Mythology, Greek -- Juvenile literature; Mythology, Roman -- Juvenile literature
First they cast their spears at each other, and then ran together, and
their shields struck one against the other with a crash that went up to
the sky. And Jupiter held the balance in heaven, weighing their doom.
Then Turnus, rising to the stroke, smote fiercely with his sword. And
the men of Troy and the Latins cried out when they saw him strike. But
the treacherous sword brake in the blow. And when he saw the empty
hilt in his hand he turned to flee. They say that when he mounted his
chariot that day to enter the battle, not heeding the matter in his
haste, he left his father’s sword behind him, and took the sword of
Metiscus, which, indeed, served him well while the men of Troy fled
before him, but brake, even as ice breaks, when it came to the shield
which Vulcan had made. Thereupon Turnus fled, and Æneas, though the
wound which the arrow had made hindered him, pursued. Even as a hound
follows a stag that is penned within some narrow space, for the beast
flees hither and thither, and the staunch Umbrian hound follows close
upon him, and almost holds him, and snaps his teeth, yet bites him not,
so did Æneas follow hard on Turnus. And still Turnus cried out that
some one should give him his sword, and Æneas threatened that he would
destroy the city if any should help him. Five times about the space
they ran; not for some prize they strove, but for the life of Turnus.
Now there stood in the plain the stump of a wild olive-tree. The tree
was sacred to Faunus, but the men of Troy had cut it, and the stump
only was left. Herein the spear of Æneas was fixed, and now he would
have drawn it forth that he might slay Turnus therewith, seeing that
he could not overtake him by running. Which when Turnus perceived, he
cried to Faunus, saying, “O Faunus, if I have kept holy for thee that
which the men of Troy have profaned, hold fast this spear.” And the god
heard him; nor could Æneas draw it forth. But while he strove, Juturna,
taking again the form of Metiscus, ran and gave to Turnus his sword.
And Venus, perceiving it, wrenched forth the spear from the stump. So
the two stood again face to face.
Then spake Jupiter to Juno, where she sat in a cloud watching the
battle, “How long wilt thou fight against fate? What purpose hast thou
now in thy heart? Was it well that Juturna--for what could she avail
without thy help?--should give back to Turnus his sword? Thou hast
driven the men of Troy over land and sea, and kindled a dreadful war,
and mingled the song of marriage with mourning. Further thou mayest not
go.”
And Juno humbly made answer, “This is thy will, great Father; else had
I not sat here, but stood in the battle smiting the men of Troy. And
indeed I spake to Juturna that she should help her brother; but aught
else I know not. And now I yield. Yet grant me this. Suffer not that
the Latins should be called after the name of Troy, nor change their
speech nor their garb. Let Rome rule the world, but let Troy perish
forever.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account