Poems On several Occasions, and Translations Wherein The First and Second books of Virgil's Aeneis are attempted, In English. By Tho. Fletcher |
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 | Poems On several Occasions, and Translations |  |
65
[Virgil's Æneis Translated.]
The First BOOK OF VIRGIL's ÆNEIS TRANSLATED.
I sing of Wars, and that great Exile's Fame,
Who first from Troy to destin'd Latium came:
Long exercis'd with storms at Land and Sea,
By stress of Fate and Juno's Cruelty:
Much too by Chance of doubtful War distress'd,
Ere he of his tir'd Gods could fix their rest.
Hence sprung the Glory of the Latin Name,
Hence Alba's State and Petra's proud Turrets came.
Who first from Troy to destin'd Latium came:
Long exercis'd with storms at Land and Sea,
By stress of Fate and Juno's Cruelty:
Much too by Chance of doubtful War distress'd,
Ere he of his tir'd Gods could fix their rest.
Hence sprung the Glory of the Latin Name,
Hence Alba's State and Petra's proud Turrets came.
66
But thou, my Muse, unfold the secret Cause,
Whence Juno's so undecent Anger rose:
Why she in such Variety of Ills,
Laborious Dangers, and uncertain Toils,
Engag'd an Heroe fam'd for Piety.
And can the Pow'rs of Heav'n malicious be?
Whence Juno's so undecent Anger rose:
Why she in such Variety of Ills,
Laborious Dangers, and uncertain Toils,
Engag'd an Heroe fam'd for Piety.
And can the Pow'rs of Heav'n malicious be?
Facing th' Italian Shore, and Tyber's Flood,
An antient Colony of Tyrians stood,
Expert in Arts of War, mighty in Wealth,
Carthage its Name.—
This of all Lands was Juno's darling Seat,
Not her own Samos more belov'd than it:
Here all the Symbols of her Deity,
Her Chariot, Launce, all her Regalia lay:
This she (should Fate prove to her Purpose kind)
Ev'n then for Empress of the World design'd.
But she had hear'd of some, who, sprung from Troy,
Should her Design and Carthage Walls destroy:
A People hence in Strength and Empire great
Should Libya wast: such was the will of Fate.
This Fear perplex'd the anxious Juno's Thought;
Nor was the Quarrel of her Greeks forgot;
Nor were th' Orig'nal Causes of her Hate,
Her first Indignities forgiven yet:
Deep at her Heart young Paris's rash Decree,
And the Affront of her scorn'd Beauty, lay.
Too well she knew whence sprung the Trojan Race,
And Ganymed's hated Honours, her Disgrace.
Fir'd with these Thoughts, the broken force of Troy
(Slender Remains of Grecian Cruelty)
She far from Latium kept, long wandring o'er the Sea.
O'er all the Main, long were they driv'n by Fate:
So much it cost to raise the Roman State.
An antient Colony of Tyrians stood,
Expert in Arts of War, mighty in Wealth,
Carthage its Name.—
This of all Lands was Juno's darling Seat,
Not her own Samos more belov'd than it:
Here all the Symbols of her Deity,
Her Chariot, Launce, all her Regalia lay:
This she (should Fate prove to her Purpose kind)
Ev'n then for Empress of the World design'd.
But she had hear'd of some, who, sprung from Troy,
Should her Design and Carthage Walls destroy:
67
Should Libya wast: such was the will of Fate.
This Fear perplex'd the anxious Juno's Thought;
Nor was the Quarrel of her Greeks forgot;
Nor were th' Orig'nal Causes of her Hate,
Her first Indignities forgiven yet:
Deep at her Heart young Paris's rash Decree,
And the Affront of her scorn'd Beauty, lay.
Too well she knew whence sprung the Trojan Race,
And Ganymed's hated Honours, her Disgrace.
Fir'd with these Thoughts, the broken force of Troy
(Slender Remains of Grecian Cruelty)
She far from Latium kept, long wandring o'er the Sea.
O'er all the Main, long were they driv'n by Fate:
So much it cost to raise the Roman State.
Scarce out of Sight of fruitful Sicily
Their Sails they spread, and plow'd the frothy Sea;
When Juno ------
Eternal Malice glowing in her Breast,
Thus with her self: And must I yield at last?
And must the Trojan King in spite of me
In Latium reign? Forsooth, 'tis Fate's Decree.
Could Pallas then for Ajax Sin alone
The Grecian Navy burn, the Grecians drown?
She from the Clouds Jove's rapid Thunder cast,
With Fire the Fleet, the Sea with Winds opprest;
And the poor Criminal, with Thunder struck,
Snatch'd thro' a Storm, and stak'd him on a Rock.
But I, the Sister and the Wife of Jove,
The Queen of Gods, thus long in vain have strove
With this one Race: and who henceforth will sue
To Juno's Name? who at her Altars bow?
Thus fir'd, and certain of Revenge, with speed
The sullen Goddess to Æolia fled,
The Land where Tempests dwell where Whirlwinds breed.
Their Sails they spread, and plow'd the frothy Sea;
When Juno ------
68
Thus with her self: And must I yield at last?
And must the Trojan King in spite of me
In Latium reign? Forsooth, 'tis Fate's Decree.
Could Pallas then for Ajax Sin alone
The Grecian Navy burn, the Grecians drown?
She from the Clouds Jove's rapid Thunder cast,
With Fire the Fleet, the Sea with Winds opprest;
And the poor Criminal, with Thunder struck,
Snatch'd thro' a Storm, and stak'd him on a Rock.
But I, the Sister and the Wife of Jove,
The Queen of Gods, thus long in vain have strove
With this one Race: and who henceforth will sue
To Juno's Name? who at her Altars bow?
Thus fir'd, and certain of Revenge, with speed
The sullen Goddess to Æolia fled,
The Land where Tempests dwell where Whirlwinds breed.
69
Here mighty Æolus the struggling Winds
And noisie Tempests in strong Caverns binds:
They in hoarse Murmurs round the Mountains howl;
But their great King from his high Throne does rule
Their mad Desires, and all their Rage controul.
Were't not for him, soon from the Roots they'd tear
Heav'n, Earth, and Seas; and sweep them thro the Air.
But the Almighty Father, fearing this,
To gloomy Caves confin'd the boistrous Race:
And with strong Rocks and pond'rous Mountains barr'd
The Avenues; and plac'd a Sov'raign Lord,
VVho should by standing Laws know to asswage,
Or, when commanded, to allow their Rage.
And noisie Tempests in strong Caverns binds:
They in hoarse Murmurs round the Mountains howl;
But their great King from his high Throne does rule
Their mad Desires, and all their Rage controul.
Were't not for him, soon from the Roots they'd tear
Heav'n, Earth, and Seas; and sweep them thro the Air.
But the Almighty Father, fearing this,
To gloomy Caves confin'd the boistrous Race:
And with strong Rocks and pond'rous Mountains barr'd
The Avenues; and plac'd a Sov'raign Lord,
VVho should by standing Laws know to asswage,
Or, when commanded, to allow their Rage.
And thus to him did Juno humbly pray:
Great Æolus, Controuler of the Sea,
Whom, next to Jove, the Winds and Waves obey,
A Race I hate o'er Tuscan VVaters steer,
And their once vanquish'd Gods to Latium bear,
Purpos'd to raise another Ilium there.
Send forth thy VVinds; sink that rebellious Train;
Or scatterd let them never meet again:
Twice sev'n bright Nymphs now in my Palace shine,
Of whom, if thou comply with my Design,
The fairest Deiopeia shall be thine:
That in thy Arms she may long Ages lead,
And with a beauteous Off-spring crown thy Bed.
To her the King of VVinds made this Reply:
Immortal Queen, you can't more ready be
To speak your VVill, than I am to Obey.
This my Dominion is your Gift, to you
I this my Scepter and Joves Favour owe.
You first preferr'd me to the heav'nly Board,
And of these Storms and Tempests made me Lord.
Thus having said, with an impetuous Stroke
Of his inverted Spear he stoop'd the Rock:
Thro' the wide Breach the Winds their sally make,
And Land and Sea with dismal Tempests shake:
East, South, and rainy West together roar,
And roll vast Billows to th' affrighted Shore.
Then cracking Cables, and hoarse Seamens Cries
Mix woful Sounds, Despair is in the Noise.
The scowling Heav'ns in dusky Clouds are hid,
Thick Fogs the sight of Day and Heav'n forbid;
Darkness and Winds which on the Waters lay,
Increase the native Terror of the Sea.
Strong Thunder rocks the Poles, and thro' the Air
Brisk Lightning plays, and Death is ev'ry where.
Great Æolus, Controuler of the Sea,
Whom, next to Jove, the Winds and Waves obey,
70
And their once vanquish'd Gods to Latium bear,
Purpos'd to raise another Ilium there.
Send forth thy VVinds; sink that rebellious Train;
Or scatterd let them never meet again:
Twice sev'n bright Nymphs now in my Palace shine,
Of whom, if thou comply with my Design,
The fairest Deiopeia shall be thine:
That in thy Arms she may long Ages lead,
And with a beauteous Off-spring crown thy Bed.
To her the King of VVinds made this Reply:
Immortal Queen, you can't more ready be
To speak your VVill, than I am to Obey.
This my Dominion is your Gift, to you
I this my Scepter and Joves Favour owe.
You first preferr'd me to the heav'nly Board,
And of these Storms and Tempests made me Lord.
71
Of his inverted Spear he stoop'd the Rock:
Thro' the wide Breach the Winds their sally make,
And Land and Sea with dismal Tempests shake:
East, South, and rainy West together roar,
And roll vast Billows to th' affrighted Shore.
Then cracking Cables, and hoarse Seamens Cries
Mix woful Sounds, Despair is in the Noise.
The scowling Heav'ns in dusky Clouds are hid,
Thick Fogs the sight of Day and Heav'n forbid;
Darkness and Winds which on the Waters lay,
Increase the native Terror of the Sea.
Strong Thunder rocks the Poles, and thro' the Air
Brisk Lightning plays, and Death is ev'ry where.
Æneas trembles at this strange Surprize,
And lifting both his Hands to th' unseen Skies,
He thus complains: Oh! more than happy they,
Who, underneath the lofty Walls of Troy,
In their Friends Sight had the good Luck to die.
O Valiant Diomed, thy Nations pride!
Oh! that at Troy I by thy Hands had dy'd!
Why then was Death to hapless me deny'd?
VVhere Hector by Achilles fell, where brave
Sarpedon found an honourable Grave;
VVhere bloody Simois down to the Main
Swept Arms and Carcasses of Heroes slain.
Thus speaking, from the North an adverse Gust
Struck thwart his Sails, and Waves to Heav'n tost:
The Oars all broke, the shatter'd Bark gives way,
And drives at Mercy of the foaming Sea.
Some hang supported on a swelling Wave,
To some the gaping Waters shew their Grave;
Three Ships driv'n by the South on blind Rocks fall;
(Rocks Halt Sea o'er which Latines Aræ call)
Three, by an Eastern blast (Oh dismal Sight!)
Forc'd to the Shore, on shelves and quicksands light:
One, which the Lycians and Orontes bore
Before his Eyes, a mighty Sea breaks o'er
Her Poop, the waves from Helm the Master sweep
Headlong o'er Board, and thrice the reeling Ship
Whirls circling round, then sinks into the Deep:
Thin, sloating on the surface of the Sea
Arms, Men, and Planks, and Trojan Treasures lay.
And now the Ships, which other Leaders bore,
Resist the Fury of the Waves no more:
Their gaping Planks to Ruine open stood,
And treach'rous Leaks invite th' invading Flood.
And lifting both his Hands to th' unseen Skies,
72
Who, underneath the lofty Walls of Troy,
In their Friends Sight had the good Luck to die.
O Valiant Diomed, thy Nations pride!
Oh! that at Troy I by thy Hands had dy'd!
Why then was Death to hapless me deny'd?
VVhere Hector by Achilles fell, where brave
Sarpedon found an honourable Grave;
VVhere bloody Simois down to the Main
Swept Arms and Carcasses of Heroes slain.
Thus speaking, from the North an adverse Gust
Struck thwart his Sails, and Waves to Heav'n tost:
The Oars all broke, the shatter'd Bark gives way,
And drives at Mercy of the foaming Sea.
Some hang supported on a swelling Wave,
To some the gaping Waters shew their Grave;
Three Ships driv'n by the South on blind Rocks fall;
(Rocks Halt Sea o'er which Latines Aræ call)
73
Forc'd to the Shore, on shelves and quicksands light:
One, which the Lycians and Orontes bore
Before his Eyes, a mighty Sea breaks o'er
Her Poop, the waves from Helm the Master sweep
Headlong o'er Board, and thrice the reeling Ship
Whirls circling round, then sinks into the Deep:
Thin, sloating on the surface of the Sea
Arms, Men, and Planks, and Trojan Treasures lay.
And now the Ships, which other Leaders bore,
Resist the Fury of the Waves no more:
Their gaping Planks to Ruine open stood,
And treach'rous Leaks invite th' invading Flood.
Now Neptune heard the lab'ring Waves complain,
And felt the strong Convulsions of the Main:
Misgiving whence such Tumults should proceed,
Above the Deep he rais'd his welcome Head.
Opprest he sees the Trojan Navy lie
VVith Storms, and all the ruine of the Sky:
His Sisters Fraud and Malice soon he spy'd,
And summoning the Winds thus check'd their pride:
VVhence your Presumption? from your noble Race?
Base Fog-born Slaves! to vex Heav'n, Earth, and Seas,
And thus unbid disturb my Kingdom's Peace?
I'll—But the troubled Waters call me hence;
Expect worse Usage for your next Offence.
Go, get you hence, and tell your King, from me,
'Twas not his Lot, but mine to rule the Sea:
Let him to Rocks and Caves his Pow'r consine,
There let him strue, and in your Prisons reign.
Scarce had he spake; all calm the Waters lay,
The Clouds blew off, the Sun renews the Day;
Kind Nymphs and Tritons their Assistance give,
From pointed Rocks the found'ring Barks relieve.
Nor does the God his needful Aid deny,
Thro' unlock'd Sands he sets their Vessels free;
Calms all, and gently sports it o'er the quiet Sea.
As in large Towns, when Pop'lar rage runs high,
And all the Mob are up they know not why;
VVhen Club, and Fire the neighb'ring streets alarms,
And hasty Wrath turns ev'ry thing to Arms:
If then perchance a Patriot they spy,
Rever'd for Worth, and Deeds of Piety;
Straight all is husht, with prick'd up Ears they stand,
Yield to fair Words, and all in Peace disband.
So when great Neptune o'er the VVaters rode,
The Waves their Rage forgot, and own'd their God.
And felt the strong Convulsions of the Main:
Misgiving whence such Tumults should proceed,
Above the Deep he rais'd his welcome Head.
74
VVith Storms, and all the ruine of the Sky:
His Sisters Fraud and Malice soon he spy'd,
And summoning the Winds thus check'd their pride:
VVhence your Presumption? from your noble Race?
Base Fog-born Slaves! to vex Heav'n, Earth, and Seas,
And thus unbid disturb my Kingdom's Peace?
I'll—But the troubled Waters call me hence;
Expect worse Usage for your next Offence.
Go, get you hence, and tell your King, from me,
'Twas not his Lot, but mine to rule the Sea:
Let him to Rocks and Caves his Pow'r consine,
There let him strue, and in your Prisons reign.
Scarce had he spake; all calm the Waters lay,
The Clouds blew off, the Sun renews the Day;
Kind Nymphs and Tritons their Assistance give,
From pointed Rocks the found'ring Barks relieve.
75
Thro' unlock'd Sands he sets their Vessels free;
Calms all, and gently sports it o'er the quiet Sea.
As in large Towns, when Pop'lar rage runs high,
And all the Mob are up they know not why;
VVhen Club, and Fire the neighb'ring streets alarms,
And hasty Wrath turns ev'ry thing to Arms:
If then perchance a Patriot they spy,
Rever'd for Worth, and Deeds of Piety;
Straight all is husht, with prick'd up Ears they stand,
Yield to fair Words, and all in Peace disband.
So when great Neptune o'er the VVaters rode,
The Waves their Rage forgot, and own'd their God.
The weary Trojans straight look out for Land,
And for the nearest Shore of Affrick stand:
Behind an Island lies a quiet Bay,
Whose sides protect it from the VVind and Sea:
On either side of which vast Mountains rise,
And threaten with their Tops the neighb'ring Skies.
Low at the foot of these the silent Floods
Sleep undisturb'd; their Heads are crown'd with Woods:
And in their side a Grott, some Naiad's Throne,
In it fresh Springs, and seats of Native Stone.
Here weary Vessels ride secure from Fear,
Nor ask the Cable's, nor the Anchor's Care:
Hither Æneas, when the Storm expir'd,
VVith only sev'n of all his Fleet retir'd:
The Trojan Youth impatient leap to Land,
And rest their wearied Bodies on the Strand.
Here first Achates, with a mutual Stroke
Of Flints, the sleeping Seeds of Fire awoke;
And with dry Leafs, and tender Fuel nurst
The Infant Spark, till to a Flame it burst.
Their moist Provisions next to Land they bear,
And various Arts of Cookery prepare.
Mean while Æneas climb'd the Mountain's Head.
And the wide surface of the Deep survey'd;
If thence perhaps his wishing Eye might meet
Some wandring Remnant of his scatter'd Fleet:
No Sail in view; but on the Strand appear'd
Three Royal Stags, Chiefs of a num'rous Herd,
VVhich after their proud Leaders brouzing stray'd;
And spreading Droves along the Valley fed.
Here stepping back, with eager Hands he caught
His Bow and Shafts, which good Achates brought.
And first the Leaders, whose high Foreheads bore
Large Groves of Horn, fell bleeding on the Shore:
Then th' vulgar Herd, as thro' the Woods they fled,
By random Arrows undistinguish'd dy'd.
Still he pursu'd the easie Victory,
Till by his prudent Hand there slaughter'd lay;
Sev'n mighty Beasts, to ev'ry Crew a Prey.
Hence to the Port his welcome Game he bore,
And pierc'd rich Wines, which on Sicilia's Shore
Acestes, when he took his mournful Leave,
As his last Present to the Heroe gave.
The Dainties to his hungry Mates he shar'd,
And with these words their drooping spirits chear'd:
Ye dear Companions of my harsher days,
Expert in Suff'rings, practis'd in Distress,
Ye oft have weather'd greater storms than these;
Ye've seen the end of many a threat'ning Woe,
And these e're long shall have their Period too.
The Rocks of Scylla, and the Cyclop's Caves,
Dens of fierce Monsters these, those of fierce Waves,
Ye've past, that noble Spirit now resume,
By which your former Ills were overcome.
Perhaps ere long of these no more shall last,
Than sweet Remembrances of Dangers past.
These Toils and Hazards all to Latium lead,
There have the Fates our final Rest decreed;
And there shall Troy resume it's antient State:
Wisely reserve your selves for better Fate.
Thus did his words and looks false Passions shew,
Dissemled Hope sate smiling on his Brow,
But at his Heart Despair and secret Woe.
And for the nearest Shore of Affrick stand:
Behind an Island lies a quiet Bay,
Whose sides protect it from the VVind and Sea:
76
And threaten with their Tops the neighb'ring Skies.
Low at the foot of these the silent Floods
Sleep undisturb'd; their Heads are crown'd with Woods:
And in their side a Grott, some Naiad's Throne,
In it fresh Springs, and seats of Native Stone.
Here weary Vessels ride secure from Fear,
Nor ask the Cable's, nor the Anchor's Care:
Hither Æneas, when the Storm expir'd,
VVith only sev'n of all his Fleet retir'd:
The Trojan Youth impatient leap to Land,
And rest their wearied Bodies on the Strand.
Here first Achates, with a mutual Stroke
Of Flints, the sleeping Seeds of Fire awoke;
And with dry Leafs, and tender Fuel nurst
The Infant Spark, till to a Flame it burst.
Their moist Provisions next to Land they bear,
And various Arts of Cookery prepare.
77
And the wide surface of the Deep survey'd;
If thence perhaps his wishing Eye might meet
Some wandring Remnant of his scatter'd Fleet:
No Sail in view; but on the Strand appear'd
Three Royal Stags, Chiefs of a num'rous Herd,
VVhich after their proud Leaders brouzing stray'd;
And spreading Droves along the Valley fed.
Here stepping back, with eager Hands he caught
His Bow and Shafts, which good Achates brought.
And first the Leaders, whose high Foreheads bore
Large Groves of Horn, fell bleeding on the Shore:
Then th' vulgar Herd, as thro' the Woods they fled,
By random Arrows undistinguish'd dy'd.
Still he pursu'd the easie Victory,
Till by his prudent Hand there slaughter'd lay;
Sev'n mighty Beasts, to ev'ry Crew a Prey.
78
And pierc'd rich Wines, which on Sicilia's Shore
Acestes, when he took his mournful Leave,
As his last Present to the Heroe gave.
The Dainties to his hungry Mates he shar'd,
And with these words their drooping spirits chear'd:
Ye dear Companions of my harsher days,
Expert in Suff'rings, practis'd in Distress,
Ye oft have weather'd greater storms than these;
Ye've seen the end of many a threat'ning Woe,
And these e're long shall have their Period too.
The Rocks of Scylla, and the Cyclop's Caves,
Dens of fierce Monsters these, those of fierce Waves,
Ye've past, that noble Spirit now resume,
By which your former Ills were overcome.
Perhaps ere long of these no more shall last,
Than sweet Remembrances of Dangers past.
79
There have the Fates our final Rest decreed;
And there shall Troy resume it's antient State:
Wisely reserve your selves for better Fate.
Thus did his words and looks false Passions shew,
Dissemled Hope sate smiling on his Brow,
But at his Heart Despair and secret Woe.
They to their Feast apply their only Care,
Some nimbly chase, and some break up the Deer;
Some spit th' yet panting Members; others raise
The weighty Cauldrons: some the Fire increase.
Then on the grassy Plain stretch'd at full length,
Fat Ven'son and old Wine repair their lessen'd strength.
Their Hunger eas'd, their Tables mov'd away,
Absent Companions their next Care employ:
Unknowing which to trust, their Hope or Fear;
Uncertain, if they yet breath upper Air,
Or dead refuse the Cries of mourning Friends to hear.
Chiefly Æneas does their Loss bewail.
Weeps o'er the Story of Orontes Fall;
And Lycus sad Mischance with Sighs repeats;
And Gyas and Cleanthus harder Fates.
Some nimbly chase, and some break up the Deer;
Some spit th' yet panting Members; others raise
The weighty Cauldrons: some the Fire increase.
Then on the grassy Plain stretch'd at full length,
Fat Ven'son and old Wine repair their lessen'd strength.
Their Hunger eas'd, their Tables mov'd away,
Absent Companions their next Care employ:
80
Uncertain, if they yet breath upper Air,
Or dead refuse the Cries of mourning Friends to hear.
Chiefly Æneas does their Loss bewail.
Weeps o'er the Story of Orontes Fall;
And Lycus sad Mischance with Sighs repeats;
And Gyas and Cleanthus harder Fates.
VVhen Jove, as on Heav'ns Battlements he stood,
Th' inferiour World at one large Prospect view'd:
But with peculiar Care he fix'd his Eye
On Libyan Realms; while Schemes of Destiny
And providential Plots employ'd his Head:
Fair Venus, now by sorrow fairer made,
Thus to the God complain'd, and weeping said:
O thou, whose irresistible Decree
Aw'd by thy Thunder, Heav'n and Earth obey;
VVhat Crime so great could my Æneas do?
What mighty Guilt does Troy's last Hopes pursue
VVhy, after num'rous Deaths and long Distress,
Are they thus punish'd for Unhappiness?
VVhy, 'cause their promis'd Latium is deny'd,
Must they be barr'd from all the World beside?
For sure you promis'd, that Rome's pow'rful State
(When Time had ripen'd the Designs of Fate)
Should from my Trojans spring; from them should rise
Warriours renown'd, whose spreading Victories
Should grasp the farthest Lands and widest Main.
What, Father, what has alter'd your design?
'Twas with this hope, that future good should pay
For present Ill, I eas'd the Fall of Troy.
In vain! alas. The same hard Fates attend
Troys Relicks still. Ah! Soveraign Pow'r, what End,
What Respite, shall their growing Labours find?
Secure th' Illyrian Gulf Antenor past,
He deep into Liburnian Kingdoms prest;
And fierce Timavus to his Fountains trac'd;
VVhere roaring from nine Heads he sweeps his way
O'er delug'd Fields, himself almost a Sea:
Yet now the fair Patavia's Walls he rears,
The Place his Name and quiet Standards bears;
And he his peaceful Realms enjoys, nor future labour fears.
VVe, who deriv'd from Jove our Godhead boast,
Enjoy the Priviledge of being crost;
Of having Navies, having Kingdoms lost.
To ease her Spight—is this the huge Reward
Of Piety? thus are our Crowns restor'd?
Th' inferiour World at one large Prospect view'd:
But with peculiar Care he fix'd his Eye
On Libyan Realms; while Schemes of Destiny
And providential Plots employ'd his Head:
Fair Venus, now by sorrow fairer made,
Thus to the God complain'd, and weeping said:
O thou, whose irresistible Decree
Aw'd by thy Thunder, Heav'n and Earth obey;
VVhat Crime so great could my Æneas do?
What mighty Guilt does Troy's last Hopes pursue
81
Are they thus punish'd for Unhappiness?
VVhy, 'cause their promis'd Latium is deny'd,
Must they be barr'd from all the World beside?
For sure you promis'd, that Rome's pow'rful State
(When Time had ripen'd the Designs of Fate)
Should from my Trojans spring; from them should rise
Warriours renown'd, whose spreading Victories
Should grasp the farthest Lands and widest Main.
What, Father, what has alter'd your design?
'Twas with this hope, that future good should pay
For present Ill, I eas'd the Fall of Troy.
In vain! alas. The same hard Fates attend
Troys Relicks still. Ah! Soveraign Pow'r, what End,
What Respite, shall their growing Labours find?
82
He deep into Liburnian Kingdoms prest;
And fierce Timavus to his Fountains trac'd;
VVhere roaring from nine Heads he sweeps his way
O'er delug'd Fields, himself almost a Sea:
Yet now the fair Patavia's Walls he rears,
The Place his Name and quiet Standards bears;
And he his peaceful Realms enjoys, nor future labour fears.
VVe, who deriv'd from Jove our Godhead boast,
Enjoy the Priviledge of being crost;
Of having Navies, having Kingdoms lost.
To ease her Spight—is this the huge Reward
Of Piety? thus are our Crowns restor'd?
With that calm Brow which surly Storms allays,
And looks the troubled Heav'ns into Peace,
The smiling God thus cas'd his Daughters Care:
Cease, Cytherea, cease your causeless Fear;
Unmov'd remains your Trojans better Fate;
Lavinium's promis'd Walls and rising State
You soon shall see, and brave Æneas rang'd
VVith equal Gods, nor is my Purpose chang'd.
Yet, since so anxious, so importunate
Your Fears, attend, while I the Will of Fate
Abstruse, and dark Futurities relate.
A long and bloody, but successful, War
VVaits his Arrival on th' Italian Shore.
Till Victories his fatal Title show,
And barb'rous Nations to his Scepter bow;
Barb'rous, till he within just Bounds restrain
The savage Race, and break them into Men;
Giving them Walls and Laws; and awful grown,
Himself three years shall fill his setled Throne.
But young Ascanius, call'd Iulus now,
(Ilus his Name, till ruin'd Ilium grew
A sad Remembrance, and a Name of Woe
Ascanius shall the fatal Scepter hold,
Till thirty years have round their Axles roll'd:
But from Lavinium t' Alba shall transfer
His Court, and fix the seat of Empire there;
There Monarchs sprung from Troys immortal Line,
Shall full three hundred years unquestion'd reign.
Till Royal Ilia to the God of War
Shall at one happy Birth twin Heroes bear.
Thence Romulus, proud of that Skin which clad
His Foster-wolf, shall to the Throne succeed:
He shall new Walls and a large City rear,
They Romans call'd their founder's Name shall bear.
To them eternal Empire I allow,
Nor Bounds, nor End shall their Dominion know.
Juno her self, who now with causeless Rage
Does in her Quarrel Heav'n and Earth engage,
Shall then to better Resolutions come,
And joyn'd with me promote the Cause of Rome.
So 'tis Resolv'd:—
And Years to come shall see the Sons of Troy
O'er Argian Realms their conqu'ring Arms display,
And to the Greeks their old Indignities repay:
Hence Cæsar sprung shall raise the Trojan Name,
The Sea shall bound his Empire, Heav'n his Fame.
Him from Iulus, both in Name and Blood
Descended, after th' Eastern Realms subdu'd,
Glutted with Spoils, secure thou shalt receive;
To him Divinity and Heav'n I give;
With Deity his Earthly Honours crown,
And frequent Vot'ries shall his Godhead own.
Then thro' the World shall Wars and Discord cease.
And milder Times shall learn the Arts of Peace;
Then Rev'rend Truth and Piety shall reign,
Nor Brother be by jealous Brother slain;
Then pious Hands shall close the Gates of War;
VVithin imprison'd Rage shall sit and roar,
Bound down with brazen Cords, he there in vain
Shall foam black Blood, and champ upon his Chain.
And looks the troubled Heav'ns into Peace,
The smiling God thus cas'd his Daughters Care:
Cease, Cytherea, cease your causeless Fear;
83
Lavinium's promis'd Walls and rising State
You soon shall see, and brave Æneas rang'd
VVith equal Gods, nor is my Purpose chang'd.
Yet, since so anxious, so importunate
Your Fears, attend, while I the Will of Fate
Abstruse, and dark Futurities relate.
A long and bloody, but successful, War
VVaits his Arrival on th' Italian Shore.
Till Victories his fatal Title show,
And barb'rous Nations to his Scepter bow;
Barb'rous, till he within just Bounds restrain
The savage Race, and break them into Men;
Giving them Walls and Laws; and awful grown,
Himself three years shall fill his setled Throne.
But young Ascanius, call'd Iulus now,
(Ilus his Name, till ruin'd Ilium grew
A sad Remembrance, and a Name of Woe
84
Till thirty years have round their Axles roll'd:
But from Lavinium t' Alba shall transfer
His Court, and fix the seat of Empire there;
There Monarchs sprung from Troys immortal Line,
Shall full three hundred years unquestion'd reign.
Till Royal Ilia to the God of War
Shall at one happy Birth twin Heroes bear.
Thence Romulus, proud of that Skin which clad
His Foster-wolf, shall to the Throne succeed:
He shall new Walls and a large City rear,
They Romans call'd their founder's Name shall bear.
To them eternal Empire I allow,
Nor Bounds, nor End shall their Dominion know.
Juno her self, who now with causeless Rage
Does in her Quarrel Heav'n and Earth engage,
Shall then to better Resolutions come,
And joyn'd with me promote the Cause of Rome.
85
And Years to come shall see the Sons of Troy
O'er Argian Realms their conqu'ring Arms display,
And to the Greeks their old Indignities repay:
Hence Cæsar sprung shall raise the Trojan Name,
The Sea shall bound his Empire, Heav'n his Fame.
Him from Iulus, both in Name and Blood
Descended, after th' Eastern Realms subdu'd,
Glutted with Spoils, secure thou shalt receive;
To him Divinity and Heav'n I give;
With Deity his Earthly Honours crown,
And frequent Vot'ries shall his Godhead own.
Then thro' the World shall Wars and Discord cease.
And milder Times shall learn the Arts of Peace;
Then Rev'rend Truth and Piety shall reign,
Nor Brother be by jealous Brother slain;
86
VVithin imprison'd Rage shall sit and roar,
Bound down with brazen Cords, he there in vain
Shall foam black Blood, and champ upon his Chain.
He said, and down from Heav'n's unmeasur'd height,
He bids the Son of Maja take his Flight;
Down to the Court of Carthage, to prepare
The wand'ring Trojans kind Reception there:
Lest Dido ignorant of Heav'ns Decree,
The freedom of her Infant State deny.
He thro' the vast Expanse shot quickly down,
Till Libya stop'd his Flight: his Message done
As Jove had will'd: the Tyrians soon forget
Their native Roughness and inclement Heat:
But softest Passions Dido's tender Breast
And Fondness unaccountable possest.
He bids the Son of Maja take his Flight;
Down to the Court of Carthage, to prepare
The wand'ring Trojans kind Reception there:
Lest Dido ignorant of Heav'ns Decree,
The freedom of her Infant State deny.
He thro' the vast Expanse shot quickly down,
Till Libya stop'd his Flight: his Message done
As Jove had will'd: the Tyrians soon forget
Their native Roughness and inclement Heat:
But softest Passions Dido's tender Breast
And Fondness unaccountable possest.
87
But good Æneas, all the sleepless Night
Revolving various Cares, with the first Light
Resolv'd to rise, and search what unknown Coasts,
VVhat Land he ow'd the Winds; if Men or Beasts
(For all around he sees untill'd and bare)
The Tenants of those Desart Regions were.
Beneath an hanging Rock, whose thickest Woods
Drop'd a brown Darkness on the silent Floods,
His Fleet he shelter'd, and his Fortune try'd,
Two Jav'lins in his Hand, Achates by his side.
As thro' the Woods they pass, he near him sees
His Goddess mother shining thro' the Trees;
Like some brisk Spartan Maid in Garb and Face;
Or fierce Harpalyce on the Hills of Thrace:
When she upbraids in slight th' unequal Speed
Of Coursers swift, and Heber's rapid Tide:
Fix'd cross her Shoulders hung a decent Bow,
Her Robes close girt, but loose her Tresses slow,
The sport of Winds. Hoa! gentle Youths, said she,
Saw ye my Sister Huntresses this way?
VVith Lynxes Skins and Quivers by their side,
Eager in Chase? When thus her Son reply'd:
No Nymph, but you, has bless'd mine Ear or Eye;
None, but you, fair unknown!—What shall I say?
Fair unknown Goddess! for alass in vain
Disguis'd a false Mortality you feign;
You're all Divine, that charming Voice and Eye
In spight of you confess your Deity:
Diana or some Nymph! what e're you are,
Only be kind and ease a Stranger's Care;
By stormy Winds on this strange Country thrown,
The Place and People equally unknown:
What Clime? what Land? instruct us, Heav'nly Maid,
Our grateful Vows shall own the pious Deed;
And thousand Victims on your Altars bleed.
Revolving various Cares, with the first Light
Resolv'd to rise, and search what unknown Coasts,
VVhat Land he ow'd the Winds; if Men or Beasts
(For all around he sees untill'd and bare)
The Tenants of those Desart Regions were.
Beneath an hanging Rock, whose thickest Woods
Drop'd a brown Darkness on the silent Floods,
His Fleet he shelter'd, and his Fortune try'd,
Two Jav'lins in his Hand, Achates by his side.
As thro' the Woods they pass, he near him sees
His Goddess mother shining thro' the Trees;
Like some brisk Spartan Maid in Garb and Face;
Or fierce Harpalyce on the Hills of Thrace:
When she upbraids in slight th' unequal Speed
Of Coursers swift, and Heber's rapid Tide:
Fix'd cross her Shoulders hung a decent Bow,
Her Robes close girt, but loose her Tresses slow,
88
Saw ye my Sister Huntresses this way?
VVith Lynxes Skins and Quivers by their side,
Eager in Chase? When thus her Son reply'd:
No Nymph, but you, has bless'd mine Ear or Eye;
None, but you, fair unknown!—What shall I say?
Fair unknown Goddess! for alass in vain
Disguis'd a false Mortality you feign;
You're all Divine, that charming Voice and Eye
In spight of you confess your Deity:
Diana or some Nymph! what e're you are,
Only be kind and ease a Stranger's Care;
By stormy Winds on this strange Country thrown,
The Place and People equally unknown:
What Clime? what Land? instruct us, Heav'nly Maid,
Our grateful Vows shall own the pious Deed;
And thousand Victims on your Altars bleed.
89
Alass! said she, in vain you thus abuse
Great Names and Titles which I must refuse;
This Quiver and these Buskins, which I wear,
Speak me a Tyrian Virgin and no more:
It is our Country Garb; our Country this;
Here Tyrian Exiles a new Empire raise.
But all around it Libyan Kingdoms are,
Stern Nations and unfoilable in War.
Dido a Tyrian Princess sways the State,
Forc'd from her Native Home by unjust Hate,
A cruel Brother's unjust Hate; too long
And intricate the story of her Wrong.
But thus in short: Sychæus was her Lord,
By her with great but hapless Love ador'd;
Him did her Sire with her first Nuptials bless,
Great was his Wealth, nor was her Passion less:
But her base Brother rul'd the Tyrian State,
Pygmalion in Guilt, as Empire, great;
Of all, whom Hell with blackest Villanies
Inspir'd, supreme, and eminent in Vice.
He, blind with Passion and the Thirst of Oar,
Fearless Sychæus in a secret hour
Kneeling before the Altars of his God
Surpriz'd, and stain'd the sacred Floor with Blood:
Nor could the Altars, nor could Nature move
His Pity, nor his wretched Sisters Love.
Long he with artful Lies conceal'd the Deed,
And with vain Hopes th' impatient Lover fed:
Till, in a Dream before her slumb'ring Eyes,
She saw her murder'd Husband's Image rise
All ghastly pale; he shew'd his wounded Breast,
And the black Deed, and the black Scene confest.
Then he persuades her instantly to fly
The guilty Shore; and to assist her way,
Shews where a Nest of hidden Treasures lay.
Convinc'd of all the Vision had declar'd,
She Means and Partners of her Flight prepar'd.
All Male-contents in her Design engage,
All who had felt or fear'd the Tyrants Rage;
Some Ships, which ready in the Harbour lay,
They seize, and thither all their Wealth convey:
Away the Waves Pygmalion's Treasure bring;
A Woman disappoints the greedy King.
Hither where now new Walls and Towr's you'll see,
Hither they came, here as much Land they buy,
As they could compass with an Oxe's Hide,
And call'd it Byrsa from the crafty Deed
If this Relation has oblig'd your Ear,
Requite it by declaring who you are,
And from what Land you come, and for what Land you steer.
Great Names and Titles which I must refuse;
This Quiver and these Buskins, which I wear,
Speak me a Tyrian Virgin and no more:
It is our Country Garb; our Country this;
Here Tyrian Exiles a new Empire raise.
But all around it Libyan Kingdoms are,
Stern Nations and unfoilable in War.
Dido a Tyrian Princess sways the State,
Forc'd from her Native Home by unjust Hate,
A cruel Brother's unjust Hate; too long
And intricate the story of her Wrong.
But thus in short: Sychæus was her Lord,
By her with great but hapless Love ador'd;
Him did her Sire with her first Nuptials bless,
Great was his Wealth, nor was her Passion less:
But her base Brother rul'd the Tyrian State,
Pygmalion in Guilt, as Empire, great;
90
Inspir'd, supreme, and eminent in Vice.
He, blind with Passion and the Thirst of Oar,
Fearless Sychæus in a secret hour
Kneeling before the Altars of his God
Surpriz'd, and stain'd the sacred Floor with Blood:
Nor could the Altars, nor could Nature move
His Pity, nor his wretched Sisters Love.
Long he with artful Lies conceal'd the Deed,
And with vain Hopes th' impatient Lover fed:
Till, in a Dream before her slumb'ring Eyes,
She saw her murder'd Husband's Image rise
All ghastly pale; he shew'd his wounded Breast,
And the black Deed, and the black Scene confest.
Then he persuades her instantly to fly
The guilty Shore; and to assist her way,
Shews where a Nest of hidden Treasures lay.
91
She Means and Partners of her Flight prepar'd.
All Male-contents in her Design engage,
All who had felt or fear'd the Tyrants Rage;
Some Ships, which ready in the Harbour lay,
They seize, and thither all their Wealth convey:
Away the Waves Pygmalion's Treasure bring;
A Woman disappoints the greedy King.
Hither where now new Walls and Towr's you'll see,
Hither they came, here as much Land they buy,
As they could compass with an Oxe's Hide,
And call'd it Byrsa from the crafty Deed
If this Relation has oblig'd your Ear,
Requite it by declaring who you are,
And from what Land you come, and for what Land you steer.
Æneas then sigh'd out this sad Reply
To what she ask'd; Divinest Pow'r, should I
Begin the Story of our Woes, and you
VVould have the patience to hear it thro';
The Sun would not: the Day it self would fail,
And half unfinish'd leave the mournful Tale.
VVe from old Troy's unhappy Ruines came,
(If your Ears are not Strangers to that Name)
But now thro' all the spreading Ocean tost,
A Tempest threw us on the Libyan Coast:
And I the good Æneas am, a Name
Perhaps not utterly unknown to Fame:
'Twas I who rescu'd from th' insulting Foe
My Houshold Goods, now Part'ners of my Woe;
I, for the Shore of Italy design,
And Jove I boast the Author of my Line:
VVith twice ten Sail I stem'd the Phrygian Tide,
Fate and my Goddess mother were my Guide;
Now all but sev'n by Storms are lost, and I
Helpless, unknown, thro' Libyan Desarts stray,
By Wars from Asia torn, from Europe by the Sea.
To what she ask'd; Divinest Pow'r, should I
92
VVould have the patience to hear it thro';
The Sun would not: the Day it self would fail,
And half unfinish'd leave the mournful Tale.
VVe from old Troy's unhappy Ruines came,
(If your Ears are not Strangers to that Name)
But now thro' all the spreading Ocean tost,
A Tempest threw us on the Libyan Coast:
And I the good Æneas am, a Name
Perhaps not utterly unknown to Fame:
'Twas I who rescu'd from th' insulting Foe
My Houshold Goods, now Part'ners of my Woe;
I, for the Shore of Italy design,
And Jove I boast the Author of my Line:
VVith twice ten Sail I stem'd the Phrygian Tide,
Fate and my Goddess mother were my Guide;
93
Helpless, unknown, thro' Libyan Desarts stray,
By Wars from Asia torn, from Europe by the Sea.
Venus, who could his Plaint no longer hear,
Thus interrupts his Grief: Who e're you are,
I dare believe the Gods, whose Providence
Directed you to Carthage, are your Friends:
Thither proceed, and to asswage your Care,
Prepare to meet your lost Companions there;
There (if there's any Faith in Augury)
Your Friends and Vessels both in Safety lie.
See those twelve Swans! how careless now they rove
Thro' open Air! whom erst the Bird of Jove.
Stooping from his Ethereal Perch on high,
Pursu'd, and drove them trembling thro' the Sky:
But now secure and proud of their Escape,
Some pitching ease their Wings; some idly sweep
The Earth; then mount, and wanton thro' the Sky
On whistling Wings, and loudly sing their Joy.
Thus all your Vessels and the Trojan Youth
Or bear full Sail into the Harbours mouth;
Or safe at Anchor ride: Do you proceed.
And let the way before you be your Guide.
Thus interrupts his Grief: Who e're you are,
I dare believe the Gods, whose Providence
Directed you to Carthage, are your Friends:
Thither proceed, and to asswage your Care,
Prepare to meet your lost Companions there;
There (if there's any Faith in Augury)
Your Friends and Vessels both in Safety lie.
See those twelve Swans! how careless now they rove
Thro' open Air! whom erst the Bird of Jove.
Stooping from his Ethereal Perch on high,
Pursu'd, and drove them trembling thro' the Sky:
But now secure and proud of their Escape,
Some pitching ease their Wings; some idly sweep
94
On whistling Wings, and loudly sing their Joy.
Thus all your Vessels and the Trojan Youth
Or bear full Sail into the Harbours mouth;
Or safe at Anchor ride: Do you proceed.
And let the way before you be your Guide.
At that she turn'd, and round her, as she goes,
Strange Charms and unexpected Beauties rose;
Ambrosial Odours streaming from her Hair
Divinely sweet enrich'd the ambient Air.
Down fell her Robes into a graceful Train,
And her Majestick Walk own'd her Divine.
He, when he thus his Mother's Form descry'd,
VVith these Complaints pursu'd her as she fled:
And are you too, and are you cruel grown?
VVhy all these false Delusions to your Son?
Why none but Shapes assum'd, and Speeches not your own?
Strange Charms and unexpected Beauties rose;
Ambrosial Odours streaming from her Hair
Divinely sweet enrich'd the ambient Air.
Down fell her Robes into a graceful Train,
And her Majestick Walk own'd her Divine.
He, when he thus his Mother's Form descry'd,
VVith these Complaints pursu'd her as she fled:
And are you too, and are you cruel grown?
VVhy all these false Delusions to your Son?
Why none but Shapes assum'd, and Speeches not your own?
95
He said: but as they to the Town proceed,
Round them a misty Veil the Goddess spread,
Of Air condens'd and thickest Vapors made:
That they might pass secure, by mortal Eye
Unseen, and unmolested in their way.
Back flies the smiling Goddess thro' the Sky
To Paphian Courts, where, to her Deity,
Soft Youth their am'rous sighs and Off'rings pay:
Sabæan Spice an hundred Altars glows,
And flow'ry Wreaths perfume the sacred House.
They with Direction of the Path march'd on,
And climb'd the Hill, whose jetting Front looks down
On the high Turrets, and nods o'er the Town
Æneas the vast Piles with Wonder view'd,
Rising where once a few poor Lodges stood;
Admiring the strong Gates abd Reg'lar Ways,
And all the busie Hurry of the place.
The eager Tyrians various Works divide,
Some with the Care of raising Walls employ'd;
Some frame the Cittadel; some trace the Plow,
VVhere private Buildings are design'd to grow.
These fit Materials provide; and those,
Laws, Magistrates and a grave Senate chuse:
Here a capacious Haven they prepare;
And there they promise a large Theatre:
Vast Pillars from Earth's rocky Entrails wrought,
The Pride of future Scenes, are thither brought.
VVith Toil like this, while yet the Summer's new,
Industrious Bees their annual Tasks pursue:
VVhen youthful Swarms repair the faling Kind;
Or when their liquid Sweets they firmer bind:
Or in full Cells their yellow Nectar stow:
Or forth to meet their weary Brethren go:
Or when, in firm Battalion rang'd, they drive
The lazy Drones and Robbers from their Hive:
And loud they Hum, and hot the Bustle grows,
And all around a fragrant Odour flows.
O happy Men whose Walls already rise!
VVhile he the City's growing Height surveys,
Said the brave Prince; and in dark Mantle hid,
Thro' swarming Crowds he goes, by none descry'd.
Round them a misty Veil the Goddess spread,
Of Air condens'd and thickest Vapors made:
That they might pass secure, by mortal Eye
Unseen, and unmolested in their way.
Back flies the smiling Goddess thro' the Sky
To Paphian Courts, where, to her Deity,
Soft Youth their am'rous sighs and Off'rings pay:
Sabæan Spice an hundred Altars glows,
And flow'ry Wreaths perfume the sacred House.
They with Direction of the Path march'd on,
And climb'd the Hill, whose jetting Front looks down
On the high Turrets, and nods o'er the Town
Æneas the vast Piles with Wonder view'd,
Rising where once a few poor Lodges stood;
Admiring the strong Gates abd Reg'lar Ways,
And all the busie Hurry of the place.
96
Some with the Care of raising Walls employ'd;
Some frame the Cittadel; some trace the Plow,
VVhere private Buildings are design'd to grow.
These fit Materials provide; and those,
Laws, Magistrates and a grave Senate chuse:
Here a capacious Haven they prepare;
And there they promise a large Theatre:
Vast Pillars from Earth's rocky Entrails wrought,
The Pride of future Scenes, are thither brought.
VVith Toil like this, while yet the Summer's new,
Industrious Bees their annual Tasks pursue:
VVhen youthful Swarms repair the faling Kind;
Or when their liquid Sweets they firmer bind:
Or in full Cells their yellow Nectar stow:
Or forth to meet their weary Brethren go:
Or when, in firm Battalion rang'd, they drive
The lazy Drones and Robbers from their Hive:
97
And all around a fragrant Odour flows.
O happy Men whose Walls already rise!
VVhile he the City's growing Height surveys,
Said the brave Prince; and in dark Mantle hid,
Thro' swarming Crowds he goes, by none descry'd.
VVithin the City stood a shady Grove,
Where first, when storms to land the Tyrians drove;
Digging, the fatal Horse's Head they met,
VVhich Juno had foreshewn, a Sign the State
Should prove renown'd in War, in Plenty great.
Here did the Queen a stately Temple frame,
Stupendous Work, to Juno's awful Name:
Rich Offerings and wealthy Zealots Vows,
And her immediate Presence grac'd the House;
On Brazen steps the lofty Entrance rose:
VVith Brass the Beams were strengthen'd and enrich'd,
And brazen Gates on brazen Hinges scriech'd.
Where first, when storms to land the Tyrians drove;
Digging, the fatal Horse's Head they met,
VVhich Juno had foreshewn, a Sign the State
Should prove renown'd in War, in Plenty great.
Here did the Queen a stately Temple frame,
Stupendous Work, to Juno's awful Name:
Rich Offerings and wealthy Zealots Vows,
And her immediate Presence grac'd the House;
On Brazen steps the lofty Entrance rose:
98
And brazen Gates on brazen Hinges scriech'd.
Here first an unexpected Sight reliev'd
Æneas Fears, and his faint Hopes reviv'd.
For while he there expecting Dido stays,
And the Condition of the Place surveys;
Admiring all that skilful Hands had done,
The State and Artful Beauties of the Town;
He spies the Siege of Troy, those angry Wars
Already famous thro' the Universe:
The adverse Monarchs, with their sighting Youth,
And stern Achilles equal Foe to both.
He stood, and weeping thus bespoke his Friend;
VVhat place, Achates, what so distant Land,
VVhich has not heard our Woes? see Priam there!
See! Vertue has its Honours even here;
Ev'n here our Mis'ry due Compassion finds,
Human Misfortunes work on human Minds.
Then fear not: they who to our Suff'rings give
So just Regard, the Suff'rers will relieve.
He said, and fed his Soul on th' empty piece,
While from his troubled Breast strong Sighs arise;
And Floods of Tears fall streaming from his Eyes.
For there the Tides and Ebbs of War he saw,
Saw the prevailing Trojans there pursue
The flying Greeks; the Trojans flying here,
And fierce Achilles hanging on the Rear:
Next the white Tents of Rhesus he beheld,
Which while first sleep the weary Thracians held,
Tydides entred, and with slaughter fill'd;
And seiz'd the fiery Horses ere they came
To tast Troy's Food, or drink of Xanthus stream:
There Troilus disarm'd his Horses drew,
VVhom Chance of Battle on Achilles threw.
Unequal Match!—
Down from his empty Seat he hung supine,
Yet his clench'd Hand still grasp'd the useless Rein;
His beauteous Head seem'd o'er the Stones to bound,
The Spear inverted scrawl'd the dusty Ground.
There went the Trojan Dames in mournful State,
T'avert with Off'rings fierce Minerva's Hate;
With Hair unfurl'd, each smote her tender Breast,
And all the Pomp of solemn Grief exprest;
The sullen Goddess yet disdains their Vows
VVith down-cast Eyes, nor one kind Look allows.
Thrice had Achilles round the Trojan Walls
Dead Hector drag'd, and now his Carcase sells.
But then deep Sighs his troubled Bosom rend,
To see the sad Dishonours of his Friend;
The Spoils, the Chariot, and on bended Knee
Old Priam beg the wretched Courtesie.
Himself engag'd with Grecian Chiefs he spy'd,
And Eastern Bands by swarthy Memnon led.
And there the fierce Penthesilea leads,
Through adverse Troops, her Amazonian Maids:
Girds up her Breast, her horned Buckler takes,
Thro' yielding Men her Conq'ring way she makes,
And scorns the Disadvantage of her Sex.
Æneas Fears, and his faint Hopes reviv'd.
For while he there expecting Dido stays,
And the Condition of the Place surveys;
Admiring all that skilful Hands had done,
The State and Artful Beauties of the Town;
He spies the Siege of Troy, those angry Wars
Already famous thro' the Universe:
The adverse Monarchs, with their sighting Youth,
And stern Achilles equal Foe to both.
He stood, and weeping thus bespoke his Friend;
VVhat place, Achates, what so distant Land,
VVhich has not heard our Woes? see Priam there!
See! Vertue has its Honours even here;
99
Human Misfortunes work on human Minds.
Then fear not: they who to our Suff'rings give
So just Regard, the Suff'rers will relieve.
He said, and fed his Soul on th' empty piece,
While from his troubled Breast strong Sighs arise;
And Floods of Tears fall streaming from his Eyes.
For there the Tides and Ebbs of War he saw,
Saw the prevailing Trojans there pursue
The flying Greeks; the Trojans flying here,
And fierce Achilles hanging on the Rear:
Next the white Tents of Rhesus he beheld,
Which while first sleep the weary Thracians held,
Tydides entred, and with slaughter fill'd;
And seiz'd the fiery Horses ere they came
To tast Troy's Food, or drink of Xanthus stream:
There Troilus disarm'd his Horses drew,
VVhom Chance of Battle on Achilles threw.
100
Down from his empty Seat he hung supine,
Yet his clench'd Hand still grasp'd the useless Rein;
His beauteous Head seem'd o'er the Stones to bound,
The Spear inverted scrawl'd the dusty Ground.
There went the Trojan Dames in mournful State,
T'avert with Off'rings fierce Minerva's Hate;
With Hair unfurl'd, each smote her tender Breast,
And all the Pomp of solemn Grief exprest;
The sullen Goddess yet disdains their Vows
VVith down-cast Eyes, nor one kind Look allows.
Thrice had Achilles round the Trojan Walls
Dead Hector drag'd, and now his Carcase sells.
But then deep Sighs his troubled Bosom rend,
To see the sad Dishonours of his Friend;
The Spoils, the Chariot, and on bended Knee
Old Priam beg the wretched Courtesie.
101
And Eastern Bands by swarthy Memnon led.
And there the fierce Penthesilea leads,
Through adverse Troops, her Amazonian Maids:
Girds up her Breast, her horned Buckler takes,
Thro' yielding Men her Conq'ring way she makes,
And scorns the Disadvantage of her Sex.
While this surprizing Piece the Prince survey'd,
And this one Object fixt his Soul employ'd;
Attended with a num'rous youthful Train,
Up to the Temple mov'd the beauteous Queen.
Such as Diana on the flow'ry Mead
VVhere cool Eurotas flows, or Cynthus Head;
VVhen she leads forth her Virgin Train to dance,
In num'rous steps a thousand Nymphs advance:
She round her Neck her ratling Quiver bears,
And the Majestick Goddess still appears,
In graceful Motion high above the rest;
A secret Joy tickles Latona's Breast.
Such Dido was, so beautiful, so pleas'd,
She thro' thick Crouds of busie Tyrians past;
And still their Labour urg'd, and still improv'd their Hast.
Thence to the Temple, where she proudly sate,
Supported on the lofty Throne of State;
And round with Guards and Loyal Subjects fenc'd,
The righteous Laws and equal Tasks dispenc'd.
VVhen thro' a gaping Crowd Æneas sees
His lost Companions making to the Place:
VVhom far dispers'd, on Mists and Darkness lost;
The lowring Storms on distant Shores had tost.
He and Achates both astonish'd were,
Distracted equally 'twixt Joy and Fear;
Their despair'd Friends fill them with eager Joy:
But yet unknowing what their Case might be,
They in the Clouds dark Womb conceal'd remain,
Till their Friends Fortune should it self explain.
At length they free Access and Audience gain'd;
VVhen calmly thus Ilioneus complain'd;
Great Queen, whose rising Walls kind Gods allow,
To whose Command these haughty Nations bow:
VVe the unhappy Residue of Troy,
By adverse Winds long driven o'er the Sea,
Do here your Justice and Protection crave;
From Ruine undeserv'd our Vessels save;
Spare Innocence, Ah! spare a pious Race;
And hear, and hearing pity our Distress.
VVe came not to invade your rising State;
Our humbled Fortunes no such Thoughts admit.
A Place there is by Greeks Hesperia nam'd,
An ancient Land, for War and Plenty fam'd;
Oenotrians heretofore the Kingdom held:
But now, 'tis said, from some great Gen'ral call'd
Italia. Thither was our Course design'd,
VVhen hidden Tempests and a wanton Wind
Thro' Waves, o'er Rocks, and Shelves, our Navy tost;
Of which some few came floating on your Coast.
But to the Scandal of Humanity,
Your Guards the Refuge of your Shore deny:
And threaten Fire and Sword, and needless War,
If any durst attempt their landing there.
If ye Mankind and mortal Pow'r defie,
Yet shall just Gods revenge such Injury.
Æneas was our King, ------
Than whom none e'er could boast a greater Share
Of all that's gen'rous, both in Peace and War;
Oh! If kind Fates but that dear Mortal spare!
Oh if he live, and yet breath upper Air,
Farewel our Fears and yours: none shall complain
They e'er oblig'd a Trojan Prince in vain.
Beside Acestes and the Sons of Troy
Enjoy the Realms and Pow'r of Sicily.
VVe only beg Permission to refit
VVithin your Ports the Ruines of our Fleet:
And then, if Heav'n our Mates and Prince restore,
VVe'll ease your Realms, and seek the Latin Shore:
But if hard Fates that great Design forbid,
If thou, brave Prince, in Libyan Seas art dead;
And all our Hopes of young Ascanius sled:
At least to Sicily our Course we'll steer,
And to Acestes surer Realms retire.
Thus spoke Ilioneus, and all the rest
Bow'd, and in Murmurs their Consent exprest.
To whom the Queen return'd this short Reply:
Far be your Jealousie, ye Sons of Troy,
The Rawness of our Realms and daily Fear
Demand our strongest Guards and strictest Care.
VVho but the Trojan Race, their high Renown,
Their daring Champions, and fierce Wars have known?
Such stupid Hearts we Tyrians do not bear,
Nor is the Sun so great a Stranger here.
If for th' Hesperian Realms ye are design'd,
Or for the Shore of Sicily intend,
Be sure of all th' Assistance we can lend:
Or if my Kingdoms and this rising Town
Have ought to tempt your stay, 'tis all your own:
Trojans and Tyrians shall one People be,
Equal, and equally belov'd by me.
And I could wish the same kind Storm had tost
Your Prince, the brave Æneas, on this Coast:
Nay; I will send and search, if haply he
Lost in thick Woods, or some blind Village stray.
At this news Joy and lively Hopes possest
Æneas and Achates doubtful Breast;
Now eager to disband their useless Mist.
VVhen thus Achates to the Prince began:
Great Son of Venus, now what Doubts remain?
No more of Danger now, of Fear no more,
Since kinder Gods your Fleet and Friends restore,
All but that one, who perish'd in our View;
In all the rest your Mother's Words are true.
Scarce had he spoke: when off the Vapours clear,
The Clouds disband, and purge themselves to Air:
There circled round with Light Æneas stood,
His Shape and Feature like some beauteous God:
For round him all her Charms his Mother threw,
Beauty and blushing Youth bloom'd on his Brow;
Such Grace the Artist's hand to Iv'ry lends,
So with pale Silver, Gold its florid Yellow blends.
VVhen he with Words th' Assembly and Queen
Surpriz'd, and unexpected thus began:
See! to prevent your Search, and ease your Fear,
See! that Æneas whom you seek is here.
To you, what Thanks sufficient can we pay,
Great Queen, the only Friend of ruin'd Troy?
VVho us, its hapless Remnant, whom the Sword
Of Grecian Foes almost in vain had spar'd,
Distress'd by Sea and Land, forelorn and Poor,
Here to new Homes, and other Realms restore:
Nor we, nor all the scatter'd Race of Troy,
Can e'er return this Royal Courtesie.
No! may the Gods, and sure if Gods there are,
VVho of the Good and Innocent take care;
It Justice, Conscience, ought but Phantoms be;
The Debts which we cannot They will repay.
VVhat more than Mortal Parents could bestow
On this blest Age such Worth as shines in you?
For me, while Rivers to the Ocean flow,
VVhile rising Mountains shade the Vales below;
VVhile Stars feed round the Pole; your Memory
And Name, whatever Land my Portion be,
Shall still be honour'd, still be dear to me.
And this one Object fixt his Soul employ'd;
Attended with a num'rous youthful Train,
Up to the Temple mov'd the beauteous Queen.
Such as Diana on the flow'ry Mead
VVhere cool Eurotas flows, or Cynthus Head;
VVhen she leads forth her Virgin Train to dance,
In num'rous steps a thousand Nymphs advance:
She round her Neck her ratling Quiver bears,
And the Majestick Goddess still appears,
102
A secret Joy tickles Latona's Breast.
Such Dido was, so beautiful, so pleas'd,
She thro' thick Crouds of busie Tyrians past;
And still their Labour urg'd, and still improv'd their Hast.
Thence to the Temple, where she proudly sate,
Supported on the lofty Throne of State;
And round with Guards and Loyal Subjects fenc'd,
The righteous Laws and equal Tasks dispenc'd.
VVhen thro' a gaping Crowd Æneas sees
His lost Companions making to the Place:
VVhom far dispers'd, on Mists and Darkness lost;
The lowring Storms on distant Shores had tost.
He and Achates both astonish'd were,
Distracted equally 'twixt Joy and Fear;
Their despair'd Friends fill them with eager Joy:
But yet unknowing what their Case might be,
103
Till their Friends Fortune should it self explain.
At length they free Access and Audience gain'd;
VVhen calmly thus Ilioneus complain'd;
Great Queen, whose rising Walls kind Gods allow,
To whose Command these haughty Nations bow:
VVe the unhappy Residue of Troy,
By adverse Winds long driven o'er the Sea,
Do here your Justice and Protection crave;
From Ruine undeserv'd our Vessels save;
Spare Innocence, Ah! spare a pious Race;
And hear, and hearing pity our Distress.
VVe came not to invade your rising State;
Our humbled Fortunes no such Thoughts admit.
A Place there is by Greeks Hesperia nam'd,
An ancient Land, for War and Plenty fam'd;
Oenotrians heretofore the Kingdom held:
But now, 'tis said, from some great Gen'ral call'd
104
VVhen hidden Tempests and a wanton Wind
Thro' Waves, o'er Rocks, and Shelves, our Navy tost;
Of which some few came floating on your Coast.
But to the Scandal of Humanity,
Your Guards the Refuge of your Shore deny:
And threaten Fire and Sword, and needless War,
If any durst attempt their landing there.
If ye Mankind and mortal Pow'r defie,
Yet shall just Gods revenge such Injury.
Æneas was our King, ------
Than whom none e'er could boast a greater Share
Of all that's gen'rous, both in Peace and War;
Oh! If kind Fates but that dear Mortal spare!
Oh if he live, and yet breath upper Air,
Farewel our Fears and yours: none shall complain
They e'er oblig'd a Trojan Prince in vain.
105
Enjoy the Realms and Pow'r of Sicily.
VVe only beg Permission to refit
VVithin your Ports the Ruines of our Fleet:
And then, if Heav'n our Mates and Prince restore,
VVe'll ease your Realms, and seek the Latin Shore:
But if hard Fates that great Design forbid,
If thou, brave Prince, in Libyan Seas art dead;
And all our Hopes of young Ascanius sled:
At least to Sicily our Course we'll steer,
And to Acestes surer Realms retire.
Thus spoke Ilioneus, and all the rest
Bow'd, and in Murmurs their Consent exprest.
To whom the Queen return'd this short Reply:
Far be your Jealousie, ye Sons of Troy,
The Rawness of our Realms and daily Fear
Demand our strongest Guards and strictest Care.
106
Their daring Champions, and fierce Wars have known?
Such stupid Hearts we Tyrians do not bear,
Nor is the Sun so great a Stranger here.
If for th' Hesperian Realms ye are design'd,
Or for the Shore of Sicily intend,
Be sure of all th' Assistance we can lend:
Or if my Kingdoms and this rising Town
Have ought to tempt your stay, 'tis all your own:
Trojans and Tyrians shall one People be,
Equal, and equally belov'd by me.
And I could wish the same kind Storm had tost
Your Prince, the brave Æneas, on this Coast:
Nay; I will send and search, if haply he
Lost in thick Woods, or some blind Village stray.
107
Æneas and Achates doubtful Breast;
Now eager to disband their useless Mist.
VVhen thus Achates to the Prince began:
Great Son of Venus, now what Doubts remain?
No more of Danger now, of Fear no more,
Since kinder Gods your Fleet and Friends restore,
All but that one, who perish'd in our View;
In all the rest your Mother's Words are true.
Scarce had he spoke: when off the Vapours clear,
The Clouds disband, and purge themselves to Air:
There circled round with Light Æneas stood,
His Shape and Feature like some beauteous God:
For round him all her Charms his Mother threw,
Beauty and blushing Youth bloom'd on his Brow;
Such Grace the Artist's hand to Iv'ry lends,
So with pale Silver, Gold its florid Yellow blends.
108
Surpriz'd, and unexpected thus began:
See! to prevent your Search, and ease your Fear,
See! that Æneas whom you seek is here.
To you, what Thanks sufficient can we pay,
Great Queen, the only Friend of ruin'd Troy?
VVho us, its hapless Remnant, whom the Sword
Of Grecian Foes almost in vain had spar'd,
Distress'd by Sea and Land, forelorn and Poor,
Here to new Homes, and other Realms restore:
Nor we, nor all the scatter'd Race of Troy,
Can e'er return this Royal Courtesie.
No! may the Gods, and sure if Gods there are,
VVho of the Good and Innocent take care;
It Justice, Conscience, ought but Phantoms be;
The Debts which we cannot They will repay.
VVhat more than Mortal Parents could bestow
On this blest Age such Worth as shines in you?
109
VVhile rising Mountains shade the Vales below;
VVhile Stars feed round the Pole; your Memory
And Name, whatever Land my Portion be,
Shall still be honour'd, still be dear to me.
He said: and then in close Embraces meets
His welcome Friends, and each in order greets.
Dido surpriz'd, with what her self had seen,
And the unusual Fortune of the Man,
Long silent stood; at length she thus began:
What Fate unkind, brave Prince, thro' much distress,
Pursues and drives you to this barb'rous Place?
Are you th' Æneas, whom on Simois Shore
Kind Venus to her dear Anchises bore?
Nay, and I well remember, when for Aid
Teucer expell'd from Home to Sidon fled;
To make his Fortune on some foreign Coast,
And gain new Kingdoms since his own were lost.
Cyprus for him my Father Belus took,
And made it bow beneath his Conq'ring Yoke:
E'er since have I the Trojan Story known;
The Names of Grecian Leaders, and your own.
Himself to Trojan Foes just Praise allow'd;
Himself he boasted sprang from Trojan Blood.
Come then, my welcome Youths, kindly receive
Such Entertainment as my Court can give.
I too, before I setled here my Throne,
Have like Severities of Fortune known;
And, by the Sense of my own Suff'rings taught
Have learn'd to pity the Unfortunate.
His welcome Friends, and each in order greets.
Dido surpriz'd, with what her self had seen,
And the unusual Fortune of the Man,
Long silent stood; at length she thus began:
What Fate unkind, brave Prince, thro' much distress,
Pursues and drives you to this barb'rous Place?
Are you th' Æneas, whom on Simois Shore
Kind Venus to her dear Anchises bore?
Nay, and I well remember, when for Aid
Teucer expell'd from Home to Sidon fled;
110
And gain new Kingdoms since his own were lost.
Cyprus for him my Father Belus took,
And made it bow beneath his Conq'ring Yoke:
E'er since have I the Trojan Story known;
The Names of Grecian Leaders, and your own.
Himself to Trojan Foes just Praise allow'd;
Himself he boasted sprang from Trojan Blood.
Come then, my welcome Youths, kindly receive
Such Entertainment as my Court can give.
I too, before I setled here my Throne,
Have like Severities of Fortune known;
And, by the Sense of my own Suff'rings taught
Have learn'd to pity the Unfortunate.
Thus she: and in she leads her Trojan Guest,
And to the Gods proclaims a solemn Feast:
But, not unmindful of their absent Friends,
Twenty large Oxen to the Port she sends;
The bristly Flitches of an hundred Sows;
An hundred fat Lambs, with an hundred Ewes.
Mean while the Rooms of State their Pride display;
And all the Pomp of Royal Luxury.
The well-wrought Furniture with Purple shone,
VVith massy Plate the burthen'd Tables groan:
And labour'd Gold in lively Portraiture,
Heroick Acts of great Forefathers bore;
A tedious Chronicle of Deeds and Men,
From him who first the noble Race began.
Æneas still remains dissatisfy'd,
Doubts from paternal Love his Ease forbid:
All's vain if his Ascanius be not there,
Ascanius the fond Parent's only Care.
Away he sends Achates, to the Port,
To bear the News and bring the Lad to Court;
Bids him withal such Presents bring, as he
Had snatch'd from Ruin and the Flames of Troy:
The Gown and flower'd Veil, which Helen clad,
VVhen she to Troy and guilty Nuptials fled;
The Scepter of Ilione; her Crown,
And Neck-lace, which with richest Jewels shone;
Presents not mean, With these Instructions sent,
Away Achates to the Navy went.
And to the Gods proclaims a solemn Feast:
But, not unmindful of their absent Friends,
Twenty large Oxen to the Port she sends;
111
An hundred fat Lambs, with an hundred Ewes.
Mean while the Rooms of State their Pride display;
And all the Pomp of Royal Luxury.
The well-wrought Furniture with Purple shone,
VVith massy Plate the burthen'd Tables groan:
And labour'd Gold in lively Portraiture,
Heroick Acts of great Forefathers bore;
A tedious Chronicle of Deeds and Men,
From him who first the noble Race began.
Æneas still remains dissatisfy'd,
Doubts from paternal Love his Ease forbid:
All's vain if his Ascanius be not there,
Ascanius the fond Parent's only Care.
Away he sends Achates, to the Port,
To bear the News and bring the Lad to Court;
Bids him withal such Presents bring, as he
Had snatch'd from Ruin and the Flames of Troy:
112
VVhen she to Troy and guilty Nuptials fled;
The Scepter of Ilione; her Crown,
And Neck-lace, which with richest Jewels shone;
Presents not mean, With these Instructions sent,
Away Achates to the Navy went.
But Cytherea in her thoughtful Mind,
New Counsels fram'd, and other Arts design'd;
That Cupid should Ascanius Shape assume,
And in his stead disguis'd to Carthage come;
And th' heedless Queen with treach'rous Presents move,
And her fond Heart inspire with secret Love:
For still the Faithless Tyrians cause her fear,
Still she suspects their doubtful Safety there:
Malicious Juno wrings her jealous Breast,
Black Dreams and frightful Starts disturb her Rest.
Uneasie therefore to the Tent she fled
Of winged Love, and thus implor'd his Aid:
My Son, my Strength, my Empire's only Stay,
Who dar'st thy Fathers angry Bolts defie;
I for assistance to thy Godhead fly.
What Storms at Sea, what Miseries at Land,
Thy Brother, my Æneas has sustain'd;
How he has felt th' effects of Juno's Spleen,
Too well thou know'st; and oft thy self hast been
Griev'd at his Wrongs, and mix'd thy Tears with mine.
Phenician Dido with a specious shew
Of Kindness and fair Words detains him now:
But still I fear some secret Danger nigh
VVhen Juno entertains the Sons of Troy;
Her watchful Malice will not let her miss
An Opportunity so great as this.
Therefore my Fears bid me prevent with Art
The Queen, and place thee Guardian of her Heart;
Lest any Pow'r corrupt to worse Design
Her Will, for my Æneas may she pine,
And love him with a Passion great as mine.
So I've resolv'd, nor are the Means unknown;
The Royal Youth, who my chief Care is grown,
Obeys his Father's Summons to the Town:
And with him Presents bears, which still remain
Sav'd from Troy's Flames and th' fury of the Main.
Him will I folded in the Arms of Sleep
On high Cythera or Idalia keep;
Lest close Restraint disturb his jealous Thought,
Or intervening crush th' abortive Plot.
Do thou one Night disguis'd like him appear,
One Night his Shape and well known Features wear:
So when the Queen, softned with Royal Feasts
And freer Wine, shall clasp thee to her Breasts,
And kiss thy lovely Cheek; do thou inspire
Thy pleasing Venom and unheeded Fire.
Obsequious Love his Mother's Will obeys,
Aside his Wings and Heav'nly Form he lays;
And counterfeits Iulus Pace and Tongue,
Pleas'd with the Change; and prattling trips along.
Venus mean while the true Ascanius kept
In pleasing Dreams and dewy Slumbers wrapt:
Lull'd in her Arms the Goddess bore away
To her Idalian Groves the sleeping Boy;
Where their delicious Breaths sweet Herbs and Flowrs
Round him exhale, and rise to shady Bow'rs.
But now, with Presents fraught, the Heav'nly Boy
Pleas'd with his Guide, to Carthage makes his way.
When he arriv'd, the Queen strait took her Seat
I'th' midst, upon a golden Couch of State;
Round her Æneas and the Youth of Troy
In order all on Purple Carpets lay:
The Servants Water brought, and plac'd the Bread,
And well-wrought Napkins round the Tables laid:
VVithin did fifty Damsels neatly drest
Manage the State and Order of the Feast:
An hundred, with as many Pages joyn'd
Of equal Years, round the large Boards attend.
The Tyrians too, in swarms to Court repair,
And th' Publick Mirth and Entertainment share;
The Presents all admire, admire the Lad;
The God's fresh Looks, and counterfeited Chat.
But hapless Dido, doom'd to future Woes,
No End, no Measure of her Fondness knows;
Gazes, and ever gazing Fonder grows:
The Boy and Gifts her Admiration move
Alike, and both alike provoke her Love.
He having long on his false Father hung
And eas'd his Soul, away to Dido sprung.
Her Eyes, her Heart dwell setled on the Boy,
And oft she dandles him upon her Knee;
Nor knows what Weight she bears of Deity.
He mindful of his Mother's Charge soon ras'd
All Thoughts of dead Sicheus from her Breast:
Then with new lively Passion strives to move
Her listless Heart, and long unus'd to Love.
Soon as the Edge of Appetite was laid,
The Boards were clear'd, and full crown'd Bowls succeed.
The Ecchoing Courts around divide the Joy:
And loud Huzza's through all the Palace sly.
Lamps hanging from high Roofs dart vig'rous Light,
And drive far off the heavy Shades of Night.
Here did the Queen for that rich Goblet call,
In which Old Belus us'd to drink, and all
From Belus down to her: Then, Silence made,
Dido the Goblet took, and thus she pray'd;
Grant mighty Jove, (for thou, the Strangers Friend,
Giv'st Laws of Hospitality to Men;)
Grant, that thro' all succeeding Times, this Day
May both to Trojans and to Tyrians be
A Day of Mirth, and glad Solemnity;
Juno and Bacchus smile upon our Feast,
The Gods be kind, and ye my Tyrians pleas'd.
Then on the Board she spill'd a sacred Drop;
Her self scarce kiss'd the Lips of the wide Cup,
And smacking gav't to Bitias: but he
At one large Draught took down the frothy Sea.
Round went the Bowl; while curl'd Iopas strung
His golden Harp, and Works of Nature sung,
By Atlas taught: th' Excursions of the Moon,
And never ceasing Labours of the Sun;
Whence Men and Beasts, Thunder and Rain proceed;
How Stars by Night their reg'lar Mazes tread;
VVhat makes the Winter Sun so hasty go
Down to the Sea; what makes the Nights so slow.
Tyrians and Trojans equally combine
To praise the Song, and loud Applauses joyn.
But the fond Queen with various Discourse,
And needless Queries still protracts the Hours.
And long Occasions of Love she takes,
Vain Doubts of Priam and of Hector makes;
Enquiring oft what Armour Memnon wore;
And oft what part the fierce Achilles bore.
Nay come, says she, dear Guest, begin and tell
The Grecian Treach'ry, Troy's unhappy Fall,
And your own Travels: for sev'n times the Sun
Has brought back Summer, since your Toils begun.
New Counsels fram'd, and other Arts design'd;
That Cupid should Ascanius Shape assume,
And in his stead disguis'd to Carthage come;
And th' heedless Queen with treach'rous Presents move,
And her fond Heart inspire with secret Love:
For still the Faithless Tyrians cause her fear,
Still she suspects their doubtful Safety there:
Malicious Juno wrings her jealous Breast,
Black Dreams and frightful Starts disturb her Rest.
113
Of winged Love, and thus implor'd his Aid:
My Son, my Strength, my Empire's only Stay,
Who dar'st thy Fathers angry Bolts defie;
I for assistance to thy Godhead fly.
What Storms at Sea, what Miseries at Land,
Thy Brother, my Æneas has sustain'd;
How he has felt th' effects of Juno's Spleen,
Too well thou know'st; and oft thy self hast been
Griev'd at his Wrongs, and mix'd thy Tears with mine.
Phenician Dido with a specious shew
Of Kindness and fair Words detains him now:
But still I fear some secret Danger nigh
VVhen Juno entertains the Sons of Troy;
Her watchful Malice will not let her miss
An Opportunity so great as this.
114
The Queen, and place thee Guardian of her Heart;
Lest any Pow'r corrupt to worse Design
Her Will, for my Æneas may she pine,
And love him with a Passion great as mine.
So I've resolv'd, nor are the Means unknown;
The Royal Youth, who my chief Care is grown,
Obeys his Father's Summons to the Town:
And with him Presents bears, which still remain
Sav'd from Troy's Flames and th' fury of the Main.
Him will I folded in the Arms of Sleep
On high Cythera or Idalia keep;
Lest close Restraint disturb his jealous Thought,
Or intervening crush th' abortive Plot.
Do thou one Night disguis'd like him appear,
One Night his Shape and well known Features wear:
115
And freer Wine, shall clasp thee to her Breasts,
And kiss thy lovely Cheek; do thou inspire
Thy pleasing Venom and unheeded Fire.
Obsequious Love his Mother's Will obeys,
Aside his Wings and Heav'nly Form he lays;
And counterfeits Iulus Pace and Tongue,
Pleas'd with the Change; and prattling trips along.
Venus mean while the true Ascanius kept
In pleasing Dreams and dewy Slumbers wrapt:
Lull'd in her Arms the Goddess bore away
To her Idalian Groves the sleeping Boy;
Where their delicious Breaths sweet Herbs and Flowrs
Round him exhale, and rise to shady Bow'rs.
But now, with Presents fraught, the Heav'nly Boy
Pleas'd with his Guide, to Carthage makes his way.
When he arriv'd, the Queen strait took her Seat
I'th' midst, upon a golden Couch of State;
116
In order all on Purple Carpets lay:
The Servants Water brought, and plac'd the Bread,
And well-wrought Napkins round the Tables laid:
VVithin did fifty Damsels neatly drest
Manage the State and Order of the Feast:
An hundred, with as many Pages joyn'd
Of equal Years, round the large Boards attend.
The Tyrians too, in swarms to Court repair,
And th' Publick Mirth and Entertainment share;
The Presents all admire, admire the Lad;
The God's fresh Looks, and counterfeited Chat.
But hapless Dido, doom'd to future Woes,
No End, no Measure of her Fondness knows;
Gazes, and ever gazing Fonder grows:
The Boy and Gifts her Admiration move
Alike, and both alike provoke her Love.
117
And eas'd his Soul, away to Dido sprung.
Her Eyes, her Heart dwell setled on the Boy,
And oft she dandles him upon her Knee;
Nor knows what Weight she bears of Deity.
He mindful of his Mother's Charge soon ras'd
All Thoughts of dead Sicheus from her Breast:
Then with new lively Passion strives to move
Her listless Heart, and long unus'd to Love.
Soon as the Edge of Appetite was laid,
The Boards were clear'd, and full crown'd Bowls succeed.
The Ecchoing Courts around divide the Joy:
And loud Huzza's through all the Palace sly.
Lamps hanging from high Roofs dart vig'rous Light,
And drive far off the heavy Shades of Night.
Here did the Queen for that rich Goblet call,
In which Old Belus us'd to drink, and all
118
Dido the Goblet took, and thus she pray'd;
Grant mighty Jove, (for thou, the Strangers Friend,
Giv'st Laws of Hospitality to Men;)
Grant, that thro' all succeeding Times, this Day
May both to Trojans and to Tyrians be
A Day of Mirth, and glad Solemnity;
Juno and Bacchus smile upon our Feast,
The Gods be kind, and ye my Tyrians pleas'd.
Then on the Board she spill'd a sacred Drop;
Her self scarce kiss'd the Lips of the wide Cup,
And smacking gav't to Bitias: but he
At one large Draught took down the frothy Sea.
Round went the Bowl; while curl'd Iopas strung
His golden Harp, and Works of Nature sung,
By Atlas taught: th' Excursions of the Moon,
And never ceasing Labours of the Sun;
119
How Stars by Night their reg'lar Mazes tread;
VVhat makes the Winter Sun so hasty go
Down to the Sea; what makes the Nights so slow.
Tyrians and Trojans equally combine
To praise the Song, and loud Applauses joyn.
But the fond Queen with various Discourse,
And needless Queries still protracts the Hours.
And long Occasions of Love she takes,
Vain Doubts of Priam and of Hector makes;
Enquiring oft what Armour Memnon wore;
And oft what part the fierce Achilles bore.
Nay come, says she, dear Guest, begin and tell
The Grecian Treach'ry, Troy's unhappy Fall,
And your own Travels: for sev'n times the Sun
Has brought back Summer, since your Toils begun.
120
Part of the Second Book.
All husht and mute with Expectation fate,
When thus Æneas from his Throne began:
Sad is the Task, great Queen, which you enjoyn,
Our Suff'rings to repeat: how wretched Troy,
It's Pow'r and Wealth, by Cruel Greeks were spoil'd;
And all the dismal Things I saw, of them
My self no inconsiderable Part.
VVho the most savage of our Enemies;
What hardy Soldier from Ulysses Camp
Could without Tears such Miseries relate?
And now the dewy Wheels of Night hast down.
The Western Steep of Heav'n, and falling Stars;
Rather to Sleep and needful Rest advise:
But if so great your Curiosity,
To learn our Fortunes, and Troy's last sad Hour;
Tho' my Soul at the black Remembrance start,
With Grief recoiling; yet I will begin.
When thus Æneas from his Throne began:
Sad is the Task, great Queen, which you enjoyn,
Our Suff'rings to repeat: how wretched Troy,
It's Pow'r and Wealth, by Cruel Greeks were spoil'd;
And all the dismal Things I saw, of them
My self no inconsiderable Part.
VVho the most savage of our Enemies;
What hardy Soldier from Ulysses Camp
Could without Tears such Miseries relate?
And now the dewy Wheels of Night hast down.
The Western Steep of Heav'n, and falling Stars;
121
But if so great your Curiosity,
To learn our Fortunes, and Troy's last sad Hour;
Tho' my Soul at the black Remembrance start,
With Grief recoiling; yet I will begin.
By Fate and Pow'r repell'd the Grecian Chiefs,
After so many Years successless War,
Contrive a mighty Horse of Mountain bulk,
By curious Architecture fram'd, and fenc'd
With Planks his wooden Ribs; pretending it
A Vow for their Return; so 'twas given out;
But in his darksom Entrails secretly
They stow'd the Flow'r of their remaining Troops
And fill with Arms and Men his hollow Womb.
In Sight lies Ienedos, an Isle Renown'd,
Renown'd for Wealth, while Priam's Empire stood;
Now only a small Creek, and dang'rous Road:
Hither the Grecian Fleet retir'd from sight
Behind the Rocks and unfrequented Shore;
We thought them fail'd directly back for Greece.
Troy therefore soon forgot her long Distress,
Open were slung the Gates; and pleasant 'twas
To view the Grecian Camp, the Country clear'd,
And the abandon'd Shore. Here lay the Band
Of Dolopes: there stern Achilles march'd;
Here rode the Fleet: there were fierce Battels joyn'd.
Most had their Eyes with Admiration fix'd
On Pallas bulky Gift, their future Ruine.
And first Thymætes, whether mov'd by Fate
Or Treachery, advis'd it to be brought
Within the City, and plac'd in the Tow'r.
But Capys, and the wiser Heads persuade
To drown or burn the Greeks suspicious Gift:
Or bore and wisely search its hollow Womb.
The doubtful Vulgar various Thoughts divide;
There first Laocoon with angry Hast
From the high Tower, with a num'rous Train,
Runs foaming down, and bellows from afar:
What Frenzy thus misleads my Countrymen?
Do ye believe our Foes thus tamely gone?
Or do ye think Greek Gifts can want Design?
And is Ulysses yet no better known?
Either this treach'rous Wood is lin'd with Greeks
Or 'tis an Engine fram'd against our Wails,
To scale our Works and overlook the Town:
Or 'tis some sly Design; whate'er it be,
I dread the very Kindness of the Greeks
He said; and with full strength his Jav'lin whirl'd
Against the Horses side; that trembling stood;
And strait a grumbling Sound follow'd the stroke,
And from it's hollow Entrails came a Groan.
Then had not Fate arm'd all our Thoughts askew;
The Greeks had dy'd, in their own Ambush caught;
And Troy and Priam's Court had still remain'd.
After so many Years successless War,
Contrive a mighty Horse of Mountain bulk,
By curious Architecture fram'd, and fenc'd
With Planks his wooden Ribs; pretending it
A Vow for their Return; so 'twas given out;
But in his darksom Entrails secretly
They stow'd the Flow'r of their remaining Troops
And fill with Arms and Men his hollow Womb.
In Sight lies Ienedos, an Isle Renown'd,
Renown'd for Wealth, while Priam's Empire stood;
Now only a small Creek, and dang'rous Road:
Hither the Grecian Fleet retir'd from sight
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We thought them fail'd directly back for Greece.
Troy therefore soon forgot her long Distress,
Open were slung the Gates; and pleasant 'twas
To view the Grecian Camp, the Country clear'd,
And the abandon'd Shore. Here lay the Band
Of Dolopes: there stern Achilles march'd;
Here rode the Fleet: there were fierce Battels joyn'd.
Most had their Eyes with Admiration fix'd
On Pallas bulky Gift, their future Ruine.
And first Thymætes, whether mov'd by Fate
Or Treachery, advis'd it to be brought
Within the City, and plac'd in the Tow'r.
But Capys, and the wiser Heads persuade
To drown or burn the Greeks suspicious Gift:
Or bore and wisely search its hollow Womb.
The doubtful Vulgar various Thoughts divide;
There first Laocoon with angry Hast
123
Runs foaming down, and bellows from afar:
What Frenzy thus misleads my Countrymen?
Do ye believe our Foes thus tamely gone?
Or do ye think Greek Gifts can want Design?
And is Ulysses yet no better known?
Either this treach'rous Wood is lin'd with Greeks
Or 'tis an Engine fram'd against our Wails,
To scale our Works and overlook the Town:
Or 'tis some sly Design; whate'er it be,
I dread the very Kindness of the Greeks
He said; and with full strength his Jav'lin whirl'd
Against the Horses side; that trembling stood;
And strait a grumbling Sound follow'd the stroke,
And from it's hollow Entrails came a Groan.
Then had not Fate arm'd all our Thoughts askew;
The Greeks had dy'd, in their own Ambush caught;
And Troy and Priam's Court had still remain'd.
124
Part of the Third Book.
Since it so pleas'd the Gods our Asian StateAnd Priam's guiltless Nation must be lost;
Since haughty Ilium was now no more,
And Neptune's Work lay smoaking on the ground:
We by the Oracles of Gods are urg'd
To leave our Native Lands, and seek new Homes:
Under Antandros, at the foot of Ide,
VVe build a Fleet, (unknowing whither Fate
Would call, or where we might expect to rest)
And raise what Force we could; Summer scarce peep'd,
When by my aged Father we are bid
To hoise, and trust our Sails to Providence.
125
The Phrygian Ports, and Fields where Troy once stood;
By Fate an Exile forc'd I to the Waves
My Self, my Friends, my Son, and Gods commit.
Far hence there lies a Land, by Thracians till'd,
Where in times past severe Lycurgus reign'd;
In amicable League Allied to Troy
While Troy its Grandeur held; here in ill Hour
I first touch'd Land, and on the crooked Shore
Rais'd my first Walls, and gave it mine own Name:
Here to my Mother sacred Rites I paid,
And to the Gods who favour'd my Design;
To Jove a Milk-white Bull bled on the Shore.
Fast by there rose a little Hill, thick stuck
With Shrubs and Myrtle Spears. I went, and strove
To ravish from it's Earth the sprouting Grove,
To shade my Altars with it's leafy Boughs;
When a strange Prodigy surpriz'd my Sight:
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From his torn Roots trickled black Drops of Blood,
And stain'd the Ground with Gore: a shiv'ring Fear
Shot thro' my Veins, and curdled all my Blood.
Desirous yet to learn the secret Cause
Of an Effect so strange, a second Twig
I pluck'd, and from a second Twig drop'd Blood:
Amaz'd, and troubled to the Nymphs I kneel'd,
And Mars, the Guardian of those Lands, besought
The Omen to avert, and turn 't to good.
But while I fix'd my Knees to ground, and strove
With all my strength from Earth to pluck a third;
(Shall I proceed, or leave the rest untold?)
Deep from the Earth there came a mournful groan,
And a sad Voice thus speaking reach'd my Ears:
Forbear, Æneas, to torment the dead;
Stain not with Cruelty thy Righteous Hands.
127
Is Trojan Blood and near Ally'd to thine;
Oh! fly this cruel Land, this greedy Shore.
For I am Polydore; a Grove of Spears
Here slew, and cover'd me; and in my Flesh
Fixing their Iron Heads, took Root and grew.
Then new Amazement seiz'd my doubtful Mind,
My Hair stood upright, and Fear cramp'd my Tongue.
This Polydore unhappy Priam sent
VVith mighty Treasure to the Thracian King;
VVhen he began to doubt the Fate of Troy,
And saw his Walls girt with a threat'ning Siege.
He, when he saw the Trojan Pow'r decay,
Took Fortune's part, and with the Conqu'ror joyn'd
Forgot all Right; young Polydore he slew,
And by unjust Violence his Treasure seiz'd.
O Gold! how do's the curst Desire of thee
VVork irresistibly on mortal Hearts!
128
I to my Chieftains, and my Father first
Disclose the Prodigies, and ask their Thoughts;
Unanimous they all agree to leave
The treach'rous unhospitable Shore.
To Polydore we Fun'ral Rites perform'd,
Made him a Tomb of Earth, and Altars rais'd
To the infernal Pow'rs, with Purple Fillets
And Cypress Garlands mournfully adorn'd.
VVith Hair dishevel'd stood the Trojan Dames:
Bowls frothing with warm Milk and hallow'd Gore
VVe sacrifice; and to the quiet Grave
Commit his Ghost, and hail him off to Rest.
129
Part of the Fourth Book.
Already was the Queen struck deep with Love,The sly Disease creeps circling round her Veins;
And secret Flames within prey on her Heart:
The Hero's Vertue, and his Country's Fame
Are the perpetual Objects of her Thought:
Still present she beholds his Charming Face,
His charming Voice still Ecchoes in her Ears,
By careful Love, kept waking all the Night.
Now had next morning Sun with radiant Light
Gilded the East, and dewy Night dispell'd;
When to her Sister thus distracted she
Unfolds her secret Grief: Ah! dearest Ann,
What mean these troubled thoughts which break my nights,
And to my weary Eye-lids grant no rest?
What noble Stranger do we entertain!
How charming are his Looks! how brave his Soul!
VVell! I believe (and justly I believe)
130
Base low-born Souls are by their Fear betray'd:
VVhat Shocks of adverse Fortune bravely born,
VVhat hard Exploits of War did he relate!
VVere not my Soul unalterably fix'd,
No more to link my self in Nuptial Bands,
Since my first Love by Death was disappointed;
Did I not hate the name of Love and Wedlock,
To this one Fault perhaps I could submit:
For I must own, since poor Sichæus dy'd,
And stain'd with Blood his Brother's guilty Walls,
None e'er so far inclin'd my Soul to Love:
Nor were my Resolutions e'er so shock'd;
I feel my former Flame returning strong.
But may the yawning Earth first swallow me;
Or Thunder strike me to the Shades below,
Pale Shades of Erebus, and Night profound,
E'er I the Laws of Chastity transgress:
131
He bore away my Love to his cold Grave;
There let it lie buried with him for ever.
Thus said she mournful, and with show'rs of Tears,
Water'd her Bosom; when thus Ann replies:
O dearer to thy Sister than this Light,
Why will you lose the pretious Bloom of Youth
In solitary Grief? nor know the Joys
Of pretty Babes, and all the Sweets of Love?
Think you cold Ashes and departed Souls
Regard such Matter? or, suppose they do,
He cannot think you easie, who so long
Remain'd irreconcileable to Love:
Nor could Iarbas, nor what other Chiefs
Victorious Affrick breeds, acceptance find.
And will you still resist the Charms of Love?
Regard at least the Dangers of your State;
On every side by warlike Neighbours girt.
132
And wild Numidians: there a Desart wide,
And the far ravaging Darceans lie.
What need I mind you of your Brother's Threats,
And Wars prepar'd to follow us from Tyre?
To me the Trojans seem by Heaven sent
And Juno's friendly Care to be our Guard.
Strengthen'd by such Alliance how shall we
Advance your growing State! to what a height
Of Glory shall you see your Carthage rise!
Only do you by Pray'r and Sacrifice
Propitiate Heav'n, then to your Guest be kind,
And frame Excuses for his longer stay;
The stormy Season, and tempestuous Stars,
His shatter'd Fleet, and the unruly Sky.
Thus she with Words fuel'd her am'rous Flame,
Wip'd off all Shame, and let her loose to Love.
| Poems On several Occasions, and Translations | |