but mark, and tell me now,
What means this monster, for what use designed?
Some warlike engine? or religious vow?
Who planned the steed, and why? Come, quick, the truth avow.[431]
The Trojans were guileless enough to “through the gates the monstrous horse convey,” and even to lodge it in the citadel fatuously ignoring the recommendation of Capys
... to tumble in the rolling tide,
The doubtful gift, for treachery designed,
Or burn with fire, or pierce the hollow side.
Unless there had been some highly superstitious feeling attaching to the votive horse, one cannot conceive why the sound advice of Capys was not immediately put into practice.