The day was come, the fated time complete, When Turnus' insults bade the Mother rise And ward the firebrands from her sacred fleet.
A sudden light now flashed upon their eyes, A cloud from eastward ran athwart the skies, With choirs of Ida, and a voice through air Pealed forth, and filled both armies with surprise, "Trojans, be calm; your needless pains forbear, Nor arm to save these ships; their safety is my care.
XVI.

"Sooner shall Turnus make the ocean blaze, Than these my pines.

Go, sea-nymphs, and be free, Your mother bids you." Each at once obeys, Their cables snapt, like dolphins in their glee, They dip their beaks, and dive beneath the sea.
Hence, where before along the shore had stood The brazen poops--O marvellous to see!-- So many now, with maiden forms endued, Rise up, and reappear, and float upon the flood.
XVII.

All stand aghast; amid the startled steeds Messapus quails, and Tiber checks his tide, And, hoarsely murmuring, from the deep recedes.
Yet fails not Turnus, prompt to cheer or chide.
"To Teucrians point these prodigies," he cried, "They bide not, they, Rutulian sword and brand.
E'en Jove their wonted succour hath denied.
Barred is the sea, and half the world is banned; Earth, too, is ours, such hosts Italia's chiefs command.
XVIII.

"I fear not Fate, nor what the Gods can do.
Suffice for Venus and the Fates the day When Trojans touched Ausonia.