rocks,
three were driven among the shallows and blocked with a mound of
sand. Another was struck from stem to stern, then sucked down into a
whirlpool. One after another the rest succumbed, and it seemed as if
each moment must see their utter destruction.

Meantime Neptune in his palace at the bottom of the sea had noticed
the sudden disturbance of the waters, and now put out his head above
the waves to learn the cause of this commotion. When he saw the
shattered Trojan ships he guessed that this was Juno's work. Instantly
he summoned the winds and chid them for daring to disturb the waters
without his leave. "Begone," he said, "and tell your master AEolus that
the dominion of the sea is mine, not his. Let him be content to keep
guard over you and see that you do not escape from your prison." While
he spoke Neptune was busy calming the waters, and it was not long
before he put the clouds to flight and brought back the sunshine.
Nymphs came to push the ships off the rocks, and Neptune himself
opened a way out of the shallows. Then he returned to his chariot, and
his white horses carried him lightly across the calm waters.

Thankful to have saved a few of his ships, all shattered and leaking
as they were, AEneas bade the helmsman steer for the nearest land. What
was their joy to see within easy reach a quiet harbor closed in by
a sheltering island. The entrance was guarded by twin cliffs, and a
forest background closed in the scene. Once within this shelter the
weary vessels needed no anchor to secure them. Here at last AEneas
and his comrades could stretch their aching limbs on dry land. They
kindled a fire of leaves with a flint, and dried their sodden corn for
a scanty meal.

AEneas now climbed one of the hills to see whether he might catch a
glimpse of any of the missing ships. Not a sail was in sight, but in
the valley below he spied a herd of deer grazing. Here was better food
for hungry men. Drawing an arrow from his quiver, he fitted it to his
bow, let fly, and a mighty stag fell to his aim. Six others shared
its fate, then AEneas returned with his booty and bade his friends make
merry with venison and Sicilian wine from the ships. As they ate and
drank, he tried to hearten the Trojans. "Endure a little longer," he
urged. "Think of the perils through which we have passed, remember the
dreadful Cyclopes and cruel Scylla. Despair not now, for one day the
memory of past sufferings shall delight your hours of ease.