Aeneas entreats the sibyl to permit him to seek the shade of his father in the Elysian fields.
Now, on his right, he leaves Parthenope, His left, Misenus jutting in the sea; Arrives at Cuma, and with awe survey’d The grotto of the venerable maid: Begs leave through black Avernus to retire, And view the much-loved manes of his sire. Straight the divining virgin raised her eyes; And, foaming with a holy rage, replies:
“Oh thou, whose worth thy wondrous works proclaim, The flames thy piety, the world thy fame, Though great be thy request, yet shalt thou see The Elysian fields, the infernal monarchy, Thy parent’s shade. This arm thy steps shall guide: To suppliant virtue nothing is denied.”