That Paris, with his train of weaklings, and his locks
Perfumed, bedecked and sheltered by a Phrygian cap,
Hath carried off the prize.—And we, poor fools, bring gifts
Unto thy temple and adore an empty shrine!
Sullen mutterings of distant thunder. Curtain.
Scenes 2 and 3
The temple colonnade, as in Act I. Scene 1. Æneas, surrounded by Achates, Ihoneus, and many other Trojans, is directing the work in the city below them. He has in his hands the plan of the citadel, which he is tracing for his countrymen. Mercury appears upon the temple steps, crosses the stage, and stands a moment behind Æneas and his companions, unnoticed.
Mercury, to Æneas, as the Trojans turn and discover him (265-276):
And can it be that thou art building here the walls
Of Tyrian Carthage, and uprearing her fair towers,