Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/46

18 nest by Simois her piteous plaint, sweet singer of the many trills; already along Ida's slopes they are pasturing the flocks, and o'er the night I catch the shrill pipe's note; sleep on my closing eyelids softly steals, the sweetest sleep that comes at dawn to tired eyes.


 * . Why doth not our scout draw near, whom Hector sent to spy the fleet?
 * He is so long away, I have my fears.
 * Is it possible he hath plunged into a hidden ambush and been slain?
 * Soon must we know.
 * My counsel is we go and rouse the Lycians to the fifth watch, as the lot ordained.

[Exit Semichorus.

Enter and cautiously with drawn swords.

. Didst not hear, O Diomedes, the clash of arms? or is it an idle noise that rings in my ears?

. Nay, 'tis the rattle of steel harness on the chariot-rails; me, too, did fear assail, till I perceived 'twas but the clang of horses' chains.

. Beware thou stumble not upon the guard in the darkness.

. I will take good care how I advance even in this gloom.

. If however thou shouldst rouse them, dost know their watchword?

. Yea, 'tis "Phœbus;" I heard Dolon use it.

. Ha! the foe I see have left this bivouac.

. Yet Dolon surely said that here was Hector's couch, against whom this sword of mine is drawn.

. What can it mean? Is his company withdrawn elsewhere?

. Perhaps to form some stratagem against us.