Page:Aeneid (Conington 1866).djvu/137

Till in the tumult of his breast
One counsel dominates the rest.
Sergestus and Serestus tried
He calls with Mnestheus to his side:
Bids them unmarked their barks equip,
And muster all the crews to ship,
Armed as for fight, yet veil from view
The spring that moves designs so new:
Himself, as chance may serve, the while,
Since Dido, innocent of guile,
Still dreams her happy dream, nor thinks
That aught can break those golden links,
Will watch the hour, and strive to soothe
When time is ripe and access smooth.
Well-pleased, they give their eager heed
And act his will with duteous speed.

But Dido soon—can aught beguile
Love's watchful eye?—perceived his wile:
She feels each stirring of the air,
And e'en in safety dreads a snare.
Once more fell Fame reports the news
Of barks equipped and mustering crews.
She raves in impotence of soul,
Storms through the town, and spurns control:
So when the clanging shrine is stirred,
And Bacchus! Bacchus! is the word,
The Thyiad starts from sleep, and flies
Where through the night Cithæron cries.
Soon on Æneas, unaddressed,
She pours the frenzy of her breast:
'What? would the wretch his crime conceal,
And, like a thief, from Carthage steal?
Nor present love, nor hand once plight,
Nor dying Dido stays your flight?