第11章

WiththishegavethemareovertoAntilochus’scomradeNoemon，andthentookthecauldron。Meriones，whohadcomeinfourth，carriedoffthetwotalentsofgold，andthefifthprize，thetwo-handledurn，beingunawarded，AchillesgaveittoNestor，goinguptohimamongtheassembledArgivesandsaying，\"Takethis，mygoodoldfriend，asanheirloomandmemorialofthefuneralofPatroclus-foryoushallseehimnomoreamongtheArgives。Igiveyouthisprizethoughyoucannotwinone；youcannowneitherwrestlenorfight，andcannotenterforthejavelin-matchnorfoot-races，forthehandofagehasbeenlaidheavilyuponyou。\" SosayinghegavetheurnovertoNestor，whoreceiveditgladlyandanswered，\"Myson，allthatyouhavesaidistrue；thereisnostrengthnowinmylegsandfeet，norcanIhitoutwithmyhandsfromeithershoulder。WouldthatIwerestillyoungandstrongaswhentheEpeanswereburyingKingAmarynceusinBuprasium，andhissonsofferedprizesinhishonour。TherewasthennonethatcouldviewithmeneitheroftheEpeansnorthePyliansthemselvesnortheAetolians。InboxingIovercameClytomedessonofEnops，andinwrestling，AncaeusofPleuronwhohadcomeforwardagainstme。 Iphicluswasagoodrunner，butIbeathim，andthrewfartherwithmyspearthaneitherPhyleusorPolydorus。Inchariot-racingalonedidthetwosonsofActorsurpassmebycrowdingtheirhorsesinfrontofme，fortheywereangryatthewayvictoryhadgone，andatthegreaterpartoftheprizesremainingintheplaceinwhichtheyhadbeenoffered。Theyweretwins，andtheonekeptonholdingthereins，andholdingthereins，whiletheotherpliedthewhip。SuchwasIthen，butnowImustleavethesematterstoyoungermen；Imustbowbeforetheweightofyears，butinthosedaysIwaseminentamongheroes。Andnow，sir，goonwiththefuneralcontestsinhonourofyourcomrade:gladlydoIacceptthisurn，andmyheartrejoicesthatyoudonotforgetmebutareevermindfulofmygoodwilltowardsyou，andoftherespectduetomefromtheAchaeans。Forallwhichmaythegraceofheavenbevouchsafedyouingreatabundance。\" ThereonthesonofPeleus，whenhehadlistenedtoallthethanksofNestor，wentaboutamongtheconcourseoftheAchaeans，andpresentlyofferedprizesforskillinthepainfulartofboxing。Hebroughtoutastrongmule，andmadeitfastinthemiddleofthecrowd-ashe-muleneveryetbroken，butsixyearsold-whenitishardestofalltobreakthem:thiswasforthevictor，andforthevanquishedheofferedadoublecup。ThenhestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives，\"SonofAtreus，andallotherAchaeans，Iinviteourtwochampionboxerstolayaboutthemlustilyandcompetefortheseprizes。HetowhomApollovouchsafesthegreaterendurance，andwhomtheAchaeansacknowledgeasvictor，shalltakethemulebackwithhimtohisowntent，whilehethatisvanquishedshallhavethedoublecup。\" Ashespoketherestoodupachampionbothbraveandgreatstature，askilfulboxer，Epeus，sonofPanopeus。Helaidhishandonthemuleandsaid，\"Letthemanwhoistohavethecupcomehither，fornonebutmyselfwilltakethemule。Iamthebestboxerofallherepresent，andnonecanbeatme。IsitnotenoughthatIshouldfallshortofyouinactualfighting？Still，nomancanbegoodateverything。Itellyouplainly，anditshallcometrue；ifanymanwillboxwithmeIwillbruisehisbodyandbreakhisbones；thereforelethisfriendsstayhereinabodyandbeathandtotakehimawaywhenIhavedonewithhim。\" Theyallheldtheirpeace，andnomanrosesaveEuryalussonofMecisteus，whowassonofTalaus。MecisteuswentoncetoThebesafterthefallofOedipus，toattendhisfuneral，andhebeatallthepeopleofCadmus。ThesonofTydeuswasEuryalus’ssecond，cheeringhimonandhopingheartilythathewouldwin。Firstheputawaistbandroundhimandthenhegavehimsomewell-cutthongsofox-hide；thetwomenbeingnowgirtwentintothemiddleofthering，andimmediatelyfellto；heavilyindeeddidtheypunishoneanotherandlayaboutthemwiththeirbrawnyfists。Onecouldhearthehorridcrashingoftheirjaws，andtheysweatedfromeveryporeoftheirskin。PresentlyEpeuscameonandgaveEuryalusablowonthejawashewaslookinground；Euryaluscouldnotkeephislegs；theygavewayunderhiminamomentandhesprangupwithabound，asafishleapsintotheairnearsomeshorethatisallbestrewnwithsea-wrack，whenBoreasfursthetopofthewaves，andthenfallsbackintodeepwater。ButnobleEpeuscaughtholdofhimandraisedhimup；hiscomradesalsocameroundhimandledhimfromthering，unsteadyinhisgait，hisheadhangingononeside，andspittinggreatclotsofgore。Theysethimdowninaswoonandthenwenttofetchthedoublecup。 ThesonofPeleusnowbroughtouttheprizesforthethirdcontestandshowedthemtotheArgives。Thesewereforthepainfulartofwrestling。Forthewinnertherewasagreattripodreadyforsettinguponthefire，andtheAchaeansvalueditamongthemselvesattwelveoxen。Fortheloserhebroughtoutawomanskilledinallmannerofarts，andtheyvaluedheratfouroxen。HeroseandsaidamongtheArgives，\"Standforward，youwhowillessaythiscontest。\" ForthwithuprosegreatAjaxthesonofTelamon，andcraftyUlysses，fullofwilesrosealso。Thetwogirdedthemselvesandwentintothemiddleofthering。Theygrippedeachotherintheirstronghandsliketherafterswhichsomemaster-builderframesfortheroofofahighhousetokeepthewindout。Theirbackbonescrackedastheytuggedatoneanotherwiththeirmightyarms-andsweatrainedfromthemintorrents。Manyabloodywealsprangupontheirsidesandshoulders，buttheykeptonstrivingwithmightandmainforvictoryandtowinthetripod。UlyssescouldnotthrowAjax，norAjaxhim； Ulysseswastoostrongforhim；butwhentheAchaeansbegantotireofwatchingthem，Ajaxsaidtoulysses，\"Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，youshalleitherliftme，orIyou，andletJovesettleitbetweenus。\" Heliftedhimfromthegroundashespoke，butUlyssesdidnotforgethiscunning。HehitAjaxinthehollowatbackofhisknee，sothathecouldnotkeephisfeet，butfellonhisbackwithUlysseslyinguponhischest，andallwhosawitmarvelled。ThenUlyssesinturnliftedAjaxandstirredhimalittlefromthegroundbutcouldnotlifthimrightoffit，hiskneesankunderhim，andthetwofellsidebysideonthegroundandwereallbegrimedwithdust。Theynowsprangtowardsoneanotherandwereforwrestlingyetathirdtime，butAchillesroseandstayedthem。\"Putnoteachotherfurther，\"saidhe，\"tosuchcruelsuffering；thevictoryiswithbothalike，takeeachofyouanequalprize，andlettheotherAchaeansnowcompete。\" Thusdidhespeakandtheydidevenashehadsaid，andputontheirshirtsagainafterwipingthedustfromofftheirbodies。 ThesonofPeleusthenofferedprizesforspeedinrunning-amixing-bowlbeautifullywrought，ofpuresilver。Itwouldholdsixmeasures，andfarexceededallothersinthewholeworldforbeauty； itwastheworkofcunningartificersinSidon，andhadbeenbroughtintoportbyPhoeniciansfrombeyondthesea，whohadmadeapresentofittoThoas。EueneussonofjasonhadgivenittoPatroclusinransomofPriam’ssonLycaon，andAchillesnowoffereditasaprizeinhonourofhiscomradetohimwhoshouldbetheswiftestrunner。Forthesecondprizeheofferedalargeox，wellfattened，whileforthelasttherewastobehalfatalentofgold。HethenroseandsaidamongtheArgives，\"Standforward，youwhowillessaythiscontest。\" ForthwithuprosefleetAjaxsonofOileus，withcunningUlysses，andNestor’ssonAntilochus，thefastestrunneramongalltheyouthofhistime。TheystoodsidebysideandAchillesshowedthemthegoal。Thecoursewassetoutforthemfromthestarting-post，andthesonofOileustooktheleadatonce，withUlyssesasclosebehindhimastheshuttleistoawoman’sbosomwhenshethrowsthewoofacrossthewarpandholdsitcloseuptoher；evensoclosebehindhimwasUlysses-treadinginhisfootprintsbeforethedustcouldsettlethere，andAjaxcouldfeelhisbreathonthebackofhisheadasheranswiftlyon。TheAchaeansallshoutedapplauseastheysawhimstraininghisutmost，andcheeredhimasheshotpastthem；butwhentheywerenownearingtheendofthecourseUlyssesprayedinwardlytoMinerva。\"Hearme，\"hecried，\"andhelpmyfeet，Ogoddess。\"Thusdidhepray，andPallasMinervaheardhisprayer；shemadehishandsandhisfeetfeellight，andwhentherunnerswereatthepointofpouncingupontheprize，Ajax，throughMinerva’sspiteslippeduponsomeoffalthatwaslyingtherefromthecattlewhichAchilleshadslaughteredinhonourofPatroclus，andhismouthandnostrilswereallfilledwithcowdung。Ulyssesthereforecarriedoffthemixing-bowl，forhegotbeforeAjaxandcameinfirst。ButAjaxtooktheoxandstoodwithhishandononeofitshorns，spittingthedungoutofhismouth。ThenhesaidtotheArgives，\"Alas，thegoddesshasspoiledmyrunning；shewatchesoverUlyssesandstandsbyhimasthoughshewerehisownmother。\"Thusdidhespeakandtheyallofthemlaughedheartily。 Antilochuscarriedoffthelastprizeandsmiledashesaidtothebystanders，\"Youallsee，myfriends，thatnowtoothegodshaveshowntheirrespectforseniority。AjaxissomewhatolderthanIam，andasforUlysses，hebelongstoanearliergeneration，butheishaleinspiteofhisyears，andnomanoftheAchaeanscanrunagainsthimsaveonlyAchilles。\" HesaidthistopayacomplimenttothesonofPeleus，andAchillesanswered，\"Antilochus，youshallnothavepraisedmetonopurpose；Ishallgiveyouanadditionalhalftalentofgold。\"HethengavethehalftalenttoAntilochus，whoreceiveditgladly。 ThenthesonofPeleusbroughtoutthespear，helmetandshieldthathadbeenbornebySarpedon，andweretakenfromhimbyPatroclus。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives，\"Webidtwochampionsputontheirarmour，taketheirkeenblades，andmaketrialofoneanotherinthepresenceofthemultitude；whicheverofthemcanfirstwoundthefleshoftheother，cutthroughhisarmour，anddrawblood，tohimwillIgivethisgoodlyThracianswordinlaidwithsilver，whichI tookfromAsteropaeus，butthearmourletbothholdinpartnership，andIwillgiveeachofthemaheartymealinmyowntent。\" ForthwithuprosegreatAjaxthesonofTelamon，asalsomightyDiomedsonofTydeus。Whentheyhadputontheirarmoureachonhisownsideofthering，theybothwentintothemiddleeagertoengage，andwithfireflashingfromtheireyes。TheAchaeansmarvelledastheybeheldthem，andwhenthetwowerenowcloseupwithoneanother，thricedidtheyspringforwardandthricetrytostrikeeachotherinclosecombat。AjaxpiercedDiomed’sroundshield，butdidnotdrawblood，forthecuirassbeneaththeshieldprotectedhim；thereonthesonofTydeusfromoverhishugeshieldkeptaimingcontinuallyatAjax’sneckwiththepointofhisspear，andtheAchaeansalarmedforhissafetybadethemleaveofffightinganddividetheprizebetweenthem。AchillesthengavethegreatswordtothesonofTydeus，withitsscabbard，andtheleathernbeltwithwhichtohangit。 AchillesnextofferedthemassiveironquoitwhichmightyEetionhaderewhilebeenusedtohurl，untilAchilleshadslainhimandcarrieditoffinhisshipsalongwithotherspoils。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives，\"Standforward，youwhowouldessaythiscontest。 Hewhowinsitwillhaveastoreofironthatwilllasthimfiveyearsastheygorollinground，andifhisfairfieldsliefarfromatownhisshepherdorploughmanwillnothavetomakeajourneytobuyiron，forhewillhaveastockofitonhisownpremises。\" ThenuprosethetwomightymenPolypoetesandLeonteus，withAjaxsonofTelamonandnobleEpeus。TheystooduponeaftertheotherandEpeustookthequoit，whirledit，andflungitfromhim，whichsetalltheAchaeanslaughing。AfterhimthrewLeonteusoftheraceofMars。AjaxsonofTelamonthrewthird，andsentthequoitbeyondanymarkthathadbeenmadeyet，butwhenmightyPolypoetestookthequoithehurleditasthoughithadbeenastockman’sstickwhichhesendsflyingaboutamonghiscattlewhenheisdrivingthem，sofardidhisthrowout-distancethoseoftheothers。Allwhosawitroaredapplause，andhiscomradescarriedtheprizeforhimandsetitonboardhisship。 Achillesnextofferedaprizeofironforarchery-tendouble-edgedaxesandtenwithsingleeddies:hesetupaship’smast，somewayoffuponthesands，andwithafinestringtiedapigeontoitbythefoot；thiswaswhattheyweretoaimat。\"Whoever，\"hesaid，\"canhitthepigeonshallhavealltheaxesandtakethemawaywithhim；hewhohitsthestringwithouthittingthebirdwillhavetakenaworseaimandshallhavethesingle-edgedaxes。\" ThenuproseKingTeucer，andMerionesthestalwartsquireofIdomeneusrosealso，TheycastlotsinabronzehelmetandthelotofTeucerfellfirst。Heletflywithhisarrowforthwith，buthedidnotpromisehecatombsoffirstlinglambstoKingApollo，andmissedhisbird，forApollofoiledhisaim；buthehitthestringwithwhichthebirdwastied，nearitsfoot；thearrowcutthestringcleanthroughsothatithungdowntowardstheground，whilethebirdflewupintothesky，andtheAchaeansshoutedapplause。Meriones，whohadhisarrowreadywhileTeucerwasaiming，snatchedthebowoutofhishand，andatoncepromisedthathewouldsacrificeahecatomboffirstlinglambstoApollolordofthebow；thenespyingthepigeonhighupundertheclouds，hehitherinthemiddleofthewingasshewascirclingupwards；thearrowwentcleanthroughthewingandfixeditselfinthegroundatMeriones’feet，butthebirdperchedontheship’smasthangingherheadandwithallherfeathersdrooping；thelifewentoutofher，andshefellheavilyfromthemast。Meriones，therefore，tookalltendouble-edgedaxes，whileTeucerboreoffthesingle-edgedonestohisships。 ThenthesonofPeleusbroughtinaspearandacauldronthathadneverbeenonthefire；itwasworthanox，andwaschasedwithapatternofflowers；andthosethatthrowthejavelinstoodup-towitthesonofAtreus，kingofmenAgamemnon，andMeriones，stalwartsquireofIdomeneus。ButAchillesspokesaying，\"SonofAtreus，weknowhowfaryouexcelallothersbothinpowerandinthrowingthejavelin；takethecauldronbackwithyoutoyourships，butifitsopleaseyou，letusgivethespeartoMeriones；thisatleastiswhatI shouldmyselfwish。\" KingAgamemnonassented。SohegavethebronzespeartoMeriones，andhandedthegoodlycauldrontoTalthybiushisesquire。 BOOKXXIV THEassemblynowbrokeupandthepeoplewenttheirwayseachtohisownship。Theretheymadereadytheirsupper，andthenbethoughtthemoftheblessedboonofsleep；butAchillesstillweptforthinkingofhisdearcomrade，andsleep，beforewhomallthingsbow，couldtakenoholduponhim。ThiswayandthatdidheturnasheyearnedafterthemightandmanfulnessofPatroclus；hethoughtofalltheyhaddonetogether，andalltheyhadgonethroughbothonthefieldofbattleandonthewavesofthewearysea。Ashedweltonthesethingsheweptbitterlyandlaynowonhisside，nowonhisback，andnowfacedownwards，tillatlastheroseandwentoutasonedistraughttowanderupontheseashore。Then，whenhesawdawnbreakingoverbeachandsea，heyokedhishorsestohischariot，andboundthebodyofHectorbehinditthathemightdragitabout。ThricedidhedragitroundthetombofthesonofMenoetius，andthenwentbackintohistent，leavingthebodyonthegroundfulllengthandwithitsfacedownwards。ButApollowouldnotsufferittobedisfigured，forhepitiedtheman，deadthoughhenowwas；thereforeheshieldedhimwithhisgoldenaegiscontinually，thathemighttakenohurtwhileAchilleswasdragginghim。 ThusshamefullydidAchillesinhisfurydishonourHector；buttheblessedgodslookeddowninpityfromheaven，andurgedMercury，slayerofArgus，tostealthebody。AllwereofthismindsaveonlyJuno，Neptune，andJove’sgrey-eyeddaughter，whopersistedinthehatewhichtheyhadeverbornetowardsIliuswithPriamandhispeople；fortheyforgavenotthewrongdonethembyAlexandrusindisdainingthegoddesseswhocametohimwhenhewasinhissheepyards，andpreferringherwhohadofferedhimawantontohisruin。 When，therefore，themorningofthetwelfthdayhadnowcome，PhoebusApollospokeamongtheimmortalssaying，\"Yougodsoughttobeashamedofyourselves；youarecruelandhard-hearted。DidnotHectorburnyouthigh-bonesofheifersandofunblemishedgoats？Andnowdareyounotrescueevenhisdeadbody，forhiswifetolookupon，withhismotherandchild，hisfatherPriam，andhispeople，whowouldforthwithcommithimtotheflames，andgivehimhisduefuneralrites？So，then，youwouldallbeonthesideofmadAchilles，whoknowsneitherrightnorruth？Heislikesomesavagelionthatintheprideofhisgreatstrengthanddaringspringsuponmen’sflocksandgorgesonthem。EvensohasAchillesflungasideallpity，andallthatconsciencewhichatoncesogreatlybanesyetgreatlyboonshimthatwillheedit。manmayloseonefardearerthanAchilleshaslost- ason，itmaybe，orabrotherbornfromhisownmother’swomb；yetwhenhehasmournedhimandweptoverhimhewilllethimbide，forittakesmuchsorrowtokillaman；whereasAchilles，nowthathehasslainnobleHector，dragshimbehindhischariotroundthetombofhiscomrade。Itwerebetterofhim，andforhim，thatheshouldnotdoso，forbravethoughhebewegodsmaytakeitillthatheshouldventhisfuryupondeadclay。\" Junospokeupinarage。\"Thiswerewell，\"shecried，\"Olordofthesilverbow，ifyouwouldgivelikehonourtoHectorandtoAchilles； butHectorwasmortalandsuckledatawoman’sbreast，whereasAchillesistheoffspringofagoddesswhomImyselfrearedandbroughtup。ImarriedhertoPeleus，whoisabovemeasuredeartotheimmortals；yougodscameallofyoutoherwedding；youfeastedalongwiththemyourselfandbroughtyourlyre-false，andfondoflowcompany，thatyouhaveeverbeen。\" ThensaidJove，\"Juno，benotsobitter。Theirhonourshallnotbeequal，butofallthatdwellinIlius，Hectorwasdearesttothegods，asalsotomyself，forhisofferingsneverfailedme。Neverwasmyaltarstintedofitsdues，norofthedrink-offeringsandsavourofsacrificewhichweclaimofright。IshallthereforepermitthebodyofmightyHectortobestolen；andyetthismayhardlybewithoutAchillescomingtoknowit，forhismotherkeepsnightanddaybesidehim。Letsomeoneofyou，therefore，sendThetistome，andI willimpartmycounseltoher，namelythatAchillesistoacceptaransomfromPriam，andgiveupthebody。\" OnthisIrisfleetasthewindwentforthtocarryhismessage。DownsheplungedintothedarkseamidwaybetweenSamosandrockyImbrus； thewatershissedastheyclosedoverher，andshesankintothebottomastheleadattheendofanox-horn，thatisspedtocarrydeathtofishes。ShefoundThetissittinginagreatcavewiththeothersea-goddessesgatheredroundher；thereshesatinthemidstofthemweepingforhernoblesonwhowastofallfarfromhisownland，ontherichplainsofTroy。Iriswentuptoherandsaid，\"RiseThetis；Jove，whosecounselsfailnot，bidsyoucometohim。\" AndThetisanswered，\"Whydoesthemightygodsobidme？Iamingreatgrief，andshrinkfromgoinginandoutamongtheimmortals。Still，Iwillgo，andthewordthathemayspeakshallnotbespokeninvain。\" Thegoddesstookherdarkveil，thanwhichtherecanbenorobemoresombre，andwentforthwithfleetIrisleadingthewaybeforeher。Thewavesoftheseaopenedthemapath，andwhentheyreachedtheshoretheyflewupintotheheavens，wheretheyfoundtheall-seeingsonofSaturnwiththeblessedgodsthatliveforeverassemblednearhim。 Minervagaveupherseattoher，andshesatdownbythesideoffatherJove。Junothenplacedafairgoldencupinherhand，andspoketoherinwordsofcomfort，whereonThetisdrankandgaveherbackthecup；andthesireofgodsandmenwasthefirsttospeak。 \"So，goddess，\"saidhe，\"forallyoursorrow，andthegriefthatI wellknowreignseverinyourheart，youhavecomehithertoOlympus，andIwilltellyouwhyIhavesentforyou。ThisninedayspasttheimmortalshavebeenquarrellingaboutAchilleswasterofcitiesandthebodyofHector。ThegodswouldhaveMercuryslayerofArgusstealthebody，butinfurtheranceofourpeaceandamityhenceforward，IwillconcedesuchhonourtoyoursonasIwillnowtellyou。Go，then，tothehostandlaythesecommandsuponhim；saythatthegodsareangrywithhim，andthatIammyselfmoreangrythanthemall，inthathekeepsHectorattheshipsandwillnotgivehimup。Hemaythusfearmeandletthebodygo。AtthesametimeIwillsendIristogreatPriamtobidhimgototheshipsoftheAchaeans，andransomhisson，takingwithhimsuchgiftsforAchillesasmaygivehimsatisfaction。 Silver-footedThetisdidasthegodhadtoldher，andforthwithdownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus。Shewenttoherson’stentswhereshefoundhimgrievingbitterly，whilehistrustycomradesroundhimwerebusypreparingtheirmorningmeal，forwhichtheyhadkilledagreatwoollysheep。Hismothersatdownbesidehimandcaressedhimwithherhandsaying，\"Myson，howlongwillyoukeeponthusgrievingandmakingmoan？Youaregnawingatyourownheart，andthinkneitheroffoodnorofwoman’sembraces；andyetthesetoowerewell，foryouhavenolongtimetolive，anddeathwiththestronghandoffatearealreadyclosebesideyou。Now，therefore，heedwhatIsay，forIcomeasamessengerfromJove；hesaysthatthegodsareangrywithyou，andhimselfmoreangrythanthemall，inthatyoukeepHectorattheshipsandwillnotgivehimup。Thereforelethimgo，andacceptaransomforhisbody。\" AndAchillesanswered，\"Sobeit。IfOlympianJoveofhisownmotionthuscommandsme，lethimthatbringstheransombearthebodyaway。\" Thusdidmotherandsontalktogetherattheshipsinlongdiscoursewithoneanother。MeanwhilethesonofSaturnsentIristothestrongcityofIlius。\"Go，\"saidhe，\"fleetIris，fromthemansionsofOlympus，andtellKingPriaminIlius，thatheistogototheshipsoftheAchaeansandfreethebodyofhisdearson。HeistotakesuchgiftswithhimasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles，andheistogoalone，withnootherTrojan，saveonlysomehonouredservantwhomaydrivehismulesandwaggon，andbringbackthebodyofhimwhomnobleAchilleshasslain。Lethimhavenothoughtnorfearofdeathinhisheart，forwewillsendtheslayerofArgustoescorthim，andbringhimwithinthetentofAchilles。Achilleswillnotkillhimnorletanotherdoso，forhewilltakeheedtohiswaysandsinnot，andhewillentreatasuppliantwithallhonourablecourtesy。\" OnthisIris，fleetasthewind，spedforthtodeliverhermessage。ShewenttoPriam’shouse，andfoundweepingandlamentationtherein。Hissonswereseatedroundtheirfatherintheoutercourtyard，andtheirraimentwaswetwithtears:theoldmansatinthemidstofthemwithhismantlewrappedcloseabouthisbody，andhisheadandneckallcoveredwiththefilthwhichhehadclutchedashelaygrovellinginthemire。Hisdaughtersandhissons’wiveswentwailingaboutthehouse，astheythoughtofthemanyandbravemenwholaydead，slainbytheArgives。ThemessengerofJovestoodbyPriamandspokesoftlytohim，butfearfelluponhimasshedidso。 \"Takeheart，\"shesaid，\"PriamoffspringofDardanus，takeheartandfearnot。Ibringnoeviltidings，butammindedwelltowardsyou。I comeasamessengerfromJove，whothoughhebenotnear，takesthoughtforyouandpitiesyou。ThelordofOlympusbidsyougoandransomnobleHector，andtakewithyousuchgiftsasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles。Youaretogoalone，withnoTrojan，saveonlysomehonouredservantwhomaydriveyourmulesandwaggon，andbringbacktothecitythebodyofhimwhomnobleAchilleshasslain。Youaretohavenothought，norfearofdeath，forJovewillsendtheslayerofArgustoescortyou。WhenhehasbroughtyouwithinAchilles’tent，Achilleswillnotkillyounorletanotherdoso，forhewilltakeheedtohiswaysandsinnot，andhewillentreatasuppliantwithallhonourablecourtesy。\" Iriswentherwaywhenshehadthusspoken，andPriamtoldhissonstogetamule-waggonready，andtomakethebodyofthewaggonfastuponthetopofitsbed。Thenhewentdownintohisfragrantstore-room，high-vaulted，andmadeofcedar-wood，wherehismanytreasureswerekept，andhecalledHecubahiswife。\"Wife，\"saidhe，\"amessengerhascometomefromOlympus，andhastoldmetogototheshipsoftheAchaeanstoransommydearson，takingwithmesuchgiftsasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles。Whatthinkyouofthismatter？ formyownpartIamgreatlymovedtopassthroughtheoftheAchaeansandgototheirships。\" Hiswifecriedaloudassheheardhim，andsaid，\"Alas，whathasbecomeofthatjudgementforwhichyouhavebeeneverfamousbothamongstrangersandyourownpeople？HowcanyouventurealonetotheshipsoftheAchaeans，andlookintothefaceofhimwhohasslainsomanyofyourbravesons？Youmusthaveironcourage，forifthecruelsavageseesyouandlaysholdonyou，hewillknowneitherrespectnorpity。LetusthenweepHectorfromafarhereinourownhouse，forwhenIgavehimbirththethreadsofoverrulingfatewerespunforhimthatdogsshouldeathisfleshfarfromhisparents，inthehouseofthatterriblemanonwhoseliverIwouldfainfastenanddevourit。ThuswouldIavengemyson，whoshowednocowardicewhenAchillesslewhim，andthoughtneitherofRightnorofavoidingbattleashestoodindefenceofTrojanmenandTrojanwomen。\" ThenPriamsaid，\"Iwouldgo，donotthereforestaymenorbeasabirdofillomeninmyhouse，foryouwillnotmoveme。Haditbeensomemortalmanwhohadsentmesomeprophetorpriestwhodivinesfromsacrifice-Ishouldhavedeemedhimfalseandhavegivenhimnoheed；butnowIhaveheardthegoddessandseenherfacetoface，thereforeIwillgoandhersayingshallnotbeinvain。IfitbemyfatetodieattheshipsoftheAchaeansevensowouldIhaveit； letAchillesslayme，ifImaybutfirsthavetakenmysoninmyarmsandmournedhimtomyheart’scomforting。\" Sosayingheliftedthelidsofhischests，andtookouttwelvegoodlyvestments。Hetookalsotwelvecloaksofsinglefold，twelverugs，twelvefairmantles，andanequalnumberofshirts。Heweighedouttentalentsofgold，andbroughtmoreovertwoburnishedtripods，fourcauldrons，andaverybeautifulcupwhichtheThracianshadgivenhimwhenhehadgonetothemonanembassy；itwasveryprecious，buthegrudgednoteventhis，soeagerwashetoransomthebodyofhisson。ThenhechasedalltheTrojansfromthecourtandrebukedthemwithwordsofanger。\"Out，\"hecried，\"shameanddisgracetomethatyouare。Haveyounogriefinyourownhomesthatyouarecometoplaguemehere？Isitasmallthing，thinkyou，thatthesonofSaturnhassentthissorrowuponme，tolosethebravestofmysons？Nay，youshallproveitinperson，fornowheisgonetheAchaeanswillhaveeasierworkinkillingyou。Asforme，letmegodownwithinthehouseofHades，eremineeyesbeholdthesackingandwastingofthecity。\" Hedrovethemenawaywithhisstaff，andtheywentforthastheoldmanspedthem。Thenhecalledtohissons，upbraidingHelenus，Paris，nobleAgathon，Pammon，Antiphonus，Politesoftheloudbattle-cry，Deiphobus，Hippothous，andDius。Theseninedidtheoldmancallnearhim。\"Cometomeatonce，\"hecried，\"worthlesssonswhodomeshame；wouldthatyouhadallbeenkilledattheshipsratherthanHector。MiserablemanthatIam，IhavehadthebravestsonsinallTroy-nobleNestor，Troilusthedauntlesscharioteer，andHectorwhowasagodamongmen，sothatonewouldhavethoughthewassontoanimmortal-yetthereisnotoneofthemleft。MarshasslainthemandthoseofwhomIamashamedarealoneleftme。Liars，andlightoffoot，heroesofthedance，robbersoflambsandkidsfromyourownpeople，whydoyounotgetawaggonreadyformeatonce，andputallthesethingsuponitthatImaysetoutonmyway？\" Thusdidhespeak，andtheyfearedtherebukeoftheirfather。 Theybroughtoutastrongmule-waggon，newlymade，andsetthebodyofthewaggonfastonitsbed。Theytookthemule-yokefromthepegonwhichithung，ayokeofboxwoodwithaknobonthetopofitandringsforthereinstogothrough。Thentheybroughtayoke-bandelevencubitslong，tobindtheyoketothepole；theybounditonatthefarendofthepole，andputtheringovertheuprightpinmakingitfastwiththreeturnsofthebandoneithersidetheknob，andbendingthethongoftheyokebeneathit。Thisdone，theybroughtfromthestore-chambertherichransomthatwastopurchasethebodyofHector，andtheysetitallorderlyonthewaggon；thentheyyokedthestrongharness-muleswhichtheMysianshadonatimegivenasagoodlypresenttoPriam；butforPriamhimselftheyyokedhorseswhichtheoldkinghadbred，andkeptforownuse。 ThusheedfullydidPriamandhisservantseetotheyolkingoftheircarsatthepalace。ThenHecubacametothemallsorrowful，withagoldengobletofwineinherrighthand，thattheymightmakeadrink-offeringbeforetheysetout。Shestoodinfrontofthehorsesandsaid，\"Takethis，makeadrink-offeringtofatherJove，andsinceyouaremindedtogototheshipsinspiteofme，praythatyoumaycomesafelybackfromthehandsofyourenemies。PraytothesonofSaturnlordofthewhirlwind，whositsonIdaandlooksdownoverallTroy，prayhimtosendhisswiftmessengeronyourrighthand，thebirdofomenwhichisstrongestandmostdeartohimofallbirds，thatyoumayseeitwithyourowneyesandtrustitasyougoforthtotheshipsoftheDanaans。Ifall-seeingJovewillnotsendyouthismessenger，howeversetuponityoumaybe，IwouldnothaveyougototheshipsoftheArgives。\" AndPriamanswered，\"Wife，Iwilldoasyoudesireme；itiswelltolifthandsinprayertoJove，ifsobehemayhavemercyuponme。\" Withthistheoldmanbadetheserving-womanpourpurewateroverhishands，andthewomancame，bearingthewaterinabowl。Hewashedhishandsandtookthecupfromhiswife；thenhemadethedrink-offeringandprayed，standinginthemiddleofthecourtyardandturninghiseyestoheaven。\"FatherJove，\"hesaid，\"thatrulestfromIda，mostgloriousandmostgreat，grantthatImaybereceivedkindlyandcompassionatelyinthetentsofAchilles；andsendyourswiftmessengeruponmyrighthand，thebirdofomenwhichisstrongestandmostdeartoyouofallbirds，thatImayseeitwithmyowneyesandtrustitasIgoforthtotheshipsoftheDanaans。\" Sodidhepray，andJovethelordofcounselheardhisprayer。 Forthwithhesentaneagle，themostunerringportentofallbirdsthatfly，theduskyhunterthatmenalsocalltheBlackEagle。Hiswingswerespreadabroadoneithersideaswideasthewell-madeandwell-bolteddoorofarichman’schamber。Hecametothemflyingoverthecityupontheirrighthands，andwhentheysawhimtheyweregladandtheirheartstookcomfortwithinthem。Theoldmanmadehastetomounthischariot，anddroveoutthroughtheinnergatewayandundertheechoinggatehouseoftheoutercourt。Beforehimwentthemulesdrawingthefour-wheeledwaggon，anddrivenbywiseIdaeus；behindthesewerethehorses，whichtheoldmanlashedwithhiswhipanddroveswiftlythroughthecity，whilehisfriendsfollowedafter，wailingandlamentingforhimasthoughhewereonhisroadtodeath。Assoonastheyhadcomedownfromthecityandhadreachedtheplain，hissonsandsons-in-lawwhohadfollowedhimwentbacktoIlius。 ButPriamandIdaeusastheyshowedoutupontheplaindidnotescapethekenofall-seeingJove，wholookeddownupontheoldmanandpitiedhim；thenhespoketohissonMercuryandsaid，\"Mercury，foritisyouwhoarethemostdisposedtoescortmenontheirway，andtohearthosewhomyouwillhear，go，andsoconductPriamtotheshipsoftheAchaeansthatnootheroftheDanaansshallseehimnortakenoteofhimuntilhereachthesonofPeleus。\" ThushespokeandMercury，guideandguardian，slayerofArgus，didashewastold。Forthwithheboundonhisglitteringgoldensandalswithwhichhecouldflylikethewindoverlandandsea；hetookthewandwithwhichhesealsmen’seyesinsleep，orwakesthemjustashepleases，andflewholdingitinhishandtillhecametoTroyandtotheHellespont。Tolookat，hewaslikeayoungmanofnoblebirthinthehey-dayofhisyouthandbeautywiththedownjustcominguponhisface。 NowwhenPriamandIdaeushaddrivenpastthegreattombofIlius，theystayedtheirmulesandhorsesthattheymightdrinkintheriver，fortheshadesofnightwerefalling，when，therefore，IdaeussawMercurystandingnearthemhesaidtoPriam，\"Takeheed，descendantofDardanus；hereismatterwhichdemandsconsideration。IseeamanwhoIthinkwillpresentlyfalluponus；letusflywithourhorses，oratleastembracehiskneesandimplorehimtotakecompassionuponus？ Whenheheardthistheoldman’sheartfailedhim，andhewasingreatfear；hestayedwherehewasasonedazed，andthehairstoodonendoverhiswholebody；butthebringerofgoodluckcameuptohimandtookhimbythehand，saying，\"Whither，father，areyouthusdrivingyourmulesandhorsesinthedeadofnightwhenothermenareasleep？AreyounotafraidofthefierceAchaeanswhoarehardbyyou，socruelandrelentless？Shouldsomeoneofthemseeyoubearingsomuchtreasurethroughthedarknessoftheflyingnight，whatwouldnotyourstatethenbe？Youarenolongeryoung，andhewhoiswithyouistoooldtoprotectyoufromthosewhowouldattackyou。 Formyself，Iwilldoyounoharm，andIwilldefendyoufromanyoneelse，foryouremindmeofmyownfather。\" AndPriamanswered，\"Itisindeedasyousay，mydearson； neverthelesssomegodhasheldhishandoverme，inthathehassentsuchawayfarerasyourselftomeetmesoOpportunely；youaresocomelyinmienandfigure，andyourjudgementissoexcellentthatyoumustcomeofblessedparents。\" ThensaidtheslayerofArgus，guideandguardian，\"Sir，allthatyouhavesaidisright；buttellmeandtellmetrue，areyoutakingthisrichtreasuretosendittoaforeignpeoplewhereitmaybesafe，orareyouallleavingstrongIliusindismaynowthatyoursonhasfallenwhowasthebravestmanamongyouandwasneverlackinginbattlewiththeAchaeans？\" AndPriamsaid，\"Woareyou，myfriend，andwhoareyourparents，thatyouspeaksotrulyaboutthefateofmyunhappyson？\" TheslayerofArgus，guideandguardian，answeredhim，\"Sir，youwouldproveme，thatyouquestionmeaboutnobleHector。ManyatimehaveIseteyesuponhiminbattlewhenhewasdrivingtheArgivestotheirshipsandputtingthemtothesword。Westoodstillandmarvelled，forAchillesinhisangerwiththesonofAtreussufferedusnottofight。Iamhissquire，andcamewithhiminthesameship。IamaMyrmidon，andmyfather’snameisPolyctor:heisarichmanandaboutasoldasyouare；hehassixsonsbesidesmyself，andIamtheseventh。Wecastlots，anditfelluponmetosailhitherwithAchilles。Iamnowcomefromtheshipsontotheplain，forwithdaybreaktheAchaeanswillsetbattleinarrayaboutthecity。Theychafeatdoingnothing，andaresoeagerthattheirprincescannotholdthemback。\" ThenansweredPriam，\"IfyouareindeedthesquireofAchillessonofPeleus，tellmenowtheWholetruth。Ismysonstillattheships，orhasAchilleshewnhimlimbfromlimb，andgivenhimtohishounds？\" \"Sir，\"repliedtheslayerofArgus，guideandguardian，\"neitherhoundsnorvultureshaveyetdevouredhim；heisstilljustlyingatthetentsbytheshipofAchilles，andthoughitisnowtwelvedaysthathehaslainthere，hisfleshisnotwastednorhavethewormseatenhimalthoughtheyfeedonwarriors。AtdaybreakAchillesdragshimcruellyroundthesepulchreofhisdearcomrade，butitdoeshimnohurt。Youshouldcomeyourselfandseehowheliesfreshasdew，withthebloodallwashedaway，andhiswoundseveryoneofthemclosedthoughmanypiercedhimwiththeirspears。Suchcarehavetheblessedgodstakenofyourbraveson，forhewasdeartothembeyondallmeasure。\" Theoldmanwascomfortedasheheardhimandsaid，\"Myson，seewhatagoodthingitistohavemadedueofferingstotheimmortals； forassureasthathewasbornmysonneverforgotthegodsthatholdOlympus，andnowtheyrequiteittohimevenindeath。Acceptthereforeatmyhandsthisgoodlychalice；guardmeandwithheaven’shelpguidemetillIcometothetentofthesonofPeleus。\" ThenansweredtheslayerofArgus，guideandguardian，\"Sir，youaretemptingmeandplayinguponmyyouth，butyoushallnotmoveme，foryouareofferingmepresentswithouttheknowledgeofAchilleswhomIfearandholditgreatguiltlesstodefraud，lestsomeevilpresentlybefallme；butasyourguideIwouldgowithyoueventoArgositself，andwouldguardyousocarefullywhetherbyseaorland，thatnooneshouldattackyouthroughmakinglightofhimwhowaswithyou。\" Thebringerofgoodluckthensprangontothechariot，andseizingthewhipandreinshebreathedfreshspiritintothemulesandhorses。Whentheyreachedthetrenchandthewallthatwasbeforetheships，thosewhowereonguardhadjustbeengettingtheirsuppers，andtheslayerofArgusthrewthemallintoadeepsleep。 Thenhedrewbacktheboltstoopenthegates，andtookPriaminsidewiththetreasurehehaduponhiswaggon。ErelongtheycametotheloftydwellingofthesonofPeleusforwhichtheMyrmidonshadcutpineandwhichtheyhadbuiltfortheirking；whentheyhadbuiltittheythatcheditwithcoarsetussock-grasswhichtheyhadmownoutontheplain，andallroundittheymadealargecourtyard，whichwasfencedwithstakessetclosetogether。Thegatewasbarredwithasingleboltofpinewhichittookthreementoforceintoitsplace，andthreetodrawbacksoastoopenthegate，butAchillescoulddrawitbyhimself。Mercuryopenedthegatefortheoldman，andbroughtinthetreasurethathewastakingwithhimforthesonofPeleus。Thenhesprangfromthechariotontothegroundandsaid，\"Sir，itisI，immortalMercury，thatamcomewithyou，formyfathersentmetoescortyou。Iwillnowleaveyou，andwillnotenterintothepresenceofAchilles，foritmightangerhimthatagodshouldbefriendmortalmenthusopenly。Goyouwithin，andembracethekneesofthesonofPeleus:beseechhimbyhisfather，hislovelymother，andhisson；thusyoumaymovehim。\" WiththesewordsMercurywentbacktohighOlympus。Priamsprangfromhischariottotheground，leavingIdaeuswherehewas，inchargeofthemulesandhorses。TheoldmanwentstraightintothehousewhereAchilles，lovedofthegods，wassitting。Therehefoundhimwithhismenseatedatadistancefromhim:onlytwo，theheroAutomedon，andAlcimusoftheraceofMars，werebusyinattendanceabouthisperson，forhehadbutjustdoneeatinganddrinking，andthetablewasstillthere。KingPriamenteredwithouttheirseeinghim，andgoingrightuptoAchillesheclaspedhiskneesandkissedthedreadmurderoushandsthathadslainsomanyofhissons。 Aswhensomecruelspitehasbefallenamanthatheshouldhavekilledsomeoneinhisowncountry，andmustflytoagreatman’sprotectioninalandofstrangers，andallmarvelwhoseehim，evensodidAchillesmarvelashebeheldPriam。Theotherslookedonetoanotherandmarvelledalso，butPriambesoughtAchillessaying，\"Thinkofyourfather，OAchilleslikeuntothegods，whoissuchevenasI am，onthesadthresholdofoldage。Itmaybethatthosewhodwellnearhimharasshim，andthereisnonetokeepwarandruinfromhim。Yetwhenhehearsofyoubeingstillalive，heisglad，andhisdaysarefullofhopethatheshallseehisdearsoncomehometohimfromTroy；butI，wretchedmanthatIam，hadthebravestinallTroyformysons，andthereisnotoneofthemleft。IhadfiftysonswhentheAchaeanscamehere；nineteenofthemwerefromasinglewomb，andtheotherswerebornetomebythewomenofmyhousehold。ThegreaterpartofthemhasfierceMarslaidlow，andHector，himwhowasaloneleft，himwhowastheguardianofthecityandourselves，himhaveyoulatelyslain；thereforeIamnowcometotheshipsoftheAchaeanstoransomhisbodyfromyouwithagreatransom。Fear，OAchilles，thewrathofheaven；thinkonyourownfatherandhavecompassionuponme，whoamthemorepitiable，forI havesteeledmyselfasnomanyethaseversteeledhimselfbeforeme，andhaveraisedtomylipsthehandofhimwhoslewmyson。\" ThusspokePriam，andtheheartofAchillesyearnedashebethoughthimofhisfather。Hetooktheoldman’shandandmovedhimgentlyaway。Thetwoweptbitterly-Priam，ashelayatAchilles’feet，weepingforHector，andAchillesnowforhisfatherandnowforPatroclous，tillthehousewasfilledwiththeirlamentation。ButwhenAchilleswasnowsatedwithgriefandhadunburthenedthebitternessofhissorrow，helefthisseatandraisedtheoldmanbythehand，inpityforhiswhitehairandbeard；thenhesaid，\"Unhappyman，youhaveindeedbeengreatlydaring；howcouldyouventuretocomealonetotheshipsoftheAchaeans，andenterthepresenceofhimwhohasslainsomanyofyourbravesons？Youmusthaveironcourage:sitnowuponthisseat，andforallourgriefwewillhideoursorrowsinourhearts，forweepingwillnotavailus。Theimmortalsknownocare，yetthelottheyspinformanisfullofsorrow；onthefloorofJove’spalacetherestandtwourns，theonefilledwithevilgifts，andtheotherwithgoodones。HeforwhomJovethelordofthundermixesthegiftshesends，willmeetnowwithgoodandnowwithevilfortune；buthetowhomJovesendsnonebutevilgiftswillbepointedatbythefingerofscorn，thehandoffaminewillpursuehimtotheendsoftheworld，andhewillgoupanddownthefaceoftheearth，respectedneitherbygodsnormen。EvensodiditbefallPeleus；thegodsendowedhimwithallgoodthingsfromhisbirthupwards，forhereignedovertheMyrmidonsexcellingallmeninprosperityandwealth，andmortalthoughhewastheygavehimagoddessforhisbride。Butevenonhimtoodidheavensendmisfortune，forthereisnoraceofroyalchildrenborntohiminhishouse，saveonesonwhoisdoomedtodiealluntimely；normayItakecareofhimnowthatheisgrowingold，forI muststayhereatTroytobethebaneofyouandyourchildren。Andyoutoo，OPriam，Ihaveheardthatyouwereaforetimehappy。TheysaythatinwealthandplenitudeofoffspringyousurpassedallthatisinLesbos，therealmofMakartothenorthward，Phrygiathatismoreinland，andthosethatdwelluponthegreatHellespont；butfromthedaywhenthedwellersinheavensentthiseviluponyou，warandslaughterhavebeenaboutyourcitycontinually。Bearupagainstit，andlettherebesomeintervalsinyoursorrow。Mournasyoumayforyourbraveson，youwilltakenothingbyit。Youcannotraisehimfromthedead，ereyoudosoyetanothersorrowshallbefallyou。\" AndPriamanswered，\"Oking，bidmenotbeseated，whileHectorisstilllyinguncaredforinyourtents，butacceptthegreatransomwhichIhavebroughtyou，andgivehimtomeatoncethatImaylookuponhim。Mayyouprosperwiththeransomandreachyourownlandinsafety，seeingthatyouhavesufferedmetoliveandtolookuponthelightofthesun。\" Achilleslookedathimsternlyandsaid，\"Vexme，sir，nolonger； IamofmyselfmindedtogiveupthebodyofHector。Mymother，daughteroftheoldmanofthesea，cametomefromJovetobidmedeliverittoyou。MoreoverIknowwell，OPriam，andyoucannothideit，thatsomegodhasbroughtyoutotheshipsoftheAchaeans，forelse，nomanhoweverstrongandinhisprimewoulddaretocometoourhost；hecouldneitherpassourguardunseen，nordrawtheboltofmygatesthuseasily；therefore，provokemenofurther，lestIsinagainstthewordofJove，andsufferyounot，suppliantthoughyouare，withinmytents。\" Theoldmanfearedhimandobeyed。ThenthesonofPeleusspranglikealionthroughthedoorofhishouse，notalone，butwithhimwenthistwosquiresAutomedonandAlcimuswhowereclosertohimthananyothersofhiscomradesnowthatPatrocluswasnomore。Theseunyokedthehorsesandmules，andbadePriam’sheraldandattendantbeseatedwithinthehouse。TheyliftedtheransomforHector’sbodyfromthewaggon。buttheylefttwomantlesandagoodlyshirt，thatAchillesmightwrapthebodyinthemwhenhegaveittobetakenhome。 Thenhecalledtohisservantsandorderedthemtowashthebodyandanointit，buthefirsttookittoaplacewherePriamshouldnotseeit，lestifhedidso，heshouldbreakoutinthebitternessofhisgrief，andenrageAchilles，whomightthenkillhimandsinagainstthewordofJove。Whentheservantshadwashedthebodyandanointedit，andhadwrappeditinafairshirtandmantle，Achilleshimselflifteditontoabier，andheandhismenthenlaiditonthewaggon。Hecriedaloudashedidsoandcalledonthenameofhisdearcomrade，\"Benotangrywithme，Patroclus，\"hesaid，\"ifyouheareveninthehouseofHadesthatIhavegivenHectortohisfatherforaransom。Ithasbeennounworthyone，andIwillshareitequitablywithyou。\" Achillesthenwentbackintothetentandtookhisplaceontherichlyinlaidseatfromwhichhehadrisen，bythewallthatwasatrightanglestotheoneagainstwhichPriamwassitting。\"Sir，\"hesaid，\"yoursonisnowlaiduponhisbierandisransomedaccordingtodesire；youshalllookuponhimwhenyouhimawayatdaybreak；forthepresentletusprepareoursupper。EvenlovelyNiobehadtothinkabouteating，thoughhertwelvechildren-sixdaughtersandsixlustysons-hadbeenallslaininherhouse。Apollokilledthesonswitharrowsfromhissilverbow，topunishNiobe，andDianaslewthedaughters，becauseNiobehadvauntedherselfagainstLeto；shesaidLetohadbornetwochildrenonly，whereasshehadherselfbornemany-whereonthetwokilledthemany。Ninedaysdidtheylieweltering，andtherewasnonetoburythem，forthesonofSaturnturnedthepeopleintostone；butonthetenthdaythegodsinheaventhemselvesburiedthem，andNiobethentookfood，beingwornoutwithweeping。TheysaythatsomewhereamongtherocksonthemountainpasturesofSipylus，wherethenymphslivethathaunttheriverAchelous，there，theysay，shelivesinstoneandstillnursesthesorrowssentuponherbythehandofheaven。Therefore，noblesir，letustwonowtakefood；youcanweepforyourdearsonhereafterasyouarebearinghimbacktoIlius-andmanyatearwillhecostyou。\" WiththisAchillessprangfromhisseatandkilledasheepofsilverywhiteness，whichhisfollowersskinnedandmadereadyallindueorder。Theycutthemeatcarefullyupintosmallerpieces，spittedthem，anddrewthemoffagainwhentheywerewellroasted。Automedonbroughtbreadinfairbasketsandserveditroundthetable，whileAchillesdealtoutthemeat，andtheylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，Priam，descendantofDardanus，marvelledatthestrengthandbeautyofAchillesforhewasasagodtosee，andAchillesmarvelledatPriamashelistenedtohimandlookeduponhisnoblepresence。WhentheyhadgazedtheirfillPriamspokefirst。\"Andnow，Oking，\"hesaid，\"takemetomycouchthatwemayliedownandenjoytheblessedboonofsleep。Neveroncehavemyeyesbeenclosedfromthedayyourhandstookthelifeofmyson；Ihavegrovelledwithoutceasinginthemireofmystable-yard，makingmoanandbroodingovermycountlesssorrows。Now，moreover，Ihaveeatenbreadanddrunkwine；hithertoIhavetastednothing。\" AshespokeAchillestoldhismenandthewomen-servantstosetbedsintheroomthatwasinthegatehouse，andmakethemwithgoodredrugs，andspreadcoverletsonthetopofthemwithwoollencloaksforPriamandIdaeustowear。Sothemaidswentoutcarryingatorchandgotthetwobedsreadyinallhaste。ThenAchillessaidlaughinglytoPriam，\"Dearsir，youshalllieoutside，lestsomecounsellorofthosewhoinduecoursekeepcomingtoadvisewithmeshouldseeyouhereinthedarknessoftheflyingnight，andtellittoAgamemnon。 Thismightcausedelayinthedeliveryofthebody。Andnowtellmeandtellmetrue，forhowmanydayswouldyoucelebratethefuneralritesofnobleHector？Tellme，thatImayholdalooffromwarandrestrainthehost。\" AndPriamanswered，\"Since，then，yousuffermetoburymynoblesonwithallduerites，dothus，Achilles，andIshallbegrateful。Youknowhowwearepentupwithinourcity；itisfarforustofetchwoodfromthemountain，andthepeopleliveinfear。Ninedays，therefore，willwemournHectorinmyhouse；onthetenthdaywewillburyhimandthereshallbeapublicfeastinhishonour；ontheeleventhwewillbuildamoundoverhisashes，andonthetwelfth，iftherebeneed，wewillfight。\" AndAchillesanswered，\"All，KingPriam，shallbeasyouhavesaid。Iwillstayourfightingforaslongatimeasyouhavenamed。\" Ashespokehelaidhishandontheoldman’srightwrist，intokenthatheshouldhavenofear；thusthendidPriamandhisattendantsleepthereintheforecourt，fullofthought，whileAchilleslayinaninnerroomofthehouse，withfairBriseisbyhisside。 Andnowbothgodsandmortalswerefastasleepthroughthelivelongnight，butuponMercuryalone，thebringerofgoodluck，sleepcouldtakenoholdforhewasthinkingallthetimehowtogetKingPriamawayfromtheshipswithouthisbeingseenbythestrongforceofsentinels。HehoveredthereforeoverPriam’sheadandsaid，\"Sir，nowthatAchilleshassparedyourlife，youseemtohavenofearaboutsleepinginthethickofyourfoes。Youhavepaidagreatransom，andhavereceivedthebodyofyourson；wereyoustillaliveandaprisonerthesonswhomyouhaveleftathomewouldhavetogivethreetimesasmuchtofreeyou；andsoitwouldbeifAgamemnonandtheotherAchaeansweretoknowofyourbeinghere。\" Whenheheardthistheoldmanwasafraidandrousedhisservant。 Mercurythenyokedtheirhorsesandmules，anddrovethemquicklythroughthehostsothatnomanperceivedthem。WhentheycametothefordofeddyingXanthus，begottenofimmortalJove，MercurywentbacktohighOlympus，anddawninrobeofsaffronbegantobreakoveralltheland。PriamandIdaeusthendroveontowardthecitylamentingandmakingmoan，andthemulesdrewthebodyofHector。Nooneneithermannorwomansawthem，tillCassandra，fairasgoldenVenusstandingonPergamus，caughtsightofherdearfatherinhischariot，andhisservantthatwasthecity’sheraldwithhim。Thenshesawhimthatwaslyinguponthebier，drawnbythemules，andwithaloudcryshewentaboutthecitysaying，\"ComehitherTrojans，menandwomen，andlookonHector；ifeveryourejoicedtoseehimcomingfrombattlewhenhewasalive，looknowonhimthatwasthegloryofourcityandallourpeople。\" Atthistherewasnotmannorwomanleftinthecity，sogreatasorrowhadpossessedthem。HardbythegatestheymetPriamashewasbringinginthebody。Hector’swifeandhismotherwerethefirsttomournhim:theyflewtowardsthewaggonandlaidtheirhandsuponhishead，whilethecrowdstoodweepingroundthem。Theywouldhavestayedbeforethegates，weepingandlamentingthelivelongdaytothegoingdownofthesun，hadnotPriamspokentothemfromthechariotandsaid，\"Makewayforthemulestopassyou。 AfterwardswhenIhavetakenthebodyhomeyoushallhaveyourfillofweeping。\" Onthisthepeoplestoodasunder，andmadeawayforthewaggon。 Whentheyhadbornethebodywithinthehousetheylaidituponabedandseatedminstrelsroundittoleadthedirge，whereonthewomenjoinedinthesadmusicoftheirlament。ForemostamongthemallAndromacheledtheirwailingassheclaspedtheheadofmightyHectorinherembrace。\"Husband，\"shecried，\"youhavediedyoung，andleavemeinyourhouseawidow；heofwhomwearetheill-starredparentsisstillamerechild，andIfearhemaynotreachmanhood。 Erehecandosoourcitywillberazedandoverthrown，foryouwhowatchedoveritarenomore-youwhowereitssaviour，theguardianofourwivesandchildren。Ourwomenwillbecarriedawaycaptivestotheships，andIamongthem；whileyou，mychild，whowillbewithmewillbeputtosomeunseemlytasks，workingforacruelmaster。Or，maybe，someAchaeanwillhurlyou(Omiserabledeath)fromourwalls，toavengesomebrother，son，orfatherwhomHectorslew；manyofthemhaveindeedbittenthedustathishands，foryourfather’shandinbattlewasnolightone。Thereforedothepeoplemournhim。Youhaveleft，OHector，sorrowunutterabletoyourparents，andmyowngriefisgreatestofall，foryoudidnotstretchforthyourarmsandembracemeasyoulaydying，norsaytomeanywordsthatmighthavelivedwithmeinmytearsnightanddayforevermore。\" Bitterlydidsheweepthewhile，andthewomenjoinedinherlament。 Hecubainherturntookupthestrainsofwoe。\"Hector，\"shecried，\"dearesttomeofallmychildren。Solongasyouwerealivethegodslovedyouwell，andevenindeaththeyhavenotbeenutterlyunmindfulofyou；forwhenAchillestookanyotherofmysons，hewouldsellhimbeyondtheseas，toSamosImbrusorruggedLemnos； andwhenhehadslainyoutoowithhissword，manyatimedidhedragyouroundthesepulchreofhiscomrade-thoughthiscouldnotgivehimlife-yethereyoulieallfreshasdew，andcomelyasonewhomApollohasslainwithhispainlessshafts。\" Thusdidshetoospeakthroughhertearswithbittermoan，andthenHelenforathirdtimetookupthestrainoflamentation。 \"Hector，\"saidshe，\"dearestofallmybrothers-in-law-forIamwifetoAlexandruswhobroughtmehithertoTroy-wouldthatIhaddiederehedidso-twentyyearsarecomeandgonesinceIleftmyhomeandcamefromoverthesea，butIhaveneverheardonewordofinsultorunkindnessfromyou。Whenanotherwouldchidewithme，asitmightbeoneofyourbrothersorsistersorofyourbrothers’wives，ormymother-in-law-forPriamwasaskindtomeasthoughheweremyownfather-youwouldrebukeandcheckthemwithwordsofgentlenessandgoodwill。Thereforemytearsflowbothforyouandformyunhappyself，forthereisnooneelseinTroywhoiskindtome，butallshrinkandshudderastheygobyme。\" Sheweptasshespokeandthevastcrowdthatwasgatheredroundherjoinedinherlament。ThenKingPriamspoketothemsaying，\"Bringwood，OTrojans，tothecity，andfearnocunningambushoftheArgives，forAchilleswhenhedismissedmefromtheshipsgavemehiswordthattheyshouldnotattackusuntilthemorningofthetwelfthday。\" Forthwiththeyyokedtheiroxenandmulesandgatheredtogetherbeforethecity。Ninedayslongdidtheybringingreatheapswood，andonthemorningofthetenthdaywithmanytearstheytooktraveHectorforth，laidhisdeadbodyuponthesummitofthepile，andsetthefirethereto。Thenwhenthechildofmorningrosy-fingereddawnappearedontheeleventhday，thepeopleagainassembled，roundthepyreofmightyHector。Whentheyweregottogether，theyfirstquenchedthefirewithwinewhereveritwasburning，andthenhisbrothersandcomradeswithmanyabitterteargatheredhiswhitebones，wrappedtheminsoftrobesofpurple，andlaidtheminagoldenurn，whichtheyplacedinagraveandcoveredoverwithlargestonessetclosetogether。ThentheybuiltabarrowhurriedlyoveritkeepingguardoneverysidelesttheAchaeansshouldattackthembeforetheyhadfinished。Whentheyhadheapedupthebarrowtheywentbackagainintothecity，andbeingwellassembledtheyheldhighfeastinthehouseofPriamtheirking。 Thus，then，didtheycelebratethefuneralofHectortamerofhorses- THEEND-