Aeneis
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9.1.1
While thus in distant region moves the war,
9.1.2
down to bold Turnus Saturn's daughter sends
9.1.3
celestial Iris. In a sacred vale,
9.1.4
the seat of worship at his grandsire's tomb,
9.1.5
Pilumnus, Faunus' son, the hero mused.
9.1.6
And thus the wonder-child of Thaumas called
9.1.7
with lips of rose: “O Turnus, what no god
9.1.8
dared give for reward of thy fondest vow,
9.1.9
has come unbidden on its destined day.
9.1.10
Behold, Aeneas, who has left behind
9.1.11
the city with his fleet and followers,
9.1.12
is gone to kingly Palatine, the home
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of good Evander. Yea, his march invades
9.1.14
the far Etrurian towns, where now he arms
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the Lydian rustics. Wilt thou longer muse?
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Call for thy chariot and steeds! Away!
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Take yonder tents by terror and surprise!”
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She spoke; and heavenward on poising wings
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soared, cleaving as she fled from cloud to cloud
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a vast, resplendent bow. The warrior saw,
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and, lifting both his hands, pursued with prayer
9.1.22
the fading glory: “Beauteous Iris, hail!
9.1.23
Proud ornament of heaven! who sent thee here
9.1.24
across yon cloud to earth, and unto me?
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Whence may this sudden brightness fall? I see
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the middle welkin lift, and many a star,
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far-wandering in the sky. Such solemn sign
9.1.28
I shall obey, and thee, O god unknown!”
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So saying, he turned him to a sacred stream,
9.1.30
took water from its brim, and offered Heaven
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much prayer, with many an importuning vow.
9.25.32
Soon o'er the spreading fields in proud array
9.25.33
the gathered legions poured; no lack was there
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of steeds all fire, and broidered pomp and gold.
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Messapus led the van; in rearguard rode
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the sons of Tyrrheus; kingly Turnus towered
9.25.37
from the mid-column eminent: the host
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moved as great Ganges lifting silently
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his seven peaceful streams, or when the flood
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of fructifying Nile from many a field
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back to his channel flows. A swift-blown cloud
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of black, uprolling dust the Teucrians see
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o'ershadowing the plain; Calcus calls
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from lofty outpost: “O my countrymen,
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I see a huge, black ball of rolling smoke.
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Your swords and lances! Man the walls! To arms!
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The foe is here! What ho!” With clamors loud
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the Teucrians through the city-gates retire,
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and muster on the walls. For, wise in war,
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Aeneas, ere he went, had left command
9.25.51
they should not range in battle-line, nor dare,
9.25.52
whate'er might hap, to risk in open plain
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the bold sortie, but keep them safe entrenched
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in mounded walls. So now, though rage and shame
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prick to a close fight, they defensive bar
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each portal strong, and, patient of control,
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from hollow towers expect th' encircling foe.
9.47.58
Turnus, at full speed, had outridden far
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his laggard host, and, leading in his train
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a score of chosen knights, dashed into view
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hard by the walls. A barb of Thracian breed
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dappled with white he rode; a crimson plume
9.47.63
flamed over his golden helmet. “Who,” he cries,
9.47.64
“Is foremost at the foe? Who follows me?
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Behold!” And, with the word, he hurled in air
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a javelin, provoking instant war:
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and, towering from his horse, charged o'er the field.
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With answering shout his men-at-arms pursue,
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and war-cries terrible. They laugh to scorn
9.47.70
“the craven hearts of Troy, that cannot give
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fair, equal vantage, matching man to man,
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but cuddle into camp.” This way and that
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Turnus careers, and stormily surveys
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the frowning rampart, and where way is none
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some entering breach would find: so prowls a wolf
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nigh the full sheepfold, and through wind and rain
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stands howling at the postern all night long;
9.47.78
beneath the ewes their bleating lambs lie safe;
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but he, with undesisting fury, more
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rages from far, made frantic for his prey
9.47.81
by hunger of long hours, his foaming jaws
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athirst for blood: not less the envy burned
9.47.83
of the Rutulian, as he scanned in vain
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the stronghold of his foe. Indignant scorn
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thrilled all his iron frame. But how contrive
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to storm the fortress or by force expel
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the Trojans from the rampart, and disperse
9.47.88
along the plain? Straightway he spied the ships,
9.47.89
in hiding near the camp, defended well
9.47.90
by mounded river-bank and fleeting wave.
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On these he fell; while his exultant crew
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brought firebrands, and he with heart aflame
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grasped with a vengeful hand the blazing pine.
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To the wild work his followers sped; for who
9.47.95
could prove him craven under Turnus' eye?
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The whole troop for the weapon of their rage
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seized smoking coals, of many a hearth the spoil;
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red glare of fuming torches burned abroad,
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and Vulcan starward flung a sparkling cloud.
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What god, O Muses, saved the Trojans then
9.77.101
from wrathful flame? Who shielded then the fleet,
9.77.102
I pray you tell, from bursting storm of fire?
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From hoary eld the tale, but its renown
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sings on forever. When Aeneas first
9.77.105
on Phrygian Ida hewed the sacred wood
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for rib and spar, and soon would put to sea,
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that mighty mother of the gods, they say,
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the Berecynthian goddess, thus to Jove
9.77.109
addressed her plea: “Grant, O my son, a boon,
9.77.110
which thy dear mother asks, who aided thee
9.77.111
to quell Olympian war. A grove I have
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of sacred pine, long-loved from year to year.
9.77.113
On lofty hill it grew, and thither came
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my worshippers with gifts, in secret gloom
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of pine-trees dark and shadowing maple-boughs.;
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these on the Dardan warrior at his need
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I, not unwilling, for his fleet bestowed.
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But I have fears. O, Iet a parent's prayer
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in this prevail, and bid my care begone!
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Let not rude voyages nor the shock of storm
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my ships subdue, but let their sacred birth
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on my charmed hills their strength and safety be!”
9.77.123
Then spake her son, who guides the wheeling spheres:
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“Wouldst thou, my mother, strive to oversway
9.77.125
the course of Fate? What means this prayer of thine?
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Can it be granted ships of mortal mould
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to wear immortal being? Wouldst thou see
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Aeneas pass undoubting and secure
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through doubtful strait and peril? On what god
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was e'er such power bestowed? Yet will I grant
9.77.131
a different boon. Whatever ships shall find
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a safe Ausonian haven, and convey
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safe through the seas to yon Laurentian plain
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the Dardan King, from such I will remove
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their perishable shapes, and bid them be
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sea-nymphs divine, like Nereus' daughters fair,
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Doto and Galatea, whose white breasts
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divide the foaming wave.” He said, and swore
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by his Tartarean brother's mournful stream,
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the pitch-black floods and dark engulfing shore
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of Styx; then great Jove bowed his head, and all
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Olympus quaked at his consenting brow.
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Now was the promised day at hand (for Fate
9.107.144
had woven the web so far) when Turnus' rage
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stirred the divine progenitress to save
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her sacred ships from fire. Then sudden shone
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a strange effulgence in the eastern air;
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and in a storm-cloud wafted o'er the sky
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were Corybantic choirs, whose dreadful song
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smote both on Teucrian and Rutulian ear:
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“O Teucrians, fear not for the sure defence
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of all the ships, nor arm your mortal hands.
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Yon impious Turnus shall burn up the seas
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before my pine-trees blest. Arise! Be free,
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ye goddesses of ocean, and obey
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your mother's mighty word.” Then instant broke
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the hawsers of the sterns; the beaked prows
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went plunging like great dolphins from the shore
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down to the deeps, and, wonderful to tell,
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the forms of virgin goddesses uprose,
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one for each ship, and seaward sped away.
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The hearts of the Rutulian host stood still
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in panic, and Messapus terrified
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his trembling horses reined; the sacred stream
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of Father Tiber, harshly murmuring,
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held back his flood and checked his seaward way.
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But Turnus' courage failed not; he alone
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his followers roused, and with reproachful words
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alone spoke forth: “These signs and prodigies
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threaten the Trojan only. Jove himself
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has stripped them of their wonted strength: no more
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can they abide our deadly sword and fire.
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The Trojan path to sea is shut. What hope
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of flight is left them now? The half their cause
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is fallen. The possession of this land
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is ours already; thousands of sharp swords
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Italia's nations bring. Small fear have I
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of Phrygia's boasted omens. What to me
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their oracles from heaven? The will of Fate
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and Venus have achieved their uttermost
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in casting on Ausonia's fruitful shore
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yon sons of Troy. I too have destinies:
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and mine, good match for theirs, with this true blade
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will spill the blood of all the baneful brood,
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in vengeance for my stolen wife. Such wrongs
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move not on Atreus' sons alone, nor rouse
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only Mycenae to a righteous war.
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Say you, ‘Troy falls but once?’ One crime, say I,
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should have contented them; and now their souls
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should little less than loathe all womankind.
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These are the sort of soldiers that be brave
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behind entrenchment, where the moated walls
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may stem the foe and make a little room
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betwixt themselves and death. Did they not see
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how Troy's vast bulwark built by Neptune's hand
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crumbled in flame? Forward, my chosen brave!
9.123.197
Who follows me to cleave his deadly way
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through yonder battlement, and leap like storm
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upon its craven guard? I have no need
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of arms from Vulcan's smithy; nor of ships
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a thousand strong against our Teucrian foes,
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though all Etruria's league enlarge their power.
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Let them not fear dark nights, nor coward theft
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of Pallas' shrine, nor murdered sentinels
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on their acropolis. We shall not hide
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in blinding belly of a horse. But I
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in public eye and open day intend
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to compass their weak wall with siege and fire.
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I'll prove them we be no Pelasgic band,
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no Danaan warriors, such as Hector's arm
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ten years withstood. But look! this day hath spent
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its better part. In what remains, rejoice
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in noble deeds well done; let weary flesh
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have rest and food. My warriors, husband well
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your strength against to-morrow's hopeful war.”
9.123.216
Meanwhile to block their gates with wakeful guard
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is made Messapus' work, and to gird round
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their camp with watchfires. Then a chosen band,
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twice seven Rutulian chieftains, man the walls
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with soldiery; each leads a hundred men
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crested with crimson, armed with glittering gold.
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Some post to separate sentries, and prepare
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alternate vigil; others, couched on grass,
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laugh round the wine and lift the brazen bowls.
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The camp-fires cheerly burn; the jovial guard
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spend the long, sleepless night in sport and game.
9.168.227
The Trojans peering from the lofty walls
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survey the foe, and arm for sure defence
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of every point exposed. They prove the gates
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with fearful care, bind bridge with tower, and bring
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good store of javelins. Serestus bold
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and Mnestheus to their labors promptly fly,
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whom Sire Aeneas bade in time of stress
9.168.234
to have authority and free command
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over his warriars. Along the walls
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the legions, by the cast of lots, divide
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the pain and peril, giving each his due
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of alternating vigil and repose.
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Nisus kept sentry at the gate: a youth
9.176.240
of eager heart for noble deeds, the son
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of Hyrtacus, whom in Aeneas' train
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Ida the huntress sent; swift could he speed
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the spear or light-winged arrow to its aim.
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Beside him was Euryalus, his friend:
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of all th' Aeneadae no youth more fair
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wore Trojan arms; upon his cheek unshorn
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the tender bloom of boyhood lingered still.
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Their loving hearts were one, and oft in war
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they battled side by side, as in that hour
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a common sentry at the gate they shared.
9.176.251
Said Nisus: “Is it gods above that breathe
9.176.252
this fever in my soul, Euryalus?
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or is the tyrant passion of each breast
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the god it serves? Me now my urgent mind
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to battles or some mighty deed impels,
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and will not give me rest. Look yonder, where
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the Rutuli in dull security
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the siege maintain. Yet are their lights but few.
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They are asleep or drunk, and in their line
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is many a silent space. O, hear my thought,
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and what my heart is pondering. To recall
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Aeneas is the dearest wish to-night
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of all, both high and low. They need true men
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to find him and bring tidings. If our chiefs
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but grant me leave to do the thing I ask
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(Claiming no reward save what honor gives),
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methinks I could search out by yonder hill
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a path to Pallanteum.” The amazed
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Euryalus, flushed warm with eager love
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for deeds of glory, instantly replied
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to his high-hearted friend: “Dost thou refuse,
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my Nisus, to go with me hand in hand
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when mighty deeds are done? Could I behold
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thee venturing alone on danger? Nay!
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Not thus my sire Opheltes, schooled in war,
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taught me his true child, 'mid the woes of Troy
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and Argive terrors reared; not thus with thee
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have I proved craven, since we twain were leal
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to great Aeneas, sharing all his doom.
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In this breast also is a heart which knows
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contempt of life, and deems such deeds, such praise,
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well worth a glorious death.” Nisus to him:
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“I have not doubted thee, nor e'er could have
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one thought disloyal. May almighty Jove,
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or whatsoe'er good power my purpose sees,
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bring me triumphant to thy arms once more!
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But if, as oft in doubtful deeds befalls,
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some stroke of chance, or will divine, should turn
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to adverse, 't is my fondest prayer that thou
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shouldst live the longer of us twain. Thy years
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suit better with more life. Oh! let there be
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one mourner true to carry to its grave
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my corpse, recaptured in the desperate fray,
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or ransomed for a price. Or if this boon
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should be—'t is Fortune's common way—refused,
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then pay the debt of grief and loyal woe
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unto my far-off dust, and garlands leave
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upon an empty tomb. No grief I give
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to any sorrowing mother; one alone,
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of many Trojan mothers, had the heart
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to follow thee, her child, and would not stay
9.176.302
in great Acestes' land.” His friend replied:
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“Thou weavest but a web of empty words
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and reasons vain, nor dost thou shake at all
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my heart's resolve. Come, let us haste away!”
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He answered so, and summoned to the gate
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a neighboring watch, who, bringing prompt relief,
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the sentry-station took; then quitted he
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his post assigned; at Nisus' side he strode,
9.176.310
and both impatient sped them to the King.
9.224.311
Now in all lands all creatures that have breath
9.224.312
lulled care in slumber, and each heart forgot
9.224.313
its load of toil and pain. But they who led
9.224.314
the Teucrian cause, with all their chosen brave,
9.224.315
took counsel in the kingdom's hour of need
9.224.316
what action to command or whom dispatch
9.224.317
with tidings to Aeneas. In mid-camp
9.224.318
on long spears leaning and with ready shield
9.224.319
to leftward slung, th' assembled warriors stood.
9.224.320
Thither in haste arrived the noble pair,
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brave Nisus with Euryalus his friend,
9.224.322
and craved a hearing, for their suit, they said,
9.224.323
was urgent and well-worth a patient ear.
9.224.324
Iulus to the anxious striplings gave
9.224.325
a friendly welcome, bidding Nisus speak.
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The son of Hyrtacus obeyed: “O, hear,
9.224.327
Princes of Teucria, with impartial mind,
9.224.328
nor judge by our unseasoned youth the worth
9.224.329
of what we bring. Yon Rutule watch is now
9.224.330
in drunken sleep, and all is silent there.
9.224.331
With our own eyes we picked out a good place
9.224.332
to steal a march, that cross-road by the gate
9.224.333
close-fronting on the bridge. Their lines of fire
9.224.334
are broken, and a murky, rolling smoke
9.224.335
fills all the region. If ye grant us leave
9.224.336
by this good luck to profit, we will find
9.224.337
Aeneas and the walls of Palatine,
9.224.338
and after mighty slaughter and huge spoil
9.224.339
ye soon shall see us back. Nor need ye fear
9.224.340
we wander from the way. Oft have we seen
9.224.341
that city's crest loom o'er the shadowy vales,
9.224.342
where we have hunted all day long and know
9.224.343
each winding of yon river.” Then uprose
9.224.344
aged Aletes, crowned with wisdom's years:
9.224.345
“Gods of our fathers, who forevermore
9.224.346
watch over Troy, ye surely had no mind
9.224.347
to blot out Teucria's name, when ye bestowed
9.224.348
such courage on young hearts, and bade them be
9.224.349
so steadfast and so leal.” Joyful he clasped
9.224.350
their hands in his, and on their shoulders leaned,
9.224.351
his aged cheek and visage wet with tears.
9.224.352
“What reward worthy of such actions fair,
9.224.353
dear heroes, could be given? Your brightest prize
9.224.354
will come from Heaven and your own hearts. The rest
9.224.355
Aeneas will right soon bestow; nor will
9.224.356
Ascanius, now in youth's unblemished prime,
9.224.357
ever forget your praise.” Forthwith replied
9.224.358
Aeneas' son, “By all our household gods,
9.224.359
by great Assaracus, and every shrine
9.224.360
of venerable Vesta, I confide
9.224.361
my hopes, my fortunes, and all future weal
9.224.362
to your heroic hearts. O, bring me back
9.224.363
my father! Set him in these eyes once more!
9.224.364
That day will tears be dry; and I will give
9.224.365
two silver wine-cups graven and o'erlaid
9.224.366
with clear-cut figures, which my father chose
9.224.367
out of despoiled Arisbe; also two
9.224.368
full talents of pure gold, and tripods twain,
9.224.369
and ancient wine-bowl, Tyrian Dido's token.
9.224.370
But if indeed our destiny shall be
9.224.371
to vanquish Italy in prosperous war,
9.224.372
to seize the sceptre and divide the spoil, —
9.224.373
saw you that steed of Turnus and the arms
9.224.374
in which he rode, all golden? That same steed,
9.224.375
that glittering shield and haughty crimson crest
9.224.376
I will reserve thee, e'er the lots are cast,
9.224.377
and, Nisus, they are thine. Hereto my sire
9.224.378
will add twelve captive maids of beauty rare,
9.224.379
and slaves in armor; last, thou hast the fields
9.224.380
which now Latinus holds. But as for thee,
9.224.381
to whom my youth but binds me closer still,
9.224.382
thee, kingly boy, my whole heart makes my own,
9.224.383
and through all changeful fortune we shall be
9.224.384
inseparable peers: nor will I seek
9.224.385
renown and glory, or in peace or war,
9.224.386
forgetting thee: but trust thee from this day
9.224.387
in deed and word.” To him in answer spoke
9.224.388
euryalus, “O, may no future show
9.224.389
this heart unworthy thy heroic call!
9.224.390
And may our fortune ever prosperous prove,
9.224.391
not adverse. But I now implore of thee
9.224.392
a single boon worth all beside. I have
9.224.393
a mother, from the venerated line
9.224.394
of Priam sprung, whom not the Trojan shore
9.224.395
nor King Acestes' city could detain,
9.224.396
alas! from following me. I leave her now
9.224.397
without farewell; nor is her love aware
9.224.398
of my supposed peril. For I swear
9.224.399
by darkness of this night and thy right hand,
9.224.400
that all my courage fails me if I see
9.224.401
a mother's tears. O, therefore, I implore,
9.224.402
be thou her sorrow's comfort and sustain
9.224.403
her solitary day. Such grace from thee
9.224.404
equip me for my war, and I shall face
9.224.405
with braver heart whatever fortune brings.”
9.224.406
With sudden sorrow thrilled, the veteran lords
9.224.407
of Teucria showed their tears. But most of all
9.224.408
such likeness of his own heart's filial love
9.224.409
on fair Iulus moved, and thus he spoke:
9.224.410
“Promise thyself what fits thy generous deeds.
9.224.411
Thy mother shall be mine, Creusa's name
9.224.412
alone not hers; nor is the womb unblest
9.224.413
that bore a child like thee. Whate'er success
9.224.414
may follow, I make oath immutable
9.224.415
by my own head, on which my father swore,
9.224.416
that all I promise thee of gift or praise
9.224.417
if home thou comest triumphing, shall be
9.224.418
the glory of thy mother and thy kin.”
9.224.419
Weeping he spoke, and from his shoulder drew
9.224.420
the golden sword, well-wrought and wonderful,
9.224.421
which once in Crete Lycaon's cunning made
9.224.422
and sheathed in ivory. On Nisus then
9.224.423
Mnestheus bestowed a shaggy mantle torn
9.224.424
from a slain lion; good Aletes gave
9.224.425
exchange of crested helms. In such array
9.224.426
they hastened forth; and all the princely throng,
9.224.427
young men and old, ran with them to the gates,
9.224.428
praying all gods to bless. Iulus then,
9.224.429
a fair youth, but of grave, heroic soul
9.224.430
beyond his years, gave them in solemn charge
9.224.431
full many a message for his sire, but these
9.224.432
the hazard of wild winds soon scattered far,
9.224.433
and flung them fruitless on the darkening storm.
9.314.434
Forth through the moat they climb, and steal away
9.314.435
through midnight shades, to where their foemen lie
9.314.436
encamped in arms; of whom, before these fall,
9.314.437
a host shall die. Along the turf were seen,
9.314.438
laid low in heavy slumber and much wine,
9.314.439
a prostrate troop; the horseless chariots
9.314.440
stood tilted on the shore, 'twixt rein and wheel
9.314.441
the drivers dozed, wine-cups and idle swords
9.314.442
strewn round them without heed. The first to speak
9.314.443
was Nisus. “Look, Euryalus,” he cried,
9.314.444
“Now boldly strike. The hour to do the deed
9.314.445
is here, the path this way. Keep wide-eyed watch
9.314.446
that no man smite behind us. I myself
9.314.447
will mow the mighty fieid, and lead thee on
9.314.448
in a wide swath of slaughter.” With this word
9.314.449
he shut his lips; and hurled him with his sword
9.314.450
on haughty Rhamnes, who lay propped at ease
9.314.451
on pillows huge, and from his heaving breast
9.314.452
poured slumber loud: of royal stem was he
9.314.453
and honored of King Turnus for his skill
9.314.454
in augury; yet could no augur's charm
9.314.455
that bloody stroke forefend. And Nisus slew
9.314.456
three slaves near by, that lay in reckless sleep
9.314.457
upon their spears; then him that bore the shield
9.314.458
of Remus, then the driver of his car
9.314.459
close to the horses caught; his sword cut through
9.314.460
their prostrate necks; then their great master's head
9.314.461
he lifted high, and left decapitate
9.314.462
the huge corpse spilling forth its crimson gore
9.314.463
o'er couch and ground. Like stroke on Lamus fell
9.314.464
and Lamyrus, with young Serranus, who
9.314.465
had gamed the midnight through and sleeping lay,
9.314.466
his fair young body to the wine-god given;
9.314.467
but happier now had that long-revelling night
9.314.468
been merry till the dawn! Thus round full folds
9.314.469
of sheep a famished lion fiercely prowls;
9.314.470
mad hunger moves him; he devours and rends
9.314.471
with bloody, roaring mouth, the feeble flock
9.314.472
that trembles and is dumb. Nor was the sword
9.314.473
of fair Euryalus less fatal found;
9.314.474
but fiercely raging on his path of death,
9.314.475
he pressed on through a base and nameless throng,
9.314.476
Rhoetus, Herbesus, Fadus, Abaris;
9.314.477
surprising all save Rhoetus, who awake
9.314.478
saw every stroke, and crouched in craven fear
9.314.479
behind a mighty wine-bowl; but not less
9.314.480
clean through his bare breast as he started forth
9.314.481
the youth thrust home his sword, then drew it back
9.314.482
death-dripping, while the bursting purple stream
9.314.483
of life outflowed, with mingling blood and wine.
9.314.484
Then, flushed with stealthy slaughter, he crept near
9.314.485
the followers of Messapus, where he saw
9.314.486
their camp-fire dying down, and tethered steeds
9.314.487
upon the meadow feeding. Nisus then
9.314.488
knew the hot lust of slaughter had swept on
9.314.489
too far, and cried, “Hold off! For, lo,
9.314.490
the monitory dawn is nigh. Revenge
9.314.491
has fed us to the full. We have achieved
9.314.492
clean passage through the foe.” Full many a prize
9.314.493
was left untaken: princely suits of mail
9.314.494
enwrought with silver pure, huge drinking-bowls,
9.314.495
and broideries fair. Yet grasped Euryalus
9.314.496
the blazonry at Rhamnes' corselet hung,
9.314.497
and belt adorned with gold: which were a gift
9.314.498
to Remulus of Tibur from the store
9.314.499
of opulent Caedicus, who sued from far
9.314.500
to be a friend; and these in death he gave
9.314.501
to his son's son, who slain in battle fell,
9.314.502
and proud Rutulians seized them with the spoil.
9.314.503
Euryalus about his shoulder strong
9.314.504
this booty slung—unprofitable gain! —
9.314.505
and fitted on a gorgeous, crested helm
9.314.506
which once Messapus wore. So from the camp,
9.314.507
escaping danger, the two champions ran.
9.367.508
But horsemen from the Latin city sent
9.367.509
to join the serried legions of the plain
9.367.510
had come at Turnus' call, three hundred strong
9.367.511
all bearing shields, and under the command
9.367.512
of Volscens. Nigh the camp and walls they drew;
9.367.513
and soon they spied upon the leftward path
9.367.514
th' heroic pair, where in dim shades of night
9.367.515
the helmet of Euryalus betrayed
9.367.516
the heedless boy, and with a glancing beam
9.367.517
flashed on the foe. Nor was it seen in vain.
9.367.518
Loud from the line the voice of Volscens called:
9.367.519
“Stand, gentlemen! What business brings you here?
9.367.520
Whose your allegiance? Whither speed so fast?”
9.367.521
No answer gave they save to fly in haste
9.367.522
to cover of the forest and deep gloom
9.367.523
of the defensive night. The horsemen then
9.367.524
blocked every crossway known, and, scattering wide,
9.367.525
kept sentry at the entrance. The great wood
9.367.526
was all of tangled brush and blinding shade
9.367.527
of flex-boughs. Impenetrable thorns
9.367.528
had thickly overgrown, and seldom showed
9.367.529
a pathway through the maze. Euryalus,
9.367.530
by the black branches and his ponderous spoil
9.367.531
impeded, groped along in fearful doubt,
9.367.532
deceived and quite astray. Nisus his friend
9.367.533
had quit him, and incautiously had forced
9.367.534
a sally through the close-encircling foe,
9.367.535
into that region which should after bear
9.367.536
the name of Alba—a rude shelter then
9.367.537
for King Latinus' herds. He stayed him there
9.367.538
and looked, but vainly, for the comrade gone.
9.367.539
“Euryalus, ill-fated boy!” he cried,
9.367.540
“Where have I lost thee in the pathless wild?
9.367.541
How find thee? How retrace the blinding maze
9.367.542
of yonder treacherous wood?” Yet ere he said,
9.367.543
on his own path he turns him back, and scans
9.367.544
his own light footprints through the tangled thorn,
9.367.545
so dark and still. But suddenly he hears
9.367.546
the tread of horses, with confusing din
9.367.547
and tumult of pursuit. Nor was it long
9.367.548
he tarried ere upon his anguished ear
9.367.549
smote a great cry: and, lo! Euryalus,
9.367.550
trapped by the dark night, the deceptive ground,
9.367.551
faced the whole onset, and fell back o'erwhelmed
9.367.552
by a loud mob of foes, while his sole sword
9.367.553
tried many a thrust in vain. O, what defence
9.367.554
may Nisus bring? With what audacious arms
9.367.555
his chosen comrade save? Shall he make bare
9.367.556
his dying breast to all their swords, and run
9.367.557
to honorable death that bloody way?
9.367.558
he swung his spear with lifted arm, then looked
9.367.559
to the still moon, in heaven, and thus implored:
9.367.560
“O goddess, aid me in my evil case.
9.367.561
O glory of the stars, Latona's child!
9.367.562
O guardian of groves, if in my name
9.367.563
my father Hyrtacus made offerings
9.367.564
on burning altars, if my own right hand,
9.367.565
successful in the chase, ere hung its gift
9.367.566
beneath thy dome or on thy sacred wall,
9.367.567
grant me yon troop to scatter. Guide my spear
9.367.568
along its path in air.” He spoke, and hurled
9.367.569
with all his gathered strength the shaft of steel.
9.367.570
the swift spear clove the shades of night, and struck
9.367.571
full in the back of Sulmo, where it split,
9.367.572
but tore through to his very heart. The breast
9.367.573
poured forth life's glowing stream, and he, o'erthrown
9.367.574
lay cold in death, while his huge, heaving sides
9.367.575
gave lingering throes. The men about him stared
9.367.576
this way and that. But Nisus, fiercer still,
9.367.577
poised level with his ear a second shaft,
9.367.578
and, while the foeman paused, the whizzing spear
9.367.579
straight through the brows of Tagus drove, and clung
9.367.580
deep in the cloven brain. In frenzy rose
9.367.581
Volscens, but nowhere could espy what hand
9.367.582
the shaft had hurled, nor whither his wild rage
9.367.583
could make reply. “But thou,” he cried, “shalt feed
9.367.584
with thy hot blood my honor and revenge
9.367.585
for both the slain.” Then with a sword unsheathed
9.367.586
upon Euryalus he fell. Loud shrieked
9.367.587
Nisus, of reason reft, who could not bear
9.367.588
such horror, nor in sheltering gloom of night
9.367.589
longer abide: “'T is I, 't is I!” he said.
9.367.590
look on the man who slew them! Draw on me
9.367.591
your swords, Rutulians! The whole stratagem
9.367.592
was mine, mine only, and the lad ye slay
9.367.593
dared not, and could not. O, by Heaven above
9.367.594
and by the all-beholding stars I swear,
9.367.595
he did but love his hapless friend too well.”
9.367.596
But while he spoke, the furious-thrusting sword
9.367.597
had pierced the tender body, and run through
9.367.598
the bosom white as snow. Euryalus
9.367.599
sank prone in death; upon his goodly limbs
9.367.600
the life-blood ran unstopped, and low inclined
9.367.601
the drooping head; as when some purpled flower,
9.367.602
cut by the ploughshare, dies, or poppies proud
9.367.603
with stem forlorn their ruined beauty bow
9.367.604
before the pelting storm. Then Nisus flew
9.367.605
straight at his foes; but in their throng would find
9.367.606
Volscens alone, for none but Volscens stayed:
9.367.607
they gathered thickly round and grappled him
9.367.608
in shock of steel with steel. But on he plunged,
9.367.609
swinging in ceaseless circles round his head
9.367.610
his lightning-sword, and thrust it through the face
9.367.611
of shrieking Volscens, with his own last breath
9.367.612
striking his foeman down; then cast himself
9.367.613
upon his fallen comrade's breast; and there,
9.367.614
stabbed through, found tranquil death and sure repose.
9.446.615
Heroic pair and blest! If aught I sing
9.446.616
have lasting music, no remotest age
9.446.617
shall blot your names from honor's storied scroll:
9.446.618
not while the altars of Aeneas' line
9.446.619
shall crown the Capitol's unshaken hill,
9.446.620
nor while the Roman Father's hand sustains
9.446.621
its empire o'er the world.
9.450.622
The Rutules seized the spoils of victory,
9.450.623
and slowly to their camp, with wail and cry,
9.450.624
bore Volscens' corse; and in the eamp they made
9.450.625
like wailing over Rhamnes lifeless found,
9.450.626
o'er Numa and Serranus, and a throng
9.450.627
of princes dead. The gazing people pressed
9.450.628
around the slain, the dying, where the earth
9.450.629
ran red with slaughter and full many a stream
9.450.630
of trickling gore; nor did they fail to know
9.450.631
Messapus' glittering helm, his baldric fair,
9.450.632
recaptured now with lavish sweat and pain.
9.459.633
Now, from Tithonus' saffron couch set free,
9.459.634
Aurora over many a land outpoured
9.459.635
the rising morn; the sun's advancing beam
9.459.636
unveiled the world; and Turnus to his host
9.459.637
gave signal to stand forth, while he arrayed
9.459.638
himself in glorious arms. Then every chief
9.459.639
awoke his mail-clad company, and stirred
9.459.640
their slumbering wrath with tidings from the foe.
9.459.641
Tumultuously shouting, they impaled
9.459.642
on lifted spears—O pitiable sight! —
9.459.643
the heads of Nisus and Euryalus.
9.459.644
Th' undaunted Trojans stood in battle-line
9.459.645
along the wall to leftward (for the right
9.459.646
the river-front defended) keeping guard
9.459.647
on the broad moat; upon the ramparts high
9.459.648
sad-eyed they stood, and shuddered as they saw
9.459.649
the hero-faces thrust aloft; too well
9.459.650
their loyal grief the blood-stained features knew.
9.473.651
On restless pinions to the trembling town
9.473.652
had voiceful Rumor hied, and to the ears
9.473.653
of that lone mother of Euryalus
9.473.654
relentless flown. Through all her feeble frame
9.473.655
the chilling sorrow sped. From both her hands
9.473.656
dropped web and shuttle; she flew shrieking forth,
9.473.657
ill-fated mother! and with tresses torn,
9.473.658
to the wide ramparts and the battle-line
9.473.659
ran frantic, heeding naught of men-at-arms,
9.473.660
nor peril nor the rain of falling spears;
9.473.661
and thus with loud and lamentable cry
9.473.662
filled all the air: “Is it in yonder guise,
9.473.663
Euryalus, thou comest? Art thou he,
9.473.664
last comfort of my life? O cruel one!
9.473.665
Couldst thou desert me? When they thrust thee forth
9.473.666
to death and danger, did they dare refuse
9.473.667
a wretched mother's last embrace? But now —
9.473.668
O woe is me!—upon this alien shore
9.473.669
thou liest for a feast to Latin dogs
9.473.670
and carrion birds. Nor did thy mother lead
9.473.671
the mourners to thy grave, nor shut those eyes,
9.473.672
nor wash the dreadful wounds, nor cover thee
9.473.673
with the fair shroud, which many a night and day
9.473.674
I swiftly wove, and at my web and loom
9.473.675
forgot my years and sorrows. Whither now
9.473.676
to seek and follow thee? What spot of earth
9.473.677
holds the torn body and the mangled limbs?
9.473.678
Is all the gift thou bringest home, dear child,
9.473.679
this? O, was this the prize for which I came
9.473.680
o'er land and sea? O, stab me very deep,
9.473.681
if ye have any pity; hurl on me
9.473.682
your every spear, Rutulians; make of me
9.473.683
your swords' first work. Or, Father of the gods!
9.473.684
Show mercy, thou! and with thy lightning touch
9.473.685
this head accurst, and let it fall by thee
9.473.686
down to the dark. For else what power is mine
9.473.687
my tortured life to end?” Her agony
9.473.688
smote on their listening souls; a wail of woe
9.473.689
along the concourse ran. Stern men-at-arms
9.473.690
felt valor for a moment sleep, and all
9.473.691
their rage of battle fail. But while she stirred
9.473.692
the passion of her grief, Ilioneus
9.473.693
and young Iulus, weeping filial tears,
9.473.694
bade Actor and Idaeus, lifting her
9.473.695
in both their reverent arms, to bear her home.
9.503.696
But now the brazen trumpet's fearsome song
9.503.697
blares loud, and startled shouts of soldiery
9.503.698
spread through the roaring sky. The Volscian band
9.503.699
press to the siege, and, locking shield with shield,
9.503.700
fill the great trenches, tear the palisades,
9.503.701
or seek approach by ladders up the walls,
9.503.702
where'er the line of the defenders thins, and light
9.503.703
through their black circle shines. The Trojans pour
9.503.704
promiscuous missiles down, and push out hard
9.503.705
with heavy poles—so well have they been schooled
9.503.706
to fight against long sieges. They fling down
9.503.707
a crushing weight of rocks, in hope to break
9.503.708
th' assailing line, where roofed in serried shields
9.503.709
the foe each charge repels. But not for long
9.503.710
the siegers stand; along their dense array
9.503.711
the crafty Teucrians down the rampart roll
9.503.712
a boulder like a hill-top, laying low
9.503.713
the Rutule troop and crashing through their shields.
9.503.714
Nor may the bold Rutulian longer hope
9.503.715
to keep in cover, but essays to storm
9.503.716
only with far-flung shafts the bastion strong.
9.503.717
Here grim Mezentius, terrible to see,
9.503.718
waved an Etrurian pine, and made his war
9.503.719
with smoking firebrands; there, in equal rage,
9.503.720
Messapus, the steed-tamer, Neptune's son,
9.503.721
ripped down the palisade, and at the breach
9.503.722
strung a steep path of ladders up the wall.
9.525.723
Aid, O Calliope, the martial song!
9.525.724
Tell me what carnage and how many deaths
9.525.725
the sword of Turnus wrought: what peer in arms
9.525.726
each hero to the world of ghosts sent down.
9.525.727
Unroll the war's great book before these eyes.
9.530.728
A tower was there, well-placed and looming large,
9.530.729
with many a lofty bridge, which desperately
9.530.730
th' Italians strove to storm, and strangely plied
9.530.731
besieging enginery to cast it down:
9.530.732
the Trojans hurled back stones, or, standing close,
9.530.733
flung through the loopholes a swift shower of spears.
9.530.734
But Turnus launched a firebrand, and pierced
9.530.735
the wooden wall with flame, which in the wind
9.530.736
leaped larger, and devoured from floor to floor,
9.530.737
burning each beam away. The trembling guards
9.530.738
sought flight in vain; and while they crowded close
9.530.739
into the side unkindled yet, the tower
9.530.740
bowed its whole weight and fell, with sudden crash
9.530.741
that thundered through the sky. Along the ground
9.530.742
half dead the warriors fell (the crushing mass
9.530.743
piled over them) by their own pointed spears
9.530.744
pierced to the heart, or wounded mortally
9.530.745
by cruel splinters of the wreck. Two men,
9.530.746
Helenor one, and Lyeus at his side,
9.530.747
alone get free. Helenor of the twain
9.530.748
was a mere youth; the slave Lycymnia
9.530.749
bore him in secret to the Lydian King,
9.530.750
and, arming him by stealth, had sent away
9.530.751
to serve the Trojan cause. One naked sword
9.530.752
for arms had he, and on his virgin shield
9.530.753
no blazon of renown; but when he saw
9.530.754
the hosts of Turnus front him, and the lines
9.530.755
this way and that of Latins closing round, —
9.530.756
as a fierce, forest-creature, brought to bay
9.530.757
in circling pack of huntsmen, shows its teeth
9.530.758
against the naked spears, and scorning death
9.530.759
leaps upward on the javelins,—even so,
9.530.760
not loth to die, the youthful soldier flew
9.530.761
straight at the centre of his foes, and where
9.530.762
the shining swords looked thickest, there he sprung.
9.530.763
But Lyeus, swifter-footed, forced his way
9.530.764
past the opposing spears and made escape
9.530.765
far as the ciity-wall, where he would fain
9.530.766
clutch at the coping and climb up to clasp
9.530.767
some friend above: but Turnus, spear in hand,
9.530.768
had hotly followed, and exulting loud
9.530.769
thus taunted him, “Hadst thou the hope, rash fool,
9.530.770
beyond this grasp to fly?” So, as he clung,
9.530.771
he tore him down; and with him broke and fell
9.530.772
a huge piece of the wall: not otherwise
9.530.773
a frail hare, or a swan of snow-white wing,
9.530.774
is clutched in eagle-talons, when the bird
9.530.775
of Jove soars skyward with his prey; or tender lamb
9.530.776
from bleating mother and the broken fold
9.530.777
is stolen by the wolf of Mars. Wild shouts
9.530.778
on every side resound. In closer siege
9.530.779
the foe press on, and heap the trenches full,
9.530.780
or hurl hot-flaming torches at the towers.
9.530.781
Ilioneus with mountain-mass of stone
9.530.782
struck down Lucetius, as he crept with fire
9.530.783
too near the city-gate. Emathion fell
9.530.784
by Liger's hand, and Corynteus' death
9.530.785
Asilas dealt: one threw the javelin well;
9.530.786
th' insidious arrow was Asilas' skill.
9.530.787
Ortygius was slain by Caeneus, then
9.530.788
victorious Geneus fell by Turnus' ire.
9.530.789
Then smote he Dioxippus, and laid low
9.530.790
Itys and Promolus and Sagaris
9.530.791
and Clonius, and from the lofty tower
9.530.792
shot Idas down. The shaft of Capys pierced
9.530.793
Privernus, whom Themilla's javelin
9.530.794
but now had lightly grazed, and he, too bold,
9.530.795
casting his shield far from him, had outspread
9.530.796
his left hand on the wound: then sudden flew
9.530.797
the feathered arrow, and the hand lay pinned
9.530.798
against his left side, while the fatal barb
9.530.799
was buried in his breathing life. The son
9.530.800
of Arcens now stood forth in glittering arms.
9.530.801
His broidered cloak was red Iberian stain,
9.530.802
and beautiful was he. Arcens his sire
9.530.803
had sent him to the war; but he was bred
9.530.804
in a Sicilian forest by a stream
9.530.805
to his nymph-mother dear, where rose the shrine
9.530.806
of merciful Palicus, blest and fair.
9.530.807
But, lo! Mezentius his spear laid by,
9.530.808
and whirled three times about his head the thong
9.530.809
of his loud sling: the leaden bullet clove
9.530.810
the youth's mid-forehead, and his towering form
9.530.811
fell prostrate its full length along the ground.
9.590.812
'T was then Ascanius first shot forth in war
9.590.813
the arrow swift from which all creatures wild
9.590.814
were wont to fly in fear: and he struck down
9.590.815
with artful aim Numanus, sturdy foe,
9.590.816
called Remulus, who lately was espoused
9.590.817
to Turnus' younger sister. He had stalked
9.590.818
before the van, and made vociferous noise
9.590.819
of truths and falsehoods foul and base, his heart
9.590.820
puffed up with new-found greatness. Up and down
9.590.821
he strode, and swelled his folly with loud words:
9.590.822
“No shame have ye this second time to stay
9.590.823
cooped close within a rampart's craven siege,
9.590.824
O Phrygians twice-vanquished? Is a wall
9.590.825
your sole defence from death? Are such the men
9.590.826
who ask our maids in marriage? Say what god,
9.590.827
what doting madness, rather, drove ye here
9.590.828
to Italy? This way ye will not find
9.590.829
the sons of Atreus nor the trickster tongue
9.590.830
of voluble Ulysses. Sturdy stock
9.590.831
are we; our softest new-born babes we dip
9.590.832
in chilling rivers, till they bear right well
9.590.833
the current's bitter cold. Our slender lads
9.590.834
hunt night and day and rove the woods at large,
9.590.835
or for their merriment break stubborn steeds,
9.590.836
or bend the horn-tipped bow. Our manly prime
9.590.837
in willing labor lives, and is inured
9.590.838
to poverty and scantness; we subdue
9.590.839
our lands with rake and mattock, or in war
9.590.840
bid strong-walled cities tremble. Our whole life
9.590.841
is spent in use of iron; and we goad
9.590.842
the flanks of bullocks with a javelin's end.
9.590.843
Nor doth old age, arriving late, impair
9.590.844
our brawny vigor, nor corrupt the soul
9.590.845
to frail decay. But over silvered brows
9.590.846
we bind the helmet. Our unfailing joy
9.590.847
is rapine, and to pile the plunder high.
9.590.848
But ye! your gowns-are saffron needlework
9.590.849
or Tyrian purple; ye love shameful ease,
9.590.850
or dancing revelry. Your tunics fiow
9.590.851
long-sleeved, and ye have soft caps ribbon-bound.
9.590.852
Aye, Phrygian girls are ye, not Phrygian men!
9.590.853
Hence to your hill of Dindymus! Go hear
9.590.854
the twy-mouthed piping ye have loved so long.
9.590.855
The timbrel, hark! the Berecynthian flute
9.590.856
calls you away, and Ida's goddess calls.
9.590.857
Leave arms to men, true men! and quit the sword!”
9.621.858
Of such loud insolence and words of shame
9.621.859
Ascanius brooked no more, but laid a shaft
9.621.860
athwart his bowstring, and with arms stretched wide
9.621.861
took aim, first offering suppliant vow to Jove:
9.621.862
“Almighty Jupiter, thy favor show
9.621.863
to my bold deed! So to thy shrine I bear
9.621.864
gifts year by year, and to thine altars lead
9.621.865
a bull with gilded brows, snow-white, and tall
9.621.866
as his own dam, what time his youth begins
9.621.867
to lower his horns and fling the sand in air.”
9.621.868
The Father heard, and from a cloudless sky
9.621.869
thundered to leftward, while the deadly bow
9.621.870
resounded and the arrow's fearful song
9.621.871
hissed from the string; it struck unswervingly
9.621.872
the head of Remulus and clove its way
9.621.873
deep in the hollows of his brow. “Begone!
9.621.874
Proud mocker at the brave! Lo, this reply
9.621.875
twice-vanquished Phrygians to Rutulia send.”
9.621.876
Ascanius said no more. The Teucrians
9.621.877
with deep-voiced shout of joy applaud, and lift
9.621.878
their exultation starward. Then from heaven
9.621.879
the flowing-haired Apollo bent his gaze
9.621.880
upon Ausonia's host, and cloud-enthroned
9.621.881
looked downward o'er the city, speaking thus
9.621.882
to fair Iulus in his victory:
9.621.883
“Hail to thy maiden prowess, boy! This way
9.621.884
the starward path to dwelling-place divine.
9.621.885
O sired of gods and sire of gods to come,
9.621.886
all future storms of war by Fate ordained
9.621.887
shall into peace and lawful calm subside
9.621.888
beneath the offspring of Assaracus.
9.621.889
No Trojan destinies thy glory bound.”
9.621.890
So saying, from his far, ethereal seat
9.621.891
he hied him down, and, cleaving the quick winds
9.621.892
drew near Ascanius. He wore the guise
9.621.893
of aged Butes, who erewhile had borne
9.621.894
Anchises, armor and kept trusty guard
9.621.895
before his threshold, but attended now
9.621.896
Ascanius, by commandment of his sire.
9.621.897
Clad in this graybeard's every aspect, moved
9.621.898
apollo forth,—his very voice and hue,
9.621.899
his hoary locks and grimly sounding shield, —
9.621.900
and to the flushed Iulus spoke this word:
9.621.901
“Child of Aeneas, be content that now
9.621.902
Numanus unavenged thine arrows feels.
9.621.903
Such dawn of glory great Apollo's will
9.621.904
concedes, nor envies thee the fatal shaft
9.621.905
so like his own. But, tender youth, refrain
9.621.906
hereafter from this war!” So said divine
9.621.907
Apollo, who, while yet he spoke, put by
9.621.908
his mortal aspect, and before their eyes
9.621.909
melted to viewless air. The Teucrians knew
9.621.910
the vocal god with armament divine
9.621.911
of arrows; for his rattling quiver smote
9.621.912
their senses as he fled. Obedient
9.621.913
to Phoebus' voice they held back from the fray
9.621.914
Iulus' fury, and their eager souls
9.621.915
faced the fresh fight and danger's darkest frown.
9.621.916
From tower to tower along the bastioned wall
9.621.917
their war-cry flew: they bend with busy hand
9.621.918
the cruel bow, or swing the whirling thong
9.621.919
of javelins. The earth on every side
9.621.920
is strewn with spent shafts, the reverberant shield
9.621.921
and hollow helmet ring with blows; the fight
9.621.922
more fiercely swells; not less the bursting storm
9.621.923
from watery Kid-stars in the western sky
9.621.924
lashes the plain, or multitudinous hail
9.621.925
beats upon shallow seas, when angry Jove
9.621.926
flings forth tempestuous and-boundless rain,
9.621.927
and splits the bellied clouds in darkened air.
9.672.928
The brothers Pandarus and Bitias,
9.672.929
of whom Alcanor was the famous sire,
9.672.930
on Ida born, and whom Iaera bred
9.672.931
in sacred wood of Jove, an oread she,
9.672.932
twin warriors, like their native hills and trees
9.672.933
of stature proud, now burst those portals wide
9.672.934
to them in ward consigned, and sword in hand
9.672.935
challenge the foe to enter. Side by side,
9.672.936
steel-clad, their tall heads in bright crested helms,
9.672.937
to left and right, like towers, the champions stand
9.672.938
as when to skyward, by the gliding waves
9.672.939
of gentle Athesis or Padus wide,
9.672.940
a pair of oaks uprise, and lift in air
9.672.941
their shaggy brows and nodding crests sublime.
9.672.942
In burst the Rutules where the onward way
9.672.943
seemed open wide; Quercens no tarrying knows,
9.672.944
nor proud Aquiculus in well-wrought arms;
9.672.945
Tmarus sweeps on impetuous, and the host
9.672.946
of Haemon, child of Mars. Some routed fly;
9.672.947
some lay their lives-down at the gate. Wild rage
9.672.948
o'erflows each martial breast, and gathered fast
9.672.949
the Trojans rally to one point, and dare
9.672.950
close conflict, or long sallies o'er the plain.
9.691.951
To Turnus, who upon a distant field
9.691.952
was storming with huge havoc, came the news
9.691.953
that now his foe, before a gate thrown wide,
9.691.954
was red with slaughter. His own fight he stays,
9.691.955
and speeds him, by enormous rage thrust on,
9.691.956
to those proud brethren at the Dardan wall.
9.691.957
There first Antiphates, who made his war
9.691.958
far in the van (a Theban captive's child
9.691.959
to great Sarpedon out of wedlock born),
9.691.960
he felled to earth with whirling javelin:
9.691.961
th' Italic shaft of cornel lightly flew
9.691.962
along the yielding air, and through his throat
9.691.963
pierced deep into the breast; a gaping wound
9.691.964
gushed blood; the hot shaft to his bosom clung.
9.691.965
Then Erymas and Merops his strong hand
9.691.966
laid low: Aphidnus next, then came the turn
9.691.967
of Bitias, fiery-hearted, furious-eyed:
9.691.968
but not by javelin,—such cannot fall
9.691.969
by flying javelin,—the ponderous beam
9.691.970
of a phalaric spear, with mighty roar,
9.691.971
like thunderbolt upon him fell; such shock
9.691.972
neither the bull's-hides of his double shield
9.691.973
nor twofold corselet's golden scales could stay
9.691.974
but all his towering frame in ruin fell.
9.691.975
Earth groaned, and o'er him rang his ample shield.
9.691.976
so crashes down from Baiae's storied shore
9.691.977
a rock-built mole, whose mighty masonry,
9.691.978
piled up with care, men cast into the sea;
9.691.979
it trails its wreckage far, and fathoms down
9.691.980
lies broken in the shallows, while the waves
9.691.981
whirl every way, and showers of black sand
9.691.982
are scattered on the air: with thunder-sound
9.691.983
steep Prochyta is shaken, and that bed
9.691.984
of cruel stone, Inarime, which lies
9.691.985
heaped o'er Typhoeus by revenge of Jove.
9.717.986
Now to the Latins Mars, the lord of war,
9.717.987
gave might and valor, and to their wild hearts
9.717.988
his spur applied, but on the Teucrians breathed
9.717.989
dark fear and flight. From every quarter came
9.717.990
auxiliar hosts, where'er the conflict called,
9.717.991
and in each bosom pulsed the god of war.
9.717.992
When Pandarus now saw his brother's corse
9.717.993
low Iying, and which way the chance and tide
9.717.994
of battle ran, he violently moved
9.717.995
the swinging hinges of the gate, and strained
9.717.996
with both his shoulders broad. He shut outside
9.717.997
not few of his own people, left exposed
9.717.998
in fiercest fight but others with himself
9.717.999
he barred inside and saved them as they fled;
9.717.1000
nor noted, madman, how the Rutule King
9.717.1001
had burst in midmost of the line, and now
9.717.1002
stood prisoned in their wall, as if he were
9.717.1003
some monstrous tiger among helpless kine.
9.717.1004
His eyeballs strangely glared; his armor rang
9.717.1005
terrific, his tall crest shook o'er his brows
9.717.1006
blood-red, and lightnings glittered from his shield
9.717.1007
familiar loomed that countenance abhorred
9.717.1008
and frame gigantic on the shrinking eyes
9.717.1009
of the Aeneadae. Then Pandarus
9.717.1010
sprang towering forth, all fever to revenge
9.717.1011
his brother's slaughter. “Not this way,” he cried
9.717.1012
“Amata's marriage-gift! No Ardea here
9.717.1013
mews Turnus in his fathers' halls. Behold
9.717.1014
thy foeman's castle! Thou art not allowed
9.717.1015
to take thy leave.” But Turnus looked his way,
9.717.1016
and smiled with heart unmoved. “Begin! if thou
9.717.1017
hast manhood in thee, and meet steel with steel!
9.717.1018
Go tell dead Priam thou discoverest here
9.717.1019
Achilles!” For reply, the champion tall
9.717.1020
hurled with his might and main along the air
9.717.1021
his spear of knotted wood and bark untrimmed.
9.717.1022
But all it wounded was the passing wind,
9.717.1023
for Saturn's daughter turned its course awry,
9.717.1024
and deep in the great gate the spear-point drove.
9.717.1025
“Now from the stroke this right arm means for thee
9.717.1026
thou shalt not fly. Not such the sender of
9.717.1027
this weapon and this wound.” He said, and towered
9.717.1028
aloft to his full height; the lifted sword
9.717.1029
clove temples, brows, and beardless cheeks clean through
9.717.1030
with loudly ringing blow; the ground beneath
9.717.1031
shook with the giant's ponderous fall, and, lo,
9.717.1032
with nerveless limbs, and brains spilt o'er his shield,
9.717.1033
dead on the earth he lay! in equal halves
9.717.1034
the sundered head from either shoulder swung.
9.756.1035
In horror and amaze the Trojans all
9.756.1036
dispersed and fled; had but the conqueror thought
9.756.1037
to break the barriers of the gates and call
9.756.1038
his followers through, that fatal day had seen
9.756.1039
an ending of the Teucrians and their war.
9.756.1040
But frenzied joy of slaughter urged him on,
9.756.1041
infuriate, to smite the scattering foe.
9.756.1042
First Phaleris he caught; then cut the knees
9.756.1043
of Gyges; both their spears he snatched away
9.756.1044
and hurled them at the rout; 't was Juno roused
9.756.1045
his utmost might of rage. Now Halys fell,
9.756.1046
and Phegeus, whom he pierced right through the shield:
9.756.1047
next, at the walls and urging reckless war,
9.756.1048
Alcander, Halius, and Noemon gave
9.756.1049
their lives, and Prytanis went down. In vain
9.756.1050
Lynceus made stand and called his comrades brave:
9.756.1051
for Turnus from the right with waving sword
9.756.1052
caught at him and lopped off with one swift blow
9.756.1053
the head, which with its helmet rolled away.
9.756.1054
Next Amycus, destroyer of wild beasts,
9.756.1055
who knew full well to smear a crafty barb
9.756.1056
with venomed oil; young Clytius he slew,
9.756.1057
son of the wind-god; then on Cretheus fell,
9.756.1058
a follower of the muses and their friend:
9.756.1059
Cretheus, whose every joy it was to sing,
9.756.1060
and fit his numbers to the chorded Iyre;
9.756.1061
steeds, wars, armed men were his perpetual song.
9.778.1062
At last the Teucrian chiefs had heard the tale
9.778.1063
of so much slaughter; and in council met
9.778.1064
are Mnestheus and Serestus bold, who see
9.778.1065
their comrades routed and the conquering foe
9.778.1066
within the gates. Cries Mnestheus, “Whither fly?
9.778.1067
What open way is yonder or what wall?
9.778.1068
Beyond these ramparts lost what stronger lie?
9.778.1069
Shall one lone man here in your walls confined,
9.778.1070
make havoc unavenged and feed the grave
9.778.1071
with your best warriors? 0 cowards vile!
9.778.1072
For your sad country and her ancient gods
9.778.1073
and for renowned Aeneas, can ye feel
9.778.1074
no pity and no shame?” Enflamed to fight
9.778.1075
by words like these, they close the line, and stand
9.778.1076
in strong array. So Turnus for a space
9.778.1077
out of the battle step by step withdrew
9.778.1078
to make the river-bank his rearguard strong;
9.778.1079
whereat the Teucrians, shouting loud, swept on
9.778.1080
the fiercer, and in solid mass pressed round.
9.778.1081
as when a troop of hunters with keen spears
9.778.1082
encircle a wild lion, who in fear,
9.778.1083
but glaring grim and furious, backward falls,
9.778.1084
valor and rage constrain him ne'er to cease
9.778.1085
fronting the foe; yet not for all his ire
9.778.1086
can he against such serried steel make way:
9.778.1087
so Turnus backward with a lingering step
9.778.1088
unwilling drew, and wrath his heart oterflowed.
9.778.1089
for twice already had he cloven a path
9.778.1090
into the foe's mid-press, and twice had driven
9.778.1091
their flying lines in panic through the town.
9.778.1092
But now the whole throng from the camp he sees
9.778.1093
massed to the onset. Nor will Juno now
9.778.1094
dare give him vigor to withstand, for Jove
9.778.1095
had sent aerial Iris out of heaven
9.778.1096
with stern commandment to his sister-queen
9.778.1097
that Turnus from the Teucrian walls retire.
9.778.1098
Therefore the warrior's shield avails no more,
9.778.1099
nor his strong arm; but he is overthrown
9.778.1100
by general assault. Around his brows
9.778.1101
his smitten helmet rings; the ponderous mail
9.778.1102
cracks under falling stones; the haughty plumes
9.778.1103
are scattered from his head, nor can the boss
9.778.1104
of his stout shield endure; the Trojans hurl
9.778.1105
redoubled rain of spears; and with them speeds
9.778.1106
Mnestheus like thunderbolt. The hero's flesh
9.778.1107
dissolves in sweat; no room to breathe has he;
9.778.1108
his limbs are spent and weary; his whole frame
9.778.1109
shakes with his gasping breath: then bounding fort
9.778.1110
with all his harness on, headlong he plunged
9.778.1111
into the flowing stream; its yellow tide
9.778.1112
embraced him as he fell, and gentle waves
9.778.1113
restored him smiling to his friends in arms,
9.778.1114
with all the gore and carnage washed away.