The Iliad of Homer


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(The gift of Mysia to the Trojan king.)  
But the fair horses, long his darling care,  
Himself received, and harness'd to his car:  
Grieved as he was, he not this task denied;  
The hoary herald help'd him, at his side.  
While careful these the gentle coursers join'd,  
Sad Hecuba approach'd with anxious mind;  
A golden bowl that foam'd with fragrant wine,  
(
Libation destined to the power divine,)  
Held in her right, before the steed she stands,  
And thus consigns it to the monarch's hands:  
"Take this, and pour to Jove; that safe from harms  
His grace restore thee to our roof and arms.  
Since victor of thy fears, and slighting mine,  
Heaven, or thy soul, inspires this bold design;  
Pray to that god, who high on Ida's brow  
Surveys thy desolated realms below,  
His winged messenger to send from high,  
And lead thy way with heavenly augury:  
Let the strong sovereign of the plumy race  
Tower on the right of yon ethereal space.  
That sign beheld, and strengthen'd from above,  
Boldly pursue the journey mark'd by Jove:  
But if the god his augury denies,  
Suppress thy impulse, nor reject advice."  
859  


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857 858 859 860 861

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980