Act III. Public festivities follow the betrothal of _Dido_ and

_Æneas_. But _Dido's_ faithful Minister knows that, although _Æneas_ is a kingly lover, it is the will of the gods that the Trojan proceed to Italy; and that to defy the gods is fatal.

Meanwhile the destiny of the lovers is fulfilled. During a hunt they seek shelter from a thunderstorm in a cave. There they seal their love compact. (This scene is in pantomime.)