Meanwhile the kings ride forth: Latinus first,looming tall-statured from his four-horse car;twelve rays of gold encircle his bright brow,sign of the sun-god, his progenitor;next Turnus, driving snow-white steeds, is seen,—two bread-tipped javelins in his hand he bears;Aeneas, of Rome's blood the source and sire,with star-bright shield and panoply divine, far-shining comes; Ascanius by his side—of Roman greatness the next hope is he. To camp they rode, where, garbed in blameless white,with youngling swine and two-year sheep unshorn,the priest before the flaming altars drovehis flock and offering: to the rising sunall eyes are lifted, as with careful handthe salted meal is scattered, while with knivesthey mark each victim's brow, outpouring winefrom shallow bowls, the sacrifice to bless.

Then good Aeneas, his sword drawn, put forththis votive prayer: “O Sun in heaven; and thou,Italia, for whom such toils I bear,be witness of my orison. On thee,Father omnipotent, I call; on thee,his Queen Saturnia,—now may she bemore gracious to my prayer! O glorious Mars,beneath whose godhead and paternityall wars begin and end, on thee I call;hail, all ye river-gods and haunted springs;hail, whatsoever gods have seat of awein yonder distant sky, and ye whose poweris in the keeping of the deep, blue sea:if victory to Ausonian Turnus fall,then let my vanquished people take its wayunto Evander's city! From these plainsIulus shall retire—so stands the bond;nor shall the Trojans with rebellious swordbring after-trouble on this land and King.But if on arms of ours success shall shine,as I doubt not it shall (may gods on hightheir will confirm!), I purpose not to chainItalian captive unto Teucrian lord,nor seek I kingly power. Let equal lawsunite in federation without endthe two unconquered nations; both shall sharemy worshipped gods. Latinus, as my sire,shall keep his sword, and as my sire receiveinviolable power. The Teucriansshall build my stronghold, but our citadelshall bear forevermore Lavinia's name.”