and by the everlasting strength of iron, and Janus[247] never
quits his guard on the threshold. When the fathers finally
conclude for battle, the consul himself, in the pride of
Quirinus’ striped robe and the Gabine[248] cincture, unbars the 10
grating portals, and with his own voice invokes battle;
the rest of the warriors take up the cry, and brazen horns
blare out in unison their hoarse assent. Thus it was that
then, too, Latinus was urged to declare war against the
family of Æneas and to unclose the grim gates. The good 15
old king recoiled from the touch, turned with averted eyes