the aged man himself Fed at the polished manger. These the king Yoked, aided by the herald, while in mind, Within the palace court, they both revolved Their prudent counsels. Hecuba, the queen, Came to them in deep sorrow. In her hand She bore a golden cup of delicate wine, That they might make libations and depart. She stood before the steeds, and thus she spake:—
“Take this, and pour to Father Jove, and pray That thou mayst safely leave the enemy’s camp For home, since ’tis thy will, though I dissuade, To go among the ships. Implore thou then The god of Ida and the gatherer Of the black tempest, Saturn’s son, who looks Down on all Troy, to send his messenger, His swift and favorite bird, of matchless strength, On thy right hand, that, with thine eye on him, Thou mayst with courage journey to the ships Of the Greek horsemen. But if Jupiter All-seeing should withhold his messenger, I cannot bid thee, eager as thou art, Adventure near the galleys of the Greeks.”
And thus the godlike Priam made reply: “Dear wife, indeed, I will not disobey Thy counsel; meet it is to raise our hands To Jove, and ask him to be merciful.”
He spake, and bade the attendant handmaid pour Pure water on his hands, for near him stood A maid who came and held a basin forth And ewer. When his hands were washed, he took The goblet from the queen, and then, in prayer, Stood in the middle of the court, and poured The wine, and, looking heavenward, spake aloud:—
“O Father Jove, most glorious and most great, Who rulest all from Ida, let me find Favor and pity with Achilles. Send A messenger, thy own swift, favorite bird, Of matchless strength, on my right hand, that I, Beholding him, may confidently pass To where the fleet of the Greek horsemen lies!”
Thus in his prayer he spake, and Jupiter, The All-disposer, hearkened, and sent forth An eagle, bird of surest augury, Named the Black Chaser,