in portions which they fixed on spits, And roasted carefully, and drew them back. And then Automedon distributed The bread in shapely canisters around The table, while Achilles served the flesh, And all put forth their hands and shared the feast. But when their thirst and hunger were appeased, Dardanian Priam fixed a wondering look Upon Achilles, who in nobleness Of form was like the gods. Achilles fixed A look of equal wonder on his guest, Dardanian Priam, for he much admired His gracious aspect and his pleasant speech. And when at length they both withdrew their gaze, Priam, the godlike Ancient, spake, and said:—
“Nursling of Jove, dismiss me speedily To rest, that we may lie, and be refreshed With gentle slumbers. Never have these eyes Been closed beneath their lids, since by thy hand My Hector lost his life; and evermore I mourn and cherish all my griefs, and writhe Upon the ground within my palace courts; But I have taken food at last, and drunk Draughts of red wine, untasted till this hour.”
Achilles bade the attending men and maids Place couches in the porch, and over them Draw sumptuous purple mats on which to lay Embroidered tapestries, and on each of these Spread a