"I will do that which is needful. For it is not seemly that thou shouldst be present where the whole army is gathered together."
"Ay, but it is seemly that a mother should give her daughter in marriage."
"But the maidens at home should not be left alone."
"They are well kept."
"Be persuaded, lady."
"Not so; thou shalt order that which is without the house, but I that which is within."
But now came Achilles, to tell the King that the army was growing impatient, saying, that unless they might sail speedily, they would return each man to his home. And when the Queen heard his name—for he had said to the attendant, "Tell thy master that Achilles, the son of Peleus, would speak with him"—she came forth from the tent and greeted him, and bade him give her his right hand. And when the young man was abashed she said:
"But why art thou abashed, seeing that thou art about to marry my daughter?"
And he answered:
"What sayest thou, lady? I cannot speak for wonder at thy words."