that, sage
Palamedes, prince of Euboea's distant shores. The last had just
arrived, and had not learned the errand that had brought Menelaus
hither.

"Tell again the story of your visit to Troy," said Nestor. "Our guest,
good Palamedes, would fain hear it; and I doubt not that he may be of
service in your cause. Tell us the whole story, for we would all know
more about the famous city and its kingly rulers."

Then Menelaus began once more at the beginning.

THE STORY

There is no need that I should speak of my long voyage to Troy, or of
the causes which persuaded me to undertake it. When I drew near the
lofty walls of the city, and through the gate, which is called Scaean,
could see the rows of stately dwellings and the busy market-place and
the crowds of people, I stopped there in wonder, hesitating to venture
farther.

Then I sent a herald to the gate, who should make known my name and
lineage and the errand upon which I had come; but I waited without in
the shade of a spreading beech, not far from the towering wall. Before
me stood the mighty city; behind me the fertile plain sloped gently to
the sea; on my right hand flowed the sparkling waters of the river
Scamander; while much farther, and on the other side, the wooded peak
of Ida lifted itself toward the clouds.

But I had not long to view this scene; for a noble company of men led
by Paris himself, handsome as Apollo, came out of the gate to welcome
me. With words of greeting from the king, they bade me enter within
the walls. They led me through the Scaean gate and along the
well-paved streets, until we came, at last, to King Priam's hall.

It was a splendid house with broad doorways and polished porticos, and
marble columns richly carved. Within were fifty chambers, joining one
another, all walled with polished stone; in these abode the fifty sons
of Priam with their wedded wives. On the other side, and opening into
the court, were twelve chambers built for his daughters; while over all
were the sleeping-rooms for that noble household, and around were
galleries and stairways leading to the king's great hall below.

King Priam received me kindly, and, when he understood my errand, left
naught undone to help me forward with my wishes. Ten days I abode as a
guest in his halls, and when I would return to Greece he pressed me to
tarry yet a month in Troy. But the winds were fair, and the oracles
promised a pleasant voyage, and I begged that o