Vobis parta quies; nullum maris aequor arandum, 500-505. He indulges a hope that their posterity may be friendly and allied nations. "But Vergil is likely enough to have intended a special reference to some historical relations between Rome and Epirus." —Con. 506. Vicina Ceraunia. Following the coast to the northwest, they reach the Promontorium Acroceraunium, the westernmost portion of Epirus, "whence is the shortest passage to Italy." This is their eighth landing since leaving Troy (cf. 1. 209, note). Ariosto thus describes this spot: Acroceraunus points the brine, against whose base the billow heaves. Orl. Fur. XXI. 16. Shelley (Hellas): From Caucasus to white Ceraunia. This was a dangerous, rocky coast. Thus Horace (Odes, I. III. 19): Qui vidit mare turgidum et 495 500 505 Infames scopulos Acroceraunia. "The name is derived from Gr. &кpos and keрavvós, because the rocky peaks were frequently struck by lightning." RUAEUS. 508-524. Observe the exquisite imagery of this passage: the setting sun, the shadowy mountains, the sandy beach, the sleeping sailors; then the still midnight, the watchful Palinurus, the freshening breeze, the silently gliding stars; suddenly the trumpet blast, the bustle of embarcation, the ships with spread sails like great white birds, the fading stars and the reddening dawn,- the dawn of a wonderful day for the weary exiles, for it is to reveal to their eyes for the first time that Italy which, in the language of prophet and priest, has hitherto been as dim and indefinite as even now her lowlying hills appear in the early dawn. 501. Intraro, 216. 507. Italiam, 121.— 514. Aëra, 229, 1). Sternimur optatae gremio telluris ad undam, 510 Haud segnis strato surgit Palinurus et omnes 515 Arcturum pluviasque Hyadas geminosque Triones, Postquam cuncta videt caelo constare sereno, Dat clarum e puppi signum; nos castra movemus, Cum procul obscuros colles humilemque videmus Tum pater Anchises magnum cratera corona Dî maris et terrae tempestatumque potentes, 525-6. Cf. I. 724. Spenser may have this passage in mind in Faerie Queen, I. III. 31: Soone as the port from far he has espied, 520 525 530 535 531-2. This is their ninth landing. This spot was on the extremity of the heel of Italy being the Promontorium Iapygium Salentinum. 535. Ipse, i. e. portus. Latet seems to be opposed to patescit (1. 530). Con. thus explains it. "The harbor is retired, Turriti scopuli, refugitque ab litore templum. Et pater Anchises: Bellum, o terra hospita, portas ; and in fact concealed between the rocks on each side of it; but as the ships approach, a way is seen between the barriers. Aeneas is giving a general account of the haven, not describing its features as they broke upon him gradually." 539. Cf. the omens which the Carthaginians derived from the horse, I. 442 seq. 540 545 550 551. Hinc. "Then," or "next," i. e., as they round the point which would bring the gulf of Tarentum into view.— Herculei, si vera est fama. According to one legend, Tarentum was founded by Hercules. 552. Diva Lacinia. There was & temple of Juno on the Lacinium Promon torium. 553. Navifragum Scylaceum. Ver544. Armisonae. So Pallas is armi- gil here refers to the town and region potens in II. 425. about midway between the Lacinium 545. They obey the instructions of Promontorium and the toe of Italy. "The Helenus (1. 405). 547. Cf. 1. 437. shore about Scylaceum is said not to be rocky, so that the epithet navifragum re 550. Graiugenum. So in 1. 359, fers to the gales which blow about that Troiugena. part of Italy." CON. 540. Bello, 103.552. Diva Lacinia, 245, 5). |