(for) nights and days the door of black Dis (Pluto) lies open;
but to retrace your step and escape to the upper air,
this is the work/task, this is the labor. A few, whom impartial Jupiter
loved or burning virtue raised up to heaven,
begotten by the gods could do (this). Woods/forests hold all of the middle,
and the Cocytus surrounds it, gliding with a dark bay/embrace.
But if there is such a big love in your mind, if there is such a big desire
to sail upon the Stygian lake(s) twice, to see black
Tartarus twice, and it pleases you to indulge in the insane labor,
accept that which must be accomplished first. A bough/branch lies hidden in a shady
tree, golden in both its leaves and pliant/flexible stem,
said to be sacred to infernal Juno (Proserpina); the whole grove covers/protects it
and shadows enclose it with dark valleys.
But one is not allowed to go to the hidden places of the earth
until/before he has plucked (will have plucked) the golden-tressed offspring from the tree.
Beautiful Proserpina has established/ordained that this be brought to her as a gift.
When the first (bough/branch) has been torn away, another golden (bough) does not fail/lack,
and the branch sprouts foliage with the same/like metal.
Therefore search for it with your eyes on high and having been found, duly
pluck it with your hand; for it will come willingly and easily itself,
if the fates are calling you; otherwise you will not be able to conquer it with/by
any forces or tear it off with hard iron.
Besides, I must tell you, the lifeless body of your friend lies there
(alas you do not know) and it pollutes the whole fleet with death/disaster
while you seek oracles and linger on our threshold.
Carry him back to his own/proper home (i.e.- resting place) and burry him in a tomb.
Lead black cattle; let these be your first peace offerings.
Thus finally you will look at the Stygian groves and the kingdoms
unpassable for the living." She said (this), and with a controlled mouth, became silent. (155)
Aeneas with a sad countenance, having cast down his eyes
advances, leaving the cave, and he turns over the dark outcomes
in his mind. Faithful Achates goes to him
as a companion and plants/fixes his steps with equal cares/concerns.
They discussed much among themselves in varied conversation,
(wondering) what lifeless comrade they prophetess was speaking of, what body must
be buried. And as they came they see Misenus on the dry shore,
destroyed by an undeserved death,
Misenus, son of Aelous, than whom no other was more outstanding
in/at summoning men with his trump0et and at kindling Mars with its music.
He had been a comrade of great Hector and around Hector
he entered battles distinguished both by/with trumpet and spear.
After Achilles as victor despoiled/deprived him (Hector) of his life,
the very brave hero had added/attached himself as a comrade
to Dardanian Aeneas, having followed no lesser course/cause.
But then, while by chance he is making the sea resound with a hollow conch shell,
mad/foolish(ly), he calls the gods into contests/competitions with music,
jealous Triton, having caught him, if it is worthy to believe it,
had drowned the man in the foaming wave among the rocks.
Therefore everyone lamented around (his body) with a great uproar,
especially pious Aeneas. Then without delay (literally- by no means (is there) a delay)
they hurry, weeping, (to carry out) the commands of the Sibyl and
to heap up the altar of the tomb with trees and they strive to raise it to the sky.
They go into the ancient forest, the deep lairs of wild beasts;
the pines fall, the holm-oak resounds, having been struck with axes
and beams of ash and an easily-split oak are split with wedges,
they roll huge ash-trees from the mountains.
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