Thus from one common source our streams divide; Ours is the Trojan, yours the Arcadian side. Raised by these hopes, I sent no news before, } Nor asked your leave, nor did your faith implore; } But come, without a pledge, my own ambassador. } The same Rutulians, who with arms pursue The Trojan race, are equal foes to you. Our host expelled, what farther force can stay The victor troops from universal sway? Then will they stretch their power athwart the land, And either sea from side to side command. Receive our offered faith, and give us thine; Ours is a generous and experienced line: We want not hearts nor bodies for the war; In council cautious, and in fields we dare." He said; and, while he spoke, with piercing eyes Evander viewed the man with vast surprise-- Pleased with his action, ravished with his face; Then answered briefly, with a royal grace:-- "O valiant leader of the Trojan line, In whom the features of thy father shine! How I recall Anchises! how I see His motions, mien, and all my friend, in thee! Long though it be, 'tis fresh within my mind, When Priam to his sister's court designed A welcome visit, with a friendly stay, And through the Arcadian kingdom took his way. Then, past a boy, the callow down began To shade my chin, and call me first a man. I saw the shining train with vast delight, And Priam's goodly person pleased my sight: But great Anchises, far above the rest, With awful wonder fired my youthful breast. I longed to join, in friendship's holy bands, Our mutual hearts, and plight our mutual hands. I first accosted him: I sued, I sought, And, with a loving force, to Pheneus brought. He gave me, when at length constrained to go, A Lycian quiver and a Gnossian bow, A vest embroidered, glorious to behold, } And two rich bridles, with their bits of gold, } Which my son's coursers in obedience hold. } The league you ask, I offer, as your right; And, when to-morrow's sun reveals the light, With swift supplies you shall be sent away. } Now celebrate, with us, this solemn day, } Whose holy rites admit no long delay. } Honour our annual feast; and take your seat, With friendly welcome, at a homely treat." Thus having said, the bowls (removed for fear) The youths replaced, and soon restored the cheer. On sods of turf he set the soldiers round: A maple throne, raised higher from the ground, Received the Trojan chief; and, o'er the bed, A lion's shaggy hide, for ornament, they spread. The loaves were served in canisters; the wine } In bowls; the priest renewed the rites divine: } Broiled entrails are their food, and beef's continued chine. } But, when the rage of hunger was repressed, Thus spoke Evander to his royal guest:--