tranquillisque fretis clavum sibi quisque regendum vindicat; incumbat si turbidus Auster et unda pulset utrumque latus, posito certamine nautae contenti meliore manu seseque pavere 205 confessi (finem studiis fecere procellae): haud aliter Stilicho, fremuit cum Thracia belli tempestas, cunctis pariter cedentibus unus eligitur ductor; suffragia quippe peregit iudex vera timor; victus ratione salutis Quis tibi tunc per membra tremor quantaeque cadebant ubertim lacrimae, cum saeva vocantibus arma iam lituis madido respectans lumina vultu optares reducem galeaeque inserta minaci 215 oscula cristati raperes festina mariti! gaudia quae rursus, cum post victricia tandem classica sidereas ferratum pectus in ulnas exciperes, castae tuto per dulcia noctis otia pugnarum seriem narrare iuberes! 220 non illo nitidos umquam bellante capillos comere, non solitos gemmarum sumere cultus: numinibus votisque vacas et supplice crine verris humum: teritur neglectae gratia formae cum proprio reditura viro. Nec deside cura 225 segnis marcet amor: laudem prudentia belli feminea pro parte subit. dum gentibus ille confligit, vigili tu prospicis omnia sensu, ne quid in absentem virtutibus obvia semper audeat invidiae rabies neu fervor iniquus, 230 ne qua procul positis furto subsederit armis * * * * * Page 255 every sailor maintains his right to manage the rudder, but if the blustering south wind comes upon them and the waves buffet them on either side, then contention ceases and the sailors accepting a more skilful hand admit their fear (for the storm has set a term to their jealousy), even so Stilicho when the storm of war broke out in Thrace was chosen as commander-in-chief over the heads of all. Fear, that surest of judges, won him the votes of all; regard for safety o’ermastered ambition and jealousy was overthrown by dread. How thou didst tremble and weep when the cruel bugles summoned thy lord to arms! With a countenance wet with tears thou saw’st him leave thy home praying for his safe return after snatching the final hasty kiss from between the bars of his crested helmet’s visor. But again what joy when at length he returned, preceded by the clarion of victory and thou couldst hold his still mailed form in thy loving arms once more! How sweet the long hours of the chaste night wherein thou badest him tell in safety the story of his battles. Whilst he was at the wars thou didst not comb thy shining hair nor wear the jewels that were wont to adorn thee. Thy time is spent in worship and in prayer as thy suppliant tresses sweep the temple floor; uncared for perishes the gracious beauty that shall return with thine own lord.