The Iliad of Homer


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And those swift steeds that sweep the ranks of war,  
Urged me, unwilling, this attempt to make;  
To learn what counsels, what resolves you take:  
If now subdued, you fix your hopes on flight,  
And, tired with toils, neglect the watch of night."  
"Bold was thy aim, and glorious was the prize,  
(
Ulysses, with a scornful smile, replies,)  
Far other rulers those proud steeds demand,  
And scorn the guidance of a vulgar hand;  
Even great Achilles scarce their rage can tame,  
Achilles sprung from an immortal dame.  
But say, be faithful, and the truth recite!  
Where lies encamp'd the Trojan chief to-night?  
Where stand his coursers? in what quarter sleep  
Their other princes? tell what watch they keep:  
Say, since this conquest, what their counsels are;  
Or here to combat, from their city far,  
Or back to Ilion's walls transfer the war?"  
Ulysses thus, and thus Eumedes' son:  
"What Dolon knows, his faithful tongue shall own.  
Hector, the peers assembling in his tent,  
A council holds at Ilus' monument.  
No certain guards the nightly watch partake;  
Where'er yon fires ascend, the Trojans wake:  
394  


Page
392 393 394 395 396

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980