Verse
Iliad
Book 9, Line 9 by Samuel Butler (English)
The son of Atreus in dismay bade the heralds call the people to a council man by man, but not to cry the matter aloud; he made haste also himself to call them, and they sat sorry at heart in their assembly. Agamemnon shed tears as it were a running stream or cataract on the side of some sheer cliff; and thus, with many a heavy sigh he spoke to the Achaeans. "My friends," said he, "princes and councilors, Zeus has tied down with ruin [ atê ] more than any other Argive . The cruel god gave me his solemn promise that I should sack the city of Troy before returning, but he has played me false, and is now bidding me go back to Argos with bad kleos and with the loss of many people. Such is the will of Zeus, who has laid many a proud city in the dust as he will yet lay others, for his power is above all. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say and sail back to our own country, for we shall not take Troy ."
IliadBook 9, Line 9Samuel ButlerEnglishVerse permalinkRead in Book 9
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