Hector: Why then, thou shalt come and with thine own hands choose out some spoil.
Dolon: Nail up the spoils for the gods on their temple walls.
Hector: Prithee, what higher prize than these wilt ask me for?
Dolon: Achilles' coursers. Needs must the prize be worth the toil
when one stakes one's life on Fortune's die.
Hector: Ah! but thy wishes clash with mine anent those steeds; for
of immortal stock, they and their sires before them, are those horses
that bear the son of Peleus on his headlong course. Them did king
Poseidon, ocean's god, break and give to Peleus, so runs the legend-yet,
for I did urge thee on, I will not break my word; to thee will I give
Achilles' team, to add a splendour to thy house.
Dolon: I thank thee; in receiving them I avow I am taking a fairer
gift than any other Phrygian for my bravery. Yet thee it needs not
to be envious; countless joys besides this will glad thy heart in
thy kingship o'er this land. (Exit Hector.)
Studies
