Page:Aeneid (Conington 1866).djvu/57

Rh But he, too studious to fulfil

His Acidalian mother's will,

Begins to cancel trace by trace

The imprint of Sychæus' face,

And bids a living passion steal

On senses long unused to feel.

Soon as the feast begins to lull,

And boards are cleared away,

They place the bowls, all brimming full,

And wreathe with garlands gay.

Up to the rafters mounts the din,

And voices swell and heave within:

From the gilt roof hang cressets bright,

And flambeau-fires put out the night.

The queen gives charge: a cup is brought

With massy gold and jewels wrought,

Whence ancient Belus quaffed his wine,

And all the kings of Belus' line.

Then silence reigns: 'Great Jove, who know'st

The mutual rights of guest and host,

O make this day a day of joy

Alike to Tyre and wandering Troy,

And may our children's children feel

The blessing of the bond we seal!

Be Bacchus, giver of glad cheer,

And bounteous Juno, present here!

And Tyrians, you with frank good will

Our courteous purposes fulfil.'

She spoke, and on the festal board

The meed of due libation poured,

Touched with her lip the goblet's edge,

Then challenged Bitias to the pledge.

He grasped the cup with eager hold,

And drenched him with the foaming gold.