376
VIRGIL's
Æn. II.
Scarce had he said, when, on our left, we hear 940
A peal of ratling Thunder rowl in Air:
There shot a streaming Lamp along the Sky,
Which on the winged Lightning seem'd to fly;
From o'er the Roof the blaze began to move;
And trailing vanish'd in th' Idean Grove. 945
It swept a path in Heav'n, and shone a Guide;
Then in a steaming stench of Sulphur dy'd.
The good old Man with suppliant Hands implor'd
The Gods protection, and their Star ador'd.
Now, now, said he, my Son, no more delay, 950
I yield, I follow where Heav'n shews the way.
Keep (O my Country Gods) our dwelling Place,
And guard this Relick of the Trojan Race:
This tender Child; these Omens are your own;
And you can yet restore the ruin'd Town. 955
At least accomplish what your Signs foreshow:
I stand resign'd, and am prepar'd to go.
He said; the crackling Flames appear on high,
And driving Sparkles dance along the Sky.
With Vulcan's rage the rising Winds conspire; 960
And near our Palace rowl the flood of Fire.
Haste, my dear Father, (tis no time to wait,)
And load my Shoulders with a willing Fraight.
What e'er befalls, your Life shall be my care,
One Death, or one Deliv'rance we will share. 965
My Hand shall lead our little Son; and you
My faithful Consort, shall our Steps pursue.
A peal of ratling Thunder rowl in Air:
There shot a streaming Lamp along the Sky,
Which on the winged Lightning seem'd to fly;
From o'er the Roof the blaze began to move;
And trailing vanish'd in th' Idean Grove. 945
It swept a path in Heav'n, and shone a Guide;
Then in a steaming stench of Sulphur dy'd.
The good old Man with suppliant Hands implor'd
The Gods protection, and their Star ador'd.
Now, now, said he, my Son, no more delay, 950
I yield, I follow where Heav'n shews the way.
Keep (O my Country Gods) our dwelling Place,
And guard this Relick of the Trojan Race:
This tender Child; these Omens are your own;
And you can yet restore the ruin'd Town. 955
At least accomplish what your Signs foreshow:
I stand resign'd, and am prepar'd to go.
He said; the crackling Flames appear on high,
And driving Sparkles dance along the Sky.
With Vulcan's rage the rising Winds conspire; 960
And near our Palace rowl the flood of Fire.
Haste, my dear Father, (tis no time to wait,)
And load my Shoulders with a willing Fraight.
What e'er befalls, your Life shall be my care,
One Death, or one Deliv'rance we will share. 965
My Hand shall lead our little Son; and you
My faithful Consort, shall our Steps pursue.
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