Ixion was there, fastened to the circumference of a wheel ceaselessly revolving; and Sisyphus, whose task was to roll a huge stone up to a hill-top, but when the steep was well-nigh gained, the rock, repulsed by some sudden force, rushed again headlong down to the plain.  Again he toiled at it, while the sweat bathed all his weary limbs, but all to no effect.  There was Tantalus, who stood in a pool, his chin level with the water, yet he was parched with thirst, and found nothing to assuage it; for when he bowed his hoary head, eager to quaff, the water fled away, leaving the ground at his feet all dry.  Tall trees laden with fruit stooped their heads to him, pears, pomegranates, apples, and luscious figs; but when with a sudden grasp he tried to seize them winds whirled them high above his reach.

The Sibyl now warned Aeneas that it was time to turn from these melancholy regions and seek the city of the blessed.  They passed through a middle tract of darkness, and came upon the Elysian fields, the groves where the happy reside.  They breathed a freer air, and saw all objects clothed in a purple light.  The region has a sun and stars of its own.  The inhabitants were enjoying themselves in various ways, some in sports on the grassy turf, in games of strength or skill. others dancing or singing.  Orpheus struck the chords of his lyre, and called forth ravishing sounds.  Here Aeneas saw the founders of the Trojan state, magnanimous heroes who lived in happier times.  He gazed with admiration on the war chariots and glittering arms now reposing in disuse.  Spears stood fixed in the ground, and the horses, unharnessed, roamed over the plain.  The same pride in splendid armor and generous steeds which the old heroes felt in life, accompanied them here.  He saw another group feasting and listening to the strains of music.  They were in a laurel grove, whence the great river Po has its origin, and flows out among men.  Here dwelt those who fell by wounds received in their country’s cause, holy priests also, and poets who have uttered thoughts worthy of Apollo, and others who have contributed to cheer and adorn life by their discoveries in the useful arts, and have made their memory blessed by rendering service to mankind.  They wore snow-white fillets about their brows.  The Sibyl addressed a group of these, and inquired where Anchises was to be found.  They were directed where to seek him, and soon found him in a verdant valley, where he was contemplating the ranks of his posterity, their destinies and worthy deeds to be achieved in coming times.  When he recognized Aeneas approaching, he stretched out both hands to him, while tears flowed freely.  “Have you come at last,” said he, “long expected, and do I behold you after such perils past?  O my son, how have I trembled for you as I have watched your career!” To which Aeneas replied, “O father! your image was always before me to guide and guard me.”  Then he endeavored to enfold his father in his embrace, but his arms enclosed only an unsubstantial image.