ween it is not without Heaven’s leave that you purpose

to stem these fearful tides and the reluctant pool of Styx—stretch

your hand to your poor friend, and take me

with you over the water, that at least I may find in death

a place of rest and peace.” So had he spoken, when thus 15

the priestess begins: “What demon, Palinurus, has set

on you so monstrous a desire? You, unburied, look on

the Stygian water, and the dread river of the furies?

You set foot on the bank unbidden? Cease to dream

that Heaven’s destiny can be swayed by prayer. Yet 20