THE FIRST BOOK O F HOME R's ILI A S. THE ARGUMENT. Chryfes, prieft of Apollo, brings presents to the Grecian princes, to ranfom his daughter Chryfeis, who was prifoner in the fleet. Agamemnon, the general, whofe captive and mistress the young lady was, refufes to deliver, threatens the venerable old man, and difmiffes him with contumely. The priest craves vengeance of his God; who fends a plague among the Greeks: which occafions Achilles, their great champion, to fummon a council of the chief officers: be encourages Calchas, the high priest and prophet, to tell the reafon, why the Gods were Jo much incenfed against them. Calchas is fearful of provoking Agamemnon, till Achilles engages to protect him: then, emboldened by the bero, be accufes the general as the cause of all, by detaining the fair captive, and refusing the prefents offered for her ranfom. By this proceeding, Agamemnon is obliged, against his will, to reftore Chryfeis, with gifts, that he might appease the wrath of Phoebus; but, at the fame time, to revenge himself on Achilles, fends to feize bis flave Brifeis. Achilles, thus affronted, complains to his mother Thetis; and begs her to revenge his injury, not only on the general, but on all the army, by giving victory to the Trojans, till the ungrateful king became fenfible of his injuftice. At the fame time, be retires from the camp into his ships, and withdraws his aid from his countrymen. Thetis prefers her fon's petition to Jupiter, who grants ber fute. Juno fufpects her errand, and quarrels with ber husband, for his grant; till |