"'Twas night; on earth all creatures were asleep, When lo! the figures of our gods, the same Whom erst from falling Ilion o'er the deep I brought, scarce rescued from the midmost flame, Before me, sleepless for my country's shame, Stood plain, in plenteousness of light confessed, Where streaming through the sunken lattice came The moon's full splendour, and their speech addressed, And I in heart took comfort, hearing their behest.
XXII.

"'Lo! what Apollo from Ortygia's shrine Would sing, unasked he sends us to proclaim.
We who have followed o'er the billowy brine Thee and thine arms, since Ilion sank in flame, Will raise thy children to the stars, and name Thy walls imperial.

Thou build them meet For heroes.

Shrink not from thy journey's aim, Though long the way.

Not here thy destined seat, So saith the Delian god, not thine the shores of Crete.
XXIII.