[Enter band of Trojan women, led by Cassandra.]

Band of Trojan women: Alas, how bitter, yet how sweet a thing,

This love of life we mortals cherish so!

What madness, when the door stands open wide590

That frees us from our ills, and death calls loud

And welcomes us to everlasting rest!

Who finds that refuge, fears no more

These nameless terrors, these assaults,

These insolent assaults of fate,

And sidelong-glancing bolts of Jove.595