See, it is the queen, who with her band
Of chosen youths and maidens hither takes her way.
Æneas (498-501):
How like Diana when she leads her bands by swift
Eurotas, or on Cynthus green, while round her press
A thousand graceful creatures of the wood; but she,
With shoulder quiver-girt, a very goddess moves
With stately tread among the lesser beings of
Her train. To such an one I liken yonder queen.
They conceal themselves in the foreground behind the columns of the temple. Dido, accompanied by her bands of courtiers, crosses the stage and ascends the temple steps. She seats herself on the throne which has been placed for her at the temple door.