LXIV。
ThenforonehourinHelen’sheartre—born，Awokethefatallovethatwasofold，Eresheknewall，andthecoldcheeksoutworn，Shekiss’d，shekiss’dthehairofwastedgold，Thehandsthatne’erherbodyshouldenfold;
Thenslowshefollow’dwherethebearersled，Follow’ddeadParisthroughthefrozenwoldBacktothetownwhereallmenwish’dherdead。
LXV。
Perchanceitwasasin，Iknownot，this！
Howe’eritbe，shehadawoman’sheart，Andnotwithoutatear，withoutakiss，Withoutsomestrangenewbirthoftheoldsmart，FromheroldloveofthebriefdayscouldpartForever;thoughthedeadmeet，ne’ershalltheyMeet，andbegladbyAphrodite’sart，Whosesoulshavewander’deachitsseveralway。
**
LXVI。
AndnowwascomethedaywhenonapyreMenlaidfairParis，inabroider’dpall，Andfragrantspicescastintothefire，AndroundtheflameslewmanyanArgivethrall。
When，likeaghost，therecameamongthemall，Awoman，oncebeheldbythemofyore，WhenfirstthroughstormanddrivingrainthetallBlackshipsofArgosdash’dupontheshore。
LXVII。
NotnowinwrathOEnonecame;butfairLikeayoungbridewhennighherblisssheknows，AndinthesoftnightofherfallenhairShoneflowerslikestars，morewhitethanIda’ssnows，Andscarcemendaredtolookonher，ofthoseThepyrethatguarded;suddenlyshecame，Andspranguponthepyre，andshrillaroseHersongofdeath，likeincensethroughtheflame。
LXVIII。
Andstillthesong，andstilltheflamewentup，Butwhentheflamewax’dfierce，thesingingdied;
AndsoonwithredwinefromagoldencupPriestsdrench’dthepyre;butnomanmightdivideTheashesoftheBridegroomfromtheBride。
Nay，theywerewedded，andatrestagain，Asinthoseolddaysonthemountain—side，Beforethepromiseoftheiryouthwasvain。
BOOKVI——THESACKOFTROY。THERETURNOFHELEN
ThesackofTroy，andofhowMenelauswouldhaveletstoneHelen，butAphroditesavedher，andmadethematoneagain，andhowtheycamehometoLacedaemon，andoftheirtranslationtoElysium。
I。
Therecameaday，whenTrojanspiesbeheldHow，o’ertheArgiveleaguer，alltheairWaspureofsmoke，nobattle—dinthereswell’d，Noranyclarion—callwassoundingthere！
Yea，oftheserriedshipsthestrandwasbare，Andseaandshorewerestill，aslongagoWhenIliosknewnotHelen，andthefairSweetfacethatmakesimmortalallherwoe。
II。
SoforaspacethewatchersonthewallWeresilent，wond’ringwhatthesethingsmightmean。
But，atthelast，sentmessengerstocallPriam，andalltheelders，andtheleanRemnantofgoodlychiefs，thatoncehadbeenTheshieldandstayofIlios，andherjoy，Noryetdespair’d，buttrustedGodsunseen，Andcasttheirspears，andshedtheirbloodforTroy。
III。
Theycame，themorepartgrey，grownearlyold，Inwarandplague;butwiththemwastheyoungCoroebus，thatbutlatehadleftthefoldAndflocksofsheepMaeonianhillsamong，AndvaliantlyhislotwithPriamflung，Forloveofalostcauseandafairface，—
TheeyesthatoncetheGodofPythosung，Thatnowlook’ddarklytotheslaughter—place。
IV。
Nowwhiletheelderskepttheirlongdebate，Coroebusstoleunheededtohisband，AndledahandfulbyaposterngateAcrosstheplain，acrossthebarrenlandWhereoncethehappyvineswerewonttostand，And’midtheclustersoncedidmaidenssing，—
Butnowtheplainwaswasteoneveryhand，ThoughhereandthereaflowerwouldbreatheofSpring。
V。
Soswiftacrossthetrampledbattle—fieldUnchallengedstill，butwary，didtheypass，Bymanyabrokenspearorshatter’dshieldThatinFate’shourappointedfaithlesswas:
OnlytheheroncriedfromthemorassByXanthus’side，andravens，andthegreyWolveslefttheirfeastinginthetangledgrass，Grudging;andloiter’d，norfledfaraway。
VI。
Therelurk’dnospearsinthehighriver—banks，Noambushbythecairnsofmenoutworn，Butemptystoodthehuts，indismalranks，WherementhroughallthesemanyyearshadborneFiercesummer，andthebitingwinter’sscorn;
Andhereaswordwasleft，andthereabow，Butruinousseem’dallthingsandforlorn，Asinsomecampforsakenlongago。
VII。
Gorgedwolvescreptroundthealtars，anddideatThefleshofvictimsthatthepriestshadslain，AndwilddogsfoughtabovethesacredmeatLateoffer’dtothedeathlessGodsinvain，Bymenthat，forrewardofalltheirpain，Musthaultheropes，andwearyattheoar，Or，drowning，clutchatfoamamidthemain，NorwintheirhavenontheArgiveshore。
VIII。
Notlongtheyoungmenmarvell’datthesight，Butgraspingoneasword，andonethespearAias，orTydeus’son，hadborneinfight，Theysped，andfill’dthetownwithmerrycheer，Forfolkwerequickthehappynewstohear，Andpour’dthroughallthegatesintotheplain，Rejoicingastheywander’dfarandnear，O’erthelongArgivetoilsenduredinvain。
IX。
Ah，sweetitwas，withoutthecitywalls，Tohearthedovescoo，andthefinchessing;
Ah，sweet，totwinetheirtrue—lovescoronalsOfwovenwind—flowers，andeachfragrantthingThatblossomsinthefootstepsofthespring;
Andsweet，tolie，forgetfuloftheirgrief，Wherevioletstrailbywaterswandering，Andthewildfig—treeputtethforthhisleaf！
X。
Nowwhiletheywander’dastheywould，theyfoundAwondrousthing:amarvelofman’sskill，Thatstoodwithinavaleofhollowground，Andbulk’dscarcesmallerthanthebitter—hill，—
ThecommonbarrowthatthedeadmenfillWhodiedinthelongleaguer，——notofearth，Wasthisnewportent，butoftree，andstillTheTrojansstood，andmarvell’d’midtheirmirth。
XI。
Ay，muchtheywonder’dwhatthisthingmightbe，ShapedlikeaHorseitwas;andmanyastainThereshow’duponthemightybeamsoftree，Forsomewithfirewereblacken’d，somewithrainWeredankanddarkamidwhiteplanksofplane，NewcutamongthetreesthatnowwerefewOnwastedIda;butmengazedinvain，Nortruththereofforalltheirsearchingknew。
XII。
Atlengththeydeem’ditwasasacredthing，Vow’dtoPoseidon，monarchofthedeep，AndthatherewiththeArgivespray’dtheKingOfwindandwavetolulltheseastosleep;
Sothis，theycried，withinthesacredkeepOfTroymustrest，memorialofthewar;
Andsturdilytheyhaleditupthesteep，Anddragg’dthemonstertotheirwallsafar。
XIII。
Alldaytheywrought:andchildrencrown’dwithflowersLaidlighthandsontheropes;oldmenwouldplyTheirfeebleforce;sothroughthemerryhoursTheytoil’d，midstlaughterandsweetminstrelsy，AndlatetheydrewthegreatHorsetothehighCrestofthehill，andwidethetallgatesswang;
Butthrice，foralltheirforce，itstoodtherebyUnmoved，andthricelikesmittenarmourrang。
XIV。
Nathelesstheywroughttheirwill;thenaltarfiresTheTrojansbuilt，anddidtheGodsimploreTograntfulfilmentofallgladdesires。
Butfromthecupsthewinetheymightnotpour，Thefleshuponthespitsdidwritheandroar，Thesmokegrewredasblood，andmanyalimbOfvictimsleap’duponthetemplefloor，Trembling;andgroansamidthechapelsdimXV。
Ranglow，andfromthefairGods’imagesAndfromtheireyes，dropp’dsweatandmanyatear;
Thewallswithbloodweredripping，andontheseThatsacrificed，camehorrorandgreatfear;
TheholylaurelstoApollodearBesidehistemplefadedsuddenly，Andwildwolvesfromthemountainsdrewanear，Andravensthroughthetemplesseem’dtofly。
XVI。
YetstillthemenofTroyweregladatheart，Ando’erstrangemeattheyrevell’d，likefolkfey，Thougheachwouldshudderifheglancedapart，Forroundtheirkneesthemistsweregather’dgrey，LikeshroudsonmenthatHell—wardtaketheirway;
Butmerrilywithaltheyfeastedthus，Andlaugh’dwithcrookedlips，andoftwouldsaySomeevil—soundingwordandominous。
XVII。
AndHecubaamongherchildrenspake，\"Leteachmanchoosethemeathelikethbest，Forbreadnomoretogethershallwebreak。
Nay，soonfromallmylabourmustIrest，Buteatyewell，anddrinktheredwine，lestYeblamemyhouse—wiferyamongmendead。\"
Andalltheytookhersayingforajest，Andsweetlydidtheylaughatthatshesaid。
XVIII。
Then，likearavenontheofnight，ThewildCassandraflittedfarandnear，Stillcrying，\"Gather，gatherforthefight，Andbracethehelmeton，andgraspthespear，Forlo，thelegionsoftheNightarehere！\"
Soshriek’dthedreadfulprophetessdivine。
Butallmenmock’d，andwereofmerrycheer;
SafeastheGodstheydeem’dthem，o’ertheirwine。
XIX。
Fornowwithminstrelsytheairwassweet，Thesoftspringair，andthickwithincensesmoke;
AndbandsofhappydancersdownthestreetFlewfromtheflower—crown’ddoors，andwheel’d，andbroke;
Andlovingwordstheyouthsandmaidensspoke，ForAphroditedidtheirheartsbeguile，AswhenbeneathgreycavernorgreenoakTheshepherdmenandmaidensmeetandsmile。
XX。
Noguardtheyset，fortrulytothemallDidLoveandslumberseemexceedinggood;
Therewasnowatchbyopengatenorwall，NosentinelbyPallas’imagestood;
Butsilencegrew，asinanautumnwoodWhentempestsdie，andthevex’dboughshaveease，Andwindandsunlightfade，andsoftthemoodOfsacredtwilightfallsuponthetrees。
XXI。
Thenthestarscross’dthezenith，andtherecameOnTroythathourwhenslumberismostdeep，Butanymanthatwatch’dhadseenaflameSpringfromthetallcrestoftheTrojankeep;
WhilefromthebellyoftheHorsedidleapMenarm’d，andtothegateswentstealthily，WhileuptherockywaytoIlioscreepTheArgives，newreturn’dacrossthesea。
XXII。
Nowwhenthesilencebroke，andinthathourWhenfirstthedawnofwarwasblazingred，TherecamealightinHelen’sfragrantbower，AsonthatevilnightbeforeshefledFromLacedaemonandhermarriagebed;
AndHeleningreatfearlaystillandcold，ForAphroditestoodaboveherhead，Andspakeinthatsweetvoicesheknewofold:
XXIII。
\"Belovedonethatdostnotloveme，wake！
Helen，thenightisover，thedawnisnear，Andsafelyshaltthoufarewithme，andtakeThywaythroughfireandblood，andhavenofear:
Alittlehour，andendedisthedrearTaleofthysorrowandthywandering。
Nay，longhastthoutoliveinhappycheer，ByfairEurotas，withthylord，theKing。\"
XXIV。
ThenHelenrose，andinacloudofgold，Unseenamidthevapourofthefire，DidAphroditeveilher，foldonfold;
Andthroughthedarkness，throngedwithfacesdire，Ando’ermen’sbodiesfalleninamireOfnewspiltbloodandwine，thetwaindidgoWhereLustandHateweremingledindesire，Anddreamsanddeathwereblendedinonewoe。
XXV。
Fireandthefoeweremastersnow:theskyFlaredlikethedawnofthatlastdayofall，Whenmenforpitytotheseashallcry，AndvainlyonthemountaintopsshallcallTofallandendthehorrorintheirfall;
Andthroughthevapourdreadfulthingssawthey，Themaidensleapingfromthecitywall，Thesleepingchildrenmurder’dwheretheylay。
XXVI。
Yea，crieslikethosethatmakethehillsofHellRingandre—echo，soundedthroughthenight，Thescreamsofburninghorses，andtheyellOfyoungmenleapingnakedintofight，Andshrillthewomenshriek’d，asintheirflightShriekthewildcranes，whenoverheadtheyspyBetweentheduskycloud—landandthebrightBlueair，aneaglestoopingfromthesky。
XXVII。
AndnowtheredglareoftheburningshoneOndeedssodirethepureGodsmightnotbear，SaveAresonly，longtolookthereon，Butwithacloudtheydarken’dalltheair。
And，eventhen，withinthetemplefairOfchasteAthene，didCassandracower，Andcriedaloudanunavailingprayer;
ForAiaswasthemasterinthathour。
XXVIII。
Man’slustwonwhataGod’slovemightnotwin，Andheroestrembled，andthetemplefloorShook，whenonecrywentupintothedin，Andshamedthenighttosilence;thentheroarOfwarandfirewax’dgreatasheretofore，Tilleachrooffell，andeverypalacegateWasshatter’d，andtheKing’sbloodshed;normoreRemain’dtodo，forTroywasdesolate。
XXIX。
Thendawndrewnear，andchangedtocloudsofroseThedreadfulsmokethatclungtoIda’shead;
ButIlioswasashes，andthefoesHadlefttheembersandtheplunder’ddead;
Anddownthesteeptheydrovetheprey，andspedBacktotheswiftships，withacaptivetrain，—
WhileMenelaus，slow，withdroopinghead，Follow’d，likeonelamenting，throughtheplain。
XXX。
Wheredeathmightseemthesurest，bythegateOfPriam，wherethespearsraged，andthetallTowersonthefoewerefalling，soughthefateTolookonHelenonce，andthentofall，Norseewithlivingeyestheendofall，Whattimethehosttheirvengeanceshouldfulfil，Andcastherfromthecliffbelowthewall，Orburnherbodyonthewindyhill。
XXXI。
ButHelenfoundhenever，wheretheflameSprangtotheroofs，andHelenne’erhefoundWhereflock’dthewretchedwomenintheirshameThehelplessaltarsoftheGodsaround，Norlurk’dsheindeepchambersunderground，Wheretheprieststrembledo’ertheirhiddengold，NorwherethearmedfeetoffoesresoundInshrinestosilenceconsecrateofold。
XXXII。
SowoundedtohishutandwearilyCameMenelaus;andhebow’dhisheadBeneaththelintelneitherfairnorhigh;
And，lo！QueenHelenlayuponhisbed，Flush’dlikeachildinsleep，androsy—red，Andathisfootstepdidshewakeandsmile，Andspake:\"Mylord，howhaththyhuntingsped，MethinksthatIhavesleptawearywhile！\"
XXXIII。
ForAphroditemadethepastunknownToHelen，asofold，wheninthedewOfthatfairdawnthenetwasroundherthrown:
Nay，nownomemoryofTroybrakethroughThemistthatveil’dfromhersweeteyesandblueThedreadfuldaysanddeedsallover—past，Andgladlydidshegreetherlordanew，Andgladlywouldherarmshaveroundhimcast。
XXXIV。
Thenleap’dsheupinterror，forhestoodBeforeher，likealionofthewild，Hisrustedarmourallbestain’dwithblood，Hismightyhandswithbloodofmendefiled，Andstrangewasallshesaw:thespears，thepiledRawskinsofslaughter’dbeastswithmanyastain;
Andlowhespake，andbitterlyhesmiled，\"Thehuntisended，andthespoilista’en。\"
XXXV。
Nomorehespake;forcertainlyhedeem’dThatAphroditebroughthertothatplace，AndthatofherlovedarcherHelendream’d，OfParis;atthatthoughtthemoodofgraceDiedinhim，andhehatedherfairface，Andboundherhard，notslackingforhertears;
Thensilentlydepartedforaspace，Toseektheruthlesscounselofhispeers。
XXXVI。
NowalltheKingswerefeastinginmuchjoy，Seatedorcouch’duponthecarpetsfairThatlatehadstrownthepalacefloorsofTroy，AndlovelyTrojanladiesservedthemthere，Andmeatfromoffthespitsyoungprincesbare;
ButMenelausburstamongthemall，Strange，’midtheirrevelry，anddidnotspare，ButbadetheKingsasuddencouncilcall。
XXXVII。
TomartheirfeasttheKingshadlittlewill，Yetdidtheyashebade，ingrudgingwise，Andheraldscall’dthehostuntothehillHeap’dofsharpstones，whereancientIluslies。
Andforththepeopleflock’d，asthrong’dasfliesThatbuzzaboutthemilking—pailsinspring，WhenlifeawakensunderAprilskies，Andbirdsfromdawningintotwilightsing。
XXXVIII。
ThenHelenthroughthecampwasdrivenandthrust，TilleventheTrojanwomencriedinglee，\"Ah，whereissheinwhomthouput’stthytrust，TheQueenofloveandlaughter，whereisshe？
Beholdthelastgiftthatshegiveththee，Thouofthemanyloves！todiealone，AndroundthyfleshforrobesofpricetobeThecoldclose—clingingraimentofsharpstone。\"
XXXIX。
Ah，slowlythroughthattroddenfieldandbareTheypass’d，wherescarcethedaffodilmightspring，Forwarhadwastedall，butintheairHighoverheadthemountinglarkdidsing;
Thenallthearmygather’dinaringRoundHelen，roundtheirtorment，trapp’datlast，AndmanytookupmightystonestoflingFromshardsandflintsonIlus’barrowcast。
XL。
ThenMenelaustothepeoplespoke，Andswifthiswing’dwordscameaswhirlingsnow，\"Ohyethatoverlonghavebornetheyoke，Beholdtheveryfountainofyourwoe！
Forheryeleftyourdearhomeslongago，OnArgivevalleyorBoeotianplain;
Butnowtheblackshipsrotfromsterntoprow，Whoknowsifyeshallseeyourownagain？
XLI。
\"Ay，andifhomeyewin，yeyetmayfind，Yethatthewindswaft，andthewatersbearToArgos！yearequitegoneoutofmind;
Yourfathers，dearandold，dishonour’dthere;
Yourchildrendeemyoudead，andwillnotshareTheirlandswithyou;onmainlandoronisle，Strangemenarewooingnowthewomenfair，Andlovedothlightlywoman’sheartbeguile。
XLII。
\"Thesesorrowshaththiswomanwroughtalone:
Sofalluponherstraightwaythatshedie，Andclotheherbeautyinacloakofstone！\"
Hespake，andtrulydeem’dtohearhercryAndseethesharpflintsstraightanddeadlyfly;
ButeachmanstoodandmusedonHelen’sface，Andherundream’d—ofbeauty，broughtsonighOnthatbleakplain，withinthatruin’dplace。
LXIII。
Andasinfaroffdaysthatweretobe，Thesenseoftheirownsindidmenconstrain，ThattheymustleavethesinfulwomanfreeWho，bytheirlaw，hadverilybeenslain，SoHelen’sbeautymadetheirangervain，Andonebyonehisgather’dflintsletfall;
Andlikemenshamedtheystoleacrosstheplain，Backtotheswiftshipsandtheirfestival。
XLIV。
ButMenelauslook’donherandsaid，\"Hathnomanthencondemn’dthee，——istherenoneToshedthybloodforallthatthouhastshed，Towreakontheethewrongsthatthouhastdone。
Nay，asmineownsoulliveth，thereisoneThatwillnotsetthybarrenbeautyfree，ButslaytheetoPoseidonandtheSunBeforeashipAchaiantakesthesea！\"
XLV。
TherewithhedrewhissharpswordfromhisthighAsoneintenttoslayher:butbehold，Asuddenmarvelshoneacrossthesky！
Acloudofrosyfire，afloodofgold，AndAphroditecamefromforththefoldOfwondrousmist，andsuddenatherfeetLotusandcrocusonthetrampledwoldBrake，andtheslenderhyacinthwassweet。
XLVI。
ThenfellthepointthatneverbloodlessfellWhenspearbitharnessinthebattledin，ForAphroditespake，andlikeaspellWroughthersweetvoicepersuasive，tillwithinHishearttherelivednomemoryofsin，Nothirstforvengeancemore，butallgrewplain，AndwrathwasmoltenindesiretowinThegoldenheartofHelenonceagain。
XLVII。
ThenAphroditevanish’dasthedayPasses，andleavesthedarklingearthbehind;
AndoverheadtheAprilskywasgrey，ButHelen’sarmsaboutherlordweretwined，Andhisroundherasclinginglyandkind，AswhensweetvinesandivyinthespringJointheirgladleaves，nortempestsmayunbindThewovenboughs，solovinglytheycling。
XLVIII。
Noonlongwasover—past，butsacrednightBeheldthemnotupontheIlianshore;
Nay，foraboutthewaningofthelightTheirswiftshipswander’donthewatershoar，Norstay’dtheytheOlympianstoadore，Soeagerlytheyleftthatcursedland，Butmanyatoil，andtempestsgreatandsore，BefellthemeretheywontheArgivestrand。