Part 8 (2/2)

And near him, by his Thracian chariot bound, Two snow-white coursers gleam against the wan Moon, like the white wing of a river swan.

Their master slain, take these to thine own hearth, A wondrous spoil; there hides not upon earth A chariot-team of war so swift and fair.

ODYSSEUS.

Say, Diomede, wilt make the men thy share, Or catch the steeds and leave the fight to me?

DIOMEDE. [vv. 624-638]

I take the killing, thou the stablery: It needs keen wit and a neat hand. The post A man should take is where he helpeth most.

ATHENA.

Behold, 'tis Paris, hasting there toward This tent. Methinks he knoweth from the guard Some noise of prowling Argives. .h.i.ther blown.

DIOMEDE.

Comes he alone or with his guards?

ATHENA.

Alone; Toward Hector's quarters, as I deem, he plies His message. He hath heard some tale of spies.

DIOMEDE.

Then he shall be the first dead Trojan!

ATHENA.

No; Beyond the ordained end thou canst not go.

Fate hath not willed that Paris by thy deed Shall die; it is another who must bleed To-night. Therefore be swift!

[_Exeunt_ ODYSSEUS _and_ DIOMEDE.

For me, my guise Shall melt and change in Alexander's eyes, Yea, till he dream 'tis Cypris, his delight And help in need, that meets him in the night, And soft shall be my words to him I hate. [vv. 639-658]

So speak I; but on whom my spell is set He hears not, sees not, though so near I stand.

[_She becomes invisible where she stands._

_Enter_ PARIS.

PARIS.

Ho, Hector! Brother! General of the land!

Sleepest thou still? We need thy waking sight.

Our guards have marked some prowler of the night, We know not if a mere thief or a spy.

[ATHENA _becomes visible again, but seems changed and her voice softer_.

ATHENA.

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