grief so terrible to that unhappy parent, who alone of
many matrons has had a heart to follow you, dear boy, 20
nor cares for the city of great Acestes.” He replied:
“Spinning empty pretexts is idle work: there is no change
or faltering in my resolve. Up and despatch!” At once
he rouses the guard, who take his place and fulfil their
time, while he, departing from the post, walks side by side 25
with Nisus, and they seek the prince together.
All else that breathed on earth were asleep, their load of
care unbound, their hearts oblivious of toil; the chief