We watch the far-off shores of Ilium,

Fast fleeing as our vessels seaward fare;445

Or tell old tales of war: brave Hector's threats,

His corpse dishonored, and again restored

To purchased honors of the funeral pyre;

And Priam sprinkling with his royal blood

The sacred altar of Hercean Jove.

Then to and fro amid the briny sea

The dolphins sport, and leap the heaving waves450

With arching backs; now race in circles wide,