Stasimon 1
[Episode]
It pleases me well; so change your mind and adopt this counsel. I do not love hazardous commands in generals. What is better than for a swift-footed spy to approach the ships
Chorus
and learn why our foes are lighting fires in front of their naval station?
135
Hector
Since this finds favor with you all, prevail. To Aeneas. Go and calm the allies; perhaps the army hearing of our midnight council is disturbed.
Mine shall it be to send one forth to spy upon the foe. And if I discover any plot among them, you shall fully hear of it and be present to learn the report; but in case they are starting off in flight, with eager ear await the trumpet’s call,
140
for then I will not stay, but will this very night engage the Argive army there where their ships are hauled up.
145
Aeneas
Send out the spy at once; there’s safety in your counsels now. And you shall find me steadfast at your side, whenever occasion calls.
Hector
What Trojan of those present in council
volunteers to go and spy on the Argive fleet? Who will be that patriot? Who says yes? I myself cannot at every point serve my country and my friends in arms.
150
Dolon
I for my country will gladly run this risk
and go to spy on the Argive fleet, and when I have learned fully all that the Achaeans plot I will return. I undertake this toil on these conditions.
155
Hector
True to his name indeed, his country’s friend is Dolon. Your father’s house was famed before,
but now you have made it doubly so.
160
Dolon
So must I toil, but for my pains I should receive fitting wages. For set a reward on any deed, and it breeds a double favor.
Hector
Yes, that is fair; I cannot dispute it.
Name your wage, except for my sovereignty.
165
Dolon
I do not covet your toilsome sovereignty.
Hector
Well then, marry a daughter of Priam and become my brother-in-law.
Dolon
No, I do not wish to marry among those beyond my station.
Hector
There’s gold, if this you’ll claim as your prize.
Dolon
I have it in my home; I lack no sustenance.
170
Hector
What then is your desire of all that Ilium stores within her?
Dolon
Promise me my gift when you conquer the Achaeans.
Hector
I will give it to you; ask anything except the captains of the fleet.
Dolon
Slay them; I do not ask you to keep your hand off Menelaus.
Hector
Is it the son of Oileus you would ask me for?
175
Dolon
Hands that are well brought up are worthless at farming.
Hector
Whom then of the Achaeans will you have alive to hold to ransom?
Dolon
I told you before, my house is stored with gold.
Hector
Why then, you shall come and with your own hands choose out some spoil.
Dolon
Nail up the spoils for the gods on their temples.
180
