“And there will be a son of Mars; his mother Is Ilia, and his name is Romulus, Assaracus’ descendant. On his helmet See, even now, twin plumes; his father’s honor Confers distinction on him for the world. Under his auspices Rome, that glorious city, Will bound her power by earth, her pride by heaven, Happy in hero sons, one wall surrounding Her seven hills, even as Cybele, riding Through Phrygian cities, wears her crown of towers, Rejoicing in her offspring, and embracing A hundred children of the gods, her children, Celestials, all of them, at home in heaven. Turn the eyes now this way; behold the Romans, Your very own. These are Iulus’ children, The race to come. One promise you have heard Over and over: here is its fulfillment, The son of a god, Augustus Caesar, founder Of a new age of gold, in lands where Saturn Ruled long ago; he will extend his empire Beyond the Indies, beyond the normal measure Of years and constellations, where high Atlas Turns on his shoulders the star-studded world. Maeotia and the Caspian seas are trembling As heaven’s oracles predict his coming, And all the seven mouths of Nile are troubled. Not even Hercules, in all his travels, Covered so much of the world, from Erymanthus To Lerna; nor did Bacchus, driving his tigers From Nysa’s summit. How can hesitation Keep us from deeds to make our prowess greater? What fear can block us from Ausonian land? “And who is that one yonder, wearing the olive, Holding the sacrifice? I recognize him, That white-haired king of Rome, who comes from Cures, A poor land, to a mighty empire, giver Of law to the young town. His name is Numa. Near him is Tullus; he will rouse to arms A race grown sluggish, little used to triumph. Beyond him Ancus, even now too boastful, Too fond of popular favor. And then the Tarquins, And the avenger Brutus, proud of spirit, Restorer of the balance. He shall be First holder of the consular power; his children Will stir up wars again, and he, for freedom And her sweet sake, will call down judgment on them, Unhappy, however future men may praise him, In love of country and intense ambition.