“Hearken, ye Trojans and ye nobly-armed Achaians, to what Paris says by me. He bids the Trojans and the Greeks lay down Their shining arms upon the teeming earth, And he and Menelaus, loved of Mars, Will strive in single combat, on the ground Between the hosts, for Helen and her wealth; And he who shall o’ercome, and prove himself The better warrior, to his home shall bear The treasure and the woman, while the rest Shall frame a solemn covenant of peace.”

He spake, and both the hosts in silence heard. Then Menelaus, great in battle, said:⁠—