Story of Aeneas

nactive, for Juno sent Iris down from heaven to the Rutulian king to urge him to bestir himself against the Trojans. "Time has brought about in your favor, O Turnus," said the messenger of Juno

ized Iris, yet he knew not by whom she had been sent. But he replied that he would quickly obey, whoever it was that thus called him to arms,

gs she poise

adiant rainbow

AEneid,

knew what it meant. Speedily they shut up their gates and set guards upon the walls, for AEneas at his departure had ordered them that in case of attack in his absence, they should not attempt a fight in the open field, but defend themselves within their ramparts. Turnus now tried to set fire to the Trojan fleet, which lay in the river clos

said) the sole

heaven has owned

, for ages pas

maples filled,

ummit rose a

rshipped with

at holy grove,

an prince, to s

fear, on their

nds o'erset, n

forests of th

their safety

AEneid,

aming torches, the time had come for the promise of the king of heaven to be fulfilled. As they were about to cast their firebrands upon the galleys a strange light flashed on the eyes of the Trojans, then a bright cloud shot across the sky, and from out of it these words uttered in a loud voice, were heard by the Trojans and Rutulians. "Men of Troy, you have no need to defend the ships. Soo

the goddess ce

edient ships the

tell, like dolp

prows, and dive

ous maids the

e tall vessel

AEneid,

their much talked of destiny," said he, "it has been fulfilled, since they have reached the land of Italy. But I also have my destiny, and it is to destroy the accursed race. They depend a great deal on their walls, yet they have seen the walls of Troy go down in flames, tho

ich his men lay down on the field to rest. But during the night the guards fell asleep, for they were fatigued after the labors of the day, and so the whole

eedful for d

brave Serestus

y their absent

nger, and div

AEneid,

isus and Euryalus- already mentioned as having

em one in ev

ide by side

n duty at

n common st

, AEneid,

roved of the enterprise, and he begged that he himself might be permitted to take part in it. To this Nisus objected, for he did not wish that his dear young friend should be exposed to the danger of the undertaking. The mother of Euryalus had accompanied him all the way from Troy, and so gre

cause so d

voted moth

f all the m

darling o'

ike others

of Acest

, AEneid,

t forth. Euryalus begged that they would comfort and assist his mother if any evil should happen to him. To this request Iulus answered that she should be to him as if she were his own mother. "

tum to join the army of Turnus. Catching sight of the two strangers, Volcens, the leader of the troop, cried out to them to "stand," and demanded to know who they were, and whither they were bound. The Trojans, making no answer, fled into a wood close b

ue his comrade, or die in the attempt, Nisus, after praying to Diana, the goddess of the woods, to guide his weapon in its course, hurled a javelin at the enemy. It pierced the body of one of the Latians named Sulmo, who fell dead. His companions gazed around in amazement, not knowing whence the attack had come. Nisus then cast another javelin, and again one of the Latians fell to t

ied) turn all y

confessed, th

e (if friends

ove to his un

AEneid,

panion, Nisus rushed into the midst of the foe, seeking only Volcens, and though blows showered upon him from all sides, he pressed on until coming up to the Latian chief, he slew him with a single thrust of his sword. Then covered with w

s! for, if my

, your fame s

Capitol's fou

ere'er the Rom

AEneid,

forming wonderful feats of valor. There was a wooden tower of great height and strength which stood outside the wall, and was connected with it by bridges. The Rutulians made great efforts to break down t

first a fire

sides, takes ho

g breezes spr

plank and be

es flutte

nly wis

hey huddle

art which 'sc

erweighted ma

ng, shake

, AEneid,

life, faced his foes like a lion and died in the thick of the fight. Lycus, who was a swift runner, fled towards the walls, dashing through the lines of the enemy. He had almost grasped the summit of the rampart a

is tongue, mocking at the Trojans in a loud voice, in front of the Latian lines. "Are you not ashamed, Trojans," cried he, "to be a second time shut up behind walls? What madness has brought you to Italy? Know that it is not Grecians, nor the crafty Ulysses, you have now to deal with. We are a hardy race. We dip our infants in the rivers to inure them to c

like us, in

ur lily hands

, AEneid,

ame moment Iulus exclaimed, "Vain boaster, this is our answer to your insults." With shouts of joy the Trojans applauded the deed, and loud were their praises of the valor of their young chief. Even from on high came approving words, for just then the

tion: APOLLO VANISHING

by Trau

, saying, "Son of AEneas, let it be enough for thee that by thine arrow Numanus has fallen. Apollo has granted to thee this glory; but take no further part in the conflict." Then the god, throwing off his disgu

ows; they whirl t

rrows fall, and

ields, and rattli

AEneid,

ns rushed forward as soon as they saw the passage open. Several of them were slain at the threshold by the valiant brothers. Then some of the Trojans sallied out beyond the rampart, and a fierce fight took place. King Turnus, hearing of these events, hurried to the g

es the impetuous

ble mail, with

ster-bulk, and pr

tering shield on

AEneid,

oving it upon its hinges and fastening it in its place with the strength of his broad shoulders. Some of his own people were thus shut out

amidst the

t Turnus

im in the em

n a helpl

, AEneid,

ck into the gate, where it remained fixed. Then Turnus slew Pandarus with a swift stroke of his sword, exclaiming, "Not so shall you escape." The Trojans who witnessed the deed, fl

s fly in w

had Turn

fastenings

thin his va

and the w

end had

, AEneid,

t their people were fleeing before the Rutulian king, hastened up and reproved them in severe words. "Whither do you flee?" cried Mnestheus. "What other fortifications have you bu

ud shouts, yet the brave king would fain have resisted. As when a troop of hunters press upon a fierce lion, the savage animal, too courageous to fly, yet dares not face the numbers and weapons of his assailants, so Turnus with reluctant steps drew backwards; yet twice again he attacked the Trojans

imbs dark swea

eathe; thick

and labor

accoutred a

plunged in

lood the cha

tide his we

g off the en

to his frie

, AEneid,