Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
Achilles smiled as he heard this, and was pleased with Antilochus,
who was one of his dearest comrades. So he said-
“Antilochus, if you would have me find Eumelus another prize, I
will give him the bronze breastplate with a rim of tin running all
round it which I took from Asteropaeus. It will be worth much
money to him.”
He bade his comrade Automedon bring the breastplate from his
tent, and he did so. Achilles then gave it over to Eumelus, who
received it gladly.
But Menelaus got up in a rage, furiously angry with Antilochus. An
attendant placed his staff in his hands and bade the Argives keep
silence: the hero then addressed them. “Antilochus,” said he, “what
is this from you who have been so far blameless? You have made
me cut a poor figure and baulked my horses by flinging your own
in front of them, though yours are much worse than mine are;
therefore, O princes and counsellors of the Argives, judge between
us and show no favour, lest one of the Achaeans say, ‘Menelaus has
got the mare through lying and corruption; his horses were far
inferior to Antilochus’s, but he has greater weight and influence.’
Nay, I will determine the matter myself, and no man will blame me,
for I shall do what is just. Come here, Antilochus, and stand, as our
custom is, whip in hand before your chariot and horses; lay your
hand on your steeds, and swear by earth-encircling Neptune that
you did not purposely and guilefully get in the way of my horses.”
And Antilochus answered, “Forgive me; I am much younger, King
Menelaus, than you are; you stand higher than I do and are the
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