Brutus the Trojan Founder of the British Empire. An Epic poem. Written by Hildebrand Jacob |
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| 5. | THE FIFTH BOOK OF Brutus the Trojan; &c. |
 | Brutus the Trojan |  |
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THE FIFTH BOOK OF Brutus the Trojan; &c.
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The Argument.
Brutus lands near the Loire in Gaul, and uses what Precautions he can to save his Fleet, the greatest Part of which arrives next Day at the same Place, when the Divinity of that River laments in a Prophetic Manner the Wars which are soon to be waged upon his Banks. It is resolved in Council to appease Neptune, and repair the Vessels. In the mean while, Corinæus is sent, to provide for the Army, and explore the Country, which is found evacuated, and greatly alarm'd at the Appearance of so numerous a Navy upon the Coast. Goffarius, the Pictavian King, dispatches his Herald Imbertus to the Trojans: In his Passage to the Fleet he meets with Corinæus, by whom he is slain, upon which Goffarius assembles his Forces. The Goddess Diana informs Brutus of their Approach, exhorts him to his Defence; but commands him to war only upon Necessity. Accordingly Brutus, leaving his Ships under the Conduct of Mempricius, marches towards the Pictavians, and Overtures of Peace are made to Goffarius, which he hears with Contempt, sacrificing to the God of War, and the Manes of Imbertus all the Trojans which were deputed to him, except Pantheus, Priest of Jupiter, whom he spares, and sends back with Threats, and Defiance to the Trojan Camp. Pantheus, returning, prays to Jove, whose Thunder is immediately hear'd, and received as propitious by either Army: He repairs to Brutus his Tent, to relate what had happen'd amongst the Gauls.
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Near
Liger's Stream the patient Brutus finds
Long wish'd for Land, and from a tow'ring Cliff
The unknown Realm surveys, and Ocean wide
Where late the mighty Tempest he sustain'd,
And Rhesus thus bespoke. O Dardan Youth,
Whom Jove has given to descry from far,
Look out upon the Waves, and Coast around,
And say, what thou behold'st! Rhesus obey'd,
And views the Coast around, and angry Waves,
While now declining Phoebus on the Deep
From forth the parting Clouds obliquely cast
His faint, and sickly Beams, and thus returns.
Long wish'd for Land, and from a tow'ring Cliff
The unknown Realm surveys, and Ocean wide
Where late the mighty Tempest he sustain'd,
And Rhesus thus bespoke. O Dardan Youth,
Whom Jove has given to descry from far,
Look out upon the Waves, and Coast around,
And say, what thou behold'st! Rhesus obey'd,
And views the Coast around, and angry Waves,
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From forth the parting Clouds obliquely cast
His faint, and sickly Beams, and thus returns.
Great
Chief! So far along the spacious Main
As I my Sight extend, so far are seen
Thy lab'ring Ships, still beaten by the Storm.
Some gain the friendly Shoar, some on the Shoals,
And neighb'ring Islands forc'd, their various Fates
Fulfil. He said, and now approaching Night
Adds Horror to the Winds, and raging Seas,
And clos'd in Darkness the tremendous Scene;
When on the rising Coast, and winding Strand
Far-shining Flames at equal Distance rang'd
The wary Chief ordains: Th' aspiring Fires
Direct, and cheer the fainting Mariner;
For now the Storm had spent its highest Rage,
And tow'rds th' enlighten'd Shoar the Vessels move.
Mean while Salpirus from th' impending Rock
Till Morn arose tun'd loud his brazen Trump:
Far off the Trojans hear the well known Sound;
And soon old Liger from his ouzy Bed
Reluctant saw th' assembled Fleet attain
His fruitful Banks, and sighing, thus began.
As I my Sight extend, so far are seen
Thy lab'ring Ships, still beaten by the Storm.
Some gain the friendly Shoar, some on the Shoals,
And neighb'ring Islands forc'd, their various Fates
Fulfil. He said, and now approaching Night
Adds Horror to the Winds, and raging Seas,
And clos'd in Darkness the tremendous Scene;
When on the rising Coast, and winding Strand
Far-shining Flames at equal Distance rang'd
The wary Chief ordains: Th' aspiring Fires
Direct, and cheer the fainting Mariner;
For now the Storm had spent its highest Rage,
And tow'rds th' enlighten'd Shoar the Vessels move.
Mean while Salpirus from th' impending Rock
Till Morn arose tun'd loud his brazen Trump:
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And soon old Liger from his ouzy Bed
Reluctant saw th' assembled Fleet attain
His fruitful Banks, and sighing, thus began.
O, who of mortal, or immortal Race
Shall the severe Decrees of Fate withstand?
'Tis come, the destin'd Time so long foretold!
A Dardan Foe in Ships of Greece arrives,
To break with rude Alarms my long Repose,
T' oppress with Carnage, and pollute with Blood
My pure, and virgin Nymphs. What Scenes of Death,
What Toils, what Strife, what Horrours they prepare!
Methinks already thro' my hollow Shoars
The dread tumultuous Voice of War resounds!
He said, and sunk beneath his Waters low.
Shall the severe Decrees of Fate withstand?
'Tis come, the destin'd Time so long foretold!
A Dardan Foe in Ships of Greece arrives,
To break with rude Alarms my long Repose,
T' oppress with Carnage, and pollute with Blood
My pure, and virgin Nymphs. What Scenes of Death,
What Toils, what Strife, what Horrours they prepare!
Methinks already thro' my hollow Shoars
The dread tumultuous Voice of War resounds!
He said, and sunk beneath his Waters low.
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Not far from where, defunct of Winds, and Waves,
The peaceful Navy lay, a Vale retir'd,
And shadow'd round with high impending Oak
The Chiefs for Council chuse: Its verdant Banks
A circling Scene afford, and here they sat
Intent on their Concerns, and future Course.
Much they debate, and, pensive, oft accuse
Devouring Ocean, and with Sighs deplore
The Trojans lost, while each, his Toils to crown,
Eager, th' Accomplishment of Fate attends.
The peaceful Navy lay, a Vale retir'd,
And shadow'd round with high impending Oak
The Chiefs for Council chuse: Its verdant Banks
A circling Scene afford, and here they sat
Intent on their Concerns, and future Course.
Much they debate, and, pensive, oft accuse
Devouring Ocean, and with Sighs deplore
The Trojans lost, while each, his Toils to crown,
Eager, th' Accomplishment of Fate attends.
Thrice happy Mortals, still in vain deceiv'd,
Within whose Breasts fair Hope for ever blooms,
Unmindful of the past, and strongly blind
To all that must succeed in unknown Time.
Within whose Breasts fair Hope for ever blooms,
Unmindful of the past, and strongly blind
To all that must succeed in unknown Time.
Could'st thou, O mitred Pantheus, but have seen,
Or thou Mempricius old, Gerion sage
Thy Labours yet to come, had'st thou not sunk
Beneath th' oppressive Weight? E'en Brute so fam'd
For Patience never from his Seat had rose,
The weary Leaders with these Words to sooth.
Or thou Mempricius old, Gerion sage
Thy Labours yet to come, had'st thou not sunk
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For Patience never from his Seat had rose,
The weary Leaders with these Words to sooth.
Thus far with Sweat, and Labour have we trod
The arduous Ascent of bright Renown,
And now from the ambitious Height survey
The Dawn of wish'd Repose. Dangers, once past,
However great, become delightful Tales.
The Story of lost Liberty regain'd;
The Rage of Africa, her Quicksands dire;
Ithaca's Rocks, and false Calypso's Isle;
The Tyrrhene Storms; Alcides Limits past,
With all the Wonders of Atlantic Seas
Shall cheer our Age, and make our Infants smile.
The angry God of Oceans to appease,
Dardanian Heroes, well we have decreed,
And, while the happy Season calls, with Speed
Our worn, and sea-beat Vessels to restore,
Haply for the last Time, since thou declar'st,
O Seer, the Land of promis'd Empire nigh.
But who shall first explore these Realms unknown,
And from the Mountains, and extended Plains
Bring down their Flocks, and Herds?—Mine be the Task,
Fierce Corinæus cry'd, that all from hence
May guess my Prowess in some nobler Toil!
Long e'er in Quest of Glory I forsook
Antenor's Tow'rs, full often was I try'd
In many a dangerous Course, and from as far
As fam'd Epirus, and Ceraunian Hills
Laden with Captives have as oft return'd.
The arduous Ascent of bright Renown,
And now from the ambitious Height survey
The Dawn of wish'd Repose. Dangers, once past,
However great, become delightful Tales.
The Story of lost Liberty regain'd;
The Rage of Africa, her Quicksands dire;
Ithaca's Rocks, and false Calypso's Isle;
The Tyrrhene Storms; Alcides Limits past,
With all the Wonders of Atlantic Seas
Shall cheer our Age, and make our Infants smile.
The angry God of Oceans to appease,
Dardanian Heroes, well we have decreed,
And, while the happy Season calls, with Speed
Our worn, and sea-beat Vessels to restore,
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O Seer, the Land of promis'd Empire nigh.
But who shall first explore these Realms unknown,
And from the Mountains, and extended Plains
Bring down their Flocks, and Herds?—Mine be the Task,
Fierce Corinæus cry'd, that all from hence
May guess my Prowess in some nobler Toil!
Long e'er in Quest of Glory I forsook
Antenor's Tow'rs, full often was I try'd
In many a dangerous Course, and from as far
As fam'd Epirus, and Ceraunian Hills
Laden with Captives have as oft return'd.
He said. A Voice so loud, so firm a Mien
Brutus admir'd, nor wou'd his Will oppose,
Tho' many Rivals 'midst th' assembled Chiefs
To court the daring Enterprize were found.
Brutus admir'd, nor wou'd his Will oppose,
Tho' many Rivals 'midst th' assembled Chiefs
To court the daring Enterprize were found.
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And now undaunted Corinæus arms
Two hundred Warriors in Fight approv'd,
And practis'd in Surprise: With these he gains
Th' adjacent Heights, and seeks his doubtful Way.
Two hundred Warriors in Fight approv'd,
And practis'd in Surprise: With these he gains
Th' adjacent Heights, and seeks his doubtful Way.
Now
Fame, who strengthens, as she flies around;
Spreads with her thousand Tongues the loud Alarm,
And thro' the Region in hast proclaims
A sailing Forrest, and unnumber'd Foes.
From the tumultuous Land the frighten'd Swains
Gather their grazing Herds, and fleecy Care,
And gain, precipitate, the strong Retreats
Of high-wall'd Cities, while from Tow'r to Tow'r,
And distant Hills the warning Flames foment
The blind Confusion, and panic Dread.
Spreads with her thousand Tongues the loud Alarm,
And thro' the Region in hast proclaims
A sailing Forrest, and unnumber'd Foes.
From the tumultuous Land the frighten'd Swains
Gather their grazing Herds, and fleecy Care,
And gain, precipitate, the strong Retreats
Of high-wall'd Cities, while from Tow'r to Tow'r,
And distant Hills the warning Flames foment
The blind Confusion, and panic Dread.
Fir'd with the busy Rumour, from his Throne
Goffarius, Pictavian Prince, arose,
And thus, amaz'd, his Herald strait bespoke.
Goffarius, Pictavian Prince, arose,
And thus, amaz'd, his Herald strait bespoke.
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Imbertus hast! Th' exotic Race explore!
If Offspring of the Deep, immortal Gods,
Thus covering the Ocean with their Pow'r,
Our Altars they demand, these captive Foes
Beneath their Feet shall bleed; if, born like us,
The Sons of Men, precarious they breathe,
And hold their brittle Essence from above,
Or Peace, or War indifferent they bear:
We know to conquer; to defend, or die!
If Offspring of the Deep, immortal Gods,
Thus covering the Ocean with their Pow'r,
Our Altars they demand, these captive Foes
Beneath their Feet shall bleed; if, born like us,
The Sons of Men, precarious they breathe,
And hold their brittle Essence from above,
Or Peace, or War indifferent they bear:
We know to conquer; to defend, or die!
He said. Imbertus, at his King's Command,
With twice two hundred Picts, a savage Train,
Towards the Fleet descends. Now half his Way
With hasty Steps the Herald had perform'd,
And now the Regal Forrests he attains,
Where Corinæus at the Chace intent
Amidst his active Dardans he beheld:
An hundred Deer, as many foaming Boars
Had yielded to their Shafts, when thus the Pict,
Approaching, to the Trojan bold began.
With twice two hundred Picts, a savage Train,
Towards the Fleet descends. Now half his Way
With hasty Steps the Herald had perform'd,
And now the Regal Forrests he attains,
Where Corinæus at the Chace intent
Amidst his active Dardans he beheld:
An hundred Deer, as many foaming Boars
Had yielded to their Shafts, when thus the Pict,
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Rash
Stranger cease! Unpunish'd none presume
Our Woods to range! Sole from our Monarch's Hand
These sylvan Herds are doom'd to meet their Fate:
Such is his Will supream! Whoe'er thou art,
Retire! While yet—impatient to reply,
The Hero, with Contempt their naked Troop
Beholding, thus return'd—Hence, wretched Slave!
Avaunt! and at thy Monarch's Throne declare,
Great Nature's Laws superior we obey!
Our Hunger is our Plea! Bid him release
His stabled Flocks, and Herds! We ask no more!
Our Woods to range! Sole from our Monarch's Hand
These sylvan Herds are doom'd to meet their Fate:
Such is his Will supream! Whoe'er thou art,
Retire! While yet—impatient to reply,
The Hero, with Contempt their naked Troop
Beholding, thus return'd—Hence, wretched Slave!
Avaunt! and at thy Monarch's Throne declare,
Great Nature's Laws superior we obey!
Our Hunger is our Plea! Bid him release
His stabled Flocks, and Herds! We ask no more!
These hasty Words the Gaulic Herald move,
When strait, inraging, from his bended Bow
An Arrrow flies: against the Trojan Cask
The missive Weapon glanc'd, and useless fell,
Fell in an evil Day; for now the Chief,
Like a rous'd Lion, rushes on his Foe,
And breathless on the Ground Imbertus lay.
When strait, inraging, from his bended Bow
An Arrrow flies: against the Trojan Cask
The missive Weapon glanc'd, and useless fell,
Fell in an evil Day; for now the Chief,
Like a rous'd Lion, rushes on his Foe,
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From either Party Show'rs of Darts arise,
While the Pictavians Imbertus slain,
Confus'd, precipitate, the Combat fly,
And to their Prince the fatal Tidings bear.
While the Pictavians Imbertus slain,
Confus'd, precipitate, the Combat fly,
And to their Prince the fatal Tidings bear.
Goffarius, his Herald thus destroy'd,
Calls loud for War, and soon a mighty Host
Inspir'd by Veng'ance, hastens to the Field.
Calls loud for War, and soon a mighty Host
Inspir'd by Veng'ance, hastens to the Field.
The
Daughter of Latona still intent
On favour'd Brutus, and the Dardan Fate,
Saw from above th' assembled Gauls advance,
Breathing Revenge, and to the Fleet descends.
The Goddess thro' the busy Troops unseen
Pass'd on, and pleas'd, upon the Sands beheld
Th' industrious Sons of Troy their Ships repair.
The pensive Chief, with public Cares oppress'd,
Apart upon the winding Coast she found,
Who louder than the Billows thus complain'd.
On favour'd Brutus, and the Dardan Fate,
Saw from above th' assembled Gauls advance,
Breathing Revenge, and to the Fleet descends.
The Goddess thro' the busy Troops unseen
Pass'd on, and pleas'd, upon the Sands beheld
Th' industrious Sons of Troy their Ships repair.
The pensive Chief, with public Cares oppress'd,
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Who louder than the Billows thus complain'd.
Happy, thrice happy they of Human Kind,
Who, humbly born, were made but to obey!
But oh! What Doubts, what Pains on State attend?
Thy golden Bow'r once more, Diana, leave!
And thou, Minerva, sprung from highest Jove,
Who whilom thro' the Labyrinths of Fate
Did'st guide the wandering Ulysses home,
Hear from thy lofty Throne! My Breast inspire!
O, teach me to conduct the Race, I love!
Who, humbly born, were made but to obey!
But oh! What Doubts, what Pains on State attend?
Thy golden Bow'r once more, Diana, leave!
And thou, Minerva, sprung from highest Jove,
Who whilom thro' the Labyrinths of Fate
Did'st guide the wandering Ulysses home,
Hear from thy lofty Throne! My Breast inspire!
O, teach me to conduct the Race, I love!
He said. Diana pierc'd the ambient Cloud,
Which veil'd from Eyes profane her Heav'nly Charms,
And to the Dardan Hero stood confess'd,
Attir'd as she was wont, when oft they chac'd
On Alba's woody Hills, and thus ordains.
Which veil'd from Eyes profane her Heav'nly Charms,
And to the Dardan Hero stood confess'd,
Attir'd as she was wont, when oft they chac'd
On Alba's woody Hills, and thus ordains.
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Brutus arise! th' approaching Gauls behold!
Call forth thy Trojans in their just Defence!
But here let War, O Son of Silvius,
Be thy last Refuge! Fate amidst the Waves
Upon a distant Shoar thy Arm requires.
Call forth thy Trojans in their just Defence!
But here let War, O Son of Silvius,
Be thy last Refuge! Fate amidst the Waves
Upon a distant Shoar thy Arm requires.
Thus ending, she regains the blest Abodes,
Where, far from Toil, and perishable Man,
Eternal, and serene, the Gods reside.
Where, far from Toil, and perishable Man,
Eternal, and serene, the Gods reside.
Pleas'd, the immortal Power
Brute adores,
And view'd from far the Gaulic Mountains crown'd
With hostile Bands, descending on the Plain.
The Ships he gains, and strait, at his Command,
Thro' the wide Fleet the martial Trump resounds,
While at th' inspiring Notes each Trojan arms.
Mempricius with a thousand Dardan Eld
The empty Vessels guard. The hardy Youth,
Impatient, and emulous of Fame,
With Brutus to the dusty Field advance.
And view'd from far the Gaulic Mountains crown'd
With hostile Bands, descending on the Plain.
The Ships he gains, and strait, at his Command,
Thro' the wide Fleet the martial Trump resounds,
While at th' inspiring Notes each Trojan arms.
Mempricius with a thousand Dardan Eld
The empty Vessels guard. The hardy Youth,
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With Brutus to the dusty Field advance.
High on a pompous Car before his Host
Conspicuous the scepter'd Pict appear'd:
A Wolf enormous, by himself subdu'd,
Grin'd on his Helmet, and the savage Spoils
Athwart his manly Shoulders graceful hung.
His Breast a painted Sun adorn'd: The Stars,
The horned Crescent, and grim God of War
Were shadow'd on his Limbs. Upon the Left
A Shield refulgent deck'd the Monarch's Side.
A faithful Vassal on the Right supports
His Shafts, and stubborn Bow; and all around
Of noble Youth a chosen Phalanx mov'd.
Conspicuous the scepter'd Pict appear'd:
A Wolf enormous, by himself subdu'd,
Grin'd on his Helmet, and the savage Spoils
Athwart his manly Shoulders graceful hung.
His Breast a painted Sun adorn'd: The Stars,
The horned Crescent, and grim God of War
Were shadow'd on his Limbs. Upon the Left
A Shield refulgent deck'd the Monarch's Side.
A faithful Vassal on the Right supports
His Shafts, and stubborn Bow; and all around
Of noble Youth a chosen Phalanx mov'd.
Scarce had the King the Trojan Arms survey'd,
And Force united of th' embattled Foe,
When with a Sign his num'rous Troops he stays,
And checks his bold Career, turning aside,
Surpriz'd, and in his doubtful Mind revolves
Aloof the wily Stratagems of Mars.
And Force united of th' embattled Foe,
When with a Sign his num'rous Troops he stays,
And checks his bold Career, turning aside,
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Aloof the wily Stratagems of Mars.
Thus some fell Tiger, or Hyrcanian Pard
Rous'd in his Forest by the distant Cries
Of Flocks, and lowing Herds, intent on Blood,
With eager Steps pursues the luring Voice;
But when the wakeful Dogs Alarm he hears,
And views the Swains at his Approach prepar'd,
The brinded Monster, bellowing, retires,
And seeks by Fraud, what he by Force despair'd.
Rous'd in his Forest by the distant Cries
Of Flocks, and lowing Herds, intent on Blood,
With eager Steps pursues the luring Voice;
But when the wakeful Dogs Alarm he hears,
And views the Swains at his Approach prepar'd,
The brinded Monster, bellowing, retires,
And seeks by Fraud, what he by Force despair'd.
And now Cimmerian Darkness gently stole
On the declining Day, till Night conceal'd
The dreadful Face of War. From Host to Host
The Murmur of the Legions resounds,
So narrow did the Interval remain
'Twixt Foe, and Foe. In Council, and in Arms
Pensive the wary Trojans wait the Dawn.
On the declining Day, till Night conceal'd
The dreadful Face of War. From Host to Host
The Murmur of the Legions resounds,
So narrow did the Interval remain
'Twixt Foe, and Foe. In Council, and in Arms
Pensive the wary Trojans wait the Dawn.
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And now Aurora blush'd, and now the Chiefs
From Council rose, when Brute to Pantheus calls
To Pantheus, who the while for wish'd Portents
The trembling Entrails had in vain explor'd,
And thus the Priest of Jupiter bespoke.
From Council rose, when Brute to Pantheus calls
To Pantheus, who the while for wish'd Portents
The trembling Entrails had in vain explor'd,
And thus the Priest of Jupiter bespoke.
Hail, Minister rever'd, who best resolv'st
The mystic Orders of tremendous Jove!
Hear what the Trojan Synod hath ordain'd!
The mystic Orders of tremendous Jove!
Hear what the Trojan Synod hath ordain'd!
Deck'd with thy sacred Vest, and mitred Crown,
A Branch of peaceful Laurel in thy Hand,
To yonder Camp two Heralds shall precede
Thy solemn March; behind in spotless Robes
Twelve Dardan Youths thy goodly Train shall close,
And when before the Monarch thou shalt stand,
Thus loudly to th' invading Pict declare.
A Branch of peaceful Laurel in thy Hand,
To yonder Camp two Heralds shall precede
Thy solemn March; behind in spotless Robes
Twelve Dardan Youths thy goodly Train shall close,
And when before the Monarch thou shalt stand,
Thus loudly to th' invading Pict declare.
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O King, if e'er of Troy thou ought hast learnt,
Her wand'ring Sons behold, decreed by Fate
Amidst the Waves their lasting Seat to raise!
Know, in Defence alone the Dardans war,
Nature's first Law. Who tamely may abide
The Rage of Man, or urging Pow'r of Want?
Forc'd on thy spacious Realms by Neptune's Wrath,
Peaceful we came, and wou'd in Peace retire.
Fair Peace, and Rites hospitious we claim,
Which none, who bend to mighty Jove, refuse.
Her wand'ring Sons behold, decreed by Fate
Amidst the Waves their lasting Seat to raise!
Know, in Defence alone the Dardans war,
Nature's first Law. Who tamely may abide
The Rage of Man, or urging Pow'r of Want?
Forc'd on thy spacious Realms by Neptune's Wrath,
Peaceful we came, and wou'd in Peace retire.
Fair Peace, and Rites hospitious we claim,
Which none, who bend to mighty Jove, refuse.
Tho' doubtful of Success, at Brute's Command,
Duely his holy Ornaments prepar'd,
The venerable Pantheus strait departs.
His solemn March the destin'd Train attend,
And gain the Camp. Upon his Regal Seat
Amidst the Host Goffarius they found,
And loudly to th' invading Pict declare,
What in the Trojan Synod was ordain'd.
Duely his holy Ornaments prepar'd,
The venerable Pantheus strait departs.
His solemn March the destin'd Train attend,
And gain the Camp. Upon his Regal Seat
Amidst the Host Goffarius they found,
And loudly to th' invading Pict declare,
What in the Trojan Synod was ordain'd.
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The
Gaul exulting, and with horrid Smiles
Of high-swoln Scorn to Pantheus thus reply'd.
Of high-swoln Scorn to Pantheus thus reply'd.
Whether of distant Troy, or Greece renown'd,
Or eastern Sidon, or the fabled Nile,
Whose Wonders have so often reach'd our Ears,
It matters not! Our God accepts my Vow,
And to Revenge delivers up the Foe!
Or eastern Sidon, or the fabled Nile,
Whose Wonders have so often reach'd our Ears,
It matters not! Our God accepts my Vow,
And to Revenge delivers up the Foe!
He said, and thrice his Scepter wav'd on high,
When strait such Murmur fills th' applauding Host,
As when loud Ocean roars, or Forests wide
Bow with the Fury of some Thracian Blast.
When strait such Murmur fills th' applauding Host,
As when loud Ocean roars, or Forests wide
Bow with the Fury of some Thracian Blast.
The
God of War, Idol of Aspect dire,
Vast, and inform, before the Monarch plac'd,
The Dardan Youths, and sacred Messengers
Were to his cruel Altars rudely torn.
In vain on Pantheus, and great Jove they call;
In vain thy Aid, Diana, they implore;
In vain the Trojan Camp with streaming Eyes,
All hopeless, pale, and trembling, they survey;
For now with Oaken Boughs a Druid crown'd,
Step'd forth, and sudden in their panting Hearts,
Relentless, plung'd his consecrated Steel.
With loud, unpity'd Cries the Victims fell,
And their last Groans on Brute for Vengeance call.
When thus, his Garment stain'd with purple Gore,
The fatal Minister of Death began.
Vast, and inform, before the Monarch plac'd,
The Dardan Youths, and sacred Messengers
Were to his cruel Altars rudely torn.
In vain on Pantheus, and great Jove they call;
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In vain the Trojan Camp with streaming Eyes,
All hopeless, pale, and trembling, they survey;
For now with Oaken Boughs a Druid crown'd,
Step'd forth, and sudden in their panting Hearts,
Relentless, plung'd his consecrated Steel.
With loud, unpity'd Cries the Victims fell,
And their last Groans on Brute for Vengeance call.
When thus, his Garment stain'd with purple Gore,
The fatal Minister of Death began.
Great God of Terror, and triumphant Gaul,
Who still our Host inspir'st! These Gifts receive!
And thou, O wandering, perturbed Shade,
O Manes of Imbertus, rest in Peace!
Who still our Host inspir'st! These Gifts receive!
And thou, O wandering, perturbed Shade,
O Manes of Imbertus, rest in Peace!
He said. Quick Flames the Sacrifice devour,
While now to Pantheus thus the Gaulic King.
While now to Pantheus thus the Gaulic King.
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I war not with the Gods! Thy mitred Head,
And holy Vest defend thee from our Rage!
Hence! To thy trembling Chiefs this Answer bear!
Their shameful Peace I scorn! Bid them depart,
And seek amidst the Waves their doubtful Seat!
Or chuse they thus to banquet with their Blood
Our Guardian Pow'rs? Or, with pale Famine worn,
To pine, and howl along our naked Coasts?
This dreaded Army which thou here behold'st,
Not half my Strength can boast. Twelve potent Kings,
Oft as the Sun his yearly Circuit runs,
Bring Tribute to our Feet, and at my Throne
Prostrate confess their Lord: Whene'er I call,
Proud to obey, their hostile Troops shall croud
These spacious Plains, and shade the Hills around.
Who dares to meet Goffarius in War,
With no light Foe contends; for, know, I spring
From that dread Pow'r who aws th' infernal World!
And holy Vest defend thee from our Rage!
Hence! To thy trembling Chiefs this Answer bear!
Their shameful Peace I scorn! Bid them depart,
And seek amidst the Waves their doubtful Seat!
Or chuse they thus to banquet with their Blood
Our Guardian Pow'rs? Or, with pale Famine worn,
To pine, and howl along our naked Coasts?
This dreaded Army which thou here behold'st,
Not half my Strength can boast. Twelve potent Kings,
Oft as the Sun his yearly Circuit runs,
Bring Tribute to our Feet, and at my Throne
Prostrate confess their Lord: Whene'er I call,
Proud to obey, their hostile Troops shall croud
These spacious Plains, and shade the Hills around.
Who dares to meet Goffarius in War,
With no light Foe contends; for, know, I spring
From that dread Pow'r who aws th' infernal World!
112
Pantheus, with Grief, and Fear oppress'd, obeys
The threat'ning Voice, and tow'rds the Dardan Camp,
His Garments rent, his peaceful Laurel torn,
Pensive advancing, thus directs his Pray'r.
The threat'ning Voice, and tow'rds the Dardan Camp,
His Garments rent, his peaceful Laurel torn,
Pensive advancing, thus directs his Pray'r.
Great Jove, beneath whose Shafts the lofty Tow'rs,
The Mountain Tops, and stately Cedars fall!
Who with thy clam'rous Thunder canst awake
Severest Tyrants Hearts! O hear my Voice!
If pleas'd thou e'er beheld'st thy Altars crown'd,
If e'er our bleeding Off'rings grateful fell,
Punish the dire, unhospitable Race!
The Mountain Tops, and stately Cedars fall!
Who with thy clam'rous Thunder canst awake
Severest Tyrants Hearts! O hear my Voice!
If pleas'd thou e'er beheld'st thy Altars crown'd,
If e'er our bleeding Off'rings grateful fell,
Punish the dire, unhospitable Race!
Scarce had he spoke, when thro' the Air serene
The Voice of Jove thrice eccho'd from above.
Each Host accepts the Omen, both adore
The fulminating God, who guards alone
The fix'd Decrees of all-disposing Fate.
The Voice of Jove thrice eccho'd from above.
Each Host accepts the Omen, both adore
The fulminating God, who guards alone
The fix'd Decrees of all-disposing Fate.
113
Soon as the Trojans from their Camp beheld
The Priest of Jove, dejected, and alone,
Approaching sad, oppress'd with anxious Thoughts,
Surpriz'd, and pale each other they survey,
And tow'rds the sacred Man in Crouds advance;
But Pantheus, still regardless of the Throng,
To the high Tent of Brute in Silence past,
And there with Tears the horrid Scene unfolds.
The Priest of Jove, dejected, and alone,
Approaching sad, oppress'd with anxious Thoughts,
Surpriz'd, and pale each other they survey,
And tow'rds the sacred Man in Crouds advance;
But Pantheus, still regardless of the Throng,
To the high Tent of Brute in Silence past,
And there with Tears the horrid Scene unfolds.
End of the fifth Book.
| Brutus the Trojan | |