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But if any amidst you hath counsel that better shall serve our need

Let her rise; for to this have I summoned you, even the giving of rede.’

So spake she, and sat her down on the ancient chair of stone

That of old was her sire’s, and Polyxo her nurse uprose thereupon.

On her wrinkle-shrivelled feet she halted for very eld

Bowed over a staff; but with longing for speech the heart in her swelled.{670}

And hard by her side were there sitting ancient maidens four,

Virgins, whose heads with the thin white hair were silvered o’er.

And amidst of the folkmote stood she, and up from her crook-bowed back

Feebly a little she lifted her neck, and in this wise spake:

‘Gifts, even as unto the lady Hypsipylê seemeth meet,

Send we to the strangers, for thus were it better their coming to greet.

But you—by what art or device shall ye save your souls alive

If a Thracian host burst on you, or cometh in battle to strive

Some other foe?—there be many such chances to men that befall,

Even as now yon array cometh unforeseen of us all.{680}