In the case of that Ilium, so they say, there were three fateful events which would prove her downfall:  if the image[N] disappeared from the citadel; still a second, the death of Troilus[O]; the third, when the upper lintel of the Phrygian gate should be torn away.  Counterparts of these three are three fateful events, too, in the case of this Ilium of ours.

        [Footnote N:  The Palladium, a statue of Pallas]

        [Footnote O:  A son of Priam, slain by Achilles]

nam dudum primo ut dixeram nostro seni mendacium et de hospite et de auro et de lembo, ibi signum ex arce iam abstuli. iam duo restabant fata tunc, nec magis id ceperam oppidum. post ubi tabellas ad senem detuli, ibi occidi Troilum, 960 cum censuit Mnesilochum cum uxore esse dudum militis.[26] (961)

For a little while ago when I first told our old man that lie about his friend and the gold and the galley, I there and then stole the image from the citadel.  Even then two fateful events were yet to come, and the town was still untaken.  Later, on carrying the letter to the old man, I then slew my Troilus, when he thought Mnesilochus a short time ago was with the Captain’s wife.[26]

post cum magnifico milite, urbes verbis qui mermus capit, (966) conflixi atque hominem reppuli; dein pugnam conserui seni:  eum ego adeo uno mendacio devici, uno ictu extempulo cepi spolia. is nunc ducentos nummos Philippos militi, quos dare se promisit, dabit, 970 nunc alteris etiam ducentis usus est, qui dispensentur Ilio capto, ut sit mulsum qui triumphent milites.[27] (972)

Still later I closed with the noble Captain—­who captures cities with no weapon save his mighty tongue—­and hurled him back.  Next I joined battle with the old man:  aye, and him I struck down with a single lie; a single blow, and the spoils were mine.  He now will give the Captain the two hundred pounds he promised him.  And now there is need of another two hundred still, to be disbursed, on Ilium’s capture, that the soldiery may have wine and honey to celebrate their victory.[27]

  sed Priamum adstantem eccum ante portam video.
        adibo atque adloquar. (978)

      [ENTER Nicobulus FROM HIS HOUSE.] Aha, though!  I see Priam
      standing before the gate.  I’ll up and address him.

Nic.

  Quoianam vox prope me sonat?

      (looking round) Whose voice is that I hear near me?

Chrys.

  O Nicobule.

      (approaching) Oh, sir!

Nic.

  Quid fit?
  quid quod te misi, ecquid egisti?

      (eagerly) How goes it?  What about your mission—­have you
      accomplished anything?