Epeisodion 3
Athena
Look! there I see Paris coming towards us; perhaps he has heard from the guard a vague rumor that foes are near.
Diomedes
Are others with him or does he come alone?
630
Athena
Alone; to Hector’s couch he seems to wend his way, to announce to him that spies are in the camp.
Diomedes
Ought he not head the list of slain?
Athena
You can not overreach destiny.
It is not decreed that he should fall by your hand. But hasten on your mission of fore-ordained slaughter, while I, feigning to be Cypris, his ally, and to aid him in his efforts, will answer the foe with unsound words.
635
I tell you this; but the fated victim does not know, nor has he heard, for all he is so near. Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes.
640
Paris
To you I call, general and brother, Hector, are you asleep? Should you not awake? Some enemy draws near our army,
or thieves perhaps, or spies.
645
Athena
Courage! See, Cypris watches over you in gracious mood. Your warfare is my concern, for I do not forget the honor you once did me, and I thank you for your good service. And now, when the army of Troy is triumphant,
I have come bringing to you a powerful friend, the Thracian child of the Muse, the heavenly singer; his father’s name is Strymon.
650
Paris
Always to this city and to me you are a kind friend, and I am sure that decision I then made
conferred you upon this city, the highest treasure life affords. I came when I heard a vague report—for a rumor prevailed amlng the guards—that Achaean spies are here. One man, that did not see them, says so, while another, that saw them come, cannot describe them;
655
and so I am on my way to Hector’s tent.
660
Athena
Fear nothing; all is quiet in the army, and Hector has gone to assign a sleeping-place to the Thracian army.
Paris
You persuade me, and I believe your words, and will go to guard my post, free of fear.
Athena
Go, for it is my pleasure ever to watch your interests, that so I may see my allies prosperous. Yes, and you too shall recognize my zeal. Exit Paris.
665
In a loud voice, to Odysseus and Diomedes. Son of Laertes, I bid you sheath your whetted swords, you warriors all too keen.
For the Thracian chief lies dead and his horses are captured, but the enemy know it, and are coming against you; fly with all speed to the ships’ station. Why delay saving your lives, when the enemy’s storm is just bursting on you?
670
Chorus
Oh, oh! At them, at them! Strike them, strike them!
675
Look; I mean that man. There are the thieves who in the gloom disturbed this army.
Come here, here, everyone! I have them, I have clutched them fast.
680
What is your company? Where did you come from? Who are you?
Odysseus
It is not for you to know; for you will die today for your villainy.
Chorus
Will you not declare the password, before my sword finds its way to your heart?
Odysseus
Halt! Be of good heart.
685
Chorus
Come near. Strike, everyone!
685
Odysseus
What! have you slain Rhesus?
Chorus
No, but you, who came to slay us—
