“O friends, Achaian heroes, ministers Of Mars! Whoever rises up to speak ’Tis well to hear him through, and not break in Upon his speech, else is the most expert Confounded. Who amid a clamorous throng Can listen or can speak? The orator Of clearest voice must utter it in vain. Now I address Pelides; for the rest, Hearken ye all, and ponder what I say. The Greeks speak often of this feud, and cast The blame on me. Yet was I not the cause, But Jupiter and Fate, and she who walks In darkness, dread Erynnis. It was they Who filled my mind with fury in the hour When from Achilles I bore off his prize. What could I do? A deity prevails In all things, Atè, mighty to destroy, Daughter of Jove, and held in awe by all. Delicate are her feet; she never comes Near to the ground, but glides above the heads Of men, to do them harm, and in her net Entangles one at least of two who strive. Jove, deemed the mightiest among men and gods, Once felt her power of mischief. Him his spouse,