xclaimed aloud:

[Footnote 149: Mark the force of the pronoun.]

"Withhold, Argives! cast not, ye sons of the Aenaeans; for helm-nodding
Hector stands as if intending to propose something."

Thus he spoke; but they abstained from battle, and instantly became
silent. But Hector between both [armies] spoke thus:

"Hear from me, ye Trojans, and well-greaved Greeks, the proposal of
Alexander, on whose account this strife has arisen. He advises that the
other Trojans and all the Greeks should lay down their beauteous arms
upon the bounteous earth; but that he and Mars-beloved Menelaus alone
should fight in the midst for Helen and all the treasures; and whichever
shall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the treasures
without reserve, and the woman, let him conduct them home: but let the
rest of us strike a friendship and faithful league."

Thus he said, and all became mute in silence. But amidst them Menelaus,
valiant in the din of war, thus spoke:

"Now hear me also; for anguish has invaded my soul most: but I purpose
that the Greeks and Trojans should now be separated, since ye have
suffered many evils on account of my quarrel and the beginning of [this
strife through] Alexander. And to whichever of us death and fate has
been ordained, let him die; but do the rest of you be very speedily
separated. And bring lambs--one white, the other black--to the Earth and
to the Sun; and we will bring another to Jove. Moreover ye shall bring
the might of Priam, that he may strike the league himself, for his sons
are overbearing and faithless; lest any one, by transgression, violate
the covenant of Jove. For the minds of younger men are ever fluctuating;
but for those among whom a senior is present, he looks at the same time
both backward and forward, in order that the best results may accrue to
both parties."

Thus he spoke. But both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced, hoping to have
respite from grievous war. And they accordingly reined back their horses
to the ranks [of the foot], but dismounted themselves, and put off
their arms, and laid them down on the ground near each other; and around
[each pile of arms] there was a little space.

But Hector despatched two heralds to the city with speed, to bring the
lambs, and to call Priam. While, on the other hand, king Agamemnon sent
Talthybius to go to the hollow ships, and ordered him to bring a lamb.
And he did not disobey noble Agamemnon.

And meantime came Iris a