Page 235 - the-iliad

Danaans at their ships, for I know what will happen if this
soaring eagle which skirted the left wing of our host with
a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons (the snake being
still alive) was really sent as an omen to the Trojans on their
essaying to cross the trench. The eagle let go her hold; she
did not succeed in taking it home to her little ones, and so
will it be—with ourselves; even though by a mighty effort
we break through the gates and wall of the Achaeans, and
they give way before us, still we shall not return in good or-
der by the way we came, but shall leave many a man behind
us whom the Achaeans will do to death in defence of their
ships. Thus would any seer who was expert in these matters,
and was trusted by the people, read the portent.’
Hector looked fiercely at him and said, ‘Polydamas, I like
not of your reading. You can find a better saying than this if
you will. If, however, you have spoken in good earnest, then
indeed has heaven robbed you of your reason. You would
have me pay no heed to the counsels of Jove, nor to the
promises he made me—and he bowed his head in confir-
mation; you bid me be ruled rather by the flight of wild-fowl.
What care I whether they fly towards dawn or dark, and
whether they be on my right hand or on my left? Let us put
our trust rather in the counsel of great Jove, king of mor-
tals and immortals. There is one omen, and one only—that
a man should fight for his country. Why are you so fearful?
Though we be all of us slain at the ships of the Argives you
are not likely to be killed yourself, for you are not steadfast
nor courageous. If you will not fight, or would talk oth-
ers over from doing so, you shall fall forthwith before my

The Iliad