thefts of their guardian image, slaughterings of the sentry on the height, they need fear none of these; we will not skulk in a horse’s murky womb: in broad day, in the sight of all, I stand pledged to put a ring of fire round their 25 walls. I will not let them fancy they are dealing with the Danaans and the Pelasgian chivalry, whom Hector kept ten years waiting for their due. Now, since the better part of the day is spent, for what remains, gallants, refresh yourselves after your good service, and be assured that 30 battle is getting ready.” Meantime the charge is given to Messapus to leaguer the gates with relays of watchmen, and throw a girdle of fire round the ramparts. Twice seven Rutulian chiefs are chosen to keep armed observation of the walls: a hundred 35 warriors attend on each, red with scarlet crests and gleaming with gold. They move from place to place and relieve one another, and stretched on the grass give wine its fling and tilt the brazen bowl. Bright shine the fires: the warders speed the wakeful night with sport and game. The Trojans look forth on the scene from their earthworks, as in arms they man the summit; with anxious fear they test the gates, and link bridge and bulwark, 5 their weapons in their hands. First in the work are Mnestheus and keen Serestus, whom father Æneas, should adverse crisis call for action, left to command the warriors and govern affairs at home. The whole army along the wall, dividing the danger, keeps guard, each relieving 10 each at the post assigned.