the birds, but he still lies at the ships of Achilles, in the same plight as before, at his tents; and it is [now] the twelfth morning him lying, yet his body is not at all putrid, nor do the worms devour him which consume men slain in battle. Doubtless he will drag him cruelly around the tomb of his dear companion when Divine morn appears; but he does not defile him. Approaching, thou indeed thyself wouldst wonder how fresh[1] he lies, while the blood is washed away from around, nor [is he] polluted in any part. But all his wounds are closed, whatever were inflicted; for many thrust a spear into him. Thus do the happy gods regard thy son, though dead; for he was dear to them in their heart."
Thus he spoke; but the old man rejoiced, and answered in words:
"O son, surely it is good to give due gifts to the immortals; for my son, while he was yet in being, never neglected the gods who possesses Olympus, in his palace; therefore are they mindful of him, although in the fate of death. But come now, accept from me this beautiful goblet; protect myself,[2] and, with the favor of the gods, conduct me until I come into the tent of the son of Peleus."
But him the slayer of Argus again addressed: "Old man, thou triest me, [being] younger; nor wilt thou now persuade me; thou who orderest me to accept thy gifts unknown to Achilles; whom indeed I dread, and scruple in my heart to plunder, lest some evil should afterward come upon me. Yet would I go as a conductor to thee even to renowned Argus, sedulously, in a swift ship, or accompanying thee on foot; nor, indeed, would any one contend with thee, despising thy guide."
Mercury spoke, and, leaping upon the chariot and horses, quickly took the scourge and the reins in his hands, and breathed bold vigor into the horses and mules. But when they had now reached the ramparts and trench of the ships, then the guards were just employed about their feasts, and the messenger, the slayer of Argus, poured sleep upon them all; and immediately he opened the gates and pushed back the bars, and led in Priam, and the splendid gifts upon the
