-band, nine cubits in length, along
with the yoke. And this indeed they adjusted carefully to the pole at
its extremity, and threw the ring over the bolt. Thrice they lapped it
on either side to the boss; and when they had fastened, they turned it
evenly under the bend; then, bearing the inestimable ransoms of Hector's
head from the chamber, they piled them upon the well-polished car. Then
they yoked the strong-hoofed mules, patient in labour, which the Mysians
formerly gave to Priam, splendid gifts. They also led under the yoke for
Priam, the horses, which the old man himself had fed at the
well-polished manger. These indeed the herald and Priam yoked in the
lofty palace, having prudent counsels in their minds. But near them came
Hecuba, with sad mind, bearing sweet wine in her right hand, in a golden
goblet, in order that having made libations, they might depart. But she
stood before the steeds, and spoke, and addressed them:

"Take,[787] offer a libation to father Jove, and pray that thou mayest
return home again from the hostile men; since indeed thy mind urges thee
to the ships, I at least not being willing. But do thou pray now to the
dark, cloud-compelling Idaean son of Saturn, who looks down upon all
Troy; but seek the fleet bird, his messenger, which to him is the most
pleasing of birds, and whose strength is very great, on thy right hand,
so that, marking him thyself with thine eyes, thou mayest go, relying on
him, to the ships of the fleet-horsed Greeks. But if wide-viewing Jove
will not give thee his own messenger, I would not at all then, urging,
advise thee to go to the ships of the Greeks, though very eager."

[Footnote 786: A kind of wicker hamper. Cf. Hesych. t. ii. p.
921.]

[Footnote 787: See [Greek: x]. 219]

But her godlike Priam answering, addressed:

"O spouse, certainly I will not disobey thee, advising this; for it is
good to raise one's hands to Jove, if perchance he may compassionate
me."

The old man spoke, and bade the attending servant pour pure water upon
his hands; for a handmaid stood by, holding in her hands a basin, and
also an ewer; and having washed himself, he took the goblet from his
wife. Then he prayed, standing in the midst of the enclosure, and poured
out a libation of wine, looking towards heaven; and raising his voice,
spoke:

"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most great, grant me to
come acceptable and pitied to [the tent] of Achilles; and send