AEneas and Achates, while reconnoitring, meet Venus in the forest disguised as a nymph.

She tells them Dido's story.

AEneas in reply bewails his own troubles, but is interrupted with promises of success.

Let him but persist, all will be well (352-478).

Venus changes before their eyes from nymph to goddess, and vanishes before AEneas can utter his reproaches.