Of sweet Ascanius, and the sprightly grace; Should bring the presents, in her nephew's stead, And in Eliza's veins the gentle poison shed: For much she feared the Tyrians, double-tongued, And knew the town to Juno's care belonged. These thoughts by night her golden slumbers broke, And thus, alarmed, to winged Love she spoke:-- "My son, my strength, whose mighty power alone Controuls the Thunderer on his awful throne, To thee thy much-afflicted mother flies, And on thy succour and thy faith relies. Thou know'st, my son, how Jove's revengeful wife, By force and fraud, attempts thy brother's life; And often hast thou mourned with me his pains. } Him Dido now with blandishment detains; } But I suspect the town where Juno reigns. } For this, 'tis needful to prevent her art, And fire with love the proud Phœnician's heart-- A love so violent, so strong, so sure, That neither age can change, nor art can cure. How this may be performed, now take my mind: Ascanius, by his father is designed To come, with presents laden, from the port, To gratify the queen, and gain the court. I mean to plunge the boy in pleasing sleep, And, ravished, in Idalian bowers to keep, Or high Cythera, that the sweet deceit May pass unseen, and none prevent the cheat. Take thou his form and shape. I beg the grace, } But only for a night's revolving space, } Thyself a boy, assume a boy's dissembled face; } That when, amidst the fervour of the feast, The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast, And with sweet kisses in her arms constrains, Thou may'st infuse thy venom in her veins." The god of love obeys, and sets aside His bow and quiver, and his plumy pride; He walks Iülus in his mother's sight, And in the sweet resemblance takes delight. The goddess then to young Ascanius flies, And in a pleasing slumber seals his eyes: Lulled in her lap, amidst a train of Loves, She gently bears him to her blissful groves, Then with a wreath of myrtle crowns his head, And softly lays him on a flowery bed. Cupid meantime assumed his form and face, Following Achates with a shorter pace, And brought the gifts. The queen already sate Amidst the Trojan lords, in shining state, High on a golden bed: her princely guest Was next her side;[98] in order sate the rest. Then canisters with bread are heaped on high; } The attendants water for their hands supply, } And, having washed, with silken towels dry. } Next fifty handmaids in long order bore The censers, and with fumes the gods adore: Then youths and virgins, twice as many, join To place the dishes, and to serve the wine. The Tyrian train, admitted to the feast, Approach, and on the painted couches rest. All on the Trojan gifts with wonder gaze,