Aeneid

The Aeneid (29–19 BC), is a Latin epic poem of twelve books, written by Virgil, that tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travelled to Italy, where he became the ancestor of the Romans. It is widely regarded as Virgil's masterpiece and one of the greatest works of Latin literature.

Book I
Italiam fato profugus Laviniaque venit Litora.'' had made him fugitive; he was the first to journey from the coasts of Troy as far as Italy and the Lavinian shores.
 * ''Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris
 * I sing of arms and of a man: his fate
 * Lines 1–3 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)

Vi superum, saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram, Multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem lnferretque deos Latio, genus unde Latinum Albanique patres atque altae moenia Romae.'' thanks to cruel Juno's relentless rage—and many losses he bore in battle too, before he could found a city, bring his gods to Latium, source of the Latin race, the Alban lords and the high walls of Rome.
 * ''Multum ille et terris iactatus et alto
 * Many blows he took on land and sea from the gods above—
 * Lines 3–7 (tr. Robert Fagles)


 * Musa, mihi causas memora, quo numine laeso, quidve dolens, regina deum tot volvere casus insignem pietate virum, tot adire labores impulerit. Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?
 * Tell me, Muse, the causes of her anger. How did he violate the will of the Queen of the Gods? What was his offence? Why did she drive a man famous for his piety to such endless hardship and such suffering? Can there be so much anger in the hearts of the heavenly gods?
 * Lines 8–11 (tr. David West)
 * Compare: "In heavenly spirits could such perverseness dwell?" John Milton, Paradise Lost, VI, 788


 * Tantae molis erat Romanam condere gentem!
 * So hard and huge a task it was to found the Roman people.
 * Line 33 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Aeternum servans sub pectore volnus.
 * Nursing an undying wound deep in her heart.
 * Line 36 (tr. H. Rushton Fairclough)


 * O terque quaterque beati!
 * O three and four times blessed!
 * Line 95; referring to the Trojans who had died defending their city.


 * Apparent rari nantes in gurgite vasto.
 * Here and there are seen swimmers in the vast abyss.
 * Line 118 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Used of such authors, or passages, as have survived the wreck of time; or where a good work, painting, or line of poetry appears amongst an ocean of rubbish.
 * Cited in: Classical and Foreign Quotations (1904), no. 140

Tum, pietate gravem ac meritis si forte virum quem conspexere, silent, arrectisque auribus adstant; ille regit dictis animos, et pectora mulcet.'' But then, if they chance to see a man among them, whose devotion and public service lend him weight, they stand there, stock-still with their ears alert as he rules their furor with his words and calms their passion.
 * ''Furor arma ministrat;
 * Rage finds them arms.
 * Lines 150–153 (tr. Robert Fagles)

O passi graviora, dabit deus his quoque finem.'' Have we not known hard hours before this? My men, who have endured still greater dangers, God will grant us an end to these as well.
 * ''O socii—neque enim ignari sumus ante malorum—
 * Friends and companions,
 * Lines 198–199 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Will be a pleasure.
 * Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.
 * Some day, perhaps, remembering even this
 * Line 203 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Robert Fagles's translation:
 * A joy it will be one day, perhaps, to remember even this.
 * Variant translation:
 * Maybe one day we shall be glad to remember even these things.


 * Per varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum.
 * Through various hazards and events we move.
 * Line 204 (tr. Dryden)

Live, and reserve yourselves for better fate.
 * Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis.
 * Endure, and keep yourselves for days of happiness.
 * Line 207 (tr. Fairclough); spoken by Aeneas.
 * John Dryden's translation:
 * Endure the hardships of your present state,

Spem vultu simulat, premit altum corde dolorem.'' He feigned hope in his look, and inwardly Contained his anguish.
 * ''Talia voce refert, curisque ingentibus aeger
 * So ran the speech. Burdened and sick at heart,
 * Lines 208–209 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald); of Aeneas.


 * Lacrimis oculos suffusa nitentis.
 * Her bright eyes brimming with tears.
 * Line 228 (tr. Fairclough); of Venus.


 * Volvens fatorum arcana movebo.
 * Unrolling the scroll of fate.
 * Line 262 (tr. Fairclough)

Imperium sine fine dedi.'' But make the gift of empire without end.
 * ''His ego nec metas rerum nec tempora pono;
 * For these I set no limits, world or time,
 * Lines 278–279 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * O Dea certe.
 * O goddess surely!
 * Line 328 (tr. Fairclough); Aeneas to Venus disguised as a huntress.

ambages.''
 * ''Longa est injuria, longae
 * Great is the injury, and long the tale.
 * Lines 341–342


 * Dux femina facti.
 * The leader of the enterprise a woman.
 * Line 364 (tr. Fairclough); of Dido.

classe veho mecum, fama super aethera notus. Italiam quaero patriam et genus ab Iove summo.'' Above high air of heaven by my fame, Carrying with me in my ships our gods Of hearth and home, saved from the enemy. I look for Italy to be my fatherland, And my descent is from all-highest Jove.
 * ''Sum pius Aeneas, raptos qui ex hoste Penates
 * I am Aeneas, duty-bound, and known
 * Lines 378–380 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Data fata secutus.
 * Following what is decreed by fate.
 * Line 382

Ambrosiaeque comae divinum vertice odorem Spiravere; pedes vestis defluxit ad imos, Et vera incessu patuit dea.''
 * ''Dixit et avertens rosea cervice refulsit,
 * She spoke, and as she turned away, her roseate neck flashed bright. From her head her ambrosial tresses breathed celestial fragrance; down to her feet fell her raiment, and in her step she was revealed a very goddess.
 * Lines 402–405 (tr. Fairclough); of Venus.


 * Mirabile dictu.
 * Wonderful to tell.
 * Line 439


 * Quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris?
 * What region of the earth is not full of our calamities?
 * Line 460

Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt.'' even here, '''the world is a world of tears and the burdens of mortality touch the heart.'''
 * ''Sunt hic etiam sua praemia laudi,
 * Even here, merit will have its true reward...
 * Lines 461–462 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * H. Rushton Fairclough's translation: Here, too, virtue has its due rewards; here, too, there are tears for misfortune and mortal sorrows touch the heart.

Gradiensque deas supereminet omnes.''
 * ''Illa pharetram fert umero,
 * She bears a quiver on her shoulder, and as she treads overtops all the goddesses.
 * Lines 500–501 (tr. Fairclough); of Dido.

Permittit patria?''
 * ''Quod genus hoc hominum? Quaeve hunc tam barbara morem
 * What race of men is this? What land is so barbarous as to allow this custom?
 * Lines 539–540 (tr. Fairclough)

At sperate deos memores fandi atque nefandi.'' at least respect the gods. They know right from wrong.
 * ''Si genus humanum et mortalia temnitis arma,
 * If you have no use for humankind and mortal armor,
 * Lines 542–543 (tr. Fagles)

Noliri, et late finis custode tueri.'' Constrain me to these measures, to protect Our long frontiers with guards.
 * ''Res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt
 * Severe conditions and the kingdom's youth
 * Lines 563–564 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine agetur.
 * Trojan and Tyrian I shall treat with no distinction.
 * Lines 574 (tr. Fairclough)

purpureum.''
 * ''Lumenque iuventae
 * Purple light of youth.
 * Lines 590–591

Usquam iustitiae est et mens sibi conscia recti, Praemia digna ferant.'' And surely there are powers that care for goodness, Surely somewhere justice counts—may they And your own consciousness of acting well Reward you as they should.
 * ''Di tibi, si qua pios respectant numina, si quid
 * May the gods—
 * Lines 603–605 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald); Aeneas to Dido.
 * Variant translation of mens sibi conscia recti (meaning "a good conscience"): A mind conscious of its own rectitude.


 * Semper honos nomenque tuum laudesque manebunt.
 * Your honor, your name, your praise will live forever.
 * Line 609 (tr. Fagles); Aeneas to Dido.


 * Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco.
 * No stranger to trouble myself I am learning to care for the unhappy.
 * Line 630, as translated in The Wordsworth Dictionary of Quotations, ed. Connie Robertson (Wordsworth Editions, 1998), p. 446; spoken by Dido.
 * Robert Fitzgerald's translation:
 * Through pain I've learned to comfort suffering men.

Book II


You order me to feel and tell once more.
 * Infandum, regina, jubes renovare dolorem.
 * Sorrow too deep to tell, your majesty,
 * Line 3 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald); these are the opening words of Aeneas's narrative about the fall of Troy, addressed to Queen Dido of Carthage.

et quorum pars magna fui.'' And was myself a part of.
 * ''Quaeque ipse miserrima vidi
 * Heartbreaking things I saw with my own eyes
 * Lines 5–6 (tr. Fitzgerald)

temperet a lacrimis?''
 * ''Quis talia fando
 * Who could tell such things and still refrain from tears?
 * Lines 6 and 8 (tr. Fagles)

incipiam.''
 * ''Quamquam animus meminisse horret, luctuque refugit,
 * though my mind shudders to remember, and has recoiled in grief, I will begin.
 * Lines 12–13 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Scinditur incertum studia in contraria vulgus.
 * The wavering crowd is torn into opposing factions.
 * Line 39 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Aliquis latet error.
 * Some trickery lies hidden.
 * Line 48

quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.'' Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts.''' Trust not their presents, nor admit the horse. Be it what it may, I fear the Grecians even when they offer gifts.
 * ''Equo ne credite, Teucri.
 * '''Do not trust the horse, Trojans.
 * Lines 48–49; Trojan priest of Apollo warning against the wooden horse left by the Greeks.
 * John Dryden's translation:
 * Somewhat is sure designed, by fraud or force;
 * J. W. Mackail's translation:
 * Trust not the horse, O Trojans.


 * Si mens non laeva fuisset.
 * Or had not men been fated to be blind.
 * Line 54 (tr. Dryden)


 * In utrumque paratus.
 * Prepared for either alternative.
 * Line 61

Disce omnes.''
 * ''Accipe nunc Danaum insidias, et crimine ab uno
 * Hear now the treachery of the Greeks and from one learn the wickedness of all.
 * Lines 65–66 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Ab uno disce omnes.—"From one learn all."


 * Vitam in tenebris luctuque trahebam.
 * I dragged on my ruined life in darkness and grief.
 * Lines 92 (tr. Fairclough)

in vulgum ambiguas.''
 * ''Spargere voces
 * Hence would he sow dark rumours in the crowd.
 * Lines 98–99 (tr. Fairclough); often paraphrased as Ambiguas in vulgum spargere voces.

Unius in miseri exitium conversa tulere.'' On one alone, whose fury threatened all.
 * ''Adsensere omnes et, quae sibi quisque timebat,
 * All praised the sentence, pleased the storm should fall
 * Lines 130–131 (tr. Dryden)


 * His lacrimis vitam damus et miserescimus ultro.
 * To these tears we grant life and pity him besides.
 * Line 145 (tr. Fairclough); Sinon deceives the Trojans.


 * Horresco referens.
 * I shudder as I tell the tale.
 * Line 204 (tr. Fairclough); this refers to the horrible death of the Trojan priest Laocoön: the goddess Minerva sent two serpents from Tenedos to devour Laocoön and his two sons as a warning to the Trojans.


 * Clamores simul horrendos ad sidera tollit: qualis mugitus, fugit cum saucius aram taurus et incertam excussit cervice securim.
 * The while he lifts to heaven hideous cries, like the bellowings of a wounded bull that has fled from the altar and shaken from its neck the ill-aimed axe.
 * Lines 222–224 (tr. Fairclough); the death of Laocoön.


 * Vertitur interea caelum et ruit Oceano nox.
 * Meanwhile the sky revolves and night rushes from the ocean.
 * Line 250 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Tacitae per amica silentia lunae.
 * Amid the friendly silence of the peaceful moon.
 * Line 255 (tr. Fairclough)

Incipit et dono divum gratissima serpit.''
 * ''Tempus erat quo prima quies mortalibus aegris
 * It was the hour when for weary mortals their first rest begins, and by grace of the gods steals over them most sweet.
 * Lines 268–269 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Quantum mutatus ab illo Hectore qui redit exuvias indutus Achilli.
 * How changed he was from that Hector who returns after donning the spoils of Achilles.
 * Lines 274–275 (tr. Fairclough); of Hector's ghost.
 * Quantum mutatus ab illo.—"How changed from what he once was!"

Ascensu supero atque arrectis auribus asto: In segetem veluti cum flamma furentibus Austris Incidit, aut rapidus montano flumine torrens Sternit agros, sternit sata laeta boumque labores Praecipitisque trahit silvas; stupet inscius alto Accipiens sonitum saxi de vertice pastor.''
 * ''Excutior somno et summi fastigia tecti
 * I shake myself from sleep and, climbing to the roof's topmost height, stand with straining ears: even as, when fire falls on a cornfield while south winds are raging, or the rushing torrent from a mountain-stream lays low the fields, lays low the glad crops and labours of oxen and drags down forests headlong, spell-bound the bewildered shepherd hears the roar from a rock's lofty peak.
 * Lines 302–308 (tr. Fairclough); Aeneas witnessing the destruction of Troy.
 * Arrectis auribus adsto.—"I wait with listening ears."

The sound of trumpets mixed with fighting cries.
 * Exoritur clamorque virum clangorque tubarum.
 * New clamors and new clangors now arise,
 * Line 313 (tr. Dryden)

Praecipitant, pulchrumque mori succurrit in armis.''
 * ''Furor, iraque mentem
 * Rage and wrath drive my soul headlong and I think how glorious it is to die in arms!
 * Lines 316–317 (tr. Fairclough)

Dardaniae. Fuimus Troes, fuit Ilium.''
 * ''Venit summa dies et ineluctabile tempus
 * It is come—the last day and inevitable hour for Troy. We Trojans are no more, Ilium is no more.
 * Lines 324–325 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Compare: "Awaits alike the inevitable hour." Thomas Gray, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, stanza 9, line 35


 * Una salus victis nullam sperare salutem.
 * The only hope for the doomed is no hope at all.
 * Line 354. Variant translations:
 * The only safety for the conquered is to expect no safety.
 * The only safe course for the defeated is to expect no safety.


 * Nox atra cava circumvolat umbra.
 * Black night hovers around with sheltering shade.
 * Line 360 (tr. Fairclough)

Luctus, ubique pavor, et plurima mortis imago.'' and a thousand shapes of death.
 * ''Crudelis ubique
 * Everywhere, wrenching grief, everywhere, terror
 * Lines 368–369 (tr. Fagles)


 * Adspirat primo Fortuna labori.
 * Fortune favours our first effort.
 * Line 385 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat?
 * Call it cunning or courage; who would ask in war?
 * Line 390 (tr. Robert Fagles)


 * Heu nihil invitis fas quemquam fidere divis!
 * Alas, it is wrong for man to rely on the gods for anything against their will!
 * Line 402 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Dis aliter visum.
 * The gods thought otherwise.
 * Line 428. Compare:
 * Ordina l'uomo e Dio dispone.
 * Man proposes, and God disposes.
 * Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, XLVI, 35


 * Fit via vi.
 * Force finds a way.
 * Line 494 (tr. Fairclough)

Coniecit, rauco quod protinus aere repulsum, Et summo clipei nequiquam umbone pependit.'' and with all his might the old man flings his spear— but too impotent now to pierce, it merely grazes Pyrrhus' brazen shield that blocks its way and clings there, dangling limp from the boss, all for nothing.
 * ''Sic fatus senior telumque imbelle sine ictu
 * With that
 * Line 544 (tr. Fagles)


 * Facilis iactura sepulcri.
 * He lacks not much that lacks a grave.
 * Line 646 (tr. John Conington)

Reddite me Danais: sinite instaurata revisam Proelia; numquam omnes hodie moriemur inulti.'' bring me arms! The last light calls the defeated. Send me back to the Greeks, let me go back to fight new battles. Not all of us here will die today without revenge.
 * ''Arma, viri, ferte arma: vocat lux ultima victos.
 * Arms, my comrades,
 * Lines 668–670 (tr. Fagles)

Ipse subibo umeris nec me labor iste gravabit; Quo res cumque cadent, unum et commune periclum, Una salus ambobus erit. Mihi parvus Iulus Sit comes, et longe servet vestigia coniunx.'' I will carry you on my back. This labor of love will never wear me down. Whatever falls to us now, we both will share one peril, one path to safety. Little Iulus, walk beside me, and you, my wife, follow me at a distance, in my footsteps.
 * ''Ergo age, care pater, cervici imponere nostrae;
 * So come, dear father, climb up onto my shoulders!
 * Lines 707–711 (tr. Fagles); spoken by Aeneas.


 * Sequiturque patrem non passibus aequis.
 * He follows his father, but not with equal steps.
 * Line 724; of Ascanius (Aeneas's son), escaping from burning Troy.

And dreadful even the silence of the night.
 * Horror ubique animo, simul ipsa silentia terrent.
 * All things were full of horror and affright,
 * Line 755 (tr. Dryden)

I stood; like bristles rose my stiffened hair.
 * Obstupui, steteruntque comae, et vox faucibus haesit.
 * I was dismayed; my hair stood stiff, my voice held fast within my jaws.
 * Line 774 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)
 * John Dryden's translation:
 * Aghast, astonished, and struck dumb with fear,

Ter frustra comprensa manus effugit imago.'' three times I embraced—nothing... her phantom sifting through my fingers, light as wind, quick as a dream in flight.
 * ''Ter conatus ibi collo dare bracchia circum;
 * Three times I tried to fling my arms around her neck,
 * Lines 792–793 (tr. Fagles); Aeneas attempting to embrace the ghost of his wife, Creusa.

three times she fluttered through my fingers, sifting away like a shadow, dissolving like a dream.
 * Compare:
 * Three times I rushed toward her, desperate to hold her,
 * Homer, Odyssey, XI, 206 (tr. Fagles)

And turned my face toward the mountain range.
 * Cessi et sublato montes genitore petivi.
 * So I resigned myself, picked up my father,
 * Line 804 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Book III

 * Dare fatis vela.
 * Spread sails to Fate.
 * Line 9 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Campos ubi Troja fuit.
 * The plains where once was Troy.
 * Line 11 (tr. Fairclough); cf. 2.325.


 * Parce sepulto.
 * Spare the buried.
 * Line 41

Auri sacra fames?'' you accursed lust for gold?
 * ''Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
 * To what extremes won't you compel our hearts,
 * Lines 56–57 (tr. Robert Fagles); the murder of Polydorus.


 * Variant translation:
 * Accursed thirst for gold! what dost thou not compel mortals to do?
 * H. Rushton Fairclough's translation:
 * To what crime do you not drive the hearts of men, accursed hunger for gold?


 * Et nati natorum et qui nascentur ab illis.
 * Even his children's children and their race that shall be born of them.
 * Line 98 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Fama volat.
 * Rumor flies.
 * Line 121 (tr. Fagles)


 * Cedamus Phoebo et moniti meliora sequamur.
 * Let us yield to Phoebus and at his warning pursue a better course.
 * Line 188 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Caelum undique et undique pontus.
 * Sky on all sides and on all sides sea.
 * Line 193 (tr. Fairclough)

Fata canit foliisque notas et nomina mandat. Quaecumque in foliis descripsit carmina virgo Digerit in numerum atque antro seclusa relinquit: Illa manent immota locis neque ab ordine cedunt. Verum eadem, verso tenuis cum cardine ventus Impulit et teneras turbavit ianua frondes, Numquam deinde cavo volitantia prendere saxo nec revocare situs aut iungere carmina curat: Inconsulti abeunt sedemque odere Sibyllae.'' Dark in a cave, and on a rock reclined. She sings the fates, and, in her frantic fits, The notes and names inscribed, to leafs commits. What she commits to leafs, in order laid, Before the cavern's entrance are displayed: Unmoved they lie; but, if a blast of wind Without, or vapors issue from behind, The leafs are borne aloft in liquid air, And she resumes no more her museful care, Nor gathers from the rocks her scattered verse, Nor sets in order what the winds disperse. Thus, many not succeeding, most upbraid The madness of the visionary maid, And with loud curses leave the mystic shade.
 * ''Insanam vatem aspicies, quae rupe sub ima
 * The mad prophetic Sibyl you shall find,
 * Lines 443–452 (tr. John Dryden)

Quamvis increpitent socii et vi cursus in altum Vela vocet, possisque sinus implere secundos, Quin adeas vatem precibusque oracula poscas Ipsa canat vocemque volens atque ora resolvat. Illa tibi Italiae populos venturaque bella Et quo quemque modo fugiasque ferasque laborem Expediet, cursusque dabit venerata secundos. Haec sunt quae nostra liceat te voce moneri. Vade age, et ingentem factis fer ad aethera Troiam.'' Though thy companions chide thy long delay; Though summoned to the seas, though pleasing gales Invite thy course, and stretch thy swelling sails: But beg the sacred priestess to relate With willing words, and not to write thy fate. The fierce Italian people she will show, And all thy wars, and all thy future woe, And what thou may'st avoid, and what must undergo. She shall direct thy course, instruct thy mind, And teach thee how the happy shores to find. This is what Heaven allows me to relate: Now part in peace; pursue thy better fate, And raise, by strength of arms, the Trojan state.
 * ''Hic tibi ne qua morae fuerint dispendia tanti,
 * Think it not loss of time a while to stay,
 * Lines 453–461 (tr. Dryden)

Jam sua: nos alia ex aliis in fata vocamur.'' But ours calls us on from one ordeal to the next.
 * ''Vivite felices, quibus est fortuna peracta
 * Live on in your blessings, your destiny's been won!
 * Lines 493–494 (tr. Fagles)

Subducta ad manes imos descendimus unda.'' as the wave sank down, down we plunge to the pit of hell. Ora com nova fúria ao céu subia.'' And now, her black keel strikes the gates of hell.
 * ''Tollimur in coelum curvato gurgite, et iidem
 * Up to the sky an immense billow hoists us, then at once,
 * Lines 564–565 (tr. Fagles)
 * Compare:
 * ''Vendo ora o mar até o inferno aberto,
 * While to the clouds his vessel rides the swell,
 * Luís de Camões, Lusiads, VI, 80, 3–4 (tr. Mickle)


 * Di, talem terris avertite pestem!
 * O gods, take such a pest away from earth!
 * Line 620 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Monstrum horrendum, informe, ingens, cui lumen ademptum.
 * A monster awful, shapeless, huge, bereft of light.
 * Line 658 (tr. Fairclough); of Polyphemus.
 * Variant translation: A monster horrendous, hideous and vast, deprived of sight.


 * Voluptas / solamenque mali.
 * His sole pleasure, his only solace in pain...
 * Lines 660–661 (tr. Fagles)

Book IV


Vulnus alit venis et caeco carpitur igni.'' With longing that her heart's blood fed, a wound Or inward fire eating her away.
 * ''At regina gravi iamdudum saucia cura
 * The queen, for her part, all that evening ached
 * Lines 1–2 (tr. Fitzgerald)

Verbaque, nee placidam membris dat cura quietem.'' no peace, no rest for her body, love will give her none.
 * ''Haerent infixi pectore voltus
 * His looks, his words, they pierce her heart and cling—
 * Lines 4–5 (tr. Fagles)


 * Quae me suspensam insomnia terrent!
 * What dreams thrill me with fears?
 * Line 9 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Degeneres animos timor arguit.
 * Fear is the proof of a degenerate mind.
 * Line 13. Variant translation: Fear betrays ignoble souls.

Jactatus fatis! quae bella exhausta canebat!''
 * ''Heu, quibus ille
 * Alas! by what fates is he vexed! What wars, long endured, did he recount!
 * Lines 13–14 (tr. Fairclough)

Ne cui me vinclo vellem sociare iugali, Postquam primus amor deceptam morte fefellit; Si non pertaesum thalami taedaeque fuisset, Huic uni forsan potui succumbere culpae.'' After my first love died and failed me, left me Barren and bereaved—and sick to death At the mere thought of torch and bridal bed— I could perhaps give way in this one case To frailty.
 * ''Si mihi non animo fixum immotumque sederet
 * Had I not set my face against remarriage
 * Lines 15–19 (tr. Fitzgerald)


 * Agnosco veteris vestigia flammae.
 * I feel once more the scars of the old flame.
 * Line 23 (tr. C. Day Lewis); Dido acknowledging her love for Aeneas.
 * Compare:
 * Conosco i segni de l'antica fiamma.
 * I recognize the signs of the ancient flame.
 * Dante Alighieri, Purgatorio, XXX, 48

Vel pater omnipotens adigat me fulmine ad umbras, Pallentis umbras Erebo noctemque profundam Ante, pudor, quam te violo aut tua iura resolvo. Ille meos, primus qui me sibi iunxit, amores Abstulit; ille habeat secum servetque sepulcro.'' or the almighty Father blast me with one bolt to the shades, the pale, glimmering shades in hell, the pit of night, before I dishonor you, my conscience, break your laws. He's carried my love away, the man who wed me first— may he hold it tight, safeguard it in his grave.
 * ''Sed mihi vel tellus optem prius ima dehiscat
 * I pray that the earth gape deep enough to take me down
 * Lines 24–29 (tr. Fagles)


 * Id cinerem aut manes credis curare sepultos?
 * Do you think that dust or buried shades give heed to that?
 * Line 34 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Tacitum vivit sub pectore vulnus.
 * Deep in her breast lives the silent wound.
 * Line 67 (tr. Fairclough)

Sticks in her side, and rankles in her heart.
 * Haeret lateri lethalis arundo.
 * The fatal dart
 * Line 73 (tr. Dryden)


 * Pendent opera interrupta.
 * Projects were broken off.
 * Line 88 (tr. Fitzgerald)


 * Nec famam obstare furori.
 * No thought of pride could stem her passion now.
 * Line 91 (tr. Fagles)

using the word to cloak her sense of guilt.
 * Coniugium vocat, hoc praetexit nomine culpam.
 * She calls it a marriage,
 * Line 172 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * H. Rushton Fairclough's translation:
 * She calls it marriage and with that name veils her sin!

Mobilitate viget, virisque adquirit eundo; Parva metu primo; mox sese attollit in auras, Ingrediturque solo, et caput inter nubila condit.'' She thrives on speed, stronger for every stride, slight with fear at first, soon soaring into the air she treads the ground and hides her head in the clouds.
 * ''Fama, malum qua non aliud velocius ullum;
 * Rumor, swiftest of all the evils in the world.
 * Lines 174–177 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: Rumour of all evils the most swift. Speed lends her strength, and she wins vigour as she goes; small at first through fear, soon she mounts up to heaven, and walks the ground with head hidden in the clouds.


 * Pernicibus alis.
 * With swift wings.
 * Line 180


 * Naviget!
 * Let him set sail.
 * Line 237 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Animum nunc huc celerem nunc dividit illuc.
 * Now hither, now thither he swiftly throws his mind.
 * Line 285 (tr. Fairclough); of Aeneas.
 * Compare:


 * This way and that dividing the swift mind.
 * Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Morte d'Arthur, line 60


 * Quis fallere possit amantem?
 * Who can deceive a lover?
 * Line 296


 * Omnia tuta timens.
 * She fears everything now, even with all secure.
 * Line 298 (tr. Fagles)

(Quando aliud mihi jam miserae nihil ipsa reliqui) Per connubia nostra, per inceptos Hymenaeos; Si bene quid de te merui, fuit aut tibi quidquam Dulce meum, miserere domus labentis, et istam, Oro, si quis adhuc precibus locus, exue mentem.'' by these tears, by the faith in your right hand— what else have I left myself in all my pain?— by our wedding vows, the marriage we began, if I deserve some decency from you now, if anything mine has ever won your heart, pity a great house about to fall, I pray you, if prayers have any place—reject this scheme of yours!
 * ''Mene fugis? Per ego has lacrimas dextramque tuam te
 * You're running away—from me? Oh, I pray you
 * Lines 314–319 (tr. Fagles); Dido's appeal to Aeneas.

Promeritam, nec me meminisse pigebit Elissae Dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos regit artus.'' never regret my memories of Dido, not while I can recall myself and draw the breath of life.
 * ''Numquam, regina, negabo
 * I shall never deny what you deserve, my queen,
 * Lines 334–336 (tr. Fagles); Aeneas to Dido.


 * Hic amor, haec patria est.
 * There lies my love, there lies my homeland now.
 * Line 347 (tr. Fagles)


 * Italiam non sponte sequor.
 * I sail for Italy not of my own free will.
 * Line 361 (tr. Fitzgerald); Aeneas to Dido.


 * Nec tibi diva parens.
 * No goddess was your mother.
 * Line 365 (tr. Fitzgerald)


 * Nusquam tuta fides.
 * Nowhere is trust safe.
 * Line 373 (tr. J. W. Mackail)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: Nowhere is faith secure.

A shade to haunt you!
 * Omnibus umbra locis adero.
 * I shall be everywhere
 * Line 386 (tr. Fitzgerald); Dido to Aeneas.

To what extremes will you not drive our hearts! ἐκ σέθεν οὐλόμεναί τ᾽ ἔριδες στοναχαί τε γόοι τε, ἄλγεά τ᾽ ἄλλ᾽ ἐπὶ τοῖσιν ἀπείρονα τετρήχασιν.
 * Improbe Amor, quid non mortalia pectora cogis!
 * Unconscionable Love,
 * Line 412 (tr. Fitzgerald)
 * Compare:
 * Σχέτλι᾽ Ἔρως, μέγα πῆμα, μέγα στύγος ἀνθρώποισιν,
 * Unconscionable Love, bane and tormentor of mankind, parent of strife, fountain of tears, source of a thousand ills.
 * Apollonius of Rhodes, Argonautica, IV, 445–447 (tr. E. V. Rieu)

Fletibus aut voces ullas tractabilis audit.'' Nor tenderest words with pity hears.
 * ''Nullis ille movetur
 * He stands immovable by tears,
 * Lines 438–439 (tr. Conington)


 * Fata obstant.
 * Fate withstands.
 * Line 440 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Mens immota manet, lacrimae volvuntur inanes.
 * His will stands unmoved. The falling tears are futile.
 * Line 449 (tr. Fagles)


 * Taedet caeli convexa tueri.
 * She is weary of gazing on the arch of heaven.
 * Line 451 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Hoc visum nulli, non ipsi effata sorori.
 * She told no one what she saw, not even her sister.
 * Line 456 (tr. Fagles)

Saevit amor magnoque irarum fluctuat aestu.'' surges back into heaving waves of rage.
 * ''Ingeminant curae rursusque resurgens
 * Her torments multiply, over and over her passion
 * Lines 531–532 (tr. Fagles)


 * Non servata fides cineri promissa Sychaeo.
 * The faith vowed to the ashes of Sychaeus I have not kept.
 * Line 552 (tr. Fairclough)

femina.''
 * ''Varium et mutabile semper
 * A fickle and changeful thing is woman ever.
 * Line 569 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Variant translation: Fickle and changeable always is woman.
 * Compare: La donna è mobile ("The woman is fickle"), F. M. Piave, Rigoletto, Act 3


 * Exoriare aliquis nostris ex ossibus ultor.
 * Arise from my ashes, unknown avenger!
 * Line 625 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Variant translations:
 * Rise up from my dead bones, avenger!
 * Let someone arise from my bones as an Avenger.

Et nunc magna mei sub terras ibit Imago.'' and journeyed through the course assigned by fortune. And now my Shade will pass, illustrious, beneath the earth.
 * ''Vixi, et, quem dederat cursum Fortuna, peregi;
 * I have lived
 * Lines 653–654 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: "My life is done and I have finished the course that Fortune gave; and now in majesty my shade shall pass beneath the earth."

Sed moriamur’ ait. ‘sic, sic juvat ire sub umbras.’'' she says. "Thus, thus, I gladly go below to shadows."
 * ''‘Moriemur inultae,
 * "I shall die unavenged, but I shall die,"
 * Lines 659–660 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: "I shall die unavenged," she cries, "but let me die! Thus, thus I go gladly into the dark!"


 * Resonat magnis plangoribus aether.
 * A scream rises to the lofty roof.
 * Line 668 (tr. Fairclough)

Book V

 * Furens quid Femina possit.
 * What a woman can do in frenzy.
 * Line 6 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Quoted in Henry Fielding's Amelia (1751), B. IV, Ch. 5

Quoque vocat vertamus iter.'' let's follow her where she calls and change course.
 * ''Superat quoniam Fortuna, sequamur,
 * Since Fortune's got the upper hand,
 * Lines 22–23 (tr. Fagles)

Semper honoratum (sic di voluistis) habebo.''
 * ''Quem semper acerbum,
 * The day is at hand which I shall keep (such, O gods, was your will) ever as a day of grief, ever as of honour.
 * Lines 49–50 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Cuncti adsint meritaeque exspectent praemia palmae.
 * Come all! See who takes the victory prize, the palm.
 * Line 70 (tr. Fagles)


 * Ore favete omnes.
 * Be silent all.
 * Line 71 (tr. Fairclough)

———— Pulsati colles clamore resultant.'' And aid, with eager shouts, the favoured side. Cries, murmurs, clamours, with a mixing sound, From woods to woods, from hills to hills rebound.
 * ''Plausu fremituque virum studiisque faventum
 * The partial crowd their hopes and fears divide,
 * Lines 148–150 (tr. Dryden)

Mille jacit varios adverso sole colores.'' Than Iris when her bow imbibes the sun.
 * ''Ceu nubibus arcus
 * More various colours through his body run,
 * Lines 88–89 (tr. Dryden)


 * Litus ama... altum alii teneant.
 * Hug the shore... let others keep to the deep!
 * Lines 163–164 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Possunt, quia posse videntur.
 * They can because they think they can.
 * Line 231 (tr. John Conington)
 * John Dryden's translation: They can conquer who believe they can.


 * Decus et tutamen.
 * An ornament and a safeguard.
 * Line 262; inscription on British one-pound coins.


 * Gratior et pulchro veniens in corpore virtus.
 * More lovely virtue, in a lovely form.
 * Line 344


 * Me liceat casus miserari insontis amici.
 * Just let me offer a consolation prize to a luckless man, a friend without a fault.
 * Line 350 (tr. Fagles)


 * Cede Deo.
 * Yield to God.
 * Line 467

Quidquid erit, superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est.''
 * ''Nate dea, quo fata trahunt retrahuntque, sequamur;
 * Goddess born, whither the Fates, in their ebb and flow, draw us, let us follow; whatever befall, all fortune is to be o'ercome by bearing.
 * Lines 709–710 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Often paraphrased as Quocunque trahunt fata sequamur: Wherever the Fates direct us, let us follow.
 * Superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est.—Every misfortune is to be subdued by patience.


 * Exigui numero, sed bello vivida virtus.
 * Few in number, but ardent for war.
 * Line 754

Nudus in ignota, Palinure, iacebis harena.'' far too much to a calm sky and sea. Your naked corpse will lie on an unknown shore. On distant shores unwept, unburied lie.
 * ''O nimium caelo et pelago confise sereno,
 * You trusted—oh, Palinurus—
 * Lines 870–871 (tr. Fagles)
 * Compare:
 * His cold remains all naked to the sky
 * The Odyssey of Homer (Alexander Pope), XI, 67

Book VI

 * Ludibria ventis.
 * The sport of rushing winds.
 * Line 75 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Compare:
 * The sport of winds.
 * John Milton, Paradise Lost, III, 493


 * Mitte hanc de pectore curam.
 * Lift that care from your hearts.
 * Line 85 (tr. Fagles)

Et Thybrim multo spumantem sanguine cerno.'' and the Tiber foaming with tides of blood, I see it all!
 * ''Bella, horrida bella,
 * Wars, horrendous wars,
 * Lines 86–87 (tr. Fagles); the Sibyl's prophecy to Aeneas.
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: Wars, grim wars I see, and Tiber foaming with streams of blood.

Quam tua te fortuna sinet.''
 * ''Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito
 * Yield not to ills, but go forth all the bolder to face them as far as your destiny will allow!
 * Lines 95–96 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Variant translations of Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito:
 * Yield not to evils, but attack all the more boldly.
 * Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them.


 * Obscuris vera involvens.
 * Wrapping truth in darkness.
 * Line 100 (tr. Fairclough); of Sibyl's prophecy.

O virgo, nova mi facies inopinave surgit; Omnia praecepi atque animo mecum ante peregi.'' is strange or unexpected: all of these I have foreseen and journeyed in my thought.
 * ''Non ulla laborum,
 * None of the trials you tell of, virgin,
 * Lines 103–105 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)

Noctes atque dies patet atri ianua Ditis; Sed revocare gradum superasque evadere ad auras, Hoc opus, hic labor est.'' Smooth the descent, and easy is the way: But to return, and view the cheerful skies, In this the task and mighty labor lies.'''
 * ''Facilis descensus Averno:
 * '''The gates of hell are open night and day;
 * Lines 126–129 (as translated by John Dryden)

Night and day the gates of shadowy Death stand open wide, but to retrace your steps, to climb back to the upper air— there the struggle, there the labor lies. Night and day, the gates of dark Death stand wide; But to climb back again, to retrace one's steps to the upper air— There's the rub, the task. And hard, that out of Hell leads up to Light.
 * Robert Fagles's translation:
 * The descent to the Underworld is easy.
 * Variant translation:
 * It is easy to go down into Hell;
 * Compare:
 * Long is the way
 * John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book II, line 432


 * Primo avulso non deficit alter.
 * When the first is torn away, a second fails not.
 * Line 143 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Fidus Achates.
 * Faithful Achates.
 * Line 158; phrase often applied to a friend or a relative who remains faithful at all events—Achates was Aeneas' most faithful friend.


 * Vocat in certamina divos.
 * [He] calls the gods to contest.
 * Line 172 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Procul, O procul este, profani!
 * Away, away, unhallowed ones!
 * Line 258 (tr. Fairclough)

ogne viltà convien che qui sia morta.'' All cowardice must needs be here extinct.
 * Nunc animis opus, Aenea, nunc pectore firmo.
 * Now, Aeneas, is the hour for courage, now for a dauntless heart!
 * Line 261 (tr. Fairclough); Sibyl's words to Aeneas as they enter the underworld.
 * Compare:
 * ''Qui si convien lasciare ogne sospetto;
 * Here all suspicion needs must be abandoned,
 * Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy, Inferno, III, 14 (tr. Longfellow)

Et Chaos, et Phlegethon, loca nocte tacentia late, Sit mihi fas audita loqui: sit numine vestro Pandere res alta terra et caligine mersas.''
 * ''Di, quibus imperium est animarum, umbraeque silentes,
 * You gods, who hold the domain of spirits! You voiceless shades! You, Chaos, and you, Phlegethon, you broad, silent tracts of night! Suffer me to tell what I have heard; suffer me of your grace to unfold secrets buried in the depths and darkness of the earth!
 * Lines 264–267 (tr. Fairclough)

Perque domos Ditis vacuas et inania regna. Quale per incertam lunam sub luce maligna Est iter in silvis.'' Through gloom and the empty halls of Death's ghostly realm, like those who walk through woods by a grudging moon's deceptive light.
 * ''Ibant obscuri sola sub nocte per umbram,
 * On they went, those dim travelers under the lonely night,
 * Lines 268–271 (tr. Fagles)

Luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae, Pallentesque habitant Morbi tristisque Senectus, Et Metus et malesuada Fames ac turpis Egestas, Terribiles visu formae, Letumque Labosque; tum consanguineus Leti Sopor.''
 * ''Vestibulum ante ipsum primisque in faucibus Orci
 * Just before the entrance, even within the very jaws of Hell, Grief and avenging Cares have made their bed; there pale Diseases dwell, and sad Age, and Fear, and ill-counselling Famine, and loathly Want, shapes terrible to view; and Death and Distress; next, Death's own brother Sleep.
 * Lines 273–278 (tr. Fairclough); the gates of Hades.
 * Variant translation of Malesuada Fames: "Hunger that persuades to evil."
 * Compare:
 * Ἔνθ' Ὕπνῳ ξύμβλητο κασιγνήτῳ Θανάτοιο.
 * There she encountered Sleep, the brother of Death.
 * Homer, Iliad, XIV, 231 (tr. Lattimore)
 * Ὕπνῳ καὶ θανάτῳ διδυμάοσιν.
 * Sleep and Death, who are twin brothers.
 * Homer, Iliad, XVI, 672 (tr. Lattimore)

Ulmus opaca, ingens, quam sedem Somnia volgo Vana tenere ferunt, foliisque sub omnibus haerent.'' An Elm displays her dusky arms abroad; The God of Sleep there hides his heavy head And empty dreams on every leaf are spread.
 * ''In medio ramos annosaque bracchia pandit
 * Full in the midst of this infernal road,
 * Lines 282–284 (tr. Dryden)


 * Jam senior, sed cruda deo viridisque senectus.
 * Now aged, but a god's old age is hardy and green.
 * Line 304 (tr. Fairclough); of Charon.

Matres atque viri, defunctaque corpora vita Magnanimum heroum, pueri innuptaeque puellae, Impositique rogis juvenes ante ora parentum.'' Mothers and men, the forms of life all spent Of heroes great in valor, boys and girls Unmarried, and young sons laid on the pyre Before their parents' eyes.
 * ''Hue omnis turba ad ripas effusa ruebat,
 * Here a whole crowd came streaming to the banks,
 * Lines 305–308 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Tendebantque manus ripae ulterioris amore.'' And reached out longing hands to the far shore.
 * ''Stabant orantes primi transmittere cursum
 * There all stood begging to be first across
 * Lines 313–314 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Multa putans sortemque animo miseratus iniquam.
 * Thinking deeply, and pitying deep in his soul the injustice they suffer.
 * Line 332 (tr. Frederick Ahl)


 * Desine fata deum flecti sperare precando.
 * Cease to dream that heaven's decrees may be turned aside by prayer.
 * Line 376 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Variant translation: Cease to think that the decrees of the gods can be changed by prayers.


 * Falso damnati crimine mortis.
 * Condemned to death on a false charge.
 * Line 430 (tr. C. Day Lewis)

venerat exstinctam ferroque extrema secutam? funeris heu tibi causa fui? per sidera iuro, per superos et si qua fides tellure sub ima est, inuitus, regina, tuo de litore cessi.'' so, was the story true that came my way? I heard that you were dead... you took the final measure with a sword. Oh, dear god, was it I who caused your death? I swear by the stars, by the Powers on high, whatever faith one swears by here in the depths of earth, I left your shores, my Queen, against my will.
 * ''Infelix Dido, verus mihi nuntius ergo
 * Tragic Dido,
 * Lines 456–460 (tr. Fagles); Aeneas to Dido's ghost.
 * Variant translation (by Seamus Heaney) of invitus, regina, tuo de litore cessi: "I embarked from your shore, my queen, unwillingly."

peaceful, sweet, like the peace of death itself.
 * Dulcis et alta quies, placidaeque simillima morti.
 * Buried deep in sleep,
 * Line 522 (tr. Fagles)


 * Hic locus est, partes ubi se via findit in ambas.
 * This is the place where the road divides in two.
 * Line 540 (tr. Fagles)

Infelix Theseus.''
 * ''Sedet, aeternumque sedebit
 * Hapless Theseus sits and evermore shall sit.
 * Lines 617–618 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Discite justitiam moniti et non temnere divos.
 * Be warned; learn ye to be just and not to slight the gods!
 * Line 620 (H. Rushton Fairclough)


 * Vendidit hic auro patriam.
 * This one sold his country for gold.
 * Line 621 (tr. Fairclough)

Ferrea vox, omnis scelerum comprendere formas, Omnia poenarum percurrere nomina possim.'' And throats of brass, inspired with iron lungs, I could not half those horrid crimes repeat, Nor half the punishments those crimes have met. A throat of brass, and adamantine lungs.
 * ''Non, mihi si linguae centum sunt oraque centum
 * Nay, had I a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths, and voice of iron, I could not sum up all the forms of crime, or rehearse all the tale of torments.
 * Lines 625–627 (tr. H. R. Fairclough); the punishments of the Inferno. Cf. Georgics 2.43.
 * John Dryden's translation:
 * Had I a hundred mouths, a hundred tongues,
 * Compare:
 * To count them all, demands a thousand tongues,
 * The Iliad of Homer (Alexander Pope), II, 580

Fortunatonun nemorum, sedesque beatas.''
 * ''Devenere locos laetos et amoena vireta
 * They came to a land of joy, the green pleasaunces and happy seats of the Blissful Groves.
 * Lines 638–639 (tr. Fairclough)

Quique sacerdotes casti, dum vita manebat, Quique pii vates, et Phoebo digna locuti, Inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per artes, Quique sui memores alios fecere merendo.'' who had suffered wounds, fighting to save their country, and those who had been pure priests while still alive, and the faithful poets whose songs were fit for Phoebus; those who enriched our lives with the newfound arts they forged and those we remember well for the good they did mankind.
 * ''Hic manus, ob patriam pugnando vulnera passi,
 * And here are troops of men
 * Lines 660–664 (tr. Fagles); the blessed in Elysium.
 * William Morris's translation of Inventas aut qui vitam excoluere per artis: "And they who bettered life on earth by new-found mastery"; a paraphrase of this is inscribed on the Nobel prize medals for Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Literature: Inventas vitam juvat excoluisse per artes ("inventions enhance life which is beautified through art").

Corpora debentur, Lethaei ad fluminis undam Secures latices, et longa oblivia potant.'' Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks Forthwith his former state and being forgets— Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.
 * ''Animae, quibus altera fato
 * Spirits they are, to whom second bodies are owed by Fate, and at the water of Lethe's stream they drink the soothing draught and long forgetfulness.
 * Lines 713–715 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Compare:
 * A slow and silent stream,
 * John Milton, Paradise Lost, II, 582

Lucentemque globum Lunae Titaniaque astra Spiritus intus alit, totamque infusa per artus Mens agitat molem et magno se corpore miscet.'' the shining orb of the moon and the Titan sun, the stars: an inner spirit feeds them, coursing through all their limbs, mind stirs the mass and their fusion brings the world to birth. The moon's pale orb, the starry train, Are nourished by a soul, A bright intelligence, whose flame Glows in each member of the frame, And stirs the mighty whole.
 * ''Principio caelum ac terras camposque liquentis
 * First, the sky and the earth and the flowing fields of the sea,
 * Lines 724–727 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * John Conington's translation:
 * Know first, the heaven, the earth, the main,


 * Quisque suos patimur manis.
 * Each of us must suffer his own demanding ghost.
 * Line 743 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: Each of us suffers his own spirit.
 * Variant translation: Each of us bears his own Hell.
 * Compare:
 * For every man shall bear his own burden.
 * Galatians 6:5 (KJV)

Aetherium sensum atque aurai simplicis ignem.'' The scurf is worn away of each committed crime; No speck is left of their habitual stains, But the pure ether of the soul remains.
 * ''Concretam exemit labem, purumque relinquit
 * By length of time
 * Lines 746–747 (tr. Dryden)

Lethaeum ad fluvium deus evocat agmine magno, Scilicet immemores supera et convexa revisant Bursus et incipiant in corpora velle reverti.'' for a thousand years: God calls them forth to the Lethe, great armies of souls, their memories blank so that they may revisit the overarching world once more and begin to long to return to bodies yet again.
 * ''Has omnis, ubi mille rotam volvere per annos,
 * All the rest, once they have turned the wheel of time
 * Lines 748–751 (tr. Fagles)

Gloria, qui maneant Itala de gente nepotes, Inlustris animas nostrumque in nomen ituras, Expediam dictis, et te tua fata docebo.'' The Trojan race, the illustrious souls Of the Italian heirs to our name. I will teach you your destiny.
 * ''Nunc age, Dardaniam prolem quae deinde sequatur
 * Now I will set forth the glory that awaits
 * Lines 756–759 (tr. Stanley Lombardo)


 * Vincet amor patriae laudumque immensa cupido.
 * Yet love of country shall prevail, and boundless passion for renown.
 * Line 823 (tr. Fairclough)

Neu patriae validas in viscera vertite vires.'' Don't use your strength and your vigour to disembowel your country!
 * ''Ne, pueri, ne tanta animis adsuescite bella
 * No, my boys, no! Don't accustom your spirits to wars of such huge scope,
 * Lines 832–833 (tr. Frederick Ahl)

(Hae tibi erunt artes), pacique imponere morem, Parcere subjectis et debellare superbos.'' to teach the ways of peace to those you conquer, to spare defeated peoples, tame the proud. Earth's people—for your arts are to be these: To pacify, to impose the rule of law, To spare the conquered, battle down the proud. the peoples of the earth—these will be your arts: to put your stamp on the works and ways of peace, to spare the defeated, break the proud in war. I'm gonna spare the defeated, boys, I'm going to speak to the crowd I am goin' to teach peace to the conquered I'm gonna tame the proud
 * ''Tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento
 * Remember Roman, these will be your arts:
 * Lines 851–853 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)
 * Robert Fitzgerald's translation:
 * Roman, remember by your strength to rule
 * Robert Fagles's translation:
 * But you, Roman, remember, rule with all your power
 * Compare:
 * I'm gonna spare the defeated—I'm gonna speak to the crowd
 * Bob Dylan, "Lonesome Day Blues", from Love and Theft (2001)

Ingreditur victorque viros supereminet omnes.''
 * ''Aspice, ut insignis spoliis Marcellus opimis
 * Behold how Marcellus advances, graced with the spoils of the chief he slew, and towers triumphant over all!
 * Lines 855–856 (tr. Fairclough)

Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, neque ultra Esse sinent. Nimium vobis Romana propago Visa potens, Superi, propria haec si dona fuissent. Quantos ille virum magnam Mavortis ad urbem Campus aget gemitus, vel quae, liberine, videbis Funera, cum tumulum praeterlabere recentem! Nec puer Iliaca quisquam de gente Latinos In tantum spe tollet avos, nec Romula quondam Ullo se tantum tellus iactabit alumno. Heu pietas, heu prisca fides, invictaque bello Dextera! Non illi se quisquam impune tulisset Obvius armato, seu cum pedes iret in hostem, Seu spumantis equi foderet calcaribus armos. Heu, miserande puer, si qua fata aspera rumpas, Tu Marcellus eris.'' "The sorrows of thy sons in future years. This youth (the blissful vision of a day) Shall just be shown on earth, and snatched away. The gods too high had raised the Roman state, Were but their gifts as permanent as great. What groans of men shall fill the Martian field! How fierce a blaze his flaming pile shall yield! What funeral pomp shall floating Tiber see, When, rising from his bed, he views the sad solemnity! No youth shall equal hopes of glory give, No youth afford so great a cause to grieve; The Trojan honor, and the Roman boast, Admired when living, and adored when lost! Mirror of ancient faith in early youth! Undaunted worth, inviolable truth! No foe, unpunished, in the fighting field Shall dare thee, foot to foot, with sword and shield; Much less in arms oppose thy matchless force, When thy sharp spurs shall urge thy foaming horse. Ah! couldst thou break through fate's severe decree, A new Marcellus shall arise in thee!"
 * ''O nate, ingentem luctum ne quaere tuorum;
 * "Seek not to know," the ghost replied with tears,
 * Lines 868–883 (tr. John Dryden); the young Marcellus.
 * This passage—recounting Marcellus's life, and lamenting his tragically early death—is said to have caused Octavia to faint with grief when it was read to her and Augustus.


 * Manibus date lilia plenis.
 * Give lilies with full hands.
 * Line 883

Munere.'' On the dear youth, to please his shade below.
 * ''His saltem accumulem donis, et fungar inani
 * These gifts at least, these honours I'll bestow
 * Lines 885–886 (tr. Christopher Pitt)


 * Incenditque animum famae venientis amore.
 * And fired his soul with love of fame that was to be.
 * Line 889 (tr. Fairclough)

Cornea, qua veris facilis datur exitus umbris, Altera candenti perfecta nitens elephanto, Sed falsa ad caelum mittunt insomnia Manes.'' One, they say, is called the Gate of Horn and it offers easy passage to all true shades. The other glistens with ivory, radiant, flawless, but through it the dead send false dreams up toward the sky.
 * ''Sunt geminae Somni portae, quarum altera fertur
 * There are twin Gates of Sleep.
 * Lines 893–896 (tr. Fagles); the.

one is made of ivory, the other made of horn. Those that pass through the ivory cleanly carved are will-o'-the-wisps, their message bears no fruit. The dreams that pass through the gates of polished horn are fraught with truth, for the dreamer who can see them.
 * Compare:
 * Two gates there are for our evanescent dreams,
 * Homer, Odyssey, Book XIX, line 563 (tr. Fagles)

Book VII

 * Hinc exaudiri gemitus iraeque leonum.
 * Hence could be heard the angry growls of lions.
 * Line 15 (tr. Fairclough)

Majus opus moveo.'' A greater task awaits me.
 * ''Major rerum mihi nascitur ordo;
 * A greater history opens before my eyes,
 * Lines 44–45 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)


 * Hic domus, haec patria est.
 * Here is our home, here is our fatherland.
 * Line 122 (tr. Fitzgerald)


 * Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
 * If I cannot sway the heavens, I'll wake the powers of hell!
 * Line 312 (tr. Robert Fagles); spoken by Juno.
 * Variant translations:
 * If I can not bend Heaven, I shall move Hell.
 * If I am unable to make the gods above relent, I shall move Hell.
 * Compare:
 * Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.
 * John Milton, Paradise Lost (1667), Book I, line 263
 * If Heaven thou can'st not bend, Hell thou shalt move.
 * Alexander Pope, The Dunciad, Book III, line 307


 * Bella viri pacemque gerent quis bella gerenda.
 * Let men run war and peace: war is their work.
 * Line 444 (tr. Mandelbaum)


 * Bella manu letumque gero.
 * In my hand I bear war and death.
 * Line 455 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Saevit amor ferri, et scelerata insania belli.
 * Lust of the sword rages in him, the accursed frenzy of war.
 * Line 461 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Ille, velut pelagi rupes immota, resistit.
 * He, like an unmoved ocean cliff, resists.
 * Line 586 (tr. Fairclough); of Latinus.

Femineas adsueta manus.''
 * ''Non illa colo calathisve Minervae
 * Never having trained her woman's hands to Minerva's distaff or basket of wool.
 * Lines 805–806 (tr. Fairclough); of Camilla.

Convectare juvat praedas et vivere rapto.'' new booty and glad to live off their stealing.
 * ''Semperque recentis
 * Always collecting
 * Lines 748–749 (tr. Edward McCrorie)

Book VIII

 * Pacemne huc fertis an arma?
 * Do you bring peace or war?
 * Line 114 (tr. Robert Fagles)


 * Pedibus timor addidit alas.
 * Fear gave wings to his feet.
 * Line 224 (tr. C. Day Lewis)


 * Arte magistra.
 * By the aid of art.
 * Line 442; cf. 12.427.

The past years and the man I was...
 * O mihi praeteritos referat si Iuppiter annos.
 * If only Jupiter would give me back
 * Line 560 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Juppiter, Arcadii, quaeso, miserescite regis Et patrias audite preces: si numina vestra Incolumem Pallanta mihi, si fata reseruant, Si visurus eum vivo et venturus in unum: Vitam oro, patiar quemvis durare laborem. Sin aliquem infandum casum, Fortuna, minaris, Nunc, nunc o liceat crudelem abrumpere vitam, Dum curae ambiguae, dum spes incerta futuri, Dum te, care puer, mea sola et sera voluptas, Complexu teneo, gravior neu nuntius auris Vulneret.'' The Arcadian king, and hear a father's prayer: If by thy will my son survives, and fate Spares him, and if I live to see him still, To meet him yet again, I pray for life; There is no trouble I cannot endure. But, Fortune, if you threaten some black day, Now, now let me break off my bitter life While all's in doubt, while hope of what's to come Remains uncertain, while I hold you here, Dear boy, my late delight, my only one— And may no graver message ever come To wound my ears.
 * ''At vos, o superi, et divum tu maxime rector
 * Supreme ruler of gods, pity, I beg,
 * Lines 578–580 (tr. Fitzgerald)


 * Quadripedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum.
 * With galloping tramp the horse-hoof shakes the crumbling plain.
 * Line 596 (tr. H. Rushton Fairclough)


 * Arva nova Neptunia caede rubescunt.
 * The fresh blood running red on Neptune's fields.
 * Line 695 (tr. Fagles)

Miratur rerumque ignarus imagine gaudet Attollens umero famamque et fata nepotum.'' His mother's gift, were wonders to Aeneas Knowing nothing of the events themselves He felt joy in their pictures, taking up Upon his shoulder all the destined acts And fame of his descendants.
 * ''Talia per clipeum Volcani, dona parentis,
 * All these images on Vulcan's shield
 * Line 729–731 (tr. Fitzgerald)

Book IX
Auderet, volvenda dies en attulit ultro.'' Would dare to promise you—your heart's desire— The course of time has of itself brought on.
 * ''Turne, quod optanti divum promittere nemo
 * Turnus, what no god
 * Lines 6–7 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)
 * H. Rushton Fairclough's translation: Turnus, what no god dared to promise to your prayers, see—the circling hour has brought unasked!


 * Prisca fides facto, sed fama perennis.
 * Faith in the tale is old, but its fame is everlasting.
 * Line 79 (tr. Fairclough)

Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido?'' or does each man's mad desire become his god?
 * ''Dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,
 * Do the gods, Euryalus, put this fire in our hearts, or does his own wild longing become to each man a god?
 * Lines 184–185 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Robert Fagles's translation:
 * Do the gods light this fire in our hearts

Qui vita bene credat emi, quo tendis, honorem.''
 * ''Est hic, est animus lucis contemptor et istum
 * Mine is a heart that scorns the light, and believes that the glory that you strive for is cheaply bought with life.
 * Lines 205–206 (tr. Fairclough); Euryalus to Nisus.


 * Nequeam lacrimas perferre parentis.
 * I cannot bear a mother's tears.
 * Line 289


 * Animum patriae strinxit pietatis imago.
 * The picture of filial love touched his soul.
 * Line 294 (tr. Fairclough)

Hac iter est.'' Here's the way.
 * ''Nunc ipsa vocat res.
 * Now the moment calls.
 * Line 320 (tr. Fagles)

O Rutuli, mea fraus omnis: nihil iste nee ausus, Nee potuit; caelum hoc et conscia sidera testor: Tantum infelicem nimium dilexit amicum.'' Rutulians! The crime's all mine, he never dared, could never do it! I swear by the skies up there, the stars, they know it all! All he did was love his unlucky friend too well!
 * ''Me, me, adsum qui feci, in me convertite ferrum
 * Me—here I am, I did it! Turn your blades on me,
 * Lines 427–430 (tr. Fagles); Nisus, trying to save his friend Euryalus.

It cruor inque umeros cervix conlapsa recumbit: Purpureus veluti cum flos succisus aratro Languescit moriens; lassove papavera collo Demisere caput, pluvia cum forte gravantur.'' In death went reeling down, And blood streamed on his handsome length, his neck Collapsing let his head fall on his shoulder— As a bright flower cut by a passing plow Will droop and wither slowly, or a poppy Bow its head upon its tired stalk When overborne by a passing rain. καρπῷ βριθομένη νοτίῃσί τε εἰαρινῇσιν, ὣς ἑτέρωσ' ἤμυσε κάρη πήληκι βαρυνθέν. bends beneath the weight of its yield and the rains of springtime; so his head bent slack to one side beneath the helm's weight.
 * ''Volvitur Euryalus leto, pulchrosque per artus
 * Euryalus
 * Lines 433–437 (tr. Fitzgerald)
 * Compare:
 * Μήκων δ' ὡς ἑτέρωσε κάρη βάλεν, ἥ τ' ἐνὶ κήπῳ
 * He bent drooping his head to one side, as a garden poppy
 * Homer, Iliad, VIII, 306–308 (tr. R. Lattimore)

Tum super exanimum sese proiecit amicum Confossus, placidaque ibi demum morte quieuit. '' With swimming eyes he sought his lover slain; Then quiet on his bleeding bosom fell, Content, in death, to be revenged so well.
 * ''Moriens animam abstulit hosti.
 * Dying, he slew; and, staggering on the plain,
 * Line 445 (tr. Dryden); of Nisus.

Nulla dies umquam memori vos eximet aevo, Dum domus Aeneae Capitoli immobile saxum Accolet imperiumque pater Romanus habebit.'' If my songs have any power, the day will never dawn that wipes you from the memory of the ages, not while the house of Aeneas stands by the Capitol's rock unshaken, not while the Roman Father rules the world.
 * ''Fortunati ambo! si quid mea carmina possunt,
 * How fortunate, both at once!
 * Lines 446–449 (tr. Robert Fagles)

Increpuit, sequitur clamor caelumque remugit.''
 * ''At tuba terribilem sonitum procul aere canoro
 * But the trumpet with brazen song rang out afar its fearful call; a shout follows and the sky re-echoes.
 * Lines 503–504 (tr. Fairclough)

Deferimus saevoque gelu duramus et undis''
 * ''Natos ad flumina primum
 * We first bring our new-born sons to the river, and harden them with the water's cruel cold.
 * Lines 603–604 (tr. Fairclough)

nod assent to the daring work I have in hand!
 * Iuppiter omnipotens, audacibus adnue coeptis.
 * Jove almighty,
 * Line 625 (tr. Fagles)
 * Compare: Annuit cœptis ("[God] has favored our undertaking"), motto on the reverse side of the.


 * Macte nova virtute, puer, sic itur ad astra.
 * Blessings on your young courage, boy; that's the way to the stars.
 * Line 641; Apollo to Iulus (Aeneas' son).
 * Variant translation: Go on and increase in valor, O boy! this is the path to immortality.


 * Abietibus juvenes patriis et montibus aequos.
 * Youths tall as their native pines and hills.
 * Line 674 (tr. Fairclough)

Book X

 * Adveniet iustum pugnae (ne arcessite) tempus.
 * There shall come—do not hasten it—a lawful time for battle.
 * Line 11 (tr. Fairclough)

Dum fortuna fuit.''
 * ''Speravimus ista
 * Such hopes I had indeed, while Heaven was kind.
 * Lines 42–43 (tr. John Dryden)

Fortunamque ferent.'' his web will bring him to glory or to grief.
 * ''Sua cuique exorsa laborem
 * How each man weaves
 * Lines 111–112 (tr. Robert Fagles)


 * Fata viam invenient.
 * Fate will find a way.
 * Line 113


 * Audentis fortuna iuvat.
 * Fortune favors the bold.
 * Line 284
 * Variant translations:
 * Fortune favors the brave.
 * Fortune helps the daring.
 * Fortune sides with him who dares.
 * Compare:
 * Fortibus est fortuna viris data.
 * Fortune is given to brave men.
 * Ennius, Annales, 257

mortales.''
 * ''Numina nulla premunt, mortali urgemur ab hoste
 * These are not gods who are pressing you so hard; they are mortals pursuing mortals.
 * Lines 375–376 (tr. David West)

Omnibus est vitae; sed famam extendere factis, Hoc virtutis opus.'' Lifetimes are brief and not to be regained, For all mankind. But by their deeds to make Their fame last: that is labor for the brave.
 * ''Stat sua cuique dies, breve et inreparabile tempus
 * Every man's last day is fixed.
 * Lines 467–469 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)
 * H. R. Fairclough's translation: Each has his day appointed; short and irretrievable is the span of life to all: but to lengthen fame by deeds—that is valour's task.

Et servare modum, rebus sublata secundis!''
 * ''Nescia mens hominum fati sortisque futurae,
 * O mind of man, knowing not fate or coming doom or how to keep bounds when uplifted with favoring fortune!
 * Lines 501–502 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Dextra mihi Deus.
 * My right hand is to me as a god.
 * Line 773


 * Et dulcis moriens reminiscitur Argos.
 * And dying, dreams of his sweet Argos.
 * Line 782 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Variant translation: As he dies, he remembers his beloved Argos.

Book XI
Aeternumque vale.'' Hail forever and farewell!
 * ''Salve aeternum mihi, maxime Palla,
 * Hail forever, our great Pallas!
 * Lines 97–98 (tr. Fagles); spoken by Aeneas.


 * Vivendo vici mea fata.
 * I, living on, have overcome my destiny.
 * Line 160 (tr. Fairclough); spoken by Evander.


 * Experto credite.
 * Trust the expert.
 * Line 283; cf. "experto crede".
 * Variant translations:
 * Trust one who has gone through it.
 * Believe one who has had experience.


 * Spes sibi quisque.
 * Each is his own hope.
 * Line 309 (tr. Fairclough)
 * Variant translations:
 * Each one his own hope.
 * Let each be a hope unto himself.
 * Compare:
 * Ech man for hymself.
 * Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, 'The Knight's Tale', line 1182

Dextera.''
 * ''Lingua melior, sed frigida bello
 * Valiant of tongue, though his hand was cold for battle.
 * Lines 338–339 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Nulla salus bello.
 * There is no salvation in war.
 * Line 362 (tr. L. R. Lind)


 * Proinde tona eloquio, solitum tibi.
 * Hammer away with all your rhetoric.
 * Line 383 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Deficimus? Cur ante tubam tremor occupat artus?'' Why tremble so before the trumpet blares?
 * ''Cur indecores in limine primo
 * Why this shameful collapse before it all begins?
 * Lines 423–424 (tr. Fagles)

Rettulit in melius, multos alterna revisens Lusit et in solido rursus Fortuna locavit.''
 * ''Multa dies variique labor mutabilis aevi
 * Many an ill has time repaired, and the shifting toil of changing years; many a man has Fortune, fitful visitant, mocked, then once more set up upon firm ground.
 * Lines 425–427 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Nequiquam patrias temptasti lubricus artis.
 * In vain you have tried your slippery native tricks.
 * Line 716 (tr. Fairclough)

Ferreus ad costas alto stat vulnere mucro. Labitur exsanguis; labuntur frigida leto Lumina: purpureus quondam color ora reliquit.'' But the iron point was stuck deep in her ribs. Drained of blood, she sank back; the chill light Sank in her eyes; and her face, formerly So radiant, turned pale in death.
 * ''Illa manu moriens telum trahit: ossa sed inter
 * Camilla's dying hand pulled at the spear,
 * Lines 816–819 (tr. Stanley Lombardo)

Beat short and thick, and shake the rotten ground.
 * Quadripedumque putrem cursu quatit ungula campum.
 * The hoofs of horses, with a rattling sound,
 * Line 875 (tr. John Dryden)

Book XII

 * Quo referor totiens? quae mentem insania mutat?
 * Why drift I back so often? What madness turns my purpose?
 * Line 37 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Aegrescitque medendo.
 * The attempts to heal enflame the fever more.
 * Line 46 (tr. Fagles)


 * In te omnis domus inclinata recumbit.
 * Our whole house is falling and you are its one support.
 * Line 59 (tr. David West)

Better times may come to those in pain.
 * Forsan miseros meliora sequentur.
 * Who knows?
 * Line 153 (tr. Fagles)


 * Sic omnis amor unus habet decemere ferro.
 * Thus all are ruled by one passion, to let the sword decide.
 * Line 282 (tr. Fairclough)

Fortunam ex aliis.'' Learn good luck from others. Ache of true toil. Good fortune learn from others.
 * ''Disce, puer, virtutem ex me verumque laborem,
 * Learn courage from me, my son, true hardship too.
 * Lines 435–436 (tr. Robert Fagles)
 * Robert Fitzgerald's translation:
 * Learn fortitude and toil from me, my son,
 * Compare: "Ah, son, may you prove luckier than your father, but in all else like him. Then you would not prove base." Sophocles, Ajax, lines 550–551


 * Ne qua meis esto dictis mora.
 * Let there be no delay in what I ask.
 * Line 565 (tr. Allen Mandelbaum)


 * Usque adeone mori miserum est?
 * Is it then so sad a thing to die?
 * Line 646 (tr. Alexander Thomson)
 * Quoted in Suetonius, The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Nero 47.


 * Magnorum haud unquam indignus avorum.
 * Forever worthy of my great fathers' fame!
 * Line 649 (tr. Fagles)

Imo in corde pudor mixtoque insania luctu Et furiis agitatus amor et conscia virtus.''
 * ''Aestuat ingens
 * Within that single heart surges mighty shame, and madness mingled with grief, and love stung by fury, and the consciousness of worth.
 * Lines 666–668 (tr. Fairclough)


 * Hunc, oro, sine me furere ante furorem.
 * Let me first, I beg, give vent to this madness.
 * Line 680 (tr. Fairclough); Turnus to Juturna.


 * Fors et virtus miscentur in unum.
 * Chance joins with force to guide the steel.
 * Line 714 (tr. Conington); the combat between Turnus and Aeneas.

Sustinet et fata imponit diversa duorum, quem damnet labor et quo vergat pondere letum.''
 * ''Iuppiter ipse duas aequato examine lances
 * Jupiter himself upholds two scales in even balance, and lays therein the diverse destinies of both, whom the strife dooms, and with whose weight death sinks down.
 * Lines 725–727 (tr. Fairclough)

devour you in silence.
 * Ni te tantus edit tacitam dolor.
 * Don't let your corrosive grief
 * Line 801 (tr. Fagles)


 * Ulterius temptare veto.
 * But go no further. I forbid you now.
 * Line 806 (tr. Fagles)

The centre of Italian worth.
 * Sit Romana potens Itala virtute propago.
 * Let Rome be glorious on the earth,
 * Line 827 (tr. Conington); Juno to Jupiter.


 * Ulterius ne tende odiis.
 * Go no further down the road of hatred.
 * Line 938 (tr. Robert Fagles); Turnus asking Aeneas for mercy.

Aeneas volvens oculos dextramque repressit; Et iam iamque magis cunctantem flectere sermo Coeperat, infelix umero cum apparuit alto Balteus et notis fulserunt cingula bullis Pallantis pueri, victum quem vulnere Turnus Straverat atque umeris inimicum insigne gerebat. Ille, oculis postquam saevi monimenta doloris Exuviasque hausit, furiis accensus et ira Terribilis: 'tune hinc spoliis indute meorum Eripiare mihi? Pallas te hoc vulnere, Pallas Immolat et poenam scelerato ex sanguine sumit.' Hoc dicens ferrum adverso sub pectore condit Fervidus.'' And, just prepared to strike, repressed his hand. He rolled his eyes, and every moment felt His manly soul with more compassion melt; When, casting down a casual glance, he spied The golden belt that glittered on his side, The fatal spoils which haughty Turnus tore From dying Pallas, and in triumph wore. Then, roused anew to wrath, he loudly cries (Flames, while he spoke, came flashing from his eyes) "Traitor, dost thou, dost thou to grace pretend, Clad, as thou art, in trophies of my friend? To his sad soul a grateful offering go! 'Tis Pallas, Pallas gives this deadly blow." He raised his arm aloft, and, at the word, Deep in his bosom drove the shining sword.
 * ''Stetit acer in armis
 * In deep suspense the Trojan seemed to stand,
 * Lines 938–951 (tr. John Dryden)

His spirit fled into the gloom below.
 * Vitaque cum gemitu fugit indignata sub umbras.
 * And with a groan for that indignity
 * Line 952 (tr. Robert Fitzgerald)

Quotes about the Aeneid

 * (arranged in chronological order)

Nescioquid maius nascitur Iliade.'' something greater than the Iliad is being born.
 * ''Cedite Romani scriptores, cedite Graii:
 * Give way, you Roman writers, give way, you Greeks:
 * Sextus Propertius, Elegies, Book II, xxxiv, lines 65–66

Quo nullum Latio clarius extat opus.'' than which there is no greater work known in Latin.
 * '' Et profugum Aenean, altae primordia Romae,
 * And the [story of] fugitive Aeneas, the origins of noble Rome,
 * Ovid,  Ars Amatoria , Book III, lines 337–338

sed longe sequere et vestigia semper adora.''
 * ''Nec tu divinam Aeneida tempta,
 * Nor rival the divine Aeneid, but follow afar and ever venerate its footsteps.
 * Statius, Thebaid, lines 816–817, trans. J. H. Mozley


 * "Aeneida" prosa prius oratione formatam digestamque in XII libros particulatim componere instituit, prout liberet quidque, et nihil in ordinem arripiens. Ac ne quid impetum moraretur, quaedam inperfecta transmisit, alia levissimis verbis veluti fulsit, quae per iocum pro tibicinibus interponi aiebat ad sustinendum opus, donec solidae columnae advenirent.
 * In the case of the "Aeneid," after writing a first draft in prose and dividing it into twelve books, [Virgil] proceeded to turn into verse one part after another, taking them up just as he fancied, in no particular order. And that he might not check the flow of his thought, he left some things unfinished, and, so to speak, bolstered others up with very slight words, which, as he jocosely used to say, were put in like props, to support the structure until the solid columns should arrive.
 * Suetonius, Vita Vergili 23–24, in Suetonius, with an English translation by J. C. Rolfe, Vol. II (1914), pp. 471–473

fummi, e fummi nutrice, poetando: sanz'essa non fermai peso di dramma.'' verse, it was mother to me, it was nurse; my work, without it, would not weigh an ounce.
 * ''De l'Eneïda dico, la qual mamma
 * I speak of the Aeneid; when I wrote
 * Dante Alighieri, Divine Comedy, Purgatory, XXI, 97-99, trans. Allen Mandelbaum; spoken by Statius.


 * Virgil falls infinitely short of Homer in the characters of his poem, both as to their variety and novelty. Æneas is indeed a perfect character, but as for Achates, though he's styled the hero's friend, he does nothing in the whole poem which may deserve that title. [...] I do not see any thing new or particular in Turnus. [...] In short, there is neither that variety nor novelty in the persons of the Æneid, which we meet with in those of the Iliad.
 * Joseph Addison, The Spectator, No. 273 (January 12, 1712)


 * Nor is it sufficient for an epic poem to be filled with such thoughts as are natural, unless it abound also with such as are sublime. Virgil in this particular falls short of Homer. He has not indeed so many thoughts that are low and vulgar; but at the same time has not so many thoughts that are sublime and noble. The truth of it is, Virgil seldom rises into very astonishing sentiments, when he is not fired by the Iliad. He everywhere charms and pleases us by the force of his own genius; but seldom elevates and transports us where he does not fetch his hints from Homer.
 * Joseph Addison, The Spectator, No. 279 (January 19, 1712)


 * There are few readers who do not prefer Turnus to Æneas.
 * Robert Southey, Joan of Arc (1796), Preface, p. vi


 * My chief objection (I mean that to the character of Aeneas) is, of course, not so much felt in the three first books; but, afterwards, he is always either insipid or odious, sometimes excites interest against him, and never for him.
 * Charles James Fox, letter to his friend Trotter, in Memoirs of the latter years of the Right Honorable Charles James Fox by John Bernard Trotter (3rd edition, 1811), p. 527


 * It was surely no affectation in Virgil when he desired to have the Aeneid burnt; he had made that poem the task of his life, and in his last moments he had the feeling that he had failed in it.
 * , Lectures on the History of Rome, Vol. III (1849), p. 137


 * The Roman epic abounds in moral and poetical defects; nevertheless it remains the most complete picture of the national mind at its highest elevation, the most precious document of national history, if the history of an age is revealed in its ideas, no less than in its events and incidents.
 * , History of the Romans Under the Empire, Vol. IV (1865), p. 448


 * Doubtless it was the "Æneid," his artificial and unfinished epic, that won Virgil the favour of the Middle Ages. To the Middle Ages, which knew not Greek, and knew not Homer, Virgil was the representative of the heroic and eternally interesting past. But to us who know Homer, Virgil's epic is indeed "like moonlight unto sunlight;" is a beautiful empty world, where no real life stirs, a world that shines with a silver lustre not its own, but borrowed from "the sun of Greece."
 * Andrew Lang, letter to Lady Violet Lebas in Letters on Literature (1892), p. 64


 * Virgil is unhappy in his hero. Compared with Achilles his Aeneas is but the shadow of a man.
 * , The Aeneid of Virgil (1900), p. xvii


 * A man, an adult, is precisely what [Aeneas] is: Achilles had been little more than a passionate boy. ... With Virgil European poetry grows up.
 * C. S. Lewis, A Preface to Paradise Lost (1942), Chapter 6: "Virgil and the Subject of Secondary Epic"


 * The Aeneid, the supposed panegyric of Augustus and great propaganda-piece of the new regime, has turned into something quite different. The processes of history are presented as inevitable, as indeed they are, but the value of what they achieve is cast into doubt. Virgil continually insists on the public glory of the Roman achievement, the establishment of peace and order and civilization, that dominion without end which Jupiter tells Venus he has given the Romans: Imperium sine fine dedi. But he insists equally on the terrible price one must pay for this glory. More than blood, sweat and tears, something more precious is continually being lost by the necessary process; human freedom, love, personal loyalty, all the qualities which the heroes of Homer represent, are lost in the service of what is grand, monumental and impersonal: the Roman State.
 * Adam Parry, "The Two Voices of Virgil's Aeneid", in Arion, Vol. II, No. 4 (1963), p. 78


 * The Aeneid enforces the fine paradox that all the wonders of the most powerful institution the world has ever known are not necessarily of greater importance than the emptiness of human suffering.
 * Adam Parry, "The Two Voices of Virgil's Aeneid", in Arion, Vol. II, No. 4 (1963), p. 80


 * Virgil's is a poem that at once sustains the discourses of political power and questions them as well.
 * , Virgil's Aeneid: Interpretation and Influence (1995), p. 3


 * Aeneas exhibits a new kind of tragic heroism: that of the public servant who labors for others selflessly... It is important to grasp the meanings of the Roman word pietas inasmuch as this, the only quality assigned Aeneas in the prologue, furnishes the most common description of him throughout the epic: pius Aeneas. The adjective and noun describe the right relationship that exists between a human being and (1) the gods, (2) his public responsibilities as citizen or political leader, (3) his family, and (4) other human beings. ... The pageant of [Aeneas'] exit from Troy is a masterpiece of Vergilian symbolism. Not content with the simple legend that Aeneas carried his father from the defeated city, Vergil adds to the picture little Ascanius stepping along at Aeneas' side, and in the father's hands he places a small receptacle containing the penates or household gods. Aeneas, in the center of the tableau, fulfills the first three aspects of pietas. Not only is he obeying the gods but he is carrying the religious symbols which will serve as the basis of important rituals in his new land. Not only is he showing family devotion with his filial act toward Anchises his father (as legend prescribed) but he is leading his son by the hand so as to continue the family. ... The total family group centered on Aeneas represents the public mission of the hero, who serves as the necessary link between old Troy (Anchises) and new Troy in Italy (Ascanius). Aeneas' duty, which he selflessly carries out, is to bring the Trojans to Italy and make possible their lasting settlement. This he admirably accomplishes, then dies three years later without having had time to enjoy his achievement.
 * William S. Anderson, The Art of the Aeneid (2nd Edition, 2005), pp. 23–24

Translations
The following translations into English have been used for the quotations:


 * The Aeneid, trans. John Dryden (1697)
 * The Æneid of Virgil, trans. Christopher Pitt (1740)
 * The Æneid of Virgil, trans. John Conington (1870)
 * The Æneids of Virgil, trans. William Morris (1876)
 * Virgil: Eclogues, Georgics, Aeneid I–VI, trans. H. R. Fairclough (W. Heinemann, 1918)
 * Virgil: Aeneid VII–XXI, The Minor Poems, trans. H. R. Fairclough (W. Heinemann, 1918)
 * The Aeneid of Virgil, trans. John William Mackail (Macmillan, 1920)
 * Vergil's Aeneid, trans. Levi Robert Lind (Indiana University Press, 1963), ISBN 9780253200457
 * The Aeneid, trans. Robert Fitzgerald (Random House, 1983), ISBN 978-0394528274
 * The Aeneid, trans. Cecil Day Lewis (Oxford University Press, 1986), ISBN 978-0192835840
 * The Aeneid of Virgil, trans. Allen Mandelbaum (Random House, 2003), ISBN 978-0553897784
 * The Aeneid, trans. David West (Penguin Classics, 1995), ISBN 978-0140444575
 * Aeneid, trans. Stanley Lombardo (Hackett Publishing, 2005), ISBN 978-1603844291
 * The Aeneid, trans. Robert Fagles (Penguin, 2006), ISBN 978-1101201541
 * Aeneid, trans. Frederick Ahl (Oxford World's Classics, 2008), ISBN 978-0199231959