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Rh Then they whose dames are footing still

In Bacchic frenzy wood and hill

(Such power is in Amata's name)

Come forth, and fan the martial flame.

'Gainst omens flashed before their eyes,

'Gainst warnings thundered from the skies,

They cry for war, and early and late

Besiege Latinus' palace-gate.

Like rock engirdled by the sea,

Like rock immoveable is he

Before the roaring tide:

The wild waves bark about its base:

Its mass sustains it still in place:

Crags echo round: it gives no heed:

And scattered foam and rent seaweed

Fall from its rugged side.

Powerless at length their rage to check,

As things whirl on at Juno's beck,

Appealing oft to soulless skies

And deaf dumb gods, the father cries:

'Alas! the destinies prevail:

We drift and drift before the gale:

Ah wretched children! yours the guilt,

And yours the blood must needs be spilt.

Thee, Turnus, thee the grim fiends wait:

Thine agonizing vows too late

Shall knock at heaven's relentless gate.

For me, my rest is all assured,

My bark within the haven moored:

The shock that parts my aged breath

But robs me of a happy death.'

He speaks, and in his chamber hides,

While from his hand the sceptre slides.

In Latium's old Hesperian day

An ancient rule of yore had sway;