AG. [Yet] shalt thou know it, for thou wilt stand round the altar.

IPH.  What, shall we stand in chorus round the altar, my father?[55]

AG.  I deem thee happier than myself, for that thou know-est nothing.  But go within the house, that the girls may behold thee,[56] having given me a sad kiss and thy right hand, being about to dwell a long time away from thy sire.  O bosom and cheeks, O yellow tresses, how has the city of the Phrygians proved a burden to us, and Helen!  I cease my words, for swift does the drop trickle from mine eyes when I touch thee.  Go into the house.  But I, I crave thy pardon, (to Clytaemnestra,) daughter of Leda, if I showed too much feeling, being about to bestow my daughter on Achilles.  For the departure [of a girl] is a happy one, but nevertheless it pains the parents, when a father, who has toiled much, delivers up his children to another home.

CLY.  I am not so insensible—­but think thou that I shall experience the same feelings, (so that I should not chide thee,) when I lead forth my girl with nuptial rejoicings, but custom wears away these thoughts in course of time.  I know, however, the name of him to whom thou hast promised thy daughter, but I would fain know of what race, and whence [he is.]

AG.  AEgina was the daughter of her father Asopus.

CLY.  And who of mortals or of Gods wedded her?

AG.  Jove, and she gave birth to AEacus, prince of Oenone.

CLY.  But what son obtained the house of AEacus?

AG.  Peleus, and Peleus obtained the daughter of Nereus.

CLY.  By the gift of the God, or taking her in spite of the Gods?

AG.  Jove acted as a sponsor, and bestowed her, having the power.[57]

CLY.  And where does he wed her?  In the wave of the sea?

AG.  Where Chiron dwells at the sacred foot of Pelion.

CLY.  Where they say that the race of Centaurs dwells?

AG.  Here the Gods celebrated the nuptial feast of Peleus.

CLY.  But did Thetis, or his father, train up Achilles?

AG.  Chiron, that he might not learn the manners of evil mortals.

CLY.  Hah! wise was the instructor, and wiser he who intrusted him.

AG.  Such a man will be the husband of thy child.

CLY.  Not to be found fault with.  But what city in Greece does he inhabit?

AG.  Near the river Apidanus in the confines of Phthia.

CLY.  Thither will he lead thy virgin [daughter] and mine.

AG.  This shall be the care of him, her possessor.

CLY.  And may the pair be happy; but on what day will he wed her?

AG.  When the prospering orb of the moon comes round.

CLY.  But hast thou already sacrificed the first offerings for thy daughter to the Goddess?

AG.  I am about to do so.  In this matter we are now engaged.

CLY.  And wilt thou then celebrate a wedding-feast afterward?