Stories from Virgil Part 4

But lo! the sky grew dark overhead, and there were signs as of a great storm. And Palinurus, the pilot, cried from the stern, where he stood with the rudder in his hand, "What mean these clouds? What doest thou, Father Neptune?" And he bade the men clear the decks and put out the oars to row, and shift the sails to the wind. Then he spake to aeneas, saying, "Italy we may not hope to reach with this weather. No, not though Jupiter himself promise it to us. But, if I remember me aright, the havens of Sicily are at hand, wherefore let us turn our course thither."

And aeneas answered, "It is well: for I see that the winds are contrary to us. And, of a truth, there is no land whither I would more gladly go, seeing that my father Anchises is buried there."

Then they shifted their course, and let their ships run before the wind, and so came with much speed to the land of Sicily. Now Acestes, who was king of the land, was the son of a woman of Troy, and, seeing them from a hilltop, he came to meet them, having the skin of a lion on his shoulders and a javelin in his hand, and refreshed them with food and drink.

The next day at dawn aeneas called the men of Troy together, and spake, saying, "It is a full year since we buried my father in this land, and this, if I err not, is the very day: which I will that we keep holy with festival; for such, indeed, would I do were I wandering in the wilderness of Africa or shut up in Mycenae itself. Now, therefore, seeing that we are in a land that is friendly to us, let us keep it with solemnity. And let us vow also that we will keep it year by year in the land of Italy, if so be that, having prosperous winds, we shall come thereunto. Likewise, King Acestes gives to us oxen, for every ship two: wherefore make merry and rejoice. And if the ninth day from this be fair, I will that there be games of running in a race, and of throwing the javelin, and of shooting with the bow, and of boxing, and the like. And now make ready for the sacrifice."

Then he put upon his head a wreath of his mother's myrtle. And old Acestes did the like, and the boy Ascanius, and the others. Then he came near to the tomb of his father, and poured out two cups of wine and two of new milk, and scattered flowers, and said, "Hail to thee, my father, whom the G.o.ds suffered not to enter with me into the land of Italy."

And even as he spake there came forth a great snake from the depth of the tomb. Seven coils he had, and on his body were spots of blue and gold, and as many colours as are the colours of the rainbow in the clouds. And when aeneas stood astonied, lo! the snake pa.s.sed between the altars and tasted of the sacrifice and of that which had been poured out. And aeneas, doubting what this might be, made fresh offerings, two sheep, and two swine, and two black oxen, calling on the spirit of Anchises. And the men of Troy also brought gifts, and slew oxen for sacrifice, and feasted on the flesh, roasting it with fire.

And now the ninth day was come, and the sky was fair. Great was the concourse of people, for the name of King Acestes was famous in the land. Also many came to see the men of Troy, and some to strive in the games. First were the prizes put in the midst, three-footed tables for sacrifices, and crowns, and palms, and weapons, and purple garments, and talents of gold and silver; and then the trumpet sounded and called the people together.

And first of all was the race of ships. Four were they that strove together, Mnestheus with the Sea-Horse, and Gyas with the Chimaera, and Sergestus with the Centaur, and Cloanthus with the Scylla. Now far out in the sea was a rock, which is covered by the waves when the sea is rough, but stands above them if it be calm, and upon it the cormorants love to bask. Here did aeneas set a great branch of holm-oak as a goal, that the ships should round it and so return. First they cast lots for places, and the captains stood upon the sterns, in purple and gold, and the rowers had garlands of honour about their heads and were anointed with oil. Thus they sat upon the benches, holding the oars for a stroke, and their hearts beat high with hope.

And when the trumpet sounded each ship leapt from its place, and the sea foamed with the strokes of many oars. And all the people shouted aloud, having favour for this or for that of the captains. And first of all came Gyas with the Chimaera, and next to him Cloanthus with the Scylla, for his men were indeed the stronger, but the ship more heavy.

And after the Scylla came the Sea-Horse and the Centaur at equal speed, now this one being foremost and now that. But when they were now come near the rock, Gyas, being in the first place, cried to his helmsman Mentes, "Why goest thou overmuch to the right? Keep thou close to the rock. Let others choose the sea if they will." But Mentes, fearing the hidden rocks, turned ever the prow to the sea.

Then a second time cried Gyas, "Make for the rock, Mentes." And as he spake, the Scylla now came near, taking the inner course between the rock and his ship, and pa.s.sed him by. Then was he greatly wroth and wept for rage; and laying hold of Mentes he cast him into the sea, and himself put his hand to the helm and turned it to the rock.

But Mentes, being an old man and weighed down with his garments, hardly climbed upon the rock, and sat thereon. Loud laughed the men to see him fall, and swim, and vomit the salt water from his mouth. But when Mnestheus with the Sea-Horse, and Sergestus with the Centaur, saw what had befallen, they hoped to pa.s.s the Chimaera in the race. Eagerly strove the two together, and Mnestheus, seeing that the Centaur was yet before him in the race, ran among his men as they rowed, crying, "O my friends whom I chose to be my comrades, quit ye like men, even as ye did in the seas of Africa and the Ionian waves. The first place I seek not, but last I would not return." And the men strove with all their might, bending forward to the stroke. And even then chance gave them that which they desired. For the Centaur, being steered too close, struck on a jutting piece of the rock, and the oars were broken, and the prow stuck fast. And while the men, with poles and the like, were thrusting her forth, Mnestheus with the Sea-Horse had gained the open sea. And first he overtakes Gyas in the Chimaera, and vanquishes it, seeing that it had lost its helmsman. And now only Cloanthus with the Scylla remains, and upon him also he presses hard.

Then did all the people cry aloud, bidding Mnestheus make good speed that he might take the first place. And the one were loath to lose that which they had gained, and the others having done much would do yet more, and would give their lives so that they might prevail. And now, perchance, had the two been equal for the first prize, but Cloanthus stretched forth his hands to the sea and prayed to the G.o.ds that have power therein. "G.o.ds of the sea, wherein I hold my course, help me now, so will I slay a milk-white bull at your altars, and cast the entrails into the waves, and pour clear wine therewith." And all the band of the Nereds heard him, and the virgin Panopea; and Portumnus himself with mighty hand drave the vessel forward swifter than the south wind or an arrow from the bow, so that it first touched the sh.o.r.e. Then a herald cried aloud that Cloanthus with the Scylla had won the mastery in the race, and bound a garland of bay about his head. Then to the rowers aeneas gave three oxen, and jars of wine, and a talent of silver; and to the captains gifts for themselves; to the first a scarf broidered with gold with a double border of purple, and on it was wrought the royal boy Ganymede, as he hunted on Mount Ida.

Eager was he, and as one that panted in the chase; but on the other side the eagle bare him away, and the old men that had charge of him stretched out their hands and the dogs barked fiercely to the sky. And to the second aeneas gave a hauberk of chain-mail with rings of gold, which he had himself taken from Demoleon by the river of Simos.

Scarce could his two servants carry it, so heavy was it; yet Demoleon had worn it, and chased the men of Troy, running at full speed. And the third prize was two cauldrons of bronze and cups of silver embossed. But when all had departed rejoicing with their gifts, lo!

Sergestus came creeping home with his ship, which he had scarce won from the rocks, disabled, with one tier of rowers, even as a serpent which a wheel has maimed upon the road, which with his fore part lifts himself up and threatens, but his hind part trails upon the ground. So came Sergestus back to the haven, and to him aeneas gave also his reward, seeing that he had brought back ship and crew, even a woman of Crete, Pholoe by name, very skilful in the work of the loom.

After this aeneas chose him out a level s.p.a.ce, with woods about it, and having sat down in the midst upon a throne, caused it to be proclaimed that all should come who would contend together in running. And many came, both men of Troy and Sicilians. First of all Euryalus, a comely youth, and Nisus with him (now between these two was great love); next, Diores, of the house of Priam, then Salius and Patron, Greeks both of them; and two young hunters, Helymus and Panopes, who were of Sicily and of the court of Acestes, and many others also. Then said aeneas, "To each will I give two javelins of Crete and an axe ornamented with silver, so that none may depart without a gift. And the first three shall have crowns of olive. Also to the first will I give a horse with his furniture, and to the second a quiver after the fashion of the Amazons, with arrows of Thrace, and to fasten it a belt embossed with gold, and a jewel for a clasp thereon. And let the third take this helmet of Greece, and be content."

Then, when they had ranged them in a line, and the sign was given, they ran. And for a while all were near together. Then Nisus outran the rest; and next to him was Salius, but with a great s.p.a.ce between, and the third Euryalus; and after him Helymus, and Diores pressing close upon him, even leaning over his shoulder and ready to outrun him had the course been longer. And now were they at the very end, when Nisus slipped in the blood of an ox which chanced to have been slain in the place, and kept not his feet, but fell, fouling himself with blood and mire. Yet did he not forget Euryalus whom he loved, but lifted himself from the ground and tripped Salius, so that he also rolled upon the earth. So came Euryalus first to the post, and Helymus next, and Diores the third. But Salius made loud complaint to all the a.s.sembly, great and small, that he had been vanquished by fraud; yet the people favoured Euryalus, for he was fair to look upon, and fairness ever commendeth virtue. Also Diores was urgent, who else had not won the third prize. Then said Father aeneas, "I change not the order; as each reached the goal so shall each take his prize. Yet may I pity him who suffered wrongfully." And he gave to Salius the great skin of an African lion, with s.h.a.ggy hair and claws covered with gold.

Then said Nisus, "Yet, if thou givest such prizes to the vanquished and hast such pity on them that fall, what hast thou for me? For surely I had won the first reward but for the ill fortune which Salius also accuseth." And he showed his face and body foul with mire. And the kindly prince laughed, and gave him a shield, the work of Didymaon.

CHAPTER XI.

THE FUNERAL GAMES (CONTINUED).

Then did aeneas offer rewards for boxers: for the conqueror an ox with gilded horns; for the vanquished a sword and helmet. Straightway rose up the huge Dares, who only had dared to stand in the lists against Prince Paris, and also at the funeral games of Hector had vanquished Butes, hurting him so sore that he died. (This Butes was of the race of Amycus, the great boxer whom Pollux slew, and no man had stood before him.) But when they saw the broad shoulders of the man and his might there was not found one to contend with him. Therefore Dares came near to aeneas, and, laying his left hand on the horns of the ox, spake, saying, "If there be no man to stand against me, why do I tarry? Bid them bring the prize." Thereupon Acestes rebuked Entellus, who sat near him upon the gra.s.s: "Sufferest thou such gifts to be taken without contest? What of Eryx, thy master? What of thy fame, which hath gone through all the land of Sicily, and the spoils that hang in thy house?"

Then said Entellus, "Think not, Acestes, that I am fearful, or careless of honour. But I am old: my strength is gone from me. Were I young, as that boaster yonder, I had not waited for gifts that I should go forth to the battle."

Then cast he into the midst two gauntlets which Eryx, the great boxer, had been wont to wear. And all men marvelled to see them, so huge were they, and heavy with bull's hide and lead and iron. And Dares stood astonied, nor would stand against such arms. And when aeneas regarded them and tried their weight, Entellus spake, saying, "What had the man of Troy said had he seen the gauntlets of Hercules himself, and the dreadful battle that befell on this very sh.o.r.e? These gauntlets Eryx, who was my mother's son, was wont to wear: thou seest them stained yet with blood and brains, and I also was wont to wear them in the days of my youth. But if Dares liketh them not, be it so; I put them away, and he shall do the like with his."

Then he threw his garment from his shoulders, showing his mighty arms and sinews. And aeneas gave the two equal gauntlets, and they stood with heads thrown back, and began the battle. Dares indeed was swifter to move, and vigorous, and young; and Entellus was huge of stature, but slow and scant of breath. Many blows they aimed at each other: many times one smote the other on his breast or his cheek, but struck not home. And ever Entellus abode in the same place, swaying himself hither and thither with watchful eyes. But Dares was as one who besieges a city or a fort on the hills, and tries now this approach, now that, and searches out all the place, and a.s.sails it in many ways.

But at the last Entellus lifted his right hand and dealt a mighty blow, which the other, foreseeing it as it fell, avoided; so that the old man wasted his strength in air, and fell with a great crash to the earth, even as falls a pine torn up by the roots on Mount Erymanthus or Mount Ida. Then the men of Troy and the men of Sicily rose up from their places to see the thing; Acestes also ran forward and lifted up the old man from the earth and would have comforted him. But he went back in great wrath to the battle, anger and shame stirring him up.

And Dares fled before him over the plain, and he followed him, smiting him now with the right hand, now with the left, and his blows were as the hail that rattles upon the roof. But aeneas bade him stay his anger, and spake kindly to Dares, bidding him cease from the battle.

"Seest thou not that this day the victory is another's, and that the G.o.ds are against thee? Fight not against the G.o.ds." Then he commanded that the battle should cease. And the companions of Dares led him to the ships, scarcely dragging his legs, and vomiting thick blood from his mouth, and teeth in the blood. Also they took the shield and helmet which were his reward, but the palm-branch and the ox they left to Entellus. Then said the conqueror, "See, son of the G.o.ddess, and ye men of Troy, what strength dwelt in this body while I was yet young, and from what a death ye have saved this Dares." Then stood he over against the ox and smote it with his gauntlet between the horns. And it fell dead upon the earth. And Entellus cried aloud, "O Eryx, I offer thee this life for the life of Dares, being indeed the better for the worse. And I lay aside these gauntlets and this art."

[Ill.u.s.tration: ENTELLUS KILLING THE BULL.]

Next aeneas called for those who would shoot with the bow, setting up a mast from the ship of Sergestus, and fastening thereto a dove by a cord, at which mast were all to shoot. Then came the men together and cast lots, drawing them from the helmet. And first came Hippoc.o.o.n, son of Hyrtacus; and next to him Mnestheus; and third Eurytion, brother of Pandarus, who broke the treaty between the men of Troy and the Greeks, shooting his arrow at Menelaus; but the lot of Acestes lingered in the helmet and leapt not forth. Then first Hippoc.o.o.n drew his bow and smote the mast, so that it shook, and the bird fluttered his wings in fear; and next Mnestheus shot his arrow, and the bird he touched not, but the string which bound it he cut; and Eurytion let fly, calling the while on his brother Pandarus, the mighty archer, to help him, and smote the dove as she flew rejoicing through the air, so that she fell to the earth and the arrow in her body. And only Acestes was left, not having whereat he should aim; yet shot he into the air, for he would show his skill and the might of his bow. Then lo! a marvel befell, whereof in after days men knew the fulfilment; for the arrow burned as it sped through the air, leaving a line of fire, till it was altogether consumed, even as a star that shoots across the sky by night. And men marvelled to see it, and prayed to the G.o.ds that it might be well. Then great aeneas refused not the omen, but embraced Acestes and gave him many gifts, saying, "Take these gifts, my father, for Jupiter willeth that thou shouldst have especial honour in this thing. I give thee, therefore, this bowl, embossed with figures of men. Old Anchises had it, and to him Cisseus, who was the father of Queen Hecuba, gave it." Also he put a crown of bay upon his head. Nor did the good Eurytion murmur, though he had slain the bird; the others also had their gifts and were content.

Not even now was the a.s.sembly dismissed, there remaining yet another sight to behold. For Ascanius and the youths that were his companions came riding on horses, and each had a wreath about his head. Each also had two javelins of cornel wood, and some had quivers on their shoulders, and each a collar of gold that lay on the top of his breast. Three companies there were, and to each a leader and twelve that followed. And one of the leaders was Priamus, son of Polites, called by the name of his grandfather, on a horse that was black, with pasterns of white and forehead of white; and another Atys, whom Ascanius loved; and third, fairest of all to behold, Ascanius, on a horse of Sidon, which Queen Dido had given him; but to the rest Acestes had given horses of Sicily.

And when these came forth there was much shouting and clapping of hands, and the men of Troy rejoiced to see the lads, so like were they to the famous men their fathers. Then, a signal being given, the companies were divided into bands, and these made as if they fought a battle. For sometimes they would fly, and sometimes would pursue, and sometimes would ride altogether this way or that. Many were their ways and movements, even as are the paths of the Labyrinth in Crete. Swift also were they and nimble, even as dolphins which sport among the waves in the Carpathian Sea or African. This custom did Ascanius teach to his people when he built the city of Alba, and the men of Alba taught it to their children after them, and mighty Rome learnt it also, and kept it in the time to come.

CHAPTER XII.

THE BURNING OF THE SHIPS--THE VOYAGE TO ITALY.

But while the men of Troy were busy with the games, Juno prepared mischief against them in her heart, and sent down Iris, her messenger, to accomplish it. Now the women sat apart on the sh.o.r.e, and lifted up their voices and bewailed the old man Anchises. But when they looked upon the sea they lamented for themselves that they had so much travel to accomplish, for they were weary of the sea, and would fain have a city to dwell in. Which when Iris perceived, laying aside the semblance of a G.o.ddess, she took upon herself the form of Beroe, the wife of Doryclus, and went among the women of Troy and spake, saying, "O unhappy, that ye were not dragged to death by the hands of the Greeks! For now the seventh summer is come, and yet we journey over many lands and seas, and seek this Italy which ever flies before us.

Here we have friends and kindred. What forbids that we build here a city? Shall I never see the walls of another Troy, nor find Xanthus and Simos, rivers of Troy, in a strange land? Why burn we not these accursed ships that carry us. .h.i.ther and thither. I saw in a dream the seeress Ca.s.sandra, and she seemed to put a torch in my hand, and to say, 'Here seek ye for Troy: here is your home.' And lo! here are altars and fire."

Then she caught a brand from an altar, and cast it far from her at the ships. Then cried out Pyrgo, who had been nurse to the sons of Priam, "O mothers of Troy, this is not Beroe whom ye see. Mark ye her shining eyes, and her voice, and her gait. But as for Beroe I left her long since, sick and sore vexed that she was absent this day from our solemnity."

And for a while the women stood in doubt regarding the ships, loving indeed the land whereon they stood, yet knowing that the Fates called them to another. But when the G.o.ddess rose on her wings, and pa.s.sed up by the path of the rainbow into the heavens, then a great fury fell upon them, so that they caught brands from the altars and set fire to the ships. And straightway the flames ran over the benches and the oars and the stems of painted pine. Then ran Eumelus to the men of Troy where they sat at the games, and told them how that the ships were burning; also they themselves saw the black cloud of smoke rolling before the wind. And Ascanius, in the midst of his horsemanship, heard the matter and sped to the camp. And being come he cried aloud, "What madness is this? Ye burn not the camp of the Greeks, ye burn our own hopes. Lo! I am your Ascanius." And he threw his helmet on the ground, that they should know him. Also aeneas and the men of Troy made haste to come up. Then were the women ashamed of that which they had done, and would have hidden themselves, their fury being past. But not the more did the flame cease to devour the ships; and they who would have quenched the fire availed nothing. Then the pious aeneas rent his garments and prayed to the G.o.ds, saying, "O Jupiter, if thou dost not altogether hate us, save our ships from the fire, and suffer us not to perish utterly; but if thou art angry, and so it seem good to thee, slay me with thy thunderbolt."

And even as he spake there came up a great storm from the south, with thunder and lightning and a great rain, and the fire was quenched, but of the ships four were burnt altogether.

Now aeneas was sore troubled at these things, and doubted much whether he should still abide in the land of Sicily nor heed the Fates, or should yet follow after Italy. Then the old man, Nautes, the priest of Pallas, in whom more than in all men besides dwelt the wisdom of the G.o.ddess, spake to him, saying, "Son of the G.o.ddess, it must needs be that we go whither the G.o.ds call us. Yet mayest thou devise something for this present necessity, taking counsel with King Acestes, seeing that he also is a son of Troy. For now, four ships being burned, the people are over many for such as are left to us; some also faint at this thing that we purpose; also there are old men and women, wearied of the sea, and the weak and the fearful. Suffer, then, that he take these to himself to be his people, and build a city for them, and call it Acesta, after his own name."

And while aeneas thought on these things he slept. And lo! in his dream there came to him his father, Anchises, and spake, saying, "I come, my son, at the bidding of Jupiter. Take thou heed to the counsel which Nautes giveth thee, for it is good. Let the chosen youth of thy people go with thee, for thou hast a mighty people and a fierce in Latium with whom to do battle. But first must thou seek the dwellings of the dead and hold converse with me. For indeed I dwell not in Tartarus, with the evildoers, but in Elysium, with the companies of the blessed. And thither shall the Sibyl guide thee, and thou shalt learn all that shall befall thee and thy people after this. And now farewell, for the morning cometh, and I must depart."

And the spirit of Anchises vanished out of his sight, even as smoke into the air, nor heeded him when he would have stayed it; and aeneas arose and did sacrifice to the household G.o.ds and to Vesta. Then he took counsel with his companions and with Acestes. And Acestes hearkened to his words. And they separated such as would tarry in the place, both men and women; but the others, few in number indeed, but strong and of a good courage, made ready the ships to depart. And in the mean time aeneas marked the boundaries of the city with a ploughshare, and Acestes set it in order with laws and government.

Also on the mountain of Eryx they built a temple to Venus, and they consecrated a grove and a priest at the tomb of Anchises.

Then for nine days they feasted; and after, for it was fine weather, and the south wind blew softly, they made ready to sail. There was then a great weeping and embracing on the sh.o.r.e; and now were all fain to go, willing not to be parted from kindred and friends. But aeneas comforted them, and, having sacrificed three calves to Eryx and a lamb to the Storms, so departed.

And Venus spake to Neptune, saying, "It troubleth me sore that Juno will not lay aside her wrath. For the city of Troy she overthrew, and, it being overthrown, she pursueth them that are left with hatred that cannot be appeased; and now I fear me much what she may do, for she stirred up aeolus that he loosed all the winds against them; and even now she put into the hearts of the women this great madness that they should burn the ships. Wherefore I pray thee that thou shouldest give them now a safe voyage to Italy." And the King of the sea made answer, "Thou doest well to put thy trust in my realms and me. For both have I stilled the madness of the sea and also on the land have I taken thought for thy aeneas. Mindest thou not the day when Achilles pursued the men of Troy to their city, and filled the rivers with dead bodies, so that Xanthus could not make his way to the sea, and how aeneas would have met him in battle, being weaker, and I s.n.a.t.c.hed him away in a cloud, yea though I desired from my heart to overthrow the city of Troy, even the works of my own hands? Fear not, therefore: he shall come safe to the haven of Avernus. One only of his company must perish, even one life for many."

Then did he pa.s.s over the sea in his chariot, and there was a great calm as he went, and the clouds flew from the sky, and the great beasts of the sea went with him; also the G.o.ds and G.o.ddesses of the sea, as Glaucus and Palaemon, and the company of the Tritons and Thetis and the virgin Panopea.

And the men of Troy loosed the sheets, and spread all the sails to the wind; and the foremost of the fleet was the ship of aeneas, Palinurus being the helmsman. And in the night Sleep came down from the sky, and taking the shape of Phorbas, spake to Palinurus, saying, "All things are quiet; rest awhile: it is the hour of rest. I will take thy office for thee." But Palinurus, scarce lifting his eyes, made answer: "Dost thou bid me trust calm seas and gentle winds? Not so. Too often have I been deceived." Nor did he loose his hold upon the rudder, or take his eyes from the stars. Then did Sleep wave over him a bough that had been dipped in the water of Lethe; and when he slept, as he must needs do, thrust him into the sea and a portion of the rudder with him; and he fell, calling vainly for help.

And when the ships were close to the rocks of the Sirens, which in old time were white with bones of men, but now with spray and broken waves, aeneas perceived that the ship strayed from its course. For indeed, seeing that the helmsman had perished, the winds and the waves had their will of it. Then did he lay hold on the rudder himself, but it grieved him much that such mischance had befallen his friend.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE SIBYL.

So aeneas came to the land of Italy, nigh unto c.u.mae, which was the dwelling-place of the Sibyl. And the men turned the forepart of the ships to the sea, and made them fast with anchors. Then they leapt forth upon the sh.o.r.e, and kindled a fire; and some cut wood in the forest, or fetched water from the stream. But aeneas went up to the great cave of the Sibyl, where, by the inspiration of Apollo, she foretelleth things to come.