Prophecy (Vaticinium)

And how they favor the good, detesting every kind of vice,
The renowned August prince, and the holy Senate.
Hence, therefore, Louis joined perpetual treaties
With the Venetians, whom he cultivated from tender years;
Among whom, would that concord might endure for long
Times, and always faith, and that the Astraean Virgin
Might rule, and that martial affairs might run with an equal balance.
For the dregs of men, suddenly cut out from their lowest
Roots, would suffer destruction, and leisure would be
Joyous for the lands; the gods would provide us mutual
Conversations, as is the fame, in the fresh world.
Do you not see with what favor all things succeed?
And what is the care of the gods for what is spoken, or what is unspeakable.
The Hydra had corrupted Sfortia with Lernaean poison,
And the seas, and the lands, and had turned a hundred mouths
Toward heaven, and in vain it sought Jove and the gods above,
Which Louis, having attacked with the terrible strength of the
Herculean enclosure, its crowd of heads cut off,
He barely compelled it, with one remaining, to seek fleeing caves,
And to hide itself deep within the hard rocks.
But worse things remain for others, and the fleeting Turks,
And the Assyrians and Pharians—expect ruin!
Lo, the Venetians, mingled with the Gauls, press on with naval
Garrisons, and put the Turkish ships to flight over the whole sea.
Come, act (why do you hesitate?), arise, and use greater
Daring. Why does the Gorgonian wave not drench you
More liberally? And why do you not draw Phoebus with your whole heart?
Delight of the human race, and the highest relief