the spear is splintered in the onset) on Danaans and on Trojans alike. The case now stands where it stands—it moves to fulfilment at its destined end. Not by offerings burned in secret, not by secret libations,not by tears, shall man soften the stubborn wrath of unsanctified sacrifices.Unsanctified, literally fireless, that will not burn. A veiled reference either to the sacrifice of Iphigenia by Agamemnon and the wrath of Clytaemestra, or to Paris’ violation of the laws of hospitality that provoked the anger of Zeus. But we, incapable of service by reason of our aged frame, discarded from that martial mustering of long ago, wait here at home,