From Kypros
a herald came
Idaos the swift-running Trojan messenger
telling of the wedding’s imperishable fame in all Asia:
“Hektor and his companions are bringing dancing-eyed
delicate Andromache on ships over the salt sea
from holy Thibai and Plakia’s flowing waters
along with many gold bracelets and purple
fragrant clothes, exquisite adornments
and countless silver cups and ivory.”
He spoke, and Hektor’s dear father sprang to his feet
and news spread to friends throughout the spacious city.
Instantly the sons of Ilos, founder of Troy,
yoked mules to carriages with smooth-running wheels,
and a whole crowd of women and slender-ankled virgins climbed aboard.
The daughters of Priamos came in their own carts,
and young unmarried men yoked stallions to chariots.
In great spirit
charioteers
moved like gods
holy all together
and set out for Ilion
in a confusion of sweet-voiced flutes and kithara
and small crashing castanets,
and young virgins sang a loud heavenly song
whose amazing echo pierced the ether of the sky.
Everywhere in the streets
were bowls and cups.
Myrrh and cassia and frankincense rode on the wind.
Old women shouted in happiness
and all the men sang out with thrilling force,
calling on far-shooting Paean Apollo nimble on the lyre
and sang to godlike Hektor and Andromache.