The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1867-04-04
The Story of the Hi0d.

lhe Story OF the IIt01.
The story of Had is very simple. II
begins with the quarrel of Agamemnon
and Achilles about captive girl, in the
ninth year of the war. Achilles in anger
withdraws from the Grecian camp. A
series Of battles follow, in which the
Greeks, deprived of their ift-footed
champion, suffer defeat and slaughter.
In the meantime the secondary heroes
press forward and become the leading
figures in the martial picture. In sepa-
rate chants, the valiant deeds of Do
menes, Ajax, Menelaus, Agamemnon,
are COMMUNICATED. But the Trojans,
led on by the crested Hector, drive the
Greeks down to the very ramparts OF
the ships. One by one the heroes are
wounded and disabled, and the prospect
of disastrous overthrow stares the army
in the face. Agamemnon, at length con
WINGED of his fatal error, sends an en-
bassy with the offer of ample repa-
ration.
The proposal is haughtily rejected
The war again proceeds with varying
fortune. The Greeks are driven within
their walls, and the Trojans, led on by
Hector, threaten to fire the ships. The
battle waivers, Hector is wounded, and
the Trojans are driven back. Achilles
at length consents that Patrocius, his
brotherin-arms, shall put on his armor
and go forth to battle. The appearance
OF this champion, clad in the complete
steel Of the son of Thetis, at first strikes
terror into the hosts of Troy, and gives
heart to the Argives. But he is slain
and despoiled of his arms by Hector,
and fierce combats for the possession OF
the dead body follow. The Greeks pre-
vail, and bear the Slain hero back to the
camp. Achilles, overwhelmed with
sorrow, abandons himself to unrestrain-
ed lamentation. This calls his mother,
Thetis, up from the sea. She finds him
PROSTATE with grief, yet eager to exact
a bloody vengeance from Hector and
the Trojans; but Hector has the armor.
She goes to the smithy Of Hephaistes,
who readily FORCES a new shield OF di-
vine workmanship,a breast-p plate, bright
er than the blaze of fire, a strong
and metal greaves. Achilles receives
the arms, becomes reconciIed with Aga
memnon, who sends him precious gifts
and restores the captive Bfisels. After
lamenting over the dead Patrocius, he
mounts the car and rushes to the field,
careless of life, and longing only for
vengeance. And now the War comes to
its turning point. The Trojan and Gre
clan champions are arrayed in deadly
strife, and the divided deities share, ac-
cording to their several likings, in the
battle. AS the action approaches close,
the description rises in grandeur. At
length both armies are Withdrawn from
the field and Achilles and Hector alone
remain. A single combat follows, and
Hector falls. Achilles, insults the body
of his foe, lashes him to his car, and
drags him down to his tent, in sight OF
Priam and the Trojans. who gaze heart
stricken from the walls upon the dread
full spectacle.
The Greeks returning to the camp,
funeral games are performed in honor Of
Patrocius, and twelve Trojan youths are
slaughtered to appease his shade. Thus
twelve days are consumed. Priam re-
solves to visit the hostile camp and inn
piore Achilles for the restoration OF his
dead son. An suspicious omen inspires
him with hope. He departs, taking with
him costly gifts, by which he thinks to
appease his Vindictive enemies. He is
met by Hermes, in the form of young
man, who guides him to the tent Of
Achilles. The Grecian hero, astonished
at his sudden app 9arance, gives him a
hospitable reception, and overcome by
pity for his unequal woes, consents to
surrender the body of Hector. 1t is
borne back to the city; the inhabitants
receive it with loud lamentations fu-
neral rites are performed, and SO the
poem closes. --ETona Fenton's Lecture on
Greece.