348
VIRGIL's
Æn. II.
Then bade him name the Wretch, ordain'd by Fate,
The Publick Victim, to redeem the State. 170
Already some presag'd the dire Event,
And saw what Sacrifice Ulysses meant.
For twice five days the good old Seer withstood
Th' intended Treason, and was dumb to Blood.
Till tir'd with endless Clamours, and pursuit 175
Of Ithacas, he stood no longer Mute:
But, as it was agreed, pronounc'd, that I
Was destin'd by the wrathful Gods to die.
All prais'd the Sentence, pleas'd the storm should fall
On one alone, whose Fury threaten'd all. 180
The dismal day was come, the Priests prepare
Their leaven'd Cakes; and Fillets for my Hair.
I follow'd Nature's Laws, and must avow
I broke my Bonds, and fled the fatal blow.
Hid in a weedy Lake all Night I lay, 185
Secure of Safety when they sail'd away.
But now what further Hopes for me remain,
To see my Friends or Native Soil again?
My tender Infants, or my careful Sire;
Whom they returning will to Death require? 190
Will perpetrate on them their first Design,
And take the forfeit of their Heads for mine?
Which, O if Pity Mortal Minds can move!
If there be Faith below, or Gods above!
If Innocence and Truth can claim desert, 195
Ye Trojans from an injur'd Wretch avert.
The Publick Victim, to redeem the State. 170
Already some presag'd the dire Event,
And saw what Sacrifice Ulysses meant.
For twice five days the good old Seer withstood
Th' intended Treason, and was dumb to Blood.
Till tir'd with endless Clamours, and pursuit 175
Of Ithacas, he stood no longer Mute:
But, as it was agreed, pronounc'd, that I
Was destin'd by the wrathful Gods to die.
All prais'd the Sentence, pleas'd the storm should fall
On one alone, whose Fury threaten'd all. 180
The dismal day was come, the Priests prepare
Their leaven'd Cakes; and Fillets for my Hair.
I follow'd Nature's Laws, and must avow
I broke my Bonds, and fled the fatal blow.
Hid in a weedy Lake all Night I lay, 185
Secure of Safety when they sail'd away.
But now what further Hopes for me remain,
To see my Friends or Native Soil again?
My tender Infants, or my careful Sire;
Whom they returning will to Death require? 190
Will perpetrate on them their first Design,
And take the forfeit of their Heads for mine?
Which, O if Pity Mortal Minds can move!
If there be Faith below, or Gods above!
If Innocence and Truth can claim desert, 195
Ye Trojans from an injur'd Wretch avert.
