n these lands, we men of
Troy, whom the winds have carried over many seas, pray thee that thou save
our ships from fire, and spare a people that serveth the Gods. For,
indeed, we are not come to waste the dwellings of this land, or to carry
off spoils to our ships. For, of a truth, they who have suffered so much
think not of such deeds. There is a land which the Greeks call Hesperia,
but the people themselves Italy, after the name of their chief; an ancient
land, mighty in arms and fertile of corn. Hither, were we journeying, when
a storm arising scattered our ships, and only these few that thou seest
escaped to the land. And can there be nation so savage that it receiveth
not shipwrecked men on its shore, but beareth arms against them, and
forbiddeth them to land? Nay, but if ye care not for men, yet regard the
Gods, who forget neither them that do righteously nor them that
transgress. We had a king, AEneas, than whom there lived not a man more
dutiful to Gods and men, and greater in war. If indeed he be yet alive,
then we fear not at all. For of a truth it will not repent thee to have
helped us. And if not, other friends have we, as Acestes of Sicily. Grant
us, therefore, to shelter our ships from the wind; also to fit them with
fresh timber from the woods, and to make ready oars for rowing, so that,
finding again our king and our companions, we may gain the land of Italy.
But if he be dead, and Ascanius his son lost also, then there is a
dwelling ready for us in the land of Sicily, with Acestes, who is our
friend."

Then Dido, her eyes bent on the ground, thus spake: "Fear not, men of
Troy. If we have seemed to deal harshly with you, pardon us, seeing that,
being newly settled in this land, we must keep watch and ward over our
coasts. But as for the men of Troy, and their deeds in arms, who knows
them not? Think not that we in Carthage are so dull of heart, or dwell so
remote from man, that we are ignorant of these things. Whether, therefore,
ye will journey to Italy or rather return to Sicily and King Acestes, know
that I will give you all help, and protect you; or, if ye will, settle in
this land of ours. Yours is this city which I am building. I will make no
difference between man of Troy and man of Tyre. Would that your king also
were here! Surely I will send those that shall seek him in all parts of
Libya, lest haply he should be gone astray in any forest or strange city
of the land."

And when AEneas and Achat