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HOMER. ILIAD.

BOOK I.

SING the revenge, O Muse, of divine Peleid Achilles,

Deadly, with myriad woes which loaded the sons of Achæa,

Hurling souls unnumbered of heroes mighty to Pluto's Darksome abode : and gave their carcases unto devouring Dogs and the birds of ravin a spoil: so wrought to achieve

ment

Jupiter's will; since riven asunder in anger Atrides

Strove, king sovran of men, and Achilles, peer to Immortals. Which of the gods excited the discord fierce of the chieftains? Leto's son 'twas and Jove's: who, wroth with the sovran, a sickness

B

5

and wasted before it the ΙΟ

Evil aroused in the army,

people.

Angered because Atrides in height of pride had affronted

Chryses, man of prayer; who unto the fleet of Achæa

Came to redeem his daughter, and ransom inestimate

off'ring:

Crowns in his hands proposing of far-destroying Apollo

Wreathed on a golden sceptre; and urged with entreaty the 15

Grecians

All, but most the Atridæ, the orderers twain of the people.
Hail to ye, Atrëus' children, and men well-greaved of Achæa !
Grant ye the Gods immortal, above enthroned on Olympus,
Ilion haughty to ruin, and home fair voyage accomplish :
Yea, and release my daughter, and deign to the ransom

acceptance,

Fearing the Jove-born archer, the far-destroying Apollo.

Then from princes and people acclaim rang forth of

approving

Shout, that revered be the priest, and the glorious ransom

accepted;

But not so was it pleasing to Atreus' son Agamemnon,

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