The Aeneid

by Virgil

His beard unkempt, his hair was thick with blood, he bore the many wounds he had received around his homeland’s walls. And I myself seemed then to weep, to greet him with sad words: 385 ‘O light of Troy, o Trojans’ trusted hope! What long delay has held you back? From what seashores, awaited Hector, have you come? For, weary with the many deaths of friends, the sorrows of your men, your city, how 390 our eyes hold fast to you! What shameful cause defaced your tranquil image? Why these wounds?’ “He wastes no words, no time on useless questions— but drawing heavy sighs from deep within, ‘Ah, goddess-born, take flight,’ he cries, ‘and snatch 395 yourself out of these flames. The enemy has gained the walls; Troy falls from her high peak. Our home, our Priam—these have had their due: could Pergamus be saved by any prowess, then my hand would have served. But Troy entrusts 400 her holy things and household gods to you;