His name is Ascanius. His mother, I am afraid to say, did not survive the destruction of our city by the Greeks.
DidoCome Ascanius. Sit on my lap. I shall mother you a while.
NarratorVenus had disguised Cupid so cunningly in the form of Ascanius, that even Aeneas thought he was his own son. Nobody recognised the boy who brings love.
Cupid hung his arms around the neck of Venus and his breath worked its charm on her. Sweetness flowed in her veins for the man who sat by her side - the shipwrecked prince whom the winds had blown to her shores.
While Aeneas was turned away to talk to a ship captain, she whispered in the ear of her sister Anna:
Dido“Our Trojan Prince speaks as well as he looks, does he not?”
Narrator
And Anna agreed with her sister that their guest was worthy of their hospitality.
As yet, Cupid had worked just enough charm to keep things sweet between Dido and Aeneas, and to ensure that the queen gave her guest all the help that he needed. This was the way Venus liked to work things. As the goddess looked down with satisfaction on the scene, she received a visitor she had not expected. Juno hailed her across the skies.
Juno
Sister of Love. It is time to end our quarrel with a wedding. Our interests are united in Dido and Aeneas. Let them rule Carthage together as King and Queen. Their children shall build a glorious city that will surpass Troy in its beauty and fame. There will be no need for Rome. The toga-wearers shall never be. Carthage shall not be ruined by Romans. Your son shall be the father of a great people without touching the shores of Italy.
Narrator
And Dido saw advantage in this pact with her Sister. The following day, when Dido and Aeneas rode out hunting together, she sent Cupid to fire his arrows into the side of the Queen. They were tipped with love, and now Passion for Aeneas flowed Deep in the breast of the Queen. The African sun hid behind a cloud and a great storm, unusual for this time of year, broke out. The sharp eyes of Aeneas caught site of a cave, and he led the Queen their to shelter from the rain.
Aeneas
How are you my Queen? Your face suggests that something is troubling you. Do not fear this hurly burly in the heavens. The storm will pass soon.
Dido
Perhaps too soon for Dido.
Aeneas
What do you mean by this strange remark?
Dido
Only that Aeneas loves me not.
Aeneas
I would not presume to aim so high.
Dido
I will open my heart to you, even though I fear my words will bring shame on me. I love one who loves fame more than woman.
Aeneas
With this my hand I give you my heart. I vow on this sword which saved me from the Greek army that while Dido lives and rules in Carthage City, I will never love any but her.
Dido
Your words are like the sweet music of the gods to me.
Narrator
And so Aeneas, willed on by the colluding goddesses, swore a love that did not fit his destiny. The future that the fates had spun for him was to sail to Italy and found Rome. But for now he lingered in the arms of Dido.
His men mended the broken ships and gossiped and complained about their general’s new distraction. When they spoke of Dido and Aeneas it was almost as if they were speaking once again of Paris and Helen. It was a private love that did no public good.
The word spread, and reached even the Father of the Skies. Jupiter sent Mercury, the messenger of the gods, to whisper in the hero’s ear while he slept in the arms of his queen. And Aeneas dreamed of the Colosseum, the forum, and the seven hills of Rome. He saw a city more beautiful than Troy, more wealthy than Carthage.
In the morning he went down to the harbour to inspect his ships, and his captain told him that he was ready to set sail. He spoke to Aeneas
Ship’s Captain
“Sail with us now my Lord. If you return to the queen her womanly wiles will persuade you to stay. Her silver arms will coil around your neck. Her pearly tears will beg you stay. No man, though he face the fiercest foes without dread, can endure a woman’s soft tears. I speak plainly My Lord. But I say to your face what all the men say behind your back. “
Aeneas
I appreciate your blunt frankness, but beauty calls me back. I cannot break love’s law by stealing away like a thief. Let no one call Aeneas a coward in love or in battle.
Narrator
And so Aeneas returned to Dido to give her is final farewell. But Dido had already heard news of the Trojan Fleet that was ready to sail, and her spies had informed her that Aeneas was ready to go with them.
Dido
Oh cursed Trojans that would steal my love from me ! Is this how they repay my hospitality? I would look they other way if they thieved my silver or gold, but they take my very life.
Aeneas
My queen. I have come to give you my goodbye, although I feared that you would try to keep me here.
Dido
False Aeneas ! You need not have feared. Be gone from my sight.
Aeneas
I cannot leave without kissing your hand one last time.
Dido
See I take the crown from my head and place it on yours. How it becomes you. Stay by my side King Aeneas. Carthage is yours. Is this prize not a fair exchange for the Troy that you have lost? Why seek you a new city when you have one here.
Aeneas
A bronze helmet fits my destiny better than golden crown.
Dido
Then you put to sea?
Aeneas
Duty calls.
Dido
Then duty is a murderer because I shall die if it takes you away from me.
Aeneas
I leave you my sword to remember me by. It is as much part of me as my right arm
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