MEANWHILE the question is who will sustain
The burden of so great a charge, who can
Succeed so great a monarch. For the throne
Fame, truth's prophetic herald, nominates
Illustrious Numa. He, not satisfied
With mastery of the Sabine rituals,
Engaged his interest on larger themes
And studied nature's causes.^* His pursuit
Led him to leave Cures, his native town,
And reach the city that was once the host
Of Hercules. He asked the founder's name
Of those Greek walls beside the Italian shore,^*
And one of the old citizens, well versed
In lore of long ago, gave this reply:
'Jove's son, it's said, returning from the Ocean,
Rich with the booty of the herds of Spain,^*
Made happy landfall on Lacinium's coast,
And, while his cattle grazed the tender grass,
Entered great Croton's hospitable home
And rested there, relaxing from his toils;
And, as he took his leave, "This place", he said,
"Shall be a city in your grandsons' time."
And true the promise proved. For there was born
In Argos to Alemon^* a fine son
Named Myscelus, in all that time the most
In favour with the gods. The Club-Bearer
Leant over him as he lay sound asleep
And said: "Away! Go, leave your native land
And seek far-distant Aesar's stony stream."
And, should he not obey him, added threats
Many and terrible. Then sleep and god
Vanished together. Myscelus arose
And pondered silently what he'd just seen.
Long was the conflict in his mind. The god
Commanded him to go, the law forbade

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