The war being now begun, both the generals make all possible pre parations. Turnus sends to Diomedes. Æneas goes in person to beg succours frum Evander and the 'Tuscans. Evander receives him kindly, furnishes him with men, and sends his son Pallas with him. Vulcan, at the request of Venus, makes arms for her son Æneas, and draws on his shield the most memorable actions of his posterity. When Turnus had assembled all his powers, His standard planted on Laurentum's towers, When now the sprightly trumpet, from afar, Had given the signal of approaching war, Had roused the neighing steeds to scour the fields, While the fierce riders clattered on their shields, Trembling with rage, the Latian youth prepare To join the allies, and headlong rush to war. Fierce Ufens, and Messapus, led the crowd, With bold Mezentius, who blasphemed aloud. VOL. XV. A These through the country took their wasteful course, The fields to forage, and to gather force. Then Venulus to Diomede they send, To beg his aid Ausonia to defend, Declare the common danger, and inform The Grecian leader of the growing storm : Æneas, landed on the Latian coast, 'Twas night; and weary nature lulled asteep * Note I. } } |