Book II - The phantom said; then vanished from his sight

The phantom said; then vanished from his sight,

Resolves to air, and mixes with the night.

A thousand schemes the monarch's mind employ;

Elate in thought, he sacks untaken Troy:

Vain as he was, and to the future blind;

Nor saw what Jove and secret fate designed;

What mighty toils to either host remain,

What scenes of grief, and numbers of the slain!

Eager he rises, and in fancy hears

The voice celestial murmuring in his ears.

First on his limbs a slender vest he drew,

Around him next the regal mantle threw,

The embroidered sandals on his feet were tied;

The starry falchion glittered at his side:

And last, his arm the massy sceptre loads,

Unstained, immortal, and the gift of gods.