gold, whereon were embossed the
mighty deeds of the men of old time.

And in the mean time AEneas sent Achates in haste to the ships, that he
might fetch Ascanius to the feast. Also he bade that the boy should bring
with him gifts of such things as they had saved from the ruins of Troy,--a
mantle stiff with broidery of gold and a veil bordered with yellow
acanthus, which the fair Helen had taken with her, flying from her home;
but Leda, her mother, had given them to Helen; a sceptre likewise which
Ilione, first-born of the daughters of Priam, had carried, and a necklace
of pearls and a double crown of jewels and gold.

But Venus was troubled in heart, fearing evil to her son should the men of
Tyre be treacherous, after their wont, and Juno remember her wrath.
Wherefore, taking counsel with herself, she called to the winged boy, even
Love, that was her son, and spake: "My son, who art all my power and
strength, who laughest at the thunders of Jupiter, thou knowest how Juno,
being exceedingly wroth against thy brother AEneas, causeth him to wander
out of the way over all lands. This day Dido hath him in her palace, and
speaketh him fair; but I fear me much how these things may end. Wherefore
hear thou that which I purpose. Thy brother hath even now sent for the boy
Ascanius, that he may come to the palace, bringing with him gifts of such
things as they saved from the ruins of Troy. Him will I cause to fall into
a deep sleep and hide in Cythera or Idalium, and do thou for one night
take upon thee his likeness. And when Queen Dido at the feast shall hold
thee in her lap, and kiss and embrace thee, do thou breathe by stealth thy
fire into her heart."

Then did Love as his mother bade him, and put off his wings, and took upon
him the shape of Ascanius, but on the boy Venus caused there to fall a
deep sleep, and carried him to the woods of Idalium, and lapped him in
sweet-smelling flowers. And in his stead Love carried the gifts to the
queen. And when he was come they sat down to the feast, the queen being in
the midst under a canopy. AEneas also and the men of Troy lay on coverlets
of purple, to whom serving-men brought water and bread in baskets and
napkins; and within fifty handmaids were ready to replenish the store of
victual and to fan the fire; and a hundred others, with pages as many,
loaded the tables with dishes and drinking-cups. Many men of Tyre also
were bidden to the feast. Much they marveled at the gifts of AEn