Written Practice 16-7

At Troy, with the Greeks having departed, many Trojans were standing
together on the shore marveling at the large horse left by the Greeks. It was
said that this horse had been built as a gift to Neptune, lest they should
shipwreck. Laocoon, Neptune's prophet, when he saw so many people
marveling around the horse, at once he hurried to the shore to warn them.
He said that nothing except destruction would occur by accepting that gift of
theirs. Many, however, were preparing the thing for the sake of dragging the
horse into the city. While they were preparing, two huge snakes suddenly
appeared from the sea. The snakes had been sent by certain gods, who
favored the Greeks, which killed Laocoon. They approached the miserable
man in such a way that in a short time he died. Also, both of his sons who
were present were killed.
With Laocoon having been slain, the Trojans felt that the horse should
be recieved. Therefore, they tried to drag the horse into the city and the
horse was so tall that it was not easily dragged through the gates. If only
they would have obeyed the priest! With the horse standing in the middle of
the city and with the enemy having gone away, the people began to rejoice.
Noone asked where the Greeks had gone away to or why they had left.
Noone marveled over the death of the priest. He had warned, but he had not
ordered that that horse remain on the shore. If he died, the gods wanted it
this way. And so, without care, they rejoiced. At last they had an end to the
war.
With a lot of wine having been drained and with everyone, now drunk,
sleeping throughout the city, the city became tranquil. Those Greeks hiding
themselves in the horse stealthily descended with the ropes, and with their
allies waiting they sought out the gates of the city for the sake of opening
them. With the gates having been opened, and the opportunity given, the
whole Greek army rushed in. Everywhere they brought violence and fire into
the city. Many of the citizens were killed sleeping in their beds. Everywhere
everything was thrown into confusion. What should they do? Who is still
alive?
The Trojans men were looking for their weapons but in vain the Trojan
women tried to escape with their children, but in vain. It is said that
everyone, having been captured, was lead at once to the shore. The Greeks
decided to take them back into Greece in order that they might be sold.
However one guy named Aeneas escaped with his old father and his son.
When Aeneas realized Troy had been destroyed, he quickly gathered his
comrades and his companions, who were readying the ships. For Aeneas
wanted to depart at once into Italy in order that a new Troy might be
founded.

Written Practice 16-7

That Roman poet, Publius Vergil Maro, wrote a long poem, named the
Aenead. This story tells about the journey of Aeneas. The poem itself begins:
I sing about weapons and a man, who first from the shores of Troy.