Iliad

but I beat him, and threw farther with my spear than either Phyleus or Polydoros. In chariot-racing alone did the two sons of Aktor surpass me by crowding their horses in front of me, for they were angry at the way victory had gone, and at the greater part of the prizes remaining in the place in which they had been offered. They were twins, and the one kept on holding the reins, and holding the reins, while the other plied the whip. Such was I then, but now I must leave these matters to younger men; I must bow before the weight of years, but in those days I was eminent among heroes. And now, sir, go on with the funeral contests [ athloi ] in honor of your comrade: gladly do I accept this urn, and my heart rejoices that you do not forget me but are ever mindful of my goodwill towards you, and of the respect [ timê ] due to me from the Achaeans. For all which may the grace [ kharis ] of heaven be granted you in great abundance."

IliadBook 23, Line 636Samuel ButlerEnglishVerse permalinkRead in Book 23

HomerProseID iliad-iliad-butler-en-prose-23-636