never more burgeon with light foliage into branch
or shade, now that once cut down in the woods it is orphaned
of that which gave it life, and has resigned to the
axe its leaves and its sprays—once a tree, now the workman’s
hand has cased it with seemly brass, and given it to
be wielded by Latium’s elders.” With words like these 5
were they ratifying the treaty, all the nobles looking on.
Then, as the rite ordains, they cut the throats of the
hallowed’ victims into the fire, flay the yet breathing flesh,
and pile the altars with laden chargers.