and true, the tide of fortune glides with easy flow to a successful goal.
Hec. I shall find a host of friends now that fortune smiles upon my warring and Zeus is on my side. But no need have we of those who shared not our toils of erst, what time the War-god, driving all before him, was rending the sails of our ship of state with his tempestuous blast. Rhesus hath shewn the friendship he then bore to Troy; for he cometh to the feast, albeit he was not with the hunters when they took the prey, nor joined his spear with theirs.
Cho. Thou art right to scorn and blame such friends; yet welcome those who fain would help the state.
Hec. Sufficient we who long have kept Ilium safe.
Cho. Art so sure thou hast already caught the foe?
Hec. Quite sure I am; to-morrow's light will make that plain.
Cho. Beware of what may chance; full oft doth fortune veer.
Hec. I loathe the friend who brings his help too late.
Mes. O prince, to turn away allies earns hatred. His mere appearing would cause a panic amongst the foe.
Cho. Let him, at least, since he is come, approach thy genial board as guest, if not ally, for the gratitude of Priam's sons is forfeit in his case.
Hec. Thou counsellest aright; thou too dost take the proper view. Let Rhesus in his gilded mail join the allies of this land, thanks to the messenger's report.
[Exit the Messenger.
Cho. May Nemesis, daughter of Zeus, check the word that may offend; for lo! I will utter all that my soul fain would say. Thou art come, O son of the river god, art come, thrice welcome in thy advent, to the halls of Phrygia; late in time thy Pierian mother and Strymon thy sire, that stream with bridges fair, are sending thee to us,—Strymon who begat thee his strong young son, that day his swirling
