Nec sese dedit in conspectum corde cupitus:

Quamquam multa manus ad cœli cærula Templa

Tendebam lacrumans, et blanda voce vocabam.

Vix ægro tum corde meo me somnus reliquit[187].’”

In these lines there is considerable elegance and pathos; and the contest which immediately succeeds between Romulus and Remus for the sovereignty of Rome, is as remarkable for dignity and animation:

“Curanteis magnâ cum curâ, concupienteis

Regnei, dant operam simul auspicio, augurioque:

Hinc Remus auspicio se devovet, atque secundam

Solus avem servat: at Romolus polcer in alto

Quærit Aventino, servans genus altivolantum.