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This paper discusses the meaning of Vergil's expression cadentia sidera in the contexts of Aeneid 2 and 4. In disagreement with the usual interpretation ("the setting stars"), the meaning of cadentia sidera can be clarified with reference to the hour of the night (with relevant parallels in Sappho 168B and Dante, Inferno 7.98 s.), and to the expression primisque cadentibus astris in Aen. 8.59, where cado is used in a different sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]