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two kings. idem reges,' the same kings, Romulus and Tatius: 'cæsa porcâ; killing a pig was part of the ceremony in making a treaty.

642-4. The punishment of Metus Suffetius was represented next. He was dictator of Alba, and having deserted from the Romans, king Tullus Hostilius caused him to be drawn asunder by four horses. 'at - maneres,' you should have kept your faith, O inhabitant of Alba: mendacis,' treacherous.

646-51. Porsena, king of the Etrusci, besieging Rome, in order to restore the banished Tarquins, is the fifth subject. 'Æneade,' the Romans. in ferrum_ruebant'; that is, fought desperately: Illum,' Porsena. Horatius Cocles, single-handed, defended a bridge against the Etrusci, till the Romans had broken it down behind him. 'vellere,' to tear up. Clolia, one of the hostages given to Porsena, recovered her liberty by swimming over the Tiber.

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652-62. The Gauls attacking the Capitol by night, were sculptured next. They had nearly gained the top, when the cackling of some geese awakened the Romans, who, led on by Manlius, repelled the assailants. Tarpeia arcis'; see note to line 347: tenebat,' for 'defendebat': Romuleo - culmo,' the palace of Romulus, yet new, was rough with its straw thatch; the authenticity of this line is doubtful. 'argenteus,' silvery white: tenebant,' were on the point of gaining : 'Aurea cæsaries'; yellow hair was common to the ancient Gauls: Virgatis sagulis,' short cloaks striped with various hues.

663-6. Various religious ceremonies practised at Rome, formed the next subject. Salios, the jumping priests of Mars; see note to line 285. Lupercos; the priests of Pan, who, on the festival of the Lupercalia, ran naked about the streets. Lanigeros apices,' the woollen tufted caps, worn by the priests. lapsa - cœlo '; certain small shields, believed to have fallen from heaven, were preserved in the Capitol. 'Pilentis mollibus,' easy spring chariots, in which the Roman matrons rode on solemn occasions.

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667-9. The punishment of the traitor Catiline, in the infernal regions, was the eighth subject.'minaci-scopulo,' hanging on a rock always threatening to fall, and filled with affright at the awful countenances of the Furies.

670. The just Cato, acting as judge in Elysium, was the last subject in the outer zone of the shield. 'Secretos,' set apart from the wicked. 671-5. Hæc inter'; the centre of the shield bore a splendid representation of the sea fight at Actium, and the threefold triumph of Augustus. The magnificence of the diction equals the grandeur of the theme. cærula,' the blue sea : argento,' silver was the material of which the dolphins on the shield were made. The sea was of gold, the ships of brass. In medio,' in the midst of the shield.

676-7. Cernere erat,' might be seen: instructo Marte,' with the array of battle: Leucaten'; this promontory is on the island of Leucadia, to the south of the Ambracian gulf, in which the battle was fought. 680-1. A poetical description of a shining helmet with a double crest. Læta,' glittering: patrium sidus'; a star on the top of the helmet, significant of the Julium sidus'; see note to Ecl. IX. 46. Whose glittering brow supports a double flaming crest, and the family star shines on the summit of the helmet.

682. Agrippa was the chief commander, under Augustus, in this fight. 684-90. Agrippa had just before received a naval crown, ornamented at the top with images of the beaks of ships, in honor of his success in sea fights. Antony's force was composed of troops and ships from the East, and appeared with great pomp and wealth. Aurora,' the goddess of the morning, for- the East littore rubro,' the shore of the Red Sea. Bactra, the chief city of Bactria, a country in the heart of Asia. sequitur conjux,' and - O shame! - his Egyptian spouse (Cleopatra) follows him. 'rucre,' videntur' understood; seem to rush on together. 690. Repeated from Book V. 143.

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692-3. 'Cycladas'; see note to Book III. 127. Tantâ mole,' of so great size.

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694-6. telis,' by machines for throwing missiles: 'arva Neptunia,' poetically for the sea: 'novâ,' that is, inauditâ: Regina,' Cleopatra: sistro'; a metallic clapper, used by the Egyptians for signals. 697-8. She had no foreboding of her approaching death, which took place from the bite of an asp. Virgil here speaks of two serpents, though the common story is, that she used but one. 'latrator', among

the various monstrous gods of Egypt, was the dog-headed Anubis.

701-4. ex æthere, in the air, flying overhead. The goddess of Discord was represented with a torn cloak. Bellona'; see note to Book VII. 319. The sublimity of the picture is completed by supposing Apollo to appear, and let fly his arrows against the foes of Augustus. 707. ventis vocatis, inviting the winds by spreading sail. Cleopatra was the means of Antony's defeat, by flying in the midst of the battle. 709-10. pallentem,' as if from a presentiment of coming death. 'ignipotens,' Vulcan: Iapyge,' a northwest wind: Fecerat ferri,' had represented her in sculpture as borne along by.

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711-3. Contrà,' on the other side. A grand image; the Nile itself mournfully receives the vanquished queen and her host. River gods were represented as reclining, with a garment over the lower limbs; by opening this, totâ veste,' it sheltered the fugitives.

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714-5. triplici triumpho'; after the victory over Antony, Augustus held a threefold triumph at Rome, on three successive days, to commemorate the conquest of Dalmatia, the fight at Actium, and the victories in Egypt. votuin sacrabat'; he built and consecrated many temples in pursuance of his vows.

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718-22. There were choruses of matrons, and festive altars in all the temples. 'Ipse '; Cæsar: limine Phœbi,' the temple of Apollo on the Palatine populorum,' of the allied and conquered nations: 'aptat Postibus; the garlands offered to the victor, he hangs up on the doorposts of the temple, as votive offerings.

724-6. Hic Mulciber Finxerat,' here Mulciber (an epithet of Vulcan) had sculptured, &c. discinctos'; the Africans wore flowing garments with a girdle. Lelegas Carasque'; two nations of Asia Minor. 'Gelonos'; see note to Geor. II. 115. 'mollior undis,' with a gentler current, as if acknowledging itself conquered.

727-8. Morini,' a people of Belgic Gaul, nearest to Britain: 'bicornis, because this river had two mouths. 'Dahæ,' a wandering tribe on the shores of the Caspian. Araxes,' a river flowing into the Caspian, with a current too deep and violent to be bridged over.

730. rerum- gaudet,' he is delighted with the representation of these subjects, though he does not understand them.

Though less striking and magnificent than several of the others, this book is still one of the most pleasing in the whole poem. The scene is frequently shifted, and the interest of the narration never flags. Virgil knew the effect of strong contrasts, and introduced them into his works with admirable judgment. The aspect of Rome at different periods, when Evander held sway over the seven hills, and when Augustus exhibited his gorgeous triumphs on the same spot, is brought vividly to mind, and the reader passes without effort from one picture to the other. The transition from the terrible workshop of Vulcan to the quiet and happy abode of the Arcadian colony is managed with equal skill. Indeed, the whole account of the shepherd king, and of the traditions connected with his residence, is finished with great beauty, and leaves a delightful impression on the memory. The noble description of the shield, containing some of the most magnificent touches of poetry that are to be found in Virgil's writings, brings the book to a full and musical close.

THE ENEID.

BOOK IX.

DURING the absence of Æneas, Turnus is advised by Juno to attack the Trojans, who were now without a leader. He brings up the troops, but the Trojans remain within the camp, protected by the fortifications, and, to cut off their retreat, Turnus resolves to burn their ships. But the fleet was built with timber from mount Ida, sacred to Cybele, who persuades Jupiter to save the ships from the fire, and convert them into sea-nymphs. The Rutuli place guards to oppose any sally from the camp during the night. The Trojans consult among themselves, what person they should send to Eneas to inform him of their danger. Nisus and Euryalus volunteer to carry the message. Leaving the camp in the darkness, they find the guards of the Rutuli asleep; they kill Rhamnes and many others, and adorn themselves with the spoils. Attempting to escape before daybreak, they fall in with the horsemen of Volsces, and are chased into the wood. Euryalus loses his way, is overtaken, and killed by Volsces, in spite of the prayers of Nisus. The latter revenges his friend's death by killing Volsces and many others, and is at last struck down himself. The heads of the two Trojans are affixed to spears, and exhibited before the camp. The Rutuli attack the fortifications with all their forces. Numanus is slain by Ascanius. Pandarus and Bitias boastfully open one gate, and slay many of the Rutuli, who attempt to enter it. Turnus himself at length rushes in, and kills many. Being pressed by numbers, he retreats to the side of the camp bordered by the river, jumps in, armed as he was, and swims safely to his friends on the other side.

1-5. diversâ penitùs parte,' in a far distant region: Irim'; see notes to Book IV. 694 and 700. parentis Pilumni,' of his ancestor Pilumnus, an old Latin deity: Thaumantias,' daughter of Thaumas, or Wonder, the father of Iris.

7. 'volvenda dies,' for quæ volvitur'; the lapse of time.

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9-11. 'Sceptra,' the kingdom, or royal abode: Nec satis,' nor is that enough, still farther; he has even, &c. Corythi'; see notes to Book III. 170, and VII. 209. Lydorum'; see note to Book VIII. 479.

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13. turbata-castra,' attack the disordered camp of the Trojans. 15. Repeated from Book V. 658.

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18-21. ' nubibus actam,' gliding down in the clouds: 'tam' belongs to repentè': Tempestas' here means appearance of the heavens. Iris, the rainbow, of course could not be seen without clouds; but the sky cleared off immediately on her departure. 'discedere,' to open: stellas'; through the opening in the sky, the stars appeared to him, though in the day time.

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23. lymphas'; by way of purification, before he offered a prayer. 26-8. pictar'; Gr. § 43. 1. Messapus,' Tyrrhida juvenes'; see Book VII. 691, and 484. coercent,' command, are the leaders of. 29. Repeated from Book VII. 784.

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30-2. Ceu-Ganges,' like the deep Ganges, swelling silently with its seven placid tributary streams. The army of the Rutuli on its march is compared to the river. Quum refluit'; alluding to the overflow of this river campis,' 'e' understood; see note to Geor. IV. 288. 'sealveo'; the return of the Nile to its channel, after the inundation.

35. ab adversâ mole'; from a tower or mound of the fortified camp,

overlooking the plain by which the army of Turnus was advancing. 'Carcus,' a leader of the Trojans, mentioned in Book I. 183.

39. Condunt se'; the Trojans all come within the fortifications, for Eneas had charged them, during his absence, not to venture out of the walls. monia complent,' they man the walls.

41.si fuisset,' whatever chance meanwhile should happen. 44-6.monstrat,' impels, urges them: conferre manum,' to join battle in the open field: cavis turribus,' within the spacious towers.

48-9. lectis equitum'; Gr. § 212. Rem. 2. (2) Thracius'; Thrace being famous for horses, any good steed was called Thracian. 53. 'et-infert,' and comes loftily into the field, near the camp.

55. Teucrum corda,' they wonder at the inactivity of the Trojans. 57. fovere,' keep close within: turbidus,' incensed.

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59-64. And like a wolf striving to force his way into a full sheep-fold. 'Nocte-mediâ,' past midnight, and his appetite therefore sharpened by delay asper-irâ,' savage and furious with ire: in absentes against the sheep separated from him by a wall. Ex longo' tempore understood; hunger protracted till it amounts to madness: siccæ sanguine,' as in Book VIII. 261.

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66-8. ossibus,' even in the bones, expressing the depth of passion. 'quæ via Excutiat,' what entrance may allow him to drive out: "æquor,' the plain surrounding the camp.

70-3. The river guarded one side of the camp, and here the Trojan fleet lay moored, protected on one side-Aggeribus,' by the fortifications, and on the other by the stream itself. incendia poscit; Gr. § 231. pinu,' for tædâ pineâ. Then truly they fall to work; the presence of Turnus incites them.

75-6. 'focos'; fires which they had hastily constructed, in order to furnish brands: commixtam favillam,' cinders: Vulcanus,' the fire. 79. Prisca perennis,' the authority for the fact the story is old, but the tradition is constant; the tale has been handed down through many ages without interruption, and therefore deserves credit.

80. See Book III. 5-6.

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82-4. Ipsa-Berecyntia,' the Berecyntian mother of the gods herself is said, &c.; see note to Book VI. 785. Da - Olympo,' grant, O son, to my request, what your fond mother asks of you, who have conquered Olympus; that is, who rulest in heaven.

86. in arce summâ,' on the summit of the hill: 'quò where they offered sacrifices to me.

- ferebant,'

88-92. Has,' arbores' understood: sollicitam,' 'me' understood. Free me from fear, and allow your parent, through her entreaties, to have

thus much power 'quassatæ,' naves understood: 'prosit-ortas,'

may it be well for them that they grew on our mountain.

94-6. 'quò- vocas,' whither do you urge the fates? istis,'' navibus' understood; for these ships. 'Mortali habeant,' ought ships made by mortal hands to have immortal power? 'certus,' free from anxiety: 'lustret,' pass through.

98-9. ubi defunctæ,' when the ships have gone through the perils of the sea. 'quæcumque,' navis' understood: olim,' at any future time. 102-6. qualis pontum,' just as Doto, daughter of Nereus, and Galatea cut through the foaming sea with their breasts; see note to Ecl. VII. Annuit idque ratum, and affirmed it to be a fixed decree: Stygii flumina'; see note to Book VI. 323. ripas foramnes': 'etOlympum,' imitated from a famous passage in Homer.

37.

107-8. tempora Debita,' the time appointed for the transformation of the ships into Nymphs: Matrem,' Cybele.

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111 2. ab Aurora'; that is, from the East: 'Idæi chori'; choirs of Cybele's priests, Corybantes, Curetes, &c., who celebrated her rites on mount Ida, and who now surrounded her in the clouds.

114-7. Ne trepidate defendere,' do not be anxious how to defend.

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'maria-pinus,' Turnus will be permitted to burn up the sea before (rather than) my sacred pines. 'ite solutæ,' go free. Genetrix,' ' deùm' understood: 'sua quæque,' each breaking its own bonds.

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119. modo,' in the manner of: demersis rostris,' plunging down their beaks.

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122. Reddunt se,' emerge: ponto feruntur,' and swim over the sea. 124-5. Turbatis equis'; even the horses were frightened by the prodigy. Rauca,' for 'raucè': 'revocat pedem,' rolled back his waters, shrunk back from the sea.

127-31. animos tollit,' raises the courage of the Rutuli. 'petunt,' concern, relate to, the Trojans; they do not menace us. 'non-Rutulos,' they do not tarry for the arms and flaming brands of the Rutuli; 'Rutulos' is here an adjective. rerum - altera,' one branch of their resources; that is, the sea.

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132-6. manibus,' power: 'tot-Itale,' so many thousands, Italian tribes, make war upon them; gentes' is in apposition with 'millia.' 'Si - jactant,' if the Trojans boast of any such. Sat-Troës,' enough has been given to the fates and to Venus, in that the Trojans have reached the fields of fertile Italy; the Destinies promised, that they should arrive in Italy, but have not promised them safety after their arrival.

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138-9. Conjuge'; Lavinia: Nec-Mycenis, nor does this grief (indignation at being robbed of a wife) affect only the sons of Atreus, nor are the Greeks alone permitted to take up arms to avenge such an affront. A chief city of the Greeks is put for the whole race.

140-5. Sed - Fœmineum,' but, it may be answered, it is enough to expiate this offence, that the Trojans have once suffered the destruction of their empire. Their former sin, we may answer, should have been enough almost to cause them thoroughly to detest the whole female sex. The rape of Helen brought so many calamities upon them, that they ought to avoid any other trespass upon marital rights. This passage shows more of the ingenuity and artifice of a rhetorician, than of the inspiration of a poet. Quibus - Troja, this assurance of being with in intrenchments, the obstructions caused to their assailants by their trenches, a slight protection from death, give them courage now. But have they not seen the far stronger walls of Troy destroyed? 'Neptuni fabricata; see note to Geor. I. 502. considere in ignes,' sinking under the flames.

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146. qui,' for quis'; which one of you is ready to attack with me? 148-9. Vulcan furnished Achilles with arms; the Greek fleet, that was sent against Troy, consisted of a thousand ships. Turnus says, that he has no need of such great preparations for assailing the Trojans. 151-3. See note to Book II. 166. equi'; see the history of the wooden horse in the first part of Book II. In the light of day, openly, we are resolved to gird their walls with fire. We will not attack in darkness, as did the Greeks.

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154-8. I will so act, that they shall not think—'rem sibi Esse,' they have to contend with the Greeks and the Pelasgic youth, whom Hector delayed even to the tenth year. The noble defence made by Hector protracted the siege of Troy for ten years. 'faxo'; Gr. § 162. 7 and 9, and § 183. Rem. I. 'melior-diei,' since the better part of the day has elapsed. Procurate corpora,' refresh your bodies, - take rest and food. 159-62. vigilum excubiis,' by sentinels mounting guard: 'portas,' the gates of the Trojan camp: flammis, watch fires. Bis sentem,' 'centeni'; it appears, then, that fourteen hundred men mounted guard. 164. variant vices,' they take turns with each other in keeping gurd 166. 'custodia,' for 'custodes':' ducit,' for 'peragunt.' 169-74. Alta,' the top of the intrenchments: portas Explorant they inspect the gates, to see that they are made fast: pontes - jun gunt'; they construct bridges from one tower to another, so that the defenders may easily pass to and fro: Tela gerunt,' they pass up

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