The Iliad

To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief, Charg'd with the public weal, and cares of state.

yet nought avail'd His gold to save him from the doom of death;

but now old age, The common lot of mortals, weighs thee down;

Yet with the chariots can I still go forth, And aid with sage advice: for such the right And privilege of age;

"Atrides, speak not falsely: well thou know'st The truth, that we our fathers far surpass.

but the Gods On man bestow not all their gifts at once;

Ye slaves! ye coward souls! Women of Greece! I will not call you men!

"Expect not, Juno, all my mind to know; My wife thou art, yet would such knowledge be Too much for thee; whate'er I deem it fit That thou shouldst know, nor God nor man shall hear Before thee; but what I in secret plan, Seek not to know, nor curiously inquire."

How wouldst thou render vain, and void of fruit, My weary labour and my horses' toil, To stir the people, and on Priam's self, And Priam's offspring, bring disastrous fate? Do as thou wilt! yet not with our consent."

If he be not indeed a God, incens'd Against the Trojans for neglected rites; For fearful is the vengeance of a God."