on the path those many times—why talk of Theseus, 35
why of great Alcides[210]? my line, like theirs, is from
Jove most high.”
Such were his prayers, while his hands clasped the altar,
when thus the prophetess began: “Heir of the blood of
gods, son of Anchises of Troy, easy is the going down to
Avernus—all night and all day the gate of gloomy
Pluto stands unbarred; but to retrace your footsteps, and
win your way back to the upper air, that is the labour, that 5
the task. There have been a few, favourites of gracious