Priam

For while, the queen awaiting, round he gazed, / and marvelled at he happy town, and scanned / the rival labours of each craftman's hand, / behold, Troy's battles on the walls appear, / the war, since noised through many a distant land, / there Priam and th' Atridae twain, and here / Achilles, fierce to both, still ruthless and severe.

"See our Priam! Even here / worth wins her due, and there are tears to flow, / and human hearts to feel for human woe."

Sighing he sees him, chariot, arms and all, / and Priam, spreading helpless hands in vain.

With various talks the night poor Dido wore, / and drank deep love, and nursed her inward flame, / of Priam much she asks, of Hector more, / now in what arms Aurora's offspring came, / of Diomede's horses and Achilles' fame.

"In sight of Troy lies Tenedos, an isle / renowned and rich, while Priam held command, / now a mere bay and roadstead fraught with guile. / Thus far they sailed, and on the lonely strand / lay hid,"

"Lo, now to Priam, with exulting cries, / the Dardan shepherds drag a youth unknown, / with hands fast pinioned, and in captive guise. / Caught on the way, by cunning of his own, / this end to compass, and betray the town. / Prepared for either venture, void or fear, / the crafty purpose of his mind to crown, / or meet sure death."

"Priam bids the cords unbind, / and thus with friendly words the captive cheers:"

Bared stands the inmost palace, and behold, / the stately chambers and the courts appear / of Priam and the Trojan Kings of old, / and warders at the door with shield an spear.

Haply the fate of Priam thou would'st know.

But when in youthful arms came Priam near, / "Ah, hapless lord!" she cries, "what mad desire / arms thee for battle? Why this sword and spear? / And whither art thou hurrying?"