1 88 THE WONDER-BOOK OF HORSES 



help them find the way. Very quietly did they 

 draw near, led by the cunning Ulysses. Unseen 

 by any one save the two war steeds, they entered 

 the open door. They crossed the courtyard, 

 found Achilles in his own room playing a sweet 

 air upon a lyre of curious workmanship, and 

 singing of the glories of war, whilst over against 

 him sat his friend Patroclus, silently listening. 

 Surprised by their sudden coming, both of the 

 young men sprang to their feet, Achilles with the 

 lyre still in his hand. Then he welcomed them 

 warmly as his dearest friends, and leading them 

 forward he made them sit down upon soft cush- 

 ions and carpets of purple, and turning to Patro- 

 clus he bade him bring forth a great bowl of 

 mixed wine and a cup for each of his guests. 



And Patroclus did this and more. In the light 

 of the blazing fire he placed a great fleshing- 

 block, and upon it he laid a goat's back and choice 

 pieces of mutton and pork; and having sliced 

 them well, he pierced them with spits and roasted 

 them above the hot coals. Then he put the meat 

 on platters, and brought out baskets of white 

 bread which he served to the guests. But Achilles 

 himself served the meat, while Patroclus sacrificed 

 to the gods by throwing some of the choicest 



