Page:The Aeneid of Virgil JOHN CONINGTON 1917 V2.pdf/105

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  • fusion, henceforth she never troubles herself for a moment

to catch them as they fly about the cavern, to restore them to their places, or to fit each strain to each. The inquirers retire with their doubts unsolved, and a hatred of the sibyl's seat. Arrived here, let no cost of time or 5 delay weigh with you so much—though your comrades should chide, and the voyage loudly call your sails to sea, and a sheet-full of fair wind be there at your choice—but that you visit the prophetess, and beg and pray her herself to chant the oracle, loosing speech and tongue 10 with a ready will. She shall tell you of the nations of Italy, and the wars of the future, and the way to shun or stand the shock of every peril, and shall vouchsafe to your prayer the boon of a prosperous voyage. Such are the counsels which it is given you to receive from my 15 lips. Go on your way, and by your own actions lift to heaven the greatness of Troy.'

"Soon as the seer had thus uttered these words of kindness, he next orders massy gifts of gold and carved ivory to be carried on shipboard, and stores in the keels, a 20 weight of silver and caldrons of Dodona, a cuirass of chain-mail, three-threaded in gold, and a splendid helmet with cone and flowing crest, the armour of Neoptolemus. My father, too, has presents of his own. Horses, too, he gives, and guides too; makes up the complement of oars, 25 and arms the crews. Meanwhile Anchises was giving the word to rig the fleet, not to wear out the patience of a fair wind. Him the interpreter of Phœbus addresses with much pomp of courtesy: 'Anchises, graced with the proud privilege of Venus' wedded love, the special care 30 of the gods, whom they twice interposed to save from the fall of Pergamus, lo! there lies Ausonia's land; for this make all sail. Yet what have I said? This coast you must needs sail past; far away yonder lies that part of Ausonia which Apollo reveals to you. Go on your way,' 35 cries he, 'blessed in a son so duteous! Why proceed further, and make the rising gales wait while I talk?' As freely, too, Andromache, saddened with the grief of