As you leave the city there is a mound, where stands an
ancient temple of Ceres all alone, and by it an old cypress,
observed these many years by the reverence of our sires.
This shall be our point of meeting in one place from 5
many quarters. You, my father, take in your hand these
sacred things, our country’s household gods. For me, just
emerged from this mighty war, with the stains of carnage
fresh upon me, it were sacrilege to touch them, till I
have cleansed me in the running stream.’ 10
“So saying, I spread out my shoulders, bow my neck,