Spargitur: arva novâ Neptunia cæde rubescunt. : NOTES. board the enemy. Stuppea: an adj. from stuppa. Telis volatile ferrum. It is not easy to come at the meaning of these words. If we could take telis in the sense of machinis, the engines with which the weapons were thrown, there would be no difficulty. Heyne thinks this can hardly be done. He suggests the reading of teli in the gen. The volatile steel of the dart is thrown. The dat. is frequently used in the sense of the gen. If it be in the present case, the meaning will be: The volatile steel of (to) the darts is thrown; that is, the darts and missive weapons themselves. Ferrum: the point or barb of the dart, by synec. the whole dart. 695. Neptunia arva: a most beautiful expression for the sea. Nova cæde: with great-unusual slaughter. 696. Sistro. The sistrum was a kind of timbrel peculiar to the Egyptians, and used by them in the worship of Isis. The epithet patrio is therefore very proper. 697. Geminos angues. This is supposed to allude to the manner of her death. As she was to die by the bite of asps, it is supposed that Vulcan engraved them behind her, to show what was to be her destiny, though she was not then apprehensive of it. 698. Omnigenûm, &c. The Egyptians were notorious for consecrating as gods the several kinds of animals. Cicero says of them: omne ferè genus bestiarum Ægyptii consccrârunt. The deities, however, most honored, were Osiris, one of their kings, and Isis his wife. Also, Anubis. He was most probably their servant, and, for his fidelity, was consecrated. He was represented with a dog's head, in allusion to his fidelity; the dog being the most faithful of animals. Virgil calls him latrator. 702. Gaudens scissâ pallâ: discord rejoicing in her rent mantle. By the rent mantle, the poet very forcibly expresses the effect of discord in dividing the minds of men, and destroying the peace of society. 704. Actius. Apollo is here called Actius, from Actium, a promontory on the coast of Epirus, where he had a famous temple. The whole coast was sacred to him. The word Actium is derived from a Greek word which signifies the shore, or litus. 705. Indi: either the Bactrians, or the forces of Antony. The inhabitants of any Ethiopians. These composed a part of the warm climate were sometines called Indi, indiscriminately. Sabai: the inhabitants of Arabia Felix. These, also, were with Antony. Eo terrore: with the fear of that, &c. 708. Immittere laxos funes: to give loose ropes-to let go the ropes that contracted the sails. This is a metaphor taken from loosening the reins of a horse, to let him go at full speed. 710. Iapyge. This wind blew from Apulia, the most eastern part of Italy, and consequently toward Egypt. It is called Iapyx, from the ancient name of Apulia. Fecerat: had engraved-represented. 711. Nilum. This personification of the river Nile is extremely fine. The Nile is the largest river of Africa. Rising in the mountains of Abyssinia, and running a northerly course, fertilizing the country through which it passes, it falls into the Mediterranean sea by seven mouths. Its inundations are occasioned by the periodical rains, which fall within the tropics. Mærentem: in the sense of dolentem. 713. Latebrosa: winding-affording a safe and secure retreat. At Cæsar, triplici invectus Romana triumpho 716. Nempe tercentum Maxima ter centum totam delubra per urbem. maxima delubra Lætitiâ, ludisque viæ plausuque freiebant: 718. Erat chorus ma- Omnibus in templis matrum chorus; omnibus aræ : trum in omnibus temp- Ante aras terram cæsi stravêre juvenci. lis; erant aræ 720. Augustus ipse, Ipse, sedens niveo candentis limine Phœbi, sedens in niveo limine Dona recognoscit populorum, aptatque superbis candentis templi Postibus. Incedunt victæ longo ordine gentes, Quàm variæ linguis, habitu tam vestis et annis. finxerat genus 724. Hic Mulciber Hic Nomadum genus, et discinctos Mulciber Afros, Hic Lelegas, Carasque, sagittiferosque Gelonos Finxerat. Euphrates ibat jam mollior undis, neris 729. Eneas miratur Extremique hominum Morini, Rhenusque bicornis, talia dona parentis Ve- Indomitique Dahæ, et pontem indignatus Araxes. Talia, per clypeum Vulcani, dona parentis Miratur rerumque ignarus imagine gaudet, Attollens humero famamque et fata nepotum. 730. Gaudetque imagine rerum, quarum est adhuc ignarus : NOTES. 714. Triplici triumpho. Augustus obtained three victories: one over the Illyrians, another over Antony and Cleopatra, and a third over Egypt, which was reduced to a Roman province. This was effected by the capture of Alexandria in the year of Rome 724, and in the month Sextilis; which afterward was called Augustus. Soon after this, the year was begun on the first day of January. 716. Ter centum, &c. A definite number is here used for an indefinite number. We are informed that Augustus built several sumptuous temples at Rome, ainong which was one to Julius Cæsar, his adopted father. This was built on mount Palatine, of white Parian marble. Hence the epithet candentis, verse 720, infra. Via: the streets of the city. Fremebant: in the sense of resonabant. 723. Linguis: language. Habitu: manner, or form of their apparel. 724. Nomadum. The Nomada vel Numada were a people of Africa, situated to the west of Carthage. Their capital city was Cirta. They derived their name from a Greek word which signifies pasture; pasturage being their chief business. Discinetos: the Africans are so called from the looseness of their apparel, or from their general inactivity and aversion to labor. Mul ciber: a name of Vulcan. 725. Lelegas. The Lelege were a people of Asia Minor. Homer places them about the bay of Adramyllium. By some they are confounded with the Cares. These were 715 720 725 730 a people to the south of Ionia, and to the north of Doris. Gelonos. These were a people of Scythia, or Thrace, skilful in throwing the arrow. Their 726. Finxerat: in the sense of sculpserat. 727. Morini. These were a people inhabiting the northern parts of Gaul over against Britain; which the Romans considered the boundary of the world to the westward. Hence they are called extremi hominum: the most remote of men. capital was Tarvanna. Caius Carinus triumphed over them, on the same day that Augustus obtained his first triumph. Rhenus: the Rhine, a well-known river. It arises in the Alps, and taking a northerly direction, unites with the Main from the east Hence it is called bicornis, two herned. It falls into the German sea by several mouths. 728 Daha. Where these people were situated is uncertain. Stephanius thinks they were a nation of Scythia. Others place them in Asia, near the river Oxus, which falls into the Caspian sea, from the southeast, separating Bactriana from Sogdiana. If this be correct, they were allies of Antony. Araxes. This is a river, rising in Armenia, taking an easterly direction, and falling into the Caspian sea. It carried away the bridge which Alexander built over it. Hence it is said: indignatus pontem : it disdained a bridge. 730. Ignarus, &c. Although Eneas was delighted with these figures and representations upon his shield, he knew not what they were designed to represent and foreshow. What is the subject of this book? QUESTIONS. At whose direction did Æneas go to the court of Evander? Where was his city situated? Why was it called Pallanteum? How was he received by the aged monarch? Of what country was he a native? What was he doing at the time of the arrival of Eneas? Were Eneas and Evander in any way related to each other? How was that relationship deduced? Who was their common ancestor? Had Evander any acquaintance with Anchises? On what occasion had he seen him? Where is the island of Salamis situated? How came Priam to visit that island? What other places did he visit at the same time? On what account were those sacred rites instituted in honor of Hercules, in which Evander was then engaged? Who was Hercules? What other names had he? On what occasion did he visit Evander ? Who was Cacus? Where had he his residence? What had he done to bring the vengeance of Hercules upon him? In what way did he take these heifers to his cave? What was his object in doing this? How was a discovery finally made? Where was the cave of Cacus situated? On the approach of Hercules, what did Cacus do? What are some of them? How inany men did he send with Encas? Who commanded them? What was the age of Pallas at that time? What was the state of the Tuscans? Where were they situated in respect to the Tiber? What was the cause of their being in arms? Was the throne of Tuscany at that time vacant? Had they made any offer of the crown to Evander? Why did he decline it? Who commanded the Tuscan troops? What was the object of Æneas in visiting the Tuscan camp? Did the Tuscans willingly place themselves under his command? Had there been any prophetic declarations upon this subject? What prince does Turnus endeavor to bring over to his interest? In what part of Italy were his possessions? What was the name of his city? Who was Diomede? What did Venus in the mean time? What were the names of the chief of them? What were they doing at that time? On the shield of Eneas was there any carved work? Were there any events of the Roman history there represented? What were some of those events? How did Æneas receive this impenetra How did the hero find admission into his ble shield? den ? What resistance did he make? How did Hercules kill the monster? Did Hercules perform any other distin guished actions ? What are some of them? To whom was he made subject by Juno? How many actions did he perform at the command of that king? What are they called by way of distinction and eminence? What was the object of Æneas in going to the court of Evander? Did he furnish him with men and supplies for the war? What was the character of Evander as a soldier? Had he performed, in his youth, any feats of valor? Where was he at the time? Was this a very unexpected event to him? In what light may this book be considered? Where is the scene laid? What does Dr. Trapp observe of this book? What part, in particular, is the finest and most noble? In what description does the poet appear to have exerted all the powers of his mind? Where was that battle fought? What was the consequence of that victory to Augustus? What was the end of Antony? LIBER NONUS. In this book the war commences. Turnus, taking the advantage of the absence of Eneas, assaults the Trojan camp; and attempts to set fire to their ships, when they are changed into sca-nymphs. In a state of consternation, they send Nisus and Euryalus to recall Æneas. This introduces the episode of their friendship, generosity, and the conclusion of their adventures: which extends from the 176th line to the 502d, and is one of the finest pieces of the Æneid. The next morning, Turnus renews the assault, and performs prodigies of valor. At length, being informed that the Trojans had opened the gates, he repairs thither; when a most desperate conflict ensues. The Trojans take refuge within their gates. The hero enters along with them, and the gates are closed upon him. Juno assists him, and a great slaughter ensues. The Trojans flec in all directions before him. At last, however, they are rallied by Mnestheus and Sergestus, and renew the fight. Turnus retires before them, escapes from their entrenchments, and returns in safety to his camp. This book is distinguished from the rest by the total absence of Æneas. It contains more fighting than any of the other. Dr. Trapp considers the transformation of the ships into nvmphs of the sea, as a blemish to the book. ATQUE ea diversâ penitùs dum parte geruntur, Audacem ad Turnum. Luco tum fortè parentis Ad quem sic roseo Thaumantias ore locuta est: 5 Turne, quod optanti Divûm promittere nemo 10. Nec est hoc satis; Nec satis: extremas Corythi penetravit ad urbes : penetravit Lydorumque manum, collectos armat agrestes. 10 12. Nunc est tempus Quid dubitas? nunc tempus equos, nunc poscere currus: poscere equos Rumpe moras omnes, et turbata arripe castra. Dixit: et in cœlum paribus se sustulit alis; Ingentemque fugâ secuit sub nubibus arcum. NOTES. 1. Geruntur. This refers to what has been related in the preceding book-the transactions at the court of Evander. 3. Parentis. Pilumnus was not the immediate parent of Turnus, but one of his ancestors; either his grandfather or great grandfather, Servius says Pilumnus was the common name of the family. 5. Thaumantias. Iris, the daughter of Thaumas and Electra. See En. iv. 700. 6. Oplanti: to you wishing so favorable an opportunity. 7. Dies volvenda: the time (that was) to be revolved-the time destined by the fates. Dise in the scnse of tempus. 8. Urbe. This city of Eneas is sometimes ed a camp. It was a camp, fortified in 15 the form of a city, with turrets, ramparts, and gates. 9. Evandri. Evander is here called Palatine, because he dwelt on mount Pals ine, or Palitinus, where Romulus afterward dwelt; and, also, the Roman emperors, down from Augustus. Sceptra: the realms. Ruæus says, regna. Sedem palace-city. 10. Corythi. Corythus, a city of Tuscany founded by Corytus, a Tuscan king, and called by his name. 11. Lydorum. The Tuscans are called Lydians, because they were a colony from Lydia in Asia Minor. 15. Secuit arcum: she cut the mighty bow, &c. The rainbow was reckoned the chariot of Iris; so that the meaning is: she cut Processit, summoque hausit de gurgite lymphas, Multa Deos orans : oneravitque æthera votis. Jamque omnis campis exercitus ibat apertis, Dives equûm, dives pictaï vestis, et auri. Messapus primas acies, postrema coërcent Tyrrheidæ juvenes: medio dux agmine Turnus Vertitur arma tenens, et toto vertice suprà est. Ceu septem surgens sedatis amnibus altus Per tacitum Ganges; aut pingui flumine Nilus, Cùm refluit campis, et jam se condidit alveo. Hic subitam nigro glomerari pulvere nubem Prospiciunt Teucri, ac tenebras insurgere campis. Primus ab adversâ conclamat mole Caïcus : NOTES. her way through it, to mount up again into heaven in that vehicle. 16. Palmas: properly, the palm of the hand by synec. the whole hand. 19. Unde hæc tam: whence this so glaring brightness, all on a sudden? Tempestas evidently means, in this place, serenity, brightness, or brilliancy. Detulit: in the sense of demisit. Tempestas tam clara. Ruæus says, facies cœli tam splendida. 20. Video medium: I see heaven open in the midst, and stars shooting across the sky. When the lightning bursts through the clouds, the skies seem at times to be rent asunder. We are to understand by stellas, the meteors, and other electric appearances, that shoot across the skies like stars. Servius understands it of the stars themselves. That they should ever appear in the daytime is very extraordinary, but that they should appear in the additional light brought by Iris, was much more so. This, therefore, confirmed Turnus in the opinion that it was soinething preternatural and divine. Sequar tanta omina, was therefore his immediate determination. 23. Lymphas in the sense of aquam. Summo gurgite: from the surface of the stream. 24. Æthera: in the sense of cœlum. 26. Pictaï the old genitive for picta: variegated-embroidered. 27. Coërcent: in the sense of inferant. Rumus says, regunt. Postrema: the rear. Agmina is understood. 28. Tyrrheide: the sons of Tyrrheus, a patronymie noun. Tyrrheus was the shepherd of Latinus, whose eldest son was killed in the first skirmish. See Æn. vii. 27. Messapus coërcet primas acies 29. Et est supra om30 nes alios toto vertice 31. Aut ceu Nilus pingui flumine fluit, cùm 35 29. Vertitur: in the sense of incedit. This line is marked by Heyne as an interpolation. ges, rising silently from seven still streams, 30. Ceu altus Ganges: as the deep Ganflows on its course silent and still, so moves the army of Turnus. This is a beautiful simile, and is intended to express the majestic slowness and silence of their march: also, their order, after having been scattered and dispersed; as those rivers glide within their channels, after having overflowed the country. An ellipsis here is necessary in order to make the sense clear, which I have filled. The Ganges is the largest river of Asia, and divides India into two parts. After a course of about 2,000 miles, in which it recieves the waters of a number of considerable streams, it falls into the bay of Bengal by several mouths. Like the Nile, it overflows its banks. By septem sedatis amnibus, we are to understand the several rivers which flow into the Ganges, and augment its waters. Hence the propriety of surgens. The natives worship the river as a god. 31. Per tacitum: taken adverbially, in the sense of tacitè. 32. Cùm refluit: when it hath retire 1, or flowed back from the plains, and confined itself to its channel. Pingui flumine: with its fertilizing waters. The fertility of Egypt is wholly owing to the overflowing of the Nile. See Geor. iv. 293. and Æn. viii. 711. 33. Glomerari: to be formed-to ascend in wreathy columns, like clouds of smoke. 35. Mole rampart-tower. |