THE GREAT WOODEN HORSE 221 



ropes were attached to each of the fore legs. 

 Then, with the aid of levers and pulleys, the whole 

 huge mass was lifted a little at a time, and the 

 smooth-sliding wheels were fastened in their 

 places, one under each corner of the platform. 

 This being done, as many as could get near 

 enough seized hold of the ropes, the word of com- 

 mand was given, and the three long lines of tug- 

 ging men and boys moved slowly over the plain, 

 dragging the horse behind them. When they 

 drew near the city the whole populace came out 

 to meet them, and the glad shouts which rent the 

 air seemed louder than the cries which warriors 

 utter on the field of battle. 



A wide breach had been opened in the wall, and 

 through this, just as the sun was dipping into the 

 sea, the horse was pushed into the city. Once, 

 when the huge body struck against a projecting 

 stone, the Trojans who were nearest were aston- 

 ished to hear a sound like the rattling of shields, 

 and some turned pale, and looked around with 

 dread, and forgot to join in the chorus of song 

 that was raised in welcome to the image that was 

 to bring peace and good fortune to Troy. Soon 

 darkness came, and the tired people hastened to 

 their homes. Not a soldier remained to guard the 



