That many lands have longed for us, and yearned for our increase. But fate of Gods and Gods' command would ever drive us home To this your land: this is the place whence Dardanus was come, 240 And hither now he comes again: full sore Apollo drave To Tuscan Tiber, and the place of dread Numicius' wave. Moreover, here some little gifts of early days of joy Giveth our king, a handful gleaned from burning-tide of Troy: Anchises at the altar erst would pour from out this gold; This was the gear that Priam used when in the guise of old He gave his gathered folk the law; sceptre, and holy crown, And weed the work of Ilian wives." Now while Ilioneus so spake Latinus held his face, Musing and steadfast, on the ground setting his downcast gaze, 250 Rolling his eyes all thought-fulfilled; nor did the broidered gear Of purple move the King so much, nor Priam's sceptre fair, As on his daughter's bridal bed the thoughts in him had rest, For ancient Faunus' fateful word he turned within his breast. Here was the son, the fate-foretold, the outland wanderer, Called on by equal doom of God the equal throne to share; He from whose loins those glorious sons of valour should come forth To take the whole world for their own by utter might of worth. At last he spake out joyfully: "God grace our deed begun, And his own bidding! man of Troy, thine asking shall be done: 260 I take your gifts: nought shall ye lack from King Latinus' hand, Riches of Troy, nor health and wealth of fat and fruitful land. But let Æneas come himself if he so yearn for me, If he be eager for our house, and would our fellow be; Nor let him fear to look upon friends' faces close anigh, Part of the peace-troth shall be this, my hand in his to lie. And now bear back unto your king this bidding that I send: I have a daughter; her indeed with countryman to blend The answers of my father's house forbid, and many a sign Sent down from heaven: from over sea comes one to wed our line; 270 They say this bideth Latin Land; a man to raise our blood Up to the very stars of heaven: that this is he fate would, I think, yea hope, if any whit my heart herein avail."