ering evil things, nor rested till at the
last, Calchas the soothsayer helping him--but what profit it that I
should tell these things? For doubtless ye hold one Greek to be even as
another. Wherefore slay me and doubtless ye will do a pleasure to
Ulysses and the sons of Atreus."

Then they bade him tell on, and he said:

"Often would the Greeks have fled to their homes, being weary of the
war, but still the stormy sea hindered them. And when this horse that ye
see had been built, most of all did the dreadful thunder roll from the
one end of the heaven to the other. Then the Greeks sent one who should
inquire of Apollo; and Apollo answered them thus: 'Men of Greece, even
as ye appeased the winds with blood when ye came to Troy, so must ye
appease them with blood now that ye would go from thence.' Then did men
tremble to think on whom the doom should fall, and Ulysses, with much
clamor, drew forth Calchas the soothsayer into the midst, and bade him
say who it was that the gods would have as a sacrifice. Then did many
forbode evil for me. Ten days did the soothsayer keep silence, saying
that he would not give any man to death. But then, for in truth the two
had planned the matter beforehand, he spake, appointing me to die. And
to this thing they all agreed, each being glad to turn to another that
which he feared for himself. But when the day was come and all things
were ready, the salted meal for the sacrifice and the garlands, lo! I
burst my bonds and fled and hid myself in the sedges of a pool, waiting
till they should have set sail, if haply that might be. But never shall
I see country or father or children again. For doubtless on these will
they take vengeance for my flight. Only do thou, O King, have pity on
me, who have suffered many things, not having harmed any man."

And King Priam had pity on him, and bade them loose his bonds, saying,
"Whoever thou art, forget now thy country. Henceforth thou art one of
us. But tell me true: why made they this huge horse? Who contrived it?
What seek they by it--to please the gods or to further their siege?"

Then said Sinon, and as he spake he stretched his hands to the sky, "I
call you to witness, ye everlasting fires of heaven, that with good
right I now break my oath of fealty and reveal the secrets of my
countrymen. Listen then, O King. All our hope has ever been in the help
of Minerva. But from the day when Diomede and Ulysses dared, having
bloody hands, to snatch her i