thy
father, and this my mother, who travailed in childbirth of me, and now
travaileth again in her sorrow. And thou, O my brother, though thou art
but a babe, help me. Weep with me; beseech thy father that he slay not
thy sister. O my father, though he be silent, yet, indeed, he beseecheth
thee. For his sake, therefore, yea, and for mine own, have pity upon me,
and slay me not."

But the King was sore distracted, knowing not what he should say or do,
for a terrible necessity was upon him, seeing that the army could not
make their journey to Troy unless this deed should first be done. And
while he doubted came Achilles, saying that there was a horrible tumult
in the camp, the men crying out that the maiden must be sacrificed, and
that when he would have stayed them from their purpose, the people had
stoned him with stones, and that his own Myrmidons helped him not; but
rather were the first to assail him. Nevertheless, he said that he would
fight for the maiden, even to the utmost; and that there were faithful
men who would stand with him and help him. But when the maiden heard
these words, she stood forth and said, "Hearken to me, my mother. Be not
wroth with my father, for we cannot fight against fate. Also we must
take thought that this young man suffer not, for his help will avail
nought, and he himself will perish. Therefore I am resolved to die; for
all Greece looketh to me; for without me the ships cannot make their
voyage, nor the city of Troy be taken. Thou didst bear me, my mother,
not for thyself only, but for this whole people. Wherefore I will give
myself for them. Offer me for an offering; and let the Greeks take the
city of Troy, for this shall be my memorial for ever."

Then said Achilles, "Lady, I should count myself most happy if the Gods
would grant thee to be my wife. For I love thee well, when I see thee
how noble thou art. And if thou wilt, I will carry thee to my home. And
I doubt not that I shall save thee, though all the men of Greece be
against me."

But the maiden answered, "What I say, I say with full purpose. Nor will
I that any man should die for me, but rather will I save this land of
Greece."

And Achilles said, "If this be thy will, lady, I cannot say nay, for it
is a noble thing that thou doest."

Nor was the maiden turned from her purpose though her mother besought
her with many tears. So they that were appointed led her to the grove of
Artemis, where there was built an altar, an