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The Aeneid Book II

Lines 1-558:

Conticuere omnes intentique ora tenebant.

Everyone fell silent, and, attentive, held their faces.

Inde toro pater Aeneas sic orsus ab alto:

Then, from the high couch, father Aeneas began thus:

Infandum, regina, iubes renovare dolorem,

Unspeakable pain, queen, you do order me to recount,

Troianas ut opes et lamentabile regnum

How the kingdom and riches of the Trojans lamentably

eruerint Danai, quaeque ipse miserrima vidi 5

The Danaians destroyed, miseries I myself saw

et quorum pars magna fui. quis talia fando

And a great part of which I was [involved in]. Such which is to be related

Myrmidonum Dolopumve aut duri miles Ulixi

Of the Myrmidons, the Dolopians, or the soldiers of harsh Ulyxes

temperet a lacrimis? et iam nox umida caelo

[Who] could keep from tears? And now wet night from the sky

praecipitat suadentque cadentia sidera somnos.

Precipitates and the falling stars urge sleep.

sed si tantus amor casus cognoscere nostros 10

But if you [have] such a desire to know the causes

et breviter Troiae supremum audire laborem,

And briefly hear of the greatest struggle of the Trojans,

quamquam animus meminisse horret luctuque refugit,

Although [my] mind trembles to remember and flees in grief,

incipiam. fracti bello fatisque repulsi

I will begin. Broken by war, and rejected by fate

ductores Danaum tot iam labentibus annis

The leaders of the Danaians now for so many years slipping [by]

instar montis equum divina Palladis arte 15

A horse equal in form to a mountain, by the divine art of Pallas Athene

aedificant, sectaque intexunt abiete costas;

Built, and they interwove the ribs with dry fir-wood;

votum pro reditu simulant; ea fama vagatur.

Pretending [it was] an offering for return; that rumour wanders.

huc delecta virum sortiti corpora furtim

In that a body of men, picked by chance secretly

includunt caeco lateri penitusque cavernas

Keep in the blind side and deeply the caverns

ingentis uterumque armato milite complent. 20

huge and the womb fill with armed soldiers.

est in conspectu Tenedos, notissima fama

Tenedos is in sight, the well-known with fame

insula, dives opum Priami dum regna manebant,

Island, rich in wealth while the powers of Priam remained,

nunc tantum sinus et statio male fida carinis:

Now merely a bay, and a feebly faithful outpost for ships:

huc se provecti deserto in litore condunt;

Advanced to this place, they withdraw to the deserted beach;

nos abiisse rati et vento petiisse Mycenas. 25

We judged them to have gone, seeking Mycenae by wind.

ergo omnis longo soluit se Teucria luctu;

Therefore all the Trojan land was released from its long grief;

panduntur portae, iuvat ire et Dorica castra

The gates were spread open, it pleased to go and the doric camp

desertosque videre locos litusque relictum:

To see, and the deserted places, and abandoned beach:

hic Dolopum manus, hic saevus tendebat Achilles;

This the band of the Dolopians, this the savage Achilles held;

classibus hic locus, hic acie certare solebant. 30

This place of the fleet, this [place where] the battle lines frequently struggled.

pars stupet innuptae donum exitiale Minervae

Some are stunned at the deadly gift of unmarried Minerva

et molem mirantur equi; primusque Thymoetes

And are amazed at the size of the horse; and first Thymoetes

duci intra muros hortatur et arce locari,

Urges [it] to be led into the walls, and to be set in the citadel,

sive dolo seu iam Troiae sic fata ferebant.

whether from evil intent, or [because] fate was now bearing on Troy.

at Capys, et quorum melior sententia menti, 35

But Capys, and of those with a better sense of mind,

aut pelago Danaum insidias suspectaque dona

Either the plots and suspicious gifts of the Danaians in the sea

praecipitare iubent subiectisque urere flammis,

To throw they ordered and the thrown-over bits to burn with fire,

aut terebrare cavas uteri et temptare latebras.

Or to pierce and test the hollow recesses of its womb.

scinditur incertum studia in contraria vulgus. 39

The uncertain crowd is torn in their contrary desires.

Primus ibi ante omnis magna comitante caterva 40

First there before them all, with a great crowd accompanying him,

Laocoon ardens summa decurrit ab arce,

Laocoon, blazing, ran down from the top of the citadel,

et procul 'o miseri, quae tanta insania, cives?

And from afar: “O miserable ones, what great insanity [is this], citizens?

creditis avectos hostis? aut ulla putatis

Do you believe [that] the enemy has sailed away? Or {any} do you think that

dona carere dolis Danaum? sic notus Ulixes?

{Any} gifts of the Greeks are without treachery? [Is] Ulysses thusly known?

aut hoc inclusi ligno occultantur Achivi, 45

Either enclosed in this wood [structure] the Greeks are hiding,

aut haec in nostros fabricata est machina muros,

Or this machine has been fabricated [to be used] against our walls,

inspectura domos venturaque desuper urbi,

To look into [our] homes, and to come down on our city from above,

aut aliquis latet error; equo ne credite, Teucri.

Or it conceals some trick; do not trust the horse, Trojans.

quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentis.'

Whatever it is, I fear Greeks, even when they are bearing gifts”

sic fatus ualidis ingentem viribus hastam 50

Having spoken thusly a great spear with powerful strength

in latus inque feri curvam compagibus alvum

Into the side and into the belly of the beast, curved with joinings

contorsit. stetit illa tremens, uteroque recusso

he hurledIt stood trembling, and the womb resounded, having been struck to vibration

insonuere cavae gemitumque dedere cavernae.

And the hollow cavern gave a groan

et, si fata deum, si mens non laeva fuisset,

And, if the gods’ pronouncements, if [their] minds had not been on the left

impulerat ferro Argolicas foedare latebras, 55

He would have compelled us to hack at the hiding place of the Greeks with iron,

Troiaque nunc staret, Priamique arx alta maneres.

Troy would still be standing, and the old citadel of Priam would remain.

Ecce, manus iuvenem interea post terga revinctum

Behold, a young man, hands tied behind his back,

pastores magno ad regem clamore trahebant

{Dardanian} shepherds were dragging him with a noise to the great king

Dardanidae, qui se ignotum venientibus ultro,

{Dardanian}, who they knew nothing about they came upon him

hoc ipsum ut strueret Troiamque aperiret Achivis, 60

This very thing to construct, and to open Troy to the Achaeans

obtulerat, fidens animi atque in utrumque paratus,

He had offered, trusting in his spirit and he was ready for either outcome

seu versare dolos seu certae occumbere morti.

Either to spin [his] tricks, or to meet with certain death

undique visendi studio Troiana iuventus

From all sides, out of eagerness for seeing, the youth of Troy

circumfusa ruit certantque inludere capto.

Pouring round ran and strive to mock the captive.

accipe nunc Danaum insidias et crimine ab uno 65 disce omnis.

Hear now the treachery and crimes of the Greeks, learn about all of them from one.

namque ut conspectu in medio turbatus, inermis

For indeed when he [was] in full view, upset, defenceless

constitit atque oculis Phrygia agmina circumspexit,

And eyes of Phrygia fixed on him, he looked around at the crowd

'heu, quae nunc tellus,' inquit, 'quae me aequora possunt

”Oh, what land [is there] now,” he said, “or sea which can me

accipere? aut quid iam misero mihi denique restat, 70

Accept? Or what is there left for one who is as miserable as me,

cui neque apud Danaos usquam locus, et super ipsi

To who [there is] no place among the Greeks, and moreover

Dardanidae infensi poenas cum sanguine poscunt?'

His enemies the Trojans demand punishment with blood?”

quo gemitu conversi animi compressus et omnis

By [this] lament, [our] minds were changed, and all our {fury} restricted.

impetus. hortamur fari quo sanguine cretus,

{fury} we were encouraged to say what blood he came from,

quidve ferat; memoret quae sit fiducia capto. 75

And what he was doing; on what assurance he could rely, having been captured.

'Cuncta equidem tibi, rex, fuerit quodcumque, fatebor 77

“Everything truly to you, king, whatever happens, I will admit

vera,' inquit; 'neque me Argolica de gente negabo.

Truly" he said; “neither will I deny my Greek people.

hoc primum; nec, si miserum Fortuna Sinonem

This first. Nor if fortune has made Sinon wretched

finxit, vanum etiam mendacemque improba finget. 80

Will she make him also in her wickedness false and a liar.

fando aliquod si forte tuas pervenit ad auris

If by chance in the telling it has reached your ears at all

Belidae nomen Palamedis et incluta fama

The name of Palamedis, son of Belus, and famous in legend

gloria, quem falsa sub proditione Pelasgi

His glory, whom under false appearance the Greeks

insontem infando indicio, quia bella vetabat,

[Though] innocent, by wicked evidence, because he was forbidding war

demisere neci, nunc cassum lumine lugent: 85

They sent him down to murder, [whom] now bereft of life they lament:

illi me comitem et consanguinitate propinquum

To him as a companion and as close kin by blood

pauper in arma pater primis huc misit ab annis.

My impoverished father sent me in arms to this place from my earliest years

dum stabat regno incolumis regumque vigebat

While he was standing unchallenged in his kingship, and he was flourishing [in] the kings’

conciliis, et nos aliquod nomenque decusque

councils, we too some renown and honour

gessimus. invidia postquam pellacis Ulixi 90

Wielded. after that, by the spite of crafty Ulysses

(haud ignota loquor) superis concessit ab oris,

(I speak of things not unknown), he departed from the upper shores [died],

adflictus vitam in tenebris luctuque trahebam

Dejected, I was dragging on my life in darkness and grief

et casum insontis mecum indignabar amici.

And within myself, I was resenting the downfall of my innocent friend.

nec tacui demens et me, fors si qua tulisset,

Nor was I silent, crazy as I was, if any chance should bear

si patrios umquam remeassem victor ad Argos, 95

If I should return to my homeland of Argos a victor,

promisi ultorem et verbis odia aspera movi.

I promised [to be] his avenger, and I moved to bitter hatred with my words

hinc mihi prima mali labes, hinc semper Ulixes

For me hence this was the beginning of the taint of evil, from this point, Ulysses always

criminibus terrere novis, hinc spargere voces

Frightened [me] with new charges, from this time he spread words

in vulgum ambiguas et quaerere conscius arma.

Ambiguous among the common people, and he conscious, sought weapons [against me],

nec requievit enim, donec Calchante ministro— 100

Indeed, nor did he stop, until Calchas as [his] aid--

sed quid ego haec autem nequiquam ingrata revoluo,

But yet why do I repeat these unpleasant things in vain,

quidue moror? si omnis uno ordine habetis Achivos,

Or why do I bother? If you hold all the Greeks in one class [all the same],

idque audire sat est, iamdudum sumite poenas:

And it is enough to hear this, exact the punishment long since [due]:

hoc Ithacus velit et magno mercentur Atridae.'

[that] this Ithacan would want, that the sons of Atreus would buy at a great [price].”

Tum vero ardemus scitari et quaerere causas, 105

Then indeed we blaze[d] to find out, and ask the reasons,

ignari scelerum tantorum artisque Pelasgae.

And ignorant of such great crimes and deceit of the Greeks.

prosequitur pavitans et ficto pectore fatur:

He proceeded, trembling, and spoke with a false heart:

'Saepe fugam Danai Troia cupiere relicta

“Often the Greeks longed to abandon Troy, retreat

moliri et longo fessi discedere bello;

To accomplish, and wearied with long war to depart;

fecissentque utinam! saepe illos aspera ponti 110

Would that they had! Often at sea a harsh

interclusit hiems et terruit Auster euntis.

Storm closed [them] in and the South wind terrified [them while] leaving.

praecipue cum iam hic trabibus contextus acernis

Especially when by now, woven from maple beams, this

staret equus, toto sonuerunt aethere nimbi.

Horse stood, storms echoed all over heaven.

suspensi Eurypylum scitatum oracula Phoebi

Bewildered, Eurypylus to ask the Oracle of Phoebus [Apollo]

mittimus, isque adytis haec tristia dicta reportat: 115

We sent, he brought back these sad words from the shrine:

"sanguine placastis ventos et virgine caesa,

“By blood you appeased the winds and by a slain maiden,

cum primum Iliacas, Danai, venistis ad oras;

Greeks, when first you came to Trojan shores;

sanguine quaerendi reditus animaque litandum

By blood return must be sought, and good omens obtained by a life

Argolica." vulgi quae vox ut venit ad auris,

Greek.” When this report came to the ears of the people,

obstipuere animi gelidusque per ima cucurrit 120

Their hearts were amazed, and icy ran through the innermost

ossa tremor, cui fata parent, quem poscat Apollo.

Bones a tremor, for whom the fates are preparing, who Apollo demands

hic Ithacus vatem magno Calchanta tumultu

At this point, the Ithacan the seer Calchas with a great uproar

protrahit in medios; quae sint ea numina divum

dragged forward into the midst [of the crowd]; what these decrees of the gods might be

flagitat. et mihi iam multi crudele canebant

He demanded [to know]. And for me now many were predicting the cruel

artificis scelus, et taciti ventura videbant. 125

crime of the schemer, and the silent were seeing [what was] coming.

bis quinos silet ille dies tectusque recusat

he is silent for two times five days, and concealed, refuses

prodere voce sua quemquam aut opponere morti.

To betray anyone with his voice, or decree to death.

vix tandem, magnis Ithaci clamoribus actus,

With difficulty, at last driven by the great cries of the Ithacan,

composito rumpit vocem et me destinat arae.

As agreed, he broke into speech and assigns me to the altar.

adsensere omnes et, quae sibi quisque timebat, 130

Everyone agreed, and what each feared for himself,

unius in miseri exitium conversa tulere.

When exchanged, They endured for the destruction of one wretched.

iamque dies infanda aderat; mihi sacra parari

And now the unspeakable day was here; the sacred things were prepared for me

et salsae fruges et circum tempora vittae.

And the salted grains and the fillets to go round my temples

eripui, fateor, leto me et vincula rupi,

I snatched away from death, I’ll admit, and broke my bonds,

limosoque lacu per noctem obscurus in ulva 135

And concealed by a slimy lake throughout the night, in the sedge (aquatic plants)

delitui dum vela darent, si forte dedissent.

I lay until they should set sail, if by chance they would,

nec mihi iam patriam antiquam spes ulla videndi

Not for me was there now any hope of seeing my ancient homeland

nec dulcis natos exoptatumque parentem,

Nor my sweet sons, or my father whom I longed for,

quos illi fors et poenas ob nostra reposcent

From whom they may even demand punishment

effugia, et culpam hanc miserorum morte piabunt. 140

For my escape, and they may expiate this crime of mine with the death of my poor [family]

quod te per superos et conscia numina veri,

For this I beg you by [the gods] above, and divinities conscious of the truth

per si qua est quae restet adhuc mortalibus usquam

By anything which still remains anywhere for mortals

intemerata fides, oro, miserere laborum

Untainted faithful, I beg, take pity on {such} work

tantorum, miserere animi non digna ferentis.'

{such}, take pity on a soul that bears things unworthy of it.”

His lacrimis vitam damus et miserescimus ultro. 145

By these tears we granted him his life, and had compassion for him.

ipse viro primus manicas atque arta levari

He himself first the handcuffs to be removed from the man and the tight

vincla iubet Priamus dictisque ita fatur amicis:

chains Priam ordered, and in this way addressed him with friendly words:

'quisquis es, amissos hinc iam obliviscere Graios

“whoever you are, forget that the Greeks are lost [to you] now hence

(noster eris) mihique haec edissere vera roganti:

(You will be ours) and explain these things to me that I am asking:

quo molem hanc immanis equi statuere? quis auctor? 150

Why have they erected this immense mass of a horse? Who was it created by?

quidve petunt? quae religio? aut quae machina belli?'

Or what are they seeking? [For] what religious obligation? Or what machine of war [is it]?”

dixerat. ille dolis instructus et arte Pelasga

He had spoken. He [Sinon], trained in the tricks and the cunning of the Greeks,

sustulit exutas vinclis ad sidera palmas:

raised his palms, freed from chains, to the stars:

'vos, aeterni ignes, et non violabile vestrum

“You eternal fires, and your inviolable

testor numen,' ait, 'vos arae ensesque nefandi, 155

Divine power, witness” he said, “You altars, and evil swords

quos fugi, vittaeque deum, quas hostia gessi:

Which I fled from, and the fillets of the gods, which I wore as a victim:

fas mihi Graiorum sacrata resolvere iura,

May it be right for me to break the sacred laws of the Greeks,

fas odisse viros atque omnia ferre sub auras,

May it be right to hate [those] men and bring all under a breeze [to light],

si qua tegunt, teneor patriae nec legibus ullis.

If they are hiding [anything], I am not bound by any laws of my homeland.

tu modo promissis maneas servataque serves 160

May you keep to your promises, and now that you have been saved, keep

Troia fidem, si vera feram, si magna rependam.

Your promises, Troy, if I speak the truth, if what I repay is great.

omnis spes Danaum et coepti fiducia belli

All the hopes of the Greeks, and all their confidence in [this] war they began

Palladis auxiliis semper stetit. impius ex quo

Has always stood on the help of Pallas. From the time when the impious

Tydides sed enim scelerumque inventor Ulixes,

son of Tydeus [Diomedes] however indeed and the inventor of wickedness Ulysses

fatale adgressi sacrato avellere templo 165

Daring to tear away from its sacred temple the fateful

Palladium caesis summae custodibus arcis,

Palladium by slaughtering the guards on the top of the citadel,

corripuere sacram effigiem manibusque cruentis

Snatched away the sacred effigy and with bloodied hands

virgineas ausi divae contingere vittas,

Dared to touch virgin bands of the goddess,

ex illo fluere ac retro sublapsa referri

From that [day] flowed backwards, collapsed, and were carried off

spes Danaum, fractae vires, aversa deae mens. 170

The hope of the Greeks, their strength fractured, the mind of the goddess against [them]

nec dubiis ea signa dedit Tritonia monstris.

With portents without doubt, the Tritonian gave them a sign.

vix positum castris simulacrum: arsere coruscae

Scarcely had the image been set down in the camp: flashed vibrating

luminibus flammae arrectis, salsusque per artus

With light erect flames, and salty across her limbs

sudor iit, terque ipsa solo (mirabile dictu)

Went the sweat, and thrice from the ground (miraculous to say) she herself

emicuit parmamque ferens hastamque trementem. 175

Sprang up and carrying her small shield and trembling spear.

extemplo temptanda fuga canit aequora Calchas,

Calchas sung that they must immediately attempt the seas in flight,

nec posse Argolicis exscindi Pergama telis

Troy cannot be destroyed by Greek weapons

omina ni repetant Argis numenque reducant

Unless they seek auspices in Argos and bring back divine favour

quod pelago et curvis secum auexere carinis.

Which they have carried away with them over the sea in their curved ships.

et nunc quod patrias vento petiere Mycenas, 180

And now because they made for their homeland of Mycenea by wind,

arma deosque parant comites pelagoque remenso

They prepared weapons and gods as companions, and with the sea crossed again

improvisi aderunt; ita digerit omina Calchas.

Unexpectedly, they will be upon us; in this way Calchas explained the omens.

hanc pro Palladio moniti, pro numine laeso

In place of the Palladium, having been warned of the outrage of the divinity, this

effigiem statuere, nefas quae triste piaret.

Image they set up, which should expiate the wretched wrong.

hanc tamen immensam Calchas attollere molem 185

However, Calchas them to raise up this immense mass

roboribus textis caeloque educere iussit,

Woven from timbers, ordered, and to build it up to the heavens

ne recipi portis aut duci in moenia posset,

So that it might not be able to be admitted through the gates, and led into the city walls

neu populum antiqua sub religione tueri.

Nor keep [your] people safe under the ancient religion

nam si vestra manus violasset dona Minervae,

For if your hands should violate the gifts of Minerva,

tum magnum exitium (quod di prius omen in ipsum 190

Then great destruction (events which the gods on [Calcas] himself previously

convertant!) Priami imperio Phrygibusque futurum;

Turned!) Would be on the kingdom of Priam and the future of the Trojans;

sin manibus vestris vestram ascendisset in urbem,

If by your hands it [the horse] should go up into your city,

ultro Asiam magno Pelopea ad moenia bello

Going further still, Asia to the walls of Pelops in mighty war

venturam, et nostros ea fata manere nepotes.'

would come, and these fates await our descendants.”

Talibus insidiis periurique arte Sinonis 195

It was through such a stratagem and the skill of perjuring Sinon

credita res, captique dolis lacrimisque coactis

That the thing was believed, and we were captured by trickery and forced tears

quos neque Tydides nec Larisaeus Achilles,

[Men] who neither Tydeus, nor Larisaean Achilles,

non anni domuere decem, non mille carinae.

Nor ten years nor a thousand ships [were able to] conquer.

Hic aliud maius miseris multoque tremendum

[At] this, another thing in our misery, greater and much {more} terrible

obicitur magis atque improvida pectora turbat. 200

Was inflicted on us {more} and disturbed our unwary hearts.

Laocoon, ductus Neptuno sorte sacerdos,

Laocoon, led by fate as Neptune’s priest,

sollemnis taurum ingentem mactabat ad aras.

Was slaughtering a huge bull at the solemn altars.

ecce autem gemini a Tenedo tranquilla per alta

But behold! A pair from Tenedos over the tranquil deep

(horresco referens) immensis orbibus angues

(I shudder recalling) with enormous coils, snakes

incumbunt pelago pariterque ad litora tendunt; 205

Press down on the sea and together aim for the shore;

pectora quorum inter fluctus arrecta iubaeque

Whose breasts among the waves rear up, and their crests,

sanguineae superant undas, pars cetera pontum

Blood red, surpass the waves, the remaining part the sea

pone legit sinuatque immensa volumine terga.

Behind it picks its way through and curves its immense back in coils.

fit sonitus spumante salo; iamque arva tenebant

It makes a sound with salty foam; and now they were having the land

ardentisque oculos suffecti sanguine et igni 210

Their blazing eyes dyed with blood and fire

sibila lambebant linguis vibrantibus ora.

They licked with vibrating tongues their hissing mouths

diffugimus visu exsangues. illi agmine certo

We fled, bloodless at the sight. They with certain streams

Laocoonta petunt; et primum parva duorum

Made for Laocoon; and first the two little

corpora natorum serpens amplexus uterque

Bodies of his sons the serpents embraced and both

implicat et miseros morsu depascitur artus; 215

Intertwined, and with its bite feeds in their poor limbs

post ipsum auxilio subeuntem ac tela ferentem

Next they [Laocoon] himself, coming to their aid, bearing weapons

corripiunt spirisque ligant ingentibus; et iam

Seized and they bound him with their huge coils; and now

bis medium amplexi, bis collo squamea circum

Twice having embraced his torso, and twice having encircled his neck with their scaly

terga dati superant capite et cervicibus altis.

Backs, they towered over him with their head[s], and high necks

ille simul manibus tendit divellere nodos 220

At once he struggled with his hands to tear apart the knot

perfusus sanie vittas atroque veneno,

His fillets drenched with gore and black venom,

clamores simul horrendos ad sidera tollit:

At the same time, he raised horrendous shouts to the stars

qualis mugitus, fugit cum saucius aram

Just like the bellows when it has fled from the altar of a wounded

taurus et incertam excussit cervice securim.

Bull and shaken off the uncertain axe from the neck.

at gemini lapsu delubra ad summa dracones 225

But the two snakes, by slithering, sought the uppermost shrine

effugiunt saevaeque petunt Tritonidis arcem,

And fled on the citadel of the savage tritonian goddess,

sub pedibusque deae clipeique sub orbe teguntur.

They hid themselves under the feet of the goddess, under the circle of her shield.

tum vero tremefacta novus per pectora cunctis

Then indeed through the trembling hearts of all a new

insinuat pavor, et scelus expendisse merentem

Panic insinuates, and they declared that paid for his crime deservedly

Laocoonta ferunt, sacrum qui cuspide robur 230

Laocoon had, they declared, he who with his spear the sacred wood

laeserit et tergo sceleratam intorserit hastam.

Struck, and hurled the wicked spear into its back.

ducendum ad sedes simulacrum orandaque divae

The image must be led to the temple and prayed to must be the goddess’

numina conclamant.

Divine will they exclaimed together.

dividimus muros et moenia pandimus urbis.

We divided the walls and spread open the fortifications of the city.

accingunt omnes operi pedibusque rotarum 235

They all prepared [literally girded up their clothes so their legs are free to work] for the operation, and as its feet wheels’

subiciunt lapsus, et stuppea vincula collo

Glidings they set underneath, and flax chains around its neck

intendunt; scandit fatalis machina muros

They stretch out; the fateful machine climbed the walls

feta armis. pueri circum innuptaeque puellae

Pregnant with arms. Boys all around and unmarried girls

sacra canunt funemque manu contingere gaudent;

Sacred [hymns] sang and rejoiced in touching the rope with their hands;

illa subit mediaeque minans inlabitur urbi. 240

It [the horse] advanced, gliding threatening to the middle of the city.

o patria, o divum domus Ilium et incluta bello

Oh Fatherland, oh Ilium home of the gods and renowned in war

moenia Dardanidum! quater ipso in limine portae

Fortification of the Dardanians! Four times on the limit of the gate itself

substitit atque utero sonitum quater arma dedere;

It stood still and in its womb arms gave four times a sound

instamus tamen immemores caecique furore

We pressed on however, heedless and blinded by fury

et monstrum infelix sacrata sistimus arce. 245

And the monster of ill omen we set in the sacred citadel.

tunc etiam fatis aperit Cassandra futuris

Then also for the fates that were to come Cassandra opened

ora dei iussu non umquam credita Teucris.

Lips, that commanded by the god, were not ever believed by the Trojans.

nos delubra deum miseri, quibus ultimus esset

We, miserable {on that day} that was to be our last, the shrines of the gods

ille dies, festa velamus fronde per urbem.

{that day} festooned with festive fronds throughout the city.

Vertitur interea caelum et ruit Oceano nox 250

Meanwhile the sky is turned, and night runs from Ocean

involvens umbra magna terramque polumque

A great shadow enveloping the earth and the sky

Myrmidonumque dolos; fusi per moenia Teucri

And the strategems of the Myrmidons; through the city walls the defeated Trojans

conticuere; sopor fessos complectitur artus.

Fell silent; sleep encircles their weary limbs.

et iam Argiua phalanx instructis navibus ibat

And now the Argive phalanx in their ships went as arranged

a Tenedo tacitae per amica silentia lunae 255

From Tenedos through the friendly stillness of the silent moon

litora nota petens, flammas cum regia puppis

Making for the known beach, when the royal ship flames

extulerat, fatisque deum defensus iniquis

Brought out, protected by a god, and unjust fate

inclusos utero Danaos et pinea furtim

The enclosed Danaians stealthily from the womb and pine

laxat claustra Sinon. illos patefactus ad auras

Barricade frees Sinon. Them to the breezes the opened

reddit equus laetique cavo se robore promunt 260

Horse returns, and happy from the hollow stronghold brings forth

Thessandrus Sthenelusque duces et dirus Ulixes,

The leaders Thesandrus and Sthenelus, and dread Ulixes,

demissum lapsi per funem, Acamasque Thoasque

Sliding down on the dropped rope, also Acamas, and Thoas

Pelidesque Neoptolemus primusque Machaon

And Neoptolemus [son] of Peleus, and first [noble] Machaon

et Menelaus et ipse doli fabricator Epeos.

And Menelaus, and the inventor of the device himself, Epeos.

invadunt urbem somno vinoque sepultam; 265

They invade the city overwhelmed by sleep and wine;

caeduntur vigiles, portisque patentibus omnis

The watchmen are killed, and all the gates opened,

accipiunt socios atque agmina conscia iungunt.

They take in their associates, and join the complicit army.

Tempus erat quo prima quies mortalibus aegris

It was the time when the first rest of feeble mortals

incipit et dono divum gratissima serpit.

Begins, and by the most graceful gift of the gods creeps [over people].

in somnis, ecce, ante oculos maestissimus Hector 270

In sleep, look, most sorrowful Hector before eyes

visus adesse mihi largosque effundere fletus,

raptatus bigis ut quondam, aterque cruento

Ravaged by the chariot, as once before, and dirtied with gory

pulvere perque pedes traiectus lora tumentis.

Ashes, and his swollen feet pierced by thongs.

ei mihi, qualis erat, quantum mutatus ab illo

Ah me, what sort he was, how greatly changed from him

Hectore qui redit exuvias indutus Achilli 275

The Hector who returned dressed in the spoils of Achilles

vel Danaum Phrygios iaculatus puppibus ignis!

Or having hurled Trojan fire on the Greek ships!

squalentem barbam et concretos sanguine crinis

With stiffening beard and hair matted with blood

vulneraque illa gerens, quae circum plurima muros

And bearing those wounds, which many around the walls

accepit patrios. ultro flens ipse videbar

Of his home he received. I was seen crying of my own accord

compellare virum et maestas expromere voces: 280

I urged the man, and spoke out sad words:

'o lux Dardaniae, spes o fidissima Teucrum,

“Oh light of the Dardanians, oh most loyal hope of the Trojans,

quae tantae tenuere morae? quibus Hector ab oris

By what such delay have you been weakened? From what shores Hector

exspectate venis? ut te post multa tuorum

The awaited do you come? How you after many of your [kin’s]

funera, post varios hominumque urbisque labores

Funerals, after the varied labours of both man and the city,

defessi aspicimus! quae causa indigna serenos 285

Exhausted we see! What shameful cause [your] calm

foedavit vultus? aut cur haec vulnera cerno?'

Face has disfigured? Or why do I behold these wounds?

ille nihil, nec me quaerentem uana moratur,

He nothing, nor me, questioning, does he heed,

sed graviter gemitus imo de pectore ducens,

But drawing a grave groan from the depths of his chest,

'heu fuge, nate dea, teque his' ait 'eripe flammis.

“Ah, flee, [you] born of a goddess, and yourself from these” he said “flames rescue.

hostis habet muros; ruit alto a culmine Troia. 290

The enemy has the walls: Troy runs deep [falls] from heights.

sat patriae Priamoque datum: si Pergama dextra

Enough has been given to [our] home and Priam: if Troy by a right hand

defendi possent, etiam hac defensa fuissent.

Could have been defended, they would have been defended even thusly [by me].

sacra suosque tibi commendat Troia penatis;

Troy entrusts you with its religion and household gods;

hos cape fatorum comites, his moenia quaere

These take as companions of fate, these seek walls

magna pererrato statues quae denique ponto.' 295

Great, which you will set up at last [after] wandering over the depths of the sea.”

sic ait et manibus vittas Vestamque potentem

This he said and with his hands the ribbons and powerful Vesta [an effigy]

aeternumque adytis effert penetralibus ignem.

And the eternal flame brought out from the innermost sanctuary.

Diverso interea miscentur moenia luctu,

Meanwhile by distant lamentations were the walls thrown into confusion,

et magis atque magis, quamquam secreta parentis

And more and more, although secluded was my father

Anchisae domus arboribusque obtecta recessit, 300

Anchises’ house, and hidden by trees it stood back,

clarescunt sonitus armorumque ingruit horror.

The sound and [noise] of arms grew clear, and dread assailed [us].

excutior somno et summi fastigia tecti

Sleep is shaken off, and on the highest protected gable

ascensu supero atque arrectis auribus asto:

I ascend by climbing and I stand with erect ears:

in segetem veluti cum flamma furentibus Austris

Just as in a field of corn, with raging flames by the South wind

incidit, aut rapidus montano flumine torrens 305

Incited, or a rapid river flowing from a mountain

sternit agros, sternit sata laeta boumque labores

flattens the fields, flattens the happy crops, and the work of oxen

praecipitisque trahit silvas; stupet inscius alto

And drags headlong the woods; stupefied, ignorant, from the high

accipiens sonitum saxi de vertice pastor.

Top of a rock receives the sound a shepherd.

tum vero manifesta fides, Danaumque patescunt

Then indeed the “trustworthiness” became clear, and revealed were the Greeks’

insidiae. iam Deiphobi dedit ampla ruinam 310

Plots. Now gave into ruin Deiphobos’ spacious

Volcano superante domus, iam proximus ardet

House, overpowered by fire, now close by burns

Ucalegon; Sigea igni freta lata relucent.

[the house of] Ucalegon; the broad Sigean waters blaze with fire.

exoritur clamorque virum clangorque tubarum.

And the shouts of men come out, and the blasts of trumpets.

arma amens capio; nec sat rationis in armis,

Out of my mind, I take arms; nor was there enough reason in arming,

sed glomerare manum bello et concurrere in arcem 315

But to gather together a band for war and to run together into the citadel

cum sociis ardent animi; furor iraque mentem

With comrades, [my] spirit burning; [my] mind rage and anger

praecipitat, pulchrumque mori succurrit in armis.

Throws headlong, and [how] honourable it would be to run into death in arms.

Ecce autem telis Panthus elapsus Achivum,

Look also Panthus, having escaped the Achaean spears,

Panthus Othryades, arcis Phoebique sacerdos,

Panthus of Othrys, priest of the citadel and of Phoebus,

sacra manu victosque deos parvumque nepotem 320

With his sacred hand the conquered gods and his poor grandchild

ipse trahit cursuque amens ad limina tendit.

He himself drags, and frenzied in his running, he strives to the thresholds.

'quo res summa loco, Panthu? quam prendimus arcem?'

“In what place [is it] the greatest circumstances, Panthus? What refuge do we take?”

vix ea fatus eram gemitu cum talia reddit:

I had hardly spoken those [words], when with such a great groan he responded:

'venit summa dies et ineluctabile tempus

“The final day and insurmountable time comes

Dardaniae. fuimus Troes, fuit Ilium et ingens 325

To the Dardanians. We Trojans used to be, Ilium used to be, and the great

gloria Teucrorum; ferus omnia Iuppiter Argos

Glory of the Trojans; savage Jupiter all to Argos

transtulit; incensa Danai dominantur in urbe.

Brought; the Danaeans are masters in the burning city.

arduus armatos mediis in moenibus astans

Standing tall on the walls into [our] midst armed men

fundit equus victorque Sinon incendia miscet

The horse pours, and the victor Sinon mixes fires,

insultans. portis alii bipatentibus adsunt, 330

Insulting. Others are at the bi-parted gates,

milia quot magnis umquam venere Mycenis;

Thousands who have come from great Mycenae;

obsedere alii telis angusta viarum

Others have blocked the narrow [space] of the streets with their spears

oppositis; stat ferri acies mucrone corusco

Hostile; a battle line stands with flashing sword of iron

stricta, parata neci; vix primi proelia temptant

Bared, ready to kill: hardly attempt battle the first

portarum vigiles et caeco Marte resistunt.' 335

Watchmen of the gates, and blind Mars [battle] they resist.”

talibus Othryadae dictis et numine divum

By such words of [the son of] Othrys, and by the will of the gods

in flammas et in arma feror, quo tristis Erinys,

Am I carried into flames and arms, where sad Erinys [a fury] [is]

quo fremitus vocat et sublatus ad aethera clamor.

Where she calls roars, and the shout rises to the air.

Epytus, oblati per lunam, Hypanisque Dymasque 340

Epytus, exposed by the moon, Hypanis as well as Dymas

et lateri adglomerant nostro, iuvenisque Coroebus

And to our flank they adjoined, and the young Coroebus

Mygdonides—illis ad Troiam forte diebus

[born] of Mygdon – to Troy by chance in those days

venerat insano Cassandrae incensus amore

He had come inflamed with mad love for Cassandra

et gener auxilium Priamo Phrygibusque ferebat,

And [as] son-in-law bearing help to Priam and the Phrygians,

infelix qui non sponsae praecepta furentis 345

Unhappy he who did not to the orders of his raving bride listen!

quos ubi confertos ardere in proelia vidi,

When these packed [men] burning for battle I saw,

incipio super his: 'iuvenes, fortissima frustra

I begin as follows: “Young men, with strongest in vain

pectora, si vobis audentem extrema cupido

Hearts, if you have a desire [me] daring to the end

certa sequi, quae sit rebus fortuna videtis: 350

Certain to follow, which the fortune of our plan can be seen:

excessere omnes adytis arisque relictis

Their sanctuaries and altars left behind, gone are all

di quibus imperium hoc steterat; succurritis urbi

The gods on whom this power stood; you all run to the aid of a city

incensae. moriamur et in media arma ruamus.

In flames. Let us die, and in the middle of arms run.

una salus victis nullam sperare salutem.'

The one security of the defeated [is] to expect no security.”

sic animis iuvenum furor additus. inde, lupi ceu 355

Thus was fury added to the spirits of the young men. From there like wolves

raptores atra in nebula, quos improba ventris

Thieves in a dark vapour, who the wickedness of the belly

exegit caecos rabies catulique relicti

Has driven out, blind in their madness, and the pups left behind

faucibus exspectant siccis, per tela, per hostis

With dry throats they wait. Through spears, through enemies

vadimus haud dubiam in mortem mediaeque tenemus

We rushed, no doubt in death, and we reach the middle

urbis iter; nox atra cava circumvolat umbra. 360

Of the city on our journey; gloomy night flies around [us] with empty shadows.

quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando

Who the destruction of that night, who the deaths, [all] to be related,

explicet aut possit lacrimis aequare labores?

Could describe, or could with tears equal our labours?

urbs antiqua ruit multos dominata per annos;

The ancient city fell into ruin, having ruled for many years;

plurima perque vias sternuntur inertia passim

And many through the streets are stretched out everywhere unmoving

corpora perque domos et religiosa deorum 365

Bodies, and in the houses and the gods’ sacred

limina. nec soli poenas dant sanguine Teucri;

Thresholds. Nor do only Trojans pay the penalty by blood:

quondam etiam victis redit in praecordia virtus

Sometimes even into the chests of the defeated does courage return

victoresque cadunt Danai. crudelis ubique

And the Danaian victors fall. Everywhere cruel

luctus, ubique pavor et plurima mortis imago.

Mourning, everywhere panic, and many an image of death.

Primus se Danaum magna comitante caterva 370

The first of the Greeks, with a large band accompanying, himself

Androgeos offert nobis, socia agmina credens

To us presented, Androgeos, believing [us to be] allied forces

inscius, atque ultro verbis compellat amicis:

in [his] ignorance, and urges of his own accord with friendly words:

'festinate, viri! nam quae tam sera moratur

“Hurry, men! For what slow {tardiness} delays [you] so?

segnities? alii rapiunt incensa feruntque

{tardiness} The others are plundering, and carrying away from burning

Pergama: vos celsis nunc primum a navibus itis?' 375

Troy: are you all just coming for the first time now from your tall ships?”

dixit, et extemplo (neque enim responsa dabantur

He said, and immediately (since no answers were given

fida satis) sensit medios delapsus in hostis.

Trustworthy enough) he sensed he had descended into the middle of the enemy.

obstipuit retroque pedem cum voce repressit.

he was stupefied and checked backwards his feet along with his voice.

improvisum aspris veluti qui sentibus anguem

Just like [one] who in rough brambles on an unforeseen snake,

pressit humi nitens trepidusque repente refugit 380

Sleek on the ground, stepped on, and alarmed, suddenly flees back

attollentem iras et caerula colla tumentem,

Lifting in anger and azure neck swelling,

haud secus Androgeos visu tremefactus abibat.

Not dissimilarly was Androgeos, trembling at the sight, fleeing.

inruimus densis et circumfundimur armis,

We charged in, and flowed around [them] with crowded weapons,

ignarosque loci passim et formidine captos

Ignorant of the place, and captured by fear on all sides

sternimus; aspirat primo Fortuna labori. 385

We struck [them] down; Fortune breathes on our first labours.

atque hic successu exsultans animisque Coroebus

And at this, exulting in success, and spirits, Coroebus

'o socii, qua prima' inquit 'Fortuna salutis

Said “Oh companions, where Fortune, first a safe

monstrat iter, quaque ostendit se dextra, sequamur:

Path shows, and where she reveals herself [to be] favourable, let us follow:

mutemus clipeos Danaumque insignia nobis

Let us change shields and the insignia of the Greeks on ourselves

aptemus. dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat? 390

Fasten. Deception or courage, who would inquire with an enemy?

arma dabunt ipsi.' sic fatus deinde comantem

They will give arms themselves.” Having said this, then the crested

Androgei galeam clipeique insigne decorum

Helmet of Androgeos, and the decorated insignia of his shield

induitur laterique Argiuum accommodat ensem.

Is put on and to his side fits the Argive sword.

hoc Rhipeus, hoc ipse Dymas omnisque iuventus

This Rhipeus, this Dymas by his own initiative, and all the youths

laeta facit: spoliis se quisque recentibus armat. 395

Happy did: with fresh spoils each man armed himself.

vadimus immixti Danais haud numine nostro

We rushed, mixed up with the Danaans, without our divine power

multaque per caecam congressi proelia noctem

And many blind combats as we meet through the dark night

conserimus, multos Danaum demittimus Orco.

We join, many Danaans did we send down to Orcus.

diffugiunt alii ad navis et litora cursu

Some flee to the ships, and at a run the beaches

fida petunt; pars ingentem formidine turpi 400

Trusted seek; a few with shameful dread into the huge

scandunt rursus equum et nota conduntur in alvo.

Horse scale back and hide in its familiar womb.

Heu nihil invitis fas quemquam fidere divis!

Alas it is not at all right for anyone to trust in the unwilling gods!

ecce trahebatur passis Priameia virgo

Look, being dragged, Priam’s virgin daughter, by her loosened

crinibus a templo Cassandra adytisque Minervae

Hair, from the temple, Cassandra, and from the innermost shrines of Minerva

ad caelum tendens ardentia lumina frustra, 405

For the skies striving with blazing eyes in vain,

lumina, nam teneras arcebant vincula palmas.

Eyes, for her delicate hands are hindered by chains.

non tulit hanc speciem furiata mente Coroebus

He did not bear this sight, with furious mind, Coroebus

et sese medium iniecit periturus in agmen;

and himself into the middle of the troops threw, about to vanish;

consequimur cuncti et densis incurrimus armis.

We followed closely, together and with dense arms we ran in.

hic primum ex alto delubri culmine telis 410

here first from the high roof of the shrine with spears

nostrorum obruimur oriturque miserrima caedes

of our own we were overwhelmed, and there was born the most wretched slaughter

armorum facie et Graiarum errore iubarum.

by the form of our armour, and by the error of our Greek crests.

tum Danai gemitu atque ereptae virginis ira

Then the Danaians with a roar of anger at the rescuing of the virgin

undique collecti invadunt, acerrimus Aiax

From all sides assailed us, collected, most spirited Ajax

et gemini Atridae Dolopumque exercitus omnis: 415

And the twins of Atreus and the whole host of the Dolopians:

adversi rupto ceu quondam turbine venti

Just as at a certain time, a tornado broken, opposing winds

confligunt, Zephyrusque Notusque et laetus Eois

contend, and Zephyrus [West wind], and Notus [South wind], and happy in Eois’ [dawn’s]

Eurus equis; stridunt silvae saevitque tridenti

Horses, Eurus [East wind]; the woods whistle, and with his trident thrashes

spumeus atque imo Nereus ciet aequora fundo.

the foam Nereus and the sea from its deepest depths disturbs.

illi etiam, si quos obscura nocte per umbram 420

Even those, who by dark night in the shadows

fudimus insidiis totaque agitavimus urbe,

we had routed with our trick, and driven through the whole city,

apparent; primi clipeos mentitaque tela

Appeared; the first [who] our shields and deceiving weapons

agnoscunt atque ora sono discordia signant.

Recognised, and our mouths jarring in [their] sound.

ilicet obruimur numero, primusque Coroebus

Immediately we were overwhelmed by [their] numbers, and Coroebus first

Penelei dextra divae armipotentis ad aram 425

by the arm of Peneleus, at the altar of the goddess powerful in arms

procumbit; cadit et Rhipeus, iustissimus unus

Forwards fell; and Rhipeus fell, the most lawful one

qui fuit in Teucris et servantissimus aequi

Who [ever] was among the Trojans, and the most watchful of equality

(dis aliter visum); pereunt Hypanisque Dymasque

(to the gods it appeared otherwise); Hypanis and Dymas perished

confixi a sociis; nec te tua plurima, Panthu,

Transfixed by their comrades; nor you Panthus, did your much

labentem pietas nec Apollinis infula texit. 430

Piety, nor the ribbon of Apollo as you fell protect [you].

Iliaci cineres et flamma extrema meorum,

Cinders of Ilium and last flame of mine,

testor, in occasu vestro nec tela nec ullas

Witness, that in your fall, neither spears nor any

vitavisse vices Danaum et, si fata fuissent

Hazards of the Greeks did I avoid, and if [my] fates had been

ut caderem, meruisse manu. divellimur inde,

to fall, I earned it by my [own] hand. We were torn apart from there,

Iphitus et Pelias mecum (quorum Iphitus aevo 435

Iphitus and Pelias with me (of whom Iphitus with age

iam gravior, Pelias et vulnere tardus Ulixi),

Now heavier, and Pelias slow from his wound by Ulixes),

protinus ad sedes Priami clamore vocati.

Forwards to the seat of Priam by a shout called.

hic vero ingentem pugnam, ceu cetera nusquam

Here truly [was there] great battle, as though nowhere else

bella forent, nulli tota morerentur in urbe,

Was there war, no one else dying in the whole city,

sic Martem indomitum Danaosque ad tecta ruentis 440

Indeed Mars unrestrained, and Greeks rushing to the roof

cernimus obsessumque acta testudine limen.

Did we perceive, and besieged by a driven testudo the threshold.

haerent parietibus scalae postisque sub ipsos

Ladders cling to the walls and up under the doorposts themselves

nituntur gradibus clipeosque ad tela sinistris

They climb the rungs, and shields against spears in their left hands

protecti obiciunt, prensant fastigia dextris.

For protection they hold out, they grasp the gables with their right.

Dardanidae contra turris ac tota domorum 445

The Dardanians on the other hand all together the towers and their homes’ whole

culmina convellunt; his se, quando ultima cernunt,

Gables tear down; with these themselves, since they saw the end,

extrema iam in morte parant defendere telis,

Even in the last [moment] of death, they prepare to defend with spears,

auratasque trabes, veterum decora alta parentum,

And gilded beams, and the decorated ceilings of their ancient ancestors,

devolvunt; alii strictis mucronibus imas

They roll down; others with drawn sword points lowest

obsedere fores, has servant agmine denso. 450

Doors blocked, these they protect with a dense force.

instaurati animi regis succurrere tectis

My spirits are renewed to relieve the palaces of the king

auxilioque levare viros vimque addere victis.

And with help lighten [the load of] men, and add strength to the defeated.

Limen erat caecaeque fores et pervius usus

There was an entrance, and a hidden gate, and a used passageway

tectorum inter se Priami, postesque relicti

Among the houses of Priam, and the abandoned doorposts

a tergo, infelix qua se, dum regna manebant, 455

at the back, where unhappy herself, while the kingdom remained,

saepius Andromache ferre incomitata solebat

Often Andromache was in the habit of coming unaccompanied

ad soceros et avo puerum Astyanacta trahebat.

To her parents-in-law, and bring the boy Astyanax by [his] grandfather.

evado ad summi fastigia culminis, unde

I arrive at the top gables of the roof, from where

tela manu miseri iactabant inrita Teucri.

Ineffective weapons were the wretched Trojans throwing with vigour.

turrim in praecipiti stantem summisque sub astra 460

A tower in steepness standing, and with the summit under the stars

eductam tectis, unde omnis Troia videri

Raised from the roof, from where all Troy could be seen

et Danaum solitae naves et Achaica castra,

The Danaians, habitual in their ships, and the Achaean camp,

adgressi ferro circum, qua summa labantis

It was attacked all around with tool[s], which with tottering top

iuncturas tabulata dabant, convellimus altis

The storeys about to join yielded, we overthrew from the top

sedibus impulimusque; ea lapsa repente ruinam 465

Of the palace and set it in motion; that stone suddenly into ruin

cum sonitu trahit et Danaum super agmina late

With a sound it dragged, and over a wide column of Greeks

incidit. ast alii subeunt, nec saxa nec ullum

It fell, but others came on, neither rock nor any

telorum interea cessat genus.

Sort of missile stopped them nevertheless.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primoque in limine Pyrrhus

Before the entrance itself and before the lintel, Pyrrhus

exsultat telis et luce coruscus aena: 470

Exults with his spear and bronze flashing with light:

qualis ubi in lucem coluber mala gramina pastus,

He [was] of such a kind as when into the light a snake, nourished on evil herbs,

frigida sub terra tumidum quem bruma tegebat,

Swollen below the cold earth, which winter hid,

nunc, positis novus exuviis nitidusque iuventa,

Now, set, new with [skin] sloughed off, and glistening in youth,

lubrica convoluit sublato pectore terga

Coiled its slippery back, with chest raised

arduus ad solem, et linguis micat ore trisulcis. 475

High to the sun, and with its three-forked tongue from its mouth it quivers.

una ingens Periphas et equorum agitator Achillis,

Along with the huge Periphas and the driver of the horses of Achilles,

armiger Automedon, una omnis Scyria pubes

The weapon-bearer Automedon, along with all the youths of Scyros

succedunt tecto et flammas ad culmina iactant.

They advance to the house, and throw flames on the roof.

ipse inter primos correpta dura bipenni

himself [Pyrhus] among the first, having seized a double-edged battle axe, the strong

limina perrumpit postisque a cardine vellit 480

Door he broke through, and demolished the hinged post

aeratos; iamque excisa trabe firma cavavit

covered in bronze; and now having destroyed a firm beam, he excavated

robora et ingentem lato dedit ore fenestram.

An oak beam and gave it a huge window with a wide mouth.

apparet domus intus et atria longa patescunt;

The home inside appears, and the long atria become visible;

apparent Priami et veterum penetralia regum,

The innermost [quarters] of Priam and the ancient kings,

armatosque vident stantis in limine primo. 485

and armed men they see standing in the first threshold.

at domus interior gemitu miseroque tumultu

But the interior of the home is with groaning and with miserable commotion

miscetur, penitusque cavae plangoribus aedes

Disturbed, and from within the abode the caverns with mourning

femineis ululant; ferit aurea sidera clamor.

Of women echoe; their shout strikes the golden stars.

tum pavidae tectis matres ingentibus errant

Meanwhile fearful mothers wonder through the huge abode

amplexaeque tenent postis atque oscula figunt. 490

And grasping they embrace posts and fix kisses [on them].

instat vi patria Pyrrhus; nec claustra nec ipsi

Pyrrhus stands with the strength of his father; neither barricades, nor the {guards} themselves

custodes sufferre valent; labat ariete crebro

{guards} had the strength to endure; under repeated rams wavered

ianua, et emoti procumbunt cardine postes.

The door, and removed from the hinge the posts fall forward.

fit via vi; rumpunt aditus primosque trucidant

The way was made by strength; the entrances broke, and they killed the first [ones],

immissi Danai et late loca milite complent. 495

The loosened Greeks, and they overwhelmed the place widely with soldiers.

non sic, aggeribus ruptis cum spumeus amnis

Not in this way, when having broken the banks, a foaming river

exiit oppositasque evicit gurgite moles,

Exited and overcame the opposing banks with a whirlpool,

fertur in arva furens cumulo camposque per omnis

It carries, raging, in the fields and plains with its overflow through all

cum stabulis armenta trahit. vidi ipse furentem

It drags herds with their stables. I myself saw raging

caede Neoptolemum geminosque in limine Atridas, 500

In slaughter Neoptolemus and the two sons of Atreus on the threshold,

vidi Hecubam centumque nurus Priamumque per aras

I saw Hecuba and her hundred daughters-in-law, and Priam among the altars

sanguine foedantem quos ipse sacraverat ignis.

Befouling with his blood those fires which he himself had sanctified.

quinquaginta illi thalami, spes tanta nepotum,

Fifty of those bedchambers, such hope for [future] grandsons,

barbarico postes auro spoliisque superbi

And posts magnificent with spoils and barbarian gold

procubuere; tenent Danai qua deficit ignis. 505

Fell forwards; the Danaians held, where it was lacking, fire.

Forsitan et Priami fuerint quae fata requiras.

And perhaps you ask what fate was in store for Priam.

urbis uti captae casum convulsaque vidit

As he saw his captured city fall and the overthrown

limina tectorum et medium in penetralibus hostem,

Threshold of his palace and in his innermost middle the enemy,

arma diu senior desueta trementibus aevo

Armour long unused in his old age, trembling with his long life

circumdat nequiquam umeris et inutile ferrum 510

he places around his shoulders in vain, and the useless blade

cingitur, ac densos fertur moriturus in hostis.

is girded on, and is born to the dense enemy [its owner] about to die.

aedibus in mediis nudoque sub aetheris axe

In the middle shrines, and defenceless, beneath the ethereal heavens

ingens ara fuit iuxtaque veterrima laurus

Lay a huge altar, and nearby an elderly laurel tree

incumbens arae atque umbra complexa penatis.

Bending over the altar and embracing in its shadow the household gods.

hic Hecuba et natae nequiquam altaria circum, 515

Here Hecuba and her daughters surrounded the offering altar in vain,

praecipites atra ceu tempestate columbae,

Like doves by a black storm to the precipice,

condensae et divum amplexae simulacra sedebant.

Packed, and clasping the images of the gods, they were sitting

ipsum autem sumptis Priamum iuvenalibus armis

But Priam himself in the armour acquired in his youth

ut vidit, 'quae mens tam dira, miserrime coniunx,

When [this] she saw, “what such dreadful mind, most wretched husband,

impulit his cingi telis? aut quo ruis?' inquit. 520

Drives to have girded on weapons? Or to where do you hasten?” She said.

'non tali auxilio nec defensoribus istis

“Not such help, nor defenders of that [kind]

tempus eget; non, si ipse meus nunc adforet Hector.

Does the time require: not if my Hector himself were here now.

huc tandem concede; haec ara tuebitur omnis,

Here at last come; this altar will guard all,

aut moriere simul.' sic ore effata recepit

Or you will die at the same time [as us].” having thusly spoken she received

ad sese et sacra longaeuum in sede locavit. 525

To herself and on the altar for the great aged a seat set.

Ecce autem elapsus Pyrrhi de caede Polites,

Look however, having escaped from Pyrrhus’ slaughter, Polites,

unus natorum Priami, per tela, per hostis

One of the sons of Priam, through weapons, through the enemy

porticibus longis fugit et vacua atria lustrat

Along the long colonnades he fled, and wanders the empty courts

saucius. illum ardens infesto vulnere Pyrrhus

Injured. Him, blazing, poised to wound, Pyrrhus

insequitur, iam iamque manu tenet et premit hasta. 530

Pursued. Now and again he grasps [him] with his hand, and presses with a spear.

ut tandem ante oculos evasit et ora parentum,

When at last he ran before the eyes and faces of his parents,

concidit ac multo vitam cum sanguine fudit.

he collapsed and his life with much blood poured out.

hic Priamus, quamquam in media iam morte tenetur,

This Priam, although in the midst now of death held,

non tamen abstinuit nec voci iraeque pepercit:

Nevertheless did he hold back, nor did he omit anger from his voice:

'at tibi pro scelere,' exclamat, 'pro talibus ausis 535

“And to you, for your crime,” he shouted, “for such audacity

di, si qua est caelo pietas quae talia curet,

Gods, if there is any goodness in heaven which for such things cares,

persolvant grates dignas et praemia reddant

May they [the gods] grant you deserved thanks and give the reward

debita, qui nati coram me cernere letum

You are owed, [you] who in person me to behold, the murder of my son

fecisti et patrios foedasti funere vultus.

Made, and befouled his fathers’ faces with his corpse.

at non ille, satum quo te mentiris, Achilles 540

Whereas that Achilles, from whom you pretend to have sprung, not

talis in hoste fuit Priamo; sed iura fidemque

Such was he towards his enemy Priam; but for the right and good faith

supplicis erubuit corpusque exsangue sepulcro

Of the suppliant was he ashamed, and for the tomb the bloodless body

reddidit Hectoreum meque in mea regna remisit.'

Of Hector he returned, and me to my kingdom he sent back.”

sic fatus senior telumque imbelle sine ictu

Having said this, the older man and the unwarlike spear without a [proper] attack

coniecit, rauco quod protinus aere repulsum, 545

he threw, with harsh [sound] for forthwith by the bronze was it repulsed,

et summo clipei nequiquam umbone pependit.

And from the surface of the shield [down] the boss it uselessly weighed.

cui Pyrrhus: 'referes ergo haec et nuntius ibis

To him [replied] Pyrrhus: “you will bring back then these and [as] messenger go

Pelidae genitori. illi mea tristia facta

My father, [born] of Peleus. To him my offensive deeds

degeneremque Neoptolemum narrare memento.

And about the degenerate Neoptolemus remember to tell.

nunc morere.' hoc dicens altaria ad ipsa trementem 550

Now you die.” Saying this, to the alter itself, trembling

traxit et in multo lapsantem sanguine nati,

He dragged [Priam], and slipping in the much blood of his son,

implicuitque comam laeva, dextraque coruscum

And he entwined his left [hand] in [Priam’s] hair, and the right shaking

extulit ac lateri capulo tenus abdidit ensem.

Brought forth, and in his side up to the hilt he sheathed his sword.

haec finis Priami fatorum, hic exitus illum

This [was] the end of Priam’s fate, this the death him

sorte tulit Troiam incensam et prolapsa videntem 555

Created by fate, that burning Troy and fallen he should see

Pergama, tot quondam populis terrisque superbum

Troy, once with so many peoples and lands proud

regnatorem Asiae. iacet ingens litore truncus,

Ruler of Asia. He lies, on the beach a huge trunk,

avulsumque umeris caput et sine nomine corpus.

Torn away from the shoulders his head, and without name a body.