To whom can I, once called thy wife, appeal?
Suddenly a tongue of flame is seen to leap and play among the locks of the boy. His parents, in consternation, attempt to extinguish this, but to no effect.
Anchises, seeing the portent, starts up with wondering joy, stretching his hands upward in prayer (689-691):
O Jove, if thou art moved by any prayer,
Look on us now; this only do I ask;
And, if our piety deserves the boon,
Help us, O father, and confirm these signs.
A sudden crash of thunder resounds without, and through the open impluvium a bright star is seen shooting across the sky.
Anchises, rising from his couch in trembling haste (701-704):
Now, now is no delay; I’ll follow thee,