The Iliad

Ye slaves! ye coward souls! Women of Greece! I will not call you men!

but the Gods On man bestow not all their gifts at once;

"Atrides, speak not falsely: well thou know'st The truth, that we our fathers far surpass.

but now old age, The common lot of mortals, weighs thee down;

If he be not indeed a God, incens'd Against the Trojans for neglected rites; For fearful is the vengeance of a God."

the lesson thou shalt learn Shall cause thee shudder but to hear it nam'd."

"Expect not, Juno, all my mind to know; My wife thou art, yet would such knowledge be Too much for thee; whate'er I deem it fit That thou shouldst know, nor God nor man shall hear Before thee; but what I in secret plan, Seek not to know, nor curiously inquire."

To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief, Charg'd with the public weal, and cares of state.

Yet with the chariots can I still go forth, And aid with sage advice: for such the right And privilege of age;