or the marriage of his daughter. And when
the Queen would know of the estate of the bridegroom, he told her that
his name was Achilles, and that he was the son of Peleus by his wife
Thetis, the daughter of Nereus of the sea, and that he dwelt in Phthia.
And when she inquired of the time of the marriage he said that it
should be in the same moon, on the first lucky day; and as to the place,
that it must be where the bridegroom was sojourning, that is to say, in
the camp. "And I," said the King, "will give the maiden to her husband."

"But where," answered the Queen, "is it your pleasure that I should be?"

"Thou must return to Argos, and care for the maidens there."

"Sayest thou that I must return? Who then will hold up the torch for the
bride?"

"I will do that which is needful. For it is not seemly that thou
shouldst be present where the whole army is gathered together."

"Aye, but it is seemly that a mother should give her daughter in
marriage."

"But the maidens at home should not be left alone."

"They are well kept in their chambers."

"Be persuaded, lady."

"Not so: thou shalt order that which is without the house, but I that
which is within."

But now came Achilles, to tell the King that the army was growing
impatient, saying that, unless they might sail speedily to Troy, they
would return each man to his home. And when the Queen heard his
name--for he had said to the attendant, "Tell thy master that Achilles,
the son of Peleus, would speak with him"--she came forth from the tent
and greeted him, and bade him give her his right hand. And when the
young man was ashamed (for it was not counted a seemly thing that men
should speak with women) she said--

"But why art thou ashamed, seeing that thou art about to marry my
daughter?"

And he answered, "What sayest thou, lady? I cannot speak for wonder at
thy words."

"Often men are ashamed when they see new friends, and the talk is of
marriage."

"But, lady, I never was suitor for thy daughter. Nor have the sons of
Atreus said aught to me of the matter."

But the Queen was beyond measure astonished, and cried, "Now this is
shameful indeed, that I should seek a bridegroom for my daughter in such
fashion."

But when Achilles would have departed, to inquire of the King what this
thing might mean, the old man that had at the first carried the letter
came forth, and bade him stay. And when he had assurance that he should
receive no harm for what he sho