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-

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