His winged messenger to send from high,
And lead the way with heavenly augury:
Let the strong sovereign of the plumy race
Tower on the right of yon ethereal space.
That sign beheld, and strengthened from above,
Boldly pursue the journey marked by Jove;
But if the god his augury denies,
Suppress thy impulse, nor reject advice."
"'Tis just," said Priam, "to the Sire above
To raise our hands; for who so good as Jove?"
He spoke, and bade the attendant handmaid bring
The purest water of the living spring;
Her ready hands the ewer and basin held;
Then took the golden cup his queen had filled;
On the mid pavement pours the rosy wine,
Uplifts his eyes, and calls the power divine:
"O first and greatest! heaven's imperial lord!
On lofty Ida's holy hill adored!
To stern Achilles now direct my ways,
And teach him mercy when a father prays.
If such thy will, despatch from yonder sky
Thy sacred bird, celestial augury!
Let the strong sovereign of the plumy race
Tower on the right of yon ethereal space:
So shall thy suppliant, strengthened from above,
Fearless pursue the journey marked by Jove.".
Jove heard his prayer, and from the throne on high
Despatched his bird, celestial augury!
The swift- winged chaser of the feathered game,
And known to gods by Percnos' lofty name.
Wide as appears some palace-gate displayed,
So broad his pinions stretched their ample shade,
As, stooping dexter[1] with resounding wings,
The imperial bird descends in airy rings.
A dawn of joy in every face appears;
The mourning matron dries her timorous tears.
Swift on his car the impatient monarch sprung;
The brazen portal in his passage rung.
The mules preceding draw the loaded wain,
Charged with the gifts; Idæus holds the rein:
The king himself his gentle steeds controls,
And through surrounding friends the chariot rolls;
On his slow wheels the following people wait,
Mourn at each step, and give him up to fate;
With hands uplifted, eye him as he passed,
And gaze upon him as they gazed their last.
Now forward fares the father on his way,
- ↑ On the right hand, and therefore favourable.
