Versos English George E. Merkley Iliad VI. 466-580

English poem

Iliad VI. 466-580

by (1865–1904)

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Thus spake illustrious Hector, and stretched forth his arms to take fondly His son; but the boy, seized with dread, shrank back to his fair nurse’s bosom, Crying, shrank back, scared thus at the sight of his helmeted father, Fearful was he of the horse-hair plume o’er the dread helmet waving. Then did the fond parents smile at the babe, and illustrious Hector Quickly removed from his head the glittering helmet, and placed it Gleaming upon the ground, then received he his dear child and kissed him. Playfully tossing him up, he prayed thus to all the immortals: “Hear me, O Zeus, and ye other gods, grant that my son may be honored, Honored for valorous deeds as I ’mong the Trojans am honored! Grant him to rule with might over Troy, and may he hereafter Greater be called than his father! Grant, that he when returning Homeward from battles well fought, may bear rich spoil from the conquered, Cheering the heart of his mother with deeds of valor and glory!”