246At this Aletes, weighed down by years and mature in judgement: 'Gods of our fathers, under whose power Troy always lies, you are not, after all, preparing to destroy the Teucrians utterly, since you have brought forth such spirits in our young men and such steadfast hearts.' 250So saying, he clasped the shoulders and right hands of both, and wet his face and cheeks with tears. 252'What rewards, men, what worthy rewards can I think could be paid you for such deeds of glory? 253The fairest the gods and your own characters will give first; 254then dutiful Aeneas will soon repay the rest, and Ascanius, untouched by age, never forgetful of so great a service.' 257'No, I too,' Ascanius breaks in, 'whose only salvation lies in my father's return, I implore you both, Nisus, by the great Penates, by the household god of Assaracus and the shrine of grey Vesta; 260whatever fortune and trust I have, I lay in your laps: call back my father, give me sight of him again; 262with him recovered, nothing will be sad.
263I will give two cups wrought in silver and rough with figures, which my father took when Arisba was conquered, and a pair of tripods, two great talents of gold, and an ancient mixing-bowl which Sidonian Dido gave. 267But if it falls to the victor to take Italy and win the sceptre and to allot the booty, you saw the horse Turnus rode, the arms in which he went, all golden: that very horse, the shield and the red crests I shall exempt from the lot, already now your prize, Nisus. 272Besides, my father will give twelve choice bodies of matrons, and captives, each with his arms, and on top of these the land that King Latinus himself holds.
275But you, revered boy, whom my age follows at a nearer distance, I now take to my whole heart and embrace as my companion in every fortune. 278No glory will be sought for my affairs without you; 279whether I wage peace or war, my greatest trust in deeds and words will be in you.' 280In answer to him Euryalus speaks thus: 'No day shall prove me unequal to such brave ventures; 282this only I add: whether fortune fall out favourable or adverse. 283But beyond all gifts I ask you for one thing: I have a mother of the ancient line of Priam, whom, poor woman, neither the land of Ilium could hold back from leaving with me, nor the walls of King Acestes.
287I am now leaving her ignorant of this danger, whatever it is, and without a farewell: night and your right hand are my witnesses that I could not bear a mother's tears; but you, I beg, comfort her in her helplessness and aid her when she is left alone. 291Let me take this hope of you with me: I shall go more boldly into every peril.' 292Their hearts were struck, and the Dardanians shed tears; 293beautiful Iulus above all, and the image of his own love for his father touched his heart. 295Then he speaks thus: 'Be sure of everything worthy of your great undertaking. 297For she shall be a mother to me, and only the name of Creusa will be lacking; nor does slight gratitude await one who bore such a son.
299Whatever outcome follows your deed, I swear by this head, by which my father used to swear before: what I promise you on your return in success, these same things shall remain for your mother and your kin.' 303So he speaks, weeping; 303at the same time he takes from his shoulder his gilded sword, which Lycaon of Cnossos had made with wondrous art and fitted, easy to handle, in an ivory scabbard. 306Mnestheus gives Nisus a pelt, the bristling hide of a lion; 307faithful Aletes exchanges helmets with him. 308Armed, they set out at once; 308as they go, the whole band of leaders, young and old, escorts them to the gates with prayers.
310Beautiful Iulus too, bearing a man's spirit and concern beyond his years, was giving many messages to be carried to his father: but the breezes scatter them all and give them, unfulfilled, to the clouds.