Hector What Trojan of those present in council volunteers to go and spy on the Argive fleet? Who will be that patriot? Who says yes? I myself cannot at every point serve my country and my friends in arms.
Dolon I for my country will gladly run this risk and go to spy on the Argive fleet, and when I have learned fully all that the Achaeans plot I will return. I undertake this toil on these conditions.
Hector True to his name indeed, his country’s friend is Dolon. Your father’s house was famed before, but now you have made it doubly so.
Dolon So must I toil, but for my pains I should receive fitting wages. For set a reward on any deed, and it breeds a double favor.
Hector Yes, that is fair; I cannot dispute it. Name your wage, except for my sovereignty.
Dolon I do not covet your toilsome sovereignty.
Hector Well then, marry a daughter of Priam and become my brother-in-law.
Dolon No, I do not wish to marry among those beyond my station.
Hector There’s gold, if this you’ll claim as your prize.
Dolon I have it in my home; I lack no sustenance.
Hector What then is your desire of all that Ilium stores within her?
Dolon Promise me my gift when you conquer the Achaeans.
Hector I will give it to you; ask anything except the captains of the fleet.
Dolon Slay them; I do not ask you to keep your hand off Menelaus.
Hector Is it the son of Oileus you would ask me for?
Dolon Hands that are well brought up are worthless at farming.
Hector Whom then of the Achaeans will you have alive to hold to ransom?
Dolon I told you before, my house is stored with gold.
Hector Why then, you shall come and with your own hands choose out some spoil.
Dolon Nail up the spoils for the gods on their temples.
Hector Then what greater prize than these will you ask me for?
Dolon Achilles’ horses. The prize must be worth the toil when one stakes one’s life on Fortune’s dice.
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