The Iliad of Homer eBook
The Iliad of Homer by Homer
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Table of Contents
Page 1
BOOK I.
Achilles sing, O Goddess! Peleus’
son;
His wrath pernicious, who ten thousand woes
Caused to Achaia’s host, sent many a soul
Illustrious into Ades premature,
And Heroes gave (so stood the will of Jove)
5
To dogs and to all ravening fowls a prey,
When fierce dispute had separated once
The noble Chief Achilles from the son
Of Atreus, Agamemnon, King of men.
Who them to strife impell’d? What power
divine? 10
Latona’s son and Jove’s.[1] For he,
incensed
Against the King, a foul contagion raised
In all the host, and multitudes destroy’d,
For that the son of Atreus had his priest
Dishonored, Chryses. To the fleet he came
15
Bearing rich ransom glorious to redeem
His daughter, and his hands charged with the wreath
And golden sceptre[2] of the God shaft-arm’d.
His supplication was at large to all
The host of Greece, but most of all to two,
20
The sons of Atreus, highest in command.
Ye gallant Chiefs, and ye their gallant host,
(So may the Gods who in Olympus dwell
Give Priam’s treasures to you for a spoil
And ye return in safety,) take my gifts
25
And loose my child, in honor of the son
Of Jove, Apollo, archer of the skies.[3]
At once the voice of all was to respect
The priest, and to accept the bounteous price;
But so it pleased not Atreus’ mighty son,
30
Who with rude threatenings stern him thence dismiss’d.
Beware, old man! that at these hollow barks
I find thee not now lingering, or henceforth
Returning, lest the garland of thy God
And his bright sceptre should avail thee nought.
35
I will not loose thy daughter, till old age
Steal on her. From her native country far,
In Argos, in my palace, she shall ply
The loom, and shall be partner of my bed.
Move me no more. Begone; hence while thou may’st.
40
He spake, the old priest trembled and obey’d.
Forlorn he roamed the ocean’s sounding shore,
And, solitary, with much prayer his King
Bright-hair’d Latona’s son, Phoebus,
implored.[4]
God of the silver bow, who with thy power
45
Encirclest Chrysa, and who reign’st supreme
In Tenedos and Cilla the divine,
Sminthian[5] Apollo![6] If I e’er adorned
Thy beauteous fane, or on the altar burn’d
The fat acceptable of bulls or goats,
50
Grant my petition. With thy shafts avenge
On the Achaian host thy servant’s tears.
Such prayer he made, and it was heard.[7] The
God,
Down from Olympus with his radiant bow
And his full quiver o’er his shoulder slung,
55
Marched in his anger; shaken as he moved
His rattling arrows told of his approach.
Gloomy he came as night; sat from the ships
Page 2
Apart, and sent an arrow. Clang’d the
cord
[8]Dread-sounding, bounding on the silver bow.[9]
60
Mules first and dogs he struck,[10] but at themselves
Dispatching soon his bitter arrows keen,
Smote them. Death-piles on all sides always
blazed.
Nine days throughout the camp his arrows flew;
The tenth, Achilles from all parts convened
65
The host in council. Juno the white-armed
Moved at the sight of Grecians all around
Dying, imparted to his mind the thought.[11]
The full assembly, therefore, now convened,
Uprose Achilles ardent, and began.
70
Atrides! Now, it seems, no course remains
For us, but that the seas roaming again,
We hence return; at least if we survive;
But haste, consult we quick some prophet here
Or priest, or even interpreter of dreams,
75
(For dreams are also of Jove,) that we may learn
By what crime we have thus incensed Apollo,
What broken vow, what hecatomb unpaid
He charges on us, and if soothed with steam
Of lambs or goats unblemish’d, he may yet
80
Be won to spare us, and avert the plague.
He spake and sat, when Thestor’s son arose
Calchas, an augur foremost in his art,
Who all things, present, past, and future knew,
And whom his skill in prophecy, a gift
85
Conferred by Phoebus on him, had advanced
To be conductor of the fleet to Troy;
He, prudent, them admonishing, replied.[12]
Jove-loved Achilles! Wouldst thou learn from
me
What cause hath moved Apollo to this wrath,
90
The shaft-arm’d King? I shall divulge
the cause.
But thou, swear first and covenant on thy part
That speaking, acting, thou wilt stand prepared
To give me succor; for I judge amiss,
Or he who rules the Argives, the supreme
95
O’er all Achaia’s host, will be incensed.
Wo to the man who shall provoke the King
For if, to-day, he smother close his wrath,
He harbors still the vengeance, and in time
Performs it. Answer, therefore, wilt thou save
me? 100
To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift.
What thou hast learn’d in secret from the
God
That speak, and boldly. By the son of Jove,
Apollo, whom thou, Calchas, seek’st in prayer
Made for the Danai, and who thy soul
105
Fills with futurity, in all the host
The Grecian lives not, who while I shall breathe,
And see the light of day, shall in this camp
Oppress thee; no, not even if thou name
Him, Agamemnon, sovereign o’er us all.
110
Then was the seer embolden’d, and he spake.
Nor vow nor hecatomb unpaid on us
He charges, but the wrong done to his priest
Whom Agamemnon slighted when he sought
His daughter’s freedom, and his gifts refused.
115
Page 3
He is the cause. Apollo for his sake
Afflicts and will afflict us, neither end
Nor intermission of his heavy scourge
Granting, ’till unredeem’d, no price
required,
The black-eyed maid be to her father sent,
120
And a whole hecatomb in Chrysa bleed.
Then, not before, the God may be appeased.
He spake and sat; when Atreus’ son arose,
The Hero Agamemnon, throned supreme.
Tempests of black resentment overcharged
125
His heart, and indignation fired his eyes.
On Calchas lowering, him he first address’d.
Prophet of mischief! from whose tongue no note
Of grateful sound to me, was ever heard;
Ill tidings are thy joy, and tidings glad
130
Thou tell’st not, or thy words come not to
pass.
And now among the Danai thy dreams
Divulging, thou pretend’st the Archer-God
For his priest’s sake, our enemy, because
I scorn’d his offer’d ransom of the
maid 135
Chryseis, more desirous far to bear
Her to my home, for that she charms me more
Than Clytemnestra, my own first espoused,
With whom, in disposition, feature, form,
Accomplishments, she may be well compared.
140
Yet, being such, I will return her hence
If that she go be best. Perish myself—
But let the people of my charge be saved
Prepare ye, therefore, a reward for me,
And seek it instant. It were much unmeet
145
That I alone of all the Argive host
Should want due recompense, whose former prize
Is elsewhere destined, as ye all perceive.
To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.
Atrides, glorious above all in rank,
150
And as intent on gain as thou art great,
Whence shall the Grecians give a prize to thee?
The general stock is poor; the spoil of towns
Which we have taken, hath already passed
In distribution, and it were unjust
155
To gather it from all the Greeks again.
But send thou back this Virgin to her God,
And when Jove’s favor shall have given us
Troy,
A threefold, fourfold share shall then be thine.
To whom the Sovereign of the host replied.
160
Godlike Achilles, valiant as thou art,
Wouldst thou be subtle too? But me no fraud
Shall overreach, or art persuade, of thine.
Wouldst thou, that thou be recompensed, and I
Sit meekly down, defrauded of my due?
165
And didst thou bid me yield her? Let the bold
Achaians give me competent amends,
Such as may please me, and it shall be well.
Else, if they give me none, I will command
Thy prize, the prize of Ajax, or the prize
170
It may be of Ulysses to my tent,
And let the loser chafe. But this concern
Shall be adjusted at convenient time.
Come—launch we now into the sacred deep
Page 4
A bark with lusty rowers well supplied;
175
Then put on board Chryseis, and with her
The sacrifice required. Go also one
High in authority, some counsellor,
Idomeneus, or Ajax, or thyself,
Thou most untractable of all mankind;
180
And seek by rites of sacrifice and prayer
To appease Apollo on our host’s behalf.
Achilles eyed him with a frown, and spake.
Ah! clothed with impudence as with a cloak,
And full of subtlety, who, thinkest thou—
185
What Grecian here will serve thee, or for thee
Wage covert war, or open? Me thou know’st,
Troy never wronged; I came not to avenge
Harm done to me; no Trojan ever drove
My pastures, steeds or oxen took of mine,
190
Or plunder’d of their fruits the golden fields
Of Phthia[13] the deep-soil’d. She lies
remote,
And obstacles are numerous interposed,
Vale-darkening mountains, and the dashing sea.
No, [14]Shameless Wolf! For thy good pleasure’s
sake 195
We came, and, [15]Face of flint! to avenge the wrongs
By Menelaus and thyself sustain’d,
On the offending Trojan—service kind,
But lost on thee, regardless of it all.
And now—What now? Thy threatening
is to seize 200
Thyself, the just requital of my toils,
My prize hard-earn’d, by common suffrage mine.
I never gain, what Trojan town soe’er
We ransack, half thy booty. The swift march
And furious onset—these I largely reap,
205
But, distribution made, thy lot exceeds
Mine far; while I, with any pittance pleased,
Bear to my ships the little that I win
After long battle, and account it much.
But I am gone, I and my sable barks
210
(My wiser course) to Phthia, and I judge,
Scorn’d as I am, that thou shalt hardly glean
Without me, more than thou shalt soon consume.[16]
He ceased, and Agamemnon thus replied
Fly, and fly now; if in thy soul thou feel
215
Such ardor of desire to go—begone!
I woo thee not to stay; stay not an hour
On my behalf, for I have others here
Who will respect me more, and above all
All-judging Jove. There is not in the host
220
King or commander whom I hate as thee,
For all thy pleasure is in strife and blood,
And at all times; yet valor is no ground
Whereon to boast, it is the gift of Heaven
Go, get ye back to Phthia, thou and thine!
225
There rule thy Myrmidons.[17] I need not thee,
Nor heed thy wrath a jot. But this I say,
Sure as Apollo takes my lovely prize
Chryseis, and I shall return her home
In mine own bark, and with my proper crew,
230
So sure the fair Briseis shall be mine.
I shall demand her even at thy tent.
So shalt thou well be taught, how high in power
Page 5
I soar above thy pitch, and none shall dare
Attempt, thenceforth, comparison with me.
235
He ended, and the big, disdainful heart
Throbbed of Achilles; racking doubt ensued
And sore perplex’d him, whether forcing wide
A passage through them, with his blade unsheathed
To lay Atrides breathless at his foot,
240
Or to command his stormy spirit down.
So doubted he, and undecided yet
Stood drawing forth his falchion huge; when lo!
Down sent by Juno, to whom both alike
Were dear, and who alike watched over both,
245
Pallas descended. At his back she stood
To none apparent, save himself alone,
And seized his golden locks. Startled, he turned,
And instant knew Minerva. Flashed her eyes
Terrific;[18] whom with accents on the wing
250
Of haste, incontinent he questioned thus.
Daughter of Jove, why comest thou? that thyself
May’st witness these affronts which I endure
From Agamemnon? Surely as I speak,
This moment, for his arrogance, he dies.
255
To whom the blue-eyed Deity. From heaven
Mine errand is, to sooth, if thou wilt hear,
Thine anger. Juno the white-arm’d alike
To him and thee propitious, bade me down:
Restrain thy wrath. Draw not thy falchion forth.
260
Retort, and sharply, and let that suffice.
For I foretell thee true. Thou shalt receive,
Some future day, thrice told, thy present loss
For this day’s wrong. Cease, therefore,
and be still.
To whom Achilles. Goddess, although much
265
Exasperate, I dare not disregard
Thy word, which to obey is always best.[19]
Who hears the Gods, the Gods hear also him.
He said; and on his silver hilt the force
Of his broad hand impressing, sent the blade
270
Home to its rest, nor would the counsel scorn
Of Pallas. She to heaven well-pleased return’d,
And in the mansion of Jove AEgis[20]-armed
Arriving, mingled with her kindred Gods.
But though from violence, yet not from words
275
Abstained Achilles, but with bitter taunt
Opprobrious, his antagonist reproached.
Oh charged with wine, in steadfastness of face
Dog unabashed, and yet at heart a deer!
Thou never, when the troops have taken arms,
280
Hast dared to take thine also; never thou
Associate with Achaia’s Chiefs, to form
The secret ambush.[21] No. The sound of war
Is as the voice of destiny to thee.
Doubtless the course is safer far, to range
285
Our numerous host, and if a man have dared
Dispute thy will, to rob him of his prize.
King! over whom? Women and spiritless—
Whom therefore thou devourest; else themselves
Would stop that mouth that it should scoff no more.
290
But hearken. I shall swear a solemn oath.
Page 6
By this same sceptre,[22] which shall never bud,
Nor boughs bring forth as once, which having left
Its stock on the high mountains, at what time
The woodman’s axe lopped off its foliage green,
295
And stript its bark, shall never grow again;
Which now the judges of Achaia bear,
Who under Jove, stand guardians of the laws,
By this I swear (mark thou the sacred oath)
Time shall be, when Achilles shall be missed;
300
When all shall want him, and thyself the power
To help the Achaians, whatsoe’er thy will;
When Hector at your heels shall mow you down:
The Hero-slaughtering Hector! Then thy soul,
Vexation-stung, shall tear thee with remorse,
305
That thou hast scorn’d, as he were nothing
worth,
A Chief, the soul and bulwark of your cause.
So saying, he cast his sceptre on the ground
Studded with gold, and sat. On the other side
The son of Atreus all impassion’d stood,
310
When the harmonious orator arose
Nestor, the Pylian oracle, whose lips
Dropped eloquence—the honey not so sweet.
Two generations past of mortals born
In Pylus, coetaneous with himself,
315
He govern’d now the third—amid
them all
He stood, and thus, benevolent, began.
Ah! what calamity hath fall’n on Greece!
Now Priam and his sons may well exult,
Now all in Ilium shall have joy of heart
320
Abundant, hearing of this broil, the prime
Of Greece between, in council and in arms.
But be persuaded; ye are younger both
Than I, and I was conversant of old
With Princes your superiors, yet from them
325
No disrespect at any time received.
Their equals saw I never; never shall;
Exadius, Coeneus, and the Godlike son
Of AEgeus, mighty Theseus; men renown’d
For force superior to the race of man,
330
Brave Chiefs they were, and with brave foes they
fought,
With the rude dwellers on the mountain-heights
The Centaurs,[23] whom with havoc such as fame
Shall never cease to celebrate, they slew.
With these men I consorted erst, what time
335
From Pylus, though a land from theirs remote,
They called me forth, and such as was my strength,
With all that strength I served them. Who is
he?
What Prince or Chief of the degenerate race
Now seen on earth who might with these compare?
340
Yet even these would listen and conform
To my advice in consultation given,
Which hear ye also; for compliance proves
Oft times the safer and the manlier course.
Thou, Agamemnon! valiant as thou art,
345
Seize not the maid, his portion from the Greeks,
But leave her his; nor thou, Achilles, strive
With our imperial Chief; for never King
Had equal honor at the hands of Jove
Page 7
With Agamemnon, or was throned so high.
350
Say thou art stronger, and art Goddess-born,
How then? His territory passes thine,
And he is Lord of thousands more than thou.
Cease, therefore, Agamemnon; calm thy wrath;
And it shall be mine office to entreat
355
Achilles also to a calm, whose might
The chief munition is of all our host.
To whom the sovereign of the Greeks replied,
The son of Atreus. Thou hast spoken well,
Old Chief, and wisely. But this wrangler here—
360
Nought will suffice him but the highest place:
He must control us all, reign over all,
Dictate to all; but he shall find at least
One here, disposed to question his commands.
If the eternal Gods have made him brave,
365
Derives he thence a privilege to rail?
Whom thus Achilles interrupted fierce.
Could I be found so abject as to take
The measure of my doings at thy lips,
Well might they call me coward through the camp,
370
A vassal, and a fellow of no worth.
Give law to others. Think not to control
Me, subject to thy proud commands no more.
Hear yet again! And weigh what thou shalt hear.
I will not strive with thee in such a cause,
375
Nor yet with any man; I scorn to fight
For her, whom having given, ye take away.
But I have other precious things on board;
Of those take none away without my leave.
Or if it please thee, put me to the proof
380
Before this whole assembly, and my spear
Shall stream that moment, purpled with thy blood.
Thus they long time in opposition fierce
Maintained the war of words; and now, at length,
(The grand consult dissolved,) Achilles walked
385
(Patroclus and the Myrmidons his steps
Attending) to his camp and to his fleet.
But Agamemnon order’d forth a bark,
A swift one, manned with twice ten lusty rowers;
He sent on board the Hecatomb:[24] he placed
390
Chryseis with the blooming cheeks, himself,
And to Ulysses gave the freight in charge.
So all embarked, and plow’d their watery way.
Atrides, next, bade purify the host;
The host was purified, as he enjoin’d,
395
And the ablution cast into the sea.
Then to Apollo, on the shore they slew,
Of the untillable and barren deep,
Whole Hecatombs of bulls and goats, whose steam
Slowly in smoky volumes climbed the skies.
400
Thus was the camp employed; nor ceased the while
The son of Atreus from his threats denounced
At first against Achilles, but command
Gave to Talthybius and Eurybates
His heralds, ever faithful to his will.
405
Haste—Seek ye both the tent of Peleus’
son
Achilles. Thence lead hither by the hand
Blooming Briseis, whom if he withhold,
Page 8
Not her alone, but other spoil myself
Will take in person—He shall rue the
hour. 410
With such harsh message charged he them dismissed
They, sad and slow, beside the barren waste
Of Ocean, to the galleys and the tents
Moved of the Myrmidons. Him there they found
Beneath the shadow of his bark reclined,
415
Nor glad at their approach. Trembling they
stood,
In presence of the royal Chief, awe-struck,
Nor questioned him or spake. He not the less
Knew well their embassy, and thus began.
Ye heralds, messengers of Gods and men,
420
Hail, and draw near! I bid you welcome both.
I blame not you; the fault is his alone
Who sends you to conduct the damsel hence
Briseis. Go, Patroclus, generous friend!
Lead forth, and to their guidance give the maid.
425
But be themselves my witnesses before
The blessed Gods, before mankind, before
The ruthless king, should want of me be felt
To save the host from havoc[25]—Oh, his
thoughts
Are madness all; intelligence or skill,
430
Forecast or retrospect, how best the camp
May be secured from inroad, none hath he.
He ended, nor Patroclus disobey’d,
But leading beautiful Briseis forth
Into their guidance gave her; loth she went
435
From whom she loved, and looking oft behind.
Then wept Achilles, and apart from all,
With eyes directed to the gloomy Deep
And arms outstretch’d, his mother suppliant
sought.
Since, mother, though ordain’d so soon to
die, 440
I am thy son, I might with cause expect
Some honor at the Thunderer’s hands, but none
To me he shows, whom Agamemnon, Chief
Of the Achaians, hath himself disgraced,
Seizing by violence my just reward.
445
So prayed he weeping, whom his mother heard
Within the gulfs of Ocean where she sat
Beside her ancient sire. From the gray flood
Ascending sudden, like a mist she came,
Sat down before him, stroked his face, and said.
450
Why weeps my son? and what is thy distress?
Hide not a sorrow that I wish to share.
To whom Achilles, sighing deep, replied.
Why tell thee woes to thee already known?
At Thebes, Eetion’s city we arrived,
455
Smote, sack’d it, and brought all the spoil
away.
Just distribution made among the Greeks,
The son of Atreus for his lot received
Blooming Chryseis. Her, Apollo’s priest
Old Chryses followed to Achaia’s camp,
460
That he might loose his daughter. Ransom rich
He brought, and in his hands the hallow’d
wreath
And golden sceptre of the Archer God
Apollo, bore; to the whole Grecian host,
But chiefly to the foremost in command
465
He sued, the sons of Atreus; then, the rest
Page 9
All recommended reverence of the Seer,
And prompt acceptance of his costly gifts.
But Agamemnon might not so be pleased,
Who gave him rude dismission; he in wrath
470
Returning, prayed, whose prayer Apollo heard,
For much he loved him. A pestiferous shaft
He instant shot into the Grecian host,
And heap’d the people died. His arrows
swept
The whole wide camp of Greece, ’till at the
last 475
A Seer, by Phoebus taught, explain’d the cause.
I first advised propitiation. Rage
Fired Agamemnon. Rising, he denounced
Vengeance, and hath fulfilled it. She, in truth,
Is gone to Chrysa, and with her we send
480
Propitiation also to the King
Shaft-arm’d Apollo. But my beauteous
prize
Briseis, mine by the award of all,
His heralds, at this moment, lead away.
But thou, wherein thou canst, aid thy own son!
485
Haste hence to Heaven, and if thy word or deed
Hath ever gratified the heart of Jove,
With earnest suit press him on my behalf.
For I, not seldom, in my father’s hall
Have heard thee boasting, how when once the Gods,
490
With Juno, Neptune, Pallas at their head,
Conspired to bind the Thunderer, thou didst loose
His bands, O Goddess! calling to his aid
The Hundred-handed warrior, by the Gods
Briareus, but by men, AEgeon named.[26]
495
For he in prowess and in might surpassed
His father Neptune, who, enthroned sublime,
Sits second only to Saturnian Jove,
Elate with glory and joy. Him all the Gods
Fearing from that bold enterprise abstained.
500
Now, therefore, of these things reminding Jove,
Embrace his knees; entreat him that he give
The host of Troy his succor, and shut fast
The routed Grecians, prisoners in the fleet,
That all may find much solace[27] in their King,
505
And that the mighty sovereign o’er them all,
Their Agamemnon, may himself be taught
His rashness, who hath thus dishonor’d foul
The life itself, and bulwark of his cause.
To him, with streaming eyes, Thetis replied.
510
Born as thou wast to sorrow, ah, my son!
Why have I rear’d thee! Would that without
tears,
Or cause for tears (transient as is thy life,
A little span) thy days might pass at Troy!
But short and sorrowful the fates ordain
515
Thy life, peculiar trouble must be thine,
Whom, therefore, oh that I had never borne!
But seeking the Olympian hill snow-crown’d,
I will myself plead for thee in the ear
Of Jove, the Thunderer. Meantime at thy fleet
520
Abiding, let thy wrath against the Greeks
Still burn, and altogether cease from war.
For to the banks of the Oceanus,[28]
Where AEthiopia holds a feast to Jove,[29]
He journey’d yesterday, with whom the Gods
Page 10
525
Went also, and the twelfth day brings them home.
Then will I to his brazen-floor’d abode,
That I may clasp his knees, and much misdeem
Of my endeavor, or my prayer shall speed.
So saying, she went; but him she left enraged
530
For fair Briseis’ sake, forced from his arms
By stress of power. Meantime Ulysses came
To Chrysa with the Hecatomb in charge.
Arrived within the haven[30] deep, their sails
Furling, they stowed them in the bark below.
535
Then by its tackle lowering swift the mast
Into its crutch, they briskly push’d to land,
Heaved anchors out, and moor’d the vessel
fast.
Forth came the mariners, and trod the beach;
Forth came the victims of Apollo next,
540
And, last, Chryseis. Her Ulysses led
Toward the altar, gave her to the arms
Of her own father, and him thus address’d.
O Chryses! Agamemnon, King of men,
Hath sent thy daughter home, with whom we bring
545
A Hecatomb on all our host’s behalf
To Phoebus, hoping to appease the God
By whose dread shafts the Argives now expire.
So saying, he gave her to him, who with joy
Received his daughter. Then, before the shrine
550
Magnificent in order due they ranged
The noble Hecatomb.[31] Each laved his hands
And took the salted meal, and Chryses made
His fervent prayer with hands upraised on high.
God of the silver bow, who with thy power
555
Encirclest Chrysa, and who reign’st supreme
In Tenedos, and Cilla the divine!
Thou prov’dst propitious to my first request,
Hast honor’d me, and punish’d sore the
Greeks;
Hear yet thy servant’s prayer; take from their
host 560
At once the loathsome pestilence away!
So Chryses prayed, whom Phoebus heard well-pleased;
Then prayed the Grecians also, and with meal
Sprinkling the victims, their retracted necks
First pierced, then flay’d them; the disjointed
thighs 565
They, next, invested with the double caul,
Which with crude slices thin they overspread.
The priest burned incense, and libation poured
Large on the hissing brands, while, him beside,
Busy with spit and prong, stood many a youth
570
Trained to the task. The thighs with fire consumed,
They gave to each his portion of the maw,
Then slashed the remnant, pierced it with the spits,
And managing with culinary skill
The roast, withdrew it from the spits again.
575
Their whole task thus accomplish’d, and the
board
Set forth, they feasted, and were all sufficed.
When neither hunger more nor thirst remained
Unsatisfied, boys crown’d the beakers high
With wine delicious, and from right to left
580
Distributing the cups, served every guest.
Thenceforth the youths of the Achaian race
Page 11
To song propitiatory gave the day,
Paeans[32] to Phoebus, Archer of the skies,
Chaunting melodious. Pleased, Apollo heard.
585
But, when, the sun descending, darkness fell,
They on the beach beside their hawsers slept;
And, when the day-spring’s daughter rosy-palm’d
Aurora look’d abroad, then back they steer’d
To the vast camp. Fair wind, and blowing fresh,
590
Apollo sent them; quick they rear’d the mast,
Then spread the unsullied canvas to the gale,
And the wind filled it. Roared the sable flood
Around the bark, that ever as she went
Dash’d wide the brine, and scudded swift away.
595
Thus reaching soon the spacious camp of Greece,
Their galley they updrew sheer o’er the sands
From the rude surge remote, then propp’d her
sides
With scantlings long,[33] and sought their several
tents.
But Peleus’ noble son, the speed-renown’d
600
Achilles, he, his well-built bark beside,
Consumed his hours, nor would in council more,
Where wise men win distinction, or in fight
Appear, to sorrow and heart-withering wo
Abandon’d; though for battle, ardent, still
605
He panted, and the shout-resounding field.
But when the twelfth fair morrow streak’d
the East,
Then all the everlasting Gods to Heaven
Resorted, with the Thunderer at their head,
And Thetis, not unmindful of her son,
610
Prom the salt flood emerged, seeking betimes
Olympus and the boundless fields of heaven.
High, on the topmost eminence sublime
Of the deep-fork’d Olympian she perceived
The Thunderer seated, from the Gods apart.
615
She sat before him, clasp’d with her left
hand
His knees, her right beneath his chin she placed,
And thus the King, Saturnian Jove, implored.
Father of all, by all that I have done
Or said that ever pleased thee, grant my suit.
620
Exalt my son, by destiny short-lived
Beyond the lot of others. Him with shame
The King of men hath overwhelm’d, by force
Usurping his just meed; thou, therefore, Jove,
Supreme in wisdom, honor him, and give
625
Success to Troy, till all Achaia’s sons
Shall yield him honor more than he hath lost!
She spake, to whom the Thunderer nought replied,
But silent sat long time. She, as her hand
Had grown there, still importunate, his knees
630
Clasp’d as at first, and thus her suit renew’d.[34]
Or grant my prayer, and ratify the grant,
Or send me hence (for thou hast none to fear)
Plainly refused; that I may know and feel
By how much I am least of all in heaven.
635
To whom the cloud-assembler at the last
Spake, deep-distress’d. Hard task and
full of strife
Thou hast enjoined me; Juno will not spare
For gibe and taunt injurious, whose complaint
Page 12
Sounds daily in the ears of all the Gods,
640
That I assist the Trojans; but depart,
Lest she observe thee; my concern shall be
How best I may perform thy full desire.
And to assure thee more, I give the sign
Indubitable, which all fear expels
645
At once from heavenly minds. Nought, so confirmed,
May, after, be reversed or render’d vain.
He ceased, and under his dark brows the nod
Vouchsafed of confirmation. All around
The Sovereign’s everlasting head his curls
650
Ambrosial shook,[35] and the huge mountain reeled.
Their conference closed, they parted. She,
at once,
From bright Olympus plunged into the flood
Profound, and Jove to his own courts withdrew.
Together all the Gods, at his approach,
655
Uprose; none sat expectant till he came,
But all advanced to meet the Eternal Sire.
So on his throne he sat. Nor Juno him
Not understood; she, watchful, had observed,
In consultation close with Jove engaged
660
Thetis, bright-footed daughter of the deep,
And keen the son of Saturn thus reproved.
Shrewd as thou art, who now hath had thine ear?
Thy joy is ever such, from me apart
To plan and plot clandestine, and thy thoughts,
665
Think what thou may’st, are always barred
to me.
To whom the father, thus, of heaven and earth.
Expect not, Juno, that thou shalt partake
My counsels at all times, which oft in height
And depth, thy comprehension far exceed,
670
Jove’s consort as thou art. When aught
occurs
Meet for thine ear, to none will I impart
Of Gods or men more free than to thyself.
But for my secret thoughts, which I withhold
From all in heaven beside, them search not thou
675
With irksome curiosity and vain.
Him answer’d then the Goddess ample-eyed.[36]
What word hath passed thy lips, Saturnian Jove,
Thou most severe! I never search thy thoughts,
Nor the serenity of thy profound
680
Intentions trouble; they are safe from me:
But now there seems a cause. Deeply I dread
Lest Thetis, silver-footed daughter fair
Of Ocean’s hoary Sovereign, here arrived
At early dawn to practise on thee, Jove!
685
I noticed her a suitress at thy knees,
And much misdeem or promise-bound thou stand’st
To Thetis past recall, to exalt her son,
And Greeks to slaughter thousands at the ships.
To whom the cloud-assembler God, incensed.
690
Ah subtle! ever teeming with surmise,
And fathomer of my concealed designs,
Thy toil is vain, or (which is worse for thee,)
Shall but estrange thee from mine heart the more.
And be it as thou sayest,—I am well pleased
695
That so it should be. Be advised, desist,
Page 13
Hold thou thy peace. Else, if my glorious hands
Once reach thee, the Olympian Powers combined
To rescue thee, shall interfere in vain.
He said,—whom Juno, awful Goddess,
heard 700
Appall’d, and mute submitted to his will.
But through the courts of Jove the heavenly Powers
All felt displeasure; when to them arose
Vulcan, illustrious artist, who with speech
Conciliatory interposed to sooth
705
His white-armed mother Juno, Goddess dread.
Hard doom is ours, and not to be endured,
If feast and merriment must pause in heaven
While ye such clamor raise tumultuous here
For man’s unworthy sake: yet thus we
speed 710
Ever, when evil overpoises good.
But I exhort my mother, though herself
Already warn’d, that meekly she submit
To Jove our father, lest our father chide
More roughly, and confusion mar the feast.
715
For the Olympian Thunderer could with ease
Us from our thrones precipitate, so far
He reigns to all superior. Seek to assuage
His anger therefore; so shall he with smiles
Cheer thee, nor thee alone, but all in heaven.
720
So Vulcan, and, upstarting, placed a cup
Full-charged between his mother’s hands, and
said,
My mother, be advised, and, though aggrieved,
Yet patient; lest I see thee whom I love
So dear, with stripes chastised before my face,
725
Willing, but impotent to give thee aid.[37]
Who can resist the Thunderer? Me, when once
I flew to save thee, by the foot he seized
And hurl’d me through the portal of the skies.
“From morn to eve I fell, a summer’s
day,” 730
And dropped, at last, in Lemnos. There half-dead
The Sintians found me, and with succor prompt
And hospitable, entertained me fallen.
So He; then Juno smiled, Goddess white-arm’d,
And smiling still, from his unwonted hand[38]
735
Received the goblet. He from right to left
Rich nectar from the beaker drawn, alert
Distributed to all the powers divine.
Heaven rang with laughter inextinguishable
Peal after peal, such pleasure all conceived
740
At sight of Vulcan in his new employ.
So spent they in festivity the day,
And all were cheered; nor was Apollo’s harp
Silent, nor did the Muses spare to add
Responsive melody of vocal sweets.
745
But when the sun’s bright orb had now declined,
Each to his mansion, wheresoever built
By the lame matchless Architect, withdrew.[39]
Jove also, kindler of the fires of heaven,
His couch ascending as at other times
750
When gentle sleep approach’d him, slept serene,
With golden-sceptred Juno at his side.
* * *
* *
Page 14
The first book contains the preliminaries to the commencement
of serious action. First, the visit of the priest
of Apollo to ransom his captive daughter, the refusal
of Agamemnon to yield her up, and the pestilence sent
by the god upon the Grecian army in consequence.
Secondly, the restoration, the propitiation of Apollo,
the quarrel of Agamemnon and Achilles, and the withdrawing
of the latter from the Grecian army. Thirdly,
the intercession of Thetis with Jupiter; his promise,
unwillingly given, to avenge Achilles; and the assembly
of the gods, in which the promise is angrily alluded
to by Juno, and the discussion peremptorily checked
by Jupiter. The poet, throughout this book, maintains
a simple, unadorned style, but highly descriptive,
and happily adapted to the nature of the subject.—FELTON.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK II.
ARGUMENT OF THE
SECOND BOOK.
Jupiter, in pursuance of his purpose to distress the
Grecians in answer to the prayer of Thetis, deceives
Agamemnon by a dream. He, in consequence of it,
calls a council, the result of which is that the army
shall go forth to battle. Thersites is mutinous,
and is chastised by Ulysses. Ulysses, Nestor,
and Agamemnon, harangue the people; and preparation
is made for battle. An exact account follows of
the forces on both sides.
BOOK II.
[1]All night both Gods and Chiefs
equestrian slept,
But not the Sire of all. He, waking soon,
Mused how to exalt Achilles, and destroy
No few in battle at the Grecian fleet.
This counsel, at the last, as best he chose
5
And likeliest; to dispatch an evil Dream
To Agamemnon’s tent, and to his side
The phantom summoning, him thus addressed.
Haste, evil Dream! Fly to the Grecian fleet,
And, entering royal Agamemnon’s tent,
10
His ear possess thou thus, omitting nought
Of all that I enjoin thee. Bid him arm
His universal host, for that the time
When the Achaians shall at length possess
Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above
15
No longer dwell at variance. The request
Of Juno hath prevail’d; now, wo to Troy!
So charged, the Dream departed. At the ships
Well-built arriving of Achaia’s host,
He Agamemnon, son of Atreus, sought.
20
Him sleeping in his tent he found, immersed
In soft repose ambrosial. At his head
The shadow stood, similitude exact
Of Nestor, son of Neleus; sage, with whom
In Agamemnon’s thought might none compare.
25
His form assumed, the sacred Dream began.
Oh son of Atreus the renown’d in arms
And in the race! Sleep’st thou?
It ill behoves
To sleep all night the man of high employ,
And charged, as thou art, with a people’s
care. 30
Page 15
Now, therefore, mark me well, who, sent from Jove,
Inform thee, that although so far remote,
He yet compassionates and thinks on thee
With kind solicitude. He bids thee arm
Thy universal host, for that the time
35
When the Achaians shall at length possess
Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above
No longer dwell at variance. The requests
Of Juno have prevail’d. Now, wo to Troy
From Jove himself! Her fate is on the wing.
40
Awaking from thy dewy slumbers, hold
In firm remembrance all that thou hast heard.
So spake the Dream, and vanishing, him left
In false hopes occupied and musings vain.
Full sure he thought, ignorant of the plan
45
By Jove design’d, that day the last of Troy.
Fond thought! For toils and agonies to Greeks
And Trojans both, in many a bloody field
To be endured, the Thunderer yet ordain’d.
Starting he woke, and seeming still to hear
50
The warning voice divine, with hasty leap
Sprang from his bed, and sat.[2] His fleecy vest
New-woven he put on, and mantle wide;
His sandals fair to his unsullied feet
He braced, and slung his argent-studded sword.
55
Then, incorruptible for evermore
The sceptre of his sires he took, with which
He issued forth into the camp of Greece.
Aurora now on the Olympian heights
Proclaiming stood new day to all in heaven,
60
When he his clear-voiced heralds bade convene
The Greeks in council. Went the summons forth
Into all quarters, and the throng began.
First, at the ship of Nestor, Pylian King,[3]
The senior Chiefs for high exploits renown’d
65
He gather’d, whom he prudent thus address’d.
My fellow warriors, hear! A dream from heaven,
Amid the stillness of the vacant night
Approach’d me, semblance close in stature,
bulk,
And air, of noble Nestor. At mine head
70
The shadow took his stand, and thus he spake.
Oh son of Atreus the renown’d in arms
And in the race, sleep’st thou? It ill
behoves
To sleep all night the man of high employ,
And charged as thou art with a people’s care.
75
Now, therefore, mark me well, who, sent from Jove,
Inform thee, that although so far remote,
He yet compassionates and thinks on thee
With kind solicitude. He bids thee arm
Thy universal host; for that the time
80
When the Achaians shall at length possess
Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above
No longer dwell at variance. The requests
Of Juno have prevail’d. Now, wo to Troy
From Jove himself! Her fate is on the wing.
85
Charge this on thy remembrance. Thus he spake,
Then vanished suddenly, and I awoke.
Haste therefore, let us arm, if arm we may,[4]
The warlike sons of Greece; but first, myself
Page 16
Will prove them, recommending instant flight
90
With all our ships, and ye throughout the host
Dispersed, shall, next, encourage all to stay.
He ceased, and sat; when in the midst arose
Of highest fame for wisdom, Nestor, King
Of sandy Pylus, who them thus bespake.
95
Friends, Counsellors, and Leaders of the Greeks!
Had any meaner Argive told his dream,
We had pronounced it false, and should the more
Have shrunk from battle; but the dream is his
Who boasts himself our highest in command.
100
Haste, arm we, if we may, the sons of Greece.
So saying, he left the council; him, at once
The sceptred Chiefs, obedient to his voice,
Arising, follow’d; and the throng began.
As from the hollow rock bees stream abroad,
105
And in succession endless seek the fields,
Now clustering, and now scattered far and near,
In spring-time, among all the new-blown flowers,
So they to council swarm’d, troop after troop,
Grecians of every tribe, from camp and fleet
110
Assembling orderly o’er all the plain
Beside the shore of Ocean. In the midst
A kindling rumor, messenger of Jove,
Impell’d them, and they went. Loud was
the din
Of the assembling thousands; groan’d the earth
115
When down they sat, and murmurs ran around.
Nine heralds cried aloud—Will ye restrain
Your clamors, that your heaven-taught Kings may
speak?
Scarce were they settled, and the clang had ceased,
When Agamemnon, sovereign o’er them all,
120
Sceptre in hand, arose. (That sceptre erst
Vulcan with labor forged, and to the hand
Consign’d it of the King, Saturnian Jove;
Jove to the vanquisher[5] of Ino’s[6] guard,
And he to Pelops; Pelops in his turn,
125
To royal Atreus; Atreus at his death
Bequeath’d it to Thyestes rich in flocks,
And rich Thyestes left it to be borne
By Agamemnon, symbol of his right
To empire over Argos and her isles)
130
On that he lean’d, and rapid, thus began.[7]
Friends, Grecian Heroes, ministers of Mars!
Ye see me here entangled in the snares
Of unpropitious Jove. He promised once,
And with a nod confirm’d it, that with spoils
135
Of Ilium laden, we should hence return;
But now, devising ill, he sends me shamed,
And with diminished numbers, home to Greece.
So stands his sovereign pleasure, who hath laid
The bulwarks of full many a city low,
140
And more shall level, matchless in his might.
That such a numerous host of Greeks as we,
Warring with fewer than ourselves, should find
No fruit of all our toil, (and none appears)
Will make us vile with ages yet to come.
145
For should we now strike truce, till Greece and
Page 17
Troy
Might number each her own, and were the Greeks
Distributed in bands, ten Greeks in each,
Our banded decads should exceed so far
Their units, that all Troy could not supply
150
For every ten, a man, to fill us wine;
So far the Achaians, in my thought, surpass
The native Trojans. But in Troy are those
Who baffle much my purpose; aids derived
From other states, spear-arm’d auxiliars,
firm 155
In the defence of Ilium’s lofty towers.
Nine years have passed us over, nine long years;
Our ships are rotted, and our tackle marr’d,
And all our wives and little-ones at home
Sit watching our return, while this attempt
160
Hangs still in doubt, for which that home we left.
Accept ye then my counsel. Fly we swift
With all our fleet back to our native land,
Hopeless of Troy, not yet to be subdued.
So spake the King, whom all the concourse heard
165
With minds in tumult toss’d; all, save the
few,
Partners of his intent. Commotion shook
The whole assembly, such as heaves the flood
Of the Icarian Deep, when South and East
Burst forth together from the clouds of Jove.
170
And as when vehement the West-wind falls
On standing corn mature, the loaded ears
Innumerable bow before the gale,
So was the council shaken. With a shout
All flew toward the ships; uprais’d, the dust
175
Stood o’er them; universal was the cry,
“Now clear the passages, strike down the props,
Set every vessel free, launch, and away!”
Heaven rang with exclamation of the host
All homeward bent, and launching glad the fleet.
180
Then baffled Fate had the Achaians seen
Returning premature, but Juno thus,
With admonition quick to Pallas spake.
Unconquer’d daughter of Jove AEgis-arm’d!
Ah foul dishonor! Is it thus at last
185
That the Achaians on the billows borne,
Shall seek again their country, leaving here,
To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King,
Helen of Argos, in whose cause the Greeks
Have numerous perish’d from their home remote?
190
Haste! Seek the mail-arm’d multitude,
by force
Detain them of thy soothing speech, ere yet
All launch their oary barks into the flood.
She spake, nor did Minerva not comply,
But darting swift from the Olympian heights,
195
Reach’d soon Achaia’s fleet. There,
she perceived
Prudent as Jove himself, Ulysses; firm
He stood; he touch’d not even with his hand
His sable bark, for sorrow whelm’d his soul.
The Athenaean Goddess azure-eyed
200
Beside him stood, and thus the Chief bespake.
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!
Why seek ye, thus precipitate, your ships?
Intend ye flight? And is it thus at last,
That the Achaians on the billows borne,
Page 18
205
Shall seek again their country, leaving here,
To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King,
Helen of Argos, in whose cause the Greeks
Have numerous perish’d from their home remote?
Delay not. Rush into the throng; by force
210
Detain them of thy soothing speech, ere yet
All launch their oary barks into the flood.
She ceased, whom by her voice Ulysses knew,
Casting his mantle from him, which his friend
Eurybates the Ithacensian caught,
215
He ran; and in his course meeting the son
Of Atreus, Agamemnon, from his hand
The everlasting sceptre quick received,
Which bearing, through Achaia’s fleet he pass’d.
What King soever, or distinguish’d Greek
220
He found, approaching to his side, in terms
Of gentle sort he stay’d him. Sir, he
cried,
It is unseemly that a man renown’d
As thou, should tremble. Go—Resume
the seat
Which thou hast left, and bid the people sit.
225
Thou know’st not clearly yet the monarch’s
mind.
He proves us now, but soon he will chastize.
All were not present; few of us have heard
His speech this day in council. Oh, beware,
Lest in resentment of this hasty course
230
Irregular, he let his anger loose.
Dread is the anger of a King; he reigns
By Jove’s own ordinance, and is dear to Jove,
But what plebeian base soe’er he heard
Stretching his throat to swell the general cry,
235
He laid the sceptre smartly on his back,
With reprimand severe. Fellow, he said,
Sit still; hear others; thy superiors hear.
For who art thou? A dastard and a drone,
Of none account in council, or in arms.
240
By no means may we all alike bear sway
At Ilium; such plurality of Kings
Were evil. One suffices. One, to whom
The son of politic Saturn hath assign’d
The sceptre, and inforcement of the laws,
245
That he may rule us as a monarch ought.[8]
With such authority the troubled host
He sway’d; they, quitting camp and fleet again
Rush’d back to council; deafening was the
sound
As when a billow of the boisterous deep
250
Some broad beach dashes, and the Ocean roars.
The host all seated, and the benches fill’d,
Thersites only of loquacious tongue
Ungovern’d, clamor’d mutinous; a wretch
Of utterance prompt, but in coarse phrase obscene
255
Deep learn’d alone, with which to slander
Kings.
Might he but set the rabble in a roar,
He cared not with what jest; of all from Greece
To Ilium sent, his country’s chief reproach.
Cross-eyed he was, and halting moved on legs
260
Ill-pair’d; his gibbous shoulders o’er
his breast
Contracted, pinch’d it; to a peak his head
Was moulded sharp, and sprinkled thin with hair
Page 19
Of starveling length, flimsy and soft as down.
Achilles and Ulysses had incurr’d
265
Most his aversion; them he never spared;
But now, imperial Agamemnon ’self
In piercing accents stridulous he charged
With foul reproach. The Grecians with contempt
Listen’d, and indignation, while with voice
270
At highest pitch, he thus the monarch mock’d.
What wouldst thou now? Whereof is thy complaint
Now, Agamemnon? Thou hast fill’d thy
tents
With treasure, and the Grecians, when they take
A city, choose the loveliest girls for thee.
275
Is gold thy wish? More gold? A ransom
brought
By some chief Trojan for his son’s release
Whom I, or other valiant Greek may bind?
Or wouldst thou yet a virgin, one, by right
Another’s claim, but made by force thine own?
280
It was not well, great Sir, that thou shouldst bring
A plague on the Achaians, as of late.
But come, my Grecian sisters, soldiers named
Unfitly, of a sex too soft for war,
Come, let us homeward: let him here digest
285
What he shall gorge, alone; that he may learn
If our assistance profit him or not.
For when he shamed Achilles, he disgraced
A Chief far worthier than himself, whose prize
He now withholds. But tush,—Achilles
lacks 290
Himself the spirit of a man; no gall
Hath he within him, or his hand long since
Had stopp’d that mouth,[9] that it should
scoff no more.
Thus, mocking royal Agamemnon, spake
Thersites. Instant starting to his side,
295
Noble Ulysses with indignant brows
Survey’d him, and him thus reproved severe.
Thersites! Railer!—peace.
Think not thyself,
Although thus eloquent, alone exempt
From obligation not to slander Kings.
300
I deem thee most contemptible, the worst
Of Agamemnon’s followers to the war;
Presume not then to take the names revered
Of Sovereigns on thy sordid lips, to asperse
Their sacred character, and to appoint
305
The Greeks a time when they shall voyage home.
How soon, how late, with what success at last
We shall return, we know not: but because
Achaia’s heroes numerous spoils allot
To Agamemnon, Leader of the host,
310
Thou therefore from thy seat revilest the King.
But mark me. If I find thee, as even now,
Raving and foaming at the lips again,
May never man behold Ulysses’ head
On these my shoulders more, and may my son
315
Prove the begotten of another Sire,
If I not strip thee to that hide of thine
As bare as thou wast born, and whip thee hence
Home to thy galley, sniveling like a boy.
He ceased, and with his sceptre on the back
320
And shoulders smote him. Writhing to and fro,
Page 20
He wept profuse, while many a bloody whelk
Protuberant beneath the sceptre sprang.
Awe-quell’d he sat, and from his visage mean,
Deep-sighing, wiped the rheums. It was no time
325
For mirth, yet mirth illumined every face,
And laughing, thus they spake. A thousand acts
Illustrious, both by well-concerted plans
And prudent disposition of the host
Ulysses hath achieved, but this by far
330
Transcends his former praise, that he hath quell’d
Such contumelious rhetoric profuse.
The valiant talker shall not soon, we judge,
Take liberties with royal names again.[10]
So spake the multitude. Then, stretching forth
335
The sceptre, city-spoiler Chief, arose
Ulysses. Him beside, herald in form,
Appeared Minerva. Silence she enjoined
To all, that all Achaia’s sons might hear,
Foremost and rearmost, and might weigh his words.
340
He then his counsel, prudent, thus proposed.
Atrides! Monarch! The Achaians seek
To make thee ignominious above all
In sight of all mankind. None recollects
His promise more in steed-famed Argos pledged,
345
Here to abide till Ilium wall’d to heaven
Should vanquish’d sink, and all her wealth
be ours.
No—now, like widow’d women, or
weak boys,
They whimper to each other, wishing home.
And home, I grant, to the afflicted soul
350
Seems pleasant.[11] The poor seaman from his wife
One month detain’d, cheerless his ship and
sad
Possesses, by the force of wintry blasts,
And by the billows of the troubled deep
Fast lock’d in port. But us the ninth
long year 355
Revolving, finds camp’d under Ilium still.
I therefore blame not, if they mourn beside
Their sable barks, the Grecians. Yet the shame
That must attend us after absence long
Returning unsuccessful, who can bear?
360
Be patient, friends! wait only till we learn
If Calchas truly prophesied, or not;
For well we know, and I to all appeal,
Whom Fate hath not already snatch’d away,
(It seems but yesterday, or at the most
365
A day or two before) that when the ships
Wo-fraught for Priam, and the race of Troy,
At Aulis met, and we beside the fount
With perfect hecatombs the Gods adored
Beneath the plane-tree, from whose root a stream
370
Ran crystal-clear, there we beheld a sign
Wonderful in all eyes. A serpent huge,
Tremendous spectacle! with crimson spots
His back all dappled, by Olympian Jove
Himself protruded, from the altar’s foot
375
Slipp’d into light, and glided to the tree.
There on the topmost bough, close-cover’d
sat
With foliage broad, eight sparrows, younglings all,
Then newly feather’d, with their dam, the
ninth.
The little ones lamenting shrill he gorged,
Page 21
380
While, wheeling o’er his head, with screams
the dam
Bewail’d her darling brood. Her also
next,
Hovering and clamoring, he by the wing
Within his spiry folds drew, and devoured.
All eaten thus, the nestlings and the dam,
385
The God who sent him, signalized him too,
For him Saturnian Jove transform’d to stone.
We wondering stood, to see that strange portent
Intrude itself into our holy rites,
When Calchas, instant, thus the sign explain’d.
390
Why stand ye, Greeks, astonish’d? Ye
behold
A prodigy by Jove himself produced,
An omen, whose accomplishment indeed
Is distant, but whose fame shall never die.[12]
E’en as this serpent in your sight devour’d
395
Eight youngling sparrows, with their dam, the ninth,
So we nine years must war on yonder plain,
And in the tenth, wide-bulwark’d Troy is ours.
So spake the seer, and as he spake, is done.
Wait, therefore, brave Achaians! go not hence
400
Till Priam’s spacious city be your prize.
He ceased, and such a shout ensued, that all
The hollow ships the deafening roar return’d
Of acclamation, every voice the speech
Extolling of Ulysses, glorious Chief.
405
Then Nestor the Gerenian,[13] warrior old,
Arising, spake; and, by the Gods, he said,
Ye more resemble children inexpert
In war, than disciplined and prudent men.
Where now are all your promises and vows,
410
Councils, libations, right-hand covenants?[14]
Burn them, since all our occupation here
Is to debate and wrangle, whereof end
Or fruit though long we wait, shall none be found.
But, Sovereign, be not thou appall’d.
Be firm. 415
Relax not aught of thine accustomed sway,
But set the battle forth as thou art wont.
And if there be a Grecian, here and there,
One,[15] adverse to the general voice, let such
Wither alone. He shall not see his wish
420
Gratified, neither will we hence return
To Argos, ere events shall yet have proved
Jove’s promise false or true. For when
we climb’d
Our gallant barks full-charged with Ilium’s
fate,
Saturnian Jove omnipotent, that day,
425
(Omen propitious!) thunder’d on the right.
Let no man therefore pant for home, till each
Possess a Trojan spouse, and from her lips
Take sweet revenge for Helen’s pangs of heart.
Who then? What soldier languishes and sighs
430
To leave us? Let him dare to lay his hand
On his own vessel, and he dies the first.
But hear, O King! I shall suggest a course
Not trivial. Agamemnon! sort the Greeks
By districts and by tribes, that tribe may tribe
435
Support, and each his fellow. This performed,
And with consent of all, thou shalt discern
Page 22
With ease what Chief, what private man deserts,
And who performs his part. The base, the brave,
Such disposition made, shall both appear;
440
And thou shalt also know, if heaven or we,
The Gods, or our supineness, succor Troy.
To whom Atrides, King of men, replied.
Old Chief! Thou passest all Achaia’s
sons
In consultation; would to Jove our Sire,
445
To Athenaean Pallas, and Apollo!
That I had ten such coadjutors, wise
As thou art, and the royal city soon
Of Priam, with her wealth, should all be ours.[16]
But me the son of Saturn, Jove supreme
450
Himself afflicts, who in contentious broils
Involves me, and in altercation vain.
Thence all that wordy tempest for a girl
Achilles and myself between, and I
The fierce aggressor. Be that breach but heal’d!
455
And Troy’s reprieve thenceforth is at an end.
Go—take refreshment now that we may march
Forth to our enemies. Let each whet well
His spear, brace well his shield, well feed his
brisk
High-mettled horses, well survey and search
460
His chariot on all sides, that no defect
Disgrace his bright habiliments of war.
So will we give the day from morn to eve
To dreadful battle. Pause there shall be none
Till night divide us. Every buckler’s
thong 465
Shall sweat on the toil’d bosom, every hand
That shakes the spear shall ache, and every steed
Shall smoke that whirls the chariot o’er the
plain.
Wo then to whom I shall discover here
Loitering among the tents; let him escape
470
My vengeance if he can. The vulture’s
maw
Shall have his carcase, and the dogs his bones.
He spake; whom all applauded with a shout
Loud as against some headland cliff the waves
Roll’d by the stormy South o’er rocks
that shoot 475
Afar into the deep, which in all winds
The flood still overspreads, blow whence they may.
Arising, forth they rush’d, among the ships
All scatter’d; smoke from every tent arose,
The host their food preparing; next, his God
480
Each man invoked (of the Immortals him
Whom he preferr’d) with sacrifice and prayer
For safe escape from danger and from death.
But Agamemnon to Saturnian Jove
Omnipotent, an ox of the fifth year
485
Full-flesh’d devoted, and the Princes call’d
Noblest of all the Grecians to his feast.
First, Nestor with Idomeneus the King,
Then either Ajax, and the son he call’d
Of Tydeus, with Ulysses sixth and last,
490
Jove’s peer in wisdom. Menelaus went,
Heroic Chief! unbidden, for he knew
His brother’s mind with weight of care oppress’d.
The ox encircling, and their hands with meal
Of consecration fill’d, the assembly stood,
495
Page 23
When Agamemnon thus his prayer preferred.
Almighty Father! Glorious above all!
Cloud-girt, who dwell’st in heaven thy throne
sublime,
Let not the sun go down, till Priam’s roof
Fall flat into the flames; till I shall burn
500
His gates with fire; till I shall hew away
His hack’d and riven corslet from the breast
Of Hector, and till numerous Chiefs, his friends,
Around him, prone in dust, shall bite the ground.
So prayed he, but with none effect, The God
505
Received his offering, but to double toil
Doom’d them, and sorrow more than all the
past.
They then, the triturated barley grain
First duly sprinkling, the sharp steel infix’d
Deep in the victim’s neck reversed, then stripp’d
510
The carcase, and divided at their joint
The thighs, which in the double caul involved
They spread with slices crude, and burn’d
with fire
Ascending fierce from billets sere and dry.
The spitted entrails next they o’er the coals
515
Suspended held. The thighs with fire consumed,
They gave to each his portion of the maw,
Then slash’d the remnant, pierced it with
the spits,
And managing with culinary skill
The roast, withdrew it from the spits again.
520
Thus, all their task accomplished, and the board
Set forth, they feasted, and were all sufficed.
When neither hunger more nor thirst remain’d
Unsatisfied, Gerenian Nestor spake.
Atrides! Agamemnon! King of men!
525
No longer waste we time in useless words,
Nor to a distant hour postpone the work
To which heaven calls thee. Send thine heralds
forth.
Who shall convene the Achaians at the fleet,
That we, the Chiefs assembled here, may range,
530
Together, the imbattled multitude,
And edge their spirits for immediate fight.
He spake, nor Agamemnon not complied.
At once he bade his clear-voiced heralds call
The Greeks to battle. They the summons loud
535
Gave forth, and at the sound the people throng’d.
Then Agamemnon and the Kings of Greece
Dispatchful drew them into order just,
With whom Minerva azure-eyed advanced,
The inestimable AEgis on her arm,
540
Immortal, unobnoxious to decay
A hundred braids, close twisted, all of gold,
Each valued at a hundred beeves,[17] around
Dependent fringed it. She from side to side
Her eyes cerulean rolled, infusing thirst
545
Of battle endless into every breast.
War won them now, war sweeter now to each
Than gales to waft them over ocean home.[18]
As when devouring flames some forest seize
On the high mountains, splendid from afar
550
The blaze appears, so, moving on the plain,
The steel-clad host innumerous flash’d to
heaven.
And as a multitude of fowls in flocks
Page 24
Assembled various, geese, or cranes, or swans
Lithe-neck’d, long hovering o’er Cayster’s
banks 555
On wanton plumes, successive on the mead
Alight at last, and with a clang so loud
That all the hollow vale of Asius rings;
In number such from ships and tents effused,
They cover’d the Scamandrian plain; the earth
560
Rebellow’d to the feet of steeds and men.
They overspread Scamander’s grassy vale,
Myriads, as leaves, or as the flowers of spring.
As in the hovel where the peasant milks
His kine in spring-time, when his pails are fill’d,
565
Thick clouds of humming insects on the wing
Swarm all around him, so the Grecians swarm’d
An unsumm’d multitude o’er all the plain,
Bright arm’d, high crested, and athirst for
war.
As goat-herds separate their numerous flocks
570
With ease, though fed promiscuous, with like ease
Their leaders them on every side reduced
To martial order glorious;[19] among whom
Stood Agamemnon “with an eye like Jove’s,
To threaten or command,” like Mars in girth,
575
And with the port of Neptune. As the bull
Conspicuous among all the herd appears,
For he surpasses all, such Jove ordain’d
That day the son of Atreus, in the midst
Of Heroes, eminent above them all.
580
Tell me, (for ye are are heavenly, and beheld[20]
A scene, whereof the faint report alone
Hath reached our ears, remote and ill-informed,)
Tell me, ye Muses, under whom, beneath
What Chiefs of royal or of humbler note
585
Stood forth the embattled Greeks? The host
at large;
They were a multitude in number more
Than with ten tongues, and with ten mouths, each
mouth
Made vocal with a trumpet’s throat of brass
I might declare, unless the Olympian nine,
590
Jove’s daughters, would the chronicle themselves
Indite, of all assembled, under Troy.
I will rehearse the Captains and their fleets.
[21]Boeotia’s sturdy sons Peneleus led,
And Leitus, whose partners in command
595
Arcesilaus and Prothoenor came,
And Clonius. Them the dwellers on the rocks
Of Aulis followed, with the hardy clans
Of Hyrie, Schoenos, Scholos, and the hills
Of Eteon; Thespia, Graea, and the plains
600
Of Mycalessus them, and Harma served,
Eleon, Erythrae, Peteon; Hyle them,
Hesius and Ocalea, and the strength
Of Medeon; Copae also in their train
Marched, with Eutresis and the mighty men
605
Of Thisbe famed for doves; nor pass unnamed
Whom Coronaea, and the grassy land
Of Haliartus added to the war,
Nor whom Plataea, nor whom Glissa bred,
And Hypothebae,[22] and thy sacred groves
610
To Neptune, dark Onchestus. Arne claims
A record next for her illustrious sons,
Page 25
Vine-bearing Arne. Thou wast also there
Mideia, and thou Nissa; nor be thine
Though last, Anthedon, a forgotten name.
615
These in Boeotia’s fair and gallant fleet
Of fifty ships, each bearing o’er the waves
Thrice forty warriors, had arrived at Troy.
In thirty ships deep-laden with the brave,
Aspledon and Orchomenos had sent
620
Their chosen youth; them ruled a noble pair,
Sons of Astyoche; she, lovely nymph,
Received by stealth, on Actor’s stately roof,
The embraces of a God, and bore to Mars
Twins like himself, Ascalaphus the bold,
625
And bold Iaelmenus, expert in arms.
Beneath Epistrophus and Schedius, took
Their destined station on Boeotia’s left,
The brave Phocensians; they in forty ships
From Cyparissus came, and from the rocks
630
Of Python, and from Crissa the divine;
From Anemoria, Daulis, Panopeus,
And from Hyampolis, and from the banks
Of the Cephissus, sacred stream, and from
Lilaea, seated at its fountain-head.
635
Next from beyond Euboea’s happy isle
In forty ships conveyed, stood forth well armed
The Locrians; dwellers in Augeia some
The pleasant, some of Opoeis possessed,
Some of Calliarus; these Scarpha sent,
640
And Cynus those; from Bessa came the rest,
From Tarpha, Thronius, and from the brink
Of loud Boagrius; Ajax them, the swift,
Son of Oileus led, not such as he
From Telamon, big-boned and lofty built,
645
But small of limb, and of an humbler crest;
Yet he, competitor had none throughout
The Grecians of what land soe’er, for skill
In ushering to its mark the rapid lance.
Elphenor brought (Calchodon’s mighty son)
650
The Euboeans to the field. In forty ships
From Histriaea for her vintage famed,
From Chalcis, from Iretria, from the gates
Of maritime Cerinthus, from the heights
Of Dios rock-built citadel sublime,
655
And from Caristus and from Styra came
His warlike multitudes, all named alike
Abantes, on whose shoulders fell behind
Their locks profuse,[23] and they were eager all
To split the hauberk with the pointed spear.
660
Nor Athens had withheld her generous sons,
The people of Erectheus. Him of old
The teeming glebe produced, a wondrous birth!
And Pallas rear’d him: her own unctuous
fane
She made his habitation, where with bulls
665
The youth of Athens, and with slaughter’d
lambs
Her annual worship celebrate. Then led
Menestheus, whom, (sage Nestor’s self except,
Thrice school’d in all events of human life,)
None rivall’d ever in the just array
670
Of horse and man to battle. Fifty ships
Black-prowed, had borne them to the distant war.
Page 26
Ajax from Salamis twelve vessels brought,
And where the Athenian band in phalanx stood
Marshall’d compact, there station’d
he his powers. 675
The men of Argos and Tyrintha next,
And of Hermione, that stands retired
With Asine, within her spacious bay;
Of Epidaurus, crown’d with purple vines,
And of Troezena, with the Achaian youth
680
Of sea-begirt AEgina, and with thine,
Maseta, and the dwellers on thy coast,
Wave-worn Eionae; these all obeyed
The dauntless Hero Diomede, whom served
Sthenelus, son of Capaneus, a Chief
685
Of deathless fame, his second in command,
And godlike man, Euryalus, the son
Of King Mecisteus, Talaues’ son, his third.
But Diomede controll’d them all, and him
Twice forty sable ships their leader own’d.
690
Came Agamemnon with a hundred ships,
Exulting in his powers; more numerous they,
And more illustrious far than other Chief
Could boast, whoever. Clad in burnish’d
brass,
And conscious of pre-eminence, he stood.
695
He drew his host from cities far renown’d,
Mycenae, and Corinthus, seat of wealth,
Orneia, and Cleonae bulwark’d strong,
And lovely Araethyria; Sicyon, where
His seat of royal power held at the first
700
Adrastus: Hyperesia, and the heights
Of Gonoessa; AEgium, with the towns
That sprinkle all that far-extended coast,
Pellene also and wide Helice
With all their shores, were number’d in his
train. 705
From hollow Lacedaemon’s glen profound,
From Phare, Sparta, and from Messa, still
Resounding with the ring-dove’s amorous moan,
From Brysia, from Augeia, from the rocks
Of Laas, from Amycla, Otilus,
710
And from the towers of Helos, at whose foot
The surf of Ocean falls, came sixty barks
With Menelaus. From the monarch’s host
The royal brother ranged his own apart,
and panted for revenge of Helen’s wrongs,
715
And of her sighs and tears.[24] From rank to rank,
Conscious of dauntless might he pass’d, and
sent
Into all hearts the fervor of his own.
Gerenian Nestor in thrice thirty ships
Had brought his warriors; they from Pylus came,
720
From blithe Arene, and from Thryos, built
Fast by the fords of Alpheus, and from steep
And stately AEpy. Their confederate powers
Sent Amphigenia, Cyparissa veiled
With broad redundance of funereal shades,
725
Pteleos and Helos, and of deathless fame
Dorion. In Dorion erst the Muses met
Threician Thamyris, on his return
From Eurytus, Oechalian Chief, and hush’d
His song for ever; for he dared to vaunt
730
That he would pass in song even themselves
The Muses, daughters of Jove AEgis-arm’d.
They therefore, by his boast incensed, the bard
Page 27
Struck blind, and from his memory dash’d severe
All traces of his once celestial strains.
735
Arcadia’s sons, the dwellers at the foot
Of mount Cyllene, where AEpytus sleeps
Intomb’d; a generation bold in fight,
And warriors hand to hand; the valiant men
Of Pheneus, of Orchomenos by flocks
740
Grazed numberless, of Ripe, Stratia, bleak
Enispe; Mantinea city fair,
Stymphelus and Parrhasia, and the youth
Of Tegea; royal Agapenor these,
Ancaeus’ offspring, had in sixty ships
745
To Troy conducted; numerous was the crew,
And skilled in arms, which every vessel brought,
And Agamemnon had with barks himself
Supplied them, for, of inland realms possessed,
They little heeded maritime employs.[25]
750
The dwellers in Buprasium, on the shores
Of pleasant Elis, and in all the land
Myrsinus and the Hyrminian plain between,
The rock Olenian, and the Alysian fount;
These all obey’d four Chiefs, and galleys
ten 755
Each Chief commanded, with Epeans filled.
Amphimachus and Thalpius govern’d these,
This, son of Cteatus, the other, sprung
From Eurytus, and both of Actor’s house.
Diores, son of Amarynceus, those
760
Led on, and, for his godlike form renown’d,
Polyxenus was Chieftain o’er the rest,
Son of Agasthenes, Augeias’ son.
Dulichium, and her sister sacred isles
The Echinades, whose opposite aspect
765
Looks toward Elis o’er the curling waves,
Sent forth their powers with Meges at their head,
Brave son of Phyleus, warrior dear to Jove.
Phyleus in wrath, his father’s house renounced,
And to Dulichium wandering, there abode.
770
Twice twenty ships had follow’d Meges forth.
Ulysses led the Cephallenians bold.
From Ithaca, and from the lofty woods
Of Neritus they came, and from the rocks
Of rude AEgilipa. Crocylia these,
775
And these Zacynthus own’d; nor yet a few
From Samos, from Epirus join’d their aid,
And from the opposite Ionian shore.
Them, wise as Jove himself, Ulysses led
In twelve fair ships, with crimson prows adorn’d.
780
From forty ships, Thoas, Andraemon’s son,
Had landed his AEtolians; for extinct
Was Meleager, and extinct the house
Of Oeneus all, nor Oeneus self survived;
To Thoas therefore had AEtolia fallen;
785
Him Olenos, Pylene, Chalcis served,
With Pleuro, and the rock-bound Calydon.
Idomeneus, spear-practised warrior, led
The numerous Cretans. In twice forty ships
He brought his powers to Troy. The warlike
bands 790
Of Cnossus, of Gortyna wall’d around,
Of Lyctus, of Lycastus chalky-white,
Of Phaestus, of Miletus, with the youth
Page 28
Of Rhytius him obey’d; nor these were all,
But others from her hundred cities Crete
795
Sent forth, all whom Idomeneus the brave
Commanded, with Meriones in arms
Dread as the God of battles blood-imbrued.
Nine ships Tlepolemus, Herculean-born,
For courage famed and for superior size,
800
Fill’d with his haughty Rhodians. They,
in tribes
Divided, dwelt distinct. Jelyssus these,
Those Lindus, and the rest the shining soil
Of white Camirus occupied. Him bore
To Hercules, (what time he led the nymph
805
From Ephyre, and from Sellea’s banks,
After full many a city laid in dust.)
Astyocheia. In his father’s house
Magnificent, Tlepolemus spear-famed
Had scarce up-grown to manhood’s lusty prime
810
When he his father’s hoary uncle slew
Lycimnius, branch of Mars. Then built he ships,
And, pushing forth to sea, fled from the threats
Of the whole house of Hercules. Huge toil
And many woes he suffer’d, till at length
815
At Rhodes arriving, in three separate bands
He spread himself abroad, Much was he loved
Of all-commanding Jove, who bless’d him there,
And shower’d abundant riches on them all.
Nireus of Syma, with three vessels came;
820
Nireus, Aglaea’s offspring, whom she bore
To Charopus the King; Nireus in form,
(The faultless son of Peleus sole except,)
Loveliest of all the Grecians call’d to Troy.
But he was heartless and his men were few.[26]
825
Nisyrus, Casus, Crapathus, and Cos
Where reign’d Eurypylus, with all the isles
Calydnae named, under two valiant Chiefs
Their troops disposed; Phidippus one, and one,
His brother Antiphus, begotten both
830
By Thessalus, whom Hercules begat.
In thirty ships they sought the shores of Troy.
The warriors of Pelasgian Argos next,
Of Alus, and Alope, and who held
Trechina, Phthia, and for women fair
835
Distinguish’d, Hellas; known by various names
Hellenes, Myrmidons, Achaeans, them
In fifty ships embark’d, Achilles ruled.
But these were deaf to the hoarse-throated war,
For there was none to draw their battle forth,
840
And give them just array. Close in his ships
Achilles, after loss of the bright-hair’d
Briseis, lay, resentful; her obtained
Not without labor hard, and after sack
Of Thebes and of Lyrnessus, where he slew
845
Two mighty Chiefs, sons of Evenus both,
Epistrophus and Mynes, her he mourn’d,
And for her sake self-prison’d in his fleet
And idle lay, though soon to rise again.
From Phylace, and from the flowery fields
850
Of Pyrrhasus, a land to Ceres given
By consecration, and from Iton green,
Mother of flocks; from Antron by the sea,
Page 29
And from the grassy meads of Pteleus, came
A people, whom while yet he lived, the brave
855
Protesilaues led; but him the earth
Now cover’d dark and drear. A wife he
left,
To rend in Phylace her bleeding cheeks,
And an unfinish’d mansion. First he died
Of all the Greeks; for as he leap’d to land
860
Foremost by far, a Dardan struck him dead.
Nor had his troops, though filled with deep regret,
No leader; them Podarces led, a Chief
Like Mars in battle, brother of the slain,
But younger born, and from Iphiclus sprung
865
Who sprang from Phylacus the rich in flocks.
But him Protesilaues, as in years,
So also in desert of arms excell’d
Heroic, whom his host, although they saw
Podarces at their head, still justly mourn’d;
870
For he was fierce in battle, and at Troy
With forty sable-sided ships arrived.
Eleven galleys, Pherae on the lake,
And Boebe, and Ioelchus, and the vale
Of Glaphyrae supplied with crews robust
875
Under Eumelus; him Alcestis, praised
For beauty above all her sisters fair,
In Thessaly to King Admetus bore.
Methone, and Olizon’s craggy coast,
With Meliboea and Thaumasia sent
880
Seven ships; their rowers were good archers all,
And every vessel dipped into the wave
Her fifty oars. Them Philoctetes, skill’d
To draw with sinewy arm the stubborn bow,
Commanded; but he suffering anguish keen
885
Inflicted by a serpent’s venom’d tooth,
Lay sick in Lemnos; him the Grecians there
Had left sore-wounded, but were destined soon
To call to dear remembrance whom they left.
Meantime, though sorrowing for his sake, his troops
890
Yet wanted not a chief; them Medon ruled,
Whom Rhena to the far-famed conqueror bore
Oileus, fruit of their unsanction’d loves.
From Tricca, from Ithome rough and rude
With rocks and glens, and from Oechalia, town
895
Of Eurytus Oechalian-born, came forth
Their warlike youth by Podalirius led
And by Machaon, healers both expert
Of all disease, and thirty ships were theirs.
The men of Ormenus, and from beside
900
The fountain Hypereia, from the tops
Of chalky Titan, and Asteria’s band;
Them ruled Eurypylus, Evaemon’s son
Illustrious, whom twice twenty ships obeyed.
Orthe, Gyrtone, Olooesson white,
905
Argissa and Helone; they their youth
Gave to control of Polypoetes, son
Undaunted of Pirithoues, son of Jove.
Him, to Pirithoues, (on the self-same day
When he the Centaurs punish’d and pursued
910
Sheer to AEthicae driven from Pelion’s heights
The shaggy race) Hippodamia bore.
Nor he alone them led. With him was join’d
Leonteus dauntless warrior, from the bold
Page 30
Coronus sprung, who Caeneus call’d his sire.
915
Twice twenty ships awaited their command.
Guneus from Cyphus twenty and two ships
Led forth; the Enienes him obey’d,
And the robust Peroebi, warriors bold,
And dwellers on Dodona’s wintry brow.
920
To these were join’d who till the pleasant
fields
Where Titaresius winds; the gentle flood
Pours into Peneus all his limpid stores,
But with the silver-eddied Peneus flows
Unmixt as oil;[27] for Stygian is his stream,
925
And Styx is the inviolable oath.
Last with his forty ships, Tenthredon’s
son,
The active Prothoues came. From the green banks
Of Peneus his Magnesians far and near
He gather’d, and from Pelion forest-crown’d.
930
These were the princes and the Chiefs of Greece.
Say, Muse, who most in personal desert
Excell’d, and whose were the most warlike
steeds
And of the noblest strain. Their hue, their
age,
Their height the same, swift as the winds of heaven
935
And passing far all others, were the mares
Which drew Eumelus; on Pierian hills
The heavenly Archer of the silver bow,
Apollo, bred them. But of men, the chief
Was Telamonian Ajax, while wrath-bound
940
Achilles lay; for he was worthier far,
And more illustrious were the steeds which bore
The noble son of Peleus; but revenge
On Agamemnon leader of the host
Was all his thought, while in his gallant ships
945
Sharp-keel’d to cut the foaming flood, he
lay.
Meantime, along the margin of the deep
His soldiers hurled the disk, or bent the bow.
Or to its mark dispatch’d the quivering lance.
Beside the chariots stood the unharness’d
steeds 950
Cropping the lotus, or at leisure browsed
On celery wild, from watery freshes gleaned.
Beneath the shadow of the sheltering tent
The chariot stood, while they, the charioteers
Roam’d here and there the camp, their warlike
lord 955
Regretting sad, and idle for his sake.
As if a fire had burnt along the ground,
Such seem’d their march; earth groan’d
their steps beneath;
As when in Arimi, where fame reports
Typhoeus stretch’d, the fires of angry Jove
960
Down darted, lash the ground, so groan’d the
earth
Beneath them, for they traversed swift the plain.
And now from Jove, with heavy tidings charged,
Wind-footed Iris to the Trojans came.
It was the time of council, when the throng
965
At Priam’s gate assembled, young and old:
Them, standing nigh, the messenger of heaven
Accosted with the voice of Priam’s son,
Polites. He, confiding in his speed
For sure deliverance, posted was abroad
970
On AEsyeta’s tomb,[28] intent to watch
When the Achaian host should leave the fleet.
Page 31
The Goddess in his form thus them address’d.
Oh, ancient Monarch! Ever, evermore
Speaking, debating, as if all were peace;
975
I have seen many a bright-embattled field,
But never one so throng’d as this to-day.
For like the leaves, or like the sands they come
Swept by the winds, to gird the city round.
But Hector! chiefly thee I shall exhort.
980
In Priam’s spacious city are allies
Collected numerous, and of nations wide
Disseminated various are the tongues.
Let every Chief his proper troop command,
And marshal his own citizens to war.
985
She ceased; her Hector heard intelligent,
And quick dissolved the council. All took arms.
Wide flew the gates; forth rush’d the multitude,
Horsemen and foot, and boisterous stir arose.
In front of Ilium, distant on the plain,
990
Clear all around from all obstruction, stands
An eminence high-raised, by mortal men
Call’d Bateia, but the Gods the tomb
Have named it of Myrinna swift in fight.
Troy and her aids there set the battle forth.
995
Huge Priameian Hector, fierce in arms,
Led on the Trojans; with whom march’d the
most
And the most valiant, dexterous at the spear.
AEneas, (on the hills of Ida him
The lovely Venus to Anchises bore,
1000
A Goddess by a mortal man embraced)
Led the Dardanians; but not he alone;
Archilochus with him and Acamas
Stood forth, the offspring of Antenor, each,
And well instructed in all forms of war.
1005
Fast by the foot of Ida, where they drank
The limpid waters of AEsepus, dwelt
The Trojans of Zeleia. Rich were they
And led by Pandarus, Lycaon’s son,
Whom Phoebus self graced with the bow he bore.
1010
Apaesus, Adrastea, Terie steep,
And Pitueia—them, Amphius clad
In mail thick-woven, and Adrastus, ruled.
They were the sons of the Percosian seer
Merops, expert in the soothsayers’ art
1015
Above all other; he his sons forbad
The bloody fight, but disobedient they
Still sought it, for their destiny prevailed.
The warriors of Percote, and who dwelt
In Practius, in Arisba, city fair,
1020
In Sestus, in Abydus, march’d behind
Princely Hyrtacides; his tawny steeds,
Strong-built and tall, from Sellcentes’ bank
And from Arisba, had him borne to Troy.
Hippothous and Pilmus, branch of Mars,
1025
Both sons of Lethus the Pelasgian, they,
Forth from Larissa for her fertile soil
Far-famed, the spear-expert Pelasgians brought.
The Thracians (all whom Hellespont includes
Within the banks of his swift-racing tide)
1030
Heroic Acamas and Pirous led.
Euphemus, offspring of Troezenus, son
Of Jove-protected Ceas, was the Chief
Page 32
Whom the spear-arm’d Ciconian band obey’d.
Paeonia’s archers follow’d to the
field 1035
Pyraechmes; they from Amydon remote
Were drawn, where Axius winds; broad Axius, stream
Diffused delightful over all the vale.
Pylaemenes, a Chief of giant might
From the Eneti for forest-mules renowned
1040
March’d with his Paphlagonians; dwellers they
In Sesamus and in Cytorus were,
And by the stream Parthenius; Cromna these
Sent forth, and those AEgialus on the lip
And margin of the land, and some, the heights
1045
Of Erythini, rugged and abrupt.
Epistrophus and Odius from the land
Of Alybe, a region far remote,
Where veins of silver wind, led to the field
The Halizonians. With the Mysians came
1050
Chromis their Chief, and Ennomus; him skill’d
In augury, but skill’d in vain, his art
Saved not, but by AEacides[29] the swift,
With others in the Xanthus[30] slain, he died.
Ascanius, lovely youth, and Phorcis, led
1055
The Phrygians from Ascania far remote,
Ardent for battle. The Moeonian race,
(All those who at the foot of Tmolus dwelt,)
Mesthles and Antiphus, fraternal pair,
Sons of Pylaemenes commanded, both
1060
Of the Gygaean lake in Lydia born.
Amphimachus and Nastes led to fight
The Carians, people of a barbarous speech,[31]
With the Milesians, and the mountain-race
Of wood-crown’d Phthira, and who dwelt beside
1065
Maeander, or on Mycale sublime.
Them led Amphimachus and Nastes, sons
Renown’d of Nomion. Like a simple girl
Came forth Amphimachus with gold bedight,
But him his trappings from a woful death
1070
Saved not, when whirled beneath the bloody tide
To Peleus’ stormy son his spoils he left.
Sarpedon with the noble Glaucus led
Their warriors forth from farthest Lycia, where
Xanthus deep-dimpled rolls his oozy tide.
1075
THE ILIAD.
BOOK III.
ARGUMENT OF THE
THIRD BOOK.
The armies meet. Paris throws out a challenge
to the Grecian Princes. Menelaus accepts it.
The terms of the combat are adjusted solemnly by Agamemnon
on the part of Greece, and by Priam on the part of
Troy. The combat ensues, in which Paris is vanquished,
whom yet Venus rescues. Agamemnon demands from
the Trojans a performance of the covenant.
BOOK III.
Page 33
[1]Now marshall’d all beneath their
several chiefs, With deafening shouts, and with
the clang of arms, The host of Troy advanced.
Such clang is heard Along the skies, when from incessant
showers Escaping, and from winter’s cold,
the cranes 5 Take wing, and
over Ocean speed away;[2] Wo to the land of dwarfs!
prepared they fly For slaughter of the small Pygmaean
race. Not so the Greeks; they breathing valor
came, But silent all, and all with faithful hearts
10 On succor mutual to the last,
resolved. As when the south wind wraps the
mountain top In mist the shepherd’s dread,
but to the thief Than night itself more welcome,
and the eye Is bounded in its ken to a stone’s
cast, 15 Such from beneath
their footsteps dun and dense Uprose the dust, for
swift they cross the plain.
When, host to host opposed, full nigh
they stood,
Then Alexander[3] in the Trojan van Advanced
was seen, all beauteous as a God;
20 His leopard’s skin, his falchion and
his bow Hung from his shoulder; bright with heads
of brass He shook two spears, and challenged to
the fight The bravest Argives there, defying all.
Him, striding haughtily his host before
25 When Menelaus saw, such joy he
felt As hunger-pinch’d the lion feels, by
chance Conducted to some carcase huge, wild goat,
Or antler’d stag; huntsmen and baying hounds
Disturb not him, he gorges in their sight.
30 So Menelaus at the view rejoiced
Of lovely Alexander, for he hoped His punishment
at hand. At once, all armed, Down from his
chariot to the ground he leap’d
When godlike Paris him in front beheld
35
Conspicuous, his heart smote him, and his fate
Avoiding, far within the lines he shrank.[4] As
one, who in some woodland height descrying A serpent
huge, with sudden start recoils, His limbs shake
under him; with cautious step 40
He slow retires; fear blanches cold his cheeks;
So beauteous Alexander at the sight Of Atreus’
son dishearten’d sore, the ranks Of haughty
Trojans enter’d deep again: Him Hector
eyed, and thus rebuked severe.
45
Curst Paris! Fair deceiver!
Woman-mad!
I would to all in heaven that thou hadst died Unborn,
at least unmated! happier far Than here to have
incurr’d this public shame! Well may
the Grecians taunt, and laughing loud,
50 Applaud the champion, slow indeed to fight
And pusillanimous, but wondrous fair. Wast
thou as timid, tell me, when with those Thy loved
companions in that famed exploit, Thou didst consort
with strangers, and convey 55 From
distant lands a warrior’s beauteous bride To
be thy father’s and his people’s curse,
Joy to our foes, but to thyself reproach? Behold
her husband! Darest thou not to face The warlike
prince? Now learn how brave a Chief
60 Thou hast defrauded of his blooming spouse.
Page 34
Thy lyre, thy locks, thy person, specious gifts
Of partial Venus, will avail thee nought, Once
mixt by Menelaus with the dust. But we are
base ourselves, or long ago,
65 For all thy numerous mischiefs, thou hadst
slept Secure beneath a coverlet[5] of stone.[6]
Then godlike Alexander thus replied.
Oh Hector, true in temper as the axe Which in
the shipwright’s hand the naval plank
70 Divides resistless, doubling all his
force, Such is thy dauntless spirit whose reproach
Perforce I own, nor causeless nor unjust. Yet
let the gracious gifts uncensured pass Of golden
Venus; man may not reject
75 The glorious bounty by the Gods bestow’d,
Nor follows their beneficence our choice. But
if thy pleasure be that I engage With Menelaus in
decision fierce Of desperate combat bid the host
of Troy 80 And bid the Grecians
sit; then face to face Commit us, in the vacant
field between, To fight for Helen and for all her
wealth. Who strongest proves, and conquers,
he, of her And hers possess’d shall bear them
safe away; 85 While ye (peace
sworn and firm accord) shall dwell At Troy, and
these to Argos shall return And to Achaia praised
for women fair.
He ceased, whom Hector heard with joy;
he moved
Into the middle space, and with his spear
90 Advanced athwart push’d
back the Trojan van, And all stood fast. Meantime
at him the Greeks Discharged full volley, showering
thick around From bow and sling;[7] when with a
mighty voice Thus Agamemnon, leader of the host.
95
Argives! Be still—shoot
not, ye sons of Greece!
Hector bespeaks attention. Hear the Chief!
He said, at once the Grecians ceased
to shoot,
And all sat silent. Hector then began.
Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye Greeks mail-arm’d,
100
While I shall publish in your ears the words Of
Alexander, author of our strife. Trojans, he
bids, and Grecians on the field Their arms dispose;
while he, the hosts between, With warlike Menelaus
shall in fight 105 Contend
for Helen, and for all her wealth. Who strongest
proves, and conquers, he, of her And hers possess’d,
shall bear them safe away, And oaths of amity shall
bind the rest.
He ceased, and all deep silence held,
amazed; 110
When valiant Menelaus thus began.
Hear now me also, on whose aching heart
These woes have heaviest fallen. At last I
hope Decision near, Trojans and Greeks between,
For ye have suffer’d in my quarrel much,
115 And much by Paris, author
of the war. Die he who must, and peace be to
the rest. But ye shall hither bring two lambs,
one white, The other black;[8] this to the Earth
devote, That to the Sun. We shall ourselves
supply 120 A third for Jove.
Then bring ye Priam forth, Himself to swear the
covenant, (for his sons Are faithless) lest the
Page 35
oath of Jove be scorn’d. Young men are
ever of unstable mind; But when an elder interferes,
he views 125 Future and
past together, and insures The compact, to both
parties, uninfringed.
So Menelaus spake; and in all hearts
Awaken’d joyful hope that there should end
War’s long calamities. Alighted each,
130 And drew his steeds
into the lines. The field Glitter’d with
arms put off, and side by side, Ranged orderly,
while the interrupted war Stood front to front,
small interval between.
Then Hector to the city sent in haste
135
Two heralds for the lambs, and to invite Priam;
while Agamemnon, royal Chief, Talthybius to the
Grecian fleet dismiss’d For a third lamb to
Jove; nor he the voice Of noble Agamemnon disobey’d.
140
Iris, ambassadress of heaven, the while,
To Helen came. Laoedice she seem’d,
Loveliest of all the daughters of the house Of
Priam, wedded to Antenor’s son, King Helicaeon.
Her she found within, 145
An ample web magnificent she wove,[9] Inwrought
with numerous conflicts for her sake Beneath the
hands of Mars endured by Greeks Mail-arm’d,
and Trojans of equestrian fame. Swift Iris,
at her side, her thus address’d.
150
Haste, dearest nymph! a wondrous sight
behold!
Greeks brazen-mail’d, and Trojans steed-renown’d.
So lately on the cruel work of Mars Intent and
hot for mutual havoc, sit Silent; the war hath paused,
and on his shield 155 Each leans,
his long spear planted at his side. Paris and
Menelaus, warrior bold, With quivering lances shall
contend for thee, And thou art his who conquers;
his for ever.
So saying, the Goddess into Helen’s
soul 160
Sweetest desire infused to see again Her former
Lord, her parents, and her home. At once o’ermantled
with her snowy veil She started forth, and as she
went let fall A tender tear; not unaccompanied
165 She went, but by
two maidens of her train Attended, AEthra, Pittheus’
daughter fair, And soft-eyed Clymene. Their
hasty steps Convey’d them quickly to the Scaean
gate. There Priam, Panthous, Clytius, Lampus
sat, 170 Thymoetes, Hicetaon,
branch of Mars, Antenor and Ucalegon the wise,
All, elders of the people; warriors erst, But
idle now through age, yet of a voice Still indefatigable
as the fly’s[10] 175
Which perch’d among the boughs sends forth
at noon Through all the grove his slender ditty
sweet. Such sat those Trojan leaders on the
tower, Who, soon as Helen on the steps they saw,
In accents quick, but whisper’d, thus remark’d.
180
Trojans and Grecians wage, with fair
excuse,
Long war for so much beauty.[11] Oh, how like In
feature to the Goddesses above! Pernicious
loveliness! Ah, hence away, Resistless as thou
art and all divine, 185 Nor
Page 36
leave a curse to us, and to our sons.
So they among themselves; but Priam
call’d
Fair Helen to his side.[12] My daughter dear!
Come, sit beside me. Thou shalt hence discern
Thy former Lord, thy kindred and thy friends.
190 I charge no blame on thee.
The Gods have caused, Not thou, this lamentable
war to Troy.[13] Name to me yon Achaian Chief for
bulk Conspicuous, and for port. Taller indeed
I may perceive than he; but with these eyes
195 Saw never yet such dignity, and
grace. Declare his name. Some royal Chief
he seems.
To whom thus Helen, loveliest of her
sex,
My other Sire! by me for ever held In reverence,
and with filial fear beloved! 200
Oh that some cruel death had been my choice, Rather
than to abandon, as I did, All joys domestic, matrimonial
bliss, Brethren, dear daughter, and companions dear,
A wanderer with thy son. Yet I alas!
205 Died not, and therefore now,
live but to weep. But I resolve thee.
Thou behold’st the son Of Atreus, Agamemnon,
mighty king, In arms heroic, gracious in the throne,
And, (though it shame me now to call him such,)
210 By nuptial ties a brother once
to me.
Then him the ancient King-admiring,
said.
Oh blest Atrides, happy was thy birth, And thy
lot glorious, whom this gallant host So numerous,
of the sons of Greece obey! 215
To vine-famed Phrygia, in my days of youth, I
journey’d; many Phrygians there I saw, Brave
horsemen, and expert; they were the powers Of Otreus
and of Mygdon, godlike Chief, And on the banks of
Sangar’s stream encamp’d.
220 I march’d among them, chosen in that
war Ally of Phrygia, and it was her day Of conflict
with the man-defying race, The Amazons; yet multitudes
like these Thy bright-eyed Greeks, I saw not even
there. 225
The venerable King observing next
Ulysses, thus inquired. My child, declare
Him also. Shorter by the head he seems Than
Agamemnon, Atreus’ mighty son, But shoulder’d
broader, and of ampler chest; 230
He hath disposed his armor on the plain, But like
a ram, himself the warrior ranks Ranges majestic;
like a ram full-fleeced By numerous sheep encompass’d
snowy-white.
To whom Jove’s daughter Helen
thus replied. 235
In him the son of old Laertes know, Ulysses;
born in Ithaca the rude, But of a piercing wit,
and deeply wise.
Then answer thus, Antenor sage return’d.
Princess thou hast described him: hither once
240 The noble Ithacan, on thy behalf
Ambassador with Menelaus, came: Beneath my
roof, with hospitable fare Friendly I entertained
them. Seeing then Occasion opportune, I closely
mark’d 245 The genius
and the talents of the Chiefs, And this I noted
well; that when they stood Amid the assembled counsellors
of Troy, Then Menelaus his advantage show’d,
Who by the shoulders overtopp’d his friend.
Page 37
250 But when both sat, Ulysses
in his air Had more of state and dignity than he.
In the delivery of a speech address’d To
the full senate, Menelaus used Few words, but to
the matter, fitly ranged, 255 And
with much sweetness utter’d; for in loose And
idle play of ostentatious terms He dealt not, though
he were the younger man. But when the wise
Ulysses from his seat Had once arisen, he would
his downcast eyes 260 So rivet
on the earth, and with a hand That seem’d
untutor’d in its use, so hold His sceptre,
swaying it to neither side, That hadst thou seen
him, thou hadst thought him, sure, Some chafed and
angry idiot, passion-fixt. 265
Yet, when at length, the clear and mellow base Of
his deep voice brake forth, and he let fall His
chosen words like flakes of feather’d snow,
None then might match Ulysses; leisure, then, Found
none to wonder at his noble form.
270
The third of whom the venerable king
Inquired, was Ajax.—Yon Achaian tall,
Whose head and shoulders tower above the rest, And
of such bulk prodigious—who is he?
Him answer’d Helen, loveliest
of her sex. 275
A bulwark of the Greeks. In him thou seest
Gigantic Ajax. Opposite appear The Cretans,
and among the Chiefs of Crete stands, like a God,
Idomeneus. Him oft From Crete arrived, was
Menelaues wont 280 To entertain;
and others now I see, Achaians, whom I could recall
to mind, And give to each his name; but two brave
youths I yet discern not; for equestrian skill
One famed, and one a boxer never foiled;
285 My brothers; born of Leda; sons
of Jove; Castor and Pollux. Either they abide
In lovely Sparta still, or if they came, Decline
the fight, by my disgrace abash’d And the
reproaches which have fallen on me.[14]
290
She said; but they already slept inhumed
In Lacedemon, in their native soil.
And now the heralds, through the streets
of Troy
Charged with the lambs, and with a goat-skin filled
With heart-exhilarating wine prepared
295 For that divine solemnity, return’d.
Idaeus in his hand a beaker bore Resplendent,
with its fellow cups of gold, And thus he summon’d
ancient Priam forth.
Son of Laoemedon, arise. The Chiefs
300
Call thee, the Chiefs of Ilium and of Greece.
Descend into the plain. We strike a truce,
And need thine oath to bind it. Paris fights
With warlike Menelaues for his spouse; Their spears
decide the strife. The conqueror wins
305 Helen and all her treasures. We, thenceforth,
(Peace sworn and amity) shall dwell secure In
Troy, while they to Argos shall return And to Achaia
praised for women fair.
He spake, and Priam, shuddering, bade
his train 310
Prepare his steeds; they sedulous obey’d.
First, Priam mounting, backward stretch’d the
reins; Antenor, next, beside him sat, and through
Page 38
The Scaean gate they drove into the plain.
Arriving at the hosts of Greece and Troy
315 They left the chariot, and proceeded
both Into the interval between the hosts.
Then uprose Agamemnon, and uprose All-wise Ulysses.
Next, the heralds came Conspicuous forward, expediting
each 320 The ceremonial;
they the beaker fill’d With wine, and to the
hands of all the kings Minister’d water.
Agamemnon then Drawing his dagger which he ever
bore Appendant to his heavy falchion’s sheath,
325 Cut off the forelocks of
the lambs,[15] of which The heralds gave to every
Grecian Chief A portion, and to all the Chiefs of
Troy. Then Agamemnon raised his hands, and
pray’d.
Jove, Father, who from Ida stretchest
forth 330
Thine arm omnipotent, o’erruling all, And
thou, all-seeing and all-hearing Sun, Ye Rivers,
and thou conscious Earth, and ye Who under earth
on human kind avenge Severe, the guilt of violated
oaths, 335 Hear ye, and
ratify what now we swear! Should Paris slay
the hero amber-hair’d, My brother Menelaues,
Helen’s wealth And Helen’s self are
his, and all our host Shall home return to Greece;
but should it chance 340 That Paris
fall by Menelaues’ hand, Then Troy shall render
back what she detains, With such amercement as is
meet, a sum To be remember’d in all future
times. Which penalty should Priam and his sons
345 Not pay, though Paris
fall, then here in arms I will contend for payment
of the mulct My due, till, satisfied, I close the
war.
He said, and with his ruthless steel
the lambs
Stretch’d panting all, but soon they ceased
to pant, 350 For mortal was the stroke.[16]
Then drawing forth Wine from the beaker, they with
brimming cups Hail’d the immortal Gods, and
pray’d again, And many a Grecian thus and
Trojan spake.
All-glorious Jove, and ye the powers
of heaven, 355
Whoso shall violate this contract first, So be
the brains of them and of their sons Pour’d
out, as we this wine pour on the earth, And may
their wives bring forth to other men!
So they: but them Jove heard not.
Then arose 360
Priam, the son of Dardanus, and said,
Hear me, ye Trojans and ye Greeks well-arm’d.
Hence back to wind-swept Ilium I return, Unable
to sustain the sight, my son With warlike Menelaues
match’d in arms. 365
Jove knows, and the immortal Gods, to whom Of
both, this day is preordain’d the last.
So spake the godlike monarch, and disposed
Within the royal chariot all the lambs; Then,
mounting, check’d the reins; Antenor next
370 Ascended, and to Ilium both return’d.
First, Hector and Ulysses, noble Chief,
Measured the ground; then taking lots for proof
Who of the combatants should foremost hurl His
spear, they shook them in a brazen casque;
375 Meantime the people raised their hands
Page 39
on high, And many a Grecian thus and Trojan prayed.
Jove, Father, who on Ida seated, seest
And rulest all below, glorious in power! Of
these two champions, to the drear abodes
380 Of Ades him appoint who furnish’d
first The cause of strife between them, and let
peace Oath-bound, and amity unite the rest!
So spake the hosts; then Hector shook
the lots,
Majestic Chief, turning his face aside.
385 Forth sprang the lot of Paris.
They in ranks Sat all, where stood the fiery steeds
of each, And where his radiant arms lay on the field.
Illustrious Alexander his bright arms Put on,
fair Helen’s paramour. [17]He clasp’d
390 His polish’d greaves with
silver studs secured; His brother’s corselet
to his breast he bound, Lycaon’s, apt to his
own shape and size, And slung athwart his shoulders,
bright emboss’d, His brazen sword; his massy
buckler broad 395 He took,
and to his graceful head his casque Adjusted elegant,
which, as he moved, Its bushy crest waved dreadful;
last he seized, Well fitted to his gripe, his ponderous
spear. Meantime the hero Menelaues made
400 Like preparation,
and his arms put on.
When thus, from all the multitude apart,
Both combatants had arm’d, with eyes that
flash’d Defiance, to the middle space they
strode, Trojans and Greeks between. Astonishment
405 Seized all beholders.
On the measured ground Full near they stood, each
brandishing on high His massy spear, and each was
fiery wroth.
First, Alexander his long-shadow’d
spear
Sent forth, and on his smooth shield’s surface
struck 410 The son of Atreus, but the brazen
guard Pierced not, for at the disk, with blunted
point Reflex, his ineffectual weapon stay’d.
Then Menelaues to the fight advanced Impetuous,
after prayer offer’d to Jove.[18]
415
King over all! now grant me to avenge
My wrongs on Alexander; now subdue The aggressor
under me; that men unborn May shudder at the thought
of faith abused, And hospitality with rape repaid.
420 He said, and brandishing
his massy spear, Dismiss’d it. Through
the burnish’d buckler broad Of Priam’s
son the stormy weapon flew, Transpierced his costly
hauberk, and the vest Ripp’d on his flank;
but with a sideward bend 425 He
baffled it, and baulk’d the dreadful death.
Then Menelaues drawing his bright blade,
Swung it aloft, and on the hairy crest Smote
him; but shiver’d into fragments small The
falchion at the stroke fell from his hand.
430 Vexation fill’d him; to the spacious
heavens He look’d, and with a voice of wo
exclaim’d—
Jupiter! of all powers by man adored
To me most adverse! Confident I hoped Revenge
for Paris’ treason, but my sword
435 Is shivered, and I sped my spear in
vain.
So saying, he sprang on him, and his
Page 40
long crest
Seized fast; then, turning, drew him by that hold
Toward the Grecian host. The broider’d
band That underbraced his helmet at the chin,
440 Strain’d to his smooth
neck with a ceaseless force, Chok’d him; and
now had Menelaus won Deathless renown, dragging
him off the field, But Venus, foam-sprung Goddess,
feeling quick His peril imminent, snapp’d
short the brace 445 Though stubborn,
by a slaughter’d[19] ox supplied, And the
void helmet follow’d as he pull’d.
That prize the Hero, whirling it aloft, Threw
to his Greeks, who caught it and secured, Then with
vindictive strides he rush’d again
450 On Paris, spear in hand; but him involved
In mist opaque Venus with ease divine Snatch’d
thence, and in his chamber placed him, fill’d
With scents odorous, spirit-soothing sweets.
Nor stay’d the Goddess, but at once in quest
455 Of Helen went; her on a lofty
tower She found, where many a damsel stood of Troy,
And twitch’d her fragrant robe. In form
she seem’d An ancient matron, who, while Helen
dwelt In Lacedaemon, her unsullied wool
460 Dress’d for her,
faithfullest of all her train. Like her disguised
the Goddess thus began.
Haste—Paris calls thee—on
his sculptured couch,
(Sparkling alike his looks and his attire) He
waits thy wish’d return. Thou wouldst not
dream 465 That he had fought; he rather
seems prepared For dance, or after dance, for soft
repose.
So saying, she tumult raised in Helen’s
mind.
Yet soon as by her symmetry of neck, By her love-kindling
breasts and luminous eyes 470 She
knew the Goddess, her she thus bespake.
Ah whence, deceitful deity! thy wish
Now to ensnare me? Wouldst thou lure me, say,
To some fair city of Maeonian name Or Phrygian,
more remote from Sparta still? 475
Hast thou some human favorite also there? Is
it because Atrides hath prevailed To vanquish Paris,
and would bear me home Unworthy as I am, that thou
attempt’st Again to cheat me? Go thyself—sit
thou 480 Beside him—for
his sake renounce the skies; Watch him, weep for
him; till at length his wife He deign to make thee,
or perchance his slave. I go not (now to go
were shame indeed) To dress his couch; nor will
I be the jest 485 Of all my
sex in Ilium. Oh! my griefs Are infinite, and
more than I can bear.
To whom, the foam-sprung Goddess, thus
incensed.
Ah wretch! provoke not me; lest in my wrath Abandoning
thee, I not hate thee less
490 Than now I fondly love thee, and beget Such
detestation of thee in all hearts, Grecian and Trojan,
that thou die abhorr’d.
The Goddess ceased. Jove’s
daughter, Helen, fear’d,
And, in her lucid veil close wrapt around,
495 Silent retired, of all those
Trojan dames Unseen, and Venus led, herself, the
way. Soon then as Alexander’s fair abode
Page 41
They reach’d, her maidens quick their tasks
resumed, And she to her own chamber lofty-roof’d
500 Ascended, loveliest of
her sex. A seat For Helen, daughter of Jove
AEgis-arm’d, To Paris opposite, the Queen
of smiles Herself disposed; but with averted eyes
She sat before him, and him keen reproach’d.
505
Thou hast escaped.—Ah would
that thou hadst died
By that heroic arm, mine husband’s erst!
Thou once didst vaunt thee in address and strength
Superior. Go then—challenge yet again
The warlike Menelaues forth in fight.
510 But hold. The hero of the
amber locks Provoke no more so rashly, lest the
point Of his victorious spear soon stretch thee
dead.
She ended, to whom Paris thus replied.
Ah Helen, wound me not with taunt severe!
515 Me, Menelaues, by Minerva’s
aid, Hath vanquish’d now, who may hereafter,
him. We also have our Gods. But let us
love. For never since the day when thee I bore
From pleasant Lacedaemon o’er the waves
520 To Cranaee’s fair
isle, and first enjoy’d Thy beauty, loved
I as I love thee now, Or felt such sweetness of
intense desire.
He spake, and sought his bed, whom follow’d
soon
Jove’s daughter, reconciled to his embrace.
525
But Menelaues like a lion ranged
The multitude, inquiring far and near For Paris
lost. Yet neither Trojan him Nor friend of
Troy could show, whom, else, through love None had
conceal’d, for him as death itself
530 All hated, but his going none had seen.
Amidst them all then spake the King
of men.
Trojans, and Dardans, and allies of Troy!
The warlike Menelaues hath prevailed, As is most
plain. Now therefore bring ye forth
535 Helen with all her treasures, also bring
Such large amercement as is meet, a sum To be
remember’d in all future times.
So spake Atrides, and Achaia’s
host
With loud applause confirm’d the monarch’s
claim. 540
THE ILIAD.
BOOK IV.
ARGUMENT OF THE
FOURTH BOOK.
In a Council of the Gods, a dispute arises between
Jupiter and Juno, which is at last compromised, Jove
consenting to dispatch Minerva with a charge to incite
some Trojan to a violation of the truce. Minerva
descends for that purpose, and in the form of Laodocus,
a son of Priam, exhorts Pandarus to shoot at Menelaus,
and succeeds. Menelaus is wounded, and Agamemnon
having consigned him to the care of Machaon, goes
forth to perform the duties of commander-in-chief,
in the encouragement of his host to battle. The
battle begins.
BOOK IV.
Page 42
Now, on the golden floor of Jove’s
abode
The Gods all sat consulting; Hebe them,
Graceful, with nectar served;[1] they pledging each
His next, alternate quaff’d from cups of gold,
And at their ease reclined, look’d down on
Troy, 5
When, sudden, Jove essay’d by piercing speech
Invidious, to enkindle Juno’s ire.
Two Goddesses on Menelaus’ part
Confederate stand, Juno in Argos known,
Pallas in Alalcomene;[2] yet they
10
Sequester’d sit, look on, and are amused.
Not so smile-loving Venus; she, beside
Her champion station’d, saves him from his
fate,
And at this moment, by her aid, he lives.
But now, since victory hath proved the lot
15
Of warlike Menelaus, weigh ye well
The matter; shall we yet the ruinous strife
Prolong between the nations, or consent
To give them peace? should peace your preference
win,
And prove alike acceptable to all,
20
Stand Ilium, and let Menelaus bear
Helen of Argos back to Greece again.
He ended; Juno and Minerva heard,
Low-murmuring deep disgust; for side by side
They forging sat calamity to Troy.
25
Minerva through displeasure against Jove
Nought utter’d, for with rage her bosom boil’d;
But Juno check’d not hers, who thus replied.
What word hath pass’d thy lips, Jove most
severe!
How? wouldst thou render fruitless all my pains?
30
The sweat that I have pour’d? my steeds themselves
Have fainted while I gather’d Greece in arms
For punishment of Priam and his sons.
Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven.
Then her the Thunderer answer’d sore displeased.
35
Ah shameless! how have Priam and his sons
So much transgress’d against thee, that thou
burn’st
With ceaseless rage to ruin populous Troy?
Go, make thine entrance at her lofty gates,
Priam and all his house, and all his host
40
Alive devour; then, haply, thou wilt rest;
Do even as thou wilt, that this dispute
Live not between us a consuming fire
For ever. But attend; mark well the word.
When I shall also doom in future time
45
Some city to destruction, dear to thee,
Oppose me not, but give my fury way
As I give way to thine, not pleased myself,
Yet not unsatisfied, so thou be pleased.
For of all cities of the sons of men,
50
And which the sun and stars from heaven behold,
Me sacred Troy most pleases, Priam me
Most, and the people of the warrior King.
Nor without cause. They feed mine altar well;
Libation there, and steam of savory scent
55
Fail not, the tribute which by lot is ours.
Him answer’d, then, the Goddess ample-eyed,[3]
Majestic Juno: Three fair cities me,
Of all the earth, most interest and engage,
Page 43
Mycenae for magnificence renown’d,
60
Argos, and Sparta. Them, when next thy wrath
Shall be inflamed against them, lay thou waste;
I will not interpose on their behalf;
Thou shalt not hear me murmur; what avail
Complaint or force against thy matchless arm?
65
Yet were it most unmeet that even I
Should toil in vain; I also boast a birth
Celestial; Saturn deeply wise, thy Sire,
Is also mine; our origin is one.
Thee I acknowledge Sovereign, yet account
70
Myself entitled by a twofold claim
To veneration both from Gods and men,
The daughter of Jove’s sire, and spouse of
Jove.
Concession mutual therefore both thyself
Befits and me, whom when the Gods perceive
75
Disposed to peace, they also shall accord.
Come then.—To yon dread field dispatch
in haste
Minerva, with command that she incite
The Trojans first to violate their oath
By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks.
80
So Juno; nor the sire of all refused,
But in wing’d accents thus to Pallas spake.
Begone; swift fly to yonder field; incite
The Trojans first to violate their oath
By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks.
85
The Goddess heard, and what she wish’d,
enjoin’d,
Down-darted swift from the Olympian heights,
In form a meteor, such as from his hand
Not seldom Jove dismisses, beaming bright
And breaking into stars, an omen sent
90
To mariners, or to some numerous host.
Such Pallas seem’d, and swift descending,
dropp’d
Full in the midst between them. They with awe
That sign portentous and with wonder view’d,
Achaians both and Trojans, and his next
95
The soldier thus bespake. Now either war
And dire hostility again shall flame,
Or Jove now gives us peace. Both are from Jove.
So spake the soldiery; but she the form
Taking of brave Laodocus, the son
100
Of old Antenor, throughout all the ranks
Sought godlike Pandarus.[4] Ere long she found
The valiant son illustrious of Lycaon,
Standing encompass’d by his dauntless troops,
Broad-shielded warriors, from AEsepus’ stream
105
His followers; to his side the Goddess came,
And in wing’d accents ardent him bespake.
Brave offspring of Lycaon, is there hope
That thou wilt hear my counsel? darest thou slip
A shaft at Menelaus? much renown
110
Thou shalt and thanks from all the Trojans win,
But most of all, from Paris, prince of Troy.
From him illustrious gifts thou shalt receive
Doubtless, when Menelaus he shall see
The martial son of Atreus by a shaft
115
Subdued of thine, placed on his funeral pile.
Come. Shoot at Menelaus, glorious Chief!
Page 44
But vow to Lycian Phoebus bow-renown’d
A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock,
To fair Zeleia’s[5] walls once safe restored.
120
So Pallas spake, to whom infatuate he
Listening, uncased at once his polished bow.[6]
That bow, the laden brows of a wild goat
Salacious had supplied; him on a day
Forth-issuing from his cave, in ambush placed
125
He wounded with an arrow to his breast
Dispatch’d, and on the rock supine he fell.
Each horn had from his head tall growth attain’d,
Full sixteen palms; them shaven smooth the smith
Had aptly join’d, and tipt their points with
gold. 130
That bow he strung, then, stooping, planted firm
The nether horn, his comrades bold the while
Screening him close with shields, lest ere the prince
Were stricken, Menelaus brave in arms,
The Greeks with fierce assault should interpose.
135
He raised his quiver’s lid; he chose a dart
Unflown, full-fledged, and barb’d with pangs
of death.
He lodged in haste the arrow on the string,
And vow’d to Lycian Phoebus bow-renown’d
A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock,
140
To fair Zeleia’s walls once safe restored.
Compressing next nerve and notch’d arrow-head
He drew back both together, to his pap
Drew home the nerve, the barb home to his bow,
And when the horn was curved to a wide arch,
145
He twang’d it. Whizz’d the bowstring,
and the reed
Leap’d off, impatient for the distant throng.
Thee, Menelaus, then the blessed Gods
Forgat not; Pallas huntress of the spoil,
Thy guardian then, baffled the cruel dart.
150
Far as a mother wafts the fly aside[7]
That haunts her slumbering babe, so far she drove
Its course aslant, directing it herself
Against the golden clasps that join’d his
belt;
For there the doubled hauberk interposed.
155
The bitter arrow plunged into his belt.
It pierced his broider’d belt, stood fixt
within
His twisted hauberk, nor the interior quilt,
Though penetrable least to arrow-points
And his best guard, withheld it, but it pass’d
160
That also, and the Hero’s skin inscribed.
Quick flowed a sable current from the wound.
As when a Carian or Maeonian maid
Impurples ivory ordain’d to grace
The cheek of martial steed; safe stored it lies,
165
By many a Chief desired, but proves at last
The stately trapping of some prince,[8] the pride
Of his high pamper’d steed, nor less his own;
Such, Menelaus, seem’d thy shapely thighs,
Thy legs, thy feet, stained with thy trickling blood.
170
Shudder’d King Agamemnon when he saw
The blood fast trickling from the wound, nor less
Shudder’d himself the bleeding warrior bold.
But neck and barb observing from the flesh
Extant, he gather’d heart, and lived again.
Page 45
175
The royal Agamemnon, sighing, grasp’d
The hand of Menelaus, and while all
Their followers sigh’d around them, thus began.[9]
I swore thy death, my brother, when I swore
This truce, and set thee forth in sight of Greeks
180
And Trojans, our sole champion; for the foe
Hath trodden underfoot his sacred oath,
And stained it with thy blood. But not in vain,
The truce was ratified, the blood of lambs
Poured forth, libation made, and right hands join’d
185
In holy confidence. The wrath of Jove
May sleep, but will not always; they shall pay
Dear penalty; their own obnoxious heads
Shall be the mulct, their children and their wives.
For this I know, know surely; that a day
190
Shall come, when Ilium, when the warlike King
Of Ilium and his host shall perish all.
Saturnian Jove high-throned, dwelling in heaven,
Resentful of this outrage, then shall shake
His storm-clad AEgis over them. He will;
195
I speak no fable. Time shall prove me true.
But, oh my Menelaus, dire distress
Awaits me, if thy close of life be come,
And thou must die. Then ignominy foul
Shall hunt me back to Argos long-desired;
200
For then all here will recollect their home,
And, hope abandoning, will Helen yield
To be the boast of Priam, and of Troy.
So shall our toils be vain, and while thy bones
Shall waste these clods beneath, Troy’s haughty
sons 205
The tomb of Menelaus glory-crown’d
Insulting barbarous, shall scoff at me.
So may Atrides, shall they say, perform
His anger still as he performed it here,
Whither he led an unsuccessful host,
210
Whence he hath sail’d again without the spoils,
And where he left his brother’s bones to rot.
So shall the Trojan speak; then open earth
Her mouth, and hide me in her deepest gulfs!
But him, the hero of the golden locks
215
Thus cheer’d. My brother, fear not, nor
infect
With fear the Grecians; the sharp-pointed reed
Hath touch’d no vital part. The broider’d
zone,
The hauberk, and the tough interior quilt,
Work of the armorer, its force repress’d.
220
Him answer’d Agamemnon, King of men.
So be it brother! but the hand of one
Skilful to heal shall visit and shall dress
The wound with drugs of pain-assuaging power.
He ended, and his noble herald, next,
225
Bespake, Talthybius. Haste, call hither quick
The son of AEsculapius, leech renown’d,
The prince Machaon. Bid him fly to attend
The warlike Chieftain Menelaus; him
Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy,
230
A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft
To his own glory, and to our distress.
He spake, nor him the herald disobey’d,
Page 46
But through the Greeks bright-arm’d his course
began
The Hero seeking earnest on all sides
235
Machaon. Him, ere long, he station’d
saw
Amid the shielded-ranks of his brave band
From steed-famed Tricca drawn, and at his side
With accents ardor-wing’d, him thus address’d.
Haste, Asclepiades! The King of men
240
Calls thee. Delay not. Thou must visit
quick
Brave Menelaus, Atreus’ son, for him
Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy,
A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft
To his own glory, and to our distress.
245
So saying, he roused Machaon, who his course
Through the wide host began. Arriving soon
Where wounded Menelaus stood, while all
The bravest of Achaia’s host around
The godlike hero press’d, he strove at once
250
To draw the arrow from his cincture forth.
But, drawing, bent the barbs. He therefore
loosed
His broider’d belt, his hauberk and his quilt,
Work of the armorer, and laying bare
His body where the bitter shaft had plow’d
255
His flesh, he suck’d the wound, then spread
it o’er
With drugs of balmy power, given on a time
For friendship’s sake by Chiron to his sire.
While Menelaus thus the cares engross’d
Of all those Chiefs, the shielded powers of Troy
260
’Gan move toward them, and the Greeks again
Put on their armor, mindful of the fight.
Then hadst thou[10] not great Agamemnon seen
Slumbering, or trembling, or averse from war,
But ardent to begin his glorious task.
265
His steeds, and his bright chariot brass-inlaid
He left; the snorting steeds Eurymedon,
Offspring of Ptolemy Piraides
Detain’d apart; for him he strict enjoin’d
Attendance near, lest weariness of limbs
270
Should seize him marshalling his numerous host.
So forth he went, and through the files on foot
Proceeding, where the warrior Greeks he saw
Alert, he roused them by his words the more.[11]
Argives! abate no spark of all your fire.
275
Jove will not prosper traitors. Them who first
Transgress’d the truce the vultures shall
devour,
But we (their city taken) shall their wives
Lead captive, and their children home to Greece.
So cheer’d he them. But whom he saw
supine, 280
Or in the rugged work of war remiss,
In terms of anger them he stern rebuked.
Oh Greeks! The shame of Argos! Arrow-doom’d!
Blush ye not? Wherefore stand ye thus aghast,
Like fawns which wearied after scouring wide
285
The champain, gaze and pant, and can no more?
Senseless like them ye stand, nor seek the fight.
Is it your purpose patient here to wait
Till Troy invade your vessels on the shore
Of the grey deep, that ye may trial make
Page 47
290
Of Jove, if he will prove, himself, your shield?
Thus, in discharge of his high office, pass’d
Atrides through the ranks, and now arrived
Where, hardy Chief! Idomeneus in front
Of his bold Cretans stood, stout as a boar
295
The van he occupied, while in the rear
Meriones harangued the most remote.
Them so prepared the King of men beheld
With joyful heart, and thus in courteous terms
Instant the brave Idomeneus address’d.
300
Thee fighting, feasting, howsoe’er employed,
I most respect, Idomeneus, of all
The well-horsed Danaei; for when the Chiefs
Of Argos, banqueting, their beakers charge
With rosy wine the honorable meed
305
Of valor, thou alone of all the Greeks
Drink’st not by measure.[12] No—thy
goblet stands
Replenish’d still, and like myself thou know’st
No rule or bound, save what thy choice prescribes.
March. Seek the foe. Fight now as heretofore,
310
To whom Idomeneus of Crete replied,
Atrides! all the friendship and the love
Which I have promised will I well perform.
Go; animate the rest, Chief after Chief
Of the Achaians, that the fight begin.
315
For Troy has scatter’d to the winds all faith,
All conscience; and for such her treachery foul
Shall have large recompence of death and wo.
He said, whom Agamemnon at his heart
Exulting, pass’d, and in his progress came
320
Where stood each Ajax; them he found prepared
With all their cloud of infantry behind.
As when the goat-herd on some rocky point
Advanced, a cloud sees wafted o’er the deep
By western gales, and rolling slow along,
325
To him, who stands remote, pitch-black it seems,
And comes with tempest charged; he at the sight
Shuddering, his flock compels into a cave;
So moved the gloomy phalanx, rough with spears,
And dense with shields of youthful warriors bold,
330
Close-following either Ajax to the fight.
Them also, pleased, the King of men beheld,
And in wing’d accents hail’d them as
he pass’d.
Brave leaders of the mail-clad host of Greece!
I move not you to duty; ye yourselves
335
Move others, and no lesson need from me.
Jove, Pallas, and Apollo! were but all
Courageous as yourselves, soon Priam’s towers
Should totter, and his Ilium storm’d and sack’d
By our victorious bands, stoop to the dust.
340
He ceased, and still proceeding, next arrived
Where stood the Pylian orator, his band
Marshalling under all their leaders bold
Alastor, Chromius, Pelagon the vast,
Haemon the prince, and Bias, martial Chief.
345
Chariot and horse he station’d in the front;
His numerous infantry, a strong reserve
Right valiant, in the rear; the worst, and those
Page 48
In whom he trusted least, he drove between,
That such through mere necessity might act.
350
First to his charioteers he gave in charge
Their duty; bade them rein their horses hard,
Shunning confusion. Let no warrior, vain
And overweening of his strength or skill,
Start from his rank to dare the fight alone,
355
Or fall behind it, weakening whom he leaves.
[13]And if, dismounted from his own, he climb
Another’s chariot, let him not affect
Perverse the reins, but let him stand, his spear
Advancing firm, far better so employ’d.
360
Such was the discipline, in ancient times,
Of our forefathers; by these rules they fought
Successful, and laid many a city low.
So counsell’d them the venerable Chief
Long time expert in arms; him also saw
365
King Agamemnon with delight, and said,
Old Chief! ah how I wish, that thy firm heart
Were but supported by as firm a knee!
But time unhinges all. Oh that some youth
Had thine old age, and thou wast young again!
370
To whom the valiant Nestor thus replied.
Atrides, I could also ardent wish
That I were now robust as when I struck
Brave Ereuthalion[14] breathless to the ground!
But never all their gifts the Gods confer
375
On man at once; if then I had the force
Of youth, I suffer now the effects of age.
Yet ancient as I am, I will be seen
Still mingling with the charioteers, still prompt
To give them counsel; for to counsel youth
380
Is the old warrior’s province. Let the
green
In years, my juniors, unimpaired by time,
Push with the lance, for they have strength to boast.
So he, whom Agamemnon joyful heard,
And passing thence, the son of Peteos found
385
Menestheus, foremost in equestrian fame,
Among the brave Athenians; near to him
Ulysses held his station, and at hand
The Cephallenians stood, hardy and bold;
For rumor none of the approaching fight
390
Them yet had reach’d, so recent had the stir
Arisen in either host; they, therefore, watch’d
Till the example of some other band
Marching, should prompt them to begin the fight,
But Agamemnon, thus, the King of men
395
Them seeing, sudden and severe reproved.
Menestheus, son of Peteos prince renown’d,
And thou, deviser of all evil wiles!
Adept in artifice! why stand ye here
Appall’d? why wait ye on this distant spot
400
’Till others move? I might expect from
you
More readiness to meet the burning war,
Whom foremost I invite of all to share
The banquet, when the Princes feast with me.
There ye are prompt; ye find it pleasant there
405
To eat your savory food, and quaff your wine
Delicious ’till satiety ensue;
Page 49
But here you could be well content to stand
Spectators only, while ten Grecian troops
Should wage before you the wide-wasting war.
410
To whom Ulysses, with resentful tone
Dark-frowning, thus replied. What words are
these
Which have escaped thy lips; and for what cause,
Atrides, hast thou call’d me slow to fight?
When we of Greece shall in sharp contest clash
415
With you steed-tamer Trojans, mark me then;
Then thou shalt see (if the concerns of war
So nearly touch thee, and thou so incline)
The father of Telemachus, engaged
Among the foremost Trojans. But thy speech
420
Was light as is the wind, and rashly made.
When him thus moved he saw, the monarch smiled
Complacent, and in gentler terms replied.
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!
Short reprimand and exhortation short
425
Suffice for thee, nor did I purpose more.
For I have known thee long, that thou art one
Of kindest nature, and so much my friend
That we have both one heart. Go therefore thou,
Lead on, and if a word have fallen amiss,
430
We will hereafter mend it, and may heaven
Obliterate in thine heart its whole effect!
He ceased, and ranging still along the line,
The son of Tydeus, Diomede, perceived,
Heroic Chief, by chariots all around
435
Environ’d, and by steeds, at side of whom
Stood Sthenelus, the son of Capaneus.
Him also, Agamemnon, King of men,
In accents of asperity reproved.
Ah, son of Tydeus, Chief of dauntless heart
440
And of equestrian fame! why standest thou
Appall’d, and peering through the walks of
war?
So did not Tydeus. In the foremost fight
His favorite station was, as they affirm
Who witness’d his exploits; I never saw
445
Or met him, but by popular report
He was the bravest warrior of his day.
Yet came he once, but not in hostile sort,
To fair Mycenae, by the godlike prince
Attended, Polynices, at what time
450
The host was called together, and the siege
Was purposed of the sacred city Thebes.
Earnest they sued for an auxiliar band,
Which we had gladly granted, but that Jove
By unpropitious tokens interfered.
455
So forth they went, and on the reedy banks
Arriving of Asopus, there thy sire
By designation of the Greeks was sent
Ambassador, and enter’d Thebes. He found
In Eteocles’ palace numerous guests,
460
The sons of Cadmus feasting, among whom,
Although a solitary stranger, stood
Thy father without fear, and challenged forth
Their best to cope with him in manly games.
Them Tydeus vanquish’d easily, such aid
465
Pallas vouchsafed him. Then the spur-arm’d
Page 50
race
Of Cadmus was incensed, and fifty youths
In ambush close expected his return.
Them, Lycophontes obstinate in fight,
Son of Autophonus, and Maeon, son
470
Of Haemon, Chief of godlike stature, led.
Those also Tydeus slew; Maeon except,
(Whom, warned from heaven, he spared, and sent him
home
With tidings of the rest) he slew them all.
Such was AEtolian Tydeus; who begat
475
A son in speech his better, not in arms.
He ended, and his sovereign’s awful voice
Tydides reverencing, nought replied;
But thus the son of glorious Capaneus.
Atrides, conscious of the truth, speak truth.
480
We with our sires compared, superior praise
Claim justly.[15] We, confiding in the aid
Of Jove, and in propitious signs from heaven,
Led to the city consecrate to Mars
Our little host, inferior far to theirs,
485
And took seven-gated Thebes, under whose walls
Our fathers by their own imprudence fell.
Their glory, then, match never more with ours.
He spake, whom with a frowning brow the brave
Tydides answer’d. Sthenelus, my friend!
490
I give thee counsel. Mark it. Hold thy
peace.
If Agamemnon, who hath charge of all,
Excite his well-appointed host to war,
He hath no blame from me. For should the Greeks
(Her people vanquished) win imperial Troy,
495
The glory shall be his; or, if his host
O’erpower’d in battle perish, his the
shame.
Come, therefore; be it ours to rouse at once
To action all the fury of our might.
He said, and from his chariot to the plain
500
Leap’d ardent; rang the armor on the breast
Of the advancing Chief; the boldest heart
Had felt emotion, startled at the sound.
As when the waves by Zephyrus up-heaved
Crowd fast toward some sounding shore, at first,
505
On the broad bosom of the deep their heads
They curl on high, then breaking on the land
Thunder, and o’er the rocks that breast the
flood
Borne turgid, scatter far the showery spray;
So moved the Greeks successive, rank by rank,
510
And phalanx after phalanx, every Chief
His loud command proclaiming, while the rest,
As voice in all those thousands none had been
Heard mute; and, in resplendent armor clad,
With martial order terrible advanced.
515
Not so the Trojans came. As sheep, the flock
Of some rich man, by thousands in his court
Penn’d close at milking time, incessant bleat,
Loud answering all their bleating lambs without,
Such din from Ilium’s wide-spread host arose.
520
Nor was their shout, nor was their accent one,
But mingled languages were heard of men
From various climes. These Mars to battle roused,
Those Pallas azure-eyed; nor Terror thence
Page 51
Nor Flight was absent, nor insatiate Strife,
525
Sister and mate of homicidal Mars,
Who small at first, but swift to grow, from earth
Her towering crest lifts gradual to the skies.
She, foe alike to both, the brands dispersed
Of burning hate between them, and the woes
530
Enhanced of battle wheresoe’er she pass’d.
And now the battle join’d. Shield clash’d
with shield[16]
And spear with spear, conflicting corselets rang,
Boss’d bucklers met, and tumult wild arose.
Then, many a yell was heard, and many a shout
535
Loud intermix’d, the slayer o’er the
maim’d
Exulting, and the field was drench’d with
blood.
As when two winter torrents rolling down
The mountains, shoot their floods through gulleys
huge
Into one gulf below, station’d remote
540
The shepherd in the uplands hears the roar;
Such was the thunder of the mingling hosts.
And first, Antilochus a Trojan Chief
Slew Echepolus, from Thalysias sprung,
Contending valiant in the van of Troy.
545
Him smiting on his crested casque, he drove
The brazen lance into his front, and pierced
The bones within; night overspread his eyes,
And in fierce battle, like a tower, he fell.
Him fallen by both feet Calchodon’s son
550
Seized, royal Elephenor, leader brave
Of the Abantes, and in haste to strip
His armor, drew him from the fight aside.
But short was that attempt. Him so employ’d
Dauntless Agenor mark’d, and as he stoop’d,
555
In his unshielded flank a pointed spear
Implanted deep; he languid sunk and died.
So Elephenor fell, for whom arose
Sharp conflict; Greeks and Trojans mutual flew
Like wolves to battle, and man grappled man.
560
Then Telamonian Ajax, in his prime
Of youthful vigor Simoeisius slew,[17]
Son of Anthemion. Him on Simois’ banks
His mother bore, when with her parents once
She came from Ida down to view the flocks,
565
And thence they named him; but his parents’
He lived not to requite, in early youth
Slain by the spear of Ajax famed in arms.
For him advancing Ajax at the pap
Wounded; right through his shoulder driven the point
570
Stood forth behind; he fell, and press’d the
dust.
So in some spacious marsh the poplar falls
Smooth-skinn’d, with boughs unladen save aloft;
Some chariot-builder with his axe the trunk
Severs, that he may warp it to a wheel
575
Of shapely form; meantime exposed it lies
To parching airs beside the running stream;
Such Simoeisius seemed, Anthemion’s son,
Whom noble Ajax slew. But soon at him
Antiphus, son of Priam, bright in arms,
580
Hurl’d through the multitude his pointed spear.
He erred from Ajax, but he pierced the groin
Page 52
Of Leucus, valiant warrior of the band
Led by Ulysses. He the body dragg’d
Apart, but fell beside it, and let fall,
585
Breathless himself, the burthen from his hand.
Then burn’d Ulysses’ wrath for Leucus
slain,
And through the foremost combatants, array’d
In dazzling arms, he rush’d. Full near
he stood,
And, looking keen around him, hurl’d a lance.
590
Back fell the Trojans from before the face
Dispersed of great Ulysses. Not in vain
His weapon flew, but on the field outstretch’d
A spurious son of Priam, from the shores
Call’d of Abydus famed for fleetest mares,
595
Democoon; him, for Leucus’ sake enraged,
Ulysses through both temples with his spear
Transpierced. The night of death hung on his
eyes,
And sounding on his batter’d arms he fell.
Then Hector and the van of Troy retired;
600
Loud shout the Grecians; these draw off the dead,
Those onward march amain, and from the heights
Of Pergamus Apollo looking down
In anger, to the Trojans called aloud.
Turn, turn, ye Trojans! face your Grecian foes.
605
They, like yourselves, are vulnerable flesh,
Not adamant or steel. Your direst dread
Achilles, son of Thetis radiant-hair’d,
Fights not, but sullen in his fleet abides.[18]
Such from the citadel was heard the voice
610
Of dread Apollo. But Minerva ranged
Meantime, Tritonian progeny of Jove,
The Grecians, rousing whom she saw remiss.
Then Amarynceus’ son, Diores, felt
The force of fate, bruised by a rugged rock
615
At his right heel, which Pirus, Thracian Chief,
The son of Imbrasus of AEnos, threw.
Bones and both tendons in its fall the mass
Enormous crush’d. He, stretch’d
in dust supine,
With palms outspread toward his warrior friends
620
Lay gasping life away. But he who gave
The fatal blow, Pirus, advancing, urged
Into his navel a keen lance, and shed
His bowels forth; then, darkness veil’d his
eyes.
Nor Pirus long survived; him through the breast
625
Above the pap, AEtolian Thoas pierced,
And in his lungs set fast the quivering spear.
Then Thoas swift approach’d, pluck’d
from the wound
His stormy spear, and with his falchion bright
Gashing his middle belly, stretch’d him dead.
630
Yet stripp’d he not the slain, whom with long
spears
His Thracians hairy-scalp’d[19] so round about
Encompassed, that though bold and large of limb
Were Thoas, from before them him they thrust
Staggering and reeling in his forced retreat.
635
They therefore in the dust, the Epean Chief
Diores, and the Thracian, Pirus lay
Stretch’d side by side, with numerous slain
around.
Then had Minerva led through all that field
Some warrior yet unhurt, him sheltering safe
640
From all annoyance dread of dart or spear,
No cause of blame in either had he found
That day, so many Greeks and Trojans press’d,
Extended side by side, the dusty plain.
Page 53
THE ILIAD.
BOOK V.
ARGUMENT OF THE
FIFTH BOOK.
Diomede is extraordinarily distinguished. He
kills Pandarus, who had violated the truce, and wounds
first Venus and then Mars.
BOOK V.
Then Athenaean Pallas on the son
Of Tydeus,[1] Diomede, new force conferr’d
And daring courage, that the Argives all
He might surpass, and deathless fame achieve.
Fires on his helmet and his shield around
5
She kindled, bright and steady as the star
Autumnal,[2] which in Ocean newly bathed
Assumes fresh beauty; with such glorious beams
His head encircling and his shoulders broad,
She urged him forth into the thickest fight.
10
There lived a man in Troy,
Dares his name,
The priest of Vulcan; rich he was and good,
The father of two sons, Idaeus this,
That, Phegeus call’d; accomplish’d warriors
both.
These, issuing from their phalanx, push’d
direct 15
Their steeds at Diomede, who fought on foot.
When now small interval was left between,
First Phegeus his long-shadow’d spear dismiss’d;
But over Diomede’s left shoulder pass’d
The point, innocuous. Then his splendid lance
20
Tydides hurl’d; nor ineffectual flew
The weapon from his hand, but Phegeus pierced
His paps between, and forced him to the ground.
At once, his sumptuous chariot left, down leap’d
Idaesus, wanting courage to defend
25
His brother slain; nor had he scaped himself
His louring fate, but Vulcan, to preserve
His ancient priest from unmixt sorrow, snatch’d
The fugitive in darkness wrapt, away.
Then brave Tydides, driving off the steeds,
30
Consign’d them to his fellow-warriors’
care,
That they might lead them down into the fleet.
The valiant Trojans, when
they saw the sons
Of Dares, one beside his chariot slain,
And one by flight preserved, through all their host
35
Felt consternation. Then Minerva seized
The hand of fiery Mars, and thus she spake.
Gore-tainted homicide, town-battering
Mars!
Leave we the Trojans and the Greeks to wage
Fierce fight alone, Jove prospering whom he will,
40
So shall we not provoke our father’s ire.
She said, and from the fight
conducted forth
The impetuous Deity, whom on the side
She seated of Scamander deep-embank’d.[3]
And now the host of Troy to
flight inclined 45
Before the Grecians, and the Chiefs of Greece
Each slew a warrior. Agamemnon first
Gigantic Odius from his chariot hurl’d.
Chief of the Halizonians. He to flight
Turn’d foremost, when the monarch in his spine
50
Page 54
Between the shoulder-bones his spear infixt,
And urged it through his breast. Sounding he
fell,
And loud his batter’d armor rang around.
By brave Idomeneus a Lydian
died,
Phaestus, from fruitful Tarne sent to Troy,
55
Son of Maeonian Borus; him his steeds
Mounting, Idomeneus the spear-renown’d
Through his right shoulder pierced; unwelcome night
Involved him; from his chariot down he fell,[4]
And the attendant Cretans stripp’d his arms.
60
But Menelaus, son of Atreus
slew
With his bright spear Scamandrius, Stropius’
son,
A skilful hunter; for Diana him,
Herself, the slaughter of all savage kinds
Had taught, on mountain or in forest bred.
65
But she, shaft-aiming Goddess, in that hour
Avail’d him not, nor his own matchless skill;
For Menelaus, Atreus son spear-famed,
Him flying wounded in the spine between
His shoulders, and the spear urged through his breast.
70
Prone on his loud-resounding arms he fell.
Next, by Meriones, Phereclus
died,
Son of Harmonides. All arts that ask
A well-instructed hand his sire had learn’d,
For Pallas dearly loved him. He the fleet,
75
Prime source of harm to Troy and to himself,
For Paris built, unskill’d to spell aright
The oracles predictive of the wo.
Phereclus fled; Meriones his flight
Outstripping, deep in his posterior flesh
80
A spear infix’d; sliding beneath the bone
It grazed his bladder as it pass’d, and stood
Protruded far before. Low on his knees
Phereclus sank, and with a shriek expired.
Pedaeus, whom, although his spurious son,
85
Antenor’s wife, to gratify her lord,
Had cherish’d as her own—him Meges
slew.
Warlike Phylides[5] following close his flight,
His keen lance drove into his poll, cut sheer
His tongue within, and through his mouth enforced
90
The glittering point. He, prostrate in the
dust,
The cold steel press’d between his teeth and
died.
Eurypylus, Evemon’s
son, the brave
Hypsenor slew; Dolopion was his sire,
Priest of Scamander, reverenced as a God.
95
In vain before Eurypylus he fled;
He, running, with his falchion lopp’d his
arm
Fast by the shoulder; on the field his hand
Fell blood-distained, and destiny severe
With shades of death for ever veil’d his eyes.
100
Thus strenuous they the toilsome
battle waged.
But where Tydides fought, whether in aid
Of Ilium’s host, or on the part of Greece,
Might none discern. For as a winter-flood
Impetuous, mounds and bridges sweeps away;[6]
105
The buttress’d bridge checks not its sudden
force,
The firm inclosure of vine-planted fields
Luxuriant, falls before it; finish’d works
Page 55
Of youthful hinds, once pleasant to the eye,
Now levell’d, after ceaseless rain from Jove;
110
So drove Tydides into sudden flight
The Trojans; phalanx after phalanx fled
Before the terror of his single arm.
When him Lycaon’s son
illustrious saw
Scouring the field, and from before his face
115
The ranks dispersing wide, at once he bent
Against Tydides his elastic bow.
The arrow met him in his swift career
Sure-aim’d; it struck direct the hollow mail
Of his right shoulder, with resistless force
120
Transfix’d it, and his hauberk stain’d
with blood.
Loud shouted then Lycaon’s son renown’d.
Rush on, ye Trojans, spur
your coursers hard.
Our fiercest foe is wounded, and I deem
His death not distant far, if me the King[7]
125
Jove’s son, indeed, from Lycia sent to Troy.
So boasted Pandarus.
Yet him the dart
Quell’d not. Retreating, at his coursers’
heads
He stood, and to the son of Capaneus
His charioteer and faithful friend he said.
130
Arise, sweet son of Capaneus,
dismount,
And from my shoulder draw this bitter shaft.
He spake; at once the son
of Capaneus
Descending, by its barb the bitter shaft
Drew forth; blood spouted through his twisted mail
135
Incontinent, and thus the Hero pray’d.
Unconquer’d daughter
of Jove AEgis-arm’d!
If ever me, propitious, or my sire
Thou hast in furious fight help’d heretofore,
Now aid me also. Bring within the reach
140
Of my swift spear, Oh grant me to strike through
The warrior who hath check’d my course, and
boasts
The sun’s bright beams for ever quench’d
to me![8]
He prayed, and Pallas heard;
she braced his limbs,
She wing’d him with alacrity divine,
145
And, standing at his side, him thus bespake.
Now Diomede, be bold!
Fight now with Troy.
To thee, thy father’s spirit I impart
Fearless; shield-shaking Tydeus felt the same.
I also from thine eye the darkness purge
150
Which dimm’d thy sight[9] before, that thou
may’st know
Both Gods and men; should, therefore, other God
Approach to try thee, fight not with the powers
Immortal; but if foam-born Venus come,
Her spare not. Wound her with thy glittering
spear. 155
So spake the blue-eyed Deity,
and went,
Then with the champions in the van again
Tydides mingled; hot before, he fights
With threefold fury now, nor less enraged
Than some gaunt lion whom o’erleaping light
160
The fold, a shepherd hath but gall’d, not
kill’d,
Him irritating more; thenceforth the swain
Lurks unresisting; flies the abandon’d flock;
Heaps slain on heaps he leaves, and with a bound
Page 56
Surmounting all impediment, escapes;
165
Such seem’d the valiant Diomede incensed
To fury, mingling with the host of Troy.
Astynoues and Hypenor first
he slew;
One with his brazen lance above the pap
He pierced, and one with his huge falchion smote
170
Fast by the key-bone,[10] from the neck and spine
His parted shoulder driving at a blow.
Them leaving, Polyides next
he sought
And Abas, sons of a dream-dealing seer,
Eurydamas; their hoary father’s dreams
175
Or not interpreted, or kept concealed,
Them saved not, for by Diomede they died.
Xanthus and Thoeon he encounter’d next,
Both sons of Phaenops, sons of his old age,
Who other heir had none of all his wealth,
180
Nor hoped another, worn with many years.
Tydides slew them both; nor aught remain’d
To the old man but sorrow for his sons
For ever lost, and strangers were his heirs.
Two sons of Priam in one chariot borne
185
Echemon next, and Chromius felt his hand
Resistless. As a lion on the herd
Leaping, while they the shrubs and bushes browse,
Breaks short the neck of heifer or of steer,
So them, though clinging fast and loth to fall,
190
Tydides hurl’d together to the ground,
Then stripp’d their splendid armor, and the
steeds
Consigned and chariot to his soldiers’ care.
AEneas him discern’d
scattering the ranks,
And through the battle and the clash of spears
195
Went seeking godlike Pandarus; ere long
Finding Lycaon’s martial son renown’d,
He stood before him, and him thus address’d.
Thy bow, thy feather’d
shafts, and glorious name
Where are they, Pandarus? whom none of Troy
200
Could equal, whom of Lycia, none excel.
Come. Lift thine hands to Jove, and at yon
Chief
Dispatch an arrow, who afflicts the host
Of Ilium thus, conquering where’er he flies,
And who hath slaughter’d numerous brave in
arms, 205
But him some Deity I rather deem
Avenging on us his neglected rites,
And who can stand before an angry God?
Him answer’d then Lycaon’s
son renown’d.
Brave leader of the Trojans brazen-mail’d,
210
AEneas! By his buckler which I know,
And by his helmet’s height, considering, too
His steeds, I deem him Diomede the bold;
Yet such pronounce him not, who seems a God.
But if bold Diomede indeed he be
215
Of whom I speak, not without aid from heaven
His fury thus prevails, but at his side
Some God, in clouds enveloped, turns away
From him the arrow to a devious course.
Already, at his shoulder’s hollow mail
220
My shaft hath pierced him through, and him I deem’d
Page 57
Dismiss’d full sure to Pluto ere his time
But he survives; whom therefore I at last
Perforce conclude some angry Deity.
Steeds have I none or chariot to ascend,
225
Who have eleven chariots in the stands
Left of Lycaon, with fair hangings all
O’ermantled, strong, new finish’d, with
their steeds
In pairs beside them, eating winnow’d grain.
Me much Lycaon my old valiant sire
230
At my departure from his palace gates
Persuaded, that my chariot and my steeds
Ascending, I should so conduct my bands
To battle; counsel wise, and ill-refused!
But anxious, lest (the host in Troy so long
235
Immew’d) my steeds, fed plenteously at home,
Should here want food, I left them, and on foot
To Ilium came, confiding in my bow
Ordain’d at last to yield me little good.
Twice have I shot, and twice I struck the mark,
240
First Menelaus, and Tydides next;
From each I drew the blood, true, genuine blood,
Yet have but more incensed them. In an hour
Unfortunate, I therefore took my bow
Down from the wall that day, when for the sake
245
Of noble Hector, to these pleasant plains
I came, a leader on the part of Troy.
But should I once return, and with these eyes
Again behold my native land, my sire,
My wife, my stately mansion, may the hand,
250
That moment, of some adversary there
Shorten me by the head, if I not snap
This bow with which I charged myself in vain,
And burn the unprofitable tool to dust.
To whom AEneas, Trojan Chief,
replied. 255
Nay, speak not so. For ere that hour arrive
We will, with chariot and with horse, in arms
Encounter him, and put his strength to proof.
Delay not, mount my chariot. Thou shalt see
With what rapidity the steeds of Troy
260
Pursuing or retreating, scour the field.
If after all, Jove purpose still to exalt
The son of Tydeus, these shall bear us safe
Back to the city. Come then. Let us on.
The lash take thou, and the resplendent reins,
265
While I alight for battle, or thyself
Receive them, and the steeds shall be my care.
Him answer’d then Lycaon’s
son renown’d.
AEneas! manage thou the reins, and guide
Thy proper steeds. If fly at last we must
270
The son of Tydeus, they will readier draw
Directed by their wonted charioteer.
Else, terrified, and missing thy control,
They may refuse to bear us from the fight,
And Tydeus’ son assailing us, with ease
275
Shall slay us both, and drive thy steeds away.
Rule therefore thou the chariot, and myself
With my sharp spear will his assault receive.
So saying, they mounted both,
and furious drove
Page 58
Against Tydides. Them the noble son
280
Of Capaneus observed, and turning quick
His speech to Diomede, him thus address’d.
Tydides, Diomede, my heart’s
delight!
Two warriors of immeasurable force
In battle, ardent to contend with thee,
285
Come rattling on. Lycaon’s offspring
one,
Bow-practised Pandarus; with whom appears
AEneas; he who calls the mighty Chief
Anchises father, and whom Venus bore.
Mount—drive we swift away—lest
borne so far 290
Beyond the foremost battle, thou be slain.
To whom, dark-frowning, Diomede
replied
Speak not of flight to me, who am disposed
To no such course. I am ashamed to fly
Or tremble, and my strength is still entire;
295
I cannot mount. No. Rather thus, on foot,
I will advance against them. Fear and dread
Are not for me; Pallas forbids the thought.
One falls, be sure; swift as they are, the steeds
That whirl them on, shall never rescue both.
300
But hear my bidding, and hold fast the word.
Should all-wise Pallas grant me my desire
To slay them both, drive not my coursers hence,
But hook the reins, and seizing quick the pair
That draw AEneas, urge them from the powers
305
Of Troy away into the host of Greece.
For they are sprung from those which Jove to Tros
In compensation gave for Ganymede;
The Sun himself sees not their like below.
Anchises, King of men, clandestine them
310
Obtain’d, his mares submitting to the steeds
Of King Laomedon. Six brought him foals;
Four to himself reserving, in his stalls
He fed them sleek, and two he gave his son:
These, might we win them, were a noble prize.
315
Thus mutual they conferr’d;
those Chiefs, the while,
With swiftest pace approach’d, and first his
speech
To Diomede Lycaon’s son address’d.
Heroic offspring of a noble
sire,
Brave son of Tydeus! false to my intent
320
My shaft hath harm’d thee little. I will
now
Make trial with my spear, if that may speed.
He said, and shaking his long-shadow’d
spear,
Dismiss’d it. Forceful on the shield
it struck
Of Diomede, transpierced it, and approach’d
325
With threatening point the hauberk on his breast.
Loud shouted Pandarus—Ah nobly thrown!
Home to thy bowels. Die, for die thou must,
And all the glory of thy death is mine.
Then answer thus brave Diomede
return’d 330
Undaunted. I am whole. Thy cast was short.
But ye desist not, as I plain perceive,
Till one at least extended on the plain
Shall sate the God of battles with his blood.
He said and threw. Pallas
the spear herself 335
Page 59
Directed; at his eye fast by the nose
Deep-entering, through his ivory teeth it pass’d,
At its extremity divided sheer
His tongue, and started through his chin below.
He headlong fell, and with his dazzling arms
340
Smote full the plain. Back flew the fiery steeds
With swift recoil, and where he fell he died.
Then sprang AEneas forth with spear and shield,
That none might drag the body;[11] lion-like
He stalk’d around it, oval shield and spear
345
Advancing firm, and with incessant cries
Terrific, death denouncing on his foes.
But Diomede with hollow grasp a stone
Enormous seized, a weight to overtask
Two strongest men of such as now are strong,
350
Yet he, alone, wielded the rock with ease.
Full on the hip he smote him, where the thigh
Rolls in its cavity, the socket named.
He crushed the socket, lacerated wide
Both tendons, and with that rough-angled mass
355
Flay’d all his flesh, The Hero on his knees
Sank, on his ample palm his weight upbore
Laboring, and darkness overspread his eyes.
There had AEneas perish’d,
King of men,
Had not Jove’s daughter Venus quick perceived
360
His peril imminent, whom she had borne
Herself to Anchises pasturing his herds.
Her snowy arras her darling son around
She threw maternal, and behind a fold
Of her bright mantle screening close his breast
365
From mortal harm by some brave Grecian’s spear,
Stole him with eager swiftness from the fight.
Nor then forgat brave Sthenelus
his charge
Received from Diomede, but his own steeds
Detaining distant from the boisterous war,
370
Stretch’d tight the reins, and hook’d
them fast behind.
The coursers of AEneas next he seized
Ardent, and them into the host of Greece
Driving remote, consign’d them to his care,
Whom far above all others his compeers
375
He loved, Deipylus, his bosom friend
Congenial. Him he charged to drive them thence
Into the fleet, then, mounting swift his own,
Lash’d after Diomede; he, fierce in arms,
Pursued the Cyprian Goddess, conscious whom,
380
Not Pallas, not Enyo, waster dread
Of cities close-beleaguer’d, none of all
Who o’er the battle’s bloody course
preside,
But one of softer kind and prone to fear.
When, therefore, her at length, after long chase
385
Through all the warring multitude he reach’d,
With his protruded spear her gentle hand
He wounded, piercing through her thin attire
Ambrosial, by themselves the graces wrought,
Her inside wrist, fast by the rosy palm.
390
Blood follow’d, but immortal; ichor pure,
Such as the blest inhabitants of heaven
May bleed, nectareous; for the Gods eat not
Page 60
Man’s food, nor slake as he with sable wine
Their thirst, thence bloodless and from death exempt.
395
She, shrieking, from her arms cast down her son,
And Phoebus, in impenetrable clouds
Him hiding, lest the spear of some brave Greek
Should pierce his bosom, caught him swift away.
Then shouted brave Tydides after her—
400
Depart, Jove’s daughter!
fly the bloody field.
Is’t not enough that thou beguilest the hearts
Of feeble women? If thou dare intrude
Again into the war, war’s very name
Shall make thee shudder, wheresoever heard.
405
He said, and Venus with excess
of pain
Bewilder’d went; but Iris tempest-wing’d
Forth led her through the multitude, oppress’d
With anguish, her white wrist to livid changed.
They came where Mars far on the left retired
410
Of battle sat, his horses and his spear
In darkness veil’d. Before her brother’s
knees
She fell, and with entreaties urgent sought
The succor of his coursers golden-rein’d.
Save me, my brother!
Pity me! Thy steeds 415
Give me, that they may bear me to the heights
Olympian, seat of the immortal Gods!
Oh! I am wounded deep; a mortal man
Hath done it, Diomede; nor would he fear
This day in fight the Sire himself of all.
420
Then Mars his coursers gold-caparison’d
Resign’d to Venus; she, with countenance sad,
The chariot climb’d, and Iris at her side
The bright reins seizing lash’d the ready
steeds.
Soon as the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods,
425
They reach’d, wing-footed Iris loosing quick
The coursers, gave them large whereon to browse
Ambrosial food; but Venus on the knees
Sank of Dione, who with folded arms
Maternal, to her bosom straining close
430
Her daughter, stroked her cheek, and thus inquired.
My darling child! who? which
of all the Gods
Hath rashly done such violence to thee
As if convicted of some open wrong?
Her then the Goddess of love-kindling
smiles 435
Venus thus answer’d; Diomede the proud,
Audacious Diomede; he gave the wound,
For that I stole AEneas from the fight
My son of all mankind my most beloved;
Nor is it now the war of Greece with Troy,
440
But of the Grecians with the Gods themselves.
Then thus Dione, Goddess all
divine.
My child! how hard soe’er thy sufferings seem
Endure them patiently. Full many a wrong
From human hands profane the Gods endure,
445
And many a painful stroke, mankind from ours.
Mars once endured much wrong, when on a time
Him Otus bound and Ephialtes fast,
Sons of Aloeeus, and full thirteen moons
In brazen thraldom held him. There, at length,
Page 61
450
The fierce blood-nourished Mars had pined away,
But that Eeriboea, loveliest nymph,
His step-mother, in happy hour disclosed
To Mercury the story of his wrongs;
He stole the prisoner forth, but with his woes
455
Already worn, languid and fetter-gall’d.
Nor Juno less endured, when erst the bold
Son of Amphytrion with tridental shaft
Her bosom pierced; she then the misery felt
Of irremediable pain severe.
460
Nor suffer’d Pluto less, of all the Gods
Gigantic most, by the same son of Jove
Alcides, at the portals of the dead
Transfix’d and fill’d with anguish;
he the house
Of Jove and the Olympian summit sought
465
Dejected, torture-stung, for sore the shaft
Oppress’d him, into his huge shoulder driven.
But Paeon[12] him not liable to death
With unction smooth of salutiferous balms
Heal’d soon. Presumptuous, sacrilegious
man! 470
Careless what dire enormities he wrought,
Who bent his bow against the powers of heaven!
But blue-eyed Pallas instigated him
By whom thou bleed’st. Infatuate! he
forgets
That whoso turns against the Gods his arm
475
Lives never long; he never, safe escaped
From furious fight, the lisp’d caresses hears
Of his own infants prattling at his knees.
Let therefore Diomede beware, lest strong
And valiant as he is, he chance to meet
490
Some mightier foe than thou, and lest his wife,
Daughter of King Adrastus, the discrete
AEgialea, from portentous dreams
Upstarting, call her family to wail
Her first-espoused, Achaia’s proudest boast,
485
Diomede, whom she must behold no more.
She said, and from her wrist
with both hands wiped
The trickling ichor; the effectual touch
Divine chased all her pains, and she was heal’d.
Them Juno mark’d and Pallas, and with speech
490
Sarcastic pointed at Saturnian Jove
To vex him, blue-eyed Pallas thus began.
Eternal father! may I speak
my thought,
And not incense thee, Jove? I can but judge
That Venus, while she coax’d some Grecian
fair 495
To accompany the Trojans whom she loves
With such extravagance, hath heedless stroked
Her golden clasps, and scratch’d her lily
hand.
So she; then smiled the sire
of Gods and men,
And calling golden Venus, her bespake.
500
War and the tented field,
my beauteous child,
Are not for thee. Thou rather shouldst be found
In scenes of matrimonial bliss. The toils
Of war to Pallas and to Mars belong.
Thus they in heaven.
But Diomede the while 505
Sprang on AEneas, conscious of the God
Whose hand o’ershadow’d him, yet even
him
Page 62
Regarding lightly; for he burn’d to slay
AEneas, and to seize his glorious arms.
Thrice then he sprang impetuous to the deed,
510
And thrice Apollo with his radiant shield
Repulsed him. But when ardent as a God
The fourth time he advanced, with thundering-voice
Him thus the Archer of the skies rebuked.
Think, and retire, Tydides!
nor affect 515
Equality with Gods; for not the same
Our nature is and theirs who tread the ground.
He spake, and Diomede a step
retired,
Not more; the anger of the Archer-God
Declining slow, and with a sullen awe.
520
Then Phoebus, far from all the warrior throng
To his own shrine the sacred dome beneath
Of Pergamus, AEneas bore; there him
Latona and shaft-arm’d Diana heal’d
And glorified within their spacious fane.
525
Meantime the Archer of the silver bow
A visionary form prepared; it seem’d
Himself AEneas, and was arm’d as he.
At once, in contest for that airy form,
Grecians and Trojans on each other’s breasts
530
The bull-hide buckler batter’d and light targe.
Then thus Apollo to the warrior
God.
Gore-tainted homicide, town-batterer Mars!
Wilt thou not meet and from the fight withdraw
This man Tydides, now so fiery grown
535
That he would even cope with Jove himself?
First Venus’ hand he wounded, and assail’d
Impetuous as a God, next, even me.
He ceased, and on the topmost turret sat
Of Pergamus. Then all-destroyer Mars
540
Ranging the Trojan host, rank after rank
Exhorted loud, and in the form assumed
Of Acamas the Thracian leader bold,
The godlike sons of Priam thus harangued.
Ye sons of Priam, monarch
Jove-beloved! 545
How long permit ye your Achaian foes
To slay the people?—till the battle rage
(Push’d home to Ilium) at her solid gates?
Behold—a Chief disabled lies, than whom
We reverence not even Hector more,
550
AEneas; fly, save from the roaring storm
The noble Anchisiades your friend.
He said; then every heart
for battle glow’d;
And thus Sarpedon with rebuke severe
Upbraiding generous Hector, stern began.
555
Where is thy courage, Hector?
for thou once
Hadst courage. Is it fled? In other days
Thy boast hath been that without native troops
Or foreign aids, thy kindred and thyself
Alone, were guard sufficient for the town.
560
But none of all thy kindred now appears;
I can discover none; they stand aloof
Quaking, as dogs that hear the lion’s roar.
We bear the stress, who are but Troy’s allies;
Myself am such, and from afar I came;
565
Page 63
For Lycia lies far distant on the banks
Of the deep-eddied Xanthus. There a wife
I left and infant son, both dear to me,
With plenteous wealth, the wish of all who want.
Yet urge I still my Lycians, and am prompt
570
Myself to fight, although possessing here
Nought that the Greeks can carry or drive hence.
But there stand’st thou, neither employed
thyself,
Nor moving others to an active part
For all their dearest pledges. Oh beware!
575
Lest, as with meshes of an ample net,
At one huge draught the Grecians sweep you all,
And desolate at once your populous Troy!
By day, by night, thoughts such as these should
still
Thy conduct influence, and from Chief to Chief
580
Of the allies should send thee, praying each
To make firm stand, all bickerings put away.
So spake Sarpedon, and his
reprimand
Stung Hector; instant to the ground he leap’d
All arm’d, and shaking his bright spears his
host 585
Ranged in all quarters animating loud
His legions, and rekindling horrid war.
Then, rolling back, the powers of Troy opposed
Once more the Grecians, whom the Grecians dense
Expected, unretreating, void of fear.
590
As flies the chaff wide scatter’d
by the wind
O’er all the consecrated floor, what time
Ripe Ceres[13] with brisk airs her golden grain
Ventilates, whitening with its husk the ground;
So grew the Achaians white, a dusty cloud
595
Descending on their arms, which steeds with steeds
Again to battle mingling, with their hoofs
Up-stamp’d into the brazen vault of heaven;
For now the charioteers turn’d all to fight.
Host toward host with full collected force
600
They moved direct. Then Mars through all the
field
Took wide his range, and overhung the war
With night, in aid of Troy, at the command
Of Phoebus of the golden sword; for he
Perceiving Pallas from the field withdrawn,
605
Patroness of the Greeks, had Mars enjoin’d
To rouse the spirit of the Trojan host.
Meantime Apollo from his unctuous shrine
Sent forth restored and with new force inspired
AEneas. He amidst his warriors stood,
610
Who him with joy beheld still living, heal’d,
And all his strength possessing unimpair’d.
Yet no man ask’d him aught. No leisure
now
For question was; far other thoughts had they;
Such toils the archer of the silver bow,
615
Wide-slaughtering Mars, and Discord as at first
Raging implacable, for them prepared.
Ulysses, either Ajax, Diomede—
These roused the Greeks to battle, who themselves
The force fear’d nothing, or the shouts of
Troy, 620
But steadfast stood, like clouds by Jove amass’d
Page 64
On lofty mountains, while the fury sleeps
Of Boreas, and of all the stormy winds
Shrill-voiced, that chase the vapors when they blow,
So stood the Greeks, expecting firm the approach
625
Of Ilium’s powers, and neither fled nor fear’d.
Then Agamemnon the embattled
host
On all sides ranging, cheer’d them. Now,
he cried,
Be steadfast, fellow warriors, now be men!
Hold fast a sense of honor. More escape
630
Of men who fear disgrace, than fall in fight,
While dastards forfeit life and glory both.
He said, and hurl’d
his spear. He pierced a friend
Of brave AEneas, warring in the van,
Deicoeon son of Pergasus, in Troy
635
Not less esteem’d than Priam’s sons
themselves,
Such was his fame in foremost fight acquired.
Him Agamemnon on his buckler smote,
Nor stayed the weapon there, but through his belt
His bowels enter’d, and with hideous clang
640
And outcry[14] of his batter’d arms he fell.
AEneas next two mightiest
warriors slew,
Sons of Diocles, of a wealthy sire,
Whose house magnificent in Phaerae stood,
Orsilochus and Crethon. Their descent
645
From broad-stream’d Alpheus, Pylian flood,
they drew.
Alpheus begat Orsilochus, a prince
Of numerous powers. Orsilochus begat
Warlike Diodes. From Diodes sprang
Twins, Crethon and Orsilochus, alike
650
Valiant, and skilful in all forms of war.
Their boyish prime scarce past, they, with the Greeks
Embarking, in their sable ships had sail’d
To steed-fam’d Ilium; just revenge they sought
For Atreus’ sons, but perished first themselves.
655
As two young lions, in the
deep recess
Of some dark forest on the mountain’s brow
Late nourished by their dam, forth-issuing, seize
The fatted flocks and kine, both folds and stalls
Wasting rapacious, till, at length, themselves
660
Deep-wounded perish by the hand of man,
So they, both vanquish’d by AEneas, fell,
And like two lofty pines uprooted, lay.
Them fallen in battle Menelaus saw
With pity moved; radiant in arms he shook
665
His brazen spear, and strode into the van.
Mars urged him furious on, conceiving hope
Of his death also by AEneas’ hand.
But him the son of generous
Nestor mark’d
Antilochus, and to the foremost fight
670
Flew also, fearing lest some dire mischance
The Prince befalling, at one fatal stroke
Should frustrate all the labors of the Greeks.
They, hand to hand, and spear to spear opposed,
Stood threatening dreadful onset, when beside
675
The Spartan chief Antilochus appear’d.
AEneas, at the sight of two combined,
Stood not, although intrepid. They the dead
Page 65
Thence drawing far into the Grecian host
To their associates gave the hapless pair,
680
Then, both returning, fought in front again.
Next, fierce as Mars, Pylaemenes
they slew,
Prince of the shielded band magnanimous
Of Paphlagonia. Him Atrides kill’d
Spear-practised Menelaus, with a lance
685
His throat transpiercing while erect he rode.
Then, while his charioteer, Mydon the brave,
Son of Atymnias, turn’d his steeds to flight,
Full on his elbow-point Antilochus,
The son of Nestor, dash’d him with a stone.
690
The slack reins, white as ivory,[15] forsook
His torpid hand and trail’d the dust.
At once
Forth sprang Antilochus, and with his sword
Hew’d deep his temples. On his head he
pitch’d
Panting, and on his shoulders in the sand
695
(For in deep sand he fell) stood long erect,
Till his own coursers spread him in the dust;
The son of Nestor seized, and with his scourge
Drove them afar into the host of Greece.
Them Hector through the ranks
espying, flew 700
With clamor loud to meet them; after whom
Advanced in phalanx firm the powers of Troy,
Mars led them, with Enyo terror-clad;
She by the maddening tumult of the fight
Attended, he, with his enormous spear
705
in both hands brandish’d, stalking now in
front
Of Hector, and now following his steps.
Him Diomede the bold discerning,
felt
Himself no small dismay; and as a man
Wandering he knows not whither, far from home,
710
If chance a rapid torrent to the sea
Borne headlong thwart his course, the foaming flood
Obstreperous views awhile, then quick retires,
So he, and his attendants thus bespake.
How oft, my countrymen! have
we admired 715
The noble Hector, skillful at the spear
And unappall’d in fight? but still hath he
Some God his guard, and even now I view
In human form Mars moving at his side.
Ye, then, with faces to the Trojans turn’d,
720
Ceaseless retire, and war not with the Gods.
He ended; and the Trojans
now approach’d.
Then two bold warriors in one chariot borne,
By valiant Hector died, Menesthes one,
And one, Anchialus. Them fallen in fight
725
Ajax the vast, touch’d with compassion saw;
Within small space he stood, his glittering spear
Dismiss’d, and pierced Amphius. Son was
he
Of Selagus, and Paesus was his home,
Where opulent he dwelt, but by his fate
730
Was led to fight for Priam and his sons.
Him Telamonian Ajax through his belt
Wounded, and in his nether bowels deep
Fix’d his long-shadow’d spear.
Sounding he fell.
Illustrious Ajax running to the slain
Page 66
735
Prepared to strip his arms, but him a shower
Of glittering-weapons keen from Trojan hands
Assail’d, and numerous his broad shield received.
He, on the body planting firm his heel,
Forth drew the polish’d spear, but his bright
arms 740
Took not, by darts thick-flying sore annoy’d,
Nor fear’d he little lest his haughty foes,
Spear-arm’d and bold, should compass him around;
Him, therefore, valiant though he were and huge,
They push’d before them. Staggering he
retired. 745
Thus toil’d both hosts
in that laborious field.
And now his ruthless destiny impell’d
Tlepolemus, Alcides’ son, a Chief
Dauntless and huge, against a godlike foe
Sarpedon. They approaching face to face
750
Stood, son and grandson of high-thundering Jove,
And, haughty, thus Tlepolemus began.
Sarpedon, leader of the Lycian
host,
Thou trembler! thee what cause could hither urge
A man unskill’d in arms? They falsely
speak 755
Who call thee son of AEgis-bearing Jove,
So far below their might thou fall’st who
sprang
From Jove in days of old. What says report
Of Hercules (for him I boast my sire)
All-daring hero with a lion’s heart?
760
With six ships only, and with followers few,
He for the horses of Laomedon
Lay’d Troy in dust, and widow’d all
her streets.
But thou art base, and thy diminish’d powers
Perish around thee; think not that thou earnest
765
For Ilium’s good, but rather, whatsoe’er
Thy force in fight, to find, subdued by me,
A sure dismission to the gates of hell.
To whom the leader of the
Lycian band.
Tlepolemus! he ransack’d sacred Troy,
770
As thou hast said, but for her monarch’s fault
Laomedon, who him with language harsh
Requited ill for benefits received,
Nor would the steeds surrender, seeking which
He voyaged from afar. But thou shalt take
775
Thy bloody doom from this victorious arm,
And, vanquish’d by my spear, shalt yield thy
fame
To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.
So spake Sarpedon, and his
ashen beam
Tlepolemus upraised. Both hurl’d at once
780
Their quivering spears. Sarpedon’s through
the neck
Pass’d of Tlepolemus, and show’d beyond
Its ruthless point; thick darkness veil’d
his eyes.
Tlepolemus with his long lance the thigh
Pierced of Sarpedon; sheer into his bone
785
He pierced him, but Sarpedon’s father, Jove,
Him rescued even on the verge of fate.
His noble friends conducted
from the field
The godlike Lycian, trailing as he went
The pendent spear, none thinking to extract
790
For his relief the weapon from his thigh,
Page 67
Through eagerness of haste to bear him thence.
On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail’d
Bore off Tlepolemus. Ulysses fill’d
With earnest thoughts tumultuous them observed,
795
Danger-defying Chief! Doubtful he stood
Or to pursue at once the Thunderer’s son
Sarpedon, or to take more Lycian lives.
But not for brave Ulysses had his fate
That praise reserved, that he should slay the son
800
Renown’d of Jove; therefore his wavering mind
Minerva bent against the Lycian band.
Then Coeranus, Alastor, Chromius fell,
Alcander, Halius, Prytanis, and brave
Noemon; nor had these sufficed the Chief
805
Of Ithaca, but Lycians more had fallen,
Had not crest-tossing Hector huge perceived
The havoc; radiant to the van he flew,
Filling with dread the Grecians; his approach
Sarpedon, son of Jove, joyful beheld,
810
And piteous thus address’d him as he came.
Ah, leave not me, Priamides!
a prey
To Grecian hands, but in your city, at least,
Grant me to die: since hither, doom’d,
I came
Never to gratify with my return
815
To Lycia, my loved spouse, or infant child.
He spake; but Hector unreplying
pass’d
Impetuous, ardent to repulse the Greeks
That moment, and to drench his sword in blood.
Then, under shelter of a spreading beech
820
Sacred to Jove, his noble followers placed
The godlike Chief Sarpedon, where his friend
Illustrious Pelagon, the ashen spear
Extracted. Sightless, of all thought bereft,
He sank, but soon revived, by breathing airs
825
Refresh’d, that fann’d him gently from
the North.
Meantime the Argives, although
press’d alike
By Mars himself and Hector brazen-arm’d,
Neither to flight inclined, nor yet advanced
To battle, but inform’d that Mars the fight
830
Waged on the side of Ilium, slow retired.[16]
Whom first, whom last slew
then the mighty son
Of Priam, Hector, and the brazen Mars!
First godlike Teuthras, an equestrian Chief,
Orestes, Trechus of AEtolian race,
835
OEnomaues, Helenus from OEnops’ sprung,
And brisk[17] in fight Oresbius; rich was he,
And covetous of more; in Hyla dwelt
Fast by the lake Cephissus, where abode
Boeotian Princes numerous, rich themselves
840
And rulers of a people wealth-renown’d.
But Juno, such dread slaughter of the Greeks
Noting, thus, ardent, to Minerva spake.
Daughter of Jove invincible!
Our word
That Troy shall perish, hath been given in vain
845
To Menelaus, if we suffer Mars
To ravage longer uncontrol’d. The time
Urges, and need appears that we ourselves
Now call to mind the fury of our might.
Page 68
She spake; nor blue-eyed Pallas
not complied. 850
Then Juno, Goddess dread, from Saturn sprung,
Her coursers gold-caparison’d prepared
Impatient. Hebe to the chariot roll’d
The brazen wheels,[18] and joined them to the smooth
Steel axle; twice four spokes divided each
855
Shot from the centre to the verge. The verge
Was gold by fellies of eternal brass
Guarded, a dazzling show! The shining naves
Were silver; silver cords and cords of gold
The seat upbore; two crescents[19] blazed in front.
860
The pole was argent all, to which she bound
The golden yoke, and in their place disposed
The breast-bands incorruptible of gold;
But Juno to the yoke, herself, the steeds
Led forth, on fire to reach the dreadful field.
865
Meantime, Minerva, progeny
of Jove,
On the adamantine floor of his abode
Let fall profuse her variegated robe,
Labor of her own hands. She first put on
The corselet of the cloud-assembler God,
870
Then arm’d her for the field of wo complete.
She charged her shoulder with the dreadful shield
The shaggy AEgis,[20] border’d thick around
With terror; there was Discord, Prowess there,
There hot Pursuit, and there the feature grim
875
Of Gorgon, dire Deformity, a sign
Oft borne portentous on the arm of Jove.
Her golden helm, whose concave had sufficed
The legions of an hundred cities, rough
With warlike ornament superb, she fix’d
880
On her immortal head. Thus arm’d, she
rose
Into the flaming chariot, and her spear
Seized ponderous, huge, with which the Goddess sprung
From an Almighty father, levels ranks
Of heroes, against whom her anger burns.
885
Juno with lifted lash urged quick the steeds;
At her approach, spontaneous roar’d the wide-
Unfolding gates of heaven;[21] the heavenly gates
Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge
Of the Olympian summit appertains,
890
And of the boundless ether, back to roll,
And to replace the cloudy barrier dense.
Spurr’d through the portal flew the rapid
steeds;
Apart from all, and seated on the point
Superior of the cloven mount, they found
895
The Thunderer. Juno the white-arm’d her
steeds
There stay’d, and thus the Goddess, ere she
pass’d,
Question’d the son of Saturn, Jove supreme.
Jove, Father, seest thou,
and art not incensed,
These ravages of Mars? Oh what a field,
900
Drench’d with what Grecian blood! All
rashly spilt,
And in despite of me. Venus, the while,
Sits, and the Archer of the silver bow
Delighted, and have urged, themselves, to this
The frantic Mars within no bounds confined
905
Page 69
Of law or order. But, eternal sire!
Shall I offend thee chasing far away
Mars deeply smitten from the field of war?
To whom the cloud-assembler
God replied.
Go! but exhort thou rather to the task
910
Spoil-huntress Athenaean Pallas, him
Accustom’d to chastise with pain severe.
He spake, nor white-arm’d
Juno not obey’d.
She lash’d her steeds; they readily their
flight
Began, the earth and starry vault between.
915
Far as from his high tower the watchman kens
O’er gloomy ocean, so far at one bound
Advance the shrill-voiced coursers of the Gods.
But when at Troy and at the confluent streams
Of Simois and Scamander they arrived,
920
There Juno, white-arm’d Goddess, from the
yoke
Her steeds releasing, them in gather’d shades
Conceal’d opaque, while Simois caused to spring
Ambrosia from his bank, whereon they browsed.
Swift as her pinions waft
the dove away 925
They sought the Grecians, ardent to begin:
Arriving where the mightiest and the most
Compass’d equestrian Diomede around,
In aspect lion-like, or like wild boars
Of matchless force, there white-arm’d Juno
stood, 930
And in the form of Stentor for his voice
Of brass renown’d, audible as the roar
Of fifty throats, the Grecians thus harangued.
Oh shame, shame, shame!
Argives in form alone,
Beautiful but dishonorable race!
935
While yet divine Achilles ranged the field,
No Trojan stepp’d from yon Dardanian gates
Abroad; all trembled at his stormy spear;
But now they venture forth, now at your ships
Defy you, from their city far remote.
940
She ceased, and all caught
courage from the sound.
But Athenaean Pallas eager sought
The son of Tydeus; at his chariot side
She found the Chief cooling his fiery wound
Received from Pandarus; for him the sweat
945
Beneath the broad band of his oval shield
Exhausted, and his arm fail’d him fatigued;
He therefore raised the band and wiped the blood
Coagulate; when o’er his chariot yoke
Her arm the Goddess threw, and thus began.
950
Tydeus, in truth, begat a
son himself
Not much resembling. Tydeus was of size
Diminutive, but had a warrior’s heart.
When him I once commanded to abstain
From furious fight (what time he enter’d Thebes
955
Ambassador, and the Cadmeans found
Feasting, himself the sole Achaian there)
And bade him quietly partake the feast.
He, fired with wonted ardor, challenged forth
To proof of manhood the Cadmean youth,
960
Whom easily, through my effectual aid,
In contests of each kind he overcame.
Page 70
But thou, whom I encircle with my power,
Guard vigilant, and even bid thee forth
To combat with the Trojans, thou, thy limbs
965
Feel’st wearied with the toils of war, or
worse,
Indulgest womanish and heartless fear.
Henceforth thou art not worthy to be deem’d
Son of Oenides, Tydeus famed in arms.
To whom thus valiant Diomede
replied. 970
I know thee well, oh Goddess sprung from Jove!
And therefore willing shall, and plain, reply.
Me neither weariness nor heartless fear
Restrains, but thine injunctions which impress
My memory, still, that I should fear to oppose
975
The blessed Gods in fight, Venus except,
Whom in the battle found thou badest me pierce
With unrelenting spear; therefore myself
Retiring hither, I have hither call’d
The other Argives also, for I know
980
That Mars, himself in arms, controls the war.
Him answer’d then the
Goddess azure-eyed.
Tydides! Diomede, my heart’s delight!
Fear not this Mars,[22] nor fear thou other power
Immortal, but be confident in me.
985
Arise. Drive forth. Seek Mars; him only
seek;
Him hand to hand engage; this fiery Mars
Respect not aught, base implement of wrong
And mischief, shifting still from side to side.
He promised Juno lately and myself
990
That he would fight for Greece, yet now forgets
His promise, and gives all his aid to Troy.
So saying, she backward by
his hand withdrew
The son of Capaneus, who to the ground
Leap’d instant; she, impatient to his place
995
Ascending, sat beside brave Diomede.
Loud groan’d the beechen axle, under weight
Unwonted, for it bore into the fight
An awful Goddess, and the chief of men.
Quick-seizing lash and reins Minerva drove
1000
Direct at Mars. That moment he had slain
Periphas, bravest of AEtolia’s sons,
And huge of bulk; Ochesius was his sire.
Him Mars the slaughterer had of life bereft
Newly, and Pallas to elude his sight
1005
The helmet fixed of Ades on her head.[23]
Soon as gore-tainted Mars the approach perceived
Of Diomede, he left the giant length
Of Periphas extended where he died,
And flew to cope with Tydeus’ valiant son.
1010
Full nigh they came, when Mars on fire to slay
The hero, foremost with his brazen lance
Assail’d him, hurling o’er his horses’
heads.
But Athenaean Pallas in her hand
The flying weapon caught and turn’d it wide,
1015
Baffling his aim. Then Diomede on him
Rush’d furious in his turn, and Pallas plunged
The bright spear deep into his cinctured waist
Dire was the wound, and plucking back the spear
She tore him. Bellow’d brazen-throated
Page 71
Mars 1020
Loud as nine thousand warriors, or as ten
Join’d in close combat. Grecians, Trojans
shook
Appall’d alike at the tremendous voice
Of Mars insatiable with deeds of blood.
Such as the dimness is when summer winds
1025
Breathe hot, and sultry mist obscures the sky,
Such brazen Mars to Diomede appear’d
By clouds accompanied in his ascent
Into the boundless ether. Reaching soon
The Olympian heights, seat of the Gods, he sat
1030
Beside Saturnian Jove; wo fill’d his heart;
He show’d fast-streaming from the wound his
blood
Immortal, and impatient thus complain’d.
Jove, Father! Seest thou
these outrageous acts
Unmoved with anger? Such are day by day
1035
The dreadful mischiefs by the Gods contrived
Against each other, for the sake of man.
Thou art thyself the cause. Thou hast produced
A foolish daughter petulant, addict
To evil only and injurious deeds;
1040
There is not in Olympus, save herself,
Who feels not thy control; but she her will
Gratifies ever, and reproof from thee
Finds none, because, pernicious as she is,
She is thy daughter. She hath now the mind
1045
Of haughty Diomede with madness fill’d
Against the immortal Gods; first Venus bled;
Her hand he pierced impetuous, then assail’d,
As if himself immortal, even me,
But me my feet stole thence, or overwhelm’d
1050
Beneath yon heaps of carcases impure,
What had I not sustain’d? And if at last
I lived, had halted crippled by the sword.
To whom with dark displeasure
Jove replied.
Base and side-shifting traitor! vex not me
1055
Here sitting querulous; of all who dwell
On the Olympian heights, thee most I hate
Contentious, whose delight is war alone.
Thou hast thy mother’s moods, the very spleen
Of Juno, uncontrolable as she.
1060
Whom even I, reprove her as I may,
Scarce rule by mere commands; I therefore judge
Thy sufferings a contrivance all her own.
But soft. Thou art my son whom I begat.
And Juno bare thee. I can not endure
1065
That thou shouldst suffer long. Hadst thou
been born
Of other parents thus detestable,
What Deity soe’er had brought thee forth,
Thou shouldst have found long since a humbler sphere.
He ceased, and to the care
his son consign’d 1070
Of Paeon; he with drugs of lenient powers,
Soon heal’d whom immortality secured
From dissolution. As the juice from figs
Express’d what fluid was in milk before
Coagulates, stirr’d rapidly around,
1075
So soon was Mars by Paeon skill restored.
Him Hebe bathed, and with divine attire
Graceful adorn’d; when at the side of Jove
Again his glorious seat sublime he took.
Meantime to the abode of Jove
supreme 1080
Ascended Juno throughout Argos known
And mighty Pallas; Mars the plague of man,
By their successful force from slaughter driven.
Page 72
THE ILIAD.
BOOK VI.
ARGUMENT OF THE
SIXTH BOOK.
The battle is continued. The Trojans being closely
pursued, Hector by the advice of Helenus enters Troy,
and recommends it to Hecuba to go in solemn procession
to the temple of Minerva; she with the matrons goes
accordingly. Hector takes the opportunity to find
out Paris, and exhorts him to return to the field
of battle. An interview succeeds between Hector
and Andromache, and Paris, having armed himself in
the mean time, comes up with Hector at the close of
it, when they sally from the gate together.
BOOK VI.
Thus was the field forsaken by the
Gods.
And now success proved various; here the Greeks
With their extended spears, the Trojans there
Prevail’d alternate, on the champain spread
The Xanthus and the Simois between.[1]
5
First Telamonian Ajax,[2] bulwark firm
Of the Achaians, broke the Trojan ranks,
And kindled for the Greeks a gleam of hope,
Slaying the bravest of the Thracian band,
Huge Acamas, Eusorus’ son; him first
10
Full on the shaggy crest he smote, and urged
The spear into his forehead; through his skull
The bright point pass’d, and darkness veil’d
his eyes.
But Diomede, heroic Chief, the son
Of Teuthras slew, Axylus.[3] Rich was he,
15
And in Arisba (where he dwelt beside
The public road, and at his open door
Made welcome all) respected and beloved.
But of his numerous guests none interposed
To avert his woful doom; nor him alone
20
He slew, but with him also to the shades
Calesius sent, his friend and charioteer.
Opheltius fell and Dresus, by the hand
Slain of Euryalus, who, next, his arms
On Pedasus and on AEsepus turned
25
Brethren and twins. Them Abarbarea bore,
A Naiad, to Bucolion, son renown’d
Of King Laomedon, his eldest born,
But by his mother, at his birth, conceal’d.
Bucolion pasturing his flocks, embraced
30
The lovely nymph; she twins produced, both whom,
Brave as they were and beautiful, thy son[4]
Mecisteus! slew, and from their shoulders tore
Their armor. Dauntless Polypoetes slew
Astyalus. Ulysses with his spear
35
Transfixed Pydites, a Percosian Chief,
And Teucer Aretaoen; Nestor’s pride
Antilochus, with his bright lance, of life
Bereft Ablerus, and the royal arm
Of Agamemnon, Elatus; he dwelt
40
Among the hills of lofty Pedasus,
On Satnio’s banks, smooth-sliding river pure
Phylacus fled, whom Leitus as swift
Soon smote. Melanthius at the feet expired
Of the renown’d Eurypylus, and, flush’d
45
Page 73
With martial ardor, Menelaus seized
And took alive Adrastus. As it chanced
A thicket his affrighted steeds detain’d
Their feet entangling; they with restive force
At its extremity snapp’d short the pole,
50
And to the city, whither others fled,
Fled also. From his chariot headlong hurl’d,
Adrastus press’d the plain fast by his wheel.
Flew Menelaus, and his quivering spear
Shook over him; he, life imploring, clasp’d
55
Importunate his knees, and thus exclaim’d.
Oh, son of Atreus, let me live! accept
Illustrious ransom! In my father’s house
Is wealth abundant, gold, and brass, and steel
Of truest temper, which he will impart
60
Till he have gratified thine utmost wish,
Inform’d that I am captive in your fleet.
He said, and Menelaus by his words
Vanquish’d, him soon had to the fleet dismiss’d
Given to his train in charge, but swift and stern
65
Approaching, Agamemnon interposed.
Now, brother, whence this milkiness of mind,
These scruples about blood? Thy Trojan friends
Have doubtless much obliged thee. Die the race!
May none escape us! neither he who flies,
70
Nor even the infant in his mother’s womb
Unconscious. Perish universal Troy
Unpitied, till her place be found no more![5]
So saying, his brother’s mind the Hero turn’d,
Advising him aright; he with his hand
75
Thrust back Adrastus, and himself, the King,
His bowels pierced. Supine Adrastus fell,
And Agamemnon, with his foot the corse
Impressing firm, pluck’d forth his ashen spear.
Then Nestor, raising high his voice, exclaim’d.
80
Friends, Heroes, Grecians, ministers of Mars!
Let none, desirous of the spoil, his time
Devote to plunder now; now slay your foes,
And strip them when the field shall be your own.[6]
He said, and all took courage at his word.
85
Then had the Trojans enter’d Troy again
By the heroic Grecians foul repulsed,
So was their spirit daunted, but the son
Of Priam, Helenus, an augur far
Excelling all, at Hector’s side his speech
90
To him and to AEneas thus address’d.
Hector, and thou, AEneas, since on you
The Lycians chiefly and ourselves depend,
For that in difficult emprize ye show
Most courage; give best counsel; stand yourselves,
95
And, visiting all quarters, cause to stand
Before the city-gates our scatter’d troops,
Ere yet the fugitives within the arms
Be slaughter’d of their wives, the scorn of
Greece.
When thus ye shall have rallied every band
100
And roused their courage, weary though we be,
Yet since necessity commands, even here
Will we give battle to the host of Greece.
But, Hector! to the city thou depart;
Page 74
There charge our mother, that she go direct,
105
With the assembled matrons, to the fane
Of Pallas in the citadel of Troy.
Opening her chambers’ sacred doors, of all
Her treasured mantles there, let her select
The widest, most magnificently wrought,
110
And which she values most; that let her spread
On Athenaean Pallas’ lap divine.[7]
Twelve heifers of the year yet never touch’d
With puncture of the goad, let her alike
Devote to her, if she will pity Troy,
115
Our wives and little ones, and will avert
The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers,
That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host,
Bravest, in my account, of all the Greeks.
For never yet Achilles hath himself
120
So taught our people fear, although esteemed
Son of a Goddess. But this warrior’s
rage
Is boundless, and his strength past all compare.
So Helenus; nor Hector not complied.
Down from his chariot instant to the ground
125
All arm’d he leap’d, and, shaking his
sharp spears,
Through every phalanx pass’d, rousing again
Their courage, and rekindling horrid war.
They, turning, faced the Greeks; the Greeks repulsed,
Ceased from all carnage, nor supposed they less
130
Than that some Deity, the starry skies
Forsaken, help’d their foes, so firm they
stood.
But Hector to the Trojans call’d aloud.
Ye dauntless Trojans and confederate powers
Call’d from afar! now be ye men, my friends,
135
Now summon all the fury of your might!
I go to charge our senators and wives
That they address the Gods with prayers and vows
For our success, and hecatombs devote.
So saying the Hero went, and as he strode
140
The sable hide that lined his bossy shield
Smote on his neck and on his ancle-bone.
And now into the middle space between
Both hosts, the son of Tydeus and the son
Moved of Hippolochus, intent alike
145
On furious combat; face to face they stood,
And thus heroic Diomede began.
Most noble Champion! who of human kind
Art thou,[8] whom in the man-ennobling fight
I now encounter first? Past all thy peers
150
I must esteem thee valiant, who hast dared
To meet my coming, and my spear defy.
Ah! they are sons of miserable sires
Who dare my might; but if a God from heaven
Thou come, behold! I fight not with the Gods.
155
That war Lycurgus son of Dryas waged,
And saw not many years. The nurses he
Of brain-disturbing Bacchus down the steep
Pursued of sacred Nyssa; they their wands
Vine-wreathed cast all away, with an ox-goad
160
Chastised by fell Lycurgus. Bacchus plunged
Meantime dismay’d into the deep, where him
Trembling, and at the Hero’s haughty threats
Page 75
Confounded, Thetis in her bosom hid.[9]
Thus by Lycurgus were the blessed powers
165
Of heaven offended, and Saturnian Jove
Of sight bereaved him, who not long that loss
Survived, for he was curst by all above.
I, therefore, wage no contest with the Gods;
But if thou be of men, and feed on bread
170
Of earthly growth, draw nigh, that with a stroke
Well-aim’d, I may at once cut short thy days.[10]
To whom the illustrious Lycian Chief replied.
Why asks brave Diomede of my descent?
For, as the leaves, such is the race of man.[11]
175
The wind shakes down the leaves, the budding grove
Soon teems with others, and in spring they grow.
So pass mankind. One generation meets
Its destined period, and a new succeeds.
But since thou seem’st desirous to be taught
180
My pedigree, whereof no few have heard,
Know that in Argos, in the very lap
Of Argos, for her steed-grazed meadows famed,
Stands Ephyra;[12] there Sisyphus abode,
Shrewdest of human kind; Sisyphus, named
185
AEolides. Himself a son begat,
Glaucus, and he Bellerophon, to whom
The Gods both manly force and beauty gave.
Him Proetus (for in Argos at that time
Proetus was sovereign, to whose sceptre Jove
190
Had subjected the land) plotting his death,
Contrived to banish from his native home.
For fair Anteia, wife of Proetus, mad
Through love of young Bellerophon, him oft
In secret to illicit joys enticed;
195
But she prevail’d not o’er the virtuous
mind
Discrete of whom she wooed; therefore a lie
Framing, she royal Proetus thus bespake.
Die thou, or slay Bellerophon, who sought
Of late to force me to his lewd embrace.
200
So saying, the anger of the King she roused.
Slay him himself he would not, for his heart
Forbad the deed; him therefore he dismiss’d
To Lycia, charged with tales of dire import
Written in tablets,[13] which he bade him show,
205
That he might perish, to Anteia’s sire.
To Lycia then, conducted by the Gods,
He went, and on the shores of Xanthus found
Free entertainment noble at the hands
Of Lycia’s potent King. Nine days complete
210
He feasted him, and slew each day an ox.
But when the tenth day’s ruddy morn appear’d,
He asked him then his errand, and to see
Those written tablets from his son-in-law.
The letters seen, he bade him, first, destroy
215
Chimaera, deem’d invincible, divine
In nature, alien from the race of man,
Lion in front, but dragon all behind,
And in the midst a she-goat breathing forth
Profuse the violence of flaming fire.
220
Her, confident in signs from heaven, he slew.
Next, with the men of Solymae[14] he fought,
Page 76
Brave warriors far renown’d, with whom he
waged,
In his account, the fiercest of his wars.
And lastly, when in battle he had slain
225
The man-resisting Amazons, the king
Another stratagem at his return
Devised against him, placing close-conceal’d
An ambush for him from the bravest chosen
In Lycia; but they saw their homes no more;
230
Bellerophon the valiant slew them all.
The monarch hence collecting, at the last,
His heavenly origin, him there detain’d,
And gave him his own daughter, with the half
Of all his royal dignity and power.
235
The Lycians also, for his proper use,
Large lot assigned him of their richest soil,[15]
Commodious for the vine, or for the plow.
And now his consort fair three children bore
To bold Bellerophon; Isandrus one,
240
And one, Hippolochus; his youngest born
Laodamia was for beauty such
That she became a concubine of Jove.
She bore Sarpedon of heroic note.
But when Bellerophon, at last, himself
245
Had anger’d all the Gods, feeding on grief
He roam’d alone the Aleian field, exiled,
By choice, from every cheerful haunt of man.
Mars, thirsty still for blood, his son destroy’d
Isandrus, warring with the host renown’d
250
Of Solymae; and in her wrath divine
Diana from her chariot golden-rein’d
Laodamia slew. Myself I boast
Sprung from Hippolochus; he sent me forth
To fight for Troy, charging me much and oft
255
That I should outstrip always all mankind
In worth and valor, nor the house disgrace
Of my forefathers, heroes without peer
In Ephyra, and in Lycia’s wide domain.
Such is my lineage; such the blood I boast.
260
He ceased. Then valiant Diomede rejoiced.
He pitch’d his spear, and to the Lycian Prince
In terms of peace and amity replied.
Thou art my own hereditary friend,
Whose noble grandsire was the guest of mine.[16]
265
For Oeneus, on a time, full twenty days
Regaled Bellerophon, and pledges fair
Of hospitality they interchanged.
Oeneus a belt radiant with purple gave
To brave Bellerophon, who in return
270
Gave him a golden goblet. Coming forth
I left the kind memorial safe at home.
A child was I when Tydeus went to Thebes,
Where the Achaians perish’d, and of him
Hold no remembrance; but henceforth, my friend,
275
Thine host am I in Argos, and thou mine
In Lycia, should I chance to sojourn there.
We will not clash. Trojans or aids of Troy
No few the Gods shall furnish to my spear,
Whom I may slaughter; and no want of Greeks
280
On whom to prove thy prowess, thou shalt find.
But it were well that an exchange ensued
Page 77
Between us; take mine armor, give me thine,
That all who notice us may understand
Our patrimonial[17] amity and love.
285
So they, and each alighting, hand in hand
Stood lock’d, faith promising and firm accord.
Then Jove of sober judgment so bereft
Infatuate Glaucus that with Tydeus’ son
He barter’d gold for brass, an hundred beeves
290
In value, for the value small of nine.
But Hector at the Scaean gate and beech[18]
Meantime arrived, to whose approach the wives
And daughters flock’d of Troy, inquiring each
The fate of husband, brother, son, or friend.
295
He bade them all with solemn prayer the Gods
Seek fervent, for that wo was on the wing.
But when he enter’d Priam’s palace,
built
With splendid porticoes, and which within
Had fifty chambers lined with polish’d stone,
300
Contiguous all, where Priam’s sons reposed
And his sons’ wives, and where, on the other
side.
In twelve magnificent chambers also lined
With polish’d marble and contiguous all,
The sons-in-law of Priam lay beside
305
His spotless daughters, there the mother queen
Seeking the chamber of Laodice,
Loveliest of all her children, as she went
Met Hector. On his hand she hung and said:
Why leavest thou, O my son! the dangerous field?
310
I fear that the Achaians (hateful name!)
Compass the walls so closely, that thou seek’st
Urged by distress the citadel, to lift
Thine hands in prayer to Jove? But pause awhile
Till I shall bring thee wine, that having pour’d
315
Libation rich to Jove and to the powers
Immortal, thou may’st drink and be refresh’d.
For wine is mighty to renew the strength
Of weary man, and weary thou must be
Thyself, thus long defending us and ours.
320
To whom her son majestic thus replied.
My mother, whom I reverence! cheering wine
Bring none to me, lest I forget my might.[19]
I fear, beside, with unwash’d hands to pour
Libation forth of sable wine to Jove,
325
And dare on none account, thus blood-defiled,[20]
Approach the tempest-stirring God in prayer.
Thou, therefore, gathering all our matrons, seek
The fane of Pallas, huntress of the spoil,
Bearing sweet incense; but from the attire
330
Treasured within thy chamber, first select
The amplest robe, most exquisitely wrought,
And which thou prizest most—then spread
the gift
On Athenaean Pallas’ lap divine.
Twelve heifers also of the year, untouch’d
335
With puncture of the goad, promise to slay
In sacrifice, if she will pity Troy,
Our wives and little ones, and will avert
The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers,
That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host.
340
Page 78
Go then, my mother, seek the hallowed fane
Of the spoil-huntress Deity. I, the while,
Seek Paris, and if Paris yet can hear,
Shall call him forth. But oh that earth would
yawn
And swallow him, whom Jove hath made a curse
345
To Troy, to Priam, and to all his house;
Methinks, to see him plunged into the shades
For ever, were a cure for all my woes.
He ceased; the Queen, her palace entering, charged
Her maidens; they, incontinent, throughout
350
All Troy convened the matrons, as she bade.
Meantime into her wardrobe incense-fumed,
Herself descended; there her treasures lay,
Works of Sidonian women,[21] whom her son
The godlike Paris, when he cross’d the seas
355
With Jove-begotten Helen, brought to Troy.
The most magnificent, and varied most
With colors radiant, from the rest she chose
For Pallas; vivid as a star it shone,
And lowest lay of all. Then forth she went,
360
The Trojan matrons all following her steps.
But when the long procession reach’d the
fane
Of Pallas in the heights of Troy, to them
The fair Theano ope’d the portals wide,
Daughter of Cisseus, brave Antenor’s spouse,
365
And by appointment public, at that time,
Priestess of Pallas. All with lifted hands[22]
In presence of Minerva wept aloud.
Beauteous Theano on the Goddess’ lap
Then spread the robe, and to the daughter fair
370
Of Jove omnipotent her suit address’d.
Goddess[23] of Goddesses, our city’s shield,
Adored Minerva, hear! oh! break the lance
Of Diomede, and give himself to fall
Prone in the dust before the Scaean gate.
375
So will we offer to thee at thy shrine,
This day twelve heifers of the year, untouch’d
By yoke or goad, if thou wilt pity show
To Troy, and save our children and our wives.
Such prayer the priestess offer’d, and such
prayer 380
All present; whom Minerva heard averse.
But Hector to the palace sped meantime
Of Alexander, which himself had built,
Aided by every architect of name
Illustrious then in Troy. Chamber it had,
385
Wide hall, proud dome, and on the heights of Troy
Near-neighboring Hector’s house and Priam’s
stood.
There enter’d Hector, Jove-beloved, a spear
Its length eleven cubits in his hand,
Its glittering head bound with a ring of gold.
390
He found within his chamber whom he sought,
Polishing with exactest care his arms
Resplendent, shield and hauberk fingering o’er
With curious touch, and tampering with his bow.[24]
Helen of Argos with her female train
395
Sat occupied, the while, to each in turn
Some splendid task assigning. Hector fix’d
His eyes on Paris, and him stern rebuked.
Thy sullen humors, Paris, are ill-timed.
Page 79
The people perish at our lofty walls;
400
The flames of war have compass’d Troy around
And thou hast kindled them; who yet thyself
That slackness show’st which in another seen
Thou would’st resent to death. Haste,
seek the field
This moment, lest, the next, all Ilium blaze.
405
To whom thus Paris, graceful as a God.
Since, Hector, thou hast charged me with a fault,
And not unjustly, I will answer make,
And give thou special heed. That here I sit,
The cause is sorrow, which I wish’d to soothe
410
In secret, not displeasure or revenge.
I tell thee also, that even now my wife
Was urgent with me in most soothing terms
That I would forth to battle; and myself,
Aware that victory oft changes sides,
415
That course prefer. Wait, therefore, thou awhile,
’Till I shall dress me for the fight, or go
Thou first, and I will overtake thee soon.
He ceased, to whom brave Hector answer none
Return’d, when Helen him with lenient speech
420
Accosted mild.[25] My brother! who in me
Hast found a sister worthy of thy hate,
Authoress of all calamity to Troy,
Oh that the winds, the day when I was born,
Had swept me out of sight, whirl’d me aloft
425
To some inhospitable mountain-top,
Or plunged me in the deep; there I had sunk
O’erwhelm’d, and all these ills had
never been.
But since the Gods would bring these ills to pass,
I should, at least, some worthier mate have chosen,
430
One not insensible to public shame.
But this, oh this, nor hath nor will acquire
Hereafter, aught which like discretion shows
Or reason, and shall find his just reward.
But enter; take this seat; for who as thou
435
Labors, or who hath cause like thee to rue
The crime, my brother, for which Heaven hath doom’d
Both Paris and my most detested self
To be the burthens of an endless song?
To whom the warlike Hector huge[26] replied.
440
Me bid not, Helen, to a seat, howe’er
Thou wish my stay, for thou must not prevail.
The Trojans miss me, and myself no less
Am anxious to return. But urge in haste
This loiterer forth; yea, let him urge himself
445
To overtake me ere I quit the town.
For I must home in haste, that I may see
My loved Andromache, my infant boy,
And my domestics, ignorant if e’er
I shall behold them more, or if my fate
450
Ordain me now to fall by Grecian hands.
So spake the dauntless hero, and withdrew.
But reaching soon his own well-built abode
He found not fair Andromache; she stood
Lamenting Hector, with the nurse who bore
455
Her infant, on a turret’s top sublime.
He then, not finding his chaste spouse within,
Thus from the portal, of her train inquired.
Page 80
Tell me, ye maidens, whither went from home
Andromache the fair?[27] Went she to see
460
Her female kindred of my father’s house,
Or to Minerva’s temple, where convened
The bright-hair’d matrons of the city seek
To soothe the awful Goddess? Tell me true.
To whom his household’s governess discreet.
465
Since, Hector, truth is thy demand, receive
True answer. Neither went she forth to see
Her female kindred of thy father’s house,
Nor to Minerva’s temple, where convened
The bright-haired matrons of the city seek
470
To soothe the awful Goddess; but she went
Hence to the tower of Troy: for she had heard
That the Achaians had prevail’d, and driven
The Trojans to the walls; she, therefore, wild
With grief, flew thither, and the nurse her steps
475
Attended, with thy infant in her arms.
So spake the prudent governess; whose words
When Hector heard, issuing from his door
He backward trod with hasty steps the streets
Of lofty Troy, and having traversed all
480
The spacious city, when he now approach’d
The Scaean gate, whence he must seek the field,
There, hasting home again his noble wife
Met him, Andromache the rich-endow’d
Fair daughter of Eetion famed in arms.
485
Eetion, who in Hypoplacian Thebes
Umbrageous dwelt, Cilicia’s mighty lord—
His daughter valiant Hector had espoused.
There she encounter’d him, and with herself
The nurse came also, bearing in her arms
490
Hectorides, his infant darling boy,
Beautiful as a star. Him Hector called
Scamandrios, but Astyanax[28] all else
In Ilium named him, for that Hector’s arm
Alone was the defence and strength of Troy.
495
The father, silent, eyed his babe, and smiled.
Andromache, meantime, before him stood,
With streaming cheeks, hung on his hand, and said.
Thy own great courage will cut short thy days,
My noble Hector! neither pitiest thou
500
Thy helpless infant, or my hapless self,
Whose widowhood is near; for thou wilt fall
Ere long, assail’d by the whole host of Greece.
Then let me to the tomb, my best retreat
When thou art slain. For comfort none or joy
505
Can I expect, thy day of life extinct,
But thenceforth, sorrow. Father I have none;
No mother. When Cilicia’s city, Thebes
The populous, was by Achilles sack’d.
He slew my father; yet his gorgeous arms
510
Stripp’d not through reverence of him, but
consumed,
Arm’d as it was, his body on the pile,
And heap’d his tomb, which the Oreades,
Jove’s daughters, had with elms inclosed around.[29]
My seven brothers, glory of our house,
515
All in one day descended to the shades;
Page 81
For brave Achilles,[30] while they fed their herds
And snowy flocks together, slew them all.
My mother, Queen of the well-wooded realm
Of Hypoplacian Thebes, her hither brought
520
Among his other spoils, he loosed again
At an inestimable ransom-price,
But by Diana pierced, she died at home.
Yet Hector—oh my husband! I in thee
Find parents, brothers, all that I have lost.
525
Come! have compassion on us. Go not hence,
But guard this turret, lest of me thou make
A widow, and an orphan of thy boy.
The city walls are easiest of ascent
At yonder fig-tree; station there thy powers;
530
For whether by a prophet warn’d, or taught
By search and observation, in that part
Each Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete,
The sons of Atreus, and the valiant son
Of Tydeus, have now thrice assail’d the town.
535
To whom the leader of the host of Troy.
These cares, Andromache, which thee engage,
All touch me also; but I dread to incur
The scorn of male and female tongues in Troy,
If, dastard-like, I should decline the fight.
540
Nor feel I such a wish. No. I have learn’d
To be courageous ever, in the van
Among the flower of Ilium to assert
My glorious father’s honor, and my own.
For that the day shall come when sacred Troy,
545
When Priam, and the people of the old
Spear-practised King shall perish, well I know.
But for no Trojan sorrows yet to come
So much I mourn, not e’en for Hecuba,
Nor yet for Priam, nor for all the brave
550
Of my own brothers who shall kiss the dust,
As for thyself, when some Achaian Chief
Shall have convey’d thee weeping hence, thy
sun
Of peace and liberty for ever set.
Then shalt thou toil in Argos at the loom
555
For a task-mistress, and constrain’d shalt
draw
From Hypereia’s fount,[31] or from the fount
Messeis, water at her proud command.
Some Grecian then, seeing thy tears, shall say—
“This was the wife of Hector, who excell’d
560
All Troy in fight when Ilium was besieged.”
Such he shall speak thee, and thy heart, the while,
Shall bleed afresh through want of such a friend
To stand between captivity and thee.
But may I rest beneath my hill of earth
565
Or ere that day arrive! I would not live
To hear thy cries, and see thee torn away.
So saying, illustrious Hector stretch’d
his arms
Forth to his son, but with a scream, the child
Fell back into the bosom of his nurse,
570
His father’s aspect dreading, whose bright
arms
He had attentive mark’d and shaggy crest
Playing tremendous o’er his helmet’s
height.
His father and his gentle mother laugh’d,[32]
And noble Hector lifting from his head
Page 82
575
His dazzling helmet, placed it on the ground,
Then kiss’d his boy and dandled him, and thus
In earnest prayer the heavenly powers implored.
Hear all ye Gods! as ye have given to me,
So also on my son excelling might
580
Bestow, with chief authority in Troy.
And be his record this, in time to come,
When he returns from battle. Lo! how far
The son excels the sire! May every foe
Fall under him, and he come laden home
585
With spoils blood-stain’d to his dear mother’s
joy.
He said, and gave his infant to the arms
Of his Andromache, who him received
Into her fragrant bosom, bitter tears
With sweet smiles mingling; he with pity moved
590
That sight observed, soft touch’d her cheek,
and said,
Mourn not, my loved Andromache, for me
Too much; no man shall send me to the shades
Of Tartarus, ere mine allotted hour,
Nor lives he who can overpass the date
595
By heaven assign’d him, be he base or brave.[33]
Go then, and occupy content at home
The woman’s province; ply the distaff, spin
And weave, and task thy maidens. War belongs
To man; to all men; and of all who first
600
Drew vital breath in Ilium, most to me.[34]
He ceased, and from the ground his helmet raised
Hair-crested; his Andromache, at once
Obedient, to her home repair’d, but oft
Turn’d as she went, and, turning, wept afresh.
605
No sooner at the palace she arrived
Of havoc-spreading Hector, than among
Her numerous maidens found within, she raised
A general lamentation; with one voice,
In his own house, his whole domestic train
610
Mourn’d Hector, yet alive; for none the hope
Conceived of his escape from Grecian hands,
Or to behold their living master more.
Nor Paris in his stately mansion long
Delay’d, but, arm’d resplendent, traversed
swift 615
The city, all alacrity and joy.
As some stall’d horse high-fed, his stable-cord
Snapt short, beats under foot the sounding plain,
Accustomed in smooth-sliding streams to lave
Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane
620
Undulates o’er his shoulders, pleased he eyes
His glossy sides, and borne on pliant knees
Shoots to the meadow where his fellows graze;
So Paris, son of Priam, from the heights
Of Pergamus into the streets of Troy,
625
All dazzling as the sun, descended, flush’d
With martial pride, and bounding in his course.
At once he came where noble Hector stood
Now turning, after conference with his spouse,
When godlike Alexander thus began.
630
My hero brother, thou hast surely found
My long delay most irksome. More dispatch
Had pleased thee more, for such was thy command.
Page 83
To whom the warlike Hector thus replied.
No man, judicious, and in feat of arms
635
Intelligent, would pour contempt on thee
(For thou art valiant) wert thou not remiss
And wilful negligent; and when I hear
The very men who labor in thy cause
Reviling thee, I make thy shame my own.
640
But let us on. All such complaints shall cease
Hereafter, and thy faults be touch’d no more,
Let Jove but once afford us riddance clear
Of these Achaians, and to quaff the cup
Of liberty, before the living Gods.
645
* * *
* *
It may be observed, that Hector begins to resume his
hope of success, and his warlike spirit is roused
again, as he approaches the field of action.
The depressing effect of his sad interview is wearing
away from his mind, and he is already prepared for
the battle with Ajax, which awaits him.
The student who has once read this book, will read
it again and again. It contains much that is
addressed to the deepest feelings of our common nature,
and, despite of the long interval of time which lies
between our age and the Homeric—despite
the manifold changes of customs, habits, pursuits,
and the advances that have been made in civilization
and art—despite of all these, the universal
spirit of humanity will recognize in these scenes
much of that true poetry which delights alike all
ages, all nations, all men.—FELTON.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK VII.
ARGUMENT OF THE
SEVENTH BOOK.
Ajax and Hector engage in single combat. The
Grecians fortify their camp.
BOOK VII.
So saying, illustrious Hector through
the gates
To battle rush’d, with Paris at
his side,
And both were bent on deeds of high renown.
As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious
gales
To longing mariners, who with smooth oars
5
Threshing the waves have all their strength
consumed,
So them the longing Trojans glad received.
At once each slew a Grecian.
Paris slew
Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son
Of Areithoues, club-bearing chief,
10
And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed.
But Hector wounded with his glittering
spear
Eioneus; he pierced his neck beneath
His brazen morion’s verge, and dead
he fell.
Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host,
15
Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight
Iphinoues son of Dexias assail’d,
Mounting his rapid mares, and with his
lance
His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell
and died.
Such slaughter of the Grecians
in fierce fight 20
Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills
Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach
Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew
Page 84
To meet her, ardent on the part of Troy.
Beneath the beech they join’d, when
first the King, 25
The son of Jove, Apollo thus began.
Daughter of Jove supreme!
why hast thou left
Olympus, and with such impetuous speed?
Comest thou to give the Danai success
Decisive? For I know that pity none
30
Thou feel’st for Trojans, perish
as they may
But if advice of mine can influence thee
To that which shall be best, let us compose
This day the furious fight which shall
again
Hereafter rage, till Ilium be destroy’d.
35
Since such is Juno’s pleasure and
thy own.
Him answer’d then Pallas
caerulean-eyed.
Celestial archer! be it so. I came
Myself so purposing into the field
From the Olympian heights. But by
what means 40
Wilt thou induce the warriors to a pause?
To whom the King, the son
of Jove, replied.
The courage of equestrian Hector bold
Let us excite, that he may challenge forth
To single conflict terrible some chief
45
Achaian. The Achaians brazen-mail’d
Indignant, will supply a champion soon
To combat with the noble Chief of Troy.
So spake Apollo, and his counsel
pleased
Minerva; which when Helenus the seer,
50
Priam’s own son, in his prophetic
soul
Perceived, approaching Hector, thus he
spake.
Jove’s peer in wisdom,
Hector, Priam’s son!
I am thy brother. Wilt thou list
to me?
Bid cease the battle. Bid both armies
sit. 55
Call first, thyself, the mightiest of
the Greeks
To single conflict. I have heard
the voice
Of the Eternal Gods, and well-assured
Foretell thee that thy death not now impends.
He spake, whom Hector heard
with joy elate. 60
Before his van striding into the space
Both hosts between, he with his spear
transverse[1]
Press’d back the Trojans, and they
sat. Down sat
The well-greaved Grecians also at command
Of Agamemnon; and in shape assumed
65
Of vultures, Pallas and Apollo perch’d
High on the lofty beech sacred to Jove
The father AEgis-arm’d; delighted
thence
They view’d the peopled plain horrent
around
With shields and helms and glittering
spears erect. 70
As when fresh-blowing Zephyrus the flood
Sweeps first, the ocean blackens at the
blast,
Such seem’d the plain whereon the
Achaians sat
And Trojans, whom between thus Hector
spake.
Ye Trojans and Achaians brazen-greaved,
75
Attend while I shall speak! Jove
high-enthroned
Hath not fulfill’d the truce, but
evil plans
Against both hosts, till either ye shall
take
Troy’s lofty towers, or shall yourselves
Page 85
in flight
Fall vanquish’d at your billow-cleaving
barks. 80
With you is all the flower of Greece.[2]
Let him
Whose heart shall move him to encounter
sole
Illustrious Hector, from among you all
Stand forth, and Jove be witness to us
both.
If he, with his long-pointed lance, of
life 85
Shall me bereave, my armor is his prize,
Which he shall hence into your fleet convey;
Not so my body; that he shall resign
For burial to the men and wives of Troy.
But if Apollo make the glory mine,
90
And he fall vanquish’d, him will
I despoil,
And hence conveying into sacred Troy
His arms, will in the temple hang them
high[3]
Of the bow-bender God, but I will send
His body to the fleet, that him the Greeks
95
May grace with rights funereal. On
the banks
Of wide-spread Hellespont ye shall upraise
His tomb, and as they cleave with oary
barks
The sable deep, posterity shall say—
“It is a warrior’s tomb; in
ancient days 100
The Hero died; him warlike Hector slew.”
So men shall speak hereafter, and my fame
Who slew him, and my praise, shall never
die.
He ceased, and all sat mute.
His challenge bold
None dared accept, which yet they blush’d
to shun, 105
Till Menelaus, at the last, arose
Groaning profound, and thus reproach’d
the Greeks.
Ah boasters! henceforth women—men
no more—
Eternal shame, shame infinite is ours,
If none of all the Grecians dares contend
110
With Hector. Dastards—deaf
to glory’s call—
Rot where ye sit! I will myself take
arms
Against him, for the gods alone dispose,
At their own pleasure, the events of war.
He ended, and put on his radiant
arms. 115
Then, Menelaus, manifest appear’d
Thy death approaching by the dreadful
hands
Of Hector, mightier far in arms than thou,
But that the Chiefs of the Achaians all
Upstarting stay’d thee, and himself
the King, 120
The son of Atreus, on thy better hand
Seizing affectionate, thee thus address’d.
Thou ravest, my royal brother!
and art seized
With needless frenzy. But, however
chafed,
Restrain thy wrath, nor covet to contend
125
With Priameian Hector, whom in fight
All dread, a warrior thy superior far.
Not even Achilles, in the glorious field
(Though stronger far than thou) this hero
meets
Undaunted. Go then, and thy seat
resume 130
In thy own band; the Achaians shall for
him,
Doubtless, some fitter champion furnish
forth.
Brave though he be, and with the toils
of war
Insatiable, he shall be willing yet,
Seated on his bent knees, to breathe a
Page 86
while, 135
Should he escape the arduous brunt severe.
So saying, the hero by his
counsel wise
His brother’s purpose alter’d;
he complied,
And his glad servants eased him of his
arms.
Then Nestor thus the Argive host bespake.
140
Great wo, ye Gods! hath on
Achaia fallen.
Now may the warlike Pelaus, hoary Chief,
Who both with eloquence and wisdom rules
The Myrmidons, our foul disgrace deplore.
With him discoursing, erst, of ancient
times, 145
When all your pedigrees I traced, I made
His heart bound in him at the proud report.
But now, when he shall learn how here
we sat
Cowering at the foot of Hector, he shall
oft
His hands uplift to the immortal Gods,
150
Praying a swift release into the shades.
Jove! Pallas! Phoebus!
Oh that I were young
As when the Pylians in fierce fight engaged
The Arcadians spear-expert, beside the
stream
Of rapid Celadon! Beneath the walls
155
We fought of Pheia, where the Jardan rolls.
There Ereuthalion, Chief of godlike form,
Stood forth before his van, and with loud
voice
Defied the Pylians. Arm’d he
was in steel
By royal Areithous whilom worn;
160
Brave Areithous, Corynetes[4] named
By every tongue; for that in bow and spear
Nought trusted he, but with an iron mace
The close-embattled phalanx shatter’d
wide.
Him by address, not by superior force,
165
Lycurgus vanquish’d, in a narrow
pass,
Where him his iron whirl-bat[5] nought
avail’d.
Lycurgus stealing on him, with his lance
Transpierced and fix’d him to the
soil supine.
Him of his arms, bright gift of brazen
Mars, 170
He stripp’d, which after, in the
embattled field
Lycurgus wore himself, but, growing old,
Surrender’d them to Ereuthalion’s
use
His armor-bearer, high in his esteem,
And Ereuthalion wore them on the day
175
When he defied our best. All hung
their heads
And trembled; none dared meet him; till
at last
With inborn courage warm’d, and
nought dismayed,
Though youngest of them all, I undertook
That contest, and, by Pallas’ aid,
prevail’d. 180
I slew the man in height and bulk all
men
Surpassing, and much soil he cover’d
slain.
Oh for the vigor of those better days!
Then should not Hector want a champion
long,
Whose call to combat, ye, although the
prime 185
And pride of all our land, seem slow to
hear.
He spake reproachful, when
at once arose
Nine heroes. Agamemnon, King of men,
Foremost arose; then Tydeus’ mighty
son,
With either Ajax in fierce prowess clad;
190
Page 87
The Cretan next, Idomeneus, with whom
Uprose Meriones his friend approved,
Terrible as the man-destroyer Mars.
Evaemon’s noble offspring next appear’d
Eurypylus; Andraemon’s son the next
195
Thoas; and last, Ulysses, glorious Chief.
All these stood ready to engage in arms
With warlike Hector, when the ancient
King,
Gerenian Nestor, thus his speech resumed.
Now cast the lot for all.
Who wins the chance 200
Shall yield Achaia service, and himself
Serve also, if successful he escape
This brunt of hostile hardiment severe.
So Nestor. They, inscribing
each his lot,
Into the helmet cast it of the son
205
Of Atreus, Agamemnon. Then the host
Pray’d all, their hands uplifting,
and with eyes
To the wide heavens directed, many said[6]—
Eternal sire! choose Ajax,
or the son
Of Tydeus, or the King himself[7] who
sways 210
The sceptre in Mycenae wealth-renown’d!
Such prayer the people made;
then Nestor shook
The helmet, and forth leaped, whose most
they wished,
The lot of Ajax. Throughout all the
host
To every chief and potentate of Greece,
215
From right to left the herald bore the
lot
By all disown’d; but when at length
he reach’d
The inscriber of the lot, who cast it
in,
Illustrious Ajax, in his open palm
The herald placed it, standing at his
side. 220
He, conscious, with heroic joy the lot
Cast at his foot, and thus exclaim’d
aloud.
My friends! the lot is mine,[8]
and my own heart
Rejoices also; for I nothing doubt
That noble Hector shall be foil’d
by me. 225
But while I put mine armor on, pray all
In silence to the King Saturnian Jove,
Lest, while ye pray, the Trojans overhear.
Or pray aloud, for whom have we to dread?
No man shall my firm standing by his strength
230
Unsettle, or for ignorance of mine
Me vanquish, who, I hope, brought forth
and train’d
In Salamis, have, now, not much to learn.
He ended. They with heaven-directed
eyes
The King in prayer address’d, Saturnian
Jove. 235
Jove! glorious father! who
from Ida’s height
Controlest all below, let Ajax prove
Victorious; make the honor all his own!
Or, if not less than Ajax, Hector share
Thy love and thy regard, divide the prize
240
Of glory, and let each achieve renown!
Then Ajax put his radiant
armor on,
And, arm’d complete, rush’d
forward. As huge Mars
To battle moves the sons of men between
Whom Jove with heart-devouring thirst
inspires 245
Of war, so moved huge Ajax to the fight,
Tower of the Greeks, dilating with a smile
Page 88
His martial features terrible; on feet,
Firm-planted, to the combat he advanced
Stride after stride, and shook his quivering
spear. 250
Him viewing, Argos’ universal host
Exulted, while a panic loosed the knees
Of every Trojan; even Hector’s heart
Beat double, but escape for him remain’d
None now, or to retreat into his ranks
255
Again, from whom himself had challenged
forth.
Ajax advancing like a tower his shield
Sevenfold, approach’d. It was
the labor’d work
Of Tychius, armorer of matchless skill,
Who dwelt in Hyla; coated with the hides
260
Of seven high-pamper’d bulls that
shield he framed
For Ajax, and the disk plated with brass.
Advancing it before his breast, the son
Of Telamon approach’d the Trojan
Chief,
And face to face, him threatening, thus
began. 265
Now, Hector, prove, by me
alone opposed,
What Chiefs the Danai can furnish forth
In absence of the lion-hearted prince
Achilles, breaker of the ranks of war.
He, in his billow-cleaving barks incensed
270
Against our leader Agamemnon, lies;
But warriors of my measure, who may serve
To cope with thee, we want not; numerous
such
Are found amongst us. But begin the
fight.
To whom majestic Hector fierce
in arms. 275
Ajax! heroic leader of the Greeks!
Offspring of Telamon! essay not me
With words to terrify, as I were boy.
Or girl unskill’d in war;[9] I am
a man
Well exercised in battle, who have shed
280
The blood of many a warrior, and have
learn’d,
From hand to hand shifting my shield,
to fight
Unwearied; I can make a sport of war,
In standing fight adjusting all my steps
To martial measures sweet, or vaulting
light 285
Into my chariot, thence can urge the foe.
Yet in contention with a Chief like thee
I will employ no stratagem, or seek
To smite thee privily, but with a stroke
(If I may reach thee) visible to all.
290
So saying, he shook, then
hurl’d his massy spear
At Ajax, and his broad shield sevenfold
On its eighth surface of resplendent brass
Smote full; six hides the unblunted weapon
pierced,
But in the seventh stood rooted.
Ajax, next, 295
Heroic Chief, hurl’d his long shadow’d
spear
And struck the oval shield of Priam’s
son.
Through his bright disk the weapon tempest-driven
Glided, and in his hauberk-rings infixt
At his soft flank, ripp’d wide his
vest within. 300
Inclined oblique he ’scaped the
dreadful doom
Then each from other’s shield his
massy spear
Recovering quick, like lions hunger-pinch’d
Or wild boars irresistible in force,
Page 89
They fell to close encounter. Priam’s
son 305
The shield of Ajax at its centre smote,
But fail’d to pierce it, for he
bent his point.
Sprang Ajax then, and meeting full the
targe
Of Hector, shock’d him; through
it and beyond
He urged the weapon with its sliding edge
310
Athwart his neck, and blood was seen to
start.
But still, for no such cause, from battle
ceased
Crest-tossing Hector, but retiring, seized
A huge stone angled sharp and black with
age
That on the champain lay. The bull-hide
guard 315
Sevenfold of Ajax with that stone he smote
Full on its centre; sang the circling
brass.
Then Ajax far a heavier stone upheaved;
He whirled it, and with might immeasurable
Dismiss’d the mass, which with a
mill-stone weight 320
Sank through the shield of Hector, and
his knees
Disabled; with his shield supine he fell,
But by Apollo raised, stood soon again.
And now, with swords they had each other
hewn,
Had not the messengers of Gods and men
325
The heralds wise, Idaeus on the part
Of Ilium, and Talthybius for the Greeks,
Advancing interposed. His sceptre
each
Between them held, and thus Idaeus spake.[10]
My children, cease! prolong
not still the fight. 330
Ye both are dear to cloud-assembler Jove,
Both valiant, and all know it. But
the Night
Hath fallen, and Night’s command
must be obeyed.
To him the son of Telamon
replied.
Idaeus! bid thy master speak as thou.
335
He is the challenger. If such his
choice,
Mine differs not; I wait but to comply.
Him answer’d then heroic
Hector huge.
Since, Ajax, the immortal powers on thee
Have bulk pre-eminent and strength bestow’d,
340
With such address in battle, that the
host
Of Greece hath not thine equal at the
spear,
Now let the combat cease. We shall
not want
More fair occasion; on some future day
We will not part till all-disposing heaven
345
Shall give thee victory, or shall make
her mine.
But Night hath fallen, and Night must
be obey’d,
That them may’st gratify with thy
return
The Achaians, and especially thy friends
And thy own countrymen. I go, no
less 350
To exhilarate in Priam’s royal town
Men and robed matrons, who shall seek
the Gods
For me, with pious ceremonial due.
But come. We will exchange, or ere
we part,
Some princely gift, that Greece and Troy
may say 355
Hereafter, with soul-wasting rage they
fought,
But parted with the gentleness of friends.
So saying, he with his sheath
and belt a sword
Presented bright-emboss’d, and a
bright belt
Purpureal[11] took from Ajax in return.
Page 90
360
Thus separated, one the Grecians sought,
And one the Trojans; they when him they
saw
From the unconquer’d hands return’d
alive
Of Ajax, with delight their Chief received,
And to the city led him, double joy
365
Conceiving all at his unhoped escape.
On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail’d
To noble Agamemnon introduced
Exulting Ajax, and the King of men
In honor of the conqueror slew an ox
370
Of the fifth year to Jove omnipotent.
Him flaying first, they carved him next
and spread
The whole abroad, then, scoring deep the
flesh,
They pierced it with the spits, and from
the spits
(Once roasted well) withdrew it all again.
375
Their labor thus accomplish’d, and
the board
Furnish’d with plenteous cheer,
they feasted all
Till all were satisfied; nor Ajax miss’d
The conqueror’s meed, to whom the
hero-king
Wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave the chine[12]
380
Perpetual,[13] his distinguish’d
portion due.
The calls of hunger and of thirst at length
Both well sufficed, thus, foremost of
them all
The ancient Nestor, whose advice had oft
Proved salutary, prudent thus began.
385
Chiefs of Achaia, and thou,
chief of all,
Great Agamemnon! Many of our host
Lie slain, whose blood sprinkles, in battle
shed,
The banks of smooth Scamander, and their
souls
Have journey’d down into the realms
of death. 390
To-morrow, therefore, let the battle pause
As need requires, and at the peep of day
With mules and oxen, wheel ye from all
parts
The dead, that we may burn them near the
fleet.
So, home to Greece returning, will we
give 395
The fathers’ ashes to the children’s
care.
Accumulating next, the pile around,
One common tomb for all, with brisk dispatch
We will upbuild for more secure defence
Of us and of our fleet, strong towers
and tall 400
Adjoining to the tomb, and every tower
Shall have its ponderous gate, commodious
pass
Affording to the mounted charioteer.
And last, without those towers and at
their foot,
Dig we a trench, which compassing around
405
Our camp, both steeds and warriors shall
exclude,
And all fierce inroad of the haughty foe.
So counsell’d he, whom
every Chief approved.
In Troy meantime, at Priam’s gate
beside
The lofty citadel, debate began
410
The assembled senators between, confused,
Clamorous, and with furious heat pursued,
When them Antenor, prudent, thus bespake.
Ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies
of Troy,
My counsel hear! Delay not.
Instant yield 415
Page 91
To the Atridae, hence to be convey’d,
Helen of Greece with all that is her own.
For charged with violated oaths we fight,
And hope I none conceive that aught by
us
Design’d shall prosper, unless so
be done. 420
He spake and sat; when from
his seat arose
Paris, fair Helen’s noble paramour,
Who thus with speech impassion’d
quick replied.
Antenor! me thy counsel hath
not pleased;
Thou could’st have framed far better;
but if this 425
Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods
Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth.
But I will speak myself. Ye Chiefs
of Troy,
I tell you plain. I will not yield
my spouse.
But all her treasures to our house convey’d
430
From Argos, those will I resign, and add
Still other compensation from my own.
Thus Paris said and sat; when
like the Gods
Themselves in wisdom, from his seat uprose
Dardanian Priam, who them thus address’d.
435
Trojans, Dardanians, and allies
of Troy!
I shall declare my sentence; hear ye me.
Now let the legions, as at other times,
Take due refreshment; let the watch be
set,
And keep ye vigilant guard. At early
dawn 440
We will dispatch Idaeus to the fleet,
Who shall inform the Atridae of this last
Resolve of Paris, author of the war.
Discreet Idaeus also shall propose
A respite (if the Atridae so incline)
445
From war’s dread clamor, while we
burn the dead.
Then will we clash again, till heaven
at length
Shall part us, and the doubtful strife
decide.
He ceased, whose voice the
assembly pleased, obey’d.
Then, troop by troop, the army took repast,
450
And at the dawn Idaeus sought the fleet.
He found the Danai, servants of Mars,
Beside the stern of Agamemnon’s
ship
Consulting; and amid the assembled Chiefs
Arrived, with utterance clear them thus
address’d. 455
Ye sons of Atreus, and ye
Chiefs, the flower
Of all Achaia! Priam and the Chiefs
Of Ilium, bade me to your ear impart
(If chance such embassy might please your
ear)
The mind of Paris, author of the war.
460
The treasures which on board his ships
he brought
From Argos home (oh, had he perish’d
first!)
He yields them with addition from his
own.
Not so the consort of the glorious prince
Brave Menelaus; her (although in Troy
465
All counsel otherwise) he still detains.
Thus too I have in charge. Are ye
inclined
That the dread sounding clamors of the
field
Be caused to cease till we shall burn
the dead?
Then will we clash again, ’till
heaven at length 470
Shall part us, and the doubtful strife
Page 92
decide.
So spake Idaeus, and all silent
sat;
Till at the last brave Diomede replied.
No. We will none of Paris’
treasures now,
Nor even Helen’s self. A child
may see 475
Destruction winging swift her course to
Troy.
He said. The admiring
Greeks with loud applause
All praised the speech of warlike Diomede,
And answer thus the King of men return’d.
Idaeus! thou hast witness’d
the resolve 480
Of the Achaian Chiefs, whose choice is
mine.
But for the slain, I shall not envy them
A funeral pile; the spirit fled, delay
Suits not. Last rites can not too
soon be paid.
Burn them. And let high-thundering
Jove attest 485
Himself mine oath, that war shall cease
the while.
So saying, he to all the Gods
upraised
His sceptre, and Idaeus homeward sped
To sacred Ilium. The Dardanians there
And Trojans, all assembled, his return
490
Expected anxious. He amid them told
Distinct his errand, when, at once dissolved,
The whole assembly rose, these to collect
The scatter’d bodies, those to gather
wood;
While on the other side, the Greeks arose
495
As sudden, and all issuing from the fleet
Sought fuel, some, and some, the scatter’d
dead.
Now from the gently-swelling
flood profound
The sun arising, with his earliest rays
In his ascent to heaven smote on the fields.
500
When Greeks and Trojans met. Scarce
could the slain
Be clear distinguish’d, but they
cleansed from each
His clotted gore with water, and warm
tears
Distilling copious, heaved them to the
wains.
But wailing none was heard, for such command
505
Had Priam issued; therefore heaping high
The bodies, silent and with sorrowing
hearts
They burn’d them, and to sacred
Troy return’d.
The Grecians also, on the funeral pile
The bodies heaping sad, burn’d them
with fire 510
Together, and return’d into the
fleet.
Then, ere the peep of dawn, and while
the veil
Of night, though thinner, still o’erhung
the earth,
Achaians, chosen from the rest, the pile
Encompass’d. With a tomb (one
tomb for all) 515
They crown’d the spot adust, and
to the tomb
(For safety of their fleet and of themselves)
Strong fortress added of high wall and
tower,
With solid gates affording egress thence
Commodious to the mounted charioteer;
520
Deep foss and broad they also dug without,
And planted it with piles. So toil’d
the Greeks.
The Gods, that mighty labor,
from beside
The Thunderer’s throne with admiration
view’d,
When Neptune, shaker of the shores, began.
525
Eternal father! is there on
Page 93
the face
Of all the boundless earth one mortal
man
Who will, in times to come, consult with
heaven?
See’st thou yon height of wall,
and yon deep trench
With which the Grecians have their fleet
inclosed, 530
And, careless of our blessing, hecatomb
Or invocation have presented none?
Far as the day-spring shoots herself abroad,
So far the glory of this work shall spread,
While Phoebus and myself, who, toiling
hard, 535
Built walls for king Laomedon, shall see
Forgotten all the labor of our hands.
To whom, indignant, thus high-thundering
Jove.
Oh thou, who shakest the solid earth at
will,
What hast thou spoken? An inferior
power, 540
A god of less sufficiency than thou,
Might be allowed some fear from such a
cause.
Fear not. Where’er the morning
shoots her beams,
Thy glory shall be known; and when the
Greeks
Shall seek their country through the waves
again, 545
Then break this bulwark down, submerge
it whole,
And spreading deep with sand the spacious
shore
As at the first, leave not a trace behind.
Such conference held the Gods;
and now the sun
Went down, and, that great work perform’d,
the Greeks 550
From tent to tent slaughter’d the
fatted ox
And ate their evening cheer. Meantime
arrived
Large fleet with Lemnian wine; Euneus,
son
Of Jason and Hypsipile, that fleet
From Lemnos freighted, and had stow’d
on board 555
A thousand measures from the rest apart
For the Atridae; but the host at large
By traffic were supplied; some barter’d
brass,
Others bright steel; some purchased wine
with hides,
These with their cattle, with their captives
those, 560
And the whole host prepared a glad regale.
All night the Grecians feasted, and the
host
Of Ilium, and all night deep-planning
Jove
Portended dire calamities to both,
Thundering tremendous!—Pale
was every cheek; 565
Each pour’d his goblet on the ground,
nor dared
The hardiest drink, ’till he had
first perform’d
Libation meet to the Saturnian King
Omnipotent; then, all retiring, sought
Their couches, and partook the gift of
sleep. 570
THE ILIAD.
BOOK VIII.
ARGUMENT OF THE
EIGHTH BOOK.
Jove calls a council, in which he forbids all interference
of the Gods between the Greeks and Trojans. He
repairs to Ida, where, having consulted the scales
of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Grecians.
Nestor is endangered by the death of one of his horses.
Diomede delivers him. In the chariot of Diomede
they both hasten to engage Hector, whose charioteer
is slain by Diomede. Jupiter again interposes
by his thunders, and the whole Grecian host, discomfited,
is obliged to seek refuge within the rampart.
Diomede, with others, at sight of a favorable omen
sent from Jove in answer to Agamemnon’s prayer,
sallies. Teucer performs great exploits, but is
disabled by Hector. Juno and Pallas set forth
from Olympus in aid of the Grecians, but are stopped
by Jupiter, who reascends from Ida, and in heaven
foretells the distresses which await the Grecians.
Page 94
Hector takes measures for the security of Troy during
the night, and prepares his host for an assault to
be made on the Grecian camp in the morning.
BOOK VIII.
The saffron-mantled morning[1] now was
spread
O’er all the nations, when the Thunderer
Jove
On the deep-fork’d Olympian topmost
height
Convened the Gods in council, amid whom
He spake himself; they all attentive heard.
5
Gods! Goddesses!
Inhabitants of heaven!
Attend; I make my secret purpose known.
Let neither God nor Goddess interpose
My counsel to rescind, but with one heart
Approve it, that it reach, at once, its
end. 10
Whom I shall mark soever from the rest
Withdrawn, that he may Greeks or Trojans
aid,
Disgrace shall find him; shamefully chastised
He shall return to the Olympian heights,
Or I will hurl him deep into the gulfs
15
Of gloomy Tartarus, where Hell shuts fast
Her iron gates, and spreads her brazen
floor,
As far below the shades, as earth from
heaven.
There shall he learn how far I pass in
might
All others; which if ye incline to doubt,
20
Now prove me. Let ye down the golden
chain[2]
From heaven, and at its nether links pull
all,
Both Goddesses and Gods. But me your
King,
Supreme in wisdom, ye shall never draw
To earth from heaven, toil adverse as
ye may. 25
Yet I, when once I shall be pleased to
pull,
The earth itself, itself the sea, and
you
Will lift with ease together, and will
wind
The chain around the spiry summit sharp
Of the Olympian, that all things upheaved
30
Shall hang in the mid heaven. So
far do I,
Compared with all who live, transcend
them all.
He ended, and the Gods long
time amazed
Sat silent, for with awful tone he spake:
But at the last Pallas blue-eyed began.
35
Father! Saturnian Jove!
of Kings supreme!
We know thy force resistless; but our
hearts
Feel not the less, when we behold the
Greeks
Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot.
If thou command, we, doubtless, will abstain
40
From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks
Suggesting still, as may in part effect
Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them
all.
To whom with smiles answer’d
cloud-gatherer Jove.
Fear not, my child! stern as mine accent
was, 45
I forced a frown—no more.
For in mine heart
Nought feel I but benevolence to thee.
He said, and to his chariot
join’d his steeds
Swift, brazen-hoof’d, and mailed
with wavy gold;
He put on golden raiment, his bright scourge
50
Of gold receiving rose into his seat,
Page 95
And lash’d his steeds; they not
unwilling flew
Midway the earth between and starry heaven.
To spring-fed Ida, mother of wild beasts,
He came, where stands in Gargarus[3] his
shrine 55
Breathing fresh incense! there the Sire
of all
Arriving, loosed his coursers, and around
Involving them in gather’d clouds
opaque,
Sat on the mountain’s head, in his
own might
Exulting, with the towers of Ilium all
60
Beneath his eye, and the whole fleet of
Greece.
In all their tents, meantime,
Achaia’s sons
Took short refreshment, and for fight
prepared.
On the other side, though fewer, yet constrain’d
By strong necessity, throughout all Troy,
65
In the defence of children and wives
Ardent, the Trojans panted for the field.
Wide flew the city gates: forth rush’d
to war
Horsemen and foot, and tumult wild arose.
They met, they clash’d; loud was
the din of spears 70
And bucklers on their bosoms brazen-mail’d
Encountering, shields in opposition from
Met bossy shields, and tumult wild arose.[4]
There many a shout and many
a dying groan
Were heard, the slayer and the maim’d
aloud 75
Clamoring, and the earth was drench’d
with blood.
’Till sacred morn[5] had brighten’d
into noon,
The vollied weapons on both sides their
task
Perform’d effectual, and the people
fell.
But when the sun had climb’d the
middle skies, 80
The Sire of all then took his golden scales;[6]
Doom against doom he weigh’d, the
eternal fates
In counterpoise, of Trojans and of Greeks.
He rais’d the beam; low sank the
heavier lot
Of the Achaians; the Achaian doom
85
Subsided, and the Trojan struck the skies.
Then roar’d the thunders
from the summit hurl’d
of Ida, and his vivid lightnings flew
Into Achaia’s host. They at
the sight
Astonish’d stood; fear whiten’d
every cheek.[7] 90
Idomeneus dared not himself abide
That shock, nor Agamemnon stood, nor stood
The heroes Ajax, ministers of Mars.
Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks,
Alone fled not, nor he by choice remain’d,
95
But by his steed retarded, which the mate
Of beauteous Helen, Paris, with a shaft
Had stricken where the forelock grows,
a part
Of all most mortal. Tortured by the
wound
Erect he rose, the arrow in his brain,
100
And writhing furious, scared his fellow-steeds.
Meantime, while, strenuous, with his falchion’s
edge
The hoary warrior stood slashing the reins,
Through multitudes of fierce pursuers
borne
On rapid wheels, the dauntless charioteer
105
Approach’d him, Hector. Then,
past hope, had died
Page 96
The ancient King, but Diomede discern’d
His peril imminent, and with a voice
Like thunder, called Ulysses to his aid.
Laertes’ noble son,
for wiles renown’d! 110
Art thou too fugitive, and turn’st
thy back
Like the base multitude? Ah! fear
a lance
Implanted ignominious in thy spine.
Stop—Nestor dies. Fell
Hector is at hand.
So shouted Diomede, whose
summons loud, 115
Ulysses yet heard not, but, passing, flew
With headlong haste to the Achaian fleet.
Then, Diomede, unaided as he was,
Rush’d ardent to the vanward, and
before
The steeds of the Neleian sovereign old
120
Standing, in accents wing’d, him
thus address’d.
Old Chief! these youthful
warriors are too brisk
For thee, press’d also by encroaching
age,
Thy servant too is feeble, and thy steeds
Are tardy. Mount my chariot.
Thou shalt see 125
With what rapidity the steeds of Troy,
Pursuing or retreating, scour the field.
I took them from that terror of his foes,
AEneas. Thine to our attendants leave,
While these against the warlike powers
of Troy 130
We push direct; that Hector’s self
may know
If my spear rage not furious as his own.
He said, nor the Gerenian
Chief refused.
Thenceforth their servants, Sthenelus
and good
Eurymedon, took charge of Nestor’s
steeds, 135
And they the chariot of Tydides both
Ascended; Nestor seized the reins, plied
well
The scourge, and soon they met. Tydides
hurl’d
At Hector first, while rapid he advanced;
But missing Hector, wounded in the breast
140
Eniopeus his charioteer, the son
Of brave Thebaeus, managing the steeds.
He fell; his fiery coursers at the sound
Startled, recoil’d, and where he
fell he died.
Deep sorrow for his charioteer o’erwhelm’d
145
The mind of Hector; yet, although he mourn’d
He left him, and another sought as brave.
Nor wanted long his steeds a charioteer,
For finding soon the son of Iphitus,
Bold Archeptolemus, he bade him mount
150
His chariot, and the reins gave to his
hand.
Then deeds of bloodiest note should have
ensued,
Penn’d had the Trojans been, as
lambs, in Troy,
But for quick succor of the sire of all.
Thundering, he downward hurled his candent
bolt 155
To the horse-feet of Diomede; dire fumed
The flaming sulphur, and both horses drove
Under the axle, belly to the ground.
Forth flew the splendid reins from Nestor’s
hand,
And thus to Diomede, appall’d, he
spake. 160
Back to the fleet, Tydides!
Can’st not see
That Jove ordains not, now, the victory
thine?
Page 97
The son of Saturn glorifies to-day
This Trojan, and, if such his will, can
make
The morrow ours; but vain it is to thwart
165
The mind of Jove, for he is Lord of all.
To him the valiant Diomede
replied.
Thou hast well said, old warrior! but
the pang
That wrings my soul, is this. The
public ear
In Ilium shall from Hector’s lips
be told— 170
I drove Tydides—fearing me
he fled.
So shall he vaunt, and may the earth her
jaws
That moment opening swallow me alive!
Him answer’d the Gerenian
warrior old.
What saith the son of Tydeus, glorious
Chief? 175
Should Hector so traduce thee as to call
Thee base and timid, neither Trojan him
Nor Dardan would believe, nor yet the
wives
Of numerous shielded warriors brave of
Troy,
Widow’d by thy unconquerable arm.
180
So saying, he through the
fugitives his steeds
Turn’d swift to flight. Then
Hector and his host
With clamor infinite their darts wo-wing’d
Shower’d after them, and Hector,
mighty Chief
Majestic, from afar, thus call’d
aloud. 185
Tydides! thee the Danai swift-horsed
Were wont to grace with a superior seat,
The mess of honor, and the brimming cup,
But now will mock thee. Thou art
woman now.
Go, timorous girl! Thou never shalt
behold 190
Me flying, climb our battlements, or lead
Our women captive. I will slay thee
first.
He ceased. Then Diomede
in dread suspense
Thrice purposed, turning, to withstand
the foe,
And thrice in thunder from the mountain-top
195
Jove gave the signal of success to Troy.
When Hector thus the Trojans hail’d
aloud.
Trojans and Lycians, and close-warring
sons
Of Dardanus, oh summon all your might,
Now, now be men! I know that from
his heart 200
Saturnian Jove glory and bright success
For me prepares, but havoc for the Greeks.
Fools! they shall find this wall which
they have raised
Too weak to check my course, a feeble
guard
Contemptible; such also is the trench;
205
My steeds shall slight it with an easy
leap.
But when ye see me in their fleet arrived,
Remember fire. Then bring me flaming
brands
That I may burn their galleys and themselves
Slaughter beside them, struggling in the
smoke.[8] 210
He spake, and thus encouraged
next his steeds.
Xanthus! Podargus! and ye generous
pair
AEthon and glossy Lampus! now requite
Mine, and the bounty of Andromache,
Far-famed Eetion’s daughter; she
your bowl 215
With corn fresh-flavor’d and with
wine full oft
Hath mingled, your refreshment seeking
first
Ere mine, who have a youthful husband’s
Page 98
claim.[9]
Now follow! now be swift; that we may
seize
The shield of Nestor, bruited to the skies
220
As golden all, trappings and disk alike.
Now from the shoulders of the equestrian
Chief
Tydides tear we off his splendid mail,
The work of Vulcan.[10] May we take but
these,
I have good hope that, ere this night
be spent, 225
The Greeks shall climb their galleys and
away.
So vaunted he, but Juno with
disdain
His proud boast heard, and shuddering
in her throne,
Rock’d the Olympian; turning then
toward
The Ocean’s mighty sovereign, thus
she spake. 230
Alas! earth-shaking sovereign
of the waves,
Feel’st thou no pity of the perishing
Greeks?
Yet Greece, in Helice, with gifts nor
few
Nor sordid, and in AEgae, honors thee,
Whom therefore thou shouldst prosper.
Would we all 235
Who favor Greece associate to repulse
The Trojans, and to check loud-thundering
Jove,
On Ida seated he might lour alone.
To whom the Sovereign, Shaker
of the Shores,
Indignant. Juno! rash in speech!
what word 240
Hath ’scaped thy lips? never, with
my consent,
Shall we, the powers subordinate, in arms
With Jove contend. He far excels
us all.
So they. Meantime, the
trench and wall between,[11]
The narrow interval with steeds was fill’d
245
Close throng’d and shielded warriors.
There immew’d
By Priameian Hector, fierce as Mars,
They stood, for Hector had the help of
Jove.
And now with blazing fire their gallant
barks
He had consumed, but Juno moved the mind
250
Of Agamemnon, vigilant himself,
To exhortation of Achaia’s host.
Through camp and fleet the monarch took
his way,
And, his wide robe imperial in his hand,
High on Ulysses’ huge black galley
stood, 255
The central ship conspicuous; thence his
voice
Might reach the most remote of all the
line
At each extreme, where Ajax had his tent
Pitch’d, and Achilles, fearless
of surprise.
Thence, with loud voice, the Grecians
thus he hail’d. 260
Oh shame to Greece! Warriors
in show alone!
Where is your boasted prowess? Ye
profess’d
Vain-glorious erst in Lemnos, while ye
fed
Plenteously on the flesh of beeves full-grown,
And crown’d your beakers high, that
ye would face 265
Each man a hundred Trojans in the field—
Ay, twice a hundred—yet are
all too few
To face one Hector now; nor doubt I aught
But he shall soon fire the whole fleet
of Greece.
Jove! Father! what great sovereign
ever felt 270
Thy frowns as I? Whom hast thou shamed
as me?
Yet I neglected not, through all the course
Of our disasterous voyage (in the hope
Page 99
That we should vanquish Troy) thy sacred
rites,
But where I found thine altar, piled it
high 275
With fat and flesh of bulls, on every
shore.
But oh, vouchsafe to us, that we at least
Ourselves, deliver’d, may escape
the sword,
Nor let their foes thus tread the Grecians
down!
He said. The eternal
father pitying saw 280
His tears, and for the monarch’s
sake preserved
The people. Instant, surest of all
signs,
He sent his eagle; in his pounces strong
A fawn he bore, fruit of the nimble hind,
Which fast beside the beauteous altar
raised 285
To Panomphaean[12] Jove sudden he dropp’d.[13]
They, conscious, soon, that
sent from Jove he came,
More ardent sprang to fight. Then
none of all
Those numerous Chiefs could boast that
he outstripp’d
Tydides, urging forth beyond the foss
290
His rapid steeds, and rushing to the war.
He, foremost far, a Trojan slew, the son
Of Phradmon, Agelaeus; as he turn’d
His steeds to flight, him turning with
his spear
Through back and bosom Diomede transpierced.
295
And with loud clangor of his arms he fell.
Then, royal Agamemnon pass’d the
trench
And Menelaus; either Ajax, then,
Clad with fresh prowess both; them follow’d,
next,
Idomeneus, with his heroic friend
300
In battle dread as homicidal Mars,
Meriones; Evaemon’s son renown’d
Succeeded, bold Eurypylus; and ninth
Teucer, wide-straining his impatient bow.
He under covert fought of the broad shield
305
Of Telamonian Ajax; Ajax high
Upraised his shield; the hero from beneath
Took aim, and whom his arrow struck, he
fell;
Then close as to his mother’s side
a child
For safety creeps, Teucer to Ajax’
side 310
Retired, and Ajax shielded him again.
Whom then slew Teucer first, illustrious
Chief?
Orsilochus, and Ophelestes, first,
And Ormenus he slew, then Daetor died,
Chromius and Lycophontes brave in fight
315
With Amopaon Polyaemon’s son,
And Melanippus. These, together heap’d,
All fell by Teucer on the plain of Troy.
The Trojan ranks thinn’d by his
mighty bow
The King of armies Agamemnon saw
320
Well-pleased, and him approaching, thus
began.
Brave Telamonian Teucer, oh,
my friend,
Thus shoot, that light may visit once
again
The Danai, and Telamon rejoice!
Thee Telamon within his own abode
325
Rear’d although spurious; mount
him, in return,
Although remote, on glory’s heights
again.
I tell thee, and the effect shall follow
sure,
Let but the Thunderer and Minerva grant
The pillage of fair Ilium to the Greeks,
Page 100
330
And I will give to thy victorious hand,
After my own, the noblest recompense,
A tripod or a chariot with its steeds,
Or some fair captive to partake thy bed.
To whom the generous Teucer
thus replied. 335
Atrides! glorious monarch! wherefore me
Exhortest thou to battle? who myself
Glow with sufficient ardor, and such strength
As heaven affords me spare not to employ.
Since first we drove them back, with watchful
eye 340
Their warriors I have mark’d; eight
shafts my bow
Hath sent long-barb’d, and every
shaft, well-aim’d.
The body of some Trojan youth robust
Hath pierced, but still you ravening wolf
escapes.
He said, and from the nerve
another shaft 345
Impatient sent at Hector; but it flew
Devious, and brave Gorgythion struck instead.
Him beautiful Castianira, brought
By Priam from AEsyma, nymph of form
Celestial, to the King of Ilium bore.
350
As in the garden, with the weight surcharged
Of its own fruit, and drench’d by
vernal rains
The poppy falls oblique, so he his head
Hung languid, by his helmet’s weight
depress’d.[14]
Then Teucer yet an arrow from the nerve
355
Dispatch’d at Hector, with impatience
fired
To pierce him; but again his weapon err’d
Turn’d by Apollo, and the bosom
struck
Of Archeptolemus, his rapid steeds
To battle urging, Hector’s charioteer.
360
He fell, his fiery coursers at the sound
Recoil’d, and lifeless where he
fell he lay.
Deep sorrow for his charioteer the mind
O’erwhelm’d of Hector, yet
he left the slain,
And seeing his own brother nigh at hand,
365
Cebriones, him summon’d to the reins,
Who with alacrity that charge received.
Then Hector, leaping with a dreadful shout
From his resplendent chariot, grasp’d
a stone,
And rush’d on Teucer, vengeance
in his heart. 370
Teucer had newly fitted to the nerve
An arrow keen selected from the rest,
And warlike Hector, while he stood the
cord
Retracting, smote him with that rugged
rock
Just where the key-bone interposed divides
375
The neck and bosom, a most mortal part.
It snapp’d the bow-string, and with
numbing force
Struck dead his hand; low on his knees
he dropp’d,
And from his opening grasp let fall the
bow.
Then not unmindful of a brother fallen
380
Was Ajax, but, advancing rapid, stalk’d
Around him, and his broad shield interposed,
Till brave Alaster and Mecisteus, son
Of Echius, friends of Teucer, from the
earth
Upraised and bore him groaning to the
fleet. 385
And now again fresh force Olympian Jove
Page 101
Gave to the Trojans; right toward the
foss
They drove the Greeks, while Hector in
the van
Advanced, death menacing in every look.
As some fleet hound close-threatening
flank or haunch 390
Of boar or lion, oft as he his head
Turns flying, marks him with a steadfast
eye,
So Hector chased the Grecians, slaying
still
The hindmost of the scatter’d multitude.
But when, at length, both piles and hollow
foss 395
They had surmounted, and no few had fallen
By Trojan hands, within their fleet they
stood
Imprison’d, calling each to each,
and prayer
With lifted hands, loud offering to the
Gods.
With Gorgon looks, meantime, and eyes
of Mars, 400
Hector impetuous his mane-tossing steeds
From side to side before the rampart drove,
When white-arm’d Juno pitying the
Greeks,
In accents wing’d her speech to
Pallas turn’d.
Alas, Jove’s daughter!
shall not we at least 405
In this extremity of their distress
Care for the Grecians by the fatal force
Of this one Chief destroy’d?
I can endure
The rage of Priameian Hector now
No longer; such dire mischiefs he hath
wrought. 410
Whom answer’d thus Pallas,
caerulean-eyed.
—And Hector had himself long
since his life
Resign’d and rage together, by the
Greeks
Slain under Ilium’s walls, but Jove,
my sire,
Mad counsels executing and perverse,
415
Me counterworks in all that I attempt,
Nor aught remembers how I saved ofttimes
His son enjoin’d full many a task
severe
By King Eurystheus; to the Gods he wept,
And me Jove sent in haste to his relief.
420
But had I then foreseen what now I know,
When through the adamantine gates he pass’d
To bind the dog of hell, by the deep floods
Hemm’d in of Styx, he had return’d
no more.
But Thetis wins him now; her will prevails,
425
And mine he hates; for she hath kiss’d
his knees
And grasp’d his beard, and him in
prayer implored
That he would honor her heroic son
Achilles, city-waster prince renown’d.
’Tis well—the day shall
come when Jove again 430
Shall call me darling, and his blue-eyed
maid
As heretofore;—but thou thy
steeds prepare,
While I, my father’s mansion entering,
arm
For battle. I would learn by trial
sure,
If Hector, Priam’s offspring famed
in fight 435
(Ourselves appearing in the walks of war)
Will greet us gladly. Doubtless at
the fleet
Some Trojan also, shall to dogs resign
His flesh for food, and to the fowls of
heaven.
So counsell’d Pallas,
nor the daughter dread 440
Of mighty Saturn, Juno, disapproved,
But busily and with dispatch prepared
The trappings of her coursers golden-rein’d.
Page 102
Meantime, Minerva progeny of Jove,
On the adamantine floor of his abode
445
Let fall profuse her variegated robe,
Labor of her own hands. She first
put on
The corslet of the cloud-assembler God,
Then arm’d her for the field of
wo, complete.
Mounting the fiery chariot, next she seized
450
Her ponderous spear, huge, irresistible,
With which Jove’s awful daughter
levels ranks
Of heroes against whom her anger burns.
Juno with lifted lash urged on the steeds.
At their approach, spontaneous roar’d
the wide- 455
Unfolding gates of heaven; the heavenly
gates
Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the
charge
Of the Olympian summit appertains,
And of the boundless ether, back to roll,
And to replace the cloudy barrier dense.
460
Spurr’d through the portal flew
the rapid steeds:
Which when the Eternal Father from the
heights
Of Ida saw, kindling with instant ire
To golden-pinion’d Iris thus he
spake.
Haste, Iris, turn them thither
whence they came; 465
Me let them not encounter; honor small
To them, to me, should from that strife
accrue.
Tell them, and the effect shall sure ensue,
That I will smite their steeds, and they
shall halt
Disabled; break their chariot, dash themselves
470
Headlong, and ten whole years shall not
efface
The wounds by my avenging bolts impress’d.
So shall my blue-eyed daughter learn to
dread
A father’s anger; but for the offence
Of Juno, I resent it less; for she
475
Clashes[15] with all my counsels from
of old.
He ended; Iris with a tempest’s
speed
From the Idaean summit soar’d at
once
To the Olympian; at the open gates
Exterior of the mountain many-valed
480
She stayed them, and her coming thus declared.
Whither, and for what cause?
What rage is this?
Ye may not aid the Grecians; Jove forbids;
The son of Saturn threatens, if ye force
His wrath by perseverance into act,
485
That he will smite your steeds, and they
shall halt
Disabled; break your chariot, dash yourselves
Headlong, and ten whole years shall not
efface
The wounds by his avenging bolts impress’d.
So shall his blue-eyed daughter learn
to dread 490
A father’s anger; but for the offence
Of Juno, he resents it less; for she
Clashes with all his counsels from of
old.
But thou, Minerva, if thou dare indeed
Lift thy vast spear against the breast
of Jove, 495
Incorrigible art and dead to shame.
So saying, the rapid Iris
disappear’d,
And thus her speech to Pallas Juno turn’d.
Ah Pallas, progeny of Jove!
henceforth
Page 103
No longer, in the cause of mortal men,
500
Contend we against Jove. Perish or
live
Grecians or Trojans as he wills; let him
Dispose the order of his own concerns,
And judge between them, as of right he
may.
So saying, she turn’d
the coursers; them the Hours 505
Released, and to ambrosial mangers bound,
Then thrust their chariot to the luminous
wall.
They, mingling with the Gods, on golden
thrones
Dejected sat, and Jove from Ida borne
Reach’d the Olympian heights, seat
of the Gods. 510
His steeds the glorious King of Ocean
loosed,
And thrust the chariot, with its veil
o’erspread.
Into its station at the altar’s
side.
Then sat the Thunderer on his throne of
gold
Himself, and the huge mountain shook.
Meantime 515
Juno and Pallas, seated both apart,
Spake not or question’d him.
Their mute reserve
He noticed, conscious of the cause, and
said.
Juno and Pallas, wherefore
sit ye sad?
Not through fatigue by glorious fight
incurr’d 520
And slaughter of the Trojans whom ye hate.
Mark now the difference. Not the
Gods combined
Should have constrain’d me
back, till all my force,
Superior as it is, had fail’d, and
all
My fortitude. But ye, ere ye beheld
525
The wonders of the field, trembling retired.
And ye did well—Hear what had
else befallen.
My bolts had found you both, and ye had
reach’d,
In your own chariot borne, the Olympian
height,
Seat of the blest Immortals, never more.
530
He ended; Juno and Minerva
heard
Low murmuring deep disgust, and side by
side
Devising sat calamity to Troy.
Minerva, through displeasure against Jove,
Nought utter’d, for her bosom boil’d
with rage; 535
But Juno check’d not hers, who thus
replied.
What word hath pass’d
thy lips, Jove most severe?
We know thy force resistless; yet our
hearts
Feel not the less when we behold the Greeks
Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot.
540
If thou command, we doubtless will abstain
From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks
Suggesting still, as may in part effect
Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them
all.
Then answer, thus, cloud-gatherer
Jove return’d. 545
Look forth, imperial Juno, if thou wilt,
To-morrow at the blush of earliest dawn,
And thou shalt see Saturn’s almighty
son
The Argive host destroying far and wide.
For Hector’s fury shall admit no
pause 550
Till he have roused Achilles, in that
day
When at the ships, in perilous straits,
the hosts
Shall wage fierce battle for Patroclus
slain.
Such is the voice of fate. But, as
Page 104
for thee—
Withdraw thou to the confines of the abyss
555
Where Saturn and Iaepetus retired,
Exclusion sad endure from balmy airs
And from the light of morn, hell-girt
around,
I will not call thee thence. No.
Should thy rage
Transport thee thither, there thou may’st
abide, 560
There sullen nurse thy disregarded spleen
Obstinate as thou art, and void of shame.
He ended; to whom Juno nought
replied.
And now the radiant Sun in Ocean sank,
Drawing night after him o’er all
the earth; 565
Night, undesired by Troy, but to the Greeks
Thrice welcome for its interposing gloom.
Then Hector on the river’s
brink fast by
The Grecian fleet, where space he found
unstrew’d
With carcases convened the Chiefs of Troy.
570
They, there dismounting, listen’d
to the words
Of Hector Jove-beloved; he grasp’d
a spear
In length eleven cubits, bright its head
Of brass, and color’d with a ring
of gold.
He lean’d on it, and ardent thus
began. 575
Trojans, Dardanians, and allies
of Troy!
I hoped, this evening (every ship consumed,
And all the Grecians slain) to have return’d
To wind-swept Ilium. But the shades
of night
Have intervened, and to the night they
owe, 580
In chief, their whole fleet’s safety
and their own.
Now, therefore, as the night enjoins,
all take
Needful refreshment. Your high-mettled
steeds
Release, lay food before them, and in
haste
Drive hither from the city fatted sheep
585
And oxen; bring ye from your houses bread,
Make speedy purchase of heart-cheering
wine,
And gather fuel plenteous; that all night,
E’en till Aurora, daughter of the
morn
Shall look abroad, we may with many fires
590
Illume the skies; lest even in the night,
Launching, they mount the billows and
escape.
Beware that they depart not unannoy’d,
But, as he leaps on board, give each a
wound
With shaft or spear, which he shall nurse
at home. 595
So shall the nations fear us, and shall
vex
With ruthless war Troy’s gallant
sons no more.
Next, let the heralds, ministers of Jove,
Loud notice issue that the boys well-grown,
And ancients silver-hair’d on the
high towers 600
Built by the Gods, keep watch; on every
hearth
In Troy, let those of the inferior sex
Make sprightly blaze, and place ye there
a guard
Sufficient, lest in absence of the troops
An ambush enter, and surprise the town.
605
Act thus, ye dauntless Trojans; the advice
Is wholesome, and shall serve the present
need,
And so much for the night; ye shall be
told
The business of the morn when morn appears.
Page 105
It is my prayer to Jove and to all heaven
610
(Not without hope) that I may hence expel
These dogs, whom Ilium’s unpropitious
fates
Have wafted hither in their sable barks.
But we will also watch this night, ourselves,
And, arming with the dawn, will at their
ships 615
Give them brisk onset. Then shall
it appear
If Diomede the brave shall me compel
Back to our walls, or I, his arms blood-stain’d,
Torn from his breathless body, bear away.
To-morrow, if he dare but to abide
620
My lance, he shall not want occasion meet
For show of valor. But much more
I judge
That the next rising sun shall see him
slain
With no few friends around him. Would
to heaven!
I were as sure to ’scape the blight
of age 625
And share their honors with the Gods above,
As comes the morrow fraught with wo to
Greece.
So Hector, whom his host with
loud acclaim
All praised. Then each his sweating
steeds released,
And rein’d them safely at his chariot-side.
630
And now from Troy provision large they
brought,
Oxen, and sheep, with store of wine and
bread,
And fuel much was gather’d. [16]Next
the Gods
With sacrifice they sought, and from the
plain
Upwafted by the winds the smoke aspired
635
Savoury, but unacceptable to those
Above; such hatred in their hearts they
bore
To Priam, to the people of the brave
Spear-practised Priam, and to sacred Troy.
Big with great purposes and
proud, they sat, 640
Not disarray’d, but in fair form
disposed
Of even ranks, and watch’d their
numerous fires,
As when around the clear bright moon,
the stars
Shine in full splendor, and the winds
are hush’d,
The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland-heights
645
Stand all apparent, not a vapor streaks
The boundless blue, but ether open’d
wide
All glitters, and the shepherd’s
heart is cheer’d;[17]
So numerous seem’d those fires the
bank between
Of Xanthus, blazing, and the fleet of
Greece, 650
In prospect all of Troy; a thousand fires,
Each watch’d by fifty warriors seated
near.
The steeds beside the chariots stood,
their corn
Chewing, and waiting till the golden-throned
Aurora should restore the light of day.
655
THE ILIAD.
BOOK IX.
ARGUMENT OF THE
NINTH BOOK.
By advice of Nestor, Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phoenix,
and Ajax to the tent of Achilles with proposals of
reconciliation. They execute their commission,
but without effect. Phoenix remains with Achilles;
Ulysses and Ajax return.
BOOK IX.
Page 106
So watch’d the Trojan host;
but thoughts of flight,
Companions of chill fear, from heaven infused,
Possess’d the Grecians; every leader’s
heart
Bled, pierced with anguish insupportable.
As when two adverse winds blowing from Thrace,
5
Boreas and Zephyrus, the fishy Deep
Vex sudden, all around, the sable flood
High curl’d, flings forth the salt weed on
the shore
Such tempest rent the mind of every Greek.
Forth stalk’d Atrides with heart-riving
wo 10
Transfixt; he bade his heralds call by name
Each Chief to council, but without the sound
Of proclamation; and that task himself
Among the foremost sedulous perform’d.
The sad assembly sat; when weeping fast
15
As some deep[1] fountain pours its rapid stream
Down from the summit of a lofty rock,
King Agamemnon in the midst arose,
And, groaning, the Achaians thus address’d.
Friends, counsellors and leaders of the Greeks!
20
In dire perplexity Saturnian Jove
Involves me, cruel; he assured me erst,
And solemnly, that I should not return
Till I had wasted wall-encircled Troy;
But now (ah fraudulent and foul reverse!)
25
Commands me back inglorious to the shores
Of distant Argos, with diminish’d troops.
So stands the purpose of almighty Jove,
Who many a citadel hath laid in dust,
And shall hereafter, matchless in his power.
30
Haste therefore. My advice is, that we all
Fly with our fleet into our native land,
For wide-built Ilium shall not yet be ours.
He ceased, and all sat silent; long the sons
Of Greece, o’erwhelm’d with sorrow,
silent sat, 35
When thus, at last, bold Diomede began.
Atrides! foremost of the Chiefs I rise
To contravert thy purpose ill-conceived,
And with such freedom as the laws, O King!
Of consultation and debate allow.
40
Hear patient. Thou hast been thyself the first
Who e’er reproach’d me in the public
ear
As one effeminate and slow to fight;
How truly, let both young and old decide.
The son of wily Saturn hath to thee
45
Given, and refused; he placed thee high in power,
Gave thee to sway the sceptre o’er us all,
But courage gave thee not, his noblest gift.[2]
Art thou in truth persuaded that the Greeks
Are pusillanimous, as thou hast said?
50
If thy own fears impel thee to depart,
Go thou, the way is open; numerous ships,
Thy followers from Mycenae, line the shore.
But we, the rest, depart not, ’till the spoil
Of Troy reward us. Or if all incline
55
To seek again their native home, fly all;
Myself and Sthenelus will persevere
Till Ilium fall, for with the Gods we came.
He ended; all the admiring sons of Greece
Page 107
With shouts the warlike Diomede extoll’d,
60
When thus equestrian Nestor next began.
Tydides, thou art eminently brave
In fight, and all the princes of thy years
Excell’st in council. None of all the
Greeks
Shall find occasion just to blame thy speech
65
Or to gainsay; yet thou hast fallen short.
What wonder? Thou art young; and were myself
Thy father, thou should’st be my latest born.
Yet when thy speech is to the Kings of Greece,
It is well-framed and prudent. Now attend!
70
Myself will speak, who have more years to boast
Than thou hast seen, and will so closely scan
The matter, that Atrides, our supreme,
Himself shall have no cause to censure me.
He is a wretch, insensible and dead
75
To all the charities of social life,
Whose pleasure is in civil broils alone.[3]
But Night is urgent, and with Night’s demands
Let all comply. Prepare we now repast,
And let the guard be stationed at the trench
80
Without the wall; the youngest shall supply
That service; next, Atrides, thou begin
(For thou art here supreme) thy proper task.
Banquet the elders; it shall not disgrace
Thy sovereignty, but shall become thee well.
85
Thy tents are fill’d with wine which day by
day
Ships bring from Thrace; accommodation large
Hast thou, and numerous is thy menial train.
Thy many guests assembled, thou shalt hear
Our counsel, and shalt choose the best; great need
90
Have all Achaia’s sons, now, of advice
Most prudent; for the foe, fast by the fleet
Hath kindled numerous fires, which who can see
Unmoved? This night shall save us or destroy.[4]
He spake, whom all with full consent approved.
95
Forth rush’d the guard well-arm’d; first
went the son
Of Nestor, Thrasymedes, valiant Chief;
Then, sons of Mars, Ascalaphus advanced,
And brave Iaelmenus; whom follow’d next
Deipyrus, Aphareus, Meriones,
100
And Lycomedes, Creon’s son renown’d.
Seven were the leaders of the guard, and each
A hundred spearmen headed, young and bold.
Between the wall and trench their seat they chose,
There kindled fires, and each his food prepared.
105
Atrides, then, to his pavilion led
The thronging Chiefs of Greece, and at his board
Regaled them; they with readiness and keen
Dispatch of hunger shared the savory feast,
And when nor thirst remain’d nor hunger more
110
Unsated, Nestor then, arising first,
Whose counsels had been ever wisest deem’d,
Warm for the public interest, thus began.
Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men!
Thou art my first and last, proem and close,
115
For thou art mighty, and to thee are given
From Jove the sceptre and the laws in charge,
Page 108
For the advancement of the general good.
Hence, in peculiar, both to speak and hear
Become thy duty, and the best advice,
120
By whomsoever offer’d, to adopt
And to perform, for thou art judge alone.
I will promulge the counsel which to me
Seems wisest; such, that other Grecian none
Shall give thee better; neither is it new,
125
But I have ever held it since the day
When, most illustrious! thou wast pleased to take
By force the maid Briseis from the tent
Of the enraged Achilles; not, in truth,
By my advice, who did dissuade thee much;
130
But thou, complying with thy princely wrath,
Hast shamed a Hero whom themselves the Gods
Delight to honor, and his prize detain’st.
Yet even now contrive we, although late,
By lenient gifts liberal, and by speech
135
Conciliatory, to assuage his ire.
Then answer’d Agamemnon, King of men.
Old Chief! there is no falsehood in thy charge;
I have offended, and confess the wrong.
The warrior is alone a host, whom Jove
140
Loves as he loves Achilles, for whose sake
He hath Achaia’s thousands thus subdued.
But if the impulse of a wayward mind
Obeying, I have err’d, behold me, now,
Prepared to soothe him with atonement large
145
Of gifts inestimable, which by name
I will propound in presence of you all.
Seven tripods, never sullied yet with fire;
Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright;
Twelve coursers, strong, victorious in the race;
150
No man possessing prizes such as mine
Which they have won for me, shall feel the want
Of acquisitions splendid or of gold.
Seven virtuous female captives will I give
Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all,
155
Whom, when himself took Lesbos, I received
My chosen portion, passing womankind
In perfect loveliness of face and form.
These will I give, and will with these resign
Her whom I took, Briseis, with an oath
160
Most solemn, that unconscious as she was
Of my embraces, such I yield her his.
All these I give him now; and if at length
The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn
Priam’s great city, let him heap his ships
165
With gold and brass, entering and choosing first
When we shall share the spoil. Let him beside
Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy,
Helen except, loveliest of all their sex.
And if once more, the rich milk-flowing land
170
We reach of Argos, he shall there become
My son-in-law, and shall enjoy like state
With him whom I in all abundance rear,
My only son Orestes. At my home
I have three daughters; let him thence conduct
175
To Phthia, her whom he shall most approve.
Chrysothemis shall be his bride, or else
Page 109
Laodice; or if she please him more,
Iphianassa; and from him I ask
No dower;[5] myself will such a dower bestow
180
As never father on his child before.
Seven fair well-peopled cities I will give
Cardamyle and Enope, and rich
In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built,
And for her depth of pasturage renown’d
185
Antheia; proud AEpeia’s lofty towers,
And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines.
All these are maritime, and on the shore
They stand of Pylus, by a race possess’d
Most rich in flocks and herds, who tributes large,
190
And gifts presenting to his sceptred hand,
Shall hold him high in honor as a God.
These will I give him if from wrath he cease.
Let him be overcome. Pluto alone
Is found implacable and deaf to prayer,
195
Whom therefore of all Gods men hate the most.
My power is greater, and my years than his
More numerous, therefore let him yield to me.
To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied.
Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men!
200
No sordid gifts, or to be view’d with scorn,
Givest thou the Prince Achilles. But away!
Send chosen messengers, who shall the son
Of Peleus, instant, in his tent address.
Myself will choose them, be it theirs to obey.
205
Let Phoenix lead, Jove loves him. Be the next
Huge Ajax; and the wise Ulysses third.
Of heralds, Odius and Eurybates
Shall them attend. Bring water for our hands;
Give charge that every tongue abstain from speech
210
Portentous, and propitiate Jove by prayer.
He spake, and all were pleased. The heralds
pour’d
Pure water on their hands;[6] attendant youths
The beakers crown’d, and wine from right to
left
Distributed to all. Libation made,
215
All drank, and in such measure as they chose,
Then hasted forth from Agamemnon’s tent.
Gerenian Nestor at their side them oft
Instructed, each admonishing by looks
Significant, and motion of his eyes,
220
But most Ulysses, to omit no means
By which Achilles likeliest might be won.
Along the margin of the sounding deep
They pass’d, to Neptune, compasser of earth,
Preferring vows ardent with numerous prayers,
225
That they might sway with ease the mighty mind
Of fierce AEacides. And now they reach’d
The station where his Myrmidons abode.
Him solacing they found his heart with notes
Struck from his silver-framed harmonious lyre;
230
Among the spoils he found it when he sack’d
Eetion’s city; with that lyre his cares
He sooth’d, and glorious heroes were his theme.[7]
Patroclus silent sat, and he alone,
Before him, on AEacides intent,
235
Expecting still when he should cease to sing.
Page 110
The messengers advanced (Ulysses first)
Into his presence; at the sight, his harp
Still in his hand, Achilles from his seat
Started astonish’d; nor with less amaze
240
Patroclus also, seeing them, arose.
Achilles seized their hands, and thus he spake.[8]
Hail friends! ye all are welcome. Urgent
cause
Hath doubtless brought you, whom I dearest hold
(Though angry still) of all Achaia’s host.
245
So saying, he introduced them, and on seats
Placed them with purple arras overspread,
Then thus bespake Patroclus standing nigh.
Son of Menaetius! bring a beaker more
Capacious, and replenish it with wine
250
Diluted[9] less; then give to each his cup;
For dearer friends than these who now arrive
My roof beneath, or worthier, have I none.
He ended, and Patroclus quick obey’d,
Whom much he loved. Achilles, then, himself
255
Advancing near the fire an ample[10] tray,
Spread goats’ flesh on it, with the flesh
of sheep
And of a fatted brawn; of each a chine.
Automedon attending held them fast,
While with sharp steel Achilles from the bone
260
Sliced thin the meat, then pierced it with the spits.
Meantime the godlike Menaetiades
Kindled fierce fire, and when the flame declined,
Raked wide the embers, laid the meat to roast,
And taking sacred salt from the hearth-side
265
Where it was treasured, shower’d it o’er
the feast.
When all was finish’d, and the board set forth,
Patroclus furnish’d it around with bread
In baskets, and Achilles served the guests.
Beside the tent-wall, opposite, he sat
270
To the divine Ulysses; first he bade
Patroclus make oblation; he consign’d
The consecrated morsel to the fire,
And each, at once, his savoury mess assail’d.
When neither edge of hunger now they felt
275
Nor thirsted longer, Ajax with a nod
Made sign to Phoenix, which Ulysses mark’d,
And charging high his cup, drank to his host.
Health to Achilles! hospitable cheer
And well prepared, we want not at the board
280
Of royal Agamemnon, or at thine,
For both are nobly spread; but dainties now,
Or plenteous boards, are little our concern.[11]
Oh godlike Chief! tremendous ills we sit
Contemplating with fear, doubtful if life
285
Or death, with the destruction of our fleet,
Attend us, unless thou put on thy might.
For lo! the haughty Trojans, with their friends
Call’d from afar, at the fleet-side encamp,
Fast by the wall, where they have kindled fires
290
Numerous, and threaten that no force of ours
Shall check their purposed inroad on the ships.
Jove grants them favorable signs from heaven,
Bright lightnings; Hector glares revenge, with rage
Page 111
Infuriate, and by Jove assisted, heeds
295
Nor God nor man, but prays the morn to rise
That he may hew away our vessel-heads,
Burn all our fleet with fire, and at their sides
Slay the Achaians struggling in the smoke.
Horrible are my fears lest these his threats
300
The Gods accomplish, and it be our doom
To perish here, from Argos far remote.
Up, therefore! if thou canst, and now at last
The weary sons of all Achaia save
From Trojan violence. Regret, but vain,
305
Shall else be thine hereafter, when no cure
Of such great ill, once suffer’d, can be found.
Thou therefore, seasonably kind, devise
Means to preserve from such disast’rous fate
The Grecians. Ah, my friend! when Peleus thee
310
From Phthia sent to Agamemnon’s aid,
On that same day he gave thee thus in charge.
“Juno, my son, and Pallas, if they please,
Can make thee valiant; but thy own big heart
Thyself restrain. Sweet manners win respect.
315
Cease from pernicious strife, and young and old
Throughout the host shall honor thee the more.”
Such was thy father’s charge, which thou,
it seems,
Remember’st not. Yet even now thy wrath
Renounce; be reconciled; for princely gifts
320
Atrides gives thee if thy wrath subside.
Hear, if thou wilt, and I will tell thee all,
How vast the gifts which Agamemnon made
By promise thine, this night within his tent.
Seven tripods never sullied yet with fire;
325
Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright;
Twelve steeds strong-limb’d, victorious in
the race;
No man possessing prizes such as those
Which they have won for him, shall feel the want
Of acquisitions splendid, or of gold.
330
Seven virtuous female captives he will give,
Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all,
Whom when thou conquer’dst Lesbos, he received
His chosen portion, passing woman-kind
In perfect loveliness of face and form.
335
These will he give, and will with these resign
Her whom he took, Briseis, with an oath
Most solemn, that unconscious as she was
Of his embraces, such he yields her back.
All these he gives thee now! and if at length
340
The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn
Priam’s great city, thou shalt heap thy ships
With gold and brass, entering and choosing first,
When we shall share the spoil; and shalt beside
Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy,
345
Helen except, loveliest of all their sex.
And if once more the rich milk-flowing land
We reach of Argos, thou shalt there become
His son-in-law, and shalt enjoy like state
With him, whom he in all abundance rears,
350
His only son Orestes. In his house
Page 112
He hath three daughters; thou may’st home
conduct
To Phthia, her whom thou shalt most approve.
Chrysothemis shall be thy bride; or else
Laodice; or if she please thee more
355
Iphianassa; and from thee he asks
No dower; himself will such a dower bestow
As never father on his child before.
Seven fair well-peopled cities will he give;
Cardamyle and Enope; and rich
360
In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built,
And for her depth of pasturage renown’d,
Antheia; proud AEpeia’s lofty towers,
And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines.
All these are maritime, and on the shore
365
They stand of Pylus, by a race possess’d
Most rich in flocks and herds, who tribute large
And gifts presenting to thy sceptred hand,
Shall hold thee high in honor as a God.
These will he give thee, if thy wrath subside.
370
But should’st thou rather in thine heart
the more
Both Agamemnon and his gifts detest,
Yet oh compassionate the afflicted host
Prepared to adore thee. Thou shalt win renown
Among the Grecians that shall never die.
375
Now strike at Hector. He is here;—himself
Provokes thee forth; madness is in his heart,
And in his rage he glories that our ships
Have hither brought no Grecian brave as he.
Then thus Achilles matchless in the race.
380
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!
I must with plainness speak my fixt resolve
Unalterable; lest I hear from each
The same long murmur’d melancholy tale.
For I abhor the man, not more the gates
385
Of hell itself, whose words belie his heart.
So shall not mine. My judgment undisguised
Is this; that neither Agamemnon me
Nor all the Greeks shall move; for ceaseless toil
Wins here no thanks; one recompense awaits
390
The sedentary and the most alert,
The brave and base in equal honor stand,
And drones and heroes fall unwept alike.
I after all my labors, who exposed
My life continual in the field, have earn’d
395
No very sumptuous prize. As the poor bird
Gives to her unfledged brood a morsel gain’d
After long search, though wanting it herself,
So I have worn out many sleepless nights,
And waded deep through many a bloody day
400
In battle for their wives.[12] I have destroy’d
Twelve cities with my fleet, and twelve, save one,
On foot contending in the fields of Troy.
From all these cities, precious spoils I took
Abundant, and to Agamemnon’s hand
405
Gave all the treasure. He within his ships
Abode the while, and having all received,
Little distributed, and much retained;
He gave, however, to the Kings and Chiefs
A portion, and they keep it. Me alone
Page 113
410
Of all the Grecian host he hath despoil’d;
My bride, my soul’s delight is in his hands,
And let him, couch’d with her, enjoy his fill
Of dalliance. What sufficient cause, what need
Have the Achaians to contend with Troy?
415
Why hath Atrides gather’d such a host,
And led them hither? Was’t not for the
sake
Of beauteous Helen? And of all mankind
Can none be found who love their proper wives
But the Atridae? There is no good man
420
Who loves not, guards not, and with care provides
For his own wife, and, though in battle won,
I loved the fair Briseis at my heart.
But having dispossess’d me of my prize
So foully, let him not essay me now,
425
For I am warn’d, and he shall not prevail.
With thee and with thy peers let him advise,
Ulysses! how the fleet may likeliest ’scape
Yon hostile fires; full many an arduous task
He hath accomplished without aid of mine;
430
So hath he now this rampart and the trench
Which he hath digg’d around it, and with stakes
Planted contiguous—puny barriers all
To hero-slaughtering Hector’s force opposed.
While I the battle waged, present myself
435
Among the Achaians, Hector never fought
Far from his walls, but to the Scaean gate
Advancing and the beech-tree, there remain’d.
Once, on that spot he met me, and my arm
Escaped with difficulty even there.
440
But, since I feel myself not now inclined
To fight with noble Hector, yielding first
To Jove due worship, and to all the Gods,
To-morrow will I launch, and give my ships
Their lading. Look thou forth at early dawn,
445
And, if such spectacle delight thee aught,
Thou shalt behold me cleaving with my prows
The waves of Hellespont, and all my crews
Of lusty rowers active in their task.
So shall I reach (if Ocean’s mighty God
450
Prosper my passage) Phthia the deep-soil’d
On the third day. I have possessions there,
Which hither roaming in an evil hour
I left abundant. I shall also hence
Convey much treasure, gold and burnish’d brass,
455
And glittering steel, and women passing fair
My portion of the spoils. But he, your King,
The prize he gave, himself resumed,
And taunted at me. Tell him my reply,
And tell it him aloud, that other Greeks
460
May indignation feel like me, if arm’d
Always in impudence, he seek to wrong
Them also. Let him not henceforth presume,
Canine and hard in aspect though he be,
To look me in the face. I will not share
465
His counsels, neither will I aid his works.
Let it suffice him, that he wrong’d me once,
Deceived me once, henceforth his glozing arts
Page 114
Are lost on me. But let him rot in peace
Crazed as he is, and by the stroke of Jove
470
Infatuate. I detest his gifts, and him
So honor as the thing which most I scorn.
And would he give me twenty times the worth
Of this his offer, all the treasured heaps
Which he possesses, or shall yet possess,
475
All that Orchomenos within her walls,
And all that opulent Egyptian Thebes
Receives, the city with a hundred gates,
Whence twenty thousand chariots rush to war,
And would he give me riches as the sands,
480
And as the dust of earth, no gifts from him
Should soothe me, till my soul were first avenged
For all the offensive license of his tongue.
I will not wed the daughter of your Chief,
Of Agamemnon. Could she vie in charms
485
With golden Venus, had she all the skill
Of blue-eyed Pallas, even so endow’d
She were no bride for me. No. He may choose
From the Achaians some superior Prince,
One more her equal. Peleus, if the Gods
490
Preserve me, and I safe arrive at home,
Himself, ere long, shall mate me with a bride.
In Hellas and in Phthia may be found
Fair damsels many, daughters of the Chiefs
Who guard our cities; I may choose of them,
495
And make the loveliest of them all my own.
There, in my country, it hath ever been
My dearest purpose, wedded to a wife
Of rank convenient, to enjoy in peace
Such wealth as ancient Peleus hath acquired.
500
For life, in my account, surpasses far
In value all the treasures which report
Ascribed to populous Ilium, ere the Greeks
Arrived, and while the city yet had peace;
Those also which Apollo’s marble shrine
505
In rocky Pytho boasts. Fat flocks and beeves
May be by force obtain’d, tripods and steeds
Are bought or won, but if the breath of man
Once overpass its bounds, no force arrests
Or may constrain the unbodied spirit back.
510
Me, as my silver-footed mother speaks
Thetis, a twofold consummation waits.
If still with battle I encompass Troy,
I win immortal glory, but all hope
Renounce of my return. If I return
515
To my beloved country, I renounce
The illustrious meed of glory, but obtain
Secure and long immunity from death.
And truly I would recommend to all
To voyage homeward, for the fall as yet
520
Ye shall not see of Ilium’s lofty towers,
For that the Thunderer with uplifted arm
Protects her, and her courage hath revived.
Bear ye mine answer back, as is the part
Of good ambassadors, that they may frame
525
Some likelier plan, by which both fleet and host
May be preserved; for, my resentment still
Burning, this project is but premature.
Page 115
Let Phoenix stay with us, and sleep this night
Within my tent, that, if he so incline,
530
He may to-morrow in my fleet embark,
And hence attend me; but I leave him free.
He ended; they astonish’d at his tone
(For vehement he spake) sat silent all,
Till Phoenix, aged warrior, at the last
535
Gush’d into tears (for dread his heart o’erwhelm’d
Lest the whole fleet should perish) and replied.
If thou indeed have purposed to return,
Noble Achilles! and such wrath retain’st
That thou art altogether fixt to leave
540
The fleet a prey to desolating fires,
How then, my son! shall I at Troy abide
Forlorn of thee? When Peleus, hoary Chief,
Sent thee to Agamemnon, yet a child,[13]
Unpractised in destructive fight, nor less
545
Of councils ignorant, the schools in which
Great minds are form’d, he bade me to the
war
Attend thee forth, that I might teach thee all,
Both elocution and address in arms.
Me therefore shalt thou not with my consent
550
Leave here, my son! no, not would Jove himself
Promise me, reaping smooth this silver beard,
To make me downy-cheek’d as in my youth;
Such as when erst from Hellas beauty-famed
I fled, escaping from my father’s wrath
555
Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who loved
A beauteous concubine, and for her sake
Despised his wife and persecuted me.
My mother suppliant at my knees, with prayer
Perpetual importuned me to embrace
560
The damsel first, that she might loathe my sire.
I did so; and my father soon possess’d
With hot suspicion of the fact, let loose
A storm of imprecation, in his rage
Invoking all the Furies to forbid
565
That ever son of mine should press his knees.
Tartarian Jove[14] and dread Persephone
Fulfill’d his curses; with my pointed spear
I would have pierced his heart, but that my wrath
Some Deity assuaged, suggesting oft
570
What shame and obloquy I should incur,
Known as a parricide through all the land.
At length, so treated, I resolved to dwell
No longer in his house. My friends, indeed,
And all my kindred compass’d me around
575
With much entreaty, wooing me to stay;
Oxen and sheep they slaughter’d, many a plump
Well-fatted brawn extended in the flames,
And drank the old man’s vessels to the lees.
Nine nights continual at my side they slept,
580
While others watch’d by turns, nor were the
fires
Extinguish’d ever, one, beneath the porch
Of the barr’d hall, and one that from within
The vestibule illumed my chamber door.
But when the tenth dark night at length arrived,
585
Sudden the chamber doors bursting I flew
Page 116
That moment forth, and unperceived alike
By guards and menial woman, leap’d the wall.
Through spacious Hellas flying thence afar,
I came at length to Phthia the deep-soil’d,
590
Mother of flocks, and to the royal house
Of Peleus; Peleus with a willing heart
Receiving, loved me as a father loves
His only son, the son of his old age,
Inheritor of all his large demesnes.
595
He made me rich; placed under my control
A populous realm, and on the skirts I dwelt
Of Phthia, ruling the Dolopian race.
Thee from my soul, thou semblance of the Gods,
I loved, and all illustrious as thou art,
600
Achilles! such I made thee. For with me,
Me only, would’st thou forth to feast abroad,
Nor would’st thou taste thy food at home,
’till first
I placed thee on my knees, with my own hand
Thy viands carved and fed thee, and the wine
605
Held to thy lips; and many a time, in fits
Of infant frowardness, the purple juice
Rejecting thou hast deluged all my vest,
And fill’d my bosom. Oh, I have endured
Much, and have also much perform’d for thee,
610
Thus purposing, that since the Gods vouchsaf’d
No son to me, thyself shouldst be my son,
Godlike Achilles! who shouldst screen perchance
From a foul fate my else unshelter’d age.
Achilles! bid thy mighty spirit down.
615
Thou shouldst not be thus merciless; the Gods,
Although more honorable, and in power
And virtue thy superiors, are themselves
Yet placable; and if a mortal man
Offend them by transgression of their laws,
620
Libation, incense, sacrifice, and prayer,
In meekness offer’d turn their wrath away.
Prayers are Jove’s daughters,[15] wrinkled,[16]
lame, slant-eyed,
Which though far distant, yet with constant pace
Follow Offence. Offence, robust of limb,
625
And treading firm the ground, outstrips them all,
And over all the earth before them runs
Hurtful to man. They, following, heal the hurt.
Received respectfully when they approach,
They help us, and our prayers hear in return.
630
But if we slight, and with obdurate heart
Resist them, to Saturnian Jove they cry
Against us, supplicating that Offence
May cleave to us for vengeance of the wrong.
Thou, therefore, O Achilles! honor yield
635
To Jove’s own daughters, vanquished, as the
brave
Have ofttimes been, by honor paid to thee.
For came not Agamemnon as he comes
With gifts in hand, and promises of more
Hereafter; burn’d his anger still the same,
640
I would not move thee to renounce thy own,
And to assist us, howsoe’er distress’d.
But now, not only are his present gifts
Most liberal, and his promises of more
Such also, but these Princes he hath sent
Page 117
645
Charged with entreaties, thine especial friends,
And chosen for that cause, from all the host.
Slight not their embassy, nor put to shame
Their intercession. We confess that once
Thy wrath was unreprovable and just.
650
Thus we have heard the heroes of old times
Applauded oft, whose anger, though intense,
Yet left them open to the gentle sway
Of reason and conciliatory gifts.
I recollect an ancient history,
655
Which, since all here are friends, I will relate.
The brave AEtolians and Curetes met
Beneath the walls of Calydon, and fought
With mutual slaughter; the AEtolian powers
In the defence of Calydon the fair,
660
And the Curetes bent to lay it waste:
That strife Diana of the golden throne
Kindled between them, with resentment fired
That Oeneus had not in some fertile spot
The first fruits of his harvest set apart
665
To her; with hecatombs he entertained
All the Divinities of heaven beside,
And her alone, daughter of Jove supreme,
Or through forgetfulness, or some neglect,
Served not; omission careless and profane!
670
She, progeny of Jove, Goddess shaft-arm’d,
A savage boar bright-tusk’d in anger sent,
Which haunting Oeneus’ fields much havoc made.
Trees numerous on the earth in heaps he cast
Uprooting them, with all their blossoms on.
675
But Meleager, Oeneus’ son, at length
Slew him, the hunters gathering and the hounds
Of numerous cities; for a boar so vast
Might not be vanquish’d by the power of few,
And many to their funeral piles he sent.
680
Then raised Diana clamorous dispute,
And contest hot between them, all alike,
Curetes and AEtolians fierce in arms
The boar’s head claiming, and his bristly
hide.
So long as warlike Meleager fought,
685
AEtolia prosper’d, nor with all their powers
Could the Curetes stand before the walls.
But when resentment once had fired the heart
Of Meleager, which hath tumult oft
Excited in the breasts of wisest men,
690
(For his own mother had his wrath provoked
Althaea) thenceforth with his wedded wife
He dwelt, fair Cleopatra, close retired.
She was Marpessa’s daughter, whom she bore
To Idas, bravest warrior in his day
695
Of all on earth. He fear’d not ’gainst
the King
Himself Apollo, for the lovely nymph
Marpessa’s sake, his spouse, to bend his bow.
Her, therefore, Idas and Marpessa named
Thenceforth Alcyone, because the fate
700
Of sad Alcyone Marpessa shared,
And wept like her, by Phoebus forced away.
Thus Meleager, tortured with the pangs
Of wrath indulged, with Cleopatra dwelt,
Page 118
Vex’d that his mother cursed him; for, with
grief 705
Frantic, his mother importuned the Gods
To avenge her slaughter’d brothers[17] on
his head.
Oft would she smite the earth, while on her knees
Seated, she fill’d her bosom with her tears,
And call’d on Pluto and dread Proserpine
710
To slay her son; nor vain was that request,
But by implacable Erynnis heard
Roaming the shades of Erebus. Ere long
The tumult and the deafening din of war
Roar’d at the gates, and all the batter’d
towers 715
Resounded. Then the elders of the town
Dispatch’d the high-priests of the Gods to
plead
With Meleager for his instant aid,
With strong assurances of rich reward.
Where Calydon afforded fattest soil
720
They bade him choose to his own use a farm
Of fifty measured acres, vineyard half,
And half of land commodious for the plow.
Him Oeneus also, warrior grey with age,
Ascending to his chamber, and his doors
725
Smiting importunate, with earnest prayers
Assay’d to soften, kneeling to his son.
Nor less his sisters woo’d him to relent,
Nor less his mother; but in vain; he grew
Still more obdurate. His companions last,
730
The most esteem’d and dearest of his friends,
The same suit urged, yet he persisted still
Relentless, nor could even they prevail.
But when the battle shook his chamber-doors
And the Curetes climbing the high towers
735
Had fired the spacious city, then with tears
The beauteous Cleopatra, and with prayers
Assail’d him; in his view she set the woes
Numberless of a city storm’d—the
men
Slaughter’d, the city burnt to dust, the chaste
740
Matrons with all their children dragg’d away.
That dread recital roused him, and at length
Issuing, he put his radiant armor on.
Thus Meleager, gratifying first
His own resentment from a fatal day
745
Saved the AEtolians, who the promised gift
Refused him, and his toils found no reward.
But thou, my son, be wiser; follow thou
No demon who would tempt thee to a course
Like his; occasion more propitious far
750
Smiles on thee now, than if the fleet were fired.
Come, while by gifts invited, and receive
From all the host, the honors of a God;
For shouldst thou, by no gifts induced, at last
Enter the bloody field, although thou chase
755
The Trojans hence, yet less shall be thy praise.
Then thus Achilles, matchless in the race.
Phoenix, my guide, wise, noble and revered!
I covet no such glory! the renown
Ordain’d by Jove for me, is to resist
760
All importunity to quit my ships
While I have power to move, or breath to draw.
Hear now, and mark me well. Cease thou from
Page 119
tears.
Confound me not, pleading with sighs and sobs
In Agamemnon’s cause; O love not him,
765
Lest I renounce thee, who am now thy friend.
Assist me rather, as thy duty bids,
Him to afflict, who hath afflicted me,
So shalt thou share my glory and my power.
These shall report as they have heard, but here
770
Rest thou this night, and with the rising morn
We will decide, to stay or to depart.
He ceased, and silent, by a nod enjoin’d
Patroclus to prepare an easy couch
For Phoenix, anxious to dismiss the rest
775
Incontinent; when Ajax, godlike son
Of Telamon, arising, thus began.
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d:
Depart we now; for I perceive that end
Or fruit of all our reasonings shall be none.
780
It is expedient also that we bear
Our answer back (unwelcome as it is)
With all dispatch, for the assembled Greeks
Expect us. Brave Achilles shuts a fire
Within his breast; the kindness of his friends,
785
And the respect peculiar by ourselves
Shown to him, on his heart work no effect.
Inexorable man! others accept
Even for a brother slain, or for a son
Due compensation;[18] the delinquent dwells
790
Secure at home, and the receiver, soothed
And pacified, represses his revenge.
But thou, resentful of the loss of one,
One virgin (such obduracy of heart
The Gods have given thee) can’st not be appeased
795
Yet we assign thee seven in her stead,
The most distinguish’d of their sex, and add
Large gifts beside. Ah then, at last relent!
Respect thy roof; we are thy guests; we come
Chosen from the multitude of all the Greeks,
800
Beyond them all ambitious of thy love.
To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift.
My noble friend, offspring of Telamon!
Thou seem’st sincere, and I believe thee such.
But at the very mention of the name
805
Of Atreus’ son, who shamed me in the sight
Of all Achaia’s host, bearing me down
As I had been some vagrant at his door,
My bosom boils. Return ye and report
Your answer. I no thought will entertain
810
Of crimson war, till the illustrious son
Of warlike Priam, Hector, blood-embrued,
Shall in their tents the Myrmidons assail
Themselves, and fire my fleet. At my own ship,
And at my own pavilion it may chance
815
That even Hector’s violence shall pause.[19]
He ended; they from massy goblets each
Libation pour’d, and to the fleet their course
Resumed direct, Ulysses at their head.
Patroclus then his fellow-warriors bade,
820
And the attendant women spread a couch
For Phoenix; they the couch, obedient, spread
With fleeces, with rich arras, and with flax
Page 120
Of subtlest woof. There hoary Phoenix lay
In expectation of the sacred dawn.
825
Meantime Achilles in the interior tent,
With beauteous Diomeda by himself
From Lesbos brought, daughter of Phorbas, lay.
Patroclus opposite reposed, with whom
Slept charming Iphis; her, when he had won
830
The lofty towers of Scyros, the divine
Achilles took, and on his friend bestow’d.
But when those Chiefs at Agamemnon’s tent
Arrived, the Greeks on every side arose
With golden cups welcoming their return.
835
All question’d them, but Agamemnon first.
Oh worthy of Achaia’s highest praise,
And her chief ornament, Ulysses, speak!
Will he defend the fleet? or his big heart
Indulging wrathful, doth he still refuse?
840
To whom renown’d Ulysses thus replied.
Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men!
He his resentment quenches not, nor will,
But burns with wrath the more, thee and thy gifts
Rejecting both. He bids thee with the Greeks
845
Consult by what expedient thou may’st save
The fleet and people, threatening that himself
Will at the peep of day launch all his barks,
And counselling, beside, the general host
To voyage homeward, for that end as yet
850
Of Ilium wall’d to heaven, ye shall not find,
Since Jove the Thunderer with uplifted arm
Protects her, and her courage hath revived.
Thus speaks the Chief, and Ajax is prepared,
With the attendant heralds to report
855
As I have said. But Phoenix in the tent
Sleeps of Achilles, who his stay desired,
That on the morrow, if he so incline,
The hoary warrior may attend him hence
Home to his country, but he leaves him free.
860
He ended. They astonish’d at his tone
(For vehement he spake) sat silent all.
Long silent sat the afflicted sons of Greece,
When thus the mighty Diomede began.
Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men!
865
Thy supplications to the valiant son
Of Peleus, and the offer of thy gifts
Innumerous, had been better far withheld.
He is at all times haughty, and thy suit
Hath but increased his haughtiness of heart
870
Past bounds: but let him stay or let him go
As he shall choose. He will resume the fight
When his own mind shall prompt him, and the Gods
Shall urge him forth. Now follow my advice.
Ye have refresh’d your hearts with food and
wine 875
Which are the strength of man; take now repose.
And when the rosy-finger’d morning fair
Shall shine again, set forth without delay
The battle, horse and foot, before the fleet,
And where the foremost fight, fight also thou.
880
He ended; all the Kings applauded warm
His counsel, and the dauntless tone admired
Of Diomede. Then, due libation made,
Each sought his tent, and took the gift of sleep.
Page 121
* * *
* *
There is much in this book which is worthy of close
attention. The consummate genius, the varied
and versatile power, the eloquence, truth, and nature
displayed in it, will always be admired. Perhaps
there is no portion of the poem more remarkable for
these attributes.—FELTON.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK X.
ARGUMENT OF THE
TENTH BOOK.
Diomede and Ulysses enter the Trojan
host by night, and slay Rhesus.
BOOK X.
All night the leaders of the host of Greece
Lay sunk in soft repose, all, save the Chief,[1]
The son of Atreus; him from thought to thought
Roving solicitous, no sleep relieved.
As when the spouse of beauteous Juno, darts
5
His frequent fires, designing heavy rain
Immense, or hail-storm, or field-whitening snow,
Or else wide-throated war calamitous,
So frequent were the groans by Atreus’ son
Heaved from his inmost heart, trembling with dread.
10
For cast he but his eye toward the plain
Of Ilium, there, astonish’d he beheld
The city fronted with bright fires, and heard
Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war;
But when again the Grecian fleet he view’d,
15
And thought on his own people, then his hair
Uprooted elevating to the Gods,
He from his generous bosom groan’d again.
At length he thus resolved; of all the Greeks
To seek Neleian Nestor first, with whom
20
He might, perchance, some plan for the defence
Of the afflicted Danai devise.
Rising, he wrapp’d his tunic to his breast,
And to his royal feet unsullied bound
His sandals; o’er his shoulders, next, he
threw 25
Of amplest size a lion’s tawny skin
That swept his footsteps, dappled o’er with
blood,
Then took his spear. Meantime, not less appall’d
Was Menelaus, on whose eyelids sleep
Sat not, lest the Achaians for his sake
30
O’er many waters borne, and now intent
On glorious deeds, should perish all at Troy.
With a pard’s spotted hide his shoulders broad
He mantled over; to his head he raised
His brazen helmet, and with vigorous hand
35
Grasping his spear, forth issued to arouse
His brother, mighty sovereign of the host,
And by the Grecians like a God revered.
He found him at his galley’s stern, his arms
Assuming radiant; welcome he arrived
40
To Agamemnon, whom he thus address’d.
Why arm’st thou, brother?
Wouldst thou urge abroad
Some trusty spy into the Trojan camp?[2]
I fear lest none so hardy shall be found
As to adventure, in the dead still night,
45
So far, alone; valiant indeed were he!
Page 122
To whom great Agamemnon thus
replied.
Heaven-favor’d Menelaus! We have need,
Thou and myself, of some device well-framed,
Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece
50
May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed,
And Hector’s prayers alone now reach his ear.
I never saw, nor by report have learn’d
From any man, that ever single chief
Such awful wonders in one day perform’d
55
As he with ease against the Greeks, although
Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God.
Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks
Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills
Achaia’s host hath at his hands sustain’d.
60
But haste, begone, and at their several ships
Call Ajax and Idomeneus; I go
To exhort the noble Nestor to arise,
That he may visit, if he so incline,
The chosen band who watch, and his advice
65
Give them; for him most prompt they will obey,
Whose son, together with Meriones,
Friend of Idomeneus, controls them all,
Entrusted by ourselves with that command.
Him answer’d Menelaus
bold in arms. 70
Explain thy purpose. Wouldst thou that I wait
Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both
Given, that I incontinent return?
To whom the Sovereign of the
host replied.
There stay; lest striking into different paths
75
(For many passes intersect the camp)
We miss each other; summon them aloud
Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise;
Call each by his hereditary name,
Honoring all. Beware of manners proud,
80
For we ourselves must labor, at our birth
By Jove ordain’d to suffering and to toil.
So saying, he his brother
thence dismiss’d
Instructed duly, and himself, his steps
Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found
85
Amid his sable galleys in his tent
Reposing soft, his armor at his side,
Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider’d
belt
Which, when the Senior arm’d led forth his
host
To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet
90
With the encroachments of enfeebling age.
He raised his head, and on his elbow propp’d,
Questioning Agamemnon, thus began.
But who art thou, who thus
alone, the camp
Roamest, amid the darkness of the night,
95
While other mortals sleep? Comest thou abroad
Seeking some friend or soldier of the guard?
Speak—come not nearer mute. What
is thy wish?
To whom the son of Atreus,
King of men.
Oh Nestor, glory of the Grecian name,
100
Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know
The son of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom’d
By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform
These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air.
Page 123
I wander thus, because that on my lids
105
Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns
Of the Achaians occupy my soul.
Terrible are the fears which I endure
For these my people; such as supersede
All thought; my bosom can no longer hold
110
My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs.
But if thy mind, more capable, project
Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems
Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both
Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil’d
115
They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge.
The foe is posted near, and may intend
(None knows his purpose) an assault by night.
To him Gerenian Nestor thus
replied.
Illustrious Agamemnon, King of men!
120
Deep-planning Jove the imaginations proud
Of Hector will not ratify, nor all
His sanguine hopes effectuate; in his turn
He also (fierce Achilles once appeased)
Shall trouble feel, and haply, more than we.
125
But with all readiness I will arise
And follow thee, that we may also rouse
Yet others; Diomede the spear-renown’d,
Ulysses, the swift Ajax, and the son
Of Phyleus, valiant Meges. It were well
130
Were others also visited and call’d,
The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus,
Whose ships are at the camp’s extremest bounds.
But though I love thy brother and revere,
And though I grieve e’en thee, yet speak I
must, 135
And plainly censure him, that thus he sleeps
And leaves to thee the labor, who himself
Should range the host, soliciting the Chiefs
Of every band, as utmost need requires.
Him answer’d Agamemnon,
King of men. 140
Old warrior, times there are, when I could wish
Myself thy censure of him, for in act
He is not seldom tardy and remiss.
Yet is not sluggish indolence the cause,
No, nor stupidity, but he observes
145
Me much, expecting till I lead the way.
But he was foremost now, far more alert
This night than I, and I have sent him forth
Already, those to call whom thou hast named.
But let us hence, for at the guard I trust
150
To find them, since I gave them so in charge.[3]
To whom the brave Gerenian
Chief replied.
Him none will censure, or his will dispute,
Whom he shall waken and exhort to rise.
So saying, he bound his corselet
to his breast, 155
His sandals fair to his unsullied feet,
And fastening by its clasps his purple cloak
Around him, double and of shaggy pile,
Seized, next, his sturdy spear headed with brass,
And issued first into the Grecian fleet.
160
There, Nestor, brave Gerenian, with a voice
Sonorous roused the godlike counsellor
Page 124
From sleep, Ulysses; the alarm came o’er
His startled ear, forth from his tent he sprang
Sudden, and of their coming, quick, inquired.
165
Why roam ye thus the camp
and fleet alone
In darkness? by what urgent need constrain’d?
To whom the hoary Pylian thus
replied.
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!
Resent it not, for dread is our distress.
170
Come, therefore, and assist us to convene
Yet others, qualified to judge if war
Be most expedient, or immediate flight.
He ended, and regaining, quick,
his tent,
Ulysses slung his shield, then coming forth
175
Join’d them. The son of Tydeus first
they sought.
Him sleeping arm’d before his tent they found,
Encompass’d by his friends also asleep;
His head each rested on his shield, and each
Had planted on its nether point[4] erect
180
His spear beside him; bright their polish’d
heads,
As Jove’s own lightning glittered from afar.
Himself, the Hero, slept. A wild bull’s
hide
Was spread beneath him, and on arras tinged
With splendid purple lay his head reclined.
185
Nestor, beside him standing, with his heel
Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved.
Awake, Tydides! wherefore
givest the night
Entire to balmy slumber? Hast not heard
How on the rising ground beside the fleet
190
The Trojans sit, small interval between?
He ceased; then up sprang
Diomede alarm’d
Instant, and in wing’d accents thus replied.
Old wakeful Chief! thy toils
are never done.
Are there not younger of the sons of Greece,
195
Who ranging in all parts the camp, might call
The Kings to council? But no curb controls
Or can abate activity like thine.
To whom Gerenian Nestor in
return.
My friend! thou hast well spoken. I have sons,
200
And they are well deserving; I have here
A numerous people also, one of whom
Might have sufficed to call the Kings of Greece.
But such occasion presses now the host
As hath not oft occurr’d; the overthrow
205
Complete, or full deliverance of us all,
In balance hangs, poised on a razor’s edge.
But haste, and if thy pity of my toils
Be such, since thou art younger, call, thyself,
Ajax the swift, and Meges to the guard.
210
Then Diomede a lion’s
tawny skin
Around him wrapp’d, dependent to his heels,
And, spear in hand, set forth. The Hero call’d
Those two, and led them whither Nestor bade.
They, at the guard arrived,
not sleeping found 215
The captains of the guard, but sitting all
In vigilant posture with their arms prepared.
As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night,
Page 125
Hearing some wild beast in the woods,[5] which hounds
And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive
220
Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego;
So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep
That dreadful night, but constant to the plain
At every sound of Trojan feet they turn’d.
The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms
225
Of kind encouragement them thus address’d.
So watch, my children! and
beware that sleep
Invade none here, lest all become a prey.
So saying, he traversed with
quick pace the trench
By every Chief whom they had thither call’d
230
Attended, with whom Nestor’s noble son
Went, and Meriones, invited both
To join their consultation. From the foss
Emerging, in a vacant space they sat,
Unstrew’d with bodies of the slain, the spot,
235
Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made
Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return’d.
There seated, mutual converse close they held,
And Nestor, brave Gerenian, thus began.
Oh friends! hath no Achaian
here such trust 240
In his own prowess, as to venture forth
Among yon haughty Trojans? He, perchance,
Might on the borders of their host surprise
Some wandering adversary, or might learn
Their consultations, whether they propose
245
Here to abide in prospect of the fleet,
Or, satiate with success against the Greeks
So signal, meditate retreat to Troy.
These tidings gain’d, should he at last return
Secure, his recompense will be renown
250
Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward.
From every leader of the fleet, his gift
Shall be a sable[6] ewe, and sucking lamb,
Rare acquisition! and at every board
And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest.
255
He ceased, and all sat silent,
when at length
The mighty son of Tydeus thus replied.
Me, Nestor, my courageous
heart incites
To penetrate into the neighbor host
Of enemies; but went some other Chief
260
With me, far greater would my comfort prove,
And I should dare the more. Two going forth,
One quicker sees than other, and suggests
Prudent advice; but he who single goes,
Mark whatsoe’er he may, the occasion less
265
Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts.
He ended, and no few willing
arose
To go with Diomede. Servants of Mars
Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they
Meriones; most willing Nestor’s son;
270
Willing the brother of the Chief of all,
Nor willing less Ulysses to explore
The host of Troy, for he possess’d a heart
Delighted ever with some bold exploit.
Then Agamemnon, King of men,
began. 275
Page 126
Now Diomede, in whom my soul delights!
Choose whom thou wilt for thy companion; choose
The fittest here; for numerous wish to go.
Leave not through deference to another’s rank,
The more deserving, nor prefer a worse,
280
Respecting either pedigree or power.
Such speech he interposed,
fearing his choice
Of Menelaus; then, renown’d in arms
The son of Tydeus, rising, spake again.
Since, then, ye bid me my
own partner choose 285
Free from constraint, how can I overlook
Divine Ulysses, whose courageous heart
With such peculiar cheerfulness endures
Whatever toils, and whom Minerva loves?
Let him attend me, and through fire itself
290
We shall return; for none is wise as he.[7]
To him Ulysses, hardy Chief,
replied.
Tydides! neither praise me much, nor blame,
For these are Grecians in whose ears thou speak’st,
And know me well. But let us hence! the night
295
Draws to a close; day comes apace; the stars
Are far advanced; two portions have elapsed
Of darkness, but the third is yet entire.
So they; then each his dreadful
arms put on.
To Diomede, who at the fleet had left
300
His own, the dauntless Thrasymedes gave
His shield and sword two-edged, and on his head
Placed, crestless, unadorn’d, his bull-skin
casque.
It was a stripling’s helmet, such as youths
Scarce yet confirm’d in lusty manhood, wear.
305
Meriones with quiver, bow and sword
Furnish’d Ulysses, and his brows enclosed
In his own casque of hide with many a thong
Well braced within;[8] guarded it was without
With boar’s teeth ivory-white inherent firm
310
On all sides, and with woolen head-piece lined.
That helmet erst Autolycus[9] had brought
From Eleon, city of Amyntor son
Of Hormenus, where he the solid walls
Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor’s house.
315
He on Amphidamas the prize bestow’d
In Scandia;[10] from Amphidamas it pass’d
To Molus as a hospitable pledge;
He gave it to Meriones his son,
And now it guarded shrewd Ulysses’ brows.
320
Both clad in arms terrific, forth they sped,
Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went
A heron, by command of Pallas, flew
Close on the right beside them; darkling they
Discern’d him not, but heard his clanging
plumes.[11] 325
Ulysses in the favorable sign
Exulted, and Minerva thus invoked.[12]
Oh hear me, daughter of Jove
AEgis-arm’d!
My present helper in all straits, whose eye
Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care
330
Now guard me, Pallas! grant that after toil
Successful, glorious, such as long shall fill
With grief the Trojans, we may safe return
Page 127
And with immortal honors to the fleet.
Valiant Tydides, next, his
prayer preferr’d. 335
Hear also me, Jove’s offspring by the toils
Of war invincible! me follow now
As my heroic father erst to Thebes
Thou followedst, Tydeus; by the Greeks dispatch’d
Ambassador, he left the mail-clad host
340
Beside Asopus, and with terms of peace
Entrusted, enter’d Thebes; but by thine aid
Benevolent, and in thy strength, perform’d
Returning, deeds of terrible renown.
Thus, now, protect me also! In return
345
I vow an offering at thy shrine, a young
Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet
Untamed, whose horns I will incase with gold.
Such prayer they made, and
Pallas heard well pleased.
Their orisons ended to the daughter dread
350
Of mighty Jove, lion-like they advanced
Through shades of night, through carnage, arms and
blood.
Nor Hector to his gallant
host indulged
Sleep, but convened the leaders; leader none
Or senator of all his host he left
355
Unsummon’d, and his purpose thus promulged.
Where is the warrior who for
rich reward,
Such as shall well suffice him, will the task
Adventurous, which I propose, perform?
A chariot with two steeds of proudest height,
360
Surpassing all in the whole fleet of Greece
Shall be his portion, with immortal praise,
Who shall the well-appointed ships approach
Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard
As heretofore, keep them, or if subdued
365
Beneath us, the Achaians flight intend,
And worn with labor have no will to watch.
So Hector spake, but answer
none return’d.
There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named,[13]
Son of Eumedes herald of the Gods,
370
Rich both in gold and brass, but in his form
Unsightly; yet the man was swift of foot,
Sole brother of five sisters; he his speech
To Hector and the Trojans thus address’d.
My spirit, Hector, prompts
me, and my mind 375
Endued with manly vigor, to approach
Yon gallant ships, that I may tidings hear.
But come. For my assurance, lifting high
Thy sceptre, swear to me, for my reward,
The horses and the brazen chariot bright
380
Which bear renown’d Achilles o’er the
field.
I will not prove a useless spy, nor fall
Below thy best opinion; pass I will
Their army through, ’till I shall reach the
ship
Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance,
385
Now sit consulting, or to fight, or fly.[14]
Then raising high his sceptre,
Hector sware
Know, Jove himself, Juno’s high-thundering
spouse!
That Trojan none shall in that chariot ride
Page 128
By those steeds drawn, save Dolon; on my oath
390
I make them thine; enjoy them evermore.
He said, and falsely sware,
yet him assured.
Then Dolon, instant, o’er his shoulder slung
His bow elastic, wrapp’d himself around
With a grey wolf-skin, to his head a casque
395
Adjusted, coated o’er with ferret’s
felt,
And seizing his sharp javelin, from the host
Turn’d right toward the fleet, but was ordain’d
To disappoint his sender, and to bring
No tidings thence. The throng of Trojan steeds
400
And warriors left, with brisker pace he moved,
When brave Ulysses his approach perceived,
And thus to Diomede his speech address’d.
Tydides! yonder man is from
the host;
Either a spy he comes, or with intent
405
To spoil the dead. First, freely let him pass
Few paces, then pursuing him with speed,
Seize on him suddenly; but should he prove
The nimbler of the three, with threatening spear
Enforce him from his camp toward the fleet,
410
Lest he elude us, and escape to Troy.
So they; then, turning from
the road oblique,
Among the carcases each laid him down.
Dolon, suspecting nought, ran swiftly by.
[15]But when such space was interposed as mules
415
Plow in a day (for mules the ox surpass
Through fallows deep drawing the ponderous plow)
Both ran toward him. Dolon at the sound
Stood; for he hoped some Trojan friends at hand
From Hector sent to bid him back again.
420
But when within spear’s cast, or less they
came,
Knowing them enemies he turn’d to flight
Incontinent, whom they as swift pursued.
As two fleet hounds sharp fang’d, train’d
to the chase,
Hang on the rear of flying hind or hare,
425
And drive her, never swerving from the track,
Through copses close; she screaming scuds before;
So Diomede and dread Ulysses him
Chased constant, intercepting his return.
And now, fast-fleeting to the ships, he soon
430
Had reach’d the guard, but Pallas with new
force
Inspired Tydides, lest a meaner Greek
Should boast that he had smitten Dolon first,
And Diomede win only second praise.
He poised his lifted spear, and thus exclaim’d.
435
Stand! or my spear shall stop
thee. Death impends
At every step; thou canst not ’scape me long.
He said, and threw his spear,
but by design,
Err’d from the man. The polish’d
weapon swift
O’er-glancing his right shoulder, in the soil
440
Stood fixt, beyond him. Terrified he stood,
Stammering, and sounding through his lips the clash
Of chattering teeth, with visage deadly wan.
They panting rush’d on him, and both his hands
Seized fast; he wept, and suppliant them bespake.
Page 129
445
Take me alive, and I will
pay the price
Of my redemption. I have gold at home,
Brass also, and bright steel, and when report
Of my captivity within your fleet
Shall reach my father, treasures he will give
450
Not to be told, for ransom of his son.
To whom Ulysses politic replied.
Take courage; entertain no thought of death.[16]
But haste! this tell me, and disclose the truth.
Why thus toward the ships comest thou alone
455
From yonder host, by night, while others sleep?
To spoil some carcase? or from Hector sent
A spy of all that passes in the fleet?
Or by thy curiosity impell’d?
Then Dolon, his limbs trembling,
thus replied. 460
To my great detriment, and far beyond
My own design, Hector trepann’d me forth,
Who promised me the steeds of Peleus’ son
Illustrious, and his brazen chariot bright.
He bade me, under night’s fast-flitting shades
465
Approach our enemies, a spy, to learn
If still as heretofore, ye station guards
For safety of your fleet, or if subdued
Completely, ye intend immediate flight,
And worn with labor, have no will to watch.
470
To whom Ulysses, smiling,
thus replied.
Thou hadst, in truth, an appetite to gifts
Of no mean value, coveting the steeds
Of brave AEacides; but steeds are they
Of fiery sort, difficult to be ruled
475
By force of mortal man, Achilles’ self
Except, whom an immortal mother bore.
But tell me yet again; use no disguise;
Where left’st thou, at thy coming forth, your
Chief,
The valiant Hector? where hath he disposed
480
His armor battle-worn, and where his steeds?
What other quarters of your host are watch’d?
Where lodge the guard, and what intend ye next?
Still to abide in prospect of the fleet?
Or well-content that ye have thus reduced
485
Achaia’s host, will ye retire to Troy?
To whom this answer Dolon
straight returned
Son of Eumedes. With unfeigning truth
Simply and plainly will I utter all.
Hector, with all the Senatorial Chiefs,
490
Beside the tomb of sacred Ilius sits
Consulting, from the noisy camp remote.
But for the guards, Hero! concerning whom
Thou hast inquired, there is no certain watch
And regular appointed o’er the camp;
495
The native[17] Trojans (for they can no less)
Sit sleepless all, and each his next exhorts
To vigilance; but all our foreign aids,
Who neither wives nor children hazard here,
Trusting the Trojans for that service, sleep.
500
To whom Ulysses, ever wise,
replied.
How sleep the strangers and allies?—apart?
Or with the Trojans mingled?—I would
Page 130
learn.
So spake Ulysses; to whom
Dolon thus,
Son of Eumedes. I will all unfold,
505
And all most truly. By the sea are lodged
The Carians, the Paeonians arm’d with bows,
The Leleges, with the Pelasgian band,
And the Caucones. On the skirts encamp
Of Thymbra, the Maeonians crested high,
510
The Phrygian horsemen, with the Lycian host,
And the bold troop of Mysia’s haughty sons.
But wherefore these inquiries thus minute?
For if ye wish to penetrate the host,
These who possess the borders of the camp
515
Farthest removed of all, are Thracian powers
Newly arrived; among them Rhesus sleeps,
Son of Eioneus, their Chief and King.
His steeds I saw, the fairest by these eyes
Ever beheld, and loftiest; snow itself
520
They pass in whiteness, and in speed the winds,
With gold and silver all his chariot burns,
And he arrived in golden armor clad
Stupendous! little suited to the state
Of mortal man—fit for a God to wear!
525
Now, either lead me to your gallant fleet,
Or where ye find me leave me straitly bound
Till ye return, and after trial made,
Shall know if I have spoken false or true.
But him brave Diomede with
aspect stern 530
Answer’d. Since, Dolon! thou art caught,
although
Thy tidings have been good, hope not to live;
For should we now release thee and dismiss,
Thou wilt revisit yet again the fleet
A spy or open foe; but smitten once
535
By this death-dealing arm, thou shall return
To render mischief to the Greeks no more.
He ceased, and Dolon would
have stretch’d his hand
Toward his beard, and pleaded hard for life,
But with his falchion, rising to the blow,
540
On the mid-neck he smote him, cutting sheer
Both tendons with a stroke so swift, that ere
His tongue had ceased, his head was in the dust.[18]
They took his helmet clothed with ferret’s
felt,
Stripp’d off his wolf-skin, seized his bow
and spear, 545
And brave Ulysses lifting in his hand
The trophy to Minerva, pray’d and said:
Hail Goddess; these are thine!
for thee of all
Who in Olympus dwell, we will invoke
First to our aid. Now also guide our steps,
550
Propitious, to the Thracian tents and steeds.
He ceased, and at arm’s-length
the lifted spoils
Hung on a tamarisk; but mark’d the spot,
Plucking away with handful grasp the reeds
And spreading boughs, lest they should seek the
prize 555
Themselves in vain, returning ere the night,
Swift traveller, should have fled before the dawn.
Thence, o’er the bloody champain strew’d
with arms
Proceeding, to the Thracian lines they came.
Page 131
They, wearied, slept profound; beside them lay,
560
In triple order regular arranged,
Their radiant armor, and their steeds in pairs.
Amid them Rhesus slept, and at his side
His coursers, to the outer chariot-ring
Fasten’d secure. Ulysses saw him first,
565
And, seeing, mark’d him out to Diomede.
Behold the man, Tydides!
Lo! the steeds
By Dolon specified whom we have slain.
Be quick. Exert thy force. Arm’d
as thou art,
Sleep not. Loose thou the steeds, or slaughter
thou 570
The Thracians, and the steeds shall be my care.
He ceased; then blue-eyed
Pallas with fresh force
Invigor’d Diomede. From side to side
He slew; dread groans arose of dying men
Hewn with the sword, and the earth swam with blood.
575
As if he find a flock unguarded, sheep
Or goats, the lion rushes on his prey,
With such unsparing force Tydides smote
The men of Thrace, till he had slaughter’d
twelve;
And whom Tydides with his falchion struck
580
Laertes’ son dragg’d by his feet abroad,
Forecasting that the steeds might pass with ease,
Nor start, as yet uncustom’d to the dead.
But when the son of Tydeus found the King,
Him also panting forth his last, last, breath,
585
He added to the twelve; for at his head
An evil dream that night had stood, the form
Of Diomede, by Pallas’ art devised.
Meantime, the bold Ulysses loosed the steeds,
Which, to each other rein’d, he drove abroad,
590
Smiting them with his bow (for of the scourge
He thought not in the chariot-seat secured)
And as he went, hiss’d, warning Diomede.
But he, projecting still some hardier deed,
Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw
595
The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms,
Or whether heaving it on high, to bear
The burthen off, or whether yet to take
More Thracian lives; when him with various thoughts
Perplex’d, Minerva, drawing near, bespake.
600
Son of bold Tydeus! think
on thy return
To yonder fleet, lest thou depart constrain’d.
Some other God may rouse the powers of Troy.
She ended, and he knew the
voice divine.
At once he mounted. With his bow the steeds
605
Ulysses plyed, and to the ships they flew.
Nor look’d the bender
of the silver bow,
Apollo, forth in vain, but at the sight
Of Pallas following Diomede incensed,
Descended to the field where numerous most
610
He saw the Trojans, and the Thracian Chief
And counsellor, Hippocooen aroused,[19]
Kinsman of Rhesus, and renown’d in arms.
He, starting from his sleep, soon as he saw
The spot deserted where so lately lay
615
Those fiery coursers, and his warrior friends
Page 132
Gasping around him, sounded loud the name
Of his loved Rhesus. Instant, at the voice,
Wild stir arose and clamorous uproar
Of fast-assembling Trojans. Deeds they saw—
620
Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform’d,
But not their authors—they had sought
the ships.
Meantime arrived where they
had slain the spy
Of Hector, there Ulysses, dear to Jove,
The coursers stay’d, and, leaping to the ground,
625
The son of Tydeus in Ulysses’ hands
The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood,
Then vaulted light into his seat again.
He lash’d the steeds, they, not unwilling,
flew
To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home.
630
First Nestor heard the sound, and thus he said.
Friends! Counsellors!
and leaders of the Greeks!
False shall I speak, or true?—but speak
I must.
The echoing sound of hoofs alarms my ear.
Oh, that Ulysses, and brave Diomede
635
This moment might arrive drawn into camp
By Trojan steeds! But, ah, the dread I feel!
Lest some disaster have for ever quell’d
In yon rude host those noblest of the Greeks.
He hath not ended, when themselves
arrived, 640
Both quick dismounted; joy at their return
Fill’d every bosom; each with kind salute
Cordial, and right-hand welcome greeted them,
And first Gerenian Nestor thus inquired.
Oh Chief by all extoll’d,
glory of Greece, 645
Ulysses! how have ye these steeds acquired?
In yonder host? or met ye as ye went
Some God who gave them to you? for they show
A lustre dazzling as the beams of day.
Old as I am, I mingle yet in fight
650
With Ilium’s sons—lurk never in
the fleet—
Yet saw I at no time, or have remark’d
Steeds such as these; which therefore I believe
Perforce, that ye have gained by gift divine;
For cloud-assembler Jove, and azure-eyed
655
Minerva, Jove’s own daughter, love you both.
To whom Ulysses, thus, discreet,
replied.
Neleian Nestor, glory of the Greeks!
A God, so willing, could have given us steeds
Superior, for their bounty knows no bounds.
660
But, venerable Chief! these which thou seest
Are Thracians new-arrived. Their master lies
Slain by the valiant Diomede, with twelve
The noblest of his warriors at his side,
A thirteenth[20] also, at small distance hence
665
We slew, by Hector and the Chiefs of Troy
Sent to inspect the posture of our host.
He said; then, high in exultation,
drove
The coursers o’er the trench, and with him
pass’d
The glad Achaians; at the spacious tent
670
Of Diomede arrived, with even thongs
They tied them at the cribs where stood the steeds
Page 133
Of Tydeus’ son, with winnow’d wheat
supplied.
Ulysses in his bark the gory spoils
Of Dolon placed, designing them a gift
675
To Pallas. Then, descending to the sea,
Neck, thighs, and legs from sweat profuse they cleansed,
And, so refresh’d and purified, their last
Ablution in bright tepid baths perform’d.
Each thus completely laved, and with smooth oil
680
Anointed, at the well-spread board they sat,
And quaff’d, in honor of Minerva, wine
Delicious, from the brimming beaker drawn.
* * *
* *
The vividness of the scenes presented to us in this
Book constitute its chief beauty. The reader
sees the most natural night-scene in the world.
He is led step by step with the adventurers, and made
the companion of all their expectations and uncertainties.
We see the very color of the sky; know the time to
a minute; are impatient while the heroes are arming;
our imagination follows them, knows all their doubts,
and even the secret wishes of their hearts sent up
to Minerva. We are alarmed at the approach of
Dolon, hear his very footsteps, assist the two chiefs
in pursuing him, and stop just with the spear that
arrests him. We are perfectly acquainted with
the situation of all the forces, with the figure in
which they lie, with the disposition of Rhesus and
the Thracians, with the posture of his chariot and
horses. The marshy spot of ground where Dolon
is killed, the tamarisk, or aquatic plant upon which
they hung his spoils, and the reeds that are heaped
together to mark the place, are circumstances the
most picturesque imaginable.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XI.
ARGUMENT OF THE
ELEVENTH BOOK.
Agamemnon distinguishes himself. He is wounded,
and retires. Diomede is wounded by Paris; Ulysses
by Socus. Ajax with Menelaus flies to the relief
of Ulysses, and Eurypylus, soon after, to the relief
of Ajax. While he is employed in assisting Ajax,
he is shot in the thigh by Paris, who also wounds
Machaon. Nestor conveys Machaon from the field.
Achilles dispatches Patroclus to the tent of Nestor,
and Nestor takes that occasion to exhort Patroclus
to engage in battle, clothed in the armor of Achilles.
BOOK XI.
Aurora from Tithonus’ side arose
With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch’d
Discord, the fiery signal in her hand
Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet.
High on Ulysses’ huge black ship she stood
5
The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear,
The tent of Telamon’s huge son between,
And of Achilles; for confiding they
In their heroic fortitude, their barks
Well-poised had station’d utmost of the line.
10
There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad
Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused
Page 134
Of battle ceaseless into every breast.
All deem’d, at once, war sweeter, than to
seek
Their native country through the waves again.
15
Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks
Gird on their armor, and himself his arms
Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp’d
His shining greaves with silver studs secured,
Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift
20
Of Cynyras long since;[1] for rumor loud
Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian host
Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy:
Wherefore, to gratify the King of men,
He made the splendid ornament his own.
25
Ten rods of steel coerulean all around
Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin;
Six[2] spiry serpents their uplifted heads
Coerulean darted at the wearer’s throat,
Splendor diffusing as the various bow
30
Fix’d by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds,
A sign to mortal men.[3] He slung his sword
Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone
With gold emboss’d, and silver was the sheath
Suspended graceful in a belt of gold.
35
His massy shield o’ershadowing him whole,
High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed.
Ten circles bright of brass around its field
Extensive, circle within circle, ran;
The central boss was black, but hemm’d about
40
With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin.
There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark
Of Gorgon scowl’d, border’d by Flight
and Fear.
The loop was silver, and a serpent form
Coerulean over all its surface twined,
45
Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads
Together wreath’d into a stately crown.
His helmet quatre-crested,[4] and with studs
Fast riveted around he to his brows
Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest
50
Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized
Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash’d
to heaven.
Sounds[5] like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove
And by Minerva raised to extol the King
Of opulent Mycenae, roll’d around.
55
At once each bade his charioteer his steeds
Hold fast beside the margin of the trench
In orderly array; the foot all arm’d
Rush’d forward, and the clamor of the host
Rose infinite into the dawning skies.
60
First, at the trench, the embattled infantry[6]
Stood ranged; the chariots follow’d close
behind;
Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove
Excited, and from ether down he shed
Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant
65
That day to send full many a warrior bold
To Pluto’s dreary realm, slain premature.
Opposite, on the rising-ground,
appear’d
The Trojans; them majestic Hector led,
Noble Polydamas, AEneas raised
Page 135
70
To godlike honors in all Trojan hearts,
And Polybus, with whom Antenor’s sons
Agenor, and young Acamas advanced.
Hector the splendid orb of his broad shield
Bore in the van, and as a comet now
75
Glares through the clouds portentous, and again,
Obscured by gloomy vapors, disappears,
So Hector, marshalling his host, in front
Now shone, now vanish’d in the distant rear.
All-cased he flamed in brass, and on the sight
80
Flash’d as the lightnings of Jove AEgis-arm’d.
As reapers, toiling opposite,[7] lay bare
Some rich man’s furrows, while the sever’d
grain,
Barley or wheat, sinks as the sickle moves,
So Greeks and Trojans springing into fight
85
Slew mutual; foul retreat alike they scorn’d,
Alike in fierce hostility their heads
Both bore aloft, and rush’d like wolves to
war.
Discord, spectatress terrible, that sight
Beheld exulting; she, of all the Gods,
90
Alone was present; not a Power beside
There interfered, but each his bright abode
Quiescent occupied wherever built
Among the windings of the Olympian heights;
Yet blamed they all the storm-assembler King
95
Saturnian, for his purposed aid to Troy.
The eternal father reck’d not; he, apart,
Seated in solitary pomp, enjoy’d
His glory, and from on high the towers survey’d
Of Ilium and the fleet of Greece, the flash
100
Of gleaming arms, the slayer and the slain.
While morning lasted, and
the light of day
Increased, so long the weapons on both sides
Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell.
But, what time his repast the woodman spreads
105
In some umbrageous vale, his sinewy arms
Wearied with hewing many a lofty tree,
And his wants satisfied, he feels at length
The pinch of appetite to pleasant food,[8]
Then was it, that encouraging aloud
110
Each other, in their native virtue strong,
The Grecians through the phalanx burst of Troy.
Forth sprang the monarch first; he slew the Chief
Bianor, nor himself alone, but slew
Oileus also driver of his steeds.
115
Oileus, with a leap alighting, rush’d
On Agamemnon; he his fierce assault
Encountering, with a spear met full his front.
Nor could his helmet’s ponderous brass sustain
That force, but both his helmet and his skull
120
It shatter’d, and his martial rage repress’d.
The King of men, stripping their corselets, bared
Their shining breasts, and left them. Isus,
next,
And Antiphus he flew to slay, the sons
Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne,
125
This spurious, genuine that. The bastard drove,
And Antiphus, a warrior high-renown’d,
Fought from the chariot; them Achilles erst
Page 136
Feeding their flocks on Ida had surprised
And bound with osiers, but for ransom loosed.
130
Of these, imperial Agamemnon, first,
Above the pap pierced Isus; next, he smote
Antiphus with his sword beside the ear,
And from his chariot cast him to the ground.
Conscious of both, their glittering arms he stripp’d,
135
For he had seen them when from Ida’s heights
Achilles led them to the Grecian fleet.
As with resistless fangs the lion breaks
The young in pieces of the nimble hind,
Entering her lair, and takes their feeble lives;
140
She, though at hand, can yield them no defence,
But through the thick wood, wing’d with terror,
starts
Herself away, trembling at such a foe;
So them the Trojans had no power to save,
Themselves all driven before the host of Greece.
145
Next, on Pisandrus, and of dauntless heart
Hippolochus he rush’d; they were the sons
Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts
By Paris bought, inflexible withheld
From Menelaus still his lovely bride.
150
His sons, the monarch, in one chariot borne
Encounter’d; they (for they had lost the reins)
With trepidation and united force
Essay’d to check the steeds; astonishment
Seized both; Atrides with a lion’s rage
155
Came on, and from the chariot thus they sued.
Oh spare us! son of Atreus,
and accept
Ransom immense. Antimachus our sire
Is rich in various treasure, gold and brass,
And temper’d steel, and, hearing the report
160
That in Achaia’s fleet his sons survive,
He will requite thee with a glorious price.
So they, with tears and gentle
terms the King
Accosted, but no gentle answer heard.
Are ye indeed the offspring
of the Chief 165
Antimachus, who when my brother once
With godlike Laertiades your town
Enter’d ambassador, his death advised
In council, and to let him forth no more?
Now rue ye both the baseness of your sire.
170
He said, and from his chariot
to the plain
Thrust down Pisandrus, piercing with keen lance
His bosom, and supine he smote the field.
Down leap’d Hippolochus, whom on the ground
He slew, cut sheer his hands, and lopp’d his
head, 175
And roll’d it like a mortar[9] through the
ranks.
He left the slain, and where he saw the field
With thickest battle cover’d, thither flew
By all the Grecians follow’d bright in arms.
The scatter’d infantry constrained to fly,
180
Fell by the infantry; the charioteers,
While with loud hoofs their steeds the dusty soil
Excited, o’er the charioteers their wheels
Drove brazen-fellied, and the King of men
Incessant slaughtering, called his Argives[10] on.
185
Page 137
As when fierce flames some ancient forest seize,
From side to side in flakes the various wind
Rolls them, and to the roots devour’d, the
trunks
Fall prostrate under fury of the fire,
So under Agamemnon fell the heads
190
Of flying Trojans. Many a courser proud
The empty chariots through the paths of war
Whirl’d rattling, of their charioteers deprived;
They breathless press’d the plain, now fitter
far
To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives.
195
Conceal’d, meantime,
by Jove, Hector escaped
The dust, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field;
And Agamemnon to the swift pursuit
Call’d loud the Grecians. Through the
middle plain
Beside the sepulchre of Ilus, son
200
Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree stood,
The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town,
While Agamemnon pressing close the rear,
Shout after shout terrific sent abroad,
And his victorious hands reek’d, red with
gore. 205
But at the beech-tree and the Scaean gate
Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there
The rearmost fugitives; they o’er the field
Came like a herd, which in the dead of night
A lion drives; all fly, but one is doom’d
210
To death inevitable; her with jaws
True to their hold he seizes, and her neck
Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood;
So, Atreus’ royal son, the hindmost still
Slaying, and still pursuing, urged them on.
215
Many supine, and many prone, the field
Press’d, by the son of Atreus in their flight
Dismounted; for no weapon raged as his.
But now, at last, when he should soon have reach’d
The lofty walls of Ilium, came the Sire
220
Of Gods and men descending from the skies,
And on the heights of Ida fountain-fed,
Sat arm’d with thunders. Calling to his
foot
Swift Iris golden-pinion’d, thus he spake.
Iris! away. Thus speak
in Hector’s ears. 225
While yet he shall the son of Atreus see
Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down
The Trojan ranks, so long let him abstain
From battle, leaving to his host the task
Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks.
230
But soon as Atreus’ son by spear or shaft
Wounded shall climb his chariot, with such force
I will endue Hector, that he shall slay
Till he have reach’d the ships, and till,
the sun
Descending, sacred darkness cover all.
235
He spake, nor rapid Iris disobey’d
Storm-wing’d ambassadress, but from the heights
Of Ida stoop’d to Ilium. There she found
The son of royal Priam by the throng
Of chariots and of steeds compass’d about
240
She, standing at his side, him thus bespake.
Oh, son of Priam! as the Gods
Page 138
discreet!
I bring thee counsel from the Sire of all.
While yet thou shalt the son of Atreus see
Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down
245
The warrior ranks, so long he bids thee pause
From battle, leaving to thy host the task
Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks.
But soon as Atreus’ son, by spear or shaft
Wounded, shall climb his chariot, Jove will then
250
Endue thee with such force, that thou shalt slay
Till thou have reach’d the ships, and till,
the sun
Descending, sacred darkness cover all.
So saying, swift-pinion’d
Iris disappear’d.
Then Hector from his chariot at a leap
255
Came down all arm’d, and, shaking his bright
spears,
Ranged every quarter, animating loud
The legions, and rekindling horrid war.
Back roll’d the Trojan ranks, and faced the
Greeks;
The Greeks their host to closer phalanx drew;
260
The battle was restored, van fronting van
They stood, and Agamemnon into fight
Sprang foremost, panting for superior fame.
Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus
dwell!
What Trojan first, or what ally of Troy
265
Opposed the force of Agamemnon’s arm?
Iphidamas, Antenor’s valiant son,
Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace
Mother of flocks was nourish’d, Cisseus him
His grandsire, father of Theano praised
270
For loveliest features, in his own abode
Rear’d yet a child, and when at length he
reach’d
The measure of his glorious manhood firm
Dismiss’d him not, but, to engage him more,
Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride
275
As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve
Following the rumor’d voyage of the Greeks,
The same course steer’d; but at Percope moor’d,
And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy.
He first opposed Atrides. They approach’d.
280
The spear of Agamemnon wander’d wide;
But him Iphidamas on his broad belt
Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still
On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet
He pierced the broider’d zone, his point,
impress’d 285
Against the silver, turn’d, obtuse as lead.
Then royal Agamemnon in his hand
The weapon grasping, with a lion’s rage
Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe
Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck
290
Smote full, and stretch’d him lifeless at
his foot.
So slept Iphidamas among the slain;
Unhappy! from his virgin bride remote,
Associate with the men of Troy in arms
He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy’d.
295
He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves,
And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks
Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged;
But Agamemnon, son of Atreus, him
Slew and despoil’d, and through the Grecian
Page 139
host 300
Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms.
Cooen that sight beheld, illustrious Chief,
Antenor’s eldest born, but with dim eyes
Through anguish for his brother’s fall.
Unseen
Of noble Agamemnon, at his side
305
He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm,
Where thickest flesh’d, below his elbow, pierced,
Till opposite the glittering point appear’d.
A thrilling horror seized the King of men
So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight
310
He ceased not, but on Cooen rush’d, his spear
Grasping, well-thriven growth[11] of many a wind.
He by the foot drew off Iphidamas,
His brother, son of his own sire, aloud
Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid;
315
When him so occupied with his keen point
Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath.
Expiring on Iphidamas he fell
Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp’d his head.
Thus, under royal Agamemnon’s hand,
320
Antenor’s sons their destiny fulfill’d,
And to the house of Ades journey’d both.
Through other ranks of warriors then he pass’d,
Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm’d,
And now with missile force of massy stones,
325
While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound.
But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased,
Anguish intolerable undermined
Then all the might of Atreus’ royal son.
As when a laboring woman’s arrowy throes
330
Seize her intense, by Juno’s daughters dread
The birth-presiding Ilithyae deep
Infixt, dispensers of those pangs severe;
So, anguish insupportable subdued
Then all the might of Atreus’ royal son.
335
Up-springing to his seat, instant he bade
His charioteer drive to the hollow barks,
Heart-sick himself with pain; yet, ere he went,
With voice loud-echoing hail’d the Danai.
Friends! counsellors and leaders
of the Greeks! 340
Now drive, yourselves, the battle from your ships.
For me the Gods permit not to employ
In fight with Ilium’s host the day entire.
He ended, and the charioteer
his steeds
Lash’d to the ships; they not unwilling flew,
345
Bearing from battle the afflicted King
With foaming chests and bellies grey with dust.
Soon Hector, noting his retreat, aloud
Call’d on the Trojans and allies of Troy.
Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting
sons 350
Of Dardanus! oh summon all your might;
Now, now be men! Their bravest is withdrawn!
Glory and honor from Saturnian Jove
On me attend; now full against the Greeks
Drive all your steeds, and win a deathless name.
355
He spake—and all
drew courage from his word.
As when his hounds bright-tooth’d some hunter
Page 140
cheers
Against the lion or the forest-boar,
So Priameian Hector cheer’d his host
Magnanimous against the sons of Greece,
360
Terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Among
The foremost warriors, with success elate
He strode, and flung himself into the fight
Black as a storm which sudden from on high
Descending, furrows deep the gloomy flood.
365
Then whom slew Priameian Hector
first,
Whom last, by Jove, that day, with glory crown’d?
Assaeus, Dolops, Orus, Agelaues,
Autonoues, Hipponoues, AEsymnus,
Opheltius and Opites first he slew,
370
All leaders of the Greeks, and, after these,
The people. As when whirlwinds of the West
A storm encounter from the gloomy South,
The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam
Upswept by wandering gusts fills all the air,
375
So Hector swept the Grecians. Then defeat
Past remedy and havoc had ensued,
Then had the routed Grecians, flying, sought
Their ships again, but that Ulysses[12] thus
Summon’d the brave Tydides to his aid.
380
Whence comes it, Diomede,
that we forget
Our wonted courage? Hither, O my friend!
And, fighting at my side, ward off the shame
That must be ours, should Hector seize the fleet.
To whom the valiant Diomede
replied. 385
I will be firm; trust me thou shalt not find
Me shrinking; yet small fruit of our attempts
Shall follow, for the Thunderer, not to us,
But to the Trojan, gives the glorious day.
The Hero spake, and from his
chariot cast 390
Thymbraeus to the ground pierced through the pap,
While by Ulysses’ hand his charioteer
Godlike Molion, fell. The warfare thus
Of both for ever closed, them there they left,
And plunging deep into the warrior-throng
395
Troubled the multitude. As when two boars
Turn desperate on the close-pursuing hounds,
So they, returning on the host of Troy,
Slew on all sides, and overtoil’d with flight
From Hector’s arm, the Greeks meantime respired.
400
Two warriors, next, their chariot and themselves
They took, plebeians brave, sons of the seer
Percosian Merops in prophetic skill
Surpassing all; he both his sons forbad
The mortal field, but disobedient they
405
Still sought it, for their destiny prevail’d.
Spear-practised Diomede of life deprived
Both these, and stripp’d them of their glorious
arms,
While by Ulysses’ hand Hippodamus
Died and Hypeirochus. And now the son
410
Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poised
The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt.
Tydides plunged his spear into the groin
Of the illustrious son of Paeon, bold
Agastrophus. No steeds at his command
Page 141
415
Had he, infatuate! but his charioteer
His steeds detain’d remote, while through
the van
Himself on foot rush’d madly till he fell.
But Hector through the ranks darting his eye
Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced
420
Against them, follow’d by the host of Troy.
The son of Tydeus, shuddering, his approach
Discern’d, and instant to Ulysses spake.[13]
Now comes the storm!
This way the mischief rolls!
Stand and repulse the Trojan. Now be firm.
425
He said, and hurling his long-shadow’d
beam
Smote Hector. At his helmet’s crown he
aim’d,
Nor err’d, but brass encountering brass, the
point
Glanced wide, for he had cased his youthful brows
In triple brass, Apollo’s glorious gift.
430
Yet with rapidity at such a shock
Hector recoil’d into the multitude
Afar, where sinking to his knees, he lean’d
On his broad palm, and darkness veil’d his
eyes.
But while Tydides follow’d through the van
435
His stormy spear, which in the distant soil
Implanted stood, Hector his scatter’d sense
Recovering, to his chariot sprang again,
And, diving deep into his host, escaped.
The noble son of Tydeus, spear in hand,
440
Rush’d after him, and as he went, exclaim’d.
Dog! thou hast now escaped;
but, sure the stroke
Approach’d thee nigh, well-aim’d.
Once more thy prayers
Which ever to Apollo thou prefer’st
Entering the clash of battle, have prevail’d,
445
And he hath rescued thee. But well beware
Our next encounter, for if also me
Some God befriend, thou diest. Now will I seek
Another mark, and smite whom next I may.
He spake, and of his armor
stripp’d the son 450
Spear-famed of Paeon. Meantime Paris, mate
Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow against
Tydides; by a pillar of the tomb
Of Ilus, ancient senator revered,
Conceal’d he stood, and while the Hero loosed
455
His corselet from the breast of Paeon’s son
Renown’d, and of his helmet and his targe
Despoil’d him; Paris, arching quick his bow,
No devious shaft dismiss’d, but his right
foot
Pierced through the sole, and fix’d it to
the ground. 460
Transported from his ambush forth he leap’d
With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim’d:
Oh shaft well shot! it galls
thee. Would to heaven
That it had pierced thy heart, and thou hadst died!
So had the Trojans respite from their toils
465
Enjoy’d, who, now, shudder at sight of thee
Like she-goats when the lion is at hand.
To whom, undaunted, Diomede
replied.
Archer shrew-tongued! spie-maiden! man of curls![14]
Shouldst thou in arms attempt me face to face,
470
Page 142
Thy bow and arrows should avail thee nought.
Vain boaster! thou hast scratch’d my foot—no
more—
And I regard it as I might the stroke
Of a weak woman or a simple child.
The weapons of a dastard and a slave
475
Are ever such. More terrible are mine,
And whom they pierce, though slightly pierced, he
dies.
His wife her cheeks rends inconsolable,
His babes are fatherless, his blood the glebe
Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots
480
More birds of prey than women haunt the place.
He ended, and Ulysses, drawing
nigh,
Shelter’d Tydides; he behind the Chief
Of Ithaca sat drawing forth the shaft,
But pierced with agonizing pangs the while.
485
Then, climbing to his chariot-seat, he bade
Sthenelus hasten to the hollow ships,
Heart-sick with pain. And now alone was seen
Spear-famed Ulysses; not an Argive more
Remain’d, so universal was the rout,
490
And groaning, to his own great heart he said.
Alas! what now awaits me?
If, appall’d
By multitudes, I fly, much detriment;
And if alone they intercept me here,
Still more; for Jove hath scatter’d all the
host, 495
Yet why these doubts! for know I not of old
That only dastards fly, and that the voice
Of honor bids the famed in battle stand,
Bleed they themselves, or cause their foes to bleed?
While busied in such thought
he stood, the ranks 500
Of Trojans fronted with broad shields, enclosed
The hero with a ring, hemming around
Their own destruction. As when dogs, and swains
In prime of manhood, from all quarters rush
Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts,
505
The bright tusk whetting in his crooked jaws:
They press him on all sides, and from beneath
Loud gnashings hear, yet firm, his threats defy;
Like them the Trojans on all sides assail’d
Ulysses dear to Jove. First with his spear
510
He sprang impetuous on a valiant chief,
Whose shoulder with a downright point he pierced,
Deiopites; Thooen next he slew,
And Ennomus, and from his coursers’ backs
Alighting quick, Chersidamas; beneath
515
His bossy shield the gliding weapon pass’d
Right through his navel; on the plain he fell
Expiring, and with both hands clench’d the
dust.
Them slain he left, and Charops wounded next,
Brother of Socus, generous Chief, and son
520
Of Hippasus; brave Socus to the aid
Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began.
Illustrious chief, Ulysses!
strong to toil
And rich in artifice! Or boast to-day
Two sons of Hippasus, brave warriors both,
525
Of armor and of life bereft by thee,
Or to my vengeful spear resign thy own!
Page 143
So saying, Ulysses’
oval disk he smote.
Through his bright disk the stormy weapon flew,
Transpierced his twisted mail, and from his side
530
Drove all the skin, but to his nobler parts
Found entrance none, by Pallas turn’d aslant.[15]
Ulysses, conscious of his life untouch’d,
Retired a step from Socus, and replied.
Ah hapless youth; thy fate
is on the wing; 535
Me thou hast forced indeed to cease a while
From battle with the Trojans, but I speak
Thy death at hand; for vanquish’d by my spear,
This self-same day thou shalt to me resign
Thy fame, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.
540
He ceased; then Socus turn’d
his back to fly,
But, as he turn’d, his shoulder-blades between
He pierced him, and the spear urged through his
breast.
On his resounding arms he fell, and thus
Godlike Ulysses gloried in his fall.
545
Ah, Socus, son of Hippasus,
a chief
Of fame equestrian! swifter far than thou
Death follow’d thee, and thou hast not escaped.
Ill-fated youth! thy parents’ hands thine
eyes
Shall never close, but birds of ravenous maw
550
Shall tear thee, flapping thee with frequent wing,
While me the noble Grecians shall entomb!
So saying, the valiant Socus’
spear he drew
From his own flesh, and through his bossy shield.
The weapon drawn, forth sprang the blood, and left
555
His spirit faint. Then Ilium’s dauntless
sons,
Seeing Ulysses’ blood, exhorted glad
Each other, and, with force united, all
Press’d on him. He, retiring, summon’d
loud
His followers. Thrice, loud as mortal may,
560
He call’d, and valiant Menelaus thrice
Hearing the voice, to Ajax thus remark’d.
Illustrious son of Telamon!
The voice
Of Laertiades comes o’er my ear
With such a sound, as if the hardy chief,
565
Abandon’d of his friends, were overpower’d
By numbers intercepting his retreat.
Haste! force we quick a passage through the ranks.
His worth demands our succor, for I fear
Lest sole conflicting with the host of Troy,
570
Brave as he is, he perish, to the loss
Unspeakable and long regret of Greece.
So saying, he went, and Ajax,
godlike Chief,
Follow’d him. At the voice arrived, they
found
Ulysses Jove-beloved compass’d about
575
By Trojans, as the lynxes in the hills,
Adust for blood, compass an antler’d stag
Pierced by an archer; while his blood is warm
And his limbs pliable, from him he ’scapes;
But when the feather’d barb hath quell’d
his force, 580
In some dark hollow of the mountain’s side,
The hungry troop devour him; chance, the while,
Conducts a lion thither, before whom
Page 144
All vanish, and the lion feeds alone;
So swarm’d the Trojan powers, numerous and
bold, 585
Around Ulysses, who with wary skill
Heroic combated his evil day.
But Ajax came, cover’d with his broad shield
That seem’d a tower, and at Ulysses’
side
Stood fast; then fled the Trojans wide-dispersed,
590
And Menelaus led him by the hand
Till his own chariot to his aid approach’d.
But Ajax, springing on the Trojans, slew
Doryclus, from the loins of Priam sprung,
But spurious. Pandocus he wounded next,
595
Then wounded Pyrasus, and after him
Pylartes and Lysander. As a flood
Runs headlong from the mountains to the plain
After long showers from Jove; many a dry oak
And many a pine the torrent sweeps along,
600
And, turbid, shoots much soil into the sea,
So, glorious Ajax troubled wide the field,
Horse and man slaughtering, whereof Hector yet
Heard not; for on the left of all the war
He fought beside Scamander, where around
605
Huge Nestor, and Idomeneus the brave,
Most deaths were dealt, and loudest roar’d
the fight.
There Hector toil’d, feats wonderful of spear
And horsemanship achieving, and the lines
Of many a phalanx desolating wide.
610
Nor even then had the bold Greeks retired,
But that an arrow triple-barb’d, dispatch’d
By Paris, Helen’s mate, against the Chief
Machaon warring with distinguish’d force,
Pierced his right shoulder. For his sake alarm’d,
615
The valor-breathing Grecians fear’d, lest
he
In that disast’rous field should also fall.[16]
At once, Idomeneus of Crete approach’d
The noble Nestor, and him thus bespake.
Arise, Neleian Nestor!
Pride of Greece! 620
Ascend thy chariot, and Machaon placed
Beside thee, bear him, instant to the fleet.
For one, so skill’d in medicine, and to free
The inherent barb, is worth a multitude.
He said, nor the Gerenian
hero old 625
Aught hesitated, but into his seat
Ascended, and Machaon, son renown’d
Of AEsculapius, mounted at his side.
He lash’d the steeds, they not unwilling sought
The hollow ships, long their familiar home.
630
Cebriones, meantime, the charioteer
Of Hector, from his seat the Trojan ranks
Observing sore discomfited, began.
Here are we busied, Hector!
on the skirts
Of roaring battle, and meantime I see
635
Our host confused, their horses and themselves
All mingled. Telamonian Ajax there
Routs them; I know the hero by his shield.
Haste, drive we thither, for the carnage most
Of horse and foot conflicting furious, there
640
Rages, and infinite the shouts arise.
Page 145
He said, and with shrill-sounding
scourge the steeds
Smote ample-maned; they, at the sudden stroke
Through both hosts whirl’d the chariot, shields
and men
Trampling; with blood the axle underneath
645
All redden’d, and the chariot-rings with drops
From the horse-hoofs, and from the fellied wheels.
Full on the multitude he drove, on fire
To burst the phalanx, and confusion sent
Among the Greeks, for nought[17] he shunn’d
the spear. 650
All quarters else with falchion or with lance,
Or with huge stones he ranged, but cautious shunn’d
The encounter of the Telamonian Chief.
But the eternal father throned
on high
With fear fill’d Ajax; panic-fixt he stood,
655
His seven-fold shield behind his shoulder cast,
And hemm’d by numbers, with an eye askant,
Watchful retreated. As a beast of prey
Retiring, turns and looks, so he his face
Turn’d oft, retiring slow, and step by step.
660
As when the watch-dogs and assembled swains
Have driven a tawny lion from the stalls,
Then, interdicting him his wish’d repast,
Watch all the night, he, famish’d, yet again
Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof
665
By frequent spears from daring hands, but more
By flash of torches, which, though fierce, he dreads,
Till, at the dawn, sullen he stalks away;
So from before the Trojans Ajax stalk’d
Sullen, and with reluctance slow retired.
670
His brave heart trembling for the fleet of Greece.
As when (the boys o’erpower’d) a sluggish
ass,
On whose tough sides they have spent many a staff,
Enters the harvest, and the spiry ears
Crops persevering; with their rods the boys
675
Still ply him hard, but all their puny might
Scarce drives him forth when he hath browsed his
fill,
So, there, the Trojans and their foreign aids
With glittering lances keen huge Ajax urged,
His broad shield’s centre smiting.[18] He,
by turns, 680
With desperate force the Trojan phalanx dense
Facing, repulsed them, and by turns he fled,
But still forbad all inroad on the fleet.
Trojans and Greeks between, alone, he stood
A bulwark. Spears from daring hands dismiss’d
685
Some, piercing his broad shield, there planted stood,
While others, in the midway falling, spent
Their disappointed rage deep in the ground.
Eurypylus, Evaemon’s
noble son,
Him seeing, thus, with weapons overwhelmed
690
Flew to his side, his glittering lance dismiss’d,
And Apisaon, son of Phausias, struck
Under the midriff; through his liver pass’d
The ruthless point, and, falling, he expired.
Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoil;
695
Whom soon as godlike Alexander saw
Despoiling Apisaon of his arms,
Page 146
Drawing incontinent his bow, he sent
A shaft to his right thigh; the brittle reed
Snapp’d, and the rankling barb stuck fast
within. 700
Terrified at the stroke, the wounded Chief
To his own band retired, but, as he went,
With echoing voice call’d on the Danai—
Friends! Counsellors,
and leaders of the Greeks!
Turn ye and stand, and from his dreadful lot
705
Save Ajax whelm’d with weapons; ’scape,
I judge,
He cannot from the roaring fight, yet oh
Stand fast around him; if save ye may,
Your champion huge, the Telamonian Chief!
So spake the wounded warrior.
They at once 710
With sloping bucklers, and with spears erect,
To his relief approach’d. Ajax with joy
The friendly phalanx join’d, then turn’d
and stood.
Thus burn’d the embattled
field as with the flames
Of a devouring fire. Meantime afar
715
From all that tumult the Neleian mares
Bore Nestor, foaming as they ran, with whom
Machaon also rode, leader revered.
Achilles mark’d him passing; for he stood
Exalted on his huge ship’s lofty stern,
720
Spectator of the toil severe, and flight
Deplorable of the defeated Greeks.
He call’d his friend Patroclus. He below
Within his tent the sudden summons heard
And sprang like Mars abroad, all unaware
725
That in that sound he heard the voice of fate.
Him first Menoetius’ gallant son address’d.
What would Achilles?
Wherefore hath he call’d?
To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift:
Brave Menoetiades! my soul’s
delight! 730
Soon will the Grecians now my knees surround
Suppliant, by dread extremity constrain’d.
But fly Patroclus, haste, oh dear to Jove!
Inquire of Nestor, whom he hath convey’d
From battle, wounded? Viewing him behind,
735
I most believed him AEsculapius’ son
Machaon, but the steeds so swiftly pass’d
My galley, that his face escaped my note.[19]
He said, and prompt to gratify
his friend,
Forth ran Patroclus through the camp of Greece.
740
Now when Neleian Nestor to
his tent
Had brought Machaon, they alighted both,
And the old hero’s friend Eurymedon
Released the coursers. On the beach awhile
Their tunics sweat-imbued in the cool air
745
They ventilated, facing full the breeze,
Then on soft couches in the tent reposed.
Meantime, their beverage Hecamede mix’d,
The old King’s bright-hair’d captive,
whom he brought
From Tenedos, what time Achilles sack’d
750
The city, daughter of the noble Chief
Arsinoues, and selected from the rest
For Nestor, as the honorable meed
Of counsels always eminently wise.
Page 147
She, first, before them placed a table bright,
755
With feet coerulean; thirst-provoking sauce
She brought them also in a brazen tray,
Garlic[20] and honey new, and sacred meal.
Beside them, next, she placed a noble cup
Of labor exquisite, which from his home
760
The ancient King had brought with golden studs
Embellish’d; it presented to the grasp
Four ears; two golden turtles, perch’d on
each,
Seem’d feeding, and two turtles[21] form’d
the base.
That cup once fill’d, all others must have
toil’d 765
To move it from the board, but it was light
In Nestor’s hand; he lifted it with ease.[22]
The graceful virgin in that cup a draught
Mix’d for them, Pramnian wine and savory cheese
Of goat’s milk, grated with a brazen rasp,
770
Then sprinkled all with meal. The draught prepared,
She gave it to their hand; they, drinking, slaked
Their fiery thirst, and with each other sat
Conversing friendly, when the godlike youth
By brave Achilles sent, stood at the door.
775
Him seeing, Nestor from his
splendid couch
Arose, and by the hand leading him in,
Entreated him to sit, but that request
Patroclus, on his part refusing, said,
Oh venerable King! no seat
is here 780
For me, nor may thy courtesy prevail.
He is irascible, and to be fear’d
Who bade me ask what Chieftain thou hast brought
From battle, wounded; but untold I learn;
I see Machaon, and shall now report
785
As I have seen; oh ancient King revered!
Thou know’st Achilles fiery, and propense
Blame to impute even where blame is none.
To whom the brave Gerenian
thus replied.
Why feels Achilles for the wounded Greeks
790
Such deep concern? He little knows the height
To which our sorrows swell. Our noblest lie
By spear or arrow wounded in the fleet.
Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds,
Gall’d by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief,
795
And Agamemnon[23] suffer by the spear;
Eurypylus is shot into the thigh,
And here lies still another newly brought
By me from fight, pierced also by a shaft.
What then? How strong soe’er to give
them aid, 800
Achilles feels no pity of the Greeks.
Waits he till every vessel on the shore
Fired, in despite of the whole Argive host,
Be sunk in its own ashes, and ourselves
All perish, heaps on heaps? For in my limbs
805
No longer lives the agility of my youth.
Oh, for the vigor of those days again,
When Elis, for her cattle which we took,
Strove with us and Itymoneus I slew,
Brave offspring of Hypirochus; he dwelt
810
In Elis, and while I the pledges drove,
Stood for his herd, but fell among the first
Page 148
By a spear hurl’d from my victorious arm.
Then fled the rustic multitude, and we
Drove off abundant booty from the plain,
815
Herds fifty of fat beeves, large flocks of goats
As many, with as many sheep and swine,
And full thrice fifty mares of brightest hue,
All breeders, many with their foals beneath.
All these, by night returning safe, we drove
820
Into Neleian Pylus, and the heart
Rejoiced of Neleus, in a son so young
A warrior, yet enrich’d with such a prize.
At early dawn the heralds summon’d loud
The citizens, to prove their just demands
825
On fruitful Elis, and the assembled Chiefs
Division made (for numerous were the debts
Which the Epeans, in the weak estate
Of the unpeopled Pylus, had incurr’d;
For Hercules, few years before, had sack’d[24]
830
Our city, and our mightiest slain. Ourselves
The gallant sons of Neleus, were in all
Twelve youths, of whom myself alone survived;
The rest all perish’d; whence, presumptuous
grown,
The brazen-mail’d Epeans wrong’d us
oft). 835
A herd of beeves my father for himself
Selected, and a numerous flock beside,
Three hundred sheep, with shepherds for them all.
For he a claimant was of large arrears
From sacred Elis. Four unrivall’d steeds
840
With his own chariot to the games he sent,
That should contend for the appointed prize
A tripod; but Augeias, King of men,
Detain’d the steeds, and sent the charioteer
Defrauded home. My father, therefore, fired
845
At such foul outrage both of deeds and words,
Took much, and to the Pylians gave the rest
For satisfaction of the claims of all.
While thus we busied were in these concerns,
And in performance of religious rites
850
Throughout the city, came the Epeans arm’d,
Their whole vast multitude both horse and foot
On the third day; came also clad in brass
The two Molions, inexpert as yet
In feats of arms, and of a boyish age.
855
There is a city on a mountain’s head,
Fast by the banks of Alpheus, far remote,
The utmost town which sandy Pylus owns,
Named Thryoessa, and, with ardor fired
To lay it waste, that city they besieged.
860
Now when their host had traversed all the plain,
Minerva from Olympus flew by night
And bade us arm; nor were the Pylians slow
To assemble, but impatient for the fight.
Me, then, my father suffer’d not to arm,
865
But hid my steeds, for he supposed me raw
As yet, and ignorant how war is waged.
Yet, even thus, unvantaged and on foot,
Superior honors I that day acquired
To theirs who rode, for Pallas led me on
870
Herself to victory. There is a stream
Page 149
Which at Arena falls into the sea,
Named Minueius; on that river’s bank
The Pylian horsemen waited day’s approach,
And thither all our foot came pouring down.
875
The flood divine of Alpheus thence we reach’d
At noon, all arm’d complete; there, hallow’d
rites
We held to Jove omnipotent, and slew
A bull to sacred Alpheus, with a bull
To Neptune, and a heifer of the herd
880
To Pallas; then, all marshall’d as they were,
From van to rear our legions took repast,
And at the river’s side slept on their arms.
Already the Epean host had round
Begirt the city, bent to lay it waste,
885
A task which cost them, first, both blood and toil,
For when the radiant sun on the green earth
Had risen, with prayer to Pallas and to Jove,
We gave them battle. When the Pylian host
And the Epeans thus were close engaged,
890
I first a warrior slew, Mulius the brave,
And seized his coursers. He the eldest-born
Of King Augeias’ daughters had espoused
The golden Agamede; not an herb
The spacious earth yields but she knew its powers,
895
Him, rushing on me, with my brazen lance
I smote, and in the dust he fell; I leap’d
Into his seat, and drove into the van.
A panic seized the Epeans when they saw
The leader of their horse o’erthrown, a Chief
900
Surpassing all in fight. Black as a cloud
With whirlwind fraught, I drove impetuous on,
Took fifty chariots, and at side of each
Lay two slain warriors, with their teeth the soil
Grinding, all vanquish’d by my single arm.
905
I had slain also the Molions, sons
Of Actor, but the Sovereign of the deep
Their own authentic Sire, in darkness dense
Involving both, convey’d them safe away.
Then Jove a victory of prime renown
910
Gave to the Pylians; for we chased and slew
And gather’d spoil o’er all the champain
spread
With scatter’d shields, till we our steeds
had driven
To the Buprasian fields laden with corn,
To the Olenian rock, and to a town
915
In fair Colona situate, and named
Alesia. There it was that Pallas turn’d
Our people homeward; there I left the last
Of all the slain, and he was slain by me.
Then drove the Achaians from Buprasium home
920
Their coursers fleet, and Jove, of Gods above,
Received most praise, Nestor of men below.
Such once was I. But brave
Achilles shuts
His virtues close, an unimparted store;
Yet even he shall weep, when all the host,
925
His fellow-warriors once, shall be destroy’d.
But recollect, young friend! the sage advice
Which when thou earnest from Phthia to the aid
Of Agamemnon, on that selfsame day
Menoetius gave thee. We were present there,
Page 150
930
Ulysses and myself, both in the house,
And heard it all; for to the house we came
Of Peleus in our journey through the land
Of fertile Greece, gathering her states to war.
We found thy noble sire Menoetius there,
935
Thee and Achilles; ancient Peleus stood
To Jove the Thunderer offering in his court
Thighs of an ox, and on the blazing rites
Libation pouring from a cup of gold.
While ye on preparation of the feast
940
Attended both, Ulysses and myself
Stood in the vestibule; Achilles flew
Toward us, introduced us by the hand,
And, seating us, such liberal portion gave
To each, as hospitality requires.
945
Our thirst, at length, and hunger both sufficed,
I, foremost speaking, ask’d you to the wars,
And ye were eager both, but from your sires
Much admonition, ere ye went, received.
Old Peleus charged Achilles to aspire
950
To highest praise, and always to excel.
But thee, thy sire Menoetius thus advised.
“My son! Achilles boasts the nobler birth,
But thou art elder; he in strength excels
Thee far; thou, therefore, with discretion rule
955
His inexperience; thy advice impart
With gentleness; instruction wise suggest
Wisely, and thou shalt find him apt to learn.”
So thee thy father taught, but, as it seems,
In vain. Yet even now essay to move
960
Warlike Achilles; if the Gods so please,
Who knows but that thy reasons may prevail
To rouse his valiant heart? men rarely scorn
The earnest intercession of a friend.
But if some prophecy alarm his fears,
965
And from his Goddess mother he have aught
Received, who may have learnt the same from Jove,
Thee let him send at least, and order forth
With thee the Myrmidons; a dawn of hope
Shall thence, it may be, on our host arise.
970
And let him send thee to the battle clad
In his own radiant armor; Troy, deceived
By such resemblance, shall abstain perchance
From conflict, and the weary Greeks enjoy
Short respite; it is all that war allows.
975
Fresh as ye are, ye, by your shouts alone,
May easily repulse an army spent
With labor from the camp and from the fleet.
Thus Nestor, and his mind
bent to his words.
Back to AEacides through all the camp
980
He ran; and when, still running, he arrived
Among Ulysses’ barks, where they had fix’d
The forum, where they minister’d the laws,
And had erected altars to the Gods,
There him Eurypylus, Evaemon’s son,
985
Illustrious met, deep-wounded in his thigh,
And halting-back from battle. From his head
The sweat, and from his shoulders ran profuse,
Page 151
And from his perilous wound the sable blood
Continual stream’d; yet was his mind composed.
990
Him seeing, Menoetiades the brave
Compassion felt, and mournful, thus began.
Ah hapless senators and Chiefs
of Greece!
Left ye your native country that the dogs
Might fatten on your flesh at distant Troy?
995
But tell me, Hero! say, Eurypylus!
Have the Achaians power still to withstand
The enormous force of Hector, or is this
The moment when his spear must pierce us all?
To whom Eurypylus, discreet,
replied. 1000
Patroclus, dear to Jove! there is no help,
No remedy. We perish at our ships.
The warriors, once most strenuous of the Greeks,
Lie wounded in the fleet by foes whose might
Increases ever. But thyself afford
1005
To me some succor; lead me to my ship;
Cut forth the arrow from my thigh; the gore
With warm ablution cleanse, and on the wound
Smooth unguents spread, the same as by report
Achilles taught thee; taught, himself, their use
1010
By Chiron, Centaur, justest of his kind
For Podalirius and Machaon both
Are occupied. Machaon, as I judge,
Lies wounded in his tent, needing like aid
Himself, and Podalirius in the field
1015
Maintains sharp conflict with the sons of Troy.
To whom Menoetius’ gallant
son replied.
Hero! Eurypylus! how shall we act
In this perplexity? what course pursue?
I seek the brave Achilles, to whose ear
1020
I bear a message from the ancient chief
Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks.
Yet will I not, even for such a cause,
My friend! abandon thee in thy distress.
He ended, and his arms folding
around 1025
The warrior bore him thence into his tent.
His servant, on his entrance, spread the floor
With hides, on which Patroclus at his length
Extended him, and with his knife cut forth
The rankling point; with tepid lotion, next,
1030
He cleansed the gore, and with a bitter root
Bruised small between his palms, sprinkled the wound.
At once, the anodyne his pain assuaged,
The wound was dried within, and the blood ceased.
* * *
* *
It will be well here to observe the position of the
Greeks. All human aid is cut off by the wounds
of their heroes, and all assistance from the Gods
forbidden by Jupiter. On the contrary, the Trojans
see their general at their head, and Jupiter himself
fights on their side. Upon this hinge turns the
whole poem. The distress of the Greeks occasions
first the assistance of Patroclus, and then the death
of that hero brings back Achilles.
The poet shows great skill in conducting these incidents.
He gives Achilles the pleasure of seeing that the
Greeks could not carry on the war without his assistance,
and upon this depends the great catastrophe of the
poem.
Page 152
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XII.
ARGUMENT OF THE
TWELFTH BOOK.
The Trojans assail the ramparts,
and Hector forces the gates.
BOOK XII.
So was Menoetius’ gallant son employ’d
Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime,
And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought.
Nor was the foss ordain’d long time
to exclude
The host of Troy, nor yet the rampart
built 5
Beside it for protection of the fleet;
For hecatomb the Greeks had offer’d
none,
Nor prayer to heaven, that it might keep
secure
Their ships with all their spoils.
The mighty work
As in defiance of the Immortal Powers
10
Had risen, and could not therefore long
endure.
While Hector lived, and while Achilles
held
His wrathful purpose; while the city yet
Of royal Priam was unsack’d, so
long
The massy structure stood; but when the
best 15
And bravest of the Trojan host were slain,
And of the Grecian heroes, some had fallen
And some survived, when Priam’s
towers had blazed
In the tenth year, and to their native
shores
The Grecians with their ships, at length,
return’d, 20
Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devised
Its ruin; every river that descends
From the Idaean heights into the sea
They brought against it, gathering all
their force.
Rhesus, Caresus, Rhodius, the wide-branch’d
25
Heptaporus, AEsepus, Granicus,
Scamander’s sacred current, and
thy stream
Simoeis, whose banks with helmets and
with shields
Were strew’d, and Chiefs of origin
divine;
All these with refluent course Apollo
drove 30
Nine days against the rampart, and Jove
rain’d
Incessant, that the Grecian wall wave-whelm’d
Through all its length might sudden disappear.
Neptune with his tridental mace, himself,
Led them, and beam and buttress to the
flood 35
Consigning, laid by the laborious Greeks,
Swept the foundation, and the level bank
Of the swift-rolling Hellespont restored.
The structure thus effaced, the spacious
beach
He spread with sand as at the first; then
bade 40
Subside the streams, and in their channels
wind
With limpid course, and pleasant as before,
Apollo thus and Neptune, from
the first,
Design’d its fall; but now the battle
raved
And clamors of the warriors all around
45
The strong-built turrets, whose assaulted
planks
Rang, while the Grecians, by the scourge
of Jove
Subdued, stood close within their fleet
immured,
At Hector’s phalanx-scattering force
appall’d.
He, as before, with whirlwind fury fought.
50
Page 153
As when the boar or lion fiery-eyed
Turns short, the hunters and the hounds
among,
The close-embattled troop him firm oppose,
And ply him fast with spears; he no dismay
Conceives or terror in his noble heart,
55
But by his courage falls; frequent he
turns
Attempting bold the ranks, and where he
points
Direct his onset, there the ranks retire;
So, through the concourse on his rolling
wheels
Borne rapid, Hector animated loud
60
His fellow-warriors to surpass the trench.
But not his own swift-footed steeds would
dare
That hazard; standing on the dangerous
brink
They neigh’d aloud, for by its breadth
the foss
Deterr’d them; neither was the effort
slight 65
To leap that gulf, nor easy the attempt
To pass it through; steep were the banks
profound
On both sides, and with massy piles acute
Thick-planted, interdicting all assault.
No courser to the rapid chariot braced
70
Had enter’d there with ease; yet
strong desires
Possess’d the infantry of that emprize,
And thus Polydamas the ear address’d
Of dauntless Hector, standing at his side.
Hector, and ye the leaders
of our host, 75
Both Trojans and allies! rash the attempt
I deem, and vain, to push our horses through,
So dangerous is the pass; rough is the
trench
With pointed stakes, and the Achaian wall
Meets us beyond. No chariot may descend
80
Or charioteer fight there; strait are
the bounds,
And incommodious, and his death were sure.
If Jove, high-thundering Ruler of the
skies,
Will succor Ilium, and nought less intend
Than utter devastation of the Greeks,
85
I am content; now perish all their host
Inglorious, from their country far remote.
But should they turn, and should ourselves
be driven
Back from the fleet impeded and perplex’d
In this deep foss, I judge that not a
man, 90
’Scaping the rallied Grecians, should
survive
To bear the tidings of our fate to Troy.
Now, therefore, act we all as I advise.
Let every charioteer his coursers hold
Fast-rein’d beside the foss, while
we on foot, 95
With order undisturb’d and arms
in hand,
Shall follow Hector. If destruction
borne
On wings of destiny this day approach
The Grecians, they will fly our first
assault.
So spake Polydamas, whose
safe advice 100
Pleased Hector; from his chariot to the
ground
All arm’d he leap’d, nor would
a Trojan there
(When once they saw the Hero on his feet)
Ride into battle, but unanimous
Descending with a leap, all trod the plain.
105
Each gave command that at the trench his
Page 154
steeds
Should stand detain’d in orderly
array;
Then, suddenly, the parted host became
Five bands, each following its appointed
chief.
The bravest and most numerous, and whose
hearts 110
Wish’d most to burst the barrier
and to wage
The battle at the ships, with Hector march’d
And with Polydamas, whom follow’d,
third,
Cebriones; for Hector had his steeds
Consign’d and chariot to inferior
care. 115
Paris, Alcathoues, and Agenor led
The second band, and, sons of Priam both,
Deiphobus and Helenus, the third;
With them was seen partner of their command;
The Hero Asius; from Arisba came
120
Asius Hyrtacides, to battle drawn
From the Selleis banks by martial steeds
Hair’d fiery-red and of the noblest
size.
The fourth, Anchises’ mighty son
controll’d,
AEneas; under him Antenor’s sons,
125
Archilochus and Acamas, advanced,
Adept in all the practice of the field.
Last came the glorious powers in league
with Troy
Led by Sarpedon; he with Glaucus shared
His high control, and with the warlike
Chief 130
Asteropaeus; for of all his host
Them bravest he esteem’d, himself
except
Superior in heroic might to all.
And now (their shields adjusted each to
each)
With dauntless courage fired, right on
they moved 135
Against the Grecians; nor expected less
Than that beside their sable ships, the
host
Should self-abandon’d fall an easy
prey.
The Trojans, thus with their
confederate powers,
The counsel of the accomplish’d
Prince pursued, 140
Polydamas, one Chief alone except,
Asius Hyrtacides. He scorn’d
to leave
His charioteer and coursers at the trench,
And drove toward the fleet. Ah, madly
brave!
His evil hour was come; he was ordain’d
145
With horse and chariot and triumphant
shout
To enter wind-swept Ilium never more.
Deucalion’s offspring, first, into
the shades
Dismiss’d him; by Idomeneus he died.
Leftward he drove furious, along the road
150
By which the steeds and chariots of the
Greeks
Return’d from battle; in that track
he flew,
Nor found the portals by the massy bar
Secured, but open for reception safe
Of fugitives, and to a guard consign’d.
155
Thither he drove direct, and in his rear
His band shrill-shouting follow’d,
for they judged
The Greeks no longer able to withstand
Their foes, but sure to perish in the
camp.
Vain hope! for in the gate two Chiefs
they found 160
Lapithae-born, courageous offspring each
Of dauntless father; Polypoetes, this,
Sprung from Pirithoeus; that, the warrior
bold
Page 155
Leonteus, terrible as gore-tainted Mars.
These two, defenders of the lofty gates,
165
Stood firm before them. As when two
tall oaks
On the high mountains day by day endure
Rough wind and rain, by deep-descending
roots
Of hugest growth fast-founded in the soil;
So they, sustain’d by conscious
valor, saw, 170
Unmoved, high towering Asius on his way,
Nor fear’d him aught, nor shrank
from his approach
Right on toward the barrier, lifting high
Their season’d bucklers and with
clamor loud
The band advanced, King Asius at their
head, 175
With whom Iaemenus, expert in arms,
Orestes, Thoeon, Acamas the son
Of Asius, and Oenomaeus, led them on.
Till now, the warlike pair, exhorting
loud
The Grecians to defend the fleet, had
stood 180
Within the gates; but soon as they perceived
The Trojans swift advancing to the wall,
And heard a cry from all the flying Greeks,
Both sallying, before the gates they fought
Like forest-boars, which hearing in the
hills 185
The crash of hounds and huntsmen nigh
at hand,
With start oblique lay many a sapling
flat
Short-broken by the root, nor cease to
grind
Their sounding tusks, till by the spear
they die;
So sounded on the breasts of those brave
two 190
The smitten brass; for resolute they fought,
Embolden’d by their might who kept
the wall,
And trusting in their own; they, in defence
Of camp and fleet and life, thick battery
hurl’d
Of stones precipitated from the towers;
195
Frequent as snows they fell, which stormy
winds,
Driving the gloomy clouds, shake to the
ground,
Till all the fertile earth lies cover’d
deep.
Such volley pour’d the Greeks, and
such return’d
The Trojans; casques of hide, arid and
tough, 200
And bossy shields rattled, by such a storm
Assail’d of millstone masses from
above.
Then Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a groan
Indignant utter’d; on both thighs
he smote
With disappointment furious, and exclaim’d,
205
Jupiter! even thou art false
become,
And altogether such. Full sure I
deem’d
That not a Grecian hero should abide
One moment force invincible as ours,
And lo! as wasps ring-streaked,[1] or
bees that build 210
Their dwellings in the highway’s
craggy side
Leave not their hollow home, but fearless
wait
The hunter’s coming, in their brood’s
defence,
So these, although two only, from the
gates
Move not, nor will, till either seized
or slain. 215
So Asius spake, but speaking
so, changed not
The mind of Jove on Hector’s glory
bent.
Others, as obstinate, at other gates
Such deeds perform’d, that to enumerate
Page 156
all
Were difficult, unless to power divine.
220
For fierce the hail of stones from end
to end
Smote on the barrier; anguish fill’d
the Greeks.
Yet, by necessity constrain’d, their
ships
They guarded still; nor less the Gods
themselves,
Patrons of Greece, all sorrow’d
at the sight. 225
At once the valiant Lapithae
began
Terrible conflict, and Pirithous’
son
Brave Polypoetes through his helmet pierced
Damasus; his resplendent point the brass
Sufficed not to withstand; entering, it
crush’d 230
The bone within, and mingling all his
brain
With his own blood, his onset fierce repress’d.
Pylon and Ormenus he next subdued.
Meantime Leonteus, branch of Mars, his
spear
Hurl’d at Hippomachus, whom through
his belt 235
He pierced; then drawing forth his falchion
keen,
Through all the multitude he flew to smite
Antiphates, and with a downright stroke
Fell’d him. Iaemenus and Menon
next
He slew, with brave Orestes, whom he heap’d,
240
All three together, on the fertile glebe.
While them the Lapithae of
their bright arms
Despoil’d, Polydamas and Hector
stood
(With all the bravest youths and most
resolved
To burst the barrier and to fire the fleet)
245
Beside the foss, pondering the event.
For, while they press’d to pass,
they spied a bird
Sublime in air, an eagle. Right between
Both hosts he soar’d (the Trojan
on his left)
A serpent bearing in his pounces clutch’d
250
Enormous, dripping blood, but lively still
And mindful of revenge; for from beneath
The eagle’s breast, updarting fierce
his head,
Fast by the throat he struck him; anguish-sick
The eagle cast him down into the space
255
Between the hosts, and, clanging loud
his plumes
As the wind bore him, floated far away.
Shudder’d the Trojans viewing at
their feet
The spotted serpent ominous, and thus
Polydamas to dauntless Hector spake.
260
Ofttimes in council, Hector,
thou art wont
To censure me, although advising well;
Nor ought the private citizen, I confess,
Either in council or in war to indulge
Loquacity, but ever to employ
265
All his exertions in support of thine.
Yet hear my best opinion once again.
Proceed we not in our attempt against
The Grecian fleet. For if in truth
the sign
Respect the host of Troy ardent to pass,
270
Then, as the eagle soar’d both hosts
between,
With Ilium’s on his left, and clutch’d
a snake
Enormous, dripping blood, but still alive,
Which yet he dropp’d suddenly, ere
he reach’d
His eyry, or could give it to his young,
Page 157
275
So we, although with mighty force we burst
Both gates and barrier, and although the
Greeks
Should all retire, shall never yet the
way
Tread honorably back by which we came.
No. Many a Trojan shall we leave
behind 280
Slain by the Grecians in their fleet’s
defence.
An augur skill’d in omens would
expound
This omen thus, and faith would win from
all.
To whom, dark-louring, Hector
thus replied.
Polydamas! I like not thy advice;
285
Thou couldst have framed far better; but
if this
Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods
Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth,
Who bidd’st me disregard the Thunderer’s[2]
firm
Assurance to myself announced, and make
290
The wild inhabitants of air my guides,
Which I alike despise, speed they their
course
With right-hand flight toward the ruddy
East,
Or leftward down into the shades of eve.
Consider we the will of Jove alone,
295
Sovereign of heaven and earth. Omens
abound,
But the best omen is our country’s
cause.[3]
Wherefore should fiery war thy
soul alarm?
For were we slaughter’d, one and
all, around
The fleet of Greece, thou need’st
not fear to die, 300
Whose courage never will thy flight retard.
But if thou shrink thyself, or by smooth
speech
Seduce one other from a soldier’s
part,
Pierced by this spear incontinent thou
diest.
So saying he led them, who
with deafening roar 305
Follow’d him. Then, from the
Idaean hills
Jove hurl’d a storm which wafted
right the dust
Into the fleet; the spirits too he quell’d
Of the Achaians, and the glory gave
To Hector and his host; they, trusting
firm 310
In signs from Jove, and in their proper
force,
Assay’d the barrier; from the towers
they tore
The galleries, cast the battlements to
ground,
And the projecting buttresses adjoin’d
To strengthen the vast work, with bars
upheaved. 315
All these, with expectation fierce to
break
The rampart, down they drew; nor yet the
Greeks
Gave back, but fencing close with shields
the wall,
Smote from behind them many a foe beneath.
Meantime from tower to tower the Ajaces
moved 320
Exhorting all; with mildness some, and
some
With harsh rebuke, whom they observed
through fear
Declining base the labors of the fight,
Friends! Argives! warriors
of whatever rank!
Ye who excel, and ye of humbler note!
325
And ye the last and least! (for such there
are,
All have not magnanimity alike)
Now have we work for all, as all perceive.
Turn not, retreat not to your ships, appall’d
Page 158
By sounding menaces, but press the foe;
330
Exhort each other, and e’en now
perchance
Olympian Jove, by whom the lightnings
burn,
Shall grant us to repulse them, and to
chase
The routed Trojans to their gates again.
So they vociferating to the
Greeks, 335
Stirr’d them to battle. As
the feathery snows
Fall frequent, on some wintry day, when
Jove
Hath risen to shed them on the race of
man,
And show his arrowy stores; he lulls the
winds,
Then shakes them down continual, covering
thick 340
Mountain tops, promontories, flowery meads,
And cultured valleys rich; the ports and
shores
Receive it also of the hoary deep,
But there the waves bound it, while all
beside
Lies whelm’d beneath Jove’s
fast-descending shower, 345
So thick, from side to side, by Trojans
hurl’d
Against the Greeks, and by the Greeks
return’d
The stony vollies flew; resounding loud
Through all its length the battered rampart
roar’d.
Nor yet had Hector and his host prevail’d
350
To burst the gates, and break the massy
bar,
Had not all-seeing Jove Sarpedon moved
His son, against the Greeks, furious as
falls
The lion on some horned herd of beeves.
At once his polish’d buckler he
advanced 355
With leafy brass o’erlaid; for with
smooth brass
The forger of that shield its oval disk
Had plated, and with thickest hides throughout
Had lined it, stitch’d with circling
wires of gold.
That shield he bore before him; firmly
grasp’d 360
He shook two spears, and with determined
strides
March’d forward. As the lion
mountain-bred,
After long fast, by impulse of his heart
Undaunted urged, seeks resolute the flock
Even in the shelter of their guarded home;
365
He finds, perchance, the shepherds arm’d
with spears,
And all their dogs awake, yet can not
leave
Untried the fence, but either leaps it
light,
And entering tears the prey, or in the
attempt
Pierced by some dexterous peasant, bleeds
himself; 370
So high his courage to the assault impell’d
Godlike Sarpedon, and him fired with hope
To break the barrier; when to Glaucus
thus,
Son of Hippolochus, his speech he turn’d.
Why, Glaucus, is the seat
of honor ours, 375
Why drink we brimming cups, and feast
in state?
Why gaze they all on us as we were Gods
In Lycia, and why share we pleasant fields
And spacious vineyards, where the Xanthus
winds?
Distinguished thus in Lycia, we are call’d
380
To firmness here, and to encounter bold
The burning battle, that our fair report
Among the Lycians may be blazon’d
thus—
No dastards are the potentates who rule
Page 159
The bright-arm’d Lycians; on the
fatted flock 385
They banquet, and they drink the richest
wines;
But they are also valiant, and the fight
Wage dauntless in the vanward of us all.
Oh Glaucus, if escaping safe the death
That threats us here, we also could escape
390
Old age, and to ourselves secure a life
Immortal, I would neither in the van
Myself expose, nor would encourage thee
To tempt the perils of the glorious field.
But since a thousand messengers of fate
395
Pursue us close, and man is born to die—
E’en let us on; the prize of glory
yield,
If yield we must, or wrest it from the
foe.
He said, nor cold refusal
in return
Received from Glaucus, but toward the
wall 400
Their numerous Lycian host both led direct.
Menestheus, son of Peteos, saw appall’d
Their dread approach, for to his tower
they bent;
Their threatening march. An eager
look he cast,
On the embodied Greeks, seeking some Chief
405
Whose aid might turn the battle from his
van:
He saw, where never sated with exploits
Of war, each Ajax fought, near whom his
eye
Kenn’d Teucer also, newly from his
tent;
But vain his efforts were with loudest
call 410
To reach their ears, such was the deafening
din
Upsent to heaven, of shields and crested
helms,
And of the batter’d gates; for at
each gate
They thundering’ stood, and urged
alike at each
Their fierce attempt by force to burst
the bars. 415
To Ajax therefore he at once dispatch’d
A herald, and Thoeotes thus enjoin’d.
My noble friend, Thoeotes!
with all speed
Call either Ajax; bid them hither both;
Far better so; for havoc is at hand.
420
The Lycian leaders, ever in assault
Tempestuous, bend their force against
this tower
My station. But if also there they
find
Laborious conflict pressing them severe,
At least let Telamonian Ajax come,
425
And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow.
He spake, nor was Thoeotes
slow to hear;
Beside the rampart of the mail-clad Greeks
Rapid he flew, and, at their side arrived,
To either Ajax, eager, thus began.
430
Ye leaders of the well-appointed
Greeks,
The son of noble Peteos calls; he begs
With instant suit, that ye would share
his toils,
However short your stay; the aid of both
Will serve him best, for havoc threatens
there 435
The Lycian leaders, ever in assault
Tempestuous, bend their force toward the
tower
His station. But if also here ye
find
Laborious conflict pressing you severe,
At least let Telamonian Ajax come,
440
Page 160
And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow.
He spake, nor his request
the towering son
Of Telamon denied, but quick his speech
To Ajax Oiliades address’d.
Ajax! abiding here, exhort
ye both 445
(Heroic Lycomedes and thyself)
The Greeks to battle. Thither I depart
To aid our friends, which service once
perform’d
Duly, I will incontinent return.
So saying, the Telamonian
Chief withdrew 450
With whom went Teucer, son of the same
sire,
Pandion also, bearing Teucer’s bow.
Arriving at the turret given in charge
To the bold Chief Menestheus, and the
wall
Entering, they found their friends all
sharply tried. 455
Black as a storm the senators renown’d
And leaders of the Lycian host assail’d
Buttress and tower, while opposite the
Greeks
Withstood them, and the battle-shout began.
First, Ajax, son of Telamon, a friend
460
And fellow-warrior of Sarpedon slew,
Epicles. With a marble fragment huge
That crown’d the battlement’s
interior side,
He smote him. No man of our puny
race,
Although in prime of youth, had with both
hands 465
That weight sustain’d; but he the
cumberous mass
Uplifted high, and hurl’d it on
his head.
It burst his helmet, and his batter’d
skull
Dash’d from all form. He from
the lofty tower
Dropp’d downright, with a diver’s
plunge, and died. 470
But Teucer wounded Glaucus with a shaft
Son of Hippolochus; he, climbing, bared
His arm, which Teucer, marking, from the
wall
Transfix’d it, and his onset fierce
repress’d;
For with a backward leap Glaucus withdrew
475
Sudden and silent, cautious lest the Greeks
Seeing him wounded should insult his pain.
Grief seized, at sight of his retiring
friend,
Sarpedon, who forgat not yet the fight,
But piercing with his lance Alcmaon, son
480
Of Thestor, suddenly reversed the beam,
Which following, Alcmaon to the earth
Fell prone, with clangor of his brazen
arms.
Sarpedon, then, strenuous with both hands
Tugg’d, and down fell the battlement
entire; 485
The wall, dismantled at the summit, stood
A ruin, and wide chasm was open’d
through.
Then Ajax him and Teucer at one time
Struck both; an arrow struck from Teucer’s
bow
The belt that cross’d his bosom,
by which hung 490
His ample shield; yet lest his son should
fall
Among the ships, Jove turn’d the
death aside.
But Ajax, springing to his thrust, a spear
Drove through his shield. Sarpedon
at the shock
With backward step short interval recoil’d,
495
But not retired, for in his bosom lived
The hope of glory still, and, looking
Page 161
back
On all his godlike Lycians, he exclaim’d,
Oh Lycians! where is your
heroic might?
Brave as I boast myself, I feel the task
500
Arduous, through the breach made by myself
To win a passage to the ships, alone.
Follow me all—Most laborers,
most dispatch.[4]
So he; at whose sharp reprimand
abash’d
The embattled host to closer conflict
moved, 505
Obedient to their counsellor and King.
On the other side the Greeks within the
wall
Made firm the phalanx, seeing urgent need;
Nor could the valiant Lycians through
the breach
Admittance to the Grecian fleet obtain,
510
Nor since they first approach’d
it, had the Greeks
With all their efforts, thrust the Lycians
back.
But as two claimants of one common field,
Each with his rod of measurement in hand,
Dispute the boundaries, litigating warm
515
Their right in some small portion of the
soil,
So they, divided by the barrier, struck
With hostile rage the bull-hide bucklers
round,
And the light targets on each other’s
breast.
Then many a wound the ruthless weapons
made. 520
Pierced through the unarm’d back,
if any turn’d,
He died, and numerous even through the
shield.
The battlements from end to end with blood
Of Grecians and of Trojans on both sides
Were sprinkled; yet no violence could
move 525
The stubborn Greeks, or turn their powers
to flight.
So hung the war in balance, as the scales
Held by some woman scrupulously just,
A spinner; wool and weight she poises
nice,
Hard-earning slender pittance for her
babes,[5] 530
Such was the poise in which the battle
hung
Till Jove himself superior fame, at length,
To Priameian Hector gave, who sprang
First through the wall. In lofty
sounds that reach’d
Their utmost ranks, he call’d on
all his host. 535
Now press them, now ye Trojans
steed-renown’d
Rush on! break through the Grecian rampart,
hurl
At once devouring flames into the fleet.
Such was his exhortation; they his voice
All hearing, with close-order’d
ranks direct 540
Bore on the barrier, and up-swarming show’d
On the high battlement their glittering
spears.
But Hector seized a stone; of ample base
But tapering to a point, before the gate
It stood. No two men, mightiest of
a land 545
(Such men as now are mighty) could with
ease
Have heaved it from the earth up to a
wain;
He swung it easily alone; so light
The son of Saturn made it in his hand.
As in one hand with ease the shepherd
bears 550
A ram’s fleece home, nor toils beneath
the weight,
So Hector, right toward the planks of
Page 162
those
Majestic folding-gates, close-jointed,
firm
And solid, bore the stone. Two bars
within
Their corresponding force combined transvere
555
To guard them, and one bolt secured the
bars.
He stood fast by them, parting wide his
feet
For ’vantage sake, and smote them
in the midst.
He burst both hinges; inward fell the
rock
Ponderous, and the portals roar’d;
the bars 560
Endured not, and the planks, riven by
the force
Of that huge mass, flew scatter’d
on all sides.
In leap’d the godlike Hero at the
breach,
Gloomy as night in aspect, but in arms
All-dazzling, and he grasp’d two
quivering spears. 565
Him entering with a leap the gates, no
force
Whate’er of opposition had repress’d,
Save of the Gods alone. Fire fill’d
his eyes;
Turning, he bade the multitude without
Ascend the rampart; they his voice obey’d;
570
Part climb’d the wall, part pour’d
into the gate;
The Grecians to their hollow galleys flew
Scatter’d, and tumult infinite arose.[6]
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XIII.
ARGUMENT OF THE
THIRTEENTH BOOK.
Neptune engages on the part of the Grecians.
The battle proceeds. Deiphobus advances to combat,
but is repulsed by Meriones, who losing his spear,
repairs to his tent for another. Teucer slays
Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, under
the similitude of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus. Idomeneus
having armed himself in his tent, and going forth
to battle, meets Meriones. After discourse held
with each other, Idomeneus accommodates Meriones with
a spear, and they proceed to battle. Idomeneus
slays Othryoneus, and Asius. Deiphobus assails
Idomeneus, but, his spear glancing over him, kills
Hypsenor. Idomeneus slays Alcathoues, son-in-law
of Anchises. Deiphobus and Idomeneus respectively
summon their friends to their assistance, and a contest
ensues for the body of Alcathoues.
BOOK XIII.
[1]When Jove to Hector and his host had
given Such entrance to the fleet, to all the woes
And toils of unremitting battle there He them
abandon’d, and his glorious eyes Averting,
on the land look’d down remote
5 Of the horse-breeding Thracians, of
the bold Close-fighting Mysian race, and where abide
On milk sustain’d, and blest with length of
days, The Hippemolgi,[2] justest of mankind.
No longer now on Troy his eyes he turn’d,
10 For expectation none within
his breast Survived, that God or Goddess would the
Greeks Approach with succor, or the Trojans more.
Nor Neptune, sovereign of the boundless
Deep,
Look’d forth in vain; he on the summit sat
15 Of Samothracia forest-crown’d,
the stir Admiring thence and tempest of the field;
Page 163
For thence appear’d all Ida, thence the towers
Of lofty Ilium, and the fleet of Greece. There
sitting from the deeps uprisen, he mourn’d
20 The vanquished Grecians, and resentment
fierce Conceived and wrath against all-ruling Jove.
Arising sudden, down the rugged steep With rapid
strides he came; the mountains huge And forests
under the immortal feet
25 Trembled of Ocean’s Sovereign as he strode.
Three strides he made, the fourth convey’d
him home To AEgae. At the bottom of the abyss,
There stands magnificent his golden fane, A dazzling,
incorruptible abode.
30 Arrived, he to his chariot join’d his
steeds Swift, brazen-hoof’d, and maned with
wavy gold; Himself attiring next in gold, he seized
His golden scourge, and to his seat sublime Ascending,
o’er the billows drove; the whales
35 Leaving their caverns, gambol’d
on all sides Around him, not unconscious of their
King; He swept the surge that tinged not as he pass’d
His axle, and the sea parted for joy. His
bounding coursers to the Grecian fleet
40 Convey’d him swift. There
is a spacious cave Deep in the bottom of the flood,
the rocks Of Imbrus rude and Tenedos between; There
Neptune, Shaker of the Shores, his steeds Station’d
secure; he loosed them from the yoke,
45 Gave them ambrosial food, and bound their
feet With golden tethers not to be untied Or
broken, that unwandering they might wait Their Lord’s
return, then sought the Grecian host. The Trojans,
tempest-like or like a flame,
50 Now, following Priameian Hector, all Came
furious on and shouting to the skies. Their
hope was to possess the fleet, and leave Not an
Achaian of the host unslain. But earth-encircler
Neptune from the gulf 55 Emerging,
in the form and with the voice Loud-toned of Calchas,
roused the Argive ranks To battle—and
his exhortation first To either Ajax turn’d,
themselves prepared.
Ye heroes Ajax! your accustomed force
60
Exert, oh! think not of disastrous flight, And
ye shall save the people. Nought I fear Fatal
elsewhere, although Troy’s haughty sons Have
pass’d the barrier with so fierce a throng Tumultuous;
for the Grecians brazen-greaved
65 Will check them there. Here only I expect
And with much dread some dire event forebode, Where
Hector, terrible as fire, and loud Vaunting his
glorious origin from Jove, Leads on the Trojans.
Oh that from on high 70 Some
God would form the purpose in your hearts To stand
yourselves firmly, and to exhort The rest to stand!
so should ye chase him hence All ardent as he is,
and even although Olympian Jove himself his rage
inspire. 75
So Neptune spake, compasser of the earth,
And, with his sceptre smiting both, their hearts
Fill’d with fresh fortitude; their limbs the
touch Made agile, wing’d their feet and nerved
Page 164
their arms. Then, swift as stoops a falcon
from the point 80 Of some rude
rock sublime, when he would chase A fowl of other
wing along the meads, So started Neptune thence,
and disappear’d. Him, as he went, swift
Oiliades First recognized, and, instant, thus his
speech 85 To Ajax, son of Telamon,
address’d.
Since, Ajax, some inhabitant of heaven
Exhorts us, in the prophet’s form to fight
(For prophet none or augur we have seen; This
was not Calchas; as he went I mark’d
90 His steps and knew him; Gods are
known with ease) I feel my spirit in my bosom fired
Afresh for battle; lightness in my limbs, In hands
and feet a glow unfelt before.
To whom the son of Telamon replied.
95
I also with invigorated hands More firmly grasp
my spear; my courage mounts, A buoyant animation
in my feet Bears me along, and I am all on fire
To cope with Priam’s furious son, alone.
100
Thus they, with martial transport to
their souls
Imparted by the God, conferr’d elate.
Meantime the King of Ocean roused the Greeks, Who
in the rear, beside their gallant barks Some respite
sought. They, spent with arduous toil,
105 Felt not alone their weary limbs unapt
To battle, but their hearts with grief oppress’d,
Seeing the numerous multitude of Troy Within the
mighty barrier; sad they view’d That sight,
and bathed their cheeks with many a tear,
110 Despairing of escape. But Ocean’s
Lord Entering among them, soon the spirit stirr’d
Of every valiant phalanx to the fight. Teucer
and Leitus, and famed in arms Peneleus, Thoas and
Deipyrus, 115 Meriones,
and his compeer renown’d, Antilochus; all
these in accents wing’d With fierce alacrity
the God address’d.
Oh shame, ye Grecians! vigorous as ye
are
And in life’s prime, to your exertions most
120 I trusted for the safety
of our ships. If ye renounce the labors
of the field, Then hath the day arisen of our defeat
And final ruin by the powers of Troy. Oh!
I behold a prodigy, a sight
125 Tremendous, deem’d impossible
by me, The Trojans at our ships! the dastard race
Fled once like fleetest hinds the destined prey
Of lynxes, leopards, wolves; feeble and slight And
of a nature indisposed to war
130 They rove uncertain; so the Trojans
erst Stood not, nor to Achaian prowess dared The
hindrance of a moment’s strife oppose.
But now, Troy left afar, even at our ships They
give us battle, through our leader’s fault
135 And through the people’s
negligence, who fill’d With fierce displeasure
against him, prefer Death at their ships,
to war in their defence. But if the son of
Atreus, our supreme, If Agamemnon, have indeed transgress’d
140 Past all excuse, dishonoring
the swift Achilles, ye at least the fight decline
Page 165
Blame-worthy, and with no sufficient plea.
But heal we speedily the breach; brave minds Easily
coalesce. It is not well
145 That thus your fury slumbers, for
the host Hath none illustrious as yourselves in
arms. I can excuse the timid if he shrink,
But am incensed at you. My friends, beware!
Your tardiness will prove ere long the cause
150 Of some worse evil. Let the
dread of shame Affect your hearts; oh tremble at
the thought Of infamy! Fierce conflict hath
arisen; Loud shouting Hector combats at the ships
Nobly, hath forced the gates and burst the bar.
155
With such encouragement those Grecian
chiefs
The King of Ocean roused. Then, circled soon
By many a phalanx either Ajax stood, Whose order
Mars himself arriving there Had praised, or Pallas,
patroness of arms. 160 For there
the flower of all expected firm Bold Hector and
his host; spear crowded spear, Shield, helmet, man,
press’d helmet, man and shield;[3] The hairy
crests of their resplendent casques Kiss’d
close at every nod, so wedged they stood;
165 No spear was seen but in the manly grasp
It quiver’d, and their every wish was war.
The powers of Ilium gave the first assault Embattled
close; them Hector led himself[4] Right on, impetuous
as a rolling rock 170 Destructive;
torn by torrent waters off From its old lodgment
on the mountain’s brow, It bounds, it shoots
away; the crashing wood Falls under it; impediment
or check None stays its fury, till the level found,
175 There, settling by degrees,
it rolls no more; So after many a threat that he
would pass Easily through the Grecian camp and fleet
And slay to the sea-brink, when Hector once Had
fallen on those firm ranks, standing, he bore
180 Vehement on them; but by many a spear
Urged and bright falchion, soon, reeling, retired,
And call’d vociferous on the host of Troy.
Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting
sons
Of Dardanus, oh stand! not long the Greeks
185 Will me confront, although embodied
close In solid phalanx; doubt it not; my spear
Shall chase and scatter them, if Jove, in truth,
High-thundering mate of Juno, bid me on.
So saying he roused the courage of them
all 190
Foremost of whom advanced, of Priam’s race
Deiphobus, ambitious of renown. Tripping
he came with shorten’d steps,[5] his feet Sheltering
behind his buckler; but at him Aiming, Meriones
his splendid lance 195
Dismiss’d, nor err’d; his bull-hide targe
he struck But ineffectual; where the hollow wood
Receives the inserted brass, the quivering beam
Snapp’d; then, Deiphobus his shield afar Advanced
before him, trembling at a spear
200 Hurl’d by Meriones. He, moved
alike With indignation for the victory lost And
for his broken spear, into his band At first retired,
but soon set forth again In prowess through the
Page 166
Achaian camp, to fetch 205 Its
fellow-spear within his tent reserved.
The rest all fought, and dread the shouts
arose
On all sides. Telamonian Teucer, first, Slew
valiant Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich In herds of
sprightly steeds. He ere the Greeks
210 Arrived at Ilium, in Pedaeus dwelt, And
Priam’s spurious daughter had espoused Medesicasta.
But the barks well-oar’d Of Greece arriving,
he return’d to Troy, Where he excell’d
the noblest, and abode 215 With
Priam, loved and honor’d as his own. Him
Teucer pierced beneath his ear, and pluck’d
His weapon home; he fell as falls an ash Which
on some mountain visible afar, Hewn from its bottom
by the woodman’s axe, 220
With all its tender foliage meets the ground So
Imbrius fell; loud rang his armor bright With ornamental
brass, and Teucer flew To seize his arms, whom hasting
to the spoil Hector with his resplendent spear assail’d;
225 He, marking opposite its
rapid flight, Declined it narrowly and it pierced
the breast, As he advanced to battle, of the son
Of Cteatus of the Actorian race, Amphimachus;
he, sounding, smote the plain, 230
And all his batter’d armor rang aloud.
Then Hector swift approaching, would have torn The
well-forged helmet from the brows away Of brave
Amphimachus; but Ajax hurl’d Right forth at
Hector hasting to the spoil 235
His radiant spear; no wound the spear impress’d,
For he was arm’d complete in burnish’d
brass Terrific; but the solid boss it pierced Of
Hector’s shield, and with enormous force So
shock’d him, that retiring he resign’d
240 Both bodies,[6] which the
Grecians dragg’d away. Stichius and Menestheus,
leaders both Of the Athenians, to the host of Greece
Bore off Amphimachus, and, fierce in arms The
Ajaces, Imbrius. As two lions bear
245 Through thick entanglement of boughs
and brakes A goat snatch’d newly from the
peasants’ cogs, Upholding high their prey
above the ground, So either Ajax terrible in fight,
Upholding Imbrius high, his brazen arms
250 Tore off, and Oiliades his head
From his smooth neck dissevering in revenge For
slain Amphimachus, through all the host Sent it
with swift rotation like a globe, Till in the dust
at Hector’s feet it fell.
255
Then anger fill’d the heart of
Ocean’s King,
His grandson[7] slain in battle; forth he pass’d
Through the Achaian camp and fleet, the Greeks Rousing,
and meditating wo to Troy. It chanced that
brave Idomeneus return’d
260 That moment from a Cretan at the knee Wounded,
and newly borne into his tent; His friends had borne
him off, and when the Chief Had given him into skilful
hands, he sought The field again, still coveting
renown. 265 Him therefore,
meeting him on his return, Neptune bespake, but
with the borrow’d voice Of Thoas, offspring
Page 167
of Andraemon, King In Pleuro and in lofty Calydon,
And honor’d by the AEtolians as a God.
270
Oh counsellor of Crete! our threats
denounced
Against the towers of Troy, where are they now?
To whom the leader of the Cretans, thus,
Idomeneus. For aught that I perceive Thoas!
no Grecian is this day in fault!
275 For we are all intelligent in arms, None
yields by fear oppress’d, none lull’d by
sloth From battle shrinks; but such the pleasure
seems Of Jove himself, that we should perish here
Inglorious, from our country far remote
280 But, Thoas! (for thine heart was
ever firm In battle, and thyself art wont to rouse
Whom thou observ’st remiss) now also fight
As erst, and urge each leader of the host.
Him answered, then, the Sovereign of
the Deep. 285
Return that Grecian never from the shores Of
Troy, Idomeneus! but may the dogs Feast on him,
who shall this day intermit Through wilful negligence
his force in fight! But haste, take arms and
come; we must exert 290 All diligence,
that, being only two, We yet may yield some service.
Union much Emboldens even the weakest, and our might
Hath oft been proved on warriors of renown.
So Neptune spake, and, turning, sought
again 295
The toilsome field. Ere long, Idomeneus Arriving
in his spacious tent, put on His radiant armor,
and, two spears in hand, Set forth like lightning
which Saturnian Jove From bright Olympus shakes
into the air, 300 A sign to
mortal men, dazzling all eyes; So beam’d the
Hero’s armor as he ran. But him not yet
far distant from his tent Meriones, his fellow-warrior
met, For he had left the fight, seeking a spear,
305 When thus the brave Idomeneus
began.
Swift son of Molus! chosen companion
dear!
Wherefore, Meriones, hast thou the field Abandon’d?
Art thou wounded? Bring’st thou home Some
pointed mischief in thy flesh infixt?
310 Or comest thou sent to me, who of myself
The still tent covet not, but feats of arms?
To whom Meriones discreet replied,
Chief leader of the Cretans, brazen-mail’d
Idomeneus! if yet there be a spear
315 Left in thy tent, I seek one;
for I broke The spear, even now, with which erewhile
I fought, Smiting the shield of fierce Deiphobus.
Then answer thus the Cretan Chief return’d,
Valiant Idomeneus. If spears thou need,
320 Within my tent, leaning
against the wall, Stand twenty spears and one, forged
all in Troy, Which from the slain I took; for distant
fight Me suits not; therefore in my tent have I
Both spears and bossy shields, with brazen casques
325 And corselets bright that smile
against the sun.
Him answer’d, then, Meriones discreet.
I also, at my tent and in my ship Have many Trojan
spoils, but they are hence Far distant. I not
Page 168
less myself than thou 330 Am
ever mindful of a warrior’s part, And when
the din of glorious arms is heard, Fight in the
van. If other Greeks my deeds Know not, at
least I judge them known to thee.
To whom the leader of the host of Crete
335
Idomeneus. I know thy valor well, Why speakest
thus to me? Choose we this day An ambush forth
of all the bravest Greeks, (For in the ambush is
distinguish’d best The courage; there the
timorous and the bold 340 Plainly
appear; the dastard changes hue And shifts from
place to place, nor can he calm The fears that shake
his trembling limbs, but sits Low-crouching on his
hams, while in his breast Quick palpitates his death-foreboding
heart, 345 And his teeth chatter;
but the valiant man His posture shifts not; no excessive
fears Feels he, but seated once in ambush, deems
Time tedious till the bloody fight begin;) Even
there, thy courage should no blame incur.[8]
350 For should’st thou, toiling in
the fight, by spear Or falchion bleed, not on thy
neck behind Would fall the weapon, or thy back annoy,
But it would meet thy bowels or thy chest While
thou didst rush into the clamorous van.
355 But haste—we may not longer
loiter here As children prating, lest some sharp
rebuke Reward us. Enter quick, and from within
My tent provide thee with a noble spear.
Then, swift as Mars, Meriones produced
360
A brazen spear of those within the tent Reserved,
and kindling with heroic fire Follow’d Idomeneus.
As gory Mars By Terror follow’d, his own dauntless
son Who quells the boldest heart, to battle moves;
365 From Thrace against the Ephyri
they arm, Or hardy Phlegyans, and by both invoked,
Hear and grant victory to which they please; Such,
bright in arms Meriones, and such Idomeneus advanced,
when foremost thus 370 Meriones
his fellow-chief bespake.
Son of Deucalion! where inclinest thou
most
To enter into battle? On the right Of all
the host? or through the central ranks? Or
on the left? for nowhere I account
375 The Greeks so destitute of force as
there.
Then answer thus Idomeneus return’d
Chief of the Cretans. Others stand to guard
The middle fleet; there either Ajax wars, And
Teucer, noblest archer of the Greeks,
380 Nor less in stationary fight approved.
Bent as he is on battle, they will task And urge
to proof sufficiently the force Of Priameian Hector;
burn his rage How fierce soever, he shall find it
hard, 385 With all his thirst
of victory, to quell Their firm resistance, and
to fire the fleet, Let not Saturnian Jove cast down
from heaven Himself a flaming brand into the ships.
High towering Telamonian Ajax yields
390 To no mere mortal by the common
gift Sustain’d of Ceres, and whose flesh the
spear Can penetrate, or rocky fragment bruise;
Page 169
In standing fight Ajax would not retire Even before
that breaker of the ranks
395 Achilles, although far less swift than he.
But turn we to the left, that we may learn At
once, if glorious death, or life be ours.
Then, rapid as the God of war, his course
Meriones toward the left began,
400 As he enjoin’d. Soon
as the Trojans saw Idomeneus advancing like a flame,
And his compeer Meriones in arms All-radiant clad,
encouraging aloud From rank to rank each other,
on they came 405 To the assault
combined. Then soon arose Sharp contest on
the left of all the fleet. As when shrill winds
blow vehement, what time Dust deepest spreads the
ways, by warring blasts Upborne a sable cloud stands
in the air, 410 Such was the
sudden conflict; equal rage To stain with gore the
lance ruled every breast. Horrent with quivering
spears the fatal field Frown’d on all sides;
the brazen flashes dread Of numerous helmets, corselets
furbish’d bright, 415 And shields
refulgent meeting, dull’d the eye, And turn’d
it dark away. Stranger indeed Were he to fear,
who could that strife have view’d With heart
elate, or spirit unperturb’d.
Two mighty sons of Saturn adverse parts
420
Took in that contest, purposing alike To many
a valiant Chief sorrow and pain. Jove, for
the honor of Achilles, gave Success to Hector and
the host of Troy, Not for complete destruction of
the Greeks 425 At Ilium, but
that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to
her dauntless son. On the other side, the King
of Ocean risen Secretly from the hoary Deep, the
host Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to see
430 Vanquish’d by Trojans,
and with anger fierce Against the Thunderer burn’d
on their behalf. Alike from one great origin
divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and surpass’d
In various knowledge; therefore when he roused
435 Their courage, Neptune traversed
still the ranks Clandestine, and in human form disguised.
Thus, these Immortal Two, straining the cord Indissoluble
of all-wasting war, Alternate measured with it either
host, 440 And loosed the
joints of many a warrior bold. Then, loud exhorting
(though himself with age Half grey) the Achaians,
into battle sprang Idomeneus, and scatter’d,
first, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the
lure 445 Of martial glory
drawn, had left of late Cabesus. He Priam’s
fair daughter woo’d Cassandra, but no nuptial
gift vouchsafed To offer, save a sounding promise
proud To chase, himself, however resolute
450 The Grecian host, and to
deliver Troy. To him assenting, Priam, ancient
King, Assured to him his wish, and in the faith
Of that assurance confident, he fought. But
brave Idomeneus his splendid lance
455 Well-aim’d dismissing, struck
the haughty Chief. Pacing elate the field;
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his brazen mail Endured not; through his bowels
pierced, with clang Of all his arms he fell, and
thus with joy Immense exulting, spake Idomeneus.
460
I give thee praise, Othryoneus! beyond
All mortal men, if truly thou perform Thy whole
big promise to the Dardan king, Who promised thee
his daughter. Now, behold, We also promise:
doubt not the effect. 465
We give into thy arms the most admired Of Agamemnon’s
daughters, whom ourselves Will hither bring from
Argos, if thy force With ours uniting, thou wilt
rase the walls Of populous Troy. Come—follow
me; that here 470 Among the ships
we may adjust the terms Of marriage, for we take
not scanty dower.
So saying, the Hero dragg’d him
by his heel
Through all the furious fight. His death to
avenge Asius on foot before his steeds advanced,
475 For them, where’er
he moved, his charioteer Kept breathing ever on
his neck behind. With fierce desire the heart
of Asius burn’d To smite Idomeneus, who with
his lance Him reaching first, pierced him beneath
the chin 480 Into his throat, and
urged the weapon through. He fell, as some
green poplar falls, or oak, Or lofty pine, by naval
artists hewn With new-edged axes on the mountain’s
side. So, his teeth grinding, and the bloody
dust 485 Clenching, before his
chariot and his steeds Extended, Asius lay.
His charioteer (All recollection lost) sat panic-stunn’d,
Nor dared for safety turn his steeds to flight.
Him bold Antilochus right through the waist
490 Transpierced; his mail sufficed
not, but the spear Implanted in his midmost bowels
stood. Down from his seat magnificent he fell
Panting, and young Antilochus the steeds Drove
captive thence into the host of Greece.
495 Then came Deiphobus by sorrow urged For
Asius, and, small interval between, Hurl’d
at Idomeneus his glittering lance; But he, foreseeing
its approach, the point Eluded, cover’d whole
by his round shield 500 Of
hides and brass by double belt sustain’d, And
it flew over him, but on his targe Glancing, elicited
a tinkling sound. Yet left it not in vain his
vigorous grasp, But pierced the liver of Hypsenor,
son 505 Of Hippasus; he
fell incontinent, And measureless exulting in his
fall Deiphobus with mighty voice exclaim’d.
Not unavenged lies Asius; though he
seek
Hell’s iron portals, yet shall he rejoice,
510 For I have given him a conductor
home.
So he, whose vaunt the Greeks indignant
heard!
But of them all to anger most he roused Antilochus,
who yet his breathless friend[9] Left not, but hasting,
fenced him with his shield, 515 And
brave Alastor with Mecisteus son Of Echius, bore
him to the hollow ships Deep-groaning both, for
of their band was he. Nor yet Idomeneus his
warlike rage Remitted aught, but persevering strove
Page 171
520 Either to plunge some
Trojan in the shades, Or fall himself, guarding
the fleet of Greece. Then slew he brave Alcathoues
the son Of AEsyeta, and the son-in-law Of old
Anchises, who to him had given
525 The eldest-born of all his daughters fair,
Hippodamia; dearly loved was she By both her parents
in her virgin state,[10] For that in beauty she
surpass’d, in works Ingenious, and in faculties
of mind 530 All her coevals;
wherefore she was deem’d Well worthy of the
noblest prince of Troy. Him in that moment,
Neptune by the arm Quell’d of Idomeneus, his
radiant eyes Dimming, and fettering his proportion’d
limbs. 535 All power of flight or
to elude the stroke Forsook him, and while motionless
he stood As stands a pillar tall or towering oak,
The hero of the Cretans with a spear Transfix’d
his middle chest. He split the mail
540 Erewhile his bosom’s faithful guard;
shrill rang The shiver’d brass; sounding he
fell; the beam Implanted in his palpitating heart
Shook to its topmost point, but, its force spent,
At last, quiescent, stood. Then loud exclaim’d
545 Idomeneus, exulting in his fall.
What thinks Deiphobus? seems it to thee
Vain boaster, that, three warriors slain for one,
We yield thee just amends? else, stand thyself Against
me; learn the valor of a Chief
550 The progeny of Jove; Jove first begat Crete’s
guardian, Minos, from which Minos sprang Deucalion,
and from famed Deucalion, I; I, sovereign of the
numerous race of Crete’s Extensive isle, and
whom my galleys brought 555 To
these your shores at last, that I might prove Thy
curse, thy father’s, and a curse to Troy.
He spake; Deiphobus uncertain stood
Whether, retreating, to engage the help Of some
heroic Trojan, or himself
560 To make the dread experiment alone.
At length, as his discreeter course, he chose To
seek AEneas; him he found afar Station’d,
remotest of the host of Troy, For he resented evermore
his worth 565 By Priam[11]
recompensed with cold neglect. Approaching
him, in accents wing’d he said.
AEneas! Trojan Chief! If e’er
thou lov’dst
Thy sister’s husband, duty calls thee now
To prove it. Haste—defend with me
the dead 570 Alcathoues, guardian
of thy tender years, Slain by Idomeneus the spear-renown’d.
So saying, he roused his spirit, and
on fire
To combat with the Cretan, forth he sprang.
But fear seized not Idomeneus as fear
575 May seize a nursling boy; resolved
he stood As in the mountains, conscious of his force,
The wild boar waits a coming multitude Of boisterous
hunters to his lone retreat; Arching his bristly
spine he stands, his eyes 580 Beam
fire, and whetting his bright tusks, he burns To
drive, not dogs alone, but men to flight; So stood
Page 172
the royal Cretan, and fled not, Expecting brave
AEneas; yet his friends He summon’d, on Ascalaphus
his eyes 585 Fastening,
on Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones, and Antilochus,
all bold In battle, and in accents wing’d
exclaim’d.
Haste ye, my friends! to aid me, for
I stand
Alone, nor undismay’d the coming wait
590 Of swift AEneas, nor less
brave than swift, And who possesses fresh his flower
of youth, Man’s prime advantage; were we match’d
in years As in our spirits, either he should earn
At once the meed of deathless fame, or I.
595
He said; they all unanimous approach’d,
Sloping their shields, and stood. On the other
side His aids AEneas call’d, with eyes toward
Paris, Deiphobus, Agenor, turn’d, His fellow-warriors
bold; them follow’d all 600
Their people as the pastured flock the ram To
water, by the shepherd seen with joy; Such joy AEneas
felt, seeing, so soon, That numerous host attendant
at his call. Then, for Alcathoues, into contest
close 605 Arm’d with
long spears they rush’d; on every breast Dread
rang the brazen corselet, each his foe Assailing
opposite; but two, the rest Surpassing far, terrible
both as Mars, AEneas and Idomeneus, alike
610 Panted to pierce
each other with the spear. AEneas, first, cast
at Idomeneus, But, warn’d, he shunn’d
the weapon, and it pass’d. Quivering
in the soil AEneas’ lance Stood, hurl’d
in vain, though by a forceful arm. 615
Not so the Cretan; at his waist he pierced Oenomaues,
his hollow corselet clave, And in his midmost bowels
drench’d the spear; Down fell the Chief, and
dying, clench’d the dust. Instant, his
massy spear the King of Crete 620
Pluck’d from the dead, but of his radiant arms
Despoil’d him not, by numerous weapons urged;
For now, time-worn, he could no longer make Brisk
sally, spring to follow his own spear, Or shun another,
or by swift retreat 625
Vanish from battle, but the evil day Warded in
stationary fight alone. At him retiring, therefore,
step by step Deiphobus, who had with bitterest hate
Long time pursued him, hurl’d his splendid
lance, 630 But yet again erroneous,
for he pierced Ascalaphus instead, offspring of
Mars; Right through his shoulder flew the spear;
he fell Incontinent, and dying, clench’d the
dust. But tidings none the brazen-throated
Mars 635 Tempestuous yet received,
that his own son In bloody fight had fallen, for
on the heights Olympian over-arch’d with clouds
of gold He sat, where sat the other Powers divine,
Prisoners together of the will of Jove.
640 Meantime, for slain Ascalaphus
arose Conflict severe; Deiphobus his casque Resplendent
seized, but swift as fiery Mars Assailing him, Meriones
his arm Pierced with a spear, and from his idle
hand 645 Fallen, the casque sonorous
Page 173
struck the ground. Again, as darts the vulture
on his prey, Meriones assailing him, the lance
Pluck’d from his arm, and to his band retired.
Then, casting his fraternal arms around
650 Deiphobus, him young Polites led
From the hoarse battle to his rapid steeds And
his bright chariot in the distant rear, Which bore
him back to Troy, languid and loud- Groaning, and
bleeding from his recent wound. 655
Still raged the war, and infinite arose The clamor.
Aphareus, Caletor’s son, Turning to face AEneas,
in his throat Instant the hero’s pointed lance
received. With head reclined, and bearing to
the ground 660 Buckler and helmet
with him, in dark shades Of soul-divorcing death
involved, he fell. Antilochus, observing Thooen
turn’d To flight, that moment pierced him;
from his back He ripp’d the vein which through
the trunk its course 665 Winds upward to
the neck; that vein he ripp’d All forth; supine
he fell, and with both hands Extended to his fellow-warriors,
died. Forth sprang Antilochus to strip his
arms, But watch’d, meantime, the Trojans,
who in crowds 670 Encircling him, his
splendid buckler broad Smote oft, but none with
ruthless point prevail’d Even to inscribe
the skin of Nestor’s son, Whom Neptune, shaker
of the shores, amid Innumerable darts kept still
secure. 675 Yet never
from his foes he shrank, but faced From side to
side, nor idle slept his spear, But with rotation
ceaseless turn’d and turn’d To every
part, now levell’d at a foe Far-distant, at
a foe, now, near at hand. 680
Nor he, thus occupied, unseen escaped By Asius’
offspring Adamas, who close Advancing, struck the
centre of his shield. But Neptune azure-hair’d
so dear a life Denied to Adamas, and render’d
vain 685 The weapon;
part within his disk remain’d Like a seer’d
stake, and part fell at his feet. Then Adamas,
for his own life alarm’d, Retired, but as
he went, Meriones Him reaching with his lance, the
shame between 690 And navel pierced
him, where the stroke of Mars Proves painful most
to miserable man. There enter’d deep
the weapon; down he fell, And in the dust lay panting
as an ox Among the mountains pants by peasants held
695 In twisted bands, and dragg’d
perforce along; So panted dying Adamas, but soon
Ceased, for Meriones, approaching, pluck’d
The weapon forth, and darkness veil’d his eyes.
Helenus, with his heavy Thracian blade
700 Smiting the temples of Deipyrus,
Dash’d off his helmet; from his brows remote
It fell, and wandering roll’d, till at his
feet Some warrior found it, and secured; meantime
The sightless shades of death him wrapp’d around.
705 Grief at that spectacle the bosom
fill’d Of valiant Menelaus; high he shook
His radiant spear, and threatening him, advanced
On royal Helenus, who ready stood With his bow
bent. They met; impatient, one,
Page 174
710 To give his pointed lance its rapid course,
And one, to start his arrow from the nerve.
The arrow of the son of Priam struck Atrides’
hollow corselet, but the reed Glanced wide.
As vetches or as swarthy beans 715
Leap from the van and fly athwart the floor, By
sharp winds driven, and by the winnower’s force,
So from the corselet of the glorious Greek Wide-wandering
flew the bitter shaft away. But Menelaus the
left-hand transpierced 720
Of Helenus, and with the lance’s point Fasten’d
it to his bow; shunning a stroke More fatal, Helenus
into his band Retired, his arm dependent at his
side, And trailing, as he went, the ashen beam;
725 There, bold Agenor from
his hand the lance Drew forth, then folded it with
softest wool Around, sling-wool, and borrow’d
from the sling Which his attendant into battle bore.
Then sprang Pisander on the glorious Chief
730 The son of Atreus, but his evil
fate Beckon’d him to his death in conflict
fierce, Oh Menelaus, mighty Chief! with thee.
And now they met, small interval between. Atrides
hurl’d his weapon, and it err’d.
735 Pisander with his spear struck
full the shield Of glorious Menelaus, but his force
Resisted by the stubborn buckler broad Fail’d
to transpierce it, and the weapon fell Snapp’d
at the neck. Yet, when he struck, the heart
740 Rebounded of Pisander, full of hope.
But Menelaus, drawing his bright blade, Sprang
on him, while Pisander from behind His buckler drew
a brazen battle-axe By its long haft of polish’d
olive-wood, 745 And both Chiefs
struck together. He the crest That crown’d
the shaggy casque of Atreus’ son Hew’d
from its base, but Menelaus him In his swift onset
smote full on the front Above his nose; sounded
the shatter’d bone, 750 And
his eyes both fell bloody at his feet. Convolved
with pain he lay; then, on his breast Atrides setting
fast his heel, tore off His armor, and exulting
thus began.
So shall ye leave at length the Grecian
fleet, 755
Traitors, and never satisfied with war! Nor
want ye other guilt, dogs and profane! But
me have injured also, and defied The hot displeasure
of high-thundering Jove The hospitable, who shall
waste in time, 760 And level
with the dust your lofty Troy. I wrong’d
not you, yet bore ye far away My youthful bride
who welcomed you, and stole My treasures also, and
ye now are bent To burn Achaia’s gallant fleet
with fire 765 And slay her
heroes; but your furious thirst Of battle shall
hereafter meet a check. Oh, Father Jove!
Thee wisest we account In heaven or earth, yet from
thyself proceed All these calamities, who favor
show’st 770 To this
flagitious race the Trojans, strong In wickedness
alone, and whose delight In war and bloodshed never
can be cloy’d. All pleasures breed satiety,
sweet sleep, Soft dalliance, music, and the graceful
Page 175
dance, 775 Though sought with keener
appetite by most Than bloody war; but Troy still
covets blood.
So spake the royal Chief, and to his
friends
Pisander’s gory spoils consigning, flew To
mingle in the foremost fight again.
780 Him, next, Harpalion, offspring of
the King Pylaemenes assail’d; to Troy he came
Following his sire, but never thence return’d.
He, from small distance, smote the central boss
Of Menelaus’ buckler with his lance,
785 But wanting power to pierce
it, with an eye Of cautious circumspection, lest
perchance Some spear should reach him, to his band
retired. But him retiring with a brazen shaft
Meriones pursued; swift flew the dart
790 To his right buttock, slipp’d
beneath the bone, His bladder grazed, and started
through before. There ended his retreat; sudden
he sank And like a worm lay on the ground, his life
Exhaling in his fellow-warrior’s arms,
795 And with his sable blood
soaking the plain. Around him flock’d
his Paphlagonians bold, And in his chariot placed
drove him to Troy, With whom his father went, mourning
with tears A son, whose death he never saw avenged.
800
Him slain with indignation Paris view’d,
For he, with numerous Paphlagonians more His
guest had been; he, therefore, in the thirst Of
vengeance, sent a brazen arrow forth. There
was a certain Greek, Euchenor, son
805 Of Polyides the soothsayer, rich And
brave in fight, and who in Corinth dwelt He, knowing
well his fate, yet sail’d to Troy For Polyides
oft, his reverend sire, Had prophecied that he should
either die 810 By some dire
malady at home, or, slain By Trojan hands, amid
the fleet of Greece. He, therefore, shunning
the reproach alike Of the Achaians, and that dire
disease, Had join’d the Grecian host; him
Paris pierced 815 The ear and jaw
beneath; life at the stroke Left him, and darkness
overspread his eyes.
So raged the battle like devouring fire.
But Hector dear to Jove not yet had learn’d,
Nor aught surmised the havoc of his host
820 Made on the left, where victory
crown’d well-nigh The Grecians animated to
the fight By Neptune seconding himself their arms.
He, where he first had started through the gate
After dispersion of the shielded Greeks
825 Compact, still persevered.
The galleys there Of Ajax and Protesilaues stood
Updrawn above the hoary Deep; the wall Was there
of humblest structure, and the steeds And warriors
there conflicted furious most. 830
The Epeans there and Iaeonians[12] robed- Prolix,
the Phthians,[13] Locrians, and the bold Boetians
check’d the terrible assault Of Hector, noble
Chief, ardent as flame, Yet not repulsed him.
Chosen Athenians form’d 835
The van, by Peteos’ son, Menestheus, led,
Whose high command undaunted Bias shared, Phidas
Page 176
and Stichius. The Epean host Under Amphion,
Dracius, Meges, fought. Podarces brave in arms
the Phthians ruled, 840 And
Medon (Medon was by spurious birth Brother of Ajax
Oiliades, And for his uncle’s death, whom
he had slain, The brother of Oileus’ wife,
abode In Phylace; but from Iphiclus sprang
845 Podarces;) these, all station’d
in the front Of Phthias’ hardy sons, together
strove With the Boeotians for the fleet’s
defence. Ajax the swift swerved never from
the side Of Ajax son of Telamon a step,
850 But as in some deep
fallow two black steers Labor combined, dragging
the ponderous plow, The briny sweat around their
rooted horns Oozes profuse; they, parted as they
toil Along the furrow, by the yoke alone,
855 Cleave to its bottom sheer
the stubborn glebe, So, side by side, they, persevering
fought.[14] The son of Telamon a people led Numerous
and bold, who, when his bulky limbs Fail’d
overlabor’d, eased him of his shield.
860 Not so attended by his Locrians fought
Oileus’ valiant son; pitch’d battle them
Suited not, unprovided with bright casques Of
hairy crest, with ashen spears, and shields Of ample
orb; for, trusting in the bow
865 And twisted sling alone, they came to Troy,
And broke with shafts and volley’d stones the
ranks. Thus occupying, clad in burnish’d
arms, The van, these two with Hector and his host
Conflicted, while the Locrians from behind
870 Vex’d them with shafts,
secure; nor could the men Of Ilium stand, by such
a shower confused. Then, driven with dreadful
havoc thence, the foe To wind-swept Ilium had again
retired. Had not Polydamas, at Hector’s
side 875 Standing, the
dauntless hero thus address’d.
Hector! Thou ne’er canst
listen to advice;
But think’st thou, that if heaven in feats
of arms Give thee pre-eminence, thou must excel
Therefore in council also all mankind?
880 No. All-sufficiency is not
for thee. To one, superior force in arms is
given, Skill to another in the graceful dance,
Sweet song and powers of music to a third, And
to a fourth loud-thundering Jove imparts
885 Wisdom, which profits many, and which
saves Whole cities oft, though reverenced but by
few. Yet hear; I speak as wisest seems to me.
War, like a fiery circle, all around Environs
thee; the Trojans, since they pass’d
890 The bulwark, either hold themselves
aloof, Or, wide-dispersed among the galleys, cope
With numbers far superior to their own. Retiring,
therefore, summon all our Chiefs To consultation
on the sum of all, 895
Whether (should heaven so prosper us) to rush Impetuous
on the gallant barks of Greece, Or to retreat secure;
for much I dread Lest the Achaians punctually refund
All yesterday’s arrear, since yonder Chief[15]
900 Insatiable with battle still
Page 177
abides Within the fleet, nor longer, as I judge,
Will rest a mere spectator of the field.
So spake Polydamas, whose safe advice
Pleased Hector; from his chariot down he leap’d
905 All arm’d, and in wing’d
accents thus replied.
Polydamas! here gather all the Chiefs;
I haste into the fight, and my commands Once
issued there, incontinent return.
He ended, and conspicuous as the height
910
Of some snow-crested mountain, shouting ranged
The Trojans and confederates of Troy. They
swift around Polydamas, brave son Of Panthus, at
the voice of Hector, ran. Himself with hasty
strides the front, meantime, 915 Of
battle roam’d, seeking from rank to rank Asius
Hyrtacides, with Asius’ son Adamas, and Deiphobus,
and the might Of Helenus, his royal brother bold.
Them neither altogether free from hurt
920 He found, nor living all.
Beneath the sterns Of the Achaian ships some slaughter’d
lay By Grecian hands; some stricken by the spear
Within the rampart sat, some by the sword.
But leftward of the woful field he found,
925 Ere long, bright Helen’s
paramour his band Exhorting to the fight. Hector
approach’d, And him, in fierce displeasure,
thus bespake.
Curst Paris, specious, fraudulent and
lewd!
Where is Deiphobus, and where the might
930 Of royal Helenus? Where
Adamas Offspring of Asius, and where Asius, son
Of Hyrtacus, and where Othryoneus? Now lofty
Ilium from her topmost height Falls headlong, now
is thy own ruin sure! 935
To whom the godlike Paris thus replied.
Since Hector! thou art pleased with no just cause
To censure me, I may decline, perchance, Much
more the battle on some future day, For I profess
some courage, even I. 940
Witness our constant conflict with the Greeks Here,
on this spot, since first led on by thee The host
of Troy waged battle at the ships. But those
our friends of whom thou hast inquired Are slain,
Deiphobus alone except
945 And royal Helenus, who in the hand Bear
each a wound inflicted by the spear, And have retired;
but Jove their life preserved. Come now—conduct
us whither most thine heart Prompts thee, and thou
shalt find us ardent all 950 To face
like danger; what we can, we will, The best and
most determined can no more.
So saying, the hero soothed his brother’s
mind.
Then moved they both toward the hottest war Together,
where Polydamas the brave,
955 Phalces, Cebriones, Orthaeus fought, Palmys
and Polyphoetes, godlike Chief, And Morys and Ascanius,
gallant sons Both of Hippotion. They at Troy
arrived From fair Ascania the preceding morn,
960 In recompense for aid[16]
by Priam lent Erewhile to Phrygia, and, by Jove
impell’d, Now waged the furious battle side
by side. The march of these at once, was as
Page 178
the sound Of mighty winds from deep-hung thunder-clouds
965 Descending; clamorous the blast
and wild With ocean mingles; many a billow, then,
Upridged rides turbulent the sounding flood, Foam-crested
billow after billow driven, So moved the host of
Troy, rank after rank 970 Behind
their Chiefs, all dazzling bright in arms. Before
them Priameian Hector strode Fierce as gore-tainted
Mars, and his broad shield Advancing came, heavy
with hides, and thick- Plated with brass; his helmet
on his brows 975 Refulgent shook,
and in its turn he tried The force of every phalanx,
if perchance Behind his broad shield pacing he might
shake Their steadfast order; but he bore not down
The spirit of the firm Achaian host.
980 Then Ajax striding forth, him,
first, defied.
Approach. Why temptest thou the
Greeks to fear?
No babes are we in aught that appertains To arms,
though humbled by the scourge of Jove. Thou
cherishest the foolish hope to burn
985 Our fleet with fire; but even we have
hearts Prepared to guard it, and your populous Troy,
By us dismantled and to pillage given, Shall perish
sooner far. Know this thyself Also; the hour
is nigh when thou shalt ask 990
In prayer to Jove and all the Gods of heaven, That
speed more rapid than the falcon’s flight May
wing thy coursers, while, exciting dense The dusty
plain, they whirl thee back to Troy.
While thus he spake, sublime on the
right-hand 995
An eagle soar’d; confident in the sign The
whole Achaian host with loud acclaim Hail’d
it. Then glorious Hector thus replied.
Brainless and big, what means this boast
of thine,
Earth-cumberer Ajax? Would I were the son
1000 As sure, for ever, of almighty
Jove And Juno, and such honor might receive Henceforth
as Pallas and Apollo share, As comes this day with
universal wo Fraught for the Grecians, among whom
thyself 1005 Shalt also perish
if thou dare abide My massy spear, which shall thy
pamper’d flesh Disfigure, and amid the barks
of Greece Falling, thou shalt the vultures with
thy bulk Enormous satiate, and the dogs of Troy.
1010
He spake, and led his host; with clamor
loud
They follow’d him, and all the distant rear
Came shouting on. On the other side the Greeks
Re-echoed shout for shout, all undismay’d,
And waiting firm the bravest of their foes.
1015 Upwent the double roar into the
heights Ethereal, and among the beams of Jove.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XIV.
ARGUMENT OF THE
FOURTEENTH BOOK.
Agamemnon and the other wounded Chiefs taking Nestor
with them, visit the battle. Juno having borrowed
the Cestus of Venus, first engages the assistance
of Sleep, then hastens to Ida to inveigle Jove.
She prevails. Jove sleeps; and Neptune takes
that opportunity to succor the Grecians.
Page 179
BOOK XIV.
Nor was that cry by Nestor unperceived
Though drinking, who in words wing’d
with surprise
The son of AEsculapius thus address’d.
Divine Machaon! think what
this may bode.
The cry of our young warriors at the ships
5
Grows louder; sitting here, the sable
wine
Quaff thou, while bright-hair’d
Hecamede warms
A bath, to cleanse thy crimson stains
away.
I from yon eminence will learn the cause.
So saying, he took a shield
radiant with brass 10
There lying in the tent, the shield well-forged
Of valiant Thrasymedes, his own son
(For he had borne to fight his father’s
shield)
And arming next his hand with a keen lance
Stood forth before the tent. Thence
soon he saw 15
Foul deeds and strange, the Grecian host
confused,
Their broken ranks flying before the host
Of Ilium, and the rampart overthrown.
As when the wide sea, darken’d over
all
Its silent flood, forebodes shrill winds
to blow, 20
The doubtful waves roll yet to neither
side,
Till swept at length by a decisive gale;[1]
So stood the senior, with distressful
doubts
Conflicting anxious, whether first to
seek
The Grecian host, or Agamemnon’s
self 25
The sovereign, and at length that course
preferr’d.
Meantime with mutual carnage they the
field
Spread far and wide, and by spears double-edged
Smitten, and by the sword their corselets
rang.
The royal Chiefs ascending
from the fleet, 30
Ulysses, Diomede, and Atreus’ son
Imperial Agamemnon, who had each
Bled in the battle, met him on his way.
For from the war remote they had updrawn
Their galleys on the shore of the gray
Deep, 35
The foremost to the plain, and at the
sterns
Of that exterior line had built the wall.
For, spacious though it were, the shore
alone
That fleet sufficed not, incommoding much
The people; wherefore they had ranged
the ships 40
Line above line gradual, and the bay
Between both promontories, all was fill’d.
They, therefore, curious to survey the
fight,
Came forth together, leaning on the spear,
When Nestor met them; heavy were their
hearts, 45
And at the sight of him still more alarm’d,
Whom royal Agamemnon thus bespake.
Neleian Nestor, glory of the
Greeks!
What moved thee to forsake yon bloody
field,
And urged thee hither? Cause I see
of fear, 50
Lest furious Hector even now his threat
Among the Trojans publish’d, verify,
That he would never enter Ilium more
Till he had burn’d our fleet, and
slain ourselves.
So threaten’d Hector, and shall
now perform. 55
Page 180
Alas! alas! the Achaians brazen-greaved
All, like Achilles, have deserted me
Resentful, and decline their fleet’s
defence.
To whom Gerenian Nestor thus
replied.
Those threats are verified; nor Jove himself
60
The Thunderer can disappoint them now;
For our chief strength in which we trusted
most
That it should guard impregnably secure
Our navy and ourselves, the wall hath
fallen.
Hence all this conflict by our host sustain’d
65
Among the ships; nor could thy keenest
sight
Inform thee where in the Achaian camp
Confusion most prevails, such deaths are
dealt
Promiscuous, and the cry ascends to heaven.
But come—consult we on the
sum of all, 70
If counsel yet may profit. As for
you,
Ye shall have exhortation none from me
To seek the fight; the wounded have excuse.
Whom Agamemnon answer’d,
King of men.
Ah Nestor! if beneath our very sterns
75
The battle rage, if neither trench nor
wall
Constructed with such labor, and supposed
Of strength to guard impregnably secure
Our navy and ourselves, avail us aught,
It is because almighty Jove hath will’d
80
That the Achaian host should perish here
Inglorious, from their country far remote.
When he vouchsafed assistance to the Greeks,
I knew it well; and now, not less I know
That high as the immortal Gods he lifts
85
Our foes to glory, and depresses us.
Haste therefore all, and act as I advise.
Our ships—all those that nearest
skirt the Deep,
Launch we into the sacred flood, and moor
With anchors safely, till o’ershadowing
night 90
(If night itself may save us) shall arrive.
Then may we launch the rest; for I no
shame
Account it, even by ’vantage of
the night
To fly destruction. Wiser him I deem
Who ’scapes his foe, than whom his
foe enthralls. 95
But him Ulysses, frowning
stern, reproved.
What word, Atrides, now hath pass’d
thy lips?
Counsellor of despair! thou should’st
command
(And would to heaven thou didst) a different
host,
Some dastard race, not ours; whom Jove
ordains 100
From youth to hoary age to weave the web
Of toilsome warfare, till we perish all.
Wilt thou the spacious city thus renounce
For which such numerous woes we have endured?
Hush! lest some other hear; it is a word
105
Which no man qualified by years mature
To speak discreetly, no man bearing rule
O’er such a people as confess thy
sway,
Should suffer to contaminate his lips.
I from my soul condemn thee, and condemn
110
Thy counsel, who persuad’st us in
the heat
Of battle terrible as this, to launch
Page 181
Our fleet into the waves, that we may
give
Our too successful foes their full desire,
And that our own prepondering scale
115
May plunge us past all hope; for while
they draw
Their galleys down, the Grecians shall
but ill
Sustain the fight, seaward will cast their
eyes
And shun the battle, bent on flight alone.
Then, shall they rue thy counsel, King
of men! 120
To whom the imperial leader
of the Greeks.
Thy sharp reproof, Ulysses, hath my soul
Pierced deeply. Yet I gave no such
command
That the Achaians should their galleys
launch,
Would they, or would they not. No.
I desire 125
That young or old, some other may advice
More prudent give, and he shall please
me well.
Then thus the gallant Diomede
replied.
That man is near, and may ye but be found
Tractable, our inquiry shall be short.
130
Be patient each, nor chide me nor reproach
Because I am of greener years than ye,
For I am sprung from an illustrious Sire,
From Tydeus, who beneath his hill of earth
Lies now entomb’d at Thebes.
Three noble sons 135
Were born to Portheus, who in Pleuro dwelt,
And on the heights of Calydon; the first
Agrius; the second Melas; and the third
Brave Oeneus, father of my father, famed
For virtuous qualities above the rest.
140
Oeneus still dwelt at home; but wandering
thence
My father dwelt in Argos; so the will
Of Jove appointed, and of all the Gods.
There he espoused the daughter of the
King
Adrastus, occupied a mansion rich
145
In all abundance; many a field possess’d
Of wheat, well-planted gardens, numerous
flocks,
And was expert in spearmanship esteem’d
Past all the Grecians. I esteem’d
it right
That ye should hear these things, for
they are true. 150
Ye will not, therefore, as I were obscure
And of ignoble origin, reject
What I shall well advise. Expedience
bids
That, wounded as we are, we join the host.
We will preserve due distance from the
range 155
Of spears and arrows, lest already gall’d,
We suffer worse; but we will others urge
To combat, who have stood too long aloof,
Attentive only to their own repose.
He spake, whom all approved,
and forth they went, 160
Imperial Agamemnon at their head.
Nor watch’d the glorious
Shaker of the shores
In vain, but like a man time-worn approach’d,
And, seizing Agamemnon’s better
hand,
In accents wing’d the monarch thus
address’d. 165
Atrides! now exults the vengeful
heart
Of fierce Achilles, viewing at his ease
The flight and slaughter of Achaia’s
host;
For he is mad, and let him perish such,
Page 182
And may his portion from the Gods be shame!
170
But as for thee, not yet the powers of
heaven
Thee hate implacable; the Chiefs of Troy
Shall cover yet with cloudy dust the breadth
Of all the plain, and backward from the
camp
To Ilium’s gates thyself shalt see
them driven. 175
He ceased, and shouting traversed
swift the field.
Loud as nine thousand or ten thousand
shout
In furious battle mingled, Neptune sent
His voice abroad, force irresistible
Infusing into every Grecian heart,
180
And thirst of battle not to be assuaged.
But Juno of the golden throne
stood forth
On the Olympian summit, viewing thence
The field, where clear distinguishing
the God
Of ocean, her own brother, sole engaged
185
Amid the glorious battle, glad was she.
Seeing Jove also on the topmost point
Of spring-fed Ida seated, she conceived
Hatred against him, and thenceforth began
Deliberate how best she might deceive
190
The Thunderer, and thus at last resolved;
Attired with skill celestial to descend
On Ida, with a hope to allure him first
Won by her beauty to a fond embrace,
Then closing fast in balmy sleep profound
195
His eyes, to elude his vigilance, secure.
She sought her chamber; Vulcan her own
son
That chamber built. He framed the
solid doors,
And to the posts fast closed them with
a key
Mysterious, which, herself except, in
heaven 200
None understood. Entering she secured
The splendid portal. First, she laved
all o’er
Her beauteous body with ambrosial lymph,
Then polish’d it with richest oil
divine
Of boundless fragrance;[2] oil that in
the courts 205
Eternal only shaken, through the skies
Breathed odors, and through all the distant
earth.
Her whole fair body with those sweets
bedew’d,
She passed the comb through her ambrosial
hair,
And braided her bright locks streaming
profuse 210
From her immortal brows; with golden studs
She made her gorgeous mantle fast before,
Ethereal texture, labor of the hands
Of Pallas beautified with various art,
And braced it with a zone fringed all
around 215
A hundred fold; her pendants triple-gemm’d
Luminous, graceful, in her ears she hung,
And covering all her glories with a veil
Sun-bright, new-woven, bound to her fair
feet
Her sandals elegant. Thus full attired,
220
In all her ornaments, she issued forth,
And beckoning Venus from the other powers
Of heaven apart, the Goddess thus bespake.
Daughter beloved! shall I
obtain my suit,
Or wilt thou thwart me, angry that I aid
225
Page 183
The Grecians, while thine aid is given
to Troy?
To whom Jove’s daughter
Venus thus replied.
What would majestic Juno, daughter dread
Of Saturn, sire of Jove? I feel a
mind
Disposed to gratify thee, if thou ask
230
Things possible, and possible to me.
Then thus with wiles veiling
her deep design
Imperial Juno. Give me those desires,
That love-enkindling power by which thou
sway’st
Immortal hearts and mortal, all alike;
235
For to the green earth’s utmost
bounds I go,
To visit there the parent of the Gods,
Oceanus, and Tethys his espoused,
Mother of all. They kindly from the
hands
Of Rhea took, and with parental care
240
Sustain’d and cherish’d me,
what time from heaven
The Thunderer hurled down Saturn, and
beneath
The earth fast bound him and the barren
Deep.
Them go I now to visit, and their feuds
Innumerable to compose; for long
245
They have from conjugal embrace abstain’d
Through mutual wrath, whom by persuasive
speech
Might I restore into each other’s
arms,
They would for ever love me and revere.
Her, foam-born Venus then,
Goddess of smiles, 250
Thus answer’d. Thy request,
who in the arms
Of Jove reposest the omnipotent,
Nor just it were nor seemly to refuse.
So saying, the cincture from
her breast she loosed
Embroider’d, various, her all-charming
zone. 255
It was an ambush of sweet snares, replete
With love, desire, soft intercourse of
hearts,
And music of resistless whisper’d
sounds
That from the wisest steal their best
resolves;
She placed it in her hands and thus she
said. 260
Take this—this
girdle fraught with every charm.
Hide this within thy bosom, and return,
Whate’er thy purpose, mistress of
it all.
She spake; imperial Juno smiled,
and still
Smiling complacent, bosom’d safe
the zone. 265
Then Venus to her father’s court
return’d,
And Juno, starting from the Olympian height,
O’erflew Pieria and the lovely plains
Of broad Emathia; soaring thence she swept
The snow-clad summits of the Thracian
hills 270
Steed-famed, nor printed, as she passed,
the soil.
From Athos o’er the foaming billows
borne
She came to Lemnos, city and abode
Of noble Thoas, and there meeting Sleep,
Brother of Death, she press’d his
hand, and said, 275
Sleep, over all, both Gods
and men, supreme!
If ever thou hast heard, hear also now
My suit; I will be grateful evermore.
Seal for me fast the radiant eyes of Jove
In the instant of his gratified desire.
280
Thy recompense shall be a throne of gold,
Page 184
Bright, incorruptible; my limping son,
Vulcan, shall fashion it himself with
art
Laborious, and, beneath, shall place a
stool[3]
For thy fair feet, at the convivial board.
285
Then answer thus the tranquil
Sleep returned
Great Saturn’s daughter, awe-inspiring
Queen!
All other of the everlasting Gods
I could with ease make slumber, even the
streams
Of Ocean, Sire of all.[4] Not so the King
290
The son of Saturn: him, unless himself
Give me command, I dare not lull to rest,
Or even approach him, taught as I have
been
Already in the school of thy commands
That wisdom. I forget not yet the
day 295
When, Troy laid waste, that valiant son[5]
of his
Sail’d homeward: then my influence
I diffused
Soft o’er the sovereign intellect
of Jove;
While thou, against the Hero plotting
harm,
Didst rouse the billows with tempestuous
blasts, 300
And separating him from all his friend,
Brought’st him to populous Cos.
Then Jove awoke,
And, hurling in his wrath the Gods about,
Sought chiefly me, whom far below all
ken
He had from heaven cast down into the
Deep, 305
But Night, resistless vanquisher of all,
Both Gods and men, preserved me; for to
her
I fled for refuge. So the Thunderer
cool’d,
Though sore displeased, and spared me
through a fear
To violate the peaceful sway of Night.[6]
310
And thou wouldst now embroil me yet again!
To whom majestic Juno thus
replied.
Ah, wherefore, Sleep! shouldst thou indulge
a fear
So groundless? Chase it from thy
mind afar.
Think’st thou the Thunderer as intent
to serve 315
The Trojans, and as jealous in their cause
As erst for Hercules, his genuine son?
Come then, and I will bless thee with
a bride;
One of the younger Graces shall be thine,
Pasithea, day by day still thy desire.
320
She spake; Sleep heard delighted,
and replied.
By the inviolable Stygian flood
Swear to me; lay thy right hand on the
glebe
All-teeming, lay thy other on the face
Of the flat sea, that all the Immortal
Powers 325
Who compass Saturn in the nether realms
May witness, that thou givest me for a
bride
The younger Grace whom thou hast named,
divine
Pasithea, day by day still my desire.
He said, nor beauteous Juno
not complied, 330
But sware, by name invoking all the powers
Titanian call’d who in the lowest
gulf
Dwell under Tartarus, omitting none.
Her oath with solemn ceremonial sworn,
Together forth they went; Lemnos they
left 335
And Imbrus, city of Thrace, and in dark
clouds
Mantled, with gliding ease swam through
Page 185
the air
To Ida’s mount with rilling waters
vein’d,
Parent of savage beasts; at Lectos[7]
first
They quitted Ocean, overpassing high
340
The dry land, while beneath their feet
the woods
Their spiry summits waved. There,
unperceived
By Jove, Sleep mounted Ida’s loftiest
pine
Of growth that pierced the sky, and hidden
sat
Secure by its expanded boughs, the bird
345
Shrill-voiced resembling in the mountains
seen,[8]
Chalcis in heaven, on earth Cymindis named.
But Juno swift to Gargarus
the top
Of Ida, soar’d, and there Jove saw
his spouse.
—Saw her—and in
his breast the same love felt 350
Rekindled vehement, which had of old
Join’d them, when, by their parents
unperceived,
They stole aside, and snatch’d their
first embrace.
Soon he accosted her, and thus inquired.
Juno! what region seeking
hast thou left 355
The Olympian summit, and hast here arrived
With neither steed nor chariot in thy
train?
To whom majestic Juno thus
replied
Dissembling. To the green earth’s
end I go,
To visit there the parent of the Gods
360
Oceanus, and Tethys his espoused,
Mother of all. They kindly from the
hands
Of Rhea took, and with parental care
Sustain’d and cherish’d me;[9]
to them I haste
Their feuds innumerable to compose,
365
Who disunited by intestine strife
Long time, from conjugal embrace abstain.
My steeds, that lightly over dank and
dry
Shall bear me, at the rooted base I left
Of Ida river-vein’d. But for
thy sake 370
From the Olympian summit I arrive,
Lest journeying remote to the abode
Of Ocean, and with no consent of thine
Entreated first, I should, perchance,
offend.
To whom the cloud-assembler
God replied. 375
Juno! thy journey thither may be made
Hereafter. Let us turn to dalliance
now.
For never Goddess pour’d, nor woman
yet
So full a tide of love into my breast;
I never loved Ixion’s consort thus
380
Who bore Pirithoues, wise as we in heaven;
Nor sweet Acrisian Danaee, from whom
Sprang Perseus, noblest of the race of
man;
Nor Phoenix’ daughter fair,[10]
of whom were born
Minos unmatch’d but by the powers
above, 385
And Rhadamanthus; nor yet Semele,
Nor yet Alcmena, who in Thebes produced
The valiant Hercules; and though my son
By Semele were Bacchus, joy of man;
Nor Ceres golden-hair’d, nor high-enthroned
390
Latona in the skies, no—nor
thyself
As now I love thee, and my soul perceive
O’erwhelm’d with sweetness
of intense desire.
Then thus majestic Juno her
Page 186
reply
Framed artful. Oh unreasonable haste!
395
What speaks the Thunderer? If on
Ida’s heights.
Where all is open and to view exposed
Thou wilt that we embrace, what must betide,
Should any of the everlasting Gods
Observe us, and declare it to the rest?
400
Never could I, arising, seek again,
Thy mansion, so unseemly were the deed.
But if thy inclinations that way tend,
Thou hast a chamber; it is Vulcan’s
work,
Our son’s; he framed and fitted
to its posts 405
The solid portal; thither let us his,
And there repose, since such thy pleasure
seems.
To whom the cloud-assembler
Deity.
Fear thou not, Juno, lest the eye of man
Or of a God discern us; at my word
410
A golden cloud shall fold us so around,
That not the Sun himself shall through
that veil
Discover aught, though keenest-eyed of
all.
So spake the son of Saturn,
and his spouse
Fast lock’d within his arms.
Beneath them earth 415
With sudden herbage teem’d; at once
upsprang
The crocus soft, the lotus bathed in dew,
And the crisp hyacinth with clustering
bells;
Thick was their growth, and high above
the ground
Upbore them. On that flowery couch
they lay, 420
Invested with a golden cloud that shed
Bright dew-drops all around.[11] His heart
at ease,
There lay the Sire of all, by Sleep and
Love
Vanquish’d on lofty Gargarus, his
spouse
Constraining still with amorous embrace.
425
Then, gentle Sleep to the Achaian camp
Sped swift away, with tidings for the
ear
Of earth-encircler Neptune charged; him
soon
He found, and in wing’d accents
thus began.
Now Neptune, yield the Greeks
effectual aid, 430
And, while the moment lasts of Jove’s
repose,
Make victory theirs; for him in slumbers
soft
I have involved, while Juno by deceit
Prevailing, lured him with the bait of
love.
He said, and swift departed
to his task 435
Among the nations; but his tidings urged
Neptune with still more ardor to assist
The Danai; he leap’d into the van
Afar, and thus exhorted them aloud.
Oh Argives! yield we yet again
the day 440
To Priameian Hector? Shall he seize
Our ships, and make the glory all his
own?
Such is his expectation, so he vaunts,
For that Achilles leaves not yet his camp,
Resentful; but of him small need, I judge,
445
Should here be felt, could once the rest
be roused
To mutual aid. Act, then, as I advise.
The best and broadest bucklers of the
host,
And brightest helmets put we on, and arm’d
With longest spears, advance; myself will
lead; 450
Page 187
And trust me, furious though he be, the
son
Of Priam flies. Ye then who feel
your hearts
Undaunted, but are arm’d with smaller
shields,
Them give to those who fear, and in exchange
Their stronger shields and broader take
yourselves. 455
So he, whom, unreluctant,
all obey’d.
Then, wounded as they were, themselves
the Kings,
Tydides, Agamemnon and Ulysses
Marshall’d the warriors, and from
rank to rank
Made just exchange of arms, giving the
best 460
To the best warriors, to the worse, the
worst.
And now in brazen armor all array’d
Refulgent on they moved, by Neptune led
With firm hand grasping his long-bladed
sword
Keen as Jove’s bolt; with him may
none contend 465
In dreadful fight; but fear chains every
arm.
Opposite, Priameian Hector
ranged
His Trojans; then they stretch’d
the bloody cord
Of conflict tight, Neptune coerulean-hair’d,
And Hector, pride of Ilium; one, the Greeks
470
Supporting firm, and one, the powers of
Troy;
A sea-flood dash’d the galleys,
and the hosts
Join’d clamorous. Not so the
billows roar
The shores among, when Boreas’ roughest
blast
Sweeps landward from the main the towering
surge; 475
Not so, devouring fire among the trees
That clothe the mountain, when the sheeted
flames
Ascending wrap the forest in a blaze;
Nor howl the winds through leafy boughs
of oaks
Upgrown aloft (though loudest there they
rave) 480
With sounds so awful as were heard of
Greeks
And Trojans shouting when the clash began.
At Ajax, first (for face to
face they stood)
Illustrious Hector threw a spear well-aim’d,
But smote him where the belts that bore
his shield 485
And falchion cross’d each other
on his breast.
The double guard preserved him unannoy’d.
Indignant that his spear had bootless
flown,
Yet fearing death at hand, the Trojan
Chief
Toward the phalanx of his friends retired.
490
But, as he went, huge Ajax with a stone
Of those which propp’d the ships
(for numerous such
Lay rolling at the feet of those who fought)
Assail’d him. Twirling like
a top it pass’d
The shield of Hector, near the neck his
breast 495
Struck full, then plough’d circuitous
the dust.
As when Jove’s arm omnipotent an
oak
Prostrates uprooted on the plain, a fume
Rises sulphureous from the riven trunk,
And if, perchance, some traveller nigh
at hand 500
See it, he trembles at the bolt of Jove,
So fell the might of Hector, to the earth
Smitten at once. Down dropp’d
his idle spear,
And with his helmet and his shield himself
Also; loud thunder’d all his gorgeous
arms. 505
Page 188
Swift flew the Grecians shouting to the
skies,
And showering darts, to drag his body
thence,
But neither spear of theirs nor shaft
could harm
The fallen leader, with such instant aid
His princely friends encircled him around,
510
Sarpedon, Lycian Chief, Glaucus the brave,
Polydamas, AEneas, and renown’d
Agenor; neither tardy were the rest,
But with round shields all shelter’d
Hector fallen.
Him soon uplifted from the plain his friends
515
Bore thence, till where his fiery coursers
stood,
And splendid chariot in the rear, they
came,
Then Troy-ward drove him groaning as he
went.
Ere long arriving at the pleasant stream
Of eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove,
520
They laid him on the bank, and on his
face
Pour’d water; he, reviving, upward
gazed,
And seated on his hams black blood disgorged
Coagulate, but soon relapsing, fell
Supine, his eyes with pitchy darkness
veil’d, 525
And all his powers still torpid by the
blow.
Then, seeing Hector borne
away, the Greeks
Rush’d fiercer on, all mindful of
the fight,
And far before the rest, Ajax the swift,
The Oilean Chief, with pointed spear
530
On Satnius springing, pierced him.
Him a nymph
A Naiad, bore to Enops, while his herd
Feeding, on Satnio’s grassy verge
he stray’d.
But Oiliades the spear-renown’d
Approaching, pierced his flank; supine
he fell, 535
And fiery contest for the dead arose.
In vengeance of his fall, spear-shaking
Chief
The son of Panthus into fight advanced
Polydamas, who Prothoeenor pierced
Offspring of Areilocus, and urged
540
Through his right shoulder sheer the stormy
lance.
He, prostrate, clench’d the dust,
and with loud voice
Polydamas exulted at his fall.
Yon spear, methinks, hurl’d
from the warlike hand
Of Panthus’ noble son, flew not
in vain, 545
But some Greek hath it, purposing, I judge,
To lean on it in his descent to hell.
So he, whose vaunt the Greeks
indignant heard.
But most indignant, Ajax, offspring bold
Of Telamon, to whom he nearest fell.
550
He, quick, at the retiring conqueror cast
His radiant spear; Polydamas the stroke
Shunn’d, starting sideward; but
Antenor’s son
Archilochus the mortal dint received,
Death-destined by the Gods; where neck
and spine 555
Unite, both tendons he dissever’d
wide,
And, ere his knees, his nostrils met the
ground.
Then Ajax in his turn vaunting
aloud
Against renown’d Polydamas, exclaim’d.
Speak now the truth, Polydamas, and weigh
560
My question well. His life whom I
Page 189
have slain
Makes it not compensation for the loss
Of Prothoeenor’s life! To me
he seems
Nor base himself; nor yet of base descent,
But brother of Atenor steed-renown’d,
565
Or else perchance his son; for in my eyes
Antenor’s lineage he resembles most.
So he, well knowing him, and
sorrow seized
Each Trojan heart. Then Acamas around
His brother stalking, wounded with his
spear 570
Boeotian Promachus, who by the feet
Dragg’d off the slain. Acamas
in his fall
Aloud exulted with a boundless joy.
Vain-glorious Argives, archers
inexpert!
War’s toil and trouble are not ours
alone, 575
But ye shall perish also; mark the man—
How sound he sleeps tamed by my conquering
arm,
Your fellow-warrior Promachus! the debt
Of vengeance on my brother’s dear
behalf
Demanded quick discharge; well may the
wish 580
Of every dying warrior be to leave
A brother living to avenge his fall.
He ended, whom the Greeks
indignant heard,
But chiefly brave Peneleus; swift he rush’d
On Acamas; but from before the force
585
Of King Peneleus Acamas retired,
And, in his stead, Ilioneus he pierced,
Offspring of Phorbas, rich in flocks;
and blest
By Mercury with such abundant wealth
As other Trojan none, nor child to him
590
His spouse had borne, Ilioneus except.
Him close beneath the brow to his eye-roots
Piercing, he push’d the pupil from
its seat,
And through his eye and through his poll
the spear
Urged furious. He down-sitting on
the earth 595
Both hands extended; but, his glittering
blade
Forth-drawn, Peneleus through his middle
neck
Enforced it; head and helmet to the ground
He lopp’d together, with the lance
infixt
Still in his eye; then like a poppy’s
head 600
The crimson trophy lifting, in the ears
He vaunted loud of Ilium’s host,
and cried.
Go, Trojans! be my messengers!
Inform
The parents of Ilioneus the brave
That they may mourn their son through
all their house, 605
For so the wife of Alegenor’s son
Boeotian Promachus must him bewail,
Nor shall she welcome his return with
smiles
Of joy affectionate, when from the shores
Of Troy the fleet shall bear us Grecians
home. 610
He said; fear whiten’d
every Trojan cheek,
And every Trojan eye with earnest look
Inquired a refuge from impending fate.
Say now, ye Muses, blest inhabitants
Of the Olympian realms! what Grecian first
615
Fill’d his victorious hand with
armor stript
From slaughter’d Trojans, after
Ocean’s God
Had, interposing, changed the battle’s
course?
Page 190
First, Telamonian Ajax Hyrtius
slew,
Undaunted leader of the Mysian band.
620
Phalces and Mermerus their arms resign’d
To young Antilochus; Hyppotion fell
And Morys by Meriones; the shafts
Right-aim’d of Teucer to the shades
dismiss’d
Prothoeus and Periphetes, and the prince
625
Of Sparta, Menelaus, in his flank
Pierced Hyperenor; on his entrails prey’d
The hungry steel, and, through the gaping
wound
Expell’d, his spirit flew; night
veil’d his eyes.
But Ajax Oiliades the swift
630
Slew most; him none could equal in pursuit
Of tremblers scatter’d by the frown
of Jove.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XV.
ARGUMENT OF THE
FIFTEENTH BOOK.
Jove, awaking and seeing the Trojans routed, threatens
Juno. He sends Iris to admonish Neptune to relinquish
the battle, and Apollo to restore health to Hector.
Apollo armed with the AEgis, puts to flight the Grecians;
they are pursued home to their fleet, and Telamonian
Ajax slays twelve Trojans bringing fire to burn it.
BOOK XV.
But when the flying Trojans had o’erpass’d
Both stakes and trench, and numerous slaughtered
lay
By Grecian hands, the remnant halted all
Beside their chariots, pale, discomfited.
Then was it that on Ida’s summit Jove
5
At Juno’s side awoke; starting, he stood
At once erect; Trojans and Greeks he saw,
These broken, those pursuing and led on
By Neptune; he beheld also remote
Encircled by his friends, and on the plain
10
Extended, Hector; there he panting lay,
Senseless, ejecting blood, bruised by a blow
From not the feeblest of the sons of Greece.
Touch’d with compassion at that sight, the
Sire
Of Gods and men, frowning terrific, fix’d
15
His eyes on Juno, and her thus bespake.
No place for doubt remains.
Oh, versed in wiles,
Juno! thy mischief-teeming mind perverse
Hath plotted this; thou hast contrived the hurt
Of Hector, and hast driven his host to flight.
20
I know not but thyself mayst chance to reap
The first-fruits of thy cunning, scourged[1] by
me.
Hast thou forgotten how I once aloft
Suspended thee, with anvils at thy feet,
And both thy wrists bound with a golden cord
25
Indissoluble? In the clouds of heaven
I hung thee, while from the Olympian heights
The Gods look’d mournful on, but of them all
None could deliver thee, for whom I seized,
Hurl’d through the gates of heaven on earth
he fell, 30
Half-breathless. Neither so did I resign
My hot resentment of the hero’s wrongs
Immortal Hercules, whom thou by storms
Page 191
Call’d from the North, with mischievous intent
Hadst driven far distant o’er the barren Deep
35
To populous Cos. Thence I deliver’d him,
And after numerous woes severe, he reach’d
The shores of fruitful Argos, saved by me.
I thus remind thee now, that thou mayst cease
Henceforth from artifice, and mayst be taught
40
How little all the dalliance and the love
Which, stealing down from heaven, thou hast by fraud
Obtain’d from me, shall profit thee at last.
He ended, whom imperial Juno
heard
Shuddering, and in wing’d accents thus replied.
45
Be witness Earth, the boundless
Heaven above,
And Styx beneath, whose stream the blessed Gods
Even tremble to adjure;[2] be witness too
Thy sacred life, and our connubial bed,
Which by a false oath I will never wrong,
50
That by no art induced or plot of mine
Neptune, the Shaker of the shores, inflicts
These harms on Hector and the Trojan host
Aiding the Grecians, but impell’d alone
By his own heart with pity moved at sight
55
Of the Achaians at the ships subdued.
But even him, oh Sovereign of the storms!
I am prepared to admonish that he quit
The battle, and retire where thou command’st.
So she; then smiled the Sire
of Gods and men, 60
And in wing’d accents answer thus return’d.[3]
Juno! wouldst thou on thy
celestial throne
Assist my counsels, howso’er in heart
He differ now, Neptune should soon his will
Submissive bend to thy desires and mine.
65
But if sincerity be in thy words
And truth, repairing to the blest abodes
Send Iris hither, with the archer God
Apollo; that she, visiting the host
Of Greece, may bid the Sovereign of the Deep
70
Renounce the fight, and seek his proper home.
Apollo’s part shall be to rouse again
Hector to battle, to inspire his soul
Afresh with courage, and all memory thence
To banish of the pangs which now he feels.
75
Apollo also shall again repulse
Achaia’s host, which with base panic fill’d,
Shall even to Achilles’ ships be driven.
Achilles shall his valiant friend exhort
Patroclus forth; him under Ilium’s walls
80
Shall glorious Hector slay; but many a youth
Shall perish by Patroclus first, with whom,
My noble son Sarpedon. Peleus’ son,
Resentful of Patroclus’ death, shall slay
Hector, and I will urge ceaseless, myself,
85
Thenceforth the routed Trojans back again,
Till by Minerva’s aid the Greeks shall take
Ilium’s proud city; till that day arrive
My wrath shall burn, nor will I one permit
Of all the Immortals to assist the Greeks,
90
But will perform Achilles’ whole desire.
Page 192
Such was my promise to him at the first,
Ratified by a nod that self-same day
When Thetis clasp’d my knees, begging revenge
And glory for her city-spoiler son.
95
He ended; nor his spouse white-arm’d
refused
Obedience, but from the Idaean heights
Departing, to the Olympian summit soar’d.
Swift as the traveller’s thought,[4] who,
many a land
Traversed, deliberates on his future course
100
Uncertain, and his mind sends every way,
So swift updarted Juno to the skies.
Arrived on the Olympian heights, she found
The Gods assembled; they, at once, their seats
At her approach forsaking, with full cups
105
Her coming hail’d; heedless of all beside,
She took the cup from blooming Themis’ hand,
For she first flew to welcome her, and thus
In accents wing’d of her return inquired.
Say, Juno, why this sudden
re-ascent? 110
Thou seem’st dismay’d; hath Saturn’s
son, thy spouse,
Driven thee affrighted to the skies again?
To whom the white-arm’d
Goddess thus replied.
Themis divine, ask not. Full well thou know’st
How harshly temper’d is the mind of Jove,
115
And how untractable. Resume thy seat;
The banquet calls thee; at our board preside,
Thou shalt be told, and all in heaven shall hear
What ills he threatens; such as shall not leave
All minds at ease, I judge, here or on earth,
120
However tranquil some and joyous now.
So spake the awful spouse
of Jove, and sat.
Then, all alike, the Gods displeasure felt
Throughout the courts of Jove, but she, her lips
Gracing with smiles from which her sable brows
125
Dissented,[5] thus indignant them address’d.
Alas! how vain against the
Thunderer’s will
Our anger, and the hope to supersede
His purpose, by persuasion or by force!
He solitary sits, all unconcern’d
130
At our resentment, and himself proclaims
Mightiest and most to be revered in heaven.
Be patient, therefore, and let each endure
Such ills as Jove may send him. Mars, I ween,
Already hath his share; the warrior God
135
Hath lost Ascalaphus, of all mankind
His most beloved, and whom he calls his own.
She spake, and with expanded
palms his thighs
Smiling, thus, sorrowful, the God exclaim’d.
Inhabitants of the Olympian
heights! 140
Oh bear with me, if to avenge my son
I seek Achaia’s fleet, although my doom
Be thunder-bolts from Jove, and with the dead
Outstretch’d to lie in carnage and in dust.
He spake, and bidding Horror
and Dismay 145
Lead to the yoke his rapid steeds, put on
His all-refulgent armor. Then had wrath
Page 193
More dreadful, some strange vengeance on the Gods
From Jove befallen, had not Minerva, touch’d
With timely fears for all, upstarting sprung
150
From where she sat, right through the vestibule.
She snatch’d the helmet from his brows, the
shield
From his broad shoulder, and the brazen spear
Forced from his grasp into its place restored.
Then reprimanding Mars, she thus began.
155
Frantic, delirious! thou art
lost for ever!
Is it in vain that thou hast ears to hear,
And hast thou neither shame nor reason left?
How? hear’st thou not the Goddess? the report
Of white-arm’d Juno from Olympian Jove
160
Return’d this moment? or perfer’st thou
rather,
Plagued with a thousand woes, and under force
Of sad necessity to seek again
Olympus, and at thy return to prove
Author of countless miseries to us all?
165
For He at once Grecians and Trojans both
Abandoning, will hither haste prepared
To tempest[6] us in heaven, whom he will seize,
The guilty and the guiltless, all alike.
I bid thee, therefore, patient bear the death
170
Of thy Ascalaphus; braver than he
And abler have, ere now, in battle fallen,
And shall hereafter; arduous were the task
To rescue from the stroke of fate the race
Of mortal men, with all their progeny.
175
So saying, Minerva on his
throne replaced
The fiery Mars. Then, summoning abroad
Apollo from within the hall of Jove,
With Iris, swift ambassadress of heaven,
Them in wing’d accents Juno thus bespake.
180
Jove bids you hence with undelaying
speed
To Ida; in his presence once arrived,
See that ye execute his whole command.
So saying, the awful Goddess
to her throne
Return’d and sat. They, cleaving swift
the air, 185
Alighted soon on Ida fountain-fed,
Parent of savage kinds. High on the point
Seated of Gargarus, and wrapt around
With fragrant clouds, they found Saturnian Jove
The Thunderer, and in his presence stood.
190
He, nought displeased that they his high command
Had with such readiness obey’d, his speech
To Iris, first, in accents wing’d address’d
Swift Iris, haste—to
royal Neptune bear
My charge entire; falsify not the word.
195
Bid him, relinquishing the fight, withdraw
Either to heaven, or to the boundless Deep.
But should he disobedient prove, and scorn
My message, let him, next, consider well
How he will bear, powerful as he is,
200
My coming. Me I boast superior far
In force, and elder-born; yet deems he slight
The danger of comparison with me,
Who am the terror of all heaven beside.
He spake, nor storm-wing’d
Page 194
Iris disobey’d, 205
But down from the Idaean summit stoop’d
To sacred Ilium. As when snow or hail
Flies drifted by the cloud-dispelling North,
So swiftly, wing’d with readiness of will,
She shot the gulf between, and standing soon
210
At glorious Neptune’s side, him thus address’d.
To thee, O Neptune azure-hair’d!
I come
With tidings charged from AEgis-bearing Jove.
He bids thee cease from battle, and retire
Either to heaven, or to the boundless Deep.
215
But shouldst thou, disobedient, set at nought
His words, he threatens that himself will haste
To fight against thee; but he bids thee shun
That strife with one superior far to thee,
And elder-born; yet deem’st thou slight, he
saith, 220
The danger of comparison with Him,
Although the terror of all heaven beside.
Her then the mighty Shaker
of the shores
Answer’d indignant. Great as is his power,
Yet he hath spoken proudly, threatening me
225
With force, high-born and glorious as himself.
We are three brothers; Saturn is our sire,
And Rhea brought us forth; first, Jove she bore;
Me next; then, Pluto, Sovereign of the shades.
By distribution tripart we received
230
Each his peculiar honors; me the lots
Made Ruler of the hoary floods, and there
I dwell for ever. Pluto, for his part,
The regions took of darkness; and the heavens,
The clouds, and boundless aether, fell to Jove.
235
The Earth and the Olympian heights alike
Are common to the three. My life and being
I hold not, therefore, at his will, whose best
And safest course, with all his boasted power,
Were to possess in peace his proper third.
240
Let him not seek to terrify with force
Me like a dastard; let him rather chide
His own-begotten; with big-sounding words
His sons and daughters govern, who perforce
Obey his voice, and shrink at his commands.
245
To whom thus Iris tempest-wing’d
replied,
Coerulean-tress’d Sovereign of the Deep!
Shall I report to Jove, harsh as it is,
Thy speech, or wilt thou soften it? The wise
Are flexible, and on the elder-born
250
Erynnis, with her vengeful sisters, waits.[7]
Her answer’d then the
Shaker of the shores.
Prudent is thy advice, Iris divine!
Discretion in a messenger is good
At all times. But the cause that fires me thus,
255
And with resentment my whole heart and mind
Possesses, is the license that he claims
To vex with provocation rude of speech
Me his compeer, and by decree of Fate
Illustrious as himself; yet, though incensed,
260
And with just cause, I will not now persist.
But hear—for it is treasured in my heart
Page 195
The threat that my lips utter. If he still
Resolve to spare proud Ilium in despite
Of me, of Pallas, Goddess of the spoils,
265
Of Juno, Mercury, and the King of fire,
And will not overturn her lofty towers,
Nor grant immortal glory to the Greeks,
Then tell him thus—hostility shall burn,
And wrath between us never to be quench’d.
270
So saying, the Shaker of the
shores forsook
The Grecian host, and plunged into the deep,
Miss’d by Achaia’s heroes. Then,
the cloud-Assembler
God thus to Apollo spake.
Hence, my Apollo! to the Trojan
Chief 275
Hector; for earth-encircler Neptune, awed
By fear of my displeasure imminent,
Hath sought the sacred Deep. Else, all the
Gods
Who compass Saturn in the nether realms,
Had even there our contest heard, I ween,
280
And heard it loudly. But that he retreats
Although at first incensed, shunning my wrath,
Is salutary both for him and me,
Whose difference else had not been healed with ease.
Take thou my shaggy AEgis, and with force
285
Smiting it, terrify the Chiefs of Greece.
As for illustrious Hector, him I give
To thy peculiar care; fail not to rouse
His fiercest courage, till he push the Greeks
To Hellespont, and to their ships again;
290
Thenceforth to yield to their afflicted host
Some pause from toil, shall be my own concern.
He ended, nor Apollo disobey’d
His father’s voice; from the Idaean heights,
Swift as the swiftest of the fowls of air,
295
The dove-destroyer falcon, down he flew.
The noble Hector, valiant Priam’s son
He found, not now extended on the plain,
But seated; newly, as from death, awaked,
And conscious of his friends; freely he breathed
300
Nor sweated more, by Jove himself revived.
Apollo stood beside him, and began.
Say, Hector, Priam’s
son! why sittest here
Feeble and spiritless, and from thy host
Apart? what new disaster hath befall’n?
305
To whom with difficulty thus
replied
The warlike Chief.—But tell me who art
Thou,
Divine inquirer! best of powers above!
Know’st not that dauntless Ajax me his friends
Slaughtering at yonder ships, hath with a stone
310
Surceased from fight, smiting me on the breast?
I thought to have beheld, this day, the dead
In Ades, every breath so seem’d my last.
Then answer thus the Archer-God
return’d.
Courage this moment! such a helper Jove
315
From Ida sends thee at thy side to war
Continual, Phoebus of the golden sword,
Whose guardian aid both thee and lofty Troy
Hath succor’d many a time. Therefore
arise!
Instant bid drive thy numerous charioteers
Page 196
320
Their rapid steeds full on the Grecian fleet;
I, marching at their head, will smooth, myself,
The way before them, and will turn again
To flight the heroes of the host of Greece.
He said and with new strength
the Chief inspired. 325
As some stall’d horse high pamper’d,
snapping short
His cord, beats under foot the sounding soil,
Accustom’d in smooth-sliding streams to lave
Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane
Wantons around his shoulders; pleased, he eyes
330
His glossy sides, and borne on pliant knees
Soon finds the haunts where all his fellows graze;
So bounded Hector, and his agile joints
Plied lightly, quicken’d by the voice divine,
And gather’d fast his charioteers to battle.
335
But as when hounds and hunters through the woods
Rush in pursuit of stag or of wild goat,
He, in some cave with tangled boughs o’erhung,
Lies safe conceal’d, no destined prey of theirs,
Till by their clamors roused, a lion grim
340
Starts forth to meet them; then, the boldest fly;
Such hot pursuit the Danai, with swords
And spears of double edge long time maintain’d.
But seeing Hector in his ranks again
Occupied, felt at once their courage fall’n.
345
Then, Thoas them, Andraemon’s
son, address’d,
Foremost of the AEtolians, at the spear
Skilful, in stationary combat bold,
And when the sons of Greece held in dispute
The prize of eloquence, excell’d by few.
350
Prudent advising them, he thus began.
Ye Gods! what prodigy do I
behold?
Hath Hector, ’scaping death, risen again?
For him, with confident persuasion all
Believed by Telamonian Ajax slain.
355
But some Divinity hath interposed
To rescue and save Hector, who the joints
Hath stiffen’d of full many a valiant Greek,
As surely now he shall; for, not without
The Thunderer’s aid, he flames in front again.
360
But take ye all my counsel. Send we back
The multitude into the fleet, and first
Let us, who boast ourselves bravest in fight,
Stand, that encountering him with lifted spears,
We may attempt to give his rage a check.
365
To thrust himself into a band like ours
Will, doubtless, even in Hector move a fear.
He ceased, with whose advice
all, glad, complied.
Then Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete,
Teucer, Meriones, and Meges fierce
370
As Mars in battle, summoning aloud
The noblest Greeks, in opposition firm
To Hector and his host their bands prepared,
While others all into the fleet retired.
Troy’s crowded host[8] struck first.
With awful strides 375
Came Hector foremost; him Apollo led,
His shoulders wrapt in clouds, and, on his arm,
Page 197
The AEgis shagg’d terrific all around,
Tempestuous, dazzling-bright; it was a gift
To Jove from Vulcan, and design’d to appall,
380
And drive to flight the armies of the earth.
Arm’d with that shield Apollo led them on.
Firm stood the embodied Greeks; from either host
Shrill cries arose; the arrows from the nerve
Leap’d, and, by vigorous arms dismiss’d,
the spears 385
Flew frequent; in the flesh some stood infixt
Of warlike youths, but many, ere they reach’d
The mark they coveted, unsated fell
Between the hosts, and rested in the soil.
Long as the God unagitated held
390
The dreadful disk, so long the vollied darts
Made mutual slaughter, and the people fell;
But when he look’d the Grecian charioteers
Full in the face and shook it, raising high
Himself the shout of battle, then he quell’d
395
Their spirits, then he struck from every mind
At once all memory of their might in arms.
As when two lions in the still, dark night
A herd of beeves scatter or numerous flock
Suddenly, in the absence of the guard,
400
So fled the heartless Greeks, for Phoebus sent
Terrors among them, but renown conferr’d
And triumph proud on Hector and his host.
Then, in that foul disorder of the field,
Man singled man. Arcesilaues died
405
By Hector’s arm, and Stichius; one, a Chief[9]
Of the Boeotians brazen-mail’d, and one,
Menestheus’ faithful follower to the fight.
AEneas Medon and Iaesus slew.
Medon was spurious offspring of divine
410
Oileus Ajax’ father, and abode
In Phylace; for he had slain a Chief
Brother of Eriopis the espoused
Of brave Oileus; but Iaesus led
A phalanx of Athenians, and the son
415
Of Sphelus, son of Bucolus was deem’d.
Pierced by Polydamas Mecisteus fell,
Polites, in the van of battle, slew
Echion, and Agenor Clonius;
But Paris, while Deiochus to flight
420
Turn’d with the routed van, pierced him beneath
His shoulder-blade, and urged the weapon through.
While them the Trojans spoil’d,
meantime the Greeks,
Entangled in the piles of the deep foss,
Fled every way, and through necessity
425
Repass’d the wall. Then Hector with a
voice
Of loud command bade every Trojan cease
From spoil, and rush impetuous on the fleet.
[10]And whom I find far lingering from the ships
Wherever, there he dies; no funeral fires
430
Brother on him, or sister, shall bestow,
But dogs shall rend him in the sight of Troy.
So saying, he lash’d
the shoulders of his steeds,
And through the ranks vociferating, call’d
His Trojans on; they, clamorous as he,
435
Page 198
All lash’d their steeds, and menacing, advanced.
Before them with his feet Apollo push’d
The banks into the foss, bridging the gulf
With pass commodious, both in length and breadth
A lance’s flight, for proof of vigor hurl’d.
440
There, phalanx after phalanx, they their host
Pour’d dense along, while Phoebus in the van
Display’d the awful aegis, and the wall
Levell’d with ease divine. As, on the
shore
Some wanton boy with sand builds plaything walls,
445
Then, sportive spreads them with his feet abroad,
So thou, shaft-arm’d Apollo! that huge work
Laborious of the Greeks didst turn with ease
To ruin, and themselves drovest all to flight.
They, thus enforced into the fleet, again
450
Stood fast, with mutual exhortation each
His friend encouraging, and all the Gods
With lifted hands soliciting aloud.
But, more than all, Gerenian Nestor pray’d
Fervent, Achaia’s guardian, and with arms
455
Outstretch’d toward the starry skies, exclaim’d.
Jove, Father! if in corn-clad
Argos, one,
One Greek hath ever, burning at thy shrine
Fat thighs of sheep or oxen, ask’d from thee
A safe return, whom thou hast gracious heard,
460
Olympian King! and promised what he sought,
Now, in remembrance of it, give us help
In this disastrous day, nor thus permit
Their Trojan foes to tread the Grecians down!
So Nestor pray’d, and
Jove thunder’d aloud 465
Responsive to the old Neleian’s prayer.
But when that voice of AEgis-bearing Jove
The Trojans heard, more furious on the Greeks
They sprang, all mindful of the fight. As when
A turgid billow of some spacious sea,
470
While the wind blow that heaves its highest, borne
Sheer o’er the vessel’s side, rolls
into her,
With such loud roar the Trojans pass’d the
wall;
In rush’d the steeds, and at the ships they
waged
Fierce battle hand to hand, from chariots, these,
475
With spears of double edge, those, from the decks
Of many a sable bark, with naval poles
Long, ponderous, shod with steel; for every ship
Had such, for conflict maritime prepared.
While yet the battle raged
only without 480
The wall, and from the ships apart, so long
Patroclus quiet in the tent and calm
Sat of Eurypylus, his generous friend
Consoling with sweet converse, and his wound
Sprinkling with drugs assuasive of his pains.
485
But soon as through the broken rampart borne
He saw the Trojans, and the clamor heard
And tumult of the flying Greeks, a voice
Of loud lament uttering, with open palms
His thighs he smote, and, sorrowful, exclaim’d.
490
Eurypylus! although thy need
be great,
No longer may I now sit at thy side,
Page 199
Such contest hath arisen; thy servant’s voice
Must soothe thee now, for I will to the tent
Haste of Achilles, and exhort him forth;
495
Who knows? if such the pleasure of the Gods,
I may prevail; friends rarely plead in vain.
So saying, he went. Meantime
the Greeks endured
The Trojan onset, firm, yet from the ships
Repulsed them not, though fewer than themselves,
500
Nor could the host of Troy, breaking the ranks
Of Greece, mix either with the camp or fleet;
But as the line divides the plank aright,
Stretch’d by some naval architect, whose hand
Minerva hath accomplish’d in his art,
505
So stretch’d on them the cord of battle lay.
Others at other ships the conflict waged,
But Hector to the ship advanced direct
Of glorious Ajax; for one ship they strove;
Nor Hector, him dislodging thence, could fire
510
The fleet, nor Ajax from the fleet repulse
Hector, conducted thither by the Gods.
Then, noble Ajax with a spear the breast
Pierced of Caletor, son of Clytius, arm’d
With fire to burn his bark; sounding he fell,
515
And from his loosen’d grasp down dropp’d
the brand.
But Hector seeing his own kinsman fallen
Beneath the sable bark, with mighty voice
Call’d on the hosts of Lycia and of Troy.
Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting
sons 520
Of Dardanus, within this narrow pass
Stand firm, retreat not, but redeem the son
Of Clytius, lest the Grecians of his arms
Despoil him slain in battle at the ships.
So saying, at Ajax his bright
spear he cast 525
Him pierced he not, but Lycophron the son
Of Mastor, a Cytherian, who had left
Cytheras, fugitive for blood, and dwelt
With Ajax. Him standing at Ajax’ side,
He pierced above his ear; down from the stern
530
Supine he fell, and in the dust expired.
Then, shuddering, Ajax to his brother spake.
Alas, my Teucer! we have lost
our friend;
Mastorides is slain, whom we received
An inmate from Cytherae, and with love
535
And reverence even filial, entertain’d;
By Hector pierced, he dies. Where are thy shafts
Death-wing’d, and bow, by gift from Phoebus
thine?
He said, whom Teucer hearing,
instant ran
With bow and well-stored quiver to his side,
540
Whence soon his arrows sought the Trojan host.
He struck Pisenor’s son Clytus, the friend
And charioteer of brave Polydamas,
Offspring of Panthus, toiling with both hands
To rule his fiery steeds; for more to please
545
The Trojans and their Chief, where stormy most
He saw the battle, thither he had driven.
But sudden mischief, valiant as he was,
Found him, and such as none could waft aside,
Page 200
For right into his neck the arrow plunged,
550
And down he fell; his startled coursers shook
Their trappings, and the empty chariot rang.
That sound alarm’d Polydamas; he turn’d,
And flying to their heads, consign’d them
o’er
To Protiaoen’s son, Astynoues,
555
Whom he enjoin’d to keep them in his view;
Then, turning, mingled with the van again.
But Teucer still another shaft produced
Design’d for valiant Hector, whose exploits
(Had that shaft reach’d him) at the ships
of Greece 560
Had ceased for ever. But the eye of Jove,
Guardian of Hector’s life, slept not; he took
From Telamonian Teucer that renown,
And while he stood straining the twisted nerve
Against the Trojan, snapp’d it. Devious
flew 565
The steel-charged[11] arrow, and he dropp’d
his bow.
Then shuddering, to his brother thus he spake.
Ah! it is evident. Some
Power divine
Makes fruitless all our efforts, who hath struck
My bow out of my hand, and snapt the cord
570
With which I strung it new at dawn of day,
That it might bear the bound of many a shaft.
To whom the towering son of
Telamon.
Leave then thy bow, and let thine arrows rest,
Which, envious of the Greeks, some God confounds,
575
That thou may’st fight with spear and buckler
arm’d,
And animate the rest. Such be our deeds
That, should they conquer us, our foes may find
Our ships, at least a prize not lightly won.
So Ajax spake; then Teucer,
in his tent 580
The bow replacing, slung his fourfold shield,
Settled on his illustrious brows his casque
With hair high-crested, waving, as he moved,
Terrible from above, took forth a spear
Tough-grain’d, acuminated sharp with brass,
585
And stood, incontinent, at Ajax’ side.
Hector perceived the change, and of the cause
Conscious, with echoing voice call’d to his
host.
Trojans and Lycians and close-fighting
sons
Of Dardanus, oh now, my friends, be men;
590
Now, wheresoever through the fleet dispersed,
Call into mind the fury of your might!
For I have seen, myself, Jove rendering vain
The arrows of their mightiest. Man may know
With ease the hand of interposing Jove,
595
Both whom to glory he ordains, and whom
He weakens and aids not; so now he leaves
The Grecians, but propitious smiles on us.
Therefore stand fast, and whosoever gall’d
By arrow or by spear, dies—let him die;
600
It shall not shame him that he died to serve
His country,[12] but his children, wife and home,
With all his heritage, shall be secure,
Drive but the Grecians from the shores of Troy.
So saying, he animated each.
Page 201
Meantime, 605
Ajax his fellow-warriors thus address’d.
Shame on you all! Now,
Grecians, either die,
Or save at once your galley and yourselves.
Hope ye, that should your ships become the prize
Of warlike Hector, ye shall yet return
610
On foot? Or hear ye not the Chief aloud
Summoning all his host, and publishing
His own heart’s wish to burn your fleet with
fire?
Not to a dance, believe me, but to fight
He calls them; therefore wiser course for us
615
Is none, than that we mingle hands with hands
In contest obstinate, and force with force.
Better at once to perish, or at once
To rescue life, than to consume the time
Hour after hour in lingering conflict vain
620
Here at the ships, with an inferior foe.
He said, and by his words
into all hearts
Fresh confidence infused. Then Hector smote
Schedius, a Chief of the Phocensian powers
And son of Perimedes; Ajax slew,
625
Meantime, a Chief of Trojan infantry,
Laodamas, Antenor’s noble son
While by Polydamas, a leader bold
Of the Epeans, and Phylides’[13] friend,
Cyllenian Otus died. Meges that sight
630
Viewing indignant on the conqueror sprang,
But, starting wide, Polydamas escaped,
Saved by Apollo, and his spear transpierced
The breast of Craesmus; on his sounding shield
Prostrate he fell, and Meges stripp’d his
arms. 635
Him so employ’d Dolops assail’d, brave
son
Of Lampus, best of men and bold in fight,
Offspring of King Laomedon; he stood
Full near, and through his middle buckler struck
The son of Phyleus, but his corselet thick
640
With plates of scaly brass his life secured.
That corselet Phyleus on a time brought home
From Ephyre, where the Selleis winds,
And it was given him for his life’s defence
In furious battle by the King of men,
645
Euphetes. Many a time had it preserved
Unharm’d the sire, and now it saved the son.
Then Meges, rising, with his pointed lance
The bushy crest of Dolops’ helmet drove
Sheer from its base; new-tinged with purple bright
650
Entire it fell and mingled with the dust.
While thus they strove, each hoping victory,
Came martial Menelaus to the aid
Of Meges; spear in hand apart he stood
By Dolops unperceived, through his back drove
655
And through his breast the spear, and far beyond.
And down fell Dolops, forehead to the ground.
At once both flew to strip his radiant arms,
Then, Hector summoning his kindred, call’d
Each to his aid, and Melanippus first,
660
Illustrious Hicetaon’s son, reproved.
Ere yet the enemies of Troy arrived
He in Percote fed his wandering beeves;
Page 202
But when the Danai with all their fleet
Came thither, then returning, he outshone
665
The noblest Trojans, and at Priam’s side
Dwelling, was honor’d by him as a son.
Him Hector reprimanding, stern began.
Are we thus slack? Can
Melanippus view
Unmoved a kinsman slain? Seest not the Greeks
670
How busy there with Dolops and his arms?
Come on. It is no time for distant war,
But either our Achaian foes must bleed,
Or Ilium taken, from her topmost height
Must stoop, and all her citizens be slain.
675
So saying he went, whose steps
the godlike Chief
Attended; and the Telamonian, next,
Huge Ajax, animated thus the Greeks.
Oh friends, be men! Deep
treasure in your hearts
An honest shame, and, fighting bravely, fear
680
Each to incur the censure of the rest.
Of men so minded more survive than die,
While dastards forfeit life and glory both.
So moved he them, themselves
already bent
To chase the Trojans; yet his word they bore
685
Faithful in mind, and with a wall of brass
Fenced firm the fleet, while Jove impell’d
the foe.
Then Menelaus, brave in fight, approach’d
Antilochus, and thus his courage roused.
Antilochus! in all the host
is none 690
Younger, or swifter, or of stronger limb
Than thou. Make trial, therefore, of thy might,
Spring forth and prove it on some Chief of Troy.
He ended and retired, but
him his praise
Effectual animated; from the van
695
Starting, he cast a wistful eye around
And hurl’d his glittering spear; back fell
the ranks
Of Troy appall’d; nor vain his weapon flew,
But Melanippus pierced heroic son
Of Hicetaon, coming forth to fight,
700
Full in the bosom, and with dreadful sound
Of all his batter’d armor down he fell.
Swift flew Antilochus as flies the hound
Some fawn to seize, which issuing from her lair
The hunter with his lance hath stricken dead,
705
So thee, O Melanippus! to despoil
Of thy bright arms valiant Antilochus
Sprang forth, but not unnoticed by the eye
Of noble Hector, who through all the war
Ran to encounter him; his dread approach
710
Antilochus, although expert in arms,
Stood not, but as some prowler of the wilds,
Conscious of injury that he hath done,
Slaying the watchful herdsman or his dog,
Escapes, ere yet the peasantry arise,
715
So fled the son of Nestor, after whom
The Trojans clamoring and Hector pour’d
Darts numberless; but at the front arrived
Of his own phalanx, there he turn’d and stood.
Then, eager as voracious lions, rush’d
720
Page 203
The Trojans on the fleet of Greece, the mind
Of Jove accomplishing who them impell’d
Continual, calling all their courage forth,
While, every Grecian heart he tamed, and took
Their glory from them, strengthening Ilium’s
host. 725
For Jove’s unalter’d purpose was to
give
Success to Priameian Hector’s arms,[14]
That he might cast into the fleet of Greece
Devouring flames, and that no part might fail
Of Thetis’ ruthless prayer; that sight alone
730
He watch’d to see, one galley in a blaze,
Ordaining foul repulse, thenceforth, and flight
To Ilium’s host, but glory to the Greeks.
Such was the cause for which, at first, he moved
To that assault Hector, himself prepared
735
And ardent for the task; nor less he raged
Than Mars while fighting, or than flames that seize
Some forest on the mountain-tops; the foam
Hung at his lips, beneath his awful front
His keen eyes glisten’d, and his helmet mark’d
740
The agitation wild with which he fought.
For Jove omnipotent, himself, from heaven
Assisted Hector, and, although alone
With multitudes he strove, gave him to reach
The heights of glory, for that now his life
745
Waned fast, and, urged by Pallas on,[15] his hour
To die by Peleus’ mighty son approach’d.
He then, wherever richest arms he saw
And thickest throng, the warrior-ranks essay’d
To break, but broke them not, though fierce resolved,
750
In even square compact so firm they stood.
As some vast rock beside the hoary Deep
The stress endures of many a hollow wind,
And the huge billows tumbling at his base,
So stood the Danai, nor fled nor fear’d.
755
But he, all-fiery bright in arms, the host
Assail’d on every side, and on the van
Fell, as a wave by wintry blasts upheaved
Falls ponderous on the ship; white clings the foam
Around her, in her sail shrill howls the storm,
760
And every seaman trembles at the view
Of thousand deaths from which he scarce escapes,
Such anguish rent the bosom of the Greeks.
But he, as leaps a famish’d lion fell
On beeves that graze some marshy meadow’s
breadth, 765
A countless herd, tended by one unskill’d
To cope with savage beasts in their defence,
Beside the foremost kine or with the last
He paces heedless, but the lion, borne
Impetuous on the midmost, one devours
770
And scatters all the rest,[16] so fled the Greeks,
Terrified from above, before the arm
Of Hector, and before the frown of Jove.
All fled, but of them all alone he slew
The Mycenaean Periphetes, son
775
Of Copreus custom’d messenger of King
Eurystheus to the might of Hercules.
From such a sire inglorious had arisen
A son far worthier, with all virtue graced,
Page 204
Swift-footed, valiant, and by none excell’d
780
In wisdom of the Mycenaean name;
Yet all but served to ennoble Hector more.
For Periphetes, with a backward step
Retiring, on his buckler’s border trod,
Which swept his heels; so check’d, he fell
supine, 785
And dreadful rang the helmet on his brows.
Him Hector quick noticing, to his side
Hasted, and, planting in his breast a spear,
Slew him before the phalanx of his friends.
But they, although their fellow-warrior’s
fate 790
They mourn’d, no succor interposed, or could,
Themselves by noble Hector sore appall’d.
And now behind the ships (all
that updrawn
Above the shore, stood foremost of the fleet)
The Greeks retired; in rush’d a flood of foes;
795
Then, through necessity, the ships in front
Abandoning, amid the tents they stood
Compact, not disarray’d, for shame and fear
Fast held them, and vociferating each
Aloud, call’d ceaseless on the rest to stand.
800
But earnest more than all, guardian of all,
Gerenian Nestor in their parents’ name
Implored them, falling at the knees of each.
Oh friends! be men. Now
dearly prize your place
Each in the estimation of the rest.
805
Now call to memory your children, wives,
Possessions, parents; ye whose parents live,
And ye whose parents are not, all alike!
By them as if here present, I entreat
That ye stand fast—oh be not turn’d
to flight! 810
So saying he roused the courage
of the Greeks;
Then, Pallas chased the cloud fall’n from
above
On every eye; great light the plain illumed
On all sides, both toward the fleet, and where
The undiscriminating battle raged.
815
Then might be seen Hector and Hector’s host
Distinct, as well the rearmost who the fight
Shared not, as those who waged it at the ships.
To stand aloof where other
Grecians stood
No longer now would satisfy the mind
820
Of Ajax, but from deck to deck with strides
Enormous marching, to and fro he swung
With iron studs emboss’d a battle-pole
Unwieldy, twenty and two cubits long.
As one expert to spring from horse to horse,
825
From many steeds selecting four, toward
Some noble city drives them from the plain
Along the populous road; him many a youth
And many a maiden eyes, while still secure
From steed to steed he vaults; they rapid fly;
830
So Ajax o’er the decks of numerous ships
Stalk’d striding large, and sent his voice
to heaven.
Thus, ever clamoring, he bade the Greeks
Stand both for camp and fleet. Nor could himself
Hector, contented, now, the battle wage
835
Lost in the multitude of Trojans more,
Page 205
But as the tawny eagle on full wing
Assails the feather’d nations, geese or cranes
Or swans lithe-neck’d grazing the river’s
verge,
So Hector at a galley sable-prow’d
840
Darted; for, from behind, Jove urged him on
With mighty hand, and his host after him.
And now again the battle at the ships
Grew furious; thou hadst deem’d them of a
kind
By toil untameable, so fierce they strove,
845
And, striving, thus they fought. The Grecians
judged
Hope vain, and the whole host’s destruction
sure;
But nought expected every Trojan less
Than to consume the fleet with fire, and leave
Achaia’s heroes lifeless on the field.
850
With such persuasions occupied, they fought.
Then Hector seized the stern
of a brave bark
Well-built, sharp-keel’d, and of the swiftest
sail,
Which had to Troy Protesilaeus brought,
But bore him never thence. For that same ship
855
Contending, Greeks and Trojans hand to hand
Dealt slaughter mutual. Javelins now no more
Might serve them, or the arrow-starting bow,
But close conflicting and of one mind all
With bill and battle-axe, with ponderous swords,
860
And with long lances double-edged they fought.
Many a black-hilted falchion huge of haft
Fell to the ground, some from the grasp, and some
From shoulders of embattled warriors hewn,
And pools of blood soak’d all the sable glebe.
865
Hector that ship once grappled by the stern
Left not, but griping fast her upper edge
With both hands, to his Trojans call’d aloud.
Fire! Bring me fire!
Stand fast and shout to heaven!
Jove gives us now a day worth all the past;
870
The ships are ours which, in the Gods’ despite
Steer’d hither, such calamities to us
Have caused, for which our seniors most I blame
Who me withheld from battle at the fleet
And check’d the people; but if then the hand
875
Of Thunderer Jove our better judgment marr’d,
Himself now urges and commands us on.
He ceased; they still more
violent assail’d
The Grecians. Even Ajax could endure,
Whelm’d under weapons numberless, that storm
880
No longer, but expecting death retired
Down from the decks to an inferior stand,
Where still he watch’d, and if a Trojan bore
Fire thither, he repulsed him with his spear,
Roaring continual to the host of Greece.
885
Friends! Grecian heroes!
ministers of Mars!
Be men, my friends! now summon all your might!
Think we that we have thousands at our backs
To succor us, or yet some stronger wall
To guard our warriors from the battle’s force?
890
Not so. No tower’d city is at hand,
None that presents us with a safe retreat
Page 206
While others occupy our station here,
But from the shores of Argos far remote
Our camp is, where the Trojans arm’d complete
895
Swarm on the plain, and Ocean shuts us in.
Our hands must therefore save us, not our heels
He said, and furious with
his spear again
Press’d them, and whatsoever Trojan came,
Obsequious to the will of Hector, arm’d
900
With fire to burn the fleet, on his spear’s
point
Ajax receiving pierced him, till at length
Twelve in close fight fell by his single arm.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XVI.
ARGUMENT OF THE
SIXTEENTH BOOK.
Achilles, at the suit of Patroclus, grants him his
own armor, and permission to lead the Myrmidons to
battle. They, sallying, repulse the Trojans.
Patroclus slays Sarpedon, and Hector, when Apollo had
first stripped off his armor and Euphorbus wounded
him, slays Patroclus.
BOOK XVI.
Such contest for that gallant bark they
waged.
Meantime Patroclus, standing at the side
Of the illustrious Chief Achilles, wept
Fast as a crystal fountain from the height
Of some rude rock pours down its rapid[1]
stream. 5
Divine Achilles with compassion moved
Mark’d him, and in wing’d
accents thus began.[2]
Who weeps Patroclus like an
infant girl
Who, running at her mother’s side,
entreats
To be uplifted in her arms? She grasps
10
Her mantle, checks her haste, and looking
up
With tearful eyes, pleads earnest to be
borne;
So fall, Patroclus! thy unceasing tears.
Bring’st thou to me or to my people
aught
Afflictive? Hast thou mournful tidings
learn’d 15
Prom Phthia, trusted to thy ear alone?
Menoetius, son of Actor, as they say,
Still lives; still lives his Myrmidons
among
Peleus AEacides; whom, were they dead,
With cause sufficient we should both deplore.
20
Or weep’st thou the Achaians at
the ships
Perishing, for their outrage done to me?
Speak. Name thy trouble. I would
learn the cause
To whom, deep-sorrowing, thou
didst reply,
Patroclus! Oh Achilles, Peleus’
son! 25
Noblest of all our host! bear with my
grief,
Since such distress hath on the Grecians
fallen.
The bravest of their ships disabled lie,
Some wounded from afar, some hand to hand.
Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds,
30
Gall’d by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious
Chief,
And Agamemnon suffer by the spear,
And brave Eurypylus an arrow-point
Bears in his thigh. These all, are
now the care
Of healing hands. Oh thou art pity-proof,
35
Achilles! be my bosom ever free
Page 207
From anger such as harbor finds in thine,
Scorning all limits! whom, of men unborn,
Hereafter wilt thou save, from whom avert
Disgrace, if not from the Achaians now?
40
Ah ruthless! neither Peleus thee begat,
Nor Thetis bore, but rugged rocks sublime,
And roaring billows blue gave birth to
thee,
Who bear’st a mind that knows not
to relent,
But, if some prophecy alarm thy fears,
45
If from thy Goddess-mother thou have aught
Received, and with authority of Jove,
Me send at least, me quickly, and with
me
The Myrmidons. A dawn of cheerful
hope
Shall thence, it may be, on the Greeks
arise. 50
Grant me thine armor also, that the foe
Thyself supposing present, may abstain
From battle, and the weary Greeks enjoy
Short respite; it is all that war allows.
We, fresh and vigorous, by our shouts
alone 55
May easily repulse an army spent
With labor from the camp, and from the
fleet,
Such suit he made, alas! all
unforewarn’d
That his own death should be the bitter
fruit,
And thus Achilles, sorrowful, replied.
60
Patroclus, noble friend! what
hast thou spoken?
Me neither prophesy that I have heard
Holds in suspense, nor aught that I have
learn’d
From Thetis with authority of Jove!
Hence springs, and hence alone, my grief
of heart; 65
If one, in nought superior to myself
Save in his office only, should by force
Amerce me of my well-earn’d recompense—
How then? There lies the grief that
stings my soul.
The virgin chosen for me by the sons
70
Of Greece, my just reward, by my own spear
Obtain’d when I Eetion’s city
took,
Her, Agamemnon, leader of the host
From my possession wrung, as I had been
Some alien wretch, unhonor’d and
unknown. 75
But let it pass; anger is not a flame
To feed for ever; I affirm’d, indeed,
Mine inextinguishable till the shout
Of battle should invade my proper barks;
But thou put on my glorious arms, lead
forth 80
My valiant Myrmidons, since such a cloud,
So dark, of dire hostility surrounds
The fleet, and the Achaians, by the waves
Hemm’d in, are prison’d now
in narrow space.
Because the Trojans meet not in the field
85
My dazzling helmet, therefore bolder grown
All Ilium comes abroad; but had I found
Kindness at royal Agamemnon’s hands,
Soon had they fled, and with their bodies
chok’d
The streams, from whom ourselves now suffer
siege 90
For in the hands of Diomede his spear
No longer rages rescuing from death
The afflicted Danai, nor hear I more
The voice of Agamemnon issuing harsh
Page 208
From his detested throat, but all around
95
The burst[3] of homicidal Hector’s
cries,
Calling his Trojans on; they loud insult
The vanquish’d Greeks, and claim
the field their own.
Go therefore, my Patroclus; furious fall
On these assailants, even now preserve
100
From fire the only hope of our return.
But hear the sum of all; mark well my
word;
So shalt thou glorify me in the eyes
Of all the Danai, and they shall yield
Briseis mine, with many a gift beside.
105
The Trojans from the fleet expell’d,
return.
Should Juno’s awful spouse give
thee to win
Victory, be content; seek not to press
The Trojans without me, for thou shalt
add
Still more to the disgrace already mine.[4]
110
Much less, by martial ardor urged, conduct
Thy slaughtering legions to the walls
of Troy,
Lest some immortal power on her behalf
Descend, for much the Archer of the skies
Loves Ilium. No—the fleet
once saved, lead back 115
Thy band, and leave the battle to themselves.
For oh, by all the powers of heaven I
would
That not one Trojan might escape of all,
Nor yet a Grecian, but that we, from death
Ourselves escaping, might survive to spread
120
Troy’s sacred bulwarks on the ground,
alone.
Thus they conferr’d.
[5]But Ajax overwhelm’d
Meantime with darts, no longer could endure,
Quell’d both by Jupiter and by the
spears
Of many a noble Trojan; hideous rang
125
His batter’d helmet bright, stroke
after stroke
Sustaining on all sides, and his left
arm
That had so long shifted from side to
side
His restless shield, now fail’d;
yet could not all
Displace him with united force, or move.
130
Quick pantings heaved his chest, copious
the sweat
Trickled from all his limbs, nor found
he time,
However short, to breathe again, so close
Evil on evil heap’d hemm’d
him around.
Olympian Muses! now declare,
how first 135
The fire was kindled in Achaia’s
fleet?
Hector the ashen lance of
Ajax smote
With his broad falchion, at the nether
end,
And lopp’d it sheer. The Telamonian
Chief
His mutilated beam brandish’d in
vain, 140
And the bright point shrill-sounding-fell
remote.
Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived,
Shuddering with awe, the interposing power
Of heaven, and that, propitious to the
arms
Of Troy, the Thunderer had ordain’d
to mar 145
And frustrate all the counsels of the
Greeks.
He left his stand; they fired the gallant
bark;
Through all her length the conflagration
ran
Incontinent, and wrapp’d her stern
in flames.
Page 209
Achilles saw them, smote his thighs, and
said, 150
Patroclus, noble charioteer,
arise!
I see the rapid run of hostile fires
Already in the fleet—lest all
be lost,
And our return impossible, arm, arm
This moment; I will call, myself, the
band. 155
Then put Patroclus on his
radiant arms.
Around his legs his polish’d greaves
he clasp’d,
With argent studs secured; the hauberk
rich
Star-spangled to his breast he bound of
swift
AEacides; he slung his brazen sword
160
With silver bright emboss’d, and
his broad shield
Ponderous; on his noble head his casque
He settled elegant, whose lofty crest
Waved dreadful o’er his brows, and
last he seized
Well fitted to his gripe two sturdy spears.
165
Of all Achilles’ arms his spear
alone
He took not; that huge beam, of bulk and
length
Enormous, none, AEacides except,
In all Achaia’s host had power to
wield.
It was that Pelian ash which from the
top 170
Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the
death
Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus given.
He bade Automedon his coursers bind
Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved
Next to Achilles most, as worthiest found
175
Of trust, what time the battle loudest
roar’d.
Then led Automedon the fiery steeds
Swift as wing’d tempests to the
chariot-yoke,
Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy
bore
Podarge, while in meadows green she fed
180
On Ocean’s side, to Zephyrus the
wind.
To these he added, at their side, a third,
The noble Pedasus; him Peleus’ son,
Eetion’s city taken, thence had
brought,
Though mortal, yet a match for steeds
divine. 185
Meantime from every tent Achilles call’d
And arm’d his Myrmidons. As
wolves that gorge
The prey yet panting, terrible in force,
When on the mountains wild they have devour’d
An antler’d stag new-slain, with
bloody jaws 190
Troop all at once to some clear fountain,
there
To lap with slender tongues the brimming
wave;
No fears have they, but at their ease
eject
From full maws flatulent the clotted gore;
Such seem’d the Myrmidon heroic
Chiefs 195
Assembling fast around the valiant friend
Of swift AEacides. Amid them stood
Warlike Achilles, the well-shielded ranks
Exhorting, and the steeds, to glorious
war.
The galleys by Achilles dear
to Jove 200
Commanded, when to Ilium’s coast
he steer’d,
Were fifty; fifty rowers sat in each,
And five, in whom he trusted, o’er
the rest
He captains named, but ruled, himself,
supreme.
One band Menestheus swift in battle led,
205
Page 210
Offspring of Sperchius heaven-descended
stream.
Him Polydora, Peleus’ daughter,
bore
To ever-flowing Sperchius, compress’d,
Although a mortal woman, by a God.
But his reputed father was the son
210
Of Perieres, Borus, who with dower
Enrich’d, and made her openly his
bride.
Warlike Eudorus led the second band.
Him Polymela, graceful in the dance,
And daughter beautiful of Phylas, bore,
215
A mother unsuspected of a child.
Her worshiping the golden-shafted Queen
Diana, in full choir, with song and dance,
The valiant Argicide[6] beheld and loved.
Ascending with her to an upper room,
220
All-bounteous Mercury[7] clandestine there
Embraced her, who a noble son produced
Eudorus, swift to run, and bold in fight.
No sooner Ilithya, arbitress
Of pangs puerperal, had given him birth,
225
And he beheld the beaming sun, than her
Echechleus, Actor’s mighty son,
enrich’d
With countless dower, and led her to his
home;
While ancient Phylas, cherishing her boy
With fond affection, reared him as his
own. 230
The third brave troop warlike Pisander
led,
Offspring of Maimalus; he far excell’d
In spear-fight every Myrmidon, the friend
Of Peleus’ dauntless son alone except.
The hoary Phoenix of equestrian fame
235
The fourth band led to battle, and the
fifth
Laerceus’ offspring, bold Alcimedon.
Thus, all his bands beneath their proper
Chiefs
Marshall’d, Achilles gave them strict
command—
Myrmidons! all that vengeance
now inflict, 240
Which in this fleet ye ceased not to denounce
Against the Trojans while my wrath endured.
Me censuring, ye have proclaim’d
me oft
Obdurate. Oh Achilles! ye have said,
Thee not with milk thy mother but with
bile 245
Suckled, who hold’st thy people
here in camp
Thus long imprison’d. Unrelenting
Chief!
Even let us hence in our sea-skimming
barks
To Phthia, since thou can’st not
be appeased—
Thus in full council have ye spoken oft.
250
Now, therefore, since a day of glorious
toil
At last appears, such as ye have desired,
There lies the field—go—give
your courage proof.
So them he roused, and they,
their leader’s voice
Hearing elate, to closest order drew.
255
As when an architect some palace wall
With shapely stones upbuilds, cementing
close
A barrier against all the winds of heaven,
So wedged, the helmets and boss’d
bucklers stood;
Shield, helmet, man, press’d helmet,
man, and shield, 260
And every bright-arm’d warrior’s
bushy crest
Its fellow swept, so dense was their array.
Page 211
In front of all, two Chiefs their station
took,
Patroclus and Automedon; one mind
In both prevail’d, to combat in
the van 265
Of all the Myrmidons. Achilles, then,
Retiring to his tent, displaced the lid
Of a capacious chest magnificent
By silver-footed Thetis stow’d on
board
His bark, and fill’d with tunics,
mantles warm, 270
And gorgeous arras; there he also kept
Secure a goblet exquisitely wrought,
Which never lip touched save his own,
and whence
He offer’d only to the Sire of all.
That cup producing from the chest, he
first 275
With sulphur fumed it, then with water
rinsed
Pellucid of the running stream, and, last
(His hands clean laved) he charged it
high with wine.
And now, advancing to his middle court,
He pour’d libation, and with eyes
to heaven 280
Uplifted pray’d,[8] of Jove not
unobserved.
Pelasgian, Dodonaean Jove
supreme,
Dwelling remote, who on Dodona’s
heights
Snow-clad reign’st Sovereign, by
thy seers around
Compass’d the Selli, prophets vow-constrain’d
285
To unwash’d feet and slumbers on
the ground!
Plain I behold my former prayer perform’d,
Myself exalted, and the Greeks abased.
Now also grant me, Jove, this my desire!
Here, in my fleet, I shall myself abide,
290
But lo! with all these Myrmidons I send
My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling
Jove,
Send glory with him, make his courage
firm!
That even Hector may himself be taught,
If my companion have a valiant heart
295
When he goes forth alone, or only then
The noble frenzy feels that Mars inspires
When I rush also to the glorious field.
But when he shall have driven the battle-shout
Once from the fleet, grant him with all
his arms, 300
None lost, himself unhurt, and my whole
band
Of dauntless warriors with him, safe return!
Such prayer Achilles offer’d,
and his suit
Jove hearing, part confirm’d, and
part refused;
To chase the dreadful battle from the
fleet 305
He gave him, but vouchsafed him no return.
Prayer and libation thus perform’d
to Jove
The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent
Return’d, replaced the goblet in
his chest,
And anxious still that conflict to behold
310
Between the hosts, stood forth before
his tent.
Then rush’d the bands
by brave Patroclus led,
Full on the Trojan host. As wasps
forsake
Their home by the way-side, provoked by
boys
Disturbing inconsiderate their abode,
315
Not without nuisance sore to all who pass,
For if, thenceforth, some traveller unaware
Annoy them, issuing one and all they swarm
Page 212
Around him, fearless in their broods’
defence,
So issued from their fleet the Myrmidons
320
Undaunted; clamor infinite arose,
And thus Patroclus loud his host address’d.
Oh Myrmidons, attendants in
the field
On Peleus’ son, now be ye men, my
friends!
Call now to mind the fury of your might;
325
That we, close-fighting servants of the
Chief
Most excellent in all the camp of Greece,
May glory gain for him, and that the wide-
Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus’ son,
May learn his fault, that he dishonor’d
foul 330
The prince in whom Achaia glories most.
So saying he fired their hearts,
and on the van
Of Troy at once they fell; loud shouted
all
The joyful Grecians, and the navy rang.
Then, soon as Ilium’s host the valiant
son 335
Saw of Menoetius and his charioteer
In dazzling armor clad, all courage lost,
Their closest ranks gave way, believing
sure
That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendship
chosen,
Achilles’ self was there; thus thinking,
each 340
Look’d every way for refuge from
his fate.
Patroclus first, where thickest
throng he saw
Gather’d tumultuous around the bark
Of brave Protesilaues, hurl’d direct
At the whole multitude his glittering
spear. 345
He smote Pyraechmes; he his horsemen band
Poeonian led from Amydon, and from
Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder
stood
The spear, and with loud groans supine
he fell.
At once fled all his followers, on all
sides 350
With consternation fill’d, seeing
their Chief
And their best warrior, by Patroclus slain.
Forth from the fleet he drove them, quench’d
the flames,
And rescued half the ship. Then scatter’d
fled
With infinite uproar the host of Troy,
355
While from between their ships the Danai
Pour’d after them, and hideous rout
ensued.
As when the king of lightnings, Jove,
dispels
From some huge eminence a gloomy cloud,
The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland
heights 360
Shine all, illumined from the boundless
heaven,
So when the Danai those hostile fires
Had from their fleet expell’d, awhile
they breathed,
Yet found short respite, for the battle
yet
Ceased not, nor fled the Trojans in all
parts 365
Alike, but still resisted, from the ships
Retiring through necessity alone.
Then, in that scatter’d warfare,
every Chief
Slew one. While Areilochus his back
Turn’d on Patroclus, sudden with
a lance 370
His thigh he pierced, and urged the weapon
through,
Shivering the bone; he headlong smote
the ground.
The hero Menelaus, where he saw
The breast of Thoas by his slanting shield
Page 213
Unguarded, struck and stretch’d
him at his feet. 375
Phylides,[9] meeting with preventive spear
The furious onset of Amphiclus, gash’d
His leg below the knee, where brawny most
The muscles swell in man; disparted wide
The tendons shrank, and darkness veil’d
his eyes. 380
The two Nestoridae slew each a Chief.
Of these, Antilochus Atymnius pierced
Right through his flank, and at his feet
he fell.
With fierce resentment fired Maris beheld
His brother’s fall, and guarding,
spear in hand, 385
The slain, impetuous on the conqueror
flew;
But godlike Thrasymedes[10] wounded first
Maris, ere he Antilochus; he pierced
His upper arm, and with the lance’s
point
Rent off and stript the muscles to the
bone. 390
Sounding he fell, and darkness veil’d
his eyes.
They thus, two brothers by two brothers
slain,
Went down to Erebus, associates both
Of brave Sarpedon, and spear-practised
sons
Of Amisodarus; of him who fed
395
Chimaera,[11] monster, by whom many died.
Ajax the swift on Cleobulus sprang,
Whom while he toil’d entangled in
the crowd,
He seized alive, but smote him where he
stood
With his huge-hafted sword full on the
neck; 400
The blood warm’d all his blade,
and ruthless fate
Benighted dark the dying warrior’s
eyes.
Peneleus into close contention rush’d
And Lycon. Each had hurl’d
his glittering spear,
But each in vain, and now with swords
they met. 405
He smote Peneleus on the crested casque,
But snapp’d his falchion; him Peneleus
smote
Beneath his ear; the whole blade entering
sank
Into his neck, and Lycon with his head
Depending by the skin alone, expired.
410
Meriones o’ertaking Acamas
Ere yet he could ascend his chariot, thrust
A lance into his shoulder; down he fell
In dreary death’s eternal darkness
whelm’d.
Idomeneus his ruthless spear enforced
415
Into the mouth of Erymas. The point
Stay’d not, but gliding close beneath
the brain,
Transpierced his spine,[12] and started
forth beyond.
It wrench’d his teeth, and fill’d
his eyes with blood;
Blood also blowing through his open mouth
420
And nostrils, to the realms of death he
pass’d.
Thus slew these Grecian leaders, each,
a foe.
Sudden as hungry wolves the
kids purloin
Or lambs, which haply some unheeding swain
Hath left to roam at large the mountains
wild; 425
They, seeing, snatch them from beside
the dams,
And rend incontinent the feeble prey,
So swift the Danai the host assail’d
Of Ilium; they, into tumultuous flight
Together driven, all hope, all courage
Page 214
lost. 430
Huge Ajax ceaseless sought
his spear to cast
At Hector brazen-mail’d, who, not
untaught
The warrior’s art, with bull-hide
buckler stood
Sheltering his ample shoulders, while
he mark’d
The hiss of flying shafts and crash of
spears. 435
Full sure he saw the shifting course of
war
Now turn’d, but scorning flight,
bent all his thoughts
To rescue yet the remnant of his friends.
As when the Thunderer spreads
a sable storm
O’er ether, late serene, the cloud
that wrapp’d 440
Olympus’ head escapes into the skies,
So fled the Trojans from the fleet of
Greece
Clamoring in their flight, nor pass’d
the trench
In fair array; the coursers fleet indeed
Of Hector, him bore safe with all his
arms 445
Right through, but in the foss entangled
foul
He left his host, and struggling to escape.
Then many a chariot-whirling steed, the
pole
Broken at its extremity, forsook
His driver, while Patroclus with the shout
450
Of battle calling his Achaians on,
Destruction purposed to the powers of
Troy.
They, once dispersed, with clamor and
with flight
Fill’d all the ways, the dust beneath
the clouds
Hung like a tempest, and the steeds firm-hoof’d
455
Whirl’d off at stretch the chariots
to the town.
He, wheresoe’er most troubled he
perceived
The routed host, loud-threatening thither
drove,
While under his own axle many a Chief
Fell prone, and the o’ertumbled
chariots rang. 460
Right o’er the hollow foss the coursers
leap’d
Immortal, by the Gods to Peleus given,
Impatient for the plain, nor less desire
Felt he who drove to smite the Trojan
Chief,
But him his fiery steeds caught swift
away. 465
As when a tempest from autumnal
skies
Floats all the fields, what time Jove
heaviest pours
Impetuous rain, token of wrath divine
Against perverters of the laws by force,
Who drive forth justice, reckless of the
Gods; 470
The rivers and the torrents, where they
dwell,
Sweep many a green declivity away,
And plunge at length, groaning, into the
Deep
From the hills headlong, leaving where
they pass’d
No traces of the pleasant works of man,
475
So, in their flight, loud groan’d
the steeds of Troy.
And now, their foremost intercepted all,
Patroclus back again toward the fleet
Drove them precipitate, nor the ascent
Permitted them to Troy for which they
strove, 480
But in the midway space between the ships
The river and the lofty Trojan wall
Pursued them ardent, slaughtering whom
he reached,
And vengeance took for many a Grecian
slain.
First then, with glittering spear the
Page 215
breast he pierced 485
Of Pronoeus, undefended by his shield,
And stretch’d him dead; loud rang
his batter’d arms.
The son of Enops, Thestor next he smote.
He on his chariot-seat magnificent
Low-cowering sat, a fear-distracted form,
490
And from his palsied grasp the reins had
fallen.
Then came Patroclus nigh, and through
his cheek
His teeth transpiercing, drew him by his
lance
Sheer o’er the chariot front.
As when a man
On some projecting rock seated, with line
495
And splendid hook draws forth a sea-fish
huge,
So him wide-gaping from his seat he drew
At his spear-point, then shook him to
the ground
Prone on his face, where gasping he expired.
At Eryalus, next, advancing swift
500
He hurl’d a rock; full on the middle
front
He smote him, and within the ponderous
casque
His whole head open’d into equal
halves.
With deadliest night surrounded, prone
he fell.
Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus,
505
Echius, Tlepolemus Damastor’s son,
Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus,
All these he on the champain, corse on
corse
Promiscuous flung. Sarpedon, when
he saw
Such havoc made of his uncinctured[13]
friends 510
By Menoetiades, with sharp rebuke
His band of godlike Lycians loud address’d.
Shame on you, Lycians! whither
would ye fly?
Now are ye swift indeed! I will oppose
Myself this conqueror, that I may learn
515
Who thus afflicts the Trojan host, of
life
Bereaving numerous of their warriors bold.
He said, and with his arms
leap’d to the ground.
On the other side, Patroclus at that sight
Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures
clash 520
Bow-beak’d, crook-talon’d,
on some lofty rock
Clamoring both, so they together rush’d
With clamors loud; whom when the son observed
Of wily Saturn, with compassion moved
His sister and his spouse he thus bespake.
525
Alas, he falls! my most beloved
of men
Sarpedon, vanquished by Patroclus, falls!
So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful,
much I muse
Whether to place him, snatch’d from
furious fight
In Lycia’s wealthy realm, or to
permit 530
His death by valiant Menoetiades.
To whom his awful spouse,
displeased, replied.
How speaks the terrible Saturnian Jove!
Wouldst thou again from pangs of death
exempt
A mortal man, destined long since to die?
535
Do it. But small thy praise shall
be in heaven,
Mark thou my words, and in thy inmost
breast
Treasure them. If thou send Sarpedon
safe
To his own home, how many Gods their
sons
May also send from battle? Weigh
Page 216
it well. 540
For under yon great city fight no few
Sprung from Immortals whom thou shalt
provoke.
But if thou love him, and thine heart
his lot
Commiserate, leave him by the hands to
fall
Of Menoetiades in conflict dire;
545
But give command to Death and gentle Sleep
That him of life bereft at once they bear
To Lycia’s ample realm,[14] where,
with due rites
Funereal, his next kindred and his friends
Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb
550
(The dead man’s portion) rearing
to his name.
She said, from whom the Sire
of Gods and men
Dissented not, but on the earth distill’d
A sanguine shower in honor of a son
Dear to him, whom Patroclus on the field
555
Of fruitful Troy should slay, far from
his home.
Opposite now, small interval
between,
Those heroes stood. Patroclus at
his waist
Pierced Thrasymelus the illustrious friend
Of King Sarpedon, and his charioteer.
560
Spear’d through the lower bowels,
dead he fell.
Then hurl’d Sarpedon in his turn
a lance,
But miss’d Patroclus and the shoulder
pierced
Of Pedasus the horse; he groaning heaved
His spirit forth, and fallen on the field
565
In long loud moanings sorrowful expired.
Wide started the immortal pair; the yoke
Creak’d, and entanglement of reins
ensued
To both, their fellow slaughter’d
at their side.
That mischief soon Automedon redress’d.
570
He rose, and from beside his sturdy thigh
Drawing his falchion, with effectual stroke
Cut loose the side-horse; then the pair
reduced
To order, in their traces stood composed,
And the two heroes fierce engaged again.
575
Again his radiant spear Sarpedon
hurl’d,
But miss’d Patroclus; the innocuous
point,
O’erflying his left shoulder, pass’d
beyond.
Then with bright lance Patroclus in his
turn
Assail’d Sarpedon, nor with erring
course 580
The weapon sped or vain, but pierced profound
His chest, enclosure of the guarded heart.
As falls an oak, poplar, or lofty pine
With new-edged axes on the mountains hewn
Right through, for structure of some gallant
bark, 585
So fell Sarpedon stretch’d his steeds
before
And gnash’d his teeth and clutch’d
the bloody dust,
And as a lion slays a tawny bull
Leader magnanimous of all the herd;
Beneath the lion’s jaws groaning
he dies; 590
So, leader of the shielded Lycians groan’d
Indignant, by Patroclus slain, the bold
Sarpedon, and his friend thus, sad, bespake.
Glaucus, my friend, among
these warring Chiefs
Thyself a Chief illustrious! thou hast
need 595
Page 217
Of all thy valor now; now strenuous fight,
And, if thou bear within thee a brave
mind,
Now make the war’s calamities thy
joy.
First, marching through the host of Lycia,
rouse
Our Chiefs to combat for Sarpedon slain,
600
Then haste, thyself, to battle for thy
friend.
For shame and foul dishonor which no time
Shall e’er obliterate, I must prove
to thee,
Should the Achaians of my glorious arms
Despoil me in full prospect[15] of the
fleet. 605
Fight, therefore, thou, and others urge
to fight.
He said, and cover’d
by the night of death,
Nor look’d nor breath’d again;
for on his chest
Implanting firm his heel, Patroclus drew
The spear enfolded with his vitals forth,
610
Weapon and life at once. Meantime
his steeds
Snorted, by Myrmidons detain’d,
and, loosed
From their own master’s chariot,
foam’d to fly.
Terrible was the grief by Glaucus felt,
Hearing that charge, and troubled was
his heart 615
That all power fail’d him to protect
the dead.
Compressing his own arm he stood, with
pain
Extreme tormented which the shaft had
caused
Of Teucer, who while Glaucus climb’d
the wall,
Had pierced him from it, in the fleet’s
defence. 620
Then, thus, to Phoebus, King shaft-arm’d,
he pray’d.
Hear now, O King! For
whether in the land
Of wealthy Lycia dwelling, or in Troy,
Thou hear’st in every place alike
the prayer
Of the afflicted heart, and such is mine;
625
Behold my wound; it fills my useless hand
With anguish, neither can my blood be
stay’d,
And all my shoulder suffers. I can
grasp
A spear, or rush to conflict with the
Greeks
No longer now; and we have also lost
630
Our noblest Chief, Sarpedon, son of Jove,
Who guards not his own son. But thou,
O King!
Heal me, assuage my anguish, give me strength,
That I may animate the Lycian host
To fight, and may, myself, defend the
dead! 635
Such prayer he offer’d,
whom Apollo heard;
He eased at once his pain, the sable blood
Staunch’d, and his soul with vigor
new inspired.
Then Glaucus in his heart that prayer
perceived
Granted, and joyful for the sudden aid
640
Vouchsafed to him by Phoebus, first the
lines
Of Lycia ranged, summoning every Chief
To fight for slain Sarpedon; striding
next
With eager haste into the ranks of Troy,
Renown’d Agenor and the son he call’d
645
Of Panthus, brave Polydamas, with whom
AEneas also, and approaching last
To Hector brazen-mail’d him thus
bespake.
Now, Hector! now, thou hast
indeed resign’d
All care of thy allies, who, for thy sake,
650
Page 218
Lost both to friends and country, on these
plains
Perish, unaided and unmiss’d by
thee.
Sarpedon breathless lies, who led to fight
Our shielded bands, and from whose just
control
And courage Lycia drew her chief defence.
655
Him brazen Mars hath by the spear subdued
Of Menoetiades. But stand ye firm!
Let indignation fire you, O my friends!
Lest, stripping him of his resplendent
arms,
The Myrmidons with foul dishonor shame
660
His body, through resentment of the deaths
Of numerous Grecians slain by spears of
ours.
He ceased; then sorrow every
Trojan heart
Seized insupportable and that disdain’d
All bounds, for that, although a stranger
born, 665
Sarpedon ever had a bulwark proved
To Troy, the leader of a numerous host,
And of that host by none in fight excell’d.
Right on toward the Danai they moved
Ardent for battle all, and at their head
670
Enraged for slain Sarpedon, Hector came.
Meantime, stout-hearted[16] Chief, Patroclus
roused
The Grecians, and exhorting first (themselves
Already prompt) the Ajaces, thus began.
Heroic pair! now make it all
your joy 675
To chase the Trojan host, and such to
prove
As erst, or even bolder, if ye may.
The Chief lies breathless who ascended
first
Our wall, Sarpedon. Let us bear him
hence,
Strip and dishonor him, and in the blood
680
Of his protectors drench the ruthless
spear.
So Menoetiades his warriors
urged,
Themselves courageous. Then the Lycian
host
And Trojan here, and there the Myrmidons
With all the host of Greece, closing the
ranks 685
Rush’d into furious contest for
the dead,
Shouting tremendous; clang’d their
brazen arms,
And Jove with Night’s pernicious
shades[17] o’erhung
The bloody field, so to enhance the more
Their toilsome strife for his own son.
First then 690
The Trojans from their place and order
shock’d
The bright-eyed Grecians, slaying not
the least
Nor worst among the Myrmidons, the brave
Epigeus from renown’d Agacles sprung.
He, erst, in populous Budeum ruled,
695
But for a valiant kinsman of his own
Whom there he slew, had thence to Peleus
fled
And to his silver-footed spouse divine,
Who with Achilles, phalanx-breaker Chief,
Sent him to fight beneath the walls of
Troy. 700
Him seizing fast the body, with a stone
Illustrious Hector smote full on the front,
And his whole skull within the ponderous
casque
Split sheer; he prostrate on the body
fell
In shades of soul-divorcing death involved.
705
Patroclus, grieving for his slaughter’d
Page 219
friend,
Rush’d through the foremost warriors.
As the hawk
Swift-wing’d before him starlings
drives or daws,
So thou, Patroclus, of equestrian fame!
Full on the Lycian ranks and Trojan drov’st,
710
Resentful of thy fellow-warrior’s
fall.
At Sthenelaues a huge stone he cast,
Son of Ithaemenes, whom on the neck
He smote and burst the tendons; then the
van
Of Ilium’s host, with Hector, all
retired. 715
Far as the slender javelin cuts the air
Hurl’d with collected force, or
in the games,
Or even in battle at a desperate foe,
So far the Greeks repulsed the host of
Troy.
Then Glaucus first, Chief of the shielded
bands 720
Of Lycia, slew Bathycles, valiant son
Of Calchon; Hellas was his home, and far
He pass’d in riches all the Myrmidons.
Him chasing Glaucus whom he now attain’d,
The Lycian, turning sudden, with his lance
725
Pierced through the breast, and, sounding,
down he fell
Grief fill’d Achaia’s sons
for such a Chief
So slain, but joy the Trojans; thick they
throng’d
The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks
Forgat their force, but resolute advanced.
730
Then, by Meriones a Trojan died
Of noble rank, Laogonus, the son
Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy,
Priest of Idaean Jove. The ear and
jaw
Between, he pierced him with a mortal
force; 735
Swift flew the life, and darkness veil’d
his eyes.
AEneas, in return, his brazen spear
Hurl’d at Meriones with ardent hope
To pierce him, while, with nimble[18]
steps and short
Behind his buckler made, he paced the
field; 740
But, warn’d of its approach, Meriones
Bow’d low his head, shunning it,
and the spear
Behind him pierced the soil; there quivering
stood
The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous
arm,
Till spent by slow degrees its fury slept.
745
*
* * * *
*
* * * [19]
Indignant then AEneas thus exclaim’d.
Meriones! I sent thee
such a spear
As reaching thee, should have for ever
marr’d 750
Thy step, accomplish’d dancer as
thou art.
To whom Meriones spear-famed
replied.
AEneas! thou wilt find the labor hard
How great soe’er thy might, to quell
the force
Of all opposers. Thou art also doom’d
755
Thyself to die; and may but spear of mine
Well-aim’d once strike thee full,
what strength soe’er
Or magnanimity be thine to boast,
Thy glory in that moment thou resign’st
To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.
760
He said, but him Patroclus
sharp reproved.
Why speaks Meriones, although in fight
Page 220
Approved, thus proudly? Nay, my gallant
friend!
The Trojans will not for reproach of ours
Renounce the body. Blood must first
be spilt. 765
Tongues in debate, but hands in war decide;
Deeds therefore now, not wordy vaunts,
we need.
So saying he led the way,
whom follow’d close
Godlike Meriones. As from the depth
Of some lone wood that clothes the mountain’s
side 770
The fellers at their toil are heard remote,
So, from the face of Ilium’s ample
plain
Reverberated, was the din of brass
And of tough targets heard by falchions
huge
Hard-smitten, and by spears of double-edge.
775
None then, no, not the quickest to discern,
Had known divine Sarpedon, from his head
To his foot-sole with mingled blood and
dust
Polluted, and o’erwhelm’d
with weapons. They
Around the body swarm’d. As
hovel-flies 780
In spring-time buzz around the brimming
pails
With milk bedew’d, so they around
the dead.
Nor Jove averted once his glorious eyes
From that dread contest, but with watchful
note
Marked all, the future death in battle
deep 785
Pondering of Patroclus, whether him
Hector should even now slay on divine
Sarpedon, and despoil him of his arms,
Or he should still that arduous strife
prolong.
This counsel gain’d as eligible
most 790
At length his preference: that the
valiant friend
Of Peleus’ son should yet again
compel
The Trojan host with Hector brazen-mail’d
To Ilium, slaughtering numerous by the
way.
First then, with fears unmanly he possess’d
795
The heart of Hector; mounting to his seat
He turn’d to flight himself, and
bade his host
Fly also; for he knew Jove’s purpose[20]
changed.
Thenceforth, no longer even Lycia’s
host
Endured, but all fled scatter’d,
seeing pierced 800
Their sovereign through his heart, and
heap’d with dead;
For numerous, while Saturnian Jove the
fight
Held in suspense, had on his body fallen.
At once the Grecians of his dazzling arms
Despoil’d Sarpedon, which the Myrmidons
805
By order of Menoetius’ valiant son
Bore thence into the fleet. Meantime
his will
The Thunderer to Apollo thus express’d.
Phoebus, my son, delay not;
from beneath
Yon hill of weapons drawn cleanse from
his blood 810
Sarpedon’s corse; then, bearing
him remote,
Lave him in waters of the running stream,
With oils divine anoint, and in attire
Immortal clothe him. Last, to Death
and Sleep,
Swift bearers both, twin-born, deliver
him; 815
For hence to Lycia’s opulent abodes
They shall transport him quickly, where,
with rites
Funereal, his next kindred and his friends
Page 221
Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb
(The dead man’s portion) rearing
to his name. 820
He ceased; nor was Apollo
slow to hear
His father’s will, but, from the
Idaean heights
Descending swift into the dreadful field,
Godlike Sarpedon’s body from beneath
The hill of weapons drew, which, borne
remote, 825
He laved in waters of the running stream,
With oils ambrosial bathed, and clothed
in robes
Immortal. Then to Death and gentle
Sleep,
Swift-bearers both, twin-born, he gave
the charge,
Who placed it soon in Lycia’s wealthy
realm. 830
Meantime Patroclus, calling
to his steeds,
And to Automedon, the Trojans chased
And Lycians, on his own destruction bent
Infatuate; heedless of his charge received
From Peleus’ son, which, well perform’d,
had saved 835
The hero from his miserable doom.
But Jove’s high purpose evermore
prevails
Against the thoughts of man; he turns
to flight
The bravest, and the victory takes with
ease
E’en from the Chief whom he impels
himself 840
To battle, as he now this Chief impell’d.
Who, then, Patroclus! first, who last
by thee
Fell slain, what time thyself was call’d
to die?
Adrastus first, then Perimus he slew,
Offspring of Megas, then Autonoues,
845
Echechlus, Melanippus, and Epistor,
Pylartes, Mulius, Elasus. All these
He slew, and from the field chased all
beside.
Then, doubtless, had Achaia’s sons
prevail’d
To take proud-gated Troy, such havoc made
850
He with his spear, but that the son of
Jove
Apollo, on a tower’s conspicuous
height
Station’d, devoted him for Ilium’s
sake.
Thrice on a buttress of the lofty wall
Patroclus mounted, and him thrice the
God 855
With hands immortal his resplendent shield
Smiting, struck down again; but when he
rush’d
A fourth time, demon-like, to the assault,
The King of radiant shafts him, stern,
rebuked.
Patroclus, warrior of renown,
retire! 860
The fates ordain not that imperial Troy
Stoop to thy spear, nor to the spear itself
Of Peleus’ son, though mightier
far than thou.
He said, and Menoetiades the
wrath
Of shaft-arm’d Phoebus shunning,
far retired. 865
But in the Scaean gate Hector his steeds
Detain’d, uncertain whether thence
to drive
Amid the warring multitude again,
Or, loud commandment issuing, to collect
His host within the walls. Him musing
long 870
Apollo, clad in semblance of a Chief
Youthful and valiant, join’d.
Asius he seem’d
Equestrian Hector’s uncle, brother
born
Of Hecuba the queen, and Dymas’
son,
Who on the Sangar’s banks in Phrygia
Page 222
dwelt. 875
Apollo, so disguised, him thus bespake.
Why, Hector, hast thou left
the fight? this sloth
Not well befits thee. Oh that I as
far
Thee pass’d in force as thou transcendest
me,
Then, not unpunish’d long, should’st
thou retire; 880
But haste, and with thy coursers solid-hoof’d
Seek out Patroclus, him perchance to slay,
Should Phoebus have decreed that glory
thine.
So saying, Apollo join’d
the host again.
Then noble Hector bade his charioteer
885
Valiant Cebriones his coursers lash
Back into battle, while the God himself
Entering the multitude confounded sore
The Argives, victory conferring proud
And glory on Hector and the host of Troy.
890
But Hector, leaving all beside unslain,
Furious impell’d his coursers solid-hoof’d
Against Patroclus; on the other side
Patroclus from his chariot to the ground
Leap’d ardent; in his left a spear
he bore, 895
And in his right a marble fragment rough,
Large as his grasp. With full collected
might
He hurl’d it; neither was the weapon
slow
To whom he had mark’d, or sent in
vain.
He smote the charioteer of Hector, bold
900
Cebriones, King Priam’s spurious
son,
Full on the forehead, while he sway’d
the reins.
The bone that force withstood not, but
the rock
With ragged points beset dash’d
both his brows
In pieces, and his eyes fell at his feet.
905
He diver-like, from his exalted stand
Behind the steeds pitch’d headlong,
and expired;
O’er whom, Patroclus of equestrian
fame!
Thou didst exult with taunting speech
severe.
Ye Gods, with what agility
he dives! 910
Ah! it were well if in the fishy deep
This man were occupied; he might no few
With oysters satisfy, although the waves
Were churlish, plunging headlong from
his bark
As easily as from his chariot here.
915
So then—in Troy, it seems,
are divers too!
So saying, on bold Cebriones
he sprang
With all a lion’s force, who, while
the folds
He ravages, is wounded in the breast,
And, victim of his own fierce courage,
dies. 920
So didst thou spring, Patroclus! to despoil
Cebriones, and Hector opposite
Leap’d also to the ground.
Then contest such
For dead Cebriones those two between
Arose, as in the lofty mountain-tops
925
Two lions wage, contending for a deer
New-slain, both hunger-pinch’d and
haughty both.
So for Cebriones, alike in arms
Expert, brave Hector and Patroclus strove
To pierce each other with the ruthless
spear. 930
First, Hector seized his head, nor loosed
Page 223
his hold,
Patroclus, next, his feet, while all beside
Of either host in furious battle join’d.
As when the East wind and
the South contend
To shake some deep wood on the mountain’s
side, 935
Or beech, or ash, or rugged cornel old.
With stormy violence the mingled boughs
Smite and snap short each other, crashing
loud;
So, Trojans and Achaians, mingling, slew
Mutual, while neither felt a wish to fly.
940
Around Cebriones stood many a spear,
And many a shaft sent smartly from the
nerve
Implanted deep, and many a stone of grasp
Enormous sounded on their batter’d
shields
Who fought to gain him. He, in eddies
lost 945
Of sable dust, with his huge trunk huge
space
O’erspread, nor steeds nor chariots
heeded more.
While yet the sun ascending
climb’d the heavens,
Their darts flew equal, and the people
fell;
But when he westward journey’d,
by a change 950
Surpassing hope the Grecians then prevail’d.
They drew Cebriones the hero forth
From all those weapons, and his armor
stripp’d
At leisure, distant from the battle’s
roar.
Then sprang Patroclus on the Trojan host;
955
Thrice, like another Mars, he sprang with
shouts
Tremendous, and nine warriors thrice he
slew.
But when the fourth time, demon-like,
he rush’d
Against them, then, oh then, too manifest
The consummation of thy days approach’d
960
Patroclus! whom Apollo, terror-clad
Met then in battle. He the coming
God
Through all that multitude knew not, such
gloom
Impenetrable him involved around.
Behind him close he stood, and with his
palms 965
Expanded on the spine and shoulders broad
Smote him; his eyes swam dizzy at the
stroke.
Then Phoebus from his head his helmet
dash’d
To earth; sonorous at the feet it roll’d
Of many a prancing steed, and all the
crest 970
Defilement gather’d gross of dust
and blood,
Then first; till then, impossible; for
how
Should dust the tresses of that helmet
shame
With which Achilles fighting fenced his
head
Illustrious, and his graceful brows divine?
975
But Jove now made it Hector’s; he
awhile
Bore it, himself to swift perdition doom’d
His spear brass-mounted, ponderous, huge
and long,
Fell shiver’d from his grasp.
His shield that swept
His ancle, with its belt dropp’d
from his arm, 980
And Phoebus loosed the corselet from his
breast.
Confusion seized his brain; his noble
limbs
Quaked under him, and panic-stunn’d
he stood.
Then came a Dardan Chief, who from behind
Enforced a pointed lance into his back
985
Between the shoulders; Panthus’
Page 224
son was he,
Euphorbus, famous for equestrian skill,
For spearmanship, and in the rapid race
Past all of equal age. He twenty
men
(Although a learner yet of martial feats,
990
And by his steeds then first to battle
borne)
Dismounted. He, Patroclus, mighty
Chief!
First threw a lance at thee, which yet
life
Quell’d not; then snatching hasty
from the wound
His ashen beam, he ran into the crowd,
995
Nor dared confront in fight even the unarm’d
Patroclus. But Patroclus, by the
lance,
And by the stroke of an immortal hand
Subdued, fell back toward his ranks again.
Then, soon as Hector the retreat perceived
1000
Of brave Patroclus wounded, issuing forth
From his own phalanx, he approach’d
and drove
A spear right through his body at the
waist.
Sounding he fell. Loud groan’d
Achaia’s host.
As when the lion and the sturdy boar
1005
Contend in battle on the mountain-tops
For some scant rivulet, thirst-parch’d
alike,
Ere long the lion quells the panting boar;
So Priameian Hector, spear in hand,
Slew Menoetiades the valiant slayer
1010
Of multitudes, and thus in accents wing’d,
With fierce delight exulted in his fall.
It was thy thought, Patroclus,
to have laid
Our city waste, and to have wafted hence
Our wives and daughters to thy native
land, 1015
Their day of liberty for ever set.
Fool! for their sakes the feet of Hector’s
steeds
Fly into battle, and myself excel,
For their sakes, all our bravest of the
spear,
That I may turn from them that evil hour
1020
Necessitous. But thou art vulture’s
food,
Unhappy youth! all valiant as he is,
Achilles hath no succor given to thee,
Who when he sent the forth whither himself
Would not, thus doubtless gave thee oft
in charge: 1025
Ah, well beware, Patroclus, glorious Chief!
That thou revisit not these ships again,
Till first on hero-slaughterer Hector’s
breast
Thou cleave his bloody corselet.
So he spake,
And with vain words thee credulous beguiled.
1030
To whom Patroclus, mighty
Chief, with breath
Drawn faintly, and dying, thou didst thus
reply.
Now, Hector, boast! now glory! for the
son
Of Saturn and Apollo, me with ease
Vanquishing, whom they had themselves
disarm’d, 1035
Have made the victory thine; else, twenty
such
As thou, had fallen by my victorious spear.
Me Phoebus and my ruthless fate combined
To slay; these foremost; but of mortal
men
Euphorbus, and thy praise is only third.
1040
I tell thee also, and within thy heart
Repose it deep—thou shalt not
Page 225
long survive;
But, even now, fate, and a violent death
Attend thee by Achilles’ hands ordain’d
To perish, by AEacides the brave.[21]
1045
So saying, the shades of death
him wrapp’d around.
Down into Ades from his limbs dismiss’d,
His spirit fled sorrowful, of youth’s
prime
And vigorous manhood suddenly bereft
Then, him though dead, Hector again bespake.
1050
Patroclus! these prophetic
strains of death
At hand, and fate, why hast thou sung
to me?
May not the son of Thetis azure-hair’d,
Achilles, perish first by spear of mine?
He said; then pressing with
his heel the trunk 1055
Supine, and backward thursting it, he
drew
His glittering weapon from the wound,
nor stay’d,
But lance in hand, the godlike charioteer
Pursued of swift AEacides, on fire
To smite Automedon; but him the steeds
1060
Immortal, rapid, by the Gods conferr’d
(A glorious gift) on Peleus, snatch’d
away.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XVII.
ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTEENTH
BOOK.
Sharp contest ensues around the body of Patroclus.
Hector puts on the armor of Achilles. Menelaus,
having dispatched Antilochus to Achilles with news
of the death of Patroclus, returns to the battle, and,
together with Meriones, bears Patroclus off the field,
while the Ajaces cover their retreat.
BOOK XVII.
Nor Menelaus, Atreus’ valiant son,
Knew not how Menoetiades had fallen
By Trojan hands in battle; forth he rush’d
All bright in burnish’d armor through
his van,
And as some heifer with maternal fears
5
Now first acquainted, compasses around
Her young one murmuring, with tender moan,
So moved the hero of the amber locks
Around Patroclus, before whom his spear
Advancing and broad shield, he death denounced
10
On all opposers; neither stood the son
Spear-famed of Panthus inattentive long
To slain Patroclus, but approach’d
the dead,
And warlike Menelaus thus bespake.
Prince! Menelaus!
Atreus’ mighty son! 15
Yield. Leave the body and these gory
spoils;
For of the Trojans or allies of Troy
None sooner made Patroclus bleed than
I.
Seek not to rob me, therefore, of my praise
Among the Trojans, lest my spear assail
20
Thee also, and thou perish premature.[1]
To whom, indignant, Atreus’
son replied.
Self-praise, the Gods do know, is little
worth.
But neither lion may in pride compare
Nor panther, nor the savage boar whose
heart’s 25
High temper flashes in his eyes, with
these
The spear accomplish’d youths of
Page 226
Panthus’ house.
Yet Hyperenor of equestrian fame
Lived not his lusty manhood to enjoy,
Who scoffingly defied my force in arms,
30
And call’d me most contemptible
in fight
Of all the Danai. But him, I ween,
His feet bore never hence to cheer at
home
His wife and parents with his glad return.
So also shall thy courage fierce be tamed,
35
If thou oppose me. I command thee,
go—
Mix with the multitude; withstand not
me,
Lest evil overtake thee! To be taught
By sufferings only, is the part of fools.
He said, but him sway’d
not, who thus replied. 40
Now, even now, Atrides! thou shalt rue
My brother’s blood which thou hast
shed, and mak’st
His death thy boast. Thou hast his
blooming bride
Widow’d, and thou hast fill’d
his parents’ hearts
With anguish of unutterable wo;
45
But bearing hence thy armor and thy head
To Troy, and casting them at Panthus’
feet,
And at the feet of Phrontis, his espoused,
I shall console the miserable pair.
Nor will I leave that service unessay’d
50
Longer, nor will I fail through want of
force,
Of courage, or of terrible address.
He ceased, and smote his shield,
nor pierced the disk,
But bent his point against the stubborn
brass.
Then Menelaus, prayer preferring first
55
To Jove,[2] assail’d Euphorbus in
his turn,
Whom pacing backward in the throat he
struck,
And both hands and his full force the
spear
Impelled, urged it through his neck behind.
Sounding he fell; loud rang his batter’d
arms. 60
His locks, which even the Graces might
have own’d,
Blood-sullied, and his ringlets wound
about
With twine of gold and silver, swept the
dust.
As the luxuriant olive by a swain
Rear’d in some solitude where rills
abound, 65
Puts forth her buds, and fann’d
by genial airs
On all sides, hangs her boughs with whitest
flowers,
But by a sudden whirlwind from its trench
Uptorn, it lies extended on the field;
Such, Panthus’ warlike son Euphorbus
seem’d, 70
By Menelaus, son of Atreus, slain
Suddenly, and of all his arms despoil’d.
But as the lion on the mountains bred,
Glorious in strength, when he hath seized
the best
And fairest of the herd, with savage fangs
75
First breaks her neck, then laps the bloody
paunch
Torn wide; meantime, around him, but remote,
Dogs stand and swains clamoring, yet by
fear
Repress’d, annoy him not nor dare
approach;
So there all wanted courage to oppose
80
The force of Menelaus, glorious Chief.
Then, easily had Menelaus borne
The armor of the son of Panthus thence,
Page 227
But that Apollo the illustrious prize
Denied him, who in semblance of the Chief
85
Of the Ciconians, Mentes, prompted forth
Against him Hector terrible as Mars,
Whose spirit thus in accents wing’d
he roused.
Hector! the chase is vain;
here thou pursuest
The horses of AEacides the brave,
90
Which thou shalt never win, for they are
steeds
Of fiery nature, such as ill endure
To draw or carry mortal man, himself
Except, whom an immortal mother bore.
Meantime, bold Menelaus, in defence
95
Of dead Patroclus, hath a Trojan slain
Of highest note, Euphorbus, Panthus’
son,
And hath his might in arms for ever quell’d.
So spake the God and to the
fight return’d.
But grief intolerable at that word
100
Seized Hector; darting through the ranks
his eye,
He knew at once who stripp’d Euphorbus’
arms,
And him knew also lying on the field,
And from his wide wound bleeding copious
still.
Then dazzling bright in arms, through
all the van 105
He flew, shrill-shouting, fierce as Vulcan’s
fire
Unquenchable; nor were his shouts unheard
By Atreus’ son, who with his noble
mind
Conferring sad, thus to himself began.
Alas! if I forsake these gorgeous
spoils, 110
And leave Patroclus for my glory slain,
I fear lest the Achaians at that sight
Incensed, reproach me; and if, urged by
shame,
I fight with Hector and his host, alone,
Lest, hemm’d around by multitudes,
I fall; 115
For Hector, by his whole embattled force
Attended, comes. But whither tend
my thoughts?
No man may combat with another fenced
By power divine and whom the Gods exalt,
But he must draw down wo on his own head.
120
Me, therefore, none of all Achaia’s
host
Will blame indignant, seeing my retreat
From Hector, whom themselves the Gods
assist.
But might the battle-shout of Ajax once
Reach me, with force united we would strive,
125
Even in opposition to a God,
To rescue for Achilles’ sake, his
friend.
Task arduous! but less arduous than this.
While he thus meditated, swift
advanced
The Trojan ranks, with Hector at their
head. 130
He then, retiring slow, and turning oft,
Forsook the body. As by dogs and
swains
With clamors loud and spears driven from
the stalls
A bearded lion goes, his noble heart
Abhors retreat, and slow he quits the
prey; 135
So Menelaus with slow steps forsook
Patroclus, and arrived in front, at length,
Of his own phalanx, stood, with sharpen’d
eyes
Seeking vast Ajax, son of Telamon.
Him leftward, soon, of all the field he
Page 228
mark’d 140
Encouraging aloud his band, whose hearts
With terrors irresistible himself
Phoebus had fill’d. He ran,
and at his side
Standing, incontinent him thus bespake.
My gallant Ajax, haste—come
quickly—strive 145
With me to rescue for Achilles’
sake
His friend, though bare, for Hector hath
his arms.
He said, and by his words
the noble mind
Of Ajax roused; issuing through the van
He went, and Menelaus at his side.
150
Hector the body of Patroclus dragg’d,
Stript of his arms, with falchion keen
erelong
Purposing to strike off his head, and
cast
His trunk, drawn distant, to the dogs
of Troy.
But Ajax, with broad shield tower-like,
approach’d. 155
Then Hector, to his bands retreating,
sprang
Into his chariot, and to others gave
The splendid arms in charge, who into
Troy
Should bear the destined trophy of his
praise,
But Ajax with his broad shield guarding
stood 160
Slain Menoetiades, as for his whelps
The lion stands; him through some forest
drear
Leading his little ones, the hunters meet;
Fire glimmers in his looks, and down he
draws
His whole brow into frowns, covering his
eyes; 165
So, guarding slain Patroclus, Ajax lour’d.
On the other side, with tender grief oppress’d
Unspeakable, brave Menelaus stood.
But Glaucus, leader of the Lycian band,
Son of Hippolochus, in bitter terms
170
Indignant, reprimanded Hector thus,
Ah, Hector, Chieftain of excelling
form,
But all unfurnish’d with a warrior’s
heart!
Unwarranted I deem thy great renown
Who art to flight addicted. Think,
henceforth, 175
How ye shall save city and citadel
Thou and thy people born in Troy, alone.
No Lycian shall, at least, in your defence
Fight with the Grecians, for our ceaseless
toil
In arms, hath ever been a thankless task.
180
Inglorious Chief! how wilt thou save a
worse
From warring crowds, who hast Sarpedon
left
Thy guest, thy friend, to be a spoil,
a prey
To yonder Argives? While he lived
he much
Thee and thy city profited, whom dead
185
Thou fear’st to rescue even from
the dogs.
Now, therefore, may but my advice prevail,
Back to your country, Lycians! so, at
once,
Shall remediless ruin fall on Troy.
For had the Trojans now a daring heart
190
Intrepid, such as in the breast resides
Of laborers in their country’s dear
behalf,
We soon should drag Patroclus into Troy;
And were his body, from the battle drawn,
In Priam’s royal city once secured,
195
As soon, the Argives would in ransom give
Page 229
Sarpedon’s body with his splendid
arms
To be conducted safe into the town.
For when Patroclus fell, the friend was
slain
Of such a Chief as is not in the fleet
200
For valor, and his bands are dauntless
all.
But thou, at the first glimpse of Ajax’
eye
Confounded, hast not dared in arms to
face
That warrior bold, superior far to thee.
To whom brave Hector, frowning
stern, replied, 205
Why, Glaucus! should a Chief like thee
his tongue
Presume to employ thus haughtily?
My friend!
I thee accounted wisest, once, of all
Who dwell in fruitful Lycia, but thy speech
Now utter’d altogether merits blame,
210
In which thou tell’st me that I
fear to stand
Against vast Ajax. Know that I from
fight
Shrink not, nor yet from sound of prancing
steeds;
But Jove’s high purpose evermore
prevails
Against the thoughts of man; he turns
to flight 215
The bravest, and the victory takes with
ease
Even from those whom once he favor’d
most.
But hither, friend! stand with me; mark
my deed;
Prove me, if I be found, as thou hast
said,
An idler all the day, or if by force
220
I not compel some Grecian to renounce
Patroclus, even the boldest of them all.
He ceased, and to his host
exclaim’d aloud.
Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting
sons
Of Dardanus, oh be ye men, my friends!
225
Now summon all your fortitude, while I
Put on the armor of Achilles, won
From the renown’d Patroclus slain
by me.
So saying, illustrious Hector
from the clash
Of spears withdrew, and with his swiftest
pace 230
Departing, overtook, not far remote,
The bearers of Achilles’ arms to
Troy.
Apart from all the horrors of the field
Standing, he changed his armor; gave his
own
To be by them to sacred Ilium borne,
235
And the immortal arms of Peleus’
son
Achilles, by the ever-living Gods
To Peleues given, put on. Those arms
the Sire,
Now old himself, had on his son conferr’d
But in those arms his son grew never old.
240
Him, therefore, soon as cloud-assembler
Jove
Saw glittering in divine Achilles’
arms,
Contemplative he shook his brows, and
said,
Ah hapless Chief! thy death,
although at hand,
Nought troubles thee. Thou wear’st
his heavenly 245
Who all excels, terror of Ilium’s
host.
His friend, though bold yet gentle, thou
hast slain
And hast the brows and bosom of the dead
Unseemly bared: yet, bright success
awhile
I give thee; so compensating thy lot,
250
From whom Andromache shall ne’er
receive
Those glorious arms, for thou shalt ne’er
Page 230
return.
So spake the Thunderer, and
his sable brows
Shaking, confirm’d the word.
But Hector found
The armor apt; the God of war his soul
255
With fury fill’d, he felt his limbs
afresh
Invigorated, and with loudest shouts
Return’d to his illustrious allies.
To them he seem’d, clad in those
radiant arms,
Himself Achilles; rank by rank he pass’d
260
Through all the host, exhorting every
Chief,
Asteropaeus, Mesthles, Phorcys, Medon,
Thersilochus, Deisenor, augur Ennomus,
Chromius, Hippothoues; all these he roused
To battle, and in accents wing’d
began. 265
Hear me, ye myriads, neighbors
and allies!
For not through fond desire to fill the
plain
With multitudes, have I convened you here
Each from his city, but that well-inclined
To Ilium, ye might help to guard our wives
270
And little ones against the host of Greece.
Therefore it is that forage large and
gifts
Providing for you, I exhaust the stores
Of Troy, and drain our people for your
sake.
Turn then direct against them, and his
life 275
Save each, or lose; it is the course of
war.
Him who shall drag, though dead, Patroclus
home
Into the host of Troy, and shall repulse
Ajax, I will reward with half the spoils
And half shall be my own; glory and praise
280
Shall also be his meed, equal to mine.
He ended; they compact with
lifted spears
Bore on the Danai, conceiving each
Warm expectation in his heart to wrest
From Ajax son of Telamon, the dead.
285
Vain hope! he many a lifeless Trojan heap’d
On slain Patroclus, but at length his
speech
To warlike Menelaus thus address’d.
Ah, Menelaus, valiant friend!
I hope
No longer, now, that even we shall ’scape
290
Ourselves from fight; nor fear I so the
loss
Of dead Patroclus, who shall soon the
dogs
Of Ilium, and the fowls sate with his
flesh,
As for my life I tremble and for thine,
That cloud of battle, Hector, such a gloom
295
Sheds all around; death manifest impends.
Haste—call our best, if even
they can hear.
He spake, nor Menelaus not
complied,
But call’d aloud on all the Chiefs
of Greece.
Friends, senators, and leaders
of the powers 300
Of Argos! who with Agamemnon drink
And Menelaus at the public feast,
Each bearing rule o’er many, by
the will
Of Jove advanced to honor and renown!
The task were difficult to single out
305
Chief after Chief by name amid the blaze
Of such contention; but oh, come yourselves
Indignant forth, nor let the dogs of Troy
Patroclus rend, and gambol with his bones!
Page 231
He ceased, whom Oiliades the
swift 310
Hearing incontinent, of all the Chiefs
Ran foremost, after whom Idomeneus
Approach’d, and dread as homicidal
Mars
Meriones. But never mind of man
Could even in silent recollection name
315
The whole vast multitude who, following
these
Renew’d the battle on the part of
Greece.
The Trojans first, with Hector at their
head,
Wedged in close phalanx, rush’d
to the assault
As when within some rapid
river’s mouth 320
The billows and stream clash, on either
shore[3]
Loud sounds the roar[3] of waves ejected
wide,
Such seem’d the clamors of the Trojan
host.
But the Achaians, one in heart, around
Patroclus stood, bulwark’d with
shields of brass 325
And over all their glittering helmets
Jove
Darkness diffused, for he had loved Patroclus
While yet he lived friend of AEacides,
And now, abhorring that the dogs of Troy
Should eat him, urged the Greeks to his
defence, 330
The host of Troy first shook the Grecian
host;
The body left, they fled; yet of them
all,
The Trojan powers, determined as they
were,
Slew none, but dragg’d the body.
Neither stood
The Greeks long time aloof, soon as repulsed
335
Again led on by Ajax, who in form
And in exploits all others far excell’d.
Peerless AEacides alone except.
Right through the foremost combatants
he rush’d,
In force resembling most some savage boar
340
That in the mountains bursting through
the brakes,
The swains disperses and their hounds
with ease;
Like him, illustrious Ajax, mighty son
Of Telamon, at his assault dispersed
With ease the close imbattled ranks who
fought 345
Around Patroclus’ body, strong in
hope
To achieve it, and to make the glory theirs.
Hippothoues, a youth of high renown,
Son of Pelasgian Lethus, by a noose
Around his ancle cast dragg’d through
the fight 350
Patroclus, so to gratify the host
Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him
Reached suddenly, by none of all his friends
(Though numerous wish’d to save
him) turn’d aside.
For swift advancing on him through the
crowd 355
The son of Telamon pierced, spear in hand,
His helmet brazen-cheek’d; the crested
casque,
So smitten, open’d wide, for huge
the hand
And ponderous was the spear that gave
the blow
And all around its neck, mingled with
blood 360
Gush’d forth the brain. There,
lifeless, down he sank,
Let fall the hero’s foot, and fell
himself
Prone on the dead, never to see again?
Deep-soil’d Larissa, never to require
Their kind solicitudes who gave him birth,
365
Page 232
In bloom of life by dauntless Ajax slain.
Then Hector hurl’d at Ajax his bright
spear,
But he, forewarn’d of its approach,
escaped
Narrowly, and it pierced Schedius instead,
Brave son of Iphitus; he, noblest Chief
370
Of the Phocensians, over many reign’d,
Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown’d.
Entering beneath the clavicle[4] the point
Right through his shoulder’s summit
pass’d behind,
And on his loud-resounding arms he fell.
375
But Ajax at his waist wounded the son
Of Phoenops, valiant Phorcys, while he
stood
Guarding Hippothoeus; through his hollow
mail
Enforced the weapon drank his inmost life,
And in his palm, supine, he clench’d
the dust. 380
Then, Hector with the foremost Chiefs
of Troy
Fell back; the Argives sent a shout to
heaven,
And dragging Phorcys and Hippothoeus thence
Stripp’d both. In that bright
moment Ilium’s host
Fear-quell’d before Achaia’s
warlike sons 385
Had Troy re-enter’d, and the host
of Greece
By matchless might and fortitude their
own
Had snatch’d a victory from the
grasp of fate,
But that, himself, the King of radiant
shafts
AEneas roused; Epytis’ son he seem’d
390
Periphas, ancient in the service grown
Of old Anchises whom he dearly loved;
His form assumed, Apollo thus began.
How could ye save, AEneas,
were the Gods
Your enemies, the towers of lofty Troy?
395
As I have others seen, warriors who would,
Men fill’d with might and valor,
firm themselves
And Chiefs of multitudes disdaining fear.
But Jove to us the victory far more
Than to the Grecians wills; therefore
the fault 400
Is yours, who tremble and refuse the fight.
He ended, whom AEneas marking,
knew
At once the glorious Archer of the skies,
And thus to distant Hector call’d
aloud.
Oh, Hector, and ye other Chiefs
of Troy 405
And of her brave confederates! Shame
it were
Should we re-enter Ilium, driven to flight
By dastard fear before the host of Greece.
A God assured me even now, that Jove,
Supreme in battle, gives his aid to Troy.
410
Rush, therefore, on the Danai direct,
Nor let them, safe at least and unannoy’d,
Bear hence Patroclus’ body to the
fleet.
He spake, and starting far
into the van
Stood foremost forth; they, wheeling,
faced the Greeks. 415
Then, spear in hand, AEneas smote the
friend
Of Lycomedes, brave Leocritus,
Son of Arisbas. Lycomedes saw
Compassionate his death, and drawing nigh
First stood, then hurling his resplendent
lance, 420
Right through the liver Apisaon pierced
Offspring of Hippasus, his chest beneath,
Page 233
And, lifeless, instant, on the field he
fell.
He from Paeonia the deep soil’d
to Troy
Came forth, Asteropaeus sole except,
425
Bravest of all Paeonia’s band in
arms.
Asteropaeus saw, and to the van
Sprang forth for furious combat well prepared,
But room for fight found none, so thick
a fence
Of shields and ported spears fronted secure
430
The phalanx guarding Menoetiades.
For Ajax ranging all the ranks, aloud
Admonish’d them that no man yielding
ground
Should leave Patroclus, or advance before
The rest, but all alike fight and stand
fast. 435
Such order gave huge Ajax; purple gore
Drench’d all the ground; in slaughter’d
heaps they fell
Trojans and Trojan aids of dauntless hearts
And Grecians; for not even they the fight
Waged bloodless, though with far less
cost of blood, 440
Each mindful to avert his fellow’s
fate.
Thus burn’d the battle;
neither hadst thou deem’d
The sun himself in heaven unquench’d,
or moon,
Beneath a cope so dense of darkness strove
Unceasing all the most renown’d
in arms 445
For Menoetiades. Meantime the war,
Wherever else, the bright-arm’d
Grecians waged
And Trojans under skies serene. The
sun
On them his radiance darted; not a cloud,
From mountain or from vale rising, allay’d
450
His fervor; there at distance due they
fought
And paused by turns, and shunn’d
the cruel dart.
But in the middle field not war alone
They suffer’d, but night also; ruthless
raged
The iron storm, and all the mightiest
bled. 455
Two glorious Chiefs, the while, Antilochus
And Thrasymedes, had no tidings heard
Of brave Patroclus slain, but deem’d
him still
Living, and troubling still the host of
Troy;
For watchful[5] only to prevent the flight
460
Or slaughter of their fellow-warriors,
they
Maintain’d a distant station, so
enjoin’d
By Nestor when he sent them to the field.
But fiery conflict arduous employ’d
The rest all day continual; knees and
legs, 465
Feet, hands, and eyes of those who fought
to guard
The valiant friend of swift AEacides
Sweat gather’d foul and dust.
As when a man
A huge ox-hide drunken with slippery lard
Gives to be stretch’d, his servants
all around 470
Disposed, just intervals between, the
task
Ply strenuous, and while many straining
hard
Extend it equal on all sides, it sweats
The moisture out, and drinks the unction
in,[6]
So they, in narrow space struggling, the
dead 475
Dragg’d every way, warm hope conceiving,
these
To drag him thence to Troy, those, to
the ships.
Wild tumult raged around him; neither
Page 234
Mars,
Gatherer of hosts to battle, nor herself
Pallas, however angry, had beheld
480
That conflict with disdain, Jove to such
length
Protracted on that day the bloody toil
Of steeds and men for Menoetiades.
Nor knew divine Achilles or had aught
Heard of Patroclus slain, for from the
ships 485
Remote they fought, beneath the walls
of Troy.
He, therefore, fear’d not for his
death, but hope
Indulged much rather, that, the battle
push’d
To Ilium’s gates, he should return
alive.
For that his friend, unaided by himself
490
Or ever aided, should prevail to lay
Troy waste, he nought supposed; by Thetis
warn’d
In secret conference oft, he better knew
Jove’s purpose; yet not even she
had borne
Those dreadful tidings to his ear, the
loss 495
Immeasurable of his dearest friend.
They all around the dead fought
spear in hand
With mutual slaughter ceaseless, and amid
Achaia’s host thus spake a Chief
mail-arm’d.
Shame were it, Grecians! should
we seek by flight 500
Our galleys now; yawn earth our feet beneath
And here ingulf us rather! Better
far
Than to permit the steed-famed host of
Troy
To drag Patroclus hence into the town,
And make the glory of this conflict theirs.
505
Thus also of the dauntless
Trojans spake
A certain warrior. Oh, my friends!
although
The Fates ordain us, one and all, to die
Around this body, stand! quit not the
field.
So spake the warrior prompting
into act 510
The courage of his friends, and such they
strove
On both sides; high into the vault of
heaven
The iron din pass’d through the
desart air.
Meantime the horses of AEacides
From fight withdrawn, soon as they understood
515
Their charioteer fallen in the dust beneath
The arm of homicidal Hector, wept.
Them oft with hasty lash Diores’
son
Automedon impatient smote, full oft
He stroked them gently, and as oft he
chode;[7] 520
Yet neither to the fleet ranged on the
shore
Of spacious Hellespont would they return,
Nor with the Grecians seek the fight,
but stood
As a sepulchral pillar stands, unmoved
Between their traces;[8] to the earth
they hung 525
Their heads, with plenteous tears their
driver mourn’d,
And mingled their dishevell’d manes
with dust.
Jove saw their grief with pity, and his
brows
Shaking, within himself thus, pensive,
said.
Ah hapless pair! Wherefore
by gift divine 530
Were ye to Peleus given, a mortal king,
Yourselves immortal and from age exempt?
Was it that ye might share in human woes?
For, of all things that breathe or creep
Page 235
the earth,
No creature lives so mere a wretch as
man. 535
Yet shall not Priameian Hector ride
Triumphant, drawn by you. Myself
forbid.
Suffice it that he boasts vain-gloriously
Those arms his own. Your spirit and
your limbs
I will invigorate, that ye may bear
540
Safe hence Automedon into the fleet.
For I ordain the Trojans still to spread
Carnage around victorious, till they reach
The gallant barks, and till the sun at
length
Descending, sacred darkness cover all.
545
He said, and with new might
the steeds inspired.
They, shaking from their hair profuse
the dust,
Between the van of either army whirl’d
The rapid chariot. Fighting as he
pass’d,
Though fill’d with sorrow for his
slaughter’d friend, 550
Automedon high-mounted swept the field
Impetuous as a vulture scattering geese;
Now would he vanish, and now, turn’d
again,
Chase through a multitude his trembling
foe;
But whomsoe’er he follow’d,
none he slew, 555
Nor was the task possible to a Chief
Sole in the sacred chariot, both to aim
The spear aright and guide the fiery steeds.
At length Alcimedon, his friend in arms,
Son of Laerceus son of AEmon, him
560
Observing, from behind the chariot hail’d
The flying warrior, whom he thus bespake.
What power, Automedon! hath
ta’en away
Thy better judgment, and thy breast inspired
With this vain purpose to assail alone
565
The Trojan van? Thy partner in the
fight
Is slain, and Hector on his shoulders
bears,
Elate, the armor of AEacides.
Then, answer thus Automedon
return’d,
Son of Diores. Who of all our host
570
Was ever skill’d, Alcimedon! as
thou
To rule the fire of these immortal steeds,
Save only while he lived, peer of the
Gods
In that great art, Patroclus, now no more?
Thou, therefore, the resplendent reins
receive 575
And scourge, while I, dismounting, wage
the fight.
He ceased; Alcimedon without
delay
The battle-chariot mounting, seized at
once
The lash and reins, and from his seat
down leap’d
Automedon. Them noble Hector mark’d,
580
And to AEneas at his side began.
Illustrious Chief of Trojans
brazen-mail’d
AEneas! I have noticed yonder steeds
Of swift Achilles rushing into fight
Conspicuous, but under sway of hands
585
Unskilful; whence arises a fair hope
That we might seize them, wert thou so
inclined;
For never would those two dare to oppose
In battle an assault dreadful as ours.
He ended, nor the valiant
son refused 590
Page 236
Of old Anchises, but with targets firm
Of season’d hide brass-plated thrown
athwart
Their shoulders, both advanced direct,
with whom
Of godlike form Aretus also went
And Chromius. Ardent hope they all
conceived 595
To slay those Chiefs, and from the field
to drive
Achilles’ lofty steeds. Vain
hope! for them
No bloodless strife awaited with the force
Of brave Automedon; he, prayer to Jove
First offering, felt his angry soul with
might 600
Heroic fill’d, and thus his faithful
friend
Alcimedon, incontinent, address’d.
Alcimedon! hold not the steeds
remote
But breathing on my back; for I expect
That never Priameian Hector’s rage
605
Shall limit know, or pause, till, slaying
us,
He shall himself the coursers ample-maned
Mount of Achilles, and to flight compel
The Argive host, or perish in the van.
So saying, he call’d
aloud on Menelaus 610
With either Ajax. Oh, illustrious
Chiefs
Of Argos, Menelaus, and ye bold
Ajaces![9] leaving all your best to cope
With Ilium’s powers and to protect
the dead,
From friends still living ward the bitter
day. 615
For hither borne, two Chiefs, bravest
of all
The Trojans, Hector and AEneas rush
Right through the battle. The events
of war
Heaven orders; therefore even I will give
My spear its flight, and Jove dispose
the rest! 620
He said, and brandishing his
massy spear
Dismiss’d it at Aretus; full he
smote
His ample shield, nor stay’d the
pointed brass,
But penetrating sheer the disk, his belt
Pierced also, and stood planted in his
waist. 625
As when some vigorous youth with sharpen’d
axe
A pastured bullock smites behind the horns
And hews the muscle through; he, at the
stroke
Springs forth and falls, so sprang Aretus
forth,
Then fell supine, and in his bowels stood
630
The keen-edged lance still quivering till
he died.
Then Hector, in return, his radiant spear
Hurl’d at Automedon, who of its
flight
Forewarn’d his body bowing prone,
the stroke
Eluded, and the spear piercing the soil
635
Behind him, shook to its superior end,
Till, spent by slow degrees, its fury
slept.
And now, with hand to hilt, for closer
war
Both stood prepared, when through the
multitude
Advancing at their fellow-warrior’s
call, 640
The Ajaces suddenly their combat fierce
Prevented. Awed at once by their
approach
Hector retired, with whom AEneas went
Also and godlike Chromius, leaving there
Aretus with his vitals torn, whose arms,
645
Fierce as the God of war Automedon
Stripp’d off, and thus exulted o’er
Page 237
the slain.
My soul some portion of her
grief resigns
Consoled, although by slaughter of a worse,
For loss of valiant Menoetiades.
650
So saying, within his chariot
he disposed
The gory spoils, then mounted it himself
With hands and feet purpled, as from a
bull
His bloody prey, some lion newly-gorged.
And now around Patroclus raged
again 655
Dread strife deplorable! for from the
skies
Descending at the Thunderer’s command
Whose purpose now was to assist the Greeks,
Pallas enhanced the fury of the fight.
As when from heaven, in view of mortals,
Jove 660
Exhibits bright his bow, a sign ordain’d
Of war, or numbing frost which all the
works
Suspends of man and saddens all the flocks;
So she, all mantled with a radiant cloud
Entering Achaia’s host, fired every
breast. 665
But meeting Menelaus first, brave son
Of Atreus, in the form and with the voice
Robust of Phoenix, him she thus bespake.
Shame, Menelaus, shall to
thee redound
For ever, and reproach, should dogs devour
670
The faithful friend of Peleus’ noble
son
Under Troy’s battlements; but stand,
thyself,
Undaunted, and encourage all the host.
To whom the son of Atreus
bold in arms.
Ah, Phoenix, friend revered, ancient and
sage! 675
Would Pallas give me might and from the
dint
Shield me of dart and spear, with willing
mind
I would defend Patroclus, for his death
Hath touch’d me deep. But Hector
with the rage
Burns of consuming fire, nor to his spear
680
Gives pause, for him Jove leads to victory.
He ceased, whom Pallas, Goddess
azure-eyed
Hearing, rejoiced that of the heavenly
powers
He had invoked her foremost to
his aid.
His shoulders with new might, and limbs
she fill’d, 685
And persevering boldness to his breast
Imparted, such as prompts the fly, which
oft
From flesh of man repulsed, her purpose
yet
To bite holds fast, resolved on human
blood.
His stormy bosom with such courage fill’d
690
By Pallas, to Patroclus he approach’d
And hurl’d, incontinent, his glittering
spear.
There was a Trojan Chief, Podes by name,
Son of Eetion, valorous and rich;
Of all Troy’s citizens him Hector
most 695
Respected, in convivial pleasures sweet
His chosen companion. As he sprang
to flight,
The hero of the golden locks his belt
Struck with full force and sent the weapon
through.
Sounding he fell, and from the Trojan
ranks 700
Atrides dragg’d the body to his
own.
Then drew Apollo near to Hector’s
side,
And in the form of Phoenops, Asius’
Page 238
son,
Of all the foreign guests at Hector’s
board
His favorite most, the hero thus address’d.
705
What Chief of all the Grecians
shall henceforth
Fear Hector, who from Menelaus shrinks
Once deem’d effeminate, but dragging
now
The body of thy valiant friend approved
Whom he hath slain, Podes, Eetion’s
son? 710
He spake, and at his words
grief like a cloud
Involved the mind of Hector dark around;
Right through the foremost combatants
he rush’d
All clad in dazzling brass. Then,
lifting high
His tassel’d AEgis radiant, Jove
with storms 715
Enveloped Ida; flash’d his lightnings,
roar’d
His thunders, and the mountain shook throughout.
Troy’s host he prosper’d,
and the Greeks dispersed.
First fled Peneleus, the Boeotian
Chief,
Whom facing firm the foe Polydamas
720
Struck on his shoulder’s summit
with a lance
Hurl’d nigh at hand, which slight
inscribed the bone.
[10]Leitus also, son of the renown’d
Alectryon, pierced by Hector in the wrist,
Disabled left the fight; trembling he
fled 725
And peering narrowly around, nor hoped
To lift a spear against the Trojans more.
Hector, pursuing Leitus, the point
Encounter’d of the brave Idomeneus
Full on his chest; but in his mail the
lance 730
Snapp’d, and the Trojans shouted
to the skies.
He, in his turn, cast at Deucalion’s
son
Idomeneus, who in that moment gain’d[11]
A chariot-seat; but him the erring spear
Attain’d not, piercing Coeranus
instead 735
The friend and follower of Meriones
From wealthy Lyctus, and his charioteer.
For when he left, that day, the gallant
barks
Idomeneus had sought the field on foot,
And triumph proud, full sure, to Ilium’s
host 740
Had yielded now, but that with rapid haste
Coeranus drove to his relief, from him
The fate averting which himself incurr’d
Victim of Hector’s homicidal arm.
Him Hector smiting between ear and jaw
745
Push’d from their sockets with the
lance’s point
His firm-set teeth, and sever’d
sheer his tongue.
Dismounted down he fell, and from his
hand
Let slide the flowing reins, which, to
the earth
Stooping, Meriones in haste resumed,
750
And briefly thus Idomeneus address’d.
Now drive, and cease not,
to the fleet of Greece!
Thyself see’st victory no longer
ours.
He said; Idomeneus whom, now,
dismay
Seized also, with his lash plying severe
755
The coursers ample-maned, flew to the
fleet.
Nor Ajax, dauntless hero, not perceived,
Nor Menelaus, by the sway of Jove
The victory inclining fast to Troy,
Page 239
And thus the Telamonian Chief began.
760
Ah! who can be so blind as
not to see
The eternal Father, now, with his own
hand
Awarding glory to the Trojan host,
Whose every spear flies, instant, to the
mark
Sent forth by brave or base? Jove
guides them all, 765
While, ineffectual, ours fall to the ground.
But haste, devise we of ourselves the
means
How likeliest we may bear Patroclus hence,
And gladden, safe returning, all our friends,
Who, hither looking anxious, hope have
none 770
That we shall longer check the unconquer’d
force
Of hero-slaughtering Hector, but expect
[12]To see him soon amid the fleet of
Greece.
Oh for some Grecian now to carry swift
The tidings to Achilles’ ear, untaught,
775
As I conjecture, yet the doleful news
Of his Patroclus slain! but no such Greek
May I discern, such universal gloom
Both men and steeds envelops all around.
Father of heaven and earth! deliver thou
780
Achaia’s host from darkness; clear
the skies;
Give day; and (since thy sovereign will
is such)
Destruction with it—but oh
give us day![13]
He spake, whose tears Jove
saw with pity moved,
And chased the untimely shades; bright
beam’d the sun 785
And the whole battle was display’d.
Then spake
The hero thus to Atreus’ mighty
son.
Now noble Menelaus! looking
forth,
See if Antilochus be yet alive,
Brave son of Nestor, whom exhort to fly
790
With tidings to Achilles, of the friend
Whom most he loved, of his Patroclus slain.
He ceased, nor Menelaus, dauntless
Chief,
That task refused, but went; yet neither
swift
Nor willing. As a lion leaves the
stalls 795
Wearied himself with harassing the guard,
Who, interdicting him his purposed prey,
Watch all the night; he famish’d,
yet again
Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept
aloof
By spears from daring hands dismissed,
but more 800
By flash of torches which, though fierce,
he dreads,
Till at the dawn, sullen he stalks away;
So from Patroclus Menelaus went
Heroic Chief! reluctant; for he fear’d
Lest the Achaians should resign the dead,
805
Through consternation, to the host of
Troy.
Departing, therefore, he admonish’d
oft
Meriones and the Ajaces, thus.
Ye two brave leaders of the
Argive host,
And thou, Meriones! now recollect
810
The gentle manners of Patroclus fallen
Hapless in battle, who by carriage mild
Well understood, while yet he lived, to
engage
All hearts, through prisoner now of death
and fate.
So saying, the hero amber-hair’d
his steps 815
Page 240
Turn’d thence, the field exploring
with an eye
Sharp as the eagle’s, of all fowls
beneath
The azure heavens for keenest sight renown’d,
Whom, though he soar sublime, the leveret
By broadest leaves conceal’d ’scapes
not, but swift 820
Descending, even her he makes his prey;
So, noble Menelaus! were thine eyes
Turn’d into every quarter of the
host
In search of Nestor’s son, if still
he lived.
Him, soon, encouraging his band to fight,
825
He noticed on the left of all the field,
And sudden standing at his side, began.
Antilochus! oh hear me, noble
friend!
And thou shalt learn tidings of such a
deed
As best had never been. Thou know’st,
I judge, 830
And hast already seen, how Jove exalts
To victory the Trojan host, and rolls
Distress on ours; but ah! Patroclus
lies,
Our chief Achaian, slain, whose loss the
Greeks
Fills with regret. Haste, therefore,
to the fleet, 835
Inform Achilles; bid him haste to save,
If save he can, the body of his friend;
He can no more, for Hector hath his arms.
He ceased. Antilochus
with horror heard
Those tidings; mute long time he stood,
his eyes 840
Swam tearful, and his voice, sonorous
erst,
Found utterance none. Yet even so
distress’d,
He not the more neglected the command
Of Menelaus. Setting forth to run,
He gave his armor to his noble friend
845
Laodocus, who thither turn’d his
steeds,
And weeping as he went, on rapid feet
Sped to Achilles with that tale of wo.
Nor could the noble Menelaus
stay
To give the weary Pylian band, bereft
850
Of their beloved Antilochus, his aid,
But leaving them to Thrasymedes’
care,
He flew to Menoetiades again,
And the Ajaces, thus, instant bespake.
He goes. I have dispatch’d
him to the fleet 855
To seek Achilles; but his coming naught
Expect I now, although with rage he burn
Against illustrious Hector; for what fight
Can he, unarm’d, against the Trojans
wage?
Deliberating, therefore, frame we means
860
How best to save Patroclus, and to ’scape
Ourselves unslain from this disastrous
field.
Whom answer’d the vast
son of Telamon.
Most noble Menelaus! good is all
Which thou hast spoken. Lift ye from
the earth 865
Thou and Meriones, at once, and bear
The dead Patroclus from the bloody field.
To cope meantime with Hector and his host
Shall be our task, who, one in name, nor
less
In spirit one, already have the brunt
870
Of much sharp conflict, side by side,
sustain’d.
He ended; they enfolding in
their arms
The dead, upbore him high above the ground
Page 241
With force united; after whom the host
Of Troy, seeing the body borne away,
875
Shouted, and with impetuous onset all
Follow’d them. As the hounds,
urged from behind
By youthful hunters, on the wounded boar
Make fierce assault; awhile at utmost
speed
They stretch toward him hungering, for
the prey, 880
But oft as, turning sudden, the stout
brawn
Faces them, scatter’d on all sides
escape;
The Trojans so, thick thronging in the
rear,
Ceaseless with falchions and spears double-edged
Annoy’d them sore, but oft as in
retreat 885
The dauntless heroes, the Ajaces turn’d
To face them, deadly wan grew every cheek,
And not a Trojan dared with onset rude
Molest them more in conflict for the dead.
Thus they, laborious, forth
from battle bore 890
Patroclus to the fleet, tempestuous war
Their steps attending, rapid as the flames
Which, kindled suddenly, some city waste;
Consumed amid the blaze house after house
Sinks, and the wind, meantime, roars through
the fire; 895
So them a deafening tumult as they went
Pursued, of horses and of men spear-arm’d.
And as two mules with strength for toil
endued,
Draw through rough ways down from the
distant hills
Huge timber, beam or mast; sweating they
go, 900
And overlabor’d to faint weariness;
So they the body bore, while, turning
oft,
The Ajaces check’d the Trojans.
As a mound
Planted with trees and stretch’d
athwart the mead
Repels an overflow; the torrents loud
905
Baffling, it sends them far away to float
The level land, nor can they with the
force
Of all their waters burst a passage through;
So the Ajaces, constant, in the rear
Repress’d the Trojans; but the Trojans
them 910
Attended still, of whom AEneas most
Troubled them, and the glorious Chief
of Troy.
They as a cloud of starlings or of daws
Fly screaming shrill, warn’d timely
of the kite
Or hawk, devourers of the smaller kinds,
915
So they shrill-clamoring toward the fleet,
Hasted before AEneas and the might
Of Hector, nor the battle heeded more.
Much radiant armor round about the foss
Fell of the flying Grecians, or within
920
Lay scatter’d, and no pause of war
they found.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XVIII.
ARGUMENT OF THE
EIGHTEENTH BOOK.
Achilles, by command of Juno, shows himself to the
Trojans, who fly at his appearance; Vulcan, at the
insistence of Thetis, forges for him a suit of armor.
BOOK XVIII.
Page 242
Thus burn’d the battle like
devouring fire.
Meantime, Antilochus with rapid steps
Came to Achilles. Him he found before
His lofty barks, occupied, as he stood,
With boding fears of all that had befall’n.
5
He groan’d, and to his noble self he said.
Ah! wo is me—why falls Achaia’s
host,
With such disorder foul, back on the fleet?
I tremble lest the Gods my anxious thoughts
Accomplish and my mother’s words, who erst
10
Hath warn’d me, that the bravest and the best
Of all my Myrmidons, while yet I live,
Slain under Troy, must view the sun no more.
Brave Menoetiades is, doubtless, slain.
Unhappy friend! I bade thee oft, our barks
15
Deliver’d once from hostile fires, not seek
To cope in arms with Hector, but return.
While musing thus he stood, the son approach’d
Of noble Nestor, and with tears his cheeks
Bedewing copious, his sad message told.
20
Oh son of warlike Peleus! thou shalt hear
Tidings of deeds which best had never been.
Patroclus is no more. The Grecians fight
For his bare corse, and Hector hath his arms.[1]
Then clouds of sorrow fell on Peleus’ son,
25
And, grasping with both hands the ashes, down
He pour’d them on his head, his graceful brows
Dishonoring, and thick the sooty shower
Descending settled on his fragrant vest.
Then, stretch’d in ashes, at the vast extent
30
Of his whole length he lay, disordering wild
With his own hands, and rending off his hair.
The maidens, captived by himself in war
And by Patroclus, shrieking from the tent
Ran forth, and hemm’d the glorious Chief around.[2]
35
All smote their bosoms, and all, fainting, fell.
On the other side, Antilochus the hands
Held of Achilles, mourning and deep groans
Uttering from his noble heart, through fear
Lest Peleus’ son should perish self-destroy’d.
40
Loud groan’d the hero, whose loud groans within
The gulfs of ocean, where she sat beside
Her ancient sire, his Goddess-mother heard,
And hearing shriek’d; around her at the voice
Assembled all the Nereids of the deep
45
Cymodoce, Thalia, Glauca came,
Nisaea, Spio, Thoa, and with eyes
Protuberant beauteous Halia; came with these
Cymothoee, and Actaea, and the nymph
Of marshes, Limnorea, nor delay’d
50
Agave, nor Amphithoee the swift,
Iaera, Doto, Melita, nor thence
Was absent Proto or Dynamene,
Callianira, Doris, Panope,
Pherusa or Amphinome, or fair
55
Dexamene, or Galatea praised
For matchless form divine; Nemertes pure
Came also, with Apseudes crystal-bright,
Callianassa, Maera, Clymene,
Janeira and Janassa, sister pair,
60
Page 243
And Orithya and with azure locks
Luxuriant, Amathea; nor alone
Came these, but every ocean-nymph beside,
The silver cave was fill’d; each smote her
breast,
And Thetis, loud lamenting, thus began.
65
Ye sister Nereids, hear! that ye may all
From my own lips my boundless sorrow learn.
Ah me forlorn! ah me, parent in vain
Of an illustrious birth! who, having borne
A noble son magnanimous, the chief
70
Of heroes, saw him like a thriving plant
Shoot vigorous under my maternal care,
And sent him early in his gallant fleet
Embark’d, to combat with the sons of Troy.
But him from fight return’d I shall receive
75
Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more;
And while he lives, and on the sun his eyes
Opens, he mourns, nor, going, can I aught
Assist him; yet I go, that I may see
My darling son, and from his lips be taught
80
What grief hath now befallen him, who close
Abiding in his tent shares not the war.
So saying she left the cave, whom all her nymphs
Attended weeping, and where’er they pass’d
The breaking billows open’d wide a way.
85
At fruitful Troy arrived, in order fair
They climb’d the beach, where by his numerous
barks
Encompass’d, swift Achilles sighing lay.
Then, drawing nigh to her afflicted son,
The Goddess-mother press’d between her palms
90
His temples, and in accents wing’d inquired.
Why weeps my son? what sorrow wrings thy soul?
Speak, hide it not. Jove hath fulfill’d
the prayer
Which erst with lifted hands thou didst prefer,
That all Achaia’s host, wanting thy aid,
95
Might be compell’d into the fleet, and foul
Disgrace incur, there prison’d for thy sake.
To whom Achilles, groaning deep, replied.
My mother! it is true; Olympian Jove
That prayer fulfils; but thence, what joy to me,
100
Patroclus slain? the friend of all my friends
Whom most I loved, dear to me as my life—
Him I have lost. Slain and despoil’d
he lies
By Hector of his glorious armor bright,
The wonder of all eyes, a matchless gift
105
Given by the Gods to Peleus on that day
When thee they doom’d into a mortal’s
arms.
Oh that with these thy deathless ocean-nymphs
Dwelling content, thou hadst my father left
To espouse a mortal bride, so hadst thou ’scaped
110
Pangs numberless which thou must now endure
For thy son’s death, whom thou shalt never
meet
From Troy return’d, in Peleus’ mansion
more!
For life I covet not, nor longer wish
To mix with human kind, unless my spear
115
May find out Hector, and atonement take
By slaying him, for my Patroclus slain.
To whom, with streaming tears, Thetis replied.
Swift comes thy destiny as thou hast said,
Page 244
For after Hector’s death thine next ensues.
120
Then answer, thus, indignant he return’d.
Death, seize me now! since when my friend was slain,
My doom was, not to succor him. He died
From home remote, and wanting me to save him.
Now, therefore, since I neither visit more
125
My native land, nor, present here, have aught
Avail’d Patroclus or my many friends
Whom noble Hector hath in battle slain,
But here I sit unprofitable grown,
Earth’s burden, though of such heroic note,
130
If not in council foremost (for I yield
That prize to others) yet in feats of arms,
Such as none other in Achaia’s host,
May fierce contention from among the Gods
Perish, and from among the human race,
135
With wrath, which sets the wisest hearts on fire;
Sweeter than dropping honey to the taste,
But in the bosom of mankind, a smoke![3]
Such was my wrath which Agamemnon roused,
The king of men. But since the past is fled
140
Irrevocable, howsoe’er distress’d,
Renounce we now vain musings on the past,
Content through sad necessity. I go
In quest of noble Hector, who hath slain
My loved Patroclus, and such death will take
145
As Jove ordains me and the Powers of Heaven
At their own season, send it when they may.
For neither might the force of Hercules,
Although high-favored of Saturnian Jove,
From death escape, but Fate and the revenge
150
Restless of Juno vanquish’d even Him.
I also, if a destiny like his
Await me, shall, like him, find rest in death;
But glory calls me now; now will I make
Some Trojan wife or Dardan with both hands
155
Wipe her soft cheeks, and utter many a groan.
Long time have I been absent from the field,
And they shall know it. Love me as thou may’st,
Yet thwart me not, for I am fixt to go.
Whom Thetis answer’d, Goddess of the Deep.
160
Thou hast well said, my son! it is no blame
To save from threaten’d death our suffering
friends.
But thy magnificent and dazzling arms
Are now in Trojan hands; them Hector wears
Exulting, but ordain’d not long to exult,
165
So habited; his death is also nigh.
But thou with yonder warring multitudes
Mix not till thou behold me here again;
For with the rising sun I will return
To-morrow, and will bring thee glorious arms,
170
By Vulcan forged himself, the King of fire.[4]
She said, and turning from her son aside,
The sisterhood of Ocean thus address’d.
Plunge ye again into the briny Deep,
And to the hoary Sovereign of the floods
175
Report as ye have heard. I to the heights
Olympian haste, that I may there obtain
From Vulcan, glorious artist of the skies,
Page 245
Arms of excelling beauty for my son.
She said; they plunged into the waves again,
180
And silver-footed Thetis, to the heights
Olympian soaring swiftly to obtain
Arms for renown’d Achilles, disappear’d.
Meantime, with infinite uproar the Greeks
From Hector’s hero-slaying arm had fled
185
Home to their galleys station’d on the banks
Of Hellespont. Nor yet Achaia’s sons
Had borne the body of Patroclus clear
From flight of darts away, but still again
The multitude of warriors and of steeds
190
Came on, by Priameian Hector led
Rapid as fire. Thrice noble Hector seized
His ancles from behind, ardent to drag
Patroclus, calling to his host the while;
But thrice, the two Ajaces, clothed with might,
195
Shock’d and repulsed him reeling. He
with force
Fill’d indefatigable, through his ranks
Issuing, by turns assail’d them, and by turns
Stood clamoring, yet not a step retired;
But as the hinds deter not from his prey
200
A tawny lion by keen hunger urged,
So would not both Ajaces, warriors bold,
Intimidate and from the body drive
Hector; and he had dragg’d him thence and
won
Immortal glory, but that Iris, sent
205
Unseen by Jove and by the powers of heaven,
From Juno, to Achilles brought command
That he should show himself. Full near she
drew,
And in wing’d accents thus the Chief address’d.
Hero! most terrible of men, arise!
210
protect Patroclus, for whose sake the war
Stands at the fleet of Greece. Mutual prevails
The slaughter, these the dead defending, those
Resolute hence to drag him to the gates
Of wind-swept Ilium. But beyond them all
215
Illustrious Hector, obstinate is bent
To win him, purposing to lop his head,
And to exhibit it impaled on high.
Thou then arise, nor longer on the ground
Lie stretch’d inactive; let the thought with
shame 220
Touch thee, of thy Patroclus made the sport
Of Trojan dogs, whose corse, if it return
Dishonored home, brings with it thy reproach.
To whom Achilles matchless in the race.
Iris divine! of all the Gods, who sent thee?
225
Then, thus, the swift ambassadress of heaven.
By Juno sent I come, consort of Jove.
Nor knows Saturnian Jove high-throned, himself,
My flight, nor any of the Immortal Powers,
Tenants of the Olympian heights snow-crown’d.
230
Her answer’d then Pelides, glorious Chief.
How shall I seek the fight? they have my arms.
My mother charged me also to abstain
From battle, till she bring me armor new
Which she hath promised me from Vulcan’s hand.
235
Meantime, whose armor else might serve my need
I know not, save perhaps alone the shield
Page 246
Of Telamonian Ajax, whom I deem
Himself now busied in the stormy van,
Slaying the Trojans in my friend’s defence.
240
To whom the swift-wing’d messenger of heaven,
Full well we know thine armor Hector’s prize
Yet, issuing to the margin of the foss,
Show thyself only. Panic-seized, perchance,
The Trojans shall from fight desist, and yield
245
To the o’ertoil’d though dauntless sons
of Greece
Short respite; it is all that war allows.
So saying, the storm-wing’d Iris disappear’d.
Then rose at once Achilles dear to Jove,
Athwart whose shoulders broad Minerva cast
250
Her AEgis fringed terrific, and his brows
Encircled with a golden cloud that shot
Fires insupportable to sight abroad.
As when some island, situate afar
On the wide waves, invested all the day
255
By cruel foes from their own city pour’d,
Upsends a smoke to heaven, and torches shows
On all her turrets at the close of eve
Which flash against the clouds, kindled in hope
Of aid from neighbor maritime allies,
260
So from Achilles’ head light flash’d
to heaven.
Issuing through the wall, beside the foss
He stood, but mix’d not with Achaia’s
host,
Obedient to his mother’s wise command.
He stood and shouted; Pallas also raised
265
A dreadful shout and tumult infinite
Excited throughout all the host of Troy.
Clear as the trumpet’s note when it proclaims
A numerous host approaching to invest
Some city close around, so clear the voice
270
Rang of AEacides, and tumult-toss’d
Was every soul that heard the brazen tone.
With swift recoil the long-maned coursers thrust
The chariots back, all boding wo at hand,
And every charioteer astonish’d saw
275
Fires that fail’d not, illumining the brows
Of Peleus’ son, by Pallas kindled there.
Thrice o’er the trench Achilles sent his voice
Sonorous, and confusion at the sound
Thrice seized the Trojans, and their famed allies.
280
Twelve in that moment of their noblest died
By their own spears and chariots, and with joy
The Grecians from beneath a hill of darts
Dragging Patroclus, placed him on his bier.
Around him throng’d his fellow-warriors bold,
285
All weeping, after whom Achilles went
Fast-weeping also at the doleful sight
Of his true friend on his funereal bed
Extended, gash’d with many a mortal wound,
Whom he had sent into the fight with steeds
290
And chariot, but received him thence no more.
And now majestic Juno sent the sun,
Unwearied minister of light, although
Reluctant, down into the Ocean stream.[5]
So the sun sank, and the Achaians ceased
295
From the all-wasting labors of the war.
Page 247
On the other side, the Trojans, from the fight
Retiring, loosed their steeds, but ere they took
Thought of refreshment, in full council met.
It was a council at which no man sat,
300
Or dared; all stood; such terror had on all
Fallen, for that Achilles had appear’d,
After long pause from battle’s arduous toil.
First rose Polydamas the prudent son
Of Panthus, above all the Trojans skill’d
305
Both in futurity and in the past.
He was the friend of Hector, and one night
Gave birth to both. In council one excell’d
And one still more in feats of high renown.
Thus then, admonishing them, he began.
310
My friends! weigh well the occasion. Back
to Troy
By my advice, nor wait the sacred morn
Here, on the plain, from Ilium’s walls remote
So long as yet the anger of this Chief
’Gainst noble Agamemnon burn’d, so long
315
We found the Greeks less formidable foes,
And I rejoiced, myself, spending the night
Beside their oary barks, for that I hoped
To seize them; but I now tremble at thought
Of Peleus’ rapid son again in arms.
320
A spirit proud as his will scorn to fight
Here, on the plain, where Greeks and Trojans take
Their common share of danger and of toil,
And will at once strike at your citadel,
Impatient till he make your wives his prey.
325
Haste—let us home—else thus
shall it befall;
Night’s balmy influence in his tent detains
Achilles now, but rushing arm’d abroad
To-morrow, should he find us lingering here,
None shall mistake him then; happy the man
330
Who soonest, then, shall ’scape to sacred
Troy!
Then, dogs shall make and vultures on our flesh
Plenteous repast. Oh spare mine ears the tale!
But if, though troubled, ye can yet receive
My counsel, thus assembled we will keep
335
Strict guard to-night; meantime, her gates and towers
With all their mass of solid timbers, smooth
And cramp’d with bolts of steel, will keep
the town.
But early on the morrow we will stand
All arm’d on Ilium’s towers. Then,
if he choose, 340
His galleys left, to compass Troy about,
He shall be task’d enough; his lofty steeds
Shall have their fill of coursing to and fro
Beneath, and gladly shall to camp return.
But waste the town he shall not, nor attempt
345
With all the utmost valor that he boasts
To force a pass; dogs shall devour him first.
To whom brave Hector louring, and in wrath.
Polydamas, I like not thy advice
Who bidd’st us in our city skulk, again
350
Imprison’d there. Are ye not yet content?
Wish ye for durance still in your own towers?
Time was, when in all regions under heaven
Men praised the wealth of Priam’s city stored
Page 248
With gold and brass; but all our houses now
355
Stand emptied of their hidden treasures rare.
Jove in his wrath hath scatter’d them; our
wealth
Is marketed, and Phrygia hath a part
Purchased, and part Maeonia’s lovely land.
But since the son of wily Saturn old
360
Hath given me glory now, and to inclose
The Grecians in their fleet hemm’d by the
sea,
Fool! taint not with such talk the public mind.
For not a Trojan here will thy advice
Follow, or shall; it hath not my consent.
365
But thus I counsel. Let us, band by band,
Throughout the host take supper, and let each,
Guarded against nocturnal danger, watch.
And if a Trojan here be rack’d in mind
Lest his possessions perish, let him cast
370
His golden heaps into the public maw,[6]
Far better so consumed than by the Greeks.
Then, with the morrow’s dawn, all fair array’d
In battle, we will give them at their fleet
Sharp onset, and if Peleus’ noble son
375
Have risen indeed to conflict for the ships,
The worse for him. I shall not for his sake
Avoid the deep-toned battle, but will firm
Oppose his utmost. Either he shall gain
Or I, great glory. Mars his favors deals
380
Impartial, and the slayer oft is slain.
So counsell’d Hector, whom with shouts of
praise
The Trojans answer’d:—fools, and
by the power
Of Pallas of all sober thought bereft!
For all applauded Hector, who had given
385
Advice pernicious, and Polydamas,
Whose counsel was discreet and wholesome none.
So then they took repast. But all night long
The Grecians o’er Patroclus wept aloud,
While, standing in the midst, Pelides led
390
The lamentation, heaving many a groan,
And on the bosom of his breathless friend
Imposing, sad, his homicidal hands.
As the grim lion, from whose gloomy lair
Among thick trees the hunter hath his whelps
395
Purloin’d, too late returning mourns his loss,
Then, up and down, the length of many a vale
Courses, exploring fierce the robber’s foot,
Incensed as he, and with a sigh deep-drawn
Thus to his Myrmidons Achilles spake.
400
How vain, alas! my word spoken that day
At random, when to soothe the hero’s fears
Menoetius, then our guest, I promised him
His noble son at Opoeis again,
Living and laden with the spoils of Troy!
405
But Jove performs not all the thoughts of man,
For we were both destined to tinge the soil
Of Ilium with our blood, nor I shall see,
Myself, my father in his mansion more
Or Thetis, but must find my burial here.
410
Yet, my Patroclus! since the earth expects
Me next, I will not thy funereal rites
Page 249
Finish, till I shall bring both head and arms
Of that bold Chief who slew thee, to my tent.
I also will smite off, before thy pile,
415
The heads of twelve illustrious sons of Troy,
Resentful of thy death. Meantime, among
My lofty galleys thou shalt lie, with tears
Mourn’d day and night by Trojan captives fair
And Dardan compassing thy bier around,
420
Whom we, at price of labor hard, ourselves
With massy spears toiling in battle took
From many an opulent city, now no more.
So saying, he bade his train surround with fire
A tripod huge, that they might quickly cleanse
425
Patroclus from all stain of clotted gore.
They on the blazing hearth a tripod placed
Capacious, fill’d with water its wide womb,
And thrust dry wood beneath, till, fierce, the flames
Embraced it round, and warm’d the flood within.
430
Soon as the water in the singing brass
Simmer’d, they bathed him, and with limpid
oil
Anointed; filling, next, his ruddy wounds
With unguent mellow’d by nine circling years,
They stretch’d him on his bed, then cover’d
him 435
From head to feet with linen texture light,
And with a wide unsullied mantle, last.[7]
All night the Myrmidons around the swift
Achilles stood, deploring loud his friend,
And Jove his spouse and sister thus bespake.
440
So then, Imperial Juno! not in vain
Thou hast the swift Achilles sought to rouse
Again to battle; the Achaians, sure,
Are thy own children, thou hast borne them all.
To whom the awful Goddess ample-eyed.
445
What word hath pass’d thy lips, Jove, most
severe?
A man, though mortal merely, and to me
Inferior in device, might have achieved
That labor easily. Can I who boast
Myself the chief of Goddesses, and such
450
Not by birth only, but as thine espoused,
Who art thyself sovereign of all the Gods,
Can I with anger burn against the house
Of Priam, and want means of just revenge?
Thus they in heaven their mutual conference
455
Meantime, the silver-footed Thetis reach’d
The starr’d abode eternal, brazen wall’d
Of Vulcan, by the builder lame himself
Uprear’d, a wonder even in eyes divine.
She found him sweating, at his bellows huge
460
Toiling industrious; tripods bright he form’d
Twenty at once, his palace-wall to grace
Ranged in harmonious order. Under each
Two golden wheels he set, on which (a sight
Marvellous!) into council they should roll
465
Self-moved, and to his house, self-moved, return.
Thus far the work was finish’d, but not yet
Their ears of exquisite design affixt,
For them he stood fashioning, and prepared
The rivets. While he thus his matchless skill
470
Page 250
Employ’d laborious, to his palace-gate
The silver-footed Thetis now advanced,
Whom Charis, Vulcan’s well-attired spouse,
Beholding from the palace portal, flew
To seize the Goddess’ hand, and thus inquired.
475
Why, Thetis! worthy of all reverence
And of all love, comest thou to our abode,
Unfrequent here? But enter, and accept
Such welcome as to such a guest is due.
So saying, she introduced and to a seat
480
Led her with argent studs border’d around
And foot-stool’d sumptuously;[8] then, calling
forth
Her spouse, the glorious artist, thus she said.
Haste, Vulcan! Thetis wants thee; linger
not.
To whom the artist of the skies replied.
485
A Goddess then, whom with much cause I love
And venerate is here, who when I fell
Saved me, what time my shameless mother sought
To cast me, because lame, out of all sight;
Then had I been indeed forlorn, had not
490
Eurynome the daughter of the Deep
And Thetis in their laps received me fallen.
Nine years with them residing, for their use
I form’d nice trinkets, clasps, rings, pipes,
and chains,
While loud around our hollow cavern roar’d
495
The surge of the vast deep, nor God nor man,
Save Thetis and Eurynome, my life’s
Preservers, knew where I was kept conceal’d.
Since, therefore, she is come, I cannot less
Than recompense to Thetis amber-hair’d
500
With readiness the boon of life preserved.
Haste, then, and hospitably spread the board
For her regale, while with my best dispatch
I lay my bellows and my tools aside.
He spake, and vast in bulk and hot with toil
505
Rose limping from beside his anvil-stock
Upborne, with pain on legs tortuous and weak.
First, from the forge dislodged he thrust apart
His bellows, and his tools collecting all
Bestow’d them, careful, in a silver chest,
510
Then all around with a wet sponge he wiped
His visage, and his arms and brawny neck
Purified, and his shaggy breast from smutch;
Last, putting on his vest, he took in hand
His sturdy staff, and shuffled through the door.
515
Beside the King of fire two golden forms
Majestic moved, that served him in the place
Of handmaids; young they seem’d, and seem’d
alive,
Nor want they intellect, or speech, or force,
Or prompt dexterity by the Gods inspired.
520
These his supporters were, and at his side
Attendant diligent, while he, with gait
Uncouth, approaching Thetis where she sat
On a bright throne, seized fast her hand and said,
Why, Thetis! worthy as thou art of love
525
And of all reverence, hast thou arrived,
Unfrequent here? Speak—tell me thy
desire,
Nor doubt my services, if thou demand
Page 251
Things possible, and possible to me.
Then Thetis, weeping plenteously, replied.
530
Oh Vulcan! Is there on Olympius’ heights
A Goddess with such load of sorrow press’d
As, in peculiar, Jove assigns to me?
Me only, of all ocean-nymphs, he made
Spouse to a man, Peleus AEacides,
535
Whose bed, although reluctant and perforce,
I yet endured to share. He now, the prey
Of cheerless age, decrepid lies, and Jove
Still other woes heaps on my wretched head.
He gave me to bring forth, gave me to rear
540
A son illustrious, valiant, and the chief
Of heroes; he, like a luxuriant plant
Upran[9] to manhood, while his lusty growth
I nourish’d as the husbandman his vine
Set in a fruitful field, and being grown
545
I sent him early in his gallant fleet
Embark’d, to combat with the sons of Troy;
But him from fight return’d I shall receive,
Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more,
And while he lives and on the sun his eyes
550
Opens, affliction is his certain doom,
Nor aid resides or remedy in me.
The virgin, his own portion of the spoils,
Allotted to him by the Grecians—her
Atrides, King of men, resumed, and grief
555
Devour’d Achilles’ spirit for her sake.
Meantime, the Trojans shutting close within
Their camp the Grecians, have forbidden them
All egress, and the senators of Greece
Have sought with splendid gifts to soothe my son.
560
He, indisposed to rescue them himself
From ruin, sent, instead, Patroclus forth,
Clad in his own resplendent armor, Chief
Of the whole host of Myrmidons. Before
The Scaean gate from morn to eve they fought,
565
And on that self-same day had Ilium fallen,
But that Apollo, to advance the fame
Of Hector, slew Menoetius’ noble son
Full-flush’d with victory. Therefore
at thy knees
Suppliant I fall, imploring from thine art
570
A shield and helmet, greaves of shapely form
With clasps secured, and corselet for my son.
For those, once his, his faithful friend hath lost,
Slain by the Trojans, and Achilles lies,
Himself, extended mournful on the ground.
575
Her answer’d then the artist of the skies.
Courage! Perplex not with these cares thy soul.
I would that when his fatal hour shall come,
I could as sure secrete him from the stroke
Of destiny, as he shall soon have arms
580
Illustrious, such as each particular man
Of thousands, seeing them, shall wish his own.
He said, and to his bellows quick repair’d,
Which turning to the fire he bade them heave.
Full twenty bellows working all at once
595
Breathed on the furnace, blowing easy and free
The managed winds, now forcible, as best
Page 252
Suited dispatch, now gentle, if the will
Of Vulcan and his labor so required.
Impenetrable brass, tin, silver, gold,
590
He cast into the forge, then, settling firm
His ponderous anvil on the block, one hand
With his huge hammer fill’d, one with the
tongs.
[10]He fashion’d first a shield massy and
broad
Of labor exquisite, for which he form’d
595
A triple border beauteous, dazzling bright,
And loop’d it with a silver brace behind.
The shield itself with five strong folds he forged,
And with devices multiform the disk
Capacious charged, toiling with skill divine.
600
There he described the earth, the heaven, the
sea,
The sun that rests not, and the moon full-orb’d.
There also, all the stars which round about
As with a radiant frontlet bind the skies,
The Pleiads and the Hyads, and the might
605
Of huge Orion, with him Ursa call’d,
Known also by his popular name, the Wain,
That spins around the pole looking toward
Orion, only star of these denied
To slake his beams in ocean’s briny baths.
610
Two splendid cities also there he form’d
Such as men build. In one were to be seen
Rites matrimonial solemnized with pomp
Of sumptuous banquets; from their chambers forth
Leading the brides they usher’d them along
615
With torches through the streets, and sweet was
heard
The voice around of Hymenaeal song.
Here striplings danced in circles to the sound
Of pipe and harp, while in the portals stood
Women, admiring, all, the gallant show.
620
Elsewhere was to be seen in council met
The close-throng’d multitude. There strife
arose.
Two citizens contended for a mulct
The price of blood. This man affirm’d
the fine
All paid,[11] haranguing vehement the crowd,
625
That man denied that he had aught received,
And to the judges each made his appeal
Eager for their award. Meantime the people,
As favor sway’d them, clamor’d loud
for each.
The heralds quell’d the tumult; reverend sat
630
On polish’d stones the elders in a ring,
Each with a herald’s sceptre in his hand,
Which holding they arose, and all in turn
Gave sentence. In the midst two talents lay
Of gold, his destined recompense whose voice
635
Decisive should pronounce the best award.
The other city by two glittering hosts
Invested stood, and a dispute arose
Between the hosts, whether to burn the town
And lay all waste, or to divide the spoil.
640
Meantime, the citizens, still undismay’d,
Surrender’d not the town, but taking arms
Secretly, set the ambush in array,
And on the walls their wives and children kept
Vigilant guard, with all the ancient men.
645
Page 253
They sallied; at their head Pallas and Mars
Both golden and in golden vests attired
Advanced, proportion each showing divine,
Large, prominent, and such as Gods beseem’d.
Not such the people, but of humbler size.
650
Arriving at the spot for ambush chosen,
A river’s side, where cattle of each kind
Drank, down they sat, all arm’d in dazzling
brass.
Apart from all the rest sat also down
Two spies, both looking for the flocks and herds.
655
Soon they appear’d, and at their side were
seen
Two shepherd swains, each playing on his pipe
Careless, and of the danger nought apprized,
Swift ran the spies, perceiving their approach,
And intercepting suddenly the herds
660
And flocks of silver fleece, slew also those
Who fed them. The besiegers, at that time
In council, by the sound alarm’d, their steeds
Mounted, and hasted, instant, to the place;
Then, standing on the river’s brink they fought
665
And push’d each other with the brazen lance.
There Discord raged, there Tumult, and the force
Of ruthless Destiny; she now a Chief
Seized newly wounded, and now captive held
Another yet unhurt, and now a third
670
Dragg’d breathless through the battle by his
feet
And all her garb was dappled thick with blood
Like living men they traversed and they strove,
And dragg’d by turns the bodies of the slain.
He also graved on it a fallow field
675
Rich, spacious, and well-till’d. Plowers
not few,
There driving to and fro their sturdy teams,
Labor’d the land; and oft as in their course
They came to the field’s bourn, so oft a man
Met them, who in their hands a goblet placed
680
Charged with delicious wine. They, turning,
wrought
Each his own furrow, and impatient seem’d
To reach the border of the tilth, which black
Appear’d behind them as a glebe new-turn’d,
Though golden. Sight to be admired by all!
685
There too he form’d the likeness of a field
Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil’d
Each with a sharp-tooth’d sickle in his hand.
Along the furrow here, the harvest fell
In frequent handfuls, there, they bound the sheaves.
690
Three binders of the sheaves their sultry task
All plied industrious, and behind them boys
Attended, filling with the corn their arms
And offering still their bundles to be bound.
Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood
695
Silent exulting, while beneath an oak
Apart, his heralds busily prepared
The banquet, dressing a well-thriven ox
New slain, and the attendant maidens mix’d
Large supper for the hinds of whitest flour.
700
There also, laden with its fruit he form’d
A vineyard all of gold; purple he made
Page 254
The clusters, and the vines supported stood
By poles of silver set in even rows.
The trench he color’d sable, and around
705
Fenced it with tin. One only path it show’d
By which the gatherers when they stripp’d
the vines
Pass’d and repass’d. There, youths
and maidens blithe
In frails of wicker bore the luscious fruit,
While, in the midst, a boy on his shrill harp
710
Harmonious play’d, still as he struck the
chord
Carolling to it with a slender voice.
They smote the ground together, and with song
And sprightly reed came dancing on behind.[12]
There too a herd he fashion’d of tall beeves
715
Part gold, part tin. They, lowing, from the
stalls
Rush’d forth to pasture by a river-side
Rapid, sonorous, fringed with whispering reeds.
Four golden herdsmen drove the kine a-field
By nine swift dogs attended. Dreadful sprang
720
Two lions forth, and of the foremost herd
Seized fast a bull. Him bellowing they dragg’d,
While dogs and peasants all flew to his aid.
The lions tore the hide of the huge prey
And lapp’d his entrails and his blood.
Meantime 725
The herdsmen, troubling them in vain, their hounds
Encouraged; but no tooth for lions’ flesh
Found they, and therefore stood aside and bark’d.
There also, the illustrious smith divine
Amidst a pleasant grove a pasture form’d
730
Spacious, and sprinkled o’er with silver sheep
Numerous, and stalls and huts and shepherds’
tents.
To these the glorious artist added next,
With various skill delineated exact,
A labyrinth for the dance, such as of old
735
In Crete’s broad island Daedalus composed
For bright-hair’d Ariadne.[13] There the youths
And youth-alluring maidens, hand in hand,
Danced jocund, every maiden neat-attired
In finest linen, and the youths in vests
740
Well-woven, glossy as the glaze of oil.
These all wore garlands, and bright falchions, those,
Of burnish’d gold in silver trappings hung:—[14]
They with well-tutor’d step, now nimbly ran
The circle, swift, as when, before his wheel
745
Seated, the potter twirls it with both hands
For trial of its speed,[15] now, crossing quick
They pass’d at once into each other’s
place.
On either side spectators numerous stood
Delighted, and two tumblers roll’d themselves
750
Between the dancers, singing as they roll’d.
Last, with the might of ocean’s boundless
flood
He fill’d the border of the wondrous shield.
When thus the massy shield magnificent
He had accomplish’d, for the hero next
755
He forged, more ardent than the blaze of fire,
A corselet; then, a ponderous helmet bright
Well fitted to his brows, crested with gold,
Page 255
And with laborious art divine adorn’d.
He also made him greaves of molten tin.
760
The armor finish’d, bearing in his hand
The whole, he set it down at Thetis’ feet.
She, like a falcon from the snowy top
Stoop’d of Olympus, bearing to the earth
The dazzling wonder, fresh from Vulcan’s hand.
765
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XIX.
ARGUMENT OF THE
NINETEENTH BOOK.
Achilles is reconciled to Agamemnon, and clothed in
new armor forged by Vulcan, leads out the Myrmidons
to battle.
BOOK XIX.
Now rose the morn in saffron vest attired
From ocean, with new day for Gods and
men,
When Thetis at the fleet of Greece arrived,
Bearing that gift divine. She found
her son
All tears, and close enfolding in his
arms 5
Patroclus, while his Myrmidons around
Wept also;[1] she amid them, graceful,
stood,
And seizing fast his hand, him thus bespake.
Although our loss be great,
yet, oh my son!
Leave we Patroclus lying on the bier
10
To which the Gods ordain’d him from
the first.
Receive from Vulcan’s hands these
glorious arms,
Such as no mortal shoulders ever bore.
So saying, she placed the
armor on the ground
Before him, and the whole bright treasure
rang. 15
A tremor shook the Myrmidons; none dared
Look on it, but all fled. Not so
himself.
In him fresh vengeance kindled at the
view,
And, while he gazed, a splendor as of
fire
Flash’d from his eyes. Delighted,
in his hand 20
He held the glorious bounty of the God,
And, wondering at those strokes of art
divine,
His eager speech thus to his mother turn’d.[2]
The God, my mother! hath bestow’d
in truth
Such armor on me as demanded skill
25
Like his, surpassing far all power of
man.
Now, therefore, I will arm. But anxious
fears
Trouble me, lest intrusive flies, meantime,
Breed worms within the spear-inflicted
wounds
Of Menoetiades, and fill with taint
30
Of putrefaction his whole breathless form.[3]
But him the silver-footed
Goddess fair
Thus answer’d. Oh, my son!
chase from thy mind
All such concern. I will, myself,
essay
To drive the noisome swarms which on the
slain 35
In battle feed voracious. Should
he lie
The year complete, his flesh shall yet
be found
Untainted, and, it may be, fragrant too.
But thou the heroes of Achaia’s
host
Convening, in their ears thy wrath renounce
40
Against the King of men, then, instant,
arm
For battle, and put on thy glorious might.
So saying, the Goddess raised
Page 256
his courage high.
Then, through the nostrils of the dead
she pour’d
Ambrosia, and the ruddy juice divine
45
Of nectar, antidotes against decay.
And now forth went Achilles
by the side
Of ocean, calling with a dreadful shout
To council all the heroes of the host.[4]
Then, even they who in the fleet before
50
Constant abode, helmsmen and those who
held
In stewardship the food and public stores,
All flock’d to council, for that
now at length
After long abstinence from dread exploits
Of war, Achilles had once more appear’d.
55
Two went together, halting on the spear,
(For still they felt the anguish of their
wounds)
Noble Ulysses and brave Diomede,
And took an early seat; whom follow’d
last
The King of men, by Cooen in the field
60
Of furious battle wounded with a lance.
The Grecians all assembled, in the midst
Upstood the swift Achilles, and began.
Atrides! we had doubtless
better sped
Both thou and I, thus doing, when at first
65
With cruel rage we burn’d, a girl
the cause.
I would that Dian’s shaft had in
the fleet
Slain her that self-same day when I destroy’d
Lyrnessus, and by conquest made her mine!
Then had not many a Grecian, lifeless
now, 70
Clench’d with his teeth the ground,
victim, alas!
Of my revenge; whence triumph hath accrued
To Hector and his host, while ours have
cause
For long remembrance of our mutual strife.
But evils past let pass, yielding perforce
75
To sad necessity. My wrath shall
cease
Now; I resign it; it hath burn’d
too long.
Thou therefore summon forth the host to
fight,
That I may learn meeting them in the field,
If still the Trojans purpose at our fleet
80
To watch us this night also. But
I judge
That driven by my spear to rapid flight,
They shall escape with weary limbs[5]
at least.
He ended, and the Grecians
brazen-greaved
Rejoiced that Peleus’ mighty son
had cast 85
His wrath aside. Then not into the
midst
Proceeding, but at his own seat, upstood
King Agamemnon, and them thus bespake.
Friends! Grecian heroes!
Ministers of Mars!
Arise who may to speak, he claims your
ear; 90
All interruption wrongs him, and distracts,
Howe’er expert the speaker.
Who can hear
Amid the roar of tumult, or who speak?
The clearest voice, best utterance, both
are vain
I shall address Achilles. Hear my
speech 95
Ye Argives, and with understanding mark.
I hear not now the voice of your reproach[6]
First; ye have oft condemn’d me.
Yet the blame
Page 257
Rests not with me; Jove, Destiny, and
she
Who roams the shades, Erynnis, caused
the offence. 100
She fill’d my soul with fury on
that day
In council, when I seized Achilles’
prize.
For what could I? All things obey
the Gods.
Ate, pernicious Power, daughter of Jove,
By whom all suffer, challenges from all
105
Reverence and fear. Delicate are
her feet
Which scorn the ground, and over human
heads
She glides, injurious to the race of man,
Of two who strive, at least entangling
one.
She injured, on a day, dread Jove himself
110
Most excellent of all in earth or heaven,
When Juno, although female, him deceived,
What time Alcmena should have brought
to light
In bulwark’d Thebes the force of
Hercules.
Then Jove, among the gods glorying, spake.
115
Hear all! both Gods and Goddesses,
attend!
That I may make my purpose known.
This day
Birth-pang-dispensing Ilithya brings
An hero forth to light, who, sprung from
those
That sprang from me, his empire shall
extend 120
Over all kingdoms bordering on his own.
To whom, designing fraud,
Juno replied.
Thou wilt be found false, and this word
of thine
Shall want performance. But Olympian
Jove!
Swear now the inviolable oath, that he
125
Who shall, this day, fall from between
the feet
Of woman, drawing his descent from thee,
Shall rule all kingdoms bordering on his
own.
She said, and Jove, suspecting
nought her wiles,
The great oath swore, to his own grief
and wrong. 130
At once from the Olympian summit flew
Juno, and to Achaian Argos borne,
There sought the noble wife[7] of Sthenelus,
Offspring of Perseus. Pregnant with
a son
Six months, she now the seventh saw at
hand, 135
But him the Goddess premature produced,
And check’d Alcmena’s pangs
already due.
Then joyful to have so prevail’d,
she bore
Herself the tidings to Saturnian Jove.
Lord of the candent lightnings!
Sire of all! 140
I bring thee tidings. The great prince,
ordain’d
To rule the Argive race, this day is born,
Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, the son
Of Perseus; therefore he derives from
thee,
Nor shall the throne of Argos shame his
birth. 145
She spake; then anguish stung
the heart of Jove
Deeply, and seizing by her glossy locks
The Goddess Ate, in his wrath he swore
That never to the starry skies again
And the Olympian heights he would permit
150
The universal mischief to return.
Then, whirling her around, he cast her
down
To earth. She, mingling with all
works of men,
Caused many a pang to Jove, who saw his
Page 258
son
Laborious tasks servile, and of his birth
155
Unworthy, at Eurystheus’ will enjoin’d.
So when the hero Hector at
our ships
Slew us, I then regretted my offence
Which Ate first impell’d me to commit.
But since, infatuated by the Gods
160
I err’d, behold me ready to appease
With gifts of price immense whom I have
wrong’d.
Thou, then, arise to battle, and the host
Rouse also. Not a promise yesternight
Was made thee by Ulysses in thy tent
165
On my behalf, but shall be well perform’d.
Or if it please thee, though impatient,
wait
Short season, and my train shall bring
the gifts
Even now; that thou may’st understand
and know
That my peace-offerings are indeed sincere.
170
To whom Achilles, swiftest
of the swift.
Atrides! Agamemnon! passing all
In glory! King of men! recompense
just
By gifts to make me, or to make me none,
That rests with thee. But let us
to the fight 175
Incontinent. It is no time to play
The game of rhetoric, and to waste the
hours
In speeches. Much remains yet unperform’d.
Achilles must go forth. He must be
seen
Once more in front of battle, wasting
wide 180
With brazen spear, the crowded ranks of
Troy.
Mark him—and as he fights,
fight also ye.
To whom Ulysses ever-wise
replied.
Nay—urge not, valiant as thou
art thyself,
Achaia’s sons up to the battlements
185
Of Ilium, by repast yet unrefresh’d,
Godlike Achilles!—For when
phalanx once
Shall clash with phalanx, and the Gods
with rage
Both hosts inspire, the contest shall
not then
Prove short. Bid rather the Achaians
take 190
Both food and wine, for they are strength
and might.
To stand all day till sunset to a foe
Opposed in battle, fasting, were a task
Might foil the best; for though his will
be prompt
To combat, yet the power must by degrees
195
Forsake him; thirst and hunger he must
feel,
And his limbs failing him at every step.
But he who hath his vigor to the full
Fed with due nourishment, although he
fight
All day, yet feels his courage unimpair’d,
200
Nor weariness perceives till all retire.
Come then—dismiss the people
with command
That each prepare replenishment.
Meantime
Let Agamemnon, King of men, his gifts
In presence here of the assembled Greeks
205
Produce, that all may view them, and that
thou
May’st feel thine own heart gladden’d
at the sight.
Let the King also, standing in the midst,
Swear to thee, that he renders back the
maid
A virgin still, and strange to his embrace,
Page 259
210
And let thy own composure prove, the while,
That thou art satisfied. Last, let
him spread
A princely banquet for thee in his tent,
That thou may’st want no part of
just amends.
Thou too, Atrides, shalt hereafter prove
215
More just to others; for himself, a King,
Stoops not too low, soothing whom he hath
wrong’d.
Him Agamemnon answer’d,
King of men.
Thou hast arranged wisely the whole concern,
O Laeertiades, and I have heard
220
Thy speech, both words and method with
delight.
Willing I am, yea more, I wish to swear
As thou hast said, for by the Gods I can
Most truly. Let Achilles, though
of pause
Impatient, suffer yet a short delay
225
With all assembled here, till from my
tent
The gifts arrive, and oaths of peace be
sworn.
To thee I give it in peculiar charge
That choosing forth the most illustrious
youths
Of all Achaia, thou produce the gifts
230
from my own ship, all those which yesternight
We promised, nor the women leave behind.
And let Talthybius throughout all the
camp
Of the Achaians, instant, seek a boar
For sacrifice to Jove and to the Sun.
235
Then thus Achilles matchless
in the race.
Atrides! most illustrious! King of
men!
Expedience bids us to these cares attend
Hereafter, when some pause, perchance,
of fight
Shall happen, and the martial rage which
fires 240
My bosom now, shall somewhat less be felt.
Our friends by Priameian Hector slain,
Now strew the field mangled, for him hath
Jove
Exalted high, and given him great renown.
But haste, now take refreshment; though,
in truth 245
Might I direct, the host should by all
means
Unfed to battle, and at set of sun
All sup together, this affront revenged.
But as for me, no drop shall pass my lips
Or morsel, whose companion lies with feet
250
Turn’d to the vestibule, pierced
by the spear,
And compass’d by my weeping train
around.
No want of food feel I. My wishes call
For carnage, blood, and agonies and groans.
But him, excelling in all
wisdom, thus 255
Ulysses answer’d. Oh Achilles!
son
Of Peleus! bravest far of all our host!
Me, in no scanty measure, thou excell’st
Wielding the spear, and thee in prudence,
I
Not less. For I am elder, and have
learn’d 260
What thou hast yet to learn. Bid
then thine heart
Endure with patience to be taught by me.
Men, satiate soon with battle, loathe
the field
On which the most abundant harvest falls,
Reap’d by the sword; and when the
hand of Jove 265
Page 260
Dispenser of the great events of war,
Turns once the scale, then, farewell every
hope
Of more than scanty gleanings. Shall
the Greeks
Abstain from sustenance for all who die?
That were indeed severe, since day by
day 270
No few expire, and respite could be none.
The dead, die whoso may, should be inhumed.
This, duty bids, but bids us also deem
One day sufficient for our sighs and tears.
Ourselves, all we who still survive the
war, 275
Have need of sustenance, that we may bear
The lengthen’d conflict with recruited
might,
Case in enduring brass.—Ye
all have heard
Your call to battle; let none lingering
stand
In expectation of a farther call,
280
Which if it sound, shall thunder prove
to him
Who lurks among the ships. No.
Rush we all
Together forth, for contest sharp prepared,
And persevering with the host of Troy.
So saying, the sons of Nestor,
glorious Chief, 285
He chose, with Meges Phyleus’ noble
son,
Thoas, Meriones, and Melanippus
And Lycomedes. These, together, sought
The tent of Agamemnon, King of men.
They ask’d, and they received.
Soon they produced 290
The seven promised tripods from the tent,
Twice ten bright caldrons, twelve high-mettled
steeds,
Seven lovely captives skill’d alike
in arts
Domestic, of unblemish’d beauty
rare,
And last, Briseis with the blooming cheeks.
295
Before them went Ulysses, bearing weigh’d
Ten golden talents, whom the chosen Greeks
Attended laden with the remnant gifts.
Full in the midst they placed them.
Then arose
King Agamemnon, and Talthybius
300
The herald, clear in utterance as a God,
Beside him stood, holding the victim boar.
Atrides, drawing forth his dagger bright,
Appendant ever to his sword’s huge
sheath,
Sever’d the bristly forelock of
the boar, 305
A previous offering. Next, with lifted
hands
To Jove he pray’d, while, all around,
the Greeks
Sat listening silent to the Sovereign’s
voice.
He look’d to the wide heaven, and
thus he pray’d.
First, Jove be witness! of
all Powers above 310
Best and supreme; Earth next, and next
the Sun!
And last, who under Earth the guilt avenge
Of oaths sworn falsely, let the Furies
hear!
For no respect of amorous desire
Or other purpose, have I laid mine hand
315
On fair Briseis, but within my tent
Untouch’d, immaculate she hath remain’d.
And if I falsely swear, then may the Gods
The many woes with which they mark the
crime
Of men forsworn, pour also down on me!
320
So saying, he pierced the
Page 261
victim in his throat
And, whirling him around, Talthybius,
next,
Cast him into the ocean, fishes’
food.[8]
Then, in the centre of Achaia’s
sons
Uprose Achilles, and thus spake again.
325
Jove! Father! dire calamities,
effects
Of thy appointment, fall on human-kind.
Never had Agamemnon in my breast
Such anger kindled, never had he seized,
Blinded by wrath, and torn my prize away,
330
But that the slaughter of our numerous
friends
Which thence ensued, thou hadst, thyself,
ordained.
Now go, ye Grecians, eat, and then to
battle.
So saying, Achilles suddenly
dissolved
The hasty council, and all flew dispersed
335
To their own ships. Then took the
Myrmidons
Those splendid gifts which in the tent
they lodged
Of swift Achilles, and the damsels led
Each to a seat, while others of his train
Drove forth the steeds to pasture with
his herd. 340
But when Briseis, bright as Venus, saw
Patroclus lying mangled by the spear,
Enfolding him around, she shriek’d
and tore
Her bosom, her smooth neck and beauteous
cheeks.
Then thus, divinely fair, with tears she
said. 345
Ah, my Patroclus! dearest
friend of all
To hapless me, departing from this tent
I left thee living, and now, generous
Chief!
Restored to it again, here find thee dead.
How rapid in succession are my woes!
350
I saw, myself, the valiant prince to whom
My parents had betroth’d me, slain
before
Our city walls; and my three brothers,
sons
Of my own mother, whom with long regret
I mourn, fell also in that dreadful field.
355
But when the swift Achilles slew the prince
Design’d my spouse, and the fair
city sack’d
Of noble Mynes, thou by every art
Of tender friendship didst forbid my tears,
Promising oft that thou would’st
make me bride 360
Of Peleus’ godlike son, that thy
own ship
Should waft me hence to Phthia, and that
thyself
Would’st furnish forth among the
Myrmidons
Our nuptial feast. Therefore thy
death I mourn
Ceaseless, for thou wast ever kind to
me. 365
She spake, and all her fellow-captives
heaved
Responsive sighs, deploring each, in show,
The dead Patroclus, but, in truth, herself.[9]
Then the Achaian Chiefs gather’d
around
Achilles, wooing him to eat, but he
370
Groan’d and still resolute, their
suit refused—
If I have here a friend on
whom by prayers
I may prevail, I pray that ye desist,
Nor longer press me, mourner as I am,
To eat or drink, for till the sun go down
375
I am inflexible, and will abstain.
So saying, the other princes
Page 262
he dismiss’d
Impatient, but the sons of Atreus both,
Ulysses, Nestor and Idomeneus,
With Phoenix, hoary warrior, in his tent
380
Abiding still, with cheerful converse
kind
Essay’d to soothe him, whose afflicted
soul
All soothing scorn’d till he should
once again
Rush on the ravening edge of bloody war.
Then, mindful of his friend, groaning
he said 385
Time was, unhappiest, dearest
of my friends!
When even thou, with diligent dispatch,
Thyself, hast spread a table in my tent,
The hour of battle drawing nigh between
The Greeks and warlike Trojans. But
there lies 390
Thy body now, gored by the ruthless steel,
And for thy sake I neither eat nor drink,
Though dearth be none, conscious that
other wo
Surpassing this I can have none to fear.
No, not if tidings of my father’s
death 395
Should reach me, who, this moment, weeps,
perhaps,
In Phthia tears of tenderest regret
For such a son; while I, remote from home
Fight for detested Helen under Troy.
Nor even were he dead, whom, if
he live, 400
I rear in Scyros, my own darling son,
My Neoptolemus of form divine.[10]
For still this hope I cherish’d
in my breast
Till now, that, of us two, myself alone
Should fall at Ilium, and that thou, restored
405
To Phthia, should’st have wafted
o’er the waves
My son from Scyros to his native home,
That thou might’st show him all
his heritage,
My train of menials, and my fair abode.
For either dead already I account
410
Peleus, or doubt not that his residue
Of miserable life shall soon be spent,
Through stress of age and expectation
sad
That tidings of my death shall, next,
arrive.
So spake Achilles weeping,
around whom 415
The Chiefs all sigh’d, each with
remembrance pain’d
Of some loved object left at home.
Meantime
Jove, with compassion moved, their sorrow
saw,
And in wing’d accents thus to Pallas
spake.
Daughter! thou hast abandon’d,
as it seems, 420
Yon virtuous Chief for ever; shall no
care
Thy mind engage of brave Achilles more?
Before his gallant fleet mourning he sits
His friend, disconsolate; the other Greeks
Sat and are satisfied; he only fasts.
425
Go then—instil nectar into
his breast,
And sweets ambrosial, that he hunger not.
So saying, he urged Minerva
prompt before.
In form a shrill-voiced Harpy of long
wing
Through ether down she darted, while the
Greeks 430
In all their camp for instant battle arm’d.
Ambrosial sweets and nectar she instill’d
Into his breast, lest he should suffer
Page 263
loss
Of strength through abstinence, then soar’d
again
To her great Sire’s unperishing
abode. 435
And now the Grecians from their gallant
fleet
All pour’d themselves abroad.
As when thick snow
From Jove descends, driven by impetuous
gusts
Of the cloud-scattering North, so frequent
shone
Issuing from the fleet the dazzling casques,
440
Boss’d bucklers, hauberks strong,
and ashen spears.
Upwent the flash to heaven; wide all around
The champain laugh’d with beamy
brass illumed,
And tramplings of the warriors on all
sides
Resounded, amidst whom Achilles arm’d.
445
He gnash’d his teeth, fire glimmer’d
in his eyes,
Anguish intolerable wrung his heart
And fury against Troy, while he put on
His glorious arms, the labor of a God.
First, to his legs his polish’d
greaves he clasp’d 450
Studded with silver, then his corselet
bright
Braced to his bosom, his huge sword of
brass
Athwart his shoulder slung, and his broad
shield
Uplifted last, luminous as the moon.
Such as to mariners a fire appears,
455
Kindled by shepherds on the distant top
Of some lone hill; they, driven by stormy
winds,
Reluctant roam far off the fishy deep,
Such from Achilles’ burning shield
divine
A lustre struck the skies; his ponderous
helm 460
He lifted to his brows; starlike it shone,
And shook its curling crest of bushy gold,
By Vulcan taught to wave profuse around.
So clad, godlike Achilles trial made
If his arms fitted him, and gave free
scope 465
To his proportion’d limbs; buoyant
they proved
As wings, and high upbore his airy tread.
He drew his father’s spear forth
from his case,
Heavy and huge and long. That spear,
of all
Achaia’s sons, none else had power
to wield; 470
Achilles only could the Pelian spear
Brandish, by Chiron for his father hewn
From Pelion’s top for slaughter
of the brave.
His coursers, then, Automedon prepared
And Alcimus, adjusting diligent
475
The fair caparisons; they thrust the bits
Into their mouths, and to the chariot
seat
Extended and made fast the reins behind.
The splendid scourge commodious to the
grasp
Seizing, at once Automedon upsprang
480
Into his place; behind him, arm’d
complete
Achilles mounted, as the orient sun
All dazzling, and with awful tone his
speech
Directed to the coursers of his Sire.
Xanthus, and Balius of Podarges’
blood 485
Illustrious! see ye that, the battle done,
Ye bring whom now ye bear back to the
host
Of the Achaians in far other sort,
Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, dead.[11]
Page 264
Him then his steed unconquer’d in
the race, 490
Xanthus answer’d from beneath his
yoke,
But, hanging low his head, and with his
mane
Dishevell’d all, and streaming to
the ground.
Him Juno vocal made, Goddess white-arm’d.
And doubtless so we will.
This day at least 495
We bear thee safe from battle, stormy
Chief!
But thee the hour of thy destruction swift
Approaches, hasten’d by no fault
of ours,
But by the force of fate and power divine.
For not through sloth or tardiness on
us 500
Aught chargeable, have Ilium’s sons
thine arms
Stript from Patroclus’ shoulders,
but a God
Matchless in battle, offspring of bright-hair’d
Latona, him contending in the van
Slew, for the glory of the Chief of Troy.
505
We, Zephyrus himself, though by report
Swiftest of all the winds of heaven, in
speed
Could equal, but the Fates thee also doom
By human hands to fall, and hands divine.
The interposing Furies at
that word 510
Suppress’d his utterance,[12] and
indignant, thus,
Achilles, swiftest of the swift, replied.
Why, Xanthus, propheciest
thou my death?
It ill beseems thee. I already know
That from my parents far remote my doom
515
Appoints me here to die; yet not the more
Cease I from feats if arms, till Ilium’s
host
Shall have received, at length, their
fill of war.
He said, and with a shout
drove forth to battle.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XX.
ARGUMENT OF THE
TWENTIETH BOOK.
By permission of Jupiter the Gods descend into the
battle, and range themselves on either side respectively.
Neptune rescues AEneas from death by the hand of Achilles,
from whom Apollo, soon after, rescues Hector.
Achilles slays many Trojans.
BOOK XX.
The Grecians, thus, before their lofty
ships
Stood arm’d around Achilles, glorious Chief
Insatiable with war, and opposite
The Trojans on the rising-ground appear’d.[1]
Meantime, Jove order’d Themis, from the head
5
Of the deep-fork’d Olympian to convene
The Gods in council. She to every part
Proceeding, bade them to the courts of Jove.[2]
Nor of the Floods was any absent thence
Oceanus except, or of the Nymphs
10
Who haunt the pleasant groves, or dwell beside
Stream-feeding fountains, or in meadows green.
Within the courts of cloud-assembler Jove
Arrived, on pillar’d thrones radiant they
sat,
With ingenuity divine contrived
15
By Vulcan for the mighty Sire of all.
Thus they within the Thunderer’s palace sat
Assembled; nor was Neptune slow to hear
Page 265
The voice of Themis, but (the billows left)
Came also; in the midst his seat he took,
20
And ask’d, incontinent, the mind of Jove.[3]
King of the lightnings! wherefore
hast thou call’d
The Gods to council? Hast thou aught at heart
Important to the hosts of Greece and Troy?
For on the battle’s fiery edge they stand.
25
To whom replied Jove, Sovereign
of the storms,
Thou know’st my council, Shaker of the shores!
And wherefore ye are call’d. Although
ordain’d
So soon to die, they interest me still.
Myself, here seated on Olympus’ top,
30
With contemplation will my mind indulge
Of yon great spectacle; but ye, the rest,
Descend into the field, Trojan or Greek
Each to assist, as each shall most incline.
For should Achilles in the field no foe
35
Find save the Trojans, quickly should they fly
Before the rapid force of Peleus’ son.
They trembled ever at his look, and since
Such fury for his friend hath fired his heart,
I fear lest he anticipate the will
40
Of Fate, and Ilium perish premature.
So spake the son of Saturn
kindling war
Inevitable, and the Gods to fight
’Gan move with minds discordant. Juno
sought
And Pallas, with the earth-encircling Power
45
Neptune, the Grecian fleet, with whom were join’d
Mercury, teacher of all useful arts,
And Vulcan, rolling on all sides his eyes
Tremendous, but on disproportion’d legs,
Not without labor hard, halting uncouth.
50
Mars, warrior-God, on Ilium’s part appear’d
With Phoebus never-shorn, Dian shaft-arm’d,
Xanthus, Latona, and the Queen of smiles,
Venus. So long as the immortal Gods
Mixed not with either host, Achaia’s sons
55
Exulted, seeing, after tedious pause,
Achilles in the field, and terror shook
The knees of every Trojan, at the sight
Of swift Achilles like another Mars
Panting for blood, and bright in arms again.
60
But when the Olympian Powers had enter’d once
The multitude, then Discord, at whose voice
The million maddens, vehement arose;
Then, Pallas at the trench without the wall
By turns stood shouting, and by turns a shout
65
Sent terrible along the sounding shore,
While, gloomy as a tempest, opposite,
Mars from the lofty citadel of Troy
Now yell’d aloud, now running o’er the
hill
Callicolone, on the Simois’ side.
70
Thus the Immortals, ever-blest,
impell’d
Both hosts to battle, and dire inroad caused
Of strife among them. Sudden from on high
The Sire of Gods and men thunder’d; meantime,
Neptune the earth and the high mountains shook;
75
Through all her base and to her topmost peak
Page 266
Ida spring-fed the agitation felt
Reeling, all Ilium and the fleet of Greece.
Upstarted from his throne, appall’d, the King
Of Erebus, and with a cry his fears
80
Through hell proclaim’d, lest Neptune, o’er
his head
Shattering the vaulted earth, should wide disclose
To mortal and immortal eyes his realm
Terrible, squalid, to the Gods themselves
A dreaded spectacle; with such a sound
85
The Powers eternal into battle rush’d.[4]
Opposed to Neptune, King of the vast Deep,
Apollo stood with his wing’d arrows arm’d;
Pallas to Mars; Diana shaft-expert,
Sister of Phoebus, in her golden bow
90
Rejoicing, with whose shouts the forests ring
To Juno; Mercury, for useful arts
Famed, to Latona; and to Vulcan’s force
The eddied River broad by mortal men
Scamander call’d, but Xanthus by the Gods.
95
So Gods encounter’d
Gods. But most desire
Achilles felt, breaking the ranks, to rush
On Priameian Hector, with whose blood
Chiefly his fury prompted him to sate
The indefatigable God of war.
100
But, the encourager of Ilium’s host
Apollo, urged AEneas to assail
The son of Peleus, with heroic might
Inspiring his bold heart. He feign’d
the voice
Of Priam’s son Lycaon, and his form
105
Assuming, thus the Trojan Chief address’d.
AEneas! Trojan leader!
where are now
Thy vaunts, which, banqueting erewhile among
Our princes, o’er thy brimming cups thou mad’st,
That thou would’st fight, thyself, with Peleus’
son? 110
To whom AEneas answer thus
returned.
Offspring of Priam! why enjoin’st thou me
Not so inclined, that arduous task, to cope
With the unmatch’d Achilles? I have proved
His force already, when he chased me down
115
From Ida with his spear, what time he made
Seizure of all our cattle, and destroy’d
Pedasus and Lyrnessus; but I ’scaped
Unslain, by Jove himself empower’d to fly,
Else had I fallen by Achilles’ hand,
120
And by the hand of Pallas, who his steps
Conducted, and exhorted him to slay
Us and the Leleges.[5] Vain, therefore, proves
All mortal force to Peleus’ son opposed;
For one, at least, of the Immortals stands
125
Ever beside him, guardian of his life,
And, of himself, he hath an arm that sends
His rapid spear unerring to the mark.
Yet, would the Gods more equal sway the scales
Of battle, not with ease should he subdue
130
Me, though he boast a panoply of brass.
Him, then, Apollo answer’d,
son of Jove.
Hero! prefer to the immortal Gods
Thy Prayer, for thee men rumor Venus’ son
Daughter of Jove; and Peleus’ son his birth
Page 267
135
Drew from a Goddess of inferior note.
Thy mother is from Jove; the offspring, his,
Less noble of the hoary Ocean old.
Go, therefore, and thy conquering spear uplift
Against him, nor let aught his sounding words
140
Appal thee, or his threats turn thee away.
So saying, with martial force
the Chief he fill’d,
Who through the foremost combatants advanced
Radiant in arms. Nor pass’d Anchises’
son
Unseen of Juno, through the crowded ranks
145
Seeking Achilles, but the Powers of heaven
Convened by her command, she thus address’d.
Neptune, and thou, Minerva!
with mature
Deliberation, ponder the event.
Yon Chief, AEneas, dazzling bright in arms;
150
Goes to withstand Achilles, and he goes
Sent by Apollo; in despite of whom
Be it our task to give him quick repulse,
Or, of ourselves, let some propitious Power
Strengthen Achilles with a mind exempt
155
From terror, and with force invincible.
So shall he know that of the Gods above
The mightiest are his friends, with whom compared
The favorers of Ilium in time past,
Who stood her guardians in the bloody strife,
160
Are empty boasters all, and nothing worth.
For therefore came we down, that we may share
This fight, and that Achilles suffer nought
Fatal to-day, though suffer all he must
Hereafter, with his thread of life entwined
165
By Destiny, the day when he was born.
But should Achilles unapprized remain
Of such advantage by a voice divine,
When he shall meet some Deity in the field,
Fear then will seize him, for celestial forms
170
Unveil’d are terrible to mortal eyes.
To whom replied the Shaker
of the shores.
Juno! thy hot impatience needs control;
It ill befits thee. No desire I feel
To force into contention with ourselves
175
Gods, our inferiors. No. Let us, retired
To yonder hill, distant from all resort,
There sit, while these the battle wage alone.
But if Apollo, or if Mars the fight
Entering, begin, themselves, to interfere
180
Against Achilles, then will we at once
To battle also; and, I much misdeem,
Or glad they shall be soon to mix again
Among the Gods on the Olympian heights,
By strong coercion of our arms subdued.
185
So saying, the God of Ocean
azure-hair’d
Moved foremost to the lofty mound earth-built
Of noble Hercules, by Pallas raised
And by the Trojans for his safe escape,
What time the monster of the deep pursued
190
The hero from the sea-bank o’er the plain.
There Neptune sat, and his confederate Gods,
Their shoulders with impenetrable clouds
Page 268
O’ermantled, while the city-spoiler Mars
Sat with Apollo opposite on the hill
195
Callicolone, with their aids divine.
So, Gods to Gods in opposite aspect
Sat ruminating, and alike the work
All fearing to begin of arduous war,
While from his seat sublime Jove urged them on.
200
The champain all was fill’d, and with the
blaze
Illumined wide of men and steeds brass-arm’d,
And the incumber’d earth jarr’d under
foot
Of the encountering hosts. Then, two, the rest
Surpassing far, into the midst advanced
205
Impatient for the fight, Anchises’ son
AEneas and Achilles, glorious Chief!
AEneas first, under his ponderous casque
Nodding and menacing, advanced; before
His breast he held the well-conducted orb
210
Of his broad shield, and shook his brazen spear.
On the other side, Achilles to the fight
Flew like a ravening lion, on whose death
Resolved, the peasants from all quarters meet;
He, viewing with disdain the foremost, stalks
215
Right on, but smitten by some dauntless youth
Writhes himself, and discloses his huge fangs
Hung with white foam; then, growling for revenge,
Lashes himself to battle with his tail,
Till with a burning eye and a bold heart
220
He springs to slaughter, or himself is slain;
So, by his valor and his noble mind
Impell’d, renown’d Achilles moved toward
AEneas, and, small interval between,
Thus spake the hero matchless in the race.
225
Why stand’st thou here,
AEneas! thy own band
Left at such distance? Is it that thine heart
Glows with ambition to contend with me
In hope of Priam’s honors, and to fill
His throne hereafter in Troy steed-renown’d?
230
But shouldst thou slay me, not for that exploit
Would Priam such large recompense bestow,
For he hath sons, and hath, beside, a mind
And disposition not so lightly changed.
Or have the Trojans of their richest soil
235
For vineyard apt or plow assign’d thee part
If thou shalt slay me? Difficult, I hope,
At least, thou shalt experience that emprize.
For, as I think, I have already chased
Thee with my spear. Forgettest thou the day
240
When, finding thee alone, I drove thee down
Headlong from Ida, and, thy cattle left
Afar, thou didst not dare in all thy flight
Turn once, till at Lyrnessus safe arrived,
Which city by Jove’s aid and by the aid
245
Of Pallas I destroy’d, and captive led
Their women? Thee, indeed, the Gods preserved
But they shall not preserve thee, as thou dream’st
Now also. Back into thy host again;
Hence, I command thee, nor oppose in fight
250
My force, lest evil find thee. To be taught
Page 269
By suffering only is the part of fools.
To whom AEneas answer thus
return’d.
Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy,
With words to scare me. I have also taunts
255
At my command, and could be sharp as thou.
By such reports as from the lips of men
We oft have heard, each other’s birth we know
And parents; but my parents to behold
Was ne’er thy lot, nor have I thine beheld.
260
Thee men proclaim from noble Peleus sprung
And Thetis, bright hair’d Goddess of the Deep;
I boast myself of lovely Venus born
To brave Anchises; and his son this day
In battle slain thy sire shall mourn, or mine;
265
For I expect not that we shall depart
Like children, satisfied with words alone.
But if it please thee more at large to learn
My lineage (thousands can attest it true)
Know this. Jove, Sovereign of the storms, begat
270
Dardanus, and ere yet the sacred walls
Of Ilium rose, the glory of this plain,
He built Dardania; for at Ida’s foot
Dwelt our progenitors in ancient days.
Dardanus was the father of a son,
275
King Ericthonius, wealthiest of mankind.
Three thousand mares of his the marish grazed,
Each suckling with delight her tender foal.
Boreas, enamor’d of no few of these,
The pasture sought, and cover’d them in form
280
Of a steed azure-maned. They, pregnant thence,
Twelve foals produced, and all so light of foot,
That when they wanton’d in the fruitful field
They swept, and snapp’d it not, the golden
ear;
And when they wanton’d on the boundless deep,
285
They skimm’d the green wave’s frothy
ridge, secure.
From Ericthonius sprang Tros, King of Troy,
And Tros was father of three famous sons,
Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede
Loveliest of human kind, whom for his charms
290
The Gods caught up to heaven, there to abide
With the immortals, cup-bearer of Jove.
Ilus begat Laomedon, and he
Five sons, Tithonus, Priam, Clytius,
Lampus, and Hicetaon, branch of Mars.
295
Assaracus a son begat, by name
Capys, and Capys in due time his son
Warlike Anchises, and Anchises me.
But Priam is the noble Hector’s sire.[6]
Such is my lineage, and such blood I boast;
300
But valor is from Jove; he, as he wills,
Increases or reduces it in man,
For he is lord of all. Therefore enough—
Too long like children we have stood, the time
Consuming here, while battle roars around.
305
Reproach is cheap. Easily might we cast
Gibes at each other, till a ship that asks
A hundred oars should sink beneath the load.
The tongue of man is voluble, hath words
For every theme, nor wants wide field and long,
310
And as he speaks so shall he hear again.
Page 270
But we—why should we wrangle, and with
taunts
Assail each other, as the practice is
Of women, who with heart-devouring strife
On fire, start forth into the public way
315
To mock each other, uttering, as may chance,
Much truth, much falsehood, as their anger bids?
The ardor of my courage will not slack
For all thy speeches; we must combat first;
Now, therefore, without more delay, begin,
320
That we may taste each other’s force in arms.[7]
So spake AEneas, and his brazen
lance
Hurl’d with full force against the dreadful
shield.
Loud roar’d its ample concave at the blow.
Not unalarm’d, Pelides his broad disk
325
Thrust farther from him, deeming that the force
Of such an arm should pierce his guard with ease.
Vain fear! he recollected not that arms
Glorious as his, gifts of the immortal Gods,
Yield not so quickly to the force of man.
330
The stormy spear by brave AEneas sent,
No passage found; the golden plate divine
Repress’d its vehemence; two folds it pierced,
But three were still behind, for with five folds
Vulcan had fortified it; two were brass;
335
The two interior, tin; the midmost, gold;
And at the golden one the weapon stood.[8]
Achilles next, hurl’d his long shadow’d
spear,
And struck AEneas on the utmost verge
Of his broad shield, where thinnest lay the brass,
340
And thinnest the ox-hide. The Pelian ash
Started right through the buckler, and it rang.
AEneas crouch’d terrified, and his shield
Thrust farther from him; but the rapid beam
Bursting both borders of the ample disk,
345
Glanced o’er his back, and plunged into the
soil.
He ’scaped it, and he stood; but, as he stood,
With horror infinite the weapon saw
Planted so near him. Then, Achilles drew
His falchion keen, and with a deafening shout
350
Sprang on him; but AEneas seized a stone
Heavy and huge, a weight to overcharge
Two men (such men as are accounted strong
Now) but he wielded it with ease, alone.
Then had AEneas, as Achilles came
355
Impetuous on, smitten, although in vain,
His helmet or his shield, and Peleus’ son
Had with his falchion him stretch’d at his
feet,
But that the God of Ocean quick perceived
His peril, and the Immortals thus bespake.
360
I pity brave AEneas, who shall
soon,
Slain by Achilles, see the realms below,
By smooth suggestions of Apollo lured
To danger, such as he can ne’er avert.
But wherefore should the Chief, guiltless himself,
365
Die for the fault of others? at no time
His gifts have fail’d, grateful to all in
heaven.
Come, therefore, and let us from death ourselves
Page 271
Rescue him, lest if by Achilles’ arm
This hero perish, Jove himself be wroth;
370
For he is destined to survive, lest all
The house of Dardanus (whom Jove beyond
All others loved, his sons of woman born)
Fail with AEneas, and be found no more.
Saturnian Jove hath hated now long time
375
The family of Priam, and henceforth
AEneas and his son, and his sons’ sons,
Shall sway the sceptre o’er the race of Troy.
To whom, majestic thus the
spouse of Jove.
Neptune! deliberate thyself, and choose
380
Whether to save AEneas, or to leave
The hero victim of Achilles’ ire.
For Pallas and myself ofttimes have sworn
In full assembly of the Gods, to aid
Troy never, never to avert the day
385
Of her distress, not even when the flames
Kindled by the heroic sons of Greece,
Shall climb with fury to her topmost towers.
She spake; then Neptune, instant,
through the throng
Of battle flying, and the clash of spears,
390
Came where Achilles and AEneas fought.
At once with shadows dim he blurr’d the sight
Of Peleus’ son, and from the shield, himself,
Of brave AEneas the bright-pointed ash
Retracting, placed it at Achilles’ feet.
395
Then, lifting high AEneas from the ground,
He heaved him far remote; o’er many a rank
Of heroes and of bounding steeds he flew,
Launch’d into air from the expanded palm
Of Neptune, and alighted in the rear
400
Of all the battle where the Caucons stood.
Neptune approach’d him there, and at his side
Standing, in accents wing’d, him thus bespake.
What God, AEneas! tempted
thee to cope
Thus inconsiderately with the son
405
Of Peleus, both more excellent in fight
Than thou, and more the favorite of the skies?
From him retire hereafter, or expect
A premature descent into the shades.
But when Achilles shall have once fulfill’d
410
His destiny, in battle slain, then fight
Fearless, for thou canst fall by none beside.
So saying, he left the well-admonish’d
Chief,
And from Achilles’ eyes scatter’d the
gloom
Shed o’er them by himself. The hero saw
415
Clearly, and with his noble heart incensed
By disappointment, thus conferring, said.
Gods! I behold a prodigy.
My spear
Lies at my foot, and he at whom I cast
The weapon with such deadly force, is gone!
420
AEneas therefore, as it seems, himself
Interests the immortal Gods, although
I deem’d his boast of their protection vain.
I reck not. Let him go. So gladly ’scaped
From slaughter now, he shall not soon again
425
Feel an ambition to contend with me.
Page 272
Now will I rouse the Danai, and prove
The force in fight of many a Trojan more.
He said, and sprang to battle
with loud voice,
Calling the Grecians after him.—Ye sons
430
Of the Achaians! stand not now aloof,
My noble friends! but foot to foot let each
Fall on courageous, and desire the fight.
The task were difficult for me alone,
Brave as I boast myself, to chase a foe
435
So numerous, and to combat with them all.
Not Mars himself, immortal though he be,
Nor Pallas, could with all the ranks contend
Of this vast multitude, and drive the whole.
With hands, with feet, with spirit and with might,
440
All that I can I will; right through I go,
And not a Trojan who shall chance within
Spear’s reach of me, shall, as I judge, rejoice.
Thus he the Greeks exhorted.
Opposite,
Meantime, illustrious Hector to his host
445
Vociferated, his design to oppose
Achilles publishing in every ear.
Fear not, ye valiant men of
Troy! fear not
The son of Peleus. In a war of words
I could, myself, cope even with the Gods;
450
But not with spears; there they excel us all.
Nor shall Achilles full performance give
To all his vaunts, but, if he some fulfil,
Shall others leave mutilate in the midst.
I will encounter him, though his hands be fire,
455
Though fire his hands, and his heart hammer’d
steel.
So spake he them exhorting.
At his word
Uprose the Trojan spears, thick intermixt
The battle join’d, and clamor loud began.
Then thus, approaching Hector, Phoebus spake.
460
Henceforth, advance not Hector!
in the front
Seeking Achilles, but retired within
The stormy multitude his coming wait,
Lest his spear reach thee, or his glittering sword.
He said, and Hector far into
his host 465
Withdrew, admonish’d by the voice divine.
Then, shouting terrible, and clothed with might,
Achilles sprang to battle. First, he slew
The valiant Chief Iphition, whom a band
Numerous obey’d. Otrynteus was his sire.
470
Him to Otrynteus, city-waster Chief,
A Naiad under snowy Tmolus bore
In fruitful Hyda.[9] Right into his front
As he advanced, Achilles drove his spear,
And rived his skull; with thundering sound he fell,
475
And thus the conqueror gloried in his fall.
Ah Otryntides! thou art slain.
Here lies
The terrible in arms, who born beside
The broad Gygaean lake, where Hyllus flows
And Hermus, call’d the fertile soil his own.
480
Thus gloried he. Meantime
the shades of death
Cover’d Iphition, and Achaian wheels
And horses ground his body in the van.
Page 273
Demoleon next, Antenor’s son, a brave
Defender of the walls of Troy, he slew.
485
Into his temples through his brazen casque
He thrust the Pelian ash, nor could the brass
Such force resist, but the huge weapon drove
The shatter’d bone into his inmost brain,
And his fierce onset at a stroke repress’d.
490
Hippodamas his weapon next received
Within his spine, while with a leap he left
His steeds and fled. He, panting forth his
life,
Moan’d like a bull, by consecrated youths
Dragg’d round the Heliconian King,[10] who
views 495
That victim with delight. So, with loud moans
The noble warrior sigh’d his soul away.
Then, spear in hand, against the godlike son
Of Priam, Polydorus, he advanced.
Not yet his father had to him indulged
500
A warrior’s place, for that of all his sons
He was the youngest-born, his hoary sire’s
Chief darling, and in speed surpass’d them
all.
Then also, in the vanity of youth,
For show of nimbleness, he started oft
505
Into the vanward, till at last he fell.
Him gliding swiftly by, swifter than he
Achilles with a javelin reach’d; he struck
His belt behind him, where the golden clasps
Met, and the double hauberk interposed.
510
The point transpierced his bowels, and sprang through
His navel; screaming, on his knees he fell,
Death-shadows dimm’d his eyes, and with both
hands,
Stooping, he press’d his gather’d bowels
back.
But noble Hector, soon as he beheld
515
His brother Polydorus to the earth
Inclined, and with his bowels in his hands,
Sightless well-nigh with anguish could endure
No longer to remain aloof; flame-like
He burst abroad,[11] and shaking his sharp spear,
520
Advanced to meet Achilles, whose approach
Seeing, Achilles bounded with delight,
And thus, exulting, to himself he said.
Ah! he approaches, who hath
stung my soul
Deepest, the slayer of whom most I loved!
525
Behold, we meet! Caution is at an end,
And timid skulking in the walks of war.
He ceased, and with a brow
knit into frowns,
Call’d to illustrious Hector. Haste,
approach,
That I may quick dispatch thee to the shades.
530
Whom answer’d warlike
Hector, nought appall’d.
Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy,
With words to scare me. I have also taunts
At my command, and can be sharp as thou.
I know thee valiant, and myself I know
535
Inferior far; yet, whether thou shalt slay
Me, or, inferior as I am, be slain
By me, is at the pleasure of the Gods,
For I wield also not a pointless beam.
He said, and, brandishing
it, hurl’d his spear, 540
Page 274
Which Pallas, breathing softly, wafted back
From the renown’d Achilles, and it fell
Successless at illustrious Hector’s feet.
Then, all on fire to slay him, with a shout
That rent the air Achilles rapid flew
545
Toward him; but him wrapt in clouds opaque
Apollo caught with ease divine away.
Thrice, swift Achilles sprang to the assault
Impetuous, thrice the pitchy cloud he smote,
And at his fourth assault, godlike in act,
550
And terrible in utterance, thus exclaim’d.
Dog! thou art safe, and hast
escaped again;
But narrowly, and by the aid once more
Of Phoebus, without previous suit to whom
Thou venturest never where the javelin sings.
555
But when we next encounter, then expect,
If one of all in heaven aid also me,
To close thy proud career. Meantime I seek
Some other, and assail e’en whom I may.
So saying, he pierced the
neck of Dryops through, 560
And at his feet he fell. Him there he left,
And turning on a valiant warrior huge,
Philetor’s son, Demuchus, in the knee
Pierced, and detain’d him by the planted spear,
Till with his sword he smote him, and he died.
565
Laogonus and Dardanus he next
Assaulted, sons of Bias; to the ground
Dismounting both, one with his spear he slew,
The other with his falchion at a blow.
Tros too, Alastor’s son—he suppliant
clasp’d 570
Achilles’ knees, and for his pity sued,
Pleading equality of years, in hope
That he would spare, and send him thence alive.
Ah dreamer! ignorant how much in vain
That suit he urged; for not of milky mind,
575
Or placable in temper was the Chief
To whom he sued, but fiery. With both hands
His knees he clasp’d importunate, and he
Fast by the liver gash’d him with his sword.
His liver falling forth, with sable blood
580
His bosom fill’d, and darkness veil’d
his eyes.
Then, drawing close to Mulius, in his ear
He set the pointed brass, and at a thrust
Sent it, next moment, through his ear beyond.
Then, through the forehead of Agenor’s son
585
Echechlus, his huge-hafted blade he drove,
And death and fate forever veil’d his eyes.
Next, where the tendons of the elbow meet,
Striking Deucalion, through his wrist he urged
The brazen point; he all defenceless stood,
590
Expecting death; down came Achilles’ blade
Full on his neck; away went head and casque
Together; from his spine the marrow sprang,
And at his length outstretch’d he press’d
the plain.
From him to Rhigmus, Pireus’ noble son,
595
He flew, a warrior from the fields of Thrace.
Him through the loins he pierced, and with the beam
Fixt in his bowels, to the earth he fell;
Page 275
Then piercing, as he turn’d to flight, the
spine
Of Areithoeus his charioteer,
600
He thrust him from his seat; wild with dismay
Back flew the fiery coursers at his fall.
As a devouring fire within the glens
Of some dry mountain ravages the trees,
While, blown around, the flames roll to all sides,
605
So, on all sides, terrible as a God,
Achilles drove the death-devoted host
Of Ilium, and the champain ran with blood.
As when the peasant his yoked steers employs
To tread his barley, the broad-fronted pair
610
With ponderous hoofs trample it out with ease,
So, by magnanimous Achilles driven,
His coursers solid-hoof’d stamp’d as
they ran
The shields, at once, and bodies of the slain;
Blood spatter’d all his axle, and with blood
615
From the horse-hoofs and from the fellied wheels
His chariot redden’d, while himself, athirst
For glory, his unconquerable hands
Defiled with mingled carnage, sweat, and dust.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XXI.
ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST
BOOK.
Achilles having separated the Trojans, and driven
one part of them to the city and the other into the
Scamander, takes twelve young men alive, his intended
victims to the manes of Patroclus. The river
overflowing his banks with purpose to overwhelm him,
is opposed by Vulcan, and gladly relinquishes the
attempt. The battle of the gods ensues.
Apollo, in the form of Agenor, decoys Achilles from
the town, which in the mean time the Trojans enter
and shut the gates against him.
BOOK XXI.
[1]But when they came, at length, where
Xanthus winds His stream vortiginous from Jove derived,
There, separating Ilium’s host, he drove Part
o’er the plain to Troy in the same road By
which the Grecians had so lately fled
5 The fury of illustrious Hector’s
arm. That way they fled pouring themselves
along Flood-like, and Juno, to retard them, threw
Darkness as night before them. Other part,
Push’d down the sides of Xanthus, headlong
plunged 10 With dashing sound into
his dizzy stream, And all his banks re-echoed loud
the roar. They, struggling, shriek’d
in silver eddies whirl’d. As when, by
violence of fire expell’d, Locusts uplifted
on the wing escape 15
To some broad river, swift the sudden blaze Pursues
them, they, astonish’d, strew the flood,[2]
So, by Achilles driven, a mingled throng Of horses
and of warriors overspread Xanthus, and glutted
all his sounding course 20 He,
chief of heroes, leaving on the bank His spear against
a tamarisk reclined, Plunged like a God, with falchion
arm’d alone But fill’d with thoughts
of havoc. On all sides Down came his edge;
groans follow’d dread to hear 25
Page 276
Of warriors smitten by the sword, and all The
waters as they ran redden’d with blood.
As smaller fishes, flying the pursuit Of some
huge dolphin, terrified, the creeks And secret hollows
of a haven fill, 30 For
none of all that he can seize he spares, So lurk’d
the trembling Trojans in the caves Of Xanthus’
awful flood. But he (his hands Wearied at length
with slaughter) from the rest Twelve youths selected
whom to death he doom’d, 35
In vengeance for his loved Patroclus slain.
Them stupified with dread like fawns he drove Forth
from the river, manacling their hands Behind them
fast with their own tunic-strings, And gave them
to his warrior train in charge. 40
Then, ardent still for blood, rushing again Toward
the stream, Dardanian Priam’s son He met,
Lycaon, as he climb’d the bank. Him erst
by night, in his own father’s field Finding
him, he had led captive away.
45 Lycaon was employ’d cutting green
shoots Of the wild-fig for chariot-rings, when lo!
Terrible, unforeseen, Achilles came. He seized
and sent him in a ship afar To Lemnos; there the
son of Jason paid 50 His
price, and, at great cost, Eetion The guest of Jason,
thence redeeming him, Sent him to fair Arisba;[3]
but he ’scaped Thence also and regain’d
his father’s house. Eleven days, at his
return, he gave 55 To
recreation joyous with his friends, And on the twelfth
his fate cast him again Into Achilles’ hands,
who to the shades Now doom’d him, howsoever
loth to go. Soon as Achilles swiftest of the
swift 60 Him naked saw
(for neither spear had he Nor shield nor helmet,
but, when he emerged, Weary and faint had cast them
all away) Indignant to his mighty self he said.
Gods! I behold a miracle!
Ere long 65
The valiant Trojans whom my self have slain Shall
rise from Erebus, for he is here, The self-same
warrior whom I lately sold At Lemnos, free, and
in the field again. The hoary deep is prison
strong enough 70 For most,
but not for him. Now shall he taste The point
of this my spear, that I may learn By sure experience,
whether hell itself That holds the strongest fast,
can him detain, Or whether he shall thence also
escape. 75
While musing thus he stood, stunn’d
with dismay
The youth approach’d, eager to clasp his knees,
For vehement he felt the dread of death Working
within him; with his Pelian ash Uplifted high noble
Achilles stood 80 Ardent
to smite him; he with body bent Ran under it, and
to his knees adhered; The weapon, missing him, implanted
stood Close at his back, when, seizing with one
hand Achilles’ knees, he with the other grasp’d
85 The dreadful beam, resolute
through despair, And in wing’d accents suppliant
thus began.
Oh spare me! pity me! Behold I
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clasp
Thy knees, Achilles! Ah, illustrious Chief!
Reject not with disdain a suppliant’s prayer.
90 I am thy guest also, who at
thy own board Have eaten bread, and did partake
the gift Of Ceres with thee on the very day When
thou didst send me in yon field surprised For sale
to sacred Lemnos, far remote,
95 And for my price receiv’dst a hundred
beeves. Loose me, and I will yield thee now
that sum Thrice told. Alas! this morn is but
the twelfth Since, after numerous hardships, I arrived
Once more in Troy, and now my ruthless lot
100 Hath given me into thy hands again.
Jove cannot less than hate me, who hath twice Made
me thy prisoner, and my doom was death, Death in
my prime, the day when I was born Son of Laothoee
from Alta sprung, 105
From Alta, whom the Leleges obey On Satnio’s
banks in lofty Pedasus. His daughter to his
other numerous wives King Priam added, and two sons
she bore Only to be deprived by thee of both.
110 My brother hath already
died, in front Of Ilium’s infantry, by thy
bright spear, The godlike Polydorus; and like doom
Shall now be mine, for I despair to escape Thine
hands, to which the Gods yield me again.
115 But hear and mark me well. My birth
was not From the same womb as Hector’s, who
hath slain Thy valiant friend for clemency renown’d.
Such supplication the illustrious son
Of Priam made, but answer harsh received.
120
Fool! speak’st of ransom?
Name it not to me.
For till my friend his miserable fate Accomplish’d,
I was somewhat given to spare, And numerous, whom
I seized alive, I sold. But now, of all the
Trojans whom the Gods 125 Deliver
to me, none shall death escape, ’Specially
of the house of Priam, none. Die therefore,
even thou, my friend! What mean Thy tears unreasonably
shed and vain? Died not Patroclus. braver far
than thou? 130 And look on
me—see’st not to what a height My
stature towers, and what a bulk I boast? A
King begat me, and a Goddess bore. What then!
A death by violence awaits Me also, and at morn,
or eve, or noon, 135 I perish,
whensoe’er the destined spear Shall reach
me, or the arrow from the nerve.
He ceased, and where the suppliant kneel’d,
he died.
Quitting the spear, with both hands spread abroad
He sat, but swift Achilles with his sword
140 ’Twixt neck and key-bone
smote him, and his blade Of double edge sank all
into the wound. He prone extended on the champain
lay Bedewing with his sable blood the glebe, Till,
by the foot, Achilles cast him far
145 Into the stream, and, as he floated down,
Thus in wing’d accents, glorying, exclaim’d.
Lie there, and feed the fishes, which
shall lick
Thy blood secure. Thy mother ne’er shall
place Thee on thy bier, nor on thy body weep,
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150 But swift Scamander on
his giddy tide Shall bear thee to the bosom of the
sea. There, many a fish shall through the crystal
flood Ascending to the rippled surface, find Lycaon’s
pamper’d flesh delicious fare.
155 Die Trojans! till we reach your city,
you Fleeing, and slaughtering, I. This pleasant
stream Of dimpling silver which ye worship oft
With victim bulls, and sate with living steeds[4]
His rapid whirlpools, shall avail you nought,
160 But ye shall die, die terribly,
till all Shall have requited me with just amends
For my Patroclus, and for other Greeks Slain at
the ships while I declined the war.
He ended, at those words still more
incensed 165
Scamander means devised, thenceforth to check Achilles,
and avert the doom of Troy. Meantime the son
of Peleus, his huge spear Grasping, assail’d
Asteropaeus son Of Pelegon, on fire to take his
life. 170 Fair Periboea,
daughter eldest-born Of Acessamenus, his father
bore To broad-stream’d Axius, who had clasp’d
the nymph In his embrace. On him Achilles sprang.
He newly risen from the river, stood
175 Arm’d with two lances opposite,
for him Xanthus embolden’d, at the deaths
incensed Of many a youth, whom, mercy none vouchsafed,
Achilles had in all his current slain. And
now small distance interposed, they faced
180 Each other, when Achilles thus began.
Who art and whence, who dar’st
encounter me?
Hapless the sires whose sons my force defy.
To whom the noble son of Pelegon.
Pelides, mighty Chief? Why hast thou ask’d
185 My derivation? From
the land I come Of mellow-soil’d Poeonia far
remote, Chief leader of Poenia’s host spear-arm’d;
This day hath also the eleventh risen Since I
at Troy arrived. For my descent,
190 It is from Axius river wide-diffused,
From Axius, fairest stream that waters earth, Sire
of bold Pelegon whom men report My sire. Let
this suffice. Now fight, Achilles!
So spake he threatening, and Achilles
raised 195
Dauntless the Pelian ash. At once two spears
The hero bold, Asteropaeus threw, With both hands
apt for battle. One his shield Struck but pierced
not, impeded by the gold, Gift of a God; the other
as it flew 200 Grazed
at his right elbow; sprang the sable blood; But,
overflying him, the spear in earth Stood planted
deep, still hungering for the prey. Then, full
at the Poeonian Peleus’ son Hurl’d forth
his weapon with unsparing force 205
But vain; he struck the sloping river bank, And
mid-length deep stood plunged the ashen beam.
Then, with his falchion drawn, Achilles flew To
smite him; he in vain, meantime, essay’d To
pluck the rooted spear forth from the bank;
210 Thrice with full force he shook the
beam, and thrice, Although reluctant, left it; at
his fourth Last effort, bending it he sought to
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break The ashen spear-beam of AEacides, But perish’d
by his keen-edged falchion first; 215
For on the belly at his navel’s side He
smote him; to the ground effused fell all His bowels,
death’s dim shadows veil’d his eyes.
Achilles ardent on his bosom fix’d His foot,
despoil’d him, and exulting cried.
220
Lie there; though River-sprung, thou
find’st it hard
To cope with sons of Jove omnipotent. Thou
said’st, a mighty River is my sire—
But my descent from mightier Jove I boast; My
father, whom the Myrmidons obey,
225 Is son of AEacus, and he of Jove.
As Jove all streams excels that seek the sea, So,
Jove’s descendants nobler are than theirs.
Behold a River at thy side—let him Afford
thee, if he can, some succor—No—
230 He may not fight against
Saturnian Jove. Therefore, not kingly Acheloius,
Nor yet the strength of Ocean’s vast profound,
Although from him all rivers and all seas, All
fountains and all wells proceed, may boast
235 Comparison with Jove, but even he Astonish’d
trembles at his fiery bolt, And his dread thunders
rattling in the sky. He said, and drawing from
the bank his spear[5] Asteropaeus left stretch’d
on the sands, 240 Where,
while the clear wave dash’d him, eels his flanks
And ravening fishes numerous nibbled bare.
The horsed Poeonians next he fierce assail’d,
Who seeing their brave Chief slain by the sword
And forceful arm of Peleus’ son, beside
245 The eddy-whirling stream
fled all dispersed. Thersilochus and Mydon
then he slew, Thrasius, Astypylus and Ophelestes,
AEnius and Mnesus; nor had these sufficed Achilles,
but Poeonians more had fallen,
250 Had not the angry River from within His
circling gulfs in semblance, of a man Call’d
to him, interrupting thus his rage.
Oh both in courage and injurious deeds
Unmatch’d, Achilles! whom themselves the Gods
255 Cease not to aid, if Saturn’s
son have doom’d All Ilium’s race to
perish by thine arm, Expel them, first, from me,
ere thou achieve That dread exploit; for, cumber’d
as I am With bodies, I can pour my pleasant stream
260 No longer down into the
sacred deep; All vanish where thou comest.
But oh desist Dread Chief! Amazement fills
me at thy deeds.
To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.
River divine! hereafter be it so.
265 But not from slaughter of this
faithless host I cease, till I shall shut them fast
in Troy And trial make of Hector, if his arm In
single fight shall strongest prove, or mine
He said, and like a God, furious, again
270
Assail’d the Trojans; then the circling flood
To Phoebus thus his loud complaint address’d.
Ah son of Jove, God of the silver bow!
The mandate of the son of Saturn ill Hast thou
perform’d, who, earnest, bade thee aid
275 The Trojans, till (the sun sunk in the
Page 280
West) Night’s shadow dim should veil the fruitful
field.
He ended, and Achilles spear-renown’d
Plunged from the bank into the middle stream.
Then, turbulent, the River all his tide
280 Stirr’d from the bottom,
landward heaving off The numerous bodies that his
current chok’d Slain by Achilles; them, as
with the roar Of bulls, he cast aground, but deep
within His oozy gulfs the living safe conceal’d.
285 Terrible all around Achilles
stood The curling wave, then, falling on his shield
Dash’d him, nor found his footsteps where to
rest. An elm of massy trunk he seized and branch
Luxuriant, but it fell torn from the root
290 And drew the whole bank after
it; immersed It damm’d the current with its
ample boughs, And join’d as with a bridge
the distant shores, Upsprang Achilles from the gulf
and turn’d His feet, now wing’d for
flight, into the plain 295 Astonish’d;
but the God, not so appeased, Arose against him
with a darker curl,[6] That he might quell him and
deliver Troy. Back flew Achilles with a bound,
the length Of a spear’s cast, for such a spring
he own’d 300 As bears the
black-plumed eagle on her prey Strongest and swiftest
of the fowls of air. Like her he sprang, and
dreadful on his chest Clang’d his bright armor.
Then, with course oblique He fled his fierce pursuer,
but the flood, 305 Fly where
he might, came thundering in his rear. As when
the peasant with his spade a rill Conducts from
some pure fountain through his grove Or garden,
clearing the obstructed course, The pebbles, as
it runs, all ring beneath, 310
And, as the slope still deepens, swifter still It
runs, and, murmuring, outstrips the guide, So him,
though swift, the river always reach’d Still
swifter; who can cope with power divine? Oft
as the noble Chief, turning, essay’d
315 Resistance, and to learn if all
the Gods Alike rush’d after him, so oft the
flood, Jove’s offspring, laved his shoulders.
Upward then He sprang distress’d, but with
a sidelong sweep Assailing him, and from beneath
his steps 320 Wasting the soil,
the Stream his force subdued. Then looking
to the skies, aloud he mourn’d.
Eternal Sire! forsaken by the Gods
I sink, none deigns to save me from the flood,
From which once saved, I would no death decline.
325 Yet blame I none of all the Powers
of heaven As Thetis; she with falsehood sooth’d
my soul, She promised me a death by Phoebus’
shafts Swift-wing’d, beneath the battlements
of Troy. I would that Hector, noblest of his
race, 330 Had slain me, I had
then bravely expired And a brave man had stripp’d
me of my arms. But fate now dooms me to a death
abhorr’d Whelm’d in deep waters, like
a swine-herd’s boy Drown’d in wet weather
while he fords a brook. 335
So spake Achilles; then, in human form,
Minerva stood and Neptune at his side; Each seized
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his hand confirming him, and thus The mighty Shaker
of the shores began.
Achilles! moderate thy dismay, fear
nought. 340
In us behold, in Pallas and in me, Effectual
aids, and with consent of Jove; For to be vanquish’d
by a River’s force Is not thy doom. This
foe shall soon be quell’d; Thine eyes shall
see it. Let our counsel rule
345 Thy deed, and all is well. Cease not from
war Till fast within proud Ilium’s walls her
host Again be prison’d, all who shall escape;
Then (Hector slain) to the Achaian fleet Return;
we make the glorious victory thine.
350
So they, and both departing sought the
skies.
Then, animated by the voice divine, He moved
toward the plain now all o’erspread By the
vast flood on which the bodies swam And shields
of many a youth in battle slain.
355 He leap’d, he waded, and the current stemm’d
Right onward, by the flood in vain opposed, With
such might Pallas fill’d him. Nor his rage
Scamander aught repress’d, but still the more
Incensed against Achilles, curl’d aloft
360 His waters, and on Simois
call’d aloud.
Brother! oh let us with united force
Check, if we may, this warrior; he shall else Soon
lay the lofty towers of Priam low, Whose host appall’d,
defend them now no more. 365 Haste—succor
me—thy channel fill with streams From
all thy fountains; call thy torrents down; Lift
high the waters; mingle trees and stones With uproar
wild, that we may quell the force Of this dread
Chief triumphant now, and fill’d
370 With projects that might more beseem a God.
But vain shall be his strength, his beauty nought
Shall profit him or his resplendent arms, For
I will bury them in slime and ooze, And I will overwhelm
himself with soil, 375 Sands
heaping o’er him and around him sands Infinite,
that no Greek shall find his bones For ever, in
my bottom deep immersed. There shall his tomb
be piled, nor other earth, At his last rites, his
friends shall need for him. 380
He said, and lifting high his angry
tide
Vortiginous, against Achilles hurl’d, Roaring,
the foam, the bodies, and the blood; Then all his
sable waves divine again Accumulating, bore him
swift along. 385 Shriek’d
Juno at that sight, terrified lest Achilles in the
whirling deluge sunk Should perish, and to Vulcan
quick exclaim’d.
Vulcan, my son, arise; for we account
Xanthus well able to contend with thee.
390 Give instant succor; show forth
all thy fires. Myself will haste to call the
rapid South And Zephyrus, that tempests from the
sea Blowing, thou may’st both arms and dead
consume With hideous conflagration. Burn along
395 The banks of Xanthus,
fire his trees and him Seize also. Let him
by no specious guile Of flattery soothe thee, or
by threats appall, Nor slack thy furious fires ’till
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with a shout I give command, then bid them cease
to blaze. 400
She spake, and Vulcan at her word his
fires
Shot dreadful forth; first, kindling on the field,
He burn’d the bodies strew’d numerous
around Slain by Achilles; arid grew the earth And
the flood ceased. As when a sprightly breeze
405 Autumnal blowing from the North,
at once Dries the new-water’d garden,[7] gladdening
him Who tills the soil, so was the champain dried;
The dead consumed, against the River, next, He
turn’d the fierceness of his glittering fires.
410 Willows and tamarisks and elms
he burn’d, Burn’d lotus, rushes, reeds;
all plants and herbs That clothed profuse the margin
of his flood. His eels and fishes, whether
wont to dwell In gulfs beneath, or tumble in the
stream, 415 All languish’d
while the artist of the skies Breath’d on
them; even Xanthus lost, himself, All force, and,
suppliant, Vulcan thus address’d.
Oh Vulcan! none in heaven itself may
cope
With thee. I yield to thy consuming fires.
420 Cease, cease. I reck
not if Achilles drive Her citizens, this moment,
forth from Troy, For what are war and war’s
concerns to me?
So spake he scorch’d, and all
his waters boil’d.
As some huge caldron hisses urged by force
425 Of circling fires and fill’d
with melted lard, The unctuous fluid overbubbling[8]
streams On all sides, while the dry wood flames
beneath, So Xanthus bubbled and his pleasant flood
Hiss’d in the fire, nor could he longer flow
430 But check’d his current,
with hot steams annoy’d By Vulcan raised.
His supplication, then, Importunate to Juno thus
he turn’d.
Ah Juno! why assails thy son my streams,
Hostile to me alone? Of all who aid
435 The Trojans I am surely
least to blame, Yet even I desist if thou command;
And let thy son cease also; for I swear That never
will I from the Trojans turn Their evil day, not
even when the host 440 Of
Greece shall set all Ilium in a blaze.
He said, and by his oath pacified, thus
The white-arm’d Deity to Vulcan spake.
Peace, glorious son! we may not in behalf
Of mortal man thus longer vex a God.
445
Then Vulcan his tremendous fires repress’d,
And down into his gulfy channel rush’d The
refluent flood; for when the force was once Subdued
of Xanthus, Juno interposed, Although incensed,
herself to quell the strife. 450
But contest vehement the other Gods
Now waged, each breathing discord; loud they rush’d
And fierce to battle, while the boundless earth
Quaked under them, and, all around, the heavens
Sang them together with a trumpet’s voice.
455 Jove listening, on the Olympian
summit sat Well-pleased, and, in his heart laughing
for joy, Beheld the Powers of heaven in battle join’d.
Not long aloof they stood. Shield-piercer Mars,
Page 283
His brazen spear grasp’d, and began the fight
460 Rushing on Pallas, whom he
thus reproach’d.
Wasp! front of impudence, and past all
bounds
Audacious! Why impellest thou the Gods To
fight? Thy own proud spirit is the cause.
Remember’st not, how, urged by thee, the son
465 Of Tydeus, Diomede, myself
assail’d, When thou, the radiant spear with
thy own hand Guiding, didst rend my body? Now,
I ween, The hour is come in which I shall exact
Vengeance for all thy malice shown to me.
470
So saying, her shield he smote tassell’d
around
Terrific, proof against the bolts of Jove; That
shield gore-tainted Mars with fury smote. But
she, retiring, with strong grasp upheaved A rugged
stone, black, ponderous, from the plain,
475 A land-mark fixt by men of ancient times,
Which hurling at the neck of stormy Mars She smote
him. Down he fell. Seven acres, stretch’d,
He overspread, his ringlets in the dust Polluted
lay, and dreadful rang his arms.
480 The Goddess laugh’d, and thus in accents
wing’d With exultation, as he lay, exclaim’d.
Fool! Art thou still to learn how
far my force
Surpasses thine, and darest thou cope with me?
Now feel the furies of thy mother’s ire
485 Who hates thee for thy treachery
to the Greeks, And for thy succor given to faithless
Troy.
She said, and turn’d from Mars
her glorious eyes.
But him deep-groaning and his torpid powers Recovering
slow, Venus conducted thence
490 Daughter of Jove, whom soon as Juno mark’d,
In accents wing’d to Pallas thus she spake.
Daughter invincible of glorious Jove!
Haste—follow her—Ah shameless!
how she leads Gore-tainted Mars through all the
host of heaven. 495
So she, whom Pallas with delight obey’d;
To Venus swift she flew, and on the breast With
such force smote her that of sense bereft The fainting
Goddess fell. There Venus lay And Mars extended
on the fruitful glebe, 500 And
Pallas thus in accents wing’d exclaim’d.
I would that all who on the part of
Troy
Oppose in fight Achaia’s valiant sons, Were
firm and bold as Venus in defence Of Mars, for whom
she dared my power defy! 505 So
had dissension (Ilium overthrown And desolated)
ceased long since in heaven.
So Pallas, and approving Juno smiled.
Then the imperial Shaker of the shores Thus to
Apollo. Phoebus! wherefore stand
510 We thus aloof? Since others
have begun, Begin we also; shame it were to both
Should we, no combat waged, ascend again Olympus
and the brass-built hall of Jove. Begin, for
thou art younger; me, whose years
515 Alike and knowledge thine surpass so far,
It suits not. Oh stupidity! how gross Art
thou and senseless! Are no traces left In thy
remembrance of our numerous wrongs Sustain’d
at Ilium, when, of all the Gods
Page 284
520 Ourselves alone, by Jove’s commandment,
served For stipulated hire, a year complete, Our
task-master the proud Laomedon? Myself a bulwark’d
town, spacious, secure Against assault, and beautiful
as strong 525 Built for the
Trojans, and thine office was To feed for King Laomedon
his herds Among the groves of Ida many-valed.
But when the gladsome hours the season brought Of
payment, then the unjust King of Troy
530 Dismiss’d us of our whole reward
amerced By violence, and added threats beside.
Thee into distant isles, bound hand and foot, To
sell he threatened, and to amputate The ears of
both; we, therefore, hasted thence
535 Resenting deep our promised hire withheld.
Aid’st thou for this the Trojans? Canst
thou less Than seek, with us, to exterminate the
whole Perfidious race, wives, children, husbands,
all?
To whom the King of radiant shafts Apollo.
540
Me, Neptune, thou wouldst deem, thyself, unwise
Contending for the sake of mortal men With thee;
a wretched race, who like the leaves Now flourish
rank, by fruits of earth sustain’d, Now sapless
fall. Here, therefore, us between
545 Let all strife cease, far better left to
them.
He said, and turn’d away, fearing
to lift
His hand against the brother of his sire.
But him Diana of the woods with sharp Rebuke,
his huntress sister, thus reproved.
550
Fly’st thou, Apollo! and to Neptune
yield’st
An unearn’d victory, the prize of fame Resigning
patient and with no dispute? Fool! wherefore
bearest thou the bow in vain? Ah, let me never
in my father’s courts
555 Hear thee among the immortals vaunting more
That thou wouldst Neptune’s self confront in
arms.
So she, to whom Apollo nought replied.[9]
But thus the consort of the Thunderer, fired With
wrath, reproved the Archeress of heaven.
560
How hast thou dared, impudent, to oppose
My will? Bow-practised as thou art, the task
To match my force were difficult to thee. Is
it, because by ordinance of Jove Thou art a lioness
to womankind, 565 Killing
them at thy pleasure? Ah beware— Far
easier is it, on the mountain-heights To slay wild
beasts and chase the roving hind, Than to conflict
with mightier than ourselves. But, if thou
wish a lesson on that theme, 570
Approach—thou shalt be taught with good
effect How far my force in combat passes thine.
She said, and with her left hand seizing
both
Diana’s wrists, snatch’d suddenly the
bow Suspended on her shoulder with the right,
575 And, smiling, smote her with
it on the ears. She, writhing oft and struggling,
to the ground Shook forth her rapid shafts, then,
weeping, fled As to her cavern in some hollow rock
The dove, not destined to his talons, flies
580 The hawk’s pursuit, and
left her arms behind.
Page 285
Then, messenger of heaven, the Argicide
Address’d Latona. Combat none with thee,
Latona, will I wage. Unsafe it were To cope
in battle with a spouse of Jove.
585 Go, therefore, loudly as thou wilt, proclaim
To all the Gods that thou hast vanquish’d me.
Collecting, then, the bow and arrows
fallen
In wild disorder on the dusty plain, Latona with
the sacred charge withdrew
590 Following her daughter; she, in the abode Brass-built
arriving of Olympian Jove, Sat on his knees, weeping
till all her robe Ambrosial shook. The mighty
Father smiled, And to his bosom straining her, inquired.
595
Daughter beloved! who, which of all
the Gods
Hath raised his hand, presumptuous, against thee,
As if convicted of some open wrong?
To whom the clear-voiced Huntress crescent-crown’d.
My Father! Juno, thy own consort fair
600 My sorrow caused, from whom
dispute and strife Perpetual, threaten the immortal
Powers.
Thus they in heaven mutual conferr’d.
Meantime
Apollo into sacred Troy return’d Mindful
to guard her bulwarks, lest the Greeks
605 Too soon for Fate should desolate the town.
The other Gods, some angry, some elate With victory,
the Olympian heights regain’d, And sat beside
the Thunderer. But the son Of Peleus—He
both Trojans slew and steeds. 610
As when in volumes slow smoke climbs the skies From
some great city which the Gods have fired Vindictive,
sorrow thence to many ensues With mischief, and
to all labor severe, So caused Achilles labor on
that day, 615 Severe, and
mischief to the men of Troy.
But ancient Priam from a sacred tower
Stood looking forth, whence soon he noticed vast
Achilles, before whom the Trojans fled All courage
lost. Descending from the tower
620 With mournful cries and hasting to the
wall He thus enjoin’d the keepers of the gates.
Hold wide the portals till the flying
host
Re-enter, for himself is nigh, himself Achilles
drives them home. Now, wo to Troy!
625 But soon as safe within the walls received
They breathe again, shut fast the ponderous gates
At once, lest that destroyer also pass.
He said; they, shooting back the bars,
threw wide
The gates and saved the people, whom to aid
630 Apollo also sprang into the field,
They, parch’d with drought and whiten’d
all with dust, Flew right toward the town, while,
spear in hand, Achilles press’d them, vengeance
in his heart And all on fire for glory. Then,
full sure, 635 Ilium, the city
of lofty gates, had fallen Won by the Grecians,
had not Phoebus roused Antenor’s valiant son,
the noble Chief Agenor; him with dauntless might
he fill’d, And shielding him against the stroke
of fate 640 Beside him stood himself,
by the broad beech Cover’d and wrapt in clouds.
Agenor then, Seeing the city-waster hero nigh Achilles,
Page 286
stood, but standing, felt his mind Troubled with
doubts; he groan’d, and thus he mused.
645
[10]Alas! if following the tumultuous
flight
Of these, I shun Achilles, swifter far He soon
will lop my ignominious head. But if, these
leaving to be thus dispersed Before him, from the
city-wall I fly 650 Across
the plain of Troy into the groves Of Ida, and in
Ida’s thickets lurk, I may, at evening, to
the town return Bathed and refresh’d.
But whither tend my thoughts? Should he my
flight into the plain observe 655
And swift pursuing seize me, then, farewell All
hope to scape a miserable death, For he hath strength
passing the strength of man. How then—shall
I withstand him here before The city? He hath
also flesh to steel 660 Pervious,
within it but a single life, And men report him
mortal, howsoe’er Saturnian Jove lift him
to glory now.
So saying, he turn’d and stood,
his dauntless heart
Beating for battle. As the pard springs forth
665 To meet the hunter from her
gloomy lair, Nor, hearing loud the hounds, fears
or retires, But whether from afar or nigh at hand
He pierce her first, although transfixt, the fight
Still tries, and combats desperate till she fall,
670 So, brave Antenor’s son fled
not, or shrank, Till he had proved Achilles, but
his breast O’ershadowing with his buckler
and his spear Aiming well-poised against him, loud
exclaim’d.
Renown’d Achilles! Thou art
high in hope 675
Doubtless, that thou shalt this day overthrow The
city of the glorious sons of Troy. Fool! ye
must labor yet ere she be won, For numerous are
her citizens and bold, And we will guard her for
our parents’ sake 680 Our
wives and little ones. But here thou diest Terrible
Chief and dauntless as thou art.
He said, and with full force hurling
his lance
Smote, and err’d not, his greave beneath his
knee The glittering tin, forged newly, at the stroke
685 Tremendous rang, but quick recoil’d
and vain The weapon, weak against that guard divine.
Then sprang Achilles in his turn to assail Godlike
Agenor, but Apollo took That glory from him, snatching
wrapt in clouds 690 Agenor thence,
whom calm he sent away.
Then Phoebus from pursuit of Ilium’s
host
By art averted Peleus’ son; the form Assuming
of Agenor, swift he fled Before him, and Achilles
swift pursued. 695 While
him Apollo thus lured to the chase Wide o’er
the fruitful plain, inclining still Toward Scamander’s
dizzy stream his course Nor flying far before, but
with false hope Always beguiling him, the scatter’d
host 700 Meantime, in joyful
throngs, regain’d the town. They fill’d
and shut it fast, nor dared to wait Each other in
the field, or to inquire Who lived and who had fallen,
but all, whom flight Had rescued, like a flood pour’d
into Troy. 705
* * *
* *
Page 287
The Trojans being now within the city, excepting Hector,
the field is cleared for the most important and decisive
action in the poem; that is, the battle between Achilles
and Hector, and the death of the latter. This
part of the story is managed with singular skill.
It seems as if the poet, feeling the importance of
the catastrophe, wished to withdraw from view the
personages of less consequence, and to concentrate
our attention upon those two alone. The poetic
action and description are narrowed in extent, but
deepened in interest. The fate of Troy is impending;
the irreversible decree of Jupiter is about to be
executed; the heroes, whose bravery is to be the instrument
of bringing about this consummation, are left together
on the plain.—FELTON.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XXII.
ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND
BOOK.
Achilles slays
Hector.
BOOK XXII.
Thus they, throughout all Troy, like hunted
fawns
Dispersed, their trickling limbs at leisure
cool’d,
And, drinking, slaked their fiery thirst,
reclined
Against the battlements. Meantime,
the Greeks
Sloping their shields, approach’d
the walls of Troy, 5
And Hector, by his adverse fate ensnared,
Still stood exposed before the Scaean
gate.
Then spake Apollo thus to Peleus’
son.
Wherefore, thyself mortal,
pursuest thou me
Immortal? oh Achilles! blind with rage,
10
Thou know’st not yet, that thou
pursuest a God.
Unmindful of thy proper task, to press
The flying Trojans, thou hast hither turn’d
Devious, and they are all now safe in
Troy;
Yet hope me not to slay; I cannot die.
15
To whom Achilles swiftest
of the swift,
Indignant. Oh, of all the Powers
above
To me most adverse, Archer of the skies!
Thou hast beguiled me, leading me away
From Ilium far, whence intercepted, else,
20
No few had at this moment gnaw’d
the glebe.
Thou hast defrauded me of great renown,
And, safe thyself, hast rescued them
with ease.
Ah—had I power, I would requite
thee well.
So saying, incensed he turned
toward the town 25
His rapid course, like some victorious
steed
That whirls, at stretch, a chariot to
the goal.
Such seem’d Achilles, coursing light
the field.
Him, first, the ancient King
of Troy perceived
Scouring the plain, resplendent as the
star 30
Autumnal, of all stars in dead of night
Conspicous most, and named Orion’s
dog;
Brightest it shines, but ominous, and
dire
Disease portends to miserable man;[1]
So beam’d Achilles’ armor
as he flew. 35
Loud wail’d the hoary King; with
lifted hands
Page 288
His head he smote, and, uttering doleful
cries
Of supplication, sued to his own son.
He, fixt before the gate, desirous stood
Of combat with Achilles, when his sire
40
With arms outstretch’d toward him,
thus began.
My Hector! wait not, oh my
son! the approach
Of this dread Chief, alone, lest premature
Thou die, this moment by Achilles slain,
For he is strongest far. Oh that
the Gods 45
Him loved as I! then, soon should vultures
rend
And dogs his carcase, and my grief should
cease.
He hath unchilded me of many a son,
All valiant youths, whom he hath slain
or sold
To distant isles, and even now, I miss
50
Two sons, whom since the shutting of the
gates
I find not, Polydorus and Lycaon,
My children by Laothoee the fair.
If they survive prisoners in yonder camp,
I will redeem them with gold and brass
55
By noble Eltes to his daughter given,
Large store, and still reserved.
But should they both,
Already slain, have journey’d to
the shades,
We, then, from whom they sprang have cause
to mourn
And mourn them long, but shorter shall
the grief 60
Of Ilium prove, if thou escape and live.
Come then, my son! enter the city-gate
That thou may’st save us all, nor
in thy bloom
Of life cut off, enhance Achilles’
fame.
Commiserate also thy unhappy sire
65
Ere yet distracted, whom Saturnian Jove
Ordains to a sad death, and ere I die
To woes innumerable; to behold
Sons slaughter’d, daughters ravish’d,
torn and stripp’d
The matrimonial chamber, infants dash’d
70
Against the ground in dire hostility,[2]
And matrons dragg’d by ruthless
Grecian hands.
Me, haply, last of all, dogs shall devour
In my own vestibule, when once the spear
Or falchion of some Greek hath laid me
low. 75
The very dogs fed at my table-side,
My portal-guards, drinking their master’s
blood
To drunkenness, shall wallow in my courts.
Fair falls the warlike youth in battle
slain,
And when he lies torn by the pointed steel,
80
His death becomes him well; he is secure,
Though dead, from shame, whatever next
befalls:
But when the silver locks and silver beard
Of an old man slain by the sword, from
dogs
Receive dishonor, of all ills that wait
85
On miserable man, that sure is worst.
So spake the ancient King,
and his grey hairs
Pluck’d with both hands, but Hector
firm endured.
On the other side all tears his mother
stood,
And lamentation; with one hand she bared,
90
And with the other hand produced her breast,
Then in wing’d accents, weeping,
Page 289
him bespake.
My Hector! reverence this,
and pity me
If ever, drawing forth this breast, thy
griefs
Of infancy I soothed, oh now, my son!
95
Acknowledge it, and from within the walls
Repulse this enemy; stand not abroad
To cope with him, for he is savage-fierce,
And should he slay thee, neither shall
myself
Who bore thee, nor thy noble spouse weep
o’er 100
Thy body, but, where we can never come,
Dogs shall devour it in the fleet of Greece.
So they with prayers importuned,
and with tears
Their son, but him sway’d not; unmoved
he stood,
Expecting vast Achilles now at hand.
105
As some fell serpent in his cave expects
The traveller’s approach, batten’d
with herbs
Of baneful juice to fury,[3] forth he
looks
Hideous, and lies coil’d all around
his den,
So Hector, fill’d with confidence
untamed, 110
Fled not, but placing his bright shield
against
A buttress, with his noble heart conferr’d.
[4]Alas for me! should I repass
the gate,
Polydamas would be the first to heap
Reproaches on me, for he bade me lead
115
The Trojans back this last calamitous
night
In which Achilles rose to arms again.
But I refused, although to have complied,
Had proved more profitable far; since
then
By rash resolves of mine I have destroy’d
120
The people, how can I escape the blame
Of all in Troy? The meanest there
will say—
By his self-will he hath destroy’d
us all.
So shall they speak, and then shall I
regret
That I return’d ere I had slain
in fight 125
Achilles, or that, by Achilles slain,
I died not nobly in defence of Troy.
But shall I thus? Lay down my bossy
shield,
Put off my helmet, and my spear recline
Against the city wall, then go myself
130
To meet the brave Achilles, and at once
Promise him Helen, for whose sake we strive
With all the wealth that Paris in his
fleet
Brought home, to be restored to Atreus’
sons,
And to distribute to the Greeks at large
135
All hidden treasures of the town, an oath
Taking beside from every senator,
That he will nought conceal, but will
produce
And share in just equality what stores
Soever our fair city still includes?
140
Ah airy speculations, questions vain!
I may not sue to him: compassion
none
Will he vouchsafe me, or my suit respect.
But, seeing me unarm’d, will sate
at once
His rage, and womanlike I shall be slain.
145
It is no time from oak or hollow rock
With him to parley, as a nymph and swain,
A nymph and swain[5] soft parley mutual
Page 290
hold,
But rather to engage in combat fierce
Incontinent; so shall we soonest learn
150
Whom Jove will make victorious, him or
me.
Thus pondering he stood; meantime
approach’d
Achilles, terrible as fiery Mars,
Crest-tossing God, and brandish’d
as he came
O’er his right shoulder high the
Pelian spear. 155
Like lightning, or like flame, or like
the sun
Ascending, beam’d his armor.
At that sight
Trembled the Trojan Chief, nor dared expect
His nearer step, but flying left the gates
Far distant, and Achilles swift pursued.
160
As in the mountains, fleetest fowl of
air,
The hawk darts eager at the dove; she
scuds
Aslant, he screaming, springs and springs
again
To seize her, all impatient for the prey,
So flew Achilles constant to the track
165
Of Hector, who with dreadful haste beneath
The Trojan bulwarks plied his agile limbs.
Passing the prospect-mount where high
in air
The wild-fig waved,[6] they rush’d
along the road,
Declining never from the wall of Troy.
170
And now they reach’d the running
rivulets clear,
Where from Scamander’s dizzy flood
arise
Two fountains,[7] tepid one, from which
a smoke
Issues voluminous as from a fire,
The other, even in summer heats, like
hail 175
For cold, or snow, or crystal-stream frost-bound.
Beside them may be seen the broad canals
Of marble scoop’d, in which the
wives of Troy
And all her daughters fair were wont to
lave
Their costly raiment,[8] while the land
had rest, 180
And ere the warlike sons of Greece arrived.
By these they ran, one fleeing, one in
chase.
Valiant was he who fled, but valiant far
Beyond him he who urged the swift pursuit;
Nor ran they for a vulgar prize, a beast
185
For sacrifice, or for the hide of such,
The swift foot-racer’s customary
meed,
But for the noble Hector’s life
they ran.
As when two steeds, oft conquerors, trim
the goal
For some illustrious prize, a tripod bright
190
Or beauteous virgin, at a funeral game,
So they with nimble feet the city thrice
Of Priam compass’d. All the
Gods look’d on,
And thus the Sire of Gods and men began.
Ah—I behold a warrior
dear to me 195
Around the walls of Ilium driven, and
grieve
For Hector, who the thighs of fatted bulls
On yonder heights of Ida many-valed
Burn’d oft to me, and in the heights
of Troy:[9]
But him Achilles, glorious Chief, around
200
The city walls of Priam now pursues.
Consider this, ye Gods! weigh the event.
Shall we from death save Hector? or, at
length,
Leave him, although in battle high renown’d,
Page 291
To perish by the might of Peleus’
son? 205
Whom answer’d thus Pallas
cerulean-eyed.
Dread Sovereign of the storms! what hast
thou said?
Wouldst thou deliver from the stroke of
fate
A mortal man death-destined from of old?
Do it; but small thy praise shall be in
heaven. 210
Then answer thus, cloud-gatherer
Jove return’d.
Fear not, Tritonia, daughter dear! that
word
Spake not my purpose; me thou shalt perceive
Always to thee indulgent. What thou
wilt
That execute, and use thou no delay.
215
So roused he Pallas of herself
prepared,
And from the heights Olympian down she
flew.
With unremitting speed Achilles still
Urged Hector. As among the mountain-height
The hound pursues, roused newly from her
lair 220
The flying fawn through many a vale and
grove;
And though she trembling skulk the shrubs
beneath,
Tracks her continual, till he find the
prey,
So ‘scaped not Hector Peleus’
rapid son.
Oft as toward the Dardan gates he sprang
225
Direct, and to the bulwarks firm of Troy,
Hoping some aid by volleys from the wall,
So oft, outstripping him, Achilles thence
Enforced him to the field, who, as he
might,
Still ever stretch’d toward the
walls again. 230
As, in a dream,[10] pursuit hesitates
oft,
This hath no power to fly, that to pursue,
So these—one fled, and one
pursued in vain.
How, then, had Hector his impending fate
Eluded, had not Phoebus, at his last,
235
Last effort meeting him, his strength
restored,
And wing’d for flight his agile
limbs anew?
The son of Peleus, as he ran, his brows
Shaking, forbad the people to dismiss
A dart at Hector, lest a meaner hand
240
Piercing him, should usurp the foremost
praise.
But when the fourth time to those rivulets.
They came, then lifting high his golden
scales,
Two lots the everlasting Father placed
Within them, for Achilles one, and one
245
For Hector, balancing the doom of both.
Grasping it in the midst, he raised the
beam.
Down went the fatal day of Hector, down
To Ades, and Apollo left his side.
Then blue-eyed Pallas hasting to the son
250
Of Peleus, in wing’d accents him
address’d.
Now, dear to Jove, Achilles
famed in arms!
I hope that, fierce in combat though he
be,
We shall, at last, slay Hector, and return
Crown’d with great glory to the
fleet of Greece. 255
No fear of his deliverance now remains,
Not even should the King of radiant shafts,
Apollo, toil in supplication, roll’d
And roll’d again[11] before the
Thunderer’s feet.
But stand, recover breath; myself, the
Page 292
while, 260
Shall urge him to oppose thee face to
face.
So Pallas spake, whom joyful
he obey’d,
And on his spear brass-pointed lean’d.
But she,
(Achilles left) to noble Hector pass’d,
And in the form, and with the voice loud-toned
265
Approaching of Deiphobus, his ear
In accents, as of pity, thus address’d.
Ah brother! thou art overtask’d,
around
The walls of Troy by swift Achilles driven;
But stand, that we may chase him in his
turn.[12] 270
To whom crest-tossing Hector
huge replied.
Deiphobus! of all my father’s sons
Brought forth by Hecuba, I ever loved
Thee most, but more than ever love thee
now,
Who hast not fear’d, seeing me,
for my sake 275
To quit the town, where others rest content.
To whom the Goddess, thus,
cerulean-eyed.
Brother! our parents with much earnest
suit
Clasping my knees, and all my friends
implored me
To stay in Troy, (such fear hath seized
on all) 280
But grief for thee prey’d on my
inmost soul.
Come—fight we bravely—spare
we now our spears
No longer; now for proof if Peleus’
son
Slaying us both, shall bear into the fleet
Our arms gore-stain’d, or perish
slain by thee. 285
So saying, the wily Goddess
led the way.
They soon, approaching each the other,
stood
Opposite, and huge Hector thus began.
Pelides! I will fly thee
now no more.
Thrice I have compass’d Priam’s
spacious walls 290
A fugitive, and have not dared abide
Thy onset, but my heart now bids me stand
Dauntless, and I will slay, or will be
slain.
But come. We will attest the Gods;
for they
Are fittest both to witness and to guard
295
Our covenant. If Jove to me vouchsafe
The hard-earn’d victory, and to
take thy life,
I will not with dishonor foul insult
Thy body, but, thine armor stripp’d,
will give
Thee to thy friends, as thou shalt me
to mine. 300
To whom Achilles, lowering
dark, replied.
Hector! my bitterest foe! speak not to
me
Of covenants! as concord can be none
Lions and men between, nor wolves and
lambs
Can be unanimous, but hate perforce
305
Each other by a law not to be changed,
So cannot amity subsist between
Thee and myself; nor league make I with
thee
Or compact, till thy blood in battle shed
Or mine, shall gratify the fiery Mars.
310
Rouse all thy virtue; thou hast utmost
need
Of valor now, and of address in arms.
Escape me more thou canst not; Pallas’
hand
By mine subdues thee; now will I avenge
At once the agonies of every Greek
315
In thy unsparing fury slain by thee.
Page 293
He said, and, brandishing
the Pelian ash,
Dismiss’d it; but illustrious Hector
warn’d,
Crouched low, and, overflying him, it
pierced
The soil beyond, whence Pallas plucking
it 320
Unseen, restored it to Achilles’
hand,
And Hector to his godlike foe replied.
Godlike Achilles! thou hast
err’d, nor know’st
At all my doom from Jove, as thou pretend’st,
But seek’st, by subtlety and wind
of words, 325
All empty sounds, to rob me of my might.
Yet stand I firm. Think not to pierce
my back.
Behold my bosom! if the Gods permit,
Meet me advancing, and transpierce me
there.
Meantime avoid my glittering spear, but
oh 330
May’st thou receive it all! since
lighter far
To Ilium should the toils of battle prove,
Wert thou once slain, the fiercest of
her foes.
He said, and hurling his long
spear with aim
Unerring, smote the centre of the shield
335
Of Peleus’ son, but his spear glanced
away.
He, angry to have sent it forth in vain,
(For he had other none) with eyes downcast
Stood motionless awhile, then with loud
voice
Sought from Deiphobus, white-shielded
Chief, 340
A second; but Deiphobus was gone.
Then Hector understood his doom, and said.
Ah, it is plain; this is mine
hour to die.
I thought Deiphobus at hand, but me
Pallas beguiled, and he is still in Troy.
345
A bitter death threatens me, it is nigh,
And there is no escape; Jove, and Jove’s
son
Apollo, from the first, although awhile
My prompt deliverers, chose this lot for
me,
And now it finds me. But I will not
fall 350
Inglorious; I will act some great exploit
That shall be celebrated ages hence.
So saying, his keen falchion
from his side
He drew, well-temper’d, ponderous,
and rush’d
At once to combat. As the eagle darts
355
Right downward through a sullen cloud
to seize
Weak lamb or timorous hare, so brandishing
His splendid falchion, Hector rush’d
to fight.
Achilles, opposite, with fellest ire
Full-fraught came on; his shield with
various art 360
Celestial form’d, o’erspread
his ample chest,
And on his radiant casque terrific waved
The bushy gold of his resplendent crest,
By Vulcan spun, and pour’d profuse
around.
Bright as, among the stars, the star of
all 365
Most radiant, Hesperus, at midnight moves,
So, in the right hand of Achilles beam’d
His brandish’d spear, while, meditating
wo
To Hector, he explored his noble form,
Seeking where he was vulnerable most.
370
But every part, his dazzling armor torn
From brave Patroclus’ body, well
Page 294
secured,
Save where the circling key-bone from
the neck
Disjoins the shoulder; there his throat
appear’d,
Whence injured life with swiftest flight
escapes; 375
Achilles, plunging in that part his spear,
Impell’d it through the yielding
flesh beyond.
The ashen beam his power of utterance
left
Still unimpair’d, but in the dust
he fell,
And the exulting conqueror exclaim’d.
380
But Hector! thou hadst once
far other hopes,
And, stripping slain Patroclus, thought’st
thee safe,
Nor caredst for absent me. Fond dream
and vain!
I was not distant far; in yonder fleet
He left one able to avenge his death,
385
And he hath slain thee. Thee the
dogs shall rend
Dishonorably, and the fowls of air,
But all Achaia’s host shall him
entomb.
To whom the Trojan Chief languid
replied.
By thy own life, by theirs who gave thee
birth, 390
And by thy knees,[13] oh let not Grecian
dogs
Rend and devour me, but in gold accept
And brass a ransom at my father’s
hands,
And at my mother’s an illustrious
price;
Send home my body, grant me burial rites
395
Among the daughters and the sons of Troy.
To whom with aspect stern
Achilles thus.
Dog! neither knees nor parents name to
me.
I would my fierceness of revenge were
such,
That I could carve and eat thee, to whose
arms 400
Such griefs I owe; so true it is and sure,
That none shall save thy carcase from
the dogs.
No, trust me, would thy parents bring
me weigh’d
Ten—twenty ransoms, and engage
on oath
To add still more; would thy Dardanian
Sire 405
Priam, redeem thee with thy weight in
gold,
Not even at that price would I consent
That she who bare should place thee on
thy bier
With lamentation; dogs and ravening fowls
Shall rend thy body while a scrap remains.
410
Then, dying, warlike Hector
thus replied.
Full well I knew before, how suit of mine
Should speed preferr’d to thee.
Thy heart is steel.
But oh, while yet thou livest, think,
lest the Gods
Requite thee on that day, when pierced
thyself 415
By Paris and Apollo, thou shalt fall,
Brave as thou art, before the Scaean gate.
He ceased, and death involved
him dark around.
His spirit, from his limbs dismiss’d,
the house
Of Ades sought, mourning in her descent
420
Youth’s prime and vigor lost, disastrous
doom!
But him though dead, Achilles thus bespake.
Die thou. My death shall
find me at what hour
Jove gives commandment, and the Gods above.
He spake, and from the dead
drawing away 425
His brazen spear, placed it apart, then
Page 295
stripp’d
His arms gore-stain’d. Meantime
the other sons
Of the Achaians, gathering fast around,
The bulk admired, and the proportion just
Of Hector; neither stood a Grecian there
430
Who pierced him not, and thus the soldier
spake.
Ye Gods! how far more patient
of the touch
Is Hector now, than when he fired the
fleet!
Thus would they speak, then
give him each a stab.
And now, the body stripp’d, their
noble Chief 435
The swift Achilles standing in the midst,
The Grecians in wing’d accents thus
address’d.
Friends, Chiefs and Senators
of Argos’ host!
Since, by the will of heaven, this man
is slain
Who harm’d us more than all our
foes beside, 440
Essay we next the city, so to learn
The Trojan purpose, whether (Hector slain)
They will forsake the citadel, or still
Defend it, even though of him deprived.
But wherefore speak I thus? still undeplored,
445
Unburied in my fleet Patroclus lies;
Him never, while alive myself, I mix
With living men and move, will I forget.
In Ades, haply, they forget the dead,
Yet will not I Patroclus, even there.
450
Now chanting paeans, ye Achaian youths!
Return we to the fleet with this our prize;
We have achieved great glory,[14] we have
slain
Illustrious Hector, him whom Ilium praised
In all her gates, and as a God revered.
455
He said; then purposing dishonor
foul
To noble Hector, both his feet he bored
From heel to ancle, and, inserting thongs,
Them tied behind his chariot, but his
head
Left unsustain’d to trail along
the ground. 460
Ascending next, the armor at his side
He placed, then lash’d the steeds;
they willing flew
Thick dust around the body dragg’d
arose,
His sable locks all swept the plain, and
all
His head, so graceful once, now track’d
the dust, 465
For Jove had given it into hostile hands
That they might shame it in his native
soil.[15]
Thus, whelm’d in dust, it went.
The mother Queen
Her son beholding, pluck’d her hair
away,
Cast far aside her lucid veil, and fill’d
470
With shrieks the air. His father
wept aloud,
And, all around, long, long complaints
were heard
And lamentations in the streets of Troy,
Not fewer or less piercing, than if flames
Had wrapt all Ilium to her topmost towers.
475
His people scarce detain’d the ancient
King
Grief-stung, and resolute to issue forth
Through the Dardanian gates; to all he
kneel’d
In turn, then roll’d himself in
dust, and each
By name solicited to give him way.
480
Stand off, my fellow mourners!
I would pass
Page 296
The gates, would seek, alone, the Grecian
fleet.
I go to supplicate the bloody man,
Yon ravager; he may respect, perchance,
My years, may feel some pity of my age;
485
For, such as I am, his own father is,
Peleus, who rear’d him for a curse
to Troy,
But chiefly rear’d him to myself
a curse,
So numerous have my sons in prime of youth
Fall’n by his hand, all whom I less
deplore 490
(Though mourning all) than one; my agonies
For Hector soon shall send me to the shades.
Oh had he but within these arms expired,
The hapless Queen who bore him, and myself
Had wept him, then, till sorrow could
no more! 495
So spake he weeping, and the
citizens
All sigh’d around; next, Hecuba
began
Amid the women, thus, her sad complaint.
Ah wherefore, oh my son! wretch
that I am,
Breathe I forlorn of thee? Thou,
night and day, 500
My glory wast in Ilium, thee her sons
And daughters, both, hail’d as their
guardian God,
Conscious of benefits from thee received,
Whose life prolong’d should have
advanced them all
To high renown. Vain boast! thou
art no more. 505
So mourn’d the Queen.
But fair Andromache
Nought yet had heard, nor knew by sure
report
Hector’s delay without the city
gates.
She in a closet of her palace sat,
A twofold web weaving magnificent,
510
With sprinkled flowers inwrought of various
hues,
And to her maidens had commandment given
Through all her house, that compassing
with fire
An ample tripod, they should warm a bath
For noble Hector from the fight return’d.
515
Tenderness ill-inform’d! she little
knew
That in the field, from such refreshments
far,
Pallas had slain him by Achilles’
hand.
She heard a cry of sorrow from the tower;
Her limbs shook under her, her shuttle
fell, 520
And to her bright-hair’d train,
alarm’d, she cried.
Attend me two of you, that
I may learn
What hath befallen. I have heard
the voice
Of the Queen-mother; my rebounding heart
Chokes me, and I seem fetter’d by
a frost. 525
Some mischief sure o’er Priam’s
sons impends.
Far be such tidings from me! but I fear
Horribly, lest Achilles, cutting off
My dauntless Hector from the gates alone,
Enforce him to the field, and quell perhaps
530
The might, this moment, of that dreadful
arm
His hinderance long; for Hector ne’er
was wont
To seek his safety in the ranks, but flew
First into battle, yielding place to none.
So saying, she rush’d
with palpitating heart 535
And frantic air abroad, by her two maids
Attended; soon arriving at the tower,
Page 297
And at the throng of men, awhile she stood
Down-looking wistful from the city-wall,
And, seeing him in front of Ilium, dragg’d
540
So cruelly toward the fleet of Greece,
O’erwhelm’d with sudden darkness
at the view
Fell backward, with a sigh heard all around.
Far distant flew dispersed her head-attire,
Twist, frontlet, diadem, and even the
veil 545
By golden Venus given her on the day
When Hector led her from Eetion’s
house
Enrich’d with nuptial presents to
his home.
Around her throng’d her sisters
of the house
Of Priam, numerous, who within their arms
550
Fast held her[16] loathing life; but she,
her breath
At length and sense recovering, her complaint
Broken with sighs amid them thus began.
Hector! I am undone;
we both were born
To misery, thou in Priam’s house
in Troy, 555
And I in Hypoplacian Thebes wood-crown’d
Beneath Eetion’s roof. He,
doom’d himself
To sorrow, me more sorrowfully doom’d,
Sustain’d in helpless infancy, whom
oh
That he had ne’er begotten! thou
descend’st 560
To Pluto’s subterraneous dwelling
drear,
Leaving myself destitute, and thy boy,
Fruit of our hapless loves, an infant
yet,
Never to be hereafter thy delight,
Nor love of thine to share or kindness
more. 565
For should he safe survive this cruel
war,
With the Achaians penury and toil
Must be his lot, since strangers will
remove
At will his landmarks, and possess his
fields.
Thee lost, he loses all, of father, both,
570
And equal playmate in one day deprived,
To sad looks doom’d, and never-ceasing-tears.
He seeks, necessitous his father’s
friends,
One by his mantle pulls, one by his vest,
Whose utmost pity yields to his parch’d
lips 575
A thirst-provoking drop, and grudges more;
Some happier child, as yet untaught to
mourn
A parent’s loss, shoves rudely from
the board
My son, and, smiting him, reproachful
cries—
Away—thy father is no guest
of ours— 580
Then, weeping, to his widow’d mother
comes
Astyanax, who on his father’s lap
Ate marrow only, once, and fat of lambs,[17]
And when sleep took him, and his crying
fit
Had ceased, slept ever on the softest
bed, 585
Warm in his nurse’s arms, fed to
his fill
With delicacies, and his heart at rest.
But now, Astyanax (so named in Troy
For thy sake, guardian of her gates and
towers)
His father lost, must many a pang endure.
590
And as for thee, cast naked forth among
Yon galleys, where no parent’s eye
of thine
Shall find thee, when the dogs have torn
thee once
Till they are sated, worms shall eat thee
Page 298
next.
Meantime, thy graceful raiment rich, prepared
595
By our own maidens, in thy palace lies;
But I will burn it, burn it all, because
Useless to thee, who never, so adorn’d,
Shalt slumber more; yet every eye in Troy
Shall see, how glorious once was thy attire.[18]
600
So, weeping, she; to whom
the multitude
Of Trojan dames responsive sigh’d
around.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XXIII.
ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD
BOOK.
The body of Patroclus is burned,
and the funeral games ensue.
BOOK XXIII.
Such mourning was in Troy; meantime
the Greeks
Their galleys and the shores of Hellespont
Regaining, each to his own ship retired.
But not the Myrmidons; Achilles them
Close rank’d in martial order still detain’d,
5
And thus his fellow-warriors brave address’d.
Ye swift-horsed Myrmidons, associates dear!
Release not from your chariots yet your steeds
Firm-hoof’d, but steeds and chariots driving
near,
Bewail Patroclus, as the rites demand
10
Of burial; then, satiate with grief and tears,
We will release our steeds, and take repast.
He ended, and, himself leading the way,
His numerous band all mourn’d at once the
dead.
Around the body thrice their glossy steeds,
15
Mourning they drove, while Thetis in their hearts
The thirst of sorrow kindled; they with tears
The sands bedew’d, with tears their radiant
arms,
Such deep regret of one so brave they felt.
Then, placing on the bosom of his friend
20
His homicidal hands, Achilles thus
The shade of his Patroclus, sad, bespake.
Hail, oh Patroclus, even in Ades hail!
For I will now accomplish to the full
My promise pledged to thee, that I would give
25
Hector dragg’d hither to be torn by dogs
Piecemeal, and would before thy funeral pile
The necks dissever of twelve Trojan youths
Of noblest rank, resentful of thy death.
He said, and meditating foul disgrace
30
To noble Hector, stretch’d him prone in dust
Beside the bier of Menoetiades.
Then all the Myrmidons their radiant arms
Put off, and their shrill-neighing steeds released.
A numerous band beside the bark they sat
35
Of swift AEacides, who furnish’d forth
Himself a feast funereal for them all.
Many a white ox under the ruthless steel
Lay bleeding, many a sheep and blatant goat,
With many a saginated boar bright-tusk’d,
40
Amid fierce flames Vulcanian stretch’d to
roast.
Copious the blood ran all around the dead.
And now the Kings of Greece conducted thence
To Agamemnon’s tent the royal son
Page 299
Of Peleus, loth to go, and won at last
45
With difficulty, such his anger was
And deep resentment of his slaughter’d friend.
Soon then as Agamemnon’s tent they reach’d,
The sovereign bade his heralds kindle fire
Around an ample vase, with purpose kind
50
Moving Achilles from his limbs to cleanse
The stains of battle; but he firm refused
That suit, and bound refusal with an oath—
No; by the highest and the best of all,
By Jove I will not. Never may it be
55
That brazen bath approach this head of mine,
Till I shall first Patroclus’ body give
To his last fires, till I shall pile his tomb,
And sheer my locks in honor of my friend;
For, like to this, no second wo shall e’er
60
My heart invade, while vital breath I draw.
But, all unwelcome as it is, repast
Now calls us. Agamemnon, King of men!
Give thou command that at the dawn they bring
Wood hither, such large portion as beseems
65
The dead, descending to the shades, to share,
That hungry flames consuming out of sight
His body soon, the host may war again.
He spake; they, hearing, readily obey’d.
Then, each his food preparing with dispatch,
70
They ate, nor wanted any of the guests
Due portion, and their appetites sufficed
To food and wine, all to their tents repair’d
Seeking repose; but on the sands beside
The billowy deep Achilles groaning lay
75
Amidst his Myrmidons, where space he found
With blood unstain’d beside the dashing wave.[1]
There, soon as sleep, deliverer of the mind,
Wrapp’d him around (for much his noble limbs
With chase of Hector round the battlements
80
Of wind-swept Ilium wearied were and spent)
The soul came to him of his hapless friend,
In bulk resembling, in expressive eyes
And voice Patroclus, and so clad as he.
Him, hovering o’er his head, the form address’d.
85
Sleep’st thou, Achilles! of thy friend become
Heedless? Him living thou didst not neglect
Whom thou neglectest dead. Give me a tomb
Instant, that I may pass the infernal gates.
For now, the shades and spirits of the dead
90
Drive me afar, denying me my wish
To mingle with them on the farthest shore,
And in wide-portal’d Ades sole I roam.
Give me thine hand, I pray thee, for the earth
I visit never more, once burnt with fire;
95
We never shall again close council hold
As we were wont, for me my fate severe,
Mine even from my birth, hath deep absorb’d.
And oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods!
Thou too predestined art beneath the wall
100
To perish of the high-born Trojan race.
But hear my last injunction! ah, my friend!
Page 300
My bones sepulchre not from thine apart,
But as, together we were nourish’d both
Beneath thy roof (what time from Opoeis
105
Menoetius led me to thy father’s house,
Although a child, yet fugitive for blood,
Which, in a quarrel at the dice, I spilt,
Killing my playmate by a casual blow,
The offspring of Amphidamas, when, like
110
A father, Peleus with all tenderness
Received and cherish’d me, and call’d
me thine)
So, let one vase inclose, at last, our bones,
The golden vase, thy Goddess mother’s gift.[2]
To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.
115
Ah, loved and honor’d! wherefore hast thou
come!
Why thus enjoin’d me? I will all perform
With diligence that thou hast now desired.
But nearer stand, that we may mutual clasp
Each other, though but with a short embrace,
120
And sad satiety of grief enjoy.
He said, and stretch’d his arms toward the
shade,
But him seized not; shrill-clamoring and light
As smoke, the spirit pass’d into the earth.
Amazed, upsprang Achilles, clash’d aloud
125
His palms together, and thus, sad, exclaim’d.
Ah then, ye Gods! there doubtless are below
The soul and semblance both, but empty forms;
For all night long, mourning, disconsolate,
The soul of my Patroclus, hapless friend!
130
Hath hover’d o’er me, giving me in charge
His last requests, just image of himself.
So saying, he call’d anew their sorrow forth,
And rosy-palm’d Aurora found them all
Mourning afresh the pitiable dead.
135
Then royal Agamemnon call’d abroad
Mules and mule-drivers from the tents in haste
To gather wood. Uprose a valiant man,
Friend of the virtuous Chief Idomeneus,
Meriones, who led them to the task.
140
They, bearing each in hand his sharpen’d axe
And twisted cord, thence journey’d forth,
the mules
Driving before them; much uneven space
They measured, hill and dale, right onward now,
And now circuitous; but at the groves
145
Arrived at length, of Ida fountain-fed,
Their keen-edged axes to the towering oaks
Dispatchful they applied; down fell the trees
With crash sonorous. Splitting, next, the trunks,
They bound them on the mules; they, with firm hoofs
150
The hill-side stamping, through the thickets rush’d
Desirous of the plain. Each man his log
(For so the armor-bearer of the King
Of Crete, Meriones, had them enjoin’d)
Bore after them, and each his burthen cast
155
Down on the beach regular, where a tomb
Of ample size Achilles for his friend
Patroclus had, and for himself, design’d.
Much fuel thrown together, side by side
There down they sat, and his command at once
160
Page 301
Achilles issued to his warriors bold,
That all should gird their armor, and the steeds
Join to their chariots; undelaying each
Complied, and in bright arms stood soon array’d.
Then mounted combatants and charioteers.
165
First, moved the chariots, next, the infantry
Proceeded numerous, amid whom his friends,
Bearing the body of Patroclus, went.
They poll’d their heads, and cover’d
him with hair
Shower’d over all his body, while behind
170
Noble Achilles march’d, the hero’s head
Sustaining sorrowful, for to the realms
Of Ades a distinguish’d friend he sent.
And now, arriving on the ground erewhile
Mark’d by Achilles, setting down the dead,
175
They heap’d the fuel quick, a lofty pile.[3]
But Peleus’ son, on other thoughts intent,
Retiring from the funeral pile, shore off
His amber ringlets,[4] whose exuberant growth
Sacred to Sperchius he had kept unshorn,
180
And looking o’er the gloomy deep, he said.
Sperchius! in vain Peleus my father vow’d
That, hence returning to my native land,
These ringlets shorn I should present to thee[5]
With a whole hecatomb, and should, beside,
185
Rams offer fifty at thy fountain head
In thy own field, at thy own fragrant shrine.
So vow’d the hoary Chief, whose wishes thou
Leavest unperform’d. Since, therefore,
never more
I see my native home, the hero these
190
Patroclus takes down with him to the shades.
He said, and filling with his hair the hand
Of his dead friend, the sorrows of his train
Waken’d afresh. And now the lamp of day
Westering[6] apace, had left them still in tears,
195
Had not Achilles suddenly address’d
King Agamemnon, standing at his side.
Atrides! (for Achaia’s sons thy word
Will readiest execute) we may with grief
Satiate ourselves hereafter; but, the host
200
Dispersing from the pile, now give command
That they prepare repast; ourselves,[7] to whom
These labors in peculiar appertain
Will finish them; but bid the Chiefs abide.
Which when imperial Agamemnon heard,
205
He scatter’d instant to their several ships
The people; but the burial-dressers thence
Went not; they, still abiding, heap’d the
pile.
A hundred feet of breadth from side to side
They gave to it, and on the summit placed
210
With sorrowing hearts the body of the dead.
Many a fat sheep, with many an ox full-horn’d
They flay’d before the pile, busy their task
Administering, and Peleus’ son the fat
Taking from every victim, overspread
215
Complete the body with it of his friend[8]
Patroclus, and the flay’d beasts heap’d
around.
Then, placing flagons on the pile, replete
Page 302
With oil and honey, he inclined their mouths
Toward the bier, and slew and added next,
220
Deep-groaning and in haste, four martial steeds.
Nine dogs the hero at his table fed,
Of which beheading two, their carcases
He added also. Last, twelve gallant sons
Of noble Trojans slaying (for his heart
225
Teem’d with great vengeance) he applied the
force
Of hungry flames that should devour the whole,
Then, mourning loud, by name his friend invoked.
Rejoice, Patroclus! even in the shades,
Behold my promise to thee all fulfill’d!
230
Twelve gallant sons of Trojans famed in arms,
Together with thyself, are all become
Food for these fires: but fire shall never
feed
On Hector; him I destine to the dogs.
So threaten’d he; but him no dogs devour’d;
235
Them, day and night, Jove’s daughter Venus
chased
Afar, and smooth’d the hero o’er with
oils
Of rosy scent ambrosial, lest his corse,
Behind Achilles’ chariot dragg’d along
So rudely, should be torn; and Phoebus hung
240
A veil of sable clouds from heaven to earth,
O’ershadowing broad the space where Hector
lay,
Lest parching suns intense should stiffen him.
But the pile kindled not. Then, Peleus’
son
Seeking a place apart, two Winds in prayer
245
Boreas invoked and Zephyrus, to each
Vowing large sacrifice. With earnest suit
(Libation pouring from a golden cup)
Their coming he implored, that so the flames
Kindling, incontinent might burn the dead.
250
Iris, his supplications hearing, swift
Convey’d them to the Winds; they, in the hall
Banqueting of the heavy-blowing West
Sat frequent. Iris, sudden at the gate
Appear’d; they, at the sight upstarting all,
255
Invited each the Goddess to himself.
But she refused a seat and thus she spake.[9]
I sit not here. Borne over Ocean’s
stream
Again, to AEthiopia’s land I go
Where hecatombs are offer’d to the Gods,
260
Which, with the rest, I also wish to share.
But Peleus’ son, earnest, the aid implores
Of Boreas and of Zephyrus the loud,
Vowing large sacrifice if ye will fan
Briskly the pile on which Patroclus lies
265
By all Achaia’s warriors deep deplored.
She said, and went. Then suddenly arose
The Winds, and, roaring, swept the clouds along.
First, on the sea they blew; big rose the waves
Beneath the blast. At fruitful Troy arrived
270
Vehement on the pile they fell, and dread
On all sides soon a crackling blaze ensued.
All night, together blowing shrill, they drove
The sheeted flames wide from the funeral pile,
And all night long, a goblet in his hand
275
From golden beakers fill’d, Achilles stood
Page 303
With large libations soaking deep the soil,
And calling on the spirit of his friend.
As some fond father mourns, burning the bones
Of his own son, who, dying on the eve
280
Of his glad nuptials, hath his parents left
O’erwhelm’d with inconsolable distress,
So mourn’d Achilles, his companion’s
bones
Burning, and pacing to and fro the field
Beside the pile with many a sigh profound.
285
But when the star, day’s harbinger, arose,
Soon after whom, in saffron vest attired
The morn her beams diffuses o’er the sea,
The pile, then wasted, ceased to flame, and then
Back flew the Winds over the Thracian deep
290
Rolling the flood before them as they pass’d.
And now Pelides lying down apart
From the funereal pile, slept, but not long,
Though weary; waken’d by the stir and din
Of Agamemnon’s train. He sat erect,
295
And thus the leaders of the host address’d.
Atrides, and ye potentates who rule
The whole Achaian host! first quench the pile
Throughout with generous wine, where’er the
fire
Hath seized it. We will then the bones collect
300
Of Menoetiades, which shall with ease
Be known, though many bones lie scatter’d
near,
Since in the middle pile Patroclus lay,
But wide apart and on its verge we burn’d
The steeds and Trojans, a promiscuous heap.
305
Them so collected in a golden vase
We will dispose, lined with a double cawl,
Till I shall, also, to my home below.
I wish not now a tomb of amplest bounds,
But such as may suffice, which yet in height
310
The Grecians and in breadth shall much augment
Hereafter, who, survivors of my fate,
Shall still remain in the Achaian fleet.
So spake Pelides, and the Chiefs complied.
Where’er the pile had blazed, with generous
wine 315
They quench’d it, and the hills of ashes sank.
Then, weeping, to a golden vase, with lard
Twice lined, they gave their gentle comrade’s
bones
Fire-bleach’d, and lodging safely in his tent
The relics, overspread them with a veil.
320
Designing, next, the compass of the tomb,
They mark’d its boundary with stones, then
fill’d
The wide enclosure hastily with earth,
And, having heap’d it to its height, return’d.
But all the people, by Achilles still
325
Detain’d, there sitting, form’d a spacious
ring,
And he the destined prizes from his fleet
Produced, capacious caldrons, tripods bright,
Steeds, mules, tall oxen, women at the breast
Close-cinctured, elegant, and unwrought[10] iron.
330
First, to the chariot-drivers he proposed
A noble prize; a beauteous maiden versed
In arts domestic, with a tripod ear’d,
Of twenty and two measures. These he made
Page 304
The conqueror’s meed. The second should
a mare 335
Obtain, unbroken yet, six years her age,
Pregnant, and bearing in her womb a mule.
A caldron of four measures, never smirch’d
By smoke or flame, but fresh as from the forge
The third awaited; to the fourth he gave
340
Two golden talents, and, unsullied yet
By use, a twin-ear’d phial[11] to the fifth.
He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
Atrides, and ye chiefs of all the host!
These prizes, in the circus placed, attend
345
The charioteers. Held we the present games
In honor of some other Grecian dead,
I would myself bear hence the foremost prize;
For ye are all witnesses well-inform’d
Of the superior virtue of my steeds.
350
They are immortal; Neptune on my sire
Peleus conferr’d them, and my sire on me.
But neither I this contest share myself,
Nor shall my steeds; for they would miss the force
And guidance of a charioteer so kind
355
As they have lost, who many a time hath cleansed
Their manes with water of the crystal brook,
And made them sleek, himself, with limpid oil.
Him, therefore, mourning, motionless they stand
With hair dishevell’d, streaming to the ground.
360
But ye, whoever of the host profess
Superior skill, and glory in your steeds
And well-built chariots, for the strife prepare!
So spake Pelides, and the charioteers,
For speed renown’d arose. Long ere the
rest 365
Eumelus, King of men, Admetus’ son
Arose, accomplish’d in equestrian arts.
Next, Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede, arose;
He yoked the Trojan coursers by himself
In battle from AEneas won, what time
370
Apollo saved their master. Third, upstood
The son of Atreus with the golden locks,
Who to his chariot Agamemnon’s mare
Swift AEthe and his own Podargus join’d.
Her Echepolus from Anchises sprung
375
To Agamemnon gave; she was the price
At which he purchased leave to dwell at home
Excused attendance on the King at Troy;
For, by the gift of Jove, he had acquired
Great riches, and in wide-spread Sicyon dwelt.
380
Her wing’d with ardor, Menelaus yoked.
Antilochus, arising fourth, his steeds
Bright-maned prepared, son of the valiant King
Of Pylus, Nestor Neleiades.
Of Pylian breed were they, and thus his sire,
385
With kind intent approaching to his side,
Advised him, of himself not uninform’d.[12]
Antilochus! Thou art, I know, beloved
By Jove and Neptune both, from whom, though young
Thou hast received knowledge of every art
390
Equestrian, and hast little need to learn.
Thou know’st already how to trim the goal
With nicest skill, yet wondrous slow of foot
Page 305
Thy coursers are, whence evil may ensue.
But though their steeds be swifter, I account
395
Thee wise, at least, as they. Now is the time
For counsel, furnish now thy mind with all
Precaution, that the prize escape thee not.
The feller of huge trees by skill prevails
More than by strength; by skill the pilot guides
400
His flying bark rock’d by tempestuous winds,
And more by skill than speed the race is won.
But he who in his chariot and his steeds
Trusts only, wanders here and wanders there
Unsteady, while his coursers loosely rein’d
405
Roam wide the field; not so the charioteer
Of sound intelligence; he though he drive
Inferior steeds, looks ever to the goal
Which close he clips, not ignorant to check
His coursers at the first but with tight rein
410
Ruling his own, and watching those before.
Now mark; I will describe so plain the goal
That thou shalt know it surely. A dry stump
Extant above the ground an ell in height
Stands yonder; either oak it is, or pine
415
More likely, which the weather least impairs.
Two stones, both white, flank it on either hand.
The way is narrow there, but smooth the course
On both sides. It is either, as I think,
A monument of one long since deceased,
420
Or was, perchance, in ancient days design’d,
As now by Peleus’ mighty son, a goal.
That mark in view, thy steeds and chariot push
Near to it as thou may’st; then, in thy seat
Inclining gently to the left, prick smart
425
Thy right-hand horse challenging him aloud,
And give him rein; but let thy left-hand horse
Bear on the goal so closely, that the nave
And felly[13] of thy wheel may seem to meet.
Yet fear to strike the stone, lest foul disgrace
430
Of broken chariot and of crippled steeds
Ensue, and thou become the public jest.
My boy beloved! use caution; for if once
Thou turn the goal at speed, no man thenceforth
Shall reach, or if he reach, shall pass thee by,
435
Although Arion in thy rear he drove
Adrastus’ rapid horse of race divine,
Or those, Troy’s boast, bred by Laomedon.
So Nestor spake, inculcating with care
On his son’s mind these lessons in the art,
440
And to his place retiring, sat again.
Meriones his coursers glossy-maned
Made ready last. Then to his chariot-seat
Each mounted, and the lots were thrown; himself
Achilles shook them. First, forth leap’d
the lot 445
Of Nestor’s son Antilochus, after whom
The King Eumelus took his destined place.
The third was Menelaus spear-renown’d;
Meriones the fourth; and last of all,
Bravest of all, heroic Diomede
450
The son of Tydeus took his lot to drive.
Page 306
So ranged they stood; Achilles show’d the
goal
Far on the champain, nigh to which he placed
The godlike Phoenix servant of his sire,
To mark the race and make a true report.
455
All raised the lash at once, and with the reins
At once all smote their steeds, urging them on
Vociferous; they, sudden, left the fleet
Far, far behind them, scouring swift the plain.
Dark, like a stormy cloud, uprose the dust
460
Their chests beneath, and scatter’d in the
wind
Their manes all floated; now the chariots swept
The low declivity unseen, and now
Emerging started into view; erect
The drivers stood; emulous, every heart
465
Beat double; each encouraged loud his steeds;
They, flying, fill’d with dust the darken’d
air.
But when returning to the hoary deep
They ran their last career, then each display’d
Brightest his charioteership, and the race
470
Lay stretch’d, at once, into its utmost speed.
Then, soon the mares of Pheretiades[14]
Pass’d all, but Diomede behind him came,
Borne by his unemasculated steeds
Of Trojan pedigree; they not remote,
475
But close pursued him; and at every pace
Seem’d entering both; the chariot at their
head,
For blowing warm into Eumelus’ neck
Behind, and on his shoulders broad, they went,
And their chins rested on him as they flew.
480
Then had Tydides pass’d him, or had made
Decision dubious, but Apollo struck,
Resentful,[15] from his hand the glittering scourge.
Fast roll’d the tears indignant down his cheeks,
For he beheld the mares with double speed,
485
Flying, and of the spur deprived, his own
Retarded steeds continual thrown behind.
But not unnoticed by Minerva pass’d
The art by Phoebus practised to impede
The son of Tydeus, whom with winged haste
490
Following, she gave to him his scourge again,
And with new force his lagging steeds inspired.
Eumelus, next, the angry Goddess, swift
Pursuing, snapt his yoke; wide flew the mares
Asunder, and the pole fell to the ground.
495
Himself, roll’d from his seat, fast by the
wheel
With lacerated elbows, nostrils, mouth,
And batter’d brows lay prone; sorrow his eyes
Deluged, and disappointment chok’d his voice.
Then, far outstripping all, Tydides push’d
500
His steeds beyond, which Pallas fill’d with
power
That she might make the glorious prize his own.
Him follow’d Menelaus amber-hair’d,
The son of Atreus, and his father’s steeds
Encouraging, thus spake Antilochus.
505
Away—now stretch ye forward to the
goal.
I bid you not to an unequal strife
With those of Diomede, for Pallas them
Quickens that he may conquer, and the Chief
Page 307
So far advanced makes competition vain.
510
But reach the son of Atreus, fly to reach
His steeds, incontinent; ah, be not shamed
For ever, foil’d by AEthe, by a mare!
Why fall ye thus behind, my noblest steeds?
I tell you both, and ye shall prove me true,
515
No favor shall ye find at Nestor’s hands,
My valiant sire, but he will thrust his spear
Right through you, should we lose, for sloth of
yours,
Or by your negligence, the nobler prize.
Haste then—pursue him—reach
the royal Chief— 520
And how to pass him in yon narrow way
Shall be my care, and not my care in vain.
He ended; they, awhile, awed by his voice,
With more exertion ran, and Nestor’s son
Now saw the hollow strait mark’d by his sire.
525
It was a chasm abrupt, where winter-floods,
Wearing the soil, had gullied deep the way.
Thither Atrides, anxious to avoid
A clash of chariots drove, and thither drove
Also, but somewhat devious from his track,
530
Antilochus. Then Menelaus fear’d,
And with loud voice the son of Nestor hail’d.
Antilochus, at what a madman’s rate
Drivest thou! stop—check thy steeds—the
way is here
Too strait, but widening soon, will give thee scope
535
To pass me by; beware, lest chariot close
To chariot driven, thou maim thyself and me.
He said; but still more rapid and the scourge
Plying continual, as he had not heard,
Antilochus came on. Far as the quoit
540
By some broad-shoulder’d youth for trial hurl’d
Of manhood flies, so far Antilochus
Shot forward; but the coursers fell behind
Of Atreus’ son, who now abated much
By choice his driving, lest the steeds of both
545
Jostling, should overturn with sudden shock
Both chariots, and themselves in dust be roll’d,
Through hot ambition of the foremost prize.
Him then the hero golden-hair’d reproved.
Antilochus! the man lives not on earth
550
Like thee for love of mischief. Go, extoll’d
For wisdom falsely by the sons of Greece.
Yet, trust me, not without an oath, the prize
Thus foully sought shall even now be thine.
He said, and to his coursers call’d aloud.
555
Ah be not tardy; stand not sorrow-check’d;
Their feet will fail them sooner far than yours,
For years have pass’d since they had youth
to boast.
So he; and springing at his voice, his steeds
Regain’d apace the vantage lost. Meantime
560
The Grecians, in full circus seated, mark’d
The steeds; they flying, fill’d with dust
the air.
Then, ere the rest, Idomeneus discern’d
The foremost pair; for, on a rising ground
Exalted, he without the circus sat,
565
And hearing, though remote, the driver’s voice
Page 308
Chiding his steeds, knew it, and knew beside
The leader horse distinguish’d by his hue,
Chestnut throughout, save that his forehead bore
A splendid blazon white, round as the moon.
570
He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
Friends! Chiefs and senators of Argos’
host!
Discern I sole the steeds, or also ye?
The horses, foremost now, to me appear
Other than erst, and I descry at hand
575
A different charioteer; the mares of late
Victorious, somewhere distant in the race
Are hurt; I plainly saw them at the first
Turning the goal, but see them now no more;
And yet with eyes inquisitive I range
580
From side to side the whole broad plain of Troy.
Either the charioteer hath slipp’d the reins,
Or rounded not successfully the goal
Through want of guidance. Thrown, as it should
seem,
Forth from his seat, he hath his chariot maim’d,
585
And his ungovern’d steeds have roam’d
away.
Arise and look ye forth yourselves, for I
With doubtful ken behold him; yet the man
Seems, in my view, AEtolian by descent,
A Chief of prime renown in Argos’ host,
590
The hero Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede,
But Ajax Oiliades the swift
Him sharp reproved. Why art thou always given
To prate, Idomeneus? thou seest the mares,
Remote indeed, but posting to the goal.
595
Thou art not youngest of the Argives here
So much, nor from beneath thy brows look forth
Quick-sighted more than ours, thine eyes abroad.
Yet still thou pratest, although silence more
Should suit thee, among wiser far than thou.
600
The mares which led, lead still, and he who drives
Eumelus is, the same who drove before.
To whom the Cretan Chief, angry, replied.
Ajax! whom none in wrangling can excel
Or rudeness, though in all beside thou fall
605
Below the Argives, being boorish-rough,
Come now—a tripod let us wager each,
Or caldron, and let Agamemnon judge
Whose horses lead, that, losing, thou may’st
learn.
He said; then sudden from his seat upsprang
610
Swift Ajax Oiliades, prepared
For harsh retort, nor had the contest ceased
Between them, but had grown from ill to worse,
Had not himself, Achilles, interposed.
Ajax—Idomeneus—abstain ye
both 615
From bitter speech offensive, and such terms
As ill become you. Ye would feel, yourselves,
Resentment, should another act as ye.
Survey the course, peaceable, from your seats;
The charioteers, by competition wing’d,
620
Will soon themselves arrive, then shall ye know
Distinctly, both who follows and who leads.
He scarce had said, when nigh at hand appear’d
Tydides, lashing, as he came, his steeds
Continual; they with hoofs uplifted high
Page 309
625
Their yet remaining ground shorten’d apace,
Sprinkling with dusty drops at every stroke
Their charioteer, while close upon their heels
Radiant with tin and gold the chariot ran,
Scarce tracking light the dust, so swift they flew.
630
He stood in the mid-circus; there the sweat
Rain’d under them from neck and chest profuse,
And Diomede from his resplendent seat
Leaping, reclined his scourge against the yoke.
Nor was his friend brave Sthenelus remiss,
635
But, seizing with alacrity the prize,
Consign’d the tripod and the virgin, first,
To his own band in charge; then, loosed the steeds.
Next came, by stratagem, not speed advanced
To that distinction, Nestor’s son, whom yet
640
The hero Menelaus close pursued
Near as the wheel runs to a courser’s heels,
Drawing his master at full speed; his tail
With its extremest hairs the felly sweeps
That close attends him o’er the spacious plain,
645
So near had Menelaus now approach’d
Antilochus; for though at first he fell
A full quoit’s cast behind, he soon retrieved
That loss, with such increasing speed the mare
Bright-maned of Agamemnon, AEthe, ran;
650
She, had the course few paces more to both
Afforded, should have clearly shot beyond
Antilochus, nor dubious left the prize.
But noble Menelaus threw behind
Meriones, companion in the field,
655
Of King Idomeneus, a lance’s flight,
For slowest were his steeds, and he, to rule
The chariot in the race, least skill’d of
all.
Last came Eumelus drawing to the goal,
Himself, his splendid chariot, and his mares
660
Driving before him. Peleus’ rapid son
Beheld him with compassion, and, amid
The Argives, in wing’d accents thus he spake.
Here comes the most expert, driving his steeds
Before him. Just it were that he received
665
The second prize; Tydides claims the first.
He said, and all applauded the award.
Then had Achilles to Eumelus given
The mare (for such the pleasure seem’d of
all)
Had not the son of mighty Nestor risen,
670
Antilochus, who pleaded thus his right.
Achilles! acting as thou hast proposed,
Thou shalt offend me much, for thou shalt take
The prize from me, because the Gods, his steeds
And chariot-yoke disabling, render’d vain
675
His efforts, and no failure of his own.
It was his duty to have sought the Gods
In prayer, then had he not, following on foot
His coursers, hindmost of us all arrived.
But if thou pity him, and deem it good,
680
Thou hast much gold, much brass, and many sheep
In thy pavilion; thou hast maidens fair,
And coursers also. Of thy proper stores
Hereafter give to him a richer prize
Page 310
Than this, or give it now, so shall the Greeks
685
Applaud thee; but this mare yield I to none;
Stand forth the Grecian who desires to win
That recompense, and let him fight with me.
He ended, and Achilles, godlike Chief,
Smiled on him, gratulating his success,
690
Whom much he loved; then, ardent, thus replied.
Antilochus! if thou wouldst wish me give
Eumelus of my own, even so I will.
I will present to him my corslet bright
Won from Asteropaeus, edged around
695
With glittering tin; a precious gift, and rare.
So saying, he bade Automedon his friend
Produce it from the tent; he at his word
Departing, to Achilles brought the spoil,
Which at his hands Eumelus glad received.
700
Then, stung with grief, and with resentment fired
Immeasurable, Menelaus rose
To charge Antilochus. His herald gave
The sceptre to his hand, and (silence bidden
To all) the godlike hero thus began.
705
Antilochus! oh heretofore discreet!
What hast thou done? Thou hast dishonor’d
foul
My skill, and wrong’d my coursers, throwing
thine,
Although inferior far, by fraud before them.
Ye Chiefs and Senators of Argos’ host!
710
Impartial judge between us, lest, of these,
Some say hereafter, Menelaus bore
Antilochus by falsehood down, and led
The mare away, because, although his steeds
Were worse, his arm was mightier, and prevail’d.
715
Yet hold—myself will judge, and will
to all
Contentment give, for I will judge aright.
Hither, Antilochus, illustrious youth!
And, as the law prescribes, standing before
Thy steeds and chariot, holding too the scourge
720
With which thou drovest, lay hand on both thy steeds,
And swear by Neptune, circler of the earth,
That neither wilfully, nor yet by fraud
Thou didst impede my chariot in its course.
Then prudent, thus Antilochus replied.
725
Oh royal Menelaus! patient bear
The fault of one thy junior far, in years
Alike unequal and in worth to thee.
Thou know’st how rash is youth, and how propense
To pass the bounds by decency prescribed,
730
Quick, but not wise. Lay, then, thy wrath aside;
The mare now given me I will myself
Deliver to thee, and if thou require
A larger recompense, will rather yield
A larger much than from thy favor fall
735
Deservedly for ever, mighty Prince!
And sin so heinously against the Gods.
So saying, the son of valiant Nestor led
The mare, himself, to Menelaus’ hand,
Who with heart-freshening joy the prize received.
740
As on the ears of growing corn the dews
Fall grateful, while the spiry grain erect
Bristles the fields, so, Menelaus, felt
Page 311
Thy inmost soul a soothing pleasure sweet!
Then answer thus the hero quick return’d.
745
Antilochus! exasperate though I were,
Now, such no longer, I relinquish glad
All strife with thee, for that at other times
Thou never inconsiderate wast or light,
Although by youthful heat misled to-day.
750
Yet safer is it not to over-reach
Superiors, for no other Grecian here
Had my extreme displeasure calm’d so soon;
But thou hast suffer’d much, and much hast
toil’d,
As thy good father and thy brother have,
755
On my behalf; I, therefore, yield, subdued
By thy entreaties, and the mare, though mine,
Will also give thee, that these Grecians all
May know me neither proud nor hard to appease.
So saying, the mare he to Noemon gave,
760
Friend of Antilochus, and, well-content,
The polish’d caldron for his prize
received.
The fourth awarded lot (for he had fourth
Arrived) Meriones asserted next,
The golden talents; but the phial still
765
Left unappropriated Achilles bore
Across the circus in his hand, a gift
To ancient Nestor, whom he thus bespake.
Thou also, oh my father! this accept,
Which in remembrance of the funeral rites
770
Of my Patroclus, keep, for him thou seest
Among the Greeks no more. Receive a prize,
Thine by gratuity; for thou shalt wield
The cestus, wrestle, at the spear contend,
Or in the foot-race (fallen as thou art
775
Into the wane of life) never again.
He said, and placed it in his hands. He,
glad,
Receiving it, in accents wing’d replied.
True, oh my son! is all which thou hast spoken.
These limbs, these hands, young friend! (their vigor
lost) 780
No longer, darted from the shoulder, spring
At once to battle. Ah that I could grow
Young yet again, could feel again such force
Athletic, as when in Buprasium erst
The Epeans with sepulchral pomp entomb’d
785
King Amarynceus, where his sons ordain’d
Funereal games in honor of their sire!
Epean none or even Pylian there
Could cope with me, or yet AEtolian bold.
Boxing, I vanquish’d Clytomedes, son
790
Of Enops; wrestling, the Pleuronian Chief
Ancaeus; in the foot-race Iphiclus,
Though a fleet runner; and I over-pitch’d
Phyleus and Polydorus at the spear.
The sons of Actor[16] in the chariot-race
795
Alone surpass’d me, being two for one,
And jealous both lest I should also win
That prize, for to the victor charioteer
They had assign’d the noblest prize of all.
They were twin-brothers, and one ruled the steeds,
800
The steeds one ruled,[17] the other lash’d
them on.
Such once was I; but now, these sports I leave
Page 312
To younger; me submission most befits
To withering age, who then outshone the best.
But go. The funeral of thy friend with games
805
Proceed to celebrate; I accept thy gift
With pleasure; and my heart is also glad
That thou art mindful evermore of one
Who loves thee, and such honor in the sight
Yield’st me of all the Greeks, as is my due.
810
May the Gods bless thee for it more and more!
He spake, and Peleus’ son, when he had heard
At large his commendation from the lips
Of Nestor, through the assembled Greeks return’d.
He next proposed, not lightly to be won,
815
The boxer’s prize. He tether’d
down a mule,
Untamed and hard to tame, but strong to toil,
And in her prime of vigor, in the midst;
A goblet to the vanquish’d he assign’d,
Then stood erect and to the Greeks exclaim’d.
820
Atridae! and ye Argives brazen-greaved!
I call for two bold combatants expert
To wage fierce strife for these, with lifted fists
Smiting each other. He, who by the aid
Of Phoebus shall o’ertome, and whom the Greeks
825
Shall all pronounce victorious, leads the mule
Hence to his tent; the vanquish’d takes the
cup.
He spake, and at his word a Greek arose
Big, bold, and skillful in the boxer’s art,
Epeues, son of Panopeus; his hand
830
He on the mule imposed, and thus he said.
Approach the man ambitious of the cup!
For no Achaian here shall with his fist
Me foiling, win the mule. I boast myself
To all superior. May it not suffice
835
That I to no pre-eminence pretend
In battle? To attain to foremost praise
Alike in every art is not for one.
But this I promise, and will well perform—
My blows shall lay him open, split him, crush
840
His bones to splinters, and let all his friends,
Attendant on him, wait to bear him hence,
Vanquish’d by my superior force in fight.
He ended, and his speech found no reply.
One godlike Chief alone, Euryalus,
845
Son of the King Mecisteus, who, himself,
Sprang from Talaion, opposite arose.
He, on the death of Oedipus, at Thebes
Contending in the games held at his tomb,
Had overcome the whole Cadmean race.
850
Him Diomede spear-famed for fight prepared,
Giving him all encouragement, for much
He wish’d him victory. First then he
threw[18]
His cincture to him; next, he gave him thongs[19]
Cut from the hide of a wild buffalo.
855
Both girt around, into the midst they moved.
Then, lifting high their brawny arms, and fists
Mingling with fists, to furious fight they fell;
Dire was the crash of jaws, and the sweat stream’d
From every limb. Epeues fierce advanced,
860
Page 313
And while Euryalus with cautious eye
Watch’d his advantage, pash’d him on
the cheek
He stood no longer, but, his shapely limbs,
Unequal to his weight, sinking, he fell.
As by the rising north-wind driven ashore
865
A huge fish flounces on the weedy beach,
Which soon the sable flood covers again,
So, beaten down, he bounded. But Epeues,
Heroic chief, upraised him by his hand,
And his own comrades from the circus forth
870
Led him, step dragging after step, the blood
Ejecting grumous, and at every pace
Rolling his head languid from side to side.
They placed him all unconscious on his seat
In his own band, then fetch’d his prize, the
cup. 875
Still other prizes, then, Achilles placed
In view of all, the sturdy wrestler’s meed.
A large hearth-tripod, valued by the Greeks
At twice six beeves, should pay the victor’s
toil;
But for the vanquish’d, in the midst he set
880
A damsel in variety expert
Of arts domestic, valued at four beeves.
He rose erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
Arise ye, now, who shall this prize dispute.
So spake the son of Peleus; then arose
885
Huge Telamonian Ajax, and upstood
Ulysses also, in all wiles adept.
Both girt around, into the midst they moved.
With vigorous gripe each lock’d the other
fast,
Like rafters, standing, of some mansion built
890
By a prime artist proof against all winds.
Their backs, tugg’d vehemently, creak’d,[20]
the sweat
Trickled, and on their flanks and shoulders, red
The whelks arose; they bearing still in mind
The tripod, ceased not struggling for the prize.
895
Nor could Ulysses from his station move
And cast down Ajax, nor could Ajax him
Unsettle, fixt so firm Ulysses stood.
But when, long time expectant, all the Greeks
Grew weary, then, huge Ajax him bespake.
900
Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!
Lift, or be lifted, and let Jove decide.
He said, and heaved Ulysses. Then, his wiles
Forgat not he, but on the ham behind
Chopp’d him; the limbs of Ajax at the stroke
905
Disabled sank; he fell supine, and bore
Ulysses close adhering to his chest
Down with him. Wonder riveted all eyes.
Then brave Ulysses from the ground awhile
Him lifted in his turn, but ere he stood,
910
Inserting his own knee the knees between[21]
Of Ajax, threw him. To the earth they fell
Both, and with dust defiled lay side by side.
And now, arising to a third essay,
They should have wrestled yet again, had not
915
Achilles, interfering, them restrain’d.
Strive not together more; cease to exhaust
Each other’s force; ye both have earn’d
the prize
Depart alike requited, and give place
Page 314
To other Grecians who shall next contend.
920
He spake; they glad complied, and wiping off
The dust, put on their tunics. Then again
Achilles other prizes yet proposed,
The rapid runner’s meed. First, he produced
A silver goblet of six measures; earth
925
Own’d not its like for elegance of form.
Skilful Sidonian artists had around
Embellish’d it,[22] and o’er the sable
deep
Phoenician merchants into Lemnos’ port
Had borne it, and the boon to Thoas[23] given;
930
But Jason’s son, Euneues, in exchange
For Priam’s son Lycaon, to the hand
Had pass’d it of Patroclus famed in arms.
Achilles this, in honor of his friend,
Set forth, the swiftest runner’s recompense.
935
The second should a fatted ox receive
Of largest size, and he assign’d of gold
A just half-talent to the worst and last.
He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
Now stand ye forth who shall this prize dispute.
940
He said, and at his word instant arose
Swift Ajax Oiliades; upsprang
The shrewd Ulysses next, and after him
Brave Nestor’s son Antilochus, with whom
None vied in speed of all the youths of Greece.
945
They stood prepared. Achilles show’d
the goal.
At once all started. Oiliades
Led swift the course, and closely at his heels
Ulysses ran. Near as some cinctured maid
Industrious holds the distaff to her breast,
950
While to and fro with practised finger neat
She tends the flax drawing it to a thread,
So near Ulysses follow’d him, and press’d
His footsteps, ere the dust fill’d them again,
Pouring his breath into his neck behind,
955
And never slackening pace. His ardent thirst
Of victory with universal shouts
All seconded, and, eager, bade him on.
And now the contest shortening to a close,
Ulysses his request silent and brief
960
To azure-eyed Minerva thus preferr’d.
Oh Goddess hear, prosper me in the race!
Such was his prayer, with which Minerva pleased,
Freshen’d his limbs, and made him light to
run.
And now, when in one moment they should both
965
Have darted on the prize, then Ajax’ foot
Sliding, he fell; for where the dung of beeves
Slain by Achilles for his friend, had spread
The soil, there[24] Pallas tripp’d him.
Ordure foul
His mouth, and ordure foul his nostrils fill’d.
970
Then brave Ulysses, first arriving, seized
The cup, and Ajax took his prize, the ox.
He grasp’d his horn, and sputtering as he
stood
The ordure forth, the Argives thus bespake.
Ah—Pallas tripp’d my footsteps;
she attends 975
Ulysses ever with a mother’s care.
Loud laugh’d the Grecians. Then, the
remnant prize
Antilochus receiving, smiled and said.
Page 315
Ye need not, fellow-warriors, to be taught
That now, as ever, the immortal Gods
980
Honor on seniority bestow.
Ajax is elder, yet not much, than I.
But Laertiades was born in times
Long past, a chief coeval with our sires,
Not young, but vigorous; and of the Greeks,
985
Achilles may alone with him contend.
So saying, the merit of superior speed
To Peleus’ son he gave, who thus replied.
Antilochus! thy praise of me shall prove
Nor vain nor unproductive to thyself,
990
For the half-talent doubled shall be thine.
He spake, and, doubling it, the talent placed
Whole in his hand. He glad the gift received.
Achilles, then Sarpedon’s arms produced,
Stripp’d from him by Patroclus, his long spear,
995
Helmet and shield, which in the midst he placed.
He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
I call for two brave warriors arm’d to prove
Each other’s skill with weapons keen, this
prize
Disputing, next, in presence of us all.
1000
Who first shall through his armor reach the skin
Of his antagonist, and shall draw his blood,
To him this silver-studded falchion bright
I give; the blade is Thracian, and of late
Asteropaeus wore it, whom I slew.
1005
These other arms shall be their common meed,
And I will banquet both within my tent.
He said, then Telamonian Ajax huge
Arose, and opposite the son arose
Of warlike Tydeus, Diomede the brave.
1010
Apart from all the people each put on
His arms, then moved into the middle space,
Lowering terrific, and on fire to fight.
The host look’d on amazed. Approaching
each
The other, thrice they sprang to the assault,
1015
And thrice struck hand to hand. Ajax the shield
Pierced of his adversary, but the flesh
Attain’d not, baffled by his mail within.
Then Tydeus’ son, sheer o’er the ample
disk
Of Ajax, thrust a lance home to his neck,
1020
And the Achaians for the life appall’d
Of Ajax, bade them, ceasing, share the prize.
But the huge falchion with its sheath and belt—
Achilles them on Diomede bestow’d.
The hero, next, an iron clod produced
1025
Rough from the forge, and wont to task the might
Of King Eetion; but, when him he slew,
Pelides, glorious chief, with other spoils
From Thebes convey’d it in his fleet to Troy.
He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
1030
Come forth who also shall this prize dispute!
How far soe’er remote the winner’s fields,
This lump shall serve his wants five circling years;
His shepherd shall not, or his plower, need
In quest of iron seek the distant town,
1035
But hence he shall himself their wants supply.[25]
Page 316
Then Polypoetes brave in fight arose,
Arose Leonteus also, godlike chief,
With Ajax son of Telamon. Each took
His station, and Epeues seized the clod.
1040
He swung, he cast it, and the Grecians laugh’d.
Leonteus, branch of Mars, quoited it next.
Huge Telamonian Ajax with strong arm
Dismiss’d it third, and overpitch’d
them both.
But when brave Polypoetes seized the mass
1045
Far as the vigorous herdsman flings his staff
That twirling flies his numerous beeves between,[26]
So far his cast outmeasured all beside,
And the host shouted. Then the friends arose
Of Polypoetes valiant chief, and bore
1050
His ponderous acquisition to the ships.
The archers’ prize Achilles next proposed,
Ten double and ten single axes, form’d
Of steel convertible to arrow-points.
He fix’d, far distant on the sands, the mast
1055
Of a brave bark cerulean-prow’d, to which
With small cord fasten’d by the foot he tied
A timorous dove, their mark at which to aim.
[27]Who strikes the dove, he conquers, and shall
bear
These double axes all into his tent.
1060
But who the cord alone, missing the bird,
Successful less, he wins the single blades.
The might of royal Teucer then arose,
And, fellow-warrior of the King of Crete,
Valiant Meriones. A brazen casque
1065
Received the lots; they shook them, and the lot
Fell first to Teucer. He, at once, a shaft
Sent smartly forth, but vow’d not to the King[28]
A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock.
He therefore (for Apollo greater praise
1070
Denied him) miss’d the dove, but struck the
cord
That tied her, at small distance from the knot,
And with his arrow sever’d it. Upsprang
The bird into the air, and to the ground
Depending fell the cord. Shouts rent the skies.
1075
Then, all in haste, Meriones the bow
Caught from his hand holding a shaft the while
Already aim’d, and to Apollo vow’d
A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock.
He eyed the dove aloft, under a cloud,
1080
And, while she wheel’d around, struck her
beneath
The pinion; through her and beyond her pass’d
The arrow, and, returning, pierced the soil
Fast by the foot of brave Meriones.
She, perching on the mast again, her head
1085
Reclined, and hung her wide-unfolded wing,
But, soon expiring, dropp’d and fell remote.
Amazement seized the people. To his tent
Meriones the ten best axes bore,
And Teucer the inferior ten to his.[29]
1090
Then, last, Achilles in the circus placed
A ponderous spear and caldron yet unfired,
Emboss’d with flowers around, its worth an
ox.
Upstood the spear-expert; Atrides first,
Wide-ruling Agamemnon, King of men,
Page 317
1095
And next, brave fellow-warrior of the King
Of Crete, Meriones; when thus his speech
Achilles to the royal chief address’d.
Atrides! (for we know thy skill and force
Matchless! that none can hurl the spear as thou)
1100
This prize is thine, order it to thy ship;
And if it please thee, as I would it might,
Let brave Meriones the spear receive.
He said; nor Agamemnon not complied,
But to Meriones the brazen spear
1105
Presenting, to Talthybius gave in charge
The caldron, next, his own illustrious prize.
THE ILIAD.
BOOK XIV.
ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH
BOOK.
Priam, by command of Jupiter, and under conduct of
Mercury, seeks Achilles in his tent, who admonished
previously by Thetis, consents to accept ransom for
the body of Hector. Hector is mourned, and the
manner of his funeral, circumstantially described,
concludes the poem.
BOOK XXIV.
The games all closed, the people went
dispersed
Each to his ship; they, mindful of repast,
And to enjoy repose; but other thoughts
Achilles’ mind employ’d:
he still deplored
With tears his loved Patroclus, nor the
force 5
Felt of all-conquering sleep, but turn’d
and turn’d
Restless from side to side, mourning the
loss
Of such a friend, so manly, and so brave.
Their fellowship in toil; their hardships
oft
Sustain’d in fight laborious, or
o’ercome 10
With difficulty on the perilous deep—
Remembrance busily retracing themes
Like these, drew down his cheeks continual
tears.
Now on his side he lay, now lay supine,
Now prone, then starting from his couch
he roam’d 15
Forlorn the beach, nor did the rising
morn
On seas and shores escape his watchful
eye,
But joining to his chariot his swift steeds,
He fasten’d Hector to be dragg’d
behind.
Around the tomb of Menoetiades
20
Him thrice he dragg’d; then rested
in his tent,
Leaving him at his length stretch’d
in the dust.
Meantime Apollo with compassion touch’d
Even of the lifeless Hector, from all
taint
Saved him, and with the golden aegis broad
25
Covering, preserved him, although dragg’d,
untorn.
While he, indulging thus his
wrath, disgraced
Brave Hector, the immortals at that sight
With pity moved, exhorted Mercury
The watchful Argicide, to steal him thence.
30
That counsel pleased the rest, but neither
pleased
Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid.
They still, as at the first, held fast
their hate
Of sacred Troy, detested Priam still,
And still his people, mindful of the crime
Page 318
35
Of Paris, who when to his rural hut
They came, those Goddesses affronting,[1]
praise
And admiration gave to her alone
Who with vile lusts his preference repaid.
But when the twelfth ensuing morn arose,
40
Apollo, then, the immortals thus address’d.
Ye Gods, your dealings now
injurious seem
And cruel. Was not Hector wont to
burn
Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your
shrines?
Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure
45
To rescue, that Andromache once more
Might view him, his own mother, his own
son,
His father and the people, who would soon
Yield him his just demand, a funeral fire.
But, oh ye Gods! your pleasure is alone
50
To please Achilles, that pernicious chief,
Who neither right regards, nor owns a
mind
That can relent, but as the lion, urged
By his own dauntless heart and savage
force,
Invades without remorse the rights of
man, 55
That he may banquet on his herds and flocks,
So Peleus’ son all pity from his
breast
Hath driven, and shame, man’s blessing
or his curse.[2]
For whosoever hath a loss sustain’d
Still dearer, whether of his brother born
60
From the same womb, or even of his son,
When he hath once bewail’d him,
weeps no more,
For fate itself gives man a patient mind.
Yet Peleus’ son, not so contented,
slays
Illustrious Hector first, then drags his
corse 65
In cruel triumph at his chariot-wheels
Around Patroclus’ tomb; but neither
well
He acts, nor honorably to himself,
Who may, perchance, brave though he be,
incur
Our anger, while to gratify revenge
70
He pours dishonor thus on senseless clay.
To whom, incensed, Juno white-arm’d
replied.
And be it so; stand fast this word of
thine,
God of the silver bow! if ye account
Only such honor to Achilles due
75
As Hector claims; but Hector was by birth
Mere man, and suckled at a woman’s
breast.
Not such Achilles; him a Goddess bore,
Whom I myself nourish’d, and on
my lap
Fondled, and in due time to Peleus gave
80
In marriage, to a chief beloved in heaven
Peculiarly; ye were yourselves, ye Gods!
Partakers of the nuptial feast, and thou
Wast present also with thine harp in hand,
Thou comrade of the vile! thou faithless
ever! 85
Then answer thus cloud-gatherer
Jove return’d.
Juno, forbear. Indulge not always
wrath
Against the Gods. They shall not
share alike,
And in the same proportion our regards.
Yet even Hector was the man in Troy
90
Most favor’d by the Gods, and him
Page 319
no less
I also loved, for punctual were his gifts
To us; mine altar never miss’d from
him
Libation, or the steam of sacrifice,
The meed allotted to us from of old.
95
But steal him not, since by Achilles’
eye
Unseen ye cannot, who both day and night
Watches[3] him, as a mother tends her
son.
But call ye Thetis hither, I would give
The Goddess counsel, that, at Priam’s
hands 100
Accepting gifts, Achilles loose the dead.
He ceased. Then Iris
tempest-wing’d arose.
Samos between, and Imbrus rock-begirt,
She plunged into the gloomy flood; loud
groan’d
The briny pool, while sudden down she
rush’d, 105
As sinks the bull’s[4] horn with
its leaden weight,
Death bearing to the raveners of the deep.
Within her vaulted cave Thetis she found
By every nymph of Ocean round about
Encompass’d; she, amid them all,
the fate 110
Wept of her noble son ordain’d to
death
At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote.
Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus address’d.
Arise, O Thetis! Jove,
the author dread
Of everlasting counsels, calls for thee.
115
To whom the Goddess of the
silver feet.
Why calls the mighty Thunderer me?
I fear,
Oppress’d with countless sorrows
as I am,
To mingle with the Gods. Yet I obey—
No word of his can prove an empty sound.
120
So saying, the Goddess took
her sable veil
(Eye ne’er beheld a darker) and
began
Her progress, by the storm-wing’d
Iris led.
On either hand the billows open’d
wide
A pass before them; they, ascending soon
125
The shore, updarted swift into the skies.
They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove
around
Environ’d by the ever-blessed Gods
Convened in full assembly; she beside
Her Father Jove (Pallas retiring) sat.
130
Then, Juno, with consolatory speech,
Presented to her hand a golden cup,
Of which she drank, then gave it back
again,
And thus the sire of Gods and men began.
Goddess of ocean, Thetis!
thou hast sought 135
Olympus, bearing in thy bosom grief
Never to be assuaged, as well I know.
Yet shalt thou learn, afflicted as thou
art,
Why I have summon’d thee. Nine
days the Gods,
Concerning Hector’s body and thy
own 140
Brave city-spoiler son, have held dispute,
And some have urged ofttimes the Argicide
Keen-sighted Mercury, to steal the dead.
But I forbade it for Achilles’ sake,
Whom I exalt, the better to insure
145
Thy reverence and thy friendship evermore.
Haste, therefore, seek thy son, and tell
him thus,
The Gods resent it, say (but most of all
Page 320
Myself am angry) that he still detains
Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge,
150
Unransom’d Hector; so shall he,
at length,
Through fear of me, perchance, release
the slain.
Myself to generous Priam will, the while,
Send Iris, who shall bid him to the fleet
Of Greece, such ransom bearing as may
soothe 155
Achilles, for redemption of his son.
So spake the God, nor Thetis
not complied.
Descending swift from the Olympian heights
She reach’d Achilles’ tent.
Him there she found
Groaning disconsolate, while others ran
160
To and fro, occupied around a sheep
New-slaughter’d, large, and of exuberant
fleece.
She, sitting close beside him, softly
strok’d
His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began.
How long, my son! sorrowing
and mourning here, 165
Wilt thou consume thy soul, nor give one
thought
Either to food or love? Yet love
is good,
And woman grief’s best cure; for
length of days
Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death
And ruthless destiny are on the wing.
170
Mark me,—I come a lieger sent
from Jove.
The Gods, he saith, resent it, but himself
More deeply than the rest, that thou detain’st
Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge,
Unransom’d Hector. Be advised,
accept 175
Ransom, and to his friends resign the
dead.
To whom Achilles, swiftest
of the swift.
Come then the ransomer, and take him hence;
If Jove himself command it,—be
it so.
So they, among the ships,
conferring sat 180
On various themes, the Goddess and her
son;
Meantime Saturnian Jove commanded down
His swift ambassadress to sacred Troy.
Hence, rapid Iris! leave the
Olympian heights.
And, finding noble Priam, bid him haste
185
Into Achaia’s fleet, bearing such
gifts
As may assuage Achilles, and prevail
To liberate the body of his son.
Alone, he must; no Trojan of them all
May company the senior thither, save
190
An ancient herald to direct his mules
And his wheel’d litter, and to bring
the dead
Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew.
Let neither fear of death nor other fear
Trouble him aught, so safe a guard and
sure 195
We give him; Mercury shall be his guide
Into Achilles’ presence in his tent.
Nor will himself Achilles slay him there,
Or even permit his death, but will forbid
All violence; for he is not unwise
200
Nor heedless, no—nor wilful
to offend,
But will his suppliant with much grace
receive.[5]
He ceased; then Iris tempest-wing’d
arose,
Jove’s messenger, and, at the gates
arrived
Of Priam, wo and wailing found within.
Page 321
205
Around their father, in the hall, his
sons
Their robes with tears water’d,
while them amidst
The hoary King sat mantled, muffled close,
And on his venerable head and neck
Much dust was spread, which, rolling on
the earth, 210
He had shower’d on them with unsparing
hands.
The palace echoed to his daughters’
cries,
And to the cries of matrons calling fresh
Into remembrance many a valiant chief
Now stretch’d in dust, by Argive
hands destroy’d. 215
The messenger of Jove at Priam’s
side
Standing, with whisper’d accents
low his ear
Saluted, but he trembled at the sound.
Courage, Dardanian Priam!
fear thou nought;
To thee no prophetess of ill, I come;
220
But with kind purpose: Jove’s
ambassadress
Am I, who though remote, yet entertains
Much pity, and much tender care for thee.
Olympian Jove commands thee to redeem
The noble Hector, with an offering large
225
Of gifts that may Achilles’ wrath
appease.
Alone, thou must; no Trojan of them all
Hath leave to attend thy journey thither,
save
An ancient herald to direct thy mules
And thy wheel’d litter, and to bring
the dead 230
Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew.
Let neither fear of death nor other fear
Trouble thee aught, so safe a guard and
sure
He gives thee; Mercury shall be thy guide
Even to Achilles’ presence in his
tent. 235
Nor will himself Achilles slay thee there,
Or even permit thy death, but will forbid
All violence; for he is not unwise
Nor heedless, no—nor wilful
to offend,
But will his suppliant with much grace
receive. 240
So spake the swift ambassadress,
and went.
Then, calling to his sons, he bade them
bring
His litter forth, and bind the coffer
on,
While to his fragrant chamber he repair’d
Himself, with cedar lined and lofty-roof’d,
245
A treasury of wonders into which
The Queen he summon’d, whom he thus
bespake.
Hecuba! the ambassadress of
Jove
Hath come, who bids me to the Grecian
fleet,
Bearing such presents thither as may soothe
250
Achilles, for redemption of my son.
But say, what seems this enterprise to
thee?
Myself am much inclined to it, I feel
My courage prompting me amain toward
The fleet, and into the Achaian camp.
255
Then wept the Queen aloud,
and thus replied.
Ah! whither is thy wisdom fled, for which
Both strangers once, and Trojans honor’d
thee?
How canst thou wish to penetrate alone
The Grecian fleet, and to appear before
260
His face, by whom so many valiant sons
Of thine have fallen? Thou hast an
Page 322
iron heart!
For should that savage man and faithless
once
Seize and discover thee, no pity expect
Or reverence at his hands. Come—let
us weep 265
Together, here sequester’d; for
the thread
Spun for him by his destiny severe
When he was born, ordain’d our son
remote
From us his parents to be food for hounds
In that chief’s tent. Oh! clinging
to his side, 270
How I could tear him with my teeth!
His deeds,
Disgraceful to my son, then should not
want
Retaliation; for he slew not him
Skulking, but standing boldly for the
wives,
The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy,
275
Guiltless of flight,[6] and of the wish
to fly.
Whom godlike Priam answer’d,
ancient King.
Impede me not who willing am to go,
Nor be, thyself, a bird of ominous note
To terrify me under my own roof,
280
For thou shalt not prevail. Had mortal
man
Enjoin’d me this attempt, prophet,
or priest,
Or soothsayer, I had pronounced him false
And fear’d it but the more.
But, since I saw
The Goddess with these eyes, and heard,
myself, 285
The voice divine, I go; that word shall
stand;
And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece
To perish, be it so; Achilles’ arm
Shall give me speedy death, and I shall
die
Folding my son, and satisfied with tears.
290
So saying, he open’d
wide the elegant lids
Of numerous chests, whence mantles twelve
he took
Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks;
As many carpets, with as many robes,
To which he added vests, an equal store.
295
He also took ten talents forth of gold,
All weigh’d, two splendid tripods,
caldrons four,
And after these a cup of matchless worth
Given to him when ambassador in Thrace;
A noble gift, which yet the hoary King
300
Spared not, such fervor of desire he felt
To loose his son. Then from his portico,
With angry taunts he drove the gather’d
crowds.
Away! away! ye dregs of earth,
away!
Ye shame of human kind! Have ye no
griefs 305
At home, that ye come hither troubling
me?
Deem ye it little that Saturnian Jove
Afflicts me thus, and of my very best,
Best boy deprives me? Ah! ye shall
be taught
Yourselves that loss, far easier to be
slain 310
By the Achaians now, since he is dead.
But I, ere yet the city I behold
Taken and pillaged, with these aged eyes,
Shall find safe hiding in the shades below.
He said, and chased them with
his staff; they left 315
In haste the doors, by the old King expell’d.
Then, chiding them aloud, his sons he
call’d,
Helenus, Paris, noble Agathon,
Page 323
Pammon, Antiphonus, and bold in fight
Polites, Dios of illustrious fame,
320
Hippothoues and Deiphobus—all
nine
He call’d, thus issuing, angry,
his commands.
Quick! quick! ye slothful
in your father’s cause,
Ye worthless brood! would that in Hector’s
stead
Ye all had perish’d in the fleet
of Greece! 325
Oh altogether wretched! in all Troy
No man had sons to boast valiant as mine,
And I have lost them all. Mestor
is gone
The godlike, Troilus the steed-renown’d,
And Hector, who with other men compared
330
Seem’d a Divinity, whom none had
deem’d
From mortal man derived, but from a God.
These Mars hath taken, and hath left me
none
But scandals of my house, void of all
truth,
Dancers, exact step-measurers,[7] a band
335
Of public robbers, thieves of kids and
lambs.
Will ye not bring my litter to the gate
This moment, and with all this package
quick
Charge it, that we may hence without delay?
He said, and by his chiding
awed, his sons 340
Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built,
And following swift the draught, on which
they bound
The coffer; next, they lower’d from
the wall
The sculptured boxen yoke with its two
rings;[8]
And with the yoke its furniture, in length
345
Nine cubits; this to the extremest end
Adjusting of the pole, they cast the ring
Over the ring-bolt; then, thrice through
the yoke
They drew the brace on both sides, made
it fast
With even knots, and tuck’d[9] the
dangling ends. 350
Producing, next, the glorious ransom-price
Of Hector’s body, on the litter’s
floor
They heap’d it all, then yoked the
sturdy mules,
A gift illustrious by the Mysians erst
Conferr’d on Priam; to the chariot,
last, 355
They led forth Priam’s steeds, which
the old King
(In person serving them) with freshest
corn
Constant supplied; meantime, himself within
The palace, and his herald, were employ’d
Girding[10] themselves, to go; wise each
and good. 360
And now came mournful Hecuba, with wine
Delicious charged, which in a golden cup
She brought, that not without libation
due
First made, they might depart. Before
the steeds
Her steps she stay’d, and Priam
thus address’d. 365
Take this, and to the Sire
of all perform
Libation, praying him a safe return
From hostile hands, since thou art urged
to seek
The Grecian camp, though not by my desire.
Pray also to Idaean Jove cloud-girt,
370
Who oversees all Ilium, that he send
His messenger or ere thou go, the bird
His favorite most, surpassing all in strength,
At thy right hand; him seeing, thou shalt
Page 324
tend
With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.
375
But should loud-thundering Jove his lieger
swift
Withhold, from me far be it to advise
This journey, howsoe’er thou wish
to go.
To whom the godlike Priam
thus replied.
This exhortation will I not refuse,
380
O Queen! for, lifting to the Gods his
hands
In prayer for their compassion, none can
err.
So saying, he bade the maiden
o’er the rest,
Chief in authority, pour on his hands
Pure water, for the maiden at his side
385
With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared.
He laved his hands; then, taking from
the Queen
The goblet, in his middle area stood
Pouring libation with his eyes upturn’d
Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer
preferr’d. 390
Jove, great and glorious above
all, who rulest,
On Ida’s summit seated, all below!
Grant me arrived within Achilles’
tent
Kindness to meet and pity, and oh send
Thy messenger or ere I go, the bird
395
Thy favorite most, surpassing all in strength,
At my right hand, which seeing, I shall
tend
With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.
He ended, at whose prayer,
incontinent,
Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,
400
The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos[11]
named,
And Percnos.[11] Wide as the well-guarded
door
Of some rich potentate his vans he spread
On either side; they saw him on the right,
Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they
beheld 405
That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled.
Delay’d not then the
hoary King, but quick
Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged
Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad.
The four-wheel’d litter led, drawn
by the mules 410
Which sage Idaeus managed, behind whom
Went Priam, plying with the scourge his
steeds
Continual through the town, while all
his friends,
Following their sovereign with dejected
hearts,
Lamented him as going to his death.
415
But when from Ilium’s gate into
the plain
They had descended, then the sons-in-law
Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return’d.
Nor they, now traversing the plain, the
note
Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld
420
Compassionate the venerable King,
And thus his own son Mercury bespake.
Mercury! (for above all others
thou
Delightest to associate with mankind
Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with
ease 425
To converse free) go thou, and so conduct
Priam into the Grecian camp, that none
Of all the numerous Danai may see
Or mark him, till he reach Achilles’
tent.
He spake, nor the ambassador
Page 325
of heaven 430
The Argicide delay’d, but bound
in haste
His undecaying sandals to his feet,
Golden, divine, which waft him o’er
the floods
Swift as the wind, and o’er the
boundless earth.
He took his rod with which he charms to
sleep 435
All eyes, and theirs who sleep opens again.
Arm’d with that rod, forth flew
the Argicide.
At Ilium and the Hellespontic shores
Arriving sudden, a king’s son he
seem’d,
Now clothing first his ruddy cheek with
down, 440
Which is youth’s loveliest season;
so disguised,
His progress he began. They now (the
tomb
Magnificent of Ilus past) beside
The river stay’d the mules and steeds
to drink,
For twilight dimm’d the fields.
Idaeus first 445
Perceived him near, and Priam thus bespake.
Think, son of Dardanus! for
we have need
Of our best thought. I see a warrior.
Now,
Now we shall die; I know it. Turn
we quick
Our steeds to flight; or let us clasp
his knees 450
And his compassion suppliant essay.
Terror and consternation at
that sound
The mind of Priam felt; erect the hair
Bristled his limbs, and with amaze he
stood
Motionless. But the God, meantime,
approach’d, 455
And, seizing ancient Priam’s hand,
inquired.
Whither, my father! in the
dewy night
Drivest thou thy mules and steeds, while
others sleep?
And fear’st thou not the fiery host
of Greece,
Thy foes implacable, so nigh at hand?
460
Of whom should any, through the shadow
dun
Of flitting night, discern thee bearing
forth
So rich a charge, then what wouldst thou
expect?
Thou art not young thyself, nor with the
aid
Of this thine ancient servant, strong
enough 465
Force to repulse, should any threaten
force.
But injury fear none or harm from me;
I rather much from harm by other hands
Would save thee, thou resemblest so my
sire.
Whom answer’d godlike
Priam, hoar with age. 470
My son! well spoken. Thou hast judged
aright.
Yet even me some Deity protects
Thus far; to whom I owe it that I meet
So seasonably one like thee, in form
So admirable, and in mind discreet
475
As thou art beautiful. Blest parents,
thine!
To whom the messenger of heaven
again,
The Argicide. Oh ancient and revered!
Thou hast well spoken all. Yet this
declare,
And with sincerity; bear’st thou
away 480
Into some foreign country, for the sake
Of safer custody, this precious charge?
Or, urged by fear, forsake ye all alike
Troy’s sacred towers! since he whom
thou hast lost,
Thy noble son, was of excelling worth
485
Page 326
In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks.
Then thus the godlike Priam,
hoary King.
But tell me first who Thou art,
and from whom
Descended, loveliest youth! who hast the
fate
So well of my unhappy son rehearsed?
490
To whom the herald Mercury
replied.
Thy questions, venerable sire! proposed
Concerning noble Hector, are design’d
To prove me. Him, not seldom, with
these eyes
In man-ennobling fight I have beheld
495
Most active; saw him when he thinn’d
the Greeks
With his sharp spear, and drove them to
the ships.
Amazed we stood to notice him; for us,
Incensed against the ruler of our host,
Achilles suffer’d not to share the
fight. 500
I serve Achilles; the same gallant bark
Brought us, and of the Myrmidons am I,
Son of Polyctor; wealthy is my sire,
And such in years as thou; six sons he
hath,
Beside myself the seventh, and (the lots
cast 505
Among us all) mine sent me to the wars.
That I have left the ships, seeking the
plain,
The cause is this; the Greeks, at break
of day,
Will compass, arm’d, the city, for
they loathe
To sit inactive, neither can the chiefs
510
Restrain the hot impatience of the host.
Then godlike Priam answer
thus return’d.
If of the band thou be of Peleus’
son,
Achilles, tell me undisguised the truth.
My son, subsists he still, or hath thy
chief 515
Limb after limb given him to his dogs?
Him answer’d then the
herald of the skies.
Oh venerable sir! him neither dogs
Have eaten yet, nor fowls, but at the
ships
His body, and within Achilles’ tent
520
Neglected lies. Twelve days he so
hath lain;
Yet neither worm which diets on the brave
In battle fallen, hath eaten him, or taint
Invaded. He around Patroclus’
tomb
Drags him indeed pitiless, oft as day
525
Reddens the east, yet safe from blemish
still
His corse remains. Thou wouldst,
thyself, admire
Seeing how fresh the dew-drops, as he
lies,
Rest on him, and his blood is cleansed
away
That not a stain is left. Even his
wounds 530
(For many a wound they gave him) all are
closed,
Such care the blessed Gods have of thy
son,
Dead as he is, whom living much they loved.
So he; then, glad, the ancient
King replied.
Good is it, oh my son! to yield the Gods
535
Their just demands. My boy, while
yet he lived,
Lived not unmindful of the worship due
To the Olympian powers, who, therefore,
him
Remember, even in the bands of death.
Come then—this beauteous cup
take at my hand— 540
Be thou my guard, and, if the Gods permit,
Page 327
My guide, till to Achilles’ tent
I come.
Whom answer’d then the
messenger of heaven.
Sir! thou perceivest me young, and art
disposed
To try my virtue; but it shall not fail.
545
Thou bidd’st me at thine hand a
gift accept,
Whereof Achilles knows not; but I fear
Achilles, and on no account should dare
Defraud him, lest some evil find me next.
But thee I would with pleasure hence conduct
550
Even to glorious Argos, over sea
Or over land, nor any, through contempt
Of such a guard, should dare to do thee
wrong.
So Mercury, and to the chariot
seat
Upspringing, seized at once the lash and
reins, 555
And with fresh vigor mules and steeds
inspired.
Arriving at the foss and towers, they
found
The guard preparing now their evening
cheer,
All whom the Argicide with sudden sleep
Oppress’d, then oped the gates,
thrust back the bars, 560
And introduced, with all his litter-load
Of costly gifts, the venerable King.
But when they reached the tent for Peleus’
son
Raised by the Myrmidons (with trunks of
pine
They built it, lopping smooth the boughs
away, 555
Then spread with shaggy mowings of the
mead
Its lofty roof, and with a spacious court
Surrounded it, all fenced with driven
stakes;
One bar alone of pine secured the door,
Which ask’d three Grecians with
united force 570
To thrust it to its place, and three again
To thrust it back, although Achilles oft
Would heave it to the door himself alone;)
Then Hermes, benefactor of mankind,
That bar displacing for the King of Troy,
575
Gave entrance to himself and to his gifts
For Peleus’ son design’d,
and from the seat
Alighting, thus his speech to Priam turn’d.
Oh ancient Priam! an immortal
God
Attends thee; I am Hermes, by command
580
Of Jove my father thy appointed guide.
But I return. I will not, entering
here,
Stand in Achilles’ sight; immortal
Powers
May not so unreservedly indulge
Creatures of mortal kind. But enter
thou, 585
Embrace his knees, and by his father both
And by his Goddess mother sue to him,
And by his son, that his whole heart may
melt.
So Hermes spake, and to the
skies again
Ascended. Then leap’d Priam
to the ground, 590
Leaving Idaeus; he, the mules and steeds
Watch’d, while the ancient King
into the tent
Proceeded of Achilles dear to Jove.
Him there he found, and sitting found
apart
His fellow-warriors, of whom two alone
595
Served at his side, Alcimus, branch of
Mars
And brave Automedon; he had himself
Supp’d newly, and the board stood
unremoved.
Page 328
Unseen of all huge Priam enter’d,
stood
Near to Achilles, clasp’d his knees,
and kiss’d 600
Those terrible and homicidal hands
That had destroy’d so many of his
sons.
As when a fugitive for blood the house
Of some chief enters in a foreign land,
All gaze, astonish’d at the sudden
guest, 605
So gazed Achilles seeing Priam there,
And so stood all astonish’d, each
his eyes
In silence fastening on his fellow’s
face.
But Priam kneel’d, and suppliant
thus began.
Think, oh Achilles, semblance
of the Gods! 610
On thy own father full of days like me,
And trembling on the gloomy verge of life.[12]
Some neighbor chief, it may be, even now
Oppresses him, and there is none at hand,
No friend to suocor him in his distress.
615
Yet, doubtless, hearing that Achilles
lives,
He still rejoices, hoping, day by day,
That one day he shall see the face again
Of his own son from distant Troy return’d.
But me no comfort cheers, whose bravest
sons, 620
So late the flower of Ilium, all are slain.
When Greece came hither, I had fifty sons;
Nineteen were children of one bed, the
rest
Born of my concubines. A numerous
house!
But fiery Mars hath thinn’d it.
One I had, 625
One, more than all my sons the strength
of Troy,
Whom standing for his country thou hast
slain—
Hector—his body to redeem I
come
Into Achaia’s fleet, bringing, myself,
Ransom inestimable to thy tent.
630
Reverence the Gods, Achilles! recollect
Thy father; for his sake compassion show
To me more pitiable still, who draw
Home to my lips (humiliation yet
Unseen on earth) his hand who slew my
son. 635
So saying, he waken’d
in his soul regret
Of his own sire; softly he placed his
hand
On Priam’s hand, and push’d
him gently away.
Remembrance melted both. Rolling
before
Achilles’ feet, Priam his son deplored
640
Wide-slaughtering Hector, and Achilles
wept
By turns his father, and by turns his
friend
Patroclus; sounds of sorrow fill’d
the tent.
But when, at length satiate, Achilles
felt
His heart from grief, and all his frame
relieved, 645
Upstarting from his seat, with pity moved
Of Priam’s silver locks and silver
beard,
He raised the ancient father by his hand,
Whom in wing’d accents kind he thus
bespake.
Wretched indeed! ah what must
thou have felt! 650
How hast thou dared to seek alone the
fleet
Of the Achaians, and his face by whom
So many of thy valiant sons have fallen?
Thou hast a heart of iron, terror-proof.
Come—sit beside me—let
us, if we may, 665
Page 329
Great mourners both, bid sorrow sleep
awhile.
There is no profit of our sighs and tears;
For thus, exempt from care themselves,
the Gods
Ordain man’s miserable race to mourn.
Fast by the threshold of Jove’s
courts are placed 660
Two casks, one stored with evil, one with
good,
From which the God dispenses as he wills.
For whom the glorious Thunderer mingles
both,
He leads a life checker’d with good
and ill
Alternate; but to whom he gives unmixt
665
The bitter cup, he makes that man a curse,
His name becomes a by-word of reproach,
His strength is hunger-bitten, and he
walks
The blessed earth, unblest, go where he
may.
So was my father Peleus at his birth
670
Nobly endow’d with plenty and with
wealth
Distinguish’d by the Gods past all
mankind,
Lord of the Myrmidons, and, though a man,
Yet match’d from heaven with an
immortal bride.
But even him the Gods afflict, a son
675
Refusing him, who might possess his throne
Hereafter; for myself, his only heir,
Pass as a dream, and while I live, instead
Of solacing his age, here sit, before
Your distant walls, the scourge of thee
and thine. 680
Thee also, ancient Priam, we have heard
Reported, once possessor of such wealth
As neither Lesbos, seat of Macar, owns,
Nor eastern Phrygia, nor yet all the ports
Of Hellespont, but thou didst pass them
all 685
In riches, and in number of thy sons.
But since the Powers of heaven brought
on thy land
This fatal war, battle and deeds of death
Always surround the city where thou reign’st.
Cease, therefore, from unprofitable tears,
690
Which, ere they raise thy son to life
again
Shall, doubtless, find fresh cause for
which to flow.
To whom the ancient King godlike
replied.
Hero, forbear. No seat is here for
me,
While Hector lies unburied in your camp.
695
Loose him, and loose him now, that with
these eyes
I may behold my son; accept a price
Magnificent, which may’st thou long
enjoy,
And, since my life was precious in thy
sight,
May’st thou revisit safe thy native
shore! 700
To whom Achilles, lowering,
and in wrath.[13]
Urge me no longer, at a time like this,
With that harsh note; I am already inclin’d
To loose him. Thetis, my own mother
came
Herself on that same errand, sent from
Jove. 705
Priam! I understand thee well.
I know
That, by some God conducted, thou hast
reach’d
Achaia’s fleet; for, without aid
divine,
No mortal even in his prime of youth,
Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant
as ours 710
He should not easily elude, such gates,
Page 330
So massy, should not easily unbar.
Thou, therefore, vex me not in my distress,
Lest I abhor to see thee in my tent,
And, borne beyond all limits, set at nought
715
Thee, and thy prayer, and the command
of Jove.
He said; the old King trembled,
and obey’d.
Then sprang Pelides like a lion forth,
Not sole, but with his two attendant friends
Alcimus and Automedon the brave,
720
For them (Patroclus slain) he honor’d
most
Of all the Myrmidons. They from the
yoke
Released both steeds and mules, then introduced
And placed the herald of the hoary King.
They lighten’d next the litter of
its charge 725
Inestimable, leaving yet behind
Two mantles and a vest, that, not unveil’d,
The body might be borne back into Troy.
Then, calling forth his women, them he
bade
Lave and anoint the body, but apart,
730
Lest haply Priam, noticing his son,
Through stress of grief should give resentment
scope,
And irritate by some affront himself
To slay him, in despite of Jove’s
commands.[14]
They, therefore, laving and anointing
first 735
The body, cover’d it with cloak
and vest;
Then, Peleus’ son disposed it on
the bier,
Lifting it from the ground, and his two
friends
Together heaved it to the royal wain.
Achilles, last, groaning, his friend invoked.
740
Patroclus! should the tidings
reach thine ear,
Although in Ades, that I have released
The noble Hector at his father’s
suit,
Resent it not; no sordid gifts have paid
His ransom-price, which thou shalt also
share. 745
So saying, Achilles to his
tent return’d,
And on the splendid couch whence he had
risen
Again reclined, opposite to the seat
Of Priam, whom the hero thus bespake.
Priam! at thy request thy
son is loosed, 750
And lying on his bier; at dawn of day
Thou shalt both see him and convey him
hence
Thyself to Troy. But take we now
repast;
For even bright-hair’d Niobe her
food
Forgat not, though of children twelve
bereft, 755
Of daughters six, and of six blooming
sons.
Apollo these struck from his silver bow,
And those shaft-arm’d Diana, both
incensed
That oft Latona’s children and her
own
Numbering, she scorn’d the Goddess
who had borne 760
Two only, while herself had twelve to
boast.
Vain boast! those two sufficed to slay
them all.
Nine days they welter’d in their
blood, no man
Was found to bury them, for Jove had changed
To stone the people; but themselves, at
last, 765
The Powers of heaven entomb’d them
on the tenth.
Yet even she, once satisfied with tears,
Remember’d food; and now the rocks
Page 331
among
And pathless solitudes of Sipylus,
The rumor’d cradle of the nymphs
who dance 770
On Acheloues’ banks, although to
stone
Transform’d, she broods her heaven-inflicted
woes.
Come, then, my venerable guest! take we
Refreshment also; once arrived in Troy
With thy dear son, thou shalt have time
to weep 775
Sufficient, nor without most weighty cause.
So spake Achilles, and, upstarting,
slew
A sheep white-fleeced, which his attendants
flay’d,
And busily and with much skill their task
Administ’ring, first scored the
viands well, 780
Then pierced them with the spits, and
when the roast
Was finish’d, drew them from the
spits again.
And now, Automedon dispensed around
The polish’d board bread in neat
baskets piled,
Which done, Achilles portion’d out
to each 785
His share, and all assail’d the
ready feast.
But when nor hunger more nor thirst they
felt,
Dardanian Priam, wond’ring at his
bulk
And beauty (for he seem’d some God
from heaven)
Gazed on Achilles, while Achilles held
790
Not less in admiration of his looks
Benign, and of his gentle converse wise,
Gazed on Dardanian Priam, and, at length
(The eyes of each gratified to the full)
The ancient King thus to Achilles spake.
795
Hero! dismiss us now each
to our bed,
That there at ease reclined, we may enjoy
Sweet sleep; for never have these eyelids
closed
Since Hector fell and died, but without
cease
I mourn, and nourishing unnumber’d
woes, 800
Have roll’d me in the ashes of my
courts.
But I have now both tasted food, and given
Wine to my lips, untasted till with thee.
So he, and at his word Achilles
bade
His train beneath his portico prepare
805
With all dispatch two couches, purple
rugs,
And arras, and warm mantles over all.
Forth went the women bearing lights, and
spread
A couch for each, when feigning needful
fear,[15]
Achilles thus his speech to Priam turn’d.
810
My aged guest beloved; sleep
thou without;
Lest some Achaian chief (for such are
wont
Ofttimes, here sitting, to consult with
me)
Hither repair; of whom should any chance
To spy thee through the gloom, he would
at once 815
Convey the tale to Agamemnon’s ear,
Whence hindrance might arise, and the
release
Haply of Hector’s body be delay’d.
But answer me with truth. How many
days
Wouldst thou assign to the funereal rites
820
Of noble Hector, for so long I mean
Myself to rest, and keep the host at home?
Then thus the ancient King
godlike replied.
If thou indeed be willing that we give
Page 332
Burial to noble Hector, by an act
825
So generous, O Achilles! me thou shalt
Much gratify; for we are shut, thou know’st,
In Ilium close, and fuel must procure
From Ida’s side remote; fear, too,
hath seized
On all our people. Therefore thus
I say. 830
Nine days we wish to mourn him in the
house;
To his interment we would give the tenth,
And to the public banquet; the eleventh
Shall see us build his tomb; and on the
twelfth
(If war we must) we will to war again.
835
To whom Achilles, matchless
in the race.
So be it, ancient Priam! I will curb
Twelve days the rage of war, at thy desire.[16]
He spake, and at his wrist
the right hand grasp’d
Of the old sovereign, to dispel his fear.
840
Then in the vestibule the herald slept
And Priam, prudent both, but Peleus’
son
In the interior tent, and at his side
Briseis, with transcendent beauty adorn’d.
Now all, all night, by gentle
sleep subdued, 845
Both Gods and chariot-ruling warriors
lay,
But not the benefactor of mankind,
Hermes; him sleep seized not, but deep
he mused
How likeliest from amid the Grecian fleet
He might deliver by the guard unseen
850
The King of Ilium; at his head he stood
In vision, and the senior thus bespake.
Ah heedless and secure! hast
thou no dread
Of mischief, ancient King, that thus by
foes
Thou sleep’st surrounded, lull’d
by the consent 855
And sufferance of Achilles? Thou
hast given
Much for redemption of thy darling son,
But thrice that sum thy sons who still
survive
Must give to Agamemnon and the Greeks
For thy redemption, should they
know thee here. 860
He ended; at the sound alarm’d
upsprang
The King, and roused his herald.
Hermes yoked
Himself both mules and steeds, and through
the camp
Drove them incontinent, by all unseen.
Soon as the windings of the
stream they reach’d, 865
Deep-eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove,
Mercury the Olympian summit sought,
And saffron-vested morn o’erspread
the earth.
They, loud lamenting, to the city drove
Their steeds; the mules close follow’d
with the dead. 870
Nor warrior yet, nor cinctured matron
knew
Of all in Ilium aught of their approach,
Cassandra sole except. She, beautiful
As golden Venus, mounted on the height
Of Pergamus, her father first discern’d,
875
Borne on his chariot-seat erect, and knew:
The herald heard so oft in echoing Troy;
Him also on his bier outstretch’d
she mark’d,
Whom the mules drew. Then, shrieking,
through the streets
She ran of Troy, and loud proclaim’d
Page 333
the sight. 880
Ye sons of Ilium and ye daughters, haste,
Haste all to look on Hector, if ye e’er
With joy beheld him, while he yet survived,
From fight returning; for all Ilium erst
In him, and all her citizens rejoiced.
885
She spake. Then neither
male nor female more
In Troy remain’d, such sorrow seized
on all.
Issuing from the city-gate, they met
Priam conducting, sad, the body home,
And, foremost of them all, the mother
flew 890
And wife of Hector to the bier, on which
Their torn-off tresses with unsparing
hands
They shower’d, while all the people
wept around.
All day, and to the going down of day
They thus had mourn’d the dead before
the gates, 895
Had not their Sovereign from his chariot-seat
Thus spoken to the multitude around.
Fall back on either side,
and let the mules
Pass on; the body in my palace once
Deposited, ye then may weep your fill.
900
He said; they, opening, gave
the litter way.
Arrived within the royal house, they stretch’d
The breathless Hector on a sumptuous bed,
And singers placed beside him, who should
chant
The strain funereal; they with many a
groan 905
The dirge began, and still, at every close,
The female train with many a groan replied.
Then, in the midst, Andromache white-arm’d
Between her palms the dreadful Hector’s
head
Pressing, her lamentation thus began.
910
[17]My hero! thou hast fallen
in prime of life,
Me leaving here desolate, and the fruit
Of our ill-fated loves, a helpless child,
Whom grown to manhood I despair to see.
For ere that day arrive, down from her
height 915
Precipitated shall this city fall,
Since thou hast perish’d once her
sure defence,
Faithful protector of her spotless wives,
And all their little ones. Those
wives shall soon
In Grecian barks capacious hence be borne,
920
And I among the rest. But thee, my
child!
Either thy fate shall with thy mother
send
Captive into a land where thou shalt serve
In sordid drudgery some cruel lord,
Or haply some Achaian here, thy hand
925
Seizing, shall hurl thee from a turret-top
To a sad death, avenging brother, son,
Or father by the hands of Hector slain;
For he made many a Grecian bite the ground.
Thy father, boy, bore never into fight
930
A milky mind, and for that self-same cause
Is now bewail’d in every house of
Troy.
Sorrow unutterable thou hast caused
Thy parents, Hector! but to me hast left
Largest bequest of misery, to whom,
935
Dying, thou neither didst thy arms extend
Page 334
Forth from thy bed, nor gavest me precious
word
To be remember’d day and night with
tears.
So spake she weeping, whom
her maidens all
With sighs accompanied, and her complaint
940
Mingled with sobs Hecuba next began.
Ah Hector! dearest to thy
mother’s heart
Of all her sons, much must the Gods have
loved
Thee living, whom, though dead, they thus
preserve.
What son soever of our house beside
945
Achilles took, over the barren deep
To Samos, Imbrus, or to Lemnos girt
With rocks inhospitable, him he sold;
But thee, by his dread spear of life deprived,
He dragg’d and dragg’d around
Patroclus’ tomb, 950
As if to raise again his friend to life
Whom thou hadst vanquish’d; yet
he raised him not.
But as for thee, thou liest here with
dew
Besprinkled, fresh as a young plant,[18]
and more
Resemblest some fair youth by gentle shafts
955
Of Phoebus pierced, than one in battle
slain.
So spake the Queen, exciting
in all hearts
Sorrow immeasurable, after whom
Thus Helen, third, her lamentation pour’d.
[19]Ah dearer far than all
my brothers else 960
Of Priam’s house! for being Paris’
spouse,
Who brought me (would I had first died!)
to Troy,
I call thy brothers mine; since forth
I came
From Sparta, it is now the twentieth year,
Yet never heard I once hard speech from
thee, 965
Or taunt morose, but if it ever chanced,
That of thy father’s house female
or male
Blamed me, and even if herself the Queen
(For in the King, whate’er befell,
I found
Always a father) thou hast interposed
970
Thy gentle temper and thy gentle speech
To soothe them; therefore, with the same
sad drops
Thy fate, oh Hector! and my own I weep;
For other friend within the ample bounds
Of Ilium have I none, nor hope to hear
975
Kind word again, with horror view’d
by all.
So Helen spake weeping, to
whom with groans
The countless multitude replied, and thus
Their ancient sovereign next his people
charged.
Ye Trojans, now bring fuel
home, nor fear 980
Close ambush of the Greeks; Achilles’
self
Gave me, at my dismission from his fleet,
Assurance, that from hostile force secure
We shall remain, till the twelfth dawn
arise.
All, then, their mules and
oxen to the wains 985
Join’d speedily, and under Ilium’s
walls
Assembled numerous; nine whole days they
toil’d,
Bringing much fuel home, and when the
tenth
Bright morn, with light for human kind,
arose,
Then bearing noble Hector forth, with
tears 990
Shed copious, on the summit of the pile
They placed him, and the fuel fired beneath.
Page 335
But when Aurora, daughter
of the Dawn,
Redden’d the east, then, thronging
forth, all Troy
Encompass’d noble Hector’s
pile around. 995
The whole vast multitude convened, with
wine
They quench’d the pile throughout,
leaving no part
Unvisited, on which the fire had seized.
His brothers, next, collected, and his
friends,
His white bones, mourning, and with tears
profuse 1000
Watering their cheeks; then in a golden
urn
They placed them, which with mantles soft
they veil’d
Maeonian-hued, and, delving, buried it,
And overspread with stones the spot adust.
Lastly, short time allowing to the task,
1005
They heap’d his tomb, while, posted
on all sides,
Suspicious of assault, spies watch’d
the Greeks.
The tomb once heap’d, assembling
all again
Within the palace, they a banquet shared
Magnificent, by godlike Priam given.
1010
Such burial the illustrious Hector
found.[20]
* * *
* *
[I cannot take my leave of this noble poem, without
expressing how much I am struck with this plain conclusion
of it. It is like the exit of a great man out
of company whom he has entertained magnificently;
neither pompous nor familiar; not contemptuous, yet
without much ceremony. I recollect nothing, among
the works of mere man, that exemplifies so strongly
the true style of great antiquity.]—TR.
FOOTNOTES
Footnotes for Book I:
1. “Latona’s son and Jove’s,”
was Apollo, the tutelary deity of the
Dorians. The Dorians had not,
however, at this early age, become
the predominant race in Greece proper.
They had spread along the
eastern shores of the Archipelago
into the islands, especially
Crete, and had every where signalized
themselves by the Temples of
Apollo, of which there seems to
have been many in and about Troy.
These temples were schools of art,
and prove the Dorians to have
been both intellectual and powerful.
Homer was an Ionian, and
therefore not deeply acquainted
with the nature of the Dorian god.
But to a mind like his, the god
of a people so cultivated, and
associated with what was most grand
in art, must have been an
imposing being, and we find him
so represented. Throughout the
Iliad, he appears and acts with
splendor and effect, but always
against the Greeks from mere partiality
to Hector. It would perhaps
be too much to say, that in this
partiality to Hector, we detect
the spirit of the Dorian worship,
the only Paganism of antiquity
that tended to perfect the individual—Apollo
being the expression
of the moral harmony of the universe,
and the great spirit of the
Dorian culture being to make a perfect
man, an incarnation of the
{kosmos}. This Homer could
only have known intuitively.
Page 336
In making Apollo author of the plague,
he was confounded with Helios, which was frequent
afterwards, but is not seen elsewhere in Homer.
The arrows of Apollo were “silent as light,”
and their emblem the sun’s rays. The
analogies are multitudinous between the natural
and intellectual sun; but Helios and Apollo were two.—E.P.P.
2. There is something exceedingly venerable in
this appearance of the
priest. He comes with the ensigns
of the gods to whom he belongs,
with the laurel wreath, to show
that he was a suppliant, and a
golden sceptre, which the ancients
gave in particular to Apollo, as
they did one of silver to Diana.
3. The art of this speech is remarkable.
Chryses considers the army of
Greeks, as made up of troops, partly
from the kingdoms and partly
from democracies, and therefore
begins with a distinction that
includes all. Then, as priest
of Apollo, he prays that they may
obtain the two blessings they most
desire—the conquest of Troy and
a safe return. As he names
his petition, he offers an extraordinary
ransom, and concludes with bidding
them fear the god if they refuse
it; like one who from his office
seems to foretell their misery,
and exhorts them to shun it.
Thus he endeavors to work by the art
of a general application, by religion,
by interest, and the
insinuation of danger.
4. Homer is frequently eloquent in his silence.
Chryses says not a
word in answer to the insults of
Agamemnon, but walks pensively
along the shore. The melancholy
flowing of the verse admirably
expresses the condition of the mournful
and deserted father.
5. [So called on account of his having saved the people
of Troas from
a plague of mice, sminthos
in their language meaning a
mouse.—TR.]
6. Apollo had temples at Chrysa, Tenedos, and
Cilla, all of which lay
round the bay of Troas. Mueller
remarks, that “the temple actually
stood in the situation referred
to, and that the appellation of
Smintheus was still preserved in
the district. Thus far actual
circumstances are embodied in the
mythus. On the other hand, the
action of the deity as such, is
purely ideal, and can have no other
foundation than the belief that
Apollo sternly resents ill usage of
his priests, and that too in the
way here represented, viz., by
sending plagues. This belief
is in perfect harmony with the idea
generally entertained of the power
and agency of Apollo; and it is
manifest that the idea placed in
combination with certain events,
gave birth to the story so far as
relates to the god. We have not
yet the means of ascertaining whether
it is to be regarded as a
historical tradition, or an invention,
and must therefore leave
that question for the present undecided.”
Page 337
7. The poet is careful to leave no prayer unanswered
that has justice
on its side. He who prays either
kills his enemy, or has signs
given him that he has been heard.
8. [For this singular line the Translator begs to
apologize, by
pleading the strong desire he felt
to produce an English line, if
possible, somewhat resembling in
its effect the famous original
one.
{Deine de klange genet
argyreoio bioio.}—TR.]
9. The plague in the Grecian camp was occasioned
perhaps by immoderate
heats and gross exhalations.
Homer takes occasion from it, to open
the scene with a beautiful allegory.
He supposes that such
afflictions are sent from Heaven
for the punishment of evil
actions; and because the sun was
the principal agent, he says it
was sent to punish Agamemnon for
despising that god, and injuring
his priest.
10. Hippocrates observes two things of plagues;
that their cause is in
the air, and that different animals
are differently affected by
them, according to their nature
and nourishment. This philosophy is
referred to the plagues here mentioned.
First, the cause is in the
air by means of the darts or beams
of Apollo; second, the mules and
dogs are said to die sooner than
the men, partly from their natural
quickness of smell, and partly from
their feeding so near the earth
whence the exhalations arise.
11: Juno, queen of Olympus, sides with the Grecians.
Mr. Coleridge (in
his disquisition upon the Prometheus
of AEschylus, published in his
Remains) shows very clearly by historical
criticism, that Juno, in
the Grecian religion, expressed
the spirit of conservatism. Without
going over his argument we assume
it here, for Homer always
attributes to Juno every thing that
may be predicated of this
principle. She is persistent,
obstinate, acts from no idea, but
often uses a superficial reasoning,
and refers to Fate, with which
she upbraids Jupiter. Jupiter
is the intellectual power or Free
Will, and by their union, or rather
from their antagonism, the
course of things proceeds with perpetual
vicissitude, but with a
great deal of life.—E.P.P.
12. Observe this Grecian priest. He has
no political power, and
commands little reverence.
In Agamemnon’s treatment of him, as well
as Chryses, is seen the relation
of the religion to the government.
It was neither master nor slave.—E.P.P.
13. A district of Thessaly forming a part of
the larger district of
Phthiotis. Phthiotis, according
to Strabo, included all the
southern portion of that country
as far as Mount OEta and the
Maliac Gulf. To the west it
bordered on Dolopia, and on the east
reached the confines of Magnesia.
Homer comprised within this
extent of territory the districts
of Phthia and Hellas properly so
called, and, generally speaking,
the dominions of Achilles,
together with those of Protesilaus
and Eurypylus.
Page 338
14. {Kynopa}.
15. {meganaides}.
16 Agamemnon’s anger is that of a lover, and
Achilles’ that of a
warrior. Agamemnon speaks of
Chryseis as a beauty whom he values
too much to resign. Achilles
treats Briseis as a slave, whom he is
anxious to preserve in point of
honor, and as a testimony of his
glory. Hence he mentions her
only as “his spoil,” “the reward
of
war,” etc.; accordingly
he relinquishes her not in grief for a
favorite whom he loses, but in sullenness
for the injury done
him.—DACIER.
17. Jupiter, in the disguise of an ant, deceived
Eurymedusa, the
daughter of Cleitos. Her son
was for this reason called Myrmidon
(from {myrmex}, an ant), and was
regarded as the ancestor of the
Myrmidons in Thessaly.—SMITH.
18. According to the belief of the ancients,
the gods were supposed to
have a peculiar light in their eyes.
That Homer was not ignorant of
this opinion appears from his use
of it in other places.
19. Minerva is the goddess of the art of war
rather than of war
itself. And this fable of her
descent is an allegory of Achilles
restraining his wrath through his
consideration of martial law and
order. This law in that age,
prescribed that a subordinate should
not draw his sword upon the commander
of all, but allowed a liberty
of speech which appears to us moderns
rather out of order.—E.P.P.
20. [The shield of Jupiter, made by Vulcan, and so
called from its
covering, which was the skin of
the goat that suckled him.—TR.]
21. Homer magnifies the ambush as the boldest
enterprise of war. They
went upon those parties with a few
only, and generally the most
daring of the army, and on occasions
of the greatest hazard, when
the exposure was greater than in
a regular battle. Idomeneus, in
the 13th book, tells Meriones that
the greatest courage appears in
this way of service, each man being
in a manner singled out to the
proof of it.
22. In the earlier ages of the world, the sceptre
of a king was
nothing more than his walking-staff,
and thence had the name of
sceptre. Ovid, in speaking
of Jupiter, describes him as resting on
his sceptre.—SPENCE.
From the description here given,
it would appear to have been a
young tree cut from the root and
stripped of its branches. It was
the custom of Kings to swear by
their sceptres.
23. For an account of the contest between the
Centaurs and Lapiths
here referred to, see Grecian and
Roman Mythology.
24. In antiquity, a sacrifice of a hundred
oxen, or beasts of the
same kind; hence sometimes indefinitely,
any sacrifice of a large
number of victims.
25. [The original is here abrupt, and expresses the
precipitancy of
the speaker by a most beautiful
aposiopesis.—TR.]
Page 339
26. The Iliad, in its connection, is, we all
know, a glorification of
Achilles by Zeus; for the Trojans
only prevail because Zeus wishes
to show that the reposing hero who
sits in solitude, can alone
conquer them. But to leave
him this glorification entirely unmixed
with sorrow, the Grecian sense of
moderation forbids. The deepest
anguish must mingle with his consciousness
of fame, and punish his
insolence. That glorification
is the will of Zeus; and in the
spirit of the ancient mythus, a
motive for it is assigned in a
divine legend. The sea-goddess
Thetis, who was, according to the
Phthiotic mythus, wedded to the
mortal Peleus, saved Zeus, by
calling up the giant Briareus or
AEgaeon to his rescue. Why it was
AEgaeon, is explained by the fact
that this was a great sea-demon,
who formed the subject of fables
at Poseidonian Corinth, where even
the sea-god himself was called AEgaeon;
who, moreover, was worshipped
at several places in Euboea, the
seat of Poseidon AEgaeus; and whom
the Theogony calls the son-in-law
of Poseidon, and most of the
genealogists, especially Eumelus
in the Titanomachy, brought into
relation with the sea. There
is therefore good reason to be found
in ancient belief, why Thetis called
up AEgaeon of all others to
Jove’s assistance. The
whole of the story, however, is not
detailed—it is not much
more than indicated—and therefore it
would be difficult even now to interpret
it in a perfectly
satisfactory manner. It bears
the same relation to the Iliad, that
the northern fables of the gods,
which serve as a back-ground to
the legend of Nibelungen, bear to
our German ballad, only that here
the separation is much greater still—MULLER.
Homer makes use of this fable, without
reference to its meaning as an allegory. Briareus
seems to symbolize a navy, and the fable refers
to some event in remote history, when the reigning
power was threatened in his autocracy, and strengthened
by means of his association with the people against
some intermediate class.—E.P.P.
27. {epaurontai}.
28. [A name by which we are frequently to understand
the Nile in
Homer.—TR.]
29. Around the sources of the Nile, and thence
south-west into the
very heart of Africa, stretching
away indefinitely over its
mountain plains, lies the country
which the ancients called
Ethiopia, rumors of whose wonderful
people found their way early
into Greece, and are scattered over
the pages of her poets and
historians.
Homer wrote at least eight hundred
years before Christ, and his
poems are well ascertained to be
a most faithful mirror of the
manners of his times and the knowledge
of his age. * * * * *
Page 340
Homer never wastes an epithet. He
often alludes to the Ethiopians elsewhere, and
always in terms of admiration and praise, as being
the most just of men, and the favorites of the gods.
The same allusions glimmer through the Greek mythology,
and appear in the verses of almost all the Greek
poets, ere yet the countries of Italy and Sicily
were even discovered. The Jewish Scriptures and
Jewish literature abound in allusions to this distant
and mysterious people, the annals of the Egyptian
priests are full of them, and uniformly, the Ethiopians
are there lauded as among the best, the most religious,
and most civilized of men.—CHRISTIAN EXAMINER.
The Ethiopians, says Diodorus, are said
to be the inventors of pomps, sacrifices, solemn
meetings, and other honors paid to the gods.
From hence arose their character of piety, which is
here celebrated by Homer. Among these there
was an annual feast at Diospolis, which Eustathius
mentions, when they carried about the statues of
Jupiter and other gods, for twelve days, according
to their number; to which, if we add the ancient
custom of setting meat before statues, it will
appear to be a rite from which this fable might
easily have arisen.
30. [The original word ({polybentheos}) seems to express
variety of
soundings, an idea probably not
to be conveyed in an English
epithet.—TR.]
31: The following passage gives the most exact
account of the ancient
sacrifices that we have left us.
There is first, the purification
by the washing of hands; second,
the offering up of prayers; third,
the barley-cakes thrown upon the
victim; fourth, the manner of
killing it, with the head turned
upwards; fifth, selecting the
thighs and fat for their gods, as
the best of the sacrifice, and
disposing about them pieces cut
from every part for a
representation of the whole (hence
the thighs are frequently spoken
of in Homer and the Greek poets
as the whole victim); sixth, the
libation of wine; seventh, consuming
the thighs in the fire of the
altar; eighth, the sacrificers dressing
and feasting on the rest,
with joy and hymns to the gods.
32. The Paean (originally sung in honor
of Apollo) was a hymn to
propitiate the god, and also a song
of thanksgiving, when freed
from danger. It was always
of a joyous nature. Both tune and sound
expressed hope and confidence.
It was sung by several persons, one
of whom probably led the others,
and the singers either marched
onward, or sat together at table.
33. It was the custom to draw the ships entirely
upon the shore, and
to secure them by long props.—FELTON
34. Suppliants threw themselves at the feet of
the person to whom the
supplication was addressed, and
embraced his knees.—FELTON.
35. Ambrosia, the food of the gods, conferred
upon them eternal youth
and immortality, and was brought
to Jupiter by pigeons. It was also
used by the gods for anointing the
body and hair. Hence the
expression, ambrosial locks.
Page 341
36 The original says, “the ox-eyed goddess,”
which furnishes Coleridge
with one of the hints on which he
proceeds in historically
identifying the Argive Juno with
Io and Isis, &c. There is real wit
in Homer’s making her say
to Jupiter, “I never search thy
thoughts,” &c. The principle
of conservatism asks nothing of the
intellectual power, but blindly
contends, reposing upon the
instinct of a common sense, which
leads her always to surmise that
something is intended by the intellectual
power that she shall not
like.—E.P.P.
37. This refers to an old fable of Jupiter’s
hanging up Juno and
whipping her. Homer introduces
it without reference to its meaning,
which was undoubtedly some physical
truth connected with the ether
and the atmosphere.—E.P.P.
38. [The reader, in order that he may partake with
the gods in the
drollery of this scene, should observe
that the crippled and
distorted Vulcan had thrust himself
into an office at all other
times administered either by Hebe
or Ganymede.—TR.]
39. As Minerva or Wisdom was among the company,
the poet’s making
Vulcan act the part of peace-maker,
would appear to have been from
choice, knowing that a mirthful
person may often stop a quarrel, by
making himself the subject of merriment.
Footnotes for Book II:
1. The poem now becomes more exciting; the language
more animated; the
descriptions more lively and figurative.
Homer seems to kindle with
his subject, and to press all the
phenomena of nature into his
service for the purpose of illustration
and adornment. Jupiter
prepares to keep his promise of
avenging Achilles, by drawing
Agamemnon into a deceitful expectation
of taking the city. The
forces are arranged for battle,
which gives occasion for the
celebrated catalogue.—FELTON.
2. The whole action of the Dream is natural.
It takes the figure of
one much beloved by Agamemnon, as
the object that is most in our
thoughts when awake, is the one
that oftenest appears to us in our
dreams, and just at the instant
of its vanishing, leaves so strong
an impression, that the voice seems
still sounding in his ear.
The Dream also repeats the words
of Jupiter without variation,
which is considered as a great propriety
in delivering a message
from the father of gods and men.
3. King of Pylus, an ancient city of Elis.
4. [Agamemnon seems to entertain some doubts lest
the army should so
resent his treatment of their favorite
Achilles, as to be
indisposed to serve him.—TR.]
5. [Mercury.]
6. [Argus.]
7. Homer, in a happy and poetical manner, acquaints
us with the high
descent of Agamemnon, and traces
the origin of his power to the
highest source, by saying, that
the sceptre had descended to him
from the hand of Jupiter.
Page 342
8. The power of Agamemnon as a monarch refers
to his being the leader
of an army. According to the
form of royalty in the heroic age, a
king had only the power of a magistrate,
except as he held the
office of priest. Aristotle
defines a king as a Leader of war, a
Judge of controversies, and President
of the ceremonies of the
gods. That he had the principal
care of religious rites, appears
from many passages in Homer.
His power was nowhere absolute but in
war, for we find Agamemnon insulted
in the council, but in the army
threatening deserters with death.
Agamemnon is sometimes styled
king of kings, as the other princes
had given him supreme authority
over them in the siege.
9. [The extremest provocation is implied in this expression,
which
Thersites quotes exactly as he had
heard it from the lips of
Achilles.—TR.]
10. The character of Thersites is admirably sketched.
There is nothing
vague and indistinct, but all the
traits are so lively, that he
stands before us like the image
of some absurd being whom we have
ourselves seen. It has been
justly remarked by critics, that the
poet displays great skill in representing
the opponents of
Agamemnon in the character of so
base a personage, since nothing
could more effectually reconcile
the Greeks to the continuance of
the war, than the ridiculous turbulence
of Thersites.—FELTON.
11. [Some for {ponos} here read {pothos}; which reading
I have adopted
for the sake both of perspicuity
and connection.—TR.]
12. The principal signs by which the gods were
thought to declare
their will, were things connected
with the offering of sacrifices,
the flight and voice of birds, all
kinds of natural phenomena,
ordinary as well as extraordinary
dreams.
13. An epithet supposed to have been derived
from Gerenia, a Messenian
town, where Nestor was educated.
In the pictures which Homer draws
of him, the most striking
features are his wisdom, bravery,
and knowledge of war, his
eloquence, and his old age.
For some general remarks upon the
heroes of the time, see Grecian
and Roman Mythology.
14. In allusion to the custom of pouring out
a libation of pure wine,
in the ceremony of forming a league,
and joining right hands, as a
pledge of mutual fidelity after
the sacrifice.—FELTON.
15. [Nestor is supposed here to glance at Achilles.—TR.]
16. Homer here exalts wisdom over valor.
17. [Money stamped with the figure of an ox.]—TR.
18. The encouragement of a divine power, seemed
all that was requisite
to change the dispositions of the
Grecians, and make them more
ardent for combat than they had
previously been to return. This
conquers their inclinations in a
manner at once poetical and in
keeping with the moral which is
every where spread through Homer,
that nothing is accomplished without
divine assistance.
Page 343
19. Homer’s rich invention gives us five
beautiful similes on the
march of the army. This profusion
and variety can never be
sufficiently admired.
20. The superior knowledge that the poet here
attributes to the Muses
as divine beings, and then his occasional
invocations to them,
gives an air of importance to his
subject and has an imposing
effect.
21. However fabulous the other parts of Homer’s
poems may be, this
account of the princes, people,
and countries, is by far the most
valuable piece of history and geography
left us in regard to the
state of Greece in that early period.
Greece was then divided into
several dynasties, which Homer has
enumerated under their
respective princes; and his division
was considered so correct,
that many disputes respecting the
boundaries of Grecian cities were
decided upon his authority.
Eustathius has collected together the
following instances: The city
of Calydon was adjudged to the
AEtolians, notwithstanding the pretensions
of AEolia, because it was
ranked by Homer as belonging to
the former. Sestos was given to
those of Abydos, upon the plea that
he had said the Abydonians were
possessors of Sestos, Abydos, and
Arisbe. When the Milesians and
people of Priene disputed their
claim to Mycale, a verse of Homer
gave it to the Milesians. The
Athenians were put in possession of
Salamis by another which was cited
by Solon, or (according to some)
interpolated by him for that purpose;
and Porphyry says, that the
catalogue was so highly esteemed,
that the youths of some nations
were required to commit it to memory.
Professor Felton remarks, “The
student is advised to give particular attention
to this important passage. He will find it the
most interesting fragment of geography extant; interesting
for the poetical beauty of the verse, the regular
order which is followed, and the little characteristic
touches which denote the peculiarities of the several
provinces. The more he examines this catalogue
with the subsidiary lights of geography, history and
travels, the more cause will he find of wonder,
that a description so ancient should combine so
much accuracy, beauty, and interest. It is
recommended to the student, to trace the provinces
and cities on some good map of ancient Greece.”
22. [Some say Thebes the less, others, the suburbs
of Thebes the
greater. It is certain that
Thebes itself sent none.—TR.]
23. It was the custom of these people to shave
the fore parts of their
heads, that their enemies might
not seize them by the hair; on the
hinder part they allowed it to grow,
as a valiant race that would
never turn their backs. Their
manner of fighting was hand to hand,
without quitting their javelins.
24 Menelaus is occasionally distinguished by his activity,
which shows
his personal concern in the war.
Page 344
25. The Arcadians, being an inland people, were
unskilled in
navigation, for which reason Agamemnon
furnished them with
shipping.
26. Nireus is nowhere mentioned as a leader but
in these lines. As
rank and beauty were his only qualifications,
he is allowed to sink
into oblivion.
27. The mud of the Peneus is of a light color,
for which reason Homer
gives it the epithet of silvery.
The Titaresius, and other small
streams which are rolled from Olympus
and Ossa, are so extremely
clear, that their waters are distinguished
from those of the Peneus
for a considerable distance from
the point of their
confluence.—DODWELL.
28. Dr. Clarke, in his travels, describes this
tomb as a conical
mound; and says that it is the spot
of all others for viewing the
plain of Troy, as it is visible
in all parts of Troas. From its top
may be traced the course of the
Scamander, the whole chain of Ida,
stretching towards Lectum, the snowy
heights of Gargarus, and all
the shores of Hellespont, near the
mouth of the river Sigaeum and
the other tumuli upon the coast.
29. A patronymic given to Achilles as descendant
of AEacus, father of
Peleus.
30. A river of Troas in Asia Minor, the same
as the Scamander.
31. This expression is construed by critics as
denoting an unpolished
dialect, but not a foreign.
Footnotes for Book III:
1. The scenes described in this book are exceedingly
lifesome. The
figures are animating and beautiful,
and the mind of the reader is
borne along with breathless interest
over the sonorous
verse.—FELTON.
2. This is a striking simile, from its exactness
in two points—the
noise and the order. It has
been supposed that the embattling of an
army was first learned by observing
the close order of the flight
of these birds. The noise of
the Trojans contrasts strongly with
the silence of the Greeks.
Plutarch remarks upon this distinction
as a credit to the military discipline
of the latter, and Homer
would seem to have attached some
importance to it, as he again
alludes to the same thing.
Book iv. 510.
3. [Paris, frequently named Alexander in the original.—TR.]
4. Not from cowardice, but from a sense of guilt
towards Menelaus. At
the head of an army he challenges
the boldest of the enemy; and
Hector, at the end of the Sixth
Book, confesses that no man could
reproach him as a coward. Homer
has a fine moral;—A brave mind,
however blinded with passion, is
sensible of remorse whenever he
meets the person whom he has injured;
and Paris is never made to
appear cowardly, but when overcome
by the consciousness of his
injustice.
5. [{Lainon esso chitona}.]
6. In allusion to the Oriental custom of stoning
to death for the
crime of adultery.—FELTON.
Page 345
7. The sling was a very efficacious and important
instrument in
ancient warfare. Stones were
also thrown with the hand. The Libyans
carried no other arms than the spear
and a bag of stones.
8. The Trojans were required to sacrifice two
lambs; one male of a
white color to the Sun, as the father
of light, and one female and
black to the Earth, the mother and
nurse of men. That these were
the powers to which they sacrificed
appears from their being
attested by name in the oath.
III. 330.
9. Helen’s weaving the events of the Trojan
war in a veil is an
agreeable fiction; and one might
suppose that it was inherited by
Homer, and explained in his Iliad.—DACIER.
10. [Not the grasshopper, but an insect well known
in hot countries,
and which in Italy is called Cicala.
The grasshopper rests on the
ground, but the favorite abode of
the Cicala is in the trees and
hedges.—TR.]
11. This episode is remarkable for its beauty.
The effect of Helen’s
appearance upon the aged counsellors
is striking and poetical. It
must be borne in mind, that Helen
was of divine parentage and
unfading beauty, and this will explain
the enthusiasm which her
sight called forth from the old
men. The poet’s skill in taking
this method of describing the Grecian
chieftains is obvious, and
the sketches themselves are living
and characteristic to a high
degree. The reminiscences of
the aged Priam, as their names are
announced, and the penitential sorrow
of the erring Helen, which
the sight of her countrymen, and
the recollection of her home, her
child, her companions, excite in
her bosom, are among the most
skilful touches of natural feeling.—FELTON.
12. The character of a benevolent old man is
well preserved in Priam’s
behavior to Helen. Upon observing
her confusion, he attributes the
misfortunes of the war to the gods
alone. This sentiment is also
natural to old age. Those who
have had the longest experience of
life, are the most inclined to ascribe
the disposal of all things
to the will of Heaven.
13. This view of the Grecian leaders from the
walls of Troy, is
admired as an episode of great beauty,
and considered a masterly
manner of acquainting the reader
with the figure and qualifications
of each hero.
14. Helen sees no where in the plain her two
brothers Castor and
Pollux. Her inquiry is a natural
one, and her self-reproach
naturally suggests her own disgrace
as the cause of their not
appearing among the other commanders.
The two lines in which the
poet mentions their death are simple
and touching.—FELTON.
15. Homer here gives the whole ceremonial of
the solemn oath, as it
was then observed by the nations
of whom he writes.
Page 346
16. It must be borne in mind that sacrificing
was the most solemn act
of religion, and that kings were
also chief-priests.
17. The armor of both Greeks and Trojans consisted
of six portions,
and was always put on in the order
here given. The greaves were for
the defence of the legs. They
were made of some kind of metal, and
probably lined with cloth or felt.
The cuirass or corselet for the
body, was made of horn cut in thin
pieces and fastened upon linen
cloth, one piece overlapping another.
The sword hung on the left
side by means of a belt which passed
over the right shoulder. The
large round shield, sometimes made
of osiers twisted together and
covered with several ox-hides, and
bound round the edge with metal.
In the Homeric times it was supported
by a belt; subsequently a
band was placed across the inner
side, in which the left arm was
inserted, and a strong leather strap
fastened near the edge at
certain distances, which was grasped
by the hand. The helmet, made
of metal and lined with felt.
Lastly the spear, and in many cases
two. The heavy-armed soldiery
were distinguished from the light.
The covering of the latter consisted
of skins, and instead of the
sword and lance, they fought with
darts, bows and arrows, or
slings, and were generally attached
in a subordinate capacity to
the heavy-armed soldiery.
18. Homer puts a prayer in the mouth of Menelaues,
but none in that of
Paris. Menelaues is injured
and innocent, and may therefore ask for
justice; but Paris, who is the criminal,
remains silent.
19. [Because the hide of a beast that dies in health
is tougher and
fitter for use than of another that
dies diseased.]
Footnotes for Book IV:
1. The goddess of youth is made an attendant
at the banquets of the
gods, to show that they enjoyed
a perpetual youth, and endless
felicity.
2. [A town of that name in Boeotia, where Pallas was
particularly
worshipped.—TR.]
3. [{Boopis}, constant description of Juno, but not
susceptible of
literal translation.]
4. Homer does not make the gods use all persons
indiscriminately as
their agents, but each according
to his powers. When Minerva would
persuade the Greeks, she seeks Ulysses;
when she would break the
truce, for Pandarus; and when she
would conquer, for Diomede. The
goddess went not to the Trojans,
because they hated Paris, and
looks among the allies, where she
finds Pandarus, who was of a
nation noted for perfidiousness,
and who, from his avarice, was
capable of engaging in this treachery
for the hope of a reward from
Paris.
5. A city of Asia Minor.
Page 347
6. This description, so full of circumstantial
detail, is remarkably
beautiful. 1. The history of
the bow, giving in a few words the
picture of a hunter, lying in ambush
and slaying his victim.
2. Then the process of making
the bow. 3. The anxious preparation
for discharging the arrow with certainty,
which was destined to
break off the truce and precipitate
the battle. 4. The hurried
prayer and vow to Apollo, after
which the string is drawn, the cord
twangs, the arrow “leaps forth.”
The whole is described with such
graphic truth, that we see, and
hear, and wait in breathless
suspense to know the result.—FELTON.
7. This is one of those humble comparisons with
which Homer sometimes
diversifies his subject, but a very
exact one of its kind, and
corresponding in all its parts.
The care of the goddess, the
unsuspecting security of Menelaus,
the ease with which she diverts
the danger, and the danger itself,
are all included in these few
words. To which may be added,
that if the providence of heavenly
powers to their creatures is expressed
by the love of a mother to
her child, if men in regard to them
are but as sleeping infants,
and the dangers that seem so great
to us, as easily warded off as
the simile implies, the conception
appears sublime, however
insignificant the image may at first
seem in regard to a hero.
8. From this we learn that the Lydians and Carians
were famous for
their skill in dying purple, and
that their women excelled in works
of ivory; and also that there were
certain ornaments that only
kings and princes were privileged
to wear.
9. This speech of Agamemnon over his wounded
brother, is full of noble
power and touching eloquence.
The Trojans have violated a truce
sanctioned by a solemn sacrifice
to the gods. The reflection that
such perjury cannot pass with impunity,
but that Jove will, sooner
or later, punish it, occurs first
to the mind of the warrior. In
the excitement of the moment, he
predicts that the day will surely
come when sacred Troy shall fall.
From this impetuous feeling his
mind suddenly returns to the condition
of his brother, and imagines
with much pathos, the consequences
that will follow from his death,
and ends with the wish, that the
earth may open before him when
that time shall come.—FELTON.
10. The poet here changes the narration, and
apostrophises the reader.
Critics commend this figure, as
the reader then becomes a
spectator, and his mind is kept
fixed on the action.
Page 348
11. In the following review of the army, we see
the skill of an
accomplished general as well as
the characters of the leaders whom
Agamemnon addresses. He begins
with an address to the army in
general, and then turns to individuals.
To the brave he urges their
secure hopes of conquest, since
the gods must punish perjury; to
the timid, their inevitable destruction
if the enemy should burn
their ships. After this he
flies from rank to rank, skilfully
addressing each ally, and presents
a lively picture of a great mind
in the highest emotion.
12. The ancients usually in their feasts divided
to the guests in
equal portions, except they took
particular occasion to show
distinction. It was then considered
the highest mark of honor to be
allotted the best portion of meat
and wine, and to be allowed an
exemption from the laws of the feast
in drinking wine unmingled and
without measure. This custom
was much more ancient than the time of
the Trojan war, and we find it practised
in the banquet given by
Joseph to his brethren.
13. [Diverse interpretations are given of this passage.
I have adopted
that which to me appeared most plausible.
It seems to be a caution
against the mischiefs that might
ensue, should the horses be put
under the management of a driver
with whom they were
unacquainted.—The scholium
by Villoisson much countenances this
solution.—TR.]
14. [Here Nestor only mentions the name of Ereuthalion,
knowing the
present to be an improper time for
story-telling; in the seventh
book he relates his fight and victory
at length. This passage may
serve to confute those who charge
Nestor with indiscriminate
loquacity.—TR.]
15. The first Theban war, previously alluded
to, took place
twenty-seven years before the war
of Troy. Sthenelus here speaks of
the second, which happened ten years
after the first. For an
account of these wars see Grecian
and Roman Mythology.
16. This is a most animated description.
The onset, the clashing of
spears, the shield pressed to shield,
the tumult of the battle, the
shouts and groans of the slayer
and the dying—all are described in
words, the very sound of which conveys
the terrible meaning. Then
come the exploits performed by individual
heroes. The student must
bear in mind, that the battles of
the heroic age depended in a
great measure upon the prowess of
single chieftains. Hence the
appropriateness of the following
enumeration.—FELTON.
17. So called from the river Simois, near which
he was born. It was an
eastern custom to name children
from the most remarkable accident
of their birth. The Scriptures
furnish many examples. In the Old
Testament princes were also compared
to trees, and Simoeisius is
here resembled to a poplar.
Page 349
18. Homer occasionally puts his readers in mind
of Achilles, and finds
occasion to celebrate his valor
with the highest praise. Apollo
here tells the Trojans they have
nothing to fear, since Achilles
fights not.
19. [{Akrokomoi}. They wore only a lock of hair
on the crown of the
head.]
Footnotes for Book V:
1. In each battle there is one prominent person
who may be called the
hero of the day. This arrangement
preserves unity, and helps to fix
the attention of the reader.
The gods sometimes favor one hero, and
sometimes another. In this
book we have the exploits of Diomede.
Assisted by Minerva, he is eminent
both for prudence and valor.
2. Sirius. This comparison, among many others,
shows how constantly
the poet’s attention was directed
to the phenomena of
nature.—FELTON.
3. {Eioenti}.
4. The chariots were probably very low.
We frequently find in the
Iliad that a person standing in
a chariot is killed (and sometimes
by a stroke on the head) by a foot
soldier with a sword. This may
farther appear from the ease with
which they mount or alight, to
facilitate which, the chariots were
made open behind. That the
wheels were small, may be supposed
from their custom of taking them
off and putting them on. Hebe
puts on the wheels of Juno’s chariot,
when he called for it in battle.
It may be in allusion to the same
custom, that it is said in Ex.,
ch. xiv.: “The Lord took off their
chariot wheels, so that they drove
them heavily.” That it was very
small and light, is evident from
a passage in the tenth Il., where
Diomede debates whether he shall
draw the chariot of Rhesus out of
the way, or carry it on his shoulders
to a place of safety.
5. [Meges, son of Phyleus.]
6. This whole passage is considered by critics
as very beautiful. It
describes the hero carried by an
enthusiastic valor into the midst
of his enemies, and mingling in
the ranks indiscriminately. The
simile thoroughly illustrates this
fury, proceeding as it did from
an extraordinary infusion of courage
from Heaven.
7. [Apollo.]
8. The deities are often invoked because of the
agency ascribed to
them and not from any particular
religious usage. And just as often
the heroes are protected by the
gods who are worshipped by their
own tribes and families—MULLER.
9. This fiction of Homer, says Dacier, is founded
upon an important
truth of religion, not unknown to
the Pagans: viz. that God only
can open the eyes of men, and enable
them to see what they cannot
otherwise discover. The Old
Testament furnishes examples. God opens
the eyes of Hagar, that she may
see the fountain. “The Lord opened
the eyes of Baalam, and he saw the
angel,” etc. This power of sight
was given to Diomede only for the
present occasion. In the 6th
Book, on meeting Glaucus, he is
ignorant whether he is a god, a
hero, or a man.
Page 350
10. [Or collar-bone.]
11. The belief of those times, in regard to the
peace and happiness of
the soul after death, made the protection
of the body a matter of
great importance. For a full
account of these rites, see the
articles Charon and Pluto, Gr. &
Rom. Mythology.
12. The physician of the gods. Homer says
nothing of his origin. He
seems to be considered as distinct
from Apollo, though perhaps
originally identical with him.
13. From the fact that so few mystical myths
are introduced in the
Iliad, Mueller infers that the mystical
element of religion could
not have predominated among the
Grecian people for whom Homer sang.
Otherwise, his poems in which that
element is but little regarded,
would not have afforded universal
pleasure and satisfaction. He
therefore takes but a passing notice
of Demeter. Mueller also
remarks, that in this we cannot
but admire the artistic skill of
Homer, and the feeling for what
is right and fitting that was
innate with the Greeks.
14. [Vide Samson to Harapha in the Agonistes.
There the word is used
in the same sense.—TR.]
15. [This is a construction of {leuk elephanti} given
by some of the
best commentators, and that seems
the most probable.—TR.]
16. This slow and orderly retreat of the Greeks,
with their front
constantly turned to the enemy,
is a fine encomium on their courage
and discipline. This manner
of retreating was customary among the
Lacedaemonians, as were many other
martial customs described by
Homer. The practice arose from
the apprehension of being killed by
a wound in the back, which was not
only punished with infamy, but a
person bearing the mark was denied
the rites of burial.
17. [This, according to Porphyrius as quoted by Clarke,
is the true
meaning of {aiolomitres}.—TR.]
18. The chariots of the gods were formed of various
metals, and drawn
through the air, or upon the surface
of the sea, by horses of
celestial breed. These chariots
were used by the deities only on
occasion of a long journey, or when
they wished to appear with
state and magnificence. Ordinarily
they were transported from place
to place by the aid of their golden
sandals, with the exception of
the “silver-footed Thetis,”
to whom they seem to have been
superfluous. When at home,
the gods were barefoot, according to the
custom of the age, as we see from
various representations of
antique art.
19. [These which I have called crescents, were a kind
of hook of a
semicircular form, to which the
reins were occasionally
fastened.—TR.]
20. The Greeks borrowed the vest and shield of
Minerva from the
Lybians, only with this difference:
the Lybian shield was fringed
with thongs of leather, and the
Grecian with serpents.—HERODOTUS.
Page 351
21. This expression (the gates of Heaven) is
in the eastern manner,
and common in the Scriptures.
22. [{Area tonde}.]
23. Every thing that enters the dark empire of
Hades disappears, and
is seen no more; hence the figurative
expression, to put on Pluto’s
helmet; that is to become invisible.
Footnotes for Book VI:
1. The Simois and Xanthus were two rivers of
the Troad, which form a
junction before they reached the
Hellespont. The Simois rose in Mt.
Ida, and the Xanthus had its origin
near Troy.—FELTON.
2. Ajax commences his exploits immediately on
the departure of the
gods from the battle. It is
observed of this hero, that he is never
assisted by the deities.
3. Axylus was distinguished for his hospitality.
This trait was
characteristic of the Oriental nations,
and is often alluded to by
ancient writers. The rite of
hospitality often united families
belonging to different and hostile
nations, and was even
transmitted from father to son.
This description is a fine tribute
to the generosity of Axylus.—FELTON
4. [Euryalus.]
5. Agamemnon’s taking the life of the Trojan
whom Menelaus had
pardoned, was according to the custom
of the times. The historical
books of the Old Testament abound
in instances of the like cruelty
to conquered enemies.
6. This important maxim of war is very naturally
introduced, upon
Menelaus being ready to spare an
enemy for the sake of a ransom.
According to Dacier, it was for
such lessons as these that
Alexander so much esteemed Homer
and studied his poem.
7. The custom of making donations to the gods
is found among the
ancients, from the earliest times
of which we have any record down
to the introduction of Christianity;
and even after that period it
was observed by the Christians during
the middle ages. Its origin
seems to have been the same as that
of sacrifices: viz. the belief
that the gods were susceptible of
influence in their conduct
towards men. These gifts were
sometimes very costly, but often
nothing more than locks of hair
cut from the head of the votary.
8. Diomede had knowingly wounded and insulted
the deities; he
therefore met Glaucus with a superstitious
fear that he might be
some deity in human shape.
This feeling brought to his mind the
story of Lycurgus.
9. It is said that Lycurgus caused most of the
vines of his country to
be rooted up, so that his subjects
were obliged to mix their wine
with water, as it became less plentiful.
Hence the fable that
Thetis received Bacchus into her
bosom.
10. This style of language was according to the
manners of the times.
Thus Goliath to David, “Approach,
and I will give thy flesh to the
fowls of the air and the beasts
of the field.” The Orientals still
speak in the same manner.
Page 352
11. Though this comparison may be justly admired
for its beauty in the
obvious application to the mortality
and succession of human life,
it seems designed by the poet, in
this place, as a proper emblem of
the transitory state of families
which, by their misfortune or
folly, have fallen and decayed,
and again appear, in a happier
season, to revive and flourish in
the fame and virtues of their
posterity. In this sense it
is a direct answer to the question of
Diomede, as well as a proper preface
to what Glaticus relates of
his own family, which, having become
extinct in Corinth, recovers
new life in Lycia.
12. The same as Corinth.
13. Some suppose that alphabetical writing was
unknown in the Homeric
age, and consequently that these
signs must have been
hieroglyphical marks. The question
is a difficult one, and the most
distinguished scholars are divided
in opinion. We can hardly
imagine that a poem of the length
and general excellence of the
Iliad, could be composed without
the aid of writing; and yet, we
are told, there are well-authenticated
examples of such works being
preserved and handed down by traditional
memory. However this may
be, we know that the Oriental nations
were in possession of the art
of alphabetical writing it a very
early period, and before the
Trojan war. It cannot, then,
seem very improbable, that the authors
of the Iliad should also have been
acquainted with it.—FELTON.
14. The Solymi were an ancient nation inhabiting
the mountainous parts
of Asia Minor, between Lycia and
Pisidia. Pliny mentions them as
having become extinct in his time.
15. It was the custom in ancient times, upon
the performance of any
signal service by kings or great
men, for the public to grant them
a tract of land as a reward.
When Sarpedon, in the 12th Book,
exhorts Glaucus to behave valiantly,
he reminds him of these
possessions granted by his countrymen.
16. The laws of hospitality were considered so
sacred, that a
friendship contracted under their
observance was preferred to the
ties of consanguinity and alliance,
and regarded as obligatory even
to the third and fourth generation.
Diomede and Glaucus here became
friends, on the ground of their
grandfathers having been mutual
guests. The presents made on
these occasions were preserved by
families, as it was considered obligatory
to transmit them as
memorials to their children.
17. [{Xeinoi patroioi}.]
18. The Scaean gate opened to the field of battle,
and was the one
through which the Trojans made their
excursions. Close to this
stood the beech tree sacred to Jupiter,
and often mentioned in
connection with it.
19. There is a mournfulness in the interview
between the hero and his
mother which is deeply interesting.
Her urging him to take wine and
his refusal were natural and simple
incidents, which heighten the
effect of the scene.—FELTON.
Page 353
20. The custom that prohibits persons polluted
with blood from
performing any offices of divine
worship before purification, is so
ancient and universal, that it may
be considered a precept of
natural religion, tending to inspire
a horror of bloodshed. In
Euripides, Iphigenia argues the
impossibility of human sacrifices
being acceptable to the gods, since
they do not permit any one
defiled with blood, or even polluted
with the touch of a dead body,
to come near their altars.
21. Paris surprised the King of Phoenecia by
night, and carried off
many of his treasures and captives,
among whom probably were these
Sidonian women. Tyre and Sidon
were famous for works in gold,
embroidery, etc., and for whatever
pertained to magnificence and
luxury.
22. This gesture is the only one described by
Homer as being used by
the ancients in their invocations
of the gods.
23. [{dia theaon}.]
24. The employment in which Hector finds Paris
engaged, is extremely
characteristic.—FELTON.
25. This address of Helen is in fine keeping
with her
character.—FELTON.
26. [The bulk of his heroes is a circumstance of which
Homer
frequently reminds us by the use
of the word {megas}—and which
ought, therefore, by no means to
be suppressed.—TR.]
27. Love of his country is a prominent characteristic
of Hector, and
is here beautifully displayed in
his discharging the duties that
the public welfare required, before
seeking his wife and child.
Then finding that she had gone to
the tower, he retraces his steps
to “the Scaean gate, whence
he must seek the field.” Here his wife,
on her return home, accidentally
meets him.
28. [The name signifies, the Chief of the city.—TR.]
29. It was the custom to plant about tombs only
such trees as elms,
alders, etc., that bear no
fruit, as being most appropriate to the
dead.
30. In this recapitulation, Homer acquaints us
with some of the great
achievements of Achilles, which
preceded the opening of the poem—a
happy manner of exalting his hero,
and exciting our expectation as
to what he is yet to accomplish.
His greatest enemies never upbraid
him, but confess his glory.
When Apollo encourages the Trojans to
fight, it is by telling them Achilles
fights no more. When Juno
animates the Greeks, she reminds
them how their enemies fear
Achilles; and when Andromache trembles
for Hector, it is with the
remembrance of his resistless force.
31. Drawing water was considered the most servile
employment.
32. [The Scholiast in Villoisson calls it {physikon
tina kai metrion
gelota} a natural and moderate laughter.—TR.]
33. According to the ancient belief, the fatal
period of life is
appointed to all men at the time
of their birth, which no
precaution can avoid and no danger
hasten.
Page 354
34. This scene, for true and unaffected pathos,
delicate touches of
nature, and a profound knowledge
of the human heart, has rarely
been equalled, and never surpassed,
among all the efforts of genius
during the three thousand years
that have gone by since it was
conceived and composed.—FELTON.
Footnotes for Book VII:
1. Holding the spear in this manner was, in ancient
warfare,
understood as a signal to discontinue
the fight.
2. The challenge of Hector and the consternation
of the Greeks,
presents much the same scene as
the challenge of Goliath, 1 Samuel,
ch. 17: “And he stood
and cried to the armies of Israel;—Choose
you a man for you, and let him come
down to me. If he be able to
fight with me, and to kill me, then
will we be your servants.—When
Saul and all Israel heard the words
of the Philistine, they were
dismayed and greatly afraid.”
3. It was an ancient custom for warriors to dedicate
trophies of this
kind to the temples of their tutelary
deities.
4. [The club-bearer.]
5. [It is a word used by Dryden.]
6. Homer refers every thing, even the chance
of the lots, to the
disposition of the gods.
7. [Agamemnon.]
8. The lot was merely a piece of wood or shell,
or any thing of the
kind that was at hand. Probably
it had some private mark, and not
the name, as it was only recognized
by the owner.
9. This reply is supposed to allude to some gesture
made by Ajax in
approaching Hector.
10. The heralds were considered as sacred persons,
the delegates of
Mercury, and inviolable by the laws
of nations. Ancient history
furnishes examples of the severity
exercised upon those who were
guilty of any outrage upon them.
Their office was, to assist in the
sacrifices and councils, to proclaim
war or peace, to command
silence at ceremonies or single
combats, to part the combatants and
declare the conqueror.
11. This word I have taken leave to coin.
The Latins have both
substantive and adjective. Purpura—Purpureus.
We make purple
serve both uses; but it seems a
poverty to which we have no need to
submit, at least in poetry.—TR.
12. A particular mark of honor and respect, as
this part of the victim
belonged to the king. In the
simplicity of the times, the reward
offered a victorious warrior of
the best portion of the sacrifice
at supper, a more capacious bowl,
or an upper seat at table, was a
recompense for the greatest actions.
It is worthy of observation, that beef,
mutton, or kid, was the food of the heroes of Homer
and the patriarchs and warriors of the Old Testament.
Fishing and fowling were then the arts of more luxurious
nations.
13. [The word is here used in the Latin sense of it.
Virgil,
describing the entertainment given
by Evander to the Trojans, says
that he regaled them
Page 355
Perpetui tergo bovis
et lustralibus extis.
AEN.
viii.
It means, the whole.—TR.]
2. Many have explained this as an allegorical
expression for one of
the great laws of nature—gravity
or the attraction of the sun.
There is not the slightest probability
that any such meaning is
intended.—FELTON.
3. A part of Mt. Ida. This place was
celebrated, in subsequent times,
for the worship of Jupiter.
Several years ago, Dr. E.D. Clarke
deposited, in the vestibule of the
public library in Cambridge,
England, a marble bust of Juno,
taken from the ruins of this temple
of Jupiter, at the base of Mt.
Ida.—FELTON
4. [In the repetition of this expression, the translator
follows the
original.]
5. Sacred, because that part of the day was appropriate
to sacrifice
and religious worship.
6. This figure is first used in the Scriptures.
Job prays to be
weighed in an even balance, that
God may know his integrity. Daniel
says to Belshazzar, “thou
art weighed in the balances, and found
wanting,” etc.
7. Jupiter’s declaring against the Greeks
by thunder and lightning, is
drawn (says Dacier) from truth itself.
1 Sam. ch. vii.: “And as
Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering,
the Philistines drew
near to battle against Israel; but
the Lord thundered on that day
upon the Philistines and discomfited
them.”
8. Nothing can be more spirited than the enthusiasm
of Hector, who, in
the transport of his joy, breaks
out in the following apostrophe to
his horses. He has, in imagination,
already forced the Grecian
entrenchments, set the fleet in
flames, and destroyed the whole
army.
9. From this speech, it may be gathered that
women were accustomed to
loosen the horses from the chariot,
on their return from battle,
and feed them; and from line 214,
unless it is spurious, it seems
that the provender was sometimes
mixed with wine. It is most
probable, however, that the line
is not genuine.—FELTON.
Homer describes a princess so tender
in her love to her husband, that she meets him
on his return from every battle, and, in the joy of
seeing him again, feeds his horses with bread and wine,
as an acknowledgment to them for bringing him back.—DACIER.
10: These were the arms that Diomede had received
from Glaucus.
11. [None daring to keep the field, and all striving
to enter the
gates together, they obstructed
their own passage, and were, of
course, compelled into the narrow
interval between the foss and
rampart.
But there are different opinions
about the space intended. See
Villoisson.—TR.]
Page 356
12 [To Jove, the source of all oracular information.]
13. Jupiter, in answer to the prayer of Agamemnon,
sends an omen to
encourage the Greeks. The application
of it is obvious: The eagle
signified Hector, the fawn denoted
the fear and flight of the
Greeks, and being dropped at the
altar of Jupiter, indicated that
they would be saved by the protection
of that god.
14. This simile is very beautiful, and exactly
represents the manner
of Gorgythion’s death.
There is so much truth in the comparison,
that we pity the fall of the youth
and almost feel his wound.
15. [{Eniklan}.—The word is here metaphorical,
and expresses, in its
primary use, the breaking of a spear
against a shield.—TR.]
16. [The following lines, to the end of this paragraph,
are a
translation of some which Barnes
has here inserted from the second
Alcibiades of Plato.]
17. The simile is the most magnificent that can
be conceived. The
stars come forth brightly, the whole
heaven is cloudless and
serene, the moon is in the sky,
the heights, and promontories, and
forests stand forth distinctly in
the light, and the shepherd
rejoices in his heart.
This last simple and natural circumstance
is inexpressibly beautiful, and
heightens the effect of the visible
scene, by associating it, in the
most direct and poetical manner,
with the inward emotion that such
a scene must produce.—FELTON.
Footnotes for Book IX:
1. [In the original the word is—{melanydros}—dark-watered;
and it is
rendered—deep—by
the best interpreters, because deep waters
have a blackish appearance. {Dnopheron
ydor} is properly water that
runs with rapidity; water—{meta
doneseos pheromenon}—See
Villoisson.]—TR.
2. This is the language of a brave man, boldly
to affirm that courage
is above crowns and sceptres.
In former times they were not
hereditary, but the recompense of
valor.
3. [The observation seems made with a view to prevent
such a reply
from Agamemnon to Diomede as might
give birth to new dissensions,
while it reminds him indirectly
of the mischiefs that had already
attended his quarrel with Achilles.]—TR.
4. This speech of Nestor is happily conceived.
It belonged to him as
the aged counsellor to begin the
debate, by laying the subject
before the assembly, especially
as it was necessary to impale the
blame of the present unfortunate
condition of the army to
Agamemnon. It would have been
presumptuous in any other, and it was
a matter of difficulty and delicacy
even for Nestor.—FELTON.
5. In the heroic age, the bridegroom, before
marriage, was obliged to
make two presents, one to his betrothed
wife, and one to his
father-in-law. This was also
an ancient custom of the Hebrews.
Abraham’s servant gave presents
to Rebekah: Gen. xxiv. 22. Shechem
promised a dowry and gift to Jacob
for his daughter: Gen. xxiv. 12.
And in after times, Saul said he
desired no dowry for Michal:
1 Sam. xviii. 25.
Page 357
6. One of the religious ceremonies previous to
any important
enterprise. Then followed the
order for silence and reverent
attention; then the libation, &c.—FELTON.
7. Achilles having retired from action in displeasure
to Agamemnon,
quieted himself by singing to his
lyre the achievements of
demi-gods and heroes. Nothing
was better suited to the martial
disposition of this hero, than these
heroic songs. Celebrating the
actions of the valiant prepared
him for his own great exploits.
Such was the music of the ancients,
and to such purposes was it
applied. When the lyre of Paris
was offered to Alexander, he
replied that he had little value
for it, but much desired that of
Achilles, on which he sung the actions
of heroes in former
times.—PLUTARCH.
8. The manners of the Iliad are the manners of
the patriarchal and
early ages of the East. The
chief differences arise from a
different religion and a more maritime
situation. Very far removed
from the savage state on the one
hand, and equally distant from the
artificial state of an extended
commerce and a manufacturing
population on the other, the spirit
and habitudes of the two modes
of society are almost identical.
The hero and the Patriarch are
substantially coeval; but the first
wanders in twilight, the last
stands in the eye of Heaven.
When three men appeared to Abraham in
the plains of Mamre, he ran to meet
them from the tent door,
brought them in, directed Sarah
to make bread, fetched from the
herd himself a calf tender and good,
dressed it, and set it before
them. When Ajax, Ulysses, and
Phoenix stand before Achilles, he
rushes forth to greet them, brings
them into the tent, directs
Patroclus to mix the wine, cuts
up the meat, dresses it, and sets
it before the ambassadors. * *
* *
Instances of this sort might be multiplied
to any extent, but the student will find it a pleasing
and useful task to discover them for himself; and
these will amply suffice to demonstrate the existence
of that correspondence of spirit and manners between
the Homeric and the early ages of the Bible history,
to which I have adverted. It is real and important;
it affords a standard of the feelings with which
we ought to read the Iliad, if we mean to read it
as it deserves; and it explains and sets in the true
point of view numberless passages, which the ignorance
or frivolity of after-times has charged with obscurity,
meanness or error. The Old Testament and the
Iliad reflect light mutually on each other; and both
in respect of poetry and morals (for the whole of Homer’s
poetry is a praise of virtue, and every thing in
him tends to this point, except that which is merely
superfluous and for ornament) it may with great
truth be said, that he who has the longest studied,
and the most deeply imbibed, the spirit of the Hebrew
Page 358
Bible, will the best understand and the most lastingly
appreciate the tale of Troy divine.—H.N.
COLERIDGE.
9. [I have given this sense to the word {Zoroteron}—on
the authority
of the Venetian Scholium, though
some contend that it should be
translated—quickly.
Achilles, who had reproached Agamemnon with
intemperate drinking, was, himself,
more addicted to music than to
wine.]—TR.
10. [It is not without authority that I have thus
rendered {kreion
mega}. Homer’s banquets
are never stewed or boiled; it cannot
therefore signify a kettle.
It was probably a kitchen-table,
dresser, or tray, on which the meat
was prepared for the spit.
Accordingly we find that this very
meat was spitted afterward.—See
Schaufelbergerus.]—TR.
11. There are no speeches in the Iliad better
placed, better timed, or
that give a greater idea of Homer’s
genius than these of the
ambassadors to Achilles. They
are not only demanded by the
occasion, but skilfully arranged,
and in a manner that gives
pleasure to the reader.
12 [Dacier observes, that he pluralizes the one wife
of Menelaus,
through the impetuosity of his spirit.]—TR.
13. According to some ancient writers, Achilles
was but twelve years
of age when he went to the wars
of Troy. And from what is here
related of his education under Phoenix,
it may be inferred, that
the fable of his having been taught
by Chiron is an invention of a
later age and unknown to Homer.
14. The ancients gave the name of Jupiter not
only to the God of
heaven, but also to the God of hell,
as is seen here; and to the
God of the sea, as appears from
AEschylus. They meant thereby to
show that one sole deity governed
the world. To teach this truth,
statues were made of Jupiter which
had three eyes. Priam had one in
the court of his palace, which,
in sharing the booty of the war of
Troy, fell to the lot of Sthenelus,
who carried it to
Greece.—DACIER.
15. So called because Jove protects those who
implore his aid.
16. [Wrinkled—because the countenance of
a man driven to prayer by a
consciousness of guilt is sorrowful
and dejected. Lame—because it
is a remedy to which men recur late,
and with reluctance. And
slant-eyed—either because,
in that state of humiliation they
fear to lift their eyes to heaven,
or are employed in taking a
retrospect of their past misconduct.
The whole allegory, considering
when and where it was composed,
forms a very striking passage.]—TR.
17. [She had five brothers: Iphiclus, Polyphontes,
Phanes, Eurypylus,
Plexippus.]—TR.
Page 359
18: It was the custom for the murderer to go
into banishment for one
year. But if the relations
of the murdered person were willing, the
criminal, by paying a certain fine,
might buy off the exile and
remain at home. Ajax sums up
this argument with great strength: We
see, says he, a brother forgive
the murder of his brother, a father
that of his son; but Achilles will
not forgive the injury offered
him by taking away one captive woman.
19. The character of Achilles is well sustained
in all his speeches.
To Ulysses he returns a flat denial,
and threatens to leave the
Trojan shore in the morning.
To Phoenix his answer is more gentle.
After Ajax has spoken, he seems
determined not to depart, but yet
refuses to bear arms, except in
defence of his own squadron.
Footnotes for Book X:
1. With slight alteration, Homer here repeats
the verses that open the
2d Book, and ascribes to Agamemnon
the same watchfulness over men
that Jupiter had over the gods.
2. Menelaus starts a design, which is afterwards
proposed by Nestor in
council. The poet knew that
the project would come with greater
weight from the age of the one than
from the youth of the other,
and that the valiant would be ready
to engage in the enterprise
suggested by so venerable a counsellor.
3. Agamemnon is uniformly represented as an example
of brotherly
affection, and at all times defends
Menelaus.
4. [{Sauroter}—seems to have been a hollow
iron with a point, fitted
to the obtuse end of the spear,
for the purpose of planting that
end of it in the ground. It
might probably be taken off at
pleasure.]—TR.
5. The dogs represent the watch, the flocks the
Greeks, the fold their
camp, and the wild beast that invades
them, Hector. The place,
position, and circumstances are
represented with the utmost life
and nature.
6. [Sable, because the expedition was made
by night, and each with
a lamb, as typical of the fruit
of their labors.]—TR.
7. It required some address in Diomede to make
a choice without
offending the Grecian princes, each
one of whom might consider it
an indignity to be refused such
a place of honor. Diomede,
therefore, chose Ulysses, not for
his valor, but for his wisdom. On
this point, the other leaders all
yielded to him.
8. The heroes are well armed for their design.
Ulysses has a bow and
arrows, that he may be able to wound
the enemy at a distance, and
Diomede a two-edged sword.
They both have leathern helmets, as the
glittering of the metal might betray
them to the enemy.
9. [Autolycus was grandfather of Ulysses by the mother’s
side.]—TR.
10. Making these military presents to brave adventurers
was an ancient
custom. “Jonathan stripped
himself of the robe that was upon him,
and gave it to David; and his garments,
even to his sword, and his
bow, and his girdle.” 1 Sam.
xviii. v.
Page 360
11. These lines show how careful the poet always
was to be true to
nature. The little circumstance
that they could not see the
heron, but only heard him, stamps
the description with an air of
verisimilitude which is at once
recognized.—FELTON.
12. This passage sufficiently justifies Diomede
for his choice of
Ulysses. Diomede, who was most
renowned for valor, might have given
a wrong interpretation to this omen,
and have been discouraged from
proceeding in the attempt.
For though it really signified that, as
the bird was not seen, but only
heard, so they should not be
discovered by the Trojans, but perform
actions of which all Troy
should hear with sorrow; yet, on
the other hand, it might imply
that, as they discovered the bird
by the noise of its wings, so the
noise they should make would betray
them to the Trojans. Pallas
does not send the bird sacred to
herself, but the heron, because
that is a bird of prey, and denoted
that they should spoil the
Trojans.
13. Dolon seems to have been eminent for wealth,
and Hector summons
him to the assembly as one of the
chiefs of Troy. He was known to
the Greeks, perhaps, from his having
passed between the two armies
as a herald. Ancient writers
observe, that it was the office of
Dolon that led him to offer himself
in this service. The sacredness
attached to it gave him hopes that
they would not violate his
person, should he chance to be taken;
and his riches he knew were
sufficient to purchase his liberty.
Besides these advantages, he
probably trusted to his swiftness
to escape pursuit.
14. Eustathius remarks upon the different manner
in which the Grecians
and Trojans conduct the same enterprise.
In the council of the
Greeks, a wise old man proposes
the adventure with an air of
deference; in that of the Trojans,
a brave young man with an air of
authority. The one promises
a small gift, but honorable and
certain; the other a great one,
but uncertain and less honorable,
because it is given as a reward.
Diomede and Ulysses are inspired
with a love of glory; Dolon with
the thirst of gain. They proceed
with caution and bravery; he with
rashness and vanity. They go in
conjunction; he alone. They
cross the fields out of the road, he
follows the common track. In
all this there is an admirable
contrast, and a moral that strikes
every reader at first sight.
15. [Commentators are extremely in the dark, and even
Aristarchus
seems to have attempted an explanation
in vain. The translator does
not pretend to have ascertained
the distance intended, but only to
have given a distance suited to
the occasion.]—TR.
16. Ulysses makes no promise of life, but artfully
bids Dolon, who is
overpowered by fear, not to think
of death. He was so cautious as
not to believe a friend just before
without an oath, but he trusts
an enemy without even a promise.
Page 361
17. [{’Ossai gar Troon pyros escharai}—As
many as are owners of
hearths—that is to say,
all who are householders here, or natives
of the city.]—TR.
18. It seems barbarous in Diomede thus to have
killed Dolon, but
Eustathius observes that it was
necessary to their success, as his
cries might have put the Trojans
on their guard.
19. An allegorical manner of saying that they
were awakened by the
morning light.
20. [Homer did not here forget himself, though some
have altered {tris
io tetrakaidekaton}.—Rhesus
for distinction sake is not numbered
with his people—See Villoisson
in loco.]—TR.
Footnotes for Book XI:
1. Cynyras was king of Cyprus, and this probably
alludes to some
historical fact. Cyprus was
famous for its minerals.
2. [{Treis hekaterth’}—three on a
side, This is evidently the proper
punctuation, though it differs from
that of all the editions that I
have seen. I find it no where
but in the Venetian Scholium.]—TR.
3. It is finely remarked by Trollope, that, of
all the points of
resemblance which may be discovered
between the sentiments,
associations and expressions of
Homer, and those of the sacred
writings, this similitude is perhaps
the most striking; and there
can be little doubt that it exhibits
a traditional vestige of the
patriarchal record of God’s
covenant.—FELTON.
4. [Quatre-crested. So I have rendered {tetraphaleron}
which literally
signifies having four cones.
The cone was a tube into which the
crest was inserted. The word
quatre-crested may need a precedent
for its justification, and seems
to have a sufficient one in the
cinque-spotted cowslip of Shakspeare.]—TR.
5. [This seems the proper import of {egdoupesan}.
Jupiter is called
{erigdoutos}.]—TR.
6. [The translator follows Clarke in this interpretation
of a passage
to us not very intelligible.]
7. The ancient manner of mowing and reaping was,
for the laborers to
divide in two parties, and to begin
at each end of the field, which
was equally divided, and proceed
till they met in the middle of it.
8. Time was then measured by the progression
of the sun, and the parts
of the day were distinguished by
the various employments.
9. [{olmos}.]
10. [The Grecians at large are indiscriminately called
Danai, Argives,
and Achaians, in the original.
The Phthians in
particular—Hellenes.
They were the troops of Achilles.]—TR.
11. [{Anemotrephes}—literally—wind-nourished.]—TR.
12. In making Ulysses direct Diomede, Homer intends
to show that valor
should be under the guidance of
wisdom. In the 8th Book, when
Diomede could hardly be restrained
by the thunder of Jupiter, his
valor is checked by the wisdom of
Nestor.
Page 362
13. Diomede does not fear Hector, but Jupiter,
who, he has previously
said, will give the Trojans the
day.
14. [In the original—{kera aglae}.—All
that I pretend to know of
this expression is that it is ironical,
and may relate either to
the head-dress of Paris, or to his
archership. To translate it is
impossible; to paraphrase it, in
a passage of so much emotion,
would be absurd. I have endeavored
to supply its place by an
appellation in point of contempt
equal.]—TR.
15. No moral is so evident throughout the Iliad,
as the dependence of
man upon divine assistance and protection.
Apollo saves Hector from
the dart, and Minerva Ulysses.
16. Homer here pays a marked distinction.
The army had seen several of
their bravest heroes wounded, yet
without expressing as much
concern as at the danger of Machaon,
their physician and surgeon.
17. [This interpretation of—{minyntha de
chazeto douros}—is taken
from the Scholium by Villoisson.
It differs from those of Clarke,
Eustathius, and another Scholiast
quoted by Clarke, but seems to
suit the context much better than
either.]—TR.
18. The address of Homer in bringing off Ajax
is admirable. He makes
Hector afraid to approach him, and
brings down Jupiter to terrify
him. Thus he retreats, not
from a mortal, but from a God.
The whole passage is inimitably just
and beautiful. We see Ajax slowly retreating
between two armies, and even with a look repulse the
one and protect the other. Every line resembles
Ajax. The character of a stubborn and undaunted
warrior is perfectly maintained. He compares
him first to the lion for his undaunted spirit
in fighting, and then to the ass for his stubborn slowness
in retreating. In the latter comparison there
are many points of resemblance that enliven the
image. The havoc he makes in the field is
represented by the tearing and trampling down the harvests;
and we see the bulk, strength, and obstinancy of
the hero, when the Trojans, in respect to him,
are compared to the troops of boys that impotently
endeavor to drive him away.
It must be borne in mind that among
the people of the East, an ass
was a beast upon which kings and
princes might ride with dignity.
19. Though the resentment of Achilles would not
permit him to be an
actor in the field, yet his love
of war inclines him to be a
spectator. As the poet did
not intend to draw the character of a
perfect man in Achilles, he makes
him delighted with the
destruction of the Greeks, because
it gratified his revenge. That
resentment which is the subject
of the poem, still presides over
every other feeling, even the love
of his country. He begins now to
pity his countrymen, yet he seems
gratified by their distress,
because it will contribute to his
glory.
Page 363
20. This onion was very different from the root
which now passes under
that name. It had a sweet flavor,
and was used to impart an
agreeable flavor to wine. It
is in high repute at the present day
in Egypt.—FELTON.
21. [I have interpreted the very ambiguous words {houo
d’ hypo
pythmenes esan} according to Athenaeus
as quoted by Clarke, and his
interpretation of them is confirmed
by the Scholium in the Venetian
edition of the Iliad, lately published
by Villoisson.]—TR.
22. Homer here reminds the reader, that Nestor
belonged to a former
generation of men, who were stronger
than the heroes of the war.
23. [It would have suited the dignity of Agamemnon’s
rank to have
mentioned his wound first;
but Nestor making this recital to the
friend of Achilles, names
him slightly, and without any
addition.]—TR.
24. [It is said that the Thebans having war with the
people of
Orchomenos, the Pylians assisted
the latter, for which cause
Hercules destroyed their city.—See
Scholium per Villoisson.]—TR.
Footnotes for Book XII:
1. [The word is of scripture use; see Gen. ch. xxx.
where it describes
the cattle of Jacob.]—TR.
2. [Alluding to the message delivered to him from
Jupiter by
Iris.]—TR.
3. The morality of the Iliad deserves particular
attention. It is not
perfect, upon Christian principles.
How should it be under the
circumstances of the composition
of the poem? Yet, compared with
that of all the rest of the classical
poetry, it is of a
transcendently noble and generous
character. The answer of Hector
to Polydamas, who would have dissuaded
a further prosecution of the
Trojan success, has been repeated
by many of the most devoted
patriots the world ever saw. We,
who defy augury in these
matters, can yet add nothing to
the nobleness of the
sentiment.—H.N.
COLERIDGE.
4. [{pleonon de toi ergon ameinon.}—This
is evidently proverbial, for
which reason I have given it that
air in the translation.]—TR.
5. There is something touching in this simile.
Our attention is fixed,
not so much on the battle, as on
the struggles of the laboring,
true-hearted woman, who toils for
a hard-earned pittance for her
children. The description is
not so much illustrated by the simile,
as the simile by the description.—FELTON.
6. The description of this exploit of Hector
is wonderfully imposing.
It seems to be the poet’s
wish to magnify his deeds during the
short period that he has yet to
live, both to do justice to the
hero of Troy, and to give the greater
glory to Achilles his
conquerer.—FELTON.
Page 364
Footnotes for Book XIII:
1. We are hurried through this book by the warlike
ardor of the poet.
Battle succeeds battle with animating
rapidity. The speeches are in
fine keeping with the scenes, and
the similes are drawn from the
most imposing natural phenomena.
The descriptions possess a
wonderful distinctness and vigor,
presenting the images to the mind
by a few bold and grand lines, thus
shunning the confusion of
intricate and minute detail.—FELTON.
2. So called from their simple diet, consisting
principally of mare’s
milk. They were a people living
on the north-east coast of the
Euxine Sea. These epithets
are sometimes supposed to be the
gentile denominations of
the different tribes; but they are all
susceptible of interpretation as
epithets applied to the
Hippemolgi.—FELTON.
3. [For this admirable line the translator is indebted
to Mr.
Fuseli.]—TR.
4. The following simile is considered by critics
as one of the finest
in Homer.
5. [A fitter occasion to remark on this singular mode
of approach in
battle, will present itself hereafter.]—TR.
6. [The bodies of Imbrius and Amphimachus.]
7. [Amphimachus.]
8. This is a noble passage. The difference
between the conduct of the
brave man and that of the coward
is drawn with great vigor and
beauty.—FELTON.
9. [Hypsenor.]
10. [This seems to be he meaning of {en megaro} an
expression similar
to that of Demosthenes in a parallel
case—{eti endon ousan}.—See
Schaufelburgerus.]—TR.
11. [He is said to have been jealous of him on account
of his great
popularity, and to have discountenanced
him, fearing a conspiracy
in his favor to the prejudice of
his own family.—See
Villoisson.]—TR.
12. [The Iaeonianans were a distinct people from the
Ionians, and
according to the Scholium, separated
from them by a pillar bearing
on opposite sides the name of each.—See
Barnes. See also
Villoisson.]—TR.
13. [The people of Achilles were properly called the
Phthiotae, whereas
the Phthians belonged to Protesilaeus
and Philoctetes.—See
Eustathius, as quoted by Clarke.]—TR.
14. This simile is derived from one of the most
familiar sights among
a simple people. It is extremely
natural, and its propriety will be
peculiarly striking to those who
have had occasion to see a yoke of
oxen plowing in a hot day.—FELTON.
15. [Achilles.]
16. [This, according to Eustathius, is the import
of {amoiboi}.—See
Iliad III., in which Priam relates
an expedition of his into that
country.]—TR.
Footnotes for Book XIV:
1. The beauty of this simile will be lost to
those who have never been
at sea during a calm. The water
is then not quite motionless, but
swells gently in smooth waves, which
fluctuate in a balancing
motion, until a rising wind gives
them a certain determination.
Every circumstance of the comparison
is just, as well as beautiful.
Page 365
2. Anointing the body with perfumed oil was a
remarkable part of
ancient cosmetics. It was probably
an eastern invention, agreeable
to the luxury of the Asiatics.
3. A footstool was considered a mark of honor.
4. In accordance with the doctrine of Thales
the Milesian, that all
things are generated from water,
and nourished by the same element.
5. [Hercules.]
6. Night was venerated, both for her antiquity
and power.
7. [One of the heads of Ida.]
8. A bird about the size of a hawk, and entirely
black.
9. By Juno is understood the air, and it is allegorically
said that
she was nourished by the vapors
that rise from the ocean and the
earth. Tethys being the same
as Rhea.
10. [Europa.]
11. An evident allusion to the ether and the
atmosphere.—E.P.P.
Footnotes for Book XV:
1. [The translator seizes the opportunity afforded
to him by this
remarkable passage, to assure his
readers who are not readers of
the original, that the discipline
which Juno is here said to have
suffered from the hands of Jove,
is not his own invention. He found
it in the original, and considering
fidelity as his indispensable
duty, has not attempted to soften
or to refine away the matter. He
begs that this observation may be
adverted to as often as any
passage shall occur in which ancient
practices or customs, not
consonant to our own, either in
point of delicacy or humanity, may
be either expressed or alluded to.
He makes this request the rather,
because on these occasions Mr.
Pope has observed a different conduct,
suppressing all such images
as he had reason to suppose might
be offensive.]—TR.
2. The earliest form of an oath seems to have
been by the elements of
nature, or rather the deities who
preside over them.—TROLLOPE.
3. In the following speech, Jupiter discloses
the future events of the
war.
4. The illustration in the following lines is
one of the most
beautiful in Homer. The rapid
passage of Juno is compared to the
speed of thought, by which a traveller
revisits in imagination the
scenes over which he has passed.
No simile could more exalt the
power of the Goddess.—FELTON.
5. The picture is strikingly true to nature.
The smile upon the lip,
and frown upon the brow, express
admirably the state of mind in
which the Goddess must be supposed
to have been at this
moment.—FELTON.
6: [To tempest—{kydoimeson}—Milton
uses tempest as a verb.
Speaking of the fishes, he says
... part, huge of bulk
Wallowing unwieldy,
enormous in their gait,
Tempest the ocean.]—TR.
7. The Furies are said to wait upon men in a
double sense; either for
evil; as upon Orestes after he had
killed his mother, or else for
their good, as upon elders when
they are injured, to protect them
and avenge their wrongs. The
ancients considered birth-right as a
right divine.
Page 366
8. [{Troes de proutypsan aollees}. The translation
is literal, and
affords one of many instances in
which the Greek and English idiom
correspond exactly.]—TR.
9. [Arcesilaues.]
10. [This abruptness of transition from the third
person to the first,
follows the original.]
11. [The translator hopes that his learned readers
will pardon him, if
sometimes, to avoid an irksome cacophony,
he turns brass into
steel. In fact, arrow had not
a point of steel, but a brazen
one.]—TR.
12. This sentiment is noble and patriotic.
It is in strict keeping
with the character of Hector, who
always appears as his country’s
champion, and ready to die in her
defence. Our sympathies go with
him; we involuntarily wish him success,
and deplore his misfortune,
though we admire the invincible
courage of his more fortunate
antagonist. His actions and
sentiments, springing from the simplest
feelings of our nature, will always
command applause, and, under
all circumstances, and every form
of political existence, will be
imitated by the defenders of their
country.
The speech of Ajax is animating
and powerful. It is conceived in
the true spirit of a warrior rousing
his followers to make a last
effort to repel the enemy.—FELTON.
13. [Meges.]
14. Hector is here represented as an instrument
in the hand of
Jupiter, to bring about the design
the God had long ago projected.
As his fatal hour now approaches,
Jove is willing to recompense his
early death with this short-lived
glory.
15. It may be asked what Pallas has to do with
the Fates, or what
power has she over them? Homer
speaks thus, because Minerva has
already resolved to deceive Hector
and exalt Achilles. Pallas, as
the wisdom and knowledge of Jove,
may be considered as drawing all
things to the termination decreed
by his councils.
16. [This termination of the period, so little consonant
to the
beginning of it, follows the original,
where it is esteemed by
commentators a great beauty.]—TR.
Footnotes for Book XVI:
1. [This translation of {dnopheron} is warranted by
the Scholiast, who
paraphrases it thus:
{meta doneseos pheromenon}.
Iliad
per Vill.]
2. The friendship of Achilles and Patroclus was
celebrated by all
antiquity. It is said in the
life of Alexander the Great, that when
that prince visited the monuments
of the heroes of Troy, and placed
a crown upon the tomb of Achilles,
his friend Hephaestion placed
another on that of Patroclus; an
intimation of his being to
Alexander, what Patroclus was to
Achilles. It is also said, that
Alexander remarked, “Achilles
was happy indeed, in having had such
a friend to love him when living,
and such a poet to celebrate him
when dead.”
Page 367
3. [{periagnytai}. A word of incomparable force,
and that defies
translation.]
4. This charge is in keeping with the ambitious
character of Achilles.
He is unwilling that even his dearest
friend should have the honor
of conquering Hector.
5. The picture of the situation of Ajax, exhausted
by his efforts,
pressed by the arms of his assailants
and the will of Jupiter, is
drawn with much graphic power.—FELTON.
6. Argus-slayer.
7. The mythi which we find in the Iliad respecting
Mercury, represent
him as the god who blessed the land
with fertility, which was his
attribute in the original worship.
He is represented as loving the
daughter of Phthiotian Phylas, the
possessor of many herds, and by
her had Eudorus (or riches) whom
the aged Phylas fostered and
brought up in his house—quite
a significant local mythus, which is
here related, like others in the
usual tone of heroic
mythology.—MULLER.
8. This passage is an exact description and perfect
ritual of the
ceremonies on these occasions.
Achilles, urgent as the case was,
would not suffer Patroclus to enter
the fight, till he had in the
most solemn manner recommended him
to the protection of Jupiter.
9. [Meges.]
10. [Brother of Antilochus.]
11. [{amaimaketen}—is a word which I can
find nowhere satisfactorily
derived. Perhaps it is expressive
of great length, and I am the
more inclined to that sense of it,
because it is the epithet given
to the mast on which Ulysses floated
to Charybdis. We must in that
case derive it from {ama} and {mekos}
Dorice, {makos}—longitudo.
In this uncertainty I thought myself
free to translate it as I
have, by the word—monster.]—TR.
12. [Apollonius says that the {ostea leuka} here means
the
{opondylous}, or vertebrae of the
neck.—See Villoisson.]—TR.
13. [{’Amitrochitonas} is a word, according
to Clarke, descriptive of
their peculiar habit. Their
corselet, and the mail worn under it,
were of a piece, and put on together.
To them therefore the
cincture or belt of the Greeks was
unnecessary.]—TR.
14. According to the history or fable received
in Homer’s time,
Sarpedon was interred in Lycia.
This gave the poet the liberty of
making him die at Troy, provided
that after his death he was
carried into Lycia, to preserve
the fable. In those times, as at
this day, princes and persons of
rank who died abroad, were carried
to their own country to be laid
in the tomb of their fathers.
Jacob, when dying in Egypt, desired
his children to carry him to
the land of Canaan, where he wished
to be buried.
Page 368
15. [Sarpedon certainly was not slain in the fleet,
neither can the
Greek expression {neon en agoni}
be with propriety interpreted—in
certamine de navibus—as
Clarke and Mme. Dacier are inclined to
render it. Juvenum in certamine,
seems equally an improbable
sense of it. Eustathius, indeed,
and Terrasson, supposing Sarpedon
to assert that he dies in the middle
of the fleet (which was false
in fact) are kind enough to vindicate
Homer by pleading in his
favor, that Sarpedon, being in the
article of death, was delirious,
and knew not, in reality, where
he died. But Homer, however he may
have been charged with now and then
a nap (a crime of which I am
persuaded he is never guilty) certainly
does not slumber here, nor
needs to be so defended. {’Agon}
in the 23d Iliad, means the whole
extensive area in which the
games were exhibited, and may
therefore here, without any strain
of the expression, be understood
to signify the whole range of
shore on which the ships were
stationed. In which case Sarpedon
represents the matter as it was,
saying that he dies—{neon
en agoni}—that is, in the neighborhood
of the ships, and in full prospect
of them.
The translator assumes not to himself
the honor of this judicious
remark. It belongs to Mr. Fuseli.]—TR.
16. [{lasion ker}.]
17. The clouds of thick dust that rise from beneath
the feet of the
combatants, which hinder them from
knowing one another.
18. [{Hupaspidia probibontos}. A similar expression
occurs in Book
xiii., 158. There we read {hupaspidia
propodizon}. Which is
explained by the Scholiast in Villoisson
to signify—advancing with
quick, short steps, and at the same
time covering the feet with a
shield. A practice which, unless
they bore the {amphibroten
aspida}, must necessarily leave
the upper parts exposed.
It is not improbable, though the translation
is not accommodated to that conjecture, that AEneas,
in his following speech to Meriones, calls him,
{orchesten}, with a view to the agility with which
he performed this particular step in battle.]—TR.
19. [Two lines occurring here in the original which
contain only the
same matter as the two preceding,
and which are found neither in
the MSS. use by Barnes nor in the
Harleian, the translator has
omitted them in his version as interpolated
and superfluous.]—TR.
20. [{Ira talanta}—Voluntatem Jovis
cui cedendum—So it is
interpreted is the Scholium MSS.
Lipsiensis.—Vide
Schaufelbergerus.]—TR.
21. It is an opinion of great antiquity, that
when the soul is on the
point of leaving the body, its views
become stronger and clearer,
and the mind is endowed with a spirit
of true prediction.
Page 369
Footnotes for Book XVII:
1. In the chase, the spoils of the prey, the
hide and head of the
animal, belonged to the one who
gave the first wound. So in
war—the one who first
pierced an enemy slain in battle, was
entitled to his armor.
2. [The expediency and utility of prayer, Homer misses
no opportunity
of enforcing. Cold and comfortless
as the religious creed of the
heathens was, they were piously
attentive to its dictates, and to a
degree that may serve as a reproof
to many professed believers of
revelation. The allegorical
history of prayer, given us in the 9th
Book of the Iliad from the lips
of Phoenix, the speech of
Antilochus in the 23d, in which
he ascribes the ill success of
Eumelus in the chariot race to his
neglect of prayer, and that of
Pisistratus in the 3d book of the
Odyssey, where speaking of the
newly-arrived Telemachus, he says;
For
I deem
Him wont to pray; since
all of every land
Need succor from the
Gods;
are so many proofs of the truth
of this remark; to which a curious
reader might easily add a multitude.]—TR.
3. [There is no word in our language expressive of
loud sound at all
comparable in effect to the Greek
Bo-o-osin. I have therefore
endeavored by the juxta-position
of two words similar in sound, to
palliate in some degree defect which
it was not in my power to
cure.]—TR.
4. [Or collar-bone.]
5. [The proper meaning of {epioasomeno}—is
not simply looking on,
but providing against.
And thus their ignorance of the death of
Patroclus is accounted for.
They were ordered by Nestor to a post
in which they should have little
to do themselves, except to
superintend others, and were consequently
too remote from Patroclus
to see him fall, or even to hear
that he had fallen.—See
Villoisson.]—TR.
6. This is one of the similes of Homer which
illustrates the manners
and customs of his age. The
mode of preparing hides for use is
particularly described. They
were first softened with oil, and then
were stretched every direction by
the hands of men, so that the
moisture might be removed and the
oil might penetrate them.
Considered in the single point of
comparison intended, it gives a
lively picture of the struggle on
all sides to get possession of
the body.—FELTON.
7. This is the proper imperfect of the verb chide,
though modern
usage has substituted chid,
a word of mean and awkward sound, in
the place of it.
Page 370
8. This alludes to the custom of placing columns
upon tombs, on which
were frequently represented chariots
with two or four horses. The
horses standing still to mourn for
their master, could not be more
finely represented than by the dumb
sorrow of images standing over
a tomb. Perhaps the very posture
in which these horses are
described, their heads bowed down,
and their manes falling in the
dust, has an allusion to the attitude
in which those statues on
monuments were usually represented;
there are bas-reliefs that
favor this conjecture.
9 [The Latin plural of Ajax is sometimes necessary,
because the
English plural—Ajaxes—would
be insupportable.]—TR.
10. [Leitus was another chief of the Boeotians.]—TR.
11. [{Diphro ephestaotos}—Yet we learn
soon after that he fought on
foot. But the Scholiast explains
the expression thus—{neosti to
diphoo epibantos}. The fact
was that Idomeneus had left the camp on
foot, and was on foot when Hector
prepared to throw at him. But
Coeranus, charioteer of Meriones,
observing his danger, drove
instantly to his aid. Idomeneus
had just time to mount, and the
spear designed for him, struck Coeranus.—For
a right understanding
of this very intricate and difficult
passage, I am altogether
indebted to the Scholiast as quoted
by Villoisson.]—TR.
12. [The translator here follows the interpretation
preferred by the
Scholiast. The original expression
is ambiguous, and may signify,
either, that we shall perish
in the fleet ourselves, or that
Hector will soon be in the midst
of it. Vide Villoisson in
loco.]—TR.
13. [A noble instance of the heroism of Ajax, who
asks not deliverance
from the Trojans, or that he may
escape alive, but light only,
without which be could not possibly
distinguish himself. The tears
of such a warrior, and shed for
such a reason, are singularly
affecting.]—TR.
2. This form of manifesting grief is frequently
alluded to in the
classical writers, and sometimes
in the Bible. The lamentation of
Achilles is in the spirit of the
heroic times, and the poet
describes it with much simplicity.
The captives join in the
lamentation, perhaps in the recollection
of his gentleness, which
has before been alluded to.—FELTON.
3. [Here it is that the drift of the whole poem is
fulfilled. The
evils consequent on the quarrel
between him and Agamemnon, at last
teach Achilles himself this wisdom—that
wrath and strife are
criminal and pernicious; and the
confession is extorted from his
own lips, that the lesson may be
the more powerfully inculcated. To
point the instruction to leaders
of armies only, is to narrow its
operation unnecessarily. The
moral is of universal application, and
the poet’s beneficent intentions
are wronged by one so
partial.]—TR.
Page 371
4. The promise of Thetis to present her son with
a suit of armor, was
the most artful method of hindering
him from putting immediately in
practice his resolution of fighting,
which, with his characteristic
violence, he would otherwise have
done.
5. [The sun is said to set with reluctance, because
his setting-time
was not yet come. Jupiter had
promised Hector that he should
prevail till the sun should go down,
and sacred darkness cover
all. Juno therefore, impatient
to arrest the victor’s progress,
and having no other means of doing
it, shortens the time allotted
him.]—TR.
6. [{Katademoboresai}.]
7. This custom of washing the dead is continued
among the Greeks to
this day, and is performed by the
dearest friend or relative. The
body is then anointed with a perfume,
and covered with linen,
exactly in the manner here related.
8. Among the Greeks, visitors of rank are still
honored in the same
manner, by being set apart from
the rest of the company, on a high
seat, with a footstool.
9. [{’Anedrame}.]
10. The description of the shield of Achilles
is one of the noblest
passages in the Iliad. It is
elaborated to the highest finish of
poetry. The verse is beautifully
harmonious, and the language as
nicely chosen and as descriptive
as can be conceived. But a still
stronger interest belongs to this
episode when considered as an
exact representation of life at
a very early period of the world,
as it undoubtedly was designed by
the poet.
It is certainly a most remarkable passage
for the amount of information it conveys relative
to the state of arts, and the general condition
of life at that period. From many intimations
in the ancient authors, it may be gathered, that
shields were often adorned by deities of figures
in bas-relief, similar to those here described.
In particular, see AEschylus in the Seven against Thebes.
A close examination of the whole passage will lead
to many curious inductions and inferences relative
to the ancient world, and throw much light upon
points which are elsewhere left in great obscurity.—FELTON.
11. Murder was not always punished with death
or even banishment. But
on the payment of a fine, the criminal
was allowed to remain in the
city.
12. Linus was the most ancient name in poetry,
the first upon record
as inventor of verse and measure
among the Grecians. There was a
solemn custom among the Greeks,
of bewailing annually their first
poet. Pausanias informs us,
that before the yearly sacrifice to the
Muses on Mount Helicon, the obsequies
of Linus were performed, who
had a statue and altar erected to
him in that place. In this
passage Homer is supposed to allude
to that custom.
13. See article Theseus, Gr. and Rom. Mythology.
Page 372
14. There were two kinds of dance—the
Pyrrhic, and the common dance;
both are here introduced. The
Pyrrhic, or military, is performed by
Youths wearing swords, the other
by the virgins crowned with
garlands. The Grecian dance
is still performed in this manner in
the oriental nations. The youths
and maidens dance in a ring,
beginning slowly; by degrees the
music plays in quicker time, till
at last they dance with the utmost
swiftness; and towards the
conclusion, they sing in a general
chorus.
15. The point of comparison is this. When
the potter first tries the
wheel to see “if it will run,”
he moves it much faster than when at
work. Thus it illustrates the
rapidity of the dance.—FELTON.
Footnotes for Book XIX:
1. [Brave men are great weepers—was a proverbial
saying in Greece.
Accordingly there are few of Homer’s
heroes who do not weep
plenteously on occasion. True
courage is doubtless compatible with
the utmost sensibility. See
Villoisson.]—TR.
2. The fear with which the divine armor filled
the Myrmidons, and the
exaltation of Achilles, the terrible
gleam of his eye, and his
increased desire for revenge, are
highly poetical.—FELTON.
3. The ancients had a great horror of putrefaction
previous to
interment.
4. [Achilles in the first book also summons a council
himself, and not
as was customary, by a herald.
It seems a stroke of character, and
intended by the poet to express
the impetuosity of his spirit, too
ardent for the observance of common
forms, and that could trust no
one for the dispatch he wanted.]—TR.
5. [{’Aspasios gony kampsein}.—Shall
be glad to bend their knee, i.e.
to sit and repose themselves.]—TR.
6. [{Touton mython}.—He seems to intend
the reproaches sounded in
his ear from all quarters, and which
he had repeatedly heard
before.]—TR.
7. [By some call’d Antibia, by others, Nicippe.]—TR.
8. It was unlawful to eat the flesh of victims
that were sacrificed in
confirmation of oaths. Such
were victims of malediction.
9. Nothing can be more natural than the representation
of these
unhappy young women; who, weary
of captivity, take occasion from
every mournful occurrence to weep
afresh, though in reality little
interested in the objects that call
forth these expressions of
sorrow.—DACIER.
10. Son of Deidameia, daughter of Lycomedes,
in whose house Achilles
was concealed at the time when he
was led forth to the war.
11. [We are not warranted in accounting any practice
unnatural or
absurd, merely because it does not
obtain among ourselves. I know
not that any historian has recorded
this custom of the Grecians,
but that it was a custom among them
occasionally to harangue their
horses, we may assure ourselves
on the authority of Homer, who
would not have introduced such speeches,
if they could have
appeared as strange to his countrymen
as they do to us.]—TR.
Page 373
12. Hence it seems, that too great an insight
into futurity, or the
revelation of more than was expedient,
was prevented by the
Furies.—TROLLOPE.
Footnotes for Book XX:
1. [This rising ground was five stadia in circumference,
and was
between the river Simois and a village
named Ilicon, in which Paris
is said to have decided between
the goddesses. It was called
Callicolone, being the most conspicuous
ground in the neighborhood
of the city.—Villoisson.]—TR.
2. [Iris is the messenger of the gods on ordinary
occasions, Mercury
on those of importance. But
Themis is now employed, because the
affair in question is a council,
and to assemble and dissolve
councils is her peculiar Province.
The return of Achilles is made
as magnificent as possible.
A council in heaven precedes it, and a
battle of the gods is the consequence.—Villoisson.]—TR.
3. [The readiness of Neptune to obey the summons is
particularly
noticed, on account of the resentment
he so lately expressed, when
commanded by Jupiter to quit the
battle.—Villoisson.]—TR.
4. The description of the battle of the gods
is strikingly grand.
Jupiter thunders in the heavens,
Neptune shakes the boundless earth
and the high mountain-tops; Ida
rocks on its base, and the city of
the Trojans and the ships of the
Greeks tremble; and Pluto leaps
from his throne in terror, lest
his loathsome dominions should be
laid open to mortals and immortals.—FELTON.
5. [The Leleges were a colony of Thessalians, and
the first
inhabitants of the shores of the
Hellespont.]—TR.
6. Hector was the son of Priam, who descended
from Ilus, and AEneas the
son of Anchises, whose descent was
from Assaracus, the brother of
Ilus.
7. This dialogue between Achilles and AEneas,
when on the point of
battle, as well as several others
of a similar description, have
been censured as improbable and
impossible. The true explanation is
to be found in the peculiar character
of war in the heroic age. A
similar passage has been the subject
of remark.—FELTON.
8. [Some commentators, supposing the golden plate
the outermost as the
most ornamental, have perplexed
themselves much with this passage,
for how, say they, could two folds
be pierced and the spear be
stopped by the gold, if the gold
lay on the surface? But to avoid
the difficulty, we need only suppose
that the gold was inserted
between the two plates of brass
and the two of tin; Vulcan, in this
particular, having attended less
to ornament than to security.
See the Scholiast in Villoisson,
who argues at large in favor of
this opinion.]—TR.
9. Tmolus was a mountain of Lydia, and Hyda a
city of the same
country. The Gygaean lake was
also in Lydia.
Page 374
10. [Neptune. So called, either because he was
worshiped on Helicon, a
mountain of Boeotia, or from Helice,
an island of Achaia, where he
had a temple.]—TR.
If the bull bellowed as he was led
to the altar, it was considered
a favorable omen. Hence the
simile.—FELTON.
11. [It is an amiable trait in the character of Hector,
that his pity
in this instance supercedes his
caution, and that at the sight of
his brother in circumstances so
affecting, he becomes at once
inattentive to himself and the command
of Apollo.]—TR.
Footnotes for Book XXI:
1. The scene is now entirely changed, and the
battle diversified with
a vast variety of imagery and description.
It is worthy of notice,
that though the whole war of the
Iliad was upon the banks of these
rivers, yet Homer has reserved the
machinery of the river-gods to
aggrandize his hero in this battle.
There is no book in the poem
which exhibits greater force of
imagination, none in which the
inexhaustible invention of the poet
is more powerfully exerted.
2. The swarms of locusts that sometimes invade
whole countries in the
East, have often been described.
It seems that the ancient mode of
exterminating them was, to kindle
a fire, and thus drive them into
a lake or river. The simile
illustrates in the most striking manner
the panic caused by Achilles.—FELTON.
3. According to the Scholiast, Arisba was a city
of Thrace, and near
to the Hellespont; but according
to Eustathius, a city of Troas,
inhabited by a colony from Mitylene.
4. It was an ancient custom to cast living horses
into rivers, to
honor, as it were, the rapidity
of their streams.
5. This gives us an idea of the superior strength
of Achilles. His
spear pierced so deep in the ground,
that another hero of great
strength could not disengage it,
but immediately after, Achilles
draws it with the utmost ease.
6. [{’Akrokelainioon}.—The beauty
and force of this word are
wonderful; I have in vain endeavored
to do it justice.]—TR.
7. [The reason given in the Scholium is, that the
surface being
hardened by the wind, the moisture
remains unexhaled from beneath,
and has time to saturate the roots.—See
Villoisson.]—TR.
8. [{Amboladen}.]
9. Homer represents Aphrodite as the protector
of AEneas, and in the
battle of the Trojans, Ares appears
in a disadvantageous light; the
weakness of the goddess, and the
brutal confidence of the god are
described with evident irony.
In like manner Diana and the
river-god Scamander sometimes play
a very undignified part. Apollo
alone uniformly maintains his dignity.—MULLER.
10. This is a very beautiful soliloquy of Agenor,
such as would
naturally arise in the soul of a
brave man going upon a desperate
enterprise. From the conclusion
it is evident, that the story of
Achilles being invulnerable except
in the heel, is an invention of
a later age.
Page 375
Footnotes for Book XXII:
1. This simile is very striking. It not
only describes the appearance
of Achilles, but is peculiarly appropriate
because the star was
supposed to be of evil omen, and
to bring with it disease and
destruction. So Priam beholds
Achilles, splendid with the divine
armor, and the destined slayer of
his son.—FELTON.
2. The usual cruelties practised in the sacking
of towns. Isaiah
foretells to Babylon, that her children
shall be dashed in pieces
by the Medes. David says to
the same city, “Happy shall he be that
taketh and dasheth thy little ones
against the stones.”—Ps.
cxxxvii. 9.
3. It was supposed that venomous serpents were
accustomed to eat
poisonous roots and plants before
attacking their victims.—FELTON.
4. This speech of Hector shows the fluctuation
of his mind, with much
discernment on the part of the poet.
He breaks out, after having
apparently meditated a return to
the city. But the imagined
reproaches of Polydamas, and the
anticipated scorn of the Trojans
forbid it. He soliloquizes
upon the possibility of coming to terms
with Achilles, and offering him
large concessions; but the
character of Achilles precludes
all hope of reconciliation. It is a
fearful crisis with him, and his
mind wavers, as if presentient of
his approaching doom.—FELTON.
5. [The repetition follows the original, and the Scholiast
is of
opinion that Homer uses it here
that he may express more
emphatically the length to which
such conferences are apt to
proceed.—{Dia ten polylogian
te analepse echresato}.]—TR.
6. [It grew near to the tomb of Ilus.]
7. The Scamander ran down the eastern side of
Ida, and at the distance
of three stadia from Troy, making
a subterraneous dip, it passed
under the walls and rose again in
the form of the two fountains
here described—from which
fountains these rivulets are said to
have proceeded.
8. It was the custom of that age to have cisterns
by the side of
rivers and fountains, to which the
women, including the wives and
daughters of kings and princes,
resorted to wash their garments.
9. Sacrifices were offered to the gods upon the
hills and mountains,
or, in the language of scripture,
upon the high places, for the
people believed that the gods inhabited
such eminences.
10. [The numbers in the original are so constructed
as to express the
painful struggle that characterizes
such a dream.]—TR.
11. [{proprokylindomenos}.]
12. The whole circumference of ancient Troy is
said to have measured
sixty stadia. A stadium measured
one hundred and twenty-five paces.
13. [The knees of the conqueror were a kind of sanctuary
to which the
vanquished fled for refuge.]—TR.
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14. [The lines of which these three are a translation,
are supposed by
some to have been designed for the
[Greek: Epinikion], or song of
victory sung by the whole army.]—TR.
15. [It was a custom in Thessaly to drag the slayer
around the tomb of
the slain; which custom was first
begun by Simon, whose brother
being killed by Eurydamas, he thus
treated the body of the
murderer. Achilles therefore,
being a Thessalian, when he thus
dishonors Hector, does it merely
in compliance with the common
practice of his country.]—TR.
16. [It is an observation of the Scholiast, that two
more affecting
spectacles cannot be imagined, than
Priam struggling to escape into
the field, and Andromache to cast
herself from the wall; for so he
understands {atyzomenen apolesthai}.]—TR.
17. A figurative expression. In the style
of the orientals, marrow and
fatness are taken for whatever is
best, most tender, and most
delicious.
18. Homer is in nothing more excellent than in
the distinction of
characters, which he maintains throughout
the poem. What Andromache
here says, cannot be said with propriety
by any one but Andromache.
Footnotes for Book XXIII:
1. According to the oriental custom. David
mourns in the same manner,
refusing to wash or take any repast,
and lies upon the earth.
2. [Bacchus having hospitably entertained Vulcan in
the island of
Naxos, one of the Cyclades, received
from him a cup as a present;
but being driven afterward by Lycurgus
into the sea, and kindly
protected by Thetis, he presented
her with this work of Vulcan,
which she gave to Achilles for a
receptacle of his bones after
death.]—TR.
3: [The funeral pile was a square of a hundred
feet on each
side.]—TR.
4. The ceremony of cutting off the hair in honor
of the dead, was
practised not only among the Greeks,
but among other nations.
Ezekiel describing a great lamentation,
says, “They shall make
themselves utterly bald for thee.”
ch. xxvii. 31. If it was the
general custom of any country to
wear long hair, then the cutting
it off was a token of sorrow; but
if the custom was to wear it
short, then letting it grow, in
neglect, was a sign of mourning.
5. It was the custom of the ancients not only
to offer their own hair
to the river-gods of their country,
but also the hair of their
children. In Egypt hair was
consecrated to the Nile.
6. [Westering wheel.—MILTON.]
7. [Himself and the Myrmidons.]
8. [That the body might be the more speedily consumed.
The same end
was promoted by the flagons of oil
and honey.]—TR.
9. Homer here introduces the gods of the winds
in person, and as Iris,
or the rainbow, is a sign of winds,
they are made to come at her
bidding.
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10 [Such it appears to have been in the sequel.]—TR.
11. [{Phiale}—a vessel, as Athenaeus describes
it, made for the
purpose of warming water. It
was formed of brass, and expanded
somewhat in the shape of a broad
leaf.]—TR.
12. The poet omits no opportunity of paying honor
to Nestor. His age
has disabled him from taking an
active part in the games, yet,
Antilochus wins, not by the speed
of his horses, but by the wisdom
of Nestor.
13. [This could not happen unless the felly of the
wheel were nearly
horizontal to the eye of the spectator,
in which case the chariot
must be infallibly overturned.—There
is an obscurity in the
passage which none of the commentators
explain. The Scholiast, as
quoted by Clarke, attempts an explanation,
but, I think, not
successfully.]—TR.
14. [Eumelus.]
15. [Resentful of the attack made on him by Diomede
in the fifth
Book.]
16. [The twin monster or double man called the Molions.
They were sons
of Actor and Molione, and are said
to have had two heads with four
hands and four feet, and being so
formed were invincible both in
battle and in athletic exercises.
Even Hercules could only slay
them by stratagem, which he did
when he desolated Elis. See
Villoisson.]—TR.
17. [The repetition follows the original.]—TR.
18. [{parakabbale}.]
19. [With which they bound on the cestus.]—TR.
20: [{tetrigei}—It is a circumstance
on which the Scholiast observes
that it denotes in a wrestler the
greatest possible bodily strength
and firmness of position.—See
Villoisson.]—TR.
21: [I have given what seems to me the most probable
interpretation,
and such a one as to any person
who has ever witnessed a
wrestling-match, will, I presume,
appear intelligible.]—TR.
22. [The Sidonians were celebrated not only as the
most ingenious
artists Footnote: but as great
adepts in science, especially in
astronomy and arithmetical calculation.]—TR.
23. [King of Lemnos.]
24. [That is to say, Ulysses; who, from the first
intending it, had
run close behind him.]—TR.
25. The prodigious weight and size of the quoit
is described with the
simplicity of the orientals, and
in the manner of the heroic ages.
The poet does not specify the quantity
of this enormous piece of
iron, but the use it will be to
the winner. We see from hence that
the ancients in the prizes they
proposed, had in view not only the
honorable but the useful; a captive
for work, a bull for tillage, a
quoit for the provision of iron,
which in those days was scarce.
26. [The use of this staff was to separate the cattle.
It had a string
attached to the lower part of it,
which the herdsman wound about
his hand, and by the help of it
whirled the staff to a prodigious
distance.—Villoisson.]—TR.
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27. [The transition from narrative to dramatic follows
the
original.]—TR.
28: [Apollo; frequently by Homer called the King
without any
addition.]—TR.
29: Teucer is eminent for his archery, yet he
is excelled by Meriones,
who had not neglected to invoke
Apollo the god of archery.
Footnotes for Book XIV:
1. This is the first allusion in the Iliad to
the Judgment of Paris,
which gave mortal offence to Minerva
and Juno. On this account it
has been supposed by some that these
lines are spurious, on the
ground that Homer could not have
known the fable, or he would have
mentioned it earlier in the poem.—FELTON.
2. [His blessing, if he is properly influenced by
it; his curse in its
consequences if he is deaf to its
dictates.]—TR.
3. [This is the sense preferred by the Scholiast,
for it is not true
that Thetis was always present with
Achilles, as is proved by the
passage immediately ensuing.]—TR.
4 [The angler’s custom was, in those days, to
guard his line above the
hook from the fishes’ bite,
by passing it through a pipe of
horn.]—TR.
5. [Jupiter justifies him against Apollo’s charge,
affirming him to be
free from those mental defects which
chiefly betray men into sin,
folly, improvidence, and perverseness.]—TR.
6. [But, at first, he did fly. It is therefore
spoken, as the
Scholiast observes, {philostorgos},
and must be understood as the
language of strong maternal affection.]—TR.
7. [{koroitypiesin aristoi}.]
8. [Through which the reins were passed.]—TR.
9. [The yoke being flat at the bottom, and the pole
round, there would
of course be a small aperture between
the band and the pole on both
sides, through which, according
to the Scholium in Villoisson, they
thrust the ends of the tackle lest
they should dangle.]—TR.
10. [The text here is extremely intricate; as it stands
now, the sons
are, first, said to yoke the horses,
then Priam and Idaeus are said
to do it, and in the palace too.
I have therefore adopted an
alteration suggested by Clarke,
who with very little violence to
the copy, proposes instead of {zeugnysthen}
to
read—{zonnysthen}.]—TR.
11. [The words both signify—sable.]—TR.
12. Priam begins not with a display of the treasures
he has brought
for the redemption of Hector’s
body, but with a pathetic address to
the feelings of Achilles. Homer
well knew that neither gold nor
silver would influence the heart
of a young and generous warrior,
but that persuasion would.
The old king therefore, with a judicious
abruptness, avails himself of his
most powerful plea at once, and
seizes the sympathy of the hero,
before he has time to recollect
who it is that addresses him.
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13. [Mortified to see his generosity, after so much
kindness shown to
Priam, still distrusted, and that
the impatience of the old king
threatened to deprive him of all
opportunity to do gracefully what
he could not be expected to do willingly.]—TR.
14. [To control anger argues a great mind—and
to avoid occasions that
may betray one into it, argues a
still greater. An observation that
should suggest itself to us with
no little force, when Achilles,
not remarkable either for patience
or meekness, exhorts Priam to
beware of provoking him; and when
having cleansed the body of
Hector and covered it, he places
it himself in the litter, lest his
father, seeing how indecently he
had treated it, should be
exasperated at the sight, and by
some passionate reproach
exasperate himself also. For
that a person so singularly irascible
and of a temper harsh as his, should
not only be aware of his
infirmity, but even guard against
it with so much precaution,
evidences a prudence truly wonderful.—Plutarch.]—TR.
15. [{’Epikertomeon}. Clarke renders the
word in this place, falso
metu, ludens, and Eustathius
says that Achilles suggested such
cause of fear to Priam, to excuse
his lodging him in an exterior
part of the tent. The general
import of the Greek word is
sarcastic, but here it signifies
rather—to intimidate. See also
Dacier.]—TR.
16. The poet here shows the importance of Achilles
in the army.
Agamemnon is the general, yet all
the chief commanders appeal to
him for advice, and on his own authority
he promises Priam a
cessation of arms. Giving his
hand to confirm the promise, agrees
with the custom of the present day.
17. This lament of Andromache may be compared
to her pathetic address
to Hector in the scene at the Scaean
gate. It forms indeed, a most
beautiful and eloquent pendant to
that.—FELTON.
18. [This, according to the Scholiast, is a probable
sense of
{prosphatos}.—He derives
it {apo ton neosti pephasmenon ek ges
phyton}.—See Villoisson.]—TR.
19. Helen is throughout the Iliad a genuine lady,
graceful in motion
and speech, noble in her associations,
full of remorse for a fault
for which higher powers seem responsible,
yet grateful and
affectionate towards those with
whom that fault had connected her.
I have always thought the following
speech in which Helen laments
Hector and hints at her own invidious
and unprotected situation in
Troy, as almost the sweetest passage
in the poem.—H.N. COLERIDGE.
20. [{Hos hoi g’amphiepon taphon Hektoros hippodamoio}.]