The Iliad of Homer. Homer

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      Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye Greeks mail-arm'd,100

       While I shall publish in your ears the words

       Of Alexander, author of our strife.

       Trojans, he bids, and Grecians on the field

       Their arms dispose; while he, the hosts between,

       With warlike Menelaus shall in fight105

       Contend for Helen, and for all her wealth.

       Who strongest proves, and conquers, he, of her

       And hers possess'd, shall bear them safe away,

       And oaths of amity shall bind the rest.

      He ceased, and all deep silence held, amazed;110

       When valiant Menelaus thus began.

      Hear now me also, on whose aching heart

       These woes have heaviest fallen. At last I hope

       Decision near, Trojans and Greeks between,

       For ye have suffer'd in my quarrel much,115

       And much by Paris, author of the war.

       Die he who must, and peace be to the rest.

       But ye shall hither bring two lambs, one white,

       069 The other black;[8] this to the Earth devote, That to the Sun. We shall ourselves supply120 A third for Jove. Then bring ye Priam forth, Himself to swear the covenant, (for his sons Are faithless) lest the oath of Jove be scorn'd. Young men are ever of unstable mind; But when an elder interferes, he views125 Future and past together, and insures The compact, to both parties, uninfringed.

      So Menelaus spake; and in all hearts

       Awaken'd joyful hope that there should end

       War's long calamities. Alighted each,130

       And drew his steeds into the lines. The field

       Glitter'd with arms put off, and side by side,

       Ranged orderly, while the interrupted war

       Stood front to front, small interval between.

      Then Hector to the city sent in haste135

       Two heralds for the lambs, and to invite

       Priam; while Agamemnon, royal Chief,

       Talthybius to the Grecian fleet dismiss'd

       For a third lamb to Jove; nor he the voice

       Of noble Agamemnon disobey'd.140

      Iris, ambassadress of heaven, the while,

       To Helen came. Laödice she seem'd,

       Loveliest of all the daughters of the house

       Of Priam, wedded to Antenor's son,

       King Helicäon. Her she found within,145

       An ample web magnificent she wove,[9] Inwrought with numerous conflicts for her sake Beneath the hands of Mars endured by Greeks Mail-arm'd, and Trojans of equestrian fame. 070 Swift Iris, at her side, her thus address'd.150

      Haste, dearest nymph! a wondrous sight behold!

       Greeks brazen-mail'd, and Trojans steed-renown'd.

       So lately on the cruel work of Mars

       Intent and hot for mutual havoc, sit

       Silent; the war hath paused, and on his shield155

       Each leans, his long spear planted at his side.

       Paris and Menelaus, warrior bold,

       With quivering lances shall contend for thee,

       And thou art his who conquers; his for ever.

      So saying, the Goddess into Helen's soul160

       Sweetest desire infused to see again

       Her former Lord, her parents, and her home.

       At once o'ermantled with her snowy veil

       She started forth, and as she went let fall

       A tender tear; not unaccompanied165

       She went, but by two maidens of her train

       Attended, Æthra, Pittheus' daughter fair,

       And soft-eyed Clymene. Their hasty steps

       Convey'd them quickly to the Scæan gate.

       There Priam, Panthous, Clytius, Lampus sat,170

       Thymoetes, Hicetaon, branch of Mars,

       Antenor and Ucalegon the wise,

       All, elders of the people; warriors erst,

       But idle now through age, yet of a voice

       Still indefatigable as the fly's[10]175 Which perch'd among the boughs sends forth at noon Through all the grove his slender ditty sweet. Such sat those Trojan leaders on the tower, Who, soon as Helen on the steps they saw, In accents quick, but whisper'd, thus remark'd.180

      Trojans and Grecians wage, with fair excuse,

       Long war for so much beauty.[11] Oh, how like In feature to the Goddesses above! 071 Pernicious loveliness! Ah, hence away, Resistless as thou art and all divine,185 Nor leave a curse to us, and to our sons.

      So they among themselves; but Priam call'd

       Fair Helen to his side.[12] My daughter dear! Come, sit beside me. Thou shalt hence discern Thy former Lord, thy kindred and thy friends.190 I charge no blame on thee. The Gods have caused, Not thou, this lamentable war to Troy.[13] Name to me yon Achaian Chief for bulk Conspicuous, and for port. Taller indeed I may perceive than he; but with these eyes195 Saw never yet such dignity, and grace. Declare his name. Some royal Chief he seems.

      To whom thus Helen, loveliest of her sex,

       My other Sire! by me for ever held

       In reverence, and with filial fear beloved!200

       Oh that some cruel death had been my choice,

       Rather than to abandon, as I did,

       All joys domestic, matrimonial bliss,

       Brethren, dear daughter, and companions dear,

       A wanderer with thy son. Yet I alas!205

       Died not, and therefore now, live but to weep.

       But I resolve thee. Thou behold'st the son

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