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454 any of the other Greeks perceive him until he reach the son of Peleus."

Thus he spoke; nor did the messenger, the son of Argus, disobey. Immediately then he fastened under his feet his beautiful sandals, ambrosial, golden, which carry him as well over the sea, as over the boundless earth, with the blasts of the wind. He also took his rod, with which he soothes the eyes of those men whom he wishes, and again excites others who are asleep; holding this in his hands, the powerful slayer of Argus flew along. But he immediately reached the Troad and the Hellespont, and hastened to go, like unto a princely youth, first springing into youth, whose youth is very graceful. And they, when they had driven by the great tomb of Ilus, stopped their mules and horses, that they might drink in the river; for even now twilight had come over the earth. But the herald, spying, observed Mercury near, and addressed Priam, and said:

"Beware, O descendant of Dardanus; this is matter for prudent thought. I perceive a warrior, and I think that he will sonsoon [sic] destroy us. But come, let us fly upon our steeds; or let us now, grasping his knees, entreat him, if he would pity us." Thus he spoke, but the mind of the old man was confounded, and he greatly feared; but the hair stood upright on his bending limbs. And he stood stupefied; but Mercury himself coming near, taking the old man's hand, interrogated, and addressed him:

"Whither, O father, dost thou this way direct thy horses and mules during the ambrosial night, when other mortals are asleep? Dost thou not fear the valor-breathing Greeks, who, enemies and hostile to thee, are at hand? If any one of these should see you in the dark and dangerous night, bearing off so many valuables, what intention would then be toward thee? Neither art thou young thyself, and this [is] an old man who accompanies thee, to repel a warrior when first any may molest thee. But I will not do thee injury, but will avert another from thee, for I think thee like my dear father."

But him, Priam, the godlike old man, then answered.

"Surely these things are as thou sayest, my dear son.