8

CONSIDERED OPINION

by LIL

Achilles (so the legend goes)

In youth was saved from murd'rous foes by being hidden in a school

for girls of noble birth. No fool,

He fell into it, lock, stock and barrel Thus avoiding iminent peril

By setting quite a heated pace

In learning there, the ways of grace.

Those lovely years! Beloved, admired By his schoolmates who aspired

To emulate his queenly poise,

His loose high-breasted pride; the joys Of loveliness in what he wore

(That classic Grecian drape!)...and more His long, dark, pleated swinging hair, His sensually, graceful dancing there... All womanhood, in every phase

He knew and had in those dear days.

Then came the time (the legend goes) That high-born kinsman, in the threes of War, besought him. None could tell Which maid was he. So it befell They laid out gowns...and warlike arms, The maids ignored the swords. The charms Of fabric won. But one slim maiden

Left. for where the floor was laden

J A

With tools of war.

Became a man.

Thus found, the boy ...and died at Troy.

The more I think of his sad choice That made him turn from comely lass To man, the more I feel that I must voice Just this.

• P

Achilles surely was an ass.