[717] Fata divom like “fata deum” 2. 54., 6. 376, the decrees of heaven, as exemplified in his own and his countrymen's sufferings. Wund. comp. θεῶν συντυχίαι Soph. Ant. 158. ‘Renarrabat’ is rightly explained by Henry of retrospective narration, like ‘referre.’
[718] It seems idle to attempt to clear this line of tautology, by making minute distinctions between ‘conticuit’ and ‘quievit.’ No doubt the two may be said to represent the same thing as regarded in slightly different aspects: but that is no more than might be urged in any case of admitted repetition, such as those in Homer. Virg. is fond of saying the same thing two or more times, partly from an imitation of epic simplicity, partly owing to his own love of variety in expression. To understand ‘quievit’ of ‘retiring to rest’ with Wund. is less natural: but the word may fairly be said to suggest that notion, and thus to prepare us for Dido's broken slumbers at the beginning of Book 4.
