《伊利亚特·第24卷》第6节
Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask of him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.” Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply he will have pity.” Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father Zeus that bearest sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon the right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.” Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of some rich man’s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and he appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their breasts.
注释摘要
赫卡柏在此刻的出现，将一个即将启程的老人的决心，拉回到家庭与信仰的本位。她是普里阿摩斯的妻子，赫克托耳的母亲。她没有像前一段那样激烈反对丈夫前往敌营，而是端着一只金杯走来，杯中盛着蜜般甘甜的酒，要为丈夫临行前向宙斯行奠酒之礼。这个动作本身就是特洛伊宫廷女性在重大关头所承担的角色——不是决策，而是以仪式守护决策的执行。 她让普里阿摩斯先向父神宙斯祈祷，求他能…