![]() ![]() Even so, when men are about to go perchance on some long voyage o’er the sea, and already the south winds are in the sails and the anchor rises from its torn bed, the loving band clings fast and enlaces their necks with eager arms, and their streaming eyes are dimmed, some with kisses, some with the sea’s vast haze at last they are left behind, yet stand upon a rock, and rejoice to follow the swift-flying canvas with their gaze, while they grieve that their native breezes are blowing ever stronger yet still they stand, and beckon to the ship from the well-known rock. They who of late took pleasure in the sword, yea in death itself, now groan and shake with sobbing, their warlike temper broken. No stint is there of tears: bedewed are the shields and helmet-crests of those who make their sad farewell, and the household, the object of their sighs, clings to every weapon they delight to find entrance for their kisses through the closed visors, and to draw down the grim helmet-peaks to their embrace. And now around their kinsmen sons and brides and fathers pour mingled, and from the summit of the gates would fain delay them. A mighty herd falls in due sacrifice to the Thunderer and to Mars the priest, cheered by no favouring entrails, pales and feigns hope before the host. Then to the camp she goes and, mingling with the heroes that glittered in gold and steel, shouts like a squadron she gives swords to hurrying warriors, claps their steeds and beckons gateward the brave anticipate her promptings and even the timid are inspired to short-lived valour. First from the Larissaean height Bellona displayed her ruddy torch, and with right arm drove the spear-shaft whirling hissing, it flew through the clear heaven, and stood fixed on the high rampart of Aonian Dirce. Thrice had Phoebus loosened stark winter with the Zephyrs, and was constraining the scanty day to move in its vernal path with a longer course, when counsellings yielded to the shock of fate, and pitiful war was given at last an ample field. Theseus & Burial of the Dead THEBAID BOOK 4, TRANSLATED BY J. ![]()
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