CHAPTER XXII
AENEAS FLIES TO ITALY
(From Anna’s memoirs)
I returned to the palace, sleepy from my predawn outing. Lying down on my couch, I fell into a deep sleep. I awoke to find my sister, Queen Dido, beside me, urging me out of bed. “Anna… little sister,” she cried, “The Trojan ships have been launched. Aeneas is preparing to leave. Please wake up. I need you.”
The sun streaming in the window told me I had slept until mid-morning. Dido clutched her handkerchief; tears streamed down her face. Her words sent a shock through me. Although I longed for the Trojan to put his ships to sea, the reality of his going and the distress of my sister brought a feeling of panic to my heart.
“Anna, you must stop him. Please sister, go to him for me, tell him to reconsider. I could not bear to lose
