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，someAchaeanwillhurlyouOmiserabledeathfromourwalls，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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