DRYDEN, _AEneid_, BOOK VIII.

Instantly the Cyclops set to work on their new task, and very soon
rivulets of molten gold and copper and iron were flowing in flaming
furnaces. A splendid shield was made, which was a sufficient defense
in itself against all the weapons of King Turnus. Other things
necessary for war were also put in shape, and so the work of forging
arms for the Trojan hero was vigorously prosecuted.

Meantime AEneas himself, after his night's repose in the palace of
Evander, was talking with the king and his son on the business which
had brought him to Pallanteum. The good will of Evander was greater
than his means, for his country was small, and on one side of it was
the territory of his enemies, the Rutulians. He was not able,
therefore, to do much for AEneas, but he knew where ample aid could be
obtained. "In the neighboring state of Etruria, and not far from this
spot," said he, "stands the ancient city of Agylla, founded by a
nation illustrious in war--Mezentius was recently its king, a cruel
and wicked man. The people, indignant at his crimes, took up arms
against him and set fire to his palace. He himself fled for protection
to King Turnus, with whom he now is. The Etrurians therefore have
resolved to make war upon Turnus, and their ships and men are already
assembled. You, AEneas, must be the leader of these people, for
a soothsayer has told them that no native of Italy is destined to
subdue the Rutulians, and that they must choose a foreigner to be
their commander in the war. They have invited me to lead them, but I
am too old to undertake such a task. I would have sent them my son,
but being born of an Italian mother, he is of the people of this land.
You, however, gallant leader of the Trojans, being in the prime of
life, and of foreign race, are destined by the gods for this work. My