ttend me, as once thou didst
attend my sire, the noble Tydeus, to Thebes, what time he went as an
ambassador for the Achaeans; he left the brazen-mailed Achaeans at the
Asopus, and he himself bore thither a mild message to the Cadmaeans: but
when returning he performed many arduous deeds, with thy aid, O noble
goddess, when thou propitious didst stand beside him. Thus now willingly
stand by and protect me; and in return I will sacrifice to thee a heifer
of a year old, with broad forehead, untamed, which no man hath yet
brought under the yoke. This will I sacrifice to thee, encircling its
horns with gold."

Thus they spoke, praying; and Pallas Minerva heard them. But when they
had supplicated the daughter of mighty Jove, they hastened to advance,
like two lions, through the dark night, through slaughter, through
bodies through arms, and black blood.

Nor did Hector allow the gallant Trojans to sleep; but he summoned all
the chiefs together, as many as were leaders and rulers over the
Trojans. Having summoned them together, he framed prudent counsel:

"Who, undertaking it for me, will accomplish this deed for a great
reward? And there shall be sufficient payment for him; for I will give a
chariot and two rough-maned steeds, which excel in speed at the swift
sailing ships of the Greeks, to him whosoever would dare (he will also
obtain glory for himself) to approach near the swift-sailing ships, and
learn whether the fleet ships are guarded as formerly, or whether, now
subdued by our hands, they meditate flight among themselves, nor wish to
keep watch during the night, overcome with grievous toil."

Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence. But among the Trojans
there was one Dolon, the son of Eumedes, a divine herald, rich in gold,
and wealthy in brass, who in aspect indeed was deformed, but [was]
swift-footed, and he was an only [son] among five sisters. Who then,
standing by, addressed the Trojans and Hector:

"Hector, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to approach the
swift-sailing ships, and gain information. But come, raise up thy
sceptre to me, and swear that thou wilt assuredly give me the horses and
chariot, variegated with brass, which now bear the illustrious son of
Peleus, and I will not be a vain spy to thee, nor frustrate thy
expectation; for I will go so far into the camp till I reach the ship of
Agamemnon, where the chiefs will perchance be consulting whether to fly
or fight."

Thus he spoke