Their scattered fires: the most, in sleep supine Along the ground, an easy conquest lie: The wakeful few the fuming flaggon ply: All hushed around. Now hear what I revolve-- A thought unripe--and scarcely yet resolve. Our absent prince both camp and council mourn; By message both would hasten his return: If they confer what I demand on thee, (For fame is recompense enough for me,) Methinks, beneath yon hill, I have espied A way that safely will my passage guide." Euryalus stood listening while he spoke; With love of praise, and noble envy struck; Then to his ardent friend exposed his mind:-- } "All this, alone, and leaving me behind! } Am I unworthy, Nisus, to be joined? } Think'st thou I can my share of glory yield, Or send thee unassisted to the field? Not so my father taught my childhood arms-- Born in a siege, and bred among alarms. Nor is my youth unworthy of my friend, Nor of the heaven born hero I attend. The thing, called life, with ease I can disclaim, And think it over-sold to purchase fame." Then Nisus thus:--"Alas! thy tender years Would minister new matter to my fears. So may the gods, who view this friendly strife, Restore me to thy loved embrace with life, Condemned to pay my vows, (as sure I trust,) This thy request is cruel and unjust. But if some chance--as many chances are, And doubtful hazards, in the deeds of war-- If one should reach my head, there let it fall, And spare thy life; I would not perish all. Thy bloomy youth deserves a longer date: Live thou to mourn thy love's unhappy fate, To bear my mangled body from the foe, Or buy it back, and funeral rites bestow. Or, if hard fortune shall those dues deny, Thou canst at least an empty tomb supply. O! let not me the widow's tears renew, Nor let a mother's curse my name pursue-- Thy pious parent, who, for love of thee, Forsook the coasts of friendly Sicily, Her age committing to the seas and wind, When every weary matron staid behind." To this, Euryalus:--"You plead in vain, And but protract the cause you cannot gain. No more delays! but haste!" With that, he wakes The nodding watch; each to his office takes. The guard relieved, the generous couple went To find the council at the royal tent. All creatures else forgot their daily care, And sleep, the common gift of nature, share; Except the Trojan peers, who wakeful sate In nightly council for the endangered state. They vote a message to their absent chief, Shew their distress, and beg a swift relief. Amid the camp a silent seat they chose, Remote from clamour, and secure from foes. On their left arms their ample shields they bear, Their right reclined upon the bending spear. Now Nisus and his friend approach the guard, }