Chapter 5 5

While the Greeks were nervously preparing for war, they held a meeting under the auspices of Agamemnon, and made a decision to use peaceful means to solve the problem first, and sent peace envoys to Troy to protest to King Priam that the prince of Troy had violated the civil law and hijacked The Queen of Sparta, demanded the return of the wife of King Menelaus and all the property that had been looted.The meeting elected Palamedes, Odysseus and Menelaus as envoys.Although Odysseus resented Palamedes in his heart, he still obeyed the prince's decision for their common interests, because Palamedes had rich experience and extensive experience, and was well-respected in the Greek army. So Odysseus also agreed with him to act as spokesman, and went to King Priam's palace together.

The Trojans and their king were terrified when they saw these envoys stepping down from their splendid ships, and they did not know what was happening.Because Paris and his robbed wife were still living on the island of Crana, the Trojans didn't know his news, thinking that the army led by Paris had encountered stubborn resistance in Greece and the whole army was wiped out.He was supposed to bring back his aunt Hesione, but now he is gone.My aunt didn't come back, but the Greeks came in full armor.So the news of the arrival of the Greek mission made everyone in the palace nervous.But they still opened the city gate.The three princes were ushered into the palace to meet King Priam.At this time the king had summoned his son and the leading men in the city to discuss the plan.

In his speech, Palamedes condemned Priam's son Paris for taking away Queen Helen in the name of all Greeks.He then pointed out that such an action would lead to war and cause great loss to Priam's kingdom.He listed the names of the princes of all the powerful countries in Greece and said that they would lead more than a thousand warships to expedition to Troy.He demanded a peaceful settlement of the situation, hoping to return the robbed queen. "O king," said he, "the Greeks would rather die than suffer insults and bullying from strangers. They were furious and determined to avenge the shame they had suffered. Therefore, our supreme commander, the most famous in all Greece, Prince, Agamemnon, mighty king of Argos, and all the heroes and princes of Greece, we beg you: Give back to us the Queen you have stolen, or you will be utterly destroyed!"

The sons of Priam and the elders of Troy were furious at this arrogant provocation.They drew their swords and struck their shields with their blades, full of murderous aura.Priam asked everyone to be quiet, rose from his seat and said: "Outlanders, I cannot but be surprised that you speak such aggressive words to us in the name of your people, for we have never been ashamed of the crimes you accuse. I don't know, on the contrary, we should condemn the crime you say. Your countryman Hercules attacked our city when we lived in peace, and took away my innocent sister Hesione, and then, put her To his friend Telamon as a slave. Thanks to Eramon for his kindness, my sister became his legal wife instead of his slave girl. But this still cannot make up for the insult and bullying done to us. We used to I have sent envoys, and now my son Paris, to your country, to demand the return of my sister. As to how my son Paris carried out my mission, what he did, and where he is now, I am sure I don't know. There is not a single Greek woman in my palace and city. I am well aware of this. Therefore, I cannot grant your request now, even if I wanted to. If my son is safe Go back to Troy and bring back the Greek woman he hijacked, and if she doesn't ask us to protect her, then I can give her to you. But, anyway, there is one condition, you must first take my sister Hesione Send it back!"

All the Trojans present agreed with the king's speech, but Palamedes stubbornly insisted: "There is no prerequisite for our request. We take your word for it. The wife of Menelaus has not yet come." to your city. However, there is no doubt that she will return.It is true that your unrighteous son took her away.We cannot be held responsible for what Hercules did in our fathers' day.But one of your sons insulted us wantonly, and for what he did, we want you to do what we want.Hesione married Telamon voluntarily, and she sent her son Ajax to fight this time.Helen's abduction was not voluntary.Thank the gods that they let your son stay out, so you have time to think, but you must make wise decisions early, lest you be utterly destroyed! "

Priam and the Trojans were offended by Palamedes' provocative words, but they still maintained the courtesy due to the envoys.The council was over, and one of the elders of Troy, the wise Antenor, protected the messengers away from the angry townspeople.He took the messengers to his house and treated them as guests would.The next morning he took them to the beach.They boarded magnificent warships and set sail.