Yet thou alone didst dare espouse his cause,

And hadst no heart to insult this dumb cold clay,

Like yonder crack-brained chief of the host who came,

He and his brother general, with intent

To cast him forth defamed without a grave.

For that may he who rules in heaven supreme,

And the Erinys who forgetteth not,

And Justice who accomplisheth the end,

Curse those accursed sinners and confound them,

E’en as they would have wronged the innocent dead.

But for thine aid in these our funeral rites,

Son of Laertes, old and honoured chief,

I must reject the service, though full loath,

Lest I should do displeasure to the dead.

In all the rest be one of us, and if

Thou wouldst invite some comrade from the camp

To join the mourning, we shall welcome him

All else I will provide. Rest well assured,

We reckon thee a true great-hearted friend.

Well I was fain to assist, but if your will

Consents not, I will acquiesce and go.

Enough: too long have we delayed.

Go some with mattock armed and spade,

Dig the grave pit speedily;

Lustral waters to supply,

Others set the cauldron high,

Piling around it faggots dry,

Let another band be sent

To fetch his harness from his tent.