Aeneid

a neighboring watch, who, bringing prompt relief,

the sentry-station took; then quitted he

his post assigned; at Nisus' side he strode,

and both impatient sped them to the King.

Now in all lands all creatures that have breath

lulled care in slumber, and each heart forgot

its load of toil and pain. But they who led

the Teucrian cause, with all their chosen brave,

took counsel in the kingdom's hour of need

what action to command or whom dispatch

with tidings to Aeneas. In mid-camp

on long spears leaning and with ready shield

to leftward slung, th' assembled warriors stood.

Thither in haste arrived the noble pair,

brave Nisus with Euryalus his friend,

and craved a hearing, for their suit, they said,

was urgent and well-worth a patient ear.

Iulus to the anxious striplings gave

a friendly welcome, bidding Nisus speak.

The son of Hyrtacus obeyed: “O, hear,

Princes of Teucria, with impartial mind,

nor judge by our unseasoned youth the worth

of what we bring. Yon Rutule watch is now

in drunken sleep, and all is silent there.

With our own eyes we picked out a good place

to steal a march, that cross-road by the gate

close-fronting on the bridge. Their lines of fire

are broken, and a murky, rolling smoke

fills all the region. If ye grant us leave

by this good luck to profit, we will find

Aeneas and the walls of Palatine,

and after mighty slaughter and huge spoil

ye soon shall see us back. Nor need ye fear

we wander from the way. Oft have we seen

that city's crest loom o'er the shadowy vales,

where we have hunted all day long and know

each winding of yon river.” Then uprose

aged Aletes, crowned with wisdom's years:

“Gods of our fathers, who forevermore

watch over Troy, ye surely had no mind

to blot out Teucria's name, when ye bestowed

such courage on young hearts, and bade them be

so steadfast and so leal.” Joyful he clasped

their hands in his, and on their shoulders leaned,

his aged cheek and visage wet with tears.

“What reward worthy of such actions fair,

dear heroes, could be given? Your brightest prize

will come from Heaven and your own hearts. The rest

Aeneas will right soon bestow; nor will

Ascanius, now in youth's unblemished prime,

ever forget your praise.” Forthwith replied

Aeneas' son, “By all our household gods,

by great Assaracus, and every shrine

of venerable Vesta, I confide

my hopes, my fortunes, and all future weal

to your heroic hearts. O, bring me back

my father! Set him in these eyes once more!

That day will tears be dry; and I will give

two silver wine-cups graven and o'erlaid

with clear-cut figures, which my father chose

out of despoiled Arisbe; also two

full talents of pure gold, and tripods twain,

and ancient wine-bowl, Tyrian Dido's token.

But if indeed our destiny shall be

to vanquish Italy in prosperous war,

to seize the sceptre and divide the spoil, —

saw you that steed of Turnus and the arms

in which he rode, all golden? That same steed,

that glittering shield and haughty crimson crest

I will reserve thee, e'er the lots are cast,

and, Nisus, they are thine. Hereto my sire

will add twelve captive maids of beauty rare,

and slaves in armor; last, thou hast the fields

which now Latinus holds. But as for thee,

to whom my youth but binds me closer still,

thee, kingly boy, my whole heart makes my own,

and through all changeful fortune we shall be

inseparable peers: nor will I seek

renown and glory, or in peace or war,

forgetting thee: but trust thee from this day

in deed and word.” To him in answer spoke

euryalus, “O, may no future show

this heart unworthy thy heroic call!

And may our fortune ever prosperous prove,

not adverse. But I now implore of thee

a single boon worth all beside. I have

a mother, from the venerated line

of Priam sprung, whom not the Trojan shore

nor King Acestes' city could detain,

alas! from following me. I leave her now

without farewell; nor is her love aware

of my supposed peril. For I swear

by darkness of this night and thy right hand,

that all my courage fails me if I see

a mother's tears. O, therefore, I implore,

be thou her sorrow's comfort and sustain

her solitary day. Such grace from thee

equip me for my war, and I shall face

with braver heart whatever fortune brings.”

With sudden sorrow thrilled, the veteran lords