they might drink in the river; for even now twilight had come over
the earth. But the herald, spying, observed Mercury near, and addressed
Priam, and said:

[Footnote 789: Compare Milton, P.L. v. 285, sqq., with Newton's
note.]

"Beware, O descendant of Dardanus; this is matter for prudent thought. I
perceive a warrior, and I think that he will soon destroy us. But come,
let us fly upon our steeds; or let us now, grasping his knees, entreat
him, if he would pity us." Thus he spoke, but the mind of the old man
was confounded, and he greatly feared; but the hair stood upright on his
bending limbs. And he stood stupified; but Mercury himself coming near,
taking the old man's hand, interrogated, and addressed him:

"Whither, O father, dost thou this way direct thy horses and mules
during the ambrosial night, when other mortals are asleep? Dost thou not
fear the valour-breathing Greeks, who, enemies and hostile to thee, are
at hand? If any one of these should see thee in the dark and dangerous
night, bearing off so many valuables, what intention would then be
towards thee? Neither art thou young thyself, and this [is] an old man
who accompanies thee, to repel a warrior when first any may molest
thee. But I will not do thee injury, but will avert another from thee,
for I think thee like my dear father."

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then answered:

"Surely these things are as thou sayest, my dear son. But hitherto some
one of the gods has protected me with his hand, who has sent such a
favourable conductor to meet me, so beautiful art thou in form and
appearance. And thou art also prudent in mind, and of blessed parents."
But him again the messenger, the slayer of Argus, addressed: "O old man,
thou hast certainly spoken all these things with propriety. But come,
tell me this, and relate it truly; whither now dost thou send so many
and such valuable treasures amongst foreigners? Whether that these, at
least, may remain safe to thee? Or do ye all, now fearing, desert sacred
Ilium? For so brave a hero, was he who died, thy son; he was not in
aught inferior to the Greeks in battle."

But him Priam, the godlike old man, then answered:

"But who art thou, O best one, and of what parents art thou, who
speakest so honourably to me of the death of my luckless son?"

But him again the messenger, the slayer of Argus, addressed:

"Thou triest me, old man. and inquirest concerning noble Hector; whom I,
indeed, have