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The Iliad; - Truth Seeker Times

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6 THE ILIAD. [book i.<br />

My hands administer ; but if perchance a distribution<br />

Arrive, thy share is larger far; and I unto my galleys<br />

My portion, small but cherish' d, bear, when wearied with fighting-.<br />

But now to Phthia will I go, sith better far I find it<br />

Home to return with crested ships ; nor, staying here dishonour'd, 170<br />

For thee intend I floods to teem of opulence and riches."<br />

<strong>The</strong>n Agamemnon, prince of men, to him in turn responded :<br />

" riee surely, if thy temper thus persuadeth ; nor entreat I<br />

That thou on score of me remain : for at my side are others.<br />

Enough to honour me;—and Jove, the Couusellor, is foremost. 175<br />

Of all Jove-nurtur'd kings, than thee, none is to me more hateful<br />

For alway feud to thee is dear, and violence and combat.<br />

If excellent thy prowess is,— I trow, 'tis God that gave it.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n hie thee homeward on thy ships, along with thy companions.<br />

And to the Myrmidons be prince : but I about thee fret not, 180<br />

Nor to thy mood of wrath give heed ; nay, thus to thee I threaten<br />

Sith of Chryseis bright Apollo willeth to despoil me.<br />

Her, in a galley of my own, by hand of my companions.<br />

Shall I escort ; but I myself unto thy tent proceeding.<br />

May carry off Iby proper prize, the dainty-cheek'd Briseis, 185<br />

And teach thee my pre-eminence, and make all others shudder<br />

To hold pretensions side by side and think to play my equal."<br />

Thus spake he.and in Peleus' son a pang of grief implanted.<br />

<strong>The</strong> heart within his shaggy chest with double purpose falter'd.<br />

Whether from side of thigh to draw the keenly-whetted cutlass, 190<br />

And put the assembly to the rout, and slay the son of Atreus,<br />

Or to allay his bitterness, and bridle in his passion.<br />

While all his bosom and his soul in such debate did struggle,<br />

(^nd he in sheath the weighty sword was jerking ;—lo I Athene<br />

Prom heav'n descended, forward sent by Juno,white-arm'd goddess, 195<br />

IVhose heart for both of them avow'd anxiety and kindness.<br />

Behind him, by his auburn hair she grasp'd the son of Peleus,<br />

\xA stood, to him alone reveal'd ; but none beside him saw her.<br />

?irst marvell'd he ; then was abash 'd, when quickly he distinguish 'd<br />

Maiden Athene : dreadfully her two eyes beam'd upon him. 200<br />

171. Teem (Northern and Scotch) to empty out— pour out.<br />

; :

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