Epeisodion 1
HECTOR.
Aye, when my spear hath fortune, when God sends
His favour, I shall find abundant friends.
320
I need them not; who never came of yore
To help us, when we rolled to death before
The war-swell, and the wind had ripped our sail.
Then Rhesus taught us Trojans what avail
His words are.—He comes early to the feast;
325
Where was he when the hunters met the beast?
325
Where, when we sank beneath the Argive spear?
LEADER.
Well may’st thou mock and blame thy friend. Yet here
He comes with help for Troy. Accept him thou.
HECTOR.
We are enough, who have held the wall till now.
LEADER.
Master, dost think already that our foe
330
HECTOR.
I do. To-morrow’s light will show.
LEADER.
Have care. Fate often flings a backward cast.
HECTOR.
I hate the help that comes when need is past . . .
Howbeit, once come, I bid him welcome here
As guest—not war-friend; guest to share our cheer.
The thanks are lost, he might have won from us.
