Aeneid lines 6.124-82 (class translation)

He was praying with such words and holding the altars, when thus the prophetess began to speak: “One born from the blood of the gods, Trojan son of Anchises, the descent to Avernus is easy: nights and days the door of black Dis lies open; but to recall one’s step and come out to the air above, this is the work, this is the labor, this the hardship. A few, whom fair Jupiter loved or burning courage bore to the sky, begotten by the gods, have been able. The woods hold everything in the middle, and slipping Cocytus surrounds with its black fold. But if your mind has such passion, if it has such desire to swim the Stygian lake twice, to see black Tartarus twice, and it is pleasing to indulge in this mad labor, hear what must be done first. A bough lies in the dark forest, golden both in leaves and tender shoot, said (to be) sacred to nether Juno; the whole grove hides this and shadows conceal with gloomy vales. But it is not given to enter the hidden places of the earth before one has plucked the golden growth from the tree. Beautiful Proserpina has ordained that this be brought to her as her gift. Another gold with the first torn away is not lacking, and a branch sprouts with like metal. Therefore search loftily with (your) eyes and seize it with (your) hand found rightly: for itself willing and easily will follow if the fates call you; otherwise with no power or hard iron will you be able to tear (it) off. Furthermore, the lifeless body of your friend lies (unburied)--alas you do not know!—and befouls the whole fleet with death, while you seek oracles and hang on our threshold. Take this one back to his proper home first and cover (him) with a tomb. Lead black animals; let these be first sacrifices. Thus at last you will see the groves of Styx and kingdoms pathless to the living.” She spoke, and, her mouth repressed, fell silent.

Aeneas, his eyes downcast with sad face proceeds leaving the cave, and turns over the dark events to himself in his mind. To whom faithful Achates comes as a companion and matches the steps with equal cares. They were discussing many things between themselves in various conversation, what dead ally, what corpse to bury the priestess was naming. And they saw Misenus, stolen by unworthy death, on the dry shore as they came, Misenus, descendant of Aeolus, than whom no other stood above in rousing men and calling Mars with his bronze song. This one had been the companion of great Hector, fighting around Hector he entered distinguished by his trumpet and spear. After Achilles, victor, despoiled that man of life, the most brave hero had joined himself to Dardanian Aeneas as an ally, not did he follow lesser things. But then by chance which he makes the seas resound with his hollow conch, madly, and he calls the gods in to contests with his song, jealous Triton had plunged the man snatched out among the rocks with a foamy wave, if it is worthy to believe. Therefore everyone around began to lament with a great cry, especially pious Aeneas. Then hardly delaying, they weeping hastened the orders of the Sibyl and strove to heap an altar for the tomb with trees and pile (it) to the sky. The go into an ancient wood, deep home of wild beasts, pitch-pines fall, struck with axes ilex ring and ash timbers and cleavable oak are split with wedges, the roll huge ash trees from the mountains.