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The Æneid of Virgil, Translated into English Verse

by Virgil (-70–-19)

  • Free to read
  • 7 hours to read
  • 13 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"The Æneid of Virgil," translated into English verse by Edward Fairfax Taylor, is a classical epic poem that was first issued in the early 20th century. This monumental work recounts the journey of the Trojan hero Aeneas as he endeavors to fulfill his destiny of founding Rome, navigating numerous obstacles posed by gods and mortals alike. The narrative is rich with themes of duty, fate, and the founding of a nation, revolving predominantly around Aeneas and his struggles. The opening of "The Æneid" sets the stage for Aeneas's tumultuous journey, emphasizing his fate to reach Italy and establish a new homeland. The narrative begins with a prologue invoking the Muse, asking for inspiration to recount the trials that Aeneas faces due to the animosity of the goddess Juno. As the story progresses, we witness a storm unleashed upon Aeneas's fleet by Juno, which scatters the Trojans and leads to their eventual landing in Libya. Aeneas, troubled by the loss of his comrades, is encouraged by the goddess Venus, who reassures him of his destined greatness in Italy. The opening concludes with Aeneas and Achates approaching the city of Carthage, where Queen Dido welcomes them into her realm, laying the groundwork for further interactions that will shape Aeneas's journey.

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  • Aeneas (Legendary character)
  • Epic poetry, Latin · Translations into English

Read the opening

Book One

ARGUMENT

Fate sends AEneas to Latium to found Rome, but Juno's hostility long delays his success (1-45). Descrying him and his Trojans in sight of Italy, she bribes AEolus to raise a storm for their destruction (46-99). The tempest (100-116). The despair of AEneas (117-126). One Trojan ship is already lost, when Neptune learns the plot and lays the storm (127-189). AEneas escapes, lands in Libya, and heartens his men (190-261). Venus appeals to Jupiter, who comforts her with assurance that AEneas shall yet be great in Italy. His son shall found Alba and his son's sons Rome. Juno shall eventually relent, and Rome under Augustus shall be empress of the world (262-351). Mercury is sent to secure from Dido, Queen of Libya, a welcome for AEneas. AEneas and Achates, while reconnoitring, meet Venus in the forest disguised as a nymph. She tells them Dido's story. AEneas in reply bewails his own troubles, but is interrupted with promises of success. Let him but persist, all will be well (352-478). Venus changes before their eyes from nymph to goddess, and vanishes before AEneas can utter his reproaches. Hidden in a magic mist, the pair approach Carthage, which they find still building. They reach the citadel unobserved, and are encouraged on seeing pictures of scenes from the Trojan war (479-576). Dido appears and takes her state. To her enter, as suppliants, Trojan leaders, whom AEneas had imagined dead. Ilioneus, their spokesman, tells the story of the storm and asks help. "If only AEneas were here!" (577-661). Dido speaks him fair and echoes his words, "If AEneas were here!" The mist scatters. AEneas appears; thanks Dido, and greets Ilioneus (662-723). Dido welcomes AEneas to Carthage and prepares a festival in his honour. AEneas sends Achates to summon his son and bring gifts for Dido (724-774). Cupid, persuaded by Venus to personate Ascanius and inspire Dido with love for AEneas, comes with the gifts to Dido's palace, while Ascanius is carried away to Idalia. The night is passed in feasting. After the feast Iopas sings the wonders of the firmament, and Dido, bewitched by Cupid, begs AEneas to tell the whole story of his adventures (775-891).

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Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Book One
  3. Book Two
  4. Book Three
  5. Book Four
  6. Book Five
  7. Book Six
  8. Book Seven
  9. Book Eight
  10. Book Nine
  11. Book Ten
  12. Book Eleven
  13. Book Twelve

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About this edition

This free edition of The Æneid of Virgil, Translated into English Verse by Virgil comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #18466, released 2006-05-28. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Mythology, Legends & Folklore, Classics of Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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