Book XXIV - The sacred sire of gods and mortal man

She tasted, and resigned it: then began

The sacred sire of gods and mortal man:

"Thou comest, fair Thetis, but with grief o'ercast,

Maternal sorrows, long, ah long to last!

Suffice, we know, and we partake, thy cares:

But yield to Fate, and hear what Jove declares.

Nine days are past, since all the court above

In Hector's cause have moved the ear of Jove;

'Twas voted, Hermes from his godlike foe

By stealth should bear him, but we willed not so:

We will, thy son himself the corse restore,

And to his conquest add this glory more.

Then hie thee to him, and our mandate bear;

Tell him he tempts the wrath of heaven too far:

Nor let him more, our anger if he dread,

Vent his mad vengeance on the sacred dead:

But yield to ransom and the father's prayer.

The mournful father Iris shall prepare,

With gifts to sue; and offer to his hands

Whatever his honour asks or heart demands."