Dolon the Wolf! A wise wolf and a true!
Thy father's house was praised when first I knew
Troy: this shall raise it twofold in our eyes.

'Tis wise to do good work, but also wise
To pay the worker. Aye, and fair reward
Makes twofold pleasure, though the work be hard.

So be it: an honest rule. Do thou lay down
What guerdon likes thee best—short of my crown.

I care not for thy crowned and care-fraught life.

Wouldst have a daughter of the King to wife?

I seek no mate that might look down on me.

Good gold is ready, if that tempteth thee.

We live at ease and have no care for gold.

Well, Troy hath other treasures manifold.

Pay me not now, but when the Greeks are ta'en.

The Greeks! . . . Choose any save the Atridae twain.

Kill both, an it please thee. I make prayer for none.

Thou wilt not ask for Ajax, Îleus' son?

A princely hand is skilless at the plough.

'Tis ransom, then? . . . What prisoner cravest thou?

I said before, of gold we have our fill.

For spoils and armour . . . thou shalt choose at will.

Nail them for trophies on some temple wall.

What seeks the man? What prize more rich than all?

Achilles' horses!                     [Murmurs of surprise.                          Yes, I need a great
Prize. I am dicing for my life with Fate.

'Fore God, I am thy rival, if thy love
Lies there. Undying was the breed thereof,
And these shall never die, who bear to war
Great Peleus' son, swift gleaming like a star.
Poseidon, rider of the wild sea-drift,
Tamed them, men say, and gave them for his gift
To Peleus.—None the less, since I have stirred
Hopes, I will baulk them not. I pledge my word,
Achilles' steeds, a rare prize, shall be thine.

I thank thee.—'Tis indeed a prize more fine
Than all in Troy.—Grudge me not that; there be
Guerdons abundant for a Prince like