Virgil, Aeneid 1.586–610 (Dryden's translation), read by Kathleen M. Coleman

Citation:

1997. “Virgil, Aeneid 1.586–610 (Dryden's translation), read by Kathleen M. Coleman.” Cambridge, MA: Department of the Classics, Harvard University.

Full Text

Scarce had he spoken, when the cloud gave way,

The mists flew upward and dissolv'd in day.

The Trojan chief appear'd in open sight,

August in visage, and serenely bright.

His mother goddess, with her hands divine,

Had form'd his curling locks, and made his temples shine,

And giv'n his rolling eyes a sparkling grace,

And breath'd a youthful vigor on his face;

Like polish'd ivory, beauteous to behold,

Or Parian marble, when enchas'd in gold:

Thus radiant from the circling cloud he broke,

And thus with manly modesty he spoke:

"He whom you seek am I; by tempests toss'd,

And sav'd from shipwreck on your Libyan coast;

Presenting, gracious queen, before your throne,

A prince that owes his life to you alone.

Fair majesty, the refuge and redress

Of those whom fate pursues, and wants oppress,

You, who your pious offices employ

To save the relics of abandon'd Troy;

Receive the shipwreck'd on your friendly shore,

With hospitable rites relieve the poor;

Associate in your town a wand'ring train,

And strangers in your palace entertain:

What thanks can wretched fugitives return,

Who, scatter'd thro' the world, in exile mourn?

The gods, if gods to goodness are inclin'd;

If acts of mercy touch their heav'nly mind,

And, more than all the gods, your gen'rous heart

Conscious of worth, requite its own desert!

In you this age is happy, and this earth,

And parents more than mortal gave you birth.

While rolling rivers into seas shall run,

And round the space of heav'n the radiant sun;

While trees the mountain tops with shades supply,

Your honor, name, and praise shall never die.

Whate'er abode my fortune has assign'd,

Your image shall be present in my mind."

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Virgil, Aeneid 1.588–610, read in Latin by Wendell Clausen

See also: Translations
Last updated on 09/09/2015