Page:Iliad of Homer - Bryant - 1870.djvu/32

4 Since now our aim is baffled, to return Homeward, if death o'ertake us not; for war And pestilence at once destroy the Greeks. But let us first consult some seer or priest, Or dream-interpreter,for even dreams Are sent by Jove,and ask him by what cause Phœbus Apollo has been angered thus; If by neglected vows or hecatombs, And whether savor of fat bulls and goats May move the god to stay the pestilence."
 * He spake, and took again his seat ; and next

Rose Calchas, son of Thestor, and the chief Of augurs, one to whom were known things past And present and to come. He, through the art Of divination, which Apollo gave, Had guided Iliumward the ships of Greece. With words well ordered courteously he spake:
 * "Achilles, loved of Jove, thou biddest me

Explain the wrath of Phœbus, monarch-god, Who sends afar his arrows. Willingly Will I make known the cause; but covenant thou, And swear to stand prepared, by word and hand, To bring me succor. For my mind misgives That he who rules the Argives, and to whom The Achaian race are subject, will be wroth. A sovereign is too strong for humbler men, And though he keep his choler down awhile, It rankles, till he sate it, in his heart. And now consider: wilt thou hold me safe?"