Page:The Aeneid of Virgil JOHN CONINGTON 1917 V2.pdf/209

 them anew in the furnace. Here, in wild haste, is one snatching his helm from the chamber-wall; there is another bringing his snorting steeds to the yoke, clothing himself with shield and corslet of three-plied gold, and girding to his side his trusty sword. 5

Now, Muses, ope your Helicon, The gates of song unfold, What chiefs, what tribes to war came on In those dim days of old, What sons were then Italia's pride,     10 And what the arms that blazed so wide: For ye are goddesses: full well Your mind takes note, your tongue can tell: The far-off whisper of the years Scarce reaches our bewildered ears. 15 Mezentius first from Tyrrhene coast, Who mocks at heaven, arrays his host, And braves the battle's storm: His son, young Lausus, at his side, Excelled by none in beauty's pride,     20 Save Turnus' comely form: Lausus, the tamer of the steed, The conqueror of the silvan breed, Leads from Agylla's towers in vain A thousand youths, a valiant train:     25 Ah happy, had the son been blest In harkening to his sire's behest, Or had the sire from whom he came Had other nature, other name!

Next drives along the grassy meads     30 His palm-crowned car and conquering steeds Fair Aventinus, princely heir Of Hercules the brave and fair, And for his proud escutcheon takes His father's Hydra and her snakes. 35 'Twas he that priestess Rhea bare, A stealthy birth, to upper air, 'Mid shades of woody Aventine ]