The Iliad of Homer


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A thousand griefs shall waken at the name!  
May I lie cold before that dreadful day,  
Press'd with a load of monumental clay!  
Thy Hector, wrapt in everlasting sleep,  
Shall neither hear thee sigh, nor see thee weep."  
Thus having spoke, the illustrious chief of Troy  
Stretch'd his fond arms to clasp the lovely boy.  
The babe clung crying to his nurse's breast,  
Scared at the dazzling helm, and nodding crest.  
With secret pleasure each fond parent smiled,  
And Hector hasted to relieve his child,  
The glittering terrors from his brows unbound,  
And placed the beaming helmet on the ground;  
Then kiss'd the child, and, lifting high in air,  
Thus to the gods preferr'd a father's prayer:  
"O thou! whose glory fills the ethereal throne,  
And all ye deathless powers! protect my son!  
Grant him, like me, to purchase just renown,  
To guard the Trojans, to defend the crown,  
Against his country's foes the war to wage,  
And rise the Hector of the future age!  
So when triumphant from successful toils  
Of heroes slain he bears the reeking spoils,  
Whole hosts may hail him with deserved acclaim,  
279  


Page
277 278 279 280 281

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980