inrigat, haec morsu numerosi dentis eburno multifidum discrimen arat; sed tertia retro dat varios nexus et iusto dividit orbes ordine, neglectam partem studiosa relinquens: 105 plus error decuit. speculi nec vultus egebat iudicio; similis tecto monstratur in omni et capitur[130] quocumque videt. dum singula cernit, seque probat, nati venientis conspicit umbram ambrosioque sinu puerum complexa ferocem 110 “quid tantum gavisus?” ait; “quae proelia sudas improbe? quis iacuit telis? iterumne Tonantem inter Sidonias cogis mugire iuvencas? an Titana domas? an pastoralia Lunam rursus in antra vocas? durum magnumque videris debellasse deum.” 116 Suspensus in oscula matris ille refert: “Laetare, parens; inmane tropaeum rettulimus, nostrum iam sensit Honorius arcum. scis Mariam patremque ducem, qui cuspide Gallos Italiamque fovet, nec te praeclara Serenae 120 fama latet. propera; regalibus adnue votis: iunge toros.” Gremio natum Cytherea removit et crines festina ligat peplumque fluentem adlevat et blando spirantem numine ceston cingitur, impulsos pluviis quo mitigat amnes, 125 quo mare, quo ventos irataque fulmina solvit. ut stetit ad litus, parvos adfatur alumnos: “Heus! quis erit, pueri, vitreas qui lapsus in undas huc rapidum Tritona vocet, quo vecta per altum [130] Birt, following the MSS., _rapitur_; _capitur_ was suggested by Conington, comparing Virg. Aen. viii. 311. * * * * * Page 251 head, another parts her hair with a fine ivory comb. A third, standing behind the goddess, braids her tresses and orders her ringlets in due array, yet carefully leaving a part untended; such negligence becomes her more. Nor did her face lack the mirror’s verdict; her image is reflected over all the palace and she is charmed wheresoever she looks. While she surveys each detail and approves her beauty she notes the shadow of her son as he approaches and catches the fierce boy to her fragrant bosom. “Whence comes thy joy?” she asks; “cruel child, what battles hast thou fought? What victim has thine arrow pierced? Hast thou once more compelled the Thunderer to low among the heifers of Sidon? Hast thou overcome Apollo, or again summoned Diana to a shepherd’s cave? Methinks thou hast triumphed over some fierce and potent god.” Hanging upon his mother’s kisses he answered: “Mother, be thou glad; a great victory is ours. Now has Honorius felt our arrows. Thou knowest Maria and her sire, the general whose spear protects Gaul and Italy; the fame of noble Serena is not hidden from thee. Haste thee, assent to their princely prayers and seal this royal union.”