Now came the day desir'd.The skies were bright With rosy luster of the rising light:
The bord'ring people, rous'd by sounding fame Of Trojan feasts and great Acestes' name, The crowded shore with acclamations fill, Part to behold, and part to prove their skill.
And first the gifts in public view they place, Green laurel wreaths, and palm, the victors' grace:
Within the circle, arms and tripods lie, Ingots of gold and silver, heap'd on high, And vests embroider'd, of the Tyrian dye.
The trumpet's clangor then the feast proclaims, And all prepare for their appointed games.
Four galleys first, which equal rowers bear, Advancing, in the wat'ry lists appear.
The speedy Dolphin, that outstrips the wind, Bore Mnestheus, author of the Memmian kind:
Gyas the vast Chimaera's bulk commands, Which rising, like a tow'ring city stands;Three Trojans tug at ev'ry lab'ring oar;
Three banks in three degrees the sailors bore;Beneath their sturdy strokes the billows roar.
Sergesthus, who began the Sergian race, In the great Centaur took the leading place;Cloanthus on the sea-green Scylla stood, From whom Cluentius draws his Trojan blood.
Far in the sea, against the foaming shore, There stands a rock: the raging billows roar Above his head in storms; but, when 't is clear, Uncurl their ridgy backs, and at his foot appear.
In peace below the gentle waters run;
The cormorants above lie basking in the sun.
On this the hero fix'd an oak in sight, The mark to guide the mariners aright.
To bear with this, the seamen stretch their oars;Then round the rock they steer, and seek the former shores.
The lots decide their place.Above the rest, Each leader shining in his Tyrian vest;The common crew with wreaths of poplar boughs Their temples crown, and shade their sweaty brows:
Besmear'd with oil, their naked shoulders shine.
All take their seats, and wait the sounding sign:
They gripe their oars; and ev'ry panting breast Is rais'd by turns with hope, by turns with fear depress'd.