Æneas setting sail from Africk, is driven by a Storm on the Coasts of Sicily: Where he is hospitably received by his Friend Acestes, King of part of the Island, and born of Trojan Parentage. He applies himself to celebrate the Memory of his Father with Divine Honours: And accordingly institutes Funeral Games, and appoints Prizes for those who shou'd conquer in them. While the Ceremonies were performing, Juno sends Iris to perswade the Trojan Women to burn the Ships, who upon her Instigation set fire to them, which burnt four, and would have consum'd the rest, had not Jupiter by a miraculous Shower extinguish'd it. Upon this Æneas by the Advice of one of his Generals, and a Vision of his Father, builds a City for the Women, Old Men, and others, who were either unfit for War, or weary of the Voyage, and sails for Italy: Venus procures of Neptune a safe Voyage for him and all his Men, excepting only his Pilot Palinurus, who was unfortunately lost.
ean time the Trojan cuts his wat'ry way, Fix'd on his Voyage, thro' the curling Sea: Then, casting back his Eyes, with dire Amaze, Sees on the Punic Shore the mounting Blaze.
The Cause unknown; yet his presaging Mind, 5 The Fate of Dido from the Fire divin'd; He knew the stormy Souls of Woman-kind: What secret Springs their eager Passions move, How capable of Death for injur'd Love. Dire Auguries from hence the Trojans draw; 10 Till neither Fires, nor shining Shores they saw. Now Seas and Skies, their Prospect only bound; An empty space above, a floating Field around. But soon the Heav'ns with shadows were o'erspread; A swelling Cloud hung hov'ring o'er their Head: 15 Livid it look'd, (the threatning of a Storm;) Then Night and Horror Ocean's Face deform. The Pilot, Palinurus, cry'd aloud, What Gusts of Weather from that gath'ring Cloud My Thoughts presage; e'er yet the Tempest roars, 20 Stand to your Tackle, Mates, and stretch your Oars; Contract your swelling Sails, and luff to Wind: The frighted Crew perform the Task assign'd. Then, to his fearless Chief, not Heav'n, said he, Tho' Jove himself shou'd promise Italy, 25 Can stem the Torrent of this raging Sea. Mark how the shifting Winds from West arise, And what collected Night involves the Skies! Nor can our shaken Vessels live at Sea, Much less against the Tempest force their way; 30 Tis Fate diverts our Course; and Fate we must obey. Not far from hence, if I observ'd aright The southing of the Stars, and Polar Light, Sicilia lies; whose hospitable Shores In safety we may reach with strugling Oars. 35 Æneas then reply'd, Too sure I find, We strive in vain against the Seas, and Wind: Now shift your Sails: What place can please me more Than what you promise, the Sicilian Shore; Whose hallow'd Earth Anchises Bones contains, 40 And where a Prince of Trojan Lineage reigns? The Course resolv'd, before the Western Wind They feud amain; and make the Port assign'd. Mean time Acestes, from a lofty Stand, Beheld the Fleet descending on the Land; 45 And not unmindful of his ancient Race, Down from the Cliff he ran with eager Pace: And held the Heroe in a strict Embrace. Of a rough Lybian Bear the Spoils he wore; And either Hand a pointed Jav'lin bore. 50 His Mother was a Dame of Dardan Blood; His Sire Crinisus, a Sicilian Flood; He welcomes his returning Friends ashore With plenteous Country Cates; and homely Store, Now, when the following Morn had chas'd away The flying Stars, and light restor'd the Day, 56 Æneas call'd the Trojan Troops around; And thus bespoke them from a rising Ground. Off-spring of Heav'n, Divine Dardanian Race, The Sun revolving thro' th' Etherial Space, 60 The shining Circle of the Year has fill'd, Since first this Isle my Father's Ashes held: And now the rising Day renews the Year, (A Day for ever sad, for ever dear,) This wou'd I celebrate with Annual Games, 65 With Gifts on Altars pil'd, and holy Flames, Tho' banish'd to Getulia's barren Sands, Caught on the Grecian Seas, or hostile Lands: But since this happy Storm our Fleet has driv'n (Not, as I deem, without the Will of Heav'n,) 70 Upon these friendly Shores, and flow'ry Plains, Which hide Anchises, and his blest Remains; Let us with Joy perform his Honours due; And pray for prosp'rous Winds, our Voyage to renew. Pray, that in Towns, and Temples of our own, 75 The Name of great Anchises may be known; And yearly Games may spread the Gods renown. Our Sports, Acestes of the Trojan Race, With royal Gifts, ordain'd, is pleas'd to grace: Two Steers on ev'ry Ship the King bestows; 80 His Gods and ours, shall share your equal Vows. Besides, if nine days hence, the rosy Morn Shall with unclouded Light the Skies adorn, That Day with solemn Sports I mean to grace; Light Gallies on the Seas, shall run a wat'ry Race. 85 Some shall in Swiftness for the Goal contend, And others try the twanging Bow to bend: The strong with Iron Gauntlets arm'd shall stand, Oppos'd in Combat on the yellow Sand. Let all be present at the Games prepar'd, 90 And joyful Victors wait the Just Reward. But now assist the Rites, with Garlands crown'd; He said, and first his Brows, with Myrtle bound. Then Helymus, by his Example led, And old Acestes, each adorn'd his Head; 95 Thus, young Ascanius, with a sprightly Grace, His Temples ty'd, and all the Trojan Race. Æneas then advanc'd amidst the Train, By thousands follow'd thro' the flowry Plain, To great Anchises Tomb: Which when he found, 100 He pour'd to Bacchus, on the hallow'd Ground, Two Bowls of sparkling Wine, of Milk two more, And two from offer'd Bulls of Purple Gore. With Roses then the Sepulchre he strow'd; And thus, his Father's Ghost bespoke aloud. 105 Hail, O ye Holy Manes; hail again Paternal Ashes, now review'd in vain! The Gods permitted not, that you, with me, Shou'd reach the promis'd Shores of Italy; Or Tiber's Flood, what Flood so e'er it be. 110 Scarce had he finish'd, when, with speckled Pride, A Serpent from the Tomb began to glide; His hugy Bulk on sev'n high Volumes roll'd; Blue was his breadth of Back, but streak'd with scaly Gold: Thus riding on his Curls, he seem'd to pass 115 A rowling Fire along; and singe the Grass. More various Colours thro' his Body run, Than Iris when her Bow imbibes the Sun; Betwixt the rising Altars, and around, The sacred Monster shot along the Ground; 120 With harmless play amidst the Bowls he pass'd; And with his lolling Tongue assay'd the Taste: Thus fed with Holy Food, the wond'rous Guest Within the hollow Tomb retir'd to rest. The Pious Prince, surpris'd at what he view'd, 125 The Fun'ral Honours with more Zeal renew'd: Doubtful if this the Place's Genius were, Or Guardian of his Father's Sepulchre. Five Sheep, according to the Rites, he slew; As many Swine, and Steers of fable Hue; 130 New gen'rous Wine he from the Goblets pour'd, And call'd his Father's Ghost, from Hell restor'd. The glad Attendants in long Order come, Off'ring their Gifts at great Anchises Tomb: Some add more Oxen, some divide the Spoil, 135 Some place the Chargers on the grassy Soil; Some blow the Fires and offer'd Entrails broil. Now came the Day desir'd; the Skies were bright With rosy Lustre of the rising Light: The bord'ring People, rowz'd by wounding Fame 140 Of Trojan Feasts, and great Acestes Name; The crowded Shore with Acclamations fill, Part to behold, and part to prove their Skill. And first the Gifts in Publick View they place, 144 Green Lawrel Wreaths, and Palm, (the Victors grace:) Within the Circle, Arms and Tripods lye; Ingotts of Gold, and Silver, heap'd on high; And Vests embroider'd of the Tyrian dye. The Trumpet's clangor then the Feast proclaims; And all prepare for their appointed Games, 150 Four Gallies first which equal Rowers bear, Advancing, in the wat'ry Lifts appear. The speedy Dolphin, that out-strips the Wind, Bore Mnestheus, Author of the Memmian kind: Gyas, the vast Chymæra's Bulk commands, 155 Which rising like a tow'ring City stands: Three Trojans tug at ev'ry lab'ring Oar; Three Banks in three degrees the Sailors bore; Beneath their sturdy Stroaks the Billows roar. Sergesthus, who began the Sergian Race, 160 In the great Centaur took the leading Place: Cloantbus on the Sea-green Scylla stood; From whom Cluentius draws his Trojan Blood. Far in the Sea, against the foaming Shoar, There stands a Rock; the raging Billows roar 165 Above his Head in Storms; but when tis clear, Uncurl their ridgy Backs, and at his Foot appear.
In Peace below the gentle Waters run; The Cormorants above, lye basking in the Sun. On this the Heroe fix'd an Oak in sight, 170 The mark to guide the Mariners aright. To bear with this, the Seamen stretch their Oars; Then round the Rock they steer, and seek the former Shoars. The Lots decide their place; above the rest, Each Leader shining in his Tyrian Vest: 175 The common Crew, with Wreaths of Poplar Boughs, Their Temples crown, and shade their sweaty Brows. Besmear'd with Oil, their naked Shoulders shine; All take their Seats, and wait the sounding sign. They gripe their Oars, and ev'ry panting Breast 180 Is rais'd by turns with Hope, by turns with Fear depress'd. The clangor of the Trumpet gives the Sign; At once they start, advancing in a Line: With shouts the Sailors rend the starry Skies, 184 Lash'd with their Oars, the smoaky Billows rise; Sparkles the briny Main, and the vex'd Ocean fries. Exact in time, with equal Strokes they row; At once the brushing Oars, and brazen Prow Dash up the sandy Waves, and ope the Depths below. Not fiery Coursers, in a Chariot Race, 190 Invade the Field with half so swift a Pace. Not the fierce Driver with more Fury lends The sounding Lash; and, e'er the Stroke descends, Low to the Wheels his pliant Body bends. The partial Crowd their Hopes and Fears divide; 195 And aid, with eager shouts, the favour'd Side. Cries, Murmurs, Clamours, with a mixing Sound, From Woods to Woods, from Hills to Hills rebound. Amidst the loud Applauses of the Shore, Gyas outstrip'd the rest, and sprung before; 200 Cloanthus, better mann'd, pursu'd him fast; But his o'er-masted Gally check'd his Haste. The Centaur, and the Dolphin brush the brine With equal Oars, advancing in a Line: And now the mighty Centaur seems to lead, 205 And now the speedy Dolphin gets a head: Now Board to Board the rival Vessels row; The Billows lave the Skies, and Ocean groans below. They reach'd the Mark; proud Gyas and his Train, In Triumph rode the Victors of the Main: 210 But steering round, he charg'd his Pilot stand More close to Shore, and skim along the Sand. Let others bear to Sea. Menætes heard, But secret shelves too cautiously he fear'd: And fearing, sought the Deep; and still aloof he steer'd. With louder Cries the Captain call'd again; 216 Bear to the rocky Shore, and shun the Main. He spoke, and speaking at his stern he saw The bold Cloanthus near the Shelvings draw; Betwixt the mark and him the Scylla stood, 220 And in a closer Compass plow'd the Flood, He pass'd the Mark; and wheeling got before; Gyas blasphem'd the Gods, devoutly swore, Cry'd out for Anger, and his Hair he tore. Mindless of others Lives, (so high was grown 225 His rising Rage,) and careless of his own: The trembling Dotard to the Deck he drew, And hoisted up, and over-board he threw, This done he seiz'd the Helm; his Fellows cheer'd; Turn'd short upon the Shelfs, and madly steer'd. 230 Hardly his Head, the plunging Pilot rears, Clog'd with his Cloaths, and cumber'd with his Years: Now dropping wet, he climbs the Cliff with Pain; The Crowd that saw him fall, and float again, Shout from the distant Shore; and loudly laught, 235 To see his heaving Breast disgorge the briny Draught. The following Centaur, and the Dolphin's Crew, Their vanish'd hopes of Victory renew: While Gyas lags, they kindle in the Race, To reach the Mark; Sergesthus takes the place: 240 Mnestheus pursues; and while around they wind, Comes up, not half his Gally's length behind. Then, on the Deck amidst his Mates appear'd, And thus their drooping Courages he cheer'd. My Friends, and Hector's Followers heretofore; 245 Exert your Vigour, tug the lab'ring Oar; Stretch to your Stroaks, my still unconquer'd Crew, Whom from the flaming Walls of Troy I drew. In this, our common Int'rest, let me find 249 That strength of Hand, that courage of the Mind, As when you stem'd the strong Malæan Flood, And o'er the Syrtes broken Billows row'd. I seek not now the foremost Palm to gain; Tho' yet———But ah, that haughty Wish is vain! Let those enjoy it whom the Gods ordain. 255 But to be last, the Lags of all the Race, Redeem your selves and me from that Disgrace. Now one and all, they tug amain; they row At the full stretch, and shake the Brazen Prow. The Sea beneath 'em sinks; their lab'ring sides 260 Are swell'd, and Sweat run gutt'ring down in Tides. Chance aids their daring with unhop'd Success; Sergesthus, eager with his Beak, to press Betwixt the Rival Gally and the Rock; Shuts up th' unweildly Centaur in the Lock. 265 The Vessel struck, and with the dreadful shock Her Oars she shiver'd, and her Head the broke. The trembling Rowers from their Banks arise, And anxious for themselves renounce the Prize. With Iron Poles they heave her off the Shores; 270 And gather, from the Sea, their floating Oars. The Crew of Mnestheus, with elated Minds, Urge their Success, and call the willing Winds: Then ply their Oars and cut their liquid way; In larger Compass on the roomy Sea. 275 As when the Dove her Rocky Hold forsakes, Rowz'd in a Fright, her sounding Wings she shakes, The Cavern rings with clatt'ring; out she flies, And leaves her Callow Care, and cleaves the Skies; At first she flutters, but at length she springs 280 To smoother flight, and shoots upon her Wings: So Mnestheus in the Dolphin cuts the Sea, And flying with a force, that force assists his Way. Sergesthus in the Centaur soon he pass'd, Wedg'd in the Rocky Sholes, and sticking fast. 285 In vain the Victor he with Cries implores, And practices to row with shatter'd Oars. Then Mnestheus bears with Gyas, and out-flies: The Ship without a Pilot yields the Prize. Unvanquish'd Scylla now alone remains; 290 Her he pursues; and all his vigour, strains. Shouts from the fav'ring Multitude arise, Applauding Echo to the Shouts replies; Shouts, Wishes, and Applause run ratling through the Skies. These Clamours with disdain the Scylla heard; 295 Much grudg'd the Praise, but more the rob'd Reward: Resolv'd to hold their own, they mend their pace; All obstinate to dye, or gain the Race. Rais'd with Success, the Dolphin swiftly ran, (For they can Conquer who believe they can:) 300 Both urge their Oars, and Fortune both supplies; And both, perhaps had shar'd an equal Prize; When to the Seas Cloanthus holds his Hands, And Succour from the Watry Pow'rs demands: Gods of the liquid Realms, on which I row, 305 If giv'n by you, the Lawrel bind my Brow, Assist to make me guilty of my Vow. A Snow-white Bull shall on your Shore be slain, His offer'd Entrails cast into the Main; And ruddy Wine from Golden Goblets thrown, 310 Your grateful Gift and my Return shall own. The Quire of Nymphs, and Phoreus from below, With Virgin Panopea, heard his Vow; And old Portunus, with his breadth of Hand, Push'd on, and sped the Gally to the Land. 315 Swift as a Shaft, or winged Wind, she flies; And darting to the Port, obtains the Prize. The Herald summons all, and then proclaims Cloanthus Conqu'ror of the Naval Games. 319 The Prince with Lawrel crowns the Victor's Head, And three fat Steers are to his Vessel led; The Ship's Reward: with gen'rous Wine beside; And Sums of Silver, which the Crew divide. The Leaders are distinguish'd from the rest; The Victor honour'd with a nobler Vest: 325 Where Gold and Purple strive in equal Rows; And Needle-work its happy Cost bestows. There, Ganymede is wrought with living Art, Chasing thro' Ida's Groves the trembling Hart: Breathless he seems, yet eager to pursue; 330 When from aloft, descends in open view, The Bird of Jove; and sowsing on his Prey, With crooked Tallons bears the Boy away. In vain, with lifted Hands, and gazing Eyes, His Guards behold him soaring thro' the Skies; 335 And Dogs pursue his Flight, with imitated Cries. Mnestheus the second Victor was declar'd; And summon'd there, the second Prize he shar'd. A Coat of Mail, which brave Demoleus bore; More brave Æneas from his Shoulders tore; In single Combat on the Trojan Shore. 340 This was ordain'd for Mnestheus to possess; In War for his Defence; for Ornament in Peace. Rich was the Gift, and glorious to behold; But yet so pond'rous with its Plates of Gold, 345 That scarce two Servants cou'd the Weight sustain; Yet, loaded thus, Demoleus o'er the Plain Pursu'd, and lightly seiz'd the Trojan Train. The Third succeeding to the last Reward, Two goodly Bowls of Massy Silver shar'd; 350 With Figures prominent, and richly wrought: And two Brass Caldrons from Dodona brought. Thus, all rewarded by the Heroe's hands, Their conqu'ring Temples bound with Purple Bands. And now Sergesthus, clearing from the Rock, 355 Brought back his Gally shatter'd with the shock. Forlorn she look'd, without an aiding Oar; And howted, by the Vulgar, made to Shoar. As when a Snake, surpris'd upon the Road, Is cruth'd athwart her Body by the load 360 Of heavy Wheels; or with a Mortal Wound Her Belly bruis'd, and trodden to the Ground: In vain, with loosen'd curls, she crawls along, Yet fierce above, the brandishes her Tongue: Glares with her Eyes, and bristles with her Scales, 365 But groveling in the Dust, her parts unsound she trails So slowly to the Port the Centaur tends, But what she wants in Oars, with Sails amends; Yet, for his Gally sav'd, the grateful Prince, Is pleas'd th' unhappy Chief to recompence 370 Pholoe, the Cretan Slave, rewards his Care, Beauteous her self, with lovely Twins, as fair. From thence his way the Trojan Heroe bent, Into the neighb'ring Plain, with Mountains pent; Whose sides were shaded with surrounding Wood: 375 Full in the midst of this fair Vally stood A Native Theatre, which rising slow, By just degrees, o'er-look'd the Ground below. High on a Sylvan Throne the Leader sate; A num'rous Train attend in Solemn State; 380 Here those, that in the rapid Course delight, Desire of Honour, and the Prize invite. The Rival Runners, without Order stand, The Trojans, mix'd with the Sicilian Band. First Nisus, with Euryalus, appears, 385 Euryalus a Boy of blooming Years; With sprightly Grace, and equal Beauty crown'd: Nisus, for Friendship to the Youth, renown'd. Diores, next, of Priam's Royal Race, Then Salius, join'd with Patron took their Place: 390 But Patron in Arcadia had his Birth, And Salius his, from Acarnanian Earth. Then two Sicilian Youths, the Names of these Swift Helymus, and lovely Panopes: Both jolly Huntsmen, both in Forests bred, 395 And owning old Acestes for their Head. With sev'ral others of Ignobler Name; Whom Time has not deliver'd o'er to Fame. To these the Heroe thus his Thoughts explain'd, In Words, which gen'ral Approbation gain'd. 400 One common Largess is for all design'd: The Vanquish'd and the Victor shall be join'd. Two Darts of polish'd Steel, and Gnosian Wood, A Silver'd studded Ax alike bestow'd. The foremost three have Olive Wreaths decreed; 405 The first of these obtains a stately Steed Adorn'd with Trappings; and the next in Fame, The Quiver of an Amazonian Dame; With feather'd Thracian Arrows well supply'd, A Golden Belt shall gird his Manly side; 410 Which with a sparkling Diamond shall be ty'd: The third this Grecian Helmet shall content. He said; to their appointed Base they went: With beating Hearts th' expected Sign receive, And starting all at once, the Barrier leave! 415 Spread out, as on the winged Winds, they flew, And seiz'd the distant Goal with greedy view. Shot from the Crowd, swift Nisus all o'er-pass'd; Nor Storms, nor Thunder, equal half his haste. The next, but tho' the next, yet far dis-join'd, 420 Came Salius, and Euryalus behind; Then Helymus, whom young Diores ply'd, Step after Step, and almost Side by Side: His Shoulders pressing, and in longer Space, Had won, or left at least a dubious Race. 425 Now spent, the Goal they almost reach at last; When eager Nisus, hapless in his haste, Slip'd first, and slipping, sell upon the Plain, Soak'd with the Blood of Oxen, newly slain: The careless Victor had not mark'd his way; 430 But treading where the treach'rous Puddle lay, His Heels flew up; and on the grassy Floor, He fell, besmear'd with Filth, and Holy Gore. Not mindless then, Euryalus, of thee, Nor of the Sacred Bonds of Amity; 435 He strove th' immediate Rival's hope to cross; And caught the Foot of Salius as he rose: So Salius lay extended on the Plain; Euryalus springs out, the Prize to gain;
And leaves the Crowd; applauding Peals attend 440 The Victor to the Goal, who vanquish'd by his Friend. Next Helymus, and then Diores came; By two Misfortunes made the third in Fame. But Salius enters; and, exclaiming loud For Justice, deafens, and disturbs the Crowd: 445 Urges his Cause may in the Court be heard; And pleads the Prize is wrongfully conferr'd. But Favour for Euryalus appears; His blooming Beauty, with his tender Tears, Had brib'd the Judges for the promis'd Prize; 450 Besides Diores fills the Court with Cries, Who vainly reaches at the last Reward, If the first Palm on Salius be conferr'd. Then thus the Prince; Let no Disputes arise: Where Fortune plac'd it, I award the Prize. 455 But Fortune's Errors give me leave to mend, At least to pity my deserving Friend. He said, and from among the Spoils, he draws, (Pond'rous with shaggy Main, and Golden Paws) A Lyon's Hide; to Salius this he gives: 460 Nisus, with Envy sees the Gift, and grieves. If such Rewards to vanquish'd Men are due, He said, and Falling is to rife by you, What Prize may Nisus from your Bounty claim, Who merited the first Rewards and Fame? 465 In falling, both an equal Fortune try'd; Wou'd Fortune for my Fall so well provide! With this he pointed to his Face, and show'd His Hands, and all his Habit smear'd with Blood. Th' indulgent Father of the People smil'd; 470 And caus'd to be produc'd an ample Shield; Of wond'rous Art by Didymaon wrought, Long since from Neptune's Bars in Triumph brought. This giv'n to Nisus; he divides the rest; And equal Justice, in his Gifts, express'd. 475 The Race thus ended, and Rewards bestow'd; Once more the Prince bespeaks th' attentive Crowd. If there be here, whose dauntless Courage dare In Gauntlet fight, with Limbs and Body bare, His Opposite sustain in open view, 480 Stand forth the Champion; and the Games renew. Two Prizes I propose, and thus divide, A Bull with gilded Horns, and Fillets ty'd, Shall be the Portion of the conqu'ring Chief: A Sword and Helm shall chear the Loser's Grief. 485 Then haughty Dares in the Lists appears; Stalking he strides, his Head erected bears: His nervous Arms the weighty Gauntlet wield; And loud Applauses echo thro' the Field. Dares alone, in Combat us'd to stand 490 The match of mighty Paris hand to hand; The same, at Hector's Fun'rals undertook Gygantick Brutes, of th' Amician Stock; And by the Stroak of his resistless Hand, Stretch'd the vast Bulk upon the yellow Sand. 495 Such Dares was and such he strod along, And drew the Wonder of the gazing Throng. His brawny Back, and ample Breast he shows; His lifted Arms around his Head he throws; And deals, in whistling Air, his empty Blows. 500 His Match is sought; but thro' the trembling Band, Not one dares answer to the proud Demand. Presuming of his Force, with sparkling Eyes, Already he devours the promis'd Prize. He claims the Bull with awless Insolence; 505 And having seiz'd his Horns, accosts the Prince. If none my matchless Valour dares oppose, How long shall Dares wait his dastard Foes? Permit me, Chief, permit without Delay, To lead this uncontended Gift away. 510 The Crowd assents; and, with redoubled Cries, For the proud Challenger demands the Prize. Acestes, fir'd with just Disdain, to see The Palm usurp'd without a Victory; Reproach'd Entellus thus, who sate beside, 515 And heard, and saw unmov'd, the Trojan's Pride: Once, but in vain, a Champion of Renown, So tamely can you bear the ravish'd Crown? A Prize in triumph born before your sight, And shun for fear the danger of the Fight? 520 Where is our Eryx now, the boasted Name, The God who taught your thund'ring Arm the Game; Where now your baffled Honour, where the Spoil That fill'd your House, and Fame that fill'd our Isle? Entellus, thus: My Soul is still the same; 525 Unmov'd with Fear, and mov'd with Martial Fame: But my chill Blood is curdled in my Veins; And scarce the Shadow of a Man remains. Oh, cou'd I turn to that fair Prime again, That Prime, of which this Boaster is so vain, 530 The Brave who this decrepid Age defies, Shou'd feel my force, without the promis'd Prize. He said, and rising at the Word, he threw Two pond'rous Gauntlets down, in open view: Gauntlets, which Eryx wont in Fight to wield, 535 And sheath his Hands with in the listed Field, With Fear and Wonder seiz'd, the Crowd beholds The Gloves of Death, with sev'n distinguish'd folds, Of tough Bull Hides; the space within is spread With Iron, or with loads of heavy Lead. 540 Dares himself was daunted at the sight, Renounc'd his Challenge, and refus'd to fight Astonish'd at their weight the Heroe stands, And poiz'd the pond'rous Engins in his hands. What had your wonder, said Entellus, been, 545 Had you the Gauntlets of Alcides seen, Or view'd the stern debate on this unhappy Green! These which I bear, your Brother Eryx bore, Still mark'd with batter'd Brains, and mingled Gore. With these he long sustain'd th' Herculean Arm; 550 And these I weilded while my Blood was warm: This languish'd Frame, while better Spirits fed, E'er Age unstrung my Nerves, or Time o'ersnow'd my Head. But if the Challenger these Arms refuse, And cannot wield their weight, or dare not use; 555 If great Æneas, and Acestes join In his Request, these Gauntlets I resign: Let us with equal Arms perform the Fight, And let him leave to Fear, since I resign my Right. This said, Entellus for the Strife prepares; 560 Strip'd of his quilted Coat, his Body, bares: Compos'd of mighty Bones and Brawn, he stands, A goodly tow'ring Object on the Sands. Then just Æneas equal Arms supply'd, Which round their Shoulders to their Wrists they ty'd. Both on the tiptoe stand, at full extent, 566 Their Arms aloft, their Bodies inly bent; Their Heads from aiming Blows they bear a far; With clashing Gauntlets then provoke the War. One on his Youth and pliant Limbs relies; 570 One on his Sinews, and his Gyant size. The last is stiff with Age, his Motion slow, He heaves for Breath, he staggers to and fro; And Clouds of issuing Smoak his Nostrils loudly blow. Yet equal in Success, they ward, they strike; 575 Their ways are diff'rent, but their Art alike. Before, behind, the blows are dealt; around Their hollow sides the ratling Thumps resound. A Storm of Strokes, well meant, with fury flies, And errs about their Temples, Ears, and Eyes. 580 Nor always errs; for oft the Gauntlet draws A sweeping stroke, along the crackling Jaws. Heavy with Age, Entellus stands his Ground, But with his warping Body wards the Wound. His Hand, and watchful Eye keep even pace; 585 While Dares traverses, and shifts his place. And like a Captain, who beleaguers round Some strong built Castle, on a rising Ground, Views all th' approaches with observing Eyes, This, and that other part, in vain he tries; 590 And more on Industry, than Force relies. With Hands on high, Entellus threats the Foe; But Dares watch'd the Motion from below, And slip'd aside, and shun'd the long descending Blow. Entellus wafts his Forces on the Wind; 595 And thus deluded of the Stroke design'd, Headlong, and heavy fell: his ample Breast, And weighty Limbs, his ancient Mother press'd. So falls a hollow Pine, that long had stood On Ida's height, or Erymanthus Wood, 600 Torn from the Roots: the diff'ring Nations rise, And Shouts, and mingl'd Murmurs, rend the Skies. Acestes runs, with eager haste, to raise The fall'n Companion of his youthful Days: 604
Dauntless he rose, and to the Fight return'd: With shame his glowing Cheeks, his Eyes with fury burn'd. Disdain, and conscious Virtue fir'd his Breast; And with redoubled Force his Foe lie press'd. He lays on load with either Hand, amain, And headlong drives the Trojan o'er the Plain. 610 Nor stops, nor stays; nor Rest, nor Breath allows, But Storms of Strokes descend about his Brows; A ratling Tempest, and a Hail of Blows. But now the Prince, who saw the wild increase Of Wounds, commands the Combatants to cease: 615 And bounds Entellus Wrath, and bids the Peace. First to the Trojan spent with Toil he came, And sooth'd his Sorrow for the suffer'd Shame. What Fury seiz'd my Friend, the Gods, said he, To him propitious, and averse to thee, Have giv'n his Arm superior Force to thine; 620 Tis Madness to contend with Strength Divine. The Gauntlet Fight thus ended, from the Shore, His faithful Friends unhappy Dares bore: His Mouth and Nostrils, pour'd a Purple Flood; 625 And pounded Teeth, came rushing with his Blood. Faintly he stagger'd thro' the hissing Throng; And hung his Head, and trail'd his Legs along. The Sword and Casque, are carry'd by his Train But with his Foe the Palm and Ox remain. 630 The Champion, then, before Æneas came, Proud of his Prize; but prouder of his Fame; O Goddess-born, and you Dardanian Host, Mark with Attention, and forgive any Boast: Learn what I was, by what remains; and know 635 From what impending Fate, you sav'd my Foe. Sternly he spoke; and then confronts the Bull; And, on his ample Forehead, aiming full, The deadly Stroke descending, pierc'd the Skull. Down drops the Beast; nor needs a second Wound: 640 But sprawls in pangs of Death; and spurns the Ground. Then, thus: In Dares stead I offer this; Eryx, accept a nobler Sacrifice: Take the last Gift my wither'd Arms can yield, Thy Gauntlets I resign; and here renounce the Field. This done, Æneas orders, for the close, 646 The strife of Archers, with contending Bows. The Mast, Sergesthus shatter'd Gally bore, With his own Hands, he raises on the Shore: A flutt'ring Dove upon the Top they tye, 650 The living Mark, at which their Arrows fly. The rival Archers in a Line advance; Their turn of Shooting to receive from Chance. A Helmet holds their Names: The Lots are drawn, On the first Scroll was read Hippocoon:655 The People shout; upon the next was found Young Mnestheus, late with Naval Honours crown'd. The third contain'd Eurytion's Noble Name, Thy Brother, Pandarus, and next in Fame:
Whom Pallas urg'd the Treaty to confound, 660 And send among the Greeks a feather'd Wound. Acestes in the bottom, last remain'd; Whom not his Age from Youthful Sports restrain'd. Soon, all with Vigour bend their trusty Bows, And from the Quiver each his Arrow chose: 665 Hippocoon's was the first: with forceful sway It flew, and, whizzing, cut the liquid way: Fix'd in the Mast the feather'd Weapon stands, The fearful Pidgeon flutters in her Bands; And the Tree trembled: and the shouting Cries 670 Of the pleas'd People, rend the vaulted Skies. Then Mnestheus to the head his Arrow drove, With lifted Eyes; and took his Aim above; But made a glancing Shot, and miss'd the Dove. Yet miss'd so narrow, that he cut the Cord 675 Which fasten'd, by the Foot, the flitting Bird. The Captive thus releas'd, away she flies, And beats, with clapping Wings, the yielding Skies. His Bow already bent, Eurytion stood, And having first invok'd his Brother God, 680 His winged Shaft with eager haste he sped; The fatal Message reach'd her as she fled: She leaves her Life aloft, she strikes the Ground; And renders back the Weapon in the Wound. Acestes grudging at his Lot, remains, 685 Without a Prize to gratifie his Pains. Yet shooting upward, sends his Shaft, to show An Archer's Art, and boast his twanging Bow. The feather'd Arrow gave a dire Portent: And latter Augures judge from this Event. 690 Chaf'd by the speed, it fir'd; and as it flew, A Trail of following Flames, ascending drew: Kindling they mount; and mark the shiny Way: Across the Skies as falling Meteors play, And vanish into Wind; or in a Blaze decay. 695 The Trojans and Sicilians wildly stare: And trembling, turn their Wonder into Pray'r. The Dardan Prince put on a smiling Face, And strain'd Acestes with a close Embrace: Then hon'ring him with Gifts above the rest, 700 Turn'd the bad Omen, nor his Fears confess'd. The Gods, said he, this Miracle have wrought; And order'd you the Prize without the Lot. Accept this Goblet rough with figur'd Gold, Which Thracian Cisseus gave my Sire of old; 705 This Pledge of ancient Amity receive, Which to my second Sire I justly give. He said, and with the Trumpets chearful sound, Proclaim'd him Victor, and with Lawrel crown'd. Nor good Eurytion envy'd him the Prize; 710 Tho' he transfix'd the Pidgeon in the Skies. Who cut the Line, with second Gifts was grac'd; The third was his, whose Arrow pierc'd the Mast.
The Chief, before the Games were wholly done, Call'd Periphantes, Tutor to his Son; 715 And whisper'd thus; with speed Ascanius find, And if his Childish Troop be ready join'd, On Horse-back let him grace his Grandsire's Day; And lead his Equals arm'd, in just Array. He said, and calling out, the Cirque he clears: 720 The Crowd withdrawn, an open Plain appears. And now the Noble Youths, of Form Divine, Advance before their Fathers, in a Line: The Riders grace the Steeds; the Steeds with Glory shine. Thus marching on, in Military Pride, 725 Shouts of Applause resound from side to side. Their Casques, adorn'd with Lawrel Wreaths, they wear, Each brandishing aloft a Cornel Spear. Some at their Backs their gilded Quivers bore; Their Chains of burnish'd Gold hung down before. 730 Three graceful Troops they form'd upon the Green; Three graceful Leaders at their Head were seen; Twelve follow'd ev'ry Chief, and left a Space between. The first young Priam led; a lovely Boy, Whose Grandsire was th' unhappy King of Troy:735 His Race in after times was known to Fame, New Honours adding to the Latian Name; And well the Royal Boy his Thracian Steed became. White were the Fetlocks of his Feet before; And on his Front a snowy Star he bore: 740 Then beauteous Atys, with Iulus bred, Of equal Age, the second Squadron led. The last in order, but the first in place, First in the lovely Features of his Face; Rode fair Ascanius on a fiery Steed, 745 Queen Dido's Gift, and of the Tyrian breed. Sure Coursers for the rest the King ordains; With Golden Bitts adorn'd, and Purple Reins. The pleas'd Spectators peals of Shouts renew; And all the Parents in the Children view: 750 Their Make, their Motions, and their sprightly Grace; And Hopes and Fears alternate in their Face. Th' unfledg'd Commanders, and their Martial Train, First make the Circuit of the sandy Plain, Around their Sires: And at th' appointed Sign, 755 Drawn up in beauteous Order form a Line. The second Signal sounds: the Troop divides, In three distinguish'd parts, with three distinguish'd Guides. Again they close, and once again dis-join, In Troop to Troop oppos'd, and Line to Line. 760 They meet, they wheel, they throw their Darts afar With harmless Rage, and well dissembled War. Then in a round the mingl'd Bodies run; Flying they follow, and pursuing shun. Broken they break, and rallying, they renew 765 In other Forms the Military shew. At last, in order, undiscern'd they join; And march together, in a friendly Line. And, as the Cretan Labyrinth of old, With wand'ring Ways, and many a winding fold, 770 Involv'd the weary Feet, without redress, In a round Error, which deny'd recess; So fought the Trojan Boys in warlike Play, Turn'd, and return'd, and still a diff'rent way. Thus Dolphins, in the Deep, each other chase, 775 In Circles, when they swim around the wat'ry Race. This Game, these Carousels Ascanius taught; And, building Alba, to the Latins brought. Shew'd what he learn'd: The Latin Sires impart, To their succeeding Sons, the graceful Art: 780 From these Imperial Rome receiv'd the Game; Which Troy, the Youths the Trojan Troop, they name. Thus far the sacred Sports they celebrate: But Fortune soon resum'd her ancient hate. For while they pay the dead his Annual dues, 785 Those envy'd Rites Saturnian Juno views; And sends the Goddess of the various bow, To try new Methods of Revenge below: Supplies the Winds to wing her Airy way; Where in the Port secure the Navy lay. 790 Swiftly fair Iris down her Arch descends; And undiscern'd her fatal Voyage ends. She saw the gath'ring Crowd; and gliding thence, The desart Shore, and Fleet without defence. The Trojan Matrons on the Sands alone, 795 With Sighs and Tears, Anchises death bemoan. Then, turning to the Sea their weeping Eyes, Their pity to themselves, renews their Cries. Alas! said one, what Oceans yet remain For us to sail; what Labours to sustain! 800 All take the Word; and with a gen'ral groan, Implore the Gods for Peace; and Places of their own. The Goddess, great in Mischief, views their pains; And in a Woman's Form her heav'nly Limbs restrains. In Face and Shape, old Beroe she became, 805 Doriclus Wife, a venerable Dame; Once bless'd with Riches, and a Mother's Name. Thus chang'd, amidst the crying Crowd the ran, Mix'd with the Matrons, and these words began. O wretched we, whom not the Grecian Pow'r, 810 Nor Flames destroy'd, in Troy's unhappy hour! O wretched we, reserv'd by Cruel Fate, Beyond the Ruins of the sinking State! Now sev'n revolving Years are wholly run, Since this improsp'rous Voyage we begun: 815 Since toss'd from Shores to Shores, from Lands to Lands, Inhospitable Rocks and barren Sands; Wand'ring in Exile, through the stormy Sea, We search in vain for flying Italy. Now Cast by Fortune on this kindred Land, 820 What shou'd our Rest, and rising Walls withstand, Or hinder here to fix our banish'd Band? O, Country lost, and Gods redeem'd in vain, If still in endless Exile we remain! Shall we no more the Trojan Walls renew, 825 Or Streams of some dissembl'd Simois view! Haste, join with me, th' unhappy Fleet consume: Cassandra bids, and I declare her doom. In sleep I saw her; she supply'd my hands, 829 (For this I more than dreamt) with flaming Brands: With these, said she, these wand'ring Ships destroy; These are your fatal Seats, and this your Troy. Time calls you now, the precious Hour employ. Slack not the good Presage, while Heav'n inspires Our Minds to dare, and gives the ready Fires: 835 See Neptune's Altars minister their Brands; The God is pleas'd; the God supplies our hands. Then, from the Pile, a flaming Firr shew drew, And, toss'd in Air, amidst the Gallies threw. Wrap'd in a maze, the Matrons wildly stare: 840 Then Pyrgo, reverenc'd for her hoary Hair, Pyrgo, the Nurse of Priam's num'rous Race, No Beroe this, tho' she belies her Face: What Terrors from her frowning Front arise; Behold a Goddess in her ardent Eyes! 845 What Rays around her heav'nly Face are seen, Mark her Majestick Voice, and more than mortal Meen! Beroe but now I left; whom pin'd with pain, Her Age and Anguish from these Rites detain. She said; the Matrons, seiz'd with new Amaze, 850 Rowl their malignant Eyes, and on the Navy gaze. They fear, and hope, and neither part obey: They hope the fated Land, but fear the fatal Way. The Goddess, having done her Task below, 854 Mounts up on equal Wings, and bends her painted Bow. Struck with the sight, and seiz'd with Rage Divine; The Matrons prosecute their mad Design: They shriek aloud, they snatch, with Impious Hands, The food of Altars, Firrs, and flaming Brands. Green Boughs, and Saplings, mingled in their haste; 860 And smoaking Torches on the Ships they cast. The Flame, unstop'd at first, more Fury gains; And Vulcan rides at large with loosen'd Reins: Triumphant to the painted Sterns he soars, 864 And seizes in his way, the Banks, and crackling Oars. Eumelus was the first, the News to bear, While yet they crowd the Rural Theatre. Then what they hear, is witness'd by their Eyes; A storm of Sparkles, and of Flames arise. Ascanius took th' Alarm, while yet he led 870 His early Warriors on his prancing Steed. And spurring on, his Equals soon o'erpass'd, Nor cou'd his frighted Friends reclaim his haste. Soon as the Royal Youth appear'd in view, He sent his Voice before him as he flew; 875 What Madness moves you, Matrons, to destroy The last Remainders of unhappy Troy! Not hostile Fleets, but your own hopes you burn, And on your Friends, your fatal Fury turn. Behold your own Ascanius: while he said, 880 He drew his glitt'ring Helmet from his Head; In which the Youths to sportful Arms he led. By this, Æneas and his Train appear; And now the Women, seiz'd with Shame and Fear, Dispers'd, to Woods and Caverns take their Flight; Abhor their Actions, and avoid the Light: 886 Their Friends acknowledge, and their Error find; And shake the Goddess from their alter'd Mind. Not so the raging Fires their Fury cease; But lurking in the Seams, with seeming Peace, 890 Work on their Way, amid the smouldering Tow, Sure in Destruction, but in Motion slow. The silent Plague, thro' the green Timber eats, And vomits out a tardy Flame, by fits. Down to the Keels, and upward to the Sails, 895 The Fire descends, or mounts; but still prevails: Nor Buckets pour'd, nor strength of Human Hand, Can the victorious Element withstand. The Pious Heroe rends his Robe, and throws To Heav'n his Hands, and with his Hands his Vows. O Jove, he cry'd, if Pray'rs can yet have place; 901 If thou abhorr'st not all the Dardan Race, If any spark of Pity still remain; If Gods are Gods, and not invok'd in vain; Yet spare the Relicks of the Trojan Train. 905 Yet from the Flames our burning Vessels free: Or let thy Fury fall alone on me. At this devoted Head thy Thunder throw, And send the willing Sacrifice below. Scarce had he said, when Southern Storms arise, 910 From Pole to Pole, the forky Lightning flies; Loud ratling shakes the Mountains, and the Plain: Heav'n bellies downward, and descends in Rain. Whole Sheets of Water from the Clouds are sent, Which hissing thro' the Planks, the Flames prevent: And stop the fiery Pest: Four Ships alone 916 Burn to the wast; and for the Fleet attone. But doubtful thoughts the Hero's Heart divide; If he should still in Sicily reside, Forgetful of his Fates; or tempt the Main, 920 In hope the promis'd Italy to gain. Then Nautes, old, and wise, to whom alone The Will of Heav'n, by Pallas was fore-shown; Vers'd in Portents, experienc'd and inspir'd, To tell Events, and what the Fates requir'd: 925 Thus while he stood, to neither part inclin'd, With chearful Words reliev'd his lab'ring Mind. O Goddess-born, resign'd in ev'ry state, With Patience bear, with Prudence push your Fate. By suff'ring well, our Fortune we subdue; 930 Fly when she frowns, and when she calls pursue. Your Friend Acestes is of Trojan Kind, To him disclose the Secrets of your Mind: Trust in his Hands your old and useless Train, Too num'rous for the Ships which yet remain: 935 The feeble, old, indulgent of their Ease, The Dames who dread the Dangers of the Seas, With all the dastard Crew, who dare not stand The shock of Battel with your Foes by Land; Here you may build a common Town for all; 940 And from Acestes name, Acesta call. The Reasons, with his Friend's Experience join'd, Encourag'd much, but more disturb'd his Mind. Twas dead of Night; when to his slumb'ring Eyes, His Father's Shade descended from the Skies; 945 And thus he spoke: O more than vital Breath, Lov'd while I liv'd, and dear ev'n after Death; O Son, in various Toils and Troubles tost, The King of Heav'n employs my careful Ghost. On his Commands; the God who sav'd from Fire 950 Your flaming Fleet, and heard your just desire: The wholsom Counsel of your Friend receive; And here, the Coward Train, and Women leave: The chosen Youth, and those who nobly dare, Transport; to tempt the Dangers of the War. 955 The stern Italians will their Courage try; Rough are their Manners, and their Minds are high. But first to Pluto's Palace you shall go, And seek my Shade among the blest below. For not with impious Ghosts my Soul remains, 960 Nor suffers, with the Damn'd, perpetual Pains; But breaths the living Air of soft Elysian Plains. The chast Sybilla shall your steps convey; And Blood of offer'd Victims free the way. There shall you know what Realms the Gods assign; And learn the Fates and Fortunes of your Line. 966 But now, farewel; I vanish with the Night; And feel the blast of Heav'ns approaching Light: He said, and mix'd with Shades, and took his airy flight. Whither so fast, the filial Duty cry'd, 970 And why, ah why, the wish'd Embrace deny'd! He said, and rose: as holy Zeal inspires He rakes hot Embers, and renews the Fires. His Country Gods and Vesta, then adores With Cakes and Incense; and their Aid implores. 975 Next, for his Friends, and Royal Host he sent, Reveal'd his Vision and the Gods intent, With his own Purpose: All, without delay, The Will of Jove, and his Desires obey. They list with Women each degenerate Name, 980 Who dares not hazard Life, for future Fame. These they cashier; the brave remaining few, Oars, Banks, and Cables half consum'd renew. The Prince designs a City with the Plough; The Lots their sev'ral Tenements allow. 985 This part is nam'd from Ilium, that from Troy; And the new King ascends the Throne with Joy, A chosen Senate from the People draws; Appoints the Judges, and ordains the Laws. Then on the top of Eryx, they begin 990 A rising Temple to the Paphian Queen: Anchises, last, is honour'd as a God, A Priest is added, annual Gifts bestow'd; And Groves are planted round his blest Abode. Nine days they pass in Feasts, their Temples crown'd; And fumes of Incense in the Fanes abound. 996 Then, from the South arose a gentle Breeze, That curl'd the smoothness of the glassy Seas: The rising Winds, a ruffling Gale afford, And call the merry Marriners aboard. 1000 Now loud Laments along the Shores resound, Of parting Friends in close Embraces bound. The trembling Women, the degenerate Train, Who shun'd the frightful Dangers of the Main; Ev'n those desire to sail, and took their share 1005 Of the rough Passage, and the promis'd War. Whom Good Æneas chears; and recommends To their new Master's Care, his fearful Friends. On Eryx Altars three fat Calves he lays; A Lamb new fall'n to the stormy Seas; 1010 Then slips his Haulsers, and his Anchors weighs. High on the Deck, the Godlike Heroe stands; With Olive crown'd; a Charger in his Hands; Then cast the reeking Entrails in the brine, And pour'd the Sacrifice of Purple Wine. 1015 Fresh Gales arise, with equal Strokes they vye, And brush the buxom Seas, and o'er the Billows fly. Mean time the Mother-Goddess, full of Fears, To Neptune thus address'd, with tender Tears. The Pride of Jove's Imperious Queen, the Rage, 1020 The malice which no Suff'rings can asswage, Compel me to these Pray'rs: Since neither Fate, Nor Time, nor Pity, can remove her hate. Ev'n Jove is thwarted by his haughty Wife; Still vanquish'd, yet she still renews the Strife. 1025 As if twere little to consume the Town Which aw'd the World; and wore th' Imperial Crown: She prosecutes the Ghost of Troy with Pains; And gnaws, ev'n to the Bones, the last Remains. Let her the Causes of her Hatred tell; 1030 But you can witness its Effects too well. You saw the Storm she rais'd on Lybian Floods, That mix'd the mounting Billows with the Clouds. When, bribing Eolus, she shook the Main; And mov'd Rebellion in your wat'ry Reign. 1035 With Fury she possess'd the Dardan Dames; To burn their Fleet with execrable Flames. And forc'd Æneas, when his Ships were lost, To leave his Foll'wers on a Foreign Coast. For what remains, your Godhead I implore; 1040 And trust my Son to your protecting Pow'r. If neither Jove's, nor Fate's decree withstand, Secure his Passage to the Latian Land. Then thus the mighty Ruler of the Main, What may not Venus hope, from Neptune's Reign? 1045 My Kingdom claims your Birth: My late Defence Of your indanger'd Fleet, may claim your Confidence. Nor less by Land than Sea, my Deeds declare, How much your lov'd Æneas is my Care. Thee Xanthus, and thee Simois I attest: 1050 Your Trojan Troops, when proud Achilles press'd, And drove before him headlong on the Plain, And dash'd against the Walls the trembling Train, When Floods were fill'd with bodies of the slain: When Crimson Xanthus, doubtful of his way, 1055 Stood up on ridges to behold the Sea; New heaps came tumbling in, and choak'd his way: When your Æneas fought, but fought with odds Of Force unequal, and unequal Gods; I spread a Cloud before the Victor's sight, 1060 Sustain'd the vanquish'd, and secur'd his flight. Ev'n then secur'd him, when I sought with joy The vow'd destruction of ungrateful Troy. My Will's the same: Fair Goddess fear no more, Your Fleet shall safely gain the Latian Shore: 1065 Their lives are giv'n; one destin'd Head alone Shall perish, and for Multitudes attone. Thus having arm'd with Hopes her anxious Mind, His finny Team Saturnian Neptune join'd. Then, adds the foamy Bridle to their Jaws; 1070 And to the loosen'd Reins permits the Laws. High on the Waves his Azure Car he guides, Its Axles thunder, and the Sea subsides; And the smooth Ocean rowls her silent Tides. The Tempests fly before their Father's face, 1075 Trains of inferiour Gods his Triumph grace; And Monster Whales before their Master play, And Quires of Tritons crowd the wat'ry way. The Martial'd Pow'rs, in equal Troops divide, To right and left: the Gods his better side 1080 Inclose, and on the worse the Nymphs and Nereids ride. Now smiling Hope, with sweet Vicissitude, Within the Hero's Mind, his Joys renew'd. He calls to raise the Masts, the Sheets display; The Chearful Crew with diligence obey; 1085 They scud before the Wind, and sail in open Sea. A Head of all the Master Pilot steers, And as he leads, the following Navy veers. The Steeds of Night had travell'd half the Sky, The drowzy Rowers on their Benches lye; 1090 When the soft God of Sleep, with easie flight, Descends, and draws behind a trail of Light. Thou Palinurus art his destin'd Prey; To thee alone he takes his fatal way. Dire Dreams to thee, and Iron Sleep he bears; 1095 And lighting on thy Prow, the Form of Phorbas wears. Then thus the Traitor God began his Tale: The Winds, my Friend, inspire a pleasing gale; The Ships, without thy Care, securely sail. Now steal an hour of sweet Repose; and I 1100 Will take the Rudder, and thy room supply.
To whom the yauning Pilot, half asleep; Me dost thou bid to trust the treach'rous Deep! The Harlot-smiles of her dissembling Face, And to her Faith commit the Trojan Race? 1105 Shall I believe the Syren South again, And, oft betray'd, not know the Monster Main? He said, his fasten'd hands the Rudder keep, And fix'd on Heav'n, his Eyes repel invading Sleep. The God was wroth, and at his Temples threw 1110 A Branch in Lethe dip'd, and drunk with Stygian Dew: The Pilot, vanquish'd by the Pow'r Divine, Soon clos'd his swimming Eyes, and lay supine. Scarce were his Limbs extended at their length, The God, insulting with superior Strength, 1115 Fell heavy on him, plung'd him in the Sea, And, with the Stern, the Rudder tore away. Headlong he fell, and strugling in the Main, Cry'd out for helping hands, but cry'd in vain: The Victor Dæmon mounts obscure in Air; 1120 While the Ship sails without the Pilot's care. On Neptune's Faith the floating Fleet relies; But what the Man forsook, the God supplies; And o'er the dang'rous Deep secure the Navy flies. Glides by the Syren's Cliffs, a shelfy Coast, 1125 Long infamous for Ships, and Sailors lost; And white with Bones: Th' impetuous Ocean roars; And Rocks rebellow from the sounding Shores. The watchful Heroe felt the knocks; and found The tossing Vessel sail'd on shoaly Ground. 1130 Sure of his Pilot's loss, he takes himself The Helm, and steers aloof, and shuns the Shelf. Inly he griev'd; and groaning from the Breast, Deplor'd his Death; and thus his Pain express'd: 1134 For Faith repos'd on Seas, and on the flatt'ring Sky, Thy naked Corps is doom'd, on Shores unknown to lye.
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