entered thus The enemy’s town, and walked its spacious streets. Another man he seemed in that disguise— A beggar, though when at the Achaian fleet So different was the semblance that he wore. He entered Ilium thus transformed, and none Knew who it was that passed, but I perceived, And questioned him; he turned my quest aside With crafty answers. After I had seen The bath administered, anointed him And clothed him, and had sworn a solemn oath Not to reveal his visit to the men Of Ilium till he reached again the tents And galleys, then he opened to me all The plans of the Achaians. Leaving me, On his return he slew with his long spear Full many a Trojan, and in safety reached The Argive camp with tidings for the host. Then wept aloud the Trojan dames, but I Was glad at heart, for I already longed For my old home, and deeply I deplored The evil fate that Venus brought on me, Who led me thither from my own dear land, And from my daughter and my marriage-bower, And from my lawful spouse, in whom I missed No noble gift of person or of mind.”
Then fair-haired Menelaus said to her:— “All thou hast spoken, woman, is most true. Of many