Of other means, committed to his care, } His kinsman and companion in the war. } While Fortune favoured, while his arms support The cause, and ruled the counsels of the court, I made some figure there; nor was my name Obscure, nor I without my share of fame. But when Ulysses, with fallacious arts, Had made impression in the people's hearts, And forged a treason in my patron's name, (I speak of things too far divulged by fame,) My kinsman fell. Then I, without support, In private mourned his loss, and left the court. Mad as I was, I could not bear his fate With silent grief, but loudly blamed the state, And cursed the direful author of my woes.-- 'Twas told again; and hence my ruin rose. I threatened, if indulgent heaven once more } Would land me safely on my native shore, } His death with double vengeance to restore. } This moved the murderer's hate; and soon ensued The effects of malice from a man so proud. Ambiguous rumours through the camp he spread, And sought, by treason, my devoted head; New crimes invented; left unturned no stone, To make my guilt appear, and hide his own; Till Calchas was by force and threatening wrought-- But why--why dwell I on that anxious thought? If on my nation just revenge you seek, And 'tis to appear a foe, to appear a Greek; Already you my name and country know; Assuage your thirst of blood, and strike the blow: My death will both the kingly brothers please, And set insatiate Ithacus at ease." This fair unfinished tale, these broken starts, } Raised expectations in our longing hearts; } Unknowing as we were in Grecian arts. } His former trembling once again renewed, With acted fear, the villain thus pursued:-- "Long had the Grecians (tired with fruitless care, And wearied with an unsuccessful war) Resolved to raise the siege, and leave the town; And, had the gods permitted, they had gone. But oft the wintery seas, and southern winds, Withstood their passage home, and changed their minds. Portents and prodigies their souls amazed; But most, when this stupendous pile was raised: Then flaming meteors, hung in air, were seen, And thunders rattled through a sky serene. Dismayed, and fearful of some dire event, Eurypylus, to inquire their fate, was sent. He from the gods this dreadful answer brought: } 'O Grecians, when the Trojan shores you sought, } Your passage with a virgin's blood was bought: } So must your safe return be bought again, And Grecian blood once more atone the main.' The spreading rumour round the people ran; All feared, and each believed himself the man. Ulysses took the advantage of their fright; Called Calchas, and produced in open sight, Then bade him name the wretch, ordained by fate