possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that is seemly, such as
shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if so be that Priam
and Priam's sons will not pay the recompense unto me when Alexandros
falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for the price of sin, and abide
here till I compass the end of war."

So said he, and cut the lambs' throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had taken
their strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the bowl into
the cups, and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that live for ever.
And thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: "Zeus most
glorious, most great, and all ye immortal gods, which folk soe'er be
first to sin against the oaths, may their brains be so poured forth upon
the earth even as this wine, theirs and their children's; and let their
wives be made subject unto strangers."

So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And
in their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying:
"Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return
back to windy Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with
mine eyes my dear son fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus
knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for whether of the twain the doom of
death is appointed."

So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and entered
in himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor mounted the
splendid chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and Hector son
of Priam and goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and then they took
the lots, and shook them in a bronze-bound helmet, to know whether of
the twain should first cast his spear of bronze. And the people prayed