Athena Look! there I see Paris coming towards us; perhaps he has heard from the guard a vague rumor that foes are near.
Diomedes Are others with him or does he come alone?
Athena Alone; to Hector’s couch he seems to wend his way, to announce to him that spies are in the camp.
Diomedes Ought he not head the list of slain?
Athena You can not overreach destiny. It is not decreed that he should fall by your hand. But hasten on your mission of fore-ordained slaughter, while I, feigning to be Cypris, his ally, and to aid him in his efforts, will answer the foe with unsound words. I tell you this; but the fated victim does not know, nor has he heard, for all he is so near.
Paris To you I call, general and brother, Hector, are you asleep? Should you not awake? Some enemy draws near our army, or thieves perhaps, or spies.
Athena Courage! See, Cypris watches over you in gracious mood. Your warfare is my concern, for I do not forget the honor you once did me, and I thank you for your good service. And now, when the army of Troy is triumphant, I have come bringing to you a powerful friend, the Thracian child of the Muse, the heavenly singer; his father’s name is Strymon.
Paris Always to this city and to me you are a kind friend, and I am sure that decision I then made conferred you upon this city, the highest treasure life affords. I came when I heard a vague report—for a rumor prevailed among the guards—that Achaean spies are here. One man, that did not see them, says so, while another, that saw them come, cannot describe them; and so I am on my way to Hector’s tent.
Athena Fear nothing; all is quiet in the army, and Hector has gone to assign a sleeping-place to the Thracian army.
Paris You persuade me, and I believe your words, and will go to guard my post, free of fear.
Athena Go, for it is my pleasure ever to watch your interests, that so I may see my allies prosperous. Yes, and you too shall recognize my zeal. Son of Laertes, I bid you sheath your whetted swords, you warriors all too keen. For the Thracian chief lies dead and his horses are captured, but the enemy know it, and are coming against you; fly with all speed to the ships’ station. Why delay saving your lives, when the enemy’s storm is just bursting on you?
Cite This Text