He opened the chest and took out the rich garments which he intended to take with him for a ransom—twelve splendid festal robes, twelve warm covers, and as many tunics and magnificent cloaks. Then from another chest he took ten talents of gold, four polished basins, and two tripods. Even the exquisite goblet presented by the Thracians when he visited them as ambassador from his father he did not withhold. For he did not begrudge giving even his greatest treasure to soften the hard heart of Achilles and ransom his beloved son. When he had closed the box and turned around, he found himself surrounded by a crowd of idle people, who had come up to stare at the treasures which were to be offered for Hector’s ransom. Angrily he cried out: “Out with you! Away, ye idlers! Have ye not trouble enough at home, that ye come to look upon my sorrow? Only think what ye have lost in Hector! Without his support the Achaians will have an easier victory. Then it will be your turn to lament, but I shall doubtless then be dead!” He drove them out of the courtyard, then called for his sons, reproving them. “Where are ye? Not one is at hand when I need ye! My best sons are dead, only the good-for-nothings remain. Pack these gifts quickly in the hampers, and when it grows dark, harness the horses and summon my old, experienced Idæus.” Abashed, the sons obeyed all these commands and Hecuba began to prepare a strengthening draught for the travellers. Carrying a golden goblet in her right hand, she came out to the chariot, and placing herself in front of the steeds, she said to her husband: “Here, beloved, take this and pour out a libation to Jupiter and petition him for a safe return, as thou goest against my wishes. For I should never let thee go if I could prevent it. And even now I would counsel thee to consult the god and learn whether it is his will to protect thee. Should this prayer remain unanswered then I would say, Remain. For woe to him who goes into danger without divine support!” The worthy man answered her: “I will obey thy behest. It is always well to lift up our hands to Jupiter.” He spake and called upon the stewardess for water, which she brought in a silver dish, sprinkling him with her right hand, while with the left she held a basin beneath. After this he received the wine cup from his spouse, poured out the first drops in honor of Jupiter, and prayed aloud with eyes raised to the sky: “Father Jupiter, almighty ruler, let me approach Achilles as a friend and find favor before him. Grant me a sign that thou wilt protect me, so that I may set out confident and comforted.” His wish was fulfilled, for soon afterward one of the eagles which nest high up in the clefts of Mount Ida flew past on his right hand. All who saw this rejoiced and the king and his companion mounted the chariot, full of confidence. His sons accompanied him to the city gates and, weeping, wished him luck.