Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/47

Rh. Like enough, for Hector now is grown quite bold by reason of his victory.

. What then are we to do, Odysseus? we have not found our man asleep; our hopes are dashed.

. Let us to the fleet with what speed we may. Some god, whiche'er it be that gives him his good luck, is preserving him; 'gainst fate we must not strive.

. Well, we twain must go against Æneas or Paris, most hateful of Phrygians, and with our swords cut off their heads.

. How, pray, in the darkness canst thou find them amid a hostile army, and slay them without risk?

. Yet 'twere base to go unto the Argive ships if we have worked the enemy no harm.

. What! no harm! Have we not slain Dolon who spied upon the anchored fleet, and have we not his spoils safe here? Dost thou expect to sack the entire camp? Be led by me, let us return; and good luck go with us!

. Whither away from the Trojan ranks, with sorrow gnawing at your hearts, because fortune granteth not you twain to slay Hector or Paris? Have ye not heard that Rhesus is come to succour Troy in no mean sort? If he survive this night until to-morrow's dawn, neither Achilles nor Aias, stout spearman, can stay him from utterly destroying the Argive fleet, razing its palisades and carrying the onslaught of his lance far and wide within the gates; slay him, and all is thine; let Hector's sleep alone, nor hope to leave him a weltering trunk; for he shall find death at another hand.

. Queen Athena, 'tis the well-known accent of thy voice I hear; for thou art ever at my side to help me in my toil. Tell us where the warrior lies asleep, in what part of the barbarian army he is stationed.

. Here lies he close at hand, not marshalled with the other troops, but outside the ranks hath Hector given him quarters, till night gives place to day. And nigh him are