Scarce had he given forth the word, ere midst outpouring rain, The black storm rageth measureless, and earthly height and plain Shake to the thundering; all the sky casts forth confusèd flood, Most black with gathering of the South: then all the ship-hulls stood Fulfilled with water of the heavens; the half-burned oak was drenched, Until at last to utmost spark the smouldering fire is quenched, And all the ships escaped the bane of fiery end save four. But, shaken by such bitter hap, Father Æneas bore 700 This way and that; and turned the cares on all sides in his breast: Whether amid Sicilian fields to set him down in rest, Forgetting Fate, or yet to strive for shores of Italy. Then the old Nautes, whom erewhile had Pallas set on high By her exceeding plenteous craft and lore that she had taught:-- She gave him answers; telling him how wrath of God was wrought, And how it showed, and what the law of fate would ask and have:-- This man unto Æneas now such words of solace gave: "O Goddess-born, Fate's ebb and flow still let us follow on, Whate'er shall be, by bearing all must Fortune's fight be won. 710 Dardan Acestes have ye here, sprung of the Godhead's seed; Take his goodwill and fellowship to help thee in thy rede. Give him the crews of those burnt ships; to him let such-like go As faint before thy mighty hope and shifting weal and woe. The mothers weary of the sea, the elders spent with years, And whatsoever feeble is and whatsoever fears, Choose out, and in this land of his walls let the weary frame; And they their town by leave of thee shall e'en Acesta name." So was he kindled by the speech of that wise ancient friend, Yet still down every way of care his thought he needs must send. 720 But now the wain of mirky night was holding middle sky, When lo, his father's image seemed to fall from heaven the high, And suddenly Anchises' lips such words to him poured forth: