ACT II. SCENE 2

A fragrant nook on Mount Ida. Across the stage at the first wing a low, broad marble wall (1), forming one end of a colonnade which leads back to an arch (2), through which the distant sea is visible (3). The columns at the first wing (4) and the wall between them are over-clambered by a flowering vine, which has strewn its delicate yellow petals over the wall and the marble floor before it. Behind the wall (5) a garden of brilliant blossoms, with a path leading through it to the arch in the background. There is the pleasant sound of falling water.

Venus, seated upon the low marble wall is discovered keeping watch over Ascanius who lies asleep before her his pink body hidden in a drift of yellow petals. The deep blue himation, which has fallen in graceful folds across the wall behind her, forms a rich contrast in color to the delicate tints of the marble, of the flowers, and of her own dress of tender pink. Juno in a brilliant purple dress, approaching through the garden, comes upon her in a fury of wrath.

_Juno_ (93-104):

Fair fame, in sooth, and booty rich thou shalt obtain, Thou and thy boy, a lasting name, if by the guile Of two divinities one woman is o’ercome! Nor have I failed of late to see the jealous fear In which thou holdest these our Carthaginian walls. But come, in such a strife what motive can we have? Nay, rather shall we not a lasting peace secure By Hymen’s bonds? Behold, thou hast what thou hast sought With all thy soul: fair Dido burns with ardent love, And feels its thrill of passion dominate her heart. Then let us rule this people, thou and I, on terms Of amity. Let Dido wed the Trojan prince, And give to thee, as royal dowry, Tyria’s lords.

_Venus_ (107-114):

How mad th’ opponent who would such fair terms refuse! Or who would wish to strive by preference with thee! If only fortune favor what thou hast proposed: But of the fates am I uncertain, whether Jove Be willing that the Trojan exiles and the men Of Carthage reign in common and a lasting bond Of amity cement. Thou art his wife. ‘T is right For thee by prayer to try his will. Do thou lead on, I follow.

_Juno_ (115-126):

Mine the task thou sayest. Now the way In which the matter may be perfected in brief Will I reveal. Do thou attend my words.—The queen, Unhappy Dido, and Æneas, to the wood Prepare to lead the hunt, when first to-morrow’s sun Hath reared his radiant head and with his shining beams Revealed the world. On these, while beaters force the game, And hem the glades with circling nets, will I a storm Of rain and mingled hail pour down and rack the sky From pole to pole. In all directions will they flee Before the storm, and shield themselves in sheltering caves. The queen and Trojan leader will together seek The selfsame grot. And, if thy favoring purpose hold, I shall in lasting union join and make them one.

Venus assents, and, bending over the sleeping boy, shows by a satiric smile that she perceives the purpose of her rival. Curtain.