penetrate into the Trojan camp, There are the Thracians, newly come, apart From all the others: with them is their king, Rhesus, the son of Eioneus; his steeds Are far the largest and most beautiful I ever saw—the snow is not so white, The wind is not so swift. His chariot shines With gold and silver, and the coat of mail In which he came to Troy is all of gold, And gloriously and marvellously bright, Such as becomes not mortal men to wear, But the gods only. Now to your swift Ships Lead me; or bind me fast with thongs, and here Leave me till your return; and ye shall know Whether the words I speak be true or false.”
Then sternly spake the gallant Diomed:— “Once in our hands a prisoner, do not think, O Dolon! to escape, though thou hast told Things that shall profit us. For if we now Release thee thou wilt surely come again To the Greek fleet, a spy, or openly To fight against us. If I take thy life, ’Tis certain thou wilt harm the Greeks no more.”
He spake. And as the suppliant took his chin In his large hand, and had begun a prayer, He smote