Welcome to my dominion, dear guest! I have been away for some time roaming to soothe the ever-present ache in my heart. My Beloved travels far upon unknown seas, to my despair and frustrated longing. I've returned to Carthage so that I may await his return. My brother, Hannibal, sees my sorrow and hopes to diminish it with his company. We shall see if that is possible. One day my Beloved shall return... The Queen of Carthage Brutal to love, more brutal to die. And brutal beyond the reaches of justice to die of love. In the end, Dido summoned her ladies in waiting that they might see the harsh destiny inscribed for her by the Fates. She said, "Aeneas came to me over the shimmering water; I asked the Fates to permit him to return my passion, even for a short time. What difference between that and a lifetime: in truth, in such moments, they are the same, they are both eternity. I was given a great gift which I attempted to increase, to prolong. Aeneas came to me over the water: the beginning blinded me. Now the Queen of Carthage will accept suffering as she accepted favor: to be noticed by the Fates in some distinction after all. Or should one say, to have honored hunger, since the Fates go by that name also." by Louise Glück << Prev home|Members|Next home >>