Book XIX - Page 2

men, he too wounded, for Coon son of Antenor had struck

him with a spear in battle.

When the Achaeans were got together Achilles rose and said, "Son

of Atreus, surely it would have been better alike for both you

and me, when we two were in such high anger about Briseis, surely

it would have been better, had Diana's arrow slain her at the

ships on the day when I took her after having sacked Lyrnessus.

For so, many an Achaean the less would have bitten dust before

the foe in the days of my anger. It has been well for Hector and

the Trojans, but the Achaeans will long indeed remember our

quarrel. Now, however, let it be, for it is over. If we have been

angry, necessity has schooled our anger. I put it from me: I dare

not nurse it for ever; therefore, bid the Achaeans arm forthwith

that I may go out against the Trojans, and learn whether they

will be in a mind to sleep by the ships or no. Glad, I ween, will

he be to rest his knees who may fly my spear when I wield it."

Thus did he speak, and the Achaeans rejoiced in that he had put

away his anger.

Then Agamemnon spoke, rising in his place, and not going into the

middle of the assembly. "Danaan heroes," said he, "servants of

Mars, it is well to listen when a man stands up to speak, and it

is not seemly to interrupt him, or it will go hard even with a

practised speaker. Who can either hear or speak in an uproar?

Even the finest orator will be disconcerted by it. I will expound

to the son of Peleus, and do you other Achaeans heed me and mark

me well. Often have the Achaeans spoken to me of this matter and

upbraided me, but it was not I that did it: Jove, and Fate, and

Erinys that walks in darkness struck me mad when we were

assembled on the day that I took from Achilles the meed that had

been awarded to him. What could I do? All things are in the hand

of heaven, and Folly, eldest of Jove's daughters, shuts men's

eyes to their destruction. She walks delicately, not on the solid

earth, but hovers over the heads of men to make them stumble or

to ensnare them.

"Time was when she fooled Jove himself, who they say is greatest

whether of gods or men; for Juno, woman though she was, beguiled

him on the day when Alcmena was to bring forth mighty Hercules in

the fair city of Thebes. He told it out among the gods saying,

'Hear me, all gods and goddesses, that I may speak even as I am

minded; this day shall an Ilithuia, helper of women who are in

labour, bring a man child into the world who shall be lord over

all that dwell about him who are of my blood and lineage.' Then