Charged to save himself from the wreck of Troy, and to accomplish the
decrees of fate, Aeneas embarked with a small band in twenty vessels, which
Juno however pursued with her wrath. Aeolus obedient to the goddess,
dispersed the fleet and menaced them with complete destruction. Neptune
appeared, and the winds were silent. Aeneas, however, found himself
separated from the greater part of his companions, seven only of whom
remained with him.
He landed on an unknown shore and Venus informed him, that {245} the rest
of his companions were in safety. Aeneas, hidden in a cloud went to the
palace of Dido, Queen of Carthage, a new town in which this queen had built
the most gorgeous edifices; in one of which, where she gave to him a
splendid entertainment, the hero related to her the history of the siege of
Troy and his own adventures.
The glowing language and animating gestures of the young prince, together
with the high deeds which he announced, won the heart of Dido. Nor was
Aeneas long in perceiving the love felt for him by the beautiful listener,
and yielding himself to her charms, staid with her for a considerable time
in the enjoyment of all that renders life desirable.
Jupiter, however, grew dissatisfied with Aeneas, despatched Mercury to him
to command him to leave Africa, to try the destiny which called him to
Italy.
In vain Dido endeavoured to stop him, she saw in Aeneas a man resolved to
leave her, and she loaded him with the curses and reproaches of an
infuriated and forsaken lover.
[Illustration]
Unable to bear life in the prospect of a desertion so infamous, she
prepared a funeral pile, determined to immolate herself; mounting with a
calm resolution she gave way to her despair. {246}
"What shall I do? what succour can I find?
Shall I with this ungrateful Trojan go,
Forsake an empire to attend a foe?
Himself I refuged and his train relieved,
'Tis true, but am I sure to be received?
Can gratitude in Trojan souls have place?
Laomedon still lives in all his race!
Then shall I seek alone the flying crew,
Or with my fleet their flying souls pursue?
Rather with steel thy guilty breast invade,
And take the fortune thou thyself hast made!"