Not far from hence, if I observed aright The southing of the stars, and polar light, Sicilia lies, whose hospitable shores In safety we may reach with struggling oars." Æneas then replied:--"Too sure I find, We strive in vain against the seas and wind: Now shift your sails; what place can please me more Than what you promise, the Sicilian shore, Whose hallowed earth Anchises' bones contains, And where a prince of Trojan lineage reigns?" The course resolved, before the western wind They scud amain, and make the port assigned. Meantime Acestes, from a lofty stand, Beheld the fleet descending on the land; And, not unmindful of his ancient race, } Down from the cliff he ran with eager pace, } And held the hero in a strict embrace. } Of a rough Libyan bear the spoils he wore, And either hand a pointed javelin bore. His mother was a dame of Dardan blood; His sire Crinisus, a Sicilian flood. He welcomes his returning friends ashore With plenteous country cates, and homely store. Now, when the following morn had chased away The flying stars, and light restored the day, Æneas called the Trojan troops around, And thus bespoke them from a rising ground:-- "Offspring of heaven, divine Dardanian race! The sun, revolving through the etherial space, The shining circle of the year has filled, Since first this isle my father's ashes held: And now the rising day renews the year-- A day for ever sad, for ever dear. This would I celebrate with annual games, With gifts on altars piled, and holy flames, Though banished to Gætulia's barren sands, Caught on the Grecian seas, or hostile lands: But since this happy storm our fleet has driven (Not, as I deem, without the will of heaven) Upon these friendly shores, and flowery plains, Which hide Anchises and his blest remains, Let us with joy perform his honours due, And pray for prosperous winds, our voyage to renew-- Pray, that, in towns and temples of our own, } The name of great Anchises may be known, } And yearly games may spread the god's renown. } Our sports Acestes, of the Trojan race, With royal gifts ordained, is pleased to grace: Two steers on every ship the king bestows: His gods and ours shall share your equal vows. Besides, if, nine days hence, the rosy morn Shall with unclouded light the skies adorn, That day with solemn sports I mean to grace: Light galleys on the seas shall run a watery race: Some shall in swiftness for the goal contend, And others try the twanging bow to bend: The strong, with iron gauntlets armed, shall stand Opposed in combat on the yellow sand. Let all be present at the games prepared, And joyful victors wait the just reward. But now assist the rites, with garlands crowned." He said, and first his brows with myrtle bound. Then Helymus, by his example led,