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Rabb, Kate Milner

"National Epics"


Juturna, warned by Jove's messenger, a bird of evil omen, tore her locks
and beat her breast, regretting the gift of immortality conferred on her
by Jove. Then wrapping her gray veil about her, she fled to her watery
throne that she might not see the death of her brother. The frightened
Turnus, still fleeing from Aeneas, abandoned his sword and took up instead
a mighty rock, a landmark such as scarce six men could uplift.
Hurling this at Aeneas, he stood, his blood running chill, his eyes cast
towards the Rutuli, the town, and the spear of Aeneas, that, shrieking
through the air, doom laden, wrecked his heavy shield and pierced his
thigh.
"Mercy!" he prayed. "Fate hath given thee the advantage. Think, thou
duteous son, of my old father, Daunus."
As Aeneas stood, softened, and ready to grant the request, the sword-belt
of Pallas caught his eye.
"Shalt thou escape, decked out with Pallas's spoils? No, not I slay thee,
but Pallas! His hand immolates thee!" As he spoke he plunged his sword in
Turnus's breast.
Chilly death came, and the warrior's spirit fled, groaning to the shades.


SELECTION FROM THE AENEID.
NISUS AND EURYALUS.

While Aeneas, finding the Latins hostile to him, sailed up the Tiber in
search of allies, the troops he left behind under Ascanius were attacked
by Turnus, and their slight fortifications besieged.


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