The Iliad of Homer


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363 364 365 366 367

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The sire revenges for the daughters' sake;  
From Jove commission'd, fierce injustice then  
Descends to punish unrelenting men.  
O let not headlong passion bear the sway  
These reconciling goddesses obey  
Due honours to the seed of Jove belong,  
Due honours calm the fierce, and bend the strong.  
Were these not paid thee by the terms we bring,  
Were rage still harbour'd in the haughty king;  
Nor Greece nor all her fortunes should engage  
Thy friend to plead against so just a rage.  
But since what honour asks the general sends,  
And sends by those whom most thy heart commends;  
The best and noblest of the Grecian train;  
Permit not these to sue, and sue in vain!  
Let me (my son) an ancient fact unfold,  
A great example drawn from times of old;  
Hear what our fathers were, and what their praise,  
Who conquer'd their revenge in former days.  
"
Where Calydon on rocky mountains stands(212)  
Once fought the Ætolian and Curetian bands;  
To guard it those; to conquer, these advance;  
And mutual deaths were dealt with mutual chance.  
The silver Cynthia bade contention rise,  
In vengeance of neglected sacrifice;  
365  


Page
363 364 365 366 367

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980