I alone took the actions that needed to be done
and it was right and proper that the gods paid
me honors, bribes and flattery. For I know
that it is only the bold that is favored.

For when man speaks of Achilles, they shall always
remember the man who felled the unbeatable.
My greatness, my wit. For it was the great love herself
upon our lover's bed who granted me wisdom's virtue.

The fidelity of the queen was gifted to me as well,
The women of Sparta greeted me with open legs,
As did all cities where I traveled. As is right.
And when I saw the finest jewel uncut and unset,

I took it for my own, and brought it to my city.
As was my right. Granted to me by the greatest of kings.
Let those who speak of duty and honor flap their lips,
for I did only what they were too cowardly to achieve.

I was bold. I was brave. I plucked the fruit of Zeus,
while other men stared and spoke of treachery.
And so I feasted. My jewel set properly, polished and perfumed.
A triumph guarded by my kin, who are obliged to stand with me.

Let them come, for it is my right by wisdom to strike from afar,
The city wall exists for fools to batter their thick heads
whilst my swift and perfect arrow finds their heel.
Perhaps the wall will fall in places, but that is the nature of walls.

I shall be elsewhere, again striking the foe upon the back,
for that is the way in which wars are won. Not through dumb
animal deeds of posturing, posing, preening and pummeling.
For that is how all great heroes fall. Leading by foolish example.

It is the ability to feign a loving and kind face,
whilst raising young asps for their tender releases,
which ensures that the city lives long and glorious.
A public smile and cheer, a private snarl and cut.

And I died because of the shirking of duty,
Among those who should have known better than to hold grudges,
For that is the way that the great games of the world are played.
It is foul to remember deeds performed in sport,

when the life and livelihood of one who matters is immediate.
Even my jewel turned from me, despite her obligations,
Rebuking my love as false, and rejecting my bed in anger.
And I died. Remembering one great glorious hour.

When Paris was God.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPoY9-08KqQ]