Aeneid

Virgil

Vergil. The Aeneid of Virgil. Williams, Theodore, C, translator. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1910.

  1. Meanwhile the kings ride forth: Latinus first,
  2. looming tall-statured from his four-horse car;
  3. twelve rays of gold encircle his bright brow,
  4. sign of the sun-god, his progenitor;
  5. next Turnus, driving snow-white steeds, is seen,—
  6. two bread-tipped javelins in his hand he bears;
  7. Aeneas, of Rome's blood the source and sire,
  8. with star-bright shield and panoply divine,
  9. far-shining comes; Ascanius by his side—
  10. of Roman greatness the next hope is he.
  11. To camp they rode, where, garbed in blameless white,
  12. with youngling swine and two-year sheep unshorn,
  13. the priest before the flaming altars drove
  14. his flock and offering: to the rising sun
  15. all eyes are lifted, as with careful hand
  16. the salted meal is scattered, while with knives
  17. they mark each victim's brow, outpouring wine
  18. from shallow bowls, the sacrifice to bless.