made to Jupiter on his behalf. To which the God makes answer in these words:
Fata tibi, &c.
Notwithstanding which, the Goddess, though comforted, was not assur'd: For even after this, through the course of the whole Æneis, she still apprehends the Interest which Juno might make with Jupiter against her Son. For it was a moot Point in Heaven, whether he cou'd alter Fate, or not. And indeed, some passages in Virgil wou'd make us suspect, that he was of Opinion, Jupiter might deferr Fate, though he cou'd not alter it. For in the latter end of the Tenth Book, he introduces Juno begging for the Life of Turnus, and flattering her Husband with the power of changing Destiny. Tua qua potes, orsa reflectas. To which he graciously answers:
Oratur Juveni, meque hoc ita ponere sentis,
Tolle fugâ Turnum, atque instantibus eripe fatis.
Hactenus indulsisse vacat. Sin altior istis
Sub precibus venia ulla latet, totumque moveri,
Mutarive putas bellum, spes pascis inaneis.
But that he cou'd not alter those Decrees, the King of Gods himself confesses, in the Book above cited; when he comforts Hercules, for the death of Pallas, who had invok'd his aid, before he threw his Lance at Turnus.
Tot nati cecidere Deûm; quin occidit unâ
Sarpedon
