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The Iliad; - Truth Seeker Times

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

Lest I (beloved as thou art) beneath my eyes behold thee<br />

Well lasb'd and thrash'd; nor then shall I (tho' anguishfStruck) be able<br />

To succour : for the Olympian is troublous to enconnter.<br />

For once upon a time before, when I to aid was eager, 590<br />

Hitch'd by the foot, me toss'dhe down from the celestial threshold.<br />

<strong>The</strong> livelong day was I in course ; and when the sun was setting,<br />

I came to ground on Lemnos' isle, and little breath was in me.<br />

But quickly there the Sintians did from the fall recruit me."<br />

Thus prattled he, and mov'd a smile to Juno, whitearm'd goddess, 595<br />

Who, smiling, from her kindly son in hand the cup accepted.<br />

But he to all the other gods, from right to left proceeding.<br />

Cup-bearer acted, from the bowl teeming the luscious nectar.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n rose among the blessed gods interminable laughter,<br />

Vulcan to see across the halls so diligent in service. 600<br />

Thus then, throughout the livelong day, until the sun was setting,<br />

<strong>The</strong>y banqueted ; nor did their soul lack well-proportion'd banquet.<br />

Nor yet the harp so beautiful, in hand of bright ApoUo,<br />

And Muses, who with dainty voice sang each to each responding.<br />

But when the brilliant light of sun had sunk beneath the ocean, 605<br />

To take their rest then wended they each to his proper dwelling.<br />

Where with sagacious handicraft the greatly-famous Vulcan<br />

<strong>The</strong> doubly dextrous, had prepar'd for every one his mansion.<br />

And Jove, the Olympian lightener, to his own bed proceeded.<br />

Where erst itwas his wont to mount, when press'd by gentle slumber: 610<br />

<strong>The</strong>re rested he : and by his side lay golden-throned Juno.<br />

591. Celestial: " needing divine language to express ;" j. e. supernatural. I<br />

sometimes render it unearthly.<br />

608. BouUy dextrous, using both hands with equal skill

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