Paris
To you I call, general and brother, Hector, are you asleep? Should you not awake? Some enemy draws near our army,
[645]
or thieves perhaps, or spies.
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,
[650]
I have come bringing to you a powerful friend, the Thracian child of the Muse, the heavenly singer; his father's name is Strymon.
Paris
Always to this city and to me you are a kind friend, and I am sure that decision I then made
[655]
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;
[660]
and so I am on my way to Hector's tent.
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
[665]
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.
In a loud voice, to Odysseus and Diomedes. Son of Laertes, I bid you sheath your whetted swords, you warriors all too keen.
[670]
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?
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Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, translated by E. P. Coleridge. Volume I. London. George Bell and Sons. 1891.
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