Homer's (the blind man's) poetry as seen by the waiter

"Iliad VII"

        Paris

a

r

i

s

has

been

cautioned about the risk of a fight,

nevertheless he does not want to let

go of his toy, of his treasure, his Schatz,

of his

Helen.

Understandable Paris tells his advisors off. He criticizes

them sharply, repelled just by the thought of a night

without, once Menelaus', now his, the one and only

most pleasing Helen. How could anyone suggest,

being serious, speaking from the gut, asking him

to give up, her up. She was the prize, the cup every man

would want to display in public. She being the gift he got and

well deserved, therefore isn't he entitled to be her keeper. He is aware

of the gods

out there

plotting.

But, yes, if he gives her up, her, Helen, the daughter of Zeus,

wouldn't he also direct her father's undiluted anger against

himself?"No!" he says, "No way! I won't give up this woman!"

At the same

token Paris

consideres to buy peace with gold and slaves:

"Take all those other beauties and treasures

I once hauled home from Argos,

many deck-loads of desire

and able possessions

I gladly offer to

return such if

         needed."    

  ()-:  
  ...self-righteous...

07/06/08

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