Latin Aeneid Outline Book IX Page 1 1-76 Turnus, urged by Juno through Iris, attacks the Trojan camp, but the Trojans refuse to fight. 1-13 Sent by Juno to Turnus in the grove of his grandfather Pilumnus, IRIS: “Now is the time to attack the Trojans, while Aeneas is absent. Strike now.” 14-24 TURNUS replies: “Iris, who sent you? I see the omen and am ready to attack.” He then prays to the gods. 25-34 The Italian army advances with its leaders, like the Ganges or Nile Rivers at full flood. 35-46 When CAICUS shouts: “The enemy are coming. Come inside and man the walls.” The Trojans obey and stay inside because Aeneas ordered this course of action. 47-57 TURNUS advances towards the wall, challenging his man by saying: “Will there be any one to go against the enemy first with me?” They all advance and taunt the Trojans in their camp. 57-76 Turnus seeks a way to attack and is compared to a wolf stalking around a sheep fold. Finally he decides to set fire to the ships on one side of the camp and sets the operation in motion. 77-122 Cybele saves the ships, formerly her trees on Mt. Ida, and they become sea nymphs in fulfillment of Jupiter’s promise. 77-79 Vergil invokes the muse to tell what god turned the fires away from the Trojan ships. 80-92 When Aeneas built his ships on Mt Ida, CYBELE asked Jupiter: “Son, grant that these trees, which I willingly give for Aeneas’ fleet, should never suffer shipwreck or damage from fire.” 93-106 JUPITER replies: “You cannot seek absolute protection for these ships, because there would then be no risk for Aeneas. But whatever ships reach Italy, I will turn into sea nymphs.” He then swears to this by the Styx. 107-122 When Turnus attacks the ships, a horrible VOICE FROM THE SKY declares: “Trojans, don’t defend the ships. Turnus will burn the sea before he burns my ships.” The ships, turned into nymphs, head out to sea, diving like dolphins into the sea. 123-175 Turnus rallies his troops with his interpretation of this event and they prepare for the battle next morning. 123-125 Messapus and his horses stop in terror and the Tiber itself turns back its flow to the sea. 126-133 TURNUS: “These omens attack the Trojans. Jupiter has taken away their usual help, saving the ships from our destruction. They have no place to flee, and there are so many peoples in Italy against them. 134-139 “I do not fear any oracles. It was only fated that Aeneas reach Italy, and he has. I have a fate, to kill their race when my bride is stolen, just like the Atridae. 140-145 “But they have suffered enough, losing Troy, some might argue. Then they should have learned to stay away from all women. These Trojans trust too much in walls. Do they not remember Neptune’s walls at Troy and their destruction? 146-158 “Men, who will join me in an attack on that camp? I don’t need arms from Vulcan or a thousand ships. Let all Etruria help me. They need not fear all the different tricks and treachery that the Greeks used at Troy. Now, since it is late in the day, rest now and get ready for tomorrow’s battle.” 159-167 Sentries are posted at each of the Trojan gates under the direction of Messapus; they spend the night feasting, drinking and playing games. 168-175 The Trojans, under the direction of Mnestheus and Serestus, left in charge by Aeneas, check and strengthen the defenses and man their various stations through the night. 176-502 The aristeia and tragic deaths of Nisus and Euryalus, and the aftermath. 176-183 Nisus and his close friend Euryalus, a young and very handsome young man, were stationed at one gate together, both eager for fighting. 184-187 NISUS: “Do the gods add this passion to our minds, or does each man call his passion a god? My mind has wanted to do some great deed for a long time now. 188-196 “You see how the Rutulians keep watch: their men are scattered, drunk and careless. My plan is to fetch Aeneas, as everyone wants done at once, if they promise me what I want, although for me personally the glory is enough.” 197-206 Stunned also by a desire for praise, EURYALUS: “Do you run from including me? My father trained me for such deeds and I have followed Aeneas through all dangers; I am a soul that is unafraid of death and that believes honor is well purchased at the cost of a life.” 207-218 NISUS: “I did not think you a coward, but only wanted you to live if some evil should kill me, for you deserve to live; I would want you to bury me if I should die, and you should not be a source of grief for your mother, who was the only woman not to remain behind in Sicily.” Latin Aeneid Outline Book IX Page 2 219-222 EURYALUS: “You weave empty reasons and I have not changed my mind. Let’s go.” 222-230 Waking others to take their place, Nisus and Euryalus head off towards Ascanius; even though the rest of the world was asleep, the Trojan leaders were meeting to discuss their plans in Aeneas’ absence. 230-233 Nisus and Euryalus enter, saying their message is important; Ascanius grants Nisus the right to speak. 234-245 NISUS: “Don’t judge our plan by our ages. We have seen how the Rutulians maintain their watch and we think that we can go through their sentries and reach Aeneas in Pallanteum. We will return here with spoils and a great slaughter accomplished, for we know the way from our hunting trips.” 246-256 In tears of joy, ALETES: “O gods, you are not preparing to destroy Troy if you provide us such brave young men. Your rewards shall the gods give, and Ascanius will give others also.” 257-266 ASCANIUS: “By the gods who are my protection, I place all my fortune in your hands and I will give you (Nisus) valued gifts when he is returned, even a crater bowl Dido gave.” 267-274 “If I get possession of Italy, I will give you the horse and weapons Turnus uses in battle, and my father will give twelve female slaves, armored men, and whatever fields Latinus owns himself. 275-280 “And you who are my own age (Euryalus), I will make you a full companion in all the glory and honor I win in the future.” 280-292 EURYALUS: “If fortune allows, time will find me equal to the task. But I ask only one thing. I leave my mother, from Priam’s ancient line, behind because I could not bear her tears. Comfort and help her while I go out more boldly to these daring deeds.” 292-302 When all weep, then, struck by this piety, ASCANIUS: “She will be treated as I would treat my own mother, and no less honor awaits her son on his safe return.” 303-313 Ascanius gives Euryalus his own sword and gives Nisus a lion skin; all the Trojan leaders accompany the young heroes to the gate, where Ascanius gives them many messages for his father, which the breezes take to scatter in the clouds. 314-323 As they make their way through the Rutulian lines, noticing the men asleep in drunken disorder, NISUS: “I must attack some of these men; the opportunity is too great to pass; You must keep guard and protect my back.” 324-334 Nisus slays Rhamnes, the augur of Turnus, whose prophetic powers were useless here, and Remus’ armor-bearer, with three servants, the charioteer, and then Remus himself, cutting off all their heads. 335-341 Nisus kills more, including Serranus, who would have been happy if he had played games all night. Like an unfed lion rampaging through a full sheepfold, so Nisus rages. 342-350 Euryalus slaughters no fewer men, including Rhoetus, who saw all the killing and hid behind a bowl, only to be slain by a sword through the breast. 351-356 As they approach Messapus’ friends and the end of the camp, sensing that they are caught up with blood lust, NISUS: “Let us leave, since dawn is approaching and our path lies open.” 357-366 Leaving many spoils behind, Euryalus takes the trappings, the belt of Rhamnes and the crested helmet of Messapus. 367-377 Meanwhile cavalry ride from the Latin city toward the Rutulian camp with a message for Turnus; they spot the two departing Trojans because of the flashing helmet and their leader VOLCENS shouts: “Stop! Who are you? Where are you going?” 377-385 As the Trojans run away without speaking, the cavalry encircles the woods and traps Euryalus, afraid and lost. 386-389 Nisus escapes to what will become Alba, where king Latinus had his stables, and finally realizes that his friend is missing. 390-398 NISUS: “Where did I leave you?” He then retraces his path until he hears the horses and the sounds of pursuit. Finally he sees Euryalus surrounded by the enemy and attempting to escape. 399-409 Considering his options and brandishing a spear, NISUS prays: “Diana, if my father and I have ever honored you with gifts, help me to confuse this crowd and guide my spear.” 410-415 The spear flies through and pierces the body of Sulmo from the back.