them by reminding them that the invincible Achilles was not in the field, and that the sun, yet high in the heavens, afforded ample time to snatch victory from defeat ere nightfall. But Pandarus and many of the Trojan host had been slain, and the result was so doubtful Hector agreed with Helenus the high-priest, that solemn supplication should be offered at the shrine of Pallas by Hecuba and other noble matrons.
Hostilities re- sumed and the Trojans retire.
Both armies rested on their arms during a short inter- val while Hector strode up to the citadel. To the women and children who asked news of their husbands, sons and brothers, he prudently replied that the result was un- certain and that prayer must be offered to the gods. Thence he sought his royal mother; evidently to bid her farewell. She entreated him to lay aside his armor and refresh himself with drink. But he replied, "My mother, wine is not for the soldier who would retain his senses for the dread requirements of battle. But lead the matrons of Troy to the shrine of Pallas, bearing the sacred peplus, while I go to arouse Paris to his duty in this crisis."
Hector now entered the apartments of Paris and Helen. Planting his spear, which was twelve cubits long, forcefully upon the tesselated floor he cried, "Is this a time, oh Paris, for you to show your hatred to Troy? Must you by your misconduct combine with the Greeks to dis- hearten the Trojans? Have you forgotten that it is on your account that the Trojans bleed? Is there no grati- tude in your soul for the calamities they have endured for you? If you would not see the flames bursting over these walls and your name consigned to eternal infamy, gird on your idle blade, and aid me to hurl back the enemy to the fleet."
Hector's final arrangements before renew- ing the fight.
-43-
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Publication Information: Book Title: Troy: Its Legend, History and Literature. Contributors: S. G. W. Benjamin - author. Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1880. Page Number: 43.
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