Chose out fair-cheeked Briseis. Thereupon Came Chryses, priest of him who smites from far, With ransom measureless to buy his child: The Smiter's, high upon a staff of gold. To all the Greeks he prayed, but chief of all 410 Forthwith from all the Greeks came loud acclaim: Take the rich ransom, reverence the priest.' 415 The soul of Agamemnon, Atreus' son, Alone it liked not: scornfully he bade him Begone, and laid on him a hard command. "Back went in wrath that old man and his prayer Apollo heard, because he loved him well: And hurled his fell shaft on us; heaps on heaps 420 "My voice first bid them reconcile the god. But rage seized Atreus' son. He rose up straight, 426 And threatened that which, lo! is brought to pass. 430 For her the keen-eyed Greeks are carrying now Of times when of immortals thou alone 436 Didst shield from foul destruction him who dwells In darkness and in clouds, Croníon named; 440 The blessed gods-would bind him. Thou didst come, Goddess, and loose his bonds, and summon quick Into the broad heaven him of hundred hands Gods call him Briareus, Ægeon men Him who excels in bodily force his sire. By Zeus he sate down, glorying in his might. 445 Cowed were the blessed gods, and bound him not. "Remember this: sit near him: clasp his knees: Pray that he find some way to succour Troy: And them-the Greeks-push ev'n to their ships' sterns, To die amid the waters, that all know 450 How much they owe their King; and Atreus' son, And Thetis answered, letting fall a tear. 455 Now passing sad thy days, as passing brief: 460 466 To ocean, went, with all the gods, to feast. The twelfth day he'll return Olympusward. And clasp his knees; and surely he'll repent." 470 She said: and vanishing left him, vexed at heart All for that graceful maiden, whom by force And violence they had ta'en. Odysseus reached Chryse meanwhile, with holy sacrifice. Now, the deep harbour gained, they furled and stowed 475 In the dark ship their sails; placed mast in crutch, Placed in her father's hand her hand, and spake. "Priest! Atreus' son hath sent me, King of men, To bring thy child, and holy sacrifice Make for the Greeks; and reconcile the King, Who now brings many sorrows on the host." 485 He spake, and gave her to his hand: who took His child rejoicing. Swiftly then they ranged 490 Round the fair altar that brave sacrifice : Held up, with washen hands, the barley grains: And then with lifted arm the priest made solemn prayer. "Oh! hear me, thou who standest round about Chryse and sacred Cilla: mighty lord Of Tenedos, who wield'st the silver bow! and sore, 495 Surely thou heard'st me heretofore; From foul Greeks." So spake he and Apollo heard his prayer. : 500 They having knelt, and strewed the barley grains, 505 wine, The warriors standing by with fivepronged forks: |