# Quote — Virgil, The Aeneid

> The mad prophetic Sibyl you shall find,
>
> Dark in a cave, and on a rock reclined.
>
> She sings the fates, and, in her frantic fits,
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> The notes and names inscribed, to leafs commits.
>
> What she commits to leafs, in order laid,
>
> Before the cavern's entrance are displayed:
>
> Unmoved they lie; but, if a blast of wind
>
> Without, or vapors issue from behind,
>
> The leafs are borne aloft in liquid air,
>
> And she resumes no more her museful care,
>
> Nor gathers from the rocks her scattered verse,
>
> Nor sets in order what the winds disperse.
>
> Thus, many not succeeding, most upbraid
>
> The madness of the visionary maid,
>
> And with loud curses leave the mystic shade.

- Author: [Virgil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil.md)
- Book: [The Aeneid](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid.md)
- Original (la): Insanam vatem aspicies, quae rupe sub ima / Fata canit foliisque notas et nomina mandat. / Quaecumque in foliis descripsit carmina virgo / Digerit in numerum atque antro seclusa relinquit: / Illa manent immota locis neque ab ordine cedunt. / Verum eadem, verso tenuis cum cardine ventus / Impulit et teneras turbavit ianua frondes, / Numquam deinde cavo volitantia prendere saxo / nec revocare situs aut iungere carmina curat: / Inconsulti abeunt sedemque odere Sibyllae.
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Aeneid#Book_III) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/the-mad-prophetic

## More from this book

> But the trumpet with brazen song rang out afar its fearful call; a shout follows and the sky re-echoes.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/but-the-trumpet.md)

> Chance joins with force to guide the steel.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/chance-joins-with.md)

> Valiant of tongue, though his hand was cold for battle.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virgil/the-aeneid/valiant-of-tongue.md)