And then he came to Priam’s noble hall— A palace built with graceful porticos, And fifty chambers near each other, walled With polished stone, the rooms of Priam’s sons And of their wives; and opposite to these Twelve chambers for his daughters, also near Each other; and, with polished marble walls, The sleeping-rooms of Priam’s sons-in-law And their unblemished consorts. There he met His gentle mother on her way to seek Her fairest child, Laodice. She took His hand and held it fast, while thus she spake:—
“Why art thou come, my child, and why hast left The raging fight? Full hard these hateful Greeks Press us, in fighting round the city-walls. Thy heart, I know, hath moved thee to repair To our high citadel, and lift thy hands In prayer to Jupiter. But stay thou here Till I bring pleasant wine, that thou mayst pour A part to Jove and to the other gods, And drink and be refreshed; for wine restores Strength to the weary, and I know that thou Art weary, fighting for thy countrymen.”
Great Hector of the crested helm replied:— “My honored mother, bring not pleasant wine, Lest that unman me, and my wonted might And valor leave me. I should fear to