Another way in which Aeneas is a pattern of virtue is that he acts upon pietas. This includes care for his family, the Trojan community, the future generations of the Trojan race, care for the gods, and care for fatum. A prime example of this is when Anchises is convinced that him and the rest of their family should go with Aeneas as his companions, based upon a confirmed omen from the gods. Aeneas then says, “‘Come, dear Father, onto my shoulders now . . . Little Iülus will walk beside me’” (Aen. 2.833-835). Aeneas then instructs his family to meet at a temple of Ceres to collect the household gods for the future generations and community. He then instructs Anchises, “‘Take into your hands, Father, the sacred gods / Of our country. It would
