The Trojans were struck with terror when they saw the snake, portent of aegis-bearing Jove, writhing in the midst of them, and Polydamas went up to Hector and said, "Hector, at our councils of war you are ever given to rebuke me, even when I speak wisely, as though it were not well, forsooth, that one of the people should cross your will either in the field or at the council board; you would have them support you always: nevertheless I will say what I think will be best; let us not now go on to fight the Danaans at their ships, for I know what will happen if this soaring eagle which skirted the left wing of our host with a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons (the snake being still alive) was really sent as an omen to the Trojans on their essaying to cross the trench.

The eagle let go her hold; she did not succeed in taking it home to her little ones, and so will it be--with ourselves; even though by a mighty effort we break through the gates and wall of the Achaeans, and they give way before us, still we shall not return in good order by the way we came, but shall leave many a man behind us whom the Achaeans will do to death in defence of their ships.

Thus would any seer who was expert in these matters, and was trusted by the people, read the portent." Hector looked fiercely at him and said, "Polydamas, I like not of your reading.

You can find a better saying than this if you will.

If, however, you have spoken in good earnest, then indeed has heaven robbed you of your reason.