Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
saying of Alexandrus through whom this quarrel has come about, if
so be that you may find it acceptable. All the treasure he took with
him in his ships to Troy- would that he had sooner perished- he
will restore, and will add yet further of his own, but he will not
give up the wedded wife of Menelaus, though the Trojans would
have him do so. Priam bade me inquire further if you will cease
fighting till we burn our dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till
heaven decide between us and give victory to one or to the other.”
They all held their peace, but presently Diomed of the loud warcry
spoke, saying, “Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet
Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at
hand.”
The sons of the Achaeans shouted applause at the words that
Diomed had spoken, and thereon King Agamemnon said to Idaeus,
“Idaeus, you have heard the answer the Achaeans make you-and I
with them. But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn
them, for when men are once dead there should be no grudging
them the rites of fire. Let Jove the mighty husband of Juno be
witness to this covenant.”
As he spoke he upheld his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and
Idaeus went back to the strong city of Ilius. The Trojans and
Dardanians were gathered in council waiting his return; when he
came, he stood in their midst and delivered his message. As soon
as they heard it they set about their twofold labour, some to gather
the corpses, and others to bring in wood. The Argives on their part
also hastened from their ships, some to gather the corpses, and
others to bring in wood.
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