A gentle swelling, and a peaceful flood.

The Trojans mount their ships; they put from shore,

Borne on the waves, and scarcely dip an oar.

Shouts from the land give omen to their course,

And the pitched vessels glide with easy force.

The woods and waters wonder at the gleam

Of shields, and painted ships that stem the stream.

One summer's night and one whole day they pass

Betwixt the greenwood shades, and cut the liquid glass.

The fiery sun had finished half his race,