The death of Achilles - Part II

The wise Polydamas, who was tired of the war, answered him: 'If King Memnon is indeed coming, I trust that he may save our city and ourselves. But he, too, may be defeated by the powerful Achilles and the Greeks. Why do we not, even at this late 'hour, give up lovely Helen and the treasure, and so save our homes form the enemy?'

All the Trojan leaders felt that Polydamas was right, but none of them dared to say so. Paris spoke angrily to the wise man, saying: ' Polydamas, you are a coward on the battlefield, and your advice is foolishness. Stay at home if you wish, but the rest of the Trojans will follow me to battle, and win honor for us all.'

Polydamas replied: ' Your foolish daring has brought sorrow and suffering upon us all, and your advice will ruin our city!' And Paris dared say no more, for he knew that he was the cause of the war, yet he preferred to die rather than give up the beautiful Helen.