upon them if they persevered in their mad opposition to the will of
heaven. He also warned Turnus that he would be punished for inciting
such a war, and that he should one day seek the aid of the gods, and
seek it in vain. As for himself, he said, he was an old man. Their
folly could deprive him only of a happy ending of a life which could
not be much further prolonged. He then retired to his palace, and gave
up the reins of government, leaving the people to pursue their own
course.

He said no more, but, in his walls confined,
Shut out the woes which he too well divined;
Nor with the rising storm would vainly strive,
But left the helm, and let the vessel drive.
DRYDEN, _AEneid_, BOOK VII.

In spite of the warning of their king, the Latians now resolved upon
war against the Trojans and they demanded that the gates of the temple
of Janus should be thrown open. Janus was the most ancient king who
reigned in Italy. When he died he was worshipped as a god, and a
magnificent temple was erected in his honor. The gates of this temple
were always open in times of war and shut in times of peace. They were
opened by the king, and in later ages, when Rome was a republic, the
president or consul performed the ceremony dressed in robes of purple
and attended by multitudes of citizens and soldiers, with the blaring
of trumpets.

Two gates of steel (the name of Mars they bear,
And still are worshipped with religious fear)
Before his temple stand; the dire abode,
And the feared issues of the furious god,