To Juno first, with suppliant vows appeasing Her threats and anger. As for me, my tribute May wait your triumph. I am blue-green Tiber, The river most dear to Heaven, I am the river You see, brim-full to these rich banks, this ploughland: This is my home, the source of lofty cities.” So spoke the river-god, to his deep pool diving. Slumber and night were gone. Aeneas rose, Faced eastern sunlight, took up river water In the hollow of his hands, and made his prayer:-- “Laurentian Nymphs, to whom the rivers owe Their essence, father Tiber, holy river, Receive Aeneas, be his shield in danger. Wherever your presence dwells, in pool or fountain, Whatever land its flowing bounty graces, O comforter in time of trouble, surely Our gifts will bring their meed of honor, always, To the horned ruler of the western waters. Only be with us, give us confirmation!” He had made his prayer; two ships were quickly chosen Out of the fleet, equipped, and the crews made ready. And then a marvel struck their eyes, a wonder! White in the wood, on the green ground, there lay A sow with her white litter, and Aeneas Brought them in sacrifice to Juno’s altar. All that long night, the Tiber calmed his flood; The silent wave, retreating, lay as still As pool or mere or watery plain; the oars Dipped without strain; the voyage went with laughter And cheerful shouting; over the waters rode The oily keels; and waves and woods in wonder Beheld the shields of men, the colored vessels, Divide the flood. Day turns to night. They traverse The winding bends, with green shade arching over, Parting the green woods in the quiet water, Till it is noon, and they see walls and houses, Evander’s town, which Roman power later Made equal to the city, a mighty empire, But it was little then. They turned to the shore, Drew near the city.