From thee, heroic youth! Be wholly mine; Take full possession; all my soul is thine. One faith, one fame, one fate, shall both attend: My life's companion, and my bosom friend-- My peace shall be committed to thy care; And, to thy conduct, my concerns in war." Then thus the young Euryalus replied:-- "Whatever fortune, good or bad, betide, The same shall be my age, as now my youth; No time shall find me wanting to my truth. This only from your goodness let me gain-- (And, this ungranted, all rewards are vain,) Of Priam's royal race my mother came-- And sure the best that ever bore the name-- Whom neither Troy nor Sicily could hold From me departing, but, o'erspent and old, My fate she followed. Ignorant of this (Whatever) danger, neither parting kiss, Nor pious blessing taken, her I leave, And in this only act of all my life deceive. By this right hand, and conscious night, I swear, My soul so sad a farewell could not bear. Be you her comfort; fill my vacant place; (Permit me to presume so great a grace;) Support her age, forsaken and distressed. That hope alone will fortify my breast Against the worst of fortunes, and of fears." He said. The moved assistants melt in tears. Then thus Ascanius, wonder-struck to see That image of his filial piety:-- "So great beginnings, in so green an age, Exact the faith which I again engage. Thy mother all the dues shall justly claim, Creüsa had, and only want the name. Whate'er event thy bold attempt shall have, 'Tis merit to have borne a son so brave. Now by my head, a sacred oath, I swear, (My father used it,) what, returning here Crowned with success, I for thyself prepare, That, if thou fail, shall thy loved mother share." He said, and, weeping while he spoke the word, From his broad belt he drew a shining sword, Magnificent with gold. Lycaon made, And in an ivory scabbard sheathed the blade. This was his gift. Great Mnestheus gave his friend A lion's hide, his body to defend; And good Aletes furnished him, beside, With his own trusty helm, of temper tried. Thus armed they went. The noble Trojans wait Their issuing forth, and follow to the gate With prayers and vows. Above the rest appears Ascanius, manly far beyond his years, And messages committed to their care, Which all in winds were lost, and flitting air. The trenches first they passed; then took their way Where their proud foes in pitched pavilions lay; To many fatal, ere themselves were slain. They found the careless host dispersed upon the plain, Who, gorged, and drunk with wine, supinely snore. Unharnessed chariots stand along the shore: Amidst the wheels and reins, the goblet by, A medley of debauch and war, they lie. Observing Nisus shewed his friend the sight:--