Campion: De Pulverea Coniuratione I

Triumphanti hodie tibi (invictissime monarcha) serena affulgeat quinta Novembris lux; redeat vero quotannis ad laetitiam, ad salutem, ad gloriam. opusculum hoc quo Dei optimi maximi infinita bonitas vestrae autem divinae prudentiae in pulverea coniuratione relegenda foelicitas celebrata est absolutum iam sub hac faustissima luce sacris tuis manibus offerre haud ineptum fore iudicem. accipe igitur, clementissime potentissimeque patrone, plusquam longius forsan aevi munusculum, vivatius futurum si in lucem exeunti vestra benignitas inspiraverit.

May the serene light of 5 November shine upon you today triumphing (most unconquered monarch); and may it return yearly to joy, to health, to glory. I judge that it will not be inappropriate to offer this little work, in which the infinite goodness of God and, moreover, the celebrated felicity of your divine prudence in banishing the powder conspiracy are set forth, now completed under this most auspicious light, to your sacred hands. Receive therefore, most clement and most puissant patron, a small gift perhaps more enduring than its years, which will be the more lively if your benignity inspires it as it comes into the light.

vive quam diutissme; perpetuo vale, foeliciter impera, sic nunc ut semper precatur.

Live as long as possible; farewell for ever, reign happily, thus now as always he prays.

vestrae maiestati
humillime addictus,

most humbly devoted to your Majesty,

THOMAS CAMPIANUS

AD AUGUSTISSIMUM, SERENISSIMUMQUE IACOBUM MAGNAE BRITANNIAE REGEM ETC.

TO THE MOST AUGUST, AND MOST SERENE JAMES, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, ETC.

querna corona Iovi datur olim, laurea Phoebo,
myrtea dulce caput Cypridis umbra tegit;
spicea sed Cererem cingunt, hederacea Bacchum
serta, decus veteres, sic tribuere deis
pro meritis cuicunque suum; nec debita facto

to Jupiter once a fourfold crown is given, to Phoebus the laurel,
to Cypris the myrtle's sweet shade crowns the head;
but ears-of-grain garlands gird Ceres, ivy-wreathed Bacchus
his chaplets, the ancient honour; thus they assigned
to the gods each his own according to merits to whoever; nor owed by deed

5
siqua erat, authori gratia parca fuit.
coelestes pius hinc mortalibus error honores
indulsit, memor et numina fecit amor.
humano generi gratis neque profuit ullus
orbe novo, Graiis si sit habenda fides.

5
if any was, it was sparing in favor to the author.
From this pious error the celestial ones granted honors to mortals,
and love made the numina mindful.
To the human race no gift availed in the new orb, if the Greeks are to be believed.

10
quales ergo tibi, rex maxime, solvet honores
gens Britonum, quasi nunc orbe renata suo?
quam tua restituit prudentia coelitus orta,
servavitque dolo cum ruitura foret.
pars ego tam magni populi levis, hoc tibi struxi

10
what honours then, most mighty king, will the race of Britons pay to you,
as if now reborn to their own world?
which, heaven-sent, your prudence restored,
and by deceit preserved when it was about to fall.
I, a light part of so great a people, have built this for you

15
laudis opus, cecinit quod pia musa mihi;
ultima quod maneat precor usque in secla superstes,
hostibus officium triste, salubre tibi.

15
a work of praise, which the pious Muse hath sung to me;
that it may remain as the last, I pray, surviving even into the ages,
a sad officium to your enemies, salutary to you.

IN IESUITAS EPIGRAMMA 1

ON THE JESUITS, EPIGRAM 1

olim neci datis lupis Britannicis
cum nuspiam pateret exteris locus
astu supervenere Romani lupi,
tecti cucullis, devorant impune oves
nihil timentes, donec indutus pari

Once, given over to death to British wolves
when nowhere was open a place for foreigners,
by craft the Roman wolves arrived upon them,
hooded in cloaks, they devour the sheep
fearing nothing, until, clad in like dress

5
pastor cucullo clanculum Germanicus
orbem soporum suscitat, nubem exuit,
taxans luporum proprio vultu dolos.
his denuo pulsis gregi accedit salus
antiqua; fraudem Roma sed supplet novam,

5
the shepherd, stealthy in his hood, a German,
rouses the circle of slumberers, strips off a cloud,
probing the wolves' deceits by his own countenance.
these things having been driven off again, ancient safety returns to the flock;
but Rome supplies a new fraud,

10
gentique veste consona vulpes tegit
furtim irruentes horridas caudis faces,
vanis ferentes horridas caudis faces,
queis amputatis, tertium Britannia
canit triumphum; numquid haec ultra potest

10
and to the people with a garment consonant a fox gives cover
secretly the rushing torches, dreadful in their tails,
bearing in vain the dreadful torches with tails,
which, the tails having been cut off, Britain sings a third
triumph; can these things go any further?

15
pullo Latinus igne, aut arte Tartarus?

15
Is Latinus smitten by a dark fire, or Tartarus by art?

EPIGRAMMA 2

EPIGRAM 2

Romani veteres tribus fuere
noti nominibus satis superque,
sed vix ter totidem, quaterve nosci
possunt Londinia urbe Iesuitae.

The ancient Romans were known by three names
sufficient and more than sufficient,
but scarcely three times as many, or even fourfold,
can be known in the Jesuit city of London.

EPIGRAMMA 3

EPIGRAM 3

Anglus nomine Iesuita mire
gaudet multiplici, novem, decemve
usurpat varie, et subinde plura,
sed ficta omnia, nam suum tacere
verum falsiloquus cavet perite.

An Englishman by name Jesuit wondrously
rejoices in multiplicity, claiming nine, ten,
or thereabouts variously, and immediately more,
but all fictitious; for the falsiloquous man, to keep his own truth silent, takes care skilfully.

5
nunc istam mihi gratiam mereri
fas sit, nominaque nidere aptiora
illi quot lubet, esse vel paterno
quae plus propria nemo denegabit.
desertor patriae, pudor parentum,

5
now whether it be right that I deserve that grace
and that names more apt to nest for him, as many as he wishes,
to be even by paternal guise — which none will deny more proper.
a deserter of the fatherland, the shame of his parents,

10
exul, transfuga, proditor spuendus,
stultorum dominus, superbientum
servus, Romulae rei veredus,
Hispanus iocus atque sycophanta,
sermonis dubii pater, piusque

10
an exile, a deserter, a treacherous betrayer, detestable,
lord of fools, slave of the arrogant,
a courier of the Roman cause,
a Spanish jest and sycophant,
father of dubious speech, and hypocritically pious

15
mendax, tum generi haud nimis pudicus
suasor foemineo, cruentus, audax,
bellorum institor, atque regicida.
illi haec nomina si sciam placere,
mox plura adiiciam, nec est verendum

15
a liar, then a suader of the feminine not overly modest in regard to marriage,
bloodstained, audax, a merchant of wars, and regicide.
if I know that these names please him,
soon I will add more, nor is there aught to be feared

20
ne non copia suppetat novorum.

20
that there may be no lack of a supply of new ones.

EPIGRAMMA 4

EPIGRAM 4

quos vocat haereticis studet Anglis Roma mederi
pulvere nec sancto, nec diacatholico;
Catholicos quamvis et sanctos vendicat una,
pulvere sed monachi disdiadaemonico.

whom he calls heretics he strives for the English to heal
with neither holy nor diacatholic dust;
though she vindicates Catholics and even saints as one,
she deals in dust, but of a dis-diadaemonic kind, for monks.

ALLUDENS AD IGNATI CONCLAVI IOHANNIS DUN DOCTORIS THEOLOGIAE

ALLUDING TO IGNATIUS'S CONCLAVE
OF IOHANNIS DUN, DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY

Dun taxat libro Iesuitas non tamen uno
duntaxat, lingua ridet at Ausonia;
Ausonia in lingua semel est dun sillaba prima
duntaxat, primas Dun ubi taxat habet.

Dun counts Jesuits in his book, yet not only one, at least;
the tongue laughs at Ausonia;
Ausonia, in the tongue, once has “dun” for its first syllable,
at least, where Dun lays claim to holding the first places.

LIBER I ARGUMENTUM

BOOK
1 ARGUMENT

alma Dei prior acta refert, et daemonis iras,
Spes sua suasore hoc falsa est a relligione
missa Catisbaeo, socios is convocat, et rem
pulveream inducit, consultusque approbat illam
Garnetus; Faucum transmittit Belgia, coeptis

the kindly Mother of God recounts former deeds, and the demon’s wrath,
his Hope, by a persuader, is false — sent by religion to Catisbaeus;
he summons companions, and brings in a dusty affair,
and the counsellor Garnetus approves that thing;
Belgium sends Faucum on to the undertakings

5
qui fossis praeit. hinc ad busta precatur Elizae
flens pia Relligio, coeli cui subvenit ales;
temporaque indicti sunt interrupta senatus.
littera Monteglo datur, hanc rex discutit, inde
pulveris exponens, cui iussa est cautio, technam.

5
who presides over the ditches. Thence at Eliza's tomb
the pious Religion prays, weeping, to whom a heavenly wing lends aid;
and the seasons appointed were broken by the senate.
a letter is delivered to Monteglo; the king examines this, and thence
laying bare the dust, to whom a guard was commanded, the chest.

patroni magnum cano, mirum opus omnipotentis,
dulce, salutiferum, quantum non praestitit olim
cum fidit exulibus mare pronosque obruit hostes;
quantum non Solymae infestas cum dispulit uno
ingentes acies ictu super astra triumphans.

of the patron I sing the great, the wondrous opus of the Omnipotent,
sweet, salutiferous, which formerly did not afford so much
when he poured the sea over exiles and overwhelmed the prone enemies;
as much as when, scattering Solyma’s hostile ranks with one
stroke, he, triumphing, struck the mighty hosts up to the stars.

5
hoc solo minus esse iuvat, cui maxima cedunt;
scilicet unigenae charo cum sanguine fuso,
et victa sibi morte Deus revocaverat orbem.
tu tua celsa mihi, ter maxime, facta canenti
adde animum, mentique aciem; de pectore curas

5
this one thing makes it sweet to be the lesser, to whom the greatest things give way;
namely, when the only‑begotten’s dear blood, poured out,
and God, by death conquered, had recalled the world to Himself.
you, thrice most high, add your lofty deeds to me who sing,
add spirit and the keen edge of mind; from my breast, cares

10
pelle graves, oculisque obiectas discute nubes.
inferni reserem intrepidus scelera alta tyranni
in terram immeritam, atque tuam: nova dira nefanda,
horrida divini sub cultus nomine coepta.
o miseram, o nullam prope, magna Britannia, gentem

10
drive away the weights, and scatter the clouds thrown before my eyes.
Fearless would I unfasten the deep crimes of the infernal tyrant
upon an undeserving land, and upon yours: new dire impieties,
horrid atrocities begun under the name of divine cult.
O wretched, O nearly ruined, great Britannia, nation

15
ni respexisset pater optimus, atque ruenti
divinum auxilium nullo metuente tulisset.
illius aeterno celebremus carmine munus,
omnis posteritas memori quod mente revolvat.
humani generis vetus et non flexilis hostis,

15
had not the best father looked back, and borne divine aid to the one rushing down, fearing nothing;
let us celebrate that man’s gift in an eternal song,
which all posterity may revolve in mindful thought.
the ancient and inflexible enemy of the human race,

20
umbrarum dominus, summi semperque colendi
numinis invisor, iucundae lucis et osor,
versutus, vanus, nulli non fomes et author
dissidio (multum fletae post funus Elizae
pacifico tandem sceptro cedente monarchae

20
lord of shadows, enemy of the highest divinity ever to be worshipped,
and hater of pleasant light,
crafty, vain, a foment and author of discord to all;
(after the much-lamented funeral of Eliza, with the monarch at last yielding the peaceful sceptre)

25
iure suo) ut primum firmatas undique vidit
res Britonum dubias, oleaque per omnia pacem
ire coronatam, templis accrescere sacros
cultus, laetitiam silvis resonare decusque,
multiplici pompa replere palatia et urbes;

25
as soon as he saw the affairs of the Britons, strengthened on every side, the once-doubtful fortunes resolved, and peace, olive-wreathed, going crowned through all things, sacred worships increasing in the temples, joy and renown resounding in the woods, and palaces and cities filled with manifold pomp;

30
nil prodesse dolos, sancto se sternere regi

30
that deceits avail nothing, to prostrate oneself before the holy king

nequidquam insidias; ultro iam ponere suetas
Hesperios iras, sociasque extendere dextras;
nunc et Hybernorum requiescere conscia tela,
nullum adeo superesse locum crepitantibus armis,

that plots are in vain; willingly now to lay aside
the Hesperian angers long accustomed, and to extend allied
right hands; now also the weapons of the Hybernians to rest, conscious,
that no place at all remains for clashing arms,

35
seu tacitae fraudi; sensit mox Tartareus vim
coelestem, nec enim sine numine talia fiunt,
impius ergo tremit, simul et fremit ore canino
diras eructans, et coelum voce lacessit.
"nec mihi fas," ait, "o superi, nec denique cordi est

35
whether for a secret fraud; the Tartarean soon felt the celestial force
— for indeed such things do not happen without numen —
therefore the impious man trembles, and at once bellows with a canine mouth,
belching forth dire utterances, and provokes the heaven with his voice.
"it is not fas for me," he says, "O superi, nor
indeed is it to my cordi"

40
aurea stelliferi tolli ad laquearia coeli
lucentesque domos, vobis sublimia habete.
imperium terrestre, et nigri iura profundi
nolite invidisse mihi, nec numina vestra
immiscete meis rebus, lucemve tenebris.

40
to be lifted to the golden laquearia of the starry heaven
and to the shining dwellings — keep the lofty things for yourselves.
Do not envy me the earthly imperium, nor the rights of the black deep;
do not mingle your numina with my affairs, nor light with darkness.

45
nonne odium regina meum matura sepulchro
condidit illaesum corpus, celebrata trophaeis
magnificae pacis populo post fata relictae
multum dilecto, multo dilectior ipsa?
quidque mihi toties mors exoptata deinde

45
did not the queen bury my hatred in a timely sepulcher,
my body unharmed, celebrated with trophies,
left to the people of magnificent peace after her death,
much to the beloved, herself far more beloved?
and why was death to me so often thereafter desired

50
profuerit defunctae hostis? novus ecce superstes
imminet huic capiti infestus magis, atque tremendus,
quo magis instructus mentem est coelestibus armis.
vestrum opus, o superi, vestrum est hoc omne, nec intra
tanta cadunt animi humani miracula vires.

50
Will it have availed the enemy of the deceased? Behold a new survivor
threatens this head, more hostile and more tremendous,
by which he is the more equipped with celestial arms against the mind.
Your work, O Powers above, this whole thing is yours, nor within
so great miracles do the powers of the human spirit prevail.

55
heu quantas frustra fabricas admovimus? haerent,
semper et haerebunt vestro sub tegmine tuti
numen qui norunt misere lenire precando.
divorum ergo mihi merito est invisa potestas,
lux odio et coelum est, et pulchri quicquid uterque

55
alas, how many edifices have we set up in vain? They cling,
and will always cling, safe beneath your covering,
those who knew to soothe the divinity by miserable prayer.
therefore the power of the gods is rightly hateful to me,
light and heaven are hateful, and whatever of beauty either possesses

60
sustinet axe polus." verbis nec supplicat ultra
impurus daemon, celeri ferit astra boatu,
ingentesque globos tenebrarum montibus aequos
aerata iaculare manu, tegere aethera nube,
et quantum ex ira potuit confundere mundum.

60
"the pole sustains the axle of the sky." With words the impure daemon begs no more;
he smites the stars with a swift roar,
and with a brazen hand flings forth vast spheres of darkness, as great as mountains,
to cover the ether with cloud, and so much as wrath allowed he confounded the world.

65
formas mille subit monstrosas, mille Chimaeras
insano simulat vultu, nunc tortilis anguis
reptat, nunc sursum volitat draco, mox fremit ursus,
Tartara mox lupus impensis ululatibus urget,
taurus et horrendum mugit modo cornua vibrans,

65
a thousand monstrous shapes arise, a thousand Chimaeras
he feigns with insane visage; now a twisted snake
creeps, now a dragon flies aloft, anon a bear bellows,
anon a wolf with violent howlings presses down Tartarus,
and a bull bellows dreadfully, now brandishing its horns,

70
trux modo frendet aper. species tunc undique miscet
immanes. quicquid truculenti est arte nefanda
ut sibi concivit pallentes territat umbras,
sed fesso immodicus simul aestus corde quievit.
ecce cucullatus reliquis audentior ipsum

70
now the fierce boar snarls at times.
then the species mingles monstrous forms on every side.
whatever is of the truculent, by nefarious art, as if devised for himself, he has begotten and terrifies the pallid shades,
but the excessive surge, weary, at once rested in his heart.
behold the hooded one, bolder than the rest, himself

75
alloquitur daemon: "ne te, supreme patrone,
Romanae causae plus aequo cura ruentis

75
the demon addresses: "Do not, O supreme patron,
give more than equal care to the collapsing Roman cause"

tangat. quid populo si res modo tota patescit
Lutheri invidia? mitra nil notius? esto;
paucorum manibus patrari magna solebant,

let it touch. what to the people if the whole affair now lies open
to the envy of Luther? the mitre no more notorious? be it so;
great things were wont to be accomplished by the hands of a few,

80
et nisi mens laeva est, etiam nunc maxima possunt.
se Britones tutos maris intra moenia iactant,
et procul irrident Romana tonitrua, fulmen
attamen invita cogentur voce fateri.
sunt, pater, addictae summis conventibus aedes

80
and unless the mind be ill-disposed, even now the greatest things are possible.
the Britons vaunt themselves safe within the sea’s walls,
and from afar deride Roman thunders, the lightning;
yet unwilling they are compelled to confess it with their voice.
they are, pater, temples devoted to the highest assemblies

85
antiquae, quas rex proceresque subire statuto
assensere die, et melioris portio plebis,
has simul impletae sunt uno dirue flatu.
sulphureus tibi pulvis adest, ignisque sepultus:
inventum hoc nostrum est, talesque creatur in usus."

85
of the ancient rites which the king and the proceres assented to undergo on the appointed day, and the better portion of the plebs,
these at once were filled and overthrown by a single devastating blast.
a sulphurous dust is present to you, and fire buried beneath:
this is our invention, and such are created for uses."

90
consilium inferno placet, authorisque coronat
cupresso rasum caput, omine laetus uterque est.
compertum esse duas iamdudum est relligiones.
altera de coelo in terras descendit, amica
pacis, inops cultus, humilis, tamen ore decoro,

90
the counsel pleases the infernal realm, and crowns with cypress the shaved head of the author, both rejoicing in the omen.
it has long been ascertained that there are two religions.
one descends from heaven to the lands, a friend of peace, poor in cult, humble, yet with a decorous mien,

95
constantique animo et vultu: comes assidet illi
ingenuus Metus, et Spes usque erecta, futurae
laetitiae praesaga, et semper conscia veri.
lusca sed ex caecis auri est emissa fodinis
altera, celsa, minax, presso insidiosave fastu,

95
and with a steady spirit and countenance: as companion there sits to him
Freeborn Fear, and Hope ever uplifted, presager of future
joy, and always conscious of the truth.
But the other is one‑eyed, sent forth from the blind mines of gold,
lofty, threatening, with a pride pressed down or ensnaringly treacherous,

100
expers nativi decoris, fuco sibi formam
concilians, variis vanisque ornata lapillis.
servilis sequitur pavor hanc, incertaque gressus
ebria Spes, audax tamen. alti in vertice montis
splendescit speciosa domus, distinctaque pictis

100
devoid of native grace, staining her form with dye to fashion a new beauty,
adorned with various and vain little gems.
Servile Panic follows her, and Hope, drunken with uncertain steps, yet bold.
On the high summit of the mountain a fair house gleams, set off with painted

105
turribus; exterius quamvis venerabilis, intus
horridus spectanti est. stant mille et mille deorum
postibus effigies referentes ora ferarum,
sdaemonaque, et quicquid pavor atque insania finxit.
dimidium haud capiunt centum capitolia, centum

105
with towers; though venerable on the outside, within it is dreadful to the beholder.
thousands and thousands of images of gods stand at the doorways, bearing the faces of beasts,
and demonic things, and whatever fear and madness have fashioned.
not even half do a hundred capitolia contain, a hundred

110
vix fando aequabunt tonsores, totve cuculli.
appositam diris altaribus Iphianissam
cernere erit misere flentem, patrisque vocantem
necquicquam auxilium: solus licet imperet, astus
praevalet irati vatis, cadit hostia ventis,

110
scarcely in speech will the tonsors equal them, nor the so many cowls.
it will be pitiable to behold Iphianissa set before the cruel altars weeping, and calling in vain for her father's aid: though he alone may rule, the craft of the angry prophet prevails, the victim falls to the winds,

115
quos placat, toto sed vix ita sanguine vatem.
heu quantum sceleris peragis, quantum invehis orbi,
impia relligio? sed et haec levia esse fatemur
ludicraque, improbitas primo quae prodidit aevo,
nostra praeut nova quae fert, atque instructior aetas

115
whom she placates, yet scarcely so with the prophet’s whole blood.
ah, how much wickedness you complete, how much you launch upon the world,
impious religion? but we confess that even these are slight
and merely sportive, which knavery first revealed in an earlier age,
and which our own new time now brings forth, and an age more instructed

120
quodcunque in facinus. natos occidere reges,
iamque uno triplicem pervertere flamine gentem
suave et honorificum est: vae vae tibi, turbida Roma,
dedecus imperii, atque animorum pervaga pestis.
vestibuli ad laevum patet ingens porticus, auro

120
whatever into crime. to kill born kings,
and now with one blast to overthrow a triple people
is sweet and honorific: woe, woe to you, turbulent Rome,
dishonor of the empire, and a wide‑wandering pest of minds.
to the left of the vestibule lies open a huge portico, gilded with gold

125
argentoque insignitis suspensa columnis:
turgit imaginibus locus, expressique resurgunt
pontifices triplo diademete, vesteque picta
usque a Bonifacio, duce quo nova Roma triumphat.
sanctorum necnon statuis, stultisque tumescit

125
and on columns hung with silver-ornamentation:
the place swells with images, and the carved figures rise again—
priests triple-diademed, and in pictured vesture
even to Boniface, by whose leadership New Rome triumphs.
and likewise with statues of saints, and it swells with fools

130
relliquiis, quales in risum aut vertere possunt
totum te, Heraclite, in fletum aut fundere totum.
hic se delectat, multum hic dea lusca moratur,
hic Erebi rex aggreditur sua dira precantem
Teutonicae fidei, Batavisque, piisque Britannis.

130
with the remains—such as can turn you wholly to laughter, O Heraclitus, or pour you wholly into tears.
here he delights himself, here the one‑eyed goddess lingers long,
here the king of Erebus assails his dread suppliant of Teutonic faith, of the Batavians, and of the pious Britons.

135
Tartareum ut vidit, cupide mox applicat eius
dicto aurem, exponit Stygius de pulvere totam
ordine rem: coeptis tam tetris esse colore
multo opus. ornatam mittat Spem poscit, ut urat
voce Catisbaeum, caedisque incendant amore:

135
When he beheld the Tartarean thing, he eagerly straightway lays his ear to its speech, the Stygian sets forth the whole matter from the dust in order: that the undertakings, so gloomy in hue, need much work. He demands that Hope be sent forth adorned, that she burn Catisbaeus with her voice, and kindle him with a love of slaughter:

140
stare animo in patriam averso, rerumque novarum
imprimis avido; Grantam illi, aptumque Rucodem
omnibus in rebus sociosque paresque futuros.
Vinterum, Vritumque, et te, nequissime Perci,
ex notis esse, et causae communis amicis.

140
to stand with spirit turned away from his fatherland, and above all eager for new things;
Grantam to him, and the apt Rucodem, to be partners and equals with him in all affairs.
Vinterus and Vritus, and you, most wicked Perci,
to be of his intimates, and friends of the common cause.

145
illum tendandum premit, illum poscere fata.
assensum est, Spes festinat meretricia, picta,
cultaque amatori conductum nobile scortum
ut solet. aede sua scelerosum sorte sinistra
invenit oppressum, somni vinoque sepultum

145
he urges that man on, he bids that man beg the fates.
Consent is given; Hope, meretricial, painted and adorned,
hastens to the lover—a noble courtesan hired, as she is wont.
In her own house she finds him laid low by a wicked, ill-omened lot,
buried in sleep and wine.

150
Lambethi, formosa tuas prope, Thamisis, undas.
"surge," ait, "heu misere dormis (mi dulcis alumne),
nec te Roma movet per te male prodita, per te,
segnitiemque tuam? quod si haec aliena videntur,
fortunis succurre tuis, averte ruinam

150
Lambeth, fair, thy waves near, Thames.
"Rise," he says, "ah, you miserably sleep
(my sweet foster-son),
and does not Rome move you, ill-betrayed through you, through you,
and your sloth? But if these things seem strange,
run to the help of your fortunes, avert the ruin

155
luxuries quam festinat, legesque minantur.
aude aliquid saltem quod spem non fallere possit,
scis ubi totius regni est conventus habendus,
idque brevi. subtus congesto dirue gentem
pulvere fulmineo invisam. sic victor abibis,

155
which luxury hastens, and laws threaten.
dare at least something that may not deceive hope,
you know where the assembly of the whole realm must be held,
and that soon. Overturn below the nation heaped up in lightning-like dust,
hated. Thus you will depart victorious,

160
clarus et Ausonios inter numerabere divos."
dixit, et in tenebras levis evanescit opacas
structis insidiis. praecordia concutit horror
dura Catisbaei, surreptaque turbat imago.
multa aegro volvente animo, ut lux reddita terris,

160
"you shall be counted among the bright and Ausonian gods."
he said, and lightly vanished into the shadowy darkness
with ambushes laid. A horror shakes the inmost heart,
the stern Catisbaeus, and the stolen image disturbs.
many things turning in his sickened mind, as light was restored to the earth,

165
convocat unanimes et proditionibus aptos,
quos bene cognovit, Vinterum pectore fidum
improbo, et Vritum. solito sed tardior ipsis
congressis tandem trepidante supervenit aestro
Percio, et "quid," ait, "semper loquimurne, sodales,

165
he summons men of one mind and fit for betrayals,
whom he well knew: Vinterus, faithful in his wicked breast,
and Vritus. but slower than usual to the meetings themselves
at last Percio came, overtaken by a trembling passion,
and "what," he said, "shall we always be speaking, comrades,"

170
nil agimus? regem interimi numquid iuvat ipsum?
en vobis hic certa manus." sic excipit illum

170
"Shall we do nothing? Does it please that the king himself be slain?
Behold, here is for you a sure hand." Thus he interrupts him

ore Catisbaeus blaeso, tamen ad mala prompto:
"iamdudum hoc agimus, Perci, nobis ut agamus
dignum aliquid, factis praeeant sed verba necesse est,

with a Catisbaean mouth lisping, yet eager for wickedness:
"for some time now we have been doing this, Perci, that we should do something worthy for ourselves; let deeds go before words, but words are necessary,"

175
cernendis veluti debentur lumina rebus.
perdere tam multa sibi prole superstite regem,
res non digna satis tanta fortissime dextra est,
ad maiora tibi vigeat dum provocat usus.
ingens coeptum animus mi parturit, artis iniquae

175
lights, as it were, ought to be granted for discerning things.
to destroy so much with offspring surviving the king,
the matter is not sufficiently worthy of so great a brave right hand,
let experience, while it challenges, strengthen you for greater things.
a vast enterprise my mind now brings forth for me, of an iniquitous art

180
non nihil argutans. fructum sin respicis, unum est
quod decus antiquum templis, animisque piorum
oppressis requiem certo promittere possit."
quicquid id est, clamant, fidis ne credere cesset
auribus, et paribus per cuncta pericula votis.

180
arguing not without point. But if you regard the fruit, there is one thing
that can certainly promise rest to the ancient honour of the temples and to the oppressed
souls of the pious."
"Whatever it is," they shout, "let not the faithful cease to lend believing ears,
and with equal vows accompany through all dangers."

185
"quandoquidem vestris sic illud mentibus," inquit,
"perplacitum est, paucis quod multa requirit habete.
ipsum cum populo regem prolemque senatu
tollere consilium est simul atri pulveris ictu."
horrescunt omnes dicto, sanguisque loquentis

185
"since that thing has so pleased your minds," he says,
"hold to what asks many things in few words.
the plan is to exalt him himself with the people as king and his offspring with the senate,
to lift them both at once by a stroke of dark dust."
all shudder at the saying, and at the blood of the speaker

190
deseruit vultus, communis pallor honesta
invitis licet, et diuturna silentia mandat.
ac veluti varia cum coepta est cantio voce
condita ad aequales, ex illis forsitan una
discors vox strepitu reliquas abrumpit amaro,

190
the face was abandoned, a common pallor, honourable though unwelcome,
enjoins also long-enduring silence.
and just as when a song begun with varied voice
is framed for equal parts, from those perhaps one
discordant voice with bitter din breaks the rest,

195
aversata omnesque soni feritate quiescunt,
haud aliter siluere audito nomine tantum
pulveris horribili vastantis cuncta tumultu.
post longam dubio sic replicat ore quietem
Vinterus, "non si tellus mihi tota dehiscat,

195
turned away, and all sounds lie still in feral quiet,
no otherwise did they fall silent at the mere hearing of the name
of the dust’s horrible, devastating tumult over all.
after a long doubtful pause thus with his mouth he utters
the word quiet
Vinterus, "not even if the whole earth should gape open for me,"

200
omnis et inferni in memet convertitur horror,
abstineam si Roma vocat. si cogat avitae
aurea libertas fidei, per tela, per ignes
ire iuvat, nec magna metu consulta retracto.
sed via difficilis, dumetisque obsita terret,

200
all the horror of hell turns itself against me,
shall I hold back if Rome calls? if the golden
freedom of the ancestral faith compels, it delights me
to go through spears, through fires, nor do I, my great resolution checked by fear, withdraw.
but the road is difficult, and the thorny thickets that bar it terrify,

205
atque bonae male re cedente calumnia causae.
praeterea nostrum pereunti candida turbae
pars conserta cadet non contemnenda, centis
ne nimis invidiosa etiam victoria fiat."
increpat hunc primo divellens ultima verba

205
and with a good cause the affair goes ill, driven off by calumny.
furthermore a fair portion of our company, joined with the perishing crowd,
will fall—not to be despised—lest even victory become overly envious."
he reproves him then, tearing away his final words at the first

210
Percius, "o nimium," exclamat, "nimiumque beati,
relligioni tot secum mala, tot morientes
queis auferre datur discrimina, totque ruinas.
quam lubet explere hunc numerum, factoque vovere
tam pulchro hanc animam. tota cum stirpe parentes

210
Percius, "O too much," he cries, "and too blessed for religion—so many evils it brings with it, so many who die whom it is granted to free from peril, and so many ruins.
how gladly I would fill up this number, and by deed vow this soul to so fair a cause. parents with the whole stock

215
sic misti intereant potius, vindicta profanis
quam non contingat tam digna et nobilis, usu
iustitiaque omnes superans quibus imbuit aures
fama meas. nam quid magis aequum, sydera testor,
nos iisdem quam caede locis ulciscier hostes,

215
thus let them rather perish mingled together, vengeance on the profane,
than that so worthy and noble an event, surpassing all in practice
and in justice, to which my fame has attuned the ears, should not befall.
For what is more equitable, I swear by the stars,
than that we avenge our enemies in the very places with the same slaughter,

220
in vitas quibus et fortunas fulmina nostras
mittere pro libito, nullo cohibente, solebant
vi decretorum sub avarae nubibis artis?"
his liquido acclamat dictis Vritus, et effert
laudibus authorem, technamque stupescere gestit

220
into lives to which they were wont to cast our thunderbolts and fortunes at will, no one restraining, by the force of decrees under the clouds of avaricious craft?"
at these clear words Vritus cries aloud, and bears the author up in praises, and longs that the technē be struck dumb

225
sulphurei cineris: nil certius omnia turbis
momento immiscere, novis seu motibus ansam
posse dare, aut veterem fidei languentis honorem
spem restaurandi fessis renovare Britannis.
impia sic portenta animo pietatis obumbrant.

225
of sulphurous ash: nothing more certain than that to mingle all things in tumult at a moment,
to give a handle to new movements, or that one can haply grant a cause,
or renew the ancient honour of a languishing faith, to restore hope to the weary Britons.
thus impious portents cast a shadow over the spirit of piety.

230
"pergite quo properatis," ait Vinterus. "iniquum
aequum, si vobis id visum est, haud moror, ibo
quos nos cunque trahunt communia fata. recedat
pectore nunc omnis pietas in memet, et omnes:
dispereat quisquis facti successibus obstat.

230
"Proceed whither you hasten," said Vinterus. "Whether unjust or just — if that seems so to you, I delay not; I will go whithersoever our common fates drag us. Let every piety now withdraw from my breast, and from all: let perish whoever stands opposed to the successes of the deed.

235
at sapiens leni primum medicamini Cous
tentandos morbos docet: id si iuverit, ultra
nil opus est; quod si facilis medicina fefellit,
maiori pugnat, ferro in mala tanta vel igne.
si placet hunc imitemur, et advenientis Iberi

235
but the wise man first teaches gentle medicines to test the diseases: if that helps, nothing further is needed; but if facile medicine has failed, one resorts to a stronger fight, with iron against such ills or with fire. if it pleases, let us imitate this, and of the arriving Iberians

240
oremus legati operam, si flectere possit
duri in nos animum regis quos abdicat, ut ius
in patria commune velit concedere terra,
ac libertatem sacrorum, o Roma, tuorum.
Belgarum remoratur adhuc Hispanus in oris

240
let us beseech the envoy’s labour, if he can bend
to us the spirit of the stern king whom he renounces, that the land
may be willing to grant a common right in the fatherland,
and the liberty of your sacred rites, O Rome.
The Spaniard still lingers on the coasts of the Belgae

245
quo propero, fidum mox conventurus Oenum,
charum principibus, nostris et rebus amicum.
tentandi dubiam, si quid promittere possit,
legati Hesperii mea sit provincia mentem:
quae mihi pro votis si non successerit, ultra

245
to which I hasten, soon to meet the faithful Oenus,
dear to the chiefs, and friendly to our people and affairs.
to test the doubtful, if he can promise anything,
let the province of my thought be the Hesperian envoys:
which, if it do not succeed for my prayers, beyond

250
progrediamur, et extremos redeamus ad ignes."
"recte Vinterus sapit, et bene consulit," infit
Percius, "at vereor nimium ne frigida spes sit,
proposito insistat tamen, haec sententia nostra est."
ista Catisbaeus nil contra, sedulus urget

250
let us advance, and return to the farthest fires."
"Vinterus rightly judges, and counsels well," says
Percius, "but I fear too much that hope be chill;
yet let it cleave to the purpose — this is our sentiment."
Catisbaeus objects nothing, the eager one presses

255
ut peragat Vinterus iter: tum si quid Oenus
possit id imprimis videat, post illa secutum
castra diu Austriaco popularem sub duce Faucum
conveniat, profugumque ad littora nota reducat.
caetera si nil proficiunt, et ad ultima ventum est,

255
that Vinterus may complete the journey: then let him first see what Oenus can do in that matter; after these things having followed, let him join the camp long laid waste by the South Wind under leader Faucus, and bring the fugitive back to the familiar shores. If the other measures profit nothing, and it has come to the last resort,

260
non fidendum operi gnarus ni accesserit artis
quae praeeat fossis, et caecos dirigat ignes.
"aedes curet," ait, "prope fundamenta senatus
Percius, ut quocunque vacent pretio, ipse satelles
regius haud aegre proprios suadebit in usus

260
the work must not be trusted unless one acquainted with the art
which presides over the trenches and directs the blind fires has approached.
"Percius should tend the temple," he says, "near the senate's foundations;
so that wherever they stand empty for a price, he himself, a royal attendant,
will not unwillingly recommend them for his own uses.

265
cedere, sat numero cum sint, aulaeque propinquae.
pulvis at his nostris ampla ut sit mole paratus
id mecum Vritus percaute munus obibit,
unde scaphis tuto transferri singula possint."
convenit ut subeant partita negotia, natae

265
that they withdraw, since they are sufficient in number, and the courts are near.
but so that the dust for these our works be prepared with a great mass,
Vritus will take that charge cautiously with me,
from which each thing may be safely transferred into the skiffs."
it is agreed that the allotted tasks be undertaken, the daughters

270
sed ius suspitioni aliquod ne forte relinquant,
commissi arcani dant iuramenta tacendi
mutua, et uberius quo res nova credita crescat,
his sacrum coenale superstitione tumentes
adnectunt, et opem vanis conatibus orant.

270
but lest they leave any right to suspicion,
the entrusted guardians of the secret give mutual oaths of silence,
and, that the newly entrusted matter may increase the more abundantly,
swelling with a sacred communal superstition they bind this to them,
and beg aid for their vain undertakings.

275
proh pudor, et coelum spectant, ipsumque bonorum
fontem, aversoremque mali, quo vindice solo
plectitur omne nefas, demens audacia partem
tam foedi in sceleris vocat, appellantque Iehovam
non nunc ut testem, funestis sed caput ausis.

275
O shame! and they look to heaven, and to the very fountain of goods,
and to the avertor of evil, by whose sole vindicator every crime
is punished; mad audacity calls him partner
in so foul a wickedness, and names Jehovah
not now as witness, but as head of their fatal daring.

280
his ita compositis, nigri dominator Averni
de grege daemonico spatiosis eligit alis
umbram, qua non est pernicior altera, sed nec
doctior humanos volitando fallere visus.
imperat huic dorso Vinterum ut tollat opaco

280
with these things thus arranged, the ruler of black Avernus
from the demonic flock with spacious wings chooses a shade,
than which no other is more swift, nor indeed more expert
at deceiving human sight as it flits about.
he commands this one to bear Vinterum on its dusky back

285
quoque tendit iter, propereque per aethera vectet.
nec mora, sublati superant haud segnius Euris
substratum mare, et optato potiuntur Oeno.
crescenti interea conducit Percius aedes
addictas sceleri, quod, ut omnis scrupulus absit,

285
to which also he directs his way, and may swiftly bear (it) through the aether.
nor is there delay: borne up they outfly the sea beneath no less swiftly than the East Wind,
and possess the longed‑for Oeno.
meanwhile Percius leads on the growing houses devoted to crime,
which, that every scruple may be absent,

290
ore Catisbaeus sacro studet esse probatum.
ordo sacerdotum novus est qui nomen Iesus
privatim usurpant, erat his Ignatius author,
unde Ignatistae dicti melioribus annis,
at nunc Ignistae, merito quod nomen ab igne

290
with sacred mouth Catisbaeus strives to be held proven.
there is a new order of priests who privately usurp the name
Jesus; Ignatius was the founder of these,
whence in better years they were called Ignatists,
but now Ignists, rightly because the name is from fire

295
pulvereo traxere sibi. Tagus aureus hydram
edidit hanc, facie pulchram satis, atque decoram
intuitu primo, verum si lumina cautus
acrius infigas, nil turpius horridiusve
infamis Lernae tulit unquam foeta veneni

295
they drew her to themselves to the dusty place. The golden Tagus brought forth this hydra,
fair enough in face, and comely at first sight,
but if, wary, you fasten your eyes more keenly,
nothing more foul or more hideous has ever borne infamous Lerna, pregnant with poison

300
faex vel Avernales, Graiis fingentibus, undae.
In visceribus technas haec monstra, incendia, caedes,
cultra, venena, tumultus, et non iusta recondunt
bella. nec hos regio serpentes una coercet,
omnes quin circumvolitent pernicibus alis

300
dregs or Avernian waves, as the Graecians invent.
In their visceras they stash these technas: monsters, fires, slaughter,
knives, poisons, tumults, and wars not righteous they conceal.
Nor does one realm alone restrain these serpents,
but rather they all wheel about on swift, pernicious wings

305
caecam in perniciem, non speratamque ruinam.
pax milvis, Iovis alitibus nam retia tendunt;
nec timidae cervae, sed dente ac ungue leoni
spreto nativis nunc insidiantur in antris.
sancta cohors Stygio longe gratissima regi

305
into blind destruction, and into a ruin not expected.
not even the kites’ peace—for they stretch snares for Jove’s winged ones;
nor the timid does, but the lion with tooth and claw,
scorning his own, now ambushes in native caves.
the holy cohort most pleasing far to the Stygian king

310
digna bonis docet esse viris mendacia, menti
verbaque iurantem contraria cudere linguam.
heu qualis probitas, heu quam nova, quamque stupenda!
patribus haud dubie nostris incognita, simplex
aetas illa fuit prior, indulgentior orbem

310
she teaches that lies are fitting for worthy men, and to forge with the tongue words contrary to the mind of one who swears.
ah what probity, ah how new, and how wondrous!
that age was surely unknown to our fathers, that earlier simple age, more indulgent toward the world

315
iam pater aethereus maiori lumine lustrat.
tristis in hanc pestem stabilitur pyramis olim
Gallica, quae simul est sublata, Henrice, peristi,
bellorum nec te clarissima fama tuorum,
non armata satellitii vis, iamque propinquae

315
now the aethereal father scans with a greater light.
a sorrowful Gallic pyre is set firm in this pest, which was raised at once — Henry, you perished —
neither the most renowned fame of your wars, nor the unarmed force of a satellite-companion, nor even the now-proximate

320
viribus inconcussae acies potuere tueri
unius a vili dextra, ferroque cruento.
non ita mille dolis licet insidiisque petita
concidit aeterni cura ingens patris Elizae.
illa fide nunquam defecit, sed cita nantes

320
the ranks of unwavering strength could be kept safe by the cheap right hand of one, and by blooded iron.
not so, though assailed by a thousand guiles and ambushes, did the mighty care of the eternal Father Eliza fall.
that never failed in faith, but, swift, gliding

325
visit Iberorum turres, ac denique vicit
freta piis precibus, coelique potentibus armis.
festinata proin sua classis ne cadat, illi
aethera pugnabant, fretaque, aligeraeque phalanges.
iamque Ignistarum, solis Garnetus at Anglis,

325
he visits the towers of the Iberians, and at last he conquered the straits by pious prayers and by the mighty arms of heaven.
therefore his hastened fleet, lest it fall, fought the aether, the seas, and winged phalanxes.
and now of the Ignists, Garnetus of the Sun;
but to the English,

330
praeses agendorum ius clam determinat, ipsi
quaqua affluxuris citra mare (Belgia sacrae
Cresselli obsequitur, Baldini Hispania voci).
quanto annis gravior, tanto iste tenebrio doctas
promptior in fraudes, arcana ac publica novit,

330
the presiding officer secretly determines the law of proceedings, he himself
whithersoever they shall flow on this side of the sea (Belgium yields to the sacred
voice of Cressellus, Spain to the call of Baldinus).
the more heavy with years, the more that dark one is, the readier in learned
frauds, he knows both private and public secrets,

335
et personata didicit pietate iuventam
ludere, dementesque animas anuumque senumque.
rure habitat vacuo, procul urbe, senique ministrat
pulchra domo plena et generosae foemina stirpis,
nec desunt homini timidae solatia vitae.

335
and, her piety proclaimed, she learned to sport with youth,
and to soothe the demented minds of both old women and old men.
She dwells in an empty countryside, far from the city, and ministers to the aged;
a fair house is full and a woman of noble stirps presides,
nor are the timid man’s consolations of life lacking.

340
tecta Catisbaeus petit haec, quibus haud alienus
excipitur, multumque patri praefatus honorem
consilio arcano privatam supplicat aurem.
huic facile auriculas vulpes concedit utrasque,
testibus et procul amotis compellat amanter:

340
Catisbaeus seeks the roofed house; these things, to which he is by no means strange, he is received;
and having much praised the father’s honour, he petitions a private ear with a secret plan.
to him the fox readily yields both little ears,
and, witnesses and those kept far away, he addresses her lovingly:

345
"fare, age, mi fili, secure quicquid acerbi
ambiguive animo nunc fluctuat, en tibi fido
pectore consilium do, solamenque paternum."
ille pius statim trepide rogat, anne liceret
sic punire malos, cadat ut bonus unus et alter,

345
"do, act, my son, securely whatever of bitter
or wavering in the mind now fluctuates; behold I give you counsel with a faithful
heart, and a paternal consolation."
he, dutiful, at once trembling asks, whether it would be allowed
thus to punish the wicked, even if one good man and another should fall,

350
quos fatum immeritos scelerato sparsit acervo.
"quid in hoc," praesul ait, "si publica commoda poscunt
et licet, et iubeo. datur urbs obsessa, moretur
excidiumne manu nostra positum atque paratum,
si duo nostrorum, tresve, intra moenia soli

350
whom fate has heaped, undeserving, in a wicked mass.
"what of this," the prelate says, "if they seek the public good—
it is allowed, and I order it. the besieged city is given; shall its destruction,
placed and ready by our hand, be delayed, if two or three of our men alone are within the walls?

355
permaneant? quos hostili subducere cladi
cum non concessum est, pereant fas. utile multis
quod sit ut impediat tenuis iactura pusillum
ridiculumque foret, privatis publica praesint."
hoc sibi concesso, quo nil optatius, audax

355
shall they remain? Those whom to withdraw from the hostile ruin
when it has not been permitted, it is right they perish. It is useful to many
that there be such a thing, that a slender loss may prevent a great one;
and it would be petty and ridiculous that public goods should give way to private ones."
this being granted to himself, than which nothing
is more desired, bold

360
iam scelus omne Catisbaeus concredere sanctis
auribus haud dubitat, neuter tamen ore rubescit.
qualis (pro pietas) vita est haec, quamque pudenda
relligiosorum, qui coelum et Tartara miscent?
si sibi conducit facinus iustum est, licet ipsum

360
now Catisbaeus does not hesitate to entrust every crime to holy ears,
nor yet does he redden his mouth. what sort (for pity’s sake) of life is this, and how shameful
of the religious, who mingle heaven and Tartarus?
if the deed profits himself, it is just; it is permitted even to him

365
horreret Siculus genio cogente tyrannus.
perdere sed patriam properanti solvere fraena,
pro qua nemo mori metuit bonus atque fidelis,
quin magis admotis suspensum impellere flammis,
consiliisque iuvare, hoc sancti, praesidis hoc est?

365
would the Sicilian tyrant shudder, compelled by a genius.
but to him hurrying to destroy his country to loosen the reins,
for which no good and faithful man fears to die,
nay rather to impel the one suspended with flames brought near,
and to aid with counsels — is this the sanctity, is this the part of a praeses?

370
insidiatori porro sociisque fit author
fingendi varios sensus, ut tuta loquantur,
atque reservata totum confundere parte
praecipit arte nova: veniam dat talibus, etsi
summa salus animae premitur pretiumque futurae

370
moreover he becomes the author for the ambusher and his associates
of devising various senses, that they may speak things secure,
and by a new art hurries to confound the whole with a reserved part
—he grants pardon to such men, although the supreme safety of the soul is oppressed and the price of the future

375
aeternae vitae. his arreptis proditor armis
et confirmata iam peior mente recedit.
fama sub haec Britonum, Fauco comitante, susurrat
applicuisse oris Vinterum. protinus omnes
anguineo retinet quos coniuratio nexu

375
of eternal life. With these seized, the traitor retires with arms
and now confirmed in a worse mind.
Rumour under these things among the Britons, Fauco
attending, whispers that the Vinteri have come up to the shores.
Straightway he holds fast all whom the conspiracy binds by a blood-knit tie

380
accelerant, et laudato cum milite laetum
excipiunt socium sceleris, fatique latentis.
ille fidelem animum studiumque extollit Oeni,
nullam in legato spem, paci se dare totos
Hesperios, rebusque suis: extrema necesse

380
they hasten on, and with the soldier praised they gladly receive the partner of the crime and of the hidden toil.
he extols Oenus’s faithful mind and zeal, placing no hope in the legate, that he would give the whole Hesperians to peace
and to his own affairs: the last things are necessary

385
esse vel invitis tentanda, moram esse timendam
magnis consiliis, inimicaque frigora flammis.
ergo Catisbaeus, "non me praesaga fefellit
mens," ait. "externis plus aequo credimus, illud
quod prope, quod nostrum est frigescit. ducimur umbris

385
that it must be tried even against the unwilling, that delay is to be feared for great counsels,
and cold hostile to the flames.
therefore Catisbaeus, "the presaging mind did not deceive me," he says. "We trust outsiders more than is fair; that which is near, that which is ours grows cold. We are led by shadows

390
non minus exangues, sed iam novus excitet ardor
languentes, pensetque moras. res clarius ipsa
nunc loquitur, summi postquam sententia patris
hanc pia Garneti iustam pronunciat. eccum
me testem, orac'lum quo consultore receptum est."

390
not less bloodless, but now a new ardor rouses the languishing, and may make amends for delays. the matter itself speaks more clearly now, since the sentence of the highest father afterwards pronounces this pious, just pronouncement of Garnet. behold me a witness, the oracle by which it was received in consultation."

395
tanto laeti omnes authore impensius ardent
in facinus, coepti maior fiducia surgit.
Faucus in hunc numerum venit, Vritique minorem
adiungunt fratrem, iuratos attamen ambos,
et sacramento suscepta silentia firmant.

395
with so great an author all, joyful, burn more fiercely into the deed,
greater confidence rises in the enterprise begun.
Faucus comes into this number,
and they join to Vritus a younger brother,
both, however, sworn,
and, the oath having been taken, they strengthen their silence with the sacrament.

400
accingunt operi se, tectos nocte ligones
rutraque transportant taciti per limina caeca,
lignea defossis et sustentacula muris.
pulveris ignivomi flammam strepitumque prementis
momen in horrendum multa vi dolia replent,

400
they gird themselves to the work; by night they carry hidden mattocks and ploughshares silently through blind thresholds,
wooden props, dug in, and buttresses for the walls.
pressing down the flame and din of the fire‑breathing dust, with great force they fill many jars with the dreadful mass,

405
dein sibi prospiciunt vino dapibusque sepultis.
ingressus nec enim retro est via, ne nota crebri,
concursusque novi suspectos reddat. ad usus
quae faciunt Faucus parat ipse ignotus, et alter
nomine iam longe mutata sorte: minister

405
then they provide for themselves with wine and banquets buried.
for once entered there is no way back, lest frequent known
comings together make them suspected. For the usages
what they do Faucus himself, unknown, prepares, and the other
by name now far changed in fortune: a minister

410
creditur esse tuus, Perci, simulatque peritus.
impiger at nihilominus his Acheronticus addit
lucifugos clausis comites, qui nocte dieque
nunquam desistant scelerum monuisse novorum,
occulta lue pestiferi, immunesque figurae

410
he is believed to be yours, Perci, and to feign himself expert.
but the Acherontic one, active nevertheless, adds to these
light‑fleeing companions, confined, who night and day
never cease to admonish of crimes new,
the hidden plague of pestilence, and shapes immune to detection

415
depositis tandem generosis ensibus armos
expediunt, aptant manibus ruralia tela,
fossorumque alias despecto munere laeti
funguntur, fluit incomptis de crinibus imber.
inter opus vario casus sermone futuros

415
having at last laid aside their noble swords they put forth their plows,
they fit with their hands the rural tools,
and, glad at the slighted service of the ditchers, discharge other tasks,
rain runs from uncombed locks.
amid the work they foretell future chances in varied conversation

420
exagitant: princeps, ut si conventibus absit
unde capi possit, vel dux, si perditur ille,
regia seu virgo; procerum quibus (utile si sit)
parcendum; illorumque citi sub fulminis ictum
cui summa imperii tradant. dein extera pensant

420
they debate: a prince, so that if he be absent from assemblies there may be one from whom he can be seized,
or a leader, if that man be lost, a royal one or a maiden; of the nobles to whom (if it be useful)
mercy is to be shown; and swiftly, under the stroke of the thunderbolt, to whom they may entrust
the highest power of the empire. Then they weigh foreign affairs

425
auxilia: Hispanos nimium tardare, timenda
agmina Gallorum temeraria, Lutheranis
si Batava accedat sociali foedere classis.
talia nequicquam sermone et mente volutant,
spemque metumque interpositi sibi somnia fingunt.

425
they ponder foreign auxiliaries: that the Hispanics delay too much, the bands of the Gauls are to be feared,
whether a Batavian fleet may join with a Lutheran league.
they turn such things over in vain with speech and mind,
and invent for themselves, between hope and fear, intervening dreams.

430
interea sanctae tumulos invisit Elizae
Relligio pro more suo coelestis, et expers
terrenae molis, simulatos marmore vultus
et decus antiquum reginae inspectat amatae,
reginae cuius divino pectore sedit

430
meanwhile Religion, heavenly according to her custom, visits the tombs of holy Eliza,
and, free from earthly burden,
surveys the faces fashioned in marble
and the ancient adornment of the beloved queen,
the queen in whose divine breast she sat

435
insignis pietas olim, virtusque virilis.
artibus ergo domi pacis clarissima facta est,
bellorum et fama celebrata, quod extera late
vis sensit, proprio sed castigata flagello.
imperio terraeque potens, tumidique profundi

435
once renowned for piety,
and for manly virtue.
therefore at home most famous in the arts of peace,
and celebrated in the renown of wars, because foreign force felt it far and wide,
yet punished by its own scourge.
mighty in empire and of the land, and of the swelling deep

440
regnis auxilio sociis fuit, unde triumphis
claruit externis, ipsi mirabilis hosti,
innuba cum foret, et tantis sic una praeesset
foemina sola viris, nusquam ut victoria pugnae
desereret dominos ipsa dominante Britannos.

440
she was a help to kingdoms and to allies, whence in outward triumphs
she shone, wonderful even to the enemy himself,
since she was unwed, and thus one alone presided over such great men,
a single woman among men, so that the victory of battle nowhere
abandoned her lords, Britain herself reigning supreme.

445
ritus sacrorum revocat veneranda vetustos,
pura mente Deum recolens, et simplice cultu,
per templa explosis nugis, fucoque Latino.
hinc natae insidiae, bella hinc exorta, sed unus
Romanis sanctis nihil advertentibus, illam

445
the venerable rites of the sacred things recall the ancient ways,
remembering God with a pure mind, and with simple cult,
through temples purged of exploded trifles, and with Latin paint applied.
from this plots were born, from this wars arose, but one thing—while the Roman sancti paid no heed—her

450
texit amore suo Deus, eripuitque periclis.
illius umbram obtuta, memorque notabilis aevi
nomen Elizaeum quod in omnia saecula sanxit,
vivida Relligio fundit solemnia verba.
"non equidem, regina, pari tua dulcis imago

450
God veiled her with his love, and snatched her from perils.
Gazing upon her shade, and mindful of the notable name of the age,
the Elizaean name which he hallowed for all the ages,
vivid Religion pours forth solemn words.
"not indeed, O queen, does any sweet image match your peer

455
maiestate refert te, qualem vidimus olim
ingenti pompa populo spectante senatum
cum peteres, seu legatis cum doctior illis
iisdem mox responsa dares constantia linguis.
sed vere effigians magis, ut vivacior omni

455
he likens you in majesty, as we once saw you,
the senate in vast pomp and the people watching,
when you sought office, or when with envoys more learned than they
you soon returned the same answers with steadfast tongues.
but truly more lifelike, and livelier than all

460
marmore fama tibi monumenta perennia condet,
qualia custodi servata Britannia debet.
hic tibi pos'ta tamen foeliciter ossa quiescant,
magni quae tumulo genitoris funditus olim
eruere ut sacris fierent ludibria flammis

460
fame will set up for you imperishable monuments in marble,
such as guarded, preserved Britain owes.
here, however, may the bones placed for you rest happily,
which once they had uprooted utterly from the tomb of your great father
that they might be made mockeries to the sacred flames

465
ingens sperabat furor, id nisi fata vetassent."
haec nova dicentem subit indignatio, flexis
propterea genibus, duplicique ad sidera verso
lumine trinum uno numen sic ore precata est.
"despice de coelo, rex o supreme, paterque

465
a mighty frenzy hoped for that, had not the Fates forbidden it."
as he spoke these words a new indignation seized him, with knees therefore bent,
and with his threefold divinity turned to the stars and his gaze directed twice over to the heavens
with a single eye thus he prayed with his mouth.
"look down from heaven, o sovereign king, and father

470
vere sanctorum, tenebras et viscera terrae
qui pernici acie penetras, motusque animorum,
abstrusos solus cernis, miserere tuorum;
fac torpere malis nervos, consultaque eorum
destrue, nec regem (qui sceptra potitur Elizae

470
true O of saints, who with a destructive edge dost pierce the darkness and the entrails of the earth
and the motions of souls, alone thou discernest the hidden, have mercy on thine;
make the sinews numb for evils, and undo their counsels,
nor the king (who wields the scepters of Eliza)

475
magnificeque gerit) te pure animoque colentem
desere, seu ferrum intentat Romana tyrannis,
degeneremve dolum, seu gentem evertere totam
cogitat occulta, non sperataque ruina.
nam magis atque magis numero turba improba crescit

475
(and he who bears magnificence) abandons you, worshipping purely and with spirit,
whether a Roman tyrant levels the sword,
or plots a degenerate deceit, or secretly devises to overturn a whole people
by a ruin hidden and not hoped for. For more and more the wicked throng grows in number

480
iamque aliquid minitatur. at, o tu maxime custos,
sis vigil usque precor, Britonumque tuere salutem,
nec grex ille tui turgens sub nomine nati,
cunctorum exuperans longe malefacta suorum,
pestifer in vitas valeat tumulosve bonorum."

480
and now he threatens somewhat. But, O you most great guardian,
be watchful always I pray, and keep the safety of the Britons,
nor let that flock, swelling under the name of your son,
surpass by far the evil-deeds of all his own,
so as to become pest-bearing to the lives and tombs of the good."

485
haec pia vaticinans lachrimis remoratur abortis.
ecce repentinus demissa in lumina fulgor
claros insinuat radios. caput ergo caducum
paulatim relevans ardentem conspicit alis
sidereis iuvenem, specie qui pulchrior omni

485
the pious seer, prophesying, lingers with her tears held back.
behold, a sudden brightness, let down into her eyes, steals in clear rays.
therefore, slowly raising his drooping head, he beholds a youth burning with starry wings,
who in appearance is fairer than all

490
emicat humanus quam visus percipit, aut mens.
attonitaeque favens iucunde talia fatur.
"ne tu nunc ultra charum, sanctissima virgo,
perge malis Anglorum animum cruciare timendis.
assiduae valuere preces, pater optimus aurem

490
a human flash darts forth which either sight or mind perceives.
and, kindly favoring the astonished, she pleasantly utters such things.
"do not now any longer, most holy virgin, torment the dear spirit of the English
with evils to be feared. steadfast prayers have prevailed upon your ear, O best Father

495
reclusit, casti vincit constantia voti.
de summo elapsum me conditor orbis Olympo
dat vigilem fatis regni, regisque Britanni."
dixerat, et leviter tenues se fudit in auras.
illa, die veluti sacro pulsa organa templis

495
she revealed, chastity’s constancy conquers the vow.
from the highest Olympus the Maker of the world, having descended, grants me by the Fates a vigilant reign, and a king of the Britons."
she had spoken, and lightly poured herself into the thin airs.
she, as on a sacred day the organs struck in temples

500
cum resonant cantante choro, de pectore tollit
ingenti coeleste melos, latera alta sacelli
pressa gemunt, magna monumentaque saxea voce,
omnia donantis dum laudes enthea cantat,
et nullis aequanda sonis opera omnipotentis.

500
when with a singing choir resounding,
from her breast she lifts a mighty heavenly melos,
the lofty sides of the sacellum, pressed, groan,
and great stone monuments with rocky voice,
while the enthused one sings praises of the Giver of all,
and the works of the Omnipotent are to be matched by no sounds.

505
"te templis recinam, te celsis montibus," inquit,
"alme pater, media urbe, inter deserta ferarum,
nec loca sunt tam sola quibus non inclita splendent
signa potestatis vestrae, vel pignus amoris."
grataque tum longa serie primo orbis ab ortu

505
"I will crown you with temples, I will crown you on the high mountains," she says,
"nourishing father, mid-city, among the deserts of beasts,
nor are there places so lone where the famed emblems of your power do not shine
or the pledge of your love."

and then, grateful, in a long sequence from the world's first dawn

510
admiranda Dei memori de pectore promit.
dum vetera enumerat, crescunt nova facta, nec unquam
dormiscit bonitas summi aeternique parentis.
caeca etenim motu prudentia ducta superno,
vicini quasi praevideat iam fata diei,

510
from a remembering breast he proclaims the wondrous things of God.
while he recounts the old, new deeds spring up, nor ever
does the goodness of the Highest and Eternal Father sleep.
for prudence, blind yet led by a supernal motion,
as though already foreseeing the fates of the coming day,

515
prorogat indictum nova per consulta senatum.
hinc atrum turbatur opus, mediumque relinquunt
diri fossores, sed mens eadem ipsa nocendi
indefessa manet, praeterlapsisque diebus
in fossas redeunt alacres, muroque minantur.

515
the proclamation is prolonged by the Senate through new consultations.
hence the grim work is disturbed, and they abandon the middle part,
the dreadful diggers, but the very purpose of harming
remains tireless, and with the days having slipped by
they return eager to the trenches, and menace the wall.

520
praesagos ignes silici dum cuspide stringunt
vani fatidici, subito magnoque fragore
terrentur, sed res placet explorata, relictam
inveniunt siquidem cameram quae proxima muro est.
illam conducunt, illuc vim sulphuris omnem

520
while they, with the point, strike portentous fires on flint,
the vain soothsayers are suddenly terrified by a great crash;
but the matter, once examined, pleases, and they find indeed a chamber left
which is nearest the wall.
they bring that (chamber) forward, and thither direct all the force of sulphur

525
traiiciunt, miscent cum pulvere ferramenta,
et super impositis lignis, carbonesque multo
aggestisque cadis zithi cellaria fingunt.
exigitur nullis opus observantibus, omnis
tuta loco spes est studiis fatalibus apto.

525
they thrust it through, mix their iron-tools with dust,
and upon the timbers laid, with much charcoal
and piled baskets of zitha they fashion cellars.
no need is demanded of any careful watchers; every
safe hope is in a place suited to fatal designs.

530
iamque tremendi ictus momentum triste propinquat,
et votis spacium breve tantum immanibus obstat,
cum celebris nova conventus suspensio plures
delati in lunas (monitu illam rege iubente
non sine divino) securos opprimit, et spes

530
and now the moment of the dreadful ictus
draws near, sad,
and only a brief space stands against the immense vows,
when the celebrated new suspension of the convent
postponed to later moons (that one by the monition the king ordering,
not without the divine) overwhelms many secure ones, and hope

535
illusas veluti suavissima somnia grandi
turbinis abrumpit stridore. huc ergo redacti
consiliis habitis privatos quisque recessus
divisi repetunt: suspectos se fore iunctos
credebant siquidem, et solis opus esse tenebris.

535
He, as it were, rends away most sweet illusory dreams with the roar of a great whirlwind.
Brought back here, then, after councils held, each man severally resumes his private retreat;
for they thought themselves to be joined as suspects, and that only darkness alone was needed.

540
sic ubi munita conclusi nave feruntur
ausis terribiles magis ingenioque nocivo
quam tumidi numero pirataeper vada noctu,
oppidulum nulla pensata fraude quietum
oppressuri, Euris adversis saepe repulsi

540
thus when, shut up in the fortified ship, they are borne
the pirates, more terrible in daring and noxious in ingenuity
than in swollen numbers, through the shoals by night,
about to overwhelm a little town, quiet through no contrived fraud,
often driven back by adverse East winds

545
spe praedae toties redeunt, totiesque recedunt
sublatis ventis, metuentes denique lucis
indicium sese subducunt, et procul abdunt,
donec tempestas spoliis matura recurrit,
haud secus horribiles obfirmatique latrones

545
with hope of booty they return so often, and so often withdraw again
with the winds raised; finally, fearing the disclosure of light,
they draw themselves back and vanish far off,
until the seasonable storm, ripe for spoils, comes back;
no less the dreadful and hardened robbers

550
funeribus nostris inhiant, tecteque repressis
prospiciunt flammis, sitiunt praecordia caedem.
Fauci praecipua est celandi primaque cura,
ne personatum prodat mora longa. proinde
ad Belgas missus redit ut committat Oeno

550
they gape at our funerals, and with roofs held down
they peer out at the flames, their inmost hearts thirsting for slaughter.
The throat is the principal and first care of concealing,
lest long delay betray the disguised man. Therefore
sent back, he returns to the Belgae to commit [it] to Oeno

555
pulveris arcanum, et Stanlaeum in crimina iungat,
magnas qui virtutis opes dare transfuga turpi
non metuit sceleri, et dominis sua iura superbis,
sic ut iam facti nil poenituisse iuvabit.
ad mare promissis hos auxiliaribus armis

555
let him join the secret of the powder, and attach Stanlaeus to the crimes,
who, a deserter, fears not to give the great riches of virtue to a shameful crime,
and to proud masters his own rights,
so that henceforth it will profit nothing to have repented of the deed.
to the sea with these auxiliary arms promised

560
admonet expectent ut prima incendia, turbis
succedantque novis, ipsisque authoribus adsint
mature, facilem dum se victoria praebet.
Garneti pariter Baldino cognita signo
scripta dat, ambo patres cum sint, et munere fratres.

560
he warns them to wait, that the first conflagrations may strike and be succeeded by new ones upon the crowds, and that they themselves, as authors, be present early, while victory offers itself easily.
He likewise gives writings to Garnet and to Baldinus, the sign having been made known to both, since they are fathers alike, and brothers by office.

565
iamque pari in rabiem Romanam pectore surgunt,
in scelus et caedem immensam, Albionumque ruinam.
nuntius ex Anglis itidem praemittitur oris
summo pontifici, sancti qui perferat huius
famam operis, decoris pleni, meritique beati.

565
and now into equal rage they arise in a Roman breast,
into monstrous crime and slaughter, and the ruin of the Albions.
a messenger likewise is sent from the English shores
to the supreme pontiff, that the holy one may carry the fame
of this work, full of glory, and of deserved blessedness.

570
praefixoque die Ausoniae pietatis alumni
quotquot erant, terra late licet, aequore et amplo
partiti, prece communi iunctisque querelis
numina sollicitant sua. libertatis avitae
ex his festinum reditum conatibus orant,

570
and on the appointed day the disciples of Ausonian piety
however many they were, though scattered far over land, sea, and the ample plain
divided, with common prayer and joined complaints they solicit the numina with their own pleas.
from these they beseech a speedy return of ancestral liberty by their endeavours,

575
ignotis tamen et lachrymarum gurgite. sparsim
vota immunda lavant, sed quae non eluet imus
Oceanus fluviis adiutus et imbribus altis.
fama duos perhibet latos multumque profundos
esse lacus, lachrymis miserorum utrosque dicatos.

575
unknown, however, and with a whirlpool of tears. scattered they wash unclean vows, but that which the lowest depth will not wash away, even with Ocean aided by rivers and high rains. rumor reports there are two lakes wide and very deep, each dedicated to the tears of the wretched.

580
puris conspiciendus aquis stat limphidus unus,
floribus ad ripas toto vernantibus anno,
et (si fas uti) generosis viribus herbis.
sidereus vigil hinc abigit mergosque, strigesque,
omnigenasque feras. namque huc lachrymata piorum

580
to be seen in pure waters there stands one, limpid,
with flowers along its banks flowering through the whole year,
and (if it is lawful to say) with herbs of generous vigour.
A starry watchman from here drives off divers and owls,
and every kind of beast. For hither the tears of the pious

585
flumina lecta ferunt superi, aligerique ministri,
et caste servant chari monumenta doloris.
gurgite coenosus sed cernitur alter opaco,
serpentum genitor, tollens animalcula visu
horrida, mortiferis variisque referta venenis.

585
the gods above bear the gathered rivers, and winged ministers,
and keep with chastity the dear memorials of sorrow.
but another is seen, muddy in a murky whirl,
the sire of serpents, raising up to sight small creatures
dreadful, and filled with deadly and manifold poisons.

590
at foris exudat monachorum aconita cucullos,
solanumque furens, risu et quod sternit amaro
Sardiniae laethum, Colchorum dulceque virus.
infestas lachrymas simul exprimit improba turba
huc raptas cogunt liventis Alastoris umbrae,

590
but outside the aconite oozes from the monks’ hoods,
and raging nightshade, and that which with bitter laughter lays low
Sardinia’s death, and Colchian, sweet venom.
the wicked throng at once squeezes forth hostile tears,
they force hither the snatched, livid shades of Alastor,

595
conduntque ut testes olim maeroris iniqui.
atque ibidem nova nunc Stygius fleta aequora visens
tantis optantum studiis horrenda triumphat.
sacrifici interea rem maturare laborant,
et coniurati rata nunc ad foedera plures

595
and they inter them as witnesses once of iniquitous sorrow.
and there likewise the Stygian waters, now beholding new weepings,
horrible, triumph at so great the ardors of the optants.
meanwhile they labour to ripen the matter of the sacrifice,
and the conspirators, now deeming the treaties ratified, more

600
alliciunt: Vinterum annis opibusque priorem
fratre infoelici, Grantam, unanimumque Rucodem,
Tressainumque agris et avita gente superbum,
et clarum Digbaeum equitem, Caiumque, Batumque,
quem modo Tesmundus nutantem, animoque cruentum

600
they entice: Vinterus, prior in years and in riches,
his unlucky brother Grantas, and the like‑minded Rucodus,
and Tressainus, proud in fields and ancestral stock,
and the famed cavalryman Digbaeus, and Caius and Batus,
whom but now Tesmundus, nodding and bloody of spirit

605
horrentem facinus firmaverat. hos aliosque
illaqueant, et equos belloque occulta futuro
arma parant, loca disponunt et tempora rebus.
omnia festinant, nam laetus et integer illis
gaudet adhuc properare dies, optatus et instat.

605
the dreadful crime had steeled him. They ensnare these and others, and equip horses and hidden arms for the war to come, and assign places and seasons for the affairs. All things they hurry; for the day, joyful and whole to them, still delights to hasten, longed-for and pressing on.

610
externas quoque spes rediens confirmat abunde
Faucus, et incendit mercata laude furentes.
iamque catervatim sopitam suscitat urbem
rhedarumque equitumque fragor, toto undique regno
confluit ut populus solleni more vocatus.

610
Faucus also, returning, abundantly confirms outward hopes
and sets aflame the maddened with purchased praise.
and now in throngs he wakes the city long asleep,
the clatter of carriages and of horsemen; from every quarter of the kingdom
the people flow together, called by the solemn custom.

615
spectandum plebi ad pompam subsellia prostant
consuetis erecta locis, magnoque propinquas
conducunt pretio meliori ex sorte fenestras.
regem reginamque, et te, charissime princeps,
visendi fit tantus amor, dum fata sinebant,

615
seats stand ready for the people to behold the pomp, benches erected in their usual places, and they hire neighbouring windows at a great and still better price by lot. The king and queen, and you, most beloved prince, so great a love of seeing arises, while the fates permitted,

620
crescentemque in regna ducem (si forte tenellus
accedat numero) nunc cernere magna lubido est.
templorum decus atque fori, venerandaque regni
canities gravitate sua spectabilis ipsa est,
insignes et equis phaleratis agmine longo

620
and to behold now the leader growing into the realms (if perchance a tender one
be added to the number) is a great desire.
the splendour of temples and of the forum, and the venerable whiteness of the realm
is itself conspicuous by its own gravity,
and eminent men and horses with phalerae in a long column

625
conccineisque togis proceres incedere pulchrum.
tanta sed haec, nisi prospiciat Deus, ultima nostris
gloria replendens post secula multa futura est.
pernicies suprema latet, quam praecipit ales
aethereus, iussuque Dei, cui sedulus uni

625
and fair to behold the nobles stride in their ornate togas, conccinne in array.
but these great things, unless God foresee and provide, shall be our ultimate glory,
filling (or filling up) for many ages to come. A supreme destruction lies hidden,
which aethereal bird hurls headlong, and by the command of God—whose zealous service is to one alone

630
paret, mortales facili molimine vultus
induit, at quales ignota in plebe videre est,
servulis facies, habitusque oblonga statura.
talis litterulas signatas vespere defert
Montegli famulo, domino mox reddat ut illas.

630
he puts on mortal faces with easy effort
and assumes, but of the sort seen in an unfamiliar plebeian throng,
servile visages, and a bearing of elongate stature.
Thus he carries in the evening little sealed letters
to Montegli the famulus, that he may soon restore them to the master.

635
dein se subduxit, levibusque immiscuit auris
perlegit has iuvenis veteri qui stemmate clarus
cum sibi nescio quid magni promittere visae.
nec tamen apparens author, vel nuntius illis,
Caecilium festinus adit, cui tradita regni

635
then withdrew himself, and mingling with the light ears
the youth, famous from an old stem, reads these things,
and, as though seen, promises himself some I‑know‑not‑what of greatness.
nor yet an apparent author, nor a messenger to them,
he hastens to Caecilius, to whom the rule of the kingdom had been entrusted.

640
cura, dat inque manus privatas nobile scriptum,
et procerum ut decet exceptus cum laude recedit.
convocat eximios aliquot sibi, munera quorum
in commune eadem sunt, et clam providus ille
discutit obscurae quae sit sententia chartae.

640
with care he gives into private hands a noble writing,
and, as befits the chiefs, received with praise he withdraws. recedes.
he summons to himself several distinguished men, whose gifts
are the same in common, and that provident man in secret
examines what the sense of the obscure charter may be.

645
magnanimusque licet contemnere talia suevit,
nunc haeret, sensus turbata mente volutans
ambiguos, sed nequicquam. Deus abnegat illis
hunc tantum soli quem sceptro assignat honorem.
ergo fatigati studio (ceu Delphica quondam

645
and though magnanimous he was accustomed to disdain such things,
now he clings, turning over ambiguous counsels with a troubled mind,
but in vain. God denies to them this one honor which he assigns by scepter to the solitary.
therefore, wearied by zeal (as once at Delphi

650
templa) adeunt thalamos maiori numine regis
imbuti, turgens tribuit quam Graecia Phoebo.
illius experto implorant ab acumine, scripto
oblato, auxilium lucemque huic nube remota.
ponderat acceptam schedulam rex, terque quaterque

650
they go to temples) they enter the chambers imbued with the greater numen of the king
and, swelling, grant what Greece grants to Phoebus.
from its proven acumen they implore aid, the writing having been offered,
and help and light to this cloud removed.
the king weighs the received schedule, three and four times

655
percurrens oculique acie mentisque beatae.
consulit haec procer abstineat se charta senatu
primo sole, diem fore nam coeuntibus illum
infaustum, quos non sensuros opprimet ictus
terribilis, turbis haud apparentibus ullis.

655
scanning with eye and the vision of a blessed mind.
this prince debates whether he should abstain by a written note from the senate
at first light, for that day, when they assemble, will be unlucky;
a terrible stroke will overwhelm those who will not perceive it,
with no crowds appearing at all.

660
ac veluti recta pulvis ratione paratus
flammifer admotos facile mox sentiet ignes,
pulveream haud aliter (trutinatis ordine verbis)
terribili exposito fraudem rex concipit ictu.
omnes cui merito applaudunt, proin acrius illuc

660
and just as dust, prepared by right reason,
soon will perceive the flame-bearing fires when brought near,
no otherwise the dusty thing (with words weighed in ordered balance)
the king conceives fraud exposed by a terrible stroke.
all whom they rightly applaud, therefore more eagerly thither

665
tenditur ut loca sint caute scrutanda senatus,
quo dolus aut pateat, lateat vel causa timoris.
ast operae Cnevetus eques bene cognitus ipsi
praeficitur, color amissas est quaerere furto
reginae vestes, surrepta aulaeaque regis.

665
it is intended that the places of the senate be cautiously scrutinized,
to which deceit may be open, or some cause of fear may lie hidden.
but Cnevetus, a knight well known to himself, is put in charge of the work,
under the pretext of searching for the queen’s garments lost by theft,
and the king’s curtains and hangings that were taken.

670