him leave, And bear what stern Achilles may receive: Alone, for so we will; no Trojan near Except, to place the dead with decent care, Some aged herald, who with gentle hand May the slow mules and funeral car command. Nor let him death, nor let him danger dread, Safe through the foe by our protection led: Him Hermes to Achilles shall convey, Guard of his life, and partner of his way. Fierce as he is, Achilles' self shall spare His age, nor touch one venerable hair: Some thought there must be in a soul so brave, Some sense of duty, some desire to save." [Illustration: IRIS ADVISES PRIAM TO OBTAIN THE BODY OF HECTOR.] IRIS ADVISES PRIAM TO OBTAIN THE BODY OF HECTOR. Then down her bow the winged Iris drives, And swift at Priam's mournful court arrives: Where the sad sons beside their father's throne Sat bathed in tears, and answer'd groan with groan. And all amidst them lay the hoary sire, (Sad scene of woe!) his face his wrapp'd attire Conceal'd from sight; with frantic hands he spread A shower of ashes o'er his neck and head. From room to room his pensive daughters roam; Whose shrieks and clamours fill the vaulted dome; Mindful of those, who late their pride and joy, Lie pale and breathless round the fields of Troy! Before the king Jove's messenger appears, And thus in whispers greets his trembling ears: "Fear not, O father! no ill news I bear; From Jove I come, Jove makes thee still his care; For Hector's sake these walls he bids thee leave, And bear what stern Achilles may receive; Alone, for so he wills; no Trojan near, Except, to place the dead with decent care, Some aged herald, who with gentle hand May the slow mules and funeral car command. Nor shalt thou death, nor shall thou danger dread: Safe through the foe by his protection led: Thee Hermes to Pelides shall convey, Guard of thy life, and partner of thy way. Fierce as he is, Achilles' self shall spare