So to-day, Stirred with just fury, all Etruria's land Springs to the war, prompt vengeance to demand.
Thine be these all, for thousands can I boast, AEneas, thine to captain and command.
Mark now their shouts; already roars the host, 'Arm, bring the banners forth'; their vessels crowd the coast.
LXVI.

"An aged seer thus warns them to refrain, Expounding Fate: 'Choice youths, the flower and show Of ancient warriors of Meonian strain, Whom just resentment arms against the foe, Whose souls with hatred of Mezentius glow, No man of Italy is fit to lead So vast a multitude, the Fates say "No; Seek ye a foreign captain."' Awed, they heed The warning words divine, and camp upon the mead.
LXVII.

"Lo, Tarchon sends ambassadors; they bring The crown, and sceptre, and the signs of state, And bid me join the Tuscans as their king.
But frosty years have dulled me; life is late, And envious Age forbids an Empire's weight.
Fit were my son, but half Italian he, His mother born a Sabine.

Thee hath Fate Endowed with years and proper birth; for thee The Gods this throne have willed, and, what they will, decree.
LXVIII.

"Advance, brave Chief of Italy and Troy! Advance; young Pallas at thy side shall fare, My hope, my solace, and my heart's best joy.
With thee to teach him, he shall learn to share The war's grim work, the warrior's toil to bear; From earliest youth to marvel at thy deeds, And try to match them.