[218] Henry is right again in explaining ‘ultima aequora’ of the latter part of the course, that which remained after the goal had been passed. Comp. “ipso in fine” v. 225, and also “ultima signant” v. 317. Virg. is here speaking generally of Mnestheus' course (just as he spoke generally of the dove's flight in the words “fertur in arva volans”), contemplating him as he darts rapidly along. Afterwards he steps back, as it were, to regard the various stages through which the hero advances towards success. Sergestus can hardly be said to be in the ‘ultima aequora,’ being apparently entangled with the rock which formed the goal before he turns: Mnestheus is not in them while he passes him, but reaches them the moment after, when he leaves his rival behind him, ‘deserit.’ ‘Ipsa’ is explained by ‘impetus ipse’ in the next line. The force which Mnestheus has employed in the critical moment of turning the goal carries him swiftly on, as it were without further exertion, just as the dove when fairly launched into the sky appears not to be moving her wings. Gossrau comp. Cic. De Or. 1. 33, “Concitato navigio, cum remiges inhibuerunt, retinet tamen ipsa navis motum et cursum suum, intermisso impetu et pulsu remorum.”
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of Virgil, with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. Late Corpus Professor of Latin in the University of Oxford. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane. 1876.
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