Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Helen of Sidon?


Come to think of it, what was Paris doing with Helen in Sidon anyway? Sidon is not on the way from Sparta to Troy. Maybe Herodotus has a point: did Homer know?
This heard, she [Hecuba, Priam's wife] gave command; and summon'd came
Each noble matron, and illustrious dame.
The Phyrgian queen to her rich wardrobe went,
Where treasure'd odors breath'd a costly scent.
There lay the vestures, of no vulgar art,
Sidonian maids embroider'd every part,
Whom from soft Sidon youthful Paris bore,
With Helen touching on the Tyrian shore.

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