Among all creatures that breathe on earth and crawl on it there is not anywhere a thing more dismal than man is.

More from The Iliad

• And you, old sir, we are told you prospered once.
• I have gone through what no other mortal on earth has gone through; I put my lips to the hands of the man who has killed my children.
• Then looking at him darkly resourceful Odysseus spoke to him: "What is this word that broke through the fence of your teeth, Atreides?"
• The will of Zeus was accomplished.
• Victory passes back and forth between men.
• After years of disappointment with get rich quick scheme, I know I'm gonna get rich with this scheme. And quick.