“Ah me! If I should pass within the walls, Then will Polydamas be first to cast Reproach upon me; for he counselled me To lead the Trojans back into the town That fatal night which saw Achilles rise To join the war again. I yielded not To his advice; far better if I had. Now, since my fatal stubbornness has brought This ruin on my people, I most dread The censure of the men and long-robed dames Of Ilium. Men less brave than I will say, ‘Foolhardy Hector in his pride has thrown His people’s lives away.’ So will they speak, And better were it for me to return, Achilles slain, or, slain myself by him, To perish for my country gloriously. But should I lay aside this bossy shield And this stout helm, and lean against the wall This spear, and go to meet the gallant son Of Peleus, with a promise to restore Helen and all the treasure brought with her To Troy by Paris, in his roomy ships⁠— All that the war was waged for⁠—that the sons Of Atreus may convey it hence, besides