In triple gold arrayed, Each grasps the burnished shield, and girds the trusty blade.
LXXXVI.

Now open Helicon; awake the strain, Ye Muses.

Aid me, that the tale be told, What kings were roused, what armies filled the plain, What battles blazed, what men of valiant mould Graced fair Italia in those days of old.
Aid ye, for ye are goddesses, and clear Can ye remember, and the tale unfold.
But faint and feeble is the voice we hear, A slender breath of Fame, that falters on the ear.
LXXXVII.

First came with armed men from Etruria's coast Mezentius, scorner of the Gods.

Next came His son, young Lausus, comeliest of the host, Save Turnus--Lausus, who the steed could tame, And quell wild beasts and track the woodland game.
A hundred warriors from Agylla's town He leads--ah vainly! though he died with fame.
Proud had he been and worthy to have known A nobler sire's commands, a nobler sire to own.
LXXXVIII.