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Book 24, Lines 501–506

Priam Begs Achilles for His Son’s Body

A

Hector—his body to redeem I come

Into Achaia’s fleet, bringing, myself,

Ransom inestimable to thy tent.

Reverence the Gods, Achilles! recollect

Thy father; for his sake compassion show

To me more pitiable still, who draw

Home to my lips (humiliation yet

Unseen on earth) his hand who slew my son.

B

It is for him I have come to the Greek ships,

To get him back from you. I've brought

A fortune in ransom. Respect the gods, Achilles.

Think of your own father, and pity me.

I am more pitiable. I have borne what no man

Who has walked this earth has ever yet borne.

I have kissed the hand of the man who killed my son.

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