The meaning of the phrase "to swear falsely" in line 37 of The Aeneid refers to the act of making a false oath or giving false testimony while under oath. It is essentially lying while making a formal promise to tell the truth.
In the context of The Aeneid, this phrase is used in reference to the character of Palinurus, who is accused of making a false oath. Specifically, Palinurus is accused of swearing an oath to guide the ship safely through a dangerous stretch of water, only to fall asleep at the helm and cause the ship to crash.
In general, the act of swearing falsely is considered to be a serious offense, as it undermines the integrity of the legal system and can lead to serious consequences for innocent individuals. In many cultures and legal systems, swearing falsely while under oath is punishable by law, often with fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.
~~~Harsha~~~