Chapter I

These counsels I approve: thy wayward scheme,
O Hector, change, and think the same:
For perilous commands I deem,
Given by the headstrong chief, deserve our blame.
Why send not to the fleet a spy,
Who may approach the trenches, and descry
With what intent our foes upon the strand
Have kindled many a flaming brand?

HEC. Ye have prevailed, because ye all concur
In one opinion: but depart, prepare
Thy fellow-soldiers, for perhaps the host
May by the rumours of our nightly council
Be put in motion. I will send a spy
Among the Greeks; and if we learn what schemes
They have devised, the whole of my intentions
To thee will I immediately reveal
In person. With confusion and dismay
But if the foe precipitate their flight,
Give ear, and follow where the clanging trump
Summons thee forth, for then I cannot wait,
But will this night attack the Grecian host,
Storm their entrenchments, and destroy their fleet.

ÆNE. Despatch the messenger without delay.
For you now think discreetly, and in me
Shall find, when needed, in your bold emprise
A firm associate.

[_Exit_ ÆNEAS.

HEC. What brave Trojan, present
At this our conference, as a spy will go
T’ explore the Grecian navy? to this land
What generous benefactor will arise?
Who answers? for I singly cannot serve
The cause of Troy and its confederate bands
In every station.

DOL. For my native realm,
Facing this danger, to the fleet of Greece
I as a spy will go; and when I’ve searched
Into the progress of our foes, return:
But I on these conditions undertake
The toilsome enterprise——

HEC. Thou well deserv’st
Thy name, and to thy country art a friend,
O Dolon; for this day thy father’s house,
Which is already noble, thou exalt’st
With double fame.

DOL. I therefore ought to strive:
But after all my labours let me reap
A suitable reward. If gain arise
From the performance of the task enjoined,
We feel a twofold joy.

HEC. This were but just:
I contradict thee not: name thy reward;
Choose what thou wilt, except the rank I bear.

DOL. Your rich domains I wish not to possess.

HEC. To thee a daughter of imperial Priam
In marriage shall be given.

DOL. With my superiors
I will not wed.

HEC. Abundant gold is ours,
If thou prefer this stipend.

DOL. My own house
With wealth is furnished, I am far remote
From want.

HEC. What then dost thou desire that Troy
Contains?

DOL. When you have conquered the proud Greeks,
Promise to give me——

HEC. I will give thee all
That thou canst ask, except my royal captives.

DOL. Slay them; I seek not to withhold your arm
From cutting off the vanquished Menelaus.

HEC. Is it thy wish, Oileus’ son to thee
Should be consigned?

DOL. The hands of princes, nurtured
Effeminately, are not formed to till
The stubborn soil.

HEC. From which of all the Greeks
Taken alive wouldst thou receive his ransom?

DOL. Already have I told you, that at home
I have abundant riches.

HEC. Thou shalt choose
Among our spoils.

DOL. For offerings let them hang
High in the temples of the gods.

HEC. What gift
Greater than these canst thou from me require?

DOL. Achilles’ steeds: for when I stake my life
On Fortune’s die, ’twere reasonable to strive
For such an object as deserves my toils.

HEC. Although thou in thy wishes to possess
Those steeds hast interfered with me: for sprung
From an immortal race themselves immortal
They bear Pelides through the ranks of war,
Neptune, ’tis said, the king of ocean, tamed them
And gave to Peleus: I, who prompted thee
To this emprise, will not bely thy hopes,
But to adorn thy noble father’s house,
On thee Achilles’ generous steeds bestow.

DOL. This claims my gratitude: if I succeed,
My courage will for me obtain a palm,
Such as no Phrygian ever won before:
Nor should you envy me, for joys unnumbered
And the first station in the realm, are yours.

[_Exit_ HECTOR.

CHORUS.