The .xiii. Bookes of Aeneidos The first twelue beeinge the woorke of the diuine Poet Virgil Maro, and the thirtenth the supplement of Maphaeus Vegius. Translated into English verse to the fyrst third part of the tenth Booke, by Thomas Phaher ... and the residue finished, and now the second time newly setforth for the delite of such as are studious in Poetrie: By Thomas Twyne [i.e. Thomas Phaer] |
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THE NINTH BOOKE of the Æneidos of Uirgill.
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 | The .xiii. Bookes of Aeneidos |  |
THE NINTH BOOKE of the Æneidos of Uirgill.
The Argument.
Whilst Aeneas is busie in Tuscia to seke aid, Turnus is by the Raynbow admonished not to omit so good an occasion, who speadeth him self forth as neare as he can to his enemies. And seeing them defensed on euery side in their tentes, to the intent that he might cut away from them all hope of flight, assaieth to burne their fleete. But at Venus ernest sute: Iupiter deliuered the ships from present burnings, and transformed them into so many Nymphes of the sea. Towards night, Turnus sayeth a watch before the towne gates for feare of soddein eruptions of the enemy, in which watch Messapus is chiefe. Therwhiles the Troians take take counsel whom to sēd to Aeneas to make him priuy of these things, which Nysus & Euryalus, a paier of faithful freends take in hand to do. Who departing forth of the towne, & finding the watch ouercome with wine & sleape: they sley Rhamnetes with a numbre of Rutilians, & lade them selues with the spoyles. But in the morning, being spied of Volscens horsemen: they flie to the woods. There Eurialus by weight of his armor, and ignorance of the way much hindred, falleth into his foes handes & is by Volscens slayne. Nisus likewise, when he had slayne Volscens, and valiantly reuenged Eurialus death beeing strooke through with many a mortall wound falleth downe dead vpon his freends body. Their heads are caried vpon speares pointes into the tentes, where the Troians knowing them from the walles, a great sorow riseth through the whole towne. Turnus ceaseth not to assault his enemies with al force, and great slaughter is committed on both parts. There Ascanius killeth with the shoot of an arow Numanus, that ouer proudly aduanced himself: Pandarus & Bitias proud of their good successe, open the gate, and driue backe the enemies entring in with great slaughter. Whereof Turnus being certefied: issueth into the towne through the open gate, and putteth the Troians to flight, but at length oppressed with multitude, retyreth to the side of the towne which is next the riuer, & armed as he was, leapeth into the streame, and so escapeth.
While
these things working were, on sundry sides with purpose bent,
Dame Iuno downe from heauen the Rainebow red her seruaunt sent
To Turnus dredeles prince, King Turnus than did seat depose
In great Pylumnus vale, his parents woods whom round did close.
To whom dame Rainbow thus, with mouth bespake as red as rose.
Turnus (quoth she) that thing which neuer god if one had sought
Could graunt to thee: lo, tumbling time alone it self hath brought.
Aeneas now from home to king Euanders house is gone,
And left both campe & mates, and town, and fleete with sauegard none.
The fines extreme of Corytes townes he seekes, nor yet ynough,
But Lydas power he drawes, and armour giues to men from plough.
Leaue doubting, take thy time, call charets out, now set furth steeds,
Breake boldly all delayes, go take that campe that al thing dreeds.
She said, and lifting equall wings to heauen she mounted slowe,
And huge in flight she spred, and vnder clouds, cut of her bowe.
The yong prince her beknew, and holding hands to skies on hie
He wondring her pursued, and as she fled he thus did crie.
O Rainbow beautie bright of heauen, who through the clouds this tide,
Hath drawne thee thus to ground? I see, I see, whole heauen deuide.
I see the stragling stars, that from the poale their course declines,
Such clearbright storme? I folow fast all these miraclose signes
What euer thou art that mee to armour calst, and with that word
Went foorth, and from the swelling streame, he water sipt at ford
Requiring much his gods, and aire did lade with vowes outpowrd.
And now the totall hoast in fields displaied their pace did hold,
Right rich of hors, right rich of broydrid robes, and braue of gold.
Messapus voward held, the rerward kept yong princes twaine
Of Tirrhus, but him self king Turnus midst in battaile maine,
Uauntsquaring spreds his armes, and ouer all by shoulders shines.
Resembling Ganges flood that ouerflowes seuen streames, and fines
In silence burbling broad, or Nylus fresh with waters fat
Whan couching close he swels, and seasoneth fields with fleeting flat.
There sodainly a darksom dusky fog most like a cloud
The Troians might behold, yt round with rolles the skies did shroud.
Furst from a banke on hie did Caycus watchman crye aloud.
What is yon blacke, O mates? that like a bowle such dust vp skralls?
Set swiftly furth your tooles, bring weapons out, and clym your walls.
Here is our enmy lo, heylagh, loud clamours than they throw.
The Troyans all about at gates and wals, them close bestow.
For such commaundment them Aeneas best of martiall skill
At his departing gaue, if any chaunce should rise them yll,
Not rashly ioyne they should, nor trusting field their strength extend,
But closely kepe their campe, and saulf their wals with bancks defend.
Though shame therfore wt wrath prouokes to fight disdainful deepe,
Yet gates to them they set, and due precepts obedient keepe,
And harneyst hie they stand, forstalling foes on rampiers steepe.
Turnus (as he before the people slow, in post did flye)
With twenty chosen knights, on horsback stout the fortresse nye,
All sodenly vnlooked for is come, whom white with speckes
A Thracian steede vpheaues, and helmet red gold crested deckes.
Is any here good lads, wil furst with mee prouoke our foes?
And to the winds a dart he whirling shooke: lo, there it goes
Quod he, this fight begins, and boystous large on field he flyes,
His mates with noyse pursuen, with grisly shouts vplifting cries.
They wondren at the Troyans dastard harts, their corage weake,
That neither geue them dare in open field, nor fearce outbreake
In armes as men, but faintly kepe their fort, now here, now there
He troublous vewes their wals, and ryding seekes ech entring where.
Aye watching like some Wolfe, that counterwaiting shipfold cots,
Through stormy showres and winds about mens deiries houling trots
At midnight seeking stealth, whan careles loud the lambes do bleat
In saulfgard nere their dammes, he fretting false and mad for meat
Doth absent teare their lims, so gripes his guts that gathring gnawes,
Long fasting furth him driues, and thyrst of blood vpdries his iawes.
Euen so to Rutile prince, as serching wals and campe he turnes,
His fumes vpsparkling spreds, and sore in bones his grief him burnes.
What shift inuent he shal to giue thassault, or where finde place
To breake the Troians trench, or driue them down to equall space.
Their fleete that secret lay, euen at the side of Troian wall,
Enuironed with trench, whom water floods encompast all
He sodenly onsets, and to his mates for fire exclames.
Him self outcasting flings his pynetree bronds with feruent flames.
Than echman stoutly sturs, the kings owne presence men furth pricks.
On euery side fresh youth for armour takes blacke burning sticks.
They sparpling spoile their fiers. Than blasing cloud with pitch cōmixt
Doth rise, and smoke from torches mount, to stars with sparks betwixt.
Dame Iuno downe from heauen the Rainebow red her seruaunt sent
To Turnus dredeles prince, King Turnus than did seat depose
To whom dame Rainbow thus, with mouth bespake as red as rose.
Turnus (quoth she) that thing which neuer god if one had sought
Could graunt to thee: lo, tumbling time alone it self hath brought.
Aeneas now from home to king Euanders house is gone,
And left both campe & mates, and town, and fleete with sauegard none.
The fines extreme of Corytes townes he seekes, nor yet ynough,
But Lydas power he drawes, and armour giues to men from plough.
Leaue doubting, take thy time, call charets out, now set furth steeds,
Breake boldly all delayes, go take that campe that al thing dreeds.
She said, and lifting equall wings to heauen she mounted slowe,
And huge in flight she spred, and vnder clouds, cut of her bowe.
The yong prince her beknew, and holding hands to skies on hie
He wondring her pursued, and as she fled he thus did crie.
O Rainbow beautie bright of heauen, who through the clouds this tide,
Hath drawne thee thus to ground? I see, I see, whole heauen deuide.
I see the stragling stars, that from the poale their course declines,
Such clearbright storme? I folow fast all these miraclose signes
What euer thou art that mee to armour calst, and with that word
Went foorth, and from the swelling streame, he water sipt at ford
Requiring much his gods, and aire did lade with vowes outpowrd.
And now the totall hoast in fields displaied their pace did hold,
Right rich of hors, right rich of broydrid robes, and braue of gold.
Messapus voward held, the rerward kept yong princes twaine
Of Tirrhus, but him self king Turnus midst in battaile maine,
Uauntsquaring spreds his armes, and ouer all by shoulders shines.
Resembling Ganges flood that ouerflowes seuen streames, and fines
In silence burbling broad, or Nylus fresh with waters fat
Whan couching close he swels, and seasoneth fields with fleeting flat.
There sodainly a darksom dusky fog most like a cloud
The Troians might behold, yt round with rolles the skies did shroud.
Furst from a banke on hie did Caycus watchman crye aloud.
What is yon blacke, O mates? that like a bowle such dust vp skralls?
Set swiftly furth your tooles, bring weapons out, and clym your walls.
Here is our enmy lo, heylagh, loud clamours than they throw.
The Troyans all about at gates and wals, them close bestow.
For such commaundment them Aeneas best of martiall skill
At his departing gaue, if any chaunce should rise them yll,
But closely kepe their campe, and saulf their wals with bancks defend.
Though shame therfore wt wrath prouokes to fight disdainful deepe,
Yet gates to them they set, and due precepts obedient keepe,
And harneyst hie they stand, forstalling foes on rampiers steepe.
Turnus (as he before the people slow, in post did flye)
With twenty chosen knights, on horsback stout the fortresse nye,
All sodenly vnlooked for is come, whom white with speckes
A Thracian steede vpheaues, and helmet red gold crested deckes.
Is any here good lads, wil furst with mee prouoke our foes?
And to the winds a dart he whirling shooke: lo, there it goes
Quod he, this fight begins, and boystous large on field he flyes,
His mates with noyse pursuen, with grisly shouts vplifting cries.
They wondren at the Troyans dastard harts, their corage weake,
That neither geue them dare in open field, nor fearce outbreake
In armes as men, but faintly kepe their fort, now here, now there
He troublous vewes their wals, and ryding seekes ech entring where.
Aye watching like some Wolfe, that counterwaiting shipfold cots,
Through stormy showres and winds about mens deiries houling trots
At midnight seeking stealth, whan careles loud the lambes do bleat
In saulfgard nere their dammes, he fretting false and mad for meat
Doth absent teare their lims, so gripes his guts that gathring gnawes,
Long fasting furth him driues, and thyrst of blood vpdries his iawes.
Euen so to Rutile prince, as serching wals and campe he turnes,
His fumes vpsparkling spreds, and sore in bones his grief him burnes.
What shift inuent he shal to giue thassault, or where finde place
To breake the Troians trench, or driue them down to equall space.
Their fleete that secret lay, euen at the side of Troian wall,
Enuironed with trench, whom water floods encompast all
He sodenly onsets, and to his mates for fire exclames.
Him self outcasting flings his pynetree bronds with feruent flames.
Than echman stoutly sturs, the kings owne presence men furth pricks.
On euery side fresh youth for armour takes blacke burning sticks.
They sparpling spoile their fiers. Than blasing cloud with pitch cōmixt
Doth rise, and smoke from torches mount, to stars with sparks betwixt.
Now Muses tell what god did from the Troyans turne this yre
So great, and who then kept their fleete from fumes of fatall fyre?
Speake trusting old report, but fame therof shal neuer expyre.
What time Aeneas prince in Ida woods his nauie made
At passing first from Troy, and through deepe seas should take his trade:
The mother of gods men say, that Berecinthia heauenly hight,
Peticion that time made to Ioue celestiall great of might
Entreating thus by speech. Giue son (quoth she) to thy deare dame,
One boone which I must aske, since heauens to thee bin brought so tame.
A Pynetree frith I had, which many a yere I fauoured much,
And in the top a groue there grew of trees, there was none such
For beames of timbre blacke, and firtree bourds with pitch and tar.
Great offrings there I tooke, and folks to serue me came from far.
Those trees to Troian prince, whan he so much of ships had need
I gaue with glad good will, now care my hart doth gripe for dreed.
Releas my fear, let now thy parents words thus much obtaine.
Let neuer surge of seas, nor whirlwind storme their nauie straine,
Nor course of sayling shake, since on my hilles somtime they grew.
Her son to her than spake, whose wind doth stars and world subdue.
O mother what thing meanst? or which way destnies wouldst yu presse?
Can frames of mortall hands immortall state by right possesse?
Or should Aeneas prince in doubtfull daungers wandring stray?
That certein is of seate? what god so great such maistries may?
Nay whan fulfild they haue their fatall course, that ports, and realmes
Of Latium lands they touch, what ship somtime so skapes the streames,
Their mortall shape from them I will withdraw, and chaunge them all
To maidens bright of seas, like water Nimphes with bodies tall.
Lyke Clotho goddesse clere, or Galatee with membres white,
Who through their foming waues with persaunt brest doth swimming smite.
He spake, and by the fens of Stigies flood his oth he tooke,
By pitch of Lymbo pits, by gulfe and banks of Plutos brooke.
He gaue a nod, and at his becke, whole heauen trembling shooke.
So great, and who then kept their fleete from fumes of fatall fyre?
Speake trusting old report, but fame therof shal neuer expyre.
At passing first from Troy, and through deepe seas should take his trade:
The mother of gods men say, that Berecinthia heauenly hight,
Peticion that time made to Ioue celestiall great of might
Entreating thus by speech. Giue son (quoth she) to thy deare dame,
One boone which I must aske, since heauens to thee bin brought so tame.
A Pynetree frith I had, which many a yere I fauoured much,
And in the top a groue there grew of trees, there was none such
For beames of timbre blacke, and firtree bourds with pitch and tar.
Great offrings there I tooke, and folks to serue me came from far.
Those trees to Troian prince, whan he so much of ships had need
I gaue with glad good will, now care my hart doth gripe for dreed.
Releas my fear, let now thy parents words thus much obtaine.
Let neuer surge of seas, nor whirlwind storme their nauie straine,
Nor course of sayling shake, since on my hilles somtime they grew.
Her son to her than spake, whose wind doth stars and world subdue.
O mother what thing meanst? or which way destnies wouldst yu presse?
Can frames of mortall hands immortall state by right possesse?
Or should Aeneas prince in doubtfull daungers wandring stray?
That certein is of seate? what god so great such maistries may?
Nay whan fulfild they haue their fatall course, that ports, and realmes
Of Latium lands they touch, what ship somtime so skapes the streames,
Their mortall shape from them I will withdraw, and chaunge them all
To maidens bright of seas, like water Nimphes with bodies tall.
Lyke Clotho goddesse clere, or Galatee with membres white,
Who through their foming waues with persaunt brest doth swimming smite.
He spake, and by the fens of Stigies flood his oth he tooke,
By pitch of Lymbo pits, by gulfe and banks of Plutos brooke.
He gaue a nod, and at his becke, whole heauen trembling shooke.
The day therfore of couenaunt present was, and destnies dew
Performed had their time, whan Turnus fearce with dredfull vew,
Compeld that lady sainct from sacred ships that fire to driue.
There furst a sodain light before mens eyes did straunge ariue,
And huge from morning skies descending cloud down gliding ran,
With queeres of sprituall wights, than dredfull voice wide aire begā
To fill in Rutiles eares, and troupes of Troians brim to skan.
Do not affright your selues to saue my ships with labour vaine,
You Troyans, nor in armour put your strength, nor take that paine.
For furst shal Turnus waters all consume, and burne vp seas
Ere hee my sacred trees haue power to touch, go loose at ease,
Go saltsea goddesses, your lady bids, and as it spake,
Incontinent ech ship their bands at shore, and halsers brake,
And down (as dolphins don) conuerting sharp their beaking snoutes,
In deepe sea sands they drown, whence vp furth wt they ryse by routes.
A maruell monstrous much, in virgin shapes and faces trym
On seas them selues they shoue, and sporting swift in sight they swym,
Like Mermaides ladies light, of number iust, and not one more
As they before did stand, with brasen stemmes in ships at shore.
Astonyed Rutils stood, euen he him selfe in minde affrayd
Messapus, and his horses troubled were, the streames eke stayd
Their waters hoarce of sound, and Tyber trembling foote retrayd.
But not to Turnus bold did corage ought relent or hope.
Mens harts wt words he lifts, & cheering chydes with skornes at skope,
These monsters to the Troyans come, lo god him selfe you see
Hath take from them their strength, and wonted shift alwayes to flee,
No Rutile powre doth neede, our fiers, our swords, they durst not byde,
The seas therfore to Troians fast are stopt, no place to ryde
Nor hope to skape they haue: lo, halfe the world beraft them is.
As for the land in our possession lieth, and ouer this
So many thousands strong Italian nacions armour beare.
The Troians fatall songs, nor iuggling sights can me not feare,
Nor answers from the gods, if any such the wretches boast.
Ynough for Venus is, and destnies past, that once this coast
Of rancke Italia land the Troyans poore had leaue to touche.
By fortune them withstands, and I likewise may destnies vouche
To kill that cursed broode, and for my spouse vproote them quite.
Nor not alone this griefe doth Agamemnons kindred byte,
Nor Greeks haue onely cause for wedlock spoyle them selfs to arme.
Yet had it bin ynough to stroy them ones, if but one harme
Suffized had their sin, and not with spite all female kinds
Thus villaynly disdain? what? doth this half trench puff their minds?
Doth dichwors giue them pride? so neare the death? such saufgard thin?
Saw they not Troyan wals in fiers down sinke with gods within?
But what is he (good mates) wil yonder trench with mee go teare
With tooles, and ouerrun this campe, that trembling sinks for feare?
I neede no Vulcans armes, nor thousand ships, I seeke them not.
Let all Etruria ryse, and ioyne for helpe in Troyan knot.
They shal not feare no darke, by night on them we list not steale,
We will betray no watch, nor keepers kill as Greekes did deale,
Nor blinde in horses paunch will we go lurke, but cleere by day
Their walles in compas round with fier, and soarce assaulting fray.
They shall not thinke vs Greekes, nor at our youth haue cause to skof,
I warrant them, nor such as Hector ten yeres long kept of.
And now therfore since better part of day from vs is fled,
Remaines no more, but sith we haue our things thus far wel sped,
Prouide your selfe good cheere, and looke for fight to giue dispatch
Therwhiles to set the skoute, and euery gate with ward to watch
Messapus charged was, and walles to girt with fiers and lights.
Of Rutils seuen and seuen to gard the siege, most actiue knights
Elected were by lot, ech one his hundred souldiours led,
Carnation creastid youth in burnisht gold gay glittring red.
They stray, they shift their turnes, and al along down laide on gras,
With wines them selfs they cheere, & cups vpturne & bolles of bras.
Their fiers before them shine, and long with watch ye night they pas.
Auoyding sleepe with mirth.
Performed had their time, whan Turnus fearce with dredfull vew,
Compeld that lady sainct from sacred ships that fire to driue.
There furst a sodain light before mens eyes did straunge ariue,
And huge from morning skies descending cloud down gliding ran,
With queeres of sprituall wights, than dredfull voice wide aire begā
To fill in Rutiles eares, and troupes of Troians brim to skan.
Do not affright your selues to saue my ships with labour vaine,
You Troyans, nor in armour put your strength, nor take that paine.
Ere hee my sacred trees haue power to touch, go loose at ease,
Go saltsea goddesses, your lady bids, and as it spake,
Incontinent ech ship their bands at shore, and halsers brake,
And down (as dolphins don) conuerting sharp their beaking snoutes,
In deepe sea sands they drown, whence vp furth wt they ryse by routes.
A maruell monstrous much, in virgin shapes and faces trym
On seas them selues they shoue, and sporting swift in sight they swym,
Like Mermaides ladies light, of number iust, and not one more
As they before did stand, with brasen stemmes in ships at shore.
Astonyed Rutils stood, euen he him selfe in minde affrayd
Messapus, and his horses troubled were, the streames eke stayd
Their waters hoarce of sound, and Tyber trembling foote retrayd.
But not to Turnus bold did corage ought relent or hope.
Mens harts wt words he lifts, & cheering chydes with skornes at skope,
These monsters to the Troyans come, lo god him selfe you see
Hath take from them their strength, and wonted shift alwayes to flee,
No Rutile powre doth neede, our fiers, our swords, they durst not byde,
The seas therfore to Troians fast are stopt, no place to ryde
Nor hope to skape they haue: lo, halfe the world beraft them is.
As for the land in our possession lieth, and ouer this
So many thousands strong Italian nacions armour beare.
The Troians fatall songs, nor iuggling sights can me not feare,
Nor answers from the gods, if any such the wretches boast.
Ynough for Venus is, and destnies past, that once this coast
Of rancke Italia land the Troyans poore had leaue to touche.
By fortune them withstands, and I likewise may destnies vouche
To kill that cursed broode, and for my spouse vproote them quite.
Nor not alone this griefe doth Agamemnons kindred byte,
Nor Greeks haue onely cause for wedlock spoyle them selfs to arme.
Yet had it bin ynough to stroy them ones, if but one harme
Suffized had their sin, and not with spite all female kinds
Thus villaynly disdain? what? doth this half trench puff their minds?
Doth dichwors giue them pride? so neare the death? such saufgard thin?
Saw they not Troyan wals in fiers down sinke with gods within?
But what is he (good mates) wil yonder trench with mee go teare
With tooles, and ouerrun this campe, that trembling sinks for feare?
I neede no Vulcans armes, nor thousand ships, I seeke them not.
They shal not feare no darke, by night on them we list not steale,
We will betray no watch, nor keepers kill as Greekes did deale,
Nor blinde in horses paunch will we go lurke, but cleere by day
Their walles in compas round with fier, and soarce assaulting fray.
They shall not thinke vs Greekes, nor at our youth haue cause to skof,
I warrant them, nor such as Hector ten yeres long kept of.
And now therfore since better part of day from vs is fled,
Remaines no more, but sith we haue our things thus far wel sped,
Prouide your selfe good cheere, and looke for fight to giue dispatch
Therwhiles to set the skoute, and euery gate with ward to watch
Messapus charged was, and walles to girt with fiers and lights.
Of Rutils seuen and seuen to gard the siege, most actiue knights
Elected were by lot, ech one his hundred souldiours led,
Carnation creastid youth in burnisht gold gay glittring red.
They stray, they shift their turnes, and al along down laide on gras,
With wines them selfs they cheere, & cups vpturne & bolles of bras.
Their fiers before them shine, and long with watch ye night they pas.
Auoyding sleepe with mirth.
These things beholding brim did from their walls the Troyans spie.
In armour strong they stood, and some their towres did hold on hie,
For drede they grope their gates, & some did bridges clampring ioyne,
And bulwarke banks they wrought, & engine tooles to fend and foyne
All weaponed, them or Menesteus and Serestus sharply plies,
Whom lord Aeneas had, if any fortune hard should rise,
Made maisters ouer youth, and gouernours all things to guide.
Afront the vaumures long by lots to daungers truly tried
The legion waiting stood obseruing course, ech keepes his charge.
One gate did Nisus keepe most egre knight with speare and targe,
Whom huntresse Ida sent as freend to serue Aeneas part,
A bowman stout with shafts, and swift with stroke of whirling dart.
Next him Euryalus his mate, whose fairer was there non
Through all Aeneas campe, nor Troyan armour did put on.
Fine princock fresh of face furst vttring youth by buds vnshorne.
One loue between them was, & ioyntly fought like brethren sworne.
That time also they twaine one standing kept with gate beforne.
Sir Nisus first, what is it? god sets thus mens minds on fire?
Sweet freend? or is ech mans mind his god furth driuen by dern desire?
Some great conflict or famous fact to attempt long while my brest
Incessaunt mee prouokes, nor can content with quiet rest.
Thou seest how careles now these Rutils bin this watch that keepe,
Their lightes disseuered shine, and they them selues in wines & sleepe
Resolued slurg on ground, wide Silence walkes, now freendly harke
What rising mooues my sprite, and wherupon my thought doth carke.
Aeneas home to call bin Lords and people firmely set,
And men they seeke to send, that tidings certaine soone may fet.
If they will giue to thee such benefites as I requier,
(For vnto me shall fame of so great fact suffice for hier,)
By yonder banke thou seest, I could a way mee thinks finde out
To passe to Euanders court, and by the same reuert about.
Euryalus astonid stood, such loue him prickt of praise,
He could him not conteyn, but to his freend thus feruent sayes.
In things of so great weight my felowship doost Nisus grutch?
Forsakst thou mee? should I send thee alone to daungers sutch?
Not so my father Opheltes beaten in warres did mee conduct
Through fearefull Græcia frayes, nor so my minde did euer instruct
In trembling toyles of Troy, nor I with thee such parts haue played
Since great Aeneas campe, and destnies mee extreme haue stayed.
I beare a minde perdee dispising death, I lacke not spright
To thinke this prayse well bought, with losse for thee of life and light.
Nisus to this. Such things in faith of thee did I not dred,
Gods forbod so to thinke, no, mee almighty Ioue so sped
Or who so els of gods indifferent lookes, my head so strike.
But if there should as many things thou seest in daungers like,
If any sore misschap or chaunce or god should backward shooue,
I would thou shouldst remaine, thy yeres to liue don best behooue.
Let one suruiue that mee from foes may take, or my dead corse
For money may redeeme, and to enter haue some remorse,
Rewarding mee with earth: or if my lucke not so vouchsaue,
Giue offrings for my soule, and it set foorth with tombe or graue.
Nor cause will I to thy deere mother be of so great grief,
Who thee alone (O lad) pursues good soule of matrones chief,
Respecting daungers non, and left Acestes land so lief.
He there against. Excuses vaine, in vaine thou doost but knit,
Nor mine affection first doth from my brest ought chaunge or flit.
Let vs be gone (quoth he) and calles the skoute, they strayt supplied
Their roumes, & kept their turns. Thei leuing staādings both furth hied
In one minde knit like mates, and for their king enqueering spied.
In armour strong they stood, and some their towres did hold on hie,
For drede they grope their gates, & some did bridges clampring ioyne,
And bulwarke banks they wrought, & engine tooles to fend and foyne
All weaponed, them or Menesteus and Serestus sharply plies,
Whom lord Aeneas had, if any fortune hard should rise,
Made maisters ouer youth, and gouernours all things to guide.
Afront the vaumures long by lots to daungers truly tried
The legion waiting stood obseruing course, ech keepes his charge.
One gate did Nisus keepe most egre knight with speare and targe,
Whom huntresse Ida sent as freend to serue Aeneas part,
A bowman stout with shafts, and swift with stroke of whirling dart.
Next him Euryalus his mate, whose fairer was there non
Through all Aeneas campe, nor Troyan armour did put on.
Fine princock fresh of face furst vttring youth by buds vnshorne.
One loue between them was, & ioyntly fought like brethren sworne.
That time also they twaine one standing kept with gate beforne.
Sir Nisus first, what is it? god sets thus mens minds on fire?
Sweet freend? or is ech mans mind his god furth driuen by dern desire?
Incessaunt mee prouokes, nor can content with quiet rest.
Thou seest how careles now these Rutils bin this watch that keepe,
Their lightes disseuered shine, and they them selues in wines & sleepe
Resolued slurg on ground, wide Silence walkes, now freendly harke
What rising mooues my sprite, and wherupon my thought doth carke.
Aeneas home to call bin Lords and people firmely set,
And men they seeke to send, that tidings certaine soone may fet.
If they will giue to thee such benefites as I requier,
(For vnto me shall fame of so great fact suffice for hier,)
By yonder banke thou seest, I could a way mee thinks finde out
To passe to Euanders court, and by the same reuert about.
Euryalus astonid stood, such loue him prickt of praise,
He could him not conteyn, but to his freend thus feruent sayes.
In things of so great weight my felowship doost Nisus grutch?
Forsakst thou mee? should I send thee alone to daungers sutch?
Not so my father Opheltes beaten in warres did mee conduct
Through fearefull Græcia frayes, nor so my minde did euer instruct
In trembling toyles of Troy, nor I with thee such parts haue played
Since great Aeneas campe, and destnies mee extreme haue stayed.
I beare a minde perdee dispising death, I lacke not spright
To thinke this prayse well bought, with losse for thee of life and light.
Nisus to this. Such things in faith of thee did I not dred,
Gods forbod so to thinke, no, mee almighty Ioue so sped
Or who so els of gods indifferent lookes, my head so strike.
But if there should as many things thou seest in daungers like,
If any sore misschap or chaunce or god should backward shooue,
I would thou shouldst remaine, thy yeres to liue don best behooue.
Let one suruiue that mee from foes may take, or my dead corse
For money may redeeme, and to enter haue some remorse,
Rewarding mee with earth: or if my lucke not so vouchsaue,
Giue offrings for my soule, and it set foorth with tombe or graue.
Nor cause will I to thy deere mother be of so great grief,
Who thee alone (O lad) pursues good soule of matrones chief,
Respecting daungers non, and left Acestes land so lief.
He there against. Excuses vaine, in vaine thou doost but knit,
Nor mine affection first doth from my brest ought chaunge or flit.
Let vs be gone (quoth he) and calles the skoute, they strayt supplied
In one minde knit like mates, and for their king enqueering spied.
All other breathing soules, on soyles disperst, than easments tooke,
Releasing paines with sleepe, and cares from harts forgetfull shooke.
The dukes of Troians chiefe, and chosen youth about them bolde,
Their counsaile than supreame for kingdoms weight did carkfull hold,
What should be don, or to Aeneas now who message beares,
They leane with shields in hands, consulting sad vpon their speares.
Amids the campe in field than Nysus to them fresh of chere,
With mate Euryalus beseekes accesse, to speake them nere,
A thing of burthen great and worthy of thanke they haue to breake.
Ascanius furst them tooke, and Nisus quiuering bad to speake.
Than thus, giue equall mindes, and eares to vs O princely peeres,
Nor iudge not our deuise by our apparaunce light of yeeres.
The Rutils silent lien in wines and sleepes and surfets dround,
Eke wee our selues haue vewd for our atempt good space of ground,
Where from our gate the way deuided parts, their fiers vnbroke,
Descries their vacant shore, and to the stars the thicke blacke smoke,
Disseuering spreads in skies, giue vs but leaue to take our chaunce,
Wee to Euanders court vnto Aeneas close will glaunce.
Him here with slaughter strong, & spoyle more great than wee conceiue
You shal see straite returne, nor vs our way can ought deceiue.
Wee saw from far that towne in vales obscure downe crooking low,
Continuall hunting there, and all that flood besides we know.
Whan this Alethes heard right graue in age and ripe of yeeres,
Gods, Gods, O countrey Gods, in whose protection Troy still steeres,
You minde not (I perceiue) poore Troians yet to quench downe rights,
Whan such coragious youth, such brests so bold, so liuelike sprights,
It pleaseth you to send. And as he spake, he did embrace
The necks and armes of both, and teares downe trickling fild his face.
What gifts? what worthy gifts for such attempts and ventrous deedes
May recompence you Lords? but for your vertues such must needes
From gods come best reward? your maners eke no worse can gayne,
All other things to you Aeneas prince shall pay full fayne.
Ascanius also when he to perfit age attaynes
Such kindnesse will requite, nor neuer shall forget your paynes.
Yea I my selfe Ascanius than sayd, whose onely wealth
Depends on you to see my syers retourning swift in health,
By puissaunt Troian gods, vnto you Nysus both I sweare,
By mine aduoury saints, by Vestas secretes hoare of heare,
I here protest my fayth what euer chaunce or fortune haps
What euer luck be mine, I put it whole in your two laps.
Call backe my parent sweet, let one of him haue once a sight,
No heauines my minde can in his presence make affright.
Two cumly siluer cups I shall you giue with grauing drest,
My father wan them both, when he Arisba towne supprest,
Two big threefooted bolles, eke talents twaine most large of gold,
An auncient bason broad Queene Didos gift of price vntold.
And if our chaunce preuaile, that we our kingdome here may stay,
To take Italia land, and by the lots deuide our pray,
Thou sawest what palfray steede, what armor braue king Turnus bare
All guilt, what sheeld? and how his helmet crest did streaming stare?
Euen them to thee shal I from out the lots except with cure.
Already thine they bee, thou maist accompt them Nisus, sure
A dosen matrones eke, of thriftie kinred largest limd
My father thee shal giue, with bondmen twelue of all things trimd,
Besides those whole demaines, which king Latinus self doth keepe.
But as for thee, O lad, to whom my yeres more nere do creepe.
Thou reuerent stately child, how deepe in brest I thee receyue?
Thou euer art my mate, whom force nor chaunce nor time can weyue.
Shall neuer pompe to mee without thy porcion sure be fought,
What euer peace or wars I make, my deeds, my words, my thought,
Shall most remaine to thee: And hee againe made answere thus.
No day shal mee disproue, nor of my deedes vnlike discus
Fall fortune good or bad, thus much I graunt, but one thing thee,
One graunt let mee require that passing all gifts is to mee.
I haue a mother here, of Priams stock she comes of old.
Whom neither Troian soyle could after mee (good creature) hold,
Nor king Acestes walls, but mee at all times folowing sues.
She hereof nothing knowes, what euer chaunce may mee misuse,
Ungreetid her I leaue, this night I take and thy right hand
To my record, that I my parents teares could not withstand.
But thy relief to her I must needes craue to appeas her woo,
Let mee that hope of thee for certain beare, the bolder goo
Lo daungers all I shall, Than teares of eyes did thicke downe fall
From Troyans pearced brests, and from Ascanius first of all.
Eke print of pure paternall loue, his piteous minde gan gall.
Than thus he spake.
I promise all to thee that worthy is for so great fame.
My mother she shalbe, and sauing only Creusas name:
No diffrence make I shall, nor small rewards doth her remaine,
Who such a fruit furth brought, what euer chaunce this fact obtaine.
Now by this head I swere wherby my fire did oft protest,
What euer graunt I gaue thy saulf returne if things did best:
Unto thy mother sure and all thy kin shall firmely stand.
So spake he weeping than, & from his shoulders gaue with hand
His bright broad golden sword, whom wondrous arts and works did wreath
Of smith Licaons craft fine fitted light with Iuery sheath.
Duke Mnesteus Nisus giues a Lions hyde of roughnes straunge,
Unspoild with pawes, Alethes iust did helme with him exchaunge.
Strait armed but they gone, whom lords and captains chief of sway
Conducted through their gates, than youth and age for them did pray.
Eke faire Ascanius tame furth nor vowes to gods did spare
Discreete beyond his yeres, endewed with sprite and manly care.
With things vnto his father tell he bad, but blastes did breath
His words with wind, and scattring vain to clouds, did all bequeath.
Releasing paines with sleepe, and cares from harts forgetfull shooke.
The dukes of Troians chiefe, and chosen youth about them bolde,
Their counsaile than supreame for kingdoms weight did carkfull hold,
What should be don, or to Aeneas now who message beares,
They leane with shields in hands, consulting sad vpon their speares.
Amids the campe in field than Nysus to them fresh of chere,
With mate Euryalus beseekes accesse, to speake them nere,
A thing of burthen great and worthy of thanke they haue to breake.
Ascanius furst them tooke, and Nisus quiuering bad to speake.
Than thus, giue equall mindes, and eares to vs O princely peeres,
Nor iudge not our deuise by our apparaunce light of yeeres.
The Rutils silent lien in wines and sleepes and surfets dround,
Eke wee our selues haue vewd for our atempt good space of ground,
Where from our gate the way deuided parts, their fiers vnbroke,
Descries their vacant shore, and to the stars the thicke blacke smoke,
Disseuering spreads in skies, giue vs but leaue to take our chaunce,
Wee to Euanders court vnto Aeneas close will glaunce.
Him here with slaughter strong, & spoyle more great than wee conceiue
You shal see straite returne, nor vs our way can ought deceiue.
Wee saw from far that towne in vales obscure downe crooking low,
Continuall hunting there, and all that flood besides we know.
Whan this Alethes heard right graue in age and ripe of yeeres,
Gods, Gods, O countrey Gods, in whose protection Troy still steeres,
You minde not (I perceiue) poore Troians yet to quench downe rights,
Whan such coragious youth, such brests so bold, so liuelike sprights,
It pleaseth you to send. And as he spake, he did embrace
The necks and armes of both, and teares downe trickling fild his face.
What gifts? what worthy gifts for such attempts and ventrous deedes
May recompence you Lords? but for your vertues such must needes
From gods come best reward? your maners eke no worse can gayne,
All other things to you Aeneas prince shall pay full fayne.
Ascanius also when he to perfit age attaynes
Such kindnesse will requite, nor neuer shall forget your paynes.
Yea I my selfe Ascanius than sayd, whose onely wealth
Depends on you to see my syers retourning swift in health,
By mine aduoury saints, by Vestas secretes hoare of heare,
I here protest my fayth what euer chaunce or fortune haps
What euer luck be mine, I put it whole in your two laps.
Call backe my parent sweet, let one of him haue once a sight,
No heauines my minde can in his presence make affright.
Two cumly siluer cups I shall you giue with grauing drest,
My father wan them both, when he Arisba towne supprest,
Two big threefooted bolles, eke talents twaine most large of gold,
An auncient bason broad Queene Didos gift of price vntold.
And if our chaunce preuaile, that we our kingdome here may stay,
To take Italia land, and by the lots deuide our pray,
Thou sawest what palfray steede, what armor braue king Turnus bare
All guilt, what sheeld? and how his helmet crest did streaming stare?
Euen them to thee shal I from out the lots except with cure.
Already thine they bee, thou maist accompt them Nisus, sure
A dosen matrones eke, of thriftie kinred largest limd
My father thee shal giue, with bondmen twelue of all things trimd,
Besides those whole demaines, which king Latinus self doth keepe.
But as for thee, O lad, to whom my yeres more nere do creepe.
Thou reuerent stately child, how deepe in brest I thee receyue?
Thou euer art my mate, whom force nor chaunce nor time can weyue.
Shall neuer pompe to mee without thy porcion sure be fought,
What euer peace or wars I make, my deeds, my words, my thought,
Shall most remaine to thee: And hee againe made answere thus.
No day shal mee disproue, nor of my deedes vnlike discus
Fall fortune good or bad, thus much I graunt, but one thing thee,
One graunt let mee require that passing all gifts is to mee.
I haue a mother here, of Priams stock she comes of old.
Whom neither Troian soyle could after mee (good creature) hold,
Nor king Acestes walls, but mee at all times folowing sues.
She hereof nothing knowes, what euer chaunce may mee misuse,
Ungreetid her I leaue, this night I take and thy right hand
To my record, that I my parents teares could not withstand.
But thy relief to her I must needes craue to appeas her woo,
Let mee that hope of thee for certain beare, the bolder goo
Lo daungers all I shall, Than teares of eyes did thicke downe fall
From Troyans pearced brests, and from Ascanius first of all.
Than thus he spake.
I promise all to thee that worthy is for so great fame.
My mother she shalbe, and sauing only Creusas name:
No diffrence make I shall, nor small rewards doth her remaine,
Who such a fruit furth brought, what euer chaunce this fact obtaine.
Now by this head I swere wherby my fire did oft protest,
What euer graunt I gaue thy saulf returne if things did best:
Unto thy mother sure and all thy kin shall firmely stand.
So spake he weeping than, & from his shoulders gaue with hand
His bright broad golden sword, whom wondrous arts and works did wreath
Of smith Licaons craft fine fitted light with Iuery sheath.
Duke Mnesteus Nisus giues a Lions hyde of roughnes straunge,
Unspoild with pawes, Alethes iust did helme with him exchaunge.
Strait armed but they gone, whom lords and captains chief of sway
Conducted through their gates, than youth and age for them did pray.
Eke faire Ascanius tame furth nor vowes to gods did spare
Discreete beyond his yeres, endewed with sprite and manly care.
With things vnto his father tell he bad, but blastes did breath
His words with wind, and scattring vain to clouds, did all bequeath.
They ouer diches went, and by the shade of darke midnight
Their enmies campe they pearce, there to destroy first many a wight.
On euery side lay drinke, and strowne on gras all fast on sleepe
Mens bodies thick they see, and carts with chardges non did keepe
Here wheeles, here halter thongs, and men on traces slurging laid.
Their armour mirt with wines. Than Nisus first bespeaking said.
Eurialus, now bold bestur thy hands, now time prouokes,
Here lieth our way, take heede, looke well about, bestow thy strokes.
Let no man rise behind, make all things sure anenst our backes,
I lead thee through this lane, and wide, and wast put all to wrackes.
This spoken, speach he stopt, and sodenly with foine of sworde
Proude Ramnes through he strake, that on his carpet clothes at borde
Lay stretched breathing big, outsnorting sleepe with puffs from brest.
A king he was, and to king Turnus deere he calkinges kest.
But not with calking craft could he his plague betwitch that day.
Than seruaunts next him three, which by the weapons rashly lay,
With squire of Remus chief he strait supprest, and strait did fang
His charet keper there, and cut their throten that down did hang.
Than he their maisters head with sword of chopt, and left his tronke,
Furth yexing belching blood, the soyle, the streames the tents vpdronke,
With Lamirus, and Lamus, and Seranus stripling gay,
Which daunsed had that night with amorous face, & prompt did play.
His limmes had Bacchus bound most lucky lad if he that night
Suruiued had his sport, and drawn his ioy to broad day light.
Euen Lion lyke, that troubling flocks of sheepe when folds are full
(Wod hunger him prouokes) doth feede, doth fret, doth feare, doth pull,
The sely soft beast (dim for feare,) his bloody teeth doth gnash.
Nor nothing lesse this while, Eurialus did slaughters lash
He throughly waxeth mad, and people much not worthy name,
With Fabus, Hebesus, and Retus strong he kild for game,
Eke Abaris, vnwares they were dispatcht, but Retus than
Broade wakened all things saw, and hiding shranke behinde a pan.
But folowing face to face he through his brest did thrust his blade
Euen whole as he did rise, and in much death he made him wade,
He spued his purple soule, and as he died his blood did spoute
Uprendring wynes with life, he still by stealth besturs him stoute.
And towards now Messapus mates they drew, where fiers on ground
They saw did furthest fayle, & steedes there stood at maungers bound,
On forage feeding faire. Than thus in eare care did Nisus round,
For him he did perceaue to sore, to furious set abroache.
Let vs now leaue (quoth he) malicious day doth neare approche.
They meetely well bin paied, our way is won through mids our foes.
Much plenty siluer plate behind them left they glad did lose,
Good armour, chardgers great, and costly carpets tapstry gay.
King Ramnes trappers had, of gorgeous works that much did way,
With bulions broad of gold, and gyrdling gyrthes miraclose fine,
Which old duke Cedicus (men say) whan he furst did combine
In absence freendly league with Remulus of Tyburt coast,
He sent that present then, for he of wealth had ryches moast.
Bequethed then from him his nephew kept them many a day,
But after his decesse, the Rutils wan by war that praye.
Eurialus them caught, and on his shoulders strong in vaine
He fitly them bestowd, and of his spoyle he was right fayne.
Than duke Messapus helme with beauteous crestes adorned pure
On head he prits, than campe they leaue and passe their iorney sure.
This while from Latin town, one troupe of horsmen sent that way,
(While all the rest in legion armed stood and did but stay)
Came furth, and answere brought of theyr estate to Turnus king.
Three hundred shieldmen all, all vnderneth duke Volscens wing,
And towards now the campe they drew, and walls approched nie,
Whan from a far these men take left hand course they might espie.
And by the glimsing night Eurialus that swift went on
His hie helme him betraied, that brightsom beames reflecting shone,
Was not for nought espied. Duke Volscens cryed amids his troupe,
Stand felows, where this way? what be yee so that shrinking stoupe?
Where run you armed thus? they not an answere to them gaue,
But swiftly through the woods made hast in trust that night shuld saue.
The horsmen kest them selfes in crokings knowen of quainted ground,
Here, yonder, there, ech where, and entries all with keepers cround.
Their enmies campe they pearce, there to destroy first many a wight.
On euery side lay drinke, and strowne on gras all fast on sleepe
Mens bodies thick they see, and carts with chardges non did keepe
Here wheeles, here halter thongs, and men on traces slurging laid.
Their armour mirt with wines. Than Nisus first bespeaking said.
Eurialus, now bold bestur thy hands, now time prouokes,
Here lieth our way, take heede, looke well about, bestow thy strokes.
Let no man rise behind, make all things sure anenst our backes,
I lead thee through this lane, and wide, and wast put all to wrackes.
This spoken, speach he stopt, and sodenly with foine of sworde
Proude Ramnes through he strake, that on his carpet clothes at borde
Lay stretched breathing big, outsnorting sleepe with puffs from brest.
A king he was, and to king Turnus deere he calkinges kest.
But not with calking craft could he his plague betwitch that day.
Than seruaunts next him three, which by the weapons rashly lay,
With squire of Remus chief he strait supprest, and strait did fang
His charet keper there, and cut their throten that down did hang.
Furth yexing belching blood, the soyle, the streames the tents vpdronke,
With Lamirus, and Lamus, and Seranus stripling gay,
Which daunsed had that night with amorous face, & prompt did play.
His limmes had Bacchus bound most lucky lad if he that night
Suruiued had his sport, and drawn his ioy to broad day light.
Euen Lion lyke, that troubling flocks of sheepe when folds are full
(Wod hunger him prouokes) doth feede, doth fret, doth feare, doth pull,
The sely soft beast (dim for feare,) his bloody teeth doth gnash.
Nor nothing lesse this while, Eurialus did slaughters lash
He throughly waxeth mad, and people much not worthy name,
With Fabus, Hebesus, and Retus strong he kild for game,
Eke Abaris, vnwares they were dispatcht, but Retus than
Broade wakened all things saw, and hiding shranke behinde a pan.
But folowing face to face he through his brest did thrust his blade
Euen whole as he did rise, and in much death he made him wade,
He spued his purple soule, and as he died his blood did spoute
Uprendring wynes with life, he still by stealth besturs him stoute.
And towards now Messapus mates they drew, where fiers on ground
They saw did furthest fayle, & steedes there stood at maungers bound,
On forage feeding faire. Than thus in eare care did Nisus round,
For him he did perceaue to sore, to furious set abroache.
Let vs now leaue (quoth he) malicious day doth neare approche.
They meetely well bin paied, our way is won through mids our foes.
Much plenty siluer plate behind them left they glad did lose,
Good armour, chardgers great, and costly carpets tapstry gay.
King Ramnes trappers had, of gorgeous works that much did way,
With bulions broad of gold, and gyrdling gyrthes miraclose fine,
Which old duke Cedicus (men say) whan he furst did combine
In absence freendly league with Remulus of Tyburt coast,
He sent that present then, for he of wealth had ryches moast.
Bequethed then from him his nephew kept them many a day,
But after his decesse, the Rutils wan by war that praye.
Eurialus them caught, and on his shoulders strong in vaine
He fitly them bestowd, and of his spoyle he was right fayne.
Than duke Messapus helme with beauteous crestes adorned pure
On head he prits, than campe they leaue and passe their iorney sure.
This while from Latin town, one troupe of horsmen sent that way,
Came furth, and answere brought of theyr estate to Turnus king.
Three hundred shieldmen all, all vnderneth duke Volscens wing,
And towards now the campe they drew, and walls approched nie,
Whan from a far these men take left hand course they might espie.
And by the glimsing night Eurialus that swift went on
His hie helme him betraied, that brightsom beames reflecting shone,
Was not for nought espied. Duke Volscens cryed amids his troupe,
Stand felows, where this way? what be yee so that shrinking stoupe?
Where run you armed thus? they not an answere to them gaue,
But swiftly through the woods made hast in trust that night shuld saue.
The horsmen kest them selfes in crokings knowen of quainted ground,
Here, yonder, there, ech where, and entries all with keepers cround.
A wood with bushes broad there was begrowne with bigtree bows,
Whom thick entangling thornes, and bryry brambles fild with brows.
No trade but tratling pathes, som here, som there that secret straies.
Eurialus the braunches darke of trees, and heauy praies
Don let, he cleane contrary runs beguild by wandring waies.
Nisus went on, and enmies all vnwares had scaped quite,
And past that place which afterwards Albanus mountaine hight
Of Albas name, king Latin there great pastures did maintaine
Whan furst he stood, and for his absent freend did looke in vaine.
Eurialus poore lad, what countrey now shall I thee seeke?
What path should I pursue? strait back againe from creeke to creeke
Through that deceitfull wood vnwinding wayes perplext he sought,
Still tracking marking steps through thickets silent stragling blind.
He heres their horse, he heres their rustling noise, and enmies wind.
Not long between there was when to his eares the cry came hot,
And furst Eurialus he seeth whom all mens hands had got,
Through fraud of night and place of troublous tumult wareles trapt,
Uainstrungling working much, but round about him all they wrapt.
What should he do? what strength? how could he shift or dare dispose
To rescue thus this lad? should he run rashly mids his foes?
Enforcing faire to death with comely wounds his life to lose?
He swiftly shooke his dart, and hie beholding bright the Moone
He whirling bent his arme, and thus he feruent made his boone.
Thou goddesse, thou this time, thou in our labours lende reliefe,
Thou beauteous Queene of stars in forests virgin keeper chiefe.
If euer gift for mee sir Hirtacus my father gaue
Unto thine offrings seates, if euer I encreased haue
Thy sacred altars fees, with hunting daily through my costs,
Or deckt thy church with spoyles, or hangd about thy holy posts,
Giue me to breake this plumpe, & through ye skies now guide my dart.
He spake: and straining totall strength his toole with hand and hart
Kest furth, it whirling flew, and through the shade of shimring night
It past, and into Sulmons backe with noise did sharpely light,
In peeces there it brake, and to the hartstrings perst the wood.
He tumbling (cold) outspued al hoat from brest his reking flood,
Farfetching yexing slow, his guts vpgathering smites his sides.
Eche man about them looke. Lo, yet againe a smarter glydes,
Which he with force outslang, and leauel kest direct from eare.
Whiles all they troubled stood, to Tagus whistling ran that speare,
Athwart his head it came, and thirld him quite through temples twain
With noise, where fixed fast it stack warme waxing through his brain.
Duke Volscens storming frets, nor him that did that weapon fling
He one where could behold, nor whither feruent mad to spring.
But thou this while (quoth he) these two mens death shalt surely rue,
If any hoat blood in thy hart there bee. And strait outdrue
Against Eurialus his sworde. Than verely in deede dismaide
Did Nisus loudly shrinke, nor more to lurke in darknes staide,
Such torments than him tooke, he cried amain with voice affaied.
Tis I, tis I, here, here I am that did, turne all at mee,
O Rutils with your tooles, my onely craft here it is, not hee,
He neither durst nor could, this heauen, these stars, I witnes take.
Onely for to much loue his wretched freend he nold forsake.
Such words he gaue, but deepe with dynt the sword enforced furst
Had ransakt through his ribs and sweete white brest at once had burst.
Down falles Eurialus in death, his limmes, his faire fine flesh
Al runs on blood, his necke down fainting nods on shoulders nesh
Wel like the purple floure that cut with plough letfalling lops
In languish withring dies, or like weake necks of poppis crops
Down peising heauy heads, whan raine doth lading greue their tops.
But Nisus to his enmies fearcely ran, and through their mids,
Duke Volscens out he seekes, he onely Volscens battaile bids.
Whom Rutils clustring close on ech side shoues, and stout withstands.
Yet nerethelesse his sword like lightning bright with both his hands
He swindging sturde, and as duke Volscens cried, he smote him so
That through his throte in went, and euen in death he kild his fo.
Than wery digd with woundes, on his dead freend him selfe he kest
Expyring life at last, and tooke his death for pleasaunt rest.
O fortunate both twaine, and if my verse may get good lucke,
Shal neuer day nor time from mindfull age your praises plucke,
While prince Aeneas house, while Capitol most stately stone
Unmooueable shal stand, while Romain rules this world in one.
Whom thick entangling thornes, and bryry brambles fild with brows.
No trade but tratling pathes, som here, som there that secret straies.
Eurialus the braunches darke of trees, and heauy praies
Don let, he cleane contrary runs beguild by wandring waies.
Nisus went on, and enmies all vnwares had scaped quite,
And past that place which afterwards Albanus mountaine hight
Of Albas name, king Latin there great pastures did maintaine
Whan furst he stood, and for his absent freend did looke in vaine.
Eurialus poore lad, what countrey now shall I thee seeke?
What path should I pursue? strait back againe from creeke to creeke
Through that deceitfull wood vnwinding wayes perplext he sought,
Still tracking marking steps through thickets silent stragling blind.
He heres their horse, he heres their rustling noise, and enmies wind.
Not long between there was when to his eares the cry came hot,
And furst Eurialus he seeth whom all mens hands had got,
Through fraud of night and place of troublous tumult wareles trapt,
Uainstrungling working much, but round about him all they wrapt.
What should he do? what strength? how could he shift or dare dispose
To rescue thus this lad? should he run rashly mids his foes?
Enforcing faire to death with comely wounds his life to lose?
He swiftly shooke his dart, and hie beholding bright the Moone
He whirling bent his arme, and thus he feruent made his boone.
Thou goddesse, thou this time, thou in our labours lende reliefe,
Thou beauteous Queene of stars in forests virgin keeper chiefe.
Unto thine offrings seates, if euer I encreased haue
Thy sacred altars fees, with hunting daily through my costs,
Or deckt thy church with spoyles, or hangd about thy holy posts,
Giue me to breake this plumpe, & through ye skies now guide my dart.
He spake: and straining totall strength his toole with hand and hart
Kest furth, it whirling flew, and through the shade of shimring night
It past, and into Sulmons backe with noise did sharpely light,
In peeces there it brake, and to the hartstrings perst the wood.
He tumbling (cold) outspued al hoat from brest his reking flood,
Farfetching yexing slow, his guts vpgathering smites his sides.
Eche man about them looke. Lo, yet againe a smarter glydes,
Which he with force outslang, and leauel kest direct from eare.
Whiles all they troubled stood, to Tagus whistling ran that speare,
Athwart his head it came, and thirld him quite through temples twain
With noise, where fixed fast it stack warme waxing through his brain.
Duke Volscens storming frets, nor him that did that weapon fling
He one where could behold, nor whither feruent mad to spring.
But thou this while (quoth he) these two mens death shalt surely rue,
If any hoat blood in thy hart there bee. And strait outdrue
Against Eurialus his sworde. Than verely in deede dismaide
Did Nisus loudly shrinke, nor more to lurke in darknes staide,
Such torments than him tooke, he cried amain with voice affaied.
Tis I, tis I, here, here I am that did, turne all at mee,
O Rutils with your tooles, my onely craft here it is, not hee,
He neither durst nor could, this heauen, these stars, I witnes take.
Onely for to much loue his wretched freend he nold forsake.
Such words he gaue, but deepe with dynt the sword enforced furst
Had ransakt through his ribs and sweete white brest at once had burst.
Down falles Eurialus in death, his limmes, his faire fine flesh
Al runs on blood, his necke down fainting nods on shoulders nesh
Wel like the purple floure that cut with plough letfalling lops
In languish withring dies, or like weake necks of poppis crops
Down peising heauy heads, whan raine doth lading greue their tops.
But Nisus to his enmies fearcely ran, and through their mids,
Duke Volscens out he seekes, he onely Volscens battaile bids.
Whom Rutils clustring close on ech side shoues, and stout withstands.
Yet nerethelesse his sword like lightning bright with both his hands
That through his throte in went, and euen in death he kild his fo.
Than wery digd with woundes, on his dead freend him selfe he kest
Expyring life at last, and tooke his death for pleasaunt rest.
O fortunate both twaine, and if my verse may get good lucke,
Shal neuer day nor time from mindfull age your praises plucke,
While prince Aeneas house, while Capitol most stately stone
Unmooueable shal stand, while Romain rules this world in one.
The Rutil victor knights with spoyles and pray departed there,
And Volscens dead their duke all weeping sad to campe they beare.
For waiting lesse there was, whan Ramnes king was headles found,
So many Lords at once through all the campe so strowd on ground,
With Numa, with Serranus huge concourse and preasing strong
About their bodies came, some yet halfe panting stretcht along.
Ech place of slaughters smokes, & stremes of blood did flushing fome.
Anon they knew their spoyles, and duke Messapus helme come home.
King Ramnes trappers eke with no small swet recouered sore.
And now dame Morning furst bespreding lands with light renewd,
Forsooke syr Tythons bed all heauenly paynted saffronhewd.
Now sun disperseth beames, now things discouered broad bin vewd.
King Turnus fresh his folks and strength of men, and armour steeres
In complet harneis bright his brasen troupes to wars vpcheeres.
Ech captein cals their bands, and rumours run mens moodes to prick.
Besides all this (a piteous grisly sight) on speares they stick
The heads of these two knights, and loud with cries they them pursue,
Eurialus, and Nisus.
The painefull Troians tough did on their left hand walles within
Resisting set their front, for flood their righthand compast in.
Their trenches hie they hold, and lofty towres defending keepe,
All pensiue standing sad, and heads on poales before them peepe
To well poore wretches known wt filthy blood down dropping deepe.
This while doth flickering Fame on message flie with fethrid wings
Through all the trembling town, and swift in moment tidings brings.
And filles the mothers eares of that yong strippling earst of tolde.
All sodenly poore wretch, all heat her bones forsooke for colde,
Her weauing web down fell, & spindels scattring thrown on ground,
She flies furth (wofull soule) and howling shrill in womans sound
Dissheuillid teares her heare, and to the walls in hast she speedes,
She neither daunger kest, nor men regards, nor weapons dreedes.
But heauē wt moane she fils, & thus through people wailing spreeds.
And is it thus, Eurialus, that I thy face behold,
Mine ages late reliefe mine onely ioy, my comfort old?
And couldst forsake mee thus thou cruell hart to leaue me alone?
Nor entring daungers such might I thy mother caytiue crone,
Obtayne thy talking last, and make on thee my latter stoundes?
Alas, in land vnknowen, alas, to feede Italian houndes,
To foules a pray thou liest, O welaway for euermore.
Nor wretched mother I, thy funerals brought out before,
Nor could come close thine eyes, nor wounds wt waters washing bath
With clothing couering soft, which I both nights and dayes to rath
Did ordaine gay for thee, and hourely hasting did prepare,
In webbing wasting time to ease therby mine aged care.
Where should I seeke? what countrey land containes my lims distract?
What nacion teares my flesh, my funerals my membres ract?
Is this thy gift O son, thou bringest me home, thy works of hands?
Is it therfore that I thus folowed haue such seas, such lands?
Dig, dig mee downe with darts, throw all on mee your weapons keene
O Rutils (if ought pitie be) consume mee I be not seene.
Or thou most mighty father of gods, haue mercy on my vnright,
Down thrust this hateful head to Lymbo lakes most lurking light,
Since otherwise my lothsome life to breake I haue no might.
And Volscens dead their duke all weeping sad to campe they beare.
For waiting lesse there was, whan Ramnes king was headles found,
So many Lords at once through all the campe so strowd on ground,
With Numa, with Serranus huge concourse and preasing strong
About their bodies came, some yet halfe panting stretcht along.
Ech place of slaughters smokes, & stremes of blood did flushing fome.
Anon they knew their spoyles, and duke Messapus helme come home.
King Ramnes trappers eke with no small swet recouered sore.
And now dame Morning furst bespreding lands with light renewd,
Forsooke syr Tythons bed all heauenly paynted saffronhewd.
Now sun disperseth beames, now things discouered broad bin vewd.
King Turnus fresh his folks and strength of men, and armour steeres
In complet harneis bright his brasen troupes to wars vpcheeres.
Ech captein cals their bands, and rumours run mens moodes to prick.
Besides all this (a piteous grisly sight) on speares they stick
The heads of these two knights, and loud with cries they them pursue,
Eurialus, and Nisus.
The painefull Troians tough did on their left hand walles within
Resisting set their front, for flood their righthand compast in.
Their trenches hie they hold, and lofty towres defending keepe,
All pensiue standing sad, and heads on poales before them peepe
To well poore wretches known wt filthy blood down dropping deepe.
This while doth flickering Fame on message flie with fethrid wings
Through all the trembling town, and swift in moment tidings brings.
And filles the mothers eares of that yong strippling earst of tolde.
All sodenly poore wretch, all heat her bones forsooke for colde,
Her weauing web down fell, & spindels scattring thrown on ground,
She flies furth (wofull soule) and howling shrill in womans sound
Dissheuillid teares her heare, and to the walls in hast she speedes,
But heauē wt moane she fils, & thus through people wailing spreeds.
And is it thus, Eurialus, that I thy face behold,
Mine ages late reliefe mine onely ioy, my comfort old?
And couldst forsake mee thus thou cruell hart to leaue me alone?
Nor entring daungers such might I thy mother caytiue crone,
Obtayne thy talking last, and make on thee my latter stoundes?
Alas, in land vnknowen, alas, to feede Italian houndes,
To foules a pray thou liest, O welaway for euermore.
Nor wretched mother I, thy funerals brought out before,
Nor could come close thine eyes, nor wounds wt waters washing bath
With clothing couering soft, which I both nights and dayes to rath
Did ordaine gay for thee, and hourely hasting did prepare,
In webbing wasting time to ease therby mine aged care.
Where should I seeke? what countrey land containes my lims distract?
What nacion teares my flesh, my funerals my membres ract?
Is this thy gift O son, thou bringest me home, thy works of hands?
Is it therfore that I thus folowed haue such seas, such lands?
Dig, dig mee downe with darts, throw all on mee your weapons keene
O Rutils (if ought pitie be) consume mee I be not seene.
Or thou most mighty father of gods, haue mercy on my vnright,
Down thrust this hateful head to Lymbo lakes most lurking light,
Since otherwise my lothsome life to breake I haue no might.
With sorowing thus mens mindes molested shrank, & sad through all
Deepe mourning makes them slacke, vnuicted strengthes begin to pall.
She blobbring still, and kindling further greif two kinsmen stept,
Commaunded by sir Ilione and Ascanius much that wept,
Between them her they tooke, and bare to house and there her kept.
But brightbras troupe from far, his fearfull shiuring sounds expels,
Thick, thick, and therupon men shout, that hie heauen yalping yels.
The Volscans ioyntly knit, with targates couering close their heads,
The trench attempting teare, & rampier stakes with dich down treads.
Some seeke their entring breach on skaling ladders clambring quicke
Where few resisters stand, and soldiours round ring not so thick,
Where wall most entershines. Against them Troians hie from tops,
Al sorts of turments turne, & thicke them down they thrust with props,
Expert in long defence, and practise old to keepe their towne.
Great stones also they weld intollerably tumbling downe.
If any where that couered plumpe might breake, whan they againe
Did vnderneth theyr shields all chaunces hard conioynt sustaine.
Nor now they more can byde, for where their engine ioynes his iolle,
A huge vnweldy weight the Troyans rumbling downe did rolle,
Whose fall did Rutils whelme and brake their tortais roof distwinde.
No more with such deceit they care to coape in conflict blinde
Strongharted Rutils bold, but from the trench they seeke to driue
With darts and hurling tooles.
On th'other side with odious noise a lothsome sight to looke,
His fyriesmoking bronds on standarstaff Mezentius shooke.
But d[illeg.] Messapus tamer strong of steeds, god Neptunes brood
Cuts down theyr trench, & skales their walls, he cries outragious wood.
Now muses help, now help, now to my song aspire your breath,
What murthring quars of mē, what heaps down thrown, what toils of death
King Turnus then did giue, and who? what man sent downe to hel?
Reuolue with mee this war, and chaunces huge what things befel.
You ladies, your remembre best, and vttring best can tell.
Deepe mourning makes them slacke, vnuicted strengthes begin to pall.
She blobbring still, and kindling further greif two kinsmen stept,
Commaunded by sir Ilione and Ascanius much that wept,
Between them her they tooke, and bare to house and there her kept.
But brightbras troupe from far, his fearfull shiuring sounds expels,
Thick, thick, and therupon men shout, that hie heauen yalping yels.
The Volscans ioyntly knit, with targates couering close their heads,
The trench attempting teare, & rampier stakes with dich down treads.
Some seeke their entring breach on skaling ladders clambring quicke
Where few resisters stand, and soldiours round ring not so thick,
Where wall most entershines. Against them Troians hie from tops,
Al sorts of turments turne, & thicke them down they thrust with props,
Expert in long defence, and practise old to keepe their towne.
Great stones also they weld intollerably tumbling downe.
Did vnderneth theyr shields all chaunces hard conioynt sustaine.
Nor now they more can byde, for where their engine ioynes his iolle,
A huge vnweldy weight the Troyans rumbling downe did rolle,
Whose fall did Rutils whelme and brake their tortais roof distwinde.
No more with such deceit they care to coape in conflict blinde
Strongharted Rutils bold, but from the trench they seeke to driue
With darts and hurling tooles.
On th'other side with odious noise a lothsome sight to looke,
His fyriesmoking bronds on standarstaff Mezentius shooke.
But d[illeg.] Messapus tamer strong of steeds, god Neptunes brood
Cuts down theyr trench, & skales their walls, he cries outragious wood.
Now muses help, now help, now to my song aspire your breath,
What murthring quars of mē, what heaps down thrown, what toils of death
King Turnus then did giue, and who? what man sent downe to hel?
Reuolue with mee this war, and chaunces huge what things befel.
You ladies, your remembre best, and vttring best can tell.
A towre of steepe vpsight there stood, with skaffolds large of length
In place vpframed fit, whom all the Italians total strength
Incessaunt still did sault, and force extreame of charge at ones
They spent to ouerturne. The Troyans it defend with stones,
And through their launcet loupes their whirling darts do thick bestow,
A blasing burning linke of cresset light did Turnus throw,
And to the side the flame did fixe, whom winde vpheauing hoysts,
Which fastning caught the bourds deuoring posts and timber ioysts.
They bustling quicke within for feare gan quake, and as to flee
They sought, and toke the side, which of that deadly plague was free,
Whiles clustring close they cling: Than sodeinly the towre for weight
Down fel with thondring force, that heauen did ratling rore on height.
Haulf mangled dead to ground men by that building huge opprest
Came peecemeale tottring down, som torne with timber through theyr brest,
Some wt their own tooles thirlid were, yea scant with much ado,
One Helenor, and Lycus skoope, the elder of them two
Was Helenor, whom bond Lycinia maide to Meon king
Broughtforth by stealth, his father him to wars while youth did spring
Unlawfull sent to Troy, his worship win he should in feeld,
All light with naked blade, yet honourles, yet blanke in sheeld.
He whan him selfe he saw so many thousand men among,
Great armies here, great armies there, on ech side Latines strong:
Euen as a beast whom hunters round in ring haue gotten in hold,
She seeth no way to scape, than willingly to slaughter bold
She frantike runs on death, & beares downe tooles, & boaresperes edge.
Nonotherwise this lad, where enmies thickest him did hedge,
With will to die did breake among the mids constraining stripes.
But Lycus better far with feete, euen through his enmies gripes,
Euen by their weapons swift escaped had, and swift with hands
Endeuouring climes his wall, his mates to reach on roofes that stands.
Whom Turnus in pursuit did with his weapon thrown arest,
Him catching railing thus. What doost thou think yu madbraind beast,
To skape scotfree from vs? and as he there did pendant skrall,
He pluckt him backe by force, with great peece folowing from the wall.
Euen as an Egle doth some tymrous Hare, or neare great brookes
Some Lilywhyted swan vplifting heaue, in talent hookes.
Or suckling lambe whom bleating long the dame still seekes about,
Which from the coat the rauening Wolf hath caught. On ech side shout
Doth ryse, inuasion hoat begins, than rampier bankes are brast.
Some other burning bronds to houses tops do flingring cast.
And as Lucetius came with pitch and flame to fier the gate,
Syr Ilionee with stone downe tumbling, quite did quath his pate,
With stone downe toppling great, no litle lumpe of broken hill.
Than Lyger did Emathion, Corynee Asylas kill,
He good at dart, that other chiefe with shaft that far begyles.
Syr Ceneus Ortagium slew, but Turnus him exyles
From life, and Turnus Ityn kilde, and Clonyus, and with him
Syr Promulus, and Sagar, syr Dyoxip large of lim,
With Ida boystous knight, before the towres that ward did beare.
Pryuernum Capis kilde, him furth before Themillas speare,
Had pinched small with prick, he like a dolt kest of his targe,
And handling groapt his griefe, an arrow therfore swift with charge
His left side wing came by, and to his ribs his paw made fast,
That loongs, and breathing pipes, that mortal stroke with brusing brast.
There stood in armour fine, the worthy son of Arceus duke,
Gay needle wrought in cloke, embroided brown in Spaniards puke,
Much noble, fayre in face, his father him to warfare sent,
Syr Arceus bred in woods, and by the floods of Simeth bankes,
Where stands Palycus church, and altars gracious rendring thankes.
A whistling whirling slyng Mezentius tooke, and armes downe flang,
Him selfe three times the thongs about his head in compasse twang,
And leuel right him strake, that in the mids the melting lead
His temples twaine did sliue, and large on dust outstretcht him dead.
In place vpframed fit, whom all the Italians total strength
Incessaunt still did sault, and force extreame of charge at ones
They spent to ouerturne. The Troyans it defend with stones,
And through their launcet loupes their whirling darts do thick bestow,
A blasing burning linke of cresset light did Turnus throw,
And to the side the flame did fixe, whom winde vpheauing hoysts,
Which fastning caught the bourds deuoring posts and timber ioysts.
They bustling quicke within for feare gan quake, and as to flee
They sought, and toke the side, which of that deadly plague was free,
Whiles clustring close they cling: Than sodeinly the towre for weight
Down fel with thondring force, that heauen did ratling rore on height.
Haulf mangled dead to ground men by that building huge opprest
Came peecemeale tottring down, som torne with timber through theyr brest,
Some wt their own tooles thirlid were, yea scant with much ado,
One Helenor, and Lycus skoope, the elder of them two
Was Helenor, whom bond Lycinia maide to Meon king
Broughtforth by stealth, his father him to wars while youth did spring
Unlawfull sent to Troy, his worship win he should in feeld,
All light with naked blade, yet honourles, yet blanke in sheeld.
He whan him selfe he saw so many thousand men among,
Euen as a beast whom hunters round in ring haue gotten in hold,
She seeth no way to scape, than willingly to slaughter bold
She frantike runs on death, & beares downe tooles, & boaresperes edge.
Nonotherwise this lad, where enmies thickest him did hedge,
With will to die did breake among the mids constraining stripes.
But Lycus better far with feete, euen through his enmies gripes,
Euen by their weapons swift escaped had, and swift with hands
Endeuouring climes his wall, his mates to reach on roofes that stands.
Whom Turnus in pursuit did with his weapon thrown arest,
Him catching railing thus. What doost thou think yu madbraind beast,
To skape scotfree from vs? and as he there did pendant skrall,
He pluckt him backe by force, with great peece folowing from the wall.
Euen as an Egle doth some tymrous Hare, or neare great brookes
Some Lilywhyted swan vplifting heaue, in talent hookes.
Or suckling lambe whom bleating long the dame still seekes about,
Which from the coat the rauening Wolf hath caught. On ech side shout
Doth ryse, inuasion hoat begins, than rampier bankes are brast.
Some other burning bronds to houses tops do flingring cast.
And as Lucetius came with pitch and flame to fier the gate,
Syr Ilionee with stone downe tumbling, quite did quath his pate,
With stone downe toppling great, no litle lumpe of broken hill.
Than Lyger did Emathion, Corynee Asylas kill,
He good at dart, that other chiefe with shaft that far begyles.
Syr Ceneus Ortagium slew, but Turnus him exyles
From life, and Turnus Ityn kilde, and Clonyus, and with him
Syr Promulus, and Sagar, syr Dyoxip large of lim,
With Ida boystous knight, before the towres that ward did beare.
Pryuernum Capis kilde, him furth before Themillas speare,
Had pinched small with prick, he like a dolt kest of his targe,
And handling groapt his griefe, an arrow therfore swift with charge
His left side wing came by, and to his ribs his paw made fast,
That loongs, and breathing pipes, that mortal stroke with brusing brast.
There stood in armour fine, the worthy son of Arceus duke,
Gay needle wrought in cloke, embroided brown in Spaniards puke,
Much noble, fayre in face, his father him to warfare sent,
Syr Arceus bred in woods, and by the floods of Simeth bankes,
Where stands Palycus church, and altars gracious rendring thankes.
Him selfe three times the thongs about his head in compasse twang,
And leuel right him strake, that in the mids the melting lead
His temples twaine did sliue, and large on dust outstretcht him dead.
Than furst, Ascanius in war his swift shaft (as men say)
Did shoote, which woonted was before wilde skittish beastes to affray,
And with his hand sir Numan proude downe layd, whose surname hight
Duke Remulus, he Turnus yonger sister lately plight,
Then wedded had. He royster furst in forefront rayling loude,
Things toto bad reuiled, of kingdomes new promocion proude,
All spyteful swolne in brest, and byg with noyse him selfe did beare.
Are ye not yet ashamed to lurke in hoales eftsoones for feare?
Twise captiues Troians? what? thinke ye by walles to saue your liues?
These be the princocke bloods, lo how they looke that fight for wiues?
What deuil? wha mischaūce? wher were your wits, what madnes blind
Italia made you seeke, you shal not here Atrydas finde,
Nor pratler preaching lyer Vlisses fine to teache men speake.
Wee be a stouter stocke, in other sort our sonnes wee breake.
Our children furst from byrth into the floods wee throw to swim,
With waters numme and frost wee harden tough both hart and lim.
Our boyes on hunting run, they study still to beate their woods,
Their playes are Darts of horne, and for disport breake horses moods.
As for our youth they toyle, and either ground they tame with rakes,
Contenting mindes with small, or towns in wars besieging shakes.
We wear our liues in spending steele, wt speares our beasts wee pricke,
Our droue of heards, our booties daily encrease, nor age vnquicke
Enfebleth ought our mindes, nor altreth natures force in fleshe,
Our hoare heares helmets hyde, and ouermore our prayes afreshe
Wee fetch from countries far, it doth vs good to dryue and watche,
We warlyke lyue by spoyles, euen by the things our hands can catche.
You must haue painted weed, gay ioly Ierkins, saffron shirts,
Your slipcoats must haue sleeues, your coxcom coiues, bōgraces girts,
Your study chief is daunse in pampring feasts with giglet flirts.
O very Troyan trulles (for Troians are you non) go fooles,
Go fisgigs, frisk your woods with double pype in skipping skooles
Hark how your minstrels cal, your tabrets, bagpypes, shalms, of boxs.
Go trim your treslock tyres, get on your gloues, your finest frockes.
Geue weapons vp for men, let warrs alone for catching knocks.
Him cracking thus, and iangling more dispite with odious songs
Ascanius could not beare, but sinnowy bow of horse hide thongs
He bent, with pointed shaft, and armes disbukling seuerall wayes.
Before hie Ioue he stands, and humbly thus with vowes he prayes.
Did shoote, which woonted was before wilde skittish beastes to affray,
And with his hand sir Numan proude downe layd, whose surname hight
Duke Remulus, he Turnus yonger sister lately plight,
Then wedded had. He royster furst in forefront rayling loude,
Things toto bad reuiled, of kingdomes new promocion proude,
All spyteful swolne in brest, and byg with noyse him selfe did beare.
Are ye not yet ashamed to lurke in hoales eftsoones for feare?
Twise captiues Troians? what? thinke ye by walles to saue your liues?
These be the princocke bloods, lo how they looke that fight for wiues?
What deuil? wha mischaūce? wher were your wits, what madnes blind
Italia made you seeke, you shal not here Atrydas finde,
Nor pratler preaching lyer Vlisses fine to teache men speake.
Wee be a stouter stocke, in other sort our sonnes wee breake.
Our children furst from byrth into the floods wee throw to swim,
With waters numme and frost wee harden tough both hart and lim.
Our boyes on hunting run, they study still to beate their woods,
Their playes are Darts of horne, and for disport breake horses moods.
As for our youth they toyle, and either ground they tame with rakes,
Contenting mindes with small, or towns in wars besieging shakes.
We wear our liues in spending steele, wt speares our beasts wee pricke,
Our droue of heards, our booties daily encrease, nor age vnquicke
Enfebleth ought our mindes, nor altreth natures force in fleshe,
Our hoare heares helmets hyde, and ouermore our prayes afreshe
Wee fetch from countries far, it doth vs good to dryue and watche,
We warlyke lyue by spoyles, euen by the things our hands can catche.
You must haue painted weed, gay ioly Ierkins, saffron shirts,
Your slipcoats must haue sleeues, your coxcom coiues, bōgraces girts,
Your study chief is daunse in pampring feasts with giglet flirts.
O very Troyan trulles (for Troians are you non) go fooles,
Go fisgigs, frisk your woods with double pype in skipping skooles
Hark how your minstrels cal, your tabrets, bagpypes, shalms, of boxs.
Go trim your treslock tyres, get on your gloues, your finest frockes.
Geue weapons vp for men, let warrs alone for catching knocks.
Ascanius could not beare, but sinnowy bow of horse hide thongs
He bent, with pointed shaft, and armes disbukling seuerall wayes.
Before hie Ioue he stands, and humbly thus with vowes he prayes.
Almighty Ioue giue to my bold beginning good successe,
Unto thy temple shall I solempne gifts of offrings dresse,
A yong steere white as snow, with guilded front of liuely lust,
Hyeheaded like his dame, and with his horne desyres to iust,
Already strong which with his feete vpsparpling spredes the dust.
The father aloft him heard, and vnder cleare skie lefthandlowe,
Did signe of thondring shew, than with a sound from deadly bowe,
The swift shaft whistling fled, & through sir Numans temples twain
It grisly strake. Go go mens manly dedes with mockes disdaine,
Twise captiues Troians lo, these aunsweres Rutils send againe.
Ascanius spake put thus, the Troyans then with ioyfull voyce,
Al ioyntly gaue their shouts, and lifting minds to starres reioyce.
That time as fortune was brightheaded Phœbus for disport
Behold from ayry coast bothe Latines hoasts, and Troyan fort,
As hye on could he sat, and thus to Ascanius gaue report.
Thats thats my peereles lad, such vertues new leades lords to stars,
Begotten of gods, and gods engender shalt, by right al wars
Must vnder Dardanes line, in time by destny quite downe sinke.
Nor Troy can thee containe, and with that word er one could winke,
Him selfe from skie down skips, & breathing puffs remoues from aire.
Than to Ascanius he drawes, and chaunged countenaunce faire,
Resembling Buten old. He to Anchises great from childe
Was henchman bearing armes, and kept his garde of trust vnfilde,
The old man him to Ascanius then had put, so Phœbus went,
All thinges like aged man, both voyce, and hew he did present,
White heary locks and angrisounding armour, calme of brest,
And to Ascanius thus that feruent was his words he drest.
Let it suffice thee now that Numan freely vanquisht is
Good child: lo now Apollo great commends thy prayse for this.
He geues thee chief renown, nor lyke with tooles to match doth passe.
Abstaine hencefurth from blowes my boy, so Phœbus entring was:
And in the mids his tale, mens mortal eyes he cleane forsooke,
Desserring thinne from sight, and flittering fourme to skies betooke.
The lords beknew that god, perceiuing strayte his tooles deuyne,
His arrow sheues they heard, and ratling noyse of boltbag fine.
At Phœbus word therfore, and in respect of his great grace,
Ascanius backe they kept that egre was, them selfs in place
Succeeds, and ventring liues eftsones to daungers turne their face.
Unto thy temple shall I solempne gifts of offrings dresse,
A yong steere white as snow, with guilded front of liuely lust,
Hyeheaded like his dame, and with his horne desyres to iust,
Already strong which with his feete vpsparpling spredes the dust.
The father aloft him heard, and vnder cleare skie lefthandlowe,
Did signe of thondring shew, than with a sound from deadly bowe,
The swift shaft whistling fled, & through sir Numans temples twain
It grisly strake. Go go mens manly dedes with mockes disdaine,
Twise captiues Troians lo, these aunsweres Rutils send againe.
Ascanius spake put thus, the Troyans then with ioyfull voyce,
Al ioyntly gaue their shouts, and lifting minds to starres reioyce.
That time as fortune was brightheaded Phœbus for disport
Behold from ayry coast bothe Latines hoasts, and Troyan fort,
As hye on could he sat, and thus to Ascanius gaue report.
Thats thats my peereles lad, such vertues new leades lords to stars,
Begotten of gods, and gods engender shalt, by right al wars
Must vnder Dardanes line, in time by destny quite downe sinke.
Nor Troy can thee containe, and with that word er one could winke,
Him selfe from skie down skips, & breathing puffs remoues from aire.
Than to Ascanius he drawes, and chaunged countenaunce faire,
Resembling Buten old. He to Anchises great from childe
Was henchman bearing armes, and kept his garde of trust vnfilde,
The old man him to Ascanius then had put, so Phœbus went,
All thinges like aged man, both voyce, and hew he did present,
White heary locks and angrisounding armour, calme of brest,
And to Ascanius thus that feruent was his words he drest.
Let it suffice thee now that Numan freely vanquisht is
Good child: lo now Apollo great commends thy prayse for this.
He geues thee chief renown, nor lyke with tooles to match doth passe.
Abstaine hencefurth from blowes my boy, so Phœbus entring was:
And in the mids his tale, mens mortal eyes he cleane forsooke,
Desserring thinne from sight, and flittering fourme to skies betooke.
The lords beknew that god, perceiuing strayte his tooles deuyne,
At Phœbus word therfore, and in respect of his great grace,
Ascanius backe they kept that egre was, them selfs in place
Succeeds, and ventring liues eftsones to daungers turne their face.
A clamorous noise vpmounts on fortres tops and bulwarkes towres.
They strike, they bend their bowes, they whirle from strings sharp shoting showres.
Al streets with tooles ar strowd, thā helmets sculs with battrings mard,
And shields dishiuring crack, vpryseth roughnes bickring hard.
Loke how the tēpest storm, whan winds outwrastling blowes at south,
Raine ratling gets the ground, or clouds of haile from winter mouth
Down dashing headlong driues, whan god from skies with grisly steuē,
His watry showres outwrings, and whirlewind clouds downe breakes from heauen.
Syr Pandarus and Bitias, two brethren, Troyans stout,
Whom to Alcanor knight dame Hera saluage Nimph brought out
Among Ioues sacred woods, in firtree groues of mountaines colde,
Two valiaunt boystous knights, coragious, strong, and equal bold,
A gate that by their captaine damned was they broad set oape,
So trusted they their strength, and bids their foes come neare to coape.
Them selfes before their towres, both right, & left hand braue out stept
All armed stif in steele, and bright with crests their standings kept,
Hyheaded like two trees, like two great Okes by Padus banks,
Besides their ioyfull flood, aboue their mates they ryse by rancks,
Their heads to heauen they lift with lofty tops vnshorne they beck,
Beshadowing broad the bows, and hie surstretching skies they check.
The Rutils in they breake whan furst they saw their entrie free.
Immediatly the Dukes in armour gorgious gay to see,
Syr Quercens, and Equicolus either beaten turne their backs,
Or they with all their bands euen in the gate went dead to wracks.
Thā more & more mens minds disordring chafe cōtempning doubts,
And thither Troians now round gathring draw, by plumpes & routs,
Conflicting hand to hand, and further salyeng dare ron outs.
To captain Turnus fierce, than troubling folks on backfort side
A post with message runs, how Troians now haue caught new pride,
Great murther stoutly made, and how their gates broad ope they set.
He leaues his works begun, and huge with wrath to giue the onset,
To that presumptuous gate, and brethren proude, he rushing runnes.
And furst Antyphaten, of king Sarpedons bastard sunnes
The chief by Theban dame, for he against him furst did shoue,
He threw down dead with dart, the Italian tronke in skies aboue
Disseuering, tender aire, came through his brest and out at back,
His stomack round it rent, ye wound from caue giues out blood black
Permixt with foms, and fixt in loongs the steele warme waxing stack.
Than Merops, Aphidnus, and Erimanth with sword he slew.
Than Bitias that boystrous sturd with eies of sparckling hew,
Not with no dart, for dint of dart, could life not make him yeld,
But thrown wt strength extreme, a tronched speare most strōg to weld,
Big like a lightning bolt at him he draue, whom doubled folde
Could neither backs of bulls, nor brest plate faithfull strong of golde
Susteine from mortall plague, his membres huge down foltring flusht,
The ground at falling grones, and thondring huge his shield he crusht.
As by the Bayon shore men building hauens done for the nones
With laboring lōg beforn, through engins means lay mōstrous stones.
Down sinks the weldlesse weight, and on the ground it setled stands.
The wilde seas meeting mixe, and darkning skies vpleapes the sands.
Than with the soundes the soyles adidynant shake, & mountains next,
Where whelmd by gods reuenge in dongeons deepe are giants vext.
Their army puissant Mars both pricks, and force to Latins harts
Did ad, and stings of egre wrath, in ech mans brest vpstarts.
He made the Troians flee, and gaue them blackday mixt with dreede,
From euery side they flocke since now the sight proceedes in deede,
And in their mindes the murthering angell sits.
They strike, they bend their bowes, they whirle from strings sharp shoting showres.
Al streets with tooles ar strowd, thā helmets sculs with battrings mard,
And shields dishiuring crack, vpryseth roughnes bickring hard.
Loke how the tēpest storm, whan winds outwrastling blowes at south,
Raine ratling gets the ground, or clouds of haile from winter mouth
Down dashing headlong driues, whan god from skies with grisly steuē,
His watry showres outwrings, and whirlewind clouds downe breakes from heauen.
Syr Pandarus and Bitias, two brethren, Troyans stout,
Whom to Alcanor knight dame Hera saluage Nimph brought out
Among Ioues sacred woods, in firtree groues of mountaines colde,
Two valiaunt boystous knights, coragious, strong, and equal bold,
A gate that by their captaine damned was they broad set oape,
So trusted they their strength, and bids their foes come neare to coape.
Them selfes before their towres, both right, & left hand braue out stept
All armed stif in steele, and bright with crests their standings kept,
Hyheaded like two trees, like two great Okes by Padus banks,
Besides their ioyfull flood, aboue their mates they ryse by rancks,
Their heads to heauen they lift with lofty tops vnshorne they beck,
Beshadowing broad the bows, and hie surstretching skies they check.
The Rutils in they breake whan furst they saw their entrie free.
Immediatly the Dukes in armour gorgious gay to see,
Syr Quercens, and Equicolus either beaten turne their backs,
Or they with all their bands euen in the gate went dead to wracks.
Thā more & more mens minds disordring chafe cōtempning doubts,
And thither Troians now round gathring draw, by plumpes & routs,
Conflicting hand to hand, and further salyeng dare ron outs.
To captain Turnus fierce, than troubling folks on backfort side
A post with message runs, how Troians now haue caught new pride,
Great murther stoutly made, and how their gates broad ope they set.
He leaues his works begun, and huge with wrath to giue the onset,
To that presumptuous gate, and brethren proude, he rushing runnes.
And furst Antyphaten, of king Sarpedons bastard sunnes
He threw down dead with dart, the Italian tronke in skies aboue
Disseuering, tender aire, came through his brest and out at back,
His stomack round it rent, ye wound from caue giues out blood black
Permixt with foms, and fixt in loongs the steele warme waxing stack.
Than Merops, Aphidnus, and Erimanth with sword he slew.
Than Bitias that boystrous sturd with eies of sparckling hew,
Not with no dart, for dint of dart, could life not make him yeld,
But thrown wt strength extreme, a tronched speare most strōg to weld,
Big like a lightning bolt at him he draue, whom doubled folde
Could neither backs of bulls, nor brest plate faithfull strong of golde
Susteine from mortall plague, his membres huge down foltring flusht,
The ground at falling grones, and thondring huge his shield he crusht.
As by the Bayon shore men building hauens done for the nones
With laboring lōg beforn, through engins means lay mōstrous stones.
Down sinks the weldlesse weight, and on the ground it setled stands.
The wilde seas meeting mixe, and darkning skies vpleapes the sands.
Than with the soundes the soyles adidynant shake, & mountains next,
Where whelmd by gods reuenge in dongeons deepe are giants vext.
Their army puissant Mars both pricks, and force to Latins harts
Did ad, and stings of egre wrath, in ech mans brest vpstarts.
He made the Troians flee, and gaue them blackday mixt with dreede,
From euery side they flocke since now the sight proceedes in deede,
And in their mindes the murthering angell sits.
Whan Pandarus his brother saw down falne before his eyes,
In what case fortune stands, and how things now in daunger Iyes:
The gate with much turmoyle conuerting hinges hookes on rings,
With shoulders shouing broad at last he shuts, and bolts vpwrings,
And many his mates in hard conflict he leaues, and out them lockt.
But other he receyues as with the preas they rustling shockt.
Unprudent man, that whan the Rutil king did through intrude
Could him not entring spie, but in the fort did him include,
Euen like a Tyger wilde among the flocks of cattailes rude.
Incontinent new light theyr eyes distraines, and armour straunge
Did grisly giue theyr sound, his quiuering crest with bloodread raunge
Like beames of lightning burns, & from his shield that flames outflew,
Anon theyr hatefull face, and monstrous lyms the Troyans knew,
Distraught with sodein sight. Than for his brothes Pandare huge
Incenst with feruent wrath: Thou shalt haue here but bad refuge,
This is no ioynter towne, king Latyns wife gets here no gage,
Nor she (quoth he) thy fathers walls this time empounds in cage.
Thine enmies fort thou seest, hence neuermore shall Turnus out.
To him than Turnus spake, all smyling sober free from doubt.
Begin (if any manfull minde thou hast) approch mee round.
Ish make thee Priam tell that here thou hast Achilles found.
Thus speaking an vnshapen bunchy speare with barke vnpilde,
Sir Pandare whirling threw, with strength extreme it went welwilde.
The winds vpcaught that stroke, and Iuno Queene the daunger brake,
Wrongwresting as it went, and in the gate did sticke the stake.
But not this toole, of mine which in my right hand here I shake,
Shalt thou escape, great difference now shall our two puissans make
(Quod he) and stretching broad with armes his sword did moūting lift,
His brainpan through it smote, and in the mids it made a clift,
Deuiding chekes, & chaps, and heares vpgrowen with gaping wound.
The soyle than shuddring shooke, and with the weight did yeld a sound.
Downe liueles falls his lims, and armour mixt with blood and brain
With corps he strowd the ground, & equal clyuen in porcions twain,
His head on shoulders hung, one here, one there disseuered slain.
The Troians than for fear theyr feete gan take with trembling flight,
And if he victor than remembred had, and tane foresight,
Strait waies to breake the bolts, and through the gates his folks let in,
That day to Troyan war, and to their lynage last had bin.
But furious feruent minde, and greedy lust of slaughters more
Enforst him forward still.
Furst Phalarim and maister veines of Giges huge he sheares.
And as the people fled he gathering darts, and skattred speares
Bestowed them in their backes, for Iuno gaue both might and minde.
Than Halim felow vnto them he ioynes, and kylls behinde
Syr Phegius with targat pyke downe pusht, than vp the wall
He runs, and such as fighting there, of this knew nought at all
Neomonus, and Prytanis, with Hellus he downe slew.
Alcander than and Lynceus which toward him stout drew,
Outmustring mates for helpe, he leaping trench did swift preuent,
And with his glittring glayue he such a stroke vnwares him lent,
As hand to hand he fought, that quite from shoulders at on chop
His head with helmet fel, and far from him did hobbling hop.
From thence sir Amycus he slits that wilde beasts euer stroyed,
More lucky none there was, nor neuer man more oft them noyed,
With oyntments arming steele, wt poysoned tooles he stil them cloyd.
Than Clytius, and the dulcet freend of Muses Cretea fine.
Syr Cretea Muses mate that euermore with voyce deuine
Melodious warblid songs, his pastime chief was harpe and kit,
By numbring ran his Rimes to synowy cords concurrant fit:
Alwayes of steedes, of armes, of men, he sang of battails maine.
At last the leaders great, whan they first heard their men so slaine,
The Troyan captaynes came, sir Mnesteus and Serestus strong,
They saw their stragling mates, and enmy entred thicks among.
And Mnesteus, what auayles this flight? where run you now (quoth hee?)
What better bulwark walles? what other townes or trench haue yee?
One man alone (O sirs) euen in your mids inclosd in campe,
So many slaughters made? in such a fort round skotfree rampe
So many chieftain knights vnuenged sends to Lymbo dampe?
Make ye no more of countrey soyle remorse? faintharted fy?
What shall we shame our gods? and great Aeneas nought set by?
In what case fortune stands, and how things now in daunger Iyes:
The gate with much turmoyle conuerting hinges hookes on rings,
With shoulders shouing broad at last he shuts, and bolts vpwrings,
And many his mates in hard conflict he leaues, and out them lockt.
But other he receyues as with the preas they rustling shockt.
Unprudent man, that whan the Rutil king did through intrude
Could him not entring spie, but in the fort did him include,
Euen like a Tyger wilde among the flocks of cattailes rude.
Incontinent new light theyr eyes distraines, and armour straunge
Did grisly giue theyr sound, his quiuering crest with bloodread raunge
Like beames of lightning burns, & from his shield that flames outflew,
Anon theyr hatefull face, and monstrous lyms the Troyans knew,
Distraught with sodein sight. Than for his brothes Pandare huge
This is no ioynter towne, king Latyns wife gets here no gage,
Nor she (quoth he) thy fathers walls this time empounds in cage.
Thine enmies fort thou seest, hence neuermore shall Turnus out.
To him than Turnus spake, all smyling sober free from doubt.
Begin (if any manfull minde thou hast) approch mee round.
Ish make thee Priam tell that here thou hast Achilles found.
Thus speaking an vnshapen bunchy speare with barke vnpilde,
Sir Pandare whirling threw, with strength extreme it went welwilde.
The winds vpcaught that stroke, and Iuno Queene the daunger brake,
Wrongwresting as it went, and in the gate did sticke the stake.
But not this toole, of mine which in my right hand here I shake,
Shalt thou escape, great difference now shall our two puissans make
(Quod he) and stretching broad with armes his sword did moūting lift,
His brainpan through it smote, and in the mids it made a clift,
Deuiding chekes, & chaps, and heares vpgrowen with gaping wound.
The soyle than shuddring shooke, and with the weight did yeld a sound.
Downe liueles falls his lims, and armour mixt with blood and brain
With corps he strowd the ground, & equal clyuen in porcions twain,
His head on shoulders hung, one here, one there disseuered slain.
The Troians than for fear theyr feete gan take with trembling flight,
And if he victor than remembred had, and tane foresight,
Strait waies to breake the bolts, and through the gates his folks let in,
That day to Troyan war, and to their lynage last had bin.
But furious feruent minde, and greedy lust of slaughters more
Enforst him forward still.
Furst Phalarim and maister veines of Giges huge he sheares.
And as the people fled he gathering darts, and skattred speares
Bestowed them in their backes, for Iuno gaue both might and minde.
Than Halim felow vnto them he ioynes, and kylls behinde
Syr Phegius with targat pyke downe pusht, than vp the wall
He runs, and such as fighting there, of this knew nought at all
Neomonus, and Prytanis, with Hellus he downe slew.
Alcander than and Lynceus which toward him stout drew,
Outmustring mates for helpe, he leaping trench did swift preuent,
And with his glittring glayue he such a stroke vnwares him lent,
As hand to hand he fought, that quite from shoulders at on chop
His head with helmet fel, and far from him did hobbling hop.
More lucky none there was, nor neuer man more oft them noyed,
With oyntments arming steele, wt poysoned tooles he stil them cloyd.
Than Clytius, and the dulcet freend of Muses Cretea fine.
Syr Cretea Muses mate that euermore with voyce deuine
Melodious warblid songs, his pastime chief was harpe and kit,
By numbring ran his Rimes to synowy cords concurrant fit:
Alwayes of steedes, of armes, of men, he sang of battails maine.
At last the leaders great, whan they first heard their men so slaine,
The Troyan captaynes came, sir Mnesteus and Serestus strong,
They saw their stragling mates, and enmy entred thicks among.
And Mnesteus, what auayles this flight? where run you now (quoth hee?)
What better bulwark walles? what other townes or trench haue yee?
One man alone (O sirs) euen in your mids inclosd in campe,
So many slaughters made? in such a fort round skotfree rampe
So many chieftain knights vnuenged sends to Lymbo dampe?
Make ye no more of countrey soyle remorse? faintharted fy?
What shall we shame our gods? and great Aeneas nought set by?
With such rebukes mens minds vpkindled staied, & thick with preas
They stood. But small and small from flight did Turnus than surceas,
Retiryng to that side where flood the fortresse gyrdes about.
So much the more pursute the Troyans make with restles shout,
And clustring close they shooue. As when sometime men gathring thick
A Lyon wilde assaylne, and hard with tooles oppressing pricke.
But he affraied resists, sowerskowling grim he backward strides,
And neither taile to turne his pride him lets, nor wrath his sides
Will suffring make him shew, nor forward can set furth his ioynts,
Though faine he would, not able he is yet for men, for weapons points.
None otherwise did Turnus than retracting seeke bypath,
With stalking doubtfull steps, and deepe in minde reboyles his wrath.
Yet notwithstanding twise his enemies mids he did inuade,
And twise conuerting backs them take their walles in flight he made.
But th'uniuersall campe together ioyning whole did rise,
Nor Iuno Queene durst more against such strength so great suffice.
For Ioue vnto his sister downe her ayry Raynbow sent
With message nothing milde, and how that some should soone repent
If Turnus from the Troians loftie walles did not reyeeld.
The yong prince now therfore, with neither right hand yet, nor shield
Enduring can resist, so thick thrown tooles on ech side prest
About his temples round bigbounsing beats, nor neuer at rest
His helmet tinckling tings, & stones with bumpes his plates disglosse.
His topright crest from crown downe battred falles, nor brasen bosse
Sufficient is for strokes so doubledriuing they not stint.
The Troians all with speares, eke he him selfe with lightning dint
Syr Mnesteus forward shoues, than euery lym on streaming swet
Doth drop down black as pitch, nor giues him time his breth to fet.
Faint panting puls his ioynts, and tyerd with pains his entrails beat,
Than with a leape at last to Tyber flood in all that heat
He headlong kest him selfe, in complet armour compast all.
He smooth with chanell blew did softly him receyue from fall,
And to his mates him glad (frō slaughters washt) home sent withall.
They stood. But small and small from flight did Turnus than surceas,
Retiryng to that side where flood the fortresse gyrdes about.
So much the more pursute the Troyans make with restles shout,
And clustring close they shooue. As when sometime men gathring thick
A Lyon wilde assaylne, and hard with tooles oppressing pricke.
But he affraied resists, sowerskowling grim he backward strides,
And neither taile to turne his pride him lets, nor wrath his sides
Will suffring make him shew, nor forward can set furth his ioynts,
Though faine he would, not able he is yet for men, for weapons points.
None otherwise did Turnus than retracting seeke bypath,
With stalking doubtfull steps, and deepe in minde reboyles his wrath.
Yet notwithstanding twise his enemies mids he did inuade,
And twise conuerting backs them take their walles in flight he made.
But th'uniuersall campe together ioyning whole did rise,
Nor Iuno Queene durst more against such strength so great suffice.
For Ioue vnto his sister downe her ayry Raynbow sent
With message nothing milde, and how that some should soone repent
If Turnus from the Troians loftie walles did not reyeeld.
The yong prince now therfore, with neither right hand yet, nor shield
About his temples round bigbounsing beats, nor neuer at rest
His helmet tinckling tings, & stones with bumpes his plates disglosse.
His topright crest from crown downe battred falles, nor brasen bosse
Sufficient is for strokes so doubledriuing they not stint.
The Troians all with speares, eke he him selfe with lightning dint
Syr Mnesteus forward shoues, than euery lym on streaming swet
Doth drop down black as pitch, nor giues him time his breth to fet.
Faint panting puls his ioynts, and tyerd with pains his entrails beat,
Than with a leape at last to Tyber flood in all that heat
He headlong kest him selfe, in complet armour compast all.
He smooth with chanell blew did softly him receyue from fall,
And to his mates him glad (frō slaughters washt) home sent withall.
DEO GRATIAS.
Per Thomam Phaer, 3. Aprilis finitum 1560. Opus 30. dierum
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