Page:Aeneid (Conington 1866).djvu/129

Rh See, you have gained your heart's desire:

Lost Dido's blood is turned to fire.

Then rule we race and race as one,

With equal plenitude of power:

Tour Phrygian yoke she e'en shall don,

And bring her Tyrians as her dower.'

Then Venus—for the drift she saw

Of her too gracious host,

Who fain would Latium's empire draw

To Libya's favoured coast—

Thus answered: 'Who would say you no,

And choose you not for friend but foe,

Could he but feel, your pleasure done,

The wished-for consequence were won?

But ah! I stand in doubt of fate:

Would Jupiter desire

To merge in one promiscuous state

The sons of Troy and Tyre,

Let nations thus their lives unite,

And common federation plight?

His consort you: you best may move

His heart with urgency of love.

Advance: I follow where you lead.'

Heaven's empress made return:

'That task be mine: now, how to speed

Our nearer purpose, grant your heed,

And briefly you shall learn.

Æneas and the unhappy queen

Are bound to hunt in woodland green,

Soon as to-morrow's sun displays

His orb, and lights the world with rays.

Then, when the hunter-train beset

The forest walks with dog and net,

A furious tempest I will send,

And all the heaven with thunder rend.