Comes bright and shining over the world of men, There will be games, a contest for the boats, A foot-race, javelin-throw or archery, a battle With rawhide gloves; let all attend, competing For victory’s palm and prize. And now, in silence, Garland the brow with leaves.” He bound his temples With Venus’ myrtle, and the others followed, Acestes, Helymus, and young Iulus, And the other lads, and Aeneas, from the meeting, Moved to Anchises’ tomb, and many thousands Came thronging there. He poured libation, duly, Bowls of pure wine, and milk, and victim-blood, And strewed bright flowers, praying: “Holy father, Hail, once again; hail once again, O ashes, Regained in vain; hail, holy shade and spirit! Hail, from a son, destined to seek alone The fated fields, Italian soil, alone To seek, whatever it is, Ausonian Tiber.” And as he finished speaking, a huge serpent Slid over the ground, seven shining loops, surrounding The tomb, peacefully gliding around the altars, Dappled with blue and gold, such iridescence As rainbow gives to cloud, when the sun strikes it. Aeneas stood amazed; and the great serpent Crawled to the bowls and cups, tasted the offerings, And slid again, without a hint of menace, Under the altar-stone. Intent, Aeneas Resumed the rites; the serpent might have been, For all he knew, a guardian of the altar, Or some familiar spirit of Anchises. Two sheep he sacrificed, two swine, two heifers, Poured wine, invoked the spirit of his father, And the shade loosed from Acheron. His comrades Also bring gifts, whatever they can, slay bullocks, Load altars high; others prepare the kettles, Sprawl on the greensward, keep the live coals glowing Under the roasting-spits, and the meat turning. And the day came, the ninth they had awaited With eagerness, bright and clear, and the crowd gathered Under Acestes’ sanction; they were eager To see the Trojans, or to join the contests. There were the prizes, tripods, and green garlands, And palms for the winners, armor, crimson garments, Talents of silver and gold. And a trumpet heralds The start of the games. For the first contest Four ships are entered, heavy-oared, and chosen, The pick of the fleet. Mnestheus is one captain, His ship the _Dragon_, and his crew is eager,-- (Later the Memmian line will call him father). Gyas commands the big _Chimaera_, a vessel Huge as a town; it takes three tiers of oarsmen To keep her moving. Then there is Sergestus Riding the _Centaur_, and the sea-blue _Scylla_ Cloanthus leads. (The Sergian house at Rome Descends from one, Cluentians from the other.)