Haiku 254-271

Jovis quiescit:
Sors currat sua cursum
Aeneas vincet.

Question, page 63

The great man in verse 151 prompts us to compare him with Aeneas himself, because of his leadership qualities. In the extended simile, Neptune is described by Vergil: "Just as often, when a riot breaks out in a huge crowd, and the common people rage, torches and stones fly, madness providing arms, if they catch sight of a revered man of deserved respect and duty, they become silent, and stand there listening attentively. He moves their minds with his words and soothes their hearts." The great man is comparable to Aeneas himself, because Aeneas has the same quality that is so revered of Neptune, he is able to captivate and control a large audience. For example, as we have read in our translated text, once Aeneas and the remainder of his fleet get washed upon shore, they are disheartened and discouraged, to say the least. However, Aeneas takes control and presents an inspiring, optimistic speech. He encourages the seven ships of the fleet to remain hopeful, despite all the obstacles they have been burdened with. He basically preaches that at the end of this long, dark tunnel, there will be, and must be, a bright light; just as Third Day sang in their song, Tunnel, "Just remember what I've told you, there's so much you're living for. There's as light at the end of this tunnel."
Aeneas's leadership qualities, his ability to captivate an audience, and his persona which demands respect, after surviving the war, allows us to compare him to the "great man" in verse 151.