
So Indian-ivory stained with crimson shows,  
Or lilies amongst Province-roses placed:  
So sweet a colour the bright virgin graced,  
When moved with love Turnus beheld the maid,  
And more incensed, thus to Amata said.   

My dearest mother, follow not with tears  
So sad an omen, him, who now prepares  
For strife of cruel Mars: the fatal hour  
Of death to stay is not in Turnus' power.   

Idmon our Herald, go, this message bear  
Not pleasing to the Phrygian Princes care.  
Soon as the blushing chariot of the morn,  
With roses shall days infant brows adorn,  
Let him not draw his Trojans to the field,  
Let both the armies to cessation yield.  
With our own blood this war we shall decide,  
There let him strive to gain the royal bride.   

This said, he went to see his horse; their plight,  
And fiery mettle gave him much delight,  
Which, Orythia gave Pilumus, who exceed  
The snow in whiteness, and the wind in speed,  
The grooms attend; they clap their necks, and rein  
Their well born heads and comb the flowing main.  
Next on he tried a suit of armour, which  
Was bright with gold, with Orycalcus' rich:  
Then puts his sword on, and his target braced,  
And fits his crest with bloody feathers graced.  
Vulcan the sword for's father Daunus made,  
And hot in Stygian waters cooled the blade.  
Then to a stately hall he did advance,  
Where 'gainst a pillar stood a mighty lance,  
Aruncian Actors spoil: this down he took,  
And speaking thus, with mighty violence shook.  
O never failing when I made my prayer,  
The time draws nigh, thou once wert Actors spear,  
And now art mine: O grant I may o'erthrow  
Th'effeminate Phrygian, and this hand the foe  
Dispoyl of arms with dust his tresses soil  
Cnrled with hot irons, and moist with myrrh and oil.   

Thus moved with rage, through all his face did rise  
Sparkles of flame, fire shines in his bright eyes.  
As when a bull roars dreadful'y for fight,  
And doth his fury with his horns excite;  
Charging a tree, out-braves the wind with blows,  
And sand praeludium to the combat strews.   

Then raged Aeneas in Vulcanian arms,  
And whets his wrath, preparing for alarms,  
Glad thus to end the war; his son and friends  
To comfort them, he shows what fate intends.  
Then he commands some to the King should bear  
Th'accepted challenge, and should peace declare.   

Scarce had the morning crowned with golden rays  
The hills, when Phoebus' steeds forsook the seas,  
And from their fiery nostrils blew the light:  
When near the city wall, lists for the fight,  
Trojans and Rutiles measuring did prepare.  
Hearths in the midst, and flowery altars were  
To common gods. Some water, fire, defigned,  
With linen veiled, vervain their brows did bind.   

Ausonian squadrons, and the piled troop,  
March from the town, and Trojans all drew up,  
And Tyrrhen squadrons hast with various arms,  
Standing embattled, ready for alarms.  
Amidst the chiefs in scarlet shine and gold,  
Assaracus offspring, Mnestheus, and the bold;  
Asylas, with Messapus next took place;  
Messapus bravely mounted Neptune's race,  
The signals heard; all clear th'appointed fields,  
On earth they fix their spears, and rest their shields.  
Feeble old men, and fearful women haste  
With the unarmed vulgar, where, well placed  
The fight they might behold; on towers some get,  
Or houses tops, on battlements these sit.   

But Juno looking from a hill, whose name  
Is Alban now, (then without stile or fame)  
Did the whole army of the Latins view,  
The Trojans, and the royal city too.  
When thus the goddess to a goddess said,  
Who Turnus sister was, whom floods obeyed;  
Which gift Jove gave, king of the starry sky,  
In recompense of her virginity.   

Nymph, glory of the floods whom most I love  
Of all those Latin dames aspired to Jove  
's Ungrateful bed, and placed in heaven with me.  
Lest us thou blame, thy sad condition see.  
Whilst fortune pleased, and fate to Latium gave  
Success, I Turnus and thy walls did save.  
Now cruel fates attend the youth, and I  
Behold his day, and woeful chance draw nigh;  
Nor I this peace, nor combatants will view:  
If aught thou darest, now for a brother do;  
Perhaps some better fortune may arise.   

Scarce said, when tears pour from Juturna's eyes,  
Beating her snowy breast. Then Juno said,  
This is no time to weep; thy brother aid,  
And save, if now thou canst; raise war again,  
And break the peace I'll the bold act maintain.  
Advising thus, she left her much distressed,  
And deep the wounding sorrow pierced her breast.   

Mean while both Kings draw forth in solemn state,  
Latinus in a gallant chariot sat,  
Twelve golden rays impailed his shining brows,  
Declaring Sol his grandsire; Turnus goes  
With white steeds drawn, and shakes two mighty spears,  
Aeneas, Rome's original, appears  
Bright in celestial arms: with him did come  
Ascanius the next great hope of Rome   

The priest in white did fleecy sheep design,  
And the fat offspring of the bristled swine,  
And  to the flaming altars brought:  
They to the rising sun, their hands well fraught  
With salt fruit, turn their eyes; beasts for divine  
Uses they take, and on their foreheads sign;  
And with full bowls and offerings th'altars lad,  
Then with a drawn sword Prince Aeneas prayed.   

Witness O sun, this Forth confirm the same,  
For which I through so many troubles came.  
Great Jove, and Juno, who will now declare  
For us I crave; and thou great God of war  
Who still in dreadful battles governst all.  
The sacred springs and fountains, you I call,  
And mighty powers which in high heaven reside,  
And gods which on the azure billows glide;  
If Turnus fortune shall the victory get,  
We shall return to King Evanders' seat,  
Nor my Ascanius, nor the Trojan bands  
Bear arms against you, nor invade these lands.  
But if my valour to me conquest give.  
(Which may the God's connrm, and I believe!)  
Latins shall not the Trojan power obey,  
I seek not rule, together they shall sway  
With equal law, and leagues eternal make;  
I'll join our gods, and let Latinus take  
The power himself: for me the Trojans shall  
A city build, which I le Lavinium call.  
Aeneas said, then thus Latinus prays,  
And looking up, to heaven his hands did raise;   

By the same earth, and sea, and stars I vow,  
The sun, and moon, and Janus double brow,  
And deepest gates of hell: Great Jove, hear these,  
Who with thy thunder dost establish peace.  
Altars and fires I touch, and powers invoke,  
Never by us shall this our league be broke;  
Whatever chance do fall, no day shall tell  
That I was drawn to break one article.  
First shall the earth be with a deluge drowned,  
Or heaven shall sink into the Strgian sound:  
And as this sceptre (he a sceptre bore)  
Never shall sprout with verdant branches more;  
Which long cut down, no sap from earth recei es,  
And hath to th' axe bequeathed both boughs and leaves:  
Which once a tree, now gold and art adorn,  
And is by princes of the Latines born.  
Thus they confirm the leagues in open view  
Of all the chiefs, and sacred  slew.  
Then from the beasts alive hot entrails pull,  
And load the altars with huge chargers full.   

But to the Rutiles now the fight appears  
Unequal, who are moved with various fears;  
And more when they him not so cheerful saw,  
With heavy pace near to the altar draw,  
And cast down looks, who whilst heaven's aid he seeks  
Had lost the manly colour in his cheeks.  
This observation as Juturna viewed  
To spread, and seize the giddy multitude,  
Camerta's form she takes, whose grandsire won  
And rathers valour, honour for the son;  
And he himself most valiant; in she goes  
Amidst the bands, and thus strange rumour sows.   

For all these forces, is it not a shame  
One man t'expose? what, have we not the same  
Number and strength? Behold, before us stand  
Trojans, Arcadians, and the fatal band  
Those fierce Etrurians, who hate Turnus so:  
We're two for one, if we should charge the foe.  
He raised by fame, shall with the gods survive  
T'whom he's devoted, and for ever live.  
Our country lost, we must proud lords obey,  
Who now sit still, and help to him deny.   

Thus being incensed, the murmur louder grew,  
And more and more now through the army flew.  
Latins, Laurentians, who did late suppose  
An end of war, and rest from former woes,  
Are all for arms, the peace they much detest,  
And Turnus fortune doth their minds molest.   

To these another did Juturna join,  
Which moved far more; from heaven she gave a sign,  
Than which could nothing more their souls enrage,  
Or sooner make th' Italians to engage.  
For Jove's fair bird, cutting the arched skies,  
As at a loud-winged troop of fowl he flies;  
Then stooping down, he from the water bears  
A silver swan, trust in his hooked fears.  
Th' Italians, courage raise; for the whole flight  
With loud cries face about, (a wondrous sight)  
They cloud the heaven with wings, and through the sky  
In a full body charge the enemy;  
Vanquished by force, tired with his load, he threw  
His prey i'th' stream, and to the clouds withdrew.   

The omen then, Rutilians did salute,  
And arms prepared with a mighty shout.  
And first the Augur bold Tolumnius said,  
For this with vows so often I have prayed.  
You gods, I take your sign; and led by me  
Now draw your sword's out, valiant Rutilie.   

Those whom this stranger did with war infest,  
(As harmless fowl) and hath their realms oppressed,  
Shall drive him hence, and force him to the main,  
Then with one mind array yourselves again,  
And save your King in danger to be lost.   

This said, his spear against the foe he cast,  
The well-aimed javelin sounding cuts the skies;  
At once, huge shouts, at once the squadrons rise,  
Desire of tumult now inflames their blood.  
But the sent spear, where nine bold brethren stood,  
Which by a Tyrrhen dame true to his bed  
Were to Gilipus an Arcadian bred,  
One in the midst where his rich belt did sit,  
Close to his side just where the button knit.  
As the brave youth in shining arms did stand,  
Went through his ribs, and stretched him on the sand,  
But the bold brothers in a body make,  
And stirred with rage, some draw their swords, some take  
Their spears in haste, and mad, advance; a band  
Of Laurentines draw forth these to withstand.  
Trojans, Arcadians, Agelinians move,  
To try it out with steel they all approve.  
Altars are spoiled, and storms of javelins pour,  
And from the sky descends an iron shower.  
They seize the cups and hearths; Latinus flies,  
The peace being broke with injured deities.  
Some mount their horses, others strait prepare  
Their chariors, and with dtawn swords ready are.   

Messapus at this peace much discontent,  
Did charge a King in royal ornament,  
Tyrrhen Aulestes: who, as he withdrew  
Backward, himself on th'altar overthrew,  
On's head and shoulder pitched; but with his lance  
Messapus fiercely did to him advance;  
And whilst he quarter cried, with his huge spear  
Slew as he sat above; then said, Lie there,  
To the great gods a better sacrifice,  
Th' Italians rush, and spoil him ere he dies.  
Chorineus from the altar snatched a brand,  
With which, Ebusus charging boldly, gained  
A blow on's face, that set his beard on fire,  
Which burning smelled: he, as he did retire,  
With his left hand pursuing of his blow,  
Did seize the hair of his amazed foe;  
And wrestling with him, brought him to the ground,  
Then with his stiff sword gave the deadly wound.  
Podalirius, the shepherd Alsus slew,  
As 'fore the squadrons and first ranks he flew,  
And following with a drawn sword, overtakes;  
But his deaths wound bequeathed him with an axe,  
The mighty blow clove to the chin his head,  
And all his arms with blood besprinkeled:  
A hard and iron sleep closeth his sight,  
And sealed his eyes up in eternal night.   

But prince Aeneas naked hands extends,  
His head yet bare, and calls aloud his friends;  
Where rush you thus? what sudden rage is this?  
O stay your wrath! the peace concluded is,  
All are agreed; 'tis I must end this war:  
Let me then fight and lay aside your fear;  
A lasting peace I with this hand shall bind,  
These offerings me, and Turnus have designed.   

Whilst these he said, behold with mighty sound  
A winged arrow gave the King a wound.  
By what hand shot, or whirlwind sent, unknown,  
What god or chance did Rutils so renown.   

But Turnus, when he saw Aeneas turn,  
His Captains troubled, strait with hope did burn;  
Calls for his steeds, than arms, and from the plains  
Leaps in his chariot, and straight takes his reins,  
And many valiant soldier overthrows,  
And o'er them dying with his horses goes;  
Or with his chariot wheels whole squadrons tears,  
And at them flying casts their taken spears.  
So near cold Hebrus bloody Mars proceeds,  
Whilst his shield rattles, to his fiery steeds  
Giving the reins, than winds they fly more fleet,  
And farthest Thrace groans with their thundering feet:  
With him pale fear, and cruel anger road,  
And treachery accompanies the god.  
Fierce Turnus so, his horse drives through the plain,  
Smoking with sweat, insulting o'er the slain:  
From their swift heels a sanguine dew he spreads,  
And sand with streams of blood commixed, treads;  
And now he Sthenelus, Thamaris, Polus slew;  
These hand to hand, him afar off o'erthrew.  
Glaucus and Lads, both in Lycia born,  
Whom Imbrasus their father did adorn  
With arms of equal proof, either to fight,  
Or mounted, to outstrip the winds in flight.  
In th'other wing, Eumedes fierce came on  
With new supplies, old Dolons' warlike son;  
His grandsires name, and father's strength he had,  
Who in times past, when he a spy was made  
To view the Grecian camp; bold, for his hire  
Achilles' horse and chariot did require.  
For this, Tydides' gave him other pay,  
Nor bore he ere Pelides steeds a way.   

As afar off bold Turnus him did view  
Through th'ample sky, at him his javelin threw;  
Then stops his horse, and from his chariot leaps,  
Whom falling down half dead on's neck he steps,  
Pulls his sword from him, and the shining blade  
He coloured in his throat, and thus he said.   

Trojan behold that land rhou strivest to gain;  
And stretched out thus, measure th' Hesperian plain.  
To those dare fight with us, we always yield  
Rewards like these; and thus they cities build.   

Next Butes with his spear He overthrew,  
Bold Cloris, Sabiris, and Dares slew,  
Thersilocus, Thymetes next did speed,  
As he was tumbling from his warlike steed.  
And as Edonian Boreas, when aloud  
He thunders raging on th' Aegean flood,  
To shore the bïllows follow; through the sky,  
Which way winds blow, the fleeting clouds do fly.  
So Turnus, wheresoever he way doth make,  
The troops give place, the bands to flight betake;  
He with's own force on like a whirlwind comes,  
The wanton winds shaking his waving plumes.   

Phegeus withstands him; though his fury burns,  
He stops his chariot, and his horses turns;  
Their foamy mouths he checked, and whilst he hung  
Drawn by their mains, at him his spear he fling;  
Which pierced quite through his double mail, and found  
Passage to raze his body with a wound:  
But he defended with his target, made  
Still at the foe, and from his sword craves aid;  
When hurried with the wheel, and flying axe,  
He was at last o'erthrown, whom Turnus takes  
Betwixt his helm and gorge, and smote off's head,  
And left upon the sand his body dead.   

Whilst conquering Turnus made such slaughters thus;  
Mnestheus, Achates, sad Ascanius,  
Aeneas bleeding to the camp attend:  
Each other step on a long spear he leaned;  
To draw the broken arrow he assays,  
Struggling with pain, and tries the easiest ways;  
They launce the wound, and where it lay concealed  
Cut deep; that they again might take the field.  
Japix, whom Phoebus loved most was there,  
Who once to him did such affection bear,  
That his own arts on him he did bestow,  
The spirit of Prophecy, with his harp and bow.  
That he might long defer the fatal hour  
Of his old father, he the use and power  
Of Simples learned, and to himself imparts,  
By study knowledge of despised arts.   

Aeneas chafing leaned upon a spear,  
With sad Julus, and great concourse there,  
Nor is he moved nor troubled at their tears.   

Then old Japix many things prepares,  
His vest girt back in the Paeonian guise,  
And Phoebus' powerful herbs in vain applies,  
Vainly he labours to draw forth the steel,  
Tries with his Probe, and doth with pincers feel;  
No way will hit, no aid Apollo yields.  
Now horror, more and more raged in the fields,  
Danger draws near, dust hides the heaven from view;  
Horse charge, and 'midst the camp thick javelins flew;  
A woeful noise did now ascend the sky,  
Of valiant youth, who in fierce battle die.   

Here Venus troubled at her sons deep wound,  
Brought Dittanie, in Craetan Ida found,  
The stalk hath sprouting leaves, and on the crown  
A purple slower, not to wild goats unknown,  
When their rough backs the winged shaft hath galled:  
This Venus brought, in clouds her beauty veiled;  
To this she did fresh streams in gold infuse,  
In secret, and with sweet Ambrosian dews,  
She odoriferous Panax did compound,  
With which th' old man not knowing, bathed the wound.  
Then from his body, strait all anguish fled,  
And now the wound no more, though mighty, bled,  
The steel now uncompelled follows the hand,  
And strength returns unto its old command.   

Bring arms, why stay you? first lapix cries:  
Inflaming courage 'gainst the enemies,  
This is no work of man nor did this art,  
My master Phoebus unto me impart,  
Nor have I drawn the steel, which deep did lurk,  
A greater God sends thee to greater work.  
Then for the fight Aeneas earnest, ties  
His golden cuishes to his manly thighs,  
Hating delays, brandished his spear; this done  
Buckles his shield, and claps his corslet on,  
And then his son embracing, thus arrayed,  
He through his beaver, sweetly kissing said;  
Valour, true honour, learn (my boy) from me,  
Fortune from others; this right hand shall be  
In war thy shield, and shall with realms endow;  
To riper years attained, remember thou  
Thy friends example; let thy father's fame,  
And uncle Hector, to brave acts inflame.  
Thus having said, through open ports he makes,  
And mighty he a mighty javelin shakes.  
Anteus and Mnestheus strait a body make,  
And all the bands draw forth, the camp forsake,  
Then mighty clouds of dust obscure the field,  
And thundering feet makes the shaken earth to yield.   

Turnus beheld them, as the troops did draw  
Forth from the works, and th' Ausonians saw,  
Strait through their bodies runs cold trembling fear,  
But before all his sister first did hear,  
She knew the sound, and frighted fled amain.   

He hasts, leading his black band through the plain.  
As when a mighty storm flies to the shore,  
Through the deep sea, suspected long before  
By skilful swains, who fear it will annoy,  
Their plants their standing corn and all destroy,  
The wind as Harbingers bring th' sound to land,  
So charged Aeneas with his Trojan band.  
And close together they in bodies drew.   

Tymbraeus, stout Osiris overthrew,  
Mnestheus, Archetius, and Achates sped  
Bold Epulon, Gyas left Vfens dead:  
Tosumnius the Augurer, he slew,  
Who 'gainst the Trojans first his javelin threw;  
Clamour scales heaven, now Rutilians' yield  
And swift turn dusty shoulders through the field.   

Aeneas scorns to fight with any here,  
Who charge on foot, or horse, or cast a spear;  
He Turnus seeks alone through dusty mists,  
And only him demands unto the lists.  
Juturna that Virago struck with fear,  
Tumbles Metiscus, Turnus chariotteer  
Out of his seat, and snatched from him the reins,  
And leaves forsaken, fall'n upon the Plains.  
Acting his part, she gu●●●s the foaming bits,  
In voice, arms, shape, like to Metusius sits.  
As when a swallow flies through spacious Courts  
Of some rich lord, and in vast hals resorts,  
Food seeking for her young, portches she rounds,  
And now about the crystal fountains sounds.  
Thus mounted through the foe juturna makes,  
And with her thundering wheels all overtakes:  
Then here her brother, and now there she shows,  
Nor lets him fight, but far from thence she goes.  
Aeneas so, turns here, now there he flies,  
And Turnus traced through scattered enemies;  
Calling as oft as him he had in sight:  
And spurs adds to his winged horses slight.  
As oft Juturna thence her chariot guides;  
What shall she do, tossed with such various tides?   

Aeneas as he many plots prepares,  
At him Messapus (for he had two spears)  
Cast one of them, and sent with mighty force.  
Aeneas guards himself, and stops his course,  
Bending his knee; through's crest the javelin comes,  
And from his cask, quite sweeps away his plumes.  
Then for the treachery, his rage grew hot;  
When he perceived his flying chariot,  
Jove, and the altars he to witness calls,  
Of broken leagues, then on the slaughter falls,  
No difference makes, with all he doth engage,  
And gives full reins to his late kerbed rage.   

What God can tell those slaughters? who in verse  
The funerals of the captains can rehearse,  
Which fell by Turnus on th' Ausonian Plain,  
Or count those numbers by Aeneas slain?  
Can jove be pleased to see such wars as these  
Betwixt nations that must join in lasting peace!   

Aeneas Sacro slew, (this fight first stayed  
The flying Trojans,) nor he long delayed:  
Through's breast, where fate did easiest way afford,  
Mongst his short ribs he sheaths his naked sword.  
Turnus, Amicus, fall'n from's Courser, met  
On foot, on's brother next Diores set;  
To this advancing, death he did afford  
With his long spear, that slaughters with his sword;  
Their heads cut off, he to his chariot bore,  
And hung them up, bloody with purple gore.  
He ●alo, Tanais and Cethegus slew,  
Three at one charge, and stern Onytes too  
Of th' Echion name, whom dame Peridia bore,  
Brother from Lycia sent, and Phoebus' shore;  
And young Menaetes who in vain denied  
To go to wars: near fishy Lerna's side  
He had his craft, and house, wealth was unknown,  
Whose father ●il'd a country not his own.   

As fires are kindled in contrary ways,  
Amongst dry woods, and sprigs of crackling bays,  
Or when with rapid course from mountains steep  
Sound foamy streams, and hurry to the deep,  
And both alike make devastations large.  
So stout Aeneas and bold Turnus' charge;  
Their rage now boils, and breasts unconquered bleed;  
With their whole strength, to slaughter they proceed.   

Muranus here, (boasting the ancient name  
Of Grandsires who from Latin Princes came;)  
He with a stone o'erthrew, and on the Plains  
Measured his length: whom fall'n, and lost his reins,  
The wheels ran over: thick blows swift heels afford,  
Of horses now unmindful of their lord.   

Turnus meets Ilus mainly raging now,  
And casts his javelin at his golden brow:  
Quite through the helm it fixed in his brain.  
Nor could thy valour thee protection gain,  
Bold Grecian Creteus, from fierce Turnus' odds;  
Nor from Aeneas charge, could his own Gods  
Cupentus save: his breast to th' sword must yield,  
Nor to the wretch availed his brazen shield.   

Thee Aeolus, Laurentian fields saw dead,  
And the large Champagne thy broad shoulders spread,  
Whom not the Argive squadrons could destroy,  
Nor stern Achilles who subverted Troy,  
Here was thy place for death, from Ida come,  
Laurentian fields thy body must entomb.  
Latins and Trojans, now are all engaged;  
Mnestheus, Serestus and Messapus raged.   

Well mounted, on bravely Asylas brings  
Up Tuscan bands, and the Arcadian wings,  
They battle join and strive with all their might;  
No reserve left, there was a cruel fight.   

The most fair mother of Aeneas here  
Puts in his mind to th'walls he should draw near,  
And strait with's Army to the city go,  
Which sudden should the Latins overthrow.  
He, as he Turnus sought through all the bands,  
Bending each way, saw how Laurentum stands,  
From so much troubles safe, in quiet rest:  
A shape of greater war inflames his breast.  
Mnestheus, Sergestus and Serestus stout,  
Placed on a mount he calls, where round about  
Trojans might flock, nor shields or spears they laid  
Aside, whilst thus from rising ground he said,   

What I command obey; this Jove decrees;  
Nor slow move for the sudden enterprise.  
This town and city, cause of all this war,  
Unless they yield, and say they vanquished are,   

I will destroy, and level with the ground  
Their smoking spires; till Turnus will be found,  
Must I expect? whilst he is pleased to fight  
Vanquished again, must I attending wait?  
Of all our woes this is the head and spring.  
Sue then for peace with slames, and firebands bring.  
This said, they cheerful into order fall,  
And in a body draw unto the wall.  
Strait scaling ladders were, and fire prepared:  
Some to the gates advance, and kill the guard:  
Others, all heaven with shafts and javelins cloud;  
Aeneas first, raising his hand, allowed  
Latinus blames: calls heaven to witness then,  
He is compelled to take up arms again,  
They by hostility Peace had broken twice.  
Than 'mongst the People factious stirs arise;  
Some for the Trojans bid open the gate,  
And that they should march through the city strait,  
And to the outworks they their King do call;  
Others bring arms, and will defend the wall.  
As when a swain finds in a hollow rock,  
A swarm of bees, and fills the place with smoke:  
Disturbed they fly about their waxed seat,  
And with a mighty noise their anger whet;  
Smoke scales their roofs, within sad murmurs rise,  
And pitchy fumes advance unto the skies.   

When to the fainting Latins chanced a woe,  
Which the whole city did with grief o'erflow.  
As the Queen saw the foe draw near the wall,  
The gates beset, fire on the roofs to fall;  
Nor Turnus nigh, the city to maintain.  
Hopeless, she thought in fight the Prince was slain.  
Struck dead with woe, I am the cause, she cries,  
I, I the spring of all these miseries.  
Thus raving she, her bitter grief expressed,  
And desperate, she rends her purple vest:  
Then on a beam, a knot for base death knit.  
Soon as the woeful Latins heard of it;  
(But first Lavinia tore her golden hair  
And rosy cheeks) they all in uproar were:  
And the whole palace rung with dismal cries.  
Hence the sad fame through the whole city flies;  
Their hearts now failed; amazed Latinus went,  
And regal weeds, at his wife's fortune, rent;  
Then for his ruin'd town oppressed with woes,  
Foul dust upon his silver hair he throws;  
Himself much blaming, cause he did refuse,  
And for his son did not Aeneas choose.   

Mean while the warrior Turnus did a few  
Poor stragglers to the farthest plains pursue;  
And by degrees now slower, and slower he rides,  
And less and less in his swift horses prides.  
Hither to him the wind strange terror bears,  
With clamours mixed; and to his listening ears  
The cities confused noise and cries had blown.  
Ah what misfortune now disturbs the town!  
Why from Laurentum come such sounds! This said,  
Distracted in his mind a while he stayed.  
His sister, who Metiscus shape had got,  
His charioteer, and drove his chariot,  
To him than spoke: The Trojans there pursue  
Where victory opens now a way to you:  
Others there are that will defend the town.  
Aeneas drives th' Italians up and down,  
Thundering in arms; let us like slaughters make  
Amongst the Trojans, nor the field forsake,  
Since thou in strength and valour equal art.  
Then Turnus said—   

Sister, long since I knew thee, when by charms  
Thou brok'st the league, and tookst thy self up arms.  
Now Goddess, thou deceiv'st in vain: but who  
From heaven to suffer thus commanded you?  
Cam'st thou to see thy brother's cruel death?  
What safety else can fortune now bequeath?  
Did not these eyes behold Muranus, when  
He called to me aloud, and called again?  
Then whom to me (alas) was dearer none:  
The brave man fell, by a great wound o'erthrown.  
And hapless Vfens died, lest he should see  
Our foul disgrace; his arms and body be  
The Trojans prize. Shall I here tamely stay  
Till they destroy the town? Is that the way?  
Nor shall this arm Drances confute? shall I  
Retreat, and shall this land see Turnus fly?  
Is death so hard? You spirits, that dwell below,  
Oh send me aid; since heaven's declared my foe!  
To you my spotlesle soul not knowing t'offend,  
Worthy my predecessors shall descend.   

Scarce said; when Sages through the foe did come,  
His horse behold all over in a foam:  
In's head an arrow sticking, post he came  
Requiring aid of Turnus by his name.  
Great Prince, in thee is our last hopes, allow  
Some aid to us; Aeneas thunders now  
In arms about our gates, and threatens, he  
Will now destroy the towers of Italy;  
And ready with destruction firebrands fly  
About the roofs. The Latins fix their eye  
Only on thee; all's lost, if thou not aid.  
Nor will Latinus longer be delayed  
Whom to call son, or with which side t'agree.  
Besides the Queen most, faithful still to thee,  
Is dead; and frighted with her own sad fates  
Hath made herself away; only the gates  
Are by Messapus, and Atinas man'd;  
Round these, on every side thick squadrons stand,  
a iron crop glisters with swords and shields,  
Whilst thou dost drive here in forsaken fields.   

Turnus' amazed, with various objects stood  
Silent a while; great shame then boils his blood,  
Grief with distraction mixed, and love did call,  
Stirred up by rage, and loss of honour, all.  
Soon as his mind he recollected had,  
The walls (much grieved) with burning eyes survaid,  
And the great town did from the wheels behold,  
When he might see amongst the bulwarks rolled  
And the dry timber up a mighty flame  
With smoke towards heaven: then to a tower it came  
Wrought with huge beams, which he himself had made,  
And had with wheels and lofty arches laid.  
Fate calls now, sister, there is no delay:  
What God and hard chance bids, we must obey.  
I'll meet Aeneas; deaths worst form I'll face;  
Nor longer shalt thou see my great disgrace:  
Grant ere the fight I may to fury yield.   

This said, from's chariot leaps into the field,  
And rushed through foes, his sister sad forsakes,  
And swift he through the middle squadron makes.  
As a huge stone drove by a tempests power  
From a hills top, or carried by a shower;  
Or sliding years which time hath freed from thence,  
The mighty rock rolled down with violence  
Bounds from the earth; and tumbling headlong then  
With it sweeps woods, and flocks, whole herds, and men:  
So through the broken squadrons Turnus goes  
To th' city walls: and where the sad earth flows  
With streams of blood, where javelins cloud the skies,  
Waving his hand, with a loud voice he cries.  
No more in fight Rutilians Latines join,  
What ere the fortune is, it must be mine.  
I with my sword firm peace shall make. This said,  
They all retreat, and a fair space they made.   

But when Aeneas heard of Turnus name,  
Strait from the walls and lofty towers he came.  
And breaks off all delays, quits all designs,  
And joyful now in thundering arms he shines.  
So mighty Ahos, or tall Erix show,  
Or ancient Apenninus, when with snow  
Above the stars his lofty head is crowned,  
And doth with tempest beaten oaks resound.   

Rutilians, Trojans, and th' Italians, all  
Who did maintain, and those who stormed the wall,  
Fixed there their eyes, and from the fight withdraw.  
Latinus was amazed, when he saw  
Such mighty men, born in far distant land,  
Resolved to try it out, now hand to hand.   

Soon as the field with open lists appears,  
With a swift course far off they cast their spears;  
They charge then with their targets, and the ground  
Doth with a groan return the brazen sound.  
Then with their swords blow after blow lay on,  
Fortune and valour are conjoined in one.   

So in great Syla or Taburnus height  
Two bulls with horns begin a cruel fight;  
Their frighted Lords retreit: the  stand  
Silent with fear, who shall the steers command,  
Whom the whole herd shall follow; whilst the foes  
Gore one another, dealing cruel blows:  
In streams of blood their necks and shoulders drowned,  
And with their bellowing all the woods resound.  
So with their shields they at each other fly,  
Whilst mighty fragor sills the ample sky.  
With equal beam Jove holds the balances,  
And in each scale the various fate he lays  
Of both the Princes; who shall honour have,  
And whom death's weight shall sink down to the grave.   

Here Turnus did his arm and sword advance,  
Then makes a blow, suspecting no mischance.  
A shout the Trojans and the Latins made,  
Both sides are raised; but the perfidious blade  
Breaks in the stroke, and on the earth it lies.  
Flight now must aid; more swift than winds he flies,  
When a strange hilt he in his hand did find.   

Fame is, when he did mount his horses joy'nd  
In the first fight, and was for battle hot,  
He seized Metiscus sword, his own forgot:  
And that served long, while straggling Trojans fled.  
But when it came to arms by Vulean made,  
The mortal sword like ice broke in his hand,  
The pieces shining on the yellow sand.  
Therefore amazed he flies through th'open plain,  
Now here, now there; and wheels about again.  
For each side Trojans with a guard surround,  
There did a fen there lofty bulwarks bound.  
Nor slower Aeneas after him, though he  
Sometimes complained of his wounded knee.  
And swiftly at the heels he follows him;  
As when a Deer enclosed with some stream,  
Or struck with terror, when the arrow sounds,  
The hantsman near with a full cry of hounds;  
But he a thousand waves tries for escapes,  
Frighted with nets and banks: Fierce Umber gapes  
Ready to seen, and now so nigh doth get  
He bites, but cozened with an empty bit;  
Then clamours rise, the banks and lakes reply,  
And all the heaven's thunder with the cry.   

He flying, then upbraids Rutilian bands,  
Calls each by name, and his own sword demands.  
Aeneas threatens death to any one  
Dares give him aid, and to destroy the town:  
This vows to do; at which they shake, dismayed.  
Too and again they full five courses had:  
For no mean prize they strove, or sporting strife,  
But they for blood contend, and Turnus life.   

Sacred to Faunus, here an Olive stood,  
On which those scaped the danger of the flood,  
To the Larentian God did pay their vows,  
And promised vests hang on the sacred boughs.  
Trojans without respect cut down this tree,  
That a clear list might for the Champions be.  
Here stuck Aeneas spear with violence cast,  
And in the yielding root was fixed fast,  
The Dardan pulls, that he with this the foe  
Might overtake, because he was too slow.   

Then Turnus frighted prays, O Faunus hear,  
And pity, and dear earth detain the spear,  
If always I your honours have maintained,  
Which now with war the Trojans have profaned.  
Nor with vain vows he called the deities aid;  
For whilst Aeneas struggling, was delayed  
In the soft stump, nor could the root constrain:  
Juturna, in Metiscus form again,  
Runs in and helps her brother to his sword.   

Venus with fury at the bold nymph stirred,  
Then comes, and from the deep root pulls the lance.  
Now brave in arms and cheered they both advance,  
This to his sword, that trusting to his spear,  
And for the strife of panting Mars prepare.   

Mean while heavens mighty King to Juno said,  
As from a bright cloud they the fight survaid,  
What now remains dear wife, when ends our odds?  
Aeneas thou know'st, must sit amongst the Gods,  
And Fates to him have starry seats aloud,  
What plot thus stays thee in a gloomy cloud?  
What! shall a mortal wound a God: or thou  
(For to Juturna thy power did allow  
To bring the sword for Daunus sons defence)  
To give fresh courage to the vanquished Prince.  
Give over at last, to our entreaties bend,  
Nor let such eating grief thee silent spend,  
Nor with such care so often trouble me;  
Time was, when thou couldst vex by Land, and Sea  
The Trojan race; and kindle cruel wars:  
Houses destroy, and Hymen mix with jars.  
More I forbidden t'attempt: such things Jove spoke,  
When Juno said, with a submissive look.   

Because great Jove thy mind to me was known,  
Unwilling I have Turnus left alone.  
Nor shouldst thou see me solitary sit  
In a cold cloud, and suffer things unfit:  
But girt with flames, our squadrons to excite,  
And draw the Trojans to unhappy fight.  
I must confess, pitying, I did persuade  
Woeful Juturna to her brother's aid:  
And greater things I for his life would do,  
But not to use a dart, or bend a bow.  
This by th'inexorable Stygian floods  
I swear, that only oath which ties the Gods;  
And now I go, and leave the woeful fight,  
But one thing I request, which yet no right  
Or Fate denies: for th' Majesty of thine,  
When with blessed Hymen, they shall leagues conjoin,  
(And may it be,) and Laws of peace proclaim,  
Let not the Latins change their ancient name,  
Nor let them be called Trojans I beseech,  
Nor yet to change their habit, nor their speech;  
Let it be Latium, and for ever be  
The Alban fathers in great Italy;  
Let Romans. by their valour conquer all.  
T'roy's tain: and with her let the name now fall:   

The king of men and Gods, then smiling says.  
Thou art Jove's sister, Satur's second race;  
Why in thy breast rowlst thou such floods of rage?  
Lay by that spleen, so vainly did engage;  
I am o'ercome, and thou thy suit shalt gain.  
They shall their customs, and their speech retain;  
And keep their ancient name. The Trojan race,  
Mixed with so great a body shall give place.  
I'll add their sacred rites, and I shall make  
Latins and Trojans, both one tongue to speak.  
A race mixed from th' Ausonians thou shalt see  
Excelling men, and gods in piety:  
Nor any nation more in war or peace  
Shall hononr thee. These words did Juno please,  
And satisfied, her mind being changed, she flies  
From the dark cloud and leaves the troubled skies.   

This done; Jove with himself contrives to call  
juturna, from her hapless brother's fall.   

Two hellish hags there be, the Dirae height.  
Which to Megaera, were by dismal Night  
Born at a birth, and armed with serpent's stings:  
Who gave them power to use resounding wings.  
These at Ioves throne, and cruel court appear;  
These stir in mortals jealousy and fear,  
When the God's king, sickness and death prepares,  
Or wicked cities terrifies with wars.  
jove one of these, sending from heaven, enjoins  
To meet juturna with ill boding signs.  
She to the earth in a swift whirlwind flies;  
So glides a Parthian arrow through the skies,  
With poison armed, or by Sydonian art  
Sounding through th'air, with deadly bane, a dart:  
Unknown it comes, swift through the gloomy shade;  
So hasts Night's daughter, and to earth she made.   

After she saw the Trojans, and did look  
On Turnus' bands; a small birds form she took,  
Which, or on tombs or roofs forsaken haunts,  
And late in shady night her sorrow chants.  
Thus changed the hag at Turnus' face did charge,  
And with her flapping wings she beats his targe.  
Here sudden numbness seized his limbs with fear;  
Amazed, struck dumb, erected was his hair.   

But afar off, as near the Dirae drew  
Her sounding wings, woeful Juturna knew,  
Tearing her flowing hair, her face infests  
With her own nails, and beats her panting breasts,   

How can thy sister, Turnus, aid thee now?  
Or what is left for me poor wretch, to do?  
How shall I save thy life? which way shall I  
Oppose myself against this prodigy?  
Fright me no more, foul hag; now I shall go;  
The sounding of your deadly wings I know:  
Nor proud commands of Jove deceived me,  
And this he gives for my virginity.  
Why did he me immortal make? and why  
Took he from me the happiness to die?  
Then I might give a period to this woe,  
And to the shades with my dear brother go.  
But I immortal am; yet wanting thee,  
Nothing that's mine, shall pleasant be to me.  
That earth would gape and swallow me! that now  
A Goddess might descend to shades below!  
This said, her head with a green vail she hides,  
And with a groan beneath the river glides.   

Aeneas stands, and a huge javelin shaken,  
A mighty tree; and like a foe thus spoke;  
What stays thee now OTurnus? 'tis not flight  
Must end our quarrel, but a cruel fight.  
Transform thyself into all shapes, and try  
What ere thou canst by strength or art apply.  
Desire with wings to the high stars to glide:  
And in earth's hollow womb thyself to hid.   

Shaking his head, thy proud threats fear not me,  
The Gods, (he said) Jove is my enemy.  
Thus having said, a ponderous stone he found,  
An ancient mighty one, which for a bound  
By chance just on the neighbouring limits lay,  
And for the meers all strife did take away;  
Scarce twice six men, this to their necks could rear,  
Such men as now the earth grown old doth bear.   

The Hero running, with huge strength did throw  
Raising himself, this stone against the foe:  
Nor himself running nor yet going, knew;  
Or lifting, how his hand the huge-stone threw.  
His knees did tremble, and a cold blood flows  
Through all his nerves; the stone with violence goes  
Through empty air; but it fell short, nor went  
Half way to give the blow, where it was sent.   

As when in quiet night, sleep seiles our eye,  
In vain we seem some earnest flight to try,  
But in the midst we faint, our voice doth fail,  
Nor speech, nor words, nor our known strength prevail;  
So Turnus, what so ere his valour tries,  
Success the cruel Goddess him denies.  
Troubled, the Town and Rutils struck with fear  
Standing he viewed; and trembles at the spear.  
Where shall he fly, how scape the enemy,  
No Chariot, no Juturna can he see.  
Aeneas aiming, did himself advance,  
And at him mazed, he throws his fatal lance,  
A stone shot from a batterer not so loud  
Thundered, or lightning from a broken cloud.  
Like a black whirlwind he the javelin threw,  
Bearing sad death; which through his armour flew,  
And through seven foldings of his shield it past,  
And sounding, in his groin it fixed at last.  
The mighty Turnus wounded, sinks upon  
His double knee; Rutilians' gave a groan,  
And all the hills the voice re-ecchoe round,  
And the tall groves reply the mournfuil sound.   

He suppliant then, did hands and eyes advance,  
And said, I have deserved it, use thy chance;  
But hast thou sense of a sad Parents woe?  
And such thy father was; then pity show  
To aged Daunus; or if rather thou  
Wouldst take my life, my corpse to friends allow.  
Thou haft o'ercome; the Ausonians me have seen  
Mercy to crave; Lavinia is thine;  
Here end debate. Then fierce Aeneas stands  
Survaying him allo're, and stayed his hands,  
And at this language more and more did melt;  
When on his shoulder he perceived the belt  
Which Pallas' was, the golden buckles shone,  
Whom Turnus by a deep wound had o'erthrown,  
And on his back the hostile ensign had.  
After those spoils with grief he had survaid,  
Incensed with deadly rage, shalt thou said he,  
Graced with my dear friends spoils escape from me?  
Thus Pallas, Paellas thee an offering makes:  
And on thy wicked blood revenge now takes.  
Thus having said, with indignation stirred,  
He in his bosom sheaths to th'hilt his sword.  
Strait numbing cold on all his body seized,  
And with a groan, life flies to shades displeased.    
FINIS.