The fall of Troy

For ten years the Greeks besiege the Trojans but they cannot take the city. Finally Agamemnon, King of the Greeks, gives up hope. He orders all of the princes to come together and says, ‘we have besieged Troy now for ten years. We defeat the Trojans often in battle but we cannot take the city. I despair. What ought we to do? Should we not return home? What do you advise?’

The other princes are silent, but Ulysses says, ‘I do not despair. I have a new plan. Listen to me.’

All of the princes listen to Ulysses plan; they accept the plan happily. They make large horse, of wood; they send into the horse many strong men. They climb up and hide themselves in the belly of the horse. The others board the ships and sail to a neighboring island.

At first light the Trojans see the Greek ships going away; they rejoice because the Greeks are not present, rejoice because at last the fighting is finished. They run from the city gates to the deserted shore; they see the huge horse standing on the shore. Some say ‘we ought to lead the horse into the city.’ Others say ‘do not trust the horse. Beware of gifts of the Greeks. Perhaps the Greeks are hidden in there.’ Finally they decide to lead it to the city. All of the men happily pull it through the gates and put it in the citadel. Then they make a feast and drink a lot of wine.

Night arrives. The Trojans sleep. The Greeks who are on the island board the ships and quickly return to the Trojan city. Those who are hidden in the horse, quietly exit and hurry to the gates.
The Trojan watchmen are sleeping; they are drunk. The Greeks kill them; they quickly open the gates and receive their comrades. All of the men run through the city streets. Only a few Trojans resist. Soon the Greeks take the entire city. Finally they attack Priam’s palace; they kill Priam and his sons. Few escape. Thus the Greeks at last take and desroy the city.

read in latin