Act II. A splendid festival is in progress in Dido's garden in honour

of the victor, _Æneas_. _Dido_ loves _Æneas_, who tells her of Andromache, and how, in spite of her grief over _Hector_, she has laid aside her mourning and given her hand to another. Why should _Dido_ not do likewise? Night closes in, and under its cover both pledge their love and faith.

Has _Æneas_ forgotten his task? To remind him, Mercury appears and strikes resoundingly on the weapons that have been laid aside, while invisible voices call out to _Æneas_: "Italie!"