Nisus and Euryalus part 1 (176-196)

Question 1

Nisus erat portae custos, acerrimus armis,

Hytarcides, comitem Aeneae quem miserat Ida

venatrix iaculo celerem leuibusque sagittis,

et iuxta comes Euryalus, quo pulchrior alter

non fuit Aeneadum Troiana neque induit arma,

ora puer prima signans intonsa iuuenta.

Answer 1

Nisus, most fierce in arms, was guard of the gate,

the son of Hytarcus, the one whom Ida the huntress had sent as Aeneas’ companion,

quick with the javelin and light arrows,

and next to him his companion Euryalus, than whom no other was more handsome,

among those close to Aeneas, nor among those who put on Trojan weapons,

a boy showing the first signs of youth on his unshaven face.

Question 2

his amor unus erat apriterque in bella ruebat;

tum quoque communi portam statione tenebat.

Answer 2

These men shared one love and rushed together into battle;

then they were responsible for the gate at the same guard post.

Question 3

Nisus ait: ‘dine hunc ardorem mentibus addunt,

Euryale, an sua cuique deus fit dira cupido?

Answer 3

Nisus said: “Do the Gods add this passion to our spirits,

Euryalus, or does each man’s terrible desire become a god for him?

Question 4

aut pugnam aut aliquid iamdudum inuadere magnum

mens agitat mihi, nec placida contente quiete est.

Answer 4

My mind has for a long time provoked me to charge into battle or some grand adventure,

and it is not satisfied with peaceful rest.

Question 5

cernis quae Rutulos habeat fiducia rerum:

lumina rara micant, somno vinoque soluti

procubuere, silent late loca.

Answer 5

You see what confidence in their situation grips the Rutulians:

their watch-fires gleam only here and there, they lie down relaxed by wine and sleep

the places are silent far and wide.

Question 6

percipe porro

quid dubitem et quae nunc animo sententia surgat.

Answer 6

Furthermore consider,

what I am thinking about and what plan is now arising in my mind.

Question 7

Aenean acciri omnes, populusque patresque,

exposcunt, mittique viros qui certa reportent.

Answer 7

Everyone, both common people and leaders, demand for Aeneas to be summoned

and men be sent to relay the news.

Question 8

si tibi quae posco promittunt (nam mihi facti

fama sat est), tumulo video reperire sub illo

posse viam ad muros et moenia Pallantea.

Answer 8

If they promise to you those things which I am asking for (for the glory of the deed

is enough for me), I think I can find a way beyond that mound

to the walls and city of Pallanteum.