And I have a boy, too,
with him, whom he trains as he trained me once, the son whom Thetis
brought me, the silver-footed lady of the sea, whom I caught in the
cave, and tamed her though she changed her shape seven times. For she
changed, as I held her, into water, and to vapour, and to burning flame,
and to a rock, and to a black-maned lion, and to a tall and stately
tree. But I held her and held her ever till she took her own shape
again, and led her to my father's house, and won her for my bride. And
all the rulers of Olympus came to our wedding, and the heavens and the
earth rejoiced together, when an immortal wedded mortal man. And now let
me see my son; for it is not often I shall see him upon earth; famous he
will be, but short lived, and die in the flower of youth."
So Tiphys, the helmsman, steered them to the shore under the crags of
Pelion; and they went up through the dark pine forests toward the
Centaur's cave.
And they came into the misty hall, beneath the snow-crowned crag; and
saw the great Centaur lying with his huge limbs spread upon the rock;
and beside him stood Achilles, the child whom no steel could wound, and
played upon his harp right sweetly, while Cheiron watched and smiled.
Then Cheiron leapt up and welcomed them, and kissed them every one, and
set a feast before them, of swine's flesh, and venison, and good wine;
and young Achilles served them, and carried the golden goblet round.
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