He spake, and both the Greeks and Trojans heard His words with joy, and hoped the hour was come To end the hard-fought war. They reined their steeds Back to the ranks, alighted, and put off Their armor, which they laid upon the ground Near them in piles, with little space between.

Then Hector sent two heralds forth with speed Into the town, to bring the lambs and call King Priam. Meanwhile Agamemnon bade Talthybius seek the hollow ships and find A lamb for the altar. He obeyed the words Of noble Agamemnon, king of men.