unyielding root. The Dardan chief bent over it, fain to 10
wrench forth the steel that his weapon may catch whom
his foot cannot overtake. Then cried Turnus in the
moment of frenzied agony: “Have mercy, I conjure thee,
good Faunus, and thou, most gracious earth, hold fast
the steel if I have ever reverenced your sanctities, which 15
Æneas’ crew for their part have caused battle to desecrate.”
He said, nor were his vows unanswered by heavenly aid.
Hard as he struggled, long as he lingered over the stubborn
stock, by no force could Æneas make the wood unclose