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292 Trust me, they shall not think to say

They deal with Danaans weak as they,

Whom Hector's prowess kept at bay

E'en to the tenth long year.

And now, since day's best hours are spent,

Let deeds well done your hearts content,

Recruit your weary frames, and know

The morn shall see us strike the blow.'

Meanwhile Messapus has to set

About the gates a living net,

And kindle fires around:

Twice seven Rutulian chiefs he calls

Armed watch to keep beside the walls:

A hundred youths each chief obey:

Their helmets shoot a golden ray,

With crests of purple crowned.

They shift their posts, relieve the guard:

Then stretch them on the grassy sward,

To Bacchus open all their soul,

And tilt full oft the brazen bowl.

Throughout the night the watch-fires flame,

And all is revel, noise, and game.

Forth look the Trojans from their mound:

They see the leaguer stretching round,

And keep the rampart manned,

In anxious fear the gates inspect,

With bridges wall and tower connect,

And muster, spear in hand.

Bold Mnestheus and Serestus brave,

To whose tried hands Æneas gave,

Should aught arise of sterner need,

To rule the state, the battle lead,

Press on, now here, now there:

Along the walls the gathered host

Keeps tireless watch from post to post,

Each taking danger's share.