Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 2.djvu/43



Where he plainly acknowledges, that he cou'd not save his own Son, or prevent the death which he foresaw. Of his power to deferr the blow, I once occasionally discours'd with that Excellent Person Sir Robert Howard; who is better conversant than any Man that I know, in the Doctrine of the Stoicks, and he set me right, from this concurrent Testimony of Philosophers and Poets, that Jupiter cou'd not retard the effects of Fate, even for a moment. For when I cited Virgil, as favouring the contrary Opinion in that Verse,

he reply'd, and I think with exact Judgment, that when Jupiter gave Juno leave to withdraw Turnus from the present danger, it was because he certainly foreknew that his Fatal-hour was not come: that it was in Destiny, for Juno at that time to save him; and that himself obey'd Destiny, in giving her that leave.

I need say no more in justification of our Heroe's Courage, and am much deceiv'd, if he ever be attack'd on this side of his Character again. But he is Arraign'd with more shew of Reason by the Ladies; who will make a numerous Party against him, for being false to Love, in forsaking Dido. And I cannot much blame them; for to say the truth, tis an ill precedent for their Gallants to follow. Yet if I can bring him off, with flying Colours, they may learn experience at her cost; and for her sake, avoid a Cave, as the worst shelter they can chuse from a shower of Rain, especially when they have a Lover in their Company.

Rh