Note 526 — Chapter IX · BRIDE’S BAIRNS

“Him swelt’ring at his forge she found, intent On forming twenty tripods, which should stand The wall surrounding of his well-built house, The silver-footed Queen approach’d the house, Charis, the skilful artist’s wedded wife, Beheld her coming, and advanc’d to meet; And, as her hand she clasp’d, address’d her thus: ‘Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, belov’d And honour’d, whence this visit to our house, An unaccustom’d guest? but come thou in, That I may welcome thee with honour due.’ Thus, as she spoke, the goddess led her in, And on a seat with silver studs adorn’d, Fair, richly wrought, a footstool at her feet, She bade her sit; then thus to Vulcan call’d; ‘Haste hither, Vulcan; Thetis asks thine aid.’ Whom answer’d thus the skill’d artificer: ‘An honour’d and a venerated guest Our house contains; who sav’d me once from woe, Then thou the hospitable rites perform, While I my bellows and my tools lay by.’ He said, and from the anvil rear’d upright His massive strength; and as he limp’d along, His tott’ring knees were bow’d beneath his weight. The bellows from the fire he next withdrew, And in a silver casket plac’d his tools; Then with a sponge his brows and lusty arms He wip’d, and sturdy neck and hairy chest. He donn’d his robe, and took his weighty staff; Then through the door with halting step he pass’d; ... with halting gait, Pass’d to a gorgeous chair by Thetis’ side, And, as her hand he clasp’d, address’d her thus: ‘Say Thetis, of the flowing robe, belov’d And honour’d, whence this visit to our house, An unaccustom’d guest? say what thy will, And, if within my pow’r esteem it done.’” Iliad, Bk. XVIII., p. 420-80.