Homer's Iliad by Good Soil Media

THE ILIAD OF HOMER

TRANSLATED BY EDWARD EARL OF DERBY

THE

ILIAD OF HOMER RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE.

EDWARD EARL OF DERBY. VOLS I & II IN ONE BOOK

FIFTH EDITION, REVISED.

LONDON:

JOHN MURRA� ALBEMARLE STREE� 1865.

LONOON: PRINTED BY W. Cl.OWFS AXD SONS, ST...\)a'ORl> STREET, AND CIJARTNO CROSS.

'l'O HIS ROYAL HIGHNF.SS

ALBERT EDW.ARD PRINCE OF W.ALES, K.G. TEIS TRANSLATION OF

'l'HE ILIAD OF HOMER JS BY HIS ROYAL HiGHNE3S'S GRACIOUS PERMISSION WITH PROFOUND RESPECT AND DUTIFUL ATTACHMF:NT

HUMBLY DEDICATED.

PREFACE. IN the spring of 1862 I was induced, at the request of some personal friends, to print, for private circulation only, a small volume of " Translations of Poems Ancient and Modern," in which was included the first Book of the Iliad. The opinions expressed by some competent judges of the degree of success which had attended this "attempt to infuse into an almost literal English version something of the spirit, as well as the simplicity, of the great original,"* were sufficiently favourable to en courage me to continue the work which I had begun. It has afforded me, in the intervals of more urgent business, an unfailing, and constantly increasing source of interest ; and it is not without a feeling of regret at the completion of my task, and a sincere diffidence as to its success, that I venture to submit the result of • my labours to the ordeal of public criticism. Various causes, irrespective of any demerits of the work itself, forbid me to anticipate for this translation • lnt!'oduction to unpubli�lied volume.

PREFACE.

First, I fear that the taste

any extensive popularity.

for, and appreciation of, Classical Literature are greatly on the decline ;

next, those who have kept up their

classical studies, and are able to read and enjoy the original, will hardly take an interest in a mere translathe

while

tion ;

English

reader,

unacquainted

with

Greek, will naturally prefer the harmonious versification and

polished

brilliancy

Pope's

translation ;

with

which, as a happy adaptation of the Homeric story to the spirit of English poetry, I have not the presumption to enter into competition.

But, admirable as it

is, Pope's Iliad can hardly be said to be Homer's Iliad ; and there may be some who, having lost the familiarity with the original language which they once possessed, may, if I have at all succeeded in my attempt, have recalled to their minds a faint echo of the strains which delighted their earlier days, and may recognize some slight trace of the original perfume. Numerous as have been the translators of the Iliad, or of parts of it, the metres which have been

selected

have been almost as various : the ordinary couplet in rhyme, the Spenserian stanza, the Trochaic or Ballad metre,

all

have

had

their

partisans, even

that

66 pestilent heresy " of the so-called English Hexameter ; a metre wholly repugnant to the genius of our language ; which can only be pressed into the service by a viola-

PREFACE .

vii

tion of every rule of prosody ; and of which, notwithstanding my respect for the eminent men who have attempted to naturalize it, I could never read ten lines without being irresistibly reminded of Canning's

66 ' Dactylics call'st thou them ? God help thee, silly one ! "

But in the progress of this work, I have been more and more confirmed in the opinion which I expressed at its commencement, that (whatever may be the extent of my own individual failure) " if justice is ever to be done to the easy flow and majestic simplicity of the grand old Poet, it can only be in the Heroic blank verse."

I have seen isolated passages admirably ren-

dered in other metres ; and there are many instances in which a translation line for line and couplet for couplet naturally suggests itself, and in which it is sometimes difficult to avoid an involuntary rhyme ; but the blank verse appears to me the only metre capable of adapting itself to all the gradations, if I may use the term, of the Homeric style ; numerous

from the finished poetry of the

similes, in which every touch is nature, and

nothing is overcoloured

or exaggerated, down to the

simple, almost homely, style of some portions of the narrative.

Least of all can any other metre do full

justice to the spirit and freedom of the various speeches, in which the old warriors give utterance, without dis-

b 2

Vlll

PREFACE.

guise or restraint, to all their strong and genuine emotions. To subject these to the trammels of couplet and rhyme would be as destructive of their chief characteristics, as the application of a similar process to the Paradise Lost of Milton, or the tragedies of Shake speare ; the effect indeed may be seen by comparing, with some of the noblest speeches of the latter, the few couplets which he seems to have considei·ed himself bound by custom to tack on to their close, at the end of a scene or an act. I have adopted, not without hesitation, the Latin, rather than the Greek, nomenclature for the Heathen Deities. I have been induced to do so from the mani fest incongruity of confounding the two;, and from the fact that though English 1·eaders may be familiar with

the names of Zeus, or Aphrodite, or even Poseidon, those of Hera, or Ares, or Hephrestus, or Leto, would hardly convey to them a definite signification. It has been my aim throughout to produce a transla tion, and not a paraphrase; not indeed such a translation as would satisfy, with regard to each word, the rigid requirements of accurate scholarship ; but such as would fairly and honestly give the sense and spirit of every passage, and of eve1-y line ; omitting nothing,. and ex panding nothing·; and adhering, as closely as our language will allow, ever to every epithet which is

PREFACE.

capable of being translated, and which has, in the particular passage, anything of a special and distinctive character. Of the many deficiencies in my execution of this intention, I am but too conscious ; whether I have been in any degree successful, must be left to the im partial decision of such of the Public as may honour this work with . their perusal.

KNows1;Ev, OcT., 1864.

NOTE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.

----

THE favourable reception which has been given to the first Editions of this work, far exceeding my most sanguine hopes, affords a gratifying proof how far, in my preface, I had overrated the extent to which the taste for, and appreciation of� Classical Literature had declined. It will not, I hope, be thought extraordinary that some errors and inaccuracies should have found their way into a Translation executed, I must admit, somewhat hastily, and with less of the " limre labor" than I should have bestowed upon it, had I ventured to anticipate for it so extensive a circulation. My

PREFAOE.

thanks, therefore, are due to those Critics, who, either publicly or privately, have called my attention to passages in which the sense of the Author has been either incorrectly or imperfectly rendered. All of these I have examined, and have availed myself of several of the suggestions offered for their correction ; and a careful revision of the whole work, and renewed com parison with the original, have enabled me to discover other defects, the removal of which will, I hope, render the present Edition, especially in the eyes of Classical Scholars, somewhat more worthy of the favour which has been accorded to its predecessors. D. ST. JA.MEs's SQtrABE, llA.Y, 1865.

LIST OF BOOKS. VOL. I.

PA.OR

Boos: I. Boos: II. Boos: m.

Boo:s: IV.

Boos: v. Boos:VI.

34 81

.. .. .. .. ..

Boos: VII. .. Boos:VID. .. Boos: IX. Boos: X. Boos: XI. .. Boos: XII. ..

.. ..

106

135

183

211

236

266

304

334

379

.. ..

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

F Peleus' son, Achilles, sing, O Muse, OF The vengeance, deep and deadly ; whence to Greece Unnumbered ills arose ; which many a soul Of mighty warriors to the viewless shades

Untimely sent ; they on the battle plain Unburied lay, a prey to ravening dogs,

And carrion birds ; but so had Jove decreed, From that sad day when first in wordy war, The mighty Agamemnon , King of men, 10

Confronted stood by Peleus' godlike son. Say then, what God the fatal strife provoked ? Jove's and Latona's son ; he, filled with wrath Against the King, with deadly pestilence

The camp afflicted,—and the people died , — For Chryses' sake, his priest, whom Atreus' son VOL. I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK I.

With scorn dismissed, when to the Grecian ships He came, his captive daughter to redeem, With costly ransom charged ; and in his hand The sacred fillet of his God he bore, And golden staff; to all he sued, but chief

To Atreus' sons, twin captains of the host : "Ye sons of Atreus, and ye well-greaved Greeks, May the great Gods, who on Olympus dwell, Grant you yon hostile city to destroy, And home return in safety ; but my child

Restore, I pray ; her proffered ransom take, And in his priest, the Lord of light revere." Then through the ranks assenting murmurs ran, The priest to reverence, and the ransom take : Not so Atrides ; he, with haughty mien,

And bitter speech, the trembling sire addressed : "Old man, I warn thee, that beside our ships I :find thee not, or lingering now, or back Returning ; lest thou prove of small avail Thy golden staff, and fillet of thy God. Her I release not, till her youth be fled ; Within my walls, in Argos, far from home,

BOOK I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Her lot is cast, domestic cares to ply, And share a master's bed.

For thee, begone ! 40

Incense me not, lest ill betide thee now."

He said : the old man trembled , and obeyed ; Beside the many-dashing Ocean's shore

Silent he passed ; and all apart, he prayed To great Apollo , fair Latona's son : " Hear me, God of the silver bow ! whose care

Chrysa surrounds, and Cilla's lovely vale ; Whose sovereign sway o'er Tenedos extends ; O Smintheus, hear ! if e'er my offered gifts Found favour in thy sight ; if e'er to thee 50

I burned the fat of bulls and choicest goats, Grant me this boon- upon the Grecian host Let thine unerring darts avenge my tears." Thus as he prayed, his prayer Apollo heard : Along Olympus ' heights he passed, his heart Burning with wrath ; behind his shoulders hung His bow, and ample quiver ; at his back Rattled the fateful arrows as he moved ; Like the night-cloud he passed ; and from afar He bent against the ships, and sped the bolt ;

B 2

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book I.

And fierce and deadly twanged the silver bow.

First on the mules and dogs, on man the last, Was poured the arrowy storm ; and through the camp, Constant and numerous, blazed the funeral fires. Nine days the heavenly Archer on the troops Hurled his dread shafts ; the tenth, th' assembled Greeks 65 Achilles called to council ; so inspired By Juno, white-armed Goddess, who beheld

With pitying eyes the wasting hosts of Greece. When all were met, and closely thronged around , Rose the swift-footed chief, and thus began :

" Great son of Atreus, to my mind there seems, If we would ' scape from death, one only course, Home to retrace our steps : since here at once By war and pestilence our forces waste.

But seek we first some prophet, or some priest,

Or some wise vision-seer (since visions too From Jove proceed), who may the cause explain, Which with such deadly wrath Apollo fires : If for neglected hecatombs or prayers He blame us ; or if fat of lambs and goats May soothe his anger and the plague assuage."

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book I.

This said, he sat ; and Thestor's son arose, Calchas, the chief of seers, to whom were known The present, and the future, and the past ;

Who, by his mystic art, Apollo's gift,

Guided to Ilium's shore the Grecian fleet.

Who thus with cautious speech replied, and said : 66 Achilles, loved of Heaven, thou bidd'st me say

Why thus incensed the far-destroying King : Therefore I speak ; but promise thou, and swear,

By word and hand, to bear me harmless through. For well I know my speech must one offend, The Argive chief, o'er all the Greeks supreme ; And terrible to men of low estate The anger of a King ; for though awhile

He veil his wrath, yet in his bosom pent It still is nursed, until the time arrive ; Say, then, wilt thou protect me, if I speak ? ” Him answered thus Achilles, swift of foot : 66 Speak boldly out whate'er thine art can tell ; For by Apollo's self I swear, whom thou, O Calchas, serv'st, and who thy words inspires, That, while I live, and see the light of Heaven,

100

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooK I.

Not one of all the Greeks shall dare on thee, Beside our ships, injurious hands to lay :

105

No, not if Agamemnon's self were he, Who 'mid our warriors boasts the foremost place." Emboldened thus, the unerring prophet spoke : " Not for neglected hecatombs or prayers, But for his priest, whom Agamemnon scorned,

110

Nor took his ransom, nor his child restored ; On his account the Far-destroyer sends This scourge of pestilence, and yet will send; Nor shall we cease his heavy hand to feel, Till to her sire we give the bright-eyed girl,

115

Unbought, unransomed, and to Chrysa's shOl'e A solemn hecatomb despatch; this done, The God, appeased, his anger may remit." This said, he sat; and Atreus' godlike son, The mighty monarch, Agamemnon, rose,

120

His dark soul filled with fury, and his eyes :Flashing li�e flames of fire; on Calchas fu·st A withering glance he cast, and thus he spoke : "Prophet of ill! thou never speak'st to me But words of evil omen; for thy soul

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Book I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Delights to augur ill, but aught of good Thou never yet hast promised, nor performed . And now among the Greeks thou spread'st abroad Thy lying prophecies, that all these ills Come from the Far-destroyer, for that I

130

Refused the ransom of my lovely prize, And that I rather chose herself to keep, To me not less than Clytemnestra dear, My virgin-wedded wife ; nor less adorned In gifts of form, of feature, or of mind.

135

Yet, if it must be so, I give her back ;

I wish my people's safety, not their death . But seek me out forthwith some other spoil, Lest empty-handed I alone appear Of all the Greeks ; for this would ill beseem ;

140

And how I lose my present share, ye see."

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied : 66 Haughtiest of men, and greediest of the prey ! How shall our valiant Greeks for thee seek out Some other spoil ? no common fund have we Of hoarded treasures ; what our arms have won From captured towns, has been already shared,

145

BooK I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Nor can we ·now resume the apportioned spoil. Restore the maid, obedient to the God ! And if Heaven will that we the strong-built walls

150

Of Troy should raze, our warriors will to thee A threefold, fourfold recompense assign." To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus : " Think not, Achilles, valiant though thou art

In fight, and godlike, to defraud me thus ;

155

Thou shalt not so persuade me, nor o'erreach. 1

Think st thou to keep thy portion of the spoil, While I with empty hands sit humbly down? The bright-eyed girl thou bidd'st me to restore ; If then the valiant Greeks for me seek out

Some other spoil, some compensation just, 'Tis well: if not, I with my own right hand Will from some other chief, from thee perchance, Or Ajax, or Ulysses, wrest hie prey ; And woe to him, on whomsoe'er I call!

165

But this for future counsel we remit : Haste we then now our dark-ribbed bark to launch, Muster a fitting crew, and place on board 'fhe sa_cred hecatomb; then last embark

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Book I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

The fair Chryseis ; and in chief command

170

Let some one of our councillors be placed, Ajax, Ulysses, or Idomeneus, Or thou, the most ambitious of them all, That so our rites may soothe the angry God." To whom Achilles thus with scornful glance :

175

" Oh, clothed in shamelessness ! oh, sordid soul ! How canst thou hope that any Greek for thee Will brave the toils of travel or of war ? Well dost thou know that ' t was no feud of mine With Troy's brave sons that brought me here in arms ;

180

They never did me wrong ; they never drove My cattle, or my horses ; never sought In Phthia's fertile, life-sustaining fields To waste the crops ; for wide between us lay The shadowy mountains and the roaring sea.

185

With thee, O void of shame ! with thee we sailed,

For Meneläus and for thee, ingrate, Glory and fame on Trojan crests to win. All this hast thou forgotten, or despised ; And threatenest now to wrest from me the prize

I laboured hard to win, and Greeks bestowed.

190

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooK I.

Nor does my portion ever equal thine, When on some populous town our troops have made Successful war ; in the contentious fight The larger portion of the toil is mine ;

195

But when the day of distribution comes, Thine is the richest spoil ; while I, forsooth, Must be too well content to bear on board Some paltry prize for all my warlike toil. _ To Phthia now I go ; so better far,

200

To steer my homeward course, and leave thee here, But little like, I deem, dishonouring me, To fill thy coffers with the spoils of war." Whom answered Agamemnon, King of men : " Fly then, if such thy mind !

I ask thee not

205

On mine account to stay ; others there are Will guard my honour and avenge my cause: And chief of all, the Lord of counsel, Jove ! Of all the Heaven-born Kings, thou art the man I hate the most; for thou delight'st in nought But war and strife : thy prowess I allow ; Yet this, remember, is the gift of Heaven. Return then, with thy vessels, if thou wilt,

210

BOOK I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And with thy followers, home ; and lord it there Over thy Myrmidons !

I heed thee not !

I care not for thy fury !

215

Hear my threat :

Since Phoebus wrests Chryseis from my arms, In mine own ship, and with mine own good crew, Her I send forth ; and, in her stead, I mean, Ev'n from thy tent, myself, to bear thy prize,

220

The fair Briseis ; that henceforth thou know How far I am thy master ; and that, taught By thine example, others too may fear To rival me, and brave me to my face."

Thus while he spake, Achilles chafed with rage ;

225

And in his manly breast his heart was torn With thoughts conflicting- whether from his side To draw his mighty sword, and thrusting by The assembled throng, to kill the insulting King ; Or school his soul, and keep his anger down.

230

But while in mind and spirit thus he mused, And half unsheathed his sword, from Heaven came down Minerva, sent by Juno, white-armed Queen, Whose love and care both chiefs alike enjoyed. She stood behind, and by the yellow hair

235

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book I.

She held the son of Peleus, visible To him alone, by all the rest unseen.

Achilles, wondering, turned, and straight he knew The blue-eyed Pallas ; awful was her glance ; Whom thus the chief with wingèd words addressed : 240 66 Why com'st thou, child of ægis-bearing Jove ?

To see the arrogance of Atreus' son ? But this I say, and will make good my words, This insolence may cost him soon his life." To whom the blue-eyed Goddess thus replied :

245

" From Heaven I came, to curb, if thou wilt hear, Thy fury ; sent by Juno, white-armed Queen, Whose love and care ye both alike enjoy. Cease, then, these broils, and draw not thus thy sword ;

In words, indeed, assail him as thou wilt.

250

But this I promise, and will make it good , The time shall come, when for this insolence A threefold compensation shall be thine ; Only be swayed by me, and curb thy wrath." Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot : " Goddess, I needs must yield to your commands, Indignant though I be-for so ' tis best ;

255

Book I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Who hears the Gods, of them his prayers are heard." He said ; and on the silver hilt he stayed His powerful hand, and flung his mighty sword

260

Back to its scabbard, to Minerva's word Obedient : she her heavenward course pursued To join the Immortals in the abode of Jove. But Peleus' son, with undiminished wrath, Atrides thus with bitter words addressed :

265

" Thou sot, with eye of dog, and heart of deer ! Who never dar'st to lead in armèd fight Th' assembled host, nor with a chosen few To man the secret ambush - for thou fear'st To look on death- no doubt ' tis easier far,

270

Girt with thy troops, to plunder of his right Whoe'er may venture to oppose thy will ! A tyrant King, because thou rul'st o'er slaves ! Were it not so, this insult were thy last. But this I say, and with an oath confirm, By this my royal staff, which never more Shall put forth leaf nor spray, since first it left Upon the mountain-side its parent stem, Nor blossom more ; since all around the axe

275

BOOK I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Hath lopped both leaf and bark, and now 'tis home

280

Emblem of justice, by the sons of Greece, Who guard the sacred ministry of law Before the face of Jove! a mighty oath! The time shall come, when all the sons of Greece Shall mourn Achilles' loss; and thou the while,

285

Heart-rent, shalt be all-impotent to aid, When by the warrior-slayer Hector's hand Many shall fall·; and then thy soul shall mourn The slight on Grecia's bravest warrior cast." Thus spoke Pelides; and upon the ground

290

He cast his staff, with golden studs embossed, And took his seat; on the other side, in wrath, Atrides burned; but Nestor interposed; Nestor, the leader of the Pylian host, The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips

295

Sweeter than honey flowed the stream of speech. Two generations of the sons of men For him were past and gone, who with himself Were born and bred on Pylos' lovely shore, And o'er the third he now held royal sway.

300

He thus with prudent wo1·ds the chiefs addressed :

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BOOK I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

" Alas, alas ! what grief is this for Greece ! What joy for Priam, and for Priam's sons ! What exultation for the men of Troy, To hear of feuds 'tween you, of all the Greeks

305

The first in council, and the first in fight ! Yet, hear my words, I pray ; in years, at least, Ye both must yield to me ; and in times past I lived with men, and they despised me not, Abler in counsel, greater than yourselves .

310

Such men I never saw, and ne'er shall see, As Pirithous and Dryas, wise and brave, Coeneus, Exadius, godlike Polypheme, And Theseus, Ægeus' more than mortal son. The mightiest they among the sons of men ;

315

The mightiest they, and of the forest beasts Strove with the mightiest, and their rage subdued. With them from distant lands, from Pylos' shore I joined my forces, and their call obeyed ; With them I played my part ; with them, not one Would dare to fight of mortals now on earth. Yet they my counsels heard, my voice obeyed ; And hear ye also, for my words are wise.

320

BOOK I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Nor thou, though great thou be, attempt to rob 325

Achilles of his prize, but let him keep The spoil assigned him by the sons of Greece ; Nor thou, Pelides, with the monarch strive In rivalry; for ne'er to sceptred King Hath Jove such powers, as to Atrides, given; And valiant though thou art, and Goddess-born,

330

Yet mightier he, for wider is his sway. Atrides, curb thy wrath! while I beseech �.\.chilies to forbear; in whom the Greeks From adverse war their great defender see." To whom the monarch, Agamemnon, thus :

335

" 0 father, full of wisdom are thy words; Hut this proud chief o'er all would domineer; O'er all he seeks to rule, o'er all to reign, To all to dictate ; which I will not bear. Grant that the Gods have given him warlike might, 340 Gave they unbridled license to his tongue ? " To whom Achilles, interrupting, thus : " Coward and slave indeed I might be . deemed, Could I submit to make thy word my law;

To others thy commands; seek not to me

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BOOK I.

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ILIAD.

To dictate, for I follow thee no more. But hear me speak, and ponder what I say : For the fair girl I fight not (since you choose To take away the prize yourselves bestowed) With thee or any one ; but of the rest

350

My dark swift ship contains, against my will On nought shalt thou, unpunished, lay thy hand. Make trial if thou wilt, that these may know ; Thy life-blood soon should reek upon my spear." After this conflict keen of angry speech,

355

The chiefs arose, the assembly was dispersed . With his own followers, and Menoetius' son, Achilles to his tents and ships withdrew. But Atreus' son launched a swift-sailing bark, With twenty rowers manned, and placed on board

360

The sacred hecatomb ; then last embarked

The fair Chryseis, and in chief command Laertes' son, the sage Ulysses, placed . They swiftly sped along the watery way.

Next, proclamation through the camp was made To purify the host ; and in the sea, Obedient to the word, they purified ;

VOL. 1.

365

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book I.

Then to Apollo solemn rites performed

With faultless hecatombs of bulls and goats, Upon the margin of the watery waste ;

370

And, wreathed in smoke, the savour rose to Heaven. The camp thus occupied, the King pursued His threatened plan of vengeance ; to his side Calling Talthybius and Eurybates, Heralds, and faithful followers, thus he spoke :

375

" Haste to Achilles ' tent, and in your hand Back with you thence the fair Briseis bring : If he refuse to send her, I myself

With a sufficient force will bear her thence, Which he may find , perchance, the worse for him.”

380

So spake the monarch, and with stern command Dismissed them ; with reluctant steps they passed Along the margin of the watery waste, Till to the tents and ships they came, where lay The warlike Myrmidons.

Their chief they found

Sitting beside his tent and dark-ribbed ship. Achilles marked their coming, not well pleased : With troubled mien, and awe-struck by the King, They stood, nor dared accost him ; but himself

385

BOOK I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Divined their errand, and addressed them thus :

390

66 Welcome, ye messengers of Gods and men, Heralds ! approach in safety ; not with you, But with Atrides, is my just offence, Who for the fair Briseis sends you here.

395

Go, then, Patroclus, bring the maiden forth,

And give her to their hands ; but witness ye, Before the blessed Gods and mortal men, And to the face of that injurious King, When he shall need my arm, from shameful rout

400

To save his followers ; blinded by his rage, He neither heeds experience of the past, Nor scans the future, provident how best To guard his fleet and army from the foe." He spoke

obedient to his friend and chief,

Patroclus led the fair Briseis forth,

405

And gave her to their hands ; they to the ships Retraced their steps, and with them the fair girl Reluctant went : meanwhile Achilles, plunged In bitter grief, from all the band apart, 410

Upon the margin of the hoary sea Sat idly gazing on the dark-blue waves ;

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book I.

And to his Goddess-mother long he prayed, With outstretched hands, " Oh, mother ! since thy son To early death by destiny is doomed, I might have hoped the Thunderer on high,

415

Olympian Jove, with honour would have crowned My little space ; but now disgrace is mine ; Since Agamemnon, the wide-ruling King, Hath wrested from me, and still holds, my prize." Weeping, he spoke ; his Goddess-mother heard,

420

Beside her aged father where she sat In the deep ocean-caves : ascending quick Through the dark waves, like to a misty cloud, Beside her son she stood ; and as he wept, She gently touched him with her hand , and said ,

425

"Why weeps my son ? and whence his cause of grief? Speak out, that I may hear, and share thy pain.”

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied, Groaning, " Thou know'st ; what boots to tell thee all ?

On Thebes we marched, Eetion's sacred town, And stormed the walls, and hither bore the spoil . The spoils were fairly by the sons of Greece

Apportioned out ; and to Atrides' share

430

BOOK I.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

The beauteous daughter of old Chryses fell. Chryses, Apollo's priest, to free his child,

435

Came to the encampment of the brass-clad Greeks, With costly ransom charged ; and in his hand The sacred fillet of his God he bore, And golden staff ; to all he sued, but chief To Atreus' sons, twin captains of the host.

440

Then through the ranks assenting murmurs ran, The priest to reverence, and the ransom take : Not so Atrides ; he, with haughty mien And bitter words, the trembling sire dismissed . The old man turned in sorrow ; but his prayer

445

Phoebus Apollo heard, who loved him well. Against the Greeks he bent his fatal bow, And fast the people fell ; on every side Throughout the camp the heavenly arrows flew ; A skilful seer at length the cause revealed

450

Why thus incensed the Archer-God ; I then,

The first, gave counsel to appease his wrath. Whereat Atrides, full of fury, rose, And uttered threats, which he hath now fulfilled.

For Chryses' daughter to her native land

455

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK].

In a swift-sailing ship the keen-eyed Greeks Have sent, with costly offerings to the God : Hut her, assigned me by the sons of Greece, Brises' fair daughter, from my tent e'en now The heralds bear away.

Then, Goddess, thou,

400

If thou hast power, protect thine injured son.

Fly to Olympus, to the feet of Jove, And make thy prayer to him, if on his heart Thou hast in truth, by word or deed, a claim. For I remember, in my father's house,

465

I oft have heard thee boast, how thou, alone Of all the Immortals, Saturn's cloud-girt son Didst shield from foul disgrace, when all the rest, Juno, and Neptune, and Minerva joined, With chains to bind him ; then, 0 Goddess, thou

470

Didst set him free, invoking to his aid Him of the hundred arms, whom Briareus The immortal Gods, and men .l.Egeon call. He, mightier than his father, took his seat By Saturn's son, in pride of conscious strength :

475

:Fear seized on all the Gods, nor did they dare To bind their King: of this remind him now,

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ILIAD .

And clasp his knees, and supplicate his aid For Troy's brave warriors, that the routed Greeks Back to their ships with slaughter may be driven ;

480

That all may taste the folly of their King, And Agamemnon's haughty self may mourn The slight on Grecia's bravest warrior cast."

Thus he ; and Thetis, weeping, thus replied : 66 ' Alas, my child, that e'er I gave thee birth !

485

Would that beside thy ships thou couldst remain From grief exempt, and insult ! since by fate Few years are thine, and not a lengthened term ; At once to early death and sorrows doomed Beyond the lot of man ! in evil hour I gave thee birth !

490

But to the snow-clad heights

Of great Olympus, to the throne of Jove, Who wields the thunder, thy complaints I bear. Thou by thy ships, meanwhile, against the Greeks Thine anger nurse, and from the fight abstain.

For Jove is to a solemn banquet gone Beyond the sea, on Ethiopia's shore, Since yesternight ; and with him all the Gods.

On the twelfth day he purposed to return

495,

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooKI.

To high Olympus ; thither then will I,

500

And at his feet my supplication make ; And he, I think, will not deny my suit." This said, she disappeared ; and left him there Musing in anger on the lovely form Torn from his arms by violence away.

505

Meantime, Ulysses, with his sacred freight, Arrived at Chrysa's strand ; and when his bark Had reached the shelter of' the deep sea bay, Their sails they furled, and lowered to the hold ; Slacked the retaining shrouds, and quickly struck

510

And stowed away the mast ; then with their sweeps Pulled for the beach, and cast their anchors out, And made her fast with cables to the shore. Then on the shingly breakwater themselves They landed, and the sacred hecatomb

515

To great Apollo ; and Ohryseis last. Her to the altar straight Ulysses led, The wise in counsel; in her father's hand He placed the maiden, and addreBBed him thus : " Chryses, from Agamemnon, King of men,

520

To thee I come, thy daughter to restore ;

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HOMER'S ILIAD .

And to thy God, upon the Greeks' behalf, To offer sacrifice, if haply so

We may appease his wrath, who now incensed With grievous suffering visits all our host."

525

Then to her sire he gave her ; he with joy Received his child ; the sacred hecatomb Around the well-built altar for the God In order due they placed ; their hands then washed , And the salt cake prepared, before them all

530

With hands uplifted Chryses prayed aloud : " Hear me, God of the silver bow ! whose care Chrysa surrounds, and Cilla's lovely vale, Whose sovereign sway o'er Tenedos extends !

Once hast thou heard my prayer, avenged my cause,

535

And poured thy fury on the Grecian host. Hear yet again, and grant what now I ask ; Withdraw thy chastening hand, and stay the plague.” Thus as he prayed, his prayer Apollo heard. Their prayers concluded, and the salt cake strewed Upon the victims' heads, they drew them back, And slew, and flayed ; then cutting from the thighs The choicest pieces, and in double layers

540

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooK I.

O' erspreading them with fat, above them placed The due meat-offerings ; then the aged priest

545

The cleft wood kindled, and libations poured Of ruddy wine; armed with the five-forked prongs The attendant ministers beside him stood. The thighs consumed with fire, the inward parts They tasted first; the rest upon the spits

550

Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew. Their labours ended, and the feast prepared, They shared the social meal, nor lacked there aught. The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, The attendant youths the fl.owing goblets crowned,

555

.And in fit order served the cups to all. All day they sought the favour of the God, The glorious preans chanting, and the praise Of Phcebus : he, well pleased, the strain received. But when the sun was set, and shades of night

560

O'erspread the sky, upon the sandy beach Close to their ship they laid ·them down to r�st. .And when the rosy-fingered morn app�red, Back ·to the camp they took their homeward way. A favouring breeze the Far-destroyer sent :

565

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

They stepped the mast, and spread the snowy sail : Full in the midst the bellying sail received The gallant breeze ; and round the vessel's prow The dark waves loudly roared, as on she rushed Skimming the seas, and cut her watery way.

570

Arrived where lay the wide-spread host of Greece, Their dark-ribbed vessel on the beach they drew High on the sand, and strongly shored her up ; Then through the camp they took their sev'ral ways. Meantime, beside the ships Achilles sat,

575

The Heaven-born son of Peleus, swift of foot, Chafing with rage repressed ; no more he sought

The honoured council, nor the battle-field ; But wore his soul away, and inly pined For the fierce joy and tumult of the fight.

580

But when the twelfth revolving day was come, Back to Olympus' heights the immortal Gods, Jove at their head , together all returned . Then Thetis, mindful of her son's request, Rose from the ocean wave, and sped in haste To high Olympus, and the courts of Heaven. The all-seeing son of Saturn there she found

585

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooK I.

Sitting apart upon the topmost crest Of many-ridged Olympus ; at his feet She sat, and while her left hand clasped his knees, 590 Her right approached his beard, and . suppliant thus She made her prayer to Saturn's royal son: "Father, if e'er amid the immortal Gods By word or deed I did thee service true, Hear now my prayer! Avenge my hapless son,

595

Of mortals shortest-lived, insulted now By mighty Agamemnon, King of men, And plundered of his lawful spoils of war. But Jove, Olym pian, Lord of counsel, Thou Avenge his cause; and give to Trojan arms

600

Such strength and power, that Greeks may learn how much They need my son, and give him honour due." She said : the Cloud-compeller answered not, But silent sat; then Thetis clasped his knees, And hung about him, and her suit renewed :

605

" Give me thy promise sure, thy gracious nod, Or else refuse (for thou hast none to fear), That I may learn, of all the immortal Gods, How far I stand the lowest in thine eyes."

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Book I.

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ILIAD .

Then, much disturbed, the Cloud- compeller spoke :

610

" Sad work thou mak'st, in bidding me oppose My will to Juno's, when her bitter words Assail me ; for full oft amid the Gods She taunts me, that I aid the Trojan cause. But thou return, that Juno see thee not,

615

And leave to me the furtherance of thy suit. Lo, to confirm thy faith, I nod my head ; And well among the immortal Gods is known The solemn import of that pledge from me : For ne'er my promise shall deceive, or fail,

620

Or be recalled, if with a nod confirmed." He said, and nodded with his shadowy brows ; Wayed on the immortal head the ambrosial locks, And all Olympus trembled at his nod. They parted thus ; from bright Olympus' heights

625

The Goddess hasted to her ocean-caves, Jove to his palace ; at his entrance all Rose from their seats at once ; not one presumed

To wait his coming, but advanced to meet. Then on his throne he sat ; but not unmarked Of Juno's eye had been the council held

630

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book I.

In secret with the silver-footed Queen, The daughter of the aged Ocean-God ; And with sharp words she thus addressed her Lord: "Tell me, deceiver, who was she with whom

635

Thou late held'st council ? ever ' tis thy way Apart from me to weave thy secret schemes, Nor dost thou freely share with me thy mind." To whom the Sire of Gods and men replied :

Expect not, Juno, all my mind to know ;

640

My wife thou art, yet would such knowledge be Too much for thee ; whate'er I deem it fit That thou shouldst know, nor God nor man shall hear Before thee ; but what I in secret plan, Seek not to know, nor curiously enquire."

645

Whom answered thus the stag-eyed Queen of Heaven : " What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? Ne'er have I sought, or now, or heretofore, Thy secret thoughts to know ; what thou think'st fit To tell, I wait thy gracious will to hear. Yet fear I in my soul thou art beguiled By wiles of Thetis, silver-footed Queen, The daughter of the aged Ocean-God ;

650

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For she was with thee early, and embraced Thy knees, and has, I think,thy promise sure,

655

Thou wilt avenge Achilles' cause, and bring Destructive slaughter on the Grecian host."

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied : " Presumptuous, to thy busy thoughts thou giv'st Too free a range, and watchest all I do ;

660

Yet shalt thou not prevail, but rather thus Be aliened from my heart-the worse for thee ! If this be so, it is my sovereign will. But, now, keep silence, and my words obey, Lest all the Immortals fail, if I be wroth,

665

To rescue thee from my resistless hand." He said, and terror seized the stag-eyed Queen : Silent she sat, curbing her spirit down, And all the Gods in pitying sorrow mourned .

Vulcan, the skilled artificer, then first

670

Broke silence, and with soothing words addressed " His mother, Juno, white-armed Queen of Heaven : " Sad were't, indeed, and grievous to be borne,

If for the sake of mortal men you two Should suffer angry passions to arise,

675

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BooK I.

And kindle broils in Heaven ; so should our feast By evil influence all its sweetness lack. Let me advise my mother (and I know That her own reason will my words approve) To speak my father fair; lest he again

680

Reply in anger, and our banquet mar : For Jove, the lightning's Lord, if such his will, Might hurl us from our seats (so great his power); But thou address him still with gentle words; So shall his favour soon again be ours."

68fi

This said, he rose, and in his mother's hand A. double goblet placed, as thus he spoke : " Have patience, mother mine ! though much enforced, Restrain thy spirit, lest perchance these eyes, Dear as thou art, behold thee brought to shame;

690

And I, though grieved in heart, be impotent To save thee; for 'tis hard to strive with Jove. When to thy succour once before I came, He seized me by the foot, and hurled me down From Heaven's high threshold; all the day I fell, And with the setting sun, on Lemnos' isle Lighted, scarce half alive; there was I found,

695

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HOMER'S

ILIAD . 3833

And by the Sintian people kindly nursed." Thus as he spoke, the white-armed Goddess smiled, 700

And, smiling, from his hand received the cup. Then to the Immortals all, in order due,

He ministered , and from the flagon poured The luscious nectar ; while among the Gods Rose laughter irrepressible, at sight

705

Of Vulcan hobbling round the spacious hall. Thus they till sunset passed the festive hours ; Nor lacked the banquet aught to please the sense, Nor sound of tuneful lyre, by Phoebus touched, Nor Muses' voice, who in alternate strains

710

Responsive sang : but when the sun had set, Each to his home departed, where for each The crippled Vulcan, matchless architect, With wondrous skill a noble house had reared. To his own couch, where he was wont of old,

715

When overcome by gentle sleep, to rest, Olympian Jove ascended ; there he slept,

717

And, by his side, the golden-throned Queen.

VOL. I.

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Book II .

II.

ALL night in sleep reposed the other Gods, And helmed warriors ; but the eyes of Jove

Sweet slumber held not, pondering in his mind How to avenge Achilles' cause, and pour Destructive slaughter on the Grecian host.

Thus as he mused, the wisest course appeared By a deluding vision to mislead The son of Atreus ; and with winged words Thus to a phantom form he gave command : "Hie thee, deluding Vision, to the camp

And ships of Greece, to Agamemnon's tent ; There, changing nought, as I command thee speak. Bid that he arm in haste the long-haired Greeks To combat ; for the wide-built streets of Troy

He now may capture ; since the immortal Gods Watch over her no longer ; all are gained . By Juno's prayers ; and woes impend o'er Troy."

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

He said : the Vision heard, and straight obeyed : Swiftly he sped, and reached the Grecian ships, And sought the son of Atreus ; him he found

Within his tent, wrapped in ambrosial sleep ; Above his head he stood, like Neleus' son, Nestor, whom Agamemnon reverenced most Of all the Elders ; in his likeness clothed Thus spoke the heavenly Vision ; " Sleep'st thou, son 25 Of Atreus, valiant warrior, horseman bold ? To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief, Charged with the public weal, and cares of state. Hear now the words I bear ; to thee I come 30

A messenger from Jove, who from on high Looks down on thee with eyes of pitying love. He bids thee arm in haste the long-haired Greeks To combat ; since the wide-built streets of Troy Thou now mayst capture ; for the immortal Gods

Watch over her no longer ; all are gained . By Juno's prayers ; and woes impend o'er Troy. Bear this in mind ; and when from sleep aroused Let not my words from thy remembrance fade." This said, he vanished ; and the monarch left,

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Book II.

Inspired with thoughts which ne'er should come to pass. 40 For in that day he vainly hoped to take The town of Priam ; ignorant what Jove Designed in secret, or what woes, what groans, What lengthened labours in the stubborn fight, Were yet for Trojans and for Greeks in store.

He woke from sleep ; but o'er his senses spread Dwelt still the heavenly voice ; he sat upright ; He donned his vest of texture fine, new-wrought, Then o'er it threw his ample robe, and bound His sandals fair around his well-turned feet ;

And o'er his shoulders flung his sword, adorned With silver studs ; and bearing in his hand His royal staff, ancestral, to the ships

Where lay the brass-clad warriors, bent his way. Aurora now was rising up the steep

Of great Olympus, to the immortal Gods Pure light diffusing ; when Atrides bade The clear-voiced heralds to the Assembly call The general host ; they gave the word, and straight From every quarter thronged the eager crowd. But first, of all the Elders, by the side.

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Of Nestor's ship, the aged Pylian chief, A secret conclave Agamemnon called ; And, prudent, thus the chosen few addressed : "Hear me, my friends !

In the still hours of night

I saw a heavenly Vision in my sleep : Most like it seemed in stature, form, and face To reverend Nestor ; at my head it stood ,

And with these words addressed me- Sleep'st thou, son Of Atreus, valiant warrior, horseman bold ?

To sleep all night but ill becomes a chief, Charged with the public weal, and cares of state. Hear now the words I bear ; to thee I come

A messenger from Jove, who from on high Looks down on thee with eyes of pitying love.

He bids thee arm in haste the long-haired Greeks To combat ; since the wide-built streets of Troy Thou now mayst capture ; for the immortal Gods Watch over her no longer ; all are gained By Juno's prayers, and woes impend o'er Troy. Bear thou my words in mind.'

Thus as he spoke

He vanished ; and sweet sleep forsook mine eyes. Seek we then straight to arm the sons of Greece :

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book II.

But first, as is our wont, myself will prove 85

The spirit of the army ; and suggest Their homeward voyage ; ye, throughout the camp Restore their courage, and restrain from flight." Thus having said, he sat ; and next arose Nestor, the chief of Pylos' sandy shore,

Who thus with prudent speech replied, and said : " O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, If any other had this Vision seen,

We should have deemed it false, and laughed to scorn The idle tale ; but now it hath appeared, 95

Of all our army, to the foremost man : Seek we then straight to arm the sons of Greece."

He said, and from the council led the way. Uprose the sceptred monarchs, and obeyed Their leader's call, and round them thronged the crowd. As swarms of bees, that pour in ceaseless stream

100

From out the crevice of some hollow rock, Now clustering, and anon ' mid vernal flowers, Some here, some there, in busy numbers fly ; So to the Assembly from their tents and ships The countless tribes came thronging ; in their midst,

105

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

By Jove enkindled , Rumour urged them on. Great was the din ; and as the mighty mass Sat down, the solid earth beneath them groaned ; Nine heralds raised their voices loud, to quell The storm of tongues, and bade the noisy crowd

110

Be still, and listen to the Heaven-born Kings. At length they all were seated, and awhile Their clamours sank to silence ; then uprose The monarch Agamemnon, in his hand His royal staff, the work of Vulcan's art ;

115

Which Vulcan to the son of Saturn gave ; To Hermes he, the heavenly messenger ; Hermes to Pelops, matchless charioteer ; Pelops to Atreus ; Atreus at his death Bequeathed it to Thyestes, wealthy Lord

120

Of numerous herds ; to Agamemnon last Thyestes left it ; token of his sway O'er all the Argive coast, and neighbouring isles. On this the monarch leant, as thus he spoke : "Friends, Grecian Heroes, Ministers of Mars !

Grievous, and all unlooked for, is the blow Which Jove hath dealt me ; by his promise led

125

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ILIAD.

Book II.

I hoped to raze the strong-built walls of Troy,

And home return in safety ; but it seems He falsifies his word, and bids me now

130

Return to Argos, frustrate of my hope, Dishonoured, and with grievous loss of men. Such now appears the o'er-ruling sovereign will Of Saturn's son ; who oft hath sunk the heads Of many a lofty city in the dust,

135

And yet will sink ; for mighty is his hand. 'Tis shame indeed that future days should hear How such a force as ours, so great, so brave, Hath thus been baffled, fighting, as we do, 'Gainst numbers far inferior to our own,

140

And see no end of all our warlike toil.

For should we choose, on terms of plighted truce, Trojans and Greeks, to number our array ; Of Trojans, all that dwell within the town, And we, by tens disposed , to every ten, To crown our cups, one Trojan should assign,

Full many a ten no cupbearer would find : So far the sons of Greece outnumber all That dwell within the town ; but to their aid

145

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Bold warriors come from all the cities round,

150

Who greatly harass me, and render vain My hope to storm the strong-built walls of Troy. Already now nine weary years have passed ; The timbers of our ships are all decayed, The cordage rotted ; in our homes the while

155

Our wives and helpless children sit, in vain Expecting our return ; and still the work, For which we hither came, remains undone. Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree Home to direct our course, since here in vain

160

We strive to take the well-built walls of Troy." Thus as he spoke, the crowd, that had not heard The secret council, by his words was moved ; So swayed and heaved the multitude, as when O'er the vast billows of the Icarian sea

165

Eurus and Notus from the clouds of Heaven Pour forth their fury ; or as some deep field Of wavy corn, when sweeping o'er the plain The ruffling west wind sways the bending ears ; So was the Assembly stirred ; and toward the ships With clamorous joy they rushed ; beneath their feet

170

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ILIAD .

BOOK II.

Rose clouds of dust, while one to other called To seize the ships and drag them to the main. They cleared the channels, and with shouts of " home " That rose to Heaven, they knocked the shores away.

175

Then had the Greeks in shameful flight withdrawn, Had Juno not to Pallas thus appealed :

"Oh Heaven ! brave child of ægis-bearing Jove, Shall thus the Greeks, in ignominious flight, O'er the wide sea their homeward course pursue,

180

And as a trophy to the sons of Troy The Argive Helen leave, on whose account, Far from their home, so many valiant Greeks Have cast their lives away ?

Go quickly thou

Amid the brass-clad Greeks, and man by man

1.85

Address with words persuasive, nor permit To launch their well-trimmed vessels on the deep." She said, nor did Minerva not obey,

But swift descending from Olympus' heights With rapid flight she reached the Grecian ships.

Laertes' son, in council sage as Jove There found she standing ; he no hand had laid On his dark vessel, for with bitter grief

190

HOMER'S ILIAD.

3333

BOOK II.

His heart was filled ; the blue-eyed Maid approached, And thus addressed him : " Great Laertes' son,

195

Ulysses, sage in council, can it be That you, the men of Greece, embarking thus On your swift ships, in ignominious flight, O'er the wide sea will take your homeward way, And as a trophy to the sons of Troy

200

The Argive Helen leave, on whose account Far from their homes so many valiant Greeks Have cast their lives away ?

Go quickly thou

Among the multitude, and man by man

Address with words persuasive, nor permit

205

To launch their well-trimmed vessels on the deep." She said ; the heavenly voice Ulysses knew ; Straight, springing to the course, he cast aside, And to Eurybates of Ithaca, His herald and attendant, threw his robe ;

210

Then to Atrides hastened, and by him

Armed with his royal staff ancestral, passed With rapid step amid the ships of Greece. Each King or leader whom he found he thus With cheering words encouraged and restrained :

215

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ILIAD .

BOOK II.

" O gallant friend, ' tis not for thee to yield, Like meaner men, to panic ; but thyself Sit quiet, and the common herd restrain. Thou know'st not yet Atrides' secret mind : He tries us now, and may reprove us soon.

220

His words in council reached not all our ears : See that he work us not some ill ; for fierce His anger ; and the Lord of counsel, Jove, From whom proceeds all honour, loves him well." But of the common herd whome'er he found

225

Clamouring, he checked with staff and threatening words : "Good friend, keep still, and hear what others say, Thy betters far : for thou art good for nought, Of small account in council or in fight. All are not sovereigns here ; ill fares the state

230

Where many masters rule ; let one be Lord, One King supreme ; to whom wise Saturn's son

In token of his sovereign power hath given The sceptre's sway and ministry of law."

Such were his words, as through the ranks he passed : 235 They from the vessels and the tents again Thronged to the Assembly, with such rush of sound,

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

As when the many-dashing ocean's wave Breaks on the shore, and foams the frothing sea. The others all were settled in their seats :

240

Only Thersites, with unmeasured words, Of which he had good store, to rate the chiefs, Not over-seemly, but wherewith he thought To move the crowd to laughter, brawled aloud. The ugliest man was he who came to Troy :

245

With squinting eyes, and one distorted foot, His shoulders round, and buried in his breast His narrow head, with scanty growth of hair. Against Achilles and Ulysses most

His hate was turned ; on them his venom poured ;

250

Anon, at Agamemnon's self he launched His loud-tongued ribaldry ; 'gainst him he knew Incensed the public mind ; and bawling loud,

Line 253. The text of the original leaves it somewhat in doubt whether the anger of the Greeks were directed against Thersites or Agamemnon. I believe the preponderance of authority, ancient and modern, is in favour of the former interpretation ; but the latter is not without the support of some eminent scholars, and after much consideration I have been induced to adopt it. The original represents the Greeks as filled with anger and resentment against some one. Thersites was an object of general contempt, but he had done nothing to excite those feelings : indeed, apart from the offensiveness of his tone, the public sympathy was with him ; for the army

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK II.

With scurril words, he thus addressed the King : "What more, thou son of Atreus, wouldst thou have ?

255

Thy tents are full of brass ; and in those tents Many fair women, whom, from all the spoil, We Greeks, whene'er some wealthy town we take, Choose first of all, and set apart for thee.

Or dost thou thirst for gold, which here perchance

260

Some Trojan brings, the ransom of his son

Captured by me, or by some other Greek ? Or some new girl, to gratify thy lust,

was deeply dissatisfied, and resented the conduct of Agamemnon towards Achilles, mainly perhaps because they had ceased to be enriched with the plunder of his successful forays (see i. 202, and ix. 387). This dissatisfaction and resentment are referred to by Neptune (xiii. 126), and by Agamemnon himself (xiv. 55). They had lately manifested themselves in the alacrity with which the whole army had caught at the insidious suggestion of abandoning the war ; and , just before the second assembly, Thersites avails himself of the general feeling, constituting himself the representative of a popular grievance, to vent his personal spite against Agamemnon. Ulysses saw how dangerous such a display might be at such a moment ; and artfully assuming (line 281 ) that the feeling was confined to Thersites alone (though in his subsequent speech, line 335, he admits and excuses the general discontent), he proceeds to cut short its expression by summary chastisement. Thereupon the fickle multitude, " despite their anger " (against Agamemnon), cannot refrain from laughing at the signal discomfiture of their self-constituted champion. This view is very fully set forth in a note on the passage appended to a translation of the Iliad by Mr. Barter, published in 1859, but which I have only seen since the publication of this work.

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Kept for thyself apart ? a leader, thou Shouldst not to evil lead the sons of Greece.

265

Ye slaves ! ye coward souls ! Women of Greece ! I will not call you men ! why go we not Home with our ships, and leave this mighty chief

To gloat upon his treasures, and find out Whether in truth he need our aid, or no ;

270

Who on Achilles, his superior far, Foul scorn hath cast, and robbed him of his prize , Which for himself he keeps ? Achilles , sure,

Is not intemperate, but mild of mood ; Else, Atreus' son, this insult were thy last."

275

On Agamemnon, leader of the host, With words like these Thersites poured his hate ; But straight Ulysses at his side appeared , And spoke, with scornful glance, in stern rebuke : "Thou babbling fool , Thersites, prompt of speech,

280

Restrain thy tongue, nor singly thus presume The Kings to slander ; thou, the meanest far

Of all that with the Atridæ came to Troy. Ill it beseems, that such an one as thou Should lift thy voice against the Kings, and rail

285

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book II.

With scurril ribaldry, and prate of home.

How these affairs may end, we know not yet ; Nor how, or well or ill, we may return. Cease then against Atrides, King of men, To pour thy spite, for that the valiant Greeks

290

To him, despite thy railing, as of right An ample portion of the spoils assign. But this I tell thee, and will make it good,

If e'er I find thee play the fool , as now, Then may these shoulders cease this head to bear,

295

And may my son Telemachus no more Own me his father, if I strip not off

Thy mantle and thy garments, aye, expose Thy nakedness, and flog thee to the ships Howling, and scourged with ignominious stripes."

300

Thus as he spoke, upon Thersites' neck And back came down his heavy staff ; the wretch Shrank from the blow, and scalding tears let fall . Where struck the golden-studded staff, appeared A bloody weal : Thersites quailed , and down, Quivering with pain, he sat, and wiped away, With horrible grimace, the trickling tears.

305

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

The Greeks, despite their anger, laughed aloud, And one to other said, " Good faith, of all

310

The many works Ulysses well hath done, Wise in the council, foremost in the fight, He ne'er hath done a better, than when now He makes this scurril babbler hold his peace. Methinks his headstrong spirit will not soon

315

Lead him again to vilify the Kings." Thus spoke the general voice : but, staff in hand, Ulysses rose ; Minerva by his side, In likeness of a herald , bade the crowd

Keep silence, that the Greeks, from first to last, 320

Might hear his words, and ponder his advice. He thus with prudent phrase his speech began : "Great son of Atreus, on thy name, O King, Throughout the world will foul reproach be cast, If Greeks forget their promise, nor make good

325

The vow they took to thee, when hitherward We sailed from Argos' grassy plains, to raze, Ere our return, the well-built walls of Troy. But now, like helpless widows, or like babes, They mourn their cruel fate, and pine for home. VOL. I.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book II.

'Tis hard indeed defeated to return ;

330

The seaman murmurs, if from wife and home, Ev'n for one month, his well-found bark be stayed,

Tossed by the wintry blasts and stormy sea ; But us the ninth revolving year beholds Still lingering here : I cannot therefore blame

335

Our valiant Greeks, if by the ships I hear Their murmurs ; yet 'twere surely worst of all Long to remain, and bootless to return. Bear up, my friends, remain awhile, and see If Calchas truly prophesy , or no .

340

For this ye all have seen, and can yourselves. Bear witness, all who yet are spared by fate, Not long ago, when ships of Greece were met At Aulis, charged with evil freight for Troy, And we, around a fountain, to the Gods

345

Our altars reared, with faultless hecatombs, Near a fair plane-tree, where bright water flowed ,

Behold a wonder ! by Olympian Jove Sent forth to light, a snake, with burnished scales,

Of aspect fearful, issuing from beneath The altars, glided to the plane-tree straight.

350

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

There, on the topmost bough, beneath the leaves Cowering, a sparrow's callow nestlings lay ; Eight fledglings, and the parent bird the ninth. All the eight nestlings, uttering piercing cries,

355

The snake devoured ; and as the mother flew, Lamenting o'er her offspring, round and round, Uncoiling, caught her, shrieking, by the wing. Then, when the sparrow's nestlings and herself The snake had swallowed, by the God, who first

360

Sent him to light, a miracle was wrought : For Jove, the deep-designing Saturn's son,

Turned him to stone ; we stood, and wondering gazed. But when this prodigy befell our rites, Calchas, inspired of Heaven, took up his speech :

365

' Ye long-haired sons of Greece, why stand ye thus

In mute amaze ? to us Olympian Jove, To whom be endless praise, vouchsafes this sign, Late sent, of late fulfilment ; as ye saw

The snake devour the sparrow and her young, Eight nestlings, and the parent bird the ninth ; So, for so many years, are we condemned To wage a fruitless war ; but in the tenth

E 2

370

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK II.

The wide-built city shall at last be ours."

375

Thus he foretold , and now the time is come. Here then, ye well-greaved Greeks, let all remain, Till Priam's wealthy city be our own." He said, and loudly cheered the Greeks-and loud From all the hollow ships came back the cheers— In admiration of Ulysses' speech.

380

Gerenian Nestor next took up the word : "Like children, Grecian warriors, ye debate ; Like babes to whom unknown are feats of arms. Where then are now our solemn covenants, Our plighted oaths ?

Go, cast we to the fire.

385

Our councils held, our warriors' plans matured, Our absolute pledges, and our hand-plight given, In which our trust was placed ; since thus in vain In words we wrangle, and how long soe'er We here remain, solution none we find.

390

Atrides, thou, as is thy wont, maintain Unchanged thy counsel ; for the stubborn fight Array the Greeks ; and let perdition seize Those few, those two or three among the host, Who hold their separate counsel- (not on them

395

BooK II.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Depends the issue !)-rather than return To Argos, ere we prove if Jove indeed Will falsify his promised word, or no. For well I ween, that on the day when first 400

We Grecians hitherward our course addressed, To Troy the messengers of blood and death, The o'er-ruling son of Saturn, on our right His lightning flashing, with auspicious sign Assured us of his favour ; let not then • The thoughts of home be breathed, ere Trojan wives

405

Given to our warriors, retribution pay For wrongs by us, in Helen's cause, sustained. But who-so longs, if such an one there be, To make his homeward voyage, let him take His well-rigged bark, and go ; before the rest To meet the doom of death I

410

But thou, 0 King !

Be well advised thyself, and others lead By wholesome counsel ; for the words I speak Are not to be despised ; by tribes and clans, 0 Agamemnon ! range thy troops, that so

415

Tribe may to tribe give· aid, and clan to clan. If thus thou do, and Greeks thy words obey;

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK II.

Then shalt thou see, of chiefs and troops alike, The good and bad ; for on their own behoof They all shall fight ; and if thou fail, shalt know

420

Whether thy failure be of Heaven's decree, Or man's default and ignorance of war." To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus : " Father, in council, of the sons of Greece, None can compare with thee ; and would to Jove,

425

To Pallas, and Apollo, at my side I had but ten such counsellors as thee ! Then soon should royal Priam's city fall, Tak'n and destroyed by our victorious hands. But now on me hath ægis-bearing Jove,

430

The son of Saturn, fruitless toil imposed, And hurtful quarrels ; for in wordy war About a girl, Achilles and myself Engaged ; and I, alas ! the strife began :

Could we be friends again, delay were none, How short soe'er, of Ilium's final doom. But now to breakfast, ere we wage the fight. Each sharpen well his spear, his shield prepare, Each to his fiery steeds their forage give,

435

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Each look his chariot o'er, that through the day

440

We e may unwearied stem the tide of war ; For respite none, how short soe'er, shall be, Till night shall bid the storm of battle cease. With sweat shall reek upon each warrior's breast The leathern belt beneath the covering shield ;

445

And hands shall ache that wield the pond'rous spear : With sweat shall reek the fiery steeds that draw Each warrior's car ; but whomsoe'er I find Loitering beside the beaked ships, for him 'Twere hard to ' scape the vultures and the dogs."

450

He said ; and from the applauding ranks of Greece Rose a loud sound, as when the ocean wave,

Driven by the south wind on some lofty beach, Dashes against a prominent crag, exposed To blasts from every storm that roars around.

455

Uprising then, and through the camp dispersed They took their several ways, and by their tents The fires they lighted, and the meal prepared ; And each to some one of the immortal Gods His offering made, that in the coming fight He might escape the bitter doom of death .

460

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK II.

But to the o'er-ruling son of Saturn, Jove, A sturdy ox, well-fattened, five years old, Atrides slew ; and to the banquet called The aged chiefs and councillors of Greece :

465

Nestor the first, the King Idomeneus,

The two Ajaces next, and Tydeus' son, Ulysses sixth, as Jove in council sage. But uninvited Meneläus came, Knowing what cares upon his brother pressed .

470

Around the ox they stood, and on his head The salt cake sprinkled ; then amid them all The monarch Agamemnon prayed aloud : " Most great, most glorious Jove ! who dwell'st on high, In clouds and darkness veiled, grant Thou that ere

475

This sun shall set, and night o'erspread the earth, I may the haughty walls of Priam's house Lay prostrate in the dust ; and burn with fire His lofty gates ; and strip from Hector's breast His sword-rent tunic, while around his corpse Many brave comrades, prostrate, bite the dust." Thus he ; but Saturn's son his prayer denied ; Received his offerings, but his toils increased .

480

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Their prayers concluded, and the salt cake strewed Upon the victim's head, they drew him back,

485

And slew, and flayed ; then cutting from the thighs The choicest pieces, and in double layers O'erspreading them with fat, above them placed The due meat-offerings ; these they burnt with logs Of leafless timber ; and the inward parts,

490

First to be tasted, o'er the fire they held.

The thighs consumed with fire, the inward parts They tasted first ; the rest upon the spits Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew.

Their labours ended, and the feast prepared,

495

They shared the social meal, nor lacked there aught. The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied ,

Gerenian Nestor thus his speech began : "Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, Great Atreus' son, no longer let us pause,

500

The work delaying which the powers of Heaven Have trusted to our hands ; do thou forthwith Bid that the heralds proclamation make, And summon through the camp the brass-clad Greeks ; While, in a body, through the wide-spread ranks

505

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK II.

We pass, and stimulate their warlike zeal." He said ; and Agamemnon, King of men, Obedient to his counsel, gave command That to the war the clear-voiced heralds call

The long-haired Greeks : they gave the word, and straight 510 From every quarter thronged the eager crowd. The Heaven-born Kings, encircling Atreus' son, The troops inspected : Pallas, blue-eyed Maid, Before the chiefs her glorious ægis bore , By time untouched, immortal : all around

515

A hundred tassels hung, rare works of art, All gold, each one a hundred oxen's price.

With this the Goddess passed along the ranks, Exciting all ; and fixed in every breast The firm resolve to wage unwearied war ;

520

And dearer to their hearts than thoughts of home Or wished return, became the battle-field . As when a wasting fire, on mountain tops, Hath seized the blazing woods, afar is seen The glaring light ; so, as they moved, to Heaven Flashed the bright glitter of their burnished arms. As when a numerous flock of birds, or geese,

525

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Or cranes, or long-necked swans, on Asian mead, Beside Cäyster's stream, now here, now there, Disporting, ply their wings ; then settle down

530

With clamorous noise, that all the mead resounds ; So to Scamander's plain, from tents and ships, Poured forth the countless tribes ; the firm earth groaned Beneath the tramp of steeds and armèd men. Upon Scamander's flowery mead they stood ,

535

Unnumbered as the vernal leaves and flowers. Or as the multitudinous swarms of flies, That round the cattle-sheds in spring-tide pour, While the warm milk is frothing in the pail ; So numberless upon the plain, arrayed

540

For Troy's destruction, stood the long-haired Greeks. And as experienced goat-herds, when their flocks Are mingled in the pasture, portion out Their several charges, so the chiefs arrayed Their squadrons for the fight ; while in the midst The mighty monarch Agamemnon moved : His eye, and lofty brow, the counterpart Of Jove, the Lord of thunder ; in his girth Another Mars, with Neptune's ample chest.

545

BooK II.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

As 'mid the thronging heifers in a herd

550

Stands, proudly eminent, the lordly bull; So, by Jove's will, stood eminent that day, 'Mid many heroes, Atreus' godlike son. Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell, 555

l\iuses (for ye are Goddesses, and ye Were present, and lmow all things: we ourselves But hear from Rumour's voice, and nothing lmow), Who were the chiefs and mighty Lords of Greece. But should I seek the multitude to name, Not if ten tongues were mine, ten mouths to speak,

560

Voice inexhaustible, and heart of brass, Should I succeed, unless, Olympian maids, The progeny of regis-bearing Jove, Ye should their names record, who came to Troy. The chiefs, and all the ships, I now rehearse.

565

Breotia's troops by Peneleus were led, And Leitus, and Prothoenor bold, Arcesilas and Clonius: they who dwelt In Hyria, and on Aulis' rocky coast, Screnus, and Scolus, and the highland range

570

Of Eteonus; in Thespeia's vale,

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BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Graia, and Mycalessus' wide-spread plains : And who in Harma and Eilesium dwelt, And in Erythræ, and in Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon, and Ocalea,

575

In Cope, and in Medeon's well-built fort,

Eutresis, Thisbe's dove-frequented woods, And Coronea, and the grassy meads Of Haliartus ; and Platæa's plain, In Glissa, and the foot of Lower Thebes,

580

And in Anchestus, Neptune's sacred grove ; And who in viny-clustered Arne dwelt, And in Mideia, and the lovely site Of Nissa, and Anthedon's utmost bounds. With these came fifty vessels ; and in each

585

Were six score youths, Boeotia's noblest flower. Who in Aspledon dwelt, and Minyas' realm Orchomenus, two sons of Mars obeyed,

Ascalaphus, and bold Ialmenus ; In Actor's house, the son of Azeus, born

Of fair Astyoche, a maiden pure, Till in the upper chamber, where she slept, Stout Mars by stealth her virgin bed assailed :

590

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK II.

Of these came thirty ships in order due.

By Schedius and Epistrophus , the sons

595

Of great Iphitus, son of Naubolus,

Were led the Phocian forces ; these were they Who dwelt in Cyparissus, and the rock

Of Python, and on Crissa's lovely plain ; And who in Daulis, and in Panope,

600

Anemorea and Hyampolis, And by Cephisus ' sacred waters dwelt,

Or in Lilæa, by Cephisus' springs. In their command came forty dark-ribbed ships. These were the leaders of the Phocian bands,

605

And on Boeotia's left their camp was pitched . Ajax, Oïleus' son, the Locrians led ; Swift-footed, less than Ajax Telamon, Of stature low, with linen breastplate armed : But skilled to throw the spear o'er all who dwell

610

In Hellas or Achaia : these were they From Cynos, Opus, and Calliarus, Bessa, and Scarpha, and Augæa fair, Tarpha, and Thronium, by Boagrius' stream. Him from beyond Euboea's sacred isle,

615

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Of Locrians followed forty dark-ribbed ships.

Breathing firm courage high, the Abantian host, Who from Euboea and from Chalcis came, Or who in vine-clad Histiæa dwelt, Eretria, and Cerinthus maritime,

620

And who the lofty fort of Dium held, And in Carystus and in Styra dwelt : These Elephenor led , true plant of Mars, Chalcodon's son, the brave Abantian chief. Him, all conspicuous with their long back hair,

625

The bold Abantians followed ; spearmen skilled , Who through the foemen's breastplates knew full well, Held in firm grasp, to drive the ashen spear. In his command came forty dark-ribbed ships .

Those who in Athens' well-built city dwelt,

630

The noble-souled Erectheus' heritage ; Child of the fertile soil, by Pallas reared , Daughter of Jove, who him in Athens placed In her own wealthy temple ; there with blood Of bulls and lambs, at each revolving year, The youths of Athens do him sacrifice ; These by Menestheus, Peteus' son, were led.

635

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK II.

With him might none of mortal men compare,

In order due of battle to array Chariots and buckler'd men ; Nestor alone

640

Perchance might rival him, his elder far. In his command came fifty dark-ribbed ships. Twelve ships from Salamis with Ajax came,

And they beside the Athenian troops were ranged . Those who from Argos, and the well-walled town

645

Of Tyrins came, and from Hermione, And Asine, deep-bosom'd in the bay ;

And from Troezene and Eione, And vine-clad Epidaurus ; and the youths

Who dwelt in Mases, and Ægina's isle ;

650

O'er all of these the valiant Diomed Held rule ; and Sthenelus, the illustrious son Of far-famed Capaneus ; with these, the third, A godlike warrior came, Euryalus,

Son of Mecistheus, Taläus' royal son. Supreme o'er all was valiant Diomed. In their command came eighty dark-ribbed ships. Who in Mycena's well-built fortress dwelt, And wealthy Corinth, and Cleone fair,

655

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

660

Orneia, and divine Aræthure,

And Sicyon, where Adrastus reigned of old ,

And Gonoessa's promontory steep , And Hyperesia, and Pellene's rock ; In Ægium, and the scattered towns that lie 665

Along the beach, and wide-spread Helice ; Of these a hundred ships obeyed the rule Of mighty Agamemnon, Atreus' son. The largest and the bravest host was his ; And he himself, in dazzling armour clad, O'er all the heroes proudly eminent,

670

Went forth exulting in his high estate, Lord of the largest host, and chief of chiefs.

Those who in Lacedæmon's lowland plains, And who in Sparta and in Phare dwelt,

675

And who on Messa's dove-frequented cliffs, Bryseia, and Ægæa's lovely vale, And in Amycle, and the sea-bathed fort Of Helos, Etylus and Laas dwelt, His valiant brother Meneläus led,

680

With sixty ships ; but ranged apart they lay. Their chief, himself in martial ardour bold,

VOL. I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book II.

Inspiring others, filled with fierce desire The rape of Helen and his wrongs to avenge. They who in Pylos and Arene dwelt, And Thryum, by the ford of Alpheus' stream ,

685

In Cyparissus and Amphigene, Pteleon, and lofty Epus' well-built fort, Helos, and Dorium, where the Muses met, And put to silence Thracian Thamyris, As from Echalia, from the royal house

690

Of Eurytus he came ; he, over-bold,

Boasted himself pre-eminent in song, Ev'n though the daughters of Olympian Jove,

The Muses, were his rivals : they in wrath Him of his sight at once and power of song

695

Amerced, and bade his hand forget the lyre. These by Gerenian Nestor all were led, In fourscore ships and ten in order due. They of Arcadia, and the realm that lies. Beneath Cyllene's mountain high, around

The tomb of Epytus, a warrior race ; The men of Pheneus and Orchomenus In flocks abounding ; who in Ripa dwelt,

700

Book II.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

In Stratia, and Enispe's breezy height, 705

Or Tegea held, and sweet Mantinea,

Stymphalus and Parrhasia ; these were led By Agapenor brave, Anchæus' son, In sixty ships ; in each a num'rous crew Of stout Arcadian youths, to war inured . The ships, wherewith they crossed the dark-blue sea,

710

Were given by Agamemnon, King of men, The son of Atreus ; for the Arcadian youth Had ne'er to maritime pursuits been trained . Who in Buprasium and in Elis dwelt,

715

Far as Hyrmine, and the extremest bounds Of Myrsinus ; and all the realm that lies Between Aleisium and the Olenian rock ; These by four chiefs were led ; and ten swift ships, By bold Epeians manned, each chief obeyed.

720

Amphimachus and Thalpius were the first, Sons of two brothers, Cteatus the one, The other Eurytus, to Actor born ; Next Amarynceus ' son, Diores bold ;

The fourth Polyxenus, the godlike son 725

Of Augeas' royal heir, Agasthenes.

F 2

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK II .

They of Dulichium, and the sacred isles, The Echinades, which face, from o'er the sea, The coast of Elis, were by Meges led, The son of Phyleus, dear to Jove, in arms Valiant as Mars ; who, with his sire at feud,

730

Had left his home, and to Dulichium come : In his command were forty dark-ribbed ships.

Those who from warlike Cephalonia came , And Ithaca, and leafy Neritus, And Crocyleium ; rugged Egilips,

735

And Samos, and Zacynthus, and the coast

Of the mainland with its opposing isles ; These in twelve ships, with scarlet-painted bows, Ulysses led, in council sage as Jove. Thoas, Andræmon's son, the Etolians led ;

740

From Pleuron, and Pylone, Olenus, Chalcis-by-sea, and rocky Calydon : The race of Eneus was no more ; himself, And fair-hair'd Meleager, both were dead : Whence all Ætolia's rule on him was laid . In his command came forty dark-ribbed ships . The King Idomeneus the Cretans led ,

745

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

From Cnossus, and Gortyna's well-walled town, Miletus, and Lycastus' white-stone cliffs,

Lyctus, and Phæstus, Rhytium, and the rest

750

Whom Crete from all her hundred cities sent :

These all Idomeneus, a spearman skilled, Their King, commanded ; and Meriones, In battle terrible as blood-stained Mars. In their command came fourscore dark-ribbed ships.

755

Valiant and tall, the son of Hercules, Tlepolemus, nine vessels brought from Rhodes,

By gallant Rhodians manned, who tripartite Were settled, and in Ialyssus dwelt, { In Lindus, and Cameirus' white-stone hills.

760

These all renowned Tlepolemus obeyed, Who to the might of Hercules was born

Of fair Astyoche ; his captive she, When many a goodly town his arms had razed, Was brought from Ephyra, by Selles ' stream.

Reared in the royal house, Tlepolemus , In early youth, his father's uncle slew, A warrior once, but now in life's decline, Lycimnius ; then in haste a fleet he built,

765

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK II.

Mustered a numerous host ; and fled, by sea,

770

The threatened vengeance of the other sons And grandsons of the might of Hercules.

Long wanderings past, and toils and perils borne, To Rhodes he came ; his followers, by their tribes, Three districts formed ; and so divided, dwelt,

775

Beloved of Jove, the King of Gods and men,

Who showered upon them boundless store of wealth. Nireus three well-trimmed ships from Syme brought ; Nireus, to Charops whom Aglaia bore ; Nireus, the goodliest man of all the Greeks,

780

Who came to Troy, save Peleus' matchless son : But scant his fame, and few the troops he led . Who in Nisyrus dwelt, and Carpathus,

And Cos, the fortress of Eurypylus, And in the Casian and Calydnian Isles,

785

Were by Phidippus led, and Antiphus, Two sons of Thessalus, Alcides' son ; With them came thirty ships in order due. Next those who in Pelasgian Argos dwelt, And who in Alos, and in Alope, Trachys, and Phthia, and in Hellas famed

790

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

For women fair ; of these, by various names, Achaians, Myrmidons, Hellenes, known,

In fifty ships, Achilles was the chief. But from the battle-strife these all abstained,

795

Since none there was to marshal their array. For Peleus' godlike son, the swift of foot, Lay idly in his tent, the loss resenting Of Brises' fair-haired daughter ; whom himself Had chosen, prize of all his warlike toil,

800

When he Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebes O'erthrew, and Mynes and Epistrophus Struck down, bold warriors both, Evenus' sons, Selepius' royal heir ; for her in wrath, He held aloof, but soon again to appear.

805

Those in the flowery plain of Pyrrhasus,, To Ceres dear, who dwelt ; in Phylace, In Iton, rich in flocks, and , by the sea, In Antron, and in Pteleon's grass-clad meads ; These led Protesiläus, famed in arms,

While yet he lived ; now laid beneath the sod . In Phylace were left his weeping wife, And half-built house ; him, springing to the shore, First of the Greeks, a Dardan warrior slew.

810

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book II.

Nor were his troops, their leader though they mourned , 815 Left leaderless ; the post of high command Podarces claimed of right, true plant of Mars,

Iphiclus' son, the rich Phylacides ; The brother of Protesiläus he, Younger in years, nor equal in renown ;

820

Yet of a chief no want the forces felt, Though much they mourned their valiant leader slain. In his command came forty dark-ribbed ships. Those who from Pheræ came, beside the lake

Boebeis, and who dwelt in Glaphyræ,

825

In Boebe, and Iolcos' well-built fort,

These in eleven ships Eumelus led, Whom Pelias' daughter, fairest of her race, Divine Alcestis to Admetus bore.

Who in Methone and Thaumacia dwelt,

830

In Meliboea and Olizon's rock ; These Philoctetes, skilful archer, led.

Seven ships were theirs, and every ship was manned By fifty rowers, skilful archers all. But he, their chief, was lying, racked with pain,

On Lemnos' sacred isle ; there left perforce In torture from a venomous serpent's wound :

835

Book II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

There he in anguish lay ; nor long, ere Greeks Of royal Philoctetes felt their need. Yet were his troops, their leader though they mourned, 840

Not leaderless : Oileus' bastard son, Medon, of Rhene born, their ranks arrayed. Who in Echalia, Eurytus' domain, In Tricca, and in rough Ithome dwelt, These Podalirius and Machaon led,

845

Two skilful leeches, Esculapius ' sons. Of these came thirty ships in order due. Who in Ormenium and Asterium dwelt, By Hypereia's fount, and on the heights

Of Titanum's white peaks, of these was chief

850

Eurypylus, Euæmon's gallant son ; In his command came forty dark-ribbed ships. Who in Argissa and Gyrtona dwelt, Ortha, Elone, and the white-walled town

Of Oloösson, Polypoetes led ;

855

Son of Pirithöus , progeny of Jove, A warrior bold ; Hippodamia fair Him to Pirithöus bore, what time he slew The shaggy Centaurs, and from Pelion's heights For refuge ' mid the rude Ethices drove.

860

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK II.

Nor he alone ; with him to Troy there came A scion true of Mars, Leonteus, heir Of nobly-born Coronus, Cæneus' son.

In their command came forty dark-ribbed ships. With two and twenty vessels Gouneus came

865

From Cythus ; he the Enienes led, And the Peræbians' warlike tribes, and those Who dwelt around Dodona's wintry heights, Or tilled the soil upon the lovely banks Of Titaresius, who to Peneus pours

870

The tribute of his clearly-flowing stream ; Yet mingles not with Peneus' silver waves, But on the surface floats like oil, his source From Styx deriving, in whose awful name Both Gods and men by holiest oaths are bound.

875

Magnesia's troops, who dwelt by Peneus ' stream, Or beneath Pelion's leafy-quivering shades, Swift-footed Prothöus led, Tenthredon's son : In his command came forty dark-ribbed ships. These were the leaders and the chiefs of Greece : Say, Muse, of these, who with the Atridæ came, Horses and men, who claimed the highest praise. Of steeds, the bravest and the noblest far

880

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Were those Eumelus drove, Admetus' son : Both swift as birds, in age and colour matched,

885

Alike in height, as measured o'er the back ; Both mares, by Phoebus of the silver bow Reared in Pieria, thunderbolts of war.

Of men, while yet Achilles held his wrath, The mightiest far was Ajax Telamon ;

890

For with Achilles, and the steeds that bore The matchless son of Peleus, none might vie :

But ' mid his beaked ocean-going ships He lay, with Agamemnon, Atreus' son, Indignant ; while his troops upon the beach

895

With quoits and javelins whiled away the day, And feats of archery ; their steeds the while The lotus-grass and marsh-grown parsley cropped, Each standing near their car ; the well-wrought cars Lay all unheeded in the warriors' tents ;

900

They, inly pining for their godlike chief, Roamed listless up and down, nor joined the fray. Such was the host, which, like devouring fire, O'erspread the land ; the earth beneath them groaned : As when the Lord of thunder, in his wrath, The earth's foundations shakes, in Arimi,

905

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book II .

Where, buried deep, ' tis said, Typhoeus lies ; So at their coming, groaned beneath their feet The earth, as quickly o'er the plain they spread. To Troy, sent down by ægis-bearing Jove,

910

With direful tidings storm-swift Iris came. At Priam's gate, in solemn conclave met, Were gathered all the Trojans, young and old : Swift Iris stood amidst them, and, the voice Assuming of Polites, Priam's son,

915

The Trojan scout, who, trusting to his speed, Was posted on the summit of the mound Of ancient Æsuetes, there to watch Till from their ships the Grecian troops should march ; His voice assuming, thus the Goddess spoke :

920

" Old man, as erst in peace, so still thou lov'st

The strife of words ; but fearful war is nigh. Full many a host in line of battle ranged My eyes have seen ; but such a force as this, So mighty and so vast, I ne'er beheld : In number as the leaves, or as the sand, Against the city o'er the plain they come. Then, Hector, for to thee I chiefly speak, This do ; thou know'st how various our allies,

925

Boox II.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

77 930

Of different nations and discordant to�gues: Let each then those command o'er whom he reigns, And his own countrymen in arms array." She said; and Hector knew the voice divine, And _all, dissolved the council, flew to arms.

The gates were opened wide; forth poured the crowd, 935 Both foot and horse; and loud the tumult rose. Before the city stands a lofty mound, In the mid plain, by open space enclosed ; Men call it Batirea; but the Gods The tomb of swift Myrinna; mustered there

940

The Trojans and Allies their troops arrayed. The mighty Hector of the glancing helm, The son of Priam, led the Trojan host: The largest and the bravest band were they, • Bold spearmen all, who followed him in arms.

945

Anchises' valiant son, lEneas, led The Dardans; him, 'mid Ida's jutting peaks, Immortal Venus to Anchises bore, A Goddess yielding to a mortal's love: With him, well skilled in war, Archilochus

950

And Acamas, Antenor's gallant sons. Who in Zeleia dwelt, at Ida's foot,

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HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK II.

Of Trojan race, a wealthy tribe, who drank Of dark Æsepus' waters, these were led By Pandarus, Lycaon's noble son ,

955

Taught by Apollo's self to draw the bow. Who from Adraste, and Apæsus' realm, From Pityeia, and the lofty hill Tereian came, with linen corslets girt, Adrastus and Amphius led ; two sons

960

Of Merops of Percote ; deeply versed Was he in prophecy ; and from the war Would fain have kept his sons ; but they, by fate Doomed to impending death, his caution scorned.

Those who from Practium and Percote came,

965

And who in Sestos and Abydos dwelt, And in Arisba fair ; those Asius led , The son of Hyrtacus, of heroes chief ;

Asius the son of Hyrtacus, who came From fair Arisba, borne by fiery steeds.

970

Of matchless size and strength, from Selles' stream . Hippothöus led the bold Pelasgian tribes, Who dwell in rich Larissa's fertile soil, Hippothöus and Pylæus, Lethus' sons,

The son of Teutamus, Pelasgian chief.

975

BOOK II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

The Thracians, by fast-flowing Hellespont Encompassed, Acamas and Peiröus brave ; The spear-skilled Cicones Euphemus led, Son of Trozenus, Ceus' highborn son. From distant Amydon Pyræcmes brought

980

The Pæon archers from broad Axius' banks ; Axius, the brightest stream on earth that flows.

The hairy strength of great Pylæmenes The Paphlagonians led from Eneti (Whence first appeared the stubborn race of mules),

985

Who in Cytorus and in Sesamum, And round Parthenius' waters had their home ;

Who dwelt in Cromne, and Ægialus, And on the lofty Erythinian rock.

By Hodius and Epistrophus were brought

990

From distant Alybe, the wealthy source Of silver ore, the Alizonian bands. Chromis the Mysians led, and Ennomus ;

A skilful augur, but his augury From gloomy death to save him nought availed ;

Slain by the son of Peleus, in the stream , Where many another Trojan felt his arm. From far Ascania's lake, with Phoreys joined,

995

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Воок ІІ.

The godlike presence of Ascanius brought The Phrygians, dauntless in the standing fight.

1000

From Lydia came Pylæmenes ' two sons, Born of the lake Gygeian ; Antiphus, And Mesthles ; these Mæonia's forces led, Who dwelt around the foot of Tmolus' hill. In charge of Nastes came the Carian troops,

1005

Of barbarous speech ; who in Miletus dwelt, And in the dense entangled forest shade Of Phthira's hill, and on the lofty ridge . Of Mycale, and by Mæander's stream ; These came with Nastes and Amphimacus ;

1010

Amphimacus and Nastes, Nomion's sons ;

With childish folly to the war he came, Laden with store of gold ; yet nought availed His gold to save him from the doom of death ; Slain by the son of Peleus in the stream ;

1015

And all his wealth Achilles bore away. Sarpedon last, and valiant Glaucus led The Lycian bands, from distant Lycia's shore, Beside the banks of Xanthus' eddying stream.

1019

BOOK III.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK

III.

WHEN by their several chiefs the troops were ranged, WHEN With noise and clamour, as a flight of birds, The men of Troy advanced ; as when the cranes, Flying the wintry storms, send forth on high Their dissonant clamours, while o'er the ocean stream 5 They steer their course, and on their pinions bear

Battle and death to the Pygmæan race. On the other side the Greeks in silence moved, Breathing firm courage, bent on mutual aid.

As when the south wind o'er the mountain tops

Spreads a thick veil of mist, the shepherd's bane, And friendly to the nightly thief alone, That a stone's throw the range of vision bounds ; So rose the dust-cloud, as in serried ranks 15

With rapid step they moved across the plain. But when the opposing forces near were met, A panther's skin across his shoulders flung, VOL. I.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK III.

Armed with his bow and sword, in front of all Advanced the godlike Paris ; in his hand

He poised two brass-tipped javelins, and defied

To mortal combat all the chiefs of Greece.

Him when the warlike Menelaus saw With haughty strides advancing from the crowd ; As when a lion, hunger-pinched, espies Some mighty beast of chase, or antlered stag,

Or mountain goat, and with exulting spring Strikes down his prey, and on the carcase feeds, Unscared by baying hounds and eager youths : So Menelaus saw with fierce delight The godlike Paris ; for he deemed that now

His vengeance was at hand ; and from his car, Armed as he was, he leaped upon the plain. But when the godlike Paris saw him spring Defiant from the ranks, with quailing heart,

Back to his comrades ' sheltering crowd he sprang, In fear of death ; as when some traveller spies, Coiled in his path upon the mountain side, A deadly snake, back he recoils in haste,

His limbs all trembling, and his cheek all pale ;

BOOK III .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

So back recoiled, in fear of Atreus' son,

The godlike Paris ' mid the Trojan host. To whom in stern rebuke thus Hector spoke : " Thou wretched Paris, though in form so fair, Thou slave of woman, manhood's counterfeit ! Would thou hadst ne'er been born, or died at least

Unwedded ; so 'twere better far for all,

Than thus to live a scandal and reproach. Well may the long-haired Greeks triumphant boast, Who think thee, from thine outward show, a chief 50

Among our warriors ; but thou hast in truth Nor strength of mind, nor courage in the fight. How was 't that such as thou could e'er induce A noble band, in ocean-going ships

To cross the main, with men of other lands 55

Mixing in amity, and bearing thence A woman, fair of face, by marriage ties Bound to a race of warriors ; to thy sire,

Thy state, thy people, cause of endless grief, Of triumph to thy foes, contempt to thee !

Durst thou the warlike Meneläus meet, Thou to thy cost shouldst learn the might of him

G 2

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK III.

Whose bride thou didst not fear to bear away : Then shouldst thou find of small avail thy lyre,

Or Venus' gifts of beauty and of grace, Or, trampled in the dust, thy flowing hair.

But too forbearing are the men of Troy ; Else for the ills that thou hast wrought the state,

Ere now thy body had in stone been cased." To whom the godlike Paris thus replied :

66 Hector, I needs must own thy censure just,

Nor without cause ; thy dauntless courage knows Nor pause nor weariness ; but as an axe,

That in a strong man's hand, who fashions out Some naval timber, with unbated edge Cleaves the firm wood, and aids the striker's force ;

Ev'n so unwearied is thy warlike soul. Yet blame not me for golden Venus' gifts : The gifts of Heaven are not to be despised,

Which Heaven may give, but man could not command. But if thou wilt that I should dare the fight,

Bid that the Trojans and the Grecians all Be seated on the ground ; and in the midst The warlike Meneläus and myself

Воок ІІІ.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Stand front to front, for Helen and the spoils

Of war to combat ; and whoe'er shall prove

The better man in conflict, let him bear The woman and the spoils in triumph home ; While ye, the rest, in peace and friendship sworn, Shall still possess the fertile plains of Troy ;

And to their native Argos they return,

For noble steeds and lovely women famed." He said, and Hector joyed to hear his words : Forth in the midst he stepped, and with his spear Grasped by the middle, stayed the Trojan ranks. At him the long-haired Grecians bent their bows,

Prompt to assail with arrows and with stones ; But loud the monarch Agamemnon's voice Was heard ; " Hold, Argives, hold ! ye sons of Greece, Shoot not ! for Hector of the glancing helm Hath, as it seems, some message to impart."

100

He said ; they held their hands, and silent stood Expectant, till to both thus Hector spoke : " Hear now, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks, The words of Paris, cause of all this war. He asks through me that all the host of Troy

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And Grecian warriors shall upon the ground Lay down their glittering arms ; while in the midst The warlike Meneläus and himself

Stand front to front, for Helen and the spoils Of war to combat ; and whoe'er shall prove

110

The better man in conflict, let him bear

The woman and the spoils in triumph home, While we, the rest, firm peace and friendship swear." Thus Hector spoke ; the rest in silence heard ;

But Menelaus, bold in fight, replied :

115

" Hear now my answer ; in this quarrel I May claim the chiefest share ; and now I hope Trojans and Greeks may see the final close Of all the labours ye so long have borne To avenge my wrong, at Paris' hand sustained .

120

And of us two whiche'er is doomed to death, So let him die ! the rest, depart in peace. Bring then two lambs, one white, the other black,

For Tellus and for Sol ; we on our part Will bring another, for Saturnian Jove : And let the majesty of Priam too Appear, himself to consecrate our oaths,

125

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(For reckless are his sons, and void of faith,) That none Jove's oath may dare to violate. For young men's spirits are too quickly stirred ;

130

But in the councils checked by reverend age, Alike are weighed the future and the past, And for all interests due provision made.”

He said, and Greeks and Trojans gladly heard, In hopes of respite from the weary war.

135

They ranged the cars in ranks ; and they themselves Descending doffed their arms, and laid them down Close each by each, with narrow space between. Two heralds to the city Hector sent To bring the lambs, and aged Priam call ;

140

While Agamemnon to the hollow ships,

Their lamb to bring, in haste Talthybius sent : He heard, and straight the monarch's voice obeyed. Meantime to white-armed Helen Iris sped, The heavenly messenger : in form she seemed Her husband's sister, whom Antenor's son

The valiant Helicaon had to wife, Laodice, of Priam's daughters all Loveliest of face : she in her chamber found

145

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK III.

Her whom she sought : a mighty web she wove,

150

Of double woof and brilliant hues ; whereon Was interwoven many a toilsome strife Of Trojan warriors and of brass-clad Greeks, For her encountered at the hand of Mars. Beside her Iris stood, and thus she spoke :

155

" Come, sister dear, and see the glorious deeds Of Trojan warriors and of brass-clad Greeks . They who erewhile, impatient for the fight, Rolled o'er the plain the woful tide of war, Now silent sit, the storm of battle hushed ,

160

Reclining on their shields, their lances bright Beside them reared ; while Paris in the midst , And warlike Meneläus, stand prepared With the long spear for thee to fight ; thyself The prize of conquest and the victor's wife."

165

Thus as she spoke, in Helen's breast arose Fond recollection of her former Lord, Her home, and parents ; o'er her head she threw

A snowy veil ; and shedding tender tears She issued forth, not unaccompanied ; For with her went fair

170

thra, Pittheus' child,

BOOK III.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And stag-eyed Clymene, her maidens twain. They quickly at the Scaan gate arrived. Attending there on aged Priam, sat

The Elders of the city ; Panthöus,

175

And Lampus, and Thymates ; Clytius, Bold Icetäon, and Ucalegon,

With sage Antenor, wise in council both : All these were gathered at the Scaan gate ; By age exempt from war, but in discourse

180

Abundant, as the cricket, that on high From topmost boughs of forest tree sends forth His delicate music ; so on Ilium's towers Sat the sage chiefs and councillors of Troy. Helen they saw, as to the tower she came ;

185

And, " 'tis no marvel," one to other said,

" The valiant Trojans and the well-greaved Greeks For beauty such as this should long endure

The toils of war ; for goddess-like she seems ; And yet, despite her beauty, let her go ,

Nor bring on us and on our sons a curse." Thus they ; but aged Priam Helen called : " Come here, my child, and sitting by my side,

190

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK III.

From whence thou canst discern thy former Lord, His kindred, and thy friends (not thee I blame,

195

But to the Gods I owe this woful war), Tell me the name of yonder mighty chief Among the Greeks a warrior brave and strong : Others in height surpass him ; but my eyes A form so noble never yet beheld,

200

Nor so august ; he moves, a King indeed ! " To whom in answer, Helen, heav'nly fair : "With reverence, dearest father, and with shame I look on thee : oh would that I had died

That day when hither with thy son I came,

205

And left my husband, friends, and darling child,

And all the loved companions of my youth : That I died not, with grief I pine away. But to thy question : I will tell thee true ; Yon chief is Agamemnon, Atreus' son,

210

Wide-reigning, mighty monarch, ruler good , And valiant warrior ; in my husband's name, Lost as I am, I called him brother once." She spoke

the old man admiring gazed, and cried,

" Oh blessed Atrides, child of happy fate,

215

Book III.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Favoured of Heaven ! how many noble Greeks Obey thy rule !

In vine-clad Phrygia once

I saw the hosts of Phrygian warriors wheel Their rapid steeds ; and with them, all the bands Of Otreus, and of Mygdon, godlike King,

220

Who lay encamped beside Sangarius' stream : I too with them was numbered, in the day When met them in the field the Amazons, The woman-warriors ; but their forces all Reached not the number of the keen-eyed Greeks.”

225

Ulysses next the old man saw, and asked, " Tell me again, dear child, who this may be, In stature less than Atreus' royal son, But broader-shouldered , and of ampler chest. His arms are laid upon the fertile plain,

230

But he himself is moving through the ranks, Inspecting, like a full-fleeced ram, that moves Majestic through a flock of snow-white ewes."

To whom Jove's offspring, Helen, thus replied : " The wise Ulysses that, Laertes' son : Though bred in rugged Ithaca, yet versed

In every stratagem, and deep device."

235

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book III .

" O woman," then the sage Antenor said, " Of these thy words I can the truth avouch ;

For hither when on thine account to treat,

240

Brave Meneläus and Ulysses came , I lodged them in my house, and loved them both, And studied well the form and mind of each. As they with Trojans mixed in social guise, When both were standing, o'er his comrade high

245

With broad-set shoulders Meneläus stood ; Seated, Ulysses was the nobler form : Then, in the great Assembly, when to all Their public speech and argument they framed, In fluent language Meneläus spoke,

250

In words though few, yet clear ; though young in years, No wordy babbler, wasteful of his speech :

But when the skilled Ulysses rose to speak, With down-cast visage would he stand, his eyes Bent on the ground ; the staff he bore, nor back He waved, nor forward, but like one untaught, He held it motionless ; who only saw Would say that he was mad, or void of sense : But when his chest its deep-toned voice sent forth,

255

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

With words that fell like flakes of wintry snow,

260

No mortal with Ulysses could compare : Then little recked we of his outward show." At sight of Ajax next the old man ·enquired; "Who is yon other warrior, brave and strong, Towering o'er all with head and shoulders broad?" 265 To whom, in answer, Helen, heav'nly fair: "Gigantic Ajax that, the prop of Greece; And by his side Idomeneus of Crete Stands godlike, circled round by Cretan chiefs. The warlike Menelaus welcomed him

270

Oft in our palace, when from Crete he came. Now all the other keen-eyed Greeks I see, Whom once I knew, and now could call by name; But two I miss, two captains of the host, My own two brethren, and my mother's sons,

275

Castor and Pollux ; Castor, charioteer Unrivalled, Pollux, matchless pugilist. In Lacedremon have they stayed behind? Or can it be, in ocean-going ships That they have come indeed, but shun to join The fight of warriors, fearful of the shame,

280

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"" And deep disgrace that on my name attend ? Thus she ; but they beneath the teeming earth In Lacedæmon lay, their native land. Meanwhile the heralds through the city bore

285

The treaty offrings to the Gods ; the lambs, And genial wine, the produce of the soil, In goat-skin flasks : therewith a flagon bright, And cups of gold, Idæus brought, and stood Beside the aged King, as thus he spoke :

290

"Son of Laomedon, arise ! the chiefs Of Trojan warriors and of brass-clad Greeks Call for thy presence on the battle-plain To swear a truce ; where Paris in the midst And warlike Meneläus stand prepared

295

With the long spear for Helen and the spoils Of war to combat, that whoe'er may prove The better man in fight, may bear away The woman and the spoils in triumph home ; While we, the rest, in peace and friendship sworn, Shall still possess the fertile plains of Troy ; And to their native Argos they return,

For noble steeds and lovely women famed."

300

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ILIAD .

He said ; the old man shuddered at his words : But to his comrades gave command forthwith

305

To yoke his car ; and they his word obeyed. Priam , ascending, gathered up the reins, And with Antenor by his side, the twain Drove through the Scæan gate their flying steeds. But when between the opposing ranks they came,

310

Alighting from the car, they moved on foot Between the Trojan and the Grecian hosts. Uprose then Agamemnon, King of men,

Uprose the sage Ulysses ; to the front The heralds brought the off'rings to the Gods,

315

And in the flagon mixed the wine, and poured

The hallowing water on the monarchs' hands. His dagger then the son of Atreus drew, Suspended, as was wont, beside the hilt Of his great sword ; and from the victim's head

320

He cut the sacred lock, which to the chiefs Of Troy and Greece the heralds portioned out. Then with uplifted hands he prayed aloud : " O Father Jove ! who rul'st from Ida's height, Most great ! most glorious ! and thou Sun, who see'st 325

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Воок ІІІ .

And hearest all things ! Rivers ! and thou Earth ! And ye, who after death beneath the earth Your vengeance wreak on souls of men forsworn,

Be witness ye, and this our covenant guard. If Meneläus fall by Paris' hand,

330

Let him retain both Helen and the spoil, While in our ships we take our homeward way ; If Paris be by Meneläus slain, Troy shall surrender Helen and the spoil, With compensation due to Greece, that so

335

A record may to future days remain. But, Paris slain, if Priam and his sons The promised compensation shall withhold , Then here, my rights in battle to assert, Will I remain, till I the end achieve."

340

Thus as he spoke, across the victims' throats He drew the pitiless blade, and on the ground He laid them gasping, as the stream of life Poured forth, their vigour by the blade subdued . Then, from the flagon drawn, from out the cups The wine they poured ; and to the eternal Gods They prayed ; and thus from Trojans and from Greeks

345

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Arose the joint petition; "Grant, 0 Jove! Most great! most glorious! grant, ye heavenly powers, 350

That whosoe'er this solemn truce shall break, Ev'n as this wine we pour, their hearts' best blood, Theirs and their children's, on the earth be poured, And strangers in subjection take • their wives! " Thus they; but Jove, unyielding, heard their prayer. The rites performed, then aged Priam spoke :

3.55

" Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks! To Ilium's breezy heights I now withdraw, For that mine eyes will not endure the sight Of warlike Menelaus and my son Engaged in deadly combat; of the two

360

Which may be doomed t;o death, is only known To Jove, and t;o the immortal powers of Heaven." Thus spoke the godlike King ; and on the car He placed the consecrated lavi.bs; himself Ascending then, he gathered up the reins,

365

And with Antenor by his side,· the twain To Ilium's walls retraced their homeward way. Then Hector, son of Priam, measured out, With sage lTiysses joined, the allotted space ; VOL. I.

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK III.

Next, in the brass-bound helmet cast the lots,

370

Which of the two the first should throw the spear. The crowd , with hands uplifted, to the Gods, Trojans and Greeks alike, addressed their prayer : " O Father Jove ! who rul'st from Ida's height, Most great ! most glorious ! grant that whosoe'er

375

On both our armies hath this turmoil brought May undergo the doom of death, and we, The rest, firm peace and lasting friendship swear.” Thus they ; great Hector of the glancing helm, With eyes averted, shook the casque ; and forth

380

Was cast the lot of Paris ; on the ground The rest lay down by ranks, where near to each Were ranged his active steeds, and glittering arms. Then o'er his shoulders fair-haired Helen's Lord, The godlike Paris, donned his armour bright :

385

First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fixed , Fastened with silver clasps ; his ample chest A breastplate guarded , by Lycaon lent, His brother, but which fitted well his form. Around his shoulders slung, his sword he bore, Brass-bladed, silver-studded ; then his shield

390

BOOK III.

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ILIAD.

Weighty and strong ; and on his firm-set head A helm he wore, well- wrought, with horsehair plume That nodded, fearful, o'er his brow ; his hand 395

Grasped the firm spear, familiar to his hold. Prepared alike the adverse warrior stood . They, from the crowd apart their armour donned, Came forth ; and each, with eyes of mutual hate, Regarded each : admiring wonder´seized The Trojan warriors and the well-greaved Greeks,

400

As in the centre of the measured ground

They stood opposed, and poised their quivering spears. First Paris threw his weighty spear, and struck Fair in the midst Atrides' buckler round, But broke not through ; upon the stubborn targe

405

Was bent the lance's point ; then thus to Jove, His weapon hurling, Meneläus prayed :

"Great King, on him who wrought me causeless wrong, On Paris, grant that retribution due My arm may bring ; that men in days to come

May fear their host to injure, and repay With treacherous wile his hospitable cares." He said, and poising, hurled his weighty spear : н 2

410

100

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Boo:s:ill.

Full in the midst it struck the buckler round ; Right through the buckler pagsed the sturdy spear, 415 And through the gorgeous breastplate, and within Cut through the linen vest ; but Paris, back Inclining, stooped, and shunned the doom of death. Atrides then his silver•studded sword Rearing on high, a mighty blow let fall

420

On Paris' helm ; but shivering in his hand In countless fragments flew the faithless blade. Then thus to Jove, with eyes uplift to Heaven, Atrides made his moan: "0 Father Jove! Of all the Gods, the most unfriendly thou!

425

On Paris' head I hoped for all his crimes To wreak my vengeance due ; but in my grasp My faithless sword is shattered, and my spear Hath bootless left my hand, nor reached my foe." Then onward rushing, by the horsehair plume

430

He seized his foeman's helm, and wrenching round Dragged by main force amid the well•greaved Greeks. The broidered strap, that, passed beneath his beard, The helmet held, the warrior's throat compreBSed: Then had Atrides dragged him from the field,

435·

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

101

And endless fame acquired ; but Venus, child

Of Jove, her favourite's peril quickly saw, And broke the throttling strap of tough bull's-hide. In the broad hand the empty helm remained.

The trophy, by their champion whirled amid

440

The well-greaved Greeks, his eager comrades seized ; While he, infuriate, rushed with murderous aim On Priam's son ; but him, the Queen of Love (As Gods can only) from the field conveyed, Wrapt in a misty cloud ; and on a couch,

445

Sweet perfumes breathing, gently laid him down ; Then went in search of Helen ; her she found, Circled with Trojan dames, on Ilium's tower :

Her by her airy robe the Goddess held, And in the likeness of an aged dame

450

Who oft for her, in Sparta when she dwelt, Many a fair fleece had wrought, and loved her well, Addressed her thus : " Come, Helen, to thy house ;

Come, Paris calls thee ; in his chamber he Expects thee, resting on luxurious couch, In costly garb, with manly beauty graced : Not from the fight of warriors wouldst thou deem

455

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He late had come, but for the dance prepared, Or resting from the dance's pleasing toil." She said, and Helen's spirit within her moved;

460

And when she saw the Goddess' beauteous neck, Her lovely bosom, and her glowing eyes, She gazed in wonder, and addressed her thus : " Oh why, great Goddess, make me thus thy sport ? Seek'st thou to bear me far away from hence

465

To some fair Phrygian or Mreonian town, If there some mortal have thy favour gained? Or, for that Menelaus in the field Hath vanquished Paris, and is willing yet That I, his bane, should to his home return,

470

Here art thou found, to weave again thy wiles? Go then thyself! thy godship abdicate I Renounce Olympus I lavish here on him Thy pity and thy care I he may perchance Make thee his wife-at least his paramour ! But thither go not I I foul shame it were Again to share his bed ; the dames of Troy Will for a byword hold me; and e'en now My soul with endless sorrow is possessed."

475

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To whom in anger heavenly Venus spoke :

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480

“ Incense me not, poor fool ! lest I in wrath Desert thee quite, and as I heretofore Have loved , so make thee object of my hate ; And kindle, 'twixt the Trojans and the Greeks, Such bitter feuds, as both shall wreak on thee."

485

She said ; and trembled Helen, child of Jove : She rose in silence ; in a snow-white veil All glittering, shrouded ; by the Goddess led She passed, unnoticed by the Trojan dames. But when to Paris' splendid house they came,

490

Thronging around her, her attendants gave Their duteous service ; through the lofty hall With queenly grace the godlike woman passed . A seat the laughter-loving Goddess placed By Paris' side ; there Helen sat, the child

495

Of ægis-bearing Jove, with downcast eyes, Yet with sharp words she thus addressed her Lord : "Back from the battle ? would thou there hadst died Beneath a warrior's arm, whom once I called My husband ! vainly didst thou boast erewhile Thine arm, thy dauntless courage, and thy spear

500

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The warlike Menelaus should subdue I Go now again, and challenge to the fight The warlike Menelaus.

Be thou ware !

I warn thee, pause, ere madly thou presume

505

With fair-haired Menelaus to contend ! Soon shouldst thou fall beneath his conquering spear." To whom thus Paris: "Wring not thus my soul With keen reproaches: now, with Pallas' aid, 510

Hath Menelaus conquered ; but my day. Will come : I too can boast my guardian Gods. But turn we now to love, and. love's delights ; For never did thy beauty so • inflame My sense; not when from Lacedremon first

515

I bore thee in my ocean-going ships, And revelled in thy love on Cranae's isle, As now it fills my soul with fond desire." He said, and led her to the nuptial couch ; Her Lord she followed; and while there reclined Upon the richly-inlaid couch they lay,

520

Atrides, like a lion bafll.ed, rushed Amid the crowd, if haply ·he might find The godlike Paris; but not one of all

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The Trojans and their brave allies could aid The warlike Meneläus in his search :

525

Not that, for love, would any one that knew Have screened him from his anger, for they all Abhorred him as the shade of death : then thus Outspoke great Agamemnon, King of men : “ Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies !

530

With warlike Meneläus rests, ' tis plain, The prize of victory : then surrender ye The Argive Helen and the spoils of war,

With compensation due to Greece, that so A record may to future days remain." Thus he ; the Greeks, assenting, cheered his words.

535

536

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Book IV .

IV.

ON golden pavement, round the board of Jove, The Gods were gathered ; Hebe in the midst Poured the sweet nectar ; they, in golden cups, Each other pledged, as down they looked on Troy. Then Jove, with cutting words and taunting tone,

Began the wrath of Juno to provoke :

" Two Goddesses for Meneläus fight, Thou, Juno, Queen of Argos, and with thee Minerva, shield of warriors ; but ye two Sitting aloof, well-pleased it seems, look on ;

While laughter-loving Venus, at the side Of Paris standing, still averts his fate, And rescues, when, as now, expecting death. To warlike Meneläus we decree, Of right, the victory ; but consult we now What may the issue be ; if we shall light Again the flame of war and discord fierce,

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Or the two sides in peace and friendship join.

For me, if thus your general voice incline , Let Priam's city stand, and Helen back

To warlike Meneläus be restored."

So spoke the God ; but seated side by side , Juno and Pallas glances interchanged Of ill portent for Troy ; Pallas indeed Sat silent ; and, though inly wroth with Jove,

Yet answered not a word ; but Juno's breast Could not contain her rage, and thus she spoke : " What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? How wouldst thou render vain, and void of fruit,

My weary labour and my horses' toil,

To stir the people, and on Priam's self, And Priam's offspring, bring disastrous fate ? Do as thou wilt ! yet not with our consent." To whom, in wrath, the Cloud-compeller thus :

66 Revengeful ! how have Priam and his sons

So deeply injured thee, that thus thou seek'st

With unabated anger to pursue, Till thou o'erthrow, the strong-built walls of Troy ?

Couldst thou but force the gates, and entering in

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On Priam's mangled flesh, and Priam's sons, And Trojans all, a bloody banquet make, Perchance thy fury might at length be stayed. But have thy will, lest this in future times "Twixt me and thee be cause of strife renewed. 1135

Yet hear my words, and ponder what I say :

If e'er, in times to come, my will should be Some city to destroy, inhabited

By men beloved of thee, seek not to turn My wrath aside, but yield, as I do now, Consenting, but with heart that ill consents ;

For of all cities fair, beneath the sun And starry Heaven, the abode of mortal men, None to my soul was dear as sacred Troy, And Priam's self, and Priam's warrior race. For with drink-offerings due, and fat of lambs,

My altar still hath at their hands been fed ; Such honour hath to us been ever paid." To whom the stag-eyed Juno thus replied : " Three cities are there, dearest to my heart ; Argos, and Sparta, and the ample streets

Of rich Mycena ; work on them thy will ;

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Destroy them, if thine anger they incur ; I will not interpose, nor hinder thee ; Mourn them I shall ; reluctant see their fall, But not resist ; for sovereign is thy will.

Yet should my labours not be fruitless all ; For I too am a God ; my blood is thine ; Worthy of honour, as the eldest born

Of deep-designing Saturn, and thy wife ; Thine, who o'er all the Immortals reign'st supreme.

But yield we each to other, I to thee, And thou to me ; the other Gods will all By us be ruled.

On Pallas then enjoin

That to the battle-field of Greece and Troy She haste, and so contrive that Trojans first

May break the treaty, and the Greeks assail."

She said

the Sire of Gods and men complied.

And thus with winged words to Pallas spoke : " Go to the battle-field of Greece and Troy In haste, and so contrive that Trojans first May break the treaty, and the Greeks assail." His words fresh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal, And from Olympus' heights in haste she sped ;

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Like to a meteor, that, of grave portent 85

To warring armies or sea-faring men, The son of deep-designing Saturn sends, Bright-flashing, scattering fiery sparks around , The blue-eyed Goddess darted down to earth,

The Trojan warriors and the well-greaved Greeks ;

And lighted in the midst ; amazement held 90

And one to other looked and said , " What means This sign ?

Must fearful battle rage again,

Or may we hope for gentle peace from Jove, Who to mankind dispenses peace and war ? " Such was the converse Greeks and Trojans held.

Pallas meanwhile, amid the Trojan host,

Clad in the likeness of Antenor's son, Läodocus, a spearman stout and brave,

Searched here and there, if haply she might find The godlike Pandarus ; Lycaon's son

100

She found, of noble birth and stalwart form, Standing, encircled by his sturdy band

Of bucklered followers from

sepus' stream .

She stood beside him, and addressed him thus : "Wilt thou by me be ruled, Lycaon's son ?

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For durst thou but at Meneläus shoot Thy winged arrow, great would be thy fame, And great thy favour with the men of Troy, And most of all with Paris ; at his hand

Thou shalt receive rich guerdon, when he hears

110

That warlike Meneläus , by thy shaft Subdued , is laid upon the fun'ral pyre. Bend then thy bow at Atreus' glorious son, Vowing to Phoebus, Lycia's guardian God, The Archer-King, to pay of firstling lambs

115

An ample hecatomb, when home returned In safety to Zeleia's sacred town." Thus she ; and, fool, he listened to her words. Straight he uncased his polished bow, his spoil Won from a mountain ibex, which himself,

120

In ambush lurking, through the breast had shot, True to his aim, as from behind a crag He came in sight ; prone on the rock he fell ;

With horns of sixteen palms his head was crowned ; These deftly wrought a skilful workman's hand ,

125

And polished smooth, and tipped the ends with gold. He bent, and resting on the ground his bow,

112

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Strung it anew ; his faithful comrades held Their shields before him, lest the sons of Greece Should make their onset ere his shaft could reach

130

The warlike Meneläus , Atreus' son. His quiver then withdrawing from its case, With care a shaft he chose, ne'er shot before, Well-feathered, messenger of pangs and death ; The stinging arrow fitted to the string,

135

And vowed to Phoebus, Lycia's guardian God , The Archer-King, to pay of firstling lambs An ample hecatomb, when home returned . In safety to Zeleia's sacred town. At once the sinew and the notch he drew ;

140

The sinew to his breast, and to the bow The iron head ; then, when the mighty bow

Was to a circle strained, sharp rang the horn, And loud the sinew twanged, as toward the crowd

With deadly speed the eager arrow sprang. Nor, Meneläus, was thy safety then Uncared for of the Gods ; Jove's daughter first,

Pallas, before thee stood, and turned aside The pointed arrow ; turned it so aside

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150

As when a mother from her infant's cheek, Wrapt in sweet slumbers, brushes off a fly ; Its course she so directed that it struck Just where the golden clasps the belt restrained, And where the breastplate, doubled, checked its force.

155

On the close-fitting belt the arrow struck ; Right through the belt of curious workmanship

It drove, and through the breastplate richly wrought, And through the coat of mail he wore beneath,

His inmost guard and best defence to check 160

The hostile weapons' force ; yet onward still The arrow drove, and grazed the hero's flesh. Forth issued from the wound the crimson blood. As when some Carian or Mæonian maid, With crimson dye the ivory stains, designed

165

To be the cheek-piece of a warrior's steed , By many a valiant horseman coveted, As in the house it lies, a monarch's boast, The horse adorning, and the horseman's pride : So, Menelaus, then thy graceful thighs, And knees, and ancles, with thy blood were dyed .

Great Agamemnon shuddered as he saw VOL. I.

170

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The crimson drops out-welling from the wound ; Shuddered the warlike Menelaus' self ; But when not buried in his flesh he saw The barb and sinew, back his spirit came.

175

Then deeply groaning, Agamemnon spoke,

As Meneläus by the hand he held, And with him groaned his comrades : " Brother dear, I wrought thy death when late, on compact sworn , I sent thee forth alone for Greece to fight ;

180

Wounded by Trojans, who their plighted faith

Have trodden under foot ; but not in vain Are solemn covenants and the blood of lambs, The treaty wine outpoured, and hand-plight given, Wherein men place their trust ; if not at once,

185

Yet soon or late doth Jove assert their claim ; And heavy penalties the perjured pay

With their own blood, their children's, and their wives'.

So in my inmost soul full well I know The day shall come when this imperial Troy, And Priam's race, and Priam's royal self, Shall in one common ruin be o'erthrown ; And Saturn's son himself, high-throned Jove,

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Who dwells in Heaven, shall in their faces flash His ægis dark and dread, this treacherous deed

195

Avenging ; this shall surely come to pass. But, Menelaus, deep will be my grief, If thou shouldst perish, meeting thus thy fate. To thirsty Argos should I then return By foul disgrace o'erwhelmed ; for, with thy fall,

200

The Greeks will mind them of their native land ; And as a trophy to the sons of Troy The Argive Helen leave ; thy bones meanwhile Shall moulder here beneath a foreign soil,

205

Thy work undone ; and with insulting scorn Some vaunting Trojan, leaping on the tomb

Of noble Meneläus, thus shall say: 'On all his foes may Agamemnon so His wrath accomplish, who hath hither led 210

Of Greeks a mighty army, all in vain ;

And bootless home with empty ships hath gone, And valiant Meneläus left behind :" Thus when men speak, gape, earth, and hide my shame." To whom the fair-haired Menelaus thus With cheering words : " Fear not thyself, nor cause 215

I 2

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The troops to fear ; the arrow hath not touched A vital part ; the sparkling belt hath first Turned it aside, the doublet next beneath, And coat of mail, the work of armourer's hands."

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus :

220

" Dear Meneläus, may thy words be true ! The leech shall tend thy wound, and spread it o'er With healing ointments to assuage the pain." He said, and to the sacred herald called : " Haste thee, Talthybius ! summon with all speed

225

The son of Æsculapius, peerless leech, Machaon ; bid him hither haste to see The warlike Meneläus, chief of Greeks, Who by an arrow from some practised hand , Trojan or Lycian, hath received a wound ;

230

A cause of boast to them, to us of grief." He said ; nor did the herald not obey, But through the brass-clad ranks of Greece he passed, In search of brave Machaon ; him he found Standing, by bucklered warriors bold begirt, Who followed him from Trica's grassy plains. He stood beside him, and addressed him thus :

235

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“ Up, son of Æsculapius ! Atreus' son,

The mighty monarch, summons thee to see The warlike Meneläus, chief of Greeks,

240

Who by an arrow from some practised hand, Trojan or Lycian, hath received a wound ; A cause of boast to them, to us of grief." Thus he ; and not unmoved Machaon heard : They through the crowd, and through the wide-spread host, 245 Together took their way ; but when they came Where fair-haired Meneläus, wounded , stood, Around him in a ring the best of Greece, And in the midst the godlike chief himself, From the close-fitting belt the shaft he drew,

250

Breaking the pointed barbs ; the sparkling belt He loosened, and the doublet underneath, And coat of mail, the work of armourer's hand. But when the wound appeared in sight, where struck

The stinging arrow, from the clotted blood He cleansed it, and applied with skilful hand The herbs of healing power, which Chiron erst

In friendly guise upon his sire bestowed. While round the valiant Meneläus they

255

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Were thus engaged, advanced the Trojan hosts :

260

They donned their arms, and for the fight prepared . In Agamemnon then no trace was seen Of laggard sloth, no shrinking from the fight, But full of ardour to the field he rushed . He left his horses and brass-mounted car

265

(The champing horses by Eurymedon,

The son of Ptolemy, Peiræus' son, Were held aloof), but with repeated charge Still to be near at hand, when faint with toil His limbs should fail him marshalling his host .

270

Himself on foot the warrior ranks arrayed ; With cheering words addressing whom he found With zeal preparing for the battle-field : " Relax not, valiant friends, your warlike toil ; For Jove to falsehood ne'er will give his aid ;

275

And they who first, regardless of their oaths, Have broken truce, shall with their flesh themselves

The vultures feed , while we, their city razed, Their wives and helpless children bear away.” But whom remiss and shrinking from the war He found, with keen rebuke he thus assailed :

280

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" Ye wretched Greeks, your country's foul reproach, Have ye no sense of shame ?

Why stand ye thus

Like timid fawns, that in the chase run down, Stand all bewildered , spiritless and tame ?

285

So stand ye now, nor dare to face the fight. What ! will ye wait the Trojans' near approach, Where on the beach, beside the hoary deep, Our goodly ships are drawn, and see if Jove Will o'er you his protecting hand extend ? "

290

As thus the King the serried ranks reviewed, He came where thronging round their skilful chief Idomeneus, the warlike bands of Crete Were arming for the fight ; Idomeneus,

Of courage stubborn as the forest boar,

295

The foremost ranks arrayed ; Meriones The rearmost squadrons had in charge ; with joy

The monarch Agamemnon saw, and thus With accents bland Idomeneus addressed : " Idomeneus, above all other Greeks, In battle and elsewhere, I honour thee ; And in the banquet, where the noblest mix The ruddy wine for chiefs alone reserved ,

300

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Though others drink their share, yet by thy side Thy cup, like mine, still new replenished stands To drink at pleasure.

305

Up then to the fight,

And show thyself the warrior that thou art." To whom the Cretan King, Idomeneus : " In me, Atrides, thou shalt ever find, As at the first I promised , comrade true ;

310

But go, and stir the other long-haired Greeks To speedy battle ; since the Trojans now The truce have broken ; and defeat and death Must wait on those who have their oaths forsworn." He said, and Agamemnon went his way

315

Rejoicing ; through the crowd he passed, and came Where stood the Ajaces ; them, in act to arm, Amid a cloud of infantry he found ; And as a goat-herd from his watch-tower crag Beholds a cloud advancing o'er the sea,

320

By Zephyr's breath impelled ; as from afar He gazes, black as pitch, it sweeps along

O'er the dark ocean's face, and with it brings A hurricane of rain ; he, shuddering, sees, And drives his flock beneath the sheltering cave ;

325

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So thick and dark, about the Ajaces stirred , Impatient for the war, the stalwart youths, Black masses, bristling close with spear and shield. Well pleased, the monarch Agamemnon saw,

And thus addressed them : " Valiant chiefs , to you,

330

The leaders of the brass-clad Greeks, I give ( Twere needless and unseemly) no commands ; For well ye understand your troops to rouse To deeds of dauntless courage ; would to Jove, To Pallas and Apollo, that such mind

335

As is in you, in all the camp were found ; Then soon should Priam's lofty city fall, Tak'n and destroyed by our victorious hands." Thus saying, them he left, and onward moved . Nestor, the smooth-tongued Pylian chief, he found

340

The troops arraying, and to valiant deeds His friends encouraging ; stout Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, Hæmon, warlike Prince, And Bias bold, his people's sure defence. In the front rank, with chariot and with horse, He placed the car-borne warriors ; in the rear, Numerous and braye, a cloud of infantry,

345

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Compactly massed, to stem the tide of war. Between the two he placed the inferior troops, That e'en against their will they needs must fight.

350

The horsemen first he charged, and bade them keep Their horses well in hand, nor wildly rush Amid the tumult : " See," he said, " that none,

In skill or valour over-confident, Advance before his comrades, nor alone

355

Retire ; for so your lines were easier forced ; But ranging each beside a hostile car, Thrust with your spears ; for such the better way ;

By men so disciplined, in elder days Were lofty walls and fenced towns destroyed."

360

Thus he, experienced in the wars of old ;

Well pleased, the monarch Agamemnon saw, And thus addressed him : " Would to Heaven, old man, That, as thy spirit, such too were thy strength

And vigour of thy limbs ; but now old age, The common lot of mortals, weighs thee down ; Would I could see some others in thy place, And thou couldst still be numbered with the young ! "

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied :

365

ILIAD .

123

Atrides, I too fain would see restored

370

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The strength I once possessed , what time I slew The godlike Ereuthalion ; but the Gods

On man bestow not all their gifts at once ; I then was young, and now am bowed with age, Yet with the chariots can I still go forth,

375

And aid with sage advice : for such the right And privilege of age ; to hurl the spear Belongs to younger men, who after me Were born, who boast their vigour unimpaired."

He said ; and Agamemnon went his way, Rejoicing

380

to Menestheus next he came,

The son of Petëus, charioteer renowned ; Him found he, circled by the Athenian bands,

The raisers of the war-cry ; close beside The sage Ulysses stood, around him ranged ,

385

Not unrenowned, the Cephalonian troops : The sound of battle had not reached their ears ; For but of late the Greek and Trojan hosts Were set in motion ; they expecting stood, Till other Grecian columns should advance, Assail the Trojans, and renew the war.

390

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Atrides saw, and thus, reproachful, spoke : " O son of Petëus, Heaven-descended King ! And thou too, master of all tricky arts,

Why, lingering, stand ye thus aloof, and wait

395

For others coming ? ye should be the first The hot assault of battle to confront ; For ye are first my summons to receive, Whene'er the honoured banquet we prepare : And well ye like to eat the savoury meat,

400

And, at your will, the luscious wine-cups drain : Now stand ye here, and unconcerned would see Ten columns pass before you to the fight." To whom, with stern regard, Ulysses thus : " What words have passed the barrier of thy lips,

405

Atrides ? how with want of warlike zeal Canst thou reproach us ? when the Greeks again The furious war shall waken, thou shalt see (If that thou care to see) amid the ranks Of Troy, the father of Telemachus

In the fore-front : thy words are empty wind." Atrides saw him chafed, and smiling, thus Recalled his former words : " Ulysses sage,

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Laertes' high-born son, not over-much

I give thee blame, or orders ; for I know

415

Thy mind to gentle counsels is inclined ; Thy thoughts are one with mine ; then come, henceforth

Shall all be well ; and if a hasty word Have passed, may Heaven regard it as unsaid.”

Thus saying, them he left, and onward moved .

420

The son of Tydeus, valiant Diomed,

Standing he found amid his warlike steeds And well-built cars ; beside him, Sthenelus, The son of Capaneus ; Atrides saw, And thus addressed him with reproachful words :

425

" Alas ! thou son of Tydeus, wise and bold, Why crouch with fear ? why thus appalled survey The pass of war ? not so had Tydeus crouched ; His hand was ever ready from their foes To guard his comrades ; so, at least, they say

430

Whose eyes beheld his labours ; I myself Nor met him e'er, nor saw ; but, by report, Thy father was the foremost man of men. A stranger to Mycena once he came, With godlike Polynices ; not at war,

435

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But seeking succour for the troops that lay Encamped before the sacred walls of Thebes ; For reinforcements earnestly they sued ; The boon they asked was granted them, but Jove With unpropitious omens turned them back.

440

Advancing on their journey, when they reached Asopus' grassy banks and rushes deep, The Greeks upon a mission Tydeus sent :

He went ; and many Thebans there he found Feasting in Eteocles' royal hall :

445

Amid them all, a stranger and alone, He stood unterrified , and challenged all To wrestle with him, and with ease o'erthrew : So mighty was the aid that Pallas gave.

Whereat indignant, they, on his return,

450

An ambush set, of fifty chosen youths ; Two were their leaders ; Hæmon's godlike son, Mæon, and Lycophontes, warrior brave, Son of Autophonus ; and these too fared But ill at Tydeus' hand ; he slew them all : Mæon alone, obedient to the Gods, He spared, and bade him bear the tidings home.

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Such Tydeus was : though greater in debate, His son will never rival him in arms." He said : brave Diomed in silence heard,

460

Submissive to the monarch's stern rebuke ;

Then answered thus the son of Capaneus :

66 ' Atrides, speak not falsely

well thou know'st

The truth, that we our fathers far surpass. The seven-gated city, Thebes, we took,

465

With smaller force beneath the wall of Mars, Trusting to heavenly signs, and favouring Jove, Where they by blind, presumptuous folly failed ; Then equal not our fathers' deeds with ours."

To whom thus Diomed, with stern regard :

470

66 Father, be silent ; hearken to my words :

I blame not Agamemnon, King of men, Who thus to battle stirs the well-greaved Greeks : His will the glory be if we o’ercome The valiant Trojans, and their city take ;

Great too his loss, if they o'er us prevail : Then come, let us too for the fight prepare.' He said ; and from the car leaped down in arms :

Fierce rang the armour on the warrior's breast,

475

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That e'en the stoutest heart might quail with fear.

480

As by the west wind driven, the ocean waves Dash forward on the far-resounding shore, Wave upon wave ; first curls the ruffled sea

With whitening crests ; anon with thundering roar It breaks upon the beach, and from the crags

485

Recoiling flings in giant curves its head Aloft, and tosses high the wild sea-spray : Column on column, so the hosts of Greece Poured, ceaseless, to the war ; to each the chiefs Their orders gave ; the rest in silence moved :

490

Scarce might ye deem that mighty mass endued With power of speech, so silently they moved . In awe of their great captains : far around Flashed the bright armour they were girt withal. On the other hand, the Trojans, as the flocks

495

That in the court-yard of some wealthy Lord In countless numbers stand, at milking-time, Incessant bleating, as their lambs they hear ; So rose their mingled clamours through the camp ; For not one language nor one speech was there, But many nations called from distant lands :

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These Mars inspired , and those the blue-eyed Maid ; And Fear, and Flight, and Discord unappeased , Of blood-stained Mars the sister and the friend :

505

With humble crest at first, anon her head, While yet she treads the earth, affronts the skies. The gage of battle in the midst she threw, Strode through the crowd, and woe to mortals wrought. When to the midst they came, together rushed

510

Bucklers and lances, and the furious might Of mail-clad warriors ; bossy shield on shield Clattered in conflict ; loud the clamour rose. Then rose too mingled shouts and groans of men Slaying and slain ; the earth ran red with blood. As when, descending from the mountain's brow,

515

Two wintry torrents, from their copious source Pour downward to the narrow pass, where meet Their mingled waters in some deep ravine, Their weight of flood ; on the far mountain's side

520

The shepherd hears the roar ; so loud arose The shouts and yells of those commingling hosts. First ' mid the foremost ranks Antilochus A Trojan warrior, Echepolus, slew, VOL. I.

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A crested chief, Thalesius' noble son. Beneath his horsehair-plumèd helmet's peak

525

The sharp spear struck ; deep in his forehead fixed It pierced the bone ; then darkness veiled his eyes, And, like a tower, amid the press he fell.

Him Elephenor, brave Abantian chief, Son of Chalcodon, seizing by the feet,

530

Dragged from beneath the darts, in haste to strip His armour off ; but short-lived was the attempt ; For bold Agenor marked him as he drew The corpse aside, and with his brass-tipped spear Thrust through his flank, unguarded, as he stooped,

535

Beside his shield ; and slacked his limbs in death. The spirit was fled ; but hotly o'er him raged The war of Greeks and Trojans ; fierce as wolves They fought, man struggling hand to hand with man. Then Ajax Telamon a stalwart youth,

540

Son of Anthemion, Simöisius, slew ; Whose mother gave him birth on Simöis' banks, When with her parents down from Ida's heights She drove her flock ; thence Simöisius named :

Not destined he his parents to repay

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Their early care ; for short his term of life, By godlike Ajax' mighty spear subdued. Him, to the front advancing, in the breast, By the right nipple, Ajax struck ; right through, From front to back, the brass-tipped spear was driven, 550 Out through the shoulder ; prone in dust he fell : As some tall poplar, grown in marshy mead , Smooth-stemmed , with branches tapering toward the head ; Which with the biting axe the wheelwright fells,

555

To bend the felloes of his well-built car ; Sapless, beside the river, lies the tree ; So lay the youthful Simöisius, felled By godlike Ajax' hand.

At him, in turn,

The son of Priam, Antiphus, encased

560

In radiant armour, from amid the crowd His javelin threw ; his mark, indeed , he missed ; But through the groin Ulysses' faithful friend, Leucus, he struck, in act to bear away The youthful dead ; down on the corpse he fell,

565

And, dying, of the dead relaxed his grasp. Fierce anger, at his comrade's slaughter, filled Ulysses' breast ; in burnished armour clad

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Forward he rushed ; and standing near, around

He looked , and poised on high his glittering lance : Beneath his aim the Trojans back recoiled ;

570

Nor vainly flew the spear ; Democöon, A bastard son of Priam, met the blow: He from Abydos came, his high-bred mares There left to pasture ; him Ulysses, filled With fury at his loved companion's death,

575

Smote on the head ; through either temple passed The pointed spear, and darkness veiled his eyes. Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang. At this the Trojan chiefs, and Hector's self, 'Gan to give ground : the Greeks with joyful shouts

580

Seized on the dead, and forward urged their course. From Ilium's heights Apollo , filled with wrath,

Looked down, and to the Trojans shouted loud :

Uprouse ye, valiant Trojans ! give not way

Before the Greeks ; their bodies are not stone, Nor iron, to defy your trenchant swords ; And great Achilles, fair-haired Thetis' son,

"" Fights not, but o'er his anger broods apart.' So from the city called the heavenly voice ;

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The Greeks, meanwhile, all-glorious Pallas fired,

133

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Moved 'mid the tumult, and the laggards roused .

Then fell Diores, Amarynceus ' son : A rugged fragment of a rock had crushed His ancle and right leg ; from Ænon came The Thracian chief who hurled it, Peiröus, son

595

Of Imbrasus ; the tendons both, and bones, The huge mass shattered ; backward in the dust He fell, both hands extending to his friends,

Gasping his life away ; then quick up-ran He who the blow had dealt, and with his spear

600

Thrust through him, by the navel ; from the wound His bowels gushed, and darkness veiled his eyes. But he, advancing, through the breast was struck Above the nipple, by th' Ætolian chief, Thoas ; and through his lungs the spear was driven.

605

Thoas approached, and from his breast withdrew The sturdy spear, and with his sharp-edged sword Across his waistband gave the mortal stroke :

Yet could not touch his arms ; for all around The Thracian warriors, with their tufted crowns, Their long spears held before them, him, though stout,

610

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And strong, and valiant, kept at bay ; perforce He yielded ; and thus side by side were laid The two, the Thracian and th' Epeian chief ; And round them many a valiant soldier lay.

615

Well might the deeds achieved that day deserve His praise, who through that bloody field might pass By sword or spear unwounded, by the hand

Of Pallas guarded from the weapon's flight ; For many a Trojan, many a Greek, that day Prone in the dust, and side by side, were laid.

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SUCH strength and courage then to Diomed, The son of Tydeus, Pallas gave, as raised , 'Mid all the Greeks, the glory of his name. Forth from his helm and shield a fiery light There flashed, like autumn's star, that brightest shines

When newly risen from his ocean bath. So from the warrior's head and shoulders flashed That fiery light, as to the midst he urged His furious course, where densest masses fought. There was one Dares ' mid the Trojan host,

The priest of Vulcan, rich, of blameless life ; Two gallant sons he had, Idæus named, And Phegeus, skilled in all the points of war. These, parted from the throng, the warrior met ; They on their car, while he on foot advanced. When near they came, first Phegeus threw his spear ; O'er the left shoulder of Tydides passed

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The erring weapon's point, and missed its mark. His ponderous spear in tum Tydides threw, And not in vain ; on Phegeus' breast it struck,

Full in the midst, and hurled him from the car. lda:ms from the well-wrought chariot sprang, And fled, nor durst his brother's corpse defend. Nor had he so escaped the doom of death,

•

But Vulcan bore him safely from the field,

In darkness shrouded, that his aged sire Might not be wholly of his sons bereaved. The car Tydides to his comrades gave, And bade them to the ships the horses drive. Now when the Trojans Dares' sons beheld,

The one in flight, the other stretched in death, Their spirits within them quailed ; but Pallas took The hand of Mars, and thus addressed the God : " Mars, Mars, thou bane of mortals, blood-stained Lord, Razer of cities, wherefore leave we not

'l'he Greeks and Tr�jans to contend, and see To which the sire of all will victory give ; While we retire, and shun the wrath of Jove?" 'l'hus AAying, from the battle Mars she led,

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137

And placed him on Scamander's steepy banks.

The Greeks drove back the Trojan host ; the chiefs

Slew each his victim ; Agamemnon first, The mighty monarch, from his chariot hurled Hodius, the sturdy Halizonian chief ;

Him, as he turned, between the shoulder-blades

The javelin struck, and through his chest was driven ; Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang. On Phæstus, Borus' son, Mæonian chief, Who from the fertile plains of Tarna came, Then sprang Idomeneus ; and as he sought

To mount upon his car, the Cretan King Through his right shoulder drove the pointed spear ; He fell ; the shades of death his eyes o'erspread , And of his arms the followers stripped his corpse. The son of Atreus, Meneläus, slew

Scamandrius, son of Strophius, sportsman keen, In woodcraft skilful ; for his practised hand

Had by Diana's self been taught to slay Each beast of chase the mountain forest holds. But nought availed him then the Archer-Queen Diana's counsels, nor his boasted art

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Of distant aim ; for as he fled, the lance Of Menelaus, Atreus' warlike son, Behind his neck, between the shoulder-blades, His flight arresting, through his chest was driven.

Headlong he fell, and loud his armour rang.

Phereclus by Meriones was slain, Son of Harmonides, whose practised hand Knew well to fashion many a work of art ; By Pallas highly favoured ; he the ships

For Paris built, first origin of ill , Freighted with evil to the men of Troy, And to himself, who knew not Heaven's decrees. Him, in his headlong flight, in hot pursuit

Meriones o'ertook, and thrust his lance

Through his right flank ; beneath the bone was driven The spear, and pierced him through : prone on his knees , Groaning, he fell, and death his eyelids closed . Meges Pedæus slew, Antenor's son,

A bastard born, but by Theano reared With tender care, and nurtured as her son,

With her own children, for her husband's sake. Him, Phyleus' warrior son, approaching near,

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Thrust through the junction of the head and neck ;

Crashed through his teeth the spear beneath the tongue ; 85 Prone in the dust he gnashed the brazen point. Eurypylus, Euæmon's noble son, Hypsenor slew, the godlike progeny

Of Dolopion brave ; Scamander's priest, And by the people as a God revered :

Him, as he fled before him, from behind Eurypylus, Euæmon's noble son,

Smote with the sword ; and from the shoulder-point The brawny arm he severed ; to the ground Down fell the gory hand ; the darkling shades

Of death, and rigorous doom, his eyelids closed . Thus laboured they amid the stubborn fight ; But of Tydides none might say to whom His arm belonged, or whether with the hosts. Of Troy or Greece he mingled in the fight :

100

Hither and thither o'er the plain he rushed , Like to a wintry stream, that brimming o'er Breaks down its barriers in its rapid course ; Nor well-built bridge can stem the flood , nor fence

That guards the fertile fields, as down it pours

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Its sudden torrent, swoll'n with rain from Heaven, And many a goodly work of man destroys : So back were borne before Tydides' might The serried ranks of Troy, nor dared await, Despite their numbers, his impetuous charge.

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Him when Lycaon's noble son beheld Careering o'er the plain, the serried ranks Driving before him, quick at Tydeus' son He bent his bow ; and onward as he rushed, On the right shoulder, near the breastplate's joint,

115

The stinging arrow struck ; right through it passed, And held its way, that blood the breastplate stained. Then shouted loud Lycaon's noble son: '' Arouse ye, valiant Trojans, ye who goad Your flying steeds; the bravest of the Greeks

120

Is wounded, nor, I deem, can long withstand My weapon, if indeed from Lycia's shore By Phrebus' counsel sent I joined the war." Thus he, vain-glorious; but not so was quelled The godlike chief; back he withdrew, and stood Beside his car, and thus to Sthenelus, The son of Capaneus, his speMh addressed :

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66 Up, gentle son of Capaneus, descend From off the car, and from my shoulder draw This stinging arrow forth."

He said, and down

130

Leaped from the chariot Sthenelus, and stood Beside him ; and as forth he drew the shaft, Gushed out the blood, and dyed the twisted mail . Then thus the valiant son of Tydeus prayed : " Hear me, thou child of ægis-bearing Jove,

135

Unconquered ! if amid the deadly fight Thy friendly aid my father e'er sustained , Let me in turn thy favour find ; and grant Within my reach and compass of my spear That man may find himself, who unawares

140

Hath wounded me, and vainly boasting deems I shall not long behold the light of day."

Thus prayed the chief, and Pallas heard his prayer ; To all his limbs, to feet and hands alike, She gave fresh vigour ; and with winged words, Beside him as she stood, addressed him thus : " Go fearless onward, Diomed, to meet The Trojan hosts ; for I within thy breast Thy father's dauntless courage have infused,

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Such as of old in Tydeus' bosom dwelt,

150

Bold horseman, buckler-clad ; and from thine eyes The film that dimmed them I have purged away, That thou mayst well 'twixt Gods and men discern. If then some God make trial of thy force, With other of the Immortals fight thou not ;

155

But should Jove's daughter Venus dare the fray, Thou needst not shun at her to cast thy spear." This said, the blue-eyed Goddess disappeared. Forthwith again amid the foremost ranks Tydides mingled ; keenly as before

160

His spirit against the Trojans burned to fight, With threefold fury now he sought the fray. As when a hungry lion has o'erleaped The sheepfold ; him the guardian of the flock Has wounded, not disabled ; by his wound

165

To rage excited, but not forced to fly, The fold he enters, scares the trembling sheep, That, closely huddled, each on other press,

Then pounces on his prey, and leaps the fence : So pounced Tydides on the Trojan host. Astynöus and Hypeiron then he slew,

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His people's guardian ; through the breast of one

He drove his spear, and with his mighty sword He smote the other on the collar-bone, The shoulder severing from the neck and back.

175

Them left he there to lie ; of Abas then And Polyeidus went in hot pursuit,

Sons of Eurydamas, an aged seer, Whose visions stayed them not ; but both were doomed

A prey to valiant Diomed to fall.

180

Xanthus and Thöon then the hero slew, The sons of Phænops, children of his age : He, worn with years, no other sons begot, Heirs of his wealth ; they two together fell, And to their father left a load of grief,

185

That from the battle they returned not home, And distant kindred all his substance shared . On Chromius and Echemon next he fell, Two sons of Priam on one chariot borne ;

And as a lion springs upon a herd, And breaks the neck of heifer or of steer, Feeding in woodland glade ; with such a spring These two, in vain resisting, from their car

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Tydides hurled ; then stripped their arms, and bade

His followers lead their horses to the ships.

195

Him when Eneas saw amid the ranks Dealing destruction, through the fight and throng

Of spears he plunged, if haply he might find The godlike Pandarus ; Lycaon's son He found, of noble birth and stalwart form,

200

And stood before him, and addressed him thus :

66 Where, Pandarus, are now thy winged shafts,

Thy bow, and well-known skill, wherein with thee Can no man here contend ? nor Lycia boasts, Through all her wide-spread plains, a truer aim ;

205

Then raise to Jove thy hands, and with thy shaft Strike down this chief, whoe'er he be, that thus Is making fearful havoc in our host, Relaxing many a warrior's limbs in death : If he be not indeed a God, incensed

210

Against the Trojans for neglected rites ; For fearful is the vengeance of a God."

Whom answered thus Lycaon's noble son : "Æneas, chief and councillor of Troy,

Most like in all respects to Tydeus' son

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He seems ; his shield I know, and visored helm, And horses ; whether he himself be God, I cannot tell ; but if he be indeed The man I think him, Tydeus' valiant son, 220

He fights not thus without the aid of Heaven ; But by his side, his shoulders veiled in cloud , Some God attends his steps, and turns away The shaft that just hath reached him ; for even now A shaft I shot, which by the breastplate's joint

Pierced his right shoulder through : full sure I deemed 225

That shaft had sent him to the shades, and yet It slew him not ; ' tis sure some angry God. Nor horse have I, nor car on which to mount ; But in my sire Lycaon's wealthy house

230

Eleven fair chariots stand, all newly built, Each with its cover ; by the side of each Two steeds on rye and barley white are fed ;

And in his well-built house, when here I came, Lycaon, aged warrior, urged me oft,

235

With horses and with chariots high upborne, To lead the Trojans in the stubborn fight ; I hearkened not'twere better if I had-

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Yet feared I lest my horses, wont to feed In plenty unstinted, by the soldiers' wants Might of their customed forage be deprived ;

240

I left them there, and hither came on foot, And trusting to my bow : vain trust, it seems ; Two chiefs already have I struck, the sons Of Tydeus and of Atreus ; with true aim

Drawn blood from both, yet but increased their rage.

245

Sad was the hour when down from where it hung I took my bow, and hasting to the aid Of godlike Hector, hither led my troops ; But should I e'er return, and see again My native land, my wife, my lofty hall ,

250

Then may a stranger's sword cut off my head,

If with these hands I shatter not, and burn, The bow that thus hath failed me at my need." Him answered thus Æneas, chief of Troy : " Speak thou not thus ; our fortunes shall not change Till thou and I, with chariot and with horse,

This chief encounter, and his prowess prove ;. Then mount my car, and see how swift my steeds,

Hither and thither, in pursuit or flight,

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From those of Tros descended, scour the plain.

260

So if the victory to Diomed, The son of Tydeus, should by Jove be given, We yet may safely reach the walls of Troy. Take thou the whip and reins, while I descend

265

To fight on foot ; or thou the chief engage,

And leave to me the conduct of the car." Whom answered thus Lycaon's noble son :

66 Æneas, of thy horses and thy car

Take thou the charge ; beneath the accustomed hand , With more assurance would they draw the car,

270

If we from Tydeus' son be forced to fly ; Nor, struck with panic, and thy voice unheard, Refuse to bear us from the battle-field ; So should ourselves be slain, and Tydeus' son

275

In triumph drive thy horses to the ships.

But thou thy horses and thy chariot guide, While I his onset with my lance receive." Thus saying, on the car they mounted both, And toward Tydides urged their eager steeds.

Them Sthenelus beheld , the noble son

280

Of Capaneus, and to Tydides cried :

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" Oh son of Tydeus, dearest to my soul, Two men I see, of might invincible, Impatient to engage thee ; Pandarus, Well skilled in archery, Lycaon's son ;

285

With him Æneas, great Anchises' son, Who from immortal Venus boasts his birth. Then let us timely to the car retreat, Lest, moving thus amid the foremost ranks, Thy daring pay the forfeit of thy life."

290

To whom brave Diomed with stern regard : “ Talk not to me of flight ! I heed thee not ! It is not in my nature so to fight With skulking artifice and faint retreat ; My strength is yet unbroken ; I should shame

295

To mount the car ; but forward will I go

To meet these chiefs ' encounter ; for my soul Pallas forbids the touch of fear to know. Nor shall their horses' speed procure for both A safe return, though one escape my arm. This too I say, and bear my words in mind ; By Pallas' counsel if my hap should be To slay them both, leave thou my horses here,

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The reins attaching to the chariot-rail,

And seize, and from the Trojans to the ships

305

Drive off the horses in Æneas' car ; From those descended, which all-seeing Jove On Tros, for Ganymede his son, bestowed : With these may none beneath the sun compare. Anchises, King of men, the breed obtained

310

By cunning, to the horses sending mares Without the knowledge of Laomedon. Six colts were thus engendered : four of these In his own stalls he reared ; the other two Gave to Æneas, fear-inspiring chief :

31.5

These could we win, our praise were great indeed ." Such converse while they held, the twain approached, Their horses urged to speed ; then thus began, To Diomed, Lycaon's noble son : "Great son of Tydeus, warrior brave and skilled,

320

My shaft, it seems, has failed to reach thy life ; Try we then now what hap attends my spear."

He said ; and, poising, hurled his ponderous spear, And struck Tydides' shield ; right through the shield Drove the keen weapon, and the breastplate, reached. 325

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Then shouted loud Lycaon's noble son : " Thou hast it through the flank, nor canst thou long Survive the blow ; great glory now is mine." To whom, unmoved, the valiant Diomed : " Thine aim hath failed , I am not touched ; and now

330

I deem we part not hence till one of ye Glut with his blood the insatiate Lord of War." He said : the spear, by Pallas guided , struck Beside the nostril, underneath the eye ;

Crashed through the teeth, and cutting through the tongue Beneath the angle of the jaw came forth :

336

Down from the car he fell ; and loudly rang His glittering arms : aside the startled steeds Sprang devious : from his limbs the spirit fled . Down leaped Æneas, spear and shield in hand,

340

Against the Greeks to guard the valiant dead ; And like a lion, fearless in his strength, Around the corpse he stalked, this way and that, His spear and buckler round before him held, To all who dared approach him threat'ning death, With fearful shouts ; a rocky fragment then Tydides lifted up, a mighty mass,

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Which scarce two men could raise, as men are now : But he, unaided, lifted it with ease. With this he smote Æneas near the groin,

350

Where the thigh-bone, inserted in the hip, Turns in the socket-joint ; the rugged mass The socket crushed , and both the tendons broke, And tore away the flesh : down on his knees, Yet resting on his hand, the hero fell ;

355

And o'er his eyes the shades of darkness spread. Then had Æneas, King of men, been slain, Had not his mother, Venus, child of Jove, Who to Anchises, where he fed his flocks,

The hero bore, his peril quickly seen :

360

Around her son she threw her snowy arms, And with a veil, thick-folded , wrapt him round, From hostile spears to guard him, lest some Greek Should pierce his breast, and rob him of his life.

She from the battle thus her son removed ; Nor did the son of Capaneus neglect The strict injunction by Tydides given ; His reins attaching to the chariot-rail, Far from the battle-din he checked, and left,

365

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His own fleet steeds ; then rushing forward, seized ,

370

And from the Trojans toward the camp drove off, The sleek-skinned horses of Eneas' car. These to Deipylus, his chosen friend,

He gave, of all his comrades best esteemed, Of soundest judgment, toward the ships to drive.

375

Then, his own car remounting, seized the reins, And urged with eager haste his fiery steeds, Seeking Tydides ; he, meanwhile, pressed on In keen pursuit of Venus ; her he knew A weak, unwarlike Goddess, not of those

380

That like Bellona fierce, or Pallas, range Exulting through the blood-stained fields of war. Her, searching through the crowd, at length he found, And springing forward, with his pointed spear A wound inflicted on her tender hand.

385

Piercing the ambrosial veil, the Graces' work, The sharp spear grazed her palm below the wrist. Forth from the wound the immortal current flowed, Pure ichor, life-stream of the blessed Gods ; They eat no bread, they drink no ruddy wine,

And bloodless thence and deathless they become.

390

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The Goddess shrieked aloud, and dropped her son ; But in his arms Apollo bore him off In a thick cloud enveloped, lest some Greek

Might pierce his breast, and rob him of his life .

395

Loud shouted brave Tydides, as she fled :

Daughter of Jove, from battle-fields retire ;

Enough for thee weak women to delude ; If war thou seek'st, the lesson thou shalt learn Shall cause thee shudder but to hear it named."

400

Thus he ; but ill at ease, and sorely pained , The Goddess fled : her, Iris, swift as wind, Caught up, and from the tumult bore away,

Weeping with pain, her fair skin soiled with blood. Mars on the left hand of the battle-field

405

She found, his spear reclining by his side, And, veiled in cloud, his car and flying steeds. Kneeling, her brother she besought to lend The flying steeds, with golden frontlets crowned : " Dear brother, aid me hence, and lend thy car To bear me to Olympus, seat of Gods ; Great is the pain I suffer from a wound Received from Diomed, a mortal man,

410

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Who now would dare with Jove himself to fight." He lent the steeds, with golden frontlets crowned ;

415

In deep distress she mounted on the car : Beside her Iris stood, and took the reins, And urged the coursers ; nothing loth they flew, And soon to high Olympus, seat of Gods, They came : swift Iris there the coursers stayed ,

420

Loosed from the chariot, and before them placed Ambrosial forage : on her mother's lap, Dione, Venus fell ; she in her arms Embraced, and soothed her with her hand, and said : “ Which ofthe heavenly powers hath wronged thee thus, 425

My child, as guilty of some open shame ? " Whom answered thus the laughter-loving Queen : " The haughty son of Tydeus, Diomed ,

Hath wounded me, because my dearest son, Eneas, from the field I bore away.

430

No more 'twixt Greeks and Trojans is the fight, But with the Gods themselves the Greeks contend ." To whom Dione, heavenly Goddess, thus : " Have patience, dearest child ; though much enforced, Restrain thine anger : we, in Heaven who dwell,

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Have much to bear from mortals ; and ourselves Too oft upon each other sufferings lay.

Mars had his sufferings ; by Alöeus' sons, Otus and Ephialtes , strongly bound, He thirteen months in brazen fetters lay :

440

And there had pined away the God of War, Insatiate Mars, had not their step-mother, The beauteous Eriboea, sought the aid Of Hermes ; he by stealth released the God, Sore worn and wasted by his galling chains.

445

Juno too suffered, when Amphitryon's son Through her right breast a three-barbed arrow sent : Dire, and unheard of, were the pangs she bore.

Great Pluto's self the stinging arrow felt, When that same son of ægis-bearing Jove

450

Assailed him in the very gates of hell, . And wrought him keenest anguish ; pierced with pain To high Olympus, to the courts of Jove,

Groaning, he came ; the bitter shaft remained Deep in his shoulder fixed , and grieved his soul :

455

But soon with soothing ointments Pæon's hand (For death on him was powerless) healed the wound.

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Accursed was he, of daring over-bold ,

Reckless of evil deeds, who with his bow Assailed the Gods, who on Olympus dwell.

460

The blue-eyed Pallas, well I know, has urged Tydides to assail thee ; fool and blind ! Unknowing he how short his term of life Who fights against the Gods ! for him no child Upon his knees shall lisp a father's name,

465

Safe from the war and battle-field returned . Brave as he is, let Diomed beware He meet not some more dangerous foe than thee. Then fair Ægiale, Adrastus' child, The noble wife of valiant Diomed,

470

Shall long, with lamentations loud, disturb The slumbers of her house, and vainly mourn

Her youthful Lord, the bravest of the Greeks.” She said ; and wiped the ichor from the wound ; The hand was healed, the grievous pains allayed. But Juno and Minerva, looking on, With words of bitter mockery Saturn's son Provoked : and thus the blue-eyed Goddess spoke :

66 Father ! may I speak without offence ? "O

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Venus, it seems, has sought to lead astray

157

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Some Grecian woman, and persuade to join Those Trojans, whom she holds in high esteem ; And, as her hand the gentle dame caressed, A golden clasp has scratched her slender arm." Thus she

and smiled the Sire of Gods and men ; 485

He called the golden Venus to his side, And, " Not to thee, my child," he said, " belong

The deeds of war ; do thou bestow thy care On deeds of love, and tender marriage ties ; But leave to Mars and Pallas feats of arms."

490

Such converse while they held, brave Diomed Again assailed Eneas ; well he knew Apollo's guardian hand around him thrown ;

Yet by the God undaunted, on he pressed To slay Eneas, and his arms obtain.

495

Thrice was his onset made, with murderous aim ; And thrice Apollo struck his glittering shield ; But when, with godlike force, he sought to make His fourth attempt, the Far-destroyer spoke

In terms of awful menace :

Be advised ,

Tydides, and retire ; nor as a God

500

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Esteem thyself ; since not alike the race Of Gods immortal and of earth-born men ." He said ; and Diomed a little space Before the Far-destroyer's wrath retired :

505

Apollo then Æneas bore away Far from the tumult ; and in Pergamus, Where stood his sacred shrine, bestowed him safe.

Latona there, and Dian, Archer-Queen, In the great temple's innermost recess,

510

Gave to his wounds their care, and soothed his pride. Meanwhile Apollo of the silver bow A phantom form prepared, the counterpart

Of great Æneas, and alike in arms : Around the form, of Trojans and of Greeks,

515

Loud was the din of battle ; fierce the strokes That fell on rounded shield of tough bull's-hide,

And lighter targe, before each warrior's breast. Then thus Apollo to the God of War : " Mars ! Mars ! thou bane of mortals, blood-stained Lord , 520 Razer of cities, wer't not well thyself

To interpose, and from the battle-field Withdraw this chief, Tydides ? such his pride,

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He now would dare with Jove himself to fight. Venus, of late, he wounded in the wrist ;

525

And, like a God, but now confronted me." He said, and sat on Ilium's topmost height : While Mars, in likeness of the Thracian chief, Swift Acamas, amid the Trojan ranks Moved to and fro, and urged them to the fight.

530

To Priam's Heaven-descended sons he called ; "Ye sons of Priam, Heaven-descended King, How long will ye behold your people slain ? Till to your very doors the war be brought ? Æneas, noble-souled Anchises' son,

535

In like esteem with Hector held, is down ; On to his aid ! our gallant comrade save ! "

He said ; his words fresh courage gave to all : Then thus Sarpedon, in reproachful tone, Addressed the godlike Hector : " Where is now,

540

Hector, the spirit that heretofore was thine ? "Twas once thy boast that even without allies Thyself, thy brethren, and thy house, alone The city could defend : for all of these I look in vain, and see not one ; they all,

545

160

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

As curs around a lion, cower and crouch :

We, strangers and allies, maintain the fight. I to your aid, from lands afar remote, From Lycia came, by Xanthus' eddying stream ;

There left a cherished wife, and infant son,

550

And rich possessions, which might envy move ; Yet I my troops encourage ; and myself Have played my part, though nought have I to lose, Nought that the Greeks could drive or bear away ; But thou stand'st idly by ; nor bidd'st the rest

555

Maintain their ground, and guard their wives and homes. Beware lest ye, as in the meshes caught Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey And booty of your foes, who soon shall lay

Your prosp'rous city level with the dust.

560

By day and night should this thy thoughts engage, With constant prayer to all thy brave allies, Firmly to stand, and wipe this shame away."

He said ; and Hector felt the biting speech ; Down from his car he leaped ; and through the ranks, 565 Two javelins brandishing, he passed, to arms

Exciting all, and raised his battle-cry.

Book V.

HOMER'S

161

ILIAD.

The tide was turned ; again they faced the Greeks : In serried ranks the Greeks, undaunted, stood. 570

As when the wind from off a threshing-floor, Where men are winnowing, blows the chaff away ; When yellow Ceres with the breeze divides The corn and chaff, which lies in whitening heaps ; So thick the Greeks were whitened o'er with dust,

575

Which to the brazen vault of Heaven arose. Beneath the horses' feet, that with the crowd Were mingled, by their drivers turned to flight. Unwearied still, they bore the brunt ; but Mars The Trojans succouring, the battle-field

Veiled in thick clouds, from every quarter brought.

580

Thus he of Phoebus of the golden sword Obeyed the injunction, bidding him arouse The courage of the Trojans, when he saw Pallas approaching to support the Greeks. 585

Then from the wealthy shrine Apollo's self Eneas brought, and vigour fresh infused :

Amid his comrades once again he stood ; They joyed to see him yet alive, and sound, And full of vigour ; yet no question asked : VOL. I.

162

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

No time for question then, amid the toils

590

Imposed by Phoebus of the silver bow, And blood-stained Mars, and Discord unappeased. Meanwhile Ulysses, and the Ajaces both, And Diomed, with courage for the fight The Grecian force inspired ; they undismayed

595

Shrank not before the Trojans' rush and charge ; In masses firm they stood, as when the clouds Are gathered round the misty mountain top By Saturn's son, in breathless calm, while sleep The force of Boreas and the stormy winds,

600

That with their breath the shadowy clouds disperse ; So stood the Greeks, nor shunned the Trojans' charge. Through all the army Agamemnon passed, And cried, " Brave comrades , quit ye now like men ; Bear a stout heart ; and in the stubborn fight,

605

Let each to other mutual succour give ; By mutual succour more are saved than fall ; In timid flight nor fame nor safety lies." Thus he

and straight his javelin threw, and struck

A man of mark, Eneas' faithful friend, Deicöon, the son of Pergasus,

610

BOOK V.

HOMER'S

163

ILIAD .

By Troy, as ever foremost in the field, In equal honour held with Priam's sons.

His shield the monarch Agamemnon struck ; The shield's defence was vain ; the spear passed through 615 Beneath the belt, and in his groin was lodged ; Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang. On the other side, Eneas slew two chiefs , The bravest of the Greeks, Orsilochus

620

And Crethon, sons of Diocles, who dwelt In thriving Phera ; rich in substance he, And from the mighty River Alpheus traced His high descent, who through the Pylian land

His copious waters pours ; to him was born 625

Orsilochus, of numerous tribes the chief ; To him succeeded valiant Diocles ; To whom were born twin sons, Orsilochus

And Crethon, skilled in every point of war. They, in the vigour of their youth, to Troy Had sailed amid the dark-ribbed ships of Greece,

630

Of Atreus' sons the quarrel to uphold ; But o'er them both the shades of death were spread.

As two young lions, by their tawny dam

M 2

1.64

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book V.

Nursed in the mountain forest's deep recess , On flocks and herds their youthful fury pour,

635

With havoc to the sheepfolds, till themselves Succumb, o'ermastered by the hand of man : So fell these two beneath Æneas' hand, And like two lofty pines in death they lay. The warlike Meneläus saw their fall

640

With pitying eye ; and through the foremost ranks

With brandished spear advanced, by Mars impelled, Who hoped his death by great Æneas' hand. Him Nestor's son, Antilochus, beheld, And hastened to his aid ; for much he feared

645

Lest ill befall the monarch, and his death

Deprive them of their warlike labours' fruit. They two, with force combined of hand and spear, Pressed onward to the fight ; Antilochus His station keeping close beside the King.

650

Before the two combined, Eneas feared, Bold warrior as he was, to hold his ground. The slain they drew within the Grecian lines, Placed in their comrades' hands, and turning back Amid the foremost mingled in the fray.

655

Book V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

165

Then, brave as Mars, Pylæmenes they slew, The bucklered Paphlagonians' warlike chief ; Him Menelaus, hand to hand engaged, Pierced with a spear-thrust through the collar-bone ; While, with a ponderous stone, Antilochus

660

Full on the elbow smote Atymnius ' son, Mydon, his charioteer, in act to turn His fiery steeds to flight ; down from his hands Fell to the ground the ivory-mounted reins. On rushed Antilochus, and with his sword

665

Across the temples smote him ; gasping, he Upon his neck and shoulders from the car Pitched headlong ; and (for there the sand was deep) Awhile stood balanced, till the horses' feet Dashed him upon the ground ; Antilochus,

670

The horses seizing, drove them to the ships. Hector beheld athwart the ranks, and rushed, Loud shouting, to the encounter ; at his back Followed the thronging bands of Troy, by Mars And fierce Bellona led : she by the hand Wild Uproar held ; while Mars a giant spear Brandished aloft ; and stalking now before,

675

166

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book V.

Now following after Hector, urged them on. Quailed at the sight the valiant Diomed : As when a man, long journeying o'er the plain,

680

All unprepared, stands sudden on the brink Of a swift stream, down rushing to the sea, Boiling with foam, and back recoils ; so then Recoiled Tydides, and addressed the crowd : " O friends, we marvel at the might displayed

685

By Hector, spearman skilled and warrior bold ; But still some guardian God his steps attends, And shields from danger ; now beside him stands, In likeness of a mortal, Mars himself. Then turning still your faces to your foes,

690

Retire, nor venture with the Gods to fight." He said ; the Trojans now were close at hand,

And, mounted both upon a single car, Two chiefs, Menesthes and Anchialus, Well skilled in war, by Hector's hand were slain. With pitying eyes great Ajax Telamon Beheld their fall ; advancing close, he threw His glittering spear ; the son of Selagus It struck, Amphius, who in Pæsus dwelt,

695

Book V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

In land and substance rich ; by evil fate

167

700

Impelled , to Priam's house he brought his aid . Below the belt the spear of Ajax struck, And in his groin the point was buried deep ; Thundering he fell ; then forward Ajax sprang To seize the spoils of war ; but fast and fierce

705

The Trojans showered their weapons bright and keen ,

And many a lance the mighty shield received. Ajax, his foot firm planted on the slain, Withdrew the brazen spear ; yet could not strip His armour off, so galling flew the shafts ;

710

And much he feared the foes might hem him in , Who closely pressed upon him, many and brave ; And, valiant as he was, and tall, and strong, Still drove him backward ; he perforce retired. Thus laboured they amid the stubborn fight.

715

Then evil fate induced Tlepolemus, Valiant and strong, the son of Hercules, Heaven-born Sarpedon to confront in fight. When near they came, of cloud-compelling Jove

Grandson and son, Tlepolemus began :

66 Sarpedon, Lycian chief, what brings thee here,

720

168

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

Trembling and crouching, all unskilled in war ? Falsely they speak who fable thee the son Of ægis-bearing Jove ; so far art thou Beneath their mark who claimed in elder days

725

That royal lineage : such my father was,

Of courage resolute, of lion heart. With but six ships, and with a scanty band, The horses by Laomedon withheld Avenging, he o'erthrew this city, Troy,

730

And made her streets a desert ; but thy soul Is poor, thy troops are wasting fast away ; Nor deem I that the Trojans will in thee (E'en were thy valour more) and Lycia's aid

Their safeguard find ; but vanquished by my hand,

735

"" This day the gates of Hades thou shalt pass.

To whom the Lycian chief, Sarpedon, thus : 66 Tlepolemus, the sacred walls of Troy

Thy sire o'erthrew, by folly of one man, Laomedon, who with injurious words

His noble service recompensed ; nor gave The promised steeds, for which he came from far. For thee, I deem thou now shalt meet thy doom

740

Book V.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

169

Here, at my hand ; on thee my spear shall win

Renown for me, thy soul to Hades send."

745

Thus as Sarpedon spoke, Tlepolemus Upraised his ashen spear ; from both their hands The ponderous weapons simultaneous flew. Full in the throat Tlepolemus received Sarpedon's spear ; right through the neck it passed,

750

And o'er his eyes the shades of death were spread. On the other side his spear Sarpedon struck

On the left thigh ; the eager weapon passed Right through the flesh, and in the bone was fixed ; The stroke of death his father turned aside.

755

Sarpedon from the field his comrades bore, Weighed down and tortured by the trailing spear ; For, in their haste to bear him to his car, Not one bethought him from his thigh to draw The weapon forth ;

so sorely were they pressed .

760

The Greeks too from the battle-field conveyed The slain Tlepolemus ; Ulysses saw, Patient of spirit, but deeply moved at heart ; And with conflicting thoughts his breast was torn, If first he should pursue the Thunderer's son,

765

170

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book V.

Or deal destruction on the Lycian host. But fate had not decreed the valiant son Of Jove to fall beneath Ulysses' hand ; So on the Lycians Pallas turned his wrath. Alastor then, and Coranus he slew,

770

Chromius, Alcander, Halius, Prytanis, Nöemon ; nor had ended then the list Of Lycian warriors by Ulysses slain ; But Hector of the glancing helm beheld ; Through the front ranks he rushed, with burnished crest 775 Resplendent, flashing terror on the Greeks ; With joy Sarpedon saw his near approach, And with imploring tones addressed him thus : 66 Hector, thou son of Priam, leave me not A victim to the Greeks, but lend thine aid :

780

Then in your city let me end my days :

For not to me is given again to see My native land ; or, safe returning home,

To glad my sorrowing wife and infant child ." Thus he : but Hector, answering not a word,

Passed on in silence, hasting to pursue The Greeks, and pour destruction on their host.

785

BOOK V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

171

Beneath the oak of ægis-bearing Jove His faithful comrades laid Sarpedon down, And from his thigh the valiant Pelagon,

790

His loved companion, drew the ashen spear. He swooned, and giddy mists o'erspread his eyes But soon revived, as on his forehead blew, While yet he gasped for breath, the cooling breeze. By Mars and Hector of the brazen helm

795

The Greeks hard-pressed, yet fled not to their ships, Nor yet sustained the fight ; but back retired Soon as they learned the presence of the God. Say then who first, who last, the prowess felt Of Hector, Priam's son, and mail-clad Mars ?

800

The godlike Teuthras first, Orestes next,

Bold charioteer ; the Ætolian spearman skilled, Trechus, Enomäus, and Helenus, The son of Enops ; and Oresbius, girt With sparkling girdle ; he in Hyla dwelt, The careful Lord of boundless wealth, beside

Cephisus' marshy banks ; Boeotia's chiefs Around him dwelt, on fat and fertile soil. Juno, the white-armed Queen, who saw these two

805

172

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book V.

The Greeks destroying in the stubborn fight,

810

To Pallas thus her winged words addressed : 66 " O Heaven ! brave child of ægis-bearing Jove,

Vain was our word to Meneläus given, That he the well-built walls of Troy should raze, And safe return, if unrestrained we leave

815

Ferocious Mars to urge his mad career. Come then ; let us too mingle in the fray."

She said

and Pallas, blue-eyed Maid, complied .

Offspring of Saturn, Juno, heavenly Queen, Herself the immortal steeds caparisoned,

820

Adorned with golden frontlets : to the car Hebe the circling wheels of brass attached, Eight-spoked, that on an iron axle turned ; The felloes were of gold, and fitted round With brazen tires, a marvel to behold ;

825

The naves were silver, rounded every way : The chariot-board on gold and silver bands Was hung, and round it ran a double rail : The pole was all of silver ; at the end A golden yoke, with golden yoke-bands fair : And Juno, all on fire to join the fray,

830

BOOK V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

173

Beneath the yoke the flying coursers led .

Pallas, the child of ægis-bearing Jove, Within her father's threshold dropped her veil, Of airy texture, work of her own hands ;

835

The cuirass donned of cloud-compelling Jove, And stood accoutred for the bloody fray. Her tasselled ægis round her shoulders next She threw, with Terror circled all around ; And on its face were figured deeds of arms,

840

And Strife, and Courage high, and panic Rout ; There too a Gorgon's head, of monstrous size, Frowned terrible, portent of angry Jove : And on her head a golden helm she placed , Four-crested, double-peaked, whose ample verge

845

A hundred cities ' champions might suffice : Her fiery car she mounted

in her hand

A spear she bore, long, weighty, tough ; wherewith The mighty daughter of a mighty sire

Sweeps down the ranks of those her hate pursues. Then Juno sharply touched the flying steeds ; Forthwith spontaneous opening, grated harsh The heavenly portals, guarded by the Hours,

850

174

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

Who Heaven and high Olympus have in charge

855

To roll aside, or draw the veil of cloud . Through these the excited horses held their way. They found the son of Saturn , from the Gods Sitting apart, upon the highest crest Of many-ridged Olympus ; there arrived,

860

The white-armed Goddess Juno stayed her steeds, And thus addressed the Sovereign Lord of Heaven : " O Father Jove ! canst thou behold unmoved

The violence of Mars ? how many Greeks, Reckless and uncontrolled, he hath destroyed ; To me a source of bitter grief ; meanwhile

865

Venus and Phoebus of the silver bow Look on, well pleased , who sent this madman forth, To whom both law and justice are unknown. Say, Father Jove, shall I thine anger move, If with disgrace I drive him from the field ? ”

870

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied : " Go, send against him Pallas ; she, I know, Hath oft inflicted on him grievous pain."

He said

the white-armed Queen with joy obeyed :

She urged her horses ; nothing loth, they flew

875

Book V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

175

Midway between the earth and starry Heaven : Far as his sight extends, who from on high

Looks from his watch-tower o'er the dark-blue sea, So far at once the neighing horses bound. But when to Troy they came, beside the streams

880

Where Simöis' and Scamander's waters meet,

The white-armed Goddess stayed her flying steeds, Loosed from the car, and veiled in densest cloud. For them, at bidding of the river-God, Ambrosial forage grew : the Goddesses ,

885

Swift as the wild wood-pigeon's rapid flight, Sped to the battle-field to aid the Greeks. But when they reached the thickest of the fray, Where thronged around the might of Diomed The bravest and the best, as lions fierce,

890

Or forest-boars, the mightiest of their kind, There stood the white-armed Queen, and called aloud, In form of Stentor, of the brazen voice, Whose shout was as the shout of fifty men : " Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards ! brave alone

895

In outward semblance ; while Achilles yet Went forth to battle, from the Dardan gates

176

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

The Trojans never ventured to advance,

So dreaded they his ponderous spear ; but now Far from the walls, beside your ships, they fight."

900

She said : her words their drooping courage roused . Meanwhile the blue-eyed Pallas went in haste In search of Tydeus' son ; beside his car She found the King, in act to cool the wound Inflicted by the shaft of Pandarus :

905

Beneath his shield's broad belt the clogging sweat Oppressed him, and his arm was faint with toil ; The belt was lifted up, and from the wound He wiped the clotted blood : beside the car The Goddess stood, and touched the yoke, and said : 910 "Little like Tydeus' self is Tydeus' son : Low was his stature, but his spirit was high :

And even when I from combat rashly waged Would fain have kept him back, what time in Thebes

He found himself, an envoy and alone, Without support, among the Thebans all, I counselled him in peace to share the feast : But by his own impetuous courage led ,

He challenged all the Thebans to contend

915

BOOK V.

HOMER'S

177

ILIAD .

920

With him in wrestling, and o'erthrew them all With ease ; so mighty was the aid I gave. Thee now I stand beside, and guard from harm,

And bid thee boldly with the Trojans fight. But, if the labours of the battle-field 925

O'ertask thy limbs, or heartless fear restrain, No issue thou of valiant Tydeus' loins." Whom answered thus the valiant Diomed : "I know thee, Goddess, who thou art ; the child

Of ægis-bearing Jove : to thee my mind 930

I freely speak, nor aught will I conceal. Nor heartless fear, nor hesitating doubt, Restrain me ; but I bear thy words in mind, With other of the Immortals not to fight : But should Jove's daughter, Venus, dare the fray,

At her I need not shun to throw my spear.

935

Therefore I thus withdrew, and others too Exhorted to retire, since Mars himself

I saw careering o'er the battle-field.” To whom the blue-eyed Goddess, Pallas, thus : 940

" Thou son of Tydeus, dearest to my soul, Fear now no more with Mars himself to fight, VOL. I.

178

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book V.

Nor other God ; such aid will I bestow. Come then ; at him the first direct thy car ; Encounter with him hand to hand ; nor fear To strike this madman, this incarnate curse,

945

This shameless renegade ; who late agreed With Juno and with me to combat Troy, And aid the Grecian cause ; who now appears, The Greeks deserting, in the Trojan ranks.” Thus Pallas spoke, and stretching forth her hand,

950

Backward his comrade Sthenelus she drew From off the chariot ; down in haste he sprang. His place beside the valiant Diomed The eager Goddess took ; beneath the weight Loud groaned the oaken axle ; for the car

955

A mighty Goddess and a Hero bore. Then Pallas took the whip and reins, and urged Direct at Mars the fiery coursers ' speed. The bravest of the Etolians, Periphas, Ochesius' stalwart son, he just had slain, And stood in act to strip him of his arms. The helmet then of Darkness Pallas donned , To hide her presence from the sight of Mars :

960

Book V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

179

But when the blood-stained God of War beheld 965

Advancing toward him godlike Diomed, The corpse of stalwart Periphas he left, There where he fell, to lie ; while he himself Of valiant Diomed the encounter met.

When near they came, first Mars his ponderous spear 970

Advanced beyond the yoke and horses' reins, With murderous aim ; but Pallas from the car Turned it aside, and foiled the vain attempt. Then Diomed thrust forward in his turn His ponderous spear ; low on the flank of Mars,

975

Guided by Pallas, with successful aim, Just where the belt was girt, the weapon struck : It pierced the flesh, and straight was back withdrawn : Then Mars cried out aloud , with such a shout As if nine thousand or ten thousand men

980

Should simultaneous raise their battle-cry : Trojans and Greeks alike in terror heard, Trembling ; so fearful was the cry of Mars. As black with clouds appears the darkened air,

When after heat the blustering winds arise, So Mars to valiant Diomed appeared,

985 N 2

་

180

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK V.

As in thick clouds he took his heavenward flight. With speed he came to great Olympus' heights, The abode of Gods ; and sitting by the throne Of Saturn's son, with anguish torn, he showed The immortal stream that trickled from the wound, 990 And thus to Jove his piteous words addressed : "O Father Jove, canst thou behold unmoved These acts of violence ? the greatest ills We Gods endure, we each to other owe Who still in human quarrels interpose.

995

Of thee we all complain ; thy senseless child

Is ever on some evil deed intent. The other Gods, who on Olympus dwell, Are all to thee obedient and submiss ; But thy pernicious daughter, nor by word

1000

Nor deed dost thou restrain ; who now excites The o'erbearing son of Tydeus, Diomed,

Upon the immortal Gods to vent his rage. Venus of late he wounded in the wrist, And, as a God, but now encountered me : Barely I ' scaped by swiftness of my feet ; Else, ' mid a ghastly heap of corpses slain,

1005

Book V.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

181

In anguish had I lain ; and, if alive, Yet lived disabled by his weapon's stroke."

Whom answered thus the Cloud-compeller, Jove, 1010 With look indignant : " Come no more to me, Thou wavering turncoat, with thy whining prayers : Of all the Gods who on Olympus dwell

I hate thee most ; for thou delight'st in nought But strife and war ; thou hast inherited

1015

Thy mother, Juno's, proud, unbending mood, Whom I can scarce control ; and thou, methinks, To her suggestions ow'st thy present plight.

Yet since thou art my offspring, and to me Thy mother bore thee, I must not permit

1020

That thou shouldst long be doomed to suffer pain ; But had thy birth been other than it is, For thy misdoings thou hadst long ere now Been banished from the Gods' companionship."

He said

and straight to Pæon gave command

To heal the wound ; with soothing anodynes He healed it quickly ; soon as liquid milk Is curdled by the fig-tree's juice, and turns In whirling flakes, so soon was healed the wound.

1025

182

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK V.

By Hebe bathed, and robed afresh, he sat

1030

In health and strength restored, by Saturn's son.

Mars thus arrested in his murderous course, Together to the abode of Jove returned The Queen of Argos and the blue-eyed Maid.

1034

BOOK VI.

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

183

VI.

THE Gods had left the field, and o'er the plain Hither and thither surged the tide of war,

As couched the opposing chiefs their brass-tipped spears, Midway 'twixt Simöis' and Scamander's streams.

First through the Trojan phalanx broke his way

The son of Telamon, the prop of Greece, The mighty Ajax ; on his friends the light Of triumph shedding, as Eusorus' son He smote, the noblest of the Thracian bands,

Valiant and strong, the gallant Acamas.

Full in the front, beneath the plumèd helm, The sharp spear struck, and crashing through the bone, The warrior's eyes were closed in endless night.

Next valiant Diomed Axylus slew, The son of Teuthranes, who had his home In fair Arisba ; rich in substance he, And loved of all ; for, dwelling near the road,

184

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book VI.

He oped to all his hospitable gate ; But none of all he entertained was there To ward aside the bitter doom of death :

There fell they both, he and his charioteer, Calesius, who athwart the battle-field His chariot drove ; one fate o'ertook them both. Then Dresus and Opheltius of their arms

Euryalus despoiled ; his hot pursuit

Æsepus next, and Pedasus assailed, Brothers, whom Abarbarea, Naiad nymph,

To bold Bucolion bore ; Bucolion, son Of great Laomedon, his eldest born, Though bastard : he upon the mountain side,

On which his flocks he tended, met the nymph, And of their secret loves twin sons were born ; Whom now at once Euryalus of strength And life deprived, and of their armour stripped. By Polypoetes' hand, in battle strong, Was slain Astyalus ; Pidutes fell,

Chief of Percote, by Ulysses' spear ; And Teucer godlike Aretaon slew. Antilochus, the son of Nestor, smote

ILIAD.

185

With gleaming lance Ablerus ; Elatus

BOOK VI.

HOMER'S

By Agamemnon, King of men, was slain,

Who dwelt by Satnöis' widely-flowing stream , Upon the lofty heights of Pedasus. By Loitus was Phylacus in flight O'erta'en ; Eurypylus Melanthius slew.

Then Meneläus, good in battle, took Adrastus captive ; for his horses, scared And rushing wildly o'er the plain, amid The tangled tamarisk scrub his chariot broke, Snapping the pole ; they with the flying crowd

Held city-ward their course ; he from the car Hurled headlong, prostrate lay beside the wheel, Prone on his face in dust ; and at his side, Poising his mighty spear, Atrides stood . Adrastus clasped his knees, and suppliant cried,

66 Spare me, great son of Atreus ! for my life Accept a price ; my wealthy father's house A goodly store contains of brass, and gold, And well-wrought iron ; and of these he fain Would pay a noble ransom, could he hear That in the Grecian ships I yet survived."

186

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book VI.

His words to pity moved the victor's breast ; Then had he bade his followers to the ships The captive bear ; but running up in haste, Fierce Agamemnon cried in stern rebuke ;

" Soft-hearted Meneläus, why of life So tender ?

Hath thy house received indeed

Nothing but benefits at Trojan hands ?

Of that abhorrèd race, let not a man Escape the deadly vengeance of our arms ;

No, not the infant in its mother's womb ; No, nor the fugitive ; but be they all, They and their city, utterly destroyed, Uncared for, and from memory blotted out." Thus as he spoke, his counsel, fraught with death, 75 His brother's purpose changed : he with his hand Adrastus thrust aside, whom with his lance Fierce Agamemnon through the loins transfixed ; And, as he rolled in death, upon his breast Planting his foot, the ashen spear withdrew.

Then loudly Nestor shouted to the Greeks : " Friends, Grecian heroes, ministers of Mars ! Loiter not now behind, to throw yourselves

BOOK VI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

187

Upon the prey, and bear it to the ships ;

Let all your aim be now to kill ; anon

Ye may at leisure spoil your slaughtered foes." With words like these he fired the blood of all. Now had the Trojans by the warlike Greeks In coward flight within their walls been driven ;

But to Eneas and to Hector thus

The son of Priam, Helenus, the best

Of all the Trojan seers, addressed his speech : 66 Eneas, and thou Hector, since on you, Of all the Trojans and the Lycian hosts, Is laid the heaviest burthen, for that ye

Excel alike in council and in fight, Stand here awhile, and moving to and fro On every side, around the gates exhort The troops to rally, lest they fall disgraced, Flying for safety to their women's arms,

100

And foes, exulting, triumph in their shame. Their courage thus restored, worn as we are, We with the Greeks will still maintain the fight,

For so, perforce, we must ; but, Hector, thou Haste to the city ; there our mother find,

105

188

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book VI .

Both thine and mine ; on Ilium's topmost height By all the aged dames accompanied, Bid her the shrine of blue-eyed Pallas seek ; Unlock the sacred gates ; and on the knees

Of fair-haired Pallas place the fairest robe

110

In all the house, the amplest, best esteemed ; And at her altar vow to sacrifice Twelve yearling kine that never felt the goad, So she have pity on the Trojan state, Our wives, and helpless babes, and turn away

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The fiery son of Tydeus, spearman fierce, The Minister of Terror ; bravest he,

In my esteem, of all the Grecian chiefs ; For not Achilles' self, the prince of men, Though Goddess-born, such dread inspired ; so fierce

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His rage ; and with his prowess none may vie." He said, nor uncomplying, Hector heard His brother's counsel ; from his car he leaped In arms upon the plain ; and brandished high

His javelins keen, and moving to and fro The troops encouraged, and restored the fight. Rallying they turned, and faced again the Greeks :

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These ceased from slaughter, and in turn gave way, Deeming that from the starry Heaven some God Had to the rescue come ; so fierce they turned .

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Then to the Trojans Hector called aloud : " Ye valiant Trojans, and renowned Allies, Quit you like men ; remember now, brave friends, Your wonted valour ; I to Ilium go To bid our wives and reverend Elders raise

135

To Heaven their prayers, with vows of hecatombs." Thus saying, Hector of the glancing helm Turned to depart ; and as he moved along,

The black bull's-hide his neck and ancles smote, The outer circle of his bossy shield .

140

Then Tydeus' son, and Glaucus, in the midst, Son of Hippolochus, stood forth to fight ; But when they near were met, to Glaucus first The valiant Diomed his speech addressed : " Who art thou, boldest man of mortal birth ? For in the glorious conflict heretofore

I ne'er have seen thee ; but in daring now Thou far surpassest all, who hast not feared To face my spear ; of most unhappy sires

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The children they, who my encounter meet.

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But if from Heaven thou com'st, and art indeed A God, I fight not with the heavenly powers. Not long did Dryas' son, Lycurgus brave, Survive, who dared the Immortals to defy : He, ' mid their frantic orgies, in the groves

155

Of lovely Nyssa, put to shameful rout The youthful Bacchus' nurses ; they, in fear, Dropped each her thyrsus, scattered by the hand Of fierce Lycurgus, with an ox-goad armed.

Bacchus himself beneath the ocean wave

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In terror plunged, and, trembling, refuge found In Thetis' bosom from a mortal's threats :

The Gods indignant saw, and Saturn's son Smote him with blindness ; nor survived he long, Hated alike by all the immortal Gods.

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I dare not then the blessed Gods oppose ; But be thou mortal, and the fruits of earth Thy food, approach, and quickly meet thy doom.”

To whom the noble Glaucus thus replied : "Great son of Tydeus, why my race enquire ? The race of man is as the race of leaves :

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Of leaves, one generation by the wind

Is scattered on the earth ; another soon In spring's luxuriant verdure bursts to light. So with our race ; these flourish, those decay.

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But if thou wouldst in truth enquire and learn The race I spring from, not unknown of men ; There is a city, in the deep recess Of pastoral Argos, Ephyre by name : There Sisyphus of old his dwelling had ,

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Of mortal men the craftiest ; Sisyphus, The son of Æolus ; to him was born Glaucus ; and Glaucus in his turn begot Bellerophon, on whom the Gods bestowed The gifts of beauty and of manly grace.

185

But Protus sought his death ; and, mightier far, From all the coasts of Argos drove him forth, To Protus subjected by Jove's decree. For him the monarch's wife, Antæa, nursed A maddening passion, and to guilty love Would fain have tempted him ; but failed to move The upright soul of chaste Bellerophon. With lying words she then addressed the King :

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' Die, Prœtus, thou, or slay Bellerophon, Who basely sought my honour to assail.'

195

The King with anger listened to her words ; Slay him he would not ; that his soul abhorred ; But to the father of his wife, the King Of Lycia, sent him forth, with tokens charged Of dire import, on folded tablets traced,

200

Poisoning the monarch's mind, to work his death. To Lycia, guarded by the Gods, he went ; But when he came to Lycia, and the streams Of Xanthus, there with hospitable rites

The King of wide-spread Lycia welcomed him.

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Nine days he feasted him, nine oxen slew ; But with the tenth return of rosy morn He questioned him, and for the tokens asked He from his son-in-law, from Prœtus, bore. The tokens' fatal import understood,

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He bade him first the dread Chimæra slay ;

A monster, sent from Heaven, not human born, With head of lion, and a serpent's tail, And body of a goat ; and from her mouth There issued flames of fiercely-burning fire :

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Yet her, confiding in the Gods, he slew. Next, with the valiant Solymi he fought, The fiercest fight that e'er he undertook. Thirdly, the women-warriors he o'erthrew, The Amazons ; from whom returning home,

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The King another stratagem devised ; For, choosing out the best of Lycia's sons, He set an ambush ; they returned not home, For all by brave Bellerophon were slain. But, by his valour when the King perceived

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His heavenly birth, he entertained him well ; Gave him his daughter ; and with her the half Of all his royal honours he bestowed : A portion too the Lycians meted out, Fertile in corn and wine, of all the state

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The choicest land, to be his heritage. Three children there to brave Bellerophon Were born ; Isander, and Hippolochus, Laodamia last, beloved of Jove, The Lord of counsel ; and to him she bore Godlike Sarpedon of the brazen helm. Bellerophon at length the wrath incurred

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Of all the Gods ; and to the Aleian plain Alone he wandered ; there he wore away His soul, and shunned the busy haunts of men.

240

Insatiate Mars his son Isander slew

In battle with the valiant Solymi : His daughter perished by Diana's wrath. I from Hippolochus my birth derive : To Troy he sent me, and enjoined me oft

245

To aim at highest honours, and surpass My comrades all ; nor on my father's name Discredit bring, who held the foremost place In Ephyre, and Lycia's wide domain. Such is my race, and such the blood I boast.”

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He said ; and Diomed rejoicing heard : His spear he planted in the fruitful ground, And thus with friendly words the chief addressed : "By ancient ties of friendship are we bound ;

For godlike Eneus in his house received For twenty days the brave Bellerophon ;

They many a gift of friendship interchanged : A belt, with crimson glowing, Eneus gave ; Bellerophon a double cup of gold,

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Which in my house I left when here I came.

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Of Tydeus no remembrance I retain ; For yet a child he left me, when he fell With his Achaians at the gate of Thebes. So I in Argos am thy friendly host ; 265

Thou mine in Lycia, when I thither come : Then shun we, e'en amid the thickest fight, Each other's lance ; enough there are for me Of Trojans and their brave allies to kill, As Heaven may aid me, and my speed of foot ; And Greeks enough there are for thee to slay,

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If so indeed thou canst ; but let us now Our armour interchange, that these may know What friendly bonds of old our houses join." Thus as they spoke, they quitted each his car ; Clasped hand in hand, and plighted mutual faith.

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Then Glaucus of his judgment Jove deprived, His armour interchanging, gold for brass, A hundred oxen's worth for that of nine. Meanwhile, when Hector reached the oak beside The Scaan gate, around him thronged the wives Of Troy, and daughters, anxious to enquire

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The fate of children, brothers, husbands, friends ;

He to the Gods exhorted all to pray, For deep the sorrows that o'er many hung. But when to Priam's splendid house he came,

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With polished corridors adorned—within Were fifty chambers, all of polished stone,

Placed each by other ; there the fifty sons Of Priam with their wedded wives reposed ; On the other side, within the court were built

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Twelve chambers, near the roof, of polished stone, Placed each by other ; there the sons-in-law Of Priam with their spouses chaste reposed ; To meet him there his tender mother came, And with her led the young Laodice,

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Fairest of all her daughters ; clasping then

His hand, she thus addressed him : " Why, my son, Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle-field ? Are Trojans by those hateful sons of Greece, Fighting around the city, sorely pressed ? And com'st thou, by thy spirit moved, to raise, On Ilium's heights, thy hands in prayer to Jove ? But tarry till I bring the luscious wine,

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That first to Jove, and to the Immortals all, Thou mayst thine offering pour; then with the draught 305 Thyself thou mayst refresh ; for great the strength Which generous wine imparts to men who toil, .A.s thou hast toiled, thy comrades to protect." To whom great Hector of the glancing helm : " No, not for me, mine honoured mother, pour

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The luscious wine, lest thou unnerve my limbs, .A.nd make me all my wonted prowess lose. The ruddy wine I dare not pour to Jove With hands unwashed ; nor to the cloud-gfrt son Of Saturn may the voice of prayer ascend

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From one with blood bespattered and defiled. Thou, with the elder women, seek the shrine Of Pallas ; bring your gifts ; and on the knees Of fair-haired Pallas place the fairest robe

In all the house, the amplest, best esteemed;

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And at her altar vow to sacrifice Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad ; So she have pity on the Trojan state, Our wives, and helpless babes; and turn away The fiery son of 'fydeus, spearman fierce,

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The Minister of Terror ; to the shrine Of Pallas thou ; to Paris I, to call If haply he will hear ; would that the earth

Would gape and swallow him ! for great the curse That Jove through him hath brought on men of Troy, 330 On noble Priam, and on Priam's sons.

Could I but know that he were in his grave, Methinks my sorrows I could half forget." He said : she, to the house returning, sent The attendants through the city, to collect

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The train of aged suppliants ; she meanwhile Her fragrant chamber sought, wherein were stored Rich garments, by Sidonian women worked, Whom godlike Paris had from Sidon brought, Sailing the broad sea o'er, the selfsame path

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By which the high-born Helen he conveyed . Of these, the richest in embroidery, The amplest, and the brightest, as a star Refulgent, placed with care beneath the rest, The Queen her offering bore to Pallas' shrine :

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She went, and with her many an ancient dame. But when the shrine they reached on Ilium's height,

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Theano, fair of face, the gates unlocked , Daughter of Cisseus, sage Antenor's wife, By Trojans named at Pallas' shrine to serve.

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They with deep moans to Pallas raised their hands ;

But fair Theano took the robe, and placed On Pallas' knees, and to the heavenly Maid, Daughter of Jove, she thus addressed her prayer : "Guardian of cities, Pallas, awful Queen,

355

Goddess of Goddesses , break thou the spear Of Tydeus' son ; and grant that he himself Prostrate before the Scaan gates may fall ; So at thine altar will we sacrifice Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad,

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If thou have pity on the state of Troy, The wives of Trojans, and their helpless babes."

Thus she ; but Pallas answered not her prayer. While thus they called upon the heavenly Maid, Hector to Paris' mansion bent his way ; A noble structure, which himself had built Aided by all the best artificers

Who in the fertile realm of Troy were known ; With chambers, hall, and court, on Ilium's height,

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Near to where Priam's self and Hector dwelt.

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There entered Hector, well beloved of Jove ;

And in his hand his ponderous spear he bore, Twelve cubits long ; bright flashed the weapon's point Of polished brass, with circling hoop of gold . There in his chamber found he whom he sought,

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About his armour busied, polishing His shield, his breastplate, and his bended bow. While Argive Helen, ' mid her maidens placed , The skilful labours of their hands o'erlooked . To him thus Hector with reproachful words ;

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"Thou dost not well thine anger to indulge ; In battle round the city's lofty wall The people fast are falling ; thou the cause That fiercely thus around the city burns

The flame of war and battle ; and thyself

385

Wouldst others blame, who from the fight should shrink. Up, ere the town be wrapped in hostile fires.” To whom in answer godlike Paris thus : "Hector, I own not causeless thy rebuke ; Yet will I speak ; hear thou and understand ; 'Twas less from anger with the Trojan host,

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And fierce resentment, that I here remained,

Than that I sought my sorrow to indulge ; Yet hath my wife, e'en now, with soothing words Urged me to join the battle ; so, I own,

395

'Twere best ; and Victory changes oft her side. Then stay, while I my armour don ; or thou

"" Go first : I, following, will o'ertake thee soon .' He said : but Hector of the glancing helm Made answer none ; then thus with gentle tones

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Helen accosted him : " Dear brother mine, (Of me, degraded, sorrow-bringing, vile !) Oh that the day my mother gave me birth Some storm had on the mountains cast me forth ! Or that the many-dashing ocean's waves

405

Had swept me off, ere all this woe were wrought ! Yet if these evils were of Heaven ordained, Would that a better man had call'd me wife ; A sounder judge of honour and disgrace : For he, thou know'st, no firmness hath of mind, Nor ever will ; a want he well may rue. But come thou in, and rest thee here awhile , Dear brother, on this couch ; for travail sore

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Encompasseth thy soul, by me imposed, Degraded as I am, and Paris' guilt ;

415

On whom this burthen Heaven hath laid, that shame On both our names through years to come shall rest.” To whom great Hector of the glancing helm :

66 Though kind thy wish, yet, Helen, ask me not To sit or rest ; I cannot yield to thee :

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For to the succour of our friends I haste, Who feel my loss, and sorely need my aid. But thou thy husband rouse, and let him speed , That he may find me still within the walls.

For I too homeward go ; to see once more

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My household, and my wife, and infant child : For whether I may e'er again return, I know not, or if Heaven have so decreed, That I this day by Grecian hands should fall." Thus saying, Hector of the glancing helm

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Turned to depart ; with rapid step he reached His own well-furnished house, but found not there His white-armed spouse, the fair Andromache. She with her infant child and maid the while Was standing, bathed in tears , in bitter grief,

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On Ilium's topmost tower : but when her Lord Found not within the house his peerless wife, Upon the threshold pausing, thus he spoke : “ Tell me, my maidens, tell me true, which way Your mistress went, the fair Andromache ;

440

Or to my sisters, or my brothers' wives ? Or to the temple where the fair-haired dames Of Troy invoke Minerva's awful name ? "

To whom the matron of his house replied : " Hector, if truly we must answer thee,

445

Not to thy sisters, nor thy brothers ' wives, Nor to the temple where the fair-haired dames

Of Troy invoke Minerva's awful name, But to the height of Ilium's topmost tower Andromache is gone ; since tidings came

450

The Trojan force was overmatched , and great The Grecian strength ; whereat, like one distract, She hurried to the walls, and with her took, Borne in the nurse's arms, her infant child." So spoke the ancient dame ; and Hector straight 455 Through the wide streets his rapid steps retraced .

But when at last the mighty city's length

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Was traversed, and the Scaan gates were reached, Whence was the outlet to the plain, in haste Running to meet him came his priceless wife,

460

Eëtion's daughter, fair Andromache ; Eëtion, who from Thebes Cilicia swayed, Thebes, at the foot of Placos' wooded heights. His child to Hector of the brazen helm Was given in marriage : she it was who now

465

Met him, and by her side the nurse, who bore, Clasped to her breast, his all unconscious child, Hector's loved infant, fair as morning star ; Whom Hector called Scamandrius, but the rest Astyanax, in honour of his sire,

470

The matchless chief, the only prop of Troy. Silent he smiled as on his boy he gazed : But at his side Andromache, in tears, Hung on his arm, and thus the chief addressed : "Dear Lord, thy dauntless spirit will work thy doom : 475 Nor hast thou pity on this thy helpless child, Or me forlorn, to be thy widow soon : For thee will all the Greeks with force combined Assail and slay : for me, ' twere better far,

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Of thee bereft, to lie beneath the sod ;

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Nor comfort shall be mine, if thou be lost, But endless grief ; to me nor sire is left, Nor honoured mother ; fell Achilles' hand My sire Eëtion slew, what time his arms The populous city of Cilicia razed,

485

The lofty-gated Thebes ; he slew indeed , But stripped him not ; he reverenced the dead ;

And o'er his body, with his armour burnt, A mound erected ; and the mountain nymphs, The progeny of ægis-bearing Jove,

490

Planted around his tomb a grove of elms. There were seven brethren in my father's house ; All in one day they fell, amid their herds And fleecy flocks, by fierce Achilles' hand. My mother, Queen of Placos' wooded height,

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Brought with the captives here, he soon released For costly ransom ; but by Dian's shafts She, in her father's house, was stricken down. But, Hector, thou to me art all in one, Sire, mother, brethren ! thou, my wedded love ! Then pitying us, within the tower remain,

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Nor make thy child an orphan, and thy wife A hapless widow ; by the fig-tree here Array thy troops ; for here the city wall, Easiest of access, most invites assault.

505

Thrice have their boldest chiefs this point assailed,

The two Ajaces, brave Idomeneus, The Atridæ both, and Tydeus' warlike son, Or by the prompting of some Heaven-taught seer, Or by their own adventurous courage led."

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To whom great Hector of the glancing helm : " Think not, dear wife, that by such thoughts as these My heart has ne'er been wrung ; but I should blush To face the men and long-robed dames of Troy, If, like a coward, I could shun the fight.

515

Nor could my soul the lessons of my youth . So far forget, whose boast it still has been In the fore-front of battle to be found, Charged with my father's glory and mine own. Yet in my inmost soul too well I know, The day must come when this our sacred Troy, And Priam's race, and Priam's royal self,

Shall in one common ruin be o'erthrown.

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But not the thoughts of Troy's impending fate, 525

Nor Hecuba's nor royal Priam's woes, Nor loss of brethren, numerous and brave, By hostile hands laid prostrate in the dust, So deeply wring my heart as thoughts of thee, Thy days of freedom lost, and led away

530

A weeping captive by some brass-clad Greek ; Haply in Argos, at a mistress' beck, Condemned to ply the loom, or water draw From Hypereia's or Messeis' fount,

Heart-wrung, by stern necessity constrained. Then they who see thy tears perchance may say,

535

' Lo ! this was Hector's wife, who, when they fought On plains of Troy, was Ilium's bravest chief.' Thus may they speak ; and thus thy grief renew For loss of him, who might have been thy shield To rescue thee from slavery's bitter hour.

540

Oh may I sleep in dust, ere be condemned . To hear thy cries, and see thee dragged away ! " Thus as he spoke, great Hector stretched his arms To take his child ; but back the infant shrank, Crying, and sought his nurse's sheltering breast,

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Scared by the brazen helm and horse-hair plume, That nodded, fearful, on the warrior's crest. Laughed the fond parents both, and from his brow Hector the casque removed, and set it down,

All glittering, on the ground ; then kissed his child,

550

And danced him in his arms ; then thus to Jove And to the Immortals all addressed his prayer : 66 Grant, Jove, and all ye Gods, that this my son May be, as I, the foremost man of Troy, For valour famed, his country's guardian King ;

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That men may say, ' This youth surpasses far His father,' when they see him from the fight, From slaughtered foes, with bloody spoils of war "" Returning, to rejoice his mother's heart ! Thus saying, in his mother's arms he placed

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His child ; she to her fragrant bosom clasped,

Smiling through tears ; with eyes of pitying love Hector beheld, and pressed her hand, and thus Addressed her

" Dearest, wring not thus my heart !

For till my day of destiny is come,

No man may take my life ; and when it comes, Nor brave nor coward can escape that day.

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But go thou home, and ply thy household cares, The loom and distaff, and appoint thy maids Their several tasks ; and leave to men of Troy

570

And, chief of all to me, the toils of war."

Great Hector said, and raised his plumèd helm ; And homeward, slow, with oft-reverted eyes, Shedding hot tears, his sorrowing wife returned. Arrived at valiant Hector's well-built house,

575

Her maidens pressed around her ; and in all Arose at once the sympathetic grief. For Hector, yet alive, his household mourned, Deeming he never would again return, Safe from the fight, by Grecian hands unharmed .

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Nor lingered Paris in his lofty halls ; But donned his armour, glittering o'er with brass, And through the city passed with bounding steps. As some proud steed, at well-filled manger fed , 585

His halter broken, neighing, scours the plain, And revels in the widely-flowing stream

To bathe his sides ; then tossing high his head, While o'er his shoulders streams his ample mane, Light borne on active limbs, in conscious pride,

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To the wide pastures of the mares he flies ;

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So Paris, Priam's son, from Ilium's height, His bright arms flashing like the gorgeous sun, Hastened, with boastful mien, and rapid step. Hector he found, as from the spot he turned Where with his wife he late had converse held ;

595

Whom thus the godlike Paris first addressed : " Too long, good brother, art thou here detained, Impatient for the fight, by my delay ; Nor have I timely, as thou bad'st me, come."

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm :

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66 My gallant brother, none who thinks aright

Can cavil at thy prowess in the field ; For thou art very valiant ; but thy will Is weak and sluggish ; and it grieves my heart, When from the Trojans, who on thy behalf

605

Such labours undergo, I hear thy name Coupled with foul reproach !

But go we now !

Henceforth shall all be well, if Jove permit That from our shores we chase the invading Greeks, And to the ever-living Gods of Heaven

In peaceful homes our free libations pour."

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HUS as he spoke, from out the city gates THUS The noble Hector passed, and by his side His brother Paris ; in the breast of both

As when some God a favoring breeze bestows

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Burnt the fierce ardour of the battle-field.

On seamen tugging at the well-worn oar,

Faint with excess of toil, e'en so appeared Those brethren twain to Troy's o'erlaboured host. Then to their prowess fell, by Paris' hand 10

Menesthius, royal Arëithöus' son, Whom to the King, in Arna, where he dwelt, The stag-eyed dame Phylomedusa bore ;

While Hector smote, with well-directed spear, Beneath the brass-bound headpiece, through the throat,

Eïoneus, and slacked his limbs in death ; And Glaucus, leader of the Lycian bands,

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Son of Hippolochus, amid the fray Iphinöus, son of Dexias, borne on high

By two fleet mares upon a lofty car, Pierced through the shoulder ; from the car he fell

Prone to the earth, his limbs relaxed in death.

But them when Pallas saw, amid the fray Dealing destruction on the hosts of Greece, From high Olympus to the walls of Troy 25

She came in haste ; Apollo there she found,

As down he looked from Ilium's topmost tower, Devising victory to the arms of Troy.

Beside the oak they met ; Apollo first, The son of Jove, the colloquy began : 66

Daughter of Jove, from great Olympus' heights, Why com'st thou here, by angry passion led ? Wouldst thou the victory, swaying here and there, Give to the Greeks ? since pitiless thou see'st Be advised by me,

For so 'twere better ; cause we for to-day The rage of battle and of war to cease ; To-morrow morn shall see the fight renewed, Until the close of Ilium's destiny ;

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The Trojans slaughtered ?

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For so ye Goddesses have wrought your will, That this fair city should in ruin fall."

To whom the blue-eyed Goddess thus replied : " So be it, Archer-King ; with like intent I from Olympus came ; but say, what means Wilt thou devise to bid the conflict cease ?"

12995

To whom Apollo, royal son of Jove :

" The might of valiant Hector let us move To challenge to the combat, man to man, Some Grecian warrior ; while the brass-clad Greeks Their champion urge the challenge to accept,

And godlike Hector meet in single fight."

He said ; nor did Minerva not assent ; But Helenus, the son of Priam, knew The secret counsel by the Gods devised ; And drawing near to Hector, thus he spoke : " Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove

In council, hearken to a brother's words.

Bid that the Greeks and Trojans all sit down, And thou defy the boldest of the Greeks With thee in single combat to contend ; By revelation from the eternal Gods,

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I know that here thou shalt not meet thy fate." He said, and Hector joyed to hear his words ; Forth in the midst he stepped , and with his spear Grasped in the middle, stayed the Trojan ranks. With one accord they sat ; on the other side

Atrides bade the well-greaved Greeks sit down ; While, in the likeness of two vultures, sat

On the tall oak of ægis-bearing Jove, Pallas, and Phoebus of the silver bow, With heroes' deeds delighted ; dense around

Bristled the ranks, with shield, and helm, and spear. As when the west wind freshly blows, and brings A darkening ripple o'er the ocean waves, E'en so appeared upon the plain the ranks Of Greeks and Trojans ; standing in the midst,

Thus to both armies noble Hector spoke : " Hear, all ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks, The words I speak, the promptings of my soul. It hath not pleased high-throned Saturnian Jove

To ratify our truce, who both afflicts With labours hard, till either ye shall take

Our well-fenced city, or yourselves to us

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Succumb beside your ocean-going ships. Here have ye all the chiefest men of Greece ; Of all, let him who dares with me to fight,

Stand forth, and godlike Hector's might confront. And this I say, and call to witness Jove, If with the sharp-edged spear he vanquish me, He shall strip off, and to the hollow ships. In triumph bear my armour ; but my corpse

Restore, that so the men and wives of Troy May deck with honours due my funeral pyre. But, by Apollo's grace should I prevail, I will his arms strip off and bear to Troy,

And in Apollo's temple hang on high ;

But to the ships his corpse I will restore, That so the long-haired Greeks with solemn rites May bury him, and to his memory raise

By the broad Hellespont a lofty tomb ; And men in days to come shall say, who urge Their full-oared bark across the dark-blue sea, ' Lo there a warrior's tomb of days gone by, A mighty chief, whom glorious Hector slew :' Thus shall they say, and thus my fame shall live."

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Thus Hector spoke ; they all in silence heard,

105

Shamed to refuse, but fearful to accept. At length in anger Meneläus rose, Groaning in spirit, and with bitter words Reproached them : " Shame, ye braggart cowards, shame !

Women of Greece ! I cannot call you men !

110

"Twere foul disgrace indeed, and scorn on scorn, If Hector's challenge none of all the Greeks Should dare accept ; to dust and water turn All ye who here inglorious, heartless sit !

I will myself confront him ; for success,

115

The immortal Gods above the issues hold."

Thus as he spoke, he donned his dazzling arms. Then, Menelaus, had thine end approached

By Hector's hands, so much the stronger he, Had not the Kings withheld thee and restrained.

120

Great Agamemnon's self, wide-ruling King, Seizing his hand, addressed him thus by name : " What ! Heaven-born Menelaus, art thou mad ? Beseems thee not such folly ; curb thy wrath, Though vexed ; nor think with Hector to contend, Thy better far, inspiring dread in all.

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From his encounter in the glorious fight, Superior far to thee, Achilles shrinks ; But thou amid thy comrades' ranks retire ; Some other champion will the Greeks provide ;

130

And, fearless as he is, and of the fight Insatiate, yet will Hector, should he 'scape Unwounded from the deadly battle-strife, Be fain, methinks, to rest his weary limbs." He said, and with judicious counsel swayed

135

His brother's mind ; he yielded to his words, And gladly his attendants doffed his arms. Then Nestor rose, and thus addressed the Greeks : " Alas, alas ! what shame is this for Greece ! What grief would fill the aged Peleus' soul ,

140

Sage chief in council, of the Myrmidons Leader approved, who often in his house Would question me, and loved from me to hear Of all the Greeks the race and pedigree, Could he but learn how Hector cowed them all ! He to the Gods with hands upraised would pray His soul might from his body be divorced, And sink beneath the earth !

Oh would to Jove,

145

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To Pallas and Apollo, such were now My vigorous youth, as when beside the banks

150

Of swiftly-flowing Celadon, the men Of Pylos with the Arcadian spearmen fought, By Pheia's walls, around Iardan's streams. Then from the ranks, in likeness as a God, Advanced their champion, Ereuthalion bold.

155

The arms of Arëithöus he wore : Of godlike Arëithöus, whom men And richly-girdled women had surnamed The Macebearer ; for not with sword or bow He went to fight, but with an iron mace

160

Broke through the squadrons : him Lycurgus slew,

By stealth, not bravery, in a narrow way, Where nought availed his iron mace from death

To save him ; for Lycurgus, with his spear, Preventing, thrust him through the midst ; he fell

165

Prostrate ; and from his breast the victor stripped His armour off, the gift of brass-clad Mars ; And in the tug of war he wore it oft ; But when Lycurgus felt the approach of age, He to his faithful follower and friend,

170

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To Ereuthalion gave it ; therewith armed, He now to combat challenged all the chiefs. None dared accept, for fear had fallen on all ; Then I with dauntless spirit his might opposed, The youngest of them all ; with him I fought,

175

And Pallas gave the victory to my arm. Him there I slew, the tallest, strongest man ; For many another there beside him lay. Would that my youth and strength were now the same ; Then soon should Hector of the glancing helm

180

A willing champion find ; but ye, of Greece The foremost men, with Hector fear to fight." The old man spoke reproachful ; at his words Up rose nine warriors : far before the rest, The monarch Agamemnon, King of men ;

185

Next Tydeus' son, the valiant Diomedd ;

The two Ajaces, clothed with courage high ; Idomeneus, and of Idomeneus The faithful follower, brave Meriones,

Equal in fight to blood-stained Mars ; with these Eurypylus, Euæmon's noble son ; Thoas, Andræmon's son ; Ulysses last :

190

220

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These all with Hector offered to contend. Then thus again Gerenian Nestor spoke : " Shake then the lots ; on whomsoe'er it fall,

195

Great profit shall he bring to Grecian arms, Great glory to himself, if he escape Unwounded from the deadly battle strife." He said : each marked his several lot, and all Together threw in Agamemnon's helm.

200

The crowd, with hands uplifted, prayed the Gods, And looking heavenward, said, " Grant, Father Jove, The lot on Ajax, or on Tydeus ' son,

Or on Mycena's wealthy King may fall." Thus they

then aged Nestor shook the helm,

205

And forth, according to their wish, was thrown The lot of Ajax ; then from left to right A herald showed to all the chiefs of Greece, In turn, the token ; they who knew it not, Disclaimed it all ; but when to him he came Who marked, and threw it in Atrides' helm, The noble Ajax, and, approaching, placed The token in his outstretched hand, forthwith He knew it, and rejoiced ; before his feet

210

BOOK VII.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

He threw it down upon the ground, and said,

221

215

" O friends, the lot is mine ; great is my joy, And hope o'er godlike Hector to prevail . But now, while I my warlike armour don, Pray ye to Saturn's royal son, apart, In silence, that the Trojans hear ye not ;

220

Or even aloud, for nought have we to fear. No man against my will can make me fly, By greater force or skill ; nor will, I hope, My inexperience in the field disgrace The teaching of my native Salamis."

225

Thus he ; and they to Saturn's royal son Addressed their prayers, and looking heavenward , said : " O Father Jove, who rul'st on Ida's height ! Most great ! most glorious ! grant that Ajax now May gain the victory, and immortal praise ;

230

Or if thy love and pity Hector claim, Give equal power and equal praise to both." Ajax meanwhile in dazzling brass was clad ; And when his armour all was duly donned, Forward he moved, as when gigantic Mars Leads nations forth to war, whom Saturn's son

235

222

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In life-destroying conflict hath involved ;

So moved the giant Ajax, prop of Greece, With sternly smiling mien ; with haughty stride He trod the plain, and poised his ponderous spear.

240

The Greeks, rejoicing, on their champion gazed, The Trojans' limbs beneath them shook with fear ; E'en Hector's heart beat quicker in his breast ; Yet quail he must not now, nor back retreat

Amid his comrades- he, the challenger !

245

Ajax approached ; before him, as a tower His mighty shield he bore, seven-fold, brass-bound, The work of Tychius, best artificer That wrought in leather ; he in Hyla dwelt. Of seven-fold hides the ponderous shield was wrought 250 Of lusty bulls ; the eighth was glittering brass. This by the son of Telamon was borne

Before his breast ; to Hector close he came, And thus with words of haughty menace spoke : 66 Hector, I now shall teach thee, man to man,

The mettle of the chiefs we yet possess, Although Achilles of the lion heart, Mighty in battle, be not with us still ;

255

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223

He by his ocean-going ships indeed Against Atrides nurses still his wrath ;

260

Yet are there those who dare encounter thee, And not a few ; then now begin the fight." To whom great Hector of the glancing helm :

66 Ajax, brave leader, son of Telamon, Deal not with me as with a feeble child,

265

Or woman, ignorant of the ways of war ; Of war and carnage every point I know ;

And well I know to wield, now right, now left, The tough bull's-hide that forms my stubborn targe : Well know I too my fiery steeds to urge,

270

And raise the war-cry in the standing fight. But not in secret ambush would I watch, To strike, by stealth, a noble foe like thee ; But slay thee, if I may, in open fight."

He said ; and, poising, hurled his ponderous spear ;

275

The brazen covering of the shield it struck, The outward fold, the eighth, above the seven Of tough bull's-hide ; through six it drove its way With stubborn force ; but in the seventh was stayed. Then Ajax hurled in turn his ponderous spear,

280

224

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

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And struck the circle true of Hector's shield : Right through the glittering shield the stout spear passed, And through the well-wrought breastplate drove its way ; And, underneath, the linen vest it tore ;

But Hector, stooping, shunned the stroke of death. 285 Withdrawing then their weapons, each on each They fell, like lions fierce, or tuskèd boars, In strength the mightiest of the forest beasts. Then Hector fairly on the centre struck

The stubborn shield ; yet drove not through the spear ; 290 For the stout brass the blunted point repelled . But Ajax, with a forward bound, the shield

Of Hector pierced ; right through the weapon passed ; Arrested with rude shock the warrior's course, And grazed his neck, that spouted forth the blood .

295

Yet did not Hector of the glancing helm Flinch from the contest : stooping to the ground, With his broad hand a ponderous stone he seized, That lay upon the plain, dark, jagged, and huge, And hurled against the seven-fold shield, and struck 300 Full on the central boss ; loud rang the brass : Then Ajax raised a weightier mass of rock

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225

And sent it whirling, giving to his arm Unmeasured impulse ; with a millstone's weight It crushed the buckler ; Hector's knees gave way ;

305

Backward he staggered, yet upon his shield Sustained, till Phoebus raised him to his feet. Now had they hand to hand with swords engaged,

Had not the messengers of Gods and men, The heralds, interposed ; the one for Troy,

310

The other umpire for the brass-clad Greeks , Talthybius and Idæus, well approved. Between the chiefs they held their wands, and thus Idæus both with prudent speech addressed : " No more, brave youths ! no longer wage the fight :

315

To cloud-compelling Jove ye both are dear, Both valiant spearmen ; that, we all have seen. Night is at hand ; behoves us yield to night." Whom answered thus the son of Telamon : " Idæus, bid that Hector speak those words : He challenged all our chiefs ; let him begin ; If he be willing, I shall not refuse." To whom great Hector of the glancing helm : 66 Ajax, since God hath given thee size, and strength,

VOL. I.

320

226

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

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And skill ; and with the spear, of all the Greeks

325

None is thine equal ; cease we for to-day The fight ; hereafter we may meet, and Heaven Decide our cause, and one with victory crown. Night is at hand ; behoves us yield to night. So by the ships shalt thou rejoice the Greeks,

330

And most of all, thy comrades and thy friends ; And so shall I, in Priam's royal town, Rejoice the men of Troy, and long-robed dames, Who shall with grateful prayers the temples throng. But make we now an interchange of gifts,

335

That both the Trojans and the Greeks may say, ' On mortal quarrel did those warriors meet, Yet parted thence in friendly bonds conjoined.'

This said, a silver-studded sword he gave, With scabbard and with well-cut belt complete ;

340

Ajax a girdle, rich with crimson dye. They parted ; Ajax to the Grecian camp, And Hector to the ranks of Troy returned :

Great was the joy when him they saw approach, Alive and safe ; escaped from Ajax' might And arm invincible ; and toward the town

345

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227

ILIAD .

They led him back, beyond their hope preserved ; While to Atrides' tent the well-greaved Greeks Led Ajax, glorying in his triumph gained.

But when to Agamemnon's tents they came,

350

The King of men to Saturn's royal son A bullock slew, a male of five years old ; The carcase then they flayed ; and cutting up, Severed the joints ; then fixing on the spits, Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew.

355

Their labours ended, and the feast prepared, They shared the social meal, nor lacked there aught. To Ajax then the chine's continuous length,

As honour's meed, the mighty monarch gave. 360

The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, The aged Nestor first his mind disclosed ; He who, before, the sagest counsel gave, Now thus with prudent speech began, and said :

"Atrides, and ye other chiefs of Greece, Since many a long-haired Greek hath fallen in fight, Whose blood, beside Scamander's flowing stream, Fierce Mars has shed, while to the viewless shades Their spirits are gone, behoves thee with the morn

Q 2

365

228

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The warfare of the Greeks to intermit : Then we, with oxen and with mules, the dead

370

From all the plain will draw ; and, from the ships

A little space removed, will burn with fire : That we, returning to our native land, May to their children bear our comrades' bones . Then will we go, and on the plain erect

375

Around the pyre one common mound for all ; Then quickly build before it lofty towers To screen both ships and men ; and in the towers Make ample portals, with well-fitting gates,

That through the midst a carriage-way may pass :

380

And a deep trench around it dig, to guard Both men and chariots, lest on our defence

27 The haughty Trojans should too hardly press.' He said ; and all the Kings his words approved. Meanwhile, on Ilium's height, at Priam's gate,

385

The Trojan chiefs a troubled council held ; Which opening, thus the sage Antenor spoke : "Hear now, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies, The words I speak, the promptings of my soul. Back to the sons of Atreus let us give

390

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ILIAD .

229

The Argive Helen, and the goods she brought ; For now in breach of plighted faith we fight ; Nor can I hope, unless to my advice Ye listen, that success will crown our arms."

Thus having said, he sat ; and next arose

395

The godlike Paris, fair-haired Helen's Lord ; Who thus with wingèd words the chiefs addressed : "Hostile to me, Antenor, is thy speech ; Thy better judgment better counsel knows ; But if in earnest such is thine advice,

400

Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft. Now, Trojans, hear my answer ; I reject The counsel, nor the woman will restore ; But for the goods, whate'er I hither brought To Troy from Argos, I am well content

405

To give them all, and others add beside." This said, he sat ; and aged Priam next,

A God in council, Dardan's son, arose, Who thus with prudent speech began, and said : " Hear now, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies The words I speak, the promptings of my soul :

Now through the city take your wonted meal ;

410

230

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ILIAD .

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Look to your watch, let each man keep his guard : To-morrow shall Idæus to the ships Of Greece, to both the sons of Atreus, bear

415

The words of Paris, cause of all this war ; And ask besides, if from the deadly strife Such truce they will accord us as may serve To burn the dead : hereafter we may fight Till Heaven decide, and one with victory crown."

420

He said ; and they, obedient to his word, Throughout the ranks prepared the wonted meal : But with the morning to the ships of Greece Idæus took his way : in council there

By Agamemnon's leading ship he found

425

The Grecian chiefs, the ministers of Mars :

And ' mid them all the clear-voiced herald spoke : " Ye sons of Atreus, and ye chiefs of Greece, From Priam, and the gallant sons of Troy, I come, to bear, if ye be pleased to hear, The words of Paris, cause of all this war : The goods which hither in his hollow ships (Would he had perished rather !) Paris brought, He will restore, and others add beside ;

430

BOOK VII.

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ILIAD .

But further says, the virgin-wedded wife

231

435

Of Meneläus, though the general voice Of Troy should bid him, he will not restore : Then bids me ask, if from the deadly strife

Such truce ye will accord us as may serve To burn the dead : hereafter we may fight

440

Till Heaven decide, and one with victory crown." Thus he : they all in silence heard ; at length Uprose the valiant Diomed, and said ; " Let none from Paris now propose to accept Or goods, or Helen's self ; a child may see

445

That now the doom of Troy is close at hand." He said ; the sons of Greece, with loud applause, The speech of valiant Diomed confirmed.

Then to Idæus Agamemnon thus : 66

Idæus, thou hast heard what answer give

450

The chiefs of Greece-their answer I approve. But for the truce, for burial of the dead, I nought demur ; no shame it is to grace With funeral rites the corpse of slaughtered foes. Be witness, Jove ! and guard the plighted truce." He said ; and heavenward raised his staff ; and back

455

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To Ilium's walls Idæus took his way. Trojans and Dardans there in council met Expecting sat, till from the Grecian camp 460

Idæus should return ; he came, and stood In mid assembly, and his message gave : Then all in haste their several ways dispersed, For fuel some, and some to bring the dead.

The Greeks too from their well-manned ships went forth,

465

For fuel some, and some to bring the dead. The sun was newly glancing on the earth,

From out the ocean's smoothly-flowing depths Climbing the Heavens, when on the plain they met.

Hard was it then to recognize the dead ;

470

But when the gory dust was washed away, Shedding hot tears, they placed them on the wains. Nor loud lament, by Priam's high command, Was heard ; in silence they, with grief suppressed, Heaped up their dead upon the funeral pyre ; Then burnt with fire, and back returned to Troy.

475

The well-greaved Greeks, they too, with grief suppressed, Heaped up their dead upon the funeral pyre ; Then burnt with fire, and to the ships returned.

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233

But ere 'twas morn, while daylight strove with night, About the pyre a chosen band of Greeks

480

Had kept their vigil, and around it raised Upon the plain one common mound for all ; And built in front a wall, with lofty towers To screen both ships and men ; and in the towers Made ample portals with well-fitting gates,

485

That through the midst a carriage-way might pass Then dug a trench around it, deep and wide,

And in the trench a palisade they fixed. Thus laboured through the night the long-haired Greeks : The Gods, assembled in the courts of Jove,

490

With wonder viewed the mighty work ; and thus Neptune, Earth-shaking King, his speech began :

66 " O Father Jove, in all the wide-spread earth Shall men be found, in counsel and design

To rival us Immortals ? see'st thou not

495

How round their ships the long-haired Greeks have built

A lofty wall, and dug a trench around, Nor to the Gods have paid their offerings due ?

Wide as the light extends shall be the fame Of this great work, and men shall lightly deem

500

234

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ILIAD .

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Of that which I and Phoebus jointly raised, With toil and pain, for great Läomedon." To whom in wrath the Cloud-compeller thus : "Neptune, Earth-shaking King, what words are these ? This bold design to others of the Gods,

505

Of feebler hands, and power less great than thine, Might cause alarm ; but, far as light extends, Of this great work to thee shall be the fame : When with their ships the long-haired Greeks shall take Their homeward voyage to their native land,

510

This wall shall by the waves be broken through, And sink, a shapeless ruin, in the sea : O'er the wide shore again thy sands shall spread , And all the boasted work of Greece o'erwhelm ." Amid themselves such converse held the Gods.

515

The sun was set ; the Grecian work was done ; They slew, and shared, by tents, the evening meal. From Lemnos' isle a numerous fleet had come Freighted with wine ; and by Eunëus sent, Whom fair Hypsipyle to Jason bore. For Atreus' sons, apart from all the rest, Of wine, the son of Jason had despatched

520

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ILIAD .

235

A thousand measures ; all the other Greeks

Hastened to purchase, some with brass, and some With gleaming iron ; other some with hides,

525

Cattle, or slaves ; and joyous waxed the feast. All night the long-haired Greeks their revels held, And so in Troy, the Trojans and Allies : But through the night his anger Jove expressed With awful thunderings ; pale they turned with fear :

530

To earth the wine was from the goblets shed, Nor dared they drink, until libations due Had first been poured to Saturn's mighty son. Then lay they down, and sought the boon of sleep .

534

236

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ILIAD .

BOOK VIII .

VIII

NOW morn, in saffron robe , the earth o'erspread ; And Jove, the lightning's Lord, of all the Gods A council held upon the highest peak

Of many-ridged Olympus ; he himself

Addressed them ; they his speech attentive heard.

" Hear, all ye Gods, and all ye Goddesses, The words I speak, the promptings of my soul. Let none among you, male or female, dare To thwart my counsels : rather all concur, That so these matters I may soon conclude.

If, from the rest apart, one God I find Presuming or to Trojans or to Greeks To give his aid, with ignominious stripes Back to Olympus shall that God be driven ; Or to the gloom of Tartarus profound, Far off, the lowest abyss beneath the earth,

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237

With gates of iron, and with floor of brass,

Beneath the shades as far as earth from Heaven, There will I hurl him, and ye all shall know In strength how greatly I surpass you all.

Make trial if ye will, that all may know. A golden cord let down from Heaven, and all, Both Gods and Goddesses, your strength apply : Yet would ye fail to drag from Heaven to earth, 25

Strive as ye may, your mighty master, Jove ;

But if I choose to make my power be known, The earth itself, and ocean, I could raise, And binding round Olympus' ridge the cord, Leave them suspended so in middle air : So far supreme my power o'er Gods and men."

He said, and they, confounded by his words, In silence sat ; so sternly did he speak. At length the blue-eyed Goddess, Pallas, said : " O Father, Son of Saturn, King of Kings,

Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks, Condemned to hopeless ruin ; from the fight, Since such is thy command, we stand aloof ;

32535

Well do we know thy power invincible ;

238

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK VIII .

But yet some saving counsel may we give, Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite."

To whom the Cloud- compeller, smiling, thus : " Be of good cheer, my child ; unwillingly I speak, yet will not thwart thee of thy wish.” He said, and straight the brazen-footed steeds, Of swiftest flight, with manes of flowing gold,

He harnessed to his chariot ; all in gold Himself arrayed , the golden lash he grasped, Of curious work ; and mounting on his car, Urged the fleet coursers ; nothing loth, they flew Midway betwixt the earth and starry heaven.

To Ida's spring-abounding hill he came, And to the crest of Gargarus, wild nurse Of mountain beasts ; a sacred plot was there,

There stayed his steeds the Sire of Gods and men,

Whereon his incense-honoured altar stood : 55

Loosed from the car, and veiled with clouds around. Then on the topmost ridge he sat, in pride Of conscious strength ; and looking down, surveyed

The Trojan city, and the ships of Greece. Meantime, the Greeks throughout their tents in haste

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ILIAD .

239

Despatched their meal, and armed them for the fight ;

On the other side the Trojans donned their arms, In numbers fewer, but with stern resolve, By hard necessity constrained, to strive, For wives and children, in the stubborn fight.

The gates all opened wide, forth poured the crowd

Of horse and foot ; and loud the clamour rose. When in the midst they met, together rushed Bucklers and lances, and the furious might Of mail-clad warriors ; bossy shield on shield

Clattered in conflict ; loud the clamour rose : Then rose too mingled shouts and groans of men Slaying and slain ; the earth ran red with blood . While yet 'twas morn, and waxed the youthful day, Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell

On either side ; but when the sun had reached The middle Heaven, the Eternal Father hung His golden scales aloft, and placed in each The fatal death-lot : for the sons of Troy The one, the other for the brass-clad Greeks ; Then held them by the midst ; down sank the lot Of Greece, down to the ground, while high aloft

240

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Mounted the Trojan scale, and rose to Heaven.* Then loud he bade the volleying thunder peal From Ida's heights ; and ' mid the Grecian ranks

He hurled his flashing lightning ; at the sight Amazed they stood, and pale with terror shook. Then not Idomeneus, nor Atreus' son, The mighty Agamemnon, kept their ground, Nor either Ajax, ministers of Mars ;

Gerenian Nestor, aged prop of Greece, Alone remained, and he against his will, His horse sore wounded by an arrow shot By godlike Paris, fair-haired Helen's Lord : Just on the crown, where close behind the head

First springs the mane, the deadliest spot of all, The arrow struck him ; maddened with the pain He reared, then plunging forward, with the shaft Fixed in his brain, and rolling in the dust, The other steeds in dire confusion threw ;

100

* See also Book xxii. 1. 252. Milton, in the corresponding passage at the close of the 4th Book of ' Paradise Lost,' reverses the sign, and represents the scale of the vanquished as "flying up " and " kicking the beam." " The Fiend look'd up, and knew His mounted scale aloft ; nor more, but fled Murm'ring, and with him fled the shades of night."

BOOK VIII .

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241

ILIAD.

And while old Nestor with his sword essayed To cut the reins, and free the struggling horse, Amid the rout down came the flying steeds Of Hector, guided by no timid hand,

105

By Hector's self ; then had the old man paid The forfeit of his life, but, good at need, The valiant Diomed his peril saw, And loudly shouting, on Ulysses called :

66 Ulysses sage, Laertes' godlike son, 110

Why fliest thou, coward-like, amid the throng,

And in thy flight to the aim of hostile spears Thy back presenting ? stay, and here with me From this fierce warrior guard the good old man.” He said ; but stout Ulysses heard him not, 115

And to the ships pursued his hurried way. But in the front, Tydides, though alone, Remained undaunted ; by old Nestor's car He stood, and thus the aged chief addressed : " Old man, these youthful warriors press thee sore, Thy vigour spent, and with the weight of years Oppressed ; and helpless too thy charioteer, And slow thy horses ; mount my car, and prove VOL. I.

120

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How swift my steeds, or in pursuit or flight, From those of Tros descended , scour the plain ;

125

My noble prize from great Æneas won .

Leave to the attendants these ; while mine we launch

Against the Trojan host, that Hector's self May know how strong my hand can hurl the spear." He said ; and Nestor his advice obeyed : The two attendants, valiant Sthenelus,

130

And good Eurymedon, his horses took,

While on Tydides' car they mounted both . The aged Nestor took the glittering reins, And urged the horses ; Hector soon they met : As on he came, his spear Tydides threw,

135

Yet struck not Hector ; but his charioteer, Who held the reins, the brave Thebæus' son,

Eniopeus, through the breast transfixed, Beside the nipple ; from the car he fell, The startled horses swerving at the sound ; And from his limbs the vital spirit fled . Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief ; Yet him, though grieved, perforce he left to seek A charioteer ; nor wanted long his steeds

140

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243

ILIAD .

145

A guiding hand ; for Archeptolemus, Brave son of Iphitus, he quickly found,

And bade him mount his swiftly-flying car, And to his hands the glittering reins transferred . Then fearful ruin had been wrought, and deeds 150

Untold achieved, and like a flock of lambs, The adverse hosts been cooped beneath the walls, Had not the Sire of Gods and men beheld, And with an awful peal of thunder hurled

His vivid lightning down ; the fiery bolt

155

Before Tydides' chariot ploughed the ground.

Fierce flashed the sulphurous flame, and whirling round Beneath the car the affrighted horses quailed . From Nestor's hand escaped the glittering reins, And, trembling, thus to Diomed he spoke : " Turn we to flight, Tydides ; see'st thou not,

160

That Jove from us his aiding hand withholds ? This day to Hector Saturn's son decrees The meed of victory ; on some future day,

If so he will, the triumph may be ours ;

165

For man, how brave soe'er, cannot o'errule The will of Jove, so much the mightier he."

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Whom answered thus the valiant Diomed :

Truly, old man, and wisely dost thou speak ;

But this the bitter grief that wrings my soul : Some day, amid the councillors of Troy

170

Hector may say, ' Before my presence scared Tydides sought the shelter of the ships.' Thus when he boasts, gape earth, and hide my shame ! " To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : " Great son of Tydeus, oh what words are these !

175

Should Hector brand thee with a coward's name, No credence would he gain from Trojan men, Or Dardan, or from Trojan warriors' wives, Whose husbands in the dust thy hand hath laid." He said, and ' mid the general rout, to flight

180

He turned his horses ; on the flying crowd, With shouts of triumph, Hector at their head, The men of Troy their murderous weapons showered. Loud shouted Hector of the glancing helm :

66 Tydides, heretofore the warrior Greeks Have held thee in much honour ; placed on high At banquets, and with liberal portions graced, And flowing cups : but thou, from this day forth,

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245

Shalt be their scorn ! a woman's soul is thine! Out on thee, frightened girl ! thou ne'er shalt scale 190

Our Trojan towers, and see me basely fly ; Nor in thy ships our women bear away : Ere such thy boast, my hand shall work thy doom.” Thus he ; and greatly was Tydides moved To turn his horses, and confront his foe :

195

Thrice thus he doubted ; thrice, at Jove's command,

From Ida's height the thunder pealed, in sign Of victory swaying to the Trojan side. Then to the Trojans Hector called aloud :

66 Trojans, and Lycians, and ye Dardans, famed

200

In close encounter, quit ye now like men ;

Put forth your wonted valour ; for I know That in his secret counsels Jove designs

Glory to me, disaster to the Greeks. Fools, in those wretched walls that put their trust, 205 Scarce worthy notice, hopeless to withstand My onset ; and the trench that they have dug,

Our horses easily can overleap ; And when I reach the ships, be mindful ye, To have at hand the fire, wherewith the ships

210

246

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ILIAD .

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We may destroy, while they themselves shall fall An easy prey, bewildered by the smoke." He said, and thus with cheering words addressed

His horses : " Xanthus, and, Podargus, thou, Ethon and Lampus, now repay the care

215

On you bestowed by fair Andromache, Eëtion's royal daughter ; bear in mind How she with ample store of provender Your mangers still supplied, before e'en I, Her husband, from her hands the wine-cup took.

220

Put forth your speed, that we may make our prize Of Nestor's shield, whose praise extends to Heaven, Its handles, and itself, of solid gold ;

And from the shoulders of Tydides strip His gorgeous breastplate, work of Vulcan's hand :

225

These could we take, methinks this very night Would see the Greeks embarking on their ships." Such was his prayer ; but Juno on her throne Trembled with rage, till great Olympus quaked, And thus to Neptune, mighty God, she spoke : " O thou of boundless might, Earth-shaking God, See'st thou unmoved the ruin of the Greeks ?

230

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ILIAD .

247

Yet they in Ægæ and in Helice,

With grateful offerings rich thine altars crown ; Then give we them the victory ; if we all

235

Who favour Greece, together should combine To put to flight the Trojans, and restrain All-seeing Jove, he might be left alone, On Ida's summit to digest his wrath." To whom, in anger, Neptune thus replied :

240

" O Juno, rash of speech, what words are these ! I dare not counsel that we all should join 'Gainst Saturn's son ; so much the stronger he." Such converse held they ; all the space meanwhile Within the trench, between the tower and ships,

245

Was closely thronged with steeds and bucklered men ; By noble Hector, brave as Mars, and led

By Jove to victory, cooped, in narrow space ; Who now had burnt with fire the Grecian ships, But Juno bade Atrides haste to rouse

250

Their fainting courage ; through the camp he passed ; On his broad hand a purple robe he bore, And stood upon Ulysses ' lofty ship, The midmost, whence to shout to either side,

248

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

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255

Or to the tents of Ajax Telamon, Or of Achilles, who at each extreme, Confiding in their strength, had moored their ships. Thence to the Greeks he shouted, loud and clear : " Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards, brave alone In outward semblance ! where are now the vaunts

260

Which once (so highly of ourselves we deemed) Ye made, vain-glorious braggarts as ye were , In Lemnos' isle, when, feasting on the flesh Of straight-horned oxen, and your flowing cups Crowning with ruddy wine, not one of you,

265

But for a hundred Trojans in the field, Or for two hundred, deemed himself a match : Now quail ye all before a single man, Hector, who soon will wrap our ships in fire. O Father Jove ! what sovereign e'er hast thou

270

So far deluded, of such glory robbed ? Yet ne'er, on this disastrous voyage bent, Have I unheeded passed thine altar by ; The choicest offerings burning still on each, In hopes to raze the well-built walls of Troy. Yet to this prayer at least thine ear incline ;

275

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249

Grant that this coast in safety we may leave, Nor be by Trojans utterly subdued .” He said ; and Jove, with pity, saw his tears ; And, with a sign, his people's safety vouched.

280

He sent an eagle, noblest bird that flies, Who in his talons bore a wild deer's fawn : The fawn he dropped beside the holy shrine, Where to the Lord of divination, Jove, The Greeks were wont their solemn rites to pay.

285

The sign from Heaven they knew ; with courage fresh Assailed the Trojans, and the fight renewed. Then none of all the many Greeks might boast That he, before Tydides, drove his car Across the ditch, and mingled in the fight.

290

His was the hand that first a crested chief, The son of Phradmon, Ageläus, struck. He turned his car for flight ; but as he turned , The lance of Diomed , behind his neck, Between the shoulders, through his chest was driven ; Headlong he fell, and loud his armour rang.

Next to Tydides, Agamemnon came, And Menelaus, Atreus' godlike sons ;

295

250

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The Ajaces both, in dauntless courage clothed ; Idomeneus, with whom Meriones,

300

His faithful comrade, terrible as Mars ; Eurypylus, Euæmon's noble son ; The ninth was Teucer, who, with bended bow, Behind the shield of Ajax Telamon Took shelter ; Ajax o'er him held his shield ;

305

Thence looked he round, and aimed amid the crowd ; And as he saw each Trojan, wounded, fall,

Struck by his shafts, to Ajax close he pressed , As to its mother's sheltering arms a child, Concealed and safe beneath the ample targe.

310

Say then, who first of all the Trojans fell By Teucer's arrows slain ?

Orsilochus,

And Ophelestes, Dætor, Ormenus, And godlike Lycophontes, Chromius, And Amopaon, Polyæmon's son

315

And valiant Melanippus : all of these, Each after other, Teucer laid in dust. Him Agamemnon , with his well-strung bow Thinning the Trojan ranks, with joy beheld,

And, standing at his side, addressed him thus :

320

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ILIAD .

251

" Teucer, good comrade, son of Telamon, Shoot ever thus, if thou wouldst be the light And glory of the Greeks, and of thy sire, Who nursed thine infancy, and in his house Maintained, though bastard ; him, though distant far,

325

To highest fame let thine achievements raise. This too I say, and will make good my word : If by the grace of ægis-bearing Jove,

And Pallas, Ilium's well-built walls we raze, A gift of honour, second but to mine,

330

I in thy hands will place ; a tripod bright, Or, with their car and harness, two brave steeds, Or a fair woman who thy bed may share." To whom in answer valiant Teucer thus : " Most mighty son of Atreus, why excite

Who lacks not zeal ?

335

To the utmost of my power,

Since first we drove the Trojans back, I watch, Unceasing, every chance to ply my shafts. Eight barbed arrows have I shot e'en now, And in a warrior each has found its mark ; That savage hound alone defeats my aim." At Hector, as he spoke, another shaft

340

252

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ILIAD .

BOOK VIII.

He shot, ambitious of so great a prize : He missed his aim ; but Priam's noble son Gorgythion, through the breast his arrow struck,

345

Whom, from Asyme brought, a wedded bride Of heavenly beauty, Castianeira bore. Down sank his head, as in a garden sinks

A ripened poppy charged with vernal rains ; So sank his head beneath his helmet's weight.

350

At Hector yet another arrow shot Teucer, ambitious of so great a prize ; Yet this too missed, by Phoebus turned aside ; But Archeptolemus, the charioteer Of Hector, onward hurrying, through the breast

355

It struck, beside the nipple ; from the car He fell ; aside the startled horses swerved ; And as he fell the vital spirit fled . Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief ; Yet him, though grieved at heart, perforce he left,

And to Cebriones, his brother, called, Then near at hand, the horses' reins to take ; He heard, and straight obeyed ; then Hector leaped Down from his glittering chariot to the ground,

360

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ILIAD .

His fearful war-cry shouting ; in his hand

253

365

A ponderous stone he carried ; and, intent To strike him down, at Teucer straight he rushed . He from his quiver chose a shaft in haste, And fitted to the cord ; but as he drew The sinew, Hector of the glancing helm

370

Hurled the huge mass of rock, which Teucer struck Near to the shoulder, where the collar-bone

Joins neck and breast, the spot most opportune, And broke the tendon ; paralysed, his arm Dropped helpless by his side ; upon his knees

375

He fell, and from his hand let fall the bow. Not careless Ajax saw his brother's fall, But o'er him spread in haste his covering shield . Two faithful friends, Mecisteus, Echius' son, And brave Alastor, from the press withdrew,

380

And bore him, deeply groaning, to the ships.

Then Jove again the Trojan courage fired , And backward to the ditch they forced the Greeks. Proud of his prowess, Hector led them on ; And as a hound that, fleet of foot, o'ertakes Or boar or lion, object of his chase,

385

254

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

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Springs from behind, and fastens on his flank, Yet careful watches, lest he turn to bay : So Hector pressed upon the long-haired Greeks, Slaying the hindmost ; they in terror fled.

390

But, passed at length the ditch and palisade, With loss of many by the Trojans slain, Before the ships they rallied from their flight, And one to other called ; and one and all With hands uplifted , prayed to all the Gods ;

395

While Hector, here and there, on every side His flying coursers wheeled, with eyes that flashed Awful as Gorgon's, or as blood-stained Mars.

Juno, the white-armed Queen, with pity moved, To Pallas thus her winged words addressed :

400

" O Heaven, brave child of ægis-bearing Jove, Can we, even now, in this their sorest need, Refuse the Greeks our aid, by one subdued, One single man, of pride unbearable, Hector, the son of Priam, who e'en now Hath caused them endless grief ? "

To whom again

The blue-eyed Goddess, Pallas, thus replied : " I too would fain behold him robbed of life,

405

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HOMER'S

ILIAD.

255

In his own country slain by Grecian hands ; But that my sire, by ill advice misled,

410

Rages in wrath, still thwarting all my plans ; Forgetting now how oft his son I saved,

Sore wearied with the toils Eurystheus gave. Oft would his tears ascend to Heaven, and oft From Heaven would Jove despatch me to his aid ;

415

But if I then had known what now I know, When to the narrow gates of Pluto's realm He sent him forth to bring from Erebus Its guardian dog, he never had returned In safety from the marge of Styx profound.

420

He holds me now in hatred, and his ear To Thetis lends, who kissed his knees, and touched

His beard, and prayed him to avenge her son Achilles ; yet the time shall come when I

Shall be once more his own dear blue-eyed Maid.

425

But haste thee now, prepare for us thy car, While to the house of ægis-bearing Jove I go, and don my armour for the fight, To prove if Hector of the glancing helm, The son of Priam, will unmoved behold

430

256

HOMER'S

ILIAD,

BOOK VIII.

Us two advancing o'er the pass of war ; Or if the flesh of Trojans, slain by Greeks, Shall sate the maw of ravening dogs and birds." She said the white-armed Queen her word obeyed. Juno, great Goddess, royal Saturn's child,

435

The horses brought, with golden frontlets crowned ; While Pallas, child of ægis-bearing Jove, Within her father's threshold dropped her veil Of airy texture, work of her own hands ;

The cuirass donned of cloud-compelling Jove,

440

And stood accoutred for the bloody fray. The fiery car she mounted ; in her hand A spear she bore, long, weighty, tough ; wherewith The mighty daughter of a mighty sire Sweeps down the ranks of those her wrath pursues. 445 Then Juno sharply touched the flying steeds ; Forthwith, spontaneous opening, grated harsh The heavenly portals, guarded by the Hours, Who Heaven and high Olympus have in charge, To roll aside or close the veil of cloud ; Through these the excited horses held their way. From Ida's heights the son of Saturn saw,

450

BOOK VIII.

HOMER'S

257

ILIAD.

And, filled with wrath, the heavenly messenger, The golden-wingèd Iris, thus bespoke : " Haste thee, swift Iris ; turn them back, and warn

455

That farther they advance not : 'tis not meet That they and I in war should be opposed . This too I say, and will make good my words : Their flying horses I will lame ; themselves Dash from their car, and break their chariot-wheels ; 460

And ten revolving years heal not the wound Where strikes my lightning : so shall Pallas learn What 'tis against her father to contend.

Juno less moves my wonder and my wrath ;

465

Whate'er I plan, 'tis still her wont to thwart.”

Thus he

from Ida to Olympus' height

The storm-swift Iris on her errand sped. At many-ridged Olympus' outer gate

She met the Goddesses, and stayed their course, 470

And thus conveyed the sovereign will of Jove : " Whither away ? what madness fills your breasts ? To give the Greeks your succour, Jove forbids ; And thus he threatens, and will make it good : Your flying horses he will lame ; yourselves

VOL. I.

258

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ILIAD.

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Dash from the car, and break your chariot-wheels ;

475

And ten revolving years heal not the wounds His lightning makes : so, Pallas, shalt thou learn What 'tis against thy father to contend . Juno less moves his wonder and his wrath ;

Whate'er he plans, ' tis still her wont to thwart ;

480

But over-bold and void of shame art thou, If against Jove thou dare to lift thy spear.' Thus as she spoke, swift Iris disappeared. Then Juno thus to Pallas spoke : " No more, Daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, can we

485

For mortal men his sovereign will resist ;

Live they or die, as each man's fate may be ; While he, 'twixt Greeks and Trojans, as 'tis meet, His own designs accomplishing, decides." She said, and backward turned her horses' heads.

490

The horses from the car the Hours unyoked , And safely tethered in the heavenly stalls ; The car they reared against the inner wall, That brightly polished shone ; the Goddesses Themselves meanwhile, amid the Immortals all, With sorrowing hearts on golden seats reclined .

495

BooKVDI.

259

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Ere long, on swiftly-rolling chariot borne, Jove to OlympUB, to the abode of Gods, From Ida's height returned: the Earth-shaking God, Neptune, unyoked his steeds ; and on the stand

500

Secured the car, and spread the covering o'er. Then on his golden throne all-seeing Jove Sat down ; beneath his feet Olympus shook. Juno and Pallas only sat aloof; No word they uttered, no enquiry made.

505

Jove knew their thoughts, and thus addressed them both : "Pallas and Juno, wherefore sit ye thus

In angry silence ? In the glorious fight No lengthened toil have ye sustained, to slay The Trojans, whom your deadly hate pursues.

510

Not all the Gods that on OlympUB dwell Could turn me from my purpose, such my might, And such the power of my resistless hand; But ye were struck with terror ere ye saw The battle-field, and fearful deeds of war.

515

But this I say, and bear it in your minds, Had I my lightning launched, and from your car Had hurled ye down, ye ne'er had reached again

s 2

HOMER'S ILIAD.

260

BooKVTII.

Olyocipus' height, the immortal Gods' abode." So

spoke the God ; but, seated side by Bide,

Ju.no

and Pallas glances interchanged

Of ill

portent for Troy ; Pallas indeed

520

Sat silent, and, though inly wroth with Jove, Yet answered not a word; but Juno's breast Could not contain her rage, and thus she spoke :

525

" What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? Well do we know thy power invincible, Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks, Condemned to hopeless ruin: from the fight, Since such is thy command, we stand aloof;

530

But yet some saving counsel may we give, Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite." To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied : " Yet greater slaughter, stag-eyed Queen of Heaven, To-morrow shalt thou see, if so thou list,

535

Wrought on the warrior Greeks by Saturn's son; For Hector's proud career shall not be checked Until the wrath of Peleus' godlike son Beside the ships be kindled, in the day When round Patroclus' corpse, iI). narrow space,

540

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ILIAD .

261

E'en by the vessels ' sterns, the war shall rage. Such is the voice of destiny : for thee, I reck not of thy wrath ; nor should I care Though thou wert thrust beneath the lowest deep

Of earth and ocean , where Iapetus

545

And Saturn lie, uncheered by ray of sun Or breath of air, in Tartarus profound. Though there thou wert to banishment consigned , I should not heed, but thy reproaches hear Unmoved ; for viler thing is none than thou.”

550

He said, but white-armed Juno answered not. The sun, now sunk beneath the ocean wave, Drew o'er the teeming earth the veil of night. The Trojans saw, reluctant, day's decline ; But on the Greeks thrice welcome, thrice invoked

555

With earnest prayers, the shades of darkness fell . The noble Hector then to council called

The Trojan leaders ; from the ships apart He led them, by the eddying river's side, To a clear space of ground, from corpses free. They from their cars dismounting, to the words Of godlike Hector listened : in his hand .

560

262

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK VIII .

His massive spear he held, twelve cubits long, Whose glittering point flashed bright, with hoop of gold Encircled round ; on this he leant, and said,

565

" Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies ; I hoped that to the breezy heights of Troy We might ere now in triumph have returned, The Grecian ships and all the Greeks destroyed ; But night hath come too soon, and saved awhile

570

The Grecian army and their stranded ships. Then yield we to the night ; prepare the meal ; Unyoke your horses, and before them place Their needful forage ; from the city bring Oxen and sheep ; the luscious wine provide ;

575

Bring bread from out our houses ; and collect Good store of fuel, that the livelong night, Even till the dawn of day, may broadly blaze Our numerous watchfires, and illume the Heavens ; Lest, even by night, the long-haired Greeks should seek 580 O'er the broad bosom of the sea to fly, That so not unassailed they may embark, Nor undisturbed ; but haply some may bear, Even to their homes, the memory of a wound

BOOK VIII .

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ILIAD .

Received from spear or arrow, as on board

263

585

They leaped in haste ; and others too may fear To tempt with hostile arms the power of Troy. Then let the sacred heralds' voice proclaim Throughout the city, that the stripling youths And hoary-headed sires allot themselves

590

In several watches to the Heaven-built towers. Charge too the women, in their houses each, To kindle blazing fires ; let careful watch Be set, lest, in the absence of the men, The town by secret ambush be surprised .

595

Such, valiant Trojans, is the advice I give ;

And what to-night your wisdom shall approve. Will I, at morn, before the Trojans speak. Hopeful, to Jove I pray, and all the Gods, To chase from hence these fate-inflicted hounds,

600

By fate sent hither on their dark-ribbed ships. Now keep we through the night our watchful guard ; And with the early dawn, equipped in arms, Upon their fleet our angry battle pour. Then shall I know if Tydeus' valiant son Back from the ships shall drive me to the walls,

605

264

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

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Or I, triumphant, bear his bloody spoils : To-morrow morn his courage will decide, If he indeed my onset will await. But ere to-morrow's sun be high in Heaven,

610

He, ' mid the foremost, if I augur right, Wounded and bleeding in the dust shall lie, And many a comrade round him.

Would to Heaven

I were as sure to be from age and death Exempt, and held in honour as a God,

615

Phoebus, or Pallas, as I am assured The coming day is fraught with ill to Greece.” Thus Hector spoke ; the Trojans shouted loud : Then from the yoke the sweating steeds they loosed , And tethered each beside their several cars :

620

Next from the city speedily they brought Oxen and sheep ; the luscious wine procured ; Brought bread from out their houses, and good store Of fuel gathered ; wafted from the plain, The winds to Heaven the savoury odours bore. Full of proud hopes, upon the pass of war,

All night they camped ; and frequent blazed their fires. As when in Heaven, around the glittering moon

625

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

265

The stars shine bright amid the breathless air ;

And every crag, and every jutting peak

630

Stands boldly forth, and every forest glade ; Even to the gates of Heaven is opened wide The boundless sky ; shines each particular star Distinct ; joy fills the gazing shepherd's heart. So bright, so thickly scattered o'er the plain,

635

Before the walls of Troy, between the ships And Xanthus' stream , the Trojan watchfires blazed. A thousand fires burnt brightly ; and round each Sat fifty warriors in the ruddy glare ; Champing the provender before them laid,

640

Barley and rye, the tethered horses stood Beside the cars, and waited for the morn.

642

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ILIAD .

BOOK IX.

IX.

THUS kept their watch the Trojans ; but the Greeks Dire Panic held, companion of chill Fear, Their bravest struck with grief unbearable. As when two stormy winds ruffle the sea, Boreas and Zephyr, from the hills of Thrace

With sudden gust descending ; the dark waves Rear high their angry crests, and toss on shore Masses of tangled weed ; such stormy grief The breast of every Grecian warrior rent. Atrides, heart-struck, wandered to and fro,

And to the clear-voiced heralds gave command To call, but not with proclamation loud, Each several man to council ; he himself

Spared not his labour, mixing with the chiefs. Sadly they sat in council ; Atreus' son, Weeping, arose ; as some dark-watered fount Pours o'er a craggy steep its gloomy stream ;

BooK IX.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

267

Then with deep groans the assembled Greeks addressed : " 0 friends I the chiefs and councillors of Greece, Grievous, and all unlooked for, is the blow

Which Jove hath dealt me; by his promise led I hoped to raze the strong-built walls of Troy, And home return in safety; but it seems He falsifies his word, and bids me now Return to Argos, frustrate of my hope,

Dishonoured, and with grievous loss of men. Such now appears the o'er-ruling sovereign will Of Saturn's son, who oft hath sunk the heads Of many a lofty city in the dust, And yet will sink; for mighty is his hand.

Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree Home to direct our course ; since here in vain We strive to take the well-built walls of Troy." The monarch spoke ; they all in silence heard :

In speechless sorrow long they sat: at length Rose valiant Diomed, and thus he spoke : ".A.trides, I thy folly must confront, As is my right, in council; thou, 0 King ! Be not offended : once, among the Greeks

268

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ILIAD .

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♡

Thou heldest light my prowess, with the name

Of coward branding me ; how justly so Is known to all the Greeks, both young and old. On thee the deep-designing Saturn's son In differing measure hath his gifts bestowed : A throne he gives thee, higher far than all ;

But valour, noblest boon of Heaven, denies. How canst thou hope the sons of Greece shall prove Such heartless dastards as thy words suppose ? If homeward to return thy mind be fixed, Depart ; the way is open, and the ships,

Which from Mycena followed thee in crowds, Are close at hand, and ready to be launched . Yet will the other long-haired Greeks remain Till Priam's city fall : nay, though the rest Betake them to their ships, and sail for home,

Yet I and Sthenelus, we two, will fight Till Troy be ours ; for Heaven is on our side.” Thus he ; the sons of Greece, with loud applause,

The speech of valiant Diomed confirmed . Then aged Nestor rose, and thus began :

66 Tydides, eminent thou art in war ;

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

269

And in the council thy compeers in age Must yield to thee ; thy present words, no Greek Can censure, or gainsay ; and yet the end

Thou hast not reached, and object of debate. But thou art young, and for thine age mightst be My latest born ; yet dost thou to the Kings Sage counsel give, and well in season speak.

Go fully through the whole ; and none my words

But now will I, that am thine elder far, 70

May disregard, not even Atrides' self. Outcast from kindred, law, and hearth is he Whose soul delights in fierce internal strife .

But yield we now to the influence of night : Prepare the meal ; and let the several guards

Be posted by the ditch, without the wall. This duty on the younger men I lay : Then, Agamemnon, thou thy part perform ; For thou art King supreme ; the Elders all, As meet and seemly, to the feast invite : Thy tents are full of wine, which Grecian ships O'er the wide sea bring day by day from Thrace ; Nor lack'st thou aught thy guests to entertain,

270

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK IX .

And many own thy sway ; when all are met, His counsel take, who gives the best advice ;

Great need we have of counsel wise and good, When close beside our ships the hostile fires Are burning : who can this unmoved behold ?

‫دو‬ This night our ruin or our safety sees.' He said ; and they, assenting, heard his speech.

Forth with their followers went the appointed guards, The princely Thrasymedes, Nestor's son, Ascalaphus, and bold Ialmenus, Two valiant sons of Mars ; Meriones, And Aphareus, and brave Deïpyrus,

And godlike Lycomedes, Creon's son. Seven were the leaders ; and with each went forth

A hundred gallant youths, with lances armed. Between the ditch and wall they took their post ; There lit their fires, and there the meal prepared .

100

Then for the assembled Elders in his tent An ample banquet Agamemnon spread ;

They on the viands, set before them, fell : The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, The aged Nestor first his mind disclosed ;

105

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

271

He who, before, the sagest counsel gave, Now thus with prudent words began, and said : "Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, With thee, Atrides, my discourse shall end , With thee begin : o'er many nations thou

110

Hold'st sovereign sway ; since Jove to thee hath given The sceptre, and the high prerogative, To be thy people's judge and counsellor, 'Tis thine to speak the word, 'tis thine to hear And to determine, when some other chief

115

Suggestions offers in the general cause : What counsel shall prevail, depends on thee : Yet will I say what seems to me the best. Sounder opinion none can hold than this, Which I maintain, and ever have maintained,

120

Even from the day when thou, great King, didst bear The fair Briseis from Achilles' tent Despite his anger-not by my advice :

I fain would have dissuaded thee, but thou, Following the dictates of thy wrathful pride, Didst to our bravest wrong, dishonouring him Whom even the Immortals honoured ; for his prize

125

272

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

Thou took'st and still retain'st ; but let us now Consider, if even yet, with costly gifts And soothing words, we may his wrath appease."

130

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus : "Father, too truly thou recall'st my fault : I erred, nor will deny it ; as a host Is he whom Jove in honour holds, as now

Achilles honouring , he confounds the Greeks.

135

But if I erred, by evil impulse led, Fain would I now conciliate him, and pay An ample penalty ; before you all

I pledge myself rich presents to bestow. Seven tripods will I give, untouched by fire ;

140

Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright, Twelve powerful horses, on the course renowned, Who by their speed have many prizes won. Not empty-handed could that man be deemed , Nor poor in gold, who but so much possessed As by those horses has for me been won. Seven women too, well skilled in household cares, Lesbians , whom I selected for myself, That day he captured Lesbos' goodly isle,

145

ILIAD .

273

In beauty far surpassing all their sex :

150

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

These will I give ; and with them will I send The fair Briseis, her whom from his tent I bore away ; and add a solemn oath, I ne'er approached her bed, nor held with her Such intercourse as man with woman holds.

155

All these shall now be his : but if the Gods Shall grant us Priam's city to destroy, Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil, With countless heaps he shall a vessel freight,

160

And twenty captives he himself shall choose, All only less than Argive Helen fair. And if it be our fate to see again The teeming soil of Argos, he shall be My son by marriage ; and in honour held

As is Orestes, who, my only son,

165

Is reared at home in luxury and ease. Three daughters fair I have, Chrysothemis, Iphianassa, and Laodice ; Of these, whiche'er he will, to Peleus' house,

170

No portion asked for, he shall take to wife ; And with her will I add such wedding gifts, VOL. I.

274

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK IX .

As never man before to daughter gave.

Seven prosperous towns besides ; Cardamyle, And Enope, and Ira's grassy plains ; And Pheræ, and Antheia's pastures deep,

175

peia fair, and vine-clad Pedasus ; All by the sea, by sandy Pylos' bounds. The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich,

And, as a God, shall honour him with gifts, And to his sceptre ample tribute pay.

180

This will I do, so he his wrath remit : Then let him yield (Pluto alone remains Unbending and inexorable ; and thence Of all the Gods is most abhorred of men), To me submitting, as in royal power

185

Superior far, and more advanced in age." To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : "Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, Atrides, not unworthy are the gifts, Which to Achilles thou design'st to send : Then to the tent of Peleus' son in haste Let us our chosen messengers despatch : Whom I shall choose, let them consent to go.

190

BOOK IX .

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275

ILIAD .

Then first of all let Phoenix lead the way, 195

Beloved of Jove ; the mighty Ajax next : With them, Ulysses sage ; and let them take, Of heralds, Hodius and Eurybates. Bring now the hallowing water for our hands ;

And bid be silent, while to Saturn's son, 200

That he have mercy, we address our prayer." He said, and well his counsel pleased them all ; The heralds poured the water on their hands ; The youths, attending, crowned the bowls with wine, And in due order served the cups to all. Then, their libations made, when each with wine

205

Had satisfied his soul, from out the tent Of Agamemnon, Atreus' son, they passed ; And many a caution aged Nestor gave, With rapid glance to each, Ulysses chief,

210

How best to soften Peleus ' matchless son. Beside the many-dashing ocean's shore They moved along ; and many a prayer addressed To Neptune, Ocean's Earth-surrounding God,

That he to gentle counsels would incline The haughty soul of great

215

acides. T 2

276

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

When to the ships and tents they came, where lay The warlike Myrmidons, their chief they found His spirit soothing with a sweet-toned lyre, Of curious work, with silver band adorned ; Part of the spoil he took, when he destroyed

220

Eëtion's wealthy town ; on this he played, Soothing his soul, and sang of warriors' deeds. Before the chief, in silence and alone Patroclus sat, upon Achilles fixed His eyes, awaiting till the song should cease.

225

The envoys forward stepped, Ulysses first,

And stood before him ; from his couch, amazed, And holding still his lyre, Achilles sprang, Leaving the seat whereon they found him placed ; And at their entrance rose Patroclus too :

230

Waving his hand, Achilles, swift of foot, Addressed them : " Welcome, friends ! as friends ye come : Some great occasion surely to my tent Hath brought the men who are, of all the Greeks,

Despite my anger, dearest to my heart." Thus as he spoke, he led them in, and placed

On couches spread with purple carpets o'er,

235

BOOK IX .

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ILIAD .

277

Then thus addressed Patroclus at his side : " Son of Menotius, set upon the board A larger bowl, and stronger mix the wine,

240

And serve a cup to each : beneath my roof This night my dearest friends I entertain." He said ; Patroclus his commands obeyed ; And in the fire-light placed an ample tray, And on it laid of goat's flesh and of sheep's

245

A saddle each ; and with them, rich in fat, A chine of well-fed hog ; Automedon

Held fast, while great Achilles carved the joints. The meat, prepared, he fixed upon the spits : Patroclus kindled then a blazing fire :

250

And when the fire burnt hotly, and the flame Subsided, spread the glowing embers out, And hung the spits above ; then sprinkled o'er The meat with salt, and lifted from the stand. The viands cooked and placed upon the board, From baskets fair Patroclus portioned out The bread to each ; the meat Achilles shared. Facing the sage Ulysses, sat the host On the other side the tent ; and bade his friend,

255

278

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

Patroclus, give the Gods their honours due :

260

He in the fire the wonted offerings burnt : They on the viands set before them fell. The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, Ajax to Phoenix signed : Ulysses saw The sign, and rising, filled a cup with wine,

265

And pledged Achilles thus : " To thee I drink, Achilles

nobly is thy table spread,

As heretofore in Agamemnon's tent, So now in thine ; abundant is the feast : But not the pleasures of the banquet now

270

We have in hand : impending o'er our arms Grave cause of fear, illustrious chief, we see ; Grave doubts, to save, or see destroyed our ships, If thou, great warrior, put not forth thy might. For close beside the ships and wall are camped

275

The haughty Trojans and renowned allies : Their watch-fires frequent burn throughout the camp ; And loud their boast, that nought shall stay their hands, Until our dark-ribbed ships be made their prey. Jove too for them, with favouring augury Sends forth his lightning ; boastful of his strength,

280

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

279

And firmly trusting in the aid of Jove, Hector, resistless, rages ; nought he fears Or God or man, with martial fury fired. He prays, impatient, for the approach of morn ;

285

Then, breaking through the lofty sterns, resolved To the devouring flames to give the ships, And slay the crews, bewildered in the smoke. And much my mind misgives me, lest the Gods His threats fulfil, and we be fated here

290

To perish, far from Argos' grassy plains. Up then ! if in their last extremity Thy spirit inclines, though late, to save the Greeks

· · Sore pressed by Trojan arms : lest thou thyself Hereafter feel remorse ; the evil done

295

Is past all cure ; then thou reflect betimes How from the Greeks to ward the day of doom. Dear friend, remember now thy father's words,

The aged Peleus, when to Atreus' son He sent thee forth from Phthia, how he said, ' My son, the boon of strength, if so they will, Juno or Pallas have the power to give ; But thou thyself thy haughty spirit must curb,

300

280

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX,

For better far is gentle courtesy : And cease from angry strife, that so the Greeks

305

The more may honour thee, both young and old.' Such were the words thine aged father spoke, Which thou hast now forgotten ; yet, e'en now, Pause for awhile, and let thine anger cool ; And noble gifts, so thou thy wrath remit,

310

From Agamemnon shalt thou bear away. Listen to me, while I recount the gifts Which in his tent he pledged him to bestow. Seven tripods promised he, untouched by fire, Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright,

315

Twelve powerful horses, in the course renowned, Who by their speed have many prizes won. Not empty-handed could that man be deemed, Nor poor in gold, who but so much possessed As by those horses has for him been won.

320

Seven women too , well skilled in household cares, Lesbians, whom he selected for himself, That day thou captur❜dst Lesbos' goodly isle,

In beauty far surpassing all their sex. These will he give ; and with them will he send

325

1/.

BooK IX.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

281

The fair Briseis, her whom from thy tent He bore away ; and add a solemn oath, He ne'er approached her bed, nor held with her Such intercourse as man with woman holds. All these shall now be thine : but if the Gods

330

Shall grant us Priam's city to destroy, Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil, With countless heaps a vessel shalt thou freight, And twenty captives thou thyself shalt choose, 335

All only less than Argive Helen fair. And if it be our fate to see again The teeming soil of Argos, thou mayst be His son by marriage, and in honour held As is Orestes, who, his only son,

340

Is reared at ho:ine in luxury and_ease. Three daughters fair are his, Chrysothemis, Iphianassa, and Laodice ; Of these whiche'er thou wilt, to Peleus' house, No portion asked for, thou shalt take to wife; And with her will he add such wedding gifts,

34:5

As never man before to daughter gave. Seven prosperous towns besides ; Cardamyle,

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282

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK IX.

And Enope, and Ira's grassy plains, And Pheræ, and Antheia's pastures deep, Epeia fair, and vine-clad Pedasus ;

350

All by the sea, by sandy Pylos' bounds. The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich, And, as a God, will honour thee with gifts, And to thy sceptre ample tribute pay. All these he gives, so thou thy wrath remit.

355

But if thou hold Atrides in such hate, Him and his gifts, yet let thy pity rest On all the other Greeks, thus sore bested ; By whom thou shalt be honoured as a God : For great the triumph that thou now mayst gain ;

360

Even Hector's self is now within thy reach ; For he is near at hand ; and in his pride And martial fury deems that none, of all

Our ships contain, can rival him in arms." Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot : " Heaven-born Ulysses, sage in council, son Of great Laertes, I must frankly speak My mind at once, my fixed resolve declare : That from henceforth I may not by the Greeks,

365

BOOK IX.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

By this man and by that, be importuned.

283

370

Him as the gates of hell my soul abhors, Whose outward words his secret thoughts belie. Hear then what seems to me the wisest course. On me nor Agamemnon, Atreus' son,

Nor others shall prevail, since nought is gained

375

By toil unceasing in the battle field . Who nobly fight, but share with those who skulk ; Like honours gain the coward and the brave ; Alike the idlers and the active die :

And nought it profits me, though day by day

380

In constant toil I set my life at stake ; But as a bird, though ill she fare herself, Brings to her callow brood the food she takes, So I through many a sleepless night have lain, And many a bloody day have laboured through,

385

Engaged in battle on your wives ' behalf. Twelve cities have I taken with my ships ; Eleven more by land, on Trojan soil : From all of these abundant stores of wealth I took, and all to Agamemnon gave ;

He, safe beside his ships, my spoils received,

390

284

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

A few divided, but the most retained.

To other chiefs and Kings he meted out Their several portions, and they hold them still ; From me, from me alone of all the Greeks,

395

He bore away, and keeps my cherished wife ; Well ! let him keep her, solace of his bed ! But say then, why do Greeks with Trojans fight ? Why hath Atrides brought this mighty host To Troy, if not in fair-haired Helen's cause ?

400

Of mortals are there none that love their wives, Save Atreus' sons alone ? or do not all, Who boast the praise of sense and virtue, love And cherish each his own ? as her I loved Even from my soul, though captive of my spear.

405

Now, since he once hath robbed me, and deceived, Let him not seek my aid ; I know him now, And am not to be won ; let him devise, With thee, Ulysses, and the other Kings, How best from hostile fires to save his ships . He hath completed many mighty works Without my aid ; hath built a lofty wall, And dug a trench around it, wide and deep,

410

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

285

And in the trench hath fixed a palisade ; Nor so the warrior-slayer Hector's might

415

Can keep in check ; while I was in the field, Not far without the walls would Hector range His line of battle, nor beyond the Oak And Scæan gates would venture ; there indeed He once presumed to meet me, hand to hand,

420

And from my onset narrowly escaped. But as with Hector now no more I fight, To-morrow morn, my offerings made to Jove, And all the Gods, and freighted well my ships, And launched upon the main, thyself shall see,

425

If that thou care to see, my vessels spread O'er the broad bosom of the Hellespont, My lusty crews plying the vigorous oar ; And if the Earth-shaker send a favouring breeze, Three days will bear us home to Phthia's shore.

430

There did I leave abundant store of wealth, When hitherward I took my luckless way ; Thither from hence I bear, of ruddy gold, And brass, and women fair, and iron hoar The share assigned me ; but my chiefest prize

435

286

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

The monarch Agamemnon, Atreus' son, Himself who gave, with insult takes away. To him then speak aloud the words I send, That all may know his crimes, if yet he hope Some other Greek by treacherous wiles to cheat,

440

Clothed as he is in shamelessness ! my glance, All brazen as he is, he dare not meet. I share no more his counsels, nor his acts ; He hath deceived me once, and wronged ; again He shall not cozen me !

Of him, enough !

445

I pass him by, whom Jove hath robbed of sense. His gifts I loathe, and spurn ; himself I hold

At a hair's worth ; and would he proffer me Tenfold or twentyfold of all he has, Or ever may be his ; or all the gold

450

Sent to Orchomenos or royal Thebes, Egyptian, treasurehouse of countless wealth, Who boasts her hundred gates, through each of which With horse and car two hundred warriors march : Nay, were his gifts in number as the sand,

Or dust upon the plain, yet ne'er will I By Agamemnon be prevailed upon,

455

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

287

Till I have paid him back my heart's offence. Nor e'er of Agamemnon , Atreus' son, Will I a daughter wed ; not were she fair

460

As golden Venus, and in works renowned

As Pallas, blue-eyed Maid, yet her e'en so I wed not ; let him choose some other Greek, Some fitting match, of nobler blood than mine. But should the Gods in safety bring me home,

465

At Peleus' hands I may receive a wife ; And Greece can boast of many a lovely maid, In Hellas or in Phthia, daughters fair Of chiefs who hold their native fortresses : Of these, at will, a wife I may select :

470

And ofttimes hath my warlike soul inclined

To take a wedded wife, a fitting bride, And aged Peleus' wealth in peace enjoy . For not the stores which Troy, they say, contained In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece, Nor all the treasures which Apollo's shrine, The Archer-God, in rock-built Pythos holds, May weigh with life ; of oxen and of sheep Successful forays may good store provide ;

475

288

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

And tripods may be gained, and noble steeds :

480

But when the breath of man hath passed his lips, Nor strength nor foray can the loss repair. I by my Goddess-mother have been warned,

The silver-footed Thetis, that o'er me

A double chance of destiny impends :

485

If here remaining, round the walls of Troy I wage the war, I ne'er shall see my home, But then undying glory shall be mine : If I return, and see my native land,

My glory all is gone ; but length of life

490

Shall then be mine, and death be long deferred .

If others asked my counsel, I should say, ' Homeward direct your course ; of lofty Troy Ye see not yet the end ; all-seeing Jove

O'er her extends his hand ; on him relying

495

Her people all with confidence are filled.'

Go then ; my answer to the chiefs of Greece Speak boldly -such the privilege of age— Bid that some better counsel they devise To save their ships and men ; their present scheme, 500 My anger unappeased, avails them nought.

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

289

ILIAD.

But Phoenix here shall stay, and sleep to-night ; And with the morrow he with me shall sail And seek our native land, if so he will ; 505

For not by force will I remove him hence." He said ; they all, confounded by his words,

In silence heard ; so sternly did he speak. At length, in tears, the aged Phoenix spoke, For greatly feared he for the ships of Greece : 510

" If, great Achilles, on returning home Thy mind is set, nor canst thou be induced

To save the ships from fire, so fierce thy wrath ; How then, dear boy, can I remain behind, Alone ? whom with thee aged Peleus sent, That day when he in Agamemnon's cause

515

From Phthia sent thee, inexperienced yet In all the duties of confederate war, And sage debate, on which attends renown. Me then he sent, instructor of thy youth, To prompt thy language, and thine acts to guide. So not from thee, dear boy, can I consent To part, though Heaven should undertake my age To wipe away, and vigorous youth restore, VOL. I.

520

290

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

Such as I boasted, when from Greece I fled Before my angry sire, Amyntor, son

525

Of Ormenus ; a fair-haired concubine Cause of the quarrel ; her my father loved, And by her love estranged, despised his wife, My mother ; oft she prayed me to seduce,

To vex the old man, my father's concubine ;

530

I yielded ; he, suspecting, on my head A curse invoked, and on the Furies called His curse to witness, that upon his knees No child, by me begotten, e'er should sit : His curse the Gods have heard, and ratified,

535

The infernal King, and awful Proserpine. Then would I fain have slain him with the sword,

Had not some God my rising fury quelled, And set before my mind the public voice, The odium I should have to bear ' mid Greeks,

540

If branded with the name of parricide. But longer in my angry father's house To dwell, my spirit brooked not, though my friends

And kinsmen all besought me to remain ; And many a goodly sheep, and many a steer

545

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

291

ILIAD .

They slew, and many swine, with fat o'erlaid, They singed, and roasted o'er the burning coals ; And drank in many a cup the old man's wine. Nine nights they kept me in continual watch, By turns relieving guards.

The fires meanwhile

550

Burnt constant : one beneath the porch that faced The well-fenced court ; one in the vestibule Before my chamber door.

The tenth dark night

My chamber's closely-fitting doors I broke,

555

And lightly vaulted o'er the court-yard fence, By guards alike and servant maids unmarked . Through all the breadth of Hellas then I fled, Until at length to Phthia's fruitful soil,

Mother of flocks, to Peleus' realm I came, Who kindly welcomed me, and with such love.

560

As to his only son, his well-beloved, A father shows, his generous gifts bestowed. He gave me wealth, he gave me ample rule ; And on the bounds of Phthia bade me dwell,

565

And o'er the Dolopes hold sovereign sway. Thee too, Achilles, rival of the Gods, Such as thou art I made thee ; from my soul

U 2

292

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

I loved thee ; nor wouldst thou with others go Or to the meal, or in the house be fed, Till on my knee thou satt'st, and by my hand

570

Thy food were cut, the cup were tendered thee ; And often, in thy childish helplessness, The bosom of my dress with wine was drenched : Such care I had of thee, such pains I took, Remembering that by Heaven's decree, no son

575

Of mine I e'er might see ; then thee I made, Achilles, rival of the Gods, my son,

That thou mightst be the guardian of mine age. But thou, Achilles, curb thy noble rage ; A heart implacable beseems thee not.

580

The Gods themselves, in virtue, honour, strength, Excelling thee, may yet be mollified ; For they, when mortals have transgressed, or failed To do aright, by sacrifice and prayer, Libations and burnt-offerings, may be soothed . Prayers are the daughters of immortal Jove ; But halt, and wrinkled , and of feeble sight, They plod in Ate's track ; while Ate, strong And swift of foot, outstrips their laggard pace,

585,

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And, dealing woe to man, o'er all the earth

293

590

Before them flies : they, following, heal her wounds. Him who with honour welcomes their approach, They greatly aid, and hear him when he prays ; But who rejects, and sternly casts them off,

To Saturn's son they go, and make their prayer

595

That Ate follow him and claim her dues. Then to the daughters of immortal Jove,

Do thou, Achilles, show the like respect, That many another brave man's heart hath swayed. If to thy tent no gifts Atrides brought,

600

With promises of more, but still retained His vehement enmity, I could not ask That thou thy cherished anger shouldst discard, And aid the Greeks, how great so-e'er their need. But now large offerings hath he given, and more

605

Hath promised ; and, of all the Greeks, hath sent To pray thine aid, the men thou lov'st the best. Discredit not their mission, nor their words. Till now, I grant thee, none could blame thy wrath . In praise of men in ancient days renowned, This have we heard, that how-so-e'er might rage

610

294

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

Their hostile feuds, their anger might be still By gifts averted, and by words appeased . One case I bear in mind, in times long past, And not in later days ; and here, 'mid friends,

615

How all occurred, will I at length recite. Time was, that with Ætolia's warlike bands Round Calydon the Acarnanians fought With mutual slaughter : these to save the town,

The Acarnanians burning to destroy.

620

This curse of war the golden-throned Queen Diana sent, in anger that from her Eneus the first-fruits of his field withheld . The other Gods their hecatombs received ; Diana's shrine alone no offerings decked,

625

Neglected, or o'erlooked ; the sin was great ; And in her wrath the arrow-darting Queen A savage wild-boar sent, with gleaming tusks, Which, Eneus' vineyard haunting, wrought him harm. There laid he prostrate many a stately tree, With root and branch, with blossom and with fruit. Him Meleager, son of Eneus , slew, With youths and dogs from all the neighbouring towns

630

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

295

Collected ; smaller force had not availed, So huge he was, so fierce ; and many a youth

635

Had by his tusks been laid upon the bier. A fierce contention then the Goddess raised , For the boar's head and bristly hide, between The Acarnanian and the Etolian bands. While warlike Meleager kept the field,

640

So long the Acarnanians fared but ill ; Nor dared, despite the numbers of their host, Maintain their ground before the city walls. When he to anger yielded, which sometimes Swells in the bosom e'en of wisest men,

645

Incensed against his mother, he withdrew To Cleopatra fair, his wedded wife ; (Marpessa her, Evenus' daughter, bore To Idas, strongest man of all who then Were living, who against Apollo's self

650

For the neat-footed maiden bent his bow. Her parents called the child Alcyone, In memory of the tears her mother shed, Rival of Alcyon's melancholy fate, When by far-darting Phoebus forced away) .

655

296

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

With her, retiring from the field, he nursed His wrath ; resenting thus his mother's curse, Althæa ; she her brother's death bore hard, And prayed to Heaven above, and with her hands Beating the solid earth, the nether powers,

660

Pluto and awful Proserpine, implored, Down on her knees, her bosom wet with tears, Death on her son invoking ; from the depths Of Erebus Erinnys heard her prayer, Gloom-haunting Goddess, dark and stern of heart.

665

Soon round the gates the din of battle rose, The towers by storm assaulted ; then his aid The Etolian Elders and the sacred priests

With promises of great reward implored. A fruitful plot they bade him set apart,

670

The richest land in lovely Calydon, Of fifty acres : half for vineyard meet, And half of fertile plain, for tillage cleared . Upon the threshold of his lofty rooms Old Eneus stood, and at the portals closed He knocked in vain, a suppliant to his son. His sisters and his brother joined their prayers,

675

Boox IX.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

2!)7

But sterner his rejection of their suit ; The friends he valued most, and loved the best, Yet they too failed his fixed resolve to shake ;

680

Till to his very doors the war had reachetl, The foe upon the towers, the town in flames : Then Meleager's beauteous wife, at length, In tears, beseeching him, the thousand ills Recalled, which on a captured town attend ;

685

The slaughtered men, the city burnt with fire, The helpless children and deep-bosomed dames A prey to strangers. Listening to the tale, His spirit was roused within him ; and again He took the field, and donned his glittering arms. 690 Thus did his act from doom the 1Etolians save Spontaneous ; yet he gained not, though he saved, The rich reward they once were pledged to give. But be not thou like him, nor let thy God Turn thitherward thy thoughts; our ships on fire,

695

•

Thine aid will less be prized ; come, take the gifts, And as a God be honoured by the Greeks. If thou hereafter, unsolicited, The battle join, the Greeks thou mayst protect,

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298

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK IX.

But not an equal share of honour gain."

700

Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot : " Phoenix, my second father, reverend sire, Such honours move me not ; my honour comes From Jove, whose will it is that I should here Remain beside the ships, while I retain

705

Breath in my lungs and vigour in my limbs. This too I say, and bear it in thy mind : Disturb me not with weeping and complaints, To do Atrides grace ; if him thou love, My love for thee perchance may turn to hate :

710

My friend should honour him who honours me. But come with me, and of my kingdom half, And equal honours shalt thou share with me. These shall our message bear ; stay thou the while, And on soft couch repose ; to-morrow morn

715

Will we determine or to sail or stay."

He said, and with his eyebrows gave a sign In silence to Patroclus, to prepare A bed for Phoenix, that without delay The rest might leave the tent ; then thus began Ajax, the godlike son of Telamon :

720

BOOK IX.

299

HOMER'S ILIAD.

" Ulysses sage, Laertes' high-born son, Depart we now ; for this way our discourse Can lead to no result; behoves us bear Our tidings, all unwelcome as they are,

725

Back to the chiefs awaiting our return. Achilles hath allowed his noble heart To cherish rancour and malignant hate; Nor reeks he of his old companions' love, 730

Wherewith we honoured him above the rest. Relentless he! a son's or brother's death, By payment of a. fine, may be atoned ; The slayer may remain in peace at home, The debt discharged ; the other will forego, The forfeiture received, his just revenge ;

735

But thou maintain'st a stern, obdurate mood, And for a single girl ! we offer seven, Surpassing fair, and other gifts to boot. We now bespeak thy courtesy ; respect Thy hearth; remember that beneath thy roof

740

We staJld, deputed by the general voice Of all the host ; and fain would claim to be, Of all the G1·eeks, thy best and dearest friends."

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK IX .

Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot : " Illustrious Ajax, son of Telamon,

745

Without offence hast thou thy message given ; But fury fills my soul, whene'er I think How Agamemnon, 'mid the assembled Greeks, Insulting, held me forth to public scorn, As some dishonoured, houseless vagabond.

750

But go ye now, and bear my answer back : No more in bloody war will I engage, Till noble Hector, Priam's godlike son, O'er slaughtered Greeks, your ships enwrapped in fire,

Shall reach the quarters of the Myrmidons.

755

Ere he assail my ship and tents, I think

That Hector, valiant as he is, will pause." Thus he

they each the double goblet raised,

And, to the Gods their due libations poured, Ulysses leading, to the ships returned.

760

Meanwhile Patroclus bade the attendant maids Prepare a bed for Phoenix ; they obeyed, And quickly laid the bed with fleeces warm, And rugs, and linen light and fine o'erspread. There slept the old man, and waited for the morn.

765

Boou: IX.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

301

Within the tent's recess Achilles slept; And by his side, from Lesbos captive brought, Daughter of Phorbas, Diomede fair : On the other side Patroclus lay ; with him The graceful Iphis, whom, when Scyros' isle

770

He captured, and Enyes' rock-built fort, Achilles to his loved companion gave. When to Atrides' tent the envoys came, The chiefs, uprising, pledged them one by one

In golden goblets; then their tidings asked.

775

First Agamemnon, King of men, enquired : " Tell me, renowned Ulysses, pride of Greece, What says he : will he save our ships from fire, Or still, in wrathful mood, withhold his aid ? " To whom again Ulysses, stout of heart:

780

« Most mighty Agamemnon, King· of men, His anger is not quenched, but fiercer still It glows; thy gifts and thee alike he spurns ; He bids thee with the other chiefs concert The means thy people and thy ships to save; And menaces himself at early dawn To launch his well-trimmed vessels on the main.

785

302

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK IX .

Nay more, he counsels others, so he says, Homeward to turn, since here of lofty Troy We see not yet the end ; all-seeing Jove

790

O'er her extends his hand ; on him relying, Her people all with confidence are filled . Such was his language ; here before you stand Ajax and both the heralds, sage, grave men, Who with me went, and will confirm my words.

795

Old Phoenix left we there, so willed the chief, That with the morrow he with him may sail, And seek their native land,. if so he will ; For not by force will he remove him hence." Ulysses thus ; they all in silence heard,

800

Amazed, so stern the message that he bore. Long time in silence sat the chiefs of Greece.

Outspoke at length the valiant Diomed : " Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, Would that thou ne'er hadst stooped with costly gifts To sue for aid from Peleus' matchless son ;

For he before was over-proud, and now Thine offers will have tenfold swollen his pride. But leave we him, according to his will,

805

BOOK IX .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

To go or stay : he then will join the fight,

303

810

When his own spirit shall prompt, or Heaven inspire. But hear ye all, and do as I advise :

Refreshed with food and wine (for therein lie Both strength and courage), turn we to our rest ; And when the rosy-fingered morn appears ,

815

Thyself among the foremost, with bold hearts, Before our ships both horse and foot array." He said ; and all the chiefs with loud applause His speech confirmed ; then, due libations poured, Each to his several tent they all withdrew ; Then laid them down, and sought the boon of sleep.

821

304

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK

BOOK X.

N night-long slumbers lay the other chiefs IN Of all the Greeks, by gentle sleep subdued ; But not on Agamemnon, Atreus' son, By various cares oppressed, sweet slumber fell. As when from Jove, the fair-haired Juno's Lord, Flashes the lightning, bringing in its train Tempestuous storm of mingled rain and hail Or snow, by winter sprinkled o'er the fields ; Or opening wide the ravenous jaws of war ; So Agamemnon from his inmost heart

Poured forth in groans his multitudinous grief, His spirit within him sinking.

On the plain

He looked, and there, alarmed, the watchfires saw, Which, far advanced before the walls of Troy, Blazed numberless ; and thence of pipes and flutes He heard the sound, and busy hum of men. Upon the ships he looked, and men of Greece,

BOOK X.

HOMER'S

305

ILIAD.

And by the roots his hair in handfuls tore To Jove on high ; deep groaned his mighty heart. 20

Thus as he mused, the wisest course appeared, With Nestor, son of Neleus, to confer, If they some scheme in council might devise To ward destruction from the Grecian host. He rose, and o'er his body drew his vest,

And underneath his well-turned feet he bound His sandals fair ; then o'er his shoulders threw, Down reaching to his feet, a lion's skin, Tawny and vast ; then grasped his ponderous spear. On Menelaus weighed an equal dread ;

Nor on his eyes that night had slumber sat,

Lest ill befall the Greeks ; who, in his cause, Crossing the watery waste, had come to Troy, And bold defiance to the Trojans given.

338

Round his broad chest a panther's skin he threw ; 35

Then on his head his brazen helmet placed , And in his brawny hand a lance he bore. To meet his brother went he forth, of Greece The mighty monarch, as a God revered. Him by the ship he found, in act to arm ; VOL. I.

306

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book X.

And welcome was his presence to the King. Then valiant Meneläus first began : (6 Why thus in arms, good brother ? seek'st thou one The Trojan camp to spy ? I greatly fear That none will undertake the task, alone

To spy the movements of the hostile camp In the dark night ; stout-hearted he must be." To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus : "Great need, my noble brother, have we both

Of sagest counsels, if we hope the Greeks And Grecian ships from ruin to preserve,

Since turned against us is the mind of Jove. To Hector's offerings most his soul inclines ; For never have I seen, or heard men tell, How in one day one man has wrought such loss As Hector, dear to Jove, yet not the son

Of God or Goddess, on the Greeks has wrought. Such deeds hath he achieved, such havoc made, As we shall long in bitter memory keep. Haste thou amid the ships, and hither bring Idomeneus and Ajax ; I the while Will Nestor rouse, and urge that he with us

Book X.

307

HOMER'S ILIAD .

The outposts visit, and instruct the guard . To him they best will listen ; for his son Commands the watch ; with him Meriones, 65

The follower of the King Idomeneus :

To them by preference hath this charge been given." He said ; and Meneläus answered thus :

"What wouldst thou have me do then ? here remain With them, and wait thy coming, or to them 70

Thy message give, and follow in thy steps ? " Him answered Agamemnon, King of men : "Remain thou here, lest haply we might fail To meet ; for in the camp are many paths. But thou, where'er thou go'st, each several man

Address, and ask to rise ; to each his name

And patronymic giving ; pay to each All due respect ; nor bear thee haughtily ; We like the rest must share the load of toil , Which Jove assigns to all of mortal birth. His brother thus with counsels wise dismissed, The King to aged Nestor took his way : Him by his tent and dark-ribbed ship he found On a soft couch ; beside him lay his arms, x 2

308

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK X.

His shield, two lances, and a glittering helm : There lay the rich-wrought belt the old man wore,

When to the battle, armed, he led his troops ; For nought to age's weakness would he yield. Raising his head, and on his elbow propped, He questioned thus Atrides : " Who art thou, That wanderest through the encampment thus alone,

In the dark night, when other mortals sleep ? Seek'st thou some mule broke loose, or comrade lost ? Speak, nor in silence come ; what wouldst thou here ? "

To whom thus Agamemnon , King of men : " O Nestor ! son of Neleus, pride of Greece,

Know me for Agamemnon, Atreus' son, On whom hath Jove, beyond the lot of men, Laid grief that ne'er shall end, while I retain Breath in my lungs, and vigour in my limbs. I wander thus, because these eyes of mine

100

Sweet slumber visits not, by cares of war

Oppressed, and harassed by the woes of Greece. Much for the Greeks I fear ; nor keeps my mind . Its wonted firmness ; I am ill at ease ; And leaps my troubled heart as though 'twould burst

105

Book X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

309

My bosom's bounds ; my limbs beneath me shake. But if thou wilt, since thou too know'st not sleep, Together to the outposts let us go, And see if there, by toil and sleep o'erpowered ,

The guard repose, neglectful of their watch.

110

The foe is close at hand ; nor are we sure He may not hazard e'en a night attack." To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : "Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, Not all the hopes that Hector entertains

115

Shall by the Lord of counsel be fulfilled ; For him are toil and danger yet in store, If but Achilles of his wrath repent. Gladly will I attend thee ; others too, Tydides, spearman bold, Ulysses sage,

120

Ajax the swift, and Phyleus' noble son, Should all be summoned ; and 'twere well that one

Across the camp should run, to call in haste

The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneuss ; Theirs are the farthest ships, nor near at hand.

But, dear to me as Meneläus is, And highly honoured, I must blame, that thus

125

310

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book X.

(Though thou shouldst take offence, I needs must say) He sleeps, and leaves the toil to thee alone. With all the chiefs he should be busied now,

130

Imploring aid, in this our utmost need."

To whom thus Agamemnon , King of men : " For other times, old man, reserve thy blame ; Sometimes, I own, he lags behind, nor takes His share of labour ; not from indolence,

135

Or want of sense ; but still regarding me ; Waiting from me an impulse to receive. But now, before me was he up, and came To visit me ; and I have sent him on To call those very men whom thou hast named.

140

Come then ; for we, beside the gates, and guard Shall find them ; there my orders were to meet." To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied ; " Then none can blame him ; nor can any Greek Justly refuse his summons to obey." He said, and round his body wrapped his vest ; Then on his feet his sandals fair he bound, And o'er his shoulders clasped a purple cloak, Doubled, with ample folds, and downy pile ;

145

Book X.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

311

Then took his spear, with point of sharpened brass, 150 And through the camp prepared to take his way. Gerenian Nestor from his slumbers first Ulysses, sage as Jove in council, roused, Loud shouting ; soon the voice his senses reached ; Forth from his tent he came, and thus he spoke :

155

" What cause so urgent leads you, through the camp, In the dark night to wander thus alone ? "

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : " Ulysses sage, Laertes' godlike son, Be not offended ; such the stress that now

160

Weighs down our army ; come thou then with us, And others let us call ; with whom 'tis meet

That we should counsel take, to fight or fly." He said ; Ulysses to the tent returned ; Then, his broad shield across his shoulders thrown,

165

Came forth again, and with them took his way. To Diomed, the son of Tydeus, next They went ; and him they found beside his arms, Without his tent ; his comrades slept around, Their heads upon their bucklers laid ; their spears Stood upright, on the butts ; the burnished brass

170

312

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book X.

Like Heaven's own lightning, flashing far around. Stretched on a wild bull's hide the chief reposed, A gay-wrought carpet rolled beneath his head. Gerenian Nestor close behind him stood,

175

And touched him with his foot, and thus in tone Reproachful spoke : " Arouse thee, Tydeus' son ! Why sleep'st thou thus all night ? or know'st thou not That on the very margin of the plain,

And close beside the ships the Trojans lie,

180

And little space between the camps is left ? " Quick roused from sleep, thus answered Diomed : " Beshrew thy heart, old man ! no labour seems For thee too hard ; are there not younger men

185

To run about the camp, and summon all

"" The several chiefs ? thou dost too much, old man. To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : 66 True, friend, and full of wisdom are thy words ; Good sons indeed I have, and followers brave And many, who might well my message bear ; But great is now the stress that lies on Greece ; For on a razor's edge is balanced now, To all the Greeks, the chance of life or death.

190

BOOK X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

313

Do thou then go (for thou my younger art), And if thou pity me, thyself arouse

195

Ajax the swift, and Phyleus' noble son." He said ; the warrior round his shoulders threw, Down reaching to his feet, a lion's hide,

Tawny and dark ; and took his ponderous spear. He went, aroused, and with him brought the chiefs.

200

When to the guard they came, not sunk in sleep Found they the leaders ; but on wakeful watch Intent, and all alert beside their arms. As round a sheepfold keep their anxious watch The dogs, who in the neighbouring thicket hear

205

Some beast, that, bold in search of prey, has come Down from the mountain ; loud the clamours rise Of men and dogs ; all sleep is banished thence ; So from their eyes was banished sleep , who watched Through that disastrous night ; still plainward turning 210 At every movement in the Trojan camp. The old man saw, well-pleased ; and thus addressed With cheering words the captains of the guard : " Watch ever thus, good youths ; nor be surprised By slumber, lest the foe a triumph gain.”

215

314

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book X.

This said, he crossed the ditch, and with him went The Grecian leaders, to the council called :

With them, admitted to the conference, went Meriones, and Nestor's noble son. The deep-dug ditch they crossed, and sat them down

220

Upon an open space, from corpses clear ; Where Hector from the slaughter of the Greeks Turned back, when Evening spread her veil around : There sat they down, and there the conference held . Gerenian Nestor first took up the word :

225

66 " O friends ! is any here with heart so bold Who dares, self-confident, the Trojan camp To enter ? there some straggler he might take, Or in the camp itself some tidings gain, What are their secret counsels ; if they mean

230

Here by the ships to hold their ground, or back, Sated with victory, to the town retire. This could he learn, and hither scatheless bring His tidings, high as Heaven in all men's mouths Would be his praise, and ample his reward. For every captain of a ship should give A coal-black ewe, and at her foot a lamb,

235

Book X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

315

A prize beyond compare ; and high should be His place at banquets and at solemn feasts." He said ; but all the chiefs in silence heard ;

240

Then rose the valiant Diomed, and said : "Nestor, that heart is mine ; I dare alone Enter the hostile camp, so close at hand ; Yet were one comrade given me, I should go With more of comfort, more of confidence.

245

Where two combine, one before other sees The better course ; and e'en though one alone The readiest way discover, yet would be

His judgment slower, his decision less." He said, and many chiefs to Diomed

250

Proffered companionship ; stood forth at once, With him to penetrate the Trojan camp, The two Ajaces, ministers of Mars ;

Stood forth Meriones, and eagerly Stood forth the son of Nestor ; Atreus' son, The royal Menelaus, spearman bold ,

And stout Ulysses, whose enduring heart For every deed of valour was prepared. Rose Agamemnon, King of men, and said :

255

316

ILIAD .

Book X.

" Tydides, comrade dearest to my soul,

260

HOMER'S

Choose thou thine own companion, whom thou wilt ; Of all the many here that proffer aid Him whom thou deem'st the best ; nor from respect To persons leave the better man behind, And take the worse ; nor deference show to rank,

265

Not though the purest royal blood were his."

In fear for Meneläus thus he spoke : Then answered valiant Diomed, and said ; "If my companion I may freely choose, How can I pass the sage Ulysses by?

270

Of ready wit, and dauntless courage, proved In every danger ; and to Pallas dear.

I should not fear, by him accompanied , To pass through fire, and safely both return ; So far in prudence he surpasses all."

275

Whom answered thus Ulysses, stout of heart : " Tydides, nor exaggerated praise

Bestow on me, nor censure ; for thou speak'st To those who know me all for what I am. But go we ; night wanes fast, the morn is near : The stars are high in Heaven ; and of the night

280

Book X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

317

Two thirds are spent, one third alone remains."

He said ; and both prepared to don their arms . The youthful warrior Thrasymedes gave

285

To Diomed a two-edged sword (his own Had in the ship been left) and ample shield ; Then on his brows a leathern headpiece placed, Without or peak or plume ; a simple casque, Such as is worn by youths to guard their head.

290

A bow, and well-filled quiver, and a sword, Meriones to sage Ulysses gave ; And on his brows a leathern headpiece placed, Well wrought within, with numerous straps secured, And on the outside, with wild boars' gleaming tusks Profusely garnished, scattered here and there

295

By skilful hand ; the midst with felt was lined :

This from Amyntor, son of Ormenus, Autolycus from Eleon bore away, Spoil of his pillaged house ; Autolycus Gave to Amphidamas, Cytheran chief, Who in Scandea dwelt ; Amphidamas To Molus, pledge of friendship ; he again Gave to his son, Meriones, from whom

300

318

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book X.

It now encircled sage Ulysses' brow. Thus with accoutrements and arms supplied,

305

They left their brother chiefs, and took their way. Then close beside their path, by Pallas sent, Rose, on the right, a heron ; through the gloom They saw it not indeed, but heard the cry. The favouring sign with joy Ulysses hailed,

310

And thus to Pallas prayed : " Hear me, thou child

Of ægis-bearing Jove, who still hast stood In every peril at my side, whose eye My every movement sees ; now, Goddess, now Befriend me ; grant that safe, with triumph crowned,

315

We may return, some great exploit achieved, Such as the Trojans long may bear in mind." Him following, thus the brave Tydides prayed : " My voice too, child of Jove, undaunted, hear ; And be with me, as with my father erst,

320

The godlike Tydeus, when to Thebes he went,

An envoy, in advance ; and left behind, Upon Asopus' banks the mail-clad Greeks. Smooth was the message which to Thebes he bore ;

But great, his mission ended, were the deeds

325

Book X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

319

That with thine aid he wrought ; for, Goddess, thou Wast with him, and thine arm was his defence : So be thou now with me, and me defend . Then on thine altar will I sacrifice A yearling heifer, broad of brow, untamed,

330

Whereon no yoke hath mortal ever laid : Her will I give, and tip her horns with gold." Thus as they prayed, their prayer the Goddess heard ; Then, their devotions ended, on they fared Through the deep dead of night, like lions twain,

335

'Mid slaughter, corpses, arms, and blackened gore. Nor, in the Trojan camp, did Hector leave The chiefs to rest ; but all to conference called , The leaders and the councillors of Troy ; To whom his prudent speech he thus addressed :

340

"Who is there here, that for a rich reward A noble work will undertake ?

A car

And two strong-collared horses, best of all That can be found within the Grecian lines, Shall he receive, who, to his endless praise, Shall dare approach the ships ; and learn if still They keep their wonted watch, or, by our arms

345

320

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK X.

Subdued and vanquished, meditate retreat, And, worn with toil, the nightly watch neglect." Thus Hector spoke ; but all in silence heard.

350

There was one Dolon in the Trojan camp, The herald's son, Eumedes ; rich in gold And brass ; not fair of face, but swift of foot ; Amid five sisters he the only son ;

Who thus to Hector and the Trojans spoke :

355

" Hector, with dauntless courage I will dare Approach the ships, and bring thee tidings sure ; But hold thou forth thy royal staff, and swear That I the horses and the brass-bound car Shall have, the boast of Peleus' matchless son :

360

Not vain shall be mine errand, nor deceive Thy hopes ; right through the camp I mean to pass To Agamemnon's tent, where all the chiefs

Debate in council, or to fight or fly." He said ; and Hector took his royal staff, And swore to him: " Be witness Jove himself, The Lord of thunder, that no Trojan man, Thyself except, shall e'er those horses drive ; For thee they are reserved, a glorious prize."

365

Book X.

HOMER'S

321

ILIAD .

Thus Hector swore ; though unfulfilled the oath,

370

The hope to Dolon fresh assurance gave. Forthwith, his bow across his shoulders slung, A grisly wolf

oer it, on his head

A cap of marten's fur, and in his hand 375

A javelin, from the camp he took his way, Straight to the Grecian ships ; but never thence Destined to bring the expected tidings back. The crowd of men and horses left behind,

Briskly he moved along ; Ulysses first

380

Marked his approach, and to Tydides said : 66

See, from the camp where some one this way comes, With what intent I know not ; if to play The spy about the ships, or rob the dead. Turn we aside, and let him pass us by

385

A little way ; we then with sudden rush May seize him ; or if he outstrip us both By speed of foot, may urge him toward the ships, Driving him still before us with our spears,

And from the city cutting off his flight." 390

Thus saying, ' mid the dead, beside the road They crouched ; he, all unconscious, hastened by.

VOL. I.

322

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book X.

But when such space was interposed as leave Between the sluggish oxen and themselves * A team of mules (so much the faster they Through the stiff fallow drag the jointed plough),

395

They rushed upon him ; at the sound he stopped, Deeming that from the Trojan camp they came, By Hector sent, to order his return. Within a spear's length when they came, or less, For foes he knew them, and to flight addressed

400

His active limbs ; they rushed in hot pursuit. And as two hounds, well practised in the chase, With glistening fangs, unflagging, strain to catch, In woodland glade, some pricket deer, or hare, That flies before them, screaming ; so those two,

405

Tydides and Ulysses, stout of heart,

With fiery zeal, unflagging, strained to catch The flying Dolon, from the camp cut off ; But when the fugitive approached the ships, Close by the guard, fresh vigour Pallas gave

410

* This comparison does not afford a very accurate criterion of the " space interposed ;" which cannot be estimated without knowing the total distance within which the faster was to outstrip the slower team.

Book X.

HOMER'S

323

ILIAD .

To Diomed, lest haply from the walls Some other might anticipate his blow, And he himself but second honours gain. Tydides then with threatening gesture cried,

Stop, or I hurl my spear ; and small thy chance,

415

If I assail thee, of escape from death."

He said, and threw his spear ; but by design It struck him not ; above his shoulder flew The polished lance, and quivered in the ground.

420

Sudden he stopped, with panic paralysed : His teeth all chattering, pale with fear he stood, With faltering accents ; panting, they came up And seized him in their grasp ; he thus, in tears : " Spare but my life ; my life I can redeem ;

425

For ample stores I have of gold, and brass, And well-wrought iron ; and of these my sire Would pay a generous ransom, could he learn That in the Grecian ships I yet survived ." To whom Ulysses, deep-designing, thus : " Be of good cheer ; nor let the fear of death Disturb thy mind ; but tell me truly this ; How is ' t that toward the ships thou com'st alone, y 2

430

324

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK X.

In the still night, when other mortals sleep ? Com'st thou perchance for plunder of the dead ? 435 Or seek'st upon our ships to play the spy,

By Hector sent ? or of thine own accord ? " Then Dolon thus -his knees with terror shook— " With much persuasion, of my better mind Hector beguiled me, offering as my prize

Achilles' horses and his brass-bound car ;

440

Through the dark night he sent me, and enjoined,

Entering your hostile camp , to learn if still Ye keep your wonted watch, or by our arms Subdued and vanquished, meditate retreat, And worn with toil, your nightly watch neglect ."

445

To whom Ulysses thus with scornful smile : (C High soared thy hopes indeed, that thought to win The horses of Achilles ; hard are they

For mortal man to harness or control, Save for Achilles ' self, the Goddess-born.

450

But tell me truly this ; when here thou cam'st, Where left'st thou Hector, guardian chief of Troy ? Where are his warlike arms ? his horses where ? Where lie the rest ? and where are placed their guards ?

BOOK X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

What are their secret counsels ? do they mean

325

455

Here by the ships to keep their ground, or back, Sated with victory, to the town return ? "

Whom Dolon answered thus, Eumedes' son : " Thy questions all true answers shall receive ; Hector, with those who share his counsels, sits

460

In conference, far apart, near Ilus' tomb : But for the guards thou speak'st of, noble chief,

Not one is stationed to protect the camp . Around the Trojan fires indeed, perforce, A watch is kept ; and they, among themselves,

465

Due caution exercise : but, for the Allies, They sleep, and to the Trojans leave the watch,

"" Since nor their children nor their wives are near.' To whom in answer sage Ulysses thus :

Say now, where sleep they ? with the Trojans mixed, 470

Or separate ? explain, that I may know." Whom answered Dolon thus, Eumedes' son :

" To this too will I give ye answer true ; Next to the sea the Carian forces lie ;

The Pæon archers and the Leleges, The Caucons, and the bold Pelasgians next ;

475

326

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book X.

On Thymbra's side the Lycians' lot has fallen, The Mysians brave, the Phrygian cavalry, And the Mæonians with their horsehair plumes. But why of these enquire ? if ye intend

480

An inroad on the camp, apart from all, New come, the farthest off, the Thracians lie : Rhesus their King, the son of Eioneus, Sleeps in the midst ; no steeds that e'er I saw For size and beauty can with his compare :

485

Whiter than snow, and swifter than the wind. With gold and silver is his chariot wrought, His armour golden, of gigantic size, A marvel to behold ! it seems not meet For mortal man, but for the immortal Gods.

490

But take me now in safety to the ships ; Or leave me here in fetters bound, that so, Ere ye return, ye may approve my words,

And see if I have told you true, or no." To whom thus Diomed with stern regard : " Dolon, though good thy tidings, hope not thou, Once in our hands, to ' scape the doom of death ; For if we now should let thee go, again

495

BOOK X.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

327

In after times thou mightst our ships approach,

As secret spy, or open enemy :

500

But if beneath my hands thou lose thy life, No farther trouble shalt thou cause the Greeks." He said ; and as the suppliant sought in vain To touch his beard, imploring, through his throat, Both tendons severing, drove his trenchant blade :

505

Even while he spoke, his head was rolled in dust. The cap of marten fur from off his head They took, the wolf-skin, and the bow unstrung, And javelin ; these Ulysses held aloft,

And thus to Pallas prayed, who gave the spoil :

510

66 Receive, great Goddess, these our gifts ; to thee,

Of all the Immortals on Olympus' height, Our offerings first we give ; conduct us now, The Thracian camp and Thracian steeds to gain." Thus as he spoke, amid the tamarisk scrub

515

Far off he threw the trophies ; then with reeds, And twigs new broken from the tamarisk boughs,

He set a mark, lest in the gloom of night Returning, they might haply miss the spot.

Then on they passed through arms and blackened gore, 520

328

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK X.

And reached the confines of the Thracian camp. There found they all by sleep subdued ; their arms Beside them on the ground, in order due, In triple rows ; and by the side of each, Harnessed and yoked, his horses ready stood .

525

Surrounded by his warriors, Rhesus slept ; Beside him stood his coursers fleet, their reins Suspended to the chariot's topmost rail : Ulysses marked him as he lay, and said, " This is the man, Tydides, these the steeds,

530

To us by Dolon, whom we slew, described. Now then, put forth thy might ; beseems it not To stand thus idly with thine arms in hand : Loose thou the horses ; or do thou the men Despatch, and to my care the horses leave."

535

He said : and Pallas vigour new inspired, That right and left he smote ; dire were the groans Of slaughtered men ; the earth was red with blood ; And as a lion on the untended flock

Of sheep or goats with savage onslaught springs, Even so Tydides on the Thracians sprang, Till twelve were slain ; and as Tydides' sword

540

Book X.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

329

Gave each to death, Ulysses by the feet Drew each aside ; reflecting, that perchance The horses, startled, might refuse to pass

545

The corpses ; for as yet they knew them not. But when Tydides saw the sleeping King, A thirteenth victim to his sword was given, Painfully breathing ; for by Pallas' art, He saw that night, as in an evil dream,

550

The son of Eneus standing o'er his head. Meanwhile Ulysses sage the horses loosed ;

He gathered up the reins, and with his bow (For whip was none at hand) he drove them forth ; Then softly whistling to Tydides gave

555

A signal ; he, the while, remained behind, Musing what bolder deed he yet might do ; Whether the seat, whereon the arms were laid, To draw away, or, lifted high in air, To bear it off in triumph on the car ; Or on the Thracians farther loss inflict ; But while he mused, beside him Pallas stood, And said, " Bethink thee, Tydeus' son, betimes Of thy return, lest, if some other God

560

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Should wake the Trojans, thou shouldst need to fly.” 565 She said ; the heavenly voice he recognized, And mounted straight the car ; Ulysses touched The horses with his bow ; and, urged to speed , They toward the ships their rapid course pursued. Nor idle watch Apollo kept, who saw

570

Tydides o'er the plain by Pallas led ;

With anger filled, the Trojan camp he sought ; And Rhesus' kinsman, good Hippocöon , The Thracian councillor, from sleep aroused ; Awaking, when the vacant space he viewed,

575

Where late had stood the horses ; and his friends Gasping in death, and weltering in their blood, He groaned as on his comrade's name he called ; Then loud the clamour rose, and wild uproar, Unspeakable, of Trojans thronging round ;

580

They marvelled at the deeds ; but marvelled more How they who wrought them had escaped unscathed. Meantime arrived where Hector's scout they slew, Ulysses, loved of Heaven, a moment checked

His eager steeds ; Tydides from the car Leaped to the ground, and in Ulysses' hand

585

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The bloody trophies placed ; then mounted quick, And toward the ships, their destined goal, urged on

•

The fiery horses ; nothing loth, they flew. Nestor first heard the sound, and cried, " O friends, 590 The leaders and the councillors of Greece, Am I deceived, or is it true ? methinks The sound of horses, hurrying, strikes mine ear ; Grant Heaven, Ulysses and brave Diomed May bring those horses from the Trojan camp ;

595

Yet much I fear our bravest may have met With some disaster 'mid the crowd of foes." He scarce had ended, when themselves appeared, And from the car descended : welcomed back With cordial grasp of hands, and friendly words.

600

Gerenian Nestor first, enquiring, said : " Tell me, renowned Ulysses, pride of Greece, Whence come these horses ? from the Trojan camp ? Or hath some God, that met you by the way, Bestowed them, radiant as the beams of light ? Among the Trojans day by day I move ; 'Tis not my wont, old warrior though I be, To lag behind ; but horses such as these

605

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I never saw ; some God hath given them, sure ; For Jove, the Cloud-compeller, loves you both,

610

And Pallas, child of ægis-bearing Jove." To whom again the sage Ulysses thus : " O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece, Had they so willed, the Gods, so great their power, E'en better horses could have given than these ;

615

But these, old man, are Thracians, newly come ; Whose King the valiant Diomed hath slain, And with him twelve, the best of all his band. A scout too have we slain, by Hector sent, And by the Trojan chiefs, to spy our camp."

620

He said, and o'er the ditch the horses drove, Exulting in their prize ; and with him went The other chiefs, rejoicing, through the camp.

Arrived at Diomed's well-ordered tent, First with strong halters to the rack, where stood,

625

High-fed with corn, his own swift-footed steeds, The horses they secured ; Ulysses then The bloody spoils of Dolon stowed away In the ship's stern, till fitting sacrifice To Pallas might be offered ; to the sea

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333

Descending then, they washed away the sweat, Which on their necks, and thighs, and knees had dried ; The sweat washed off, and in the ocean waves Themselves refreshed, they sought the polished bath ; Then, by the bath restored, and all their limbs

635

Anointed freely with the lissom oil, Sat down to breakfast ; and from flowing bowls In Pallas' honour poured the luscious wine.

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Now rose Aurora from Tith.onus' bed,

To mortals and Immortals bringing light;

When to the ships of Greece came Discord down, Despat.ched from Jove, with dire portents of war. Upon Ulysses' lofty ship she stood,

The midmost, thence to shout to either side, Or to the tents of Ajax Telamon, Or of Achilles, who at each extreme, Confiding in their strength, had moored their ships. There stood the Goddess, and in accents loud

. .And dread she called, and fixed in every breast The fierce resolve to wage unwearied war; .And dearer to their hearts than thoughts of home

•

Or wished return, became the battle-field. Atrides, loudly shouting, called the Greeks To arms : himself his flashing armour donned. First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fixed,

BOOK XI.

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335

Fastened with silver clasps ; his ample chest A breastplate guarded, given by Cinyras

In pledge of friendship ; for in Cyprus' isle

He heard the rumour of the glorious fleet About to sail for Troy ; and sought with gifts To win the favour of the mighty King. Ten bands were there inwrought of dusky bronze, Twelve of pure gold, twice ten of shining tin :

Of bronze six dragons upwards towards the neck Their length extended, three on either side : In colour like the bow, which Saturn's son

Placed in the clouds, a sign to mortal men : Then o'er his shoulder threw his sword ; bright flashed

The golden studs ; the silver scabbard shone, With golden baldrick fitted ; next his shield

He took, full-sized, well-wrought, well-proved in fight ; Around it ran ten circling rims of brass ; With twenty bosses round of burnished tin, And, in the centre, one of dusky bronze.

A Gorgon's head, with aspect terrible, Was wrought, with Fear and Flight encircled round : Depending from a silver belt it hung ;

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And on the belt a dragon, wrought in bronze,

Twined his lithe folds, and turned on every side, Sprung from a single neck, his triple head. Then on his brow his lofty helm he placed, Four-crested, double-peaked, with horsehair plumes, That nodded, fearful, from the warrior's head.

Then took two weighty lances, tipped with brass, Which fiercely flashed against the face of Heaven : Pallas and Juno thundering from on high In honour of Mycenae's wealthy lord.

Forthwith they ordered, each his charioteer, To stay his car beside the ditch ; themselves, On foot, in arms accoutred, sallied forth, And loud, ere early dawn, the clamour rose.

Followed the cars, a little space between :

385

Advanced before the cars, they lined the ditch ; 55

But Jove with dire confusion filled their ranks, Who sent from Heaven a shower of blood-stained rain, In sign of many a warrior's coming doom, Soon to the viewless shades untimely sent. Meanwhile upon the slope, beneath the plain, The Trojan chiefs were gathered ; Hector's self,

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--------------------------

Polydamas, lEneas, as a God In reverence held; Antenor's three brave sons, Agenor's godlike presence, Polybus, 65

And, heavenly fair, the youthful Acamas. In front was seen the broad circumference Of Hector's shield; and as amid the clouds Shines forth the fiery dog-star, bright and· clear, Anon beneath the cloudy veil concealed ; So now in front was Hector seen, and now

Passed to the rear, exhorting; all in brass, His burnished arms like Jove's own lightning flashed. As in the corn-land of some wealthy Lord The rival bands of reapers mow the swathe, 75

Barley or wheat; and fast the trusses fall ; So Greeks and Trojans mowed the opposing ranks ; Nor these admitted thought of faint retreat, But still made even head; while those, like wolves, Rushed to the onset; Discord, Goddess dire, Beheld, r�joicing ; of the heaven!y powers

She only mingled with the combatants; The others all were absent; they, serene, Reposed in gorgeous palaces, for each VOL. I.

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Amid Olympus' deep recesses built. Yet all the cloud-girt son of Saturn blamed,

Who willed the victory to the arms of Troy. He heeded not their anger ; but withdrawn Apart from all, in pride of conscious strength, Surveyed the walls of Troy, the ships of Greece, The flash of arms, the slayers and the slain.

While yet 'twas morn, and waxed the youthful day, Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell On either side ; but when the hour was come When woodmen, in the forest's deep recess, Prepare their food, and wearied with the toil

Of felling loftiest trees, with aching arms Turn with keen relish to their midday meal ; Then Grecian valour broke the opposing ranks, As each along the line encouraged each ; First sprang the monarch Agamemnon forth,

100

And brave Bienor slew, his people's guard ; And, with the chief, his friend and charioteer, Oileus ; he, down-leaping from the car, Stood forth defiant ; but between his brows The monarch's spear was thrust ; nor aught availed

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The brass-bound helm to stay the weapon's point ; Through helm and bone it passed, and all the brain Was shattered ; forward as he rushed, he fell. Them left he there, their bare breasts gleaming white, Stripped of their arms ; and hastened

pursuit

110

Of Antiphus and Isus, Priam's sons,

A bastard one, and one legitimate, Both on one car ; the bastard held the reins : Beside him stood the gallant Antiphus. Them, as they fed their flocks on Ida's heights,

115

Achilles once had captive made, and bound

With willow saplings, till for ransom freed. The mighty monarch, Agamemnon, drove Through Isus' breast his spear ; his weighty sword 120

Descended on the head of Antiphus Beside the ear, and hurled him from his car ;

These of their armour he despoiled in haste, Known to him both ; for he had seen them oft Beside the ships, when thither captive brought 125

From Ida by Achilles, swift of foot. As when a lion in their lair hath seized The helpless offspring of a mountain doe, z 2

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And breaks their bones with ease, and with strong teeth Crushes their tender life ; nor can their dam, Though close at hand she be, avail them aught ;

130

For she herself by deadly terror seized, Through the thick coppice and the forest flies, Panting, and bathed in sweat, the monster's rush ; So dar'd no Trojan give those brethren aid, Themselves in terror of the warlike Greeks.

135

Peisander next, and bold Hippolochus, Sons of Antimachus ('twas he who chief,

Seduced by Paris' gold and splendid gifts, Advised the restitution to refuse Of Helen to her Lord), the King assailed ;

140

Both on one car ; but from their hands had dropped The broidered reins ; bewildered there they stood ;

While, with a lion's bound, upon them sprang The son of Atreus ; suppliant, in the car, They clasped his knees ; " Give quarter, Atreus' son,

Redeem our lives ; our sire Antimachus Possesses goodly store of brass and gold, And well-wrought iron ; and of these he fain Would pay a noble ransom, could he hear

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That in the Grecian ships we yet survived."

341

150

Thus they, with gentle words, and tears, imploring ;

. But all ungentle was the voice they heard

In answer ; "If indeed ye be the sons Of that Antimachus, who counsel gave, When noble Meneläus came to Troy

155

With sage Ulysses, as ambassadors, To slay them both, nor suffer their return, "" Pay now the forfeit of your father's guilt.' He said, and with a spear-thrust through his breast Peisander dashed to earth ; backward he fell.

160

Down leaped Hippolochus ; but Atreus' son Severing his hands and neck, amid the throng Sent whirling like a bowl the gory head.

These left he there ; and where the thickest throng Maintained the tug of war, thither he flew,

165

And with him eager hosts of well-greaved Greeks. Soon on the Trojans' flight enforced they hung, Destroying ; foot on foot, and horse on horse ; While from the plain thick clouds of dust arose Beneath the armèd hoofs of clattering steeds ;

And on the monarch Agamemnon pressed ,

170

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Still slaying, urging still the Greeks to arms. As when amid a densely timbered wood Light the devouring flames, by eddying winds Hither and thither borne, fast falls the copse

175

Prostrate beneath the fire's impetuous course ; So thickly fell the flying Trojans' heads Beneath the might of Agamemnon's arm ; And here and there, athwart the pass of war, Was many an empty car at random whirled

180

By strong-necked steeds, of guiding hands bereft ; Stretched on the plain they lay, more welcome sight To carrion birds than to their widowed wives . But Hector, from the fray and. din of war, And dust, and blood, and carnage, Jove withdrew.

185

Still on Atrides pressed, the Greek pursuit With eager shouts exciting ; past the tomb Of Ilus, ancient son of Dardanus,

And toward the fig-tree, midway o'er the plain, Straining to gain the town, the Trojans fled ; While loudly shouting, his unconquered hands With carnage dyed, Atrides urged their flight. But when the Scæan gates and oak were reached,

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They made a stand, and faced the foe's assault. Some o'er the open plain were yet dispersed ;

195

As heifers, by a lion scattered wide, At dead of night ; all fly ; on one descends The doom of death ; her with his powerful teeth He seizes, and, her neck first broken, rends, And on her entrails gorging, laps her blood.

200

So these the monarch Agamemnon chased, Slaying the hindmost ; they in terror fled : Some headlong, backward some, Atrides' hand Hurled from their chariot many a warrior bold ; So forward and so fierce he bore his spear.

205

But as he neared the city, and stood beneath The lofty wall, the Sire of Gods and men

From Heaven descended ; on the topmost height Of Ida's spring-abounding hill he sat ;

And while his hand the lightning grasped, he thus 210 To golden-wingèd Iris gave command : " Haste thee, swift Iris, and to Hector bear From me this message ; bid him, that as long As Agamemnon in the van appears, Raging, and dealing death among the ranks,

215

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He from the battle keep himself aloof,

But urge the rest undaunted to maintain The stubborn fight ; but should Atrides , struck By spear or arrow, to his car withdraw, He shall from me receive such power to slay,

220

As to the ships shall bear him, ere the sun Decline, and Darkness spread her hallowing shade.” Thus he ; to Troy, obedient to his word, From Ida's heights swift-footed Iris sped : Amid the horses and the well-framed cars

225

The godlike Hector, Priam's son, she found , And stood beside him, and addressed him thus : 66'Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove

In council , he the Universal Lord Sends thee by me this message ; that as long

230

As Agamemnon in the van appears,

Raging, and dealing death amid the ranks , Thou from the battle keep thyself aloof,

But urge the rest undaunted to maintain The stubborn fight ; but should Atrides, struck

By spear or arrow, to his car withdraw, Thou shalt from him receive such power to slay

235

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-------------------·- . ·- · ·

As to the ships shall bear thee, ere the sun Decline, and Darkness spread her hallowing shade." 240

Swiftrfooted Iris said, and disappeared ; But from his chariot Hector leaped to earth, Hither and thither passing through the ranks, With brandished javelins urging to the fight. Loud, at his bidding, rose the battle-cry;

Back rolled the tide ; again they faced the Greeks : 245 On the other side the Greeks their masses formed,

In line of battle ranged; opposed they stood ; And in the front, to none content to cede The foremost place, was Agamemnon seen. Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell,

250

Of all the Trojans and their famed Allies, Who first opposed to Agamemnon stood. Iphidamas, A.ntenor's· gallant son, Stalwart and brave; in fertile Thracia bred, Mother of flocks ; him, in his infant years,

255

His grandsire Cisseus, fair Theano's sire,

In his own palace reared ; and when he reached The perfect measure of his glorious youth, Still in his house retained him, and to wife

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Gave him his daughter ; but when tidings came

260

Of Grecian warfare, from the marriage straight Embarking, with twelve beaked ships he sailed, That owned his sway ; these on Percote's shore He left ; and came himself on foot to Troy ; Who now confronted Atreus' godlike son.

265

When near they drew, Atrides missed his aim, His spear diverging ; then Iphidamas Beneath the breastplate, striking on his belt, Strove with strong hand to drive the weapon home ; Yet could not pierce the belt's close-plaited work ;

270

The point, encountered by the silver fold, Was bent, like lead ; then with his powerful hand

The monarch Agamemnon seized the spear, And toward him drew, and with a lion's strength Wrenched from his foeman's grasp ; then on his neck

275

Let fall his sword, and slacked his limbs in death. There, falling in his country's cause, he slept The iron sleep of death ; unhappy he,

Far from his virgin-bride, yet unpossessed, Though bought with costly presents ; first he gave A hundred steers ; and promised thousands more

280

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Of sheep and goat.a from out his countless flocks. Him Agamemnon . of his arms despoiled, And to the crowd of Greeks the trophies bore. But when Antenor'.s eldest-born beheld,

285

Coo'tl., the observed of all men, bitterest grief His eyes o'ershadowed, for his brother's fate; And, unperceiv£d by Atreus' godlike son, Standing aside, he struck him with his spear, Through the mid arm, beneath the elbow's bend;

290

And drove right through the weapon's glittering point. Writhed with the pain the mighty King of men; Yet from the combat flinched he not, nor quailed : But grasping firm his weather-toughened spear On Coon rushed, as by the feet he drew

295

His father's son, Iphidamas, away,

Invoking all the bravest to his aid; And as he drew the body toward the crowd, Beneath the bossy shield the monarch thrust His brass-clad spear, and slacked his limbs in death;

300

Then near approaching, even upon the corpse Of dead Iphidamas, struck off his. head : So by Atrides' hand, Antenor's sons,

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Their doom accomplished, to the shades were sent. Then through the crowded ranks, with spear and sword, 305 And massive stones, he held his furious course,

While the hot blood was welling from his arm ; But when the wound was dry, and stanched the blood, Keen anguish then Atrides' might subdued . As when a woman in her labour-throes

310

Sharp pangs encompass, by Lucina sent, Who rules o'er child-birth travail, even so keen

The pangs that then Atrides' might subdued. Mounting his car he bade his charioteer Drive to the ships ; for sore his spirit was pained ;

315

But loud and clear he shouted to the Greeks : " O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, Yours be it now our sea-borne ships to guard : Since Jove, the Lord of counsel, through the day Wills not that I the battle should maintain." He said

320

and swiftly to the ships were driven

His sleek-skinned coursers ; nothing loth they flew ; With foam their chests were flecked, with dust their flanks, As from the field their wounded Lord they bore : But Hector, as he saw the King retire,

325

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To Trojans and to Lycians called aloud : " Trojans and Lycians, and ye Dardans fame<l In close encounter, quit ye now like men ; Put forth your wonted valour ; from the field Their bravest has withdrawn, and Jove on me

330

Great glory hath shed ; now headlong on the Greeks Urge your swift steeds, and endless honour gain." His words fresh courage roused in every breast : And as a hunter cheers his sharp-fanged hounds On forest boar or lion; on the Greeks

33a

So cheered the valiant Trojans Priam's son, illustrious Hector, stern as blood-stained Mars. Bent on high deeds, himself in front advanced, Fell on the masses as a whirlwind falls, Lashing with furious sweep the dark-blue sea.

340

Say then, who first, who last, by Hector's hand, Whom Jove had willed to crown with honour, died. Assreus first, and then Autonous, Opites, and Opheltius, Dolops, son Of Clytus, and JEsumnus, Agelas And Orus, and the brave Hipponous; All these the chiefs of Greece ; the nameless crowd

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He scattered next ; as when the west wind drives

The clouds, and battles with the hurricane, Before the clearing blast of Notus driven ;

350

The big waves heave and roll, and high aloft The gale, careering, flings the ocean spray ; So thick and furious fell on hostile heads The might of Hector.

Now had fearful deeds

Been done, and Greeks beside their ships had fallen

355

In shameful rout, had not Ulysses thus To Diomed, the son of Tydeus, called :

66 Why, son of Tydeus, should

we thus relax

Our warlike courage ? come, stand by me now, True friend ! if Hector of the glancing helm

360

Our ships should capture, great were our disgrace." Whom answered thus the valiant Diomed : " Beside thee will I stand, and still endure ; But brief will be the term of our success, Since Jove, the Cloud-compeller, not to us, But to the Trojans, wills the victory.” He said, and from his car Thymbræus hurled, Through the left breast transfixed : Ulysses' hand His charioteer, the brave Molion, slew.

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These left they there, no more to share the fight; 3i0 Then turning, spread confusion 'mid the crowd : .As turn two boars upon the hunter's pack With desperate courage, turning so to bay, Those two, the Trojans scattering, gave the Greeks, 375

From Hector flying, time again to breathe. A car they seized which bore two valiant chiefs, Sons of Percotian l\ferops ; he, o'er all In lore prophetic skilled, would fain at home Have kept them from the life-destroying war :

380

But they, by adverse fate impelled to seek Their doom of death, his warning voice despised. These two, of strength and life at once bereft, The son of Tydeus, valiant Diomed, Stripped of their armour; while Ulysses slew Hippodamus, and bold H yperochus.

385

Thus Jove, from Ida's height beholding, held His even scale, each party slaughtering each. Then with his spear Tydides through the loins Agastrophus, the son of Preon, smote ; 390

No car had he at hand, whereto to fly: But, ill-advised, had in the attendants' charge

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His horses left far off ; while he himself Rushed ' mid the throng on foot, and met his doom. Hector's quick glance athwart the files beheld, And to the rescue, with a shout, he sprang,

395

The Trojan columns following ; not unmoved The valiant Diomed his coming saw,

And thus bespoke Ulysses at his side : " On us this plague, this mighty Hector, falls : Yet stand we firm, and boldly meet the shock.”

400

He said , and, poising, hurled his ponderous spear, And not in vain ; on Hector's head it struck His helmet's crest, but, brass encountering brass, Himself it reached not ; for the visored helm, Apollo's gift, three-plated, stayed its force.

405

Yet backward Hector sprang amid the crowd, And on his knees he dropped, his stalwart hand Propped on the ground ; while darkness veiled his eyes . But ere Tydides, following up his spear,

Attained from far the spot whereon he fell,

410

Hector revived, and mounting quick his car, Drove 'mid the crowd, and 'scaped the doom of death. Then thus, with threatening spear, Tydides cried :

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" Yet once again, vile hound, hast thou escaped ; Thy doom was nigh ; but thee thy God hath saved, 415 Phoebus, to whom, amid the clash of spears, Well mayst thou pray !

We yet shall meet again ;

When I shall end thee, if a guardian God I too may claim ; meanwhile from thee I turn, And others seek on whom my hap may light."

420

He said, and turned him of his arms to strip The son of Pæon ; but beside the stone That marked where men of old had raised a mound To Ilus, Dardan's son, the ancient chief, There crouching, Paris, fair-haired Helen's Lord,

425

Against the son of Tydeus bent his bow. He from the breast of brave Agastrophus Had stripped the corslet ; from his shoulders broad The buckler, and the helmet from his head,

430

When Paris bent his bow, and not in vain His arrow launched ; Tydides' dexter foot

Right through it pierced, and pinned it to the ground. Joyous he laughed, and from his hiding place Sprang forth, and thus in tones of triumph cried : " Thou hast it ! not in vain my shaft hath flown ! 435

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Would that, deep buried in thy flank, it touched Thy very life ! so should our Trojans lose Their panic fear, who now on thee with dread, As bleating goats upon a lion, look."

To whom, unmoved, the valiant Diomed :

440

" Poor archer, trusting to thy bow alone, . Vile slanderer and seducer ! if indeed Thou durst in arms opposed to me to stand, Nought would avail thy arrows and thy bow : And now, because thy shaft hath grazed my foot,

445

Thou mak'st thine empty boast : I heed thee not, More than a woman or a puny child : A worthless coward's weapon hath no point. "Tis different far with me ! though light it fall, My spear is sharp, and whom it strikes, it slays.

450

His widow's cheeks are marked with scars of grief, His children orphans ; rotting on the ground, Red with his blood, he lies, his funeral rites By carrion birds, and not by women paid." Thus while he spoke, Ulysses, spearman bold, Drew near, and stood before him ; he, behind, Sat down protected, and from out his foot

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The arrow drew ; whereat sharp anguish shot Through all his flesh ; and mounting on his car

460

He bade his faithful charioteer in haste Drive to the ships, for pain weighed down his soul. Alone Ulysses stood ; of all the Greeks

Not one beside him ; all were panic-struck : Then with his spirit, perturbed, he communed thus : " Me miserable ! which way shall I choose ?

465

'Twere ill indeed that I should turn to flight By hostile numbers daunted ; yet 'twere worse Here to be caught alone ; and Saturn's son With panic fear the other Greeks hath filled . But why, my soul, admit such thoughts as these ?

470

I know that cowards from the battle fly ; But he who boasts a warrior's name, must learn, Wounded or wounding, firmly still to stand." While in his mind and spirit thus he mused, Onward the bucklered ranks of Trojans came, And, to their harm, encircled him around . As when a boar, by dogs and stalwart youths Attacked, the sheltering thicket leaves, and whets The tusks that gleam between his curvèd jaws ;

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They crowd around, though ring his clattering tusks, 480 And, fearful though it be, await his rush :

So crowded round Ulysses, dear to Jove, The Trojans ; he, with brandished spear aloft, Sprang forth, and through the shoulder, from above,

Deiöpites wounded : Thöon next

485

He slew, and Ennomus ; then with his spear Chersidamas, in act to quit his car, Thrust through the loins below his bossy shield : Prone in the dust, he clutched the blood-stained soil.

From these he turned ; and wounded with his spear 490 Charops, the high-born Socus' brother, son Of Hippasus ; then forward sprang, to aid His brother, godlike Socus ; close he stood Before Ulysses, and addressed him thus : " Far-famed Ulysses, as in arms, in wiles

495

Unwearied, thou this day o'er both the sons

Of Hippasus, two mighty warriors slain, And of their armour spoiled, shalt make thy boast,

Or by my spear thyself shalt lose thy life." He said, and on the shield's broad circle struck :

Through the bright shield the sturdy weapon drove,

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And through the rich-wrought baldrick, from the ribs. Tearing the flesh away ; but Pallas seized, And turned it from the vital parts aside. The wound, Ulysses knew, was not to death,

505

And back he drew, and thus to Socus cried : " Ill-fated thou ! thy doom hath found thee now ! Me hast thou hindered from the war awhile ; But thee to swift destruction and dark death This day I doom : great glory, of thee subdued ,

510

Shall I obtain, and Hades take thy soul."

Thus he

and Socus, turning, sought to fly ;

But as he turned him round, Ulysses ' spear Behind his neck, between the shoulder blades

Was driven, and through his chest ; thundering he fell, 515 And o'er his fall Ulysses, vaunting, thus : 66 Socus, thou son of warlike Hippasus, Here hast thou found, nor couldst escape, thy doom. Ill-fated thou ! nor sire's nor mother's hand Shall gather up thy bones, but carrion birds

O'er thee shall flap their baleful wings, and tear Thy mangled flesh ; for me, whene'er I die The sons of Greece will build my funeral pile."

520

358

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Book XI.

From out his flesh, and from his bossy shield, The spear of Socus, as he spoke, he drew ;

525

And as he drew it forth, out gushed his blood , With anguish keen.

The Trojans, when they saw

Ulysses' blood, with clamorous shouts advanced Promiscuous ; he, retiring, shouted loud To call his comrades ; loud as head of man

530

Could bear, he shouted thrice ; and thrice his shout The warlike Meneläus heard, and thus To Ajax, standing by his side, he spoke : 66 Ajax, thou Heaven-born son of Telamon, Great chief of men, methinks I hear the voice

535

Of stout Ulysses, as though left alone, And in the stubborn fight cut off from aid, By Trojans over-mastered.

Haste we then,

For so ' twere best, to give him present aid. Brave though he be, yet left alone, I fear

540

Great cause we Greeks may have to mourn his loss." He spoke, and led the way ; the godlike chief Followed his steps : Ulysses, dear to Jove, Surrounded by the Trojan host they found,

As hungry jackals on the mountain side

545

BOOK XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

359

Around a stag, that from an archer's hand Hath taken hurt, yet while his blood was warm And limbs yet served, has baffled his pursuit ; But when the fatal shaft has drained his strength, Thirsting for blood, beneath the forest shade,

550

The jackals seize their victim ; then if chance A hungry lion pass, the jackals shrink In terror back, while he devours the prey ; So round Ulysses, sage in council, pressed The Trojans, many and brave, yet nobly he

555

Averted, spear in hand, the fatal hour ; Till, with his tower-like shield before him borne,

Appeared great Ajax, and beside him stood . Hither and thither then the Trojans fled ; While with supporting arm from out the crowd

560

The warlike Meneläus led him forth,

Till his attendant with his car drew near. Then Ajax, on the Trojans springing, slew Doryclus, royal Priam's bastard son ; Next Pyrasus he smote, and Pandocus, Lysander, and Pylartes ; as a stream, Swollen by the rains of Heaven, that from the hills

565

360

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

Pours down its wintry torrent on the plain ; And many a blighted oak, and many a pine It bears, with piles of drift-wood, to the sea :

570

So swept illustrious Ajax o'er the plain, O'erthrowing men and horses ; though unknown To Hector ; he, upon Scamander's banks Was warring on the field's extremest left, Where round great Nestor and the warlike King

575

Idomeneus, while men were falling fast, Rose, irrepressible, the battle cry. Hector, ' mid these, was working wondrous deeds, With spear and car, routing the opposed youth ;

Yet had the Greeks even so their ground maintained ,

580

But godlike Paris, fair-haired Helen's Lord, Through the right shoulder, with a three-barbed shaft,

As in the front he fought, Machaon quelled : For him the warrior Greeks were sore afraid, Lest he, as back the line of battle rolled , Might to the foe be left ; to Nestor then Idomeneus addressed his speech, and said : 66 O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece, Haste thee to mount thy car, and with thee take

585

BOOK XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

361

Machaon ; toward the vessels urge with speed

590

Thy flying steeds ; worth many a life is his, The skilful leech, who knows, with practised hand, T'extract the shaft, and healing drugs apply." He said : Gerenian Nestor at the word Mounted his car, Machaon at his side,

595

The skilful leech, sage Esculapius ' son : He touched his horses ; toward the Grecian ships,

As was his purpose, nothing loth, they flew. To Hector then Cebriones, who saw Confused the Trojans' right, drew near, and said :

600

" Hector, we here, on the outskirts of the field, O'erpower the Greeks ; on the other side, our friends In strange confusion mingled, horse and man, Are driven ; among them Ajax spreads dismay,

The son of Telamon ; I know him well,

605

And the broad shield that o'er his shoulders hangs ; Thither direct we then our car, where most In mutual slaughter horse and foot engage, And loudest swells, unchecked, the battle cry." He said, and with the pliant lash he touched The sleek-skinned horses ; springing at the sound ,

610

362

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

Between the Greeks and Trojans, light they bore The flying car, o'er bodies of the slain And broken bucklers trampling ; all beneath

Was plashed with blood the axle, and the rails

615

Around the car, as from the horses' feet, And from the felloes of the wheels, were thrown The bloody gouts ; yet on he sped, to join The strife of men, and break the opposing ranks. His coming spread confusion ' mid the Greeks,

620

His spear awhile withheld ; then through the rest, With sword, and spear, and ponderous stones he rushed, But shunned the might of Ajax Telamon. But Jove, high throned, the soul of Ajax filled With fear ; aghast he stood ; his sevenfold shield

625

He threw behind his back, and, trembling, gazed Upon the crowd ; then, like some beast of prey, Foot slowly following foot, reluctant turned. As when the rustic youths and dogs have driven A tawny lion from the cattle fold, Watching all night, and baulked him of his prey ; Ravening for flesh, he still the attempt renews, But still in vain : for many a javelin, hurled

630

BOOK XI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

363

By vigorous arms, confronts him to his face, And blazing faggots, that his courage daunt ;

635

Till, with the dawn, reluctant he retreat : So from before the Trojans Ajax turned, Reluctant, fearing for the ships of Greece. As near a field of corn, a stubborn ass, Upon whose sides had many a club been broke,

640

O'erpowers his boyish guides, and entering in, On the rich forage grazes ; while the boys Their cudgels ply, but vain their puny strength,

Yet drive him out, when fully fed, with ease : Even so great Ajax, son of Telamon,

645

The valiant Trojans and their famed Allies, Still thrusting at his shield, before them drove : Yet would he sometimes, rallying, hold in check The Trojan host ; then turn again to flight, Yet barring still the passage to the ships.

650

Midway between the Trojans and the Greeks He stood defiant ; many javelins, hurled By vigorous arms, were in their flight received On his broad shield ; and many, ere they reached Their living mark, fell midway on the plain,

655

364

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

Fixed in the ground, in vain athirst for blood. Him thus, hard pressed by thick-thrown spears, beheld Eurypylus, Euæmon's noble son.

He hastened up, and aimed his glittering spear ; And Apisaon, Phausias' noble son,

660

Below the midriff through the liver struck,

And straight relaxed in sudden death his limbs. Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoils : But godlike Paris saw, and as he stooped From Apisaon's corpse to strip his arms,

665

Against Eurypylus he bent his bow, And his right thigh transfixed ; the injured limb

Disabling, in the wound the arrow broke. He 'mid his friends, escaping death, withdrew, And to the Greeks with piercing shout he called :

670

" O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, Turn yet again, and from the doom of death Great Ajax save, hard pressed by hostile spears : Scarce can I hope he may escape with life The desperate fight ; yet bravely stand, and aid The mighty Ajax, son of Telamon." Thus spoke the wounded hero : round him they

675

BOOK XI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

365

With sloping shields and spears uplifted stood : Ajax to meet them came ; and when he reached The friendly ranks, again he turned to bay.

680

So raged, like blazing fire, the furious fight. Meanwhile the mares of Neleus, drenched with sweat,

Bore Nestor and Machaon from the field ; Achilles saw, and marked them where he stood Upon his lofty vessel's prow, and watched

685

The grievous toil, the lamentable rout.

Then on his friend Patroclus from the ship He called aloud ; he heard his voice, and forth, As Mars majestic, from the tent he came : (That day commenced his evil destiny)

690

And thus Menoetius' noble son began : " Why call'st thou me ? what wouldst thou, Peleus' son ? "

To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied : " Son of Menoetius, dearest to my soul, Soon must the suppliant Greeks before me kneel, So insupportable is now their need. But haste thee now, Patroclus, dear to Jove :

Enquire of Nestor, from the battle field Whom brings he wounded ; looking from behind

695

366

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XI.

Most like he seemed to Esculapius' son,

700

Machaon : but his face I could not see, So swiftly past the eager horses flew." He said : obedient to his friend's command, Quick to the tents and ships Patroclus ran. They, when they reached the tent of Neleus' son, 705 Descended to the ground ; Eurymedon The old man's mares unharnessed from the car, While on the beach they faced the cooling breeze,

Which from their garments dried the sweat ; then turned, And in the tent on easy seats reposed .

710

For them the fair-haired Hecamede mixed A cordial potion ; her from Tenedos,

When by Achilles ta'en, the old man brought ; Daughter of great Arsinöus, whom the Greeks On him, their sagest councillor, bestowed.

715

Before them first a table fair she spread, Well polished, and with feet of solid bronze ; On this a brazen canister she placed, And onions, as a relish to the wine, And pale clear honey, and pure barley meal : By these a splendid goblet, which from home

720

Book XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

367

The old man had brought, with golden studs adorned : Four were its handles, and round each two doves Appeared to feed ; at either end, a cup . Scarce might another move it from the board,

725

When full ; but aged Nestor raised with ease. In this, their goddess-like attendant first A generous measure mixed of Pramnian wine : Then with a brazen grater shredded o'er The goatsmilk cheese, and whitest barley meal,

730

And of the draught compounded bade them drink. They drank, and then, relieved the parching thirst, With mutual converse entertained the hour. Before the gate divine Patroclus stood : The old man saw, and from his seat arose,

735

And took him by the hand, and led him in, And bade him sit ; but he, refusing, said : " No seat for me, thou venerable sire ! I must not stay ; for he both awe and fear Commands, who hither sent me to enquire

What wounded man thou hast ; I need not ask, I know Machaon well, his people's guard. My errand done, I must my message bear

740

368

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XI.

Back to Achilles ; and thou know'st thyself, Thou venerable sire, how stern his mood :

745

Nay sometimes blames he, where no blame is due.”

To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : " Whence comes Achilles' pity for the Greeks By Trojan weapons wounded ? knows he not What depth of suffering through the camp prevails ?

750

How in the ships, by arrow or by spear Sore wounded, all our best and bravest lie ?

The valiant son of Tydeus, Diomed,

Pierced by a shaft ; Ulysses by a spear, And Agamemnon's self ; Eurypylus

755

By a sharp arrow through the thigh transfixed ; And here another, whom but now I bring, Shot by a bow, from off the battle field : Achilles, valiant as he is, the while For Grecian woes nor care nor pity feels.

760

Waits he, until our ships beside the sea, In our despite, are burnt by hostile fires, And we be singly slain ? not mine is now The strength I boasted once of active limbs. O that such youth and vigour yet were mine,

765

BOOK XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

369

As when about a cattle-lifting raid We fought the Eleans ; there Itymoneus I slew, the son of brave Hyperochus , Who dwelt in Elis ; and my booty drove. He sought to guard the herd ; but from my hand

770

A javelin struck him in the foremost ranks : He fell, and terror seized the rustic crowd.

Abundant store of plunder from the plain We drove ; of hornèd cattle fifty herds ;

775

As many flocks of sheep, as many droves Of swine, as many wide-spread herds of goats,

And thrice so many golden-chesnut mares, The foals of many running with their dams. To Pylos, Neleus' city, these we drove By night ; and much it gladdened Neleus' heart,

780

That I, though new to war, such prize had won. When morn appeared, the clear-voiced heralds called

For all to whom from Elis debts were due ; Collected thus, the Pylians' leading men Division made ; for Elis owed us much ;

785

Such wrongs we few in Pylos had sustained. The might of Hercules in former years VOL. I.

2 B

370

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

Had stormed our town, and all our bravest slain. Twelve gallant sons had Neleus ; I of these

Alone was left ; the others all were gone.

790

Whence over-proud, the Epeians treated us With insult, and high-handed violence. A herd of oxen now, and numerous flock Of sheep, the old man selected for himself, Three hundred, with their shepherds ; for to him

795

Large compensation was from Elis due. Trained to the course, four horses, with their cars, He for the Tripod at the Elean games Had sent to run ; these Augeas, King of men, Detained, and bade the drivers home return,

800

Bootless, and grieving for their horses' loss. The old man his words resenting, and his acts, Large spoils retained ; the rest among the crowd He shared, that none might lose his portion due. These we disposed of soon, and to the Gods Due offerings made ; but when the third day rose, Back in all haste, in numbers, horse and foot, Our foes returned ; with them the Molion twins, Yet boys, untutored in the arts of war.

805

Book XI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

371

Far off, by Alpheus' banks, the extremest verge

810

Of sandy Pylos, is a lofty mound, The city of Thryum ; which around, intent

To raze its walls, their army was encamped. The plain already they had overspread ; When Pallas from Olympus' heights came down

815

In haste, and bade us all prepare for war. On no unwilling ears her message fell, But eager all for fight ; but me, to arm Neleus forbade, and e'en my horses hid,

820

Deeming me yet unripe for deeds of war.

Yet so, albeit on foot, by Pallas' grace A name I gained above our noblest horse. There is a river, Minyis by name, Hard by Arene, flowing to the sea, Where we, the Pylian horse, expecting morn,

825

Encamped, by troops of footmen quickly joined . Thence in all haste advancing, all in arms, We reached, by midday, Alpheus' sacred stream. There, to o'er-ruling Jove our offerings made,

830

To Alpheus and to Neptune each a bull, To Pallas, blue-eyed Maid, a heifer fair,

2 B 2

372

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XI.

In ordered ranks we took our evening meal, And each in arms upon the river's brink Lay down to rest ; for close beside us lay The Epeians, on the town's destruction bent.

835

Then saw they mighty deeds of war displayed ; For we, as sunlight overspread the earth,

To Jove and Pallas praying, battle gave. But when the Pylians and the Epeians met, I first a warrior slew, and seized his car,

840

Bold spearman, Mulius ; Augeas' son-in-law, His eldest daughter's husband, Agamede, The yellow-haired, who all the virtues knew Of each medicinal herb the wide world grows. Him, with my brass-tipped spear, as on he came,

845

I slew ; he fell ; I, rushing to his car,

Stood 'mid the foremost ranks ; the Epeians brave Fled diverse, when they saw their champion fall, Chief of their horsemen, foremost in the fight. With the dark whirlwind's force, I onward rushed,

And fifty cars I took ; two men in each Fell to my spear, and bit the bloody dust. Then Actor's sons, the Molions, had I slain,

850

Book XI.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

373

Had not the Earth-shaking God, their mighty sire,

Veiled in thick cloud, withdrawn them from the field. 855 Then Jove great glory to the Pylians gave ; For o'er the wide-spread plain we held pursuit, Slaying, and gathering up the scattered arms, Nor till corn-clad Buprasium, and the rock Olenian, and Alesium, termed the Mound,

860

Stayed we our steeds ; there Pallas bade us turn. There the last man I slew, and left ; the Greeks Back from Buprasium drove their flying cars To Pylos, magnifying all the name, 'Mid men, of Nestor, as 'mid Gods, of Jove.

865

Such once was I 'mid men, while yet I was ; Now to himself alone Achilles keeps His valour ; yet hereafter, when the Greeks Have perished all, remorse shall touch his soul . Dear friend, remember now the injunctions given

870

By old Menoetius, when from Phthian land He sent thee forth to Agamemnon's aid : I, and Laertes' godlike son, within,

Heard all his counsel ; to the well-built house Of Peleus we on embassy had come,

‫است‬

875

374

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

Throughout Achaia's fertile lands to raise The means of war ; Menoetius there we found, Achilles, and thyself within the house ; While in the court-yard aged Peleus slew,

And to the Lord of thunder offered up

880

A fattened steer ; and from a golden bowl O'er the burnt-offering poured the ruddy wine. We two, while ye were busied with the flesh, Stood at the gate ; surprised, Achilles rose, And took us by the hand, and bade us sit,

885

Dispensing all the hospitable rites.

With food and wine recruited, I began My speech, and urged ye both to join the war : Nor were ye loth to go ; much sage advice Your elders gave ; old Peleus bade his son

890

To aim at highest honours, and surpass His comrades all ; Menoetius, Actor's son, 6

To thee this counsel gave :

My son,' he said,

' Achilles is by birth above thee far ;

Thou art in years the elder ; he in strength Surpasses thee ; do thou with prudent words And timely speech address him, and advise

895

BOOK XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

375

And guide him ; he will, to his good, obey.' " Such were the old man's words ; but thou hast let

His counsel slip thy memory ; yet even now

900

Speak to Achilles thus, and stir his soul, If haply he will hear thee ; and who knows But by the grace of Heaven thou mayst prevail ? For great is oft a friend's persuasive power.

But if the fear of evil prophesied,

905

Or message by his Goddess-mother brought From Jove, restrain him, let him send thee forth

With all his force of warlike Myrmidons, That thou mayst be the saving light of Greece. Then let him bid thee to the battle bear

910

His glittering arms ; if so the men of Troy, Scared by his likeness, may forsake the field, And breathing-time afford the sons of Greece, Toil-worn ; for little pause has yet been theirs. Fresh and unwearied, ye with ease may drive To their own city, from our ships and tents, The Trojans, worn and battle-wearied men." Thus he ; Patroclus' spirit within him burned, And toward Achilles' tent in haste he sped.

915

376

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Book XI.

But, running, as Ulysses' ship he passed,

920

Where was the Council and the Justice-seat, And where were built the altars of the Gods, There met him, halting from the battle-field, Shot through the thigh, Euæmon's Heaven-born son, Eurypylus ; his head and shoulders dank

925

With clammy sweat, while from his grievous wound Streamed the dark blood ; yet firm was still his soul. Mencetius' noble son with pity saw,

And deeply sorrowing thus addressed the chief : "Woe for the chiefs and councillors of Greece !

930

And must ye, far from friends and native home, Glut with your flesh the ravening dogs of Troy ? Yet tell me this, Heaven-born Eurypylus ; Still do the Greeks 'gainst Hector's giant force Make head ? or fall they, vanquished by his spear ? "

935

To whom with prudent speech, Eurypylus : "No source, Heaven-born Patroclus, have the Greeks, Of aid, but all must perish by their ships : For in the ships lie all our bravest late, By spear or arrow struck, by Trojan hands ; And fiercer, hour by hour, their onset grows.

940

BOOK XI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

377

But save me now, and lead me to the ships ; There cut the arrow out, and from the wound

With tepid water cleanse the clotted blood : Then soothing drugs apply, of healing power,

945

Which from Achilles, thou, ' tis said, hast learned, From Chiron, justest of the Centaurs, he. For Podalirius and Machaon both, Our leeches, one lies wounded in the tents, Himself requiring sore the leech's aid ;

950

‫دو‬ The other on the plain still dares the fight.' To whom again Menoetius' noble son : "How may this be ? say, brave Eurypylus, What must I do ? a messenger am I,

Sent by Gerenian Nestor, prop of Greece,

955

With tidings to Achilles ; yet even so I will not leave thee in this weary plight." He said, and passing his supporting hand Beneath his breast, the wounded warrior led Within the tent ; the attendant saw, and spread The ox-hide couch ; then as he lay reclined, Patroclus, with his dagger, from the thigh Cut out the biting shaft ; and from the wound

960

378

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XI.

With tepid water cleansed the clotted blood ; Then, pounded in his hands, a root applied

965

Astringent, anodyne, which all his pain Allayed ; the wound was dried, and stanched the blood. 967

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

379

XII.

THUS o'er the wounded chief Eurypylus Watched in his tent Menoetius' noble son ; But hand to hand the Greeks and Trojans fought ; Nor longer might the ditch the assault repel, Nor the broad wall above, which Greeks had built,

To guard their ships, and round it dug the ditch ; But to the Gods no hecatombs had paid, That they the ships and all the stores within Might safely keep ; against the will of Heaven The work was done, and thence not long endured.

While Hector lived, and Peleus' son his wrath Retained, and Priam's city untaken stood ; So long the Grecian wall remained entire : But of the Trojans when the best had fallen, Of Greeks, when some were slain, some yet survived ; When the tenth year had seen the fall of Troy, And Greeks, embarked, had ta'en their homeward way,

380

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XII.

Then Neptune and Apollo counsel took To sap the wall by aid of all the streams

That seaward from the heights of Ida flow ;

Rhesus, Caresus, and Heptaporus, Granicus, and Æsepus, Rhodius,

Scamander's stream divine, and Simoïs, Where helms and shields lay buried in the sand,

And a whole race of warrior demigods :

These all Apollo to one channel turned ; Nine days against the wall the torrent beat ; And Jove sent rain continuous, that the wall Might sooner be submerged ; while Neptune's self, His trident in his hand, led on the stream,

Washing away the deep foundations, laid, Laborious, by the Greeks, with logs and stones, Now by fast-flowing Hellespont dispersed . The wall destroyed, o'er all the shore he spread

To where of old their silver waters flowed.

Such were, in future days, to be the works Of Neptune and Apollo ; but meanwhile Fierce raged the battle round the firm-built wall,

3153

A sandy drift ; and bade the streams return

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

381

And frequent clattered on the turrets' beams

The hostile missiles : by the scourge of Jove Subdued, the Greeks beside their ships were hemmed, By Hector scared, fell minister of Dread,

Who with the whirlwind's force, as ever, fought. As when, by dogs and hunters circled round,

A boar, or lion, in his pride of strength, Turns on his foes, while they in close array Stand opposite, and frequent shoot their darts ; Nor yet his spirit quails, but firm he stands With suicidal courage ; swift he turns,

Where best to break the circling ranks ; where'er He makes his rush, the circling ranks give way : So Hector, here and there, amid the crowd, Urged his companions on to cross the ditch : The fiery steeds shrank back, and, snorting, stood

Upon the topmost brink ; for the wide ditch . Withheld them, easy nor to leap nor cross : For steep arose on either side the banks,

And at the top with sharpened stakes were crowned, Thick-set and strong, which there the sons of Greece Had planted, to repel the invading foes.

382

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XII.

Scarce might a horse, with well-wheeled car attached, Essay the passage ; but on foot they burned To make the attempt ; and thus Polydamas,

Approaching near, to valiant Hector spoke : "Hector, and all ye other chiefs of Troy, And brave Allies, in vain we seek to drive Our horses o'er the ditch ; ' tis hard to cross ;

Is built the Grecian wall ; there to descend

'Tis crowned with pointed stakes, and them behind 70

And from our cars in narrow space to fight Were certain ruin.

If it be indeed

The will of Jove, high-thundering, to confound The Greeks in utter rout, and us to aid, I should rejoice that every Greek forthwith

Far from his home should fill a nameless grave ; But should they turn, and we again be driven Back from the ships, and hurried down the ditch, Such were our loss, that scarce a messenger 80

Would live to bear the tidings to the town . Of our destruction by the rallied Greeks. Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree With our attendants here upon the bank

BOOK XII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

383

To leave our horses ; and ourselves on foot, All armed, press on where Hector leads ; the Greeks,

If that their doom be nigh, will make no stand ." Thus spoke Polydamas ; his counsel pleased ; And Hector sprang, in arms, from off his car ; Nor long, the noble Hector when they saw, Delayed the other chiefs ; then gave command

Each to his own attendant, by the ditch

To keep the chariots all in due array ; Then parting, formed in order of attack, In five divisions, with their several chiefs. Round Hector thronged, and bold Polydamas,

The best and bravest ; they who longed the most To storm the wall, and fight beside the ships. With them Cebriones ; for Hector left, To guard the horses, one of lesser note. The next division was by Paris led,

100

Agenor, and Alcathöus ; the third By Helenus, and brave Deiphobus, Two sons of Priam ; Asius was the third, Asius, the son of Hyrtacus ; who brought His towering fiery steeds from Selles' stream ,

105

384

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XII.

Hard by Arisba ; stout Æneas led The fourth, Anchises' son, Archilochus With him, and Acamas, Antenor's sons ; Both skilled alike in every point of war.

Of the far-famed Allies, Sarpedon held

110

The chief command ; and for his comrades chose

Asteropæus, and the warlike might Of Glaucus ; these o'er all the rest he held

Pre-eminent in valour, save himself, Who o'er them all superior stood confessed .

115

These, interlaced their shields of tough bull's-hide, With eager step advanced, and deemed the Greeks Would, unresisting, fall before their ships. The other Trojans and renowned Allies

The words of wise Polydamas obeyed :

120

But Asius, son of Hyrtacus, refused

His horses and his charioteer to leave, With them advancing to assail the ships. Blind fool, unconscious ! from before those ships, Escaped from death, with horses and with car Triumphant, to the breezy heights of Troy He never shall return ; ill-omened fate

125

BooK XII.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

385

O'ershadowing, dooms him by the spear to fall Of brave Idomeneus, Deucalion's son. He toward the left inclined, what way the Greeks

130

With horse and chariot from the plain returned. That way he drove his horses ; and the gates Unguarded found by bolt or massive bar. Their warders held them opened wide, to save Perchance some comrade, flying from the plain.

135

Thither he bent his course ; with clamours loud Followed his troops ; nor deemed they that the Greeks Would hold their ground, but fall amid their ships: Little they knew; before the gates they found Two men, two warriors of the prime, two sons

140

illustrious of the spear-skilled Lapithre : Stout Polypretes one, Pirithous' son, With whom Leonteus, bold as blood-stained Mars : So stood these two before the lofty gates, As on the mountain side two towering oaks,

145

Which many a day have home the wind and storm, Firm rifted by their strong continuous roots : So in their arms and vigour confident Those two great Asius' charge, undaunted, met. VOL. I.

2 C

386

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XII .

On the other side, with shouts and wild uproar,

150

Their bull's-hide shields uplifted high, advanced Against the well-built wall, Asius the King, Iamenus, Orestes, Acamas

The son of Asius, and Enomäus, And Thöon ; those within to save the ships

155

Calling meanwhile on all the well-greaved Greeks ; But when they saw the wall by Trojans scaled, And heard the cry of Greeks in panic fear, Sprang forth those two, before the gates to fight. As when two boars, upon the mountain side,

160

Await the approaching din of men and dogs, Then sideways rushing, snap the wood around, Ripped from the roots ; loud clash their clattering tusks, Till to the huntsman's spear they yield their lives ; So clattered on those champions' brass-clad breasts

165

The hostile weapons ; stubbornly they fought, Relying on their strength, and friends above :

For from the well-built towers huge stones were hurled By those who for themselves, their tents and ships, Maintained defensive warfare ; thick they fell, As wintry snow-flakes, which the boisterous wind,

170

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

387

Driving the shadowy clouds, spreads fast and close O'er all the surface of the fertile earth :

So thick, from Grecian and from Trojan hands, The weapons flew ; on helm and bossy shield

175

With grating sound the ponderous masses rang. Then deeply groaning, as he smote his thigh Thus spoke dismayed the son of Hyrtacus : " O Father Jove, how hast thou loved our hopes To falsify, who deemed not that the Greeks

180

Would stand our onset, and resistless arms !

But they, as yellow-banded wasps, or bees, That by some rocky pass have built their nests, Abandon not their caverned home, but wait

The attack, and boldly for their offspring fight ;

185

So from the gates these two, though two alone, Retire not, till they be or ta'en or slain." He said : but Jove regarded not his words ; So much on Hector's triumph he was bent. Like battle raged round the other gates ; but hard It were for me, with godlike power, to paint Each several combat ; for around the wall A more than human storm of stone was poured

2 c 2

190

388

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XII .

On every side ; the Greeks, hard pressed, perforce

Fought for their ships, while all the Gods looked on 195 Indignant, who the Grecian cause upheld. Fiercely the Lapithæ sustained the war : Stout Polypotes first, Pirithöus' son, Smote, through the brass-cheeked helmet, Damasus ; Nor stayed the brazen helm the spear, whose point 200 Went crashing through the bone, that all the brain Was shattered ; onward as he rushed, he fell. Then Pylon next, and Ormenus he slew: Meantime Leonteus, scion true of Mars, Struck with unerring spear Hippomachus,

205

Son of Antimachus, below the waist ; Then, drawing from the sheath his trenchant sword, Dashed through the crowd, and hand to hand he smote Antiphates ; he, backward, fell to earth. Menon, Iamenus, Orestes next,

210

In quick succession to the ground he brought. From these while they their glittering armour stripped, Round Hector thronged, and bold Polydamas, The bravest and the best, who longed the most To storm the wall, and burn with fire the ships.

215

BOOK XII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

389

Yet on the margin of the ditch they paused ; For, as they sought to cross, a sign from Heaven Appeared, to leftward of the astonished crowd ; A soaring eagle in his talons bore A dragon, huge of size, of blood-red hue,

220

Alive, and breathing still, nor yet subdued ; For twisting backward through the breast he pierced His bearer, near the neck ; he, stung with pain, Let fall his prey, which dropped amid the crowd ; Then screaming, on the blast was borne away.

225

The Trojans, shuddering, in their midst beheld The spotted serpent, dire portent of Jove : Then to bold Hector thus Polydamas : " Hector, in council thou reprov'st me oft For good advice ; it is not meet, thou say'st,

230

That private men should talk beside the mark, In council or in war, but study still Thine honour to exalt ; yet must I now Declare what seems to me the wisest course : Let us not fight the Greeks beside their ships ; For thus I read the future, if indeed

To us, about to cross, this sign from Heaven

235

390

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XII.

Was sent, to leftward of the astonished crowd : A soaring eagle, bearing in his claws A dragon, huge of size, of blood-red hue,

240

Alive ; yet dropped him ere he reached his home, Nor to his nestlings bore the intended prey : So we, ' een though our mighty strength should break The gates and wall, and put the Greeks to rout, By the same road not scatheless should return,

245

But many a Trojan on the field should leave, Slain by the Greeks, while they their ships defend.

So would a seer, well versed in augury, Worthy of public credit, read this sign."

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm

250

Replied, with stern regard : " Polydamas, This speech of thine is alien to my soul : Thy better judgment better counsel knows.

But if in earnest such is thine advice, Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft, Who fain wouldst have us disregard the word And promise by the nod of Jove confirmed , And put our faith in birds' expanded wings ; Little of these I reck, nor care to look,

255

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

If to the right, and toward the morning sun,

391

260

Or to the left, and shades of night, they fly. Put we our trust in Jove's eternal will, Of mortals and Immortals King supreme . The best of omens is our country's cause. Why shouldst thou tremble at the battle strife ?

265

Though every Trojan else were doomed to die Beside the ships, no fear lest thou shouldst fall : Unwarlike is thy soul, nor firm of mood : But if thou shrink, or by thy craven words Turn back another Trojan from the fight,

270

My spear shall take the forfeit of thy life." This said, he led the way ; with joyous shouts They followed all ; then Jove, the lightning's Lord, From Ida's heights a storm of wind sent down, Driving the dust against the Grecian ships ;

275

Which quelled their courage, and to Hector gave, And to the Trojans, fresh incitement ; they,

On their own strength, and heavenly signs relying, Their force addressed to storm the Grecian wall. They razed the counterscarp, the battlements Destroyed ; and the projecting buttresses,

280

392

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XII.

Which, to sustain the towers, the Greeks had fixed Deep in the soil, with levers undermined. These once withdrawn, they hoped to storm the wall ; Nor from the passage yet the Greeks withdrew,

285

But closely fencing with their bull's-hide shields The broken battlements, they thence hurled down A storm of weapons on the foe beneath. Commanding from the tower in every place Were seen the Ajaces, urging to the fight,

290

Imploring these, and those in sterner tones Rebuking, who their warlike toil relaxed . " Friends, Grecians all, ye who excel in war, And ye of moderate or inferior strength, Though all are not with equal powers endued,

295

Yet here is work for all ! bear this in mind, Nor toward the ships let any turn his face, By threats dismayed ; but forward press, and each Encourage each, if so the lightning's Lord, Olympian Jove, may grant us to repel,

300

And backward to his city chase the foe.”

Thus they, with cheering words, sustained the war : Thick as the snow-flakes on a wintry day,

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

393

When Jove, the Lord of counsel, down on men His snow-storm sends, and manifests his power :

305

Hushed are the winds ; the flakes continuous fall, That the high mountain tops, and jutting crags, And lotus-covered meads are buried deep, And man's productive labours of the field ; On hoary Ocean's beach and bays they lie,

310

The approaching waves their bound ; o'er all beside Is spread by Jove the heavy veil of snow. So thickly flew the stones from either side, By Greeks on Trojans hurled, by these on Greeks ;

And clattered loud through all its length the wall. 315 Nor yet the Trojans, though by Hector led, The gates had broken, and the massive bar, But Jove against the Greeks sent forth his son Sarpedon, as a lion on a herd : His shield's broad orb before his breast he bore,

320

Well-wrought, of beaten brass, which the armourer's hand Had beaten out, and lined with stout bull's-hide ; With golden rods, continuous, all around ; He thus equipped, two javelins brandishing, Strode onward, as a lion, mountain-bred,

325

394

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XII .

Whom, fasting long, his dauntless courage leads To assail the flock, though in well-guarded fold ; And though the shepherds there he find, prepared With dogs and lances to protect the sheep, Not unattempted will he leave the fold ;

330

But, springing to the midst, he bears his prey In triumph thence ; or in the onset falls, Wounded by javelins hurled by stalwart hands : So, prompted by his godlike courage, burned Sarpedon to assail the lofty wall,

335

And storm the ramparts ; and to Glaucus thus, Son of Hippolochus, his speech addressed : " Whence is it, Glaucus, that in Lycian land We two at feasts the foremost seats may claim, The largest portions, and the fullest cups ?

340

Why held as Gods in honour ? why endowed With ample heritage, by Xanthus' banks, Of vineyard, and of wheat-producing land ? Then by the Lycians should we not be seen The foremost to affront the raging fight ? So may our well-armed Lycians make their boast ; To no inglorious Kings we Lycians owe.

345

BOOK XII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

395

Allegiance ; they on richest viands feed ; Of luscious flavour drink the choicest wine ; But still their valour brightest shows ; and they,

350

Where Lycians war, are foremost in the fight ! ' O friend ! if we, survivors of this war, Could live, from age and death for ever free, Thou shouldst not see me foremost in the fight, Nor would I urge thee to the glorious field :

355

But since on man ten thousand forms of death Attend, which none may ' scape, then on, that we May glory on others gain, or they on us ! "

k; Thus he ; nor Glaucus from his bidding shrank And forward straight they led the Lycian powers.

360

Menestheus, son of Petëus, with dismay

Observed their movement ; for on his command, Inspiring terror, their attack was made. He looked around him to the Grecian towers, If any chief might there be found, to save His comrades from destruction ; there he saw, Of war insatiable, the Ajaces twain ;

And Teucer, from the tent but newly come, Hard by ; nor yet could reach them with his voice ;

365

396

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XII.

Such was the din, such tumult rose to Heaven,

370

From clattering shields, and horsehair-crested helms, And battered gates, now all at once assailed : Before them fiercely strove the assaulting bands To break their way ; he then Thoötes sent, His herald, to the Ajaces, craving aid.

375

"Haste thee, Thoötes, on the Ajaces call, Both, if it may be ; so we best may hope To ' scape the death, which else is near at hand ;

So fierce the pressure of the Lycian chiefs, Undaunted now, as ever, in the fight.

380

But if they too are hardly pressed, at least Let Ajax, son of Telamon, be spared, And with him Teucer, skilled to draw the bow." He said ; the herald heard, and straight obeyed ; Along the wall, where stood the brass-clad Greeks,

385

He ran, and standing near the Ajaces, said :

66 Ajaces, leaders of the brass-clad Greeks,

The son of Heaven-born Petëus craves your aid, To share awhile the labours of his guard ; Both, if it may be ; so he best may hope To ' scape the death, which else is near at hand :

6: 390

BOOK XII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

397

So fierce the pressure of the Lycian chiefs, Undaunted now, as ever, in the fight. But if ye too are hardly pressed, at least

Let Ajax, son of Telamon, be spared,

395

And with him Teucer, skilled to draw the bow." He said : the mighty son of Telamon Consenting, thus addressed Oileus' son :

66 ' Ajax, do thou and valiant Lycomede Exhort the Greeks the struggle to maintain ;

400

While I go yonder, to affront the war, To aid their need, and back return in haste." Thus saying, Ajax Telamon set forth, And with him Teucer went, his father's son, While by Pandion Teucer's bow was borne.

405

At brave Menestheus' tower, within the wall, Arrived, sore pressed they found the garrison ; For like a whirlwind on the ramparts poured The Lycians' valiant councillors and chiefs. They quickly joined the fray, and loud arose The battle-cry ; first Ajax Telamon Sarpedon's comrade, brave Epicles, slew, Struck by a rugged stone, within the wall

410

398

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XII .

Which lay, the topmost of the parapet, Of size prodigious ; which with both his hands

415

A man in youth's full vigour scarce could raise, As men are now ; he lifted it on high, And downward hurled ; the four-peaked helm it broke, Crushing the bone, and shattering all the skull ; He, like a diver, from the lofty tower

420

Fell headlong down, and life forsook his bones. Teucer, meanwhile, from off the lofty wall The valiant Glaucus, pressing to the fight, Struck with an arrow, where he saw his arm Unguarded ; he no longer brooked the fray ;

425

Back from the wall he sprang, in hopes to hide From Grecian eyes his wound, that none might see, And triumph o'er him with insulting words. With grief Sarpedon saw his friend withdraw, Yet not relaxed his efforts ; Thestor's son,

430

Alcmaon, with his spear he stabbed, and back

The weapon drew ; he, foll

owing, prostrate fell ,

And loudly rang his arms of polished brass . Then at the parapet , with stalwart hand , Sarpedon tugged ; and yielding to his force

435

BOOK XII.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

399

Down fell the block entire ; the wall laid bare,

To many at once the breach gave open way. Ajax and Teucer him at once assailed ; This with an arrow struck the glittering belt Around his breast, whence hung his ponderous shield ; 440 But Jove, who willed not that his son should fall Before the ships, the weapon turned aside.

Then forward Ajax sprang, and with his spear Thrust at the shield ; the weapon passed not through, Yet checked his bold advance ; a little space

445

Back he recoiled, but not the more withdrew, His soul on glory intent ; and rallying quick, Thus to the warlike Lycians shouted loud :

66 Why, Lycians, thus your wonted might relax ?

'Tis hard for one alone, how brave soe'er,

450

Even though he break the rampart down, to force

A passage to the ships ; but on with me ! For work is here for many hands to do." He said ; and by the King's rebuke abashed, With fiercer zeal the Lycians pressed around Their King and councillor ; on the other side Within the wall the Greeks their squadrons massed ;

455

400

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XII .

Then were great deeds achieved ; nor through the breach Could the brave troops of Lycia to the ships Their passage force ; nor could the warrior Greeks

460

Repel the Lycians from the ground, where they, Before the wall, had made their footing good. As when two neighbours, in a common field, Each line in hand, within a narrow space, About the limits of their land contend ;

465

Between them thus the rampart drew the line ; O'er which the full-orbed shields of tough bull's-hide, And lighter bucklers on the warriors' breasts On either side they clove ; and many a wound The pitiless weapons dealt, on some who, turned,

470

Their neck and back laid bare ; on many more Who full in front, and through their shields were struck. On every side the parapet and towers With Greek and Trojan blood were spattered o'er. Nor yet, e'en so, the Greeks to flight were driven ; 475 But as a woman that for wages spins, Honest and true, with wool and weights in hand, In even balance holds the scales, to mete Her humble hire, her children's maintenance ;

BOOK XII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

401

So even hung the balance of the war,

480

Till Jove with highest honour Hector crowned , The son of Priam ; he, the foremost, scaled The wall, and loudly on the Trojans called : " On, valiant Trojans, on ! the Grecian wall Break down, and wrap their ships in blazing fires." 485 Thus he, exhorting, spoke ; they heard him all, And to the wall rushed numberless, and swarmed Upon the ramparts, bristling thick with spears. Then Hector, stooping, seized a ponderous stone That lay before the gates ; ' twas broad below,

490

But sharp above ; and scarce two labouring men, The strongest, from the ground could raise it up, And load upon a wain ; as men are now ; But he unaided lifted it with ease,

495

So light it seemed, by grace of Saturn's son. As in one hand a shepherd bears with ease

A full-sized fleece, and scarcely feels the weight ; So Hector toward the portals bore the stone, Which closed the lofty double-folding gates, Within defended by two massive bars

500

Laid crosswise, and with one cross bolt secured.

VOL. I.

2 D

402

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XII .

Close to the gate he stood ; and planting firm His foot, to give his arm its utmost power, Full on the middle dashed the mighty mass. The hinges both gave way ; the ponderous stone

505

Fell inwards ; widely gaped the opening gates ; Nor might the bars within the blow sustain : This way and that the severed portals flew Before the crashing missile ; dark as night His lowering brow, great Hector sprang within ;

510

Bright flashed the brazen armour on his breast, As through the gates, two javelins in his hand, He sprang ; the Gods except, no power might meet That onset ; blazed his eyes with lurid fire. Then to the Trojans, turning to the throng,

515

He called aloud to scale the lofty wall ;

They heard, and straight obeyed ; some scaled the wall ; Some through the strong-built gates continuous poured ; While in confusion irretrievable Fled to their ships the panic-stricken Greeks.

520

END OF VOL. I.

LONDON PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.

LIST

BOOKS .

VOL. II.

PAGE 1

BOOK XIII ..

BOOK XIV.

45 :

BOOK XV.

BOOK XVI.

113

Book XVII .

159

BOOK XVIII.

199

BOOK XIX . ..

232

Book XX.

254

BOOK XXI.

281

BOOK XXII .

314

BOOK XXIII.

BOOK XXIV .

342 390

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

XIII.

WHEN Jove had Hector and the Trojans brought Close to the ships, he left them there to toil And strife continuous ; turning his keen glance To view far off the equestrian tribes of Thrace,

The warlike Mysians, and the men who feed On milk of mares, thence Hippemolgi termed ; A peaceful race, the justest of mankind. On Troy he turned not once his piercing glance ; Nor deemed he any God would dare to give

To Trojans or to Greeks his active aid.

No careless watch the monarch Neptune kept : Wondering, he viewed the battle, where he sat Aloft on wooded Samos' topmost peak, Samos of Thrace ; whence Ida's heights he saw, 15

And Priam's city, and the ships of Greece. VOL. II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

Thither ascended from the sea, he sat ; And thence the Greeks, by Trojans overborne, Pitying he saw, and deeply wroth with Jove. Then down the mountain's craggy side he passed

With rapid step ; and as he moved along,

Beneath the immortal feet of Ocean's Lord Quaked the huge mountain and the shadowy wood. Three strides he took ; the fourth, he reached his goal, Ægæ ; where on the margin of the bay

His temple stood, all glittering, all of gold ,

Imperishable ; there arrived, he yoked Beneath his car the brazen-footed steeds,

Of swiftest flight, with manes of flowing gold . All clad in gold, the golden lash he grasped Of curious work, and mounting on his car,

Skimmed o'er the waves ; from all the depths below

Gambolled around the monsters of the deep, Acknowledging their King ; the joyous sea

Nor was the brazen axle wet with spray, When to the ships of Greece their Lord they bore. Down in the deep recesses of the sea

Parted her waves ; swift flew the bounding steeds, 35

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

A spacious cave there is, which lies midway

Twixt Tenedos and Imbros' rocky isle : " The Earth-shaking Neptune there his coursers stayed, 40 Loosed from the chariot, and before them placed Ambrosial provender ; and round their feet Shackles of gold, which none might break nor loose, That there they might await their Lord's return ;

Then to the Grecian army took his way. Meantime, by Hector, son of Priam , led , Like fire, or whirlwind, pressed the Trojans on, With furious zeal, and shouts and clamour hoarse ; In hopes to take the ships, and all the chiefs To slay beside them ; but from Ocean's depths

Uprose the Earth-shaker, Circler of the Earth, To Calchas' likeness and deep voice conformed, And roused the fainting Greeks ; the Ajaces first, Themselves with ardour filled, he thus addressed : "" Tis yours, Ajaces, filled with courage high,

Discarding chilly fear, to save the Greeks :

Elsewhere I dread not much the Trojan force, Though they in crowds have scaled the lofty wall ; The well-greaved Greeks their onset may defy.

B 2

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII.

Yet greatly fear I lest we suffer loss,

HOMER'S

Where that fierce, fiery madman, Hector, leads, Who boasts himself the son of Jove most high. But may some God your hearts inspire, yourselves Firmly to stand, and cheer your comrades on ;

So from your swiftly-sailing ships ye yet

May drive the foe, how bold soe'er he be, Though by Olympian Jove himself upheld ." So spake the Earth-shaker, Circler of the Earth, And with his sceptre touching both the chiefs, Filled them with strength and courage, and their limbs, 70

Their feet and hands, with active vigour strung ; Then like a swift-winged falcon sprang to flight, Which down the sheer face of some lofty rock Swoops on the plain to seize his feathered prey :

So swiftly Neptune left the chiefs ; him first

Departing, knew Oileus' active son, And thus the son of Telamon addressed : " Ajax, since some one of the Olympian Gods, In likeness of a seer, hath hither come

To urge us to the war (no Calchas he, Our augur Heaven-inspired ; for well I marked

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

His movements, as he went ; and of a God 'Tis easy to discern the outward signs), I feel fresh spirit kindled in my breast, And new-born vigour in my feet and hands."

Whom answered thus the son of Telamon : " My hands too grasp with firmer hold the spear, My spirit like thine is stirred ; I feel my feet Instinct with fiery life ; nor should I fear With Hector, son of Priam, in his might

Alone to meet, and grapple to the death."

Such was their mutual converse, as they joyed In the fierce transport by the God inspired. Neptune, meanwhile, the other Greeks aroused, Who, to the ships withdrawn, their wasted strength

Recruited ; for their limbs were faint with toil, And grief was in their hearts, as they beheld The Trojan hosts that scaled the lofty wall ; They saw, and from their eyes the teardrops fell, Of safety desperate ; but the Earth-shaking God Amid their ranks appearing, soon restored

Their firm array ; to Teucer first he came, To Leïtus, and valiant Peneleus,

100

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

Thoas, Deipyrus, Meriones,

And young Antilochus, brave warriors all,

105

And to the chiefs his wingèd words addressed : " Shame on ye, Grecian youths ! to you I looked As to our ships' defenders ; but if ye Shrink from the perilous battle, then indeed Our day is come, to be by Troy subdued .

110

O Heaven ! a sad and wondrous sight is this, A sight I never deemed my eyes should see, Our ships assailed by Trojan troops ; by those Who heretofore have been as timorous hinds Amid the forest depths, the helpless prey

115

Of jackals, pards, and wolves ; they here and there, Uncertain, heartless, unresisting, fly : Such were the Trojans once ; nor dared abide, No, not an hour, the strength and arms of Greece ; And these are they, who now beside our ships,

120

Far from their city walls, maintain the fight, Emboldened by our great commander's fault, And slackness of the people, who, with him Offended, scarce are brought to guard our ships, And, feebly fighting, are beside them slain.

125

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Even though the mighty monarch, Atreus' son, Wide-ruling Agamemnon, be in truth Wholly to blame in this, that he hath wronged The son of Peleus, yet 'tis not for us. Our courage to relax.

Arouse ye then!

130

A brave man's spirit its vigour soon regains. That ye, the best and bravest of the host, Should stand aloof thus idly, ' tis not well ; If meaner men should from the battle shrink, I might not blame them ; but that such as ye

135

Should falter, indignation fills my soul. Dear friends, from this remissness must accrue Yet greater evils ; but with generous shame And keen remorse let each man's breast be filled ; Fierce is the struggle ; in his pride of strength

140

Hector has forced the gates and massive bars, And raging, 'mid the ships maintains the war.” Thus Neptune on the Greeks, reproving, called : Then round the Ajaces twain were clustered thick The serried files, whose firm array nor Mars, Nor spirit-stirring Pallas might reprove : For there, the bravest all, in order due,

145

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Waited the Trojan charge by Hector led :

Spear close by spear, and shield by shield o'erlaid, Buckler to buckler pressed, and helm to helm,

150

And man to man ; the horsehair plumes above,

That nodded on the warriors' glittering crests, Each other touched ; so closely massed they stood. Backward, by many a stalwart hand, were drawn The spears, in act to hurl ; their eyes and minds

155

Turned to the front, and eager for the fray. On poured the Trojan masses ; in the van Hector straight forward urged his furious course. As some huge boulder, from its rocky bed Detached, and by the wintry torrent's force

160

Hurled down the cliff's steep face, when constant rains The massive rock's firm hold have undermined ; With giant bounds it flies ; the crashing wood Resounds beneath it ; still it hurries on,

Until, arriving at the level plain, Its headlong impulse checked, it rolls no more ; So Hector, threatening now through ships and tents, E'en to the sea, to force his murderous way, Anon, confronted by that phalanx firm,

165

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Halts close before it ; while the sons of Greece,

170

With thrust of sword and double-pointed spears , Stave off his onset ; he a little space Withdrew, and loudly on the Trojans called :

66 Trojans, and Lycians, and ye Dardans famed In close encounter, stand ye firm ! not long

175

The Greeks, though densely massed, shall bar my way, But soon, methinks, before my spear shall quail, If from the chief of Gods my mission be, From Jove the Thunderer, royal Juno's Lord.”

His words fresh courage raised in every breast :

180

On loftiest deeds intent, Deiphobus, The son of Priam, from the foremost ranks, His shield's broad orb before him borne, advanced With airy step, protected by the shield :

At him Meriones with glittering spear

185

Took aim, nor missed his mark ; the shield's broad orb Of tough bull's-hide it struck ; but passed not through , For near the head the sturdy shaft was snapped. Yet from before his breast Deiphobus Held at arm's length his shield ; for much he feared The weapon of Meriones ; but he

190

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

Back to his comrades' sheltering ranks withdrew, Grieved at his baffled hopes and broken spear. Then toward the ships he bent his steps, to seek Another spear, which in his tent remained .

195

The rest, ' mid wild uproar, maintained the fight. There Teucer first, the son of Telamon, A warrior slew, the son of Mentor, Lord

Of numerous horses, Imbrius, spearman skilled . In former days, ere came the sons of Greece,

200

He in Pedæus dwelt, and had to wife Medesicaste, Priam's bastard child : But when the well-trimmed ships of Greece appeared, Returned to Troy ; and there, revered by all,

With Priam dwelt, who loved him as a son.

205

Him Teucer with his lance below the ear Stabbed, and drew back the weapon ; down he fell, As by the woodman's axe, on some high peak, Falls a proud ash, conspicuous from afar, Scattering its tender foliage on the ground ;

He fell ; and loud his burnished armour rang. Forth Teucer sprang to seize the spoil ; at whom, Advancing, Hector aimed his glittering spear ;

210

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

He saw, and, stooping, shunned the brazen death A little space ; but through the breast it struck

215

Amphimachus, the son of Cteatus, The son of Actor, hastening to the fight : Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang.

Then forward Hector sprang, in hopes to seize The brazen helm, that fitted well the brow

220

Of brave Amphimachus ; but Ajax met The advance of Hector with his glittering spear ; Himself he reached not, all in dazzling brass Encased ; but pressing on his bossy shield Drove by main force beyond where lay the dead :

225

Them both the Greeks withdrew ; the Athenian chiefs

Stychius and brave Menestheus, bore away Amid the ranks of Greece Amphimachus ; While, as two lions high above the ground Bear through the brushwood in their jaws a goat,

230

Snatched from the sharp-fanged dogs' protecting care ; So, filled with warlike rage, the Ajaces twain Lifted on high, and of its armour stripped

The corpse of Imbrius ; and Oileus' son, Grieved at Amphimachus, his comrade's death,

235

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

Cut from the tender neck, and like a ball Sent whirling through the crowd the severed head ; And in the dust at Hector's feet it fell. Then, for his grandson slain, fierce anger filled The breast of Neptune ; through the tents of Greece 240 And ships he passed, the Greeks encouraging,

And ills preparing for the sons of Troy. Him met Idomeneus, the warrior King,

Leaving a comrade, from the battle field, Wounded behind the knee, but newly brought ;

245

Borne by his comrades, to the leech's care

He left him, eager to rejoin the fray ; Whom by his tent the Earth-shaking God addressed , The voice assuming of Andræmon's son,

Who o'er the Etolians, as a God revered,

250

In Pleuron reigned, and lofty Calydon : " Where now, Idomeneus, sage Cretan chief, Are all the vaunting threats, so freely poured Against the Trojans by the sons of Greece ? " To whom the Cretan King, Idomeneus : 66 Thoas, on none, so far as I may judge, May blame be cast ; we all our duties know ;

255

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Nor see I one by heartless fear restrained , Nor hanging back, and flinching from the war :

Yet by the o'erruling will of Saturn's son

260

It seems decreed that here the Greeks should fall, And far from Argos lie in nameless graves. But, Thoas, as thyself art ever staunch, Nor slow the laggards to reprove, thy work Remit not now ; but rouse each several man."

265

To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied : " Idomeneus, may he from Troy return No more, but here remain to glut the dogs, If such there be, from this day's fight who shrinks.

But haste thee, don thine arms ; great need is now 270 To hasten, if in aught we two may serve : E'en meaner men, united, courage gain ; But we the bravest need not fear to meet.” He said, and to the strife of men returned. Within his well-constructed tent arrived, Straight donned Idomeneus his armour bright : Two spears he took ; and, like the lightning's flash, Which, as a sign to men, the hand of Jove

Hurls downwards from Olympus' glittering heights ;

275

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Whose dazzling radiance far around is thrown ;

280

Flashed, as the warrior ran, his armour bright. Him met Meriones, his follower brave, Close to the tent ; to seek a spear he came ;

To whom Idomeneus : " Meriones, Swift-footed son of Molus, comrade dear,

285

Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle field ? Hast thou some wound received, whereof the pain Subdues thy spirit ? or com'st thou, to the field To summon me ? unsummoned, well thou know'st I better love the battle than the tent."

290

Whom answered thus the sage Meriones : " Idomeneus, the brass-clad Cretans' King, I come to seek a spear, if haply such Within thy tent be found ; for, in the fight, That which I lately bore, e'en now I broke

295

Against the shield of brave Deiphobus."

To whom Idomeneus, the Cretan King : " Of spears, or one, or twenty, if thou list, Thou there mayst find against the polished wall, The spoil of Trojans slain ; for with my foes

'Tis not my wont to wage a distant war.

300

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Thence have I store of spears, and bossy shields, And crested helms, and breastplates polished bright." Whom answered thus the sage Meriones : " Nor are my tent and dark-ribbed ship devoid

305

Of Trojan spoils ; but they are far to seek ; Nor deem I that my hand is slack in fight ; For ' mid the foremost in the glorious strife I stand, whene'er is heard the battle cry. My deeds by others of the brass-clad Greeks

310

May not be noted ; but thou know'st them well."

To whom Idomeneus, the Cretan King : " What need of this ? thy prowess well I know : For should we choose our bravest through the fleet To man the secret ambush, surest test

315

Of warriors' courage, where is manifest The difference 'twixt the coward and the brave ; (The coward's colour changes, nor his soul

Within his breast its even balance keeps, But changing still, from foot to foot he shifts, And in his bosom loudly beats his heart, Expecting death ; and chatter all his teeth : The brave man's colour changes not ; no fear

320

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

He knows, the ambush entering ; all his prayer Is that the hour of battle soon may come)

325

Even there, thy courage none might call in doubt. Shouldst thou from spear or sword receive a wound, Not on thy neck behind, nor on thy back Would fall the blow, but on thy breast, in front, Still pressing onward 'mid the foremost ranks.

330

But come, prolong we not this idle talk,

Like babblers vain, who scorn might justly move : Haste to my tent, and there select thy spear." He said

and from the tent Meriones ,

Valiant as Mars, his spear selected straight,

335

And, eager for the fray, rejoined his chief. As Mars, the bane of men, goes forth to war, Attended by his strong, unfearing son, Terror, who shakes the bravest warrior's soul ; They two, from Thrace, against the Ephyri,

340

Or haughty Phlegyans arm ; nor hear alike The prayers of both the combatants, one side With victory crowning : so to battle went

Those leaders twain, in dazzling arms arrayed : Then thus Meriones his chief addressed :

345

" BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

" Son of Deucalion, say if on the right, Or on the centre of the general host, Our onset should be made, or on the left ; For there, methinks, most succour need the Greeks."

350

To whom Idomeneus, the Cretan chief : " Others there are the centre to defend, The Ajaces both, and Teucer, of the Greeks Best archer, good too in the standing fight ; These may for Hector full employment find,

355

Brave as he is, and eager for the fray ; E'en for his courage ' twere a task too hard, Their might to conquer, and resistless hands, And burn the ships, if Saturn's son himself Fire not, and ' mid the shipping throw the torch.

360

Great Ajax Telamon to none would yield, Of mortal birth, by earthly food sustained, By spear or ponderous stone assailable ; In hand to hand encounter, scarce surpassed By Peleus' son Achilles ; though with him

365

In speed of foot he might not hope to vie. Then on the left let us our onset make ; And quickly learn if we on others' heads VOL. II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Are doomed to win renown, or they on ours." He said : and, brave as Mars, Meriones, Thither where he directed , led the way.

370

Now when, attended thus, Idomeneus, Like blazing fire, in dazzling arms appeared, Around him thronged, with rallying cries, the Greeks, And raged beside the ships the balanced fight. As, when the dust lies deepest on the roads,

375

Before the boisterous winds the storm drives fast, And high at once the whirling clouds are tossed ; So was the fight confused ; and in the throng Each man with keen desire of slaughter burned. Bristled the deadly strife with ponderous spears,

380

Wielded with dire intent ; the brazen gleam Dazzled the sight, by flashing helmets cast, And breastplates polished bright, and glittering shields Commingling ; stern of heart indeed were he,

Who on that sight with joy, not pain, could gaze. Dire evil then on mortal warriors brought

The diverse minds of Saturn's mighty sons : To Hector and the Trojans Jove designed, In honour of Achilles, swift of foot,

385

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

390

To give the victory ; yet not utterly

He willed to slay before the walls of Troy The Grecian host ; but glory to confer On Thetis and her noble-minded son. Neptune, on the other side, the Greeks inspired , 395

Clandestine rising from the hoary sea ; For them before the Trojan host o'erborne He saw with grief, and deeply wroth with Jove. Equal the rank of both, their birth the same, But Jove in wisdom, as in years, the first.

400

Nor ventured Neptune openly to aid The cause of Greece ; but clothed in mortal form,

In secret still the army's courage roused. This way and that they tugged of furious war And balanced strife, where many a warrior fell, The straining rope, which none might break or loose.

405

Then, though his hair was grizzled o'er with age,

Calling the Greeks to aid, Idomeneus. Inspiring terror, on the Trojans sprang,

And slew Othryoneus, who but of late

410

Came from Cabesus on the alarm of war ; And, welcomed as a guest in Priam's house,

c 2

XIII

BOOK

ILIAD

HOMER'S

20 20

The fairest of his daughters sought to wed, No portion asked, Cassandra ; mighty deeds He promised, from before the walls of Troy In their despite to drive the sons of Greece.

415

The aged Priam listened to his suit ; And he, his promise trusting, fought for Troy. Him, marching with proud step, Idomeneus Struck with his glittering spear, nor aught availed His brazen breastplate ; through the middle thrust,

420

Thundering he fell : the victor vaunting cried :

" Othryoneus, above all mortal men I hold thee in respect, if thou indeed Wilt make thy words to aged Priam good, Who promised thee his daughter in return :

425

We too would offer thee a like reward ; And give thee here to wed, from Argos brought, Atrides' fairest daughter, if with us Thou wilt o'erthrow the well-built walls of Troy. Come then, on board our ocean-going ships Discuss the marriage contract ; nor shall we Be found illiberal of our bridal gifts .' He said, and seizing by the foot the slain,

430

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Dragged from the press ; but to the rescue came Asius, himself on foot before his car :

435

So close his charioteer the horses held, They breathed upon his shoulders ; eagerly He sought to reach Idomeneus ; but he,

Preventing, through his gullet drove the spear, Beneath his chin ; right through the weapon passed ; 440 He fell ; as falls an oak, or poplar tall, Or lofty pine, which on the mountain top, For some proud ship, the woodman's axe hath hewn : So he, before the car and horses stretched, His death-cry uttering, clutched the blood-stained soil ; 445 Bewildered, helpless, stood his charioteer ; Nor dared, escaping from the foemen's hands, To turn his horses : him, Antilochus Beneath the waistband struck ; nor aught availed His brazen breastplate ; through the middle thrust,

450

He, from the well-wrought chariot, gasping, fell. Antilochus, the noble Nestor's son, The horses seized, and from the Trojan ranks Drove to the Grecian camp.

For Asius' death

Deep grieved, Deiphobus, approaching, hurled

455

22 22

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Against Idomeneus his glittering spear : The coming weapon he beheld, and shunned : Beneath the ample circle of his shield, With hides and brazen plates encircled round, And by two rods sustained, concealed he stood :

460

Beneath he crouched, and o'er him flew the spear : Yet harsh it grated, glancing from the shield ; Nor bootless from that stalwart hand it flew, But through the midriff, close below the heart, Hypsenor, son of Hippasus, it struck,

465

And straight relaxed his limbs ; then shouting loud, In boastful tone, Deiphobus exclaimed : "Not unavenged lies Asius ; he, methinks, As I have found him fellowship, with joy

"" Through Hades' strongly-guarded gates may pass."

470

He said ; the Greeks, indignant, heard his boast : Chief, of Antilochus the manly soul Was stirred within him ; yet amid his grief His comrade not forgetting, up he ran, And o'er him spread the cover of his shield. Meanwhile, two trusty friends, Mecistheus, son Of Echius, and Alastor, raised the slain,

475

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And deeply groaning bore him to the ships .

Nor did Idomeneus his noble rage Abate ; still burning o'er some Trojan soul

480

To draw the gloomy veil of night and death ; Or, having saved the Greeks, himself to fall. Then high-born

suetes' son he slew,

Alcathöus ; he, Anchises' son-in-law, The eldest of his daughters had to wife,

485

Hippodamia ; by her parents both, O'er all, beloved ; in beauty, skill , and mind, All her compeers surpassing ; wife of one, The noblest man through all the breadth of Troy. Him Neptune by Idomeneus subdued ;

490

Sealed his quick eyes, his active limbs restrained,

Without the power to fly, or shun the spear ; Fixed as a pillar, or a lofty tree, He stood , while through his breast Idomeneus

His weapon drove ; the brazen mail it broke, Which oft had turned aside the stroke of death ;

Harshly it grated, severed by the spear : He fell ; the spear-point quivering in his heart, Which with convulsive throbbings shook the shaft.

495

HOMER'S ILIAD .

There Mars its course arrested.

BOOK XIII .

Then with shouts

500

Of triumph, vaunting, thus Idomeneus : "How now, Deiphobus ? are three for one An equal balance ? where are now thy boasts ? Come forth, my friend, thyself to me opposed ; And learn, if here, unworthy my descent

505

From Jove, my great progenitor, I stand. He Minos, guardian chief of Crete, begot ; Noble Deucalion was to Minos born, I to Deucalion ; far extends my rule In wide-spread Crete ; whom now our ships have brought, 510 A bane to thee, thy sire, and Trojans all .”

He said ; and doubtful stood Deiphobus, Or to retreat, and summon to his aid The Trojans, or alone the venture try.

Thus as he mused, the wiser course appeared

515

To seek Æneas ; him he found apart, Behind the crowd ; for he was still at feud With godlike Priam, who, he thought, withheld The public honour to his valour due. To whom Deiphobus, approaching, thus : 66 Æneas, sagest councillor of Troy,

520

25 BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Behoves thee now, if reverence for the dead Can move thy soul, thy sister's husband aid :

Haste we to save Alcathöus ; who of old, When thou wast little, in thy father's house,

525

Nursed thee with tender care ; for him, but now, The spear-renowned Idomeneus hath slain.” He said ; Æneas' spirit was roused, and filled With martial rage he sought Idomeneus . Nor, cowardlike, did he the encounter shun ;

530

But firmly stood, as stands a mountain-boar Self-confident, that in some lonely spot Awaits the clamorous chase ; bristles his back ; His eyes with fire are flashing ; and his tusks He whets, on men and dogs prepared to rush :

535

So stood the spear-renowned Idomeneus, The onset of Æneas, swift in fight,

Awaiting ; and the friends he saw around He summoned to his aid ; Ascalaphus , Deipyrus, and brave Meriones, Antilochus and Aphareus ; to these, Tried warriors all, he thus addressed his speech : " Aid me, my friends ! alone I stand, and dread

540

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

The onset of Æneas, swift of foot,

Mighty to slay in battle ; and the bloom

545

Of youth is his, the crown of human strength ; If, as our spirit, our years were but the same, Great glory now should he, or I, obtain." He said ; and, one in heart, their bucklers sloped Upon their shoulders, all beside him stood.

550

On the other side, Æneas to his aid Summoned his brother chiefs, Deiphobus, And Paris, and Agenor ; following whom Came on the general crowd ; as flocks of sheep From pasture follow to their drinking-place

555

The lordly ram ; well pleased the shepherd sees ; So pleased, Æneas saw the gathering crowd. Then o'er Alcathöus hand to hand was waged The war of spears ; dire was the clash of brass Upon the heroes' breasts, as ' mid the press

560

Each aimed at other ; proudly eminent Stood forth two mighty warriors, terrible As Mars, Æneas and Idomeneus,

Their sharp spears wielding each at other's life. First at Idomeneus Eneas threw

565

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

His spear ; he saw, and shunned the brazen point ; And vainly from his stalwart hand dismissed, Eneas' spear stood quivering in the ground. Idomeneus in front, below the waist, Enomäus struck ; the weighty spear broke through 570 The hollow breastplate, and the intestines tore ; Prone in the dust he fell, and clutched the ground. Forthwith Idomeneus from out the corpse The ponderous spear withdrew ; yet could not strip

His armour off ; so thickly flew the spears.

575

Nor did his feet retain their youthful force, His weapon to regain, or back to spring. Skilled in the standing fight his life to guard, He lacked the active power of swift retreat. At him, retiring slow, Deiphobus,

580

Still filled with anger, threw his glittering spear : His aim he missed ; but through the shoulder pierced Ascalaphus, a valiant son of Mars ; Prone in the dust he fell, and clutched the ground. Nor knew the loud-voiced, mighty God of War That in the stubborn fight his son had fallen ; On high Olympus, girt with golden clouds,

585

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

He sat, amid the Immortals all, restrained, By Jove's commands, from mingling in the war. Now hand to hand around Ascalaphus

590

Raged the fierce conflict : first Deiphobus From off his head the glittering helmet tore ; But, terrible as Mars, Meriones Sprang forth, and pierced his arm ; and from his hand With hollow sound the crested helmet fell.

595

On, like a vulture, sprang Meriones, And from his arm the sturdy spear withdrew ; Then backward leaped amid his comrades' ranks ; While round his brother's waist Polites threw His arms, and led him from the battle-field

600

To where, with charioteer and rich-wrought car, Beyond the fight, his flying coursers stood. Him, racked with pain, and groaning, while the blood Streamed down his wounded arm, to Troy they bore. The rest fought on, and loud the tumult rose. Æneas through the throat of Aphareus, Caletor's son, turned sideways towards him, drove His glittering spear ; and down on the other side, His shield and helmet following, sank his head ;

605

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And o'er his eyes were cast the shades of death.

20 29

610

As Thöon turned, Antilochus, who watched The occasion, forward sprang, and with his spear Ripped all the flesh that lay along the spine

Up to the neck ; he backward fell, with hands Uplifted calling for his comrades' aid :

615

But forward sprang Antilochus, and tore

His armour from his breast, while round he cast His watchful glances ; for on every side On his broad shield the Trojans showered their blows, But touched him not ; for Neptune, 'mid the throng

620

Of weapons, threw his guard o'er Nestor's son. Yet not aloof he stood, but in their midst, Commingled ; nor held motionless his spear ; But ever threatening, turned from side to side, Prepared to hurl, or hand to hand engage.

625

Him Adamas, the son of Asius, marked,

As o'er the crowd he glanced ; and springing forth, Struck with his spear the centre of the shield ; But dark-haired Neptune grudged the hero's life, And stayed the brazen point ; half in the shield, Like a fire-hardened stake, remained infixed,

630

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

The other half lay broken on the ground. Back to his comrades' sheltering ranks he sprang, In hope of safety ; but Meriones, Quick-following, plunged his weapon through his groin, 635 Where sharpest agony to wretched men

Attends on death ; there planted he his spear : Around the shaft he writhed, and gasping groaned, Like to a mountain-bull, which, bound with cords, The herdsmen drag along, with struggles vain,

640

Resisting ; so the wounded warrior groaned : But not for long ; for fierce Meriones, Approaching, from his body tore the spear,

And the dark shades of death his eyes o'erspread. Then Helenus, a weighty Thracian sword

645

Wielding aloft, across the temples smote Deipyrus, and all his helmet crashed ; Which, as it rolled beneath their feet, some Greek Seized ' mid the press ; his eyes were closed in death .

The valiant Meneläus, Atreus' son, With grief beheld ; and royal Helenus With threatening mien approaching, poised on high

His glittering spear, while he the bowstring drew.

650

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Then simultaneous flew from either side The gleaming spear, and arrow from the string.

655

The shaft of Priam's son below the breast The hollow cuirass struck, and bounded off;

As bound the dark-skinned beans, or clattering peas, From the broad fan upon the threshing-floor, By the brisk breeze impelled, and winnower's force ; 660 From noble Meneläus' cuirass so The stinging arrow bounding, glanced afar.

But valiant Meneläus, Atreus' son, Transfixed the hand that held the polished bow : The brazen point passed through, and to the bow

665

The hand was pinned ; back to his comrades' ranks He sprang, in hope of safety, hanging down The wounded limb, that trailed the ashen spear. Agenor from the wound the spear withdrew, And with a twisted sling of woollen cloth,

670

By an attendant brought, bound up the hand.

To noble Meneläus stood oppos'd Peisander, to the confines dark of death Led by his evil fate, by thee to fall, Great son of Atreus, in the deadly strife.

675

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

When near they drew, Atrides missed his aim,

With erring spear divergent ; next his shield Peisander struck, but drove not through the spear ; For the broad shield resisted, and the shaft Was snapped in sunder ; Meneläus saw

680

Rejoicing, and with hope of triumph flushed ; Unsheathing then his silver-studded sword Rushed on Peisander ; he beneath his shield Drew forth a ponderous brazen battle-axe, With handle long, of polished olive-wood ;

685

And both at once in deadly combat joined.

Then, just below the plume, Peisander struck The crested helmet's peak ; but Atreus' son Met him advancing, and across the brow Smote him, above the nose ; loud crashed the bone, 690

And in the dust the gory eyeballs dropped Before him ; doubled with the pain, he fell : The victor, planting on his chest his foot, Stripped off his arms, and thus exulting cried : " Thus shall ye all, insatiate of the fight,

Proud Trojans, from before our ships depart ; Nor lack your share of insult and of wrong,

695

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

333

Such as on me, vile hounds, ye cast erewhile, Nor feared the avenger of the slighted laws Of hospitality, high-thundering Jove,

700

Who soon your lofty city shall o'erthrow. Kindly received, my virgin-wedded wife, With store of goods, ye basely bore away ; And now ye rage, infuriate, to destroy With fire our ocean-going ships, and slay

705

Our Grecian heroes ; but the time shall come When ye too fain would from the war escape. O Father Jove, ' tis said that thou excell'st, In wisdom, Gods and men ; all human things From thee proceed ; and can it be, that thou

710

With favour seest these men of violence, These Trojans, with presumptuous courage filled , Whose rage for battle knows nor stint nor bound ? Men are with all things sated ; sleep, and love ; Sweet sounds of music, and the joyous dance. Of these may some more gladly take their fill ; But Trojans still for war, insatiate, thirst." Thus Meneläus ; and the blood-stained arms. VOL. II.

715

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Stripped from the corpse, and to his comrades gave ; Then joined again the foremost in the fray.

720

There to the encounter forth Harpalion sprang, Son of the King Pylæmenes, who came, His father following, to the war of Troy, But back returned not to his native land. He standing near, full in the centre struck

725

Atrides' shield, but drove not through the spear ; Back to his comrades' sheltering ranks he sprang In hopes of safety, glancing all around,

His body to defend ; but as he turned , In his right flank a brazen-pointed shaft,

730

Shot by Meriones, was buried deep : Beneath the bone it passed, and pierced him through. At once he fell ; and gasping out his life,

Amid his comrades , writhing on the ground Like a crushed worm he lay ; and from the wound 735

The dark blood pouring, drenched the thirsty soil . The valiant troops of Paphlagonia closed

Around him ; on his car they placed the slain, And deeply sorrowing, to the city bore ;

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

740

His father, weeping, walked beside the car,* Nor vengeance for his slaughterd son obtained . Paris with grief and anger saw him fall : For he in former days his guest had been In Paphlagonia ; then, with anger filled,

745

A brass-tipped arrow from his bow he sent. A certain man there was, Euchenor named, Who dwelt in Corinth ; rich, of blameless life, The son of Polyeidus, skilful seer : His fate well knowing, he embarked ; for oft The good old man had told him that his doom

750

Was, or at home by sharp disease to die, Or with the Greeks by Trojan hands to fall. Embarking, he escaped alike the fine By Greeks imposed, and pangs of sharp disease.

755

Him Paris smote between the ear and jaw ; Swift fled his spirit, and darkness closed his eyes. Thus raged, like blazing fire, the furious fight. But nought as yet had Hector heard, nor knew

* This passage would seem to be the result of an oversight on the part of the Poet ; who, apparently, had forgotten that Pylæmenes, " the Paphlagonian Chief," had himself been killed by Menelaus, some time before the death of his son. See Book V., 1. 656, D 2

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII .

How sorely, leftward of the ships, were pressed The Trojans by the Greeks ; and now appeared

760

Their triumph sure ; such succour Neptune gave, Their courage rousing, and imparting strength. But there he kept, where first the serried ranks Of Greeks he broke, and stormed the wall and gates ; There beached beside the hoary sea, the ships

765

Of Ajax and Protesilaüs lay ; There had the wall been lowest built ; and there Were gathered in defence the chiefest all, Horses and men : the stout Boeotians there, Joined to the Ionians with their flowing robes,

770

Locrians, and Phthians, and Epeians proud, Could scarce protect their ships ; nor could repel The impetuous fire of godlike Hector's charge. There too the choicest troops of Athens fought ; Their chief, Menestheus, Petëus' son ; with whom

775

Were Pheidas, Stichius, Bias in command ;

The Epeians Meges, Phyleus' son, obeyed, And Dracius and Amphion ; Medon next, With brave Podarces led the Phthian host : Medon, the great Oileus' bastard son,

780

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Brother of Ajax ; he in Phylace, Far from his native land, was driven to dwell, Since one to Eriopis near akin, His sire Oileus' wife, his hand had slain. Podarces from Iphiclus claimed his birth,

785

The son of Phylacus ; these two in arms

The valiant Phthians leading to the fight, Joined the Boeotian troops to guard the ships. But from the side of Ajax Telamon

Stirred not a whit Oileus' active son ;

790

But as on fallow-land, with one accord, Two dark-red oxen drag the well-wrought plough, Streaming with sweat that gathers round their horns ; They by the polished yoke together held, The stiff soil cleaving, down the furrow strain ;

795

So closely, side by side, those two advanced. But comrades, many and brave, on Telamon Attended, who, whene'er with toil and sweat His limbs grew faint, upheld his weighty shield ; While in the fray, Oïleus' noble son No Locrians followed ; theirs were not the hearts To brook the endurance of the standing fight ;

800

XIII

BOOK

ILIAD

HOMER'S

388

Nor had they brass-bound helms, with horsehair plume, Nor ample shields they bore, nor ashen spear ; But came to Troy, in bows and twisted slings

805

Of woollen cloth confiding ; and from these Their bolts quick-showering, broke the Trojan ranks. While those, in front, in glittering arms opposed The men of Troy, by noble Hector led ; These, in the rear, unseen, their arrows shot.

810

Nor stood the Trojans ; for amid their ranks The galling arrows dire confusion spread. Then had the Trojans from the ships and tents Back to the breezy heights of Troy been driven In flight disastrous ; but Polydamas

815

Drew near to Hector, and addressed him thus :

66 Hector, I know thee, how unapt thou art To hearken to advice ; because the Gods Have given thee to excel in warlike might, Thou deemest thyself, in counsel too, supreme ; Yet every gift thou canst not so combine : To one the Gods have granted warlike might, To one the dance, to one the lyre and song ; While in another's breast all-seeing Jove

820

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Hath placed the spirit of wisdom, and a mind

825

Discerning, for the common good of all : By him are states preserved ; and he himself Best knows the value of the precious gift.

Then hear what seems to me the wisest course. On every side the circling ring of war

830

Is blazing all around thee ; and, thou seest, Our valiant Trojans, since the wall they scaled , Or stand aloof, or scattered 'mid the ships Outnumbered, with superior forces strive. Then thou, retiring, hither call the chiefs ;

835

Here take we counsel fully, if to fall Upon their well-manned ships, should Heaven vouchsafe The needful strength, or, scatheless yet, withdraw ; For much I fear they soon will pay us back Their debt of yesterday ; since in their ranks

840

One yet remains insatiate of the fight,

And he, methinks, not long will stand aloof." Thus he : the prudent counsel Hector pleased ;

Down from his chariot with his arms he leaped, And to Polydamas his speech addressed : 66 Polydamas, detain thou here the chiefs ;

845

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Thither will I, and meet the front of war, And, given my orders, quickly here return." He said ; and, like a snow-clad mountain high, Uprose ; and loudly shouting, in hot haste

850

Flew through the Trojan and Confederate host.

At sound of Hector's voice, round Panthöus' son, Polydamas, were gathered all the chiefs. But ' mid the foremost combatants he sought If haply he might find Deiphobus,

855

And royal Helenus, and Adamas,

And gallant Asius, son of Hyrtacus. These found he not unscathed by wounds or death ; For some beside the ships of Greece had paid, By Grecian hands, the forfeit of their lives,

860

While others wounded lay within the wall. But, to the leftward of the bloody fray, The godlike Paris, fair-haired Helen's Lord, Cheering his comrades to the fight, he found, And with reproachful words addressed him thus : " Thou wretched Paris, fair in outward form, Thou slave of woman, manhood's counterfeit, Where is Deiphobus, and where the might

865

BOOK XIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Of royal Helenus ? where Adamas, The son of Asius ? where too Asius, son

870

Of Hyrtacus ? and where Othryoneus ? Now from its summit totters to the fall Our lofty Ilium ; now thy doom is sure." To whom the godlike Paris thus replied : " Hector, since blameless I incur thy blame,

875

Ne'er have I less withdrawn me from the fight, And me not wholly vile my mother bore ; For since thou gav'st command to attack the ships,

We here against the Greeks unflinching war Have waged ; our comrades, whom thou seek'st, are slain : 880

Only Deiphobus hath left the field, And Helenus ; both wounded by the spear, Both through the hand ; but Jove their life hath spared.

But thou, where'er thy courage bids, lead on : We shall be prompt to follow ; to our power

885

Thou shalt in us no lack of valour find ; Beyond his power the bravest cannot fight."

Wrought on his brother's mind the hero's words : Together both they bent their steps, where raged The fiercest conflict; there Cebriones,

890

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIII .

Phalces, Orthæus, brave Polydamas, Palmys, and godlike Polyphetes' might, And Morys, and Ascanius fought ; these two Hippotion's sons ; from rich Ascania's plains They, as reliefs, but yestermorn had come :

895

Impelled by Jove, they sought the battle field . Onward they dashed, impetuous as the rush

Of the fierce whirlwind, which with lightning charged, From Father Jove sweeps downward o'er the plain : As with loud roar it mingles with the sea,

900

The many-dashing ocean's billows boil, Upheaving, foam-white-crested, wave on wave ; So, rank on rank, the Trojans, closely massed,

In arms all glittering, with their chiefs advanced ; Hector, the son of Priam, led them on,

905

In combat terrible as blood-stained Mars : Before his breast his shield's broad orb he bore, Of hides close joined, with brazen plates o'erlaid ; The gleaming helmet nodded o'er his brow. He, with proud step, protected by his shield, On every side the hostile ranks surveyed,

If signs of yielding he might trace ; but they

910

BOOK XIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Unshaken stood ; and with like haughty mien, Ajax at Hector thus defiance hurled : " Draw nearer, mighty chief ; why seek to scare

915

Our valiant Greeks ? we boast ourselves of war Not wholly unskilled, though now the hand of Jove Lies heavy on us with the scourge of Heaven . Thou hop'st, forsooth, our vessels to destroy ; But stalwart arms for their defence we boast.

920

Long ere that day shall your proud city fall, Taken and destroyed by our victorious hands. Not far the hour, when thou thyself in flight To Jove and all the Gods shalt make thy prayer, That swifter than the falcon's wing thy steeds

925

May bear thee o'er the dusty plain to Troy." Thus as he spoke, upon his right appeared An eagle, soaring high ; the crowd of Greeks The favouring omen saw, and shouted loud : Then noble Hector thus : " What words are these, Ajax, thou babbling braggart, vain of speech ! For would to Heaven I were as well assured I were the son of ægis-bearing Jove, Born of imperial Juno, and myself

930

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIII.

In equal honour with Apollo held

935

Or blue-eyed Pallas, as I am assured This day is fraught with ill to all the Greeks : Thou 'mid the rest shalt perish, if thou dare

My spear encounter, which thy dainty skin Shall rend ; and slain beside the ships, thy flesh

940

Shall glut the dogs and carrion birds of Troy."

He said, and led them on ; with eager cheers They followed ; shouted loud the hindmost throng. On the other side the Greeks returned the shout : Of all the Trojans' bravest they, unmoved ,

945

The onset bore ; their mingled clamours rose To Heaven, and reached the glorious light of Jove. 947

BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD .

XIV.

did the battle-din not reach the ears

NOR Of Nestor, o'er the wine-cup ; and his speech He thus addressed to Esculapius ' son : 66 ' Say, good Machaon, what these sounds may mean ;

For louder swells the tumult round the ships.

But sit thou here, and drink the ruddy wine, Till fair-haired Hecamede shall prepare The gentle bath, and wash thy gory wounds ; While I go forth, and all around survey." He said, and from the wall a buckler took,

Well-wrought, with brass resplendent, which his son, Brave Thrasymedes, in the tent had left, While with his father's shield himself was girt ;

A sturdy spear too, tipped with brass, he took : Without the tent he stood ; and there his eyes A woful sight beheld ; the Greeks in flight, The haughty Tojrans pressing on their rout

HOMER'S IJ,IAD.

Boo1t XIV.

Confused; the Greeks' protecting wall o'erthrown. As heaves the darklin� sea with silent swell, Expectant of the boisterous gale's approach;

Nor onward either way is poured its flood, Until it feel the impelling blast from HeavPn; So stood the old man, his minrl perplexPd with doubt, To mingle in the throng, or connsel seek 21,

Of mighty Agamemnon, Atreus' son. Thus as he mused, the better course appeared, To seek Atrides; fiercely fought the rest With mutual slaughter; loud their armour rang With thrusts of swords and double-pointed spearR. There Nestor met, advancing from the ships,

The Heaven-born Kings, Ulysses, Diomed, And Agamemnon, son of Atreus, all By wounds disabled; for the ships were beacl11�d Upon the shore, beside the hoary sea, Far from the battle; higher, towarcl the plain The foremost had been drawn, and with a wall Their sterns surrounded; for the spacious beach Could not contain them, and in 11arrow boundR Were pent theh multitllfles; Ro high on larnl

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BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

They drew, and ranged them side by side, and filled , 40 Within the headlands, all the wide-mouthed bay.

Thus they, their steps supporting on their spears, Together came, spectators of the fight ; Deep sorrow filled their breasts ; them Nestor met, The fear increasing, which their souls possessed .

To whom the monarch Agamemnon thus : 66 "O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,

Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle-field ? Greatly I fear that noble Hector now His menace will fulfil, who made his boast

Before the assembled Trojans, that to Troy He never would return, until our ships The flames had mastered, and ourselves the sword. Such was his threat, and now he makes it good. Heaven! can it be that I of other Greeks,

As of Achilles, have incurred the wrath, Who thence refuse to battle for the ships ? " To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : " Such are indeed our prospects ; Jove on high Could to our fortunes give no different turn. The wall is razed, wherein our trust we placed

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV .

To guard, impregnable, ourselves and ships ;

And now around the ships their war they wage, Unceasing, unabated ; none might tell By closest scrutiny, which way are driven

The routed Greeks, so intermixed they fall Promiscuous ; and the cry ascends to Heaven. But come, discuss we what may best be done, If judgment aught may profit us ; ourselves To mingle in the fray I counsel not ;

It were not well for wounded men to fight." Whom answered Agamemnon, King of men : "Nestor, since to the ships the war is brought, Nor hath the wall availed to stay their course,

113

Nor yet the deep-dug trench, on which we Greeks

Much toil bestowed, and which we vainly hoped Might guard, impregnable, ourselves and ships ; Seems it the will of Saturn's mighty son That, far from Argos, from our native land, We all should here in nameless graves be laid. I knew when once he loved to aid the Greeks ; But now I see that to the blessed Gods Our foes he equals, and our strength confounds.

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Hear then my counsel ; let us all agree 85

The ships that nearest to the sea are beached To launch upon the main, till nightfall there To ride at anchor ; if that e'en by night The Trojans may suspend their fierce assault ; Then may we launch in safety all the fleet.

No shame it is to fly, although by night, Impending evil ; better so to fly Than by the threatened danger be o'erta'en."

To whom, with scornful glance, Ulysses sage : “ What words have passed the barrier of thy lips, 95

Thou son of Atreus ? counsellor of ill ! Would thou hadst been of some ignoble band The leader, not the chief of such a host As ours, on whom, from youth to latest age, Jove hath the gift bestowed, to bear the brunt

100

Of hardy war, till every man be slain. And think'st thou so to leave the lofty walls Of Troy, the object of our painful toil ? Be silent, that no other Greek may hear Words, which no man might trust his tongue to speak,

105

Who nobler counsels understands, and wields VOL. II.

HOMER'

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV .

A royal sceptre, and the allegiance claims Of numbers, such as those that own thy sway. Thy counsels all I utterly condemn ; Who, ' mid the close and clamour of the fight, Wouldst have us launch our ships, and give the foe,

110

Already too triumphant, cause renewed

For boasting ; then were death our certain lot ; For, if the ships be launched, not long will Greeks Sustain the war, but with reverted eyes . Shrink from the fight ; to such pernicious end

115

Would lead thy baneful counsels, mighty chief."

Whom answered Agamemnon, King of men : "Ulysses, thy rebuke hath wrung my soul ; Yet never meant I, that against their will The sons of Greece should launch their well-found ships : 120 But if there be who better counsel knows, Or young or old, his words would please me well." Then rose the valiant Diomed, and said : " The man is near at hand, nor far to seek,

If ye will hear, nor take offence, that I, The younge

p o y s st f ou all , resume to peak . Yet of a noble sire I boast me sprung,

125

BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Tydeus, who sleeps beneath the Theban soil : To Portheus three brave sons were born, who dwelt 130

In Pleuron and in lofty Calydon, Agrius, and Melas ; bravest of them all, My father's father, Eneus, was the third.

He there remained ; my father, wandering long, To Argos came ; such was the will of Jove And of the Immortals all ; he there espoused

135

Adrastus' daughter ; owned a wealthy house, With fertile corn-lands round, and orchards stored With goodly fruit-trees ; numerous flocks he had, And all the Greeks in feats of arms excelled. Hear ye the words I speak, for they are true :

1.40

And if my speech be wise, despise it not, As of one worthless, or ignobly born. Though wounded, to the battle I advise That we perforce repair ; yet not ourselves 145

To join the combat, or confront the spears,

Lest wounds to wounds be added ; but to rouse The spirits of some, who, zealous heretofore,

Now stand aloof, nor mingle in the fray." He said, and they, his words approving, went, E 2

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XIV.

By Agamemnon led, the King of men.

150

Nor careless was the watch by Neptune kept : With them , in likeness of an aged man, He went, and Agamemnon , Atreus' son, By the right hand he took, and thus addressed : " O son of Atreus, great is now the joy

155

With which Achilles' savage breast is filled, Who sees the slaughter and the rout of Greeks : For nought he has of heart, no, not a whit : But perish he, accursed of the Gods ! Nor deem thou that to thee the blessed Gods

160

Are wholly hostile ; yet again the chiefs And councillors of Troy shall scour in flight The dusty plain ; and from the ships and tents Thine eyes shall see them to the city fly." He said ; and loudly shouting, onward rushed.

165

As of nine thousand or ten thousand men, In deadly combat meeting, is the shout ; Such was the sound which from his ample chest The Earth-shaker sent ; and every Greek inspired

With stern resolve to wage unflinching war. Standing on high Olympus' topmost peak,

170

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

The golden-throned Juno downward looked , And, busied in the glory-giving strife,

Her husband's brother and her own she saw, Saw, and rejoiced ; next, seated on the crest

175

Of spring-abounding Ida, Jove she saw, Sight hateful in her eyes ! then pondered deep The stag-eyed Queen, how best she might beguile The wakeful mind of ægis-bearing Jove ; And, musing, this appeared the readiest mode :

180

Herself with art adorning, to repair

To Ida ; there, with fondest blandishment And female charm, her husband to enfold In love's embrace ; and gentle, careless sleep Around his eyelids and his senses pour.

185

Her chamber straight she sought, by Vulcan built, Her son ; by whom were to the door-posts hung

Close-fitting doors, with secret keys secured, That, save herself, no God might enter in. There entered she, and closed the shining doors ; And with ambrosia first her lovely skin She purified, with fragrant oil anointing, Ambrosial, breathing forth such odours sweet,

190

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV.

That, waved above the brazen floor of Jove, All earth and Heaven were with the fragrance filled ;

195

O'er her fair skin this precious oil she spread ; Combed out her flowing locks, and with her hand Wreathed the thick masses of the glossy hair, Immortal, bright, that crowned the imperial head . A robe ambrosial then, by Pallas wrought,

200

She donned, in many a curious pattern traced, With golden brooch beneath her breast confined. Her zone, from which a hundred tassels hung, She girt about her ; and, in three bright drops, Her glittering gems suspended from her ears ;

205

And all around her grace and beauty shone. Then o'er her head the imperial Goddess threw A beauteous veil, new-wrought, as sunlight white ; And on her well-turned feet her sandals bound. Her dress completed, from her chamber forth

210

She issued, and from the other Gods apart She called to Venus, and addressed her thus :

66 Say, wilt thou grant, dear child, the boon I ask ? • Or wilt thou say me nay, in wrath that I Espouse the Greek, as thou the Trojan cause ?"

215

BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

To whom the laughter-loving Venus thus : "Daughter of Saturn, Juno, mighty Queen, Tell me thy wish ; to grant it if my power May aught avail, thy pleasure shall be done.”

To whom great Juno thus, with artful speech :

220

" Give me the loveliness , and power to charm, Whereby thou reign'st o'er Gods and men supreme. For to the bounteous Earth's extremest bounds I go, to visit old Oceanus, The sire of Gods, and Tethys, who of yore

225

From Rhæa took me, when all-seeing Jove Hurled Saturn down below the earth and seas, And nursed me in their home with tenderest care ;

I go to visit them, and reconcile A lengthened feud ; for since some cause of wrath

230

Has come between them, they from rites of love And from the marriage-bed have long abstained : Could I unite them by persuasive words,

And to their former intercourse restore, Their love and reverence were for ever mine."

Whom answered thus the laughter-loving Queen : " I ought not, and I cannot, say thee nay,

235

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIV.

Who liest encircled by the arms of Jove." Thus Venus spoke ; and from her bosom loosed Her broidered cestus, wrought with every charm

240

To win the heart ; there Love, there young Desire, There fond Discourse, and there Persuasion dwelt, Which oft enthralls the mind of wisest men. This in her hand she placed, as thus she spoke : " Take thou from me, and in thy bosom hide,

245

This broidered cestus ; and, whate'er thy wish, Thou shalt not here ungratified return.” Thus Venus ; smiled the stag-eyed Queen of Heaven, And, smiling, in her bosom hid the gift. Then Venus to her father's house returned ;

250

But Juno down from high Olympus sped ; O'er sweet Emathia, and Pieria's range, O'er snowy mountains of horse-breeding Thrace, Their topmost heights, she soared, nor touched the earth. From Athos then she crossed the swelling sea,

255

Until to Lemnos, godlike Thoas' seat, She came ; there met she Sleep, twin-born with Death, Whom, as his hand she clasped, she thus addressed : 66 Sleep, universal King of Gods and men,

ILIAD .

If ever thou hast listened to my voice,

260

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

Grant me the boon which now I ask, and win My ceaseless favour in all time to come. When Jove thou seest in my embraces locked , Do thou his piercing eyes in slumber seal. Rich guerdon shall be thine ; a gorgeous throne,

265

Immortal, golden ; which my skilful son, Vulcan, shall deftly frame ; beneath, a stool

Whereon at feasts thy feet may softly rest." Whom answered thus the gentle God of Sleep : 66 Daughter of Saturn, Juno, mighty Queen,

270

On any other of the immortal Gods.

I can with ease exert my slumberous power ; Even to the stream of old Oceanus, Prime origin of all ; but Saturn's son, Imperial Jove, I dare not so approach,

275

Nor sink in sleep, save by his own desire. Already once, obeying thy command,

A fearful warning I received, that day When from the capture and the sack of Troy That mighty warrior, son of Jove, set sail ; For, circumfused around, with sweet constraint

280

HOMER'

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV .

I bound the sense of ægis-bearing Jove, While thou, with ill-design, rousing the force Of winds tempestuous o'er the stormy sea, Didst cast him forth on Coös' thriving isle,

285

Far from his friends ; then Jove, awaking, poured His wrath, promiscuous, on the assembled Gods ; Me chief his anger sought ; and from on high Had hurled me, plunged beneath the unfathomed sea, But Night, the vanquisher of Gods and men,

290

Her fugitive received me ; he his wrath

Repressed, unwilling to invade the claims Of holy Night ; and now thou fain wouldst urge

That I another reckless deed essay." Whom answered thus the stag-eyed Queen of Heaven :

295

"Why, Sleep, with thoughts like these perplex thy mind ? Think'st thou that Jove as ardently desires To aid the men of Troy, as fiercely burned His anger on his valiant son's behalf ? Grant my request ; and of the Graces one, The youngest and the fairest, have to wife, Pasithea, whom thy love hath long pursued." Thus promised Juno ; Sleep, rejoicing, heard,

300

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

39 59

And answered thus : " Swear then the awful oath,

Inviolable, by the stream of Styx,

305

Thy one hand laid upon the fruitful earth,

The other resting on the sparkling sea ; That all the Gods who in the nether realms With Saturn dwell, may of our solemn bond Be witnesses, that of the Graces one,

310

The youngest, fairest, I shall have to wife, Pasithea, whom my love hath long pursued." He said : nor did the white-armed Queen refuse ; She took the oath required ; and called by name On all the Titans, sub-Tartarean Gods :

315

Then, sworn and ratified the oath, they passed From Lemnos, and from Imbros, veiled in cloud, Skimming their airy way ; on Lectum first, In spring-abounding Ida, nurse of beasts, The sea they left, and journeyed o'er the land,

320

While waved beneath their feet the lofty woods. There Sleep, ere yet he met the eye of Jove, Remained ; and, mounted on a lofty pine, The tallest growth of Ida, that on high Flung through the desert air its boughs to Heaven, 325

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XIV.

Amid the pine's close branches lay ensconced ; Like to a mountain bird of shrillest note, Whom Gods the Chalcis, men the night-hawk call. Juno meanwhile to Ida's summit sped,

To Gargarus ; the Cloud-compeller saw ;

330

He saw, and sudden passion fired his soul, As when, their parents ' eyes eluding, first They tasted of the secret joys of love. He rose to meet her, and addressed her thus : " From high Olympus, Juno, whither bound,

335

And how, to Ida hast thou come in haste ? For horses here or chariot hast thou none." To whom thus Juno with deceitful speech Replied : " To fertile earth's extremest bounds I go, to visit old Oceanus,

340

The sire of Gods, and Tethys, who of yore Received, and nurtured me with tenderest care.

I go to visit them, and reconcile A lengthened feud ; for since some cause of wrath Has come between them, they from rites of love And from the marriage-bed have long abstained. Meanwhile at spring-abounding Ida's foot

345

BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

My horses wait me, that o'er land and sea Alike my chariot bear ; on thine account From high Olympus hither have I come,

350

Lest it displease thee, if, to thee unknown, I sought the Ocean's deeply-flowing stream ."

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied :

66 Juno, thy visit yet awhile defer ; And let us now in love's delights indulge :

355

For never yet did such a flood of love For Goddess or for mortal fill my soul ; Not for Ixion's beauteous wife, who bore

Pirithöus, sage in council as the Gods ; Nor the neat-footed maiden Danäe,

360

Acrisius' daughter, her who Perseus bore, The observed of all ; nor noble Phoenix' child, Who bore me Minos, and the godlike might Of Rhadamanthus ; nor for Semele, Nor for Alcmena fair, of whom was born In Thebes the mighty warrior Hercules, As Bacchus, joy of men, of Semele : No, nor for Ceres, golden-tressèd Queen, Nor for Latona bright, nor for thyself,

365

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV .

As now with fond desire for thee I burn."

370

To whom thus Juno with deceitful speech : "What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? If here on Ida, in the face of day,

We celebrate the mystic rites of love, How if some other of the immortal Gods

375

Should find us sleeping, and ' mid all the Gods Should spread the tale abroad ? I could not then Straight to thy house, for very shame, return. But if indeed such passion fill thy soul, Thou hast thy secret chamber, built for thee

380

By Vulcan, with close-fitting doors secured ; Thither, if such thy pleasure, go we now." To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied : " Juno, nor fear the eye of God or man ; For all around us I will throw such veil

385

Of golden cloud, that not the sun himself With sharpest beam of light may pierce it through.” Thus saying, in his arms he clasped his wife ; The teeming earth beneath them caused to spring The tender grass, and lotus dew-besprent, Crocus and hyacinth, a fragrant couch,

390

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Profuse and soft, up-springing from the earth . There lay they, all around them spread a veil Of golden cloud, whence heavenly dews distilled . There on the topmost height of Gargarus,

395

By sleep and love subdued, the immortal Sire, Clasped in his arms his wife, reposed in peace. Then Sleep arose, and to the Grecian ships In haste repairing, to the Earth-shaking King His tidings bore ; and standing at his side

400

Thus to the God his winged words addressed : "Now, Neptune, to the Greeks thy ready aid Afford, that short-lived triumph they may gain, While slumber holds the eyes of Jove ; for I In sweet unconsciousness have drowned his sense,

405

Beguiled by Juno, in whose arms he lies." He said, and vanished ' mid the tribes of men : But fired with keener zeal to aid the Greeks,

Neptune sprang forth in front, and called aloud : " Again, ye Greeks, shall our remissness yield The victory to Hector, Priam's son, To seize our ships, and endless glory gain ? Such is his boast and menace, since in wrath

410

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV.

Achilles still beside his ships remains.

Yet him we scarce should miss, if we, the rest,

415

But firmly stood for mutual defence. Hear then my counsel : let us all agree, Girt with our best and broadest shields, our heads With flashing helmets guarded, in our hands Grasping our longest spears, to dare the fight.

420

Myself will lead you on ; and Priam's son,

Though bold he be, will fear with me to cope. And if, among our bravest, any bear Too small a buckler, with some meaner man Let him exchange, and don the larger shield."

425

He said, and they assenting heard his speech. The Kings themselves, Ulysses, Diomed,

And mighty Agamemnon , Atreus' son, Though sorely wounded, yet the troops arrayed ; Throughout the ranks they passed, and changed the arms ;

430

The bravest donned the best, the worse the worst. When with their dazzling armour all were girt, Forward they moved ; the Earth-shaker led them on : In his broad hand an awful sword he bore, Long-bladed, vivid as the lightning's flash :

435

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Yet in the deadly strife he might not join, But kindled terror in the minds of men. Hector meantime the Trojan troops arrayed . Then fiercer grew, and more intense the strain Of furious fight, when Ocean's dark-haired King

440

And Priam's noble son were met in arms, And aided, this the Trojans, that the Greeks. High toward the tents uprose the surging sea, As with loud clamour met the opposing hosts. Less loud the roar of Ocean's wave, that driven

445

By stormy Boreas, breaks upon the beach ; Less loud the crackling of the flames that rage In the deep forest of some mountain glen ; Less loud the wind, to wildest fury roused, 450

Howls in the branches of the lofty oaks ; Than rose the cry of Trojans and of Greeks, As each, with furious shout, encountered each. At Ajax first, who straight before him stood, Great Hector threw his spear, nor missed his aim, Where the two belts, the one which bore his shield, His silver-studded sword the other, met Across his breast ; these two his life preserved.

VOL. II.

455

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIV.

Hector was wroth, that from his stalwart hand The spear had flown in vain ; and back he sprang For safety to his comrades' sheltering ranks :

460

But mighty Ajax Telamon upheaved

A ponderous stone, of many, all around That scattered lay beneath the warriors' feet, And served to prop the ships ; with one of these, As Hector backward stepped, above the shield

465

He smote him on the breast, below the throat. With whirling motion, circling as it flew, The mass he hurled .

As by the bolt of Heaven

Uprooted, prostrate lies some forest oak ; The sulphurous vapour taints the air ; appalled,

470

Bereft of strength, the near beholder stands,

And awestruck hears the thunder-peal of Jove ; So in the dust the might of Hector lay : Dropped from his hand the spear ; the shield and helm Fell with him ; loud his polished armour rang. On rushed, with joyous shout, the sons of Greece, In hope to seize the spoil ; thick flew the spears : Yet none might reach or wound the fallen chief ; For gathered close around, the bravest all,

475

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

480

Valiant Æneas, and Polydamas, Godlike Agenor, and the Lycian chief Sarpedon, and the noble Glaucus stood. Nor did the rest not aid ; their shields' broad orbs Before him still they held, while in their arms

485

His comrades bore him from the battle-field, To where, with charioteer and well-wrought car, Beyond the fight, his flying coursers stood, Which bore him, deeply groaning, toward the town. But when the ford was reached of Xanthus' stream ,

490

Broad-flowing, eddying, by immortal Jove Begotten, on the ground they laid him down, And dashed the cooling water on his brow : Revived, he lifted up awhile his eyes ;

Then on his knees half rising, he disgorged The clotted blood ; but backward to the earth,

495

Still by the blow subdued, again he fell, And darkling shades of night his eyes o'erspread . Onward, with zeal redoubled, pressed the Greeks, When Hector from the field they saw withdrawn. 500

Foremost of all, Oileus' active son,

With sudden spring assailing, Satnius slew :

F 2

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIV .

Him a fair Naiad nymph to Enops bore, Who by the banks of Satnoïs kept his herds. Him then, approaching near, Oïleus' son

Thrust through the flank : he fell, and o'er his corpse

505

Trojans and Greeks in stubborn fight engag'd. But Panthöus ' son a swift avenger came, Polydamas, with brandished spear, and struck Through the right shoulder Prothöenor, son Of Arëilycus ; right through was driven

510

The sturdy spear ; he, rolling in the dust,

Clutched with his palms the ground ; then, shouting loud, Thus with triumphant boast Polydamas : "From the strong hand of Panthöus' noble son Methinks that not in vain the spear has flown :

515

A Greek now bears it off; and he, perchance, May use it as a staff to Pluto's realm." Thus he ; the Greeks with pain his vaunting heard ; But chief it roused the spirit within the breast

Of Ajax Telamon, whom close beside The dead had fallen ; he at Polydamas, Retreating, hurled in haste his glittering spear ; He, springing sideways, ' scaped the stroke of fate ;

520

BOOK XIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

But young Archilochus, Antenor's son, Received the spear, for Heaven had willed his death :

525

The spine it struck, the topmost joint, where met The head and neck, and both the tendons broke ;

Forward he fell ; and ere or knee or leg, His head, and mouth, and nostrils struck the ground. Then Ajax, in his turn, exulting, thus :

530

66 Say now, Polydamas, and tell me true, May this be deemed for Prothöenor's death A full equivalent ? no common man He seems, and born of no ignoble race ;

Valiant Antenor's brother, or perchance

535

His son ; the likeness speaks him near akin." Thus he, though well he knew ; then bitter grief Possessed the Trojans' souls ; but Acamas, Guarding his brother's body, with his spear Slew the Boeotian Promachus, who fain

540

Would by the feet have drawn away the dead : Then Acamas, exulting, cried aloud : " Ye wretched Greeks, in boasting measureless ! Not ours alone the labour and the loss Of battle ; ye too have your share of death.

545

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIV .

Behold where lies your Promachus, subdued

Beneath my spear ; not long unpaid the debt Due for my brother's blood !

'Tis well for him

Who leaves a brother to avenge his fate." Thus he ; the Greeks with pain his vaunting heard ; 550 But chief it roused the spirit within the breast

Of Peneleus ; on Acamas he sprang, Who waited not the encounter ; next he slew Ilioneus, the son of Phorbas, Lord Of numerous flocks, of all the Trojans most

555

Beloved of Hermes, who his wealth increased. To him Ilioneus, an only son, His mother bore ; who now, beneath the brow And through the socket of the eye was struck, Thrusting the eyeball out ; for through the eye,

560

And backward through the head, the spear was driven : With hands extended, down to earth he sank ; But Peneleus his weighty sword let fall Full on his neck ; the severed head and helm

Together fell, remaining still infixed The sturdy spear ; then he, the gory head Uplifting, to the Trojans vaunting cried :

565

BOOK XIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

"Go now, ye Trojans ! bid that in the house Of brave Ilioneus his parents raise The voice of wailing for their gallant son ;

570

As neither shall the wife of Promachus, The son of Alegenor, with glad smile

Her husband's coming hail, when home from Troy We sons of Greece, with victory crowned, return.” Thus as he spoke, pale fear possessed them all,

575

Each looking round to seek escape from death.

Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell, Who, when the Earth-shaker turned the tide of war, First bore away his foeman's bloody spoils ? Great Ajax Telamon first Hyrtius smote,

580

The son of Gyrtius, who to battle led The warlike Mysians ; next Antilochus

From Mermerus and Phalces stripped their arms ; Meriones Hippotion gave to death, And Morys ; Teucer Periphetes slew, And Prothöon ; Meneläus, through the flank

Smote Hyperenor ; as the grinding spear Drained all his vitals, through the gaping wound His spirit escaped, and darkness closed his eyes.

585

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

But chiefest slaughter of the Trojans wrought

BOOK XIV .

590

Oileus' active son ; of all the Greeks No foot so swift as his, when Jove had filled Their souls with fear, to chase the flying foe.

593

BOOK XV.

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ILIAD.

XV.

when the Trojans had recrossed the trench

Now And palisades, and in their headlong flight Many had fallen by Grecian swords, the rest, Routed, and pale with fear, made head awhile Beside their cars ; then Jove on Ida's height

At golden-throned Juno's side awoke ; Rising, he saw the Trojans and the Greeks, Those in confusion, while behind them pressed The Greeks, triumphant, Neptune in their midst : He saw too Hector stretched upon the plain,

His comrades standing round ; senseless he lay, Drawing short breath, blood gushing from his mouth ; For by no feeble hand the blow was dealt. Pitying, the Sire of Gods and men beheld, And thus, with sternest glance, to Juno spoke :

"This, Juno, is thy work ! thy wicked wiles Have Hector quelled, and Trojans driven to flight :

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV .

Nor know I but thyself mayst reap the fruit, By shameful scourging, of thy vile deceit. Hast thou forgotten how in former times.

I hung thee from on high, and to thy feet Attached two ponderous anvils, and thy hands With golden fetters bound, which none might break ? There didst thou hang amid the clouds of Heaven ; Through all Olympus' breadth the Gods were wroth ;

Yet dared not one approach to set thee free.

If any so had ventured, him had I Hurled from Heaven's threshold, till to earth he fell,

With little left of life.

Yet was not quenched

My wrath on godlike Hercules' account,

Whom thou, with Boreas, o'er the watery waste With fell intent didst send ; and tempest-tossed , Cast him ashore on Coös' fruitful isle. I rescued him from thence, and brought him back, After long toil, to Argos' grassy plains. This to thy mind I bring, that thou mayst learn To cease thy treacherous wiles, nor hope to gain By all thy lavished blandishments of love, Wherewith thou hast deceived me, and betrayed."

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

He said ; and terror seized the stag-eyed Queen ;

Who thus with wingèd words addressed her Lord : " By Earth I swear, and yon broad Heaven above, And Stygian stream beneath, the weightiest oath Of solemn power to bind the blessed Gods ; By thine own sacred head, our nuptial bed,

Whose holy tie I never could forswear ;

That not by my suggestion and advice Earth-shaking Neptune on the Trojan host, And Hector, pours his wrath, and aids the Greeks ;

In this he but obeys his own desire,

Who looks with pity on the Grecian host Beside their ships o'erborne ; and could my words

Prevail, my counsel were to shape his course, O cloud-girt King, obedient to thy will."

She said ; the Sire of Gods and men, well pleased, 55 Her answer heard, and thus with gracious smile : 66 " If, stag-eyed Queen, in synod of the Gods

Thy counsels shall indeed with mine agree, Neptune, how strong soe'er his wish, must change His course, obedient to thy will and mine ;

And if in all sincerity thou speak,

Boox XV.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Go to the assembled Gods, and hither send Iris, and Phoobus of the silver bow; That she may to the Grecian camp repair, And bid that Neptune from the battle-field

Withdraw, and to his own domain retire; While Phoobus Hector to the fight restores, Inspiring new-born vigour, and allaying The mortal pains which bow his spirit down; 'l'hen, heartless fear infusing in the Greeks,

Put them to flight, that flying they may foll Beside Achilles' ships; his comrade then, PatJ:oclus, he shall send to battle forth To be by Hector slain, in front of Troy; Yet not to foll till many valiant youths

Have felt his prowess; and, amid the rest, My son, Sarpedon; by his comrade's death Enraged, Achilles Hector shall subdue ; Thenceforth my counsel is, that from the ships The Tr�jan force shall still be backward driven, Until at length, by Pallas' deep designs, The Greeks possess the lofty walls of 'l'roy. Yct will not I my anger intermit,

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BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Nor suffer other of the immortal Gods

To aid the Greeks, till Peleus' son behold His wish accomplished, and the boon obtained I promised once, and with a nod confirmed,

That day when sea-born Thetis clasped my knees, And prayed me to avenge her warrior son." Thus he ; the white-armed Queen of Heaven submiss 90 His mandate heard ; and from the Idæan mount With rapid flight to high Olympus sped . Swift as the mind of man, who many a land Hath travelled o'er, and with reflective thought

Recalls, " here was I such a day, or here,"

And in a moment many a scene surveys ; So Juno sped o'er intervening space ; Olympus' heights she reached, and in the house Of Jove appeared amid the assembled Gods. They at her coming rose, with golden cups

100

Greeting their Queen's approach ; the rest she passed, And from the hand of fair-faced Themis took The proffered cup, who first had run to meet, And thus with winged words addressed the Queen : " Juno, why com'st thou hither ? and with looks

105

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ILIAD.

Book XV.

Of one distraught with fear ? hath Saturn's son,

Thy mighty Lord, thus sore affrighted thee ? " To whom the white-armed Goddess, Juno, thus : " Forbear thy questions, Themis ; well thou know'st How haughty and imperious is his mind ;

110

Thou for the Gods in haste prepare the feast ; Then shalt thou learn, amid the Immortals all, What evil he designs ; nor all, I ween,

His counsels will approve, or men, or Gods, Though now in blissful ignorance they feast."

115

She said, and sat ; the Gods, oppressed with care, Her farther speech awaited ; on her lips There dwelt indeed a smile, but not a ray Passed o'er her darkening brow, as thus her wrath Amid the assembled Gods found vent in words :

120

" Fools are we all, who madly strive with Jove, Or hope, by access to his throne, to sway, By word or deed, his course ; from all apart, He all our counsels heeds not, but derides ; And boasts o'er all the immortal Gods to reign In unapproached pre-eminence of power. Prepare then each his several woe to bear ;

125

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ILIAD .

On Mars e'en now, methinks, the blow hath fallen ; Since in the fight, the man he loves the best, And boasts his son, Ascalaphus, is slain."

130

She said ; and Mars, enraged, his brawny thigh Smote with his hands, and thus, lamenting, spoke : " Blame not, ye Gods, who on Olympus dwell, That to the Grecian ships I haste, to avenge My slaughtered son, though blasted by Heaven's fire

135

'Twere mine ' mid corpses, blood, and dust to lie." He said, and gave command to Fear and Flight To yoke his car ; and donned his glittering arms. Then from the throne of Jove had heavier wrath And deeper vengeance on the Immortals fallen,

140

But Pallas, in alarm for all the Gods, Quitting in haste the throne whereon she sat, Sprang past the vestibule, and from his head The helmet lifted, from his arm the shield ; Took from his sturdy hand, and reared upright, The brazen spear ; then with reproachful words She thus assailed the impetuous God of War : "Frantic, and passion-maddened, thou art lost ! Hast thou no ears to hear ? or are thy mind

145

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

And sense of reverence utterly destroyed ?

150

Or heard'st thou not what white-armed Juno spoke, Fresh from the presence of Olympian Jove ? Wouldst thou, thine evil destiny fulfilled, By hard constraint, despite thy grief, be driven Back to Olympus ; and to all the rest

155

Confusion and disaster with thee bring ? At once from valiant Trojans and from Greeks

His thoughts would be diverted, and his wrath Embroil Olympus, and on all alike, Guilty or not, his anger would be poured.

160

Waive then thy vengeance for thy gallant son ;

Others as brave of heart, as strong of arm, Have fallen, and yet must fall ; and vain the attempt To watch at once o'er all the race of men." Thus saying, to his seat again she forced

165

The impetuous Mars : meanwhile, without the house, Juno, by Jove's command, Apollo called, And Iris, messenger from God to God ; And thus to both her winged words addressed : " Jove bids you with all speed to Ida haste ; And when, arrived, before his face ye stand,

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ILIAD .

Whate'er he orders, that observe and do."

Thus Juno spoke, and to her throne returned ; While they to spring-abounding Ida's heights,

175

Wild nurse of forest beasts, pursued their way ; The all-seeing son of Saturn there they found Upon the topmost crag of Gargarus, An incense-breathing cloud around him spread. Before the face of cloud-compelling Jove They stood ; well-pleased he witnessed their approach

180

In swift obedience to his consort's words, And thus to Iris first his speech addressed : " Haste thee, swift Iris, and to Ocean's King

My message bear, nor misreporting aught, 185

Nor aught omitting ; from the battle-field Bid him retire, and join the assembled Gods, Or to his own domain of sea withdraw. If my commands he heed not, nor obey, Let him consider in his inmost soul

190

If, mighty though he be, he dare await My hostile coming ; mightier far than him,

His elder born ; nor may his spirit aspire To rival me, whom all regard with awe." VOL. II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

He said ; swift-footed Iris, at the word, From Ida's heights to sacred Ilium sped.

195

Swift as the snow-flakes from the clouds descend, Or wintry hail before the driving blast Of Boreas, ether-born ; so swift to Earth Descended Iris ; by his side she stood, And with these words the Earth-shaking God addressed : 200

"A message, dark-haired Circler of the Earth, To thee I bring from Ægis-bearing Jove. He bids thee straightway from the battle-field Retire, and either join the assembled Gods, Or to thine own domain of sea withdraw.

205

If his commands thou heed not, nor obey, Hither he menaces himself to come, And fight against thee ; but he warns thee first, Beware his arm, as mightier far than thee,

Thine elder born ; nor may thy spirit aspire

210

To rival him, whom all regard with awe." To whom in towering wrath the Earth-shaking God :

66 By Heaven, though great he be, he yet presumes Somewhat too far, if me, his equal born, He seeks by force to baffle of my will.

215

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HOMER'S

ILIAD. 883

We were three brethren, all of Rhæa born To Saturn ; Jove and I, and Pluto third, Who o'er the nether regions holds his sway. Threefold was our partition ; each obtained 220

His meed of honour due ; the hoary Sea By lot my habitation was assigned ; The realms of Darkness fell to Pluto's share ; Broad Heaven, amid the sky and clouds, to Jove ; But Earth, and high Olympus, are to all

225

A common heritage ; nor will I walk To please the will of Jove ; though great he be, With his own third contented let him rest :

Nor let him think that I, as wholly vile, Shall quail before his arm ; his lofty words 230

Were better to his daughters and his sons Addressed, his own begotten ; who perforce Must listen to his mandates, and obey."

To whom swift-footed Iris thus replied : " Is this, then, dark-haired Circler of the Earth, The message, stern and haughty, which to Jove Thou bidd'st me bear ? perchance thine angry mood May bend to better counsels ; noblest minds G 2

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ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

Are easiest bent ; and o'er superior age Thou know'st the avenging Furies ever watch." To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied :

240

"Immortal Iris, weighty are thy words, And in good season spoken ; and ' tis well

When envoys are by sound discretion led. Yet are my heart and mind with grief oppressed, When me, his equal both by birth and fate,

245

He seeks with haughty words to overbear. I yield, but with indignant sense of wrong. This too I say, nor shall my threat be vain : Let him remember, if in my despite, 'Gainst Pallas', Juno's, Hermes', Vulcan's will,

250

He spare to overthrow proud Ilium's towers, And crown with victory the Grecian arms, The feud between us never can be healed ." The Earth-shaker said, and from the field withdrew Beneath the ocean wave, the warrior Greeks His loss deploring ; to Apollo then The Cloud-compeller thus his speech addressed : "Go straight to Hector of the brazen helm,

Good Phoebus ; for beneath the ocean wave

255

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

The Earth-shaker hath withdrawn, escaping thus

260

My high displeasure : had he dared resist, The tumult of our strife had reached the Gods Who in the nether realms with Saturn dwell. Yet thus ' tis better, both for me and him, That, though indignant, to my will he yields ;

265

For to compel him were no easy task. Take thou, and wave on high thy tasselled shield, The Grecian warriors daunting : thou thyself, Far-darting King, thy special care bestow

On noble Hector ; so restore his strength

270

And vigour, that in panic to their ships, And the broad Hellespont, the Greeks be driven. Then will I so by word and deed contrive

That they may gain fresh respite from their toil." He said, nor did Apollo not obey

275

His Sire's commands ; from Ida's heights he flew, Like to a falcon, swooping on a dove, Swiftest of birds ; then Priam's son he found,

The godlike Hector, stretched at length no more, But sitting, now to consciousness restored, With recognition looking on his friends ;

280

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

The cold sweat dried, nor gasping now for breath, Since by the will of Ægis-bearing Jove

To life new wakened ; close beside him stood The Far-destroyer, and addressed him thus :

285

"Hector, thou son of Priam, why apart From all thy comrades art thou sitting here, Feeble and faint ?

What trouble weighs thee down ? "

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm With faltering voice : " Who art thou, Prince of Gods, 290 Who thus enquirest of me ? know'st thou not How a huge stone, by mighty Ajax hurled, As on his comrades by the Grecian ships I dealt destruction, struck me on the breast, Dashed to the earth, and all my vigour quelled ?

295

I deemed in sooth this day my soul, expired, Should see the dead, and Pluto's shadowy realm.” To whom again the far-destroying King :

" Be of good cheer ; from Saturn's son I come From Ida's height to be thy guide and guard ; Phoebus Apollo, of the golden sword, I, who of old have thy protector been, Thee and thy city guarding.

Rise then straight ;

300

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Summon thy numerous horsemen ; bid them drive Their flying cars to assail the Grecian ships :

305

I go before ; and will thy horses' way Make plain and smooth, and daunt the warrior Greeks.” His words fresh vigour in the chief infused.

As some proud steed, at well-filled manger fed, His halter broken, neighing, scours the plain,

310

And revels in the widely-flowing stream To bathe his sides ; then tossing high his head, While o'er his shoulders streams his ample mane, Light-borne on active limbs, in conscious pride, To the wide pastures of the mares he flies ;

315

So vigorous, Hector plied his active limbs, His horsemen summoning at Heaven's command. As when a rustic crowd of men and dogs Have chased an antlered stag, or mountain goat, That ' mid the crags and thick o'ershadowing wood

320

Hath refuge found, and baffled their pursuit : If, by the tumult roused, a lion stand, With bristling mane, before them, back they turn, Checked in their mid career ; even so the Greeks, Who late in eager throngs were pressing on,

325

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

Thrusting with swords and double-pointed spears, When Hector moving through the ranks they saw, Recoiled, and to their feet their courage fell. To whom thus Thoas spoke, Andræmon's son, Ætolia's bravest warrior, skilled to throw

330

The javelin, dauntless in the stubborn fight ; By few surpassed in speech, when in debate In full assembly Grecian youths contend. He thus with prudent speech began, and said : "Great is the marvel which our eyes behold,

335

That Hector see again to life restored, Escaped the death we hoped him to have met Beneath the hands of Ajax Telamon. Some God hath been his guard, and Hector saved, Whose arm hath slacked the knees of many a Greek : 340 So will he now ; for not without the aid Of Jove, the Lord of thunder, doth he stand So boldly forth, so eager for the fight. Hear, then, and all by my advice be ruled : Back to the ships dismiss the general crowd ; While of our army we, the foremost men,

Stand fast, and meeting him with levelled spears,

345

Book XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Hold him in check ; and he, though brave, may fear To throw himself amid our serried ranks." He said

they heard, and all obeyed his words :

350

The mighty Ajax, and Idomeneus The King, and Teucer, and Meriones, And Meges, bold as Mars, with all their best, Their stedfast battle ranged, to wait the assault Of Hector and his Trojans ; while behind,

355

The unwarlike many to the ships retired. The Trojan mass came on, by Hector led With haughty stride ; before him Phoebus went, His shoulders veiled in cloud ; his arm sustained The awful Ægis, dread to look on, hung

360

With shaggy tassels round and dazzling bright ; Which Vulcan, skilful workman, gave to Jove, To scatter terror ' mid the souls of men. This on his arm, the Trojan troops he led. Firm stood the mass of Greeks ; from either side Shrill clamours rose ; and fast from many a string The arrows flew, and many a javelin, hurled By vigorous arms ; some buried in the flesh Of stalwart youths, and many, ere they reached

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HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

Their living mark, fell midway on the plain,

370

Fixed in the ground, in vain athirst for blood . While Phoebus motionless his Ægis held, Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell On either side ; but when he turned its flash Full in the faces of the astonished Greeks,

375

And shouted loud, their spirits within them quailed, Their fiery courage borne in mind no more.

As when two beasts of prey, at dead of night, With sudden onset scatter wide a herd Of oxen, or a numerous flock of sheep,

380

Their keepers absent ; so unnerved by fear The Greeks dispersed ; such panic ' mid their ranks,

That victory so might crown the Trojan arms, Apollo sent ; and as the masses broke, Each Trojan slew his man ; by Hector's hand

385

Fell Stichius and Arcesilas ; the one, The leader of Boeotia's brass-clad host, The other, brave Menestheus' trusted friend.

Æneas Medon slew, and Iasus ; Medon, the great Oileus' bastard son,

Brother of Ajax ; he in Phylace,

390

BOOK XV.

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ILIAD .

Far from his native home, was driven to dwell ;

Since one to Eriopis near akin, His sire Oileus' wife, his hand had slain : And Iasus, the Athenian chief, was deemed

395

The son of Sphelus, son of Bucolus.

Polydamas amid the foremost ranks Mecistes slew, Polites Echius, Agenor Clonius ; while from Paris' hand An arrow, ' mid the crowd of fugitives

400

Shot from behind, beneath the shoulder struck Dëiocus, and through his chest was driven :

These while the Trojans of their arms despoiled, Through ditch and palisades promiscuous dashed The flying Greeks, and gained, hard-pressed, the wall ; 405 While loudly Hector to the Trojans called

To assail the ships, and leave the bloody spoils : " Whom I elsewhere, and from the ships aloof Shall find, my hand shall doom him on the spot ; For him no funeral pyre his kin shall light, Or male or female ; but before the wall Our city's dogs his mangled flesh shall tear.”

He said ; and on his horses' shoulder-point

410

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ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

Let fall the lash, and loudly through the ranks Called on the Trojans ; they, with answering shout

415

And noise unspeakable, urged on with him

Their harnessed steeds ; Apollo, in the van, Trod down with ease the embankment of the ditch, And filled it in ; and o'er it bridged a way Level and wide, far as a javelin's flight

420

Hurled by an arm that proves its utmost strength.

O'er this their columns passed ; Apollo bore His Ægis o'er them, and cast down the wall ; Easy, as when a child upon the beach, In wanton play, with hands and feet o'erthrows

425

The mound of sand, which late in play he raised ; So, Phoebus, thou, the Grecian toil and pains Confounding, sentest panic through their souls. Thus hemmed beside the ships they made their stand, While each exhorted each, and all, with hands

430

Outstretched, to every God addressed their prayer :

And chief, Gerenian Nestor, prop of Greece, With hands uplifted toward the starry Heaven : " O Father Jove ! if any e'er to Thee On corn-clad plains of Argos burnt the fat

435

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Of bulls and sheep, and offered up his prayer For safe return ; and thine assenting nod Confirmed thy promise ; O remember now His prayer ; stave off the pitiless day of doom, Nor let the Greeks to Trojan arms succumb."

440

Thus Nestor prayed ; loud thundered from on high The Lord of counsel, as he heard the prayer Of Neleus' aged son ; with double zeal, The Trojans, as the mind of Jove they knew, Pressed on the Greeks, with warlike ardour fired .

445

As o'er the bulwarks of a ship pour down The mighty billows of the wide-pathed sea, Driven by the blast, that tosses high the waves, So down the wall, with shouts, the Trojans poured ; The cars admitted, by the ships they fought

450

With double-pointed spears, and hand to hand ; These on their chariots, on the lofty decks Of their dark vessels those, with ponderous spars, Which on the ships were stored for naval war, Compact and strong, their heads encased in brass. While yet beyond the ships, about the wall The Greeks and Trojans fought, Patroclus still

455

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ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

Within the tent of brave Eurypylus Remaining, with his converse soothed the chief, And healing unguents to his wound applied,

460

Of power to charm away the bitter pains ; But when the Trojans pouring o'er the wall, And routed Greeks in panic flight he saw, Deeply he groaned, and smiting on his thigh With either palm, in anguish thus he spoke :

465

" Eurypylus, how great soe'er thy need, I can no longer stay ; so fierce the storm Of battle rages ; but the attendants' care Will all thy wants supply ; while I in haste

Achilles seek, and urge him to the war ;

470

Who knows but Heaven may grant me to succeed ? For great is oft a friend's persuasive power.” He said, and quickly on his errand sped.

Meanwhile the Greeks, in firm array, endured The onset of the Trojans ; nor could these

475

The assailants, though in numbers less, repel ; Nor those again the Grecian masses break, And force their passage through the ships and tents. As by a rule, in cunning workman's hand,

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Who all his art by Pallas' aid has learnt,

480

A vessel's plank is smooth and even laid ; So level lay the balance of the fight. Others round other ships maintained the war, But Hector that of Ajax sought alone. For that one ship they two unwearied toiled ;

485

Nor Hector Ajax from his post could move, And burn the ship with fire ; nor he repel The foe who came protected by a God. Then noble Ajax with his javelin smote Caletor, son of Clytius, through the breast,

490

As toward the ship a blazing torch he bore ; Thundering he fell, and dropped his hand the torch. But Hector, when his eyes his kinsman saw By the dark vessel, prostrate in the dust,

On Trojans and on Lycians called aloud :

495

Trojans and Lycians, and ye Dardans, famed In close encounter, in this press of war Slack not your efforts ; haste to save the son

Of Clytius, nor let Greeks his arms possess, Who ' mid their throng of ships has nobly fallen." At Ajax, as he spoke, his gleaming spear

500

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Book XV.

He threw, but missed his aim ; yet Lycophron, His comrade, of Cythera, Mastor's son

(Who flying from Cythera's lovely isle With guilt of bloodshed, near to Ajax dwelt),

505

Standing beside the chief, above the ear He struck, and pierced the brain : from the tall prow Backwards he fell, his limbs relaxed in death. Then Ajax, shuddering, on his brother called : "Good Teucer, we have lost a faithful friend,

510

The son of Mastor, our Cytheran guest, Whom as a father all revered ; who now Lies slain by noble Hector.

Where are then

Thine arrows, swift-winged messengers of fate, And where thy trusty bow, Apollo's gift ? "

515

Thus Ajax ; Teucer heard, and ran in haste,

And stood beside him, with his bended bow, And well-stored quiver : on the Trojans fast He poured his shafts ; and struck Pisenor's son, Clitus, the comrade of Polydamas, The noble son of Panthöus ; he the reins Held in his hand, and all his care bestowed

To guide his horses ; for, where'er the throng

520

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Was thickest, there in Hector's cause, and Troy's, He still was found ; but o'er him hung the doom

525

Which none might turn aside ; for from behind The fateful arrow struck him through the neck ; Down from the car he fell ; swerving aside, The startled horses whirled the empty car. Them first the King Polydamas beheld,

530

And stayed their course ; to Protiaon's son, Astynöus, then he gave them, with command To keep good watch, and still be near at hand ; Then ' mid the foremost joined again the fray. 535

Again at Hector of the brazen helm An arrow Teucer aimed ; and had the shaft The life of Hector quenched in mid career, Not long the fight had raged around the ships : But Jove's all-seeing eye beheld, who watched

540

O'er Hector's life, and Teucer's hopes deceived .

The bow's well-twisted string he snapped in twain, As Teucer drew ; the brass-tipped arrow flew Wide of the mark, and dropped his hand the bow. Then to his brother, all aghast, he cried :

66 O Heaven, some God our best-laid schemes of war 545 " VOL. II.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

Confounds, who from my hands hath wrenched the bow, And snapped the newly-twisted string, which I But late attached, my swift-winged shafts to bear." Whom answered thus great Ajax Telamon : " O friend, leave there thine arrows and thy bow,

550

Marred by some God who grudges our renown ; But take in hand thy ponderous spear, and cast Thy shield about thy shoulders, and thyself Stand forth, and urge the rest, to face the foe. Let us not tamely yield, if yield we must,

555

Our well-built ships, but nobly dare the fight." Thus Ajax spoke ; and Teucer in the tent Bestowed his bow, and o'er his shoulders threw His fourfold shield ; and on his firm-set head

A helm he placed, well-wrought, with horsehair plume, 560 That nodded, fearful, o'er his brow ; his hand Grasped the firm spear, with sharpened point of brass : Then ran, and swiftly stood by Ajax' side.

Hector meanwhile, who saw the weapon marred, To Trojans and to Lycians called aloud : 66 Trojans and Lycians, and ye Dardans famed

In close encounter, quit ye now like men ;

565

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Against the ships your wonted valour show. E'en now, before our eyes, hath Jove destroyed A chieftain's weapon.

570

Easy 'tis to trace

O'er human wars the o'erruling hand of Jove, To whom he gives the prize of victory, And whom, withholding aid, he minishes, As now the Greeks, while we his favour gain. 575

Pour then your force united on the ships ; And if there be among you, who this day Shall meet his doom, by sword or arrow slain, E'en let him die ! a glorious death is his Who for his country falls ; and dying, leaves Preserved from danger, children, wife, and home,

580

His heritage uninjured, when the Greeks Embarking hence shall take their homeward way." His words fresh courage roused in every breast. Ajax, on the other side, addressed the Greeks : " Shame on ye, Greeks ! this very hour decides

If we must perish, or be saved, and ward Destruction from our ships ; and can ye hope That each, if Hector of the glancing helm Shall burn our ships, on foot can reach his home ? H 2

585

100

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

Or hear ye not, how, burning to destroy

590

Our vessels, Hector cheers his forces on ? Not to the dance, but to the fight he calls ; Nor better counsel can for us be found, Than in close fight with heart and hand to join. "Twere better far at once to die, than live

595

Hemmed in and straitened thus, in dire distress, Close to our ships, by meaner men beset." His words fresh courage roused in every breast. Then Hector Schedius, Perimedes' son, The Thracian leader, slew ; on the other side

600

Ajax the captain of the foot o'ercame, Laödamas, Antenor's noble son ; While of his arms Polydamas despoiled Cyllenian Otus, friend of Phyleus' son, The proud Epeians' leader ; Meges saw,

605

And rushed upon him ; but Polydamas, Stooping, the blow evaded ; him he missed ; For Phoebus willed not Panthöus' son should fall

In the front rank contending ; but the spear Smote Crosmus through the breast ; thundering he fell, 610 And from his corpse the victor stripped his arms.

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

101

Him Dolops, son of Lampus, spearman skilled, Well trained in every point of war, assailed (The son of Lampus he, the prince of men, Son of Laomedon) ; from close at hand

615

Forward he sprang, and thrust at Meges' shield ;

But him the solid corslet which he wore, With breast and back-piece fitted, saved from harm : The corslet Phyleus brought from Ephyra,

By Selles' stream ; Euphetes, King of men,

620

Bestowed it as a friendly gift, to wear In battle for a guard from hostile spears ; Which from destruction now preserved his son. Next Meges struck, with keen-edged spear, the crown Of Dolops' brass-bound, horsehair-crested helm,

625

Severing the horsehair plume, which, brilliant late With crimson dye, now lay defiled in dust. Yet fought he on, and still for victory hoped ; But warlike Meneläus to the aid

Of Meges came ; of Dolops unobserved He stood, and from behind his shoulder pierced ; The point, its course pursuing, through his breast Was driven, and headlong on his face he fell.

630

102

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

Forthwith advanced the two to seize the spoils ; But loudly Hector on his kinsmen called ;

635

On all, but chief on Icetäon's son, The valiant Melanippus ; he erewhile, In far Percote, ere the foes appeared, Pastured his herds ; but when the ships of Greece Approached the shore, to Ilium back he came ;

640

There, 'mid the Trojans eminent, he dwelt

In Priam's house, beloved as Priam's son. Him Hector called by name, and thus addressed :

66 'Why, Melanippus, stand we idly thus ? Doth not thy slaughterd kinsman touch thy heart ? 645 See how they rush on Dolops' arms to seize ;

Then on ! no distant war must now be waged, But hand to hand, till or the Greeks be slain, Or lofty Troy, with all her children, fall." He said, and led the way ; him followed straight

650

The godlike chief ; great Ajax Telamon

Meanwhile the Greeks encouraged to the fight, And cried, " Brave comrades, quit ye now like men ; Bear a stout heart ; and in the stubborn fight

Let each to other mutual succour give ;

655

Book XV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

103

By mutual succour more are saved than fall ; In timid flight nor fame nor safety lies ." He said ; and pondering well his words, they stood, Firm in defence ; as with a wall of brass The ships they guarded ; though against them Jove

660

Led on the Trojans ; Meneläus then

With stirring words Antilochus addressed : 66

Antilochus, than thou, of all the Greeks

Is none more active, or more light of foot ;

None stronger hurls the spear ; then from the crowd

665

Spring forth, and aim to reach some Trojan's life.” Thus saying, he withdrew ; fired by his words, Forth sprang the youth, and poised his glittering spear, Glancing around him ; back the Trojans drew Before his aim ; nor flew the spear in vain ;

670

But through the breast it pierced, as on he came, Brave Melanippus, Icetäon's son.

Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang. Forth sprang Antilochus, as springs a hound Upon a fawn, which from its lair disturbed A hunter's shaft has struck, and quelled its powers ; So, Melanippus, sprang to seize thy spoils

675

104

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

The stout Antilochus ; but not unmarked

Of Hector's eye, who, hastening through the press, Advanced to meet him ; waited not the attack,

680

Bold warrior as he was, Antilochus, But trembling fled : as when a beast of prey, Conscious of evil deed, amid the herd The guardian dog or herdsman's self has slain, And flies, ere yet the avenging crowd collect ;

685

So fled the son of Nestor ; onward pressed , By Hector led, the Trojans ; loud their shouts,

As on the Greeks their murderous shafts they poured : Yet turned he, when his comrades' ranks he reached . Then on the ships, as ravening lions, fell The Trojans

690

they but worked the will of Jove,

Who still their courage raised, and quelled the Greeks ; Of victory these debarred, and those inspired ; For so he willed , that Hector, Priam's son, Should wrap in fire the beakèd ships of Greece, And Thetis to the uttermost obtain

Her over-bold petition ; yet did Jove, The Lord of counsel, wait but to behold

The flames ascending from the blazing ships :

695

Book XV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

For from that hour the Trojans, backward driven,

105

700

Should to the Greeks the final triumph leave. With such design, to seize the ships, he fired The already burning zeal of Priam's son ; Fiercely he raged, as terrible as Mars

With brandished spear ; or as a raging fire

705

'Mid the dense thickets on the mountain side.

The foam was on his lips ; bright flashed his eyes Beneath his awful brows, and terribly Above his temples waved amid the fray The helm of Hector ; Jove himself from Heaven

710

His guardian hand extending, him alone With glory crowning 'mid the host of men ;

But short his term of glory ; for the day Was fast approaching, when, with Pallas' aid, The might of Peleus ' son should work his doom.

715

Oft he essayed to break the ranks, where'er The densest throng and noblest arms he saw ; But strenuous though his efforts, all were vain : They, massed in close array, his charge withstood ; Firm as a craggy rock, upstanding high, Close by the hoary sea, which meets unmoved

720

106

HOMER'S ILIAD.

Book XV.

The boisterous currents of the whistling winds, And the big waves that bellow round its base; So stood unmoved the Greeks, and undismayed . At length, all blazing in his arms, he sprang

725

Upon the mass ; so plunging down, as when

On some tall vessel, from beneath the clouds A giant billow, tempest-nursed, descends : The deck is drenched in foam ; the stormy wind

Howls in the shrouds ; the affrighted seamen quail

730

In fear, but little way from death removed ; So quailed the spirit in every Grecian breast. As when a ravening lion on a herd Of heifers falls, which on some marshy mead

Feed numberless, beneath the care of one,

735

Unskilled from beasts of prey to guard his charge ; And while beside the front or rear he walks, The lion on the unguarded centre springs, Seizes on one, and scatters all the rest ; So Hector, led by Jove, in wild alarm Scattered the Grecians all ; but one alone, Brave Periphetes, of Mycena, slew ;

The son of Copreus, whom Eurystheus sent

740

Book XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

107

His envoy to the might of Hercules ;

Far nobler than the father was the son ;

745

In speed of foot, in warlike might, in mind, In all, among Mycenians foremost he ; Who now on Hector fresh renown conferred ; For, backward as he stepped, against the rim Of the broad shield which for defence he bore,

750

Down reaching to his feet, he tripped, and thus Entangled, backward fell ; and as he fell, Around his temples clattered loud his helm. Hector beheld, and o'er him stood in haste, And with his spear transfixed his breast, and slew

755

Before his comrades' eyes ; yet dared not one, Though grieving for their comrade's loss, advance To rescue ; such of Hector was their awe. They fronted now the ships ; the leading prows Which first were drawn on shore, still barred their way ; 760 Yet on they streamed ; and from the foremost ships, Now hardly pressed, the Greeks perforce retired ; But closely massed before the tents they stood, Not scattered o'er the camp ; by shame restrained , And fear ; and loudly each exhorted each.

765

108

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

Gerenian Nestor chief, the prop of Greece, Thus by their fathers singly each adjured : "Quit ye like men, dear friends ; and think it shame

To forfeit now the praise of other men ; Let each man now his children and his wife,

770

His fortunes and his parents, bear in mind ; And not the living only, but the dead ; For them, the absent, I, your suppliant, pray, That firm ye stand, and scorn disgraceful flight." His words fresh courage roused in every breast ;

775

And from their eyeballs Pallas purged away The film of darkness ; and on every side, Both toward the ships and toward the level fight, Clear light diffused ; there Hector they discerned, And all his comrades, those who stood aloof,

780

And those who near the ships maintained the war. Then was not Ajax' mighty soul content To stand where stood the other sons of Greece ; Along the vessels ' lofty decks he moved

With haughty stride ; a ponderous boarding-pike, Well polished, and with rivets well secured, Of two and twenty cubits length, he bore.

785

BOOK XV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

109

As one well-skilled in feats of horsemanship, Who from a troop of horses on the plain Has parted four, and down the crowded road ,

790

While men and women all in wonder gaze, Drives toward the city ; and with force untired From one to other springs, as on they fly ; O'er many a vessel's deck so Ajax passed With lofty stride, and voice that reached to Heaven, 795 As loudly shouting on the Greeks he called To save their ships and tents : nor Hector stayed Amid the closely-bucklered Trojan ranks ;

But, as upon a flock of birds, that feed

Beside a river's bank, or geese, or cranes ,

800

Or long-necked swans, a fiery eagle swoops ; So on the dark-prowed ship with furious rush Swept Hector down ; him Jove with mighty hand Sustained, and with him forward urged the crowd . Fierce round the ships again the battle raged ; Well might ye deem no previous toil had worn Their strength, who in that dread encounter met ; With edge so keen, and stubborn will they fought. But varying far their hopes and fears : the Greeks

805

110

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

Of safety and escape from death despaired ;

810

While high the hopes in every Trojan's breast, To burn the ships, and slay the warlike Greeks : So minded each, opposed in arms they stood.

On a swift-sailing vessel's stern, that bore Protesiläus to the coast of Troy,

815

But to his native country bore not thence, Hector had laid his hand ; around that ship Trojans and Greeks in mutual slaughter joined . The arrow's or the javelin's distant flight

They waited not, but, fired with equal rage,

820

Fought hand to hand, with axe and hatchet keen, And mighty swords, and double-pointed spears. Many a fair-hilted blade, with iron bound, Dropped from the hands, or from the severed arms, Of warrior chiefs ; the dark earth ran with blood :

825

Yet loosed not Hector of the stern his hold, But grasped the poop, and on the Trojans called : " Bring fire, and all together loud and clear Your war-cry raise ; this day will Jove repay Our labours all, with capture of those ships, Which hither came, against the will of Heaven,

830

BOOK XV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

111

And which on us unnumbered ills have brought, By our own Elders' fault, who me, desiring Even at their vessels' sterns to urge the war, Withheld, and to the town the troops confined.

835

But Jove all-seeing, if he then o'erruled Our better mind, himself is now our aid." Thus he : they onward pressed with added zeal ; Nor Ajax yet endured, by hostile spears

Now sorely galled ; yet but a little space,

840

Back to the helmsman's seven-foot board he moved,

Expecting death ; and left the lofty deck, Where long he stood on guard ; but still his spear The Trojans kept aloof, whoe'er essayed Amid the ships to launch the unwearied flames ;

845

And, loudly shouting, to the Greeks he called : "Friends, Grecian heroes, ministers of Mars, Quit ye like men ! dear friends, remember now Your wonted valour ! think ye in your rear To find supporting forces, or some fort Whose walls may give you refuge from your foe ? No city is nigh, whose well-appointed towers, Manned by a friendly race, may give us aid ;

850

112

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XV.

But here, upon the well-armed Trojans' soil ,

And only resting on the sea, we lie

855

Far from our country ; not in faint retreat,

But in our own good arms, our safety lies." He said ; and with his sharp-edged spear his words

He followed up ; if any Trojan dared, By Hector's call inspired, with fiery brand

860

To assail the ships, him with his ponderous spear Would Ajax meet ; and thus before the ships Twelve warriors, hand to hand, his prowess felt.

863

BOOK XVI.

113

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK

XVI.

THUS round the well-manned ship they waged the war : Meanwhile by Peleus ' son Patroclus stood,

Weeping hot tears ; as some dark-watered fount Pours o'er a craggy rock its gloomy stream ;

Achilles, swift of foot, with pity saw, And to his friend these winged words addressed :

66 'Why weeps Patroclus, like an infant girl, That prays her mother, by whose side she runs, To take her up ; and, clinging to her gown,

Impedes her way, and still with tearful eyes Looks in her face, until she take her up ? Even as that girl, Patroclus, such art thou, Shedding soft tears : hast thou some tidings brought Touching the general weal, or me alone ? Or have some evil news from Phthia come,

Known but to thee ? Menoetius, Actor's son, Yet surely lives ; and 'mid his Myrmidons

VOL. II.

114

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI.

Lives aged Peleus, son of Eacus : Their deaths indeed might well demand our tears : Or weep'st thou for the Greeks, who round their ships

By death their former insolence repay ? Speak out, that I may know thy cause of grief.” To whom, with bitter groans, Patroclus thus : " O son of Peleus, noblest of the Greeks,

Achilles, be not wroth ! such weight of woe The Grecian camp oppresses ; in their ships They who were late their bravest and their best,

Sore wounded all by spear or arrow lie ;

The valiant son of Tydeus, Diomed, Pierced by a shaft, Ulysses by a spear,

And Agamemnon's self ; Eurypylus By a sharp arrow through the thigh transfixed ; For these, the large resources of their art

While thou, Achilles, still remain'st unmoved. Oh, be it never mine to nurse such hate

As thou retain'st, inflexibly severe ! Who e'er may hope in future days by thee To profit, if thou now forbear to save

336

The leeches ply, and on their wounds attend ;

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

115

ILIAD .

The Greeks from shame and loss ?

Unfeeling man !

Sure Peleus, horseman brave, was ne'er thy sire, Nor Thetis bore thee ; from the cold grey sea And craggy rocks thou hadst thy birth ; so hard And stubborn is thy soul.

But if the fear 45

Of evil prophesied thyself restrain, Or message by thy Goddess-mother brought From Jove, yet send me forth with all thy force

Of Myrmidons, to be the saving light Of Greece ; and let me to the battle bear 50

Thy glittering arms, if so the men of Troy, Scared by thy likeness, may forsake the field, And breathing-time afford the sons of Greece, Toil-worn ; for little pause has yet been theirs. Fresh and unwearied, we may drive with ease

To their own city, from our ships and tents, The Trojans, worn and battle-wearied men."

Thus prayed he, all unwisely ; for the prayer He uttered, to himself was fraught with death ; To whom, much grieved, Achilles, swift of foot : "Heaven-born Patroclus, oh, what words are these ! Of prophecy I reck not, though I know ;

I 2

116

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

Nor message hath my mother brought from Jove ;

But it afflicts my soul, when one I see

His lawful prize, by highest valour won ;

That basely robs his equal of his prize,

Such grief is mine, such wrong have I sustained. Her, whom the sons of Greece on me bestowed, Prize of my spear, the well-walled city stormed, The mighty Agamemnon, Atreus' son, Hath borne by force away, as from the hands

Of some dishonoured, houseless vagabond. But let the past be past ; I never meant My wrath should have no end ; yet had not thought My anger to abate, till my own ships Should hear the war-cry, and the battle bear.

But go, and in my well-known armour clad, Lead forth the valiant Myrmidons to war, Since the dark cloud of Trojans circles round The ships in force ; and on the shingly beach, Pent up in narrow limits, lie the Greeks ; And all the city hath poured its numbers forth In hope undoubting ; for they see no more My helm among them flashing ; else in flight

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

117

Their dead would choke the streams, if but to me 85

Great Agamemnon bore a kindly mind : But round the camp the battle now is waged. No more the hands of valiant Diomed,

The Greeks protecting, hurl his fiery spear ; Nor hear I now, from his detested lips, 90

The shout of Agamemnon ; all around Is heard the warrior-slayer Hector's voice, Cheering his Trojans ; with triumphant cries They, from the vanquished Greeks, hold all the plain. Nathless do thou, Patroclus, in defence

Fall boldly on, lest they with blazing fire

Our ships destroy, and hinder our retreat. But hear, and ponder well the end of all I have to say, and so for me obtain Honour and glory in the eyes of Greece ; And that the beauteous maiden to my arms

100

They may restore, with costly gifts to boot. The ships relieved, return forthwith ; and though The Thunderer, Juno's Lord, should crown thine arms With triumph, be not rash, apart from me, In combat with the warlike sons of Troy ;

105

118

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI.

(So should my name in less repute be held ;) Nor, in the keen excitement of the fight And slaughter of the Trojans, lead thy troops On toward the city, lest thou find thyself By some one of the immortal Gods opposed ;

110

For the far-darting Phoebus loves them well ; But when in safety thou hast placed the ships, Delay not to return, and leave the rest To battle on the plain : for would to Jove, To Pallas and Apollo, that not one,

115

Or Greek or Trojan, might escape from death, Save only thou and I ; that so we two

Alone might raze the sacred towers of Troy." Such converse held they ; while by hostile spears Hard pressed, no longer Ajax might endure ;

120

At once by Jove's high will and Trojan foes O'ermastered ; loud beneath repeated blows Clattered around his brow the glittering helm, As on the well-wrought crest the weapons fell ; And his left arm grew faint, that long had borne The burthen of his shield ; yet nought availed The press of spears to drive him from his post ;

125

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

119

Labouring he drew his breath, his every limb

With sweat was reeking ; breathing space was none ; Blow followed blow, and ills were heaped on ill .

130

Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell, How first the fire assailed the Grecian ships. Hector approached, and on the ashen spear Of Ajax, close behind the head, let fall His mighty sword ; right through he clove the wood ; 135 And in his hand the son of Telamon

The headless shaft held bootless ; far away, Loud ringing, fell to earth the brazen point. Ajax, dismayed, perceived the hand of Heaven, And knew that Jove the Thunderer had decreed

140

To thwart his hopes, and victory give to Troy. Slow he retired ; and to the vessel they The blazing torch applied ; high rose the flame Unquenchable, and wrapped the poop in fire. The son of Peleus saw, and with his palm

Smote on his thigh, and to Patroclus called : 66 Up, nobly

born Patroclus, car-borne chief !

Up, for I see above the ships ascend The hostile fires ; and lest they seize the ships ,

145

120

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

And hinder our retreat, do thou in haste

150

Thine armour don, while I arouse the troops." He said : his dazzling arms Patroclus donned : First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fixed , Fastened with silver clasps ; his ample chest The breastplate of Achilles, swift of foot,

155

Star-spangled, richly wrought, defended well ; Around his shoulders slung, his sword he bore, Brass-bladed, silver-studded ; next his shield

Weighty and strong ; and on his firm -set head A helm he wore, well-wrought, with horsehair plume 160 That nodded, fearful, o'er his brow ; his hand Grasped two stout spears, familiar to his hold . One spear Achilles had, long, ponderous, tough ; But this he touched not ; none of all the Greeks, None, save Achilles' self, that spear could poise ;

165

The far-famed Pelian ash, which to his sire, On Pelion's summit felled, to be the bane Of mightiest chiefs, the Centaur Chiron gave. Then to Automedon he gave command To yoke the horses : him he honoured most, Next to Achilles' self ; the trustiest he

170

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

121

In battle to await his chief's behest. The flying steeds he harnessed to the car, Xanthus and Balius, fleeter than the winds ; Whom, grazing in the marsh by ocean's stream,

175

Podarge, swift of foot, to Zephyr bore : And by their side the matchless Pedasus, Whom from the capture of Eëtion's town Achilles bore away ; a mortal horse, But with immortal coursers meet to vie.

180

Meantime Achilles, through their several tents, Summoned to arms the warlike Myrmidons . They all, like ravening wolves, of courage high, That on the mountain side have hunted down An antlered stag, and battened on his flesh :

185

Their chaps all dyed with blood, in troops they go, With their lean tongues from some black-watered fount To lap the surface of the dark cool wave, Their jaws with blood yet reeking, unsubdued Their courage, and their bellies gorged with flesh ;

So round Pelides' valiant follower thronged The chiefs and rulers of the Myrmidons. Achilles in the midst to charioteers

190

122

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI.

And bucklered warriors issued his commands. Fifty swift ships Achilles, dear to Jove,

195

Led to the coast of Troy ; and ranged in each Fifty brave comrades manned the rowers' seats. O'er these five chiefs, on whom he most relied, He placed, himself the Sovereign Lord of all. One band Menestheus led, with glancing mail,

200

Son of Sperchius, Heaven-descended stream ; Him Peleus' daughter, Polydora fair,

A mortal in a God's embrace compressed, To stout Sperchius bore ; but, by repute, To Borus, Perieres' son, who her

205

In public, and with ample dower, espoused . The brave Eudorus led the second band, Whom Phylas' daughter, Polymele fair, To Hermes bore ; the maid he saw, and loved, Amid the virgins, mingling in the dance

210

Of golden-shafted Dian, Huntress-Queen ; He to her chamber access found, and gained By stealth her bed ; a valiant son she bore, Eudorus, swift of foot, in battle strong.

But when her infant, by Lucina's aid,

215

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

123

Was brought to light, and saw the face of day, Her to his home, with ample dower enriched, Echecles, son of Actor, bore away ; While him the aged Phylas kept, and nursed With tender care, and cherished as his own.

220

The brave Peisander, son of Mæmalus, The third commanded ; of the Myrmidons, Next to Pelides' friend, the noblest spear. The fourth, the aged warrior Phoenix led ; The fifth, Alcimedon, Laerces' son :

225

These in their order due Achilles first

Arrayed, and next with stirring words addressed : "Ye Myrmidons, forget not now the vaunts Which, while my wrath endured, ye largely poured Upon the Trojans ; me ye freely blamed ;

230

' Ill-omened son of Peleus, sure in wrath Thou wast conceived , implacable, who here In idleness enforced thy comrades keep'st ! "Twere better far our homeward way to take, If such pernicious rancour fill thy soul !' Thus ye reproached me oft !

Lo ! now ye have

The great occasion which your souls desired ! -

235

124

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

Then on, and with brave hearts the Trojans meet ! " His words fresh courage roused in every breast ; And more compact, beneath their monarch's eye,

240

Their ranks were formed ; as when the builder lays The closely-fitting stones, to form the wall Of some great house, and brave the winds of Heaven ; So close were fitted helm and bossy shield ; Buckler on buckler pressed, and helm on helm,

245

And man on man ; the horsehair plumes above, That nodded, fearful, from the warriors' brows, Each other touched ; so closely massed they stood . Before them all stood prominent in arms

Two chiefs, Patroclus and Automedon,

250

Both with one thought possessed, to lead the fight

In the fore-front of all the Myrmidons . Achilles then within his tent withdrew,

And of a gorgeous coffer raised the lid, Well-wrought, by silver-footed Thetis placed On board his ship, and filled with rich attire, With store of wind-proof cloaks, and carpets soft. There lay a goblet, richly chased, whence none, But he alone, might drink the ruddy wine,

255

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

125

Nor might libations thence to other Gods

260

Be made, save only Jove ; this brought he forth, And first with sulphur purified, and next Washed with pure water ; then his hands he washed, And drew the ruddy wine ; then standing forth Made in the centre of the court his prayer,

265

And as he poured the wine, looked up to Heaven, Not unbeheld of Jove, the lightning's Lord : " Great King, Dodona's Lord, Pelasgian Jove, Who dwellest on high, and rul'st with sovereign sway Dodona's wintry heights ; where dwell around

270

Thy Sellian priests, men of unwashen feet, That on the bare ground sleep ; thou once before

Hast heard my prayer, and me with honour crowned, And on the Greeks inflicted all thy plagues ;

Hear yet again, and this my boon accord.

275

I ' mid the throng of ships myself remain ; But with a numerous force of Myrmidons I send my comrade in my stead to fight :

On him, all-seeing Jove, thy favour pour ; Strengthen his heart, that Hector's self may learn If, e'en alone, my follower knows to fight,

280

126

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI.

Or only then resistless power displays, When I myself the toil of battle share.

And from our vessels when the foe is driven, Grant that with all his arms and comrades true

285

He may in safety to the ships return." Thus prayed he ; Jove, the Lord of counsel, heard, And half his prayer he granted, half denied :

For from the ships the battle to repel He granted ; but denied his safe return.

290

His prayers and offerings ended, to the tent Achilles turned again, and in the chest Replaced the cup ; then issuing forth, he stood Before the tent ; for much he longed to see The Greeks and Trojans join in battle strife.

295

They who in arms round brave Patroclus stood Their line of battle formed, with courage high To dash upon the Trojans ; and as wasps That have their nest beside the public road, Which boys delight to vex and irritate In wanton play, but to the general harm ; Them if some passing traveller unawares Disturb, with angry courage forth they rush

300

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

127

In one continuous swarm, to guard their nest : E'en with such courage poured the Myrmidons

305

Forth from the ships ; then uproar wild arose, And loud Patroclus on his comrades called : "Ye valiant Myrmidons, who boast yourselves Achilles' comrades, quit ye now like men ;

Your ancient valour prove ; to Peleus' son,

310

Of all the Greeks the noblest, so shall we, His faithful followers, highest honour give ; And Agamemnon's haughty self shall mourn The slight on Grecia's bravest warrior cast." His words fresh courage roused in every breast.

315

Thick on the Trojan host their masses fell ; While loud the fleet re-echoed to the sound

Of Grecian cheers ; but when the Trojans saw, Blazing in arms, Menoetius' godlike son, Himself, and follower ; quailed the spirits of all ;

320

Their firm-set ranks were shaken ; for they deemed Achilles had beside the ships exchanged His wrath for friendship ; and each several man Looked round, to find his own escape from death.

Then first Patroclus aimed his glittering spear

325

128

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

Amid the crowd, where thickest round the ship

Of brave Protesilaus, raged the war ; And struck Pyræchmes, who from Amydon, From the wide-flowing stream of Axius, led The horsehair-crested Pæons ; him he struck

330

Through the right shoulder ; backwards in the dust, Groaning, he fell ; around him quailed with fear His Pæons all, such terror in their ranks Patroclus threw, their bravest leader slain, The foremost in the fight ; the crowd he drove

335

Far from the ships, and quenched the blazing fire. There lay the half-burnt ship ; with shouts confused The Trojans fled ; and from amid the ships Forth poured the Greeks ; and loud the clamour rose. As when around a lofty mountain's top

340

The lightning's Lord dispels a mass of cloud, And every crag, and every jutting peak Is plainly seen, and every forest glade ; And the deep vault of Heaven is opened wide ;

So when the Greeks had cleared the ships of fire, They breathed awhile ; yet ceased not so the strife ; For not in headlong panic from the ships

345

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

129

The Trojans by the valiant Greeks were driven,

But, though perforce retiring, still made head. Then of the chiefs, as wider spread the fight,

350

Each singled each ; Menoetius' noble son First threw his pointed spear, and on the thigh Struck Arëilochus, in act to turn ; Right through the point was driven ; the weighty spear Shattered the bone, and prone to earth he fell.

355

The warlike Meneläus aimed his spear Where Thoas' breast, unguarded by his shield,

Was left exposed ; and slacked his limbs in death. Phyleus' brave son, as rushed Amphiclus on, Stood firm, with eye observant ; then the attack

360

Preventing, through his thigh, high up, where lie The strongest muscles, smote ; the weapon's point Severed the tendons ; darkness closed his eyes. Of Nestor's sons, Antilochus, the first, Atymnius wounded, driving through his flank The brazen spear ; prone on his face he fell. Then, burning to avenge his brother's death, Stood Maris o'er the corpse, and hand to hand Engaged Antilochus ; but ere a blow VOL. II.

365

130

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI.

Was struck, the godlike Thrasymedes drove

370

Through his right shoulder, with unerring aim, His glittering spear ; the point his upper arm Tore from the muscles, shattering all the bone : Thundering he fell, and darkness closed his eyes. So to the shades, by those two brethren's hands

375

Subdued, Sarpedon's comrades brave were sent, The sons of Amisodarus, who reared The dread Chimæra, bane of mortal men.

On Cleobulus, wounded in the press, Ajax Oïleus sprang, and captive took,

380

Alive ; but sudden on his neck let fall His hilted sword, and quenched the fire of life. The hot blood dyed the sword ; the darkling shades Of death, and rigorous fate, his eyes o'erspread. Then Peneleus and Lycon, hand to hand,

385

Engaged in combat ; both had missed their aim, And bootless hurled their weapons ; then with swords.

They met ; first Lycon on the crested helm Dealt a fierce blow ; but in his hand the blade Up to the hilt was shivered ; then the sword Of Peneleus his neck, below the ear,

390

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

131

ILIAD .

Dissevered ; deeply in his throat the blade Was plunged, and by the skin alone was stayed ; Down drooped his head, his limbs relaxed in death. 395

Meriones by speed of foot o'ertook, And, as his car he mounted, Acamas

Through the right shoulder pierced ; down from the car

He fell ; the shades of death his eyes o'erspread. Full on the mouth of Erymas was thrust

400

The weapon of Idomeneus ; right through,

The white bones crashing, passed the brazen spear Below the brain ; his teeth were shattered all ; With blood, which with convulsive sobs he blew From mouth and nostril, both his eyes were filled ; And death's dark cloud encompassed him around.

405

Thus slew the Grecian leaders each his man. As ravening wolves, that lambs or kids assail, Strayed from their dams, by careless shepherds left Upon the mountain scattered ; these they see, And tear at once their unresisting prey ;

410

So on the Trojans fell the Greeks ; in rout Disastrous they, unmann'd by terror, fled. Great Ajax still, unwearied, longed to hurl

K 2

132

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

His spear at Hector of the brazen helm ; But he, well skilled in war, his shoulders broad

415

Protected by his shield of tough bull's hide, Watched for the whizzing shafts, and javelins' whirr. Full well he knew the tide of battle turned, Yet held his ground, his trusty friends to save. As from Olympus, o'er the clear blue sky

420

Pour the dark clouds, when Jove the vault of Heaven O'erspreads with storm and tempest, from the ships So poured with panic cries the flying host, And in disordered rout recrossed the trench. Then Hector's flying coursers bore him safe

425

Far from the struggling masses, whom the ditch Detained perforce ; there many a royal car With broken pole the unharnessed horses left. On, shouting to the Greeks, Patroclus pressed The flying Trojans ; they, with panic cries,

430

Dispersed, the roads encumbered ; high uprose The storms of dust, as from the tents and ships Back to the city stretched the flying steeds ;

And ever where the densest throng appeared

With furious threats Patroclus urged his course ;

435

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

133

His glowing axle traced by prostrate men Hurled from their cars, and chariots overthrown . Flew o'er the deep-sunk trench the immortal steeds, The noble prize the Gods to Peleus gave,

Still onward straining ; for he longed to reach,

440

And hurl his spear at Hector ; him meanwhile His flying steeds in safety bore away. As in the autumnal season, when the earth With weight of rain is saturate ; when Jove Pours down his fiercest storms in wrath to men,

445

Who in their courts unrighteous judgments pass, And justice yield to lawless violence,

The wrath of Heaven despising ; every stream Is brimming o'er ; the hills in gullies deep Are by the torrents seamed, which, rushing down

450

From the high mountains to the dark-blue sea, With groans and tumult urge their headlong course, Wasting the works of man ; so urged their flight, So, as they fled, the Trojan horses groaned. The foremost ranks cut off, back toward the ships Patroclus drove them, baffling their attempts To gain the city ; and in middle space

455

134

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

Between the ships, the stream, and lofty wall, Dealt slaughter round him, and of many a chief The bitter penalty of death required .

460

Then Pronöus with his glittering spear he struck, Where by the shield his breast was left exposed, And slacked his limbs in death ; thundering he fell. Next Thestor, son of Enops, he assailed ; He on his polished car, down-crouching, sat,

465

His mind by fear disordered ; from his hands

The reins had dropped ; him, thrusting with the spear, Through the right cheek and through the teeth he smote, Then dragged him, by the weapon, o'er the rail. As when an angler on a prominent rock

470

Drags from the sea to shore with hook and line A weighty fish ; so him Patroclus dragged, Gaping, from off the car ; and dashed him down Upon his face ; and life forsook his limbs. Next Eryalus, eager for the fray,

On the mid forehead with a mighty stone He struck ; beneath the ponderous helmet's weight The skull was split in twain ; prostrate he fell , By life-consuming death encompassed round .

475

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Forthwith Amphoterus, and Erymas,

135

480

Epaltes, Echius, and Tlepolemus, Son of Damastor, Pyris, Ipheus brave,

Euippus, Polymelus, Argeas' son, In quick succession to the ground he brought. Sarpedon his ungirdled forces saw

485

Promiscuous fall before Menoetius' son, And to the Lycians called in loud reproof :

66 Shame, Lycians ! whither fly ye ? why this haste ? I will myself this chief confront, and learn Who this may be of bearing proud and high,

490

Who on the Trojans grievous harm hath wrought,

And many a warrior's limbs relaxed in death." He said, and from his car, accoutred , sprang ; Patroclus saw, and he too leaped to earth.

As on a lofty rock, with angry screams,

495

Hook-beaked, with talons curved, two vultures fight ; So with loud shouts these two to battle rushed . The son of Saturn pitying saw, and thus To Juno spoke, his sister and his wife : 66 Woe, woe ! that fate decrees my best-beloved,

Sarpedon, by Patroclus' hand to fall ;

500

136

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

E'en now conflicting thoughts my soul divide, To bear him from the fatal strife unhurt, And set him down on Lycia's fertile plains, Or leave him by Patroclus' hand to fall."

505

Whom answer'd thus the stag-eyed Queen of Heaven : "What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? Wouldst thou a mortal man from death withdraw Long since by fate decreed ?

Do what thou wilt ;

Yet cannot we, the rest, applaud thine act.

510

This too I say, and turn it in thy mind : If to his home Sarpedon thou restore Alive, bethink thee, will not other Gods Their sons too from the stubborn fight withdraw ? For in the field around the walls of Troy

515

Are many sons of Gods, in all of whom This act of thine will angry feelings rouse. But if thou love him, and thy soul deplore His coming doom, yet in the stubborn fight Leave him beneath Patroclus' hand to fall : Then, when his spirit hath fled, the charge assign To Death and gentle Sleep, that in their arms They bear him safe to Lycia's wide-spread plains :

520

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

137

There shall his brethren and his friends perform His funeral rites, and mound and column raise,

525

The fitting tribute to the mighty dead ." Thus she ; the Sire of Gods and men complied : But to the ground some drops of blood let fall, In honour of his son, whom fate decreed, Far from his country, on the fertile plains

530

Of Troy to perish by Patroclus' hand . As near the champions drew, Patroclus first His weapon hurled, and Thrasymedes brave, The faithful follower of Sarpedon, struck Below the waist, and slacked his limbs in death.

535

Thrown in his turn, Sarpedon's glittering spear Flew wide ; and Pedasus, the gallant horse, Through the right shoulder wounded ; with a scream He fell, and in the dust breathed forth his life, As, shrieking loud, his noble spirit fled .

540

This way and that his two companions swerved ; Creaked the strong yoke, and tangled were the reins, As in the dust the prostrate courser lay.

Automedon the means of safety saw ; And drawing from beside his brawny thigh

545

138

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XVI.

His keen-edged sword, with no uncertain blow Cut loose the fallen horse ; again set straight, The two, extended, stretched the tightened rein. Again in mortal strife the warriors closed : Once more Sarpedon hurled his glittering spear

550

In vain ; above Patroclus' shoulder flew The point, innocuous ; from his hand in turn The spear not vainly thrown, Sarpedon struck Where lies the diaphragm, below the heart. He fell ; as falls an oak, or poplar tall,

555

Or lofty pine, which on the mountain top For some proud ship the woodman's axe hath hewn ; So he, with death-cry sharp, before his car Extended lay, and clutched the blood-stained soil.

As when a lion on the herd has sprung,

560

And, 'mid the heifers seized, the lordly bull Lies bellowing, crushed between the lion's jaws ; So by Patroclus slain, the Lycian chief, Undaunted still, his faithful comrade called : "Good Glaucus, warrior tried, behoves thee now

Thy spearmanship to prove, and warlike might. Welcome the fray ; put forth thine utmost speed ;

565

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

139

Call on the Lycian chiefs, on every side, To press around, and for Sarpedon fight ; Thou too thine arms for my protection wield ;

570

For I to thee, through all thy future days, Shall be a ceaseless scandal and reproach, If me, thus slain before the Grecian ships, The Greeks be suffered of my arms to spoil : But stand thou fast, and others ' courage raise."

575

Thus as he spoke, the shades of death o'erspread His eyes and nostrils ; then with foot firm-set Upon his chest, Patroclus from the corpse Drew, by main force, the fast-adhering spear ; The life forth issuing with the weapon's point.

580

Loosed from the royal car, the snorting steeds, Eager for flight, the Myrmidons detained. Deep-grieving, Glaucus heard his voice : and chafed His spirit within him, that he lacked the power To aid his comrade ; with his hand he grasped His wounded arm, in torture from the shaft By Teucer shot, to save the Greeks from death, As on he pressed to scale the lofty wall :

Then to Apollo thus addressed his prayer :

585

140

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

“ Hear me, great King, who, as on Lycia's plains,

590

Art here in Troy ; and hear'st in every place Their voice who suffer, as I suffer now. A grievous wound I bear, and sharpest pangs My arm assail, nor may the blood be stanched : The pain weighs down my shoulder ; and my hand

595

Hath lost its power to fight, or grasp my spear. Sarpedon, bravest of the brave, is slain, The son of Jove ; yet Jove preserved him not. But thou, O King, this grievous wound relieve ; Assuage the pain, and give me strength to urge

600

My Lycian comrades to maintain the war,

And fight myself to guard the noble dead." Thus as he prayed, his prayer Apollo heard, Assuaged his pains, and from the grievous wound Stanched the dark blood, and filled his soul with strength. 605 Glaucus within himself perceived, and knew, Rejoicing, that the God had heard his prayer. The Lycian leaders first on every side He urged to hasten for their King to fight : Then ' mid the Trojans went with lofty step, And first to Panthöus' son, Polydamas,

610

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

141

To brave Agenor and Æneas next ; Then Hector of the brazen helm himself

Approaching, thus with winged words addressed : 66 Hector, forgett'st thou quite thy brave allies,

615

Who freely in thy cause pour forth their lives, Far from their home and friends ? but they from thee No aid receive ; Sarpedon lies in death, The leader of the bucklered Lycian bands, Whose justice and whose power were Lycia's shield ; 620 Him by Patroclus' hand hath Mars subdued.

But, friends, stand by me now ! with just revenge Inspired, determine that the Myrmidons Shall not, how grieved soe'er for all the Greeks

Who by our spears beside the ships have fallen,

625

Our dead dishonour, and his arms obtain." He said ; and through the Trojans thrilled the sense Of grief intolerable, unrestrained ;

For he, though stranger-born, was of the State A mighty pillar ; and his followers A numerous host ; and he himself in fight Among the foremost ; so, against the Greeks, With fiery zeal they rushed, by Hector led,

630

142

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

Grieved for Sarpedon's loss ; on the other side Patroclus' manly heart the Greeks aroused,

635

And to the Ajaces first, themselves inflamed With warlike zeal, he thus addressed his speech : " Ye sons of Ajax, now is come the time

Your former fame to rival, or surpass : The man hath fallen, who first o'erleaped our wall ,

640

Sarpedon ; now remains, that, having slain, We should his corpse dishonour, and his arms Strip off ; and should some comrade dare attempt His rescue, him too with our spears subdue." He said ; and they, with martial ardour fired, Rushed to the conflict.

645

When on either side

The reinforced battalions were arrayed, Trojans and Lycians, Myrmidons and Greeks Around the dead in sternest combat met,

With fearful shouts ; and loud their armour rang.

650

Then, to enhance the horror of the strife

Around his son, with darkness Jove o'erspread The stubborn fight : the Trojans first drove back The keen-eyed Greeks ; for first a warrior fell,

Not of the meanest ' mid the Myrmidons,

655

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

143

Epegeus, son of valiant Agacles ; Who in Budæum's thriving state bore rule Erewhile ; but flying for a kinsman slain, To Peleus and the silver-footed Queen He came a suppliant ; with Achilles thence

660

To Ilium sent, to join the war of Troy. Him, as he stretched his hand to seize the dead , Full on the forehead, with a massive stone Great Hector smote ; within the ponderous helm

The skull was split in twain ; prone on the corpse

665

He fell, by life-destroying death subdued. Grieved was Patroclus for his comrade slain ; Forward he darted, as a swift-winged hawk, That swoops amid the starlings and the daws ; So swift didst thou, Patroclus, car-borne chief,

670

Upon the Trojans and the Lycians spring, Thy soul with anger for thy comrade filled . A ponderous stone he hurled at Sthenelas, Son of Ithæmenes ; the mighty mass Fell on his neck, and all the muscles crushed. Back drew great Hector and the chiefs of Troy ; Far as a javelin's flight, in sportive strife,

675

144

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

Or in the deadly battle, hurled by one His utmost strength exerting ; back so far The Trojans drew, so far the Greeks pursued .

680

Glaucus, the leader of the Lycian spears, First turning, slew the mighty Bathycles, The son of Chalcon ; he in Hellas dwelt, In wealth surpassing all the Myrmidons . Him, as he gained upon him in pursuit,

685

Quick turning, Glaucus through the breast transfixed ; Thundering he fell ; deep grief possessed the Greeks At loss of one so valiant ; fiercely joyed The Trojans, and around him crowded thick ; Nor of their wonted valour were the Greeks

690

Oblivious, but still onward held their course. Then slew Meriones a crested chief, The bold Laogonus, Onetor's son ;

Onetor, of Idæan Jove the priest, And by the people as a God revered. Below the ear he struck him ; from his limbs

The spirit fled, and darkness veiled his eyes. Then at Meriones Eneas threw His brazen spear, in hopes beneath his shield

695

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

145

To find a spot unguarded ; he beheld,

700

And downward stooping, shunned the brazen death ; Behind him far, deep in the soil infixed, The weapon stood ; there Mars its impulse stayed ; So, bootless hurled, though by no feeble hand,

705

Æneas' spear stood quivering in the ground ; Then thus, in wrath he cried : " Meriones, Had it but struck thee, nimble as thou art, My spear had brought thy dancing to a close." To whom the spearman skilled, Meriones :

710

" Brave as thou art, Æneas, ' tis too much For thee to hope the might of all to quell, Who dare confront thee ; thou art mortal too ! And if my aim be true, and should my spear But strike thee fair, all valiant as thou art,

715

And confident, yet me thy fall shall crown With triumph, and thy soul to Hades send." He said ; and him Menoetius' noble son

Addressed with grave rebuke : " Meriones, Brave warrior, why thus waste the time in words ? Trust me, good friend, ' tis not by vaunting speech, Unseconded by deeds, that we may hope

VOL. II.

720

146

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

To scare away the Trojans from the slain : Hands are for battle, words for council meet ; Boots it not now to wrangle, but to fight." He said, and led the way ; him followed straight

725

The godlike chief ; forthwith, as loudly rings, Amid the mountain forest's deep recess, The woodman's axe, and far is heard the sound ; So from the wide-spread earth their clamour rose, As brazen arms, and shields, and tough bull's-hide

730

Encountered swords and double-pointed spears. Nor might the sharpest sight Sarpedon know, From head to foot with wounds and blood and dust Disfigured ; thickly round the dead they swarmed . As when at spring-tide in the cattle-sheds

735

Around the milk-cans swarm the buzzing flies, While the warm milk is frothing in the pail ; So swarmed they round the dead ; nor Jove the while Turned from the stubborn fight his piercing glance ; But still looked down with gaze intent, and mused Upon Patroclus' coming fate, in doubt,

If he too there beside Sarpedon slain, Should perish by illustrious Hector's hand,

740

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

147

ILIAD .

Spoiled of his arms ; or yet be spared awhile 745

To swell the labours of the battle field . He judged it best at length, that once again The gallant follower of Peleus' son Should toward the town with fearful slaughter drive The Trojans, and their brazen-helmed chief.

750

First Hector's soul with panic fear he filled ; Mounting his car, he fled, and urged to flight The Trojans ; for he saw the scales of Jove. Then nor the valiant Lycians held their ground ; All fled in terror, as they saw their King Pierced through the heart, amid a pile of dead ;

755

For o'er his body many a warrior fell, When Saturn's son the conflict fierce inflamed.

Then from Sarpedon's breast they stripped his arms, Of brass refulgent ; these Menoetius' son 760

Sent by his comrades to the ships of Greece.

To Phoebus then the Cloud-compeller thus : "Hie thee, good Phoebus, from amid the spears Withdraw Sarpedon, and from all his wounds Cleanse the dark gore ; then bear him far away, 765

And lave his body in the flowing stream ;

L 2

148

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

Then with divine ambrosia all his limbs

Anointing, clothe him in immortal robes. To two swift bearers give him then in charge, To Sleep and Death, twin brothers, in their arms To bear him safe to Lycia's wide-spread plains :

770

There shall his brethren and his friends perform His funeral rites, and mound and column raise, The fitting tribute to the mighty dead." He said ; obedient to his father's words, Down to the battle-field Apollo sped

775

From Ida's height ; and from amid the spears Withdrawn, he bore Sarpedon far away, And laved his body in the flowing stream ; Then with divine ambrosia all his limbs Anointing, clothed him in immortal robes ;

780

To two swift bearers gave him then in charge, To Sleep and Death, twin brothers ; in their arms

They bore him safe to Lycia's wide-spread plains. Then to Automedon Patroclus gave His orders, and the flying foe pursued. Oh much deceived, insensate ! had he now

But borne in mind the words of Peleus' son,

785

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

149

He might have 'scaped the bitter doom of death . But still Jove's will the will of man o'errules : Who strikes with panic, and of victory robs

790

The bravest ; and anon excites to war ; Who now Patroclus' breast with fury filled . Whom then, Patroclus, first, whom slew'st thou last, When summoned by the Gods to meet thy doom ? Adrastus, and Autonöus, Perimus

795

The son of Meges, and Echeclus next ; Epistor, Melanippus, Elasus, And Mulius, and Pylartes ; these he slew ; The others all in flight their safety found.

Then had the Greeks the lofty-gated town

800

Of Priam captured by Patroclus' hand, So forward and so fierce he bore his spear; But on the well-built tower Apollo stood, On his destruction bent, and Troy's defence. The jutting angle of the lofty wall Patroclus thrice assailed ; his onset thrice

Apollo, with his own immortal hands Repelling, backward thrust his glittering shield. But when again, with more than mortal force

805

150

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

He made his fourth attempt, with awful mien

810

And threatening voice the Far-destroyer spoke : 66 " Back, Heaven-born chief, Patroclus ! not to thee Hath fate decreed the triumph to destroy

The warlike Trojans' city ; no, nor yet To great Achilles, mightier far than thou."

815

Thus as he spoke, Patroclus backward stepped, Shrinking before the Far-destroyer's wrath.

Still Hector kept before the Scaan gates His coursers ; doubtful, if again to dare The battle-throng, or summon all the host

820

To seek the friendly shelter of the wall. Thus as he mused, beside him Phoebus stood,

In likeness of a warrior stout and brave, Brother of Hecuba, the uncle thence Of noble Hector, Asius, Dymas' son ;

825

Who dwelt in Phrygia, by Sangarius' stream ;

His form assuming, thus Apollo spoke : "Hector, why shrink'st thou from the battle thus ? It ill beseems thee !

Would to Heaven that I

So far thy greater were, as thou art mine ; Then sorely shouldst thou rue this abstinence.

830

BOOK XVI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

151

But, forward thou ! against Patroclus urge Thy fiery steeds, so haply by his death Apollo thee with endless fame may crown." This said, the God rejoined the strife of men ;

835

And noble Hector bade Cebriones

Drive ' mid the fight his car ; before him moved Apollo, scattering terror ' mid the Greeks, And lustre adding to the arms of Troy. All others Hector passed unnoticed by,

840

Nor stayed to slay ; Patroclus was the mark At which his coursers' clattering hoofs he drove. On the other side, Patroclus from his car Leaped to the ground : his left hand held his spear ; And in the right a ponderous mass he bore

845

Of rugged stone, that filled his ample grasp : The stone he hurled ; not far it missed its mark, Nor bootless flew ; but Hector's charioteer It struck, Cebriones, a bastard son Of royal Priam, as the reins he held.

Full on his temples fell the jagged mass, Drove both his eyebrows in, and crushed the bone ;

Before him in the dust his eyeballs fell ;

850

152

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

And, like a diver, from the well-wrought car Headlong he plunged ; and life forsook his limbs.

855

O'er whom Patroclus thus with bitter jest : "Heaven ! what agility ! how deftly thrown

That somersault ! if only in the sea Such feats he wrought, with him might few compete, Diving for oysters, if with such a plunge

860

He left his boat, how rough soe'er the waves , As from his car he plunges to the ground : Troy can, it seems, accomplished tumblers boast." Thus saying, on Cebriones he sprang,

As springs a lion, through the breast transfixed,

865

In act the sheepfold to despoil, and dies The victim of his courage ; so didst thou Upon Cebriones, Patroclus, spring. Down from his car too Hector leaped to earth. So, o'er Cebriones, opposed they stood ;

870

As on the mountain, o'er a slaughtered stag, Both hunger-pinched , two lions fiercely fight, So o'er Cebriones two mighty chiefs, Menoetius son and noble Hector, strove,

Each in the other bent to plunge his spear.

875

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

153

The head, with grasp unyielding, Hector held ; Patroclus seized the foot ; and, crowding round, Trojans and Greeks in stubborn conflict closed . As when, encountering in some mountain-glen, Eurus and Notus shake the forest deep,

880

Of oak, or ash, or slender cornel-tree, Whose tapering branches are together thrown, With fearful din, and crash of broken boughs ; So -mixed confusedly, Greeks and Trojans fought, No thought of flight by either entertained.

885

Thick o'er Cebriones the javelins flew, And feathered arrows, bounding from the string ; And ponderous stones that on the bucklers rang, As round the dead they fought ; amid the dust

That eddying rose, his art forgotten all,

890

A mighty warrior, mightily he lay.

While in mid Heaven the sun pursued his course, Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell On either side ; but when declining day Brought on the hour that sees the loosened steers, The Greeks were stronger far ; and from the darts And Trojan battle-cry Cebriones

895

154

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVI .

They drew, and from his breast his armour stripped. Fiercely Patroclus on the Trojans fell :

Thrice he assailed them, terrible as Mars,

900

With fearful shouts ; and thrice nine foes he slew :

But when again, with more than mortal force His fourth assault he made, thy term of life, Patroclus, then approached its final close :

For Phoebus' awful self encountered thee,

905

Amid the battle throng, of thee unseen, For thickest darkness shrouded all his form :

He stood behind, and with extended palm Dealt on Patroclus' neck and shoulders broad A mighty buffet ; dizzy swam his eyes,

910

And from his head Apollo snatched the helm ; Clanked, as it rolled beneath the horses' feet, The visored helm ; the horsehair plume with blood And dust polluted ; never till that day Was that proud helmet so with dust defiled , That wont to deck a godlike chief, and guard Achilles' noble head, and graceful brow : Now by the will of Jove to Hector given.

Now death was near at hand ; and in his grasp

915

BOOK XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

155

His spear was shivered, ponderous, long, and tough, 920 Brass-pointed ; with its belt, the ample shield

Fell from his shoulders ; and Apollo's hand, The royal son of Jove, his corslet loosed . Then was his mind bewildered ; and his limbs Gave way beneath him ; all aghast he stood :

925

Him, from behind, a Dardan, Panthöus ' son, Euphorbus, peerless ' mid the Trojan youth, To hurl the spear, to run, to drive the car, Approaching close, between the shoulders stabbed ; He, trained to warfare, from his car, ere this

930

A score of Greeks had from their chariots hurled : Such was the man who thee, Patroclus, first Wounded, but not subdued ; the ashen spear He, in all haste, withdrew ; nor dared confront Patroclus, though disarmed, in deadly strife.

935

Back to his comrades' sheltering ranks retired, From certain death, Patroclus : by the stroke Of Phoebus vanquished, and Euphorbus ' spear : But Hector, when Patroclus from the fight He saw retreating, wounded, through the ranks

940

Advancing, smote him through the flank ; right through

156

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI .

The brazen spear was driven ; thundering he fell ; And deeply mourned his fall the Grecian host. As when a lion hath in fight o'erborne A tuskèd boar, when on the mountain top

945

They two have met, in all their pride of strength, Both parched with thirst, around a scanty spring ; And vanquished by the lion's force, the boar Hath yielded, gasping ; so Menoetius ' son,

Great deeds achieved, at length beneath the spear

950

Of noble Hector yielded up his life ; Who o'er the vanquished thus, exulting, spoke : " Patroclus, but of late thou mad'st thy boast To raze our city walls, and in your ships To bear away to your far-distant land,

955

Their days of freedom lost, our Trojan dames : Fool that thou wast ! nor knew'st, in their defence, That Hector's flying coursers scoured the plain ; From them, the bravest of the Trojans, I Avert the day of doom ; while on our shores Thy flesh shall glut the carrion birds of Troy. Poor wretch ! though brave he be, yet Peleus' son Availed thee nought, when, hanging back himself,

960

Book XVI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

157

With sage advice he sent thee forth to fight : 'Come not to me, Patroclus, car-borne chief,

965

Nor to the ships return, until thou bear The warrior-slayer Hector's bloody spoils, Torn from his body ; ' such were, I suppose, His counsels ; thou, poor fool, becam'st his dupe." To whom Patroclus thus in accents faint :

970

" Hector, thou boastest loudly now, that Jove, With Phoebus joined, hath thee with victory crowned : They wrought my death, who stripped me of my arms. Had I to deal with twenty such as thee,

They all should perish, vanquished by my spear :

975

Me fate hath slain, and Phoebus ; and, of men, Euphorbus ; thou wast but the third to strike. This too I say, and bear it in thy mind ; Not long shalt thou survive me ; death e'en now And final doom hangs o'er thee, by the hand

980

Of great Achilles, Peleus' matchless son." Thus as he spoke, the gloom of death his eyes O'erspread, and to the shades his spirit fled, Mourning his fate, his youth and strength cut off.

To whom, though dead, the noble Hector thus :

985

158

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVI.

"Patroclus, why predict my coming fate ? Or who can say but fair-haired Thetis ' son, Achilles, by my spear may first be slain ? " He said, and planting firm his foot, withdrew The brazen spear, and backward drove the dead

990

From off the weapon's point ; then, spear in hand, Intent to slay, Automedon pursued,

The godlike follower of

acides :

But him in safety bore the immortal steeds, The noble prize the Gods to Peleus gave.

995

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK

XVII.

159

OR was Patroclus' fall, by Trojans slain, NOR Of warlike Meneläus unobserved ; Forward he sprang, in dazzling arms arrayed,

And round him moved, as round her new-dropped calf, Her first, a heifer moves with plaintive moan :

So round Patroclus Meneläus moved, His shield's broad orb and spear before him held, To all who might oppose him threatening death. Nor, on his side, was Panthöus' noble son Unmindful of the slain ; but, standing near,

The warlike Meneläus thus addressed : " Illustrious son of Atreus, Heaven-born chief, Quit thou the dead ; yield up the bloody spoils ; For, of the Trojans and their famed Allies, Mine was the hand that in the stubborn fight First struck Patroclus ; leave me then to wear Among the men of Troy my honours due,

160

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII.

Lest by my spear thou lose thy cherished life." To whom in anger Meneläus thus :

" O Father Jove, how ill this vaunting tone Beseems this braggart !

In their own esteem,

With Panthöus' sons for courage none may vie ; Nor pard, nor lion, nor the forest boar, Fiercest of beasts, and proudest of his strength . Yet nought availed to Hyperenor's might

His youthful vigour, when he held me cheap, And my encounter dared ; of all the Greeks He deemed my prowess least ; yet he, I ween, On his own feet returned not, to rejoice His tender wife's and honoured parents' sight.

So shall thy pride be quelled, if me thou dare Encounter ; but I warn thee, while ' tis time, Ere ill betide thee, 'mid the general throng That thou withdraw, nor stand to me opposed. After the event may even a fool be wise." He spoke in vain ; Euphorbus thus replied : "Now, Heaven-born Meneläus, shalt thou pay The forfeit for my brother's life, o'er whom, Slain by thy hand, thou mak'st thy boasting speech.

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

161

ILIAD .

Thou in the chambers of her new-found home

Hast made his bride a weeping widow ; thou Hast filled with bitterest grief his parents' hearts : Some solace might those hapless mourners find, Could I thy head and armour in the hands

1235

Of Panthous and of honoured Phrontis place ; Nor uncontested shall the proof remain, Nor long deferred, of victory or defeat." He said, and struck the centre of the shield, But broke not through ; against the stubborn brass The point was bent ; then with a prayer to Jove

The son of Atreus in his turn advanced ; And, backward as he stepped, below his throat Took aim, and pressing hard with stalwart hand

Drove through the yielding neck the ponderous spear : 55

Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang. Those locks, that with the Graces' hair might vie, Those tresses bright, with gold and silver bound, Were dabbled all with blood .

As when a man

Hath reared a fair and vigorous olive plant, 60

In some lone spot, by copious-gushing springs, And seen expanding, nursed by every breeze, VOL. II.

162

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

Its whitening blossoms ; till with sudden gust A sweeping hurricane of wind and rain Uproots it from its bed, and prostrate lays ; So lay the youthful son of Panthöus, slain

By Atreus' son, and of his arms despoiled . And as a lion, in the mountains bred, In pride of strength, amid the pasturing herd Seizes a heifer in his powerful jaws, The choicest ; and, her neck first broken, rends,

And, on her entrails gorging, laps the blood ; Though with loud clamour dogs and herdsmen round

Assail him from afar, yet ventures none To meet his rage, for fear is on them all ; So none was there so bold, with dauntless breast

The noble Menelaus' wrath to meet.

Now had Atrides borne away with ease The spoils of Panthöus' son ; but Phoebus grudged His prize of victory, and against him launched The might of Hector, terrible as Mars : To whom his wingèd words, in Mentes' form, Chief of the Cicones, he thus addressed : "Hector, thy labour all is vain, pursuing

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

163

ILIAD.

Pelides' flying steeds ; and hard are they 85

For mortal man to harness, or control, Save for Achilles' self, the Goddess-born. The valiant Meneläus, Atreus' son, Defends meanwhile Patroclus ; and e'en now Hath slain a noble Trojan, Panthöus' son,

Euphorbus, and his youthful vigour quelled ." He said, and joined again the strife of men : Hector's dark soul with bitter grief was filled ; He looked amid the ranks, and saw the two, One slain, the other stripping off his arms, The blood outpouring from the gaping wound.

Forward he sprang, in dazzling arms arrayed, Loud shouting, blazing like the quenchless flames Of Vulcan

Menelaus heard the shout,

And, troubled, communed with his valiant heart : " Oh, woe is me ! for should I now the spoils

100

Abandon, and Patroclus, who for me. And in my cause lies slain, of any Greek

Who saw me, I might well incur the blame : And yet if here alone I dare to fight 105

With Hector and his Trojans, much I fear, M 2

164

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII.

Singly, to be by numbers overwhelmed ;

For Hector all the Trojans hither brings. But wherefore entertain such thoughts, my soul ? Who strives, against the will divine, with one Beloved of Heaven, a bitter doom must meet.

110

Then none may blame me, though I should retreat From Hector, who with Heaven's assistance wars. Yet could I hear brave Ajax' battle cry, We two, returning, would the encounter dare, E'en against Heaven, if so for Peleus' son

115

We might regain, and bear away the dead : Some solace of our loss might then be ours." While in his mind and spirit thus he mused, By Hector led, the Trojan ranks advanced : Backward he moved, abandoning the dead ;

120

But turning oft, as when by men and dogs A bearded lion from the fold is driven With shouts and spears ; yet grieves his mighty heart,

And with reluctant step he quits the yard : So from Patroclus Meneläus moved ; Yet when he reached his comrades' ranks, he turned, And looked around, if haply he might find

125

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

165

The mighty Ajax, son of Telamon. Him on the battle's farthest left he spied , Cheering his friends and urging to the fight,

130

For sorely Phoebus had their courage tried ; And hastening to his side, addressed him thus : “Ajax, haste hither ; to the rescue come Of slain Patroclus ; if perchance we two May to Achilles, Peleus' son, restore

135

His body : his naked body, for his arms Are prize to Hector of the glancing helm ." He said, and Ajax' spirit within him stirred ; Forward he sprang, and with him Atreus' son. Hector was dragging now Patroclus ' corpse,

140

Stripped of its glittering armour, and intent The head to sever with his sword, and give The mangled carcase to the dogs of Troy : But Ajax, with his tower-like shield, approached ; Then Hector to his comrades' ranks withdrew, Rushed to his car, and bade the Trojans bear The glittering arms, his glorious prize, to Troy : While Ajax with his mighty shield o'erspread Menoetius' son ; and stood, as for his cubs

145

166

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

A lion stands, whom hunters, unaware,

150

Have with his offspring met amid the woods. Proud in his strength he stands ; and down are drawn,

Covering his eyes, the wrinkles of his brow : So o'er Patroclus mighty Ajax stood, And by his side, his heart with grief oppressed,

155

The warlike Meneläus, Atreus' son. Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host, To Hector thus, with scornful glance, addressed His keen reproaches : " Hector, fair of form, How art thou wanting in the fight ! thy fame,

160

Coward and runaway, thou hast belied. Bethink thee now, if thou alone canst save The city, aided but by Trojans born ; Henceforth no Lycian will go forth for Troy To fight with Greeks ; since favour none we gain

165

By unremitting toil against the foe. How can a meaner man expect thine aid, Who basely to the Greeks a prize and spoil Sarpedon leav'st, thy comrade and thy guest ? Greatly he served the city and thyself, While yet he lived ; and now thou dar'st not save

170

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

His body from the dogs !

ILIAD.

167

By my advice

If Lycians will be ruled, we take at once Our homeward way, and Troy may meet her doom. But if in Trojan bosoms there abode

175

The daring, dauntless courage, meet for men Who in their country's cause against the foe Endure both toil and war, we soon should see Patroclus brought within the walls of Troy ; Him from the battle could we bear away,

180

And, lifeless, bring to royal Priam's town,

Soon would the Greeks Sarpedon's arms release, And we to Ilium's heights himself might bear : For with his valiant comrades there lies slain The follower of the bravest chief of Greece.

185

But thou before the mighty Ajax stood❜st With downcast eyes, nor durst in manly fight Contend with one thy better far confessed." To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm, With stern regard, replied : " Why, Glaucus, speak, Brave as thou art, in this o'erbearing strain ? Good friend, I heretofore have held thee wise O'er all who dwell in Lycia's fertile soil ;

190

168

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

But now I change, and hold thy judgment cheap, Who chargest me with flying from the might

195

Of giant Ajax ; never have I shrunk From the stern fight, and clatter of the cars ; But all o'erruling is the mind of Jove, Who strikes with panic, and of victory robs The bravest ; and anon excites to war.

200

Stand by me now, and see if through the day I prove myself the coward that thou say'st, Or suffer that a Greek, how brave soe'er, Shall rescue from my hands Patroclus' corpse." He said, and loudly on the Trojans called :

205

66 Trojans and Lycians, and ye Dardans, famed In close encounter, quit ye now like men ; Maintain awhile the stubborn fight, while I The splendid armour of Achilles don, My glorious prize from slain Patroclus torn."

210

So saying, Hector of the glancing helm, Withdrawing from the field, with rapid steps His comrades followed, and ere long o'ertook, Who toward the town Achilles' armour bore ; Then standing from the bloody fight aloof

215

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

169

The armour he exchanged ; his own he bade

The warlike Trojans to the city bear ; While he, of Peleus' son, Achilles, donned

The heavenly armour, which the immortal Gods Gave to his sire ; he to his son conveyed ;

220

Yet in that armour grew not old that son.

Him when apart the Cloud-compeller saw Girt with the arms of Peleus' godlike son, He shook his head, as inly thus he mused : " Ah hapless ! little deem'st thou of thy fate, Though now so nigh !

225

Thou of the prime of men,

The dread of all, hast donned the immortal arms, Whose comrade, brave and good, thy hand hath slain ; And shamed him, stripping from his head and breast Helmet and cuirass ; yet thy latest hours

230

Will I with glory crown ; since ne'er from thee, Returned from battle, shall Andromache

Receive the spoils of Peleus' godlike son." He said, and nodded with his shadowy brows ; Then with the armour, fitted to his form By Jove himself, was Hector girt by Mars

The fierce and terrible ; with vigorous strength

235

170

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

His limbs were strung, as ' mid his brave allies He sprang, loud-shouting ; glittering in his arms, To all he seemed Achilles' godlike self.

240

To each and all in cheering tones he spoke, Mesthles and Glaucus and Thersilochus, Asteropæus and Hippothöus, Medon, Deisenor, Phorcys, Chromius, And Ennomus the seer : to all of these

245

His winged words he cheeringly addressed : "Hear me, ye countless tribes, that dwelling round Assist our cause !

You from your several homes.

Not for display of numbers have I called , But that with willing hearts ye should defend

250

Our wives and infants from the warlike Greeks : For this I drain my people's stores, for food And gifts for you, exalting your estate ; Then, who will boldly onward, he may fall, Or safe escape, such is the chance of war ; But who within our valiant Trojans' ranks Shall but the body of Patroclus bring, Despite the might of Ajax ; half the spoils To him I give, the other half myself

255

Book XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

171

260

Retaining ; and his praise shall equal mine.”

He said ; and onward, with uplifted spears , They marched upon the Greeks ; high rose their hopes From Ajax Telamon to snatch the dead ; Vain hopes, which cost them many a life !

Then thus

To valiant Meneläus Ajax spoke :

265

66 "O Heaven-born Meneläus, noble friend,

For safe return I dare no longer hope : Not for Patroclus' corpse so much I fear, Which soon will glut the dogs and birds of Troy, As for my life and thine I tremble now :

270

For, like a war-cloud, Hector's might I see O'ershadowing all around ; now is our doom Apparent ; but do thou for succour call On all the chiefs, if haply they may hear." Thus Ajax spoke : obedient to his word,

275

On all the chiefs Atrides called aloud : " O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, All ye that banquet at the general cost With Atreus' sons, and o'er your several states Dominion hold ; whose honour is of Jove ; Twere hard to call by name each single man, "

280

172

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

So fierce the combat rages ; but let each And all their aid afford, and deem it shame Patroclus' corpse should glut the dogs of Troy." He said : first heard Oileus' active son,

285

And hastening through the fray, beside him stood.

Next him Idomeneus, with whom there came, Valiant as Mars, his friend Meriones. But who can know or tell the names of all,

Who, following, swelled the battle of the Greeks ?

290

Onward the Trojans pressed, by Hector led : With such a sound, as when the ocean wave Meets on the beach the outpouring of a stream, Swollen by the rains of Heaven ; the lofty cliffs Resound, and bellows the big sea without ;

295

With such a sound advanced the Trojan host : While round Patroclus, with one heart and mind, The Greeks a fence of brass-clad bucklers raised. O'er their bright helms the son of Saturn shed

A veil of darkness ; for Menoetius' son, Achilles' faithful friend, while yet he lived

Jove hated not, nor would that now his corpse Should to the dogs of Troy remain a prey,

300

BOOK XVII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

173

But to the rescue all his comrades stirred. At first the Trojans drove the keen-eyed Greeks ;

305

Leaving the corpse, they fled ; nor with their spears The valiant Trojans reached a single Greek ; But on the dead they seized ; yet not for long Endured their flight ; them Ajax rallied soon, In form pre-eminent, and deeds of arms,

310

O'er all the Greeks, save Peleus ' matchless son . Onward he sprang, as springs a mountain boar, Which, turning in the forest glade to bay, Scatters with ease both dogs and stalwart youths ; So Ajax scattered soon the Trojan ranks,

315

That round Patroclus closing, hoped to bear, With glory to themselves, his corpse to Troy. Hippothöus, Pelasgian Lethus' son, Was dragging by the feet the noble dead, A leathern belt around his ancles bound,

320

Seeking the favour of the men of Troy ; But on himself he brought destruction down, Which none might turn aside ; for from the crowd Outsprang the son of Telamon, and struck, In close encounter, on the brass-cheeked helm ;

325

174

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

The plumed helm was shivered by the blow, Dealt by a weighty spear and stalwart hand ; Gushed from the wound the mingled blood and brain, His vital spirit quenched ; and on the ground Fell from his powerless grasp Patroclus' foot ;

330

While he himself lay stretched beside the dead, Far from his own Larissa's teeming soil : Not destined he his parents to repay Their early care ; for short his term of life, By godlike Ajax' mighty spear subdued.

335

At Ajax Hector threw his glittering spear : He saw, and narrowly the brazen death Escaped ; but Schedius, son of Iphitus, (The bravest of the Phocian chiefs, who dwelt In far-famed Panopeus, the mighty Lord

340

Of numerous hosts,) below the collar-bone It struck, and passing through, the brazen point Came forth again beneath his shoulder-blade : Thundering he fell, and loud his armour rang.

As Phorcys, son of Phænops, kept his watch O'er slain Hippothöus, him Ajax smote Below the waist ; the weighty spear broke through

345

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

175

The hollow breastplate, and the intestines tore ; Prone in the dust he fell, and clutched the ground. At this the Trojan chiefs and Hector's self

350

' Gan to give way ; the Greeks, with joyful shouts, Seized both the dead, and stripped their armour off. To Ilium now, before the warlike Greeks, O'ercome by panic, had the Trojans fled ; And now had Greeks, despite the will of Jove,

355

By their own strength and courage, won the day, Had not Apollo's self Æneas roused,

In likeness of a herald, Periphas, The son of Epytus, now aged grown In service of Æneas' aged sire,

360

A man of kindliest soul : his form assumed

Apollo, and Æneas thus addressed : " Eneas, how, against the will of Heaven, Could ye defend your city, as others now In their own strength and courage confident, Their numbers, and their troops' undaunted hearts,

I see their cause maintaining ; if when Jove Rather to us than them the victory wills, With fear unspeakable ye shun the fight ? ”

365

176

He said

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII.

the presence of the Archer-God

370

Æneas knew, and loud to Hector called : " Hector, and all ye other chiefs of Troy,

And brave Allies, foul shame it were that we, O'ercome by panic, should to Ilium now In flight be driven before the warlike Greeks ;

375

And by my side, but now, some God there stood,

And told how Jove, the sovereign arbiter Of battle, on our side bestowed his aid ; On then ! nor undisturbed allow the Greeks

To bear Patroclus ' body to their ships."

380

He said, and far before the ranks advanced ; They rallying turned, and faced again the Greeks. Then first Æneas' spear the comrade brave Of Lycomedes struck, Leocritus,

Son of Arisbas ; Lycomedes saw

385

With pitying eyes his gallant comrade's fall ; And standing near, his glittering spear he threw,

And through the midriff Apisaon struck, His people's guardian chief, the valiant son

Of Hippasus, and slacked his limbs in death . He from Pæonia's fertile fields had come,

390

BOOK XVII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

177

O'er all his comrades eminent in fight, All save Asteropæus, who with eyes Of pity saw his gallant comrade's fall,

395

And forward sprang to battle with the Greeks ; Yet could not force his way ; for all around Patroclus rose a fence of serried shields, And spears projecting : such the orders given By Ajax, and with earnest care enforced ;

That from around the dead should none retire,

400

Nor any to the front advance alone Before his fellows ; but their steady guard Maintain, and hand to hand the battle wage. So ordered Ajax ; then with crimson blood The earth was wet ; and hand to hand they fell,

405

Trojans alike, and brave Allies, and Greeks ; For neither these a bloodless fight sustained, Though fewer far their losses ; for they stood Of mutual succour mindful, and support. Thus, furious as the rage of fire, they fought ;

410

Nor might ye deem the glorious sun himself Nor moon was safe ; for darkest clouds of night O'erspread the warriors, who the battle waged

VOL. II.

178

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

Around the body of Menoetius' son : Elsewhere the Trojans and the well-greaved Greeks

415

Fought, undisturbed, in the clear light of day ; The sun's bright beams were shed abroad ; no cloud Lay on the face of earth or mountain tops ; They but by fits, at distant intervals, And far apart, each seeking to avoid

420

The hostile missiles, fought ; but in the midst The bravest all, in darkness and in strife Sore pressed, toiled on beneath their armour's weight.

As yet no tidings of Patroclus' fall Had reached two valiant chiefs, Antilochus

425

And Thrasymedes ; but they deemed him still Alive, and fighting in the foremost ranks. They, witnessing their comrades' flight and death, Fought on apart, by Nestor so enjoined, When from the ships he bade them join the fray.

430

Great was meanwhile their labour, who sustained, Throughout the livelong day, that weary fight ; Reeked with continuous toil and sweat, the knees, And legs and feet, the arms, and eyes, of all Who round Achilles' faithful comrade fought.

435

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

179

As when a chief his people bids to stretch A huge bull's hide, all drenched and soaked with grease ; They in a circle ranged, this way and that, Pull the tough hide, till entering in, the grease Is all absorbed ; and dragged by numerous hands

440

The supple skin to the utmost length is stretched ; So these in narrow space this way and that The body dragged ; and high the hopes of each To bear it off in triumph ; to their ships The Greeks, to Troy the Trojans ; fiercely raged

445

The struggle ; spirit-stirring Mars himself, Or Pallas to her utmost fury roused, Had not that struggle with contempt beheld : Such grievous labour o'er Patroclus' corpse

450

Had Jove to horses and to men decreed.

But of Patroclus' fall no tidings yet Had reached Achilles ; for the war was waged Far from the ships, beneath the walls of Troy ; Nor looked he of his death to hear, but deemed That when the Trojans to their gates were driven, He would return in safety ; for no hope Had he of taking by assault the town,

N 2

455

180

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII.

With, or without, his aid ; for oft apart His Goddess-mother had his doom foretold,

Revealing to her son the mind of Jove ;

460

Yet ne'er had warned him of such grief as this, Which now befell, his dearest comrade's loss . Still round the dead they held their pointed spears, Fought hand to hand, and mutual slaughter dealt ; And thus perchance some brass-clad Greek would say : 465 " O friends, ' twere shameful should we to the ships Ingloriously return ; ere that should be, Let earth engulph us all ; so better far Than let these Trojans to their city bear

Our dead, and boast them of their triumph gained.” 470 On the other hand some valiant Trojan thus Would shout : " O friends, though fate decreed that here We all should die, yet let not one give way." Thus, cheering each his comrades, would they speak, And thus they fought ; the iron clangour pierced The empty air, and brazen vault of Heaven. But, from the fight withdrawn, Achilles' steeds Wept, as they heard how in the dust was laid Their charioteer, by Hector's murderous hand.

475

Book XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Automedon, Diores' valiant son,

181

480

Essayed in vain to rouse them with the lash, In vain with honeyed words, in vain with threats ;

Nor to the ships would they return again By the broad Hellespont, nor join the fray ; But as a column stands, which marks the tomb

485

Of man or woman, so immovable Beneath the splendid car they stood, their heads Down-drooping to the ground, while scalding tears Dropped earthward from their eyelids, as they mourned Their charioteer ; and o'er the yoke-band shed

490

Down streamed their ample manes, with dust defiled . The son of Saturn pitying saw their grief,

And sorrowing shook his head, as thus he mused : " Ah hapless horses ! wherefore gave we you To royal Peleus, to a mortal man,

495

You that from age and death are both exempt ! Was it that you the miseries might share Of wretched mortals ? for of all that breathe, And walk upon the earth, or creep, is nought More wretched than the unhappy race of man . Yet shall not ye, nor shall your well-wrought car,

500

182

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

By Hector, son of Priam, be controlled ; I will not suffer it ; enough for him

To hold, with vaunting boast, Achilles ' arms ; But to your limbs and spirits will I impart

505

Such strength, that from the battle to the ships Ye shall in safety bear Automedon ;

For yet I will the Trojans shall prevail, And slay, until they reach the well-manned ships, Till sets the sun, and darkness shrouds the earth .”

510

He said, and in their breasts fresh spirit infused ; They, shaking from their manes the dust, the car Amid the Greeks and Trojans lightly bore. Then, as a vulture ' mid a flock of geese, Amid the battle rushed Automedon,

515

His horses' course directing, and their speed Exciting, though he mourned his comrade slain. Swiftly he fled from out the Trojan host ; Swiftly again assailed them in pursuit ; Yet, speedy to pursue, he could not slay ;

Nor, in the car alone, had power at once To guide the flying steeds, and hurl the spear. At length a comrade brave, Alcimedon,

520

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

183

Laerces' son, beheld ; behind the car He stood, and thus Automedon addressed :

525

" Automedon, what God has filled thy mind With counsels vain, and thee of sense bereft ? That with the Trojans, in the foremost ranks, Thou fain wouldst fight alone, thy comrade slain, While Hector proudly on his breast displays The glorious arms of great

530

acides."

To whom Automedon, Diores ' son : " Alcimedon, since none of all the Greeks May vie with thee, the mettle to control Of these immortal horses, save indeed,

535

While yet he lived, Patroclus, godlike chief ; But him stern death and fate have overta'en ;; Take thou the whip and shining reins, while I, Descending from the car, engage in fight." He said ; and, mounting on the war-car straight,

540

Alcimedon the whip and reins assum'd ; Down leaped Automedon ; great Hector saw,

And thus addressed Æneas at his side : 66

Æneas, prince and counsellor of Troy, I see, committed to unskilful hands,

545

184

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

Achilles' horses on the battle field : These we may hope to take, if such thy will ; For they, methinks, will scarcely stand opposed , Or dare the encounter of our joint assault." He said ; Anchises' valiant son complied ;

550

Forward they went, their shoulders covered o'er With stout bull's-hide, thick overlaid with brass. With them both Chromius and Aretus went ; And high their hopes were raised, the warriors both To slay, and make the strong-necked steeds their prize : 555 Blind fools ! nor destined scatheless to escape

Automedon's encounter ; he his prayer To Jove addressed, and straight with added strength His soul was filled ; and to Alcimedon, His trusty friend and comrade, thus he spoke :

560

" Alcimedon, do thou the horses keep Not far away, but breathing on my neck ; For Hector's might will not, I deem, be stayed, Ere us he slay, and mount Achilles' car, And carry terror 'mid the Grecian host, Or in the foremost ranks himself be slain." Thus spoke Automedon, and loudly called

565

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

185

On Meneläus and the Ajaces both : " Ye two Ajaces, leaders of the host, And, Meneläus, with our bravest all,

570

Ye on the dead alone your care bestow, To guard him, and stave off the hostile ranks ; But haste, and us, the living, save from death ; For Hector and Eneas hitherward, With weight o'erpowering, through the bloody press,

575

The bravest of the Trojans, force their way : Yet is the issue in the hands of Heaven ;

I hurl the spear, but Jove directs the blow." He said, and, poising, hurled his ponderous spear ; Full on Aretus' broad-orbed shield it struck ;

580

Nor stayed the shield its course ; the brazen point Drove through the belt, and in his body lodged. As with sharp axe in hand a stalwart man, Striking behind the horns a sturdy bull, Severs the neck ; he, forward, plunging, falls ; So forward first he sprang, then backwards fell : And quivering, in his vitals deep infixed, The sharp spear soon relaxed his limbs in death. Then at Automedon great Hector threw

585

186

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

His glittering spear ; he saw, and forward stooped,

590

And shunned the brazen death ; behind him far Deep in the soil infixed, with quivering shaft The weapon stood ; there Mars its impulse stayed. And now with swords, and hand to hand, the fight Had been renewed ; but at their comrade's call

595

The two Ajaces, pressing through the throng, Between the warriors interposed in haste. Before them Hector and Æneas both, And godlike Chromius, in alarm recoiled ; Pierced through the heart, Aretus there they left ;

600

And, terrible as Mars, Automedon Stripped off his arms, and thus exulting cried : " Of some small portion of its load of grief, For slain Patroclus, is my heart relieved,

In slaying thee, all worthless as thou art."

605

Then, throwing on the car the bloody spoils, He mounted, hands and feet imbrued with blood, As 'twere a lion, fresh from his repast

Upon the carcase of a slaughtered bull . Again around Patroclus' body raged The stubborn conflict, direful, sorrow-fraught :

610

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

187

From Heaven descending, Pallas stirred the strife, Sent by all-seeing Jove to stimulate The warlike Greeks ; so changed was now his will. As o'er the face of Heaven when Jove extends

615

His bright-hued bow, a sign to mortal men Of war, or wintry storms, which bid surcease

The rural works of man, and pinch the flocks ; So Pallas, in a bright-hued cloud arrayed, Passed through the ranks, and roused each several man. 620 To noble Meneläus , Atreus' son, Who close beside her stood, the Goddess first, The form of Phoenix and his powerful voice Assuming, thus her stirring words addressed :

" On thee, O Meneläus, foul reproach

625

Will fasten, if Achilles' faithful friend The dogs devour beneath the walls of Troy ; Then hold thou firm, and all the host inspire."

To whom thus Meneläus, good in fight : " O Phoenix, aged warrior, honoured sire, If Pallas would the needful power impart, And o'er me spread her ægis, then would I Undaunted for Patroclus' rescue fight,

630

188

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

For deeply by his death my heart is touched ; But valiant Hector, with the strength of fire

635

Still rages, and destruction deals around : For Jove is with him, and his triumph wills." He said

the blue-eyed Goddess heard with joy

That, chief of all the Gods, her aid he sought. She gave fresh vigour to his arms and knees,

640

And to his breast the boldness of the fly, Which, oft repelled by man, renews the assault Incessant, lured by taste of human blood ; Such boldness in Atrides' manly breast

Pallas inspired ; beside Patroclus ' corpse

645

Again he stood, and poised his glittering spear. There was one Podes in the Trojan ranks, Son of Eëtion, rich, of blameless life, Of all the people most to Hector dear,

And at his table oft a welcome guest :

650

Him, as he turned to fly, beneath the waist Atrides struck ; right through the spear was driven ;

Thundering he fell ; and Atreus' son the corpse Dragged from the Trojans ' mid the ranks of Greece.

Then close at Hector's side Apollo stood,

655

BOOK XVII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

189

Clad in the form of Phænops, Asius' son, Who in Abydos dwelt ; of all the Allies Honoured of Hector most, and best beloved ; Clad in his form, the Far-destroyer spoke : " Hector, what other Greek will scare thee next ? 660 Who shrink'st from Meneläus, heretofore

A warrior deemed of no repute ; but now, Alone, he robs our Trojans of their dead ; And in the foremost ranks e'en now hath slain Podes, thine own good friend, Eëtion's son.”

665

He said ; dark grief o'erclouded Hector's brow,

As to the front in dazzling arms he sprang. Then Saturn's son his tasselled ægis waved, All glittering bright ; and Ida's lofty head In clouds and darkness shrouded ; then he bade

670

His lightning flash, his volleying thunder roar, That shook the mountain ; and with victory crowned

The Trojan arms, and panic-struck the Greeks. The first who turned to fly was Peneleus, Boeotian chief ; him, facing still the foe, A spear had slightly on the shoulder struck, The bone just grazing : by Polydamas,

675

190

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

Who close before him stood, the spear was thrown.

Then Hector Leitus, Alectryon's son, Thrust through the wrist, and quelled his warlike might ; 680 Trembling, he looked around, nor hoped again The Trojans, spear in hand, to meet in fight ; But, onward as he rushed on Leitus,

Idomeneus at Hector threw his spear : Full on his breast it struck ; but near the head

685

The sturdy shaft was on the breastplate snapped : Loud was the Trojans' shout ; and he in turn Aimed at Idomeneus, Deucalion's son, Upstanding on his car ; his mark he missed, But Coranus he struck, the charioteer

690

And faithful follower of Meriones, Who with him came from Lyctus' thriving town : The chief had left on foot the well-trimmed ships ; And, had not Coranus his car in haste Driven to the rescue, by his fall had given A Trojan triumph ; to his Lord he brought Safety, and rescue from unsparing death ; But fell, himself, by Hector's murderous hand. Him Hector struck between the cheek and ear,

695

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Crashing the teeth, and cutting through the tongue.

191

700

Headlong he fell to earth, and dropped the reins : These, stooping from the car, Meriones

Caught up, and thus Idomeneus addressed : 66 Ply now the lash, until thou reach the ships : Thyself must see how crushed the strength of Greece." 705 He said ; and toward the ships Idomeneus Urged his fleet steeds ; for fear was on his soul. Nor did not Ajax and Atrides see How in the Trojans' favour Saturn's son The wavering scale of victory turned ; and thus

710

Great Ajax Telamon his grief expressed : " O Heaven ! the veriest child might plainly see That Jove the Trojans' triumph has decreed : Their weapons all, by whomsoever thrown, Or weak, or strong, attain their mark ; for Jove

715

Directs their course ; while ours upon the plain Innocuous fall.

But take we counsel now

How from the fray to bear away our dead, And by our own return rejoice those friends Who look with sorrow on our plight, and deem That we, all powerless to resist the might

720

192

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

Of Hector's arm, beside the ships must fall. Would that some comrade were at hand, to bear A message to Achilles ; him, I ween, As yet the mournful tidings have not reached,

725

That on the field his dearest friend lies dead. But such I see not ; for a veil of cloud O'er men and horses all around is spread. O Father Jove, from o'er the sons of Greece Remove this cloudy darkness ; clear the sky,

730

That we may see our fate, and die at least, If such thy will, in the open light of day." He said, and, pitying, Jove beheld his tears ; The clouds he scattered, and the mist dispersed ; The sun shone forth, and all the field was clear ;

735

Then Ajax thus to Meneläus spoke : 66 Now, Heaven-born Meneläus, look around

If haply 'mid the living thou mayst see Antilochus, the noble Nestor's son ; And bid him to Achilles bear in haste The tidings, that his dearest friend lies dead."

He said, nor did Atrides not comply ; But slow as moves a lion from the fold,

740

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

193

Which dogs and youths with ceaseless toil hath worn, Who all night long have kept their watch, to guard 745 From his assault the choicest of the herd ; He, hunger-pinched, hath oft the attempt renewed, But nought prevailed ; by spears on every side, And javelins met, wielded by stalwart hands, And blazing torches, which his courage daunt ;

750

Till with the morn he sullenly withdraws ; So from Patroclus, with reluctant step Atrides moved ; for much he feared the Greeks Might to the Trojans, panic-struck, the dead Abandon ; and departing, he besought

755

The two Ajaces and Meriones : " Ye two Ajaces, leaders of the Greeks, And thou, Meriones, remember now

Our lost Patroclus' gentle courtesy, How kind and genial was his soul to all,

760

While yet he lived -now sunk, alas ! in death ." Thus saying, Meneläus took his way, Casting his glance around on every side,

Like to an eagle, famed of sharpest sight Of all that fly beneath the vault of Heaven ;

VOL. II.

765

194

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII .

Whom, soaring in the clouds, the crouching hare Eludes not, though in leafiest covert hid ; But swooping down, he rends her life away : So, Meneläus, through the ranks of war Thy piercing glances every way were turned,

770

If Nestor's son, alive, thou mightst descry ; Him on the field's extremest left he found, Cheering his friends, and urging to the fight ; He stood beside him, and addressed him thus : 66 Antilochus, come hither, godlike friend,

775

And woful tidings hear, which would to Heaven I had not to impart ; thyself thou seest How Jove hath heaped disaster on the Greeks, And victory given to Troy ; but one has fallen, Our bravest, best ! Patroclus lies in deatha ;

780

And deeply must the Greeks his loss deplore . But haste thee to the ships, to Peleus' son The tidings bear, if haply he may save The body of Patroclus from the foe ;

His naked body, for his arms are now The prize of Hector of the glancing helm.” He said ; and at his words Antilochus

785

BOOK XVII.

HOMER'S

195

ILIAD.

Astounded stood ; long time his tongue in vain For utterance strove ; his eyes were filled with tears, His cheerful voice was mute ;

yet not the less

790

To Menelaus' bidding gave his care : Swiftly he sped ; but to Läodocus, His comrade brave, who waited with his car In close attendance, first consigned his arms ; Then from the field with active limbs he flew,

795

Weeping, with mournful news, to Peleus' son. Nor, noble Meneläus, did thy heart. Incline thee to remain, and aid thy friends,

Where from their war-worn ranks the Pylian troops

800

Deplored the absence of Antilochus ; But these in godlike Thrasymedes' charge . He left ;

and to Patroclus hastening back,

Beside the Ajaces stood, as thus he spoke : " Him to Achilles, to the ships, in haste I have despatched ;

805

yet fiercely as his wrath

May burn toward Hector, I can scarce expect His presence here ; for how could he, unarmed, With Trojans fight ?

But take we counsel now

How from the field to bear away our dead,

0 2

196

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVII .

And ' scape ourselves from death by Trojan hands."

810

Whom answered thus great Ajax Telamon :

" Illustrious Meneläus, all thy words Are just and true ; then from amid the press, Thou and Meriones, take up in haste, And bear away the body ;

while behind

815

We two, in heart united, as in name, Who side by side have still been wont to fight, Will Hector and his Trojans hold at bay." He said ; they, lifting in their arms the corpse, Upraised it high in air ; then from behind

820

Loud yelled the Trojans, as they saw the Greeks Retiring with their dead ;

and on they rushed,

As dogs that in advance of hunter youths

Pursue a wounded boar ;

awhile they run,

Eager for blood ; but when, in pride of strength,

825

He turns upon them, backward they recoil, This way and that in fear of death dispersed : So onward pressed awhile the Trojan crowd,

With thrust of swords, and double-pointed spears ; But ever as the Ajaces turned to bay, Their colour changed to pale, not one so bold

830

BOOK XVII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

197

As, dashing on, to battle for the corpse. Thus they, with anxious care, from off the field Bore toward the ships their dead ;

but on their track

Came sweeping on the storm of battle, fierce,

835

As, on a sudden breaking forth, the fire Seizes some populous city, and devours House after house amid the glare and blaze, While roar the flames before the gusty wind ; So fiercely pressed upon the Greeks' retreat

840

The clattering tramp of steeds and armèd men. But as the mules, with stubborn strength endued, That down the mountain through the trackless waste Drag some huge log, or timber for the ships, And spent with toil and sweat, still labour on

845

Unflinching ; so the Greeks with patient toil Bore on their dead ; the Ajaces in their rear Stemming the war, as stems the torrent's force Some wooded cliff, far stretching o'er the plain ; Checking the mighty river's rushing stream, And flinging it aside upon the plain, Itself unbroken by the strength of flood : So firmly, in the rear, the Ajaces stemmed

850

198

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVII.

The Trojan force ; yet these still onward pressed, And, ' mid their comrades proudly eminent,

855

Two chiefs, Æneas, old Anchises' son, And glorious Hector, in the van were seen. Then, as a cloud of starlings or of daws Fly screaming, as they see the hawk approach,

To lesser birds the messenger of death ;

860

So before Hector and Æneas fled,

Screaming, forgetful of their warlike fame, The sons of Greece ; and scattered here and there

Around the ditch lay store of goodly arms, By Greeks abandoned in their hasty flight. Yet still, unintermitted, raged the war.

865

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK

199

XVIII.

furious as the rage of fire, they fought THUS, Meantime Antilochus to Peleus' son, Swift-footed messenger, his tidings bore. Him by the high-beaked ships he found, his mind 5

The event presaging, filled with anxious thoughts, As thus he communed with his mighty heart : " Alas !

what means it, that the long-haired Greeks,

Chased from the plain, are thronging round the ships ? Let me not now, ye Gods, endure the grief

My mother once foretold, that I should live

To see the bravest of the Myrmidons Cut off by Trojans from the light of day. Menoetius' noble son has surely fallen ; Foolhardy ! yet I warned him, and besought, Soon as the ships from hostile fires were safe, Back to return, nor Hector's onset meet." While in his mind and spirit thus he mused,

200

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

Beside him stood the noble Nestor's son, And weeping, thus his mournful message gave : " Alas ! great son of Peleus, woful news,

Which would to Heaven I had not to impart, To thee I bring : Patroclus lies in death ; And o'er his body now the war is waged ; His naked body, for his arms are now The prize of Hector of the glancing helm ."

He said ; and darkest clouds of grief o'erspread Achilles' brow ;

with both his hands he seized

> And poured upon his head the grimy dust, Marring his graceful visage ; and defiled With blackening ashes all his costly robes .

Stretched in the dust his lofty stature lay,

As with his hands his flowing locks he tore ; Loud was the wailing of the female band,

As round Achilles, rushing out of doors,

338

Achilles' and Patroclus' prize of war, 35

Beating their breasts, with tottering limbs they pressed . In tears beside him stood Antilochus , And in his own Achilles' hand he held, Groaning in spirit, fearful lest for grief

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

In his own bosom he should sheathe his sword.

201

Loud were his moans ; his Goddess-mother heard, Beside her aged father where she sat In the deep ocean caves ; she heard, and wept : The Nereids all, in ocean's depths who dwell,

Encircled her around ; Cymodoce, *

Nesæe, Spio, and Cymothöe, The stag-eyed Halia, and Amphithöe, Actæa, Limnorea, Melite,

Doris, and Galatea, Panope ; There too were Oreithyia, Clymene,

And Amathea with the golden hair, And all the denizens of ocean's depths. Filled was the glassy cave ;

in unison

They beat their breasts, as Thetis led the wail : "Give ear, my sister Nereids all, and learn

How deep the grief that in my breast I bear.

* L. 45 et seqq. I hope I may be pardoned for having somewhat curtailed the list of these ladies, which in the original extends over ten lines of names only. In doing so, I have followed the example of Virgil, who represents the same ladies, evidently the elite of submarine society ( G. 4. 336), in attendance on Cyrene ; and has not only reduced the list, but added some slight touches illustrating their occupations and private history : a liberty permissible to an imitator, but not to a translator.

202

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.

Me miserable ! me, of noblest son Unhappiest mother !

me, a son who bore,

My brave, my beautiful, of heroes chief ! Like a young tree he throve :

I tended him,

In a rich vineyard as the choicest plant ; Till in the beakèd ships I sent him forth To war with Troy ; him ne'er shall I behold, Returning home, in aged Peleus' house. E'en while he lives, and sees the light of day, He lives in sorrow ;

nor, to soothe his grief,

My presence can avail ;

yet will I go,

That I may see my dearest child, and learn What grief hath reached him, from the war withdrawn." She said, and left the cave ; with her they went,

Weeping ; before them parted the ocean wave. But when they reached the fertile shore of Troy, In order due they landed on the beach, Where frequent, round Achilles swift of foot, Were moored the vessels of the Myrmidons. There, as he groaned aloud, beside him stood His Goddess-mother ; weeping, in her hands She held his head, while pitying thus she spoke :

Book XVIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

203

Why weeps my son ? and what his cause of grief ? Speak out, and nought conceal ;

for all thy prayer

Which with uplifted hands thou mad'st to Jove, He hath fulfilled, that, flying to their ships, The routed sons of Greece should feel how much

To whom Achilles, deeply groaning, thus :

They need thine aid, and mourn their insult past."

66 Mother, all this indeed hath Jove fulfilled ; Yet what avails it, since my dearest friend Is slain, Patroclus ? whom I honoured most Of all my comrades, loved him as my soul,

Him have I lost : and Hector from his corpse

Hath stripped those arms, those weighty, beauteous arms, A marvel to behold , which from the Gods Peleus received, a glorious gift, that day When they consigned thee to a mortal's bed.

How better were it, if thy lot had been

Still 'mid the Ocean deities to dwell, And Peleus had espoused a mortal bride !

For now is bitter grief for thee in store, Mourning thy son ; whom to his home returned Thou never more shalt see ; nor would I wish

100

204

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII .

To live, and move amid my fellow-men,

Unless that Hector, vanquished by my spear, May lose his forfeit life, and pay the price Of foul dishonour to Patroclus done." To whom, her tears o'erflowing, Thetis thus :

105

" E'en as thou sayst, my son, thy term is short ; Nor long shall Hector's fate precede thine own." Achilles, answering, spoke in passionate grief : " Would I might die this hour, who failed to save My comrade slain ! far from his native land

110

He died, sore needing my protecting arm ; And I, who ne'er again must see my home, Nor to Patroclus, nor the many Greeks Whom Hector's hand hath slain, have rendered aid ;

115

But idly here I sit, cumbering the ground :

I, who amid the Greeks no equal own In fight ; to others, in debate, I yield. Accursed of Gods and men be hateful strife And anger, which to violence provokes E'en temperate souls ; though sweeter be its taste Than dropping honey, in the heart of man Swelling, like smoke ; such anger in my soul

120

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

205

Hath Agamemnon kindled, King of men. But pass we that ; though still my heart be sore,

Yet will I school my angry spirit down.

125

In search of Hector now, of him who slew My friend, I go ; prepared to meet my death, When Jove shall will it, and the Immortals all . From death not e'en the might of Hercules, Though best beloved of Saturn's son, could fly,

130

By fate and Juno's bitter wrath subdued . I too, since such my doom, must lie in death ; Yet, ere I die, immortal fame will win ;

And from their delicate cheeks, deep-bosomed dames, Dardan and Trojan, bitter tears shall wipe,

135

And groan in anguish ; then shall all men know How long I have been absent from the field ; Then, though thou love me, seek not from the war To stay my steps ; for bootless were thy speech." Whom answered thus the silver-footed Queen : " True are thy words, my son ; and good it is, And commendable, from the stroke of death To save a worsted comrade ; but thine arms, Thy brazen, flashing arms, the Trojans hold :

140

206

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII .

Them Hector of the glancing helm himself

145

Bears on his breast, exulting ; yet not long Shall be his triumph, for his doom is nigh. But thou, engage not in the toils of war, Until thine eyes again behold me here ; For with to-morrow's sun will I return

150

With arms of heavenly mould, by Vulcan wrought." Thus saying, from her son she turned away, And turning, to her sister Nereids spoke : " Back to the spacious bosom of the deep Retire ye now ; and to my father's house,

155

The aged Ocean God, your tidings bear ; While I to high Olympus speed, to crave At Vulcan's hand, the skilled artificer, "" A boon of dazzling armour for my son. She said ; and they beneath the ocean wave

160

Descended, while to high Olympus sped The silver-footed Goddess, thence in hope To bear the dazzling armour to her son. She to Olympus sped ; the Greeks meanwhile Before the warrior-slayer Hector fled With wild, tumultuous uproar, till they reached

165

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

207

Their vessels and the shore of Hellespont. Nor had the well-greaved Greeks Achilles' friend, Patroclus, from amid the fray withdrawn ; For close upon him followed horse and man,

170

And Hector, son of Priam, fierce as flame ; Thrice noble Hector, seizing from behind, Sought by the feet to drag away the dead, Cheering his friends ; thrice, clad in warlike might, The two Ajaces drove him from his prey.

175

Yet, fearless in his strength, now rushing on He dashed amid the fray ; now, shouting loud, Stood firm ; but backward not a step retired. As from a carcase herdsmen strive in vain To scare a tawny lion, hunger-pinched ;

180

E'en so the Ajaces, mail-clad warriors, failed The son of Priam from the corpse to scare. And now the body had he borne away, With endless fame ; but from Olympus' height Came storm-swift Iris down to Peleus' son, And bade him don his arms ; by Juno sent, Unknown to Jove, and to the Immortals all. She stood beside him, and addressed him thus :

185

208

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII.

66 Up, son of Peleus ! up, thou prince of men !

Haste to Patroclus' rescue ; whom around,

190

Before the ships, is waged a fearful war, With mutual slaughter ; these the dead defending, And those to Ilium's breezy heights intent To bear the body ; noble Hector chief, Who longs to sever from the tender neck,

195

And fix upon the spikes, thy comrade's head. Up then ! delay no longer ; deem it shame Patroclus' corpse should glut the dogs of Troy, Dishonouring thee, if aught dishonour him." Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot :

200

" Say, heavenly Iris, of the immortal Gods

Who bade thee seek me, and this message bring ? " To whom swift Iris thus : " To thee I come By Juno sent, the imperial wife of Jove ; Unknown to Saturn's son, and all the Gods

205

Who on Olympus' snowy summit dwell ." To whom again Achilles, swift of foot : " How in the battle toil can I engage ? My arms are with the Trojans ; and to boot My mother warned me not to arm for fight,

210

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

209

ILIAD .

Till I again should see her ; for she hoped To bring me heavenly arms by Vulcan wrought : Nor know I well whose armour I could wear, Save the broad shield of Ajax Telamon ;

215

And he, methinks, amid the foremost ranks E'en now is fighting o'er Patroclus' corpse." Whom answered storm-swift Iris : " Well we know

Thy glorious arms are by the Trojans held ; But go thou forth, and from above the ditch

220

Appear before them ; daunted at the sight, Haply the Trojans may forsake the field, And breathing-time afford the sons of Greece, Toil-worn ; for little pause has yet been theirs." Swift Iris said, and vanished ; then uprose

225

Achilles, dear to Jove ; and Pallas threw Her tasselled ægis o'er his shoulders broad ; His head encircling with a coronet Of golden cloud, whence fiery flashes gleamed . As from an island city up to Heaven

230

The smoke ascends, which hostile forces round

Beleaguer, and all day with cruel war From its own state cut off ; but when the sun VOL. II.

210

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

Hath set, blaze frequent forth the beacon fires ; High rise the flames, and to the dwellers round Their signal flash, if haply o'er the sea

235

May come the needful aid ; so brightly flashed That fiery light around Achilles' head . He left the wall, and stood above the ditch, But from the Greeks apart, remembering well His mother's prudent counsel ; there he stood,

240

And shouted loudly ; Pallas joined her voice, And filled with terror all the Trojan host. Clear as the trumpet's sound, which calls to arms Some town, encompassed round with hostile bands, Rang out the voice of great

acides.

245

But when Achilles' voice of brass they heard,

They quailed in spirit ; the sleek-skinned steeds themselves, Conscious of coming ill, bore back the cars : Their charioteers, dismayed, beheld the flame Which, kindled by the blue-eyed Goddess, blazed Unquenched around the head of Peleus' son. Thrice shouted from the ditch the godlike chief ; Thrice terror struck both Trojans and Allies ; And there and then beside their chariots fell

250

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

211

ILIAD.

Twelve of their bravest ; while the Greeks, well pleased, 255 Patroclus' body from the fray withdrew, And on a litter laid ; around him stood His comrades, mourning ; with them, Peleus' son, Shedding hot tears, as on his friend he gazed, Laid on the bier, and pierced with deadly wounds :

260

Him to the war with horses and with cars He sent ; but ne'er to welcome his return .

By stag-eyed Juno sent, reluctant sank The unwearied sun beneath the ocean wave ; The sun had set, and breathed awhile the Greeks

265

From the fierce labours of the balanced field ; Nor less the Trojans, from the stubborn fight Retiring, from the chariots loosed their steeds : But ere they shared the evening meal, they met

270

In council ; all stood up ; none dared to sit ; For fear had fallen on all, when reappeared Achilles, from the battle long withdrawn. First Panthöus ' son, the sage Polydamas , Addressed the assembly ; his sagacious mind

275

Alone beheld the future and the past ;

The friend of Hector, born the selfsame night ;

P 2

212

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

N One in debate, the other best in arms ; Who thus with prudent speech began, and said : " Be well advised, my friends ! my counsel is That we regain the city, nor the morn

280

Here in the plain, beside the ships, await, So far removed from our protecting walls.

While fiercely burned ' gainst Atreus' godlike son That mighty warrior's wrath, 'twas easier far With the other Greeks to deal ; and I rejoiced

285

When by the ships we passed the night, in hopes We soon might call them ours ; but now, I own, Achilles, swift of foot, excites my fear. His proud, impetuous spirit will spurn the plain, Where Greeks and Trojans oft in warlike strife

290

Their balanced strength exert ; if he come forth, Our fight will be to guard our homes and wives. Gain we the city ; trust me, so 'twere best. Now, for a while, ambrosial night detains The son of Peleus ; but at early morn If issuing forth in arms he find us here, His prowess we shall know ; and happy he Who, flying, shall in safety reach the walls

295

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

213

Of sacred Troy ; for many a Trojan slain Shall feed the vultures : Heaven avert such fate !

300

But if, though loth, ye will by me be ruled, This night in council husband we our strength ; While towers, and lofty gates, and folding doors Close joined, well-fitting, shall our city guard : Then issuing forth in arms at early morn

305

Man we the towers ; so harder were his task If, from the ships advancing, round the wall He offer battle ; bootless to return, His strong-necked horses worn with labour vain In coursing, purposeless, around the town .

310

To force an entrance, or the town destroy, Is not his aim ; and ere that end be gained, The dogs of Troy upon his flesh shall feed .” To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm With stern regard : “ Polydamas, thy words

315

Are such as grate unkindly on mine ear, Who fain wouldst have us to the walls retire .

What ? have ye not already long enough Been cooped within the towers ? the wealth of Troy, Its brass, its gold, were once the common theme

320

214

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.

Of every tongue ; our hoarded treasures now Are gone, to Phrygian and Mæonian shores For sale exported, costly merchandise, Since on our city fell the wrath of Jove. And now, when deep-designing Saturn's son

325

Such glory gives me as to gain the ships, And, crowded by the sea, hem in the Greeks, Fool ! put not thou these timid counsels forth, Which none will follow, nor will I allow.

But hear ye all, and do as I advise :

330

Share now the meal, by ranks, throughout the host ; Then set your watch, and each keep careful guard ; And whom his spoils o'erload, if such there be, Let him divide them with the general crowd ; Better that they should hold them than the Greeks :

335

And with the morn, in arms, beside the ships, Will we again awake the furious war. But if indeed Achilles by the ships Hath reappeared, himself, if so he choose, Shall be the sufferer ; from the perilous strife

340

I will not shrink, but his encounter meet : So he, or I, shall gain immortal fame ;

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

215

Impartial Mars hath oft the slayer slain." Thus Hector spoke ; the Trojans cheered aloud : Fools, and by Pallas of their sense bereft,

345

Who all applauded Hector's ill advice, None the sage counsel of Polydamas ! Then through the camp they shared the evening meal. Meantime the Greeks all night with tears and groans Bewailed Patroclus : on his comrade's breast

350

Achilles laid his murder-dealing hands, And led with bitter groans the loud lament. As when the hunters, in the forest's depth, Have robbed a bearded lion of his cubs ; Too late arriving, he with anger chafes ;

355

Then follows, if perchance he may o'ertake, Through many a mountain glen, the hunters' steps,

With grief and fury filled ; so Peleus' son, With bitter groans, the Myrmidons addressed : " Vain was, alas ! the promise which I gave, Seeking the brave Menoetius to console, To bring to Opus back his gallant son, Rich with his share of spoil from Troy o'erthrown ;

But Jove fulfils not all that man designs :

360

216

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

For us hath fate decreed, that here in Troy

365

We two one soil should redden with our blood ; Nor me, returning to my native land, Shall aged Peleus in his halls receive, Nor Thetis ; here must earth retain my bones. But since, Patroclus, I am doomed on earth

370

Behind thee to remain, thy funeral rites I will not celebrate, till Hector's arms, And head, thy haughty slayer's, here I bring ; And on thy pyre twelve noble sons of Troy Will sacrifice, in vengeance of thy death.

375

Thou by our beaked ships till then must lie ; And weeping o'er thee shall deep-bosomed dames, Trojan and Dardan, mourn both night and day ; The prizes of our toil, when wealthy towns Before our valour and our spears have fallen."

380

He said, and bade his comrades on the fire An ample tripod place, without delay To cleanse Patroclus from the bloody gore : They on the burning fire the tripod placed, With water filled, and kindled wood beneath. Around the bellying tripod rose the flames,

385

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

217

Heating the bath ; within the glittering brass

Soon as the water boiled, they washed the corpse, With lissom oils anointing, and the wounds

390

With fragrant ointments filled, of nine years old ; Then in fine linen they the body wrapped From head to feet, and laid it on a couch, And covered over with a fair white sheet. All night around Achilles swift of foot

395

The Myrmidons with tears Patroclus mourned . To Juno then, his sister and his wife, Thus Saturn's son : " At length thou hast thy will , Imperial Juno, who hast stirred to war Achilles swift of foot ; well might one deem

These long-haired Greeks from thee derived their birth." 400 To whom in answer thus the stag-eyed Queen : “ What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak ? E'en man, though mortal, and inferior far To us in wisdom, might so much effect Against his fellow-man ; then how should I, By double title chief of Goddesses, First by my birth, and next because thy wife

I boast me, thine; o'er all the Gods supreme,

405

218

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII.

Not work my vengeance on the Trojan race ? ” Such converse while they held, to Vulcan's house, 410

Immortal, starlike bright, among the Gods Unrivalled , all of brass, by Vulcan's self

Constructed, sped the silver-footed Queen. Him sweltering at his forge she found, intent On forming twenty tripods, which should stand

415

The wall surrounding of his well-built house ; With golden wheels beneath he furnished each, And to the assembly of the Gods endued With power to move spontaneous, and return, A marvel to behold ! thus far his work

420

He had completed ; but not yet had fixed The rich-wrought handles ; these his labour now Engaged, to fit them, and to rivet fast.

While thus he exercised his practised skill, The silver-footed Queen approached the house.

425

Charis, the skilful artist's wedded wife, Beheld her coming, and advanced to meet ; And, as her hand she clasped, addressed her thus : 66 " Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, beloved

And honoured, whence this visit to our house,

430

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

219

An unaccustomed guest ? but come thou in, That I may welcome thee with honour due." Thus, as she spoke, the Goddess led her in, And on a seat with silver studs adorned, Fair, richly wrought, a footstool at her feet,

435

She bade her sit ; then thus to Vulcan called : "Haste hither, Vulcan ; Thetis asks thine aid." Whom answered thus the skilled artificer : "An honoured and a venerated guest

Our house contains ; who saved me once from woe,

440

When by my mother's act from Heaven I fell, Who, for that I was crippled in my feet, Deemed it not shame to hide me ; hard had then

My fortune been, had not Eurynome And Thetis in their bosoms sheltered me ;

445

Eurynome, from old Oceanus Who drew her birth, the ever-circling flood. Nine years with them I dwelt, and many a work I fashioned there of metal, clasps, and chains Of spiral coil, rich cups, and collars fair, Hid in a cave profound ; where the ocean stream With ceaseless murmur foamed and moaned around ;

450

220

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII.

Unknown to God or man, but to those two

Who saved me, Thetis and Eurynome. Now to my house hath fair-haired Thetis come ;

455

To her, my life preserved its tribute owes : Then thou the hospitable rites perform, While I my bellows and my tools lay by." He said, and from the anvil reared upright His massive strength ; and as he limped along,

460

His tottering knees were bowed beneath his weight. The bellows from the fire he next withdrew, And in a silver casket placed his tools ; Then with a sponge his brows and lusty arms He wiped, and sturdy neck and hairy chest.

465

He donned his robe, and took his weighty staff ; Then through the door with halting step he passed ; There waited on their King the attendant maids ; In form as living maids, but wrought in gold ; Instinct with consciousness, with voice endued,

470

And strength, and skill from heavenly teachers drawn. These waited, duteous, at the Monarch's side, His steps supporting ; he, with halting gait, Passed to a gorgeous chair by Thetis' side,

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

And, as her hand he clasped, addressd her thus :

221

475

66 Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, beloved And honoured, whence this visit to our house, An unaccustomed guest ? say what thy will, And, if within my power, esteem it done.” To whom in answer Thetis, weeping, thus :

480

66 Vulcan, of all the Goddesses who dwell On high Olympus, lives there one whose soul

Hath borne such weight of woe, so many griefs, As Saturn's son hath heaped on me alone ? Me, whom he chose from all the sea-born nymphs,

485

And gave to Peleus, son of Æacus,

His subject ; I endured a mortal's bed, Though sore against my will ; he now, bent down By feeble age, lies helpless in his house. Now adds he farther grief ; he granted me

490

To bear, and rear, a son, of heroes chief ; Like a young tree he throve ; I tended him, In a rich vineyard as the choicest plant : Till in the beaked ships I sent him forth To war with Troy ; him ne'er shall I behold,

Returning home, in aged Peleus' house.

495

222

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

E'en while he lives, and sees the light of day, He lives in sorrow ; nor, to soothe his grief, My presence can avail ; a girl, his prize, Selected for him by the sons of Greece,

500

Great Agamemnon wrested from his arms :

In grief and rage he pined his soul away ; Then by the Trojans were the Greeks hemmed in Beside their ships, and from within their camp No outlet found ; the Grecian Elders then

505

Implored his aid, and promised costly gifts. With his own hand to save them he refused ; But, in his armour clad, to battle sent His friend Patroclus, with a numerous band. All day they fought before the Scæan gates ;

510

And in that day had Ilium been destroyed, But in the van, Menoetius' noble son, After great deeds achieved, Apollo slew, And crowned with glory Hector, Priam's son.

Therefore a suppliant to thy knees I come, If to my son, to early death condemned, Thou wilt accord the boon of shield and helm, And well-wrought greaves with silver clasps secured,

515

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

223

And breastplate ; for his own, his faithful friend, By Trojan hands subdued, hath lost ; and he,

520

O'erwhelmed with grief, lies prostrate on the earth." Whom answered thus the skilled artificer : "Take comfort, nor let this disturb thy mind ; Would that as surely, when his hour shall come, I could defend him from the stroke of death,

525

As I can undertake that his shall be Such arms as they shall marvel who behold." He left her thus, and to his forge returned ;

The bellows then directing to the fire, He bade them work ; through twenty pipes at once

530

Forthwith they poured their diverse-tempered blasts ; Now briskly seconding his eager haste, Now at his will, and as the work required . The stubborn brass, and tin, and precious gold, And silver, first he melted in the fire ;

535

Then on its stand his weighty anvil placed ; And with one hand the hammer's ponderous weight He wielded, while the other grasped the tongs. And first a shield he fashioned, vast and strong, With rich adornment ; circled with a rim,

540

224

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XVIII .

Threefold, bright-gleaming, whence a silver belt Depended ; of five folds the shield was formed ; And on its surface many a rare design

Of curious art his practised skill had wrought. Thereon were figured earth, and sky, and sea,

545

The ever-circling sun, and full-orbed moon, And all the signs that crown the vault of Heaven ; Pleiads and Hyads, and Orion's might, And Arctos, called the Wain, who wheels on high His circling course, and on Orion waits ;

550

Sole star that never bathes in the ocean wave. And two fair populous towns were sculptured there : In one were marriage pomp and revelry, And brides, in gay procession, through the streets With blazing torches from their chambers borne,

555

While frequent rose the hymeneal song. Youths whirled around in joyous dance, with sound Of flute and harp ; and, standing at their doors, Admiring women on the pageant gazed. Meanwhile a busy throng the forum filled : There between two a fierce contention rose,

About a death-fine ; to the public one

560

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

225

ILIAD .

Appealed, asserting to have paid the whole ; While one denied that he had aught received.

565

Both were desirous that before the Judge The issue should be tried ; with noisy shouts Their several partisans encouraged each . The heralds stilled the tumult of the crowd : On polished chairs, in solemn circle, sat

570

The reverend Elders ; in their hands they held The loud-voiced heralds' sceptres ; waving these, They heard the alternate pleadings ; in the midst Two talents lay of gold, which he should take Who should before them prove his righteous cause.

575

Before the second town two armies lay,

In arms refulgent ; to destroy the town The assailants threatened, or among themselves Of all the wealth within the city stored An equal half, as ransom, to divide. 580

The terms rejecting, the defenders manned

A secret ambush ; on the walls they placed Women and children mustered for defence, And men by age enfeebled ; forth they went, By Mars and Pallas led ; these, wrought in gold, VOL. II.

226

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.

In golden arms arrayed, above the crowd

585

For beauty and stature, as befitting Gods, Conspicuous shone ; of lesser height the rest . But when the destined ambuscade was reached, Beside the river, where the shepherds drove Their flocks and herds to water, down they lay,

590

In glittering arms accoutred ; and apart They placed two spies, to notify betimes The approach of flocks of sheep and lowing herds. These, in two shepherds' charge, ere long appeared, Who, unsuspecting as they moved along,

595

Enjoyed the music of their pastoral pipes. They on the booty, from afar discerned , Sprang from their ambuscade ; and cutting off The herds, and fleecy flocks, their guardians slew. Their comrades heard the tumult, where they sat

600

Before their sacred altars, and forthwith Sprang on their cars, and with fast-stepping steeds Pursued the plunderers, and o'ertook them soon . There on the river's bank they met in arms, And each at other hurled their brazen spears. And there were figured Strife, and Tumult wild,

605

BOOK XVIII.

HOMER'S

227

ILIAD.

And deadly Fate, who in her iron grasp One newly-wounded, one unwounded bore ,

While by the feet from out the press she dragged 610

Another slain : about her shoulders hung A garment crimsoned with the blood of men. Like living men they seemed to move, to fight, To drag away the bodies of the slain. And there was graven a wide-extended plain

615

Of fallow land, rich, fertile, mellow soil ,

Thrice ploughed ; where many ploughmen up and down Their teams were driving ;

and as each attained

The limit of the field, would one advance,

And tender him a cup of generous wine : 620

Then would he turn, and to the end again Along the furrow cheerly drive his plough. And still behind them darker showed the soil, The true presentment of a new-ploughed field, Though wrought in gold ;

a miracle of art.

There too was graven a corn-field, rich in grain, Where with sharp sickles reapers plied their task, And thick, in even swathe, the trusses fell ; The binders, following close, the bundles tied :

Q 2

625

228

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII .

Three were the binders ; and behind them boys In close attendance waiting, in their arms

630

Gathered the bundles, and in order piled.

Amid them, staff in hand, in silence stood The King, rejoicing in the plenteous swathe. A little way removed, the heralds slew A sturdy ox, and now beneath an oak

635

Prepared the feast ; while women mixed, hard by, White barley porridge for the labourers' meal. And, with rich clusters laden, there was graven A vineyard fair, all gold ; of glossy black The bunches were, on silver poles sustained ;

640

Around, a darksome trench ; beyond, a fence Was wrought, of shining tin ; and through it led One only path, by which the bearers passed, Who gathered in the vineyard's bounteous store. There maids and youths, in joyous spirits bright,

645

In woven baskets bore the luscious fruit. A boy, amid them, from a clear-toned harp Drew lovely music ; well his liquid voice The strings accompanied ; they all with dance And song harmonious joined, and joyous shouts,

650

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

229

As the gay bevy lightly tripped along. Of straight-horned cattle too a herd was graven ; Of gold and tin the heifers all were wrought : They to the pasture, from the cattle-yard, With gentle lowings, by a babbling stream,

655

Where quivering reed-beds rustled, slowly moved. Four golden shepherds walked beside the herd, By nine swift dogs attended ; then amid The foremost heifers sprang two lions fierce Upon the lordly bull :

he, bellowing loud,

660

Was dragged along, by dogs and youths pursued.

The tough bull's-hide they tore, and gorging lapped The intestines and dark blood ; with vain attempt The herdsmen following closely, to the attack Cheered their swift dogs ; these shunned the lions' jaws, 665 And close around them baying, held aloof. And there the skilful artist's hand had traced A pasture broad, with fleecy flocks o'erspread,

In a fair glade, with fold, and tents, and pens. There, too, the skilful artist's hand had wrought,

With curious workmanship, a mazy dance, Like that which Dædalus in Cnossus erst

670

230

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.

2 At fair-haired Ariadne's bidding framed. There, laying each on other's wrists their hand, Bright youths and many-suitored maidens danced :

675

In fair white linen these ; in tunics those, Well woven, shining soft with fragrant oils ; These with fair coronets were crowned, while those With golden swords from silver belts were girt.

Now whirled they round with nimble practised feet, 680 Easy, as when a potter, seated, turns A wheel, new fashioned by his skilful hand, And spins it round, to prove if true it run : Now featly moved in well-beseeming ranks. A numerous crowd, around, the lovely dance

685

Surveyed, delighted ; while an honoured Bard Sang, as he struck the lyre, and to the strain Two tumblers, in the midst, were whirling round.

About the margin of the massive shield Was wrought the mighty strength of the ocean stream. 690

The shield completed , vast and strong, he forged A breastplate, dazzling bright as flame of fire ; And next, a weighty helmet for his head, Fair, richly wrought, with crest of gold above ;

BOOK XVIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Then last, well-fitting greaves of pliant tin.

231

695

The skilled artificer his works complete Before Achilles' Goddess-mother laid : She, like a falcon, from the snow-clad heights Of huge Olympus, darted swiftly down,

Charged with the glittering arms by Vulcan wrought.

700

232

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

XIX.

W morn in saffron robe, from the ocean stream Now Ascending, light diffused o'er Gods and men ; As Thetis, to the ships returning, bore The gift of Vulcan ; there her son she found, Who o'er Patroclus hung in bitter grief ;

Around him mourned his comrades ; in the midst She stood, and clasped his hand, as thus she spoke : " Leave we, my son, though deep our grief, the dead ; Here let him lie, since Heaven hath doomed his fall ; But thou these arms receive, by Vulcan sent,

Fairer than e'er on mortal breast were borne."

The arms before Achilles, as she spoke, The Goddess laid ; loud rang the wondrous work. With awe the Myrmidons beheld ; nor dared

Affront the sight : but as Achilles gazed, More fiery burned his wrath ; beneath his brows His eyes like lightning flashed ; with fierce delight

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

233

He seized the glorious gift ; and when his soul Had feasted on the miracle of art, To Thetis thus his winged words addressed :

"Mother, the God hath given me arms indeed , Worthy a God, and such as mortal man Could never forge ; I go to arm me straight ; Yet fear I for Menoetius' noble son, Lest in his spear-inflicted wounds the flies

May gender worms, and desecrate the dead, And, life extinct, corruption reach his flesh ." Whom answered thus the silver-footed Queen : " Let not such fears, my son, disturb thy mind ; I will myself the swarms of flies disperse,

That on the flesh of slaughtered warriors prey ; And should he here remain a year complete, Still should his flesh be firm and fresh as now : But thou to council call the chiefs of Greece ; Against the monarch Agamemnon there,

The leader of the host, abjure thy wrath ; Then arm thee quickly, and put on thy might." Her words with dauntless courage filled his breast.

She in Patroclus' nostrils, to preserve

234

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

His flesh, red nectar and ambrosia poured.

Along the ocean beach Achilles passed, And loudly shouting, called on all the chiefs ; Then all who heretofore remained on board, The steersmen, who the vessels' rudders hold, 113775

The very stewards that served the daily bread,

All to the assembly thronged, when reappeared Achilles, from the fight so long withdrawn. Two noble chiefs, two ministers of Mars,

Appeared, yet crippled by their grievous wounds,

Ulysses sage, and valiant Diomed, 50

Their halting steps supporting with their spears, And on the foremost seats their places took.

Next followed Agamemnon , King of men,

Coön, had stabbed him in the stubborn fight.

He also wounded ; for Antenor's son, 55

When all the Greeks were closely thronged around, Up rose Achilles swift of foot, and said : " Great son of Atreus, what hath been the gain To thee or me, since heart-consuming strife Hath fiercely raged between us, for a girl, Who would to Heaven had died by Dian's shafts

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

235

That day when from Lyrnessus' captured town I bore her off ? so had not many a Greek

Subdued, while I in anger stood aloof.

Bitten the bloody dust, by hostile hands 65

Great was the gain to Troy ; but Greeks, methinks, Will long retain the memory of our feud. Yet pass we that ; and though our hearts be sore, Still let us school our angry spirits down. My wrath I here abjure ; it is not meet

It burn for ever unappeased ; do thou Muster to battle straight the long-haired Greeks ; That, to the Trojans once again opposed,

I may make trial if beside the ships They dare this night remain ; but he, I ween,

Will gladly rest his limbs, who safe shall fly,

My spear escaping, from the battle field .” He said : the well-greaved Greeks rejoiced to hear His wrath abjured by Peleus' godlike son ; And from his seat, not standing in the midst, Thus to the assembly Agamemnon spoke : "Friends, Grecian Heroes, Ministers of Mars, When one stands up to speak, ' tis meet for all

236

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XIX .

To lend a patient ear, nor interrupt ;

For e'en to practised speakers hard the task : But, in this vast assembly, who can speak That all may hear ? the clearest voice must fail. To Peleus' son, Achilles, I my mind Will frankly open ; ye among yourselves

Impart the words I speak, that all may know. Oft hath this matter been by Greeks discussed, And I their frequent censure have incurred : Yet was not I the cause ; but Jove, and Fate, And gloomy Erinnys, who combined to throw

A strong delusion o'er my mind, that day I robbed Achilles of his lawful prize. What could I do ? a Goddess all o'er-ruled, Daughter of Jove, dread Até, baleful power, Misleading all ; with lightest step she moves, Not on the earth, but o'er the heads of men,

100

With blighting touch ; and many hath caused to err. E'en Jove, the wisest deemed of Gods and men, In error she involved, when Juno's art By female stratagem the God deceived, When in well-girdled Thebes Alcmena lay

105

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

237

In travail of the might of Hercules. In boastful tone amid the Gods he spoke : ' Hear all ye Gods, and all ye Goddesses, The words I speak, the promptings of my soul . This day Lucina shall to light bring forth

110

A child, the future Lord of all around, Of mortal men, who trace to me their blood .' Whom answered Juno thus, with deep deceit : ' Thou dost but feign, nor wilt fulfil thy word : Come now, Olympian, swear a solemn oath

115

That he shall be the Lord of all around, Who on this day shall be of woman born, Of mortal men, who trace to thee their blood .' She said, and Jove, the snare unseeing, swore A solemn oath ; but found his error soon.

120

Down from Olympus' height she sped in haste

To Argos of Achaia ; for the wife Of Sthenelus, the son of Perseus, there,

She knew, was seven months pregnant of a son ; Whom, though untimely born, she brought to light, 125 Staying meanwhile Alcmena's labour-pangs.

To Saturn's son herself the tidings brought,

238

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIX .

And thus addressed him : 6 Jove, the lightning's Lord, I bring thee news ; this day a mighty man, By thee ordained to be the Argives' King,

130

Is born, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, The son of Perseus, issue of thy blood ; Well worthy he to be the Argives ' King.' She said : keen sorrow deeply pierced his soul ; Then Até by the glossy locks he seized

135

In mighty wrath ; and swore a solemn oath , That to Olympus and the starry Heaven She never should return, who all misleads. His arm then whirling, from the starry Heaven He flung her down, to vex the affairs of men.

140

Yet oft her fraud remembered he with groans, When by Eurystheus' hard commands he saw Condemned to servile tasks his noble son. So, oft as Hector of the glancing helm Beside the ships the Greeks to slaughter gave, Back to my mind my former error came. I erred, for Jove my judgment took away ; But friendly reconcilement now I seek,

And tender costly presents ; then thyself

145

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Uprouse thee, and excite the rest to arms.

239

150

While I prepare the gifts, whate'er of late * The sage Ulysses promised in thy tent : Or, if thou wilt, though eager for the fray,

Remain thou here awhile, till from my ship My followers bring the gifts ; that thou mayst see

155

I make my offerings with no niggard hand ." Whom answered thus Achilles swift of foot : " Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men, The gifts thou deem'st befitting, ' tis for thee To give, or to withhold ; but now at once

160

Prepare we for the battle ; ' tis not meet On trivial pretexts here to waste our time,

Or idly loiter ; much remains to do : Again be seen Achilles in the van, Scattering with brazen spear the Trojan ranks ;

165

And ye, forget not man with man to fight." To whom in answer sage Ulysses thus :

* L. 151. Xe₁ds , yesterday. But either the word must have a more extended signification than is usually given to it, or Homer must here have fallen into an error ; for two complete nights, and one day, that on which Patroclus met his death, had intervened since the visit of Ajax and Ulysses to the tent of Achilles. See also 1. 215.

240

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIX .

" Brave as thou art, Achilles, godlike chief, Yet fasting lead not forth the sons of Greece To fight the Trojans ; for no little time

170

Will last the struggle, when the serried ranks Are once engaged in conflict, and the Gods With equal courage either side inspire : But bid them, by the ships, of food and wine (Wherein are strength and courage) first partake ;

175

For none throughout the day till set of sun, Fasting from food, may bear the toils of war ; His spirit may still be eager for the fray ; Yet are his limbs by slow degrees weighed down , Himself by thirst and hunger worn, his knees

180

Unable, as he moves, to bear his weight. But he who, first with food and wine refreshed, All day maintains the combat with the foe, His spirit retains unbroken, and his limbs Unwearied, till both armies quit the field. Disperse then now the crowd, and bid prepare The morning meal ; meantime to public view Let Agamemnon, King of men, display His costly gifts ; that all the Greeks may see,

185

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

241

ILIAD .

190

And that thy heart within thee melt with joy: And there in full assembly let him swear A solemn oath, that he hath ne'er approached The fair Briseis' bed, nor held with her Such intercourse as man with woman holds.

195

Be thou propitious, and accept his oath. Then at a sumptuous banquet in his tent Let him receive thee ; that thine honour due May nothing lack ; and so, Atrides, thou Shalt stand in sight of all men clear of blame ;

200

For none can wonder that insulting speech Should rouse the anger of a sceptred King." To whom thus Agamemnon , King of men : " Son of Laertes, I accept thy speech With cordial welcome : all that thou hast said

205

Is well and wisely spoken ; for the oath , I am prepared, with willing mind, to swear ; Nor in the sight of Heaven will be forsworn. Let then Achilles here awhile remain, Though eager for the fray ; ye too remain,

210

Until the presents from my tent be brought, And we our solemn compact ratify. VOL. II.

242

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

Then this command upon thyself I lay : That thou the noblest youths of all the Greeks Select, and bid them from my vessel bear The gifts, which to Achilles yesternight

215

We promised, and withal the women bring ; And let Talthybius through the host seek out A boar, for sacrifice to Jove and Sol." Whom answered thus Achilles swift of foot : " Most mighty Agamemnon, King of men,

220

These matters to some future time were best Deferred, some hour of respite from the fight, Of rage less fiercely burning in my breast ; But slaughtered now they lie, whom Priam's son, Hector, hath slain, by Jove to victory led.

225

Ye bid us take our food ; if I might rule, I would to battle lead the sons of Greece, Unfed, and fasting ; and at set of sun,

Our shame avenged, an ample feast prepare ; Till then, nor food nor drink shall pass my lips, My comrade slain ; who pierced with mortal wounds, Turned toward the doorway, lies within my tent, His mourning friends around ; while there he lies,

230

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

243

ILIAD.

No thought have I for these or aught beside, Save carnage, blood, and groans of dying men."

235

To whom Ulysses, sage in council, thus : " O son of Peleus, noblest of the Greeks, How far, Achilles, thou surpassest me

In deeds of arms, I know ; but thou must yield

240

To me in counsel, for my years are more, And my experience greater far than thine : Then to my words incline a patient ear. Men soonest weary of battle, where the sword The bloodiest harvest reaps ; the lightest crop

245

Of slaughter is where Jove inclines the scale, Dispenser, at his will, of human wars. The Greeks by fasting cannot mourn their dead ; For day by day successive numbers fall ; Where were the respite then from ceaseless fast ?

250

Behoves us bury out of sight our dead, Steeling our hearts, and weeping but a day ; And we, the rest, whom cruel war hath spared,

Should first with food and wine recruit our strength ; Then, girding on our arms, the livelong day

255

Maintain the war, unwearied ; then let none R 2

244

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIX .

Require a farther summons to the field ; (And woe to him who loitering by the ships That summons hears ;) but with united force Against the Trojans wake the furious war." He said, and called on noble Nestor's sons,

260

On Meges, Phyleus' son, Meriones, Thoas, and Lycomedes, Creon's son, And Melanippus ; they together sought The mighty monarch Agamemnon's tent. Soon as the word was given, the work was done ;

265

Seven tripods brought they out, the promised gifts ; Twelve horses, twenty caldrons glittering bright ; Seven women too, well skilled in household cares, With whom, the eighth, the fair Briseis came. Ulysses led the way, and with him brought

270

Ten talents full of gold ; the attendant youths The other presents bore, and in the midst Displayed before the assembly : then uprose The monarch Agamemnon ; by his side, With voice of godlike power, Talthybius stood , Holding the victim : then Atrides drew The dagger, ever hanging at his side,

275

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

245

Close by the scabbard of his mighty sword, And from the victim's head the bristles shore. With hands uplifted then to Jove he prayed ;

280

While all around the Greeks in silence stood, Listening, decorous, to the monarch's words, As looking up to Heaven he made his prayer : " Be witness, Jove, thou highest, first of Gods, And Sun, and Earth, and ye who vengeance wreak

285

Beneath the earth on souls of men forsworn, Furies ! that never, or to love unchaste

Soliciting, or otherwise, my hand Hath fair Briseis touched ; but in my tent Still pure and undefiled hath she remained :

290

And if in this I be forsworn, may Heaven With all the plagues afflict me, due to those Who sin by perjured oaths against the Gods.” Thus as he spoke, across the victim's throat He drew the pitiless blade ; Talthybius then To hoary Ocean's depths the carcase threw, Food for the fishes ; then Achilles rose, And thus before the assembled Greeks he spoke :

" O Father Jove, how dost thou lead astray

295

246

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

Our human judgments ! ne'er had Atreus' son

300

My bosom filled with wrath, nor from my arms, To his own loss, against my will had torn The girl I loved, but that the will of Jove To death predestined many a valiant Greek. Now to the meal ; anon renew the war."

305

This said, the assembly he dismissed in haste,

The crowd dispersing to their several ships ; Upon the gifts the warlike Myrmidons Bestowed their care, and bore them to the ships Of Peleus' godlike son ; within the tent

310

They laid them down, and there the women placed, While to the drove the followers led the steeds. Briseis, fair as golden Venus, saw Patroclus lying, pierced with mortal wounds,

Within the tent ; and with a bitter cry,

315

She flung her down upon the corpse, and tore Her breast, her delicate neck, and beauteous cheeks ; And, weeping, thus the lovely woman wailed : " Patroclus, dearly loved of this sad heart ! When last I left this tent, I left thee full Of healthy life ; returning now, I find

320

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

247

Only thy lifeless corpse, thou Prince of men ! So sorrow still, on sorrow heaped, I bear.

The husband of my youth, to whom my sire And honoured mother gave me, I beheld

325

Slain with the sword before the city walls : Three brothers, whom with me one mother bore, My dearly-loved ones, all were doomed to death : Nor wouldst thou, when Achilles swift of foot My husband slew, and royal Mynes' town

330

In ruin laid, allow my tears to flow ; But thou wouldst make me (such was still thy speech) The wedded wife of Peleus' godlike son : Thou wouldst to Phthia bear me in thy ship, And there, thyself, amid the Myrmidons,

335

Wouldst give my marriage feast ; then, unconsoled,

I weep thy death, my ever-gentle friend ! ” Weeping, she spoke ; the women joined her wail : Patroclus' death the pretext for their tears, But each in secret wept her private griefs.

340

Around Achilles thronged the elder men, Urging to eat ; but he, with groans, refused :

66 " I pray you, would you show your love, dear friends,

248

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

Ask me not now with food or drink to appease Hunger or thirst ; a load of bitter grief

345

Weighs heavy on my soul ; till set of sun

Fasting will I remain, and still endure." The other monarchs at his word withdrew : The two Atridæ, and Ulysses sage, And Nestor and Idomeneus remained,

350

And aged Phoenix, to divert his grief ; But comfort none, save in the bloody jaws

Of battle would he take ; by memory stirred, He heaved a deep-drawn sigh, as thus he spoke : " How oft hast thou, ill-fated, dearest friend,

355

Here in this tent with eager zeal prepared The tempting meal, whene'er the sons of Greece In haste would arm them for the bloody fray ! Now liest thou there, while I, for love of thee, From food and drink, before me placed, refrain :

360

For ne'er shall I again such sorrow know, Not though I heard of aged Peleus' death, Who now in Phthia mourns, with tender tears, His absent son ; he on a foreign shore Is warring in that hateful Helen's cause :

365

Book XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

249

No, nor of his, who now in Scyros' isle

Is growing up, if yet indeed he live, Young Neoptolemus, my godlike son. My hope had been indeed, that here in Troy, Far from the plains of Argos, I alone

370

Was doomed to die ; and that to Phthia thou, Returned in safety, mightst my son convey From Scyros home, and show him all my wealth, My spoils, my slaves, my lofty, spacious house. For Peleus or to death, methinks, e'en now

375

Hath yielded, or, not far from death removed, Lives on in sorrow, bowed by gloomy age, Expecting day by day the messenger Who bears the mournful tidings of my death ." Weeping, Achilles spoke ; and with him wept

380

The Elders ; each to fond remembrance moved Of all that in his home himself had left. The son of Saturn, pitying, saw their grief, And Pallas thus with wingèd words addressed : " My child, dost thou a hero's cause forsake, Or does Achilles claim no more thy care, Who sits in sorrow by the high-prowed ships,

385

250

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XIX .

Mourning his comrade slain ? the others all Partake the meal, while he from food abstains : Then haste thee, and, with hunger lest he faint,

390

Drop nectar and ambrosia on his breast." His words fresh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal : Down, like the long-winged falcon, shrill of voice, Through the clear sky she swooped

and while the Greeks

Armed for the fight, Achilles she approached,

395

And nectar and ambrosia on his breast Distilled, lest hunger should his strength subdue ; Back to her mighty Father's ample house Returning, as from out the ships they poured. Thick as the snow-flakes that from Heaven descend,

400

Before the sky-born Boreas' chilling blast ; So thick, outpouring from the ships, the stream Of helmets polished bright, and bossy shields, And breastplates firmly braced, and ashen spears : Their brightness flashed to Heaven ; and laughed the Earth 405 Beneath the brazen glare ; loud rang the tramp Of armed men : Achilles in the midst,

The godlike chief, in dazzling arms arrayed. His teeth were gnashing audibly ; his eye

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Blazed with the light of fire ; but in his heart

251

410

Was grief unbearable ; with furious wrath He burned against the Trojans, as he donned The heavenly gifts, the work of Vulcan's hand. First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fixed, Fastened with silver clasps ; his breastplate next

415

Around his chest ; and o'er his shoulders flung His silver-studded sword, with blade of brass ; Then took his vast and weighty shield, whence gleamed A light refulgent as the full-orbed moon ; Or as to seamen o'er the wave is borne

420

The watchfire's light, which, high among the hills, Some shepherd kindles in his lonely fold : As they, reluctant, by the stormy winds,

Far from their friends are o'er the waters driven ; So from Achilles' shield, bright, richly wrought, The light was thrown.

425

The weighty helm he raised,

And placed it on his head ; the plumèd helm Shone like a star ; and waved the hairs of gold, Thick-set by Vulcan in the gleaming crest. Then all the arms Achilles proved, to know If well they fitted to his graceful limbs :

430

252

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XIX .

Like wings, they seemed to lift him from the ground. Last, from its case he drew his father's spear, Long, ponderous, tough ; not one of all the Greeks, None, save Achilles' self, could poise that spear ;

435

The far-famed Pelian ash, which to his sire, On Pelion's summit felled, to be the bane Of mighty chiefs, the Centaur Chiron gave. With care Automedon and Alcimus

The horses yoked, with collars fair attached :

440

Placed in their mouths the bits, and passed the reins Back to the well-built car : Automedon

Sprang on the car, with shining lash in hand : Behind, Achilles came, arrayed for war, In arms all glittering as the gorgeous sun,

445

And loudly to his father's steeds he called : " Xanthus and Balius, noble progeny Of swift Podarge, now in other sort

Back to the Grecian ranks in safety bear, When he shall quit the field, your charioteer ; Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, slain." To whom in answer from beneath the yoke Xanthus, the noble horse, with glancing feet :

450

BOOK XIX .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

253

Bowing his head the while, till all his mane Down from the yoke-band streaming, reached the ground ; 455 By Juno, white-armed Queen, with speech endued : " Yes, great Achilles, we this day again Will bear thee safely ; but thy day of doom Is nigh at hand ; nor we shall cause thy death,

But Heaven's high will, and Fate's imperious power. 460 By no default of ours, nor lack of speed, The Trojans stripped Patroclus of his arms : The mighty God, fair-haired Latona's son, Achieved his death, and Hector's victory gained. Our speed of foot may vie with Zephyr's breeze,

465

Deemed swiftest of the winds ; but thou art doomed To die, by force combined of God and man.” He said ; his farther speech the Furies stayed. To whom in wrath Achilles swift of foot : " Xanthus, why thus predict my coming fate ?

470

It ill beseems thee ! well I know myself That I am fated here in Troy to die, Far from my home and parents ; yet withal I cease not, till these Trojans from the field . Before me fly."

He said, and to the front,

His war-cry shouting, urged his fiery steeds.

476

254

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

BOOK XX .

XX.

ROUND thee , Achilles , eager for the fray, Stood thus accoutred, by their beaked ships, The sons of Greece ; the Trojan host, opposed , Stood on the sloping margin of the plain.

Then Jove to Themis gave command to call

The Gods to council from the lofty height Of many-ridged Olympus ; to the house Of Jove she summoned them from every side. Thence of the Rivers, save Oceanus, Not one was absent ; nor of Nymphs, who haunt

Clear fount, or shady grove, or grassy mead. They, at the Cloud-compeller's house arrived, Within the polished corridor reclined, Which Vulcan's cunning hand for Jove had built. There were they gathered in the abode of Jove : Nor did the Earth-shaking Neptune slight the call, But came from ocean's depths, and in the midst

Book XX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

255

He sat, and thus the will of Jove enquired :

"Why, Lord of lightning, hast thou summoned here The Gods to council ? dost thou aught devise

Touching the Greeks and Trojans ? who e'en now Kindle anew, it seems, the blaze of war." To whom the Cloud-compeller, answering, thus : "The purpose, Neptune, well thou know'st thyself For which I called ye ; true, they needs must die,

But still they claim my care ; yet here will I Upon Olympus' lofty ridge remain , And view, serene, the combat ; you, the rest,

And at your pleasure either party aid.

339

Go, as you list, to Trojans or to Greeks,

For if we leave Achilles thus alone To fight against the Trojans, not an hour Will they before the son of Peleus stand .

Since roused to fury by his comrade's death, He e'en in fate's despite may storm the wall." Thus Saturn's son, and quenchless battle rous'd : The Gods, divided, hastened to the war :

Juno and Pallas to the ships of Greece,

333

They dreaded him before ; but now, I fear, 35

256

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XX .

With them the Earth-shaker, and the helpful God,

Hermes, for cunning subtleties unmatched ;

And Vulcan too, exulting in his strength, Yet halting, and on feeble limbs sustained . Mars of the glancing helm took part with Troy, And golden Phoebus with his locks unshorn,

Latona too, and Dian, Archer-Queen, Xanthus, and Venus, laughter-loving dame. While from the fight of men the Gods abstained, High rose the Grecian vaunts, as, long withdrawn, Achilles on the field again appeared ;

And every Trojan's limbs with terror quaked, Trembling, as Peleus' godlike son they saw,

In arms all-glittering, fierce as blood-stained Mars.

Then furious waxed the spirit-stirring strife ;

But when the Immortals mingled in the throng, 55

Then Pallas raised her war-cry, standing now Beside the deep-dug trench, without the wall, Now shouting loud along the sounding beach. On the other side, as with the tempest's roar, Mars to the Trojans shouted loud ; one while From Ilium's topmost height ; anon again

BOOK XX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

257

From the fair hill, o'erhanging Simöis' stream. Thus, either side exciting to the fray,

The immortal Gods unchained the angry war. Thundered on high the Sire of Gods and men

With awful din ; while Neptune shook beneath The boundless earth, and lofty mountain tops. The spring-abounding Ida quaked and rocked From her firm basis to her loftiest peak, 70

And Troy's proud city, and the ships of Greece.

Pluto, the infernal monarch, heard alarmed, And, springing from his throne, cried out in fear, Lest Neptune, breaking through the solid earth, To mortals and Immortals should lay bare His dark and drear abode, of Gods abhorred.

Such was the shock when Gods in battle met ; For there to royal Neptune stood opposed Phoebus Apollo with his arrows keen ; The blue-eyed Pallas to the God of War ; To Juno, Dian, heavenly Archeress, Sister of Phoebus, golden-shafted Queen.

Stout Hermes, helpful God, Latona faced ; While Vulcan met the mighty rolling stream,

VOL. II.

258

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XX .

Xanthus by Gods, by men Scamander called .

Thus Gods encountered Gods : Achilles' soul Meantime was burning ' mid the throng to meet Hector, the son of Priam ; with whose blood

He longed to glut the insatiate Lord of War. Apollo then, the spirit-stirring God, 90

Eneas moved Achilles to confront, And filled with courage high ; and thus, the voice Assuming of Lycaon, Priam's son,

Apollo, son of Jove, the chief addressed : 66 Æneas, prince and councillor of Troy,

95 ન

Where are the vaunts, which o'er the wine-cup late Thou mad'st amid the assembled chiefs of Troy, That hand to hand thou wouldst Achilles meet ? "

To whom Æneas thus in answer spoke : 66 'Why, son of Priam, urge me to contend, Against my will, with Peleus' mighty son ?

100

Not for the first time should I now engage Achilles swift of foot : I met him once, And fled before his spear, on Ida's hill, When on our herds he fell ; Lyrnessus then

He razed, and Pedasus ; me Jove preserved,

105

Book XX.

HOMER'S

259

ILIAD .

With strength endowing, and with speed of foot. Else had I fallen beneath Achilles' hand,

By Pallas aided ; who before him moves, Light of his life, and guides his brazen spear

110

Trojans and Leleges alike to slay.

'Tis not in mortal man with him to fight, Whom still some God attends, and guards from harm ;

And, e'en unaided, to the mark his spear Unerring flies, unchecked until it pierce

115

A warrior's breast ; yet if the Gods the scale Impartial held, all brass-clad as he is, O'er me no easy triumph should he gain.” To whom the King Apollo, son of Jove : " Brave chief, do thou too to the immortal Gods Address thy prayer ; men say that thou art sprung

120

From Venus, child of Jove ; his mother owns A humbler origin ; one born to Jove, The other to the aged Ocean God.

On then with dauntless spear, nor be dismayed 22 By his high tone and vaunting menaces."

125

His words with courage filled the hero's breast, And on he sprang, in dazzling arms arrayed ; s 2

260

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XX .

But not unmarked of white-armed Juno passed, To meet Achilles, through the press of men, Who thus addressed the Gods, to council called :

130

" Neptune and Pallas both, bethink ye well What now should be our course ; Eneas comes, In dazzling arms arrayed, to meet in fight The son of Peleus ; Phoebus sends him forth. Say, then, shall we, encountering, to retreat

135

Perforce constrain him ? or shall one of us Beside Achilles stand, and give him strength That he may nothing lack ; and know himself By all the mightiest of the immortal Gods Beloved, and those how powerless, by whose aid

140

The Trojans yet maintain defensive war ? Therefore, to join the battle, came we all From high Olympus, that in this day's fight No ill befall him ; though the time shall come For him to meet the doom, by fate decreed,

When at his birth his thread of life was spun. But if Achilles from a voice divine

Receive not this assurance, he may well Be struck with fear, if haply to some God

145

BOOK XX .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

He find himself opposed : ' tis hard for man

261

150

To meet, in presence visible, a God."

To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied : "Juno, thine anger carry not too far ;

It ill beseems thee.

Not with my consent

Shall we, the stronger far, provoke to arms

155

The other Gods ; but rather, from the field Retiring, let us from on high survey, To mortals left, the turmoil of the war. Should Mars or Phoebus then begin the fight, Or stay Achilles, and his arm restrain,

160

Then in the contest we too may engage ; And soon, methinks, will they be fain to join,

Driven from the field, the Synod of the Gods, Subdued perforce by our victorious hands."

The dark-haired monarch spoke ; and led the way 165 To the high wall, by Trojans built of old, With Pallas' aid, for godlike Hercules ; Within whose circle he might safety seek, When from the beach the monster of the deep Might chase him toward the plain ; there Neptune sat, 170 And with him, the other Gods, a veil of cloud

262

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Impenetrable around their shoulders spread. On the other side, upon the fair hill's brow, Phoebus with Mars the fort-destroyer sat. On either side they sat, each facing each

175

With hostile counsels ; yet reluctant both To take the initiative of ruthless war ; Till Jove, enthroned on high, the signal gave. Then all the plain, with men and horses thronged, The brazen gleam illumined ; rang the earth

180

Beneath their feet, as to the battle- shock They rushed ; but in the midst, both hosts between, Eager for fight, stood forth two warriors bold,

Proudly pre-eminent ; Anchises' son Eneas, and Achilles' godlike might.

185

Æneas first with threatening mien advanced, Nodding his ponderous helm ; before his breast His shield he bore, and poised his brazen spear. Him met Achilles from the opposing ranks ; Fierce as a ravening lion, whom to slay Pour forth the stalwart youths, the united strength Of the roused village ; he unheeding moves At first ; but wounded by a javelin thrown

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263

By some bold youth, he turns, with gaping jaws, And frothing fangs, collecting for the spring,

195

His breast too narrow for his mighty heart ; And with his tail he lashes both his flanks And sides, as though to rouse his utmost rage ; Then on, in pride of strength, with glaring eyes He dashes, if some hunter he may slay,

200

Or in the foremost rank himself be slain. So moved his dauntless spirit Peleus' son Æneas to confront ; when near they came, Thus first Achilles, swift of foot, began : "Eneas, why so far before the ranks

205

Advanced ? dost thou presume with me to fight ? Perchance expecting that the throne of Troy And Priam's royal honours may be thine. E'en if thou slay me, deem not to obtain Such boon from Priam ; valiant sons are his,

210

And he not weak, but bears a constant mind. Or have the Trojans set apart for thee Some favoured spot, the fairest of the land, Orchard or corn-field, shouldst thou work my death ; Which thou shalt find, I trust, too hard a task ?

215

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Already hast thou fled before my spear ; Hast thou forgotten how amid thy herds Alone I found thee, and with flying foot Pursued thee down the steep of Ida's hill ? Nor didst thou dare to turn, or pause in flight.

220

Thou to Lyrnessus fledd'st ; Lyrnessus I, With Pallas' aid and Jove's, assailed and took : Their women thence, their days of freedom lost, I bore away, my captives ; thee from death Jove and the other Gods defended then ;

225

But will not now bestow, though such thy hope, Their succour ; then I warn thee, while ' tis time, Ere ill betide thee, to the general throng That thou withdraw, nor stand to me opposed :

After the event may e'en a fool be wise."

230

To whom in answer thus Æneas spoke : " Achilles, think not me, as though a fool, To daunt with lofty speech ; I too could well With cutting words, and insult, answer thee. Each other's race and parents well we know

From tales of ancient days ; although by sight Nor mine to thee, nor thine to me are known.

235

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265

To noble Peleus thou, ' tis said, wast born Of Thetis, fair-haired daughter of the sea ; Of great Anchises, Heaven-descended chief,

240

I boast me sprung, to him by Venus borne. Of these shall one or other have this day To mourn their son ; since not with empty words Shall thou and I from mortal combat part. But if thou farther wouldst enquire, and learn

245

The race I spring from, not unknown to men, By Dardanus, of cloud-compelling Jove Begotten, was Dardania peopled first,

Ere sacred Ilium, populous city of men, Was founded on the plain ; as yet they dwelt

250

On spring-abounding Ida's lowest spurs. To Dardanus was Erichthonius born,

Great King, the wealthiest of the sons of men ; For him were pastured in the marshy mead, Rejoicing with their foals, three thousand mares ; Them Boreas, in the pasture where they fed, Beheld, enamoured ; and amid the herd In likeness of a coal-black steed appeared ; Twelve foals, by him conceiving, they produced .

255

266

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These, o'er the teeming corn-fields as they flew,

260

Skimmed o'er the standing ears, nor broke the haulm ; And, o'er wide Ocean's bosom as they flew, Skimmed o'er the topmost spray of the hoary sea. Again, to Erichthonius Tros was born, The King of Troy ; three noble sons were his,

265

Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede ; The fairest he of all the sons of men ; Him, for his beauty, bore the Gods away, To minister as cup-bearer to Jove, And dwell amid the Immortals : Ilus next

270

Begot a noble son, Laomedon ; Tithonus he, and Priam ; Clytius, Lampus and Icetäon, plant of Mars ; Capys, begotten of Assaracus,

Begot Anchises, and Anchises me :

275

To Priam godlike Hector owes his birth. Such is my race, and such the blood I boast ; But Jove, at will, to mortals valour gives

Or minishes ; for he is Lord of all. Then cease we now, like babbling fools, to prate Here in the centre of the coming fight.

280

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267

Terms of reproach we both might find, whose weight Would sink a galley of a hundred oars ; For glibly runs the tongue, and can at will

Give utterance to discourse in every vein ;

285

Wide is the range of language ; and such words As one may speak, another may return. What need that we should insults interchange ? Like women, who some paltry quarrel wage, Scolding and brawling in the public street,

290 ,

And in opprobrious terms their anger vent, Some true, some false ; for so their rage suggests. With words thou shalt not turn me from the field, Till we have met in arms ; then try we now Each other's prowess with our brazen spears.”

295

He said, and hurled against the mighty shield His brazen spear ; loud rang the weapon's point : And at arm's length Achilles held the shield With his broad hand, in fear that through its folds

Eneas' spear would easy passage find ; Blind fool ! forgetful that the glorious gifts Bestowed by Gods, are not with ease o'ercome, Nor yield before the assaults of mortal men.

300

268

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So broke not through Æneas' sturdy spear, Stayed by the golden plate, the gift of Heaven ;

305

Yet through two plates it passed, but three remained, For five were in the shield by Vulcan wrought ; Two were of brass, the inner two of tin, And one of gold, which stayed the brazen spear. Achilles threw in turn his ponderous spear,

310

And struck the circle of Eneas' shield Near the first rim, where thinnest lay the brass, And thinnest too the o'erlying hide ; right through The Pelian shaft was driven ; wide gaped the shield. Æneas crouched, in fear, as o'er his head

315

He held his shield ; the eager weapon passed Through both the circles of his ample shield, And in the ground, behind him, quivering, stood . Escaped the ponderous weapon, sharpest pain Flashing across his eyes, in fear he stood,

320

So close the spear had passed him ; onward then, Drawing his trenchant blade, Achilles rushed, With fearful shout ; a rocky fragment then

Æneas lifted up, a mighty mass, Which scarce two men, as men are now, could bear,

325

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269

But he, unaided, lifted it with ease. Then had Æneas, with the massive stone, Or on the helmet, or the shield, his death Averting, struck Achilles ; and himself

Had by the sword of Peleus' son been slain,

330

Had not the Earth-shaking God his peril seen, And to the Immortals thus addressed his speech : “ Oh, woe is me for great Æneas' sake, Who, by Achilles slain, must visit soon The viewless shades ; insensate, who relied

335

On Phoebus' words ; yet nought shall he avail From death to save him.

Yet oh why should he,

Blameless himself, the guilt of others rue ? Who still his grateful sacrifice hath paid To all the Gods in wide-spread Heaven who dwell .

340

Let us then interpose to guard his life ; Lest, if Achilles slay him, Saturn's son Be moved to anger ; for his destiny Would have him live ; lest, heirless, from the earth Should perish quite the race of Dardanus ;

By Saturn's son the best-beloved of all His sons, to him by mortal women born.

345

270

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ILIAD .

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For Jove the race of Priam hath abhorred ;

But o'er the Trojans shall Æneas reign, And his sons' sons, through ages yet unborn."

350

Whom answered thus the stag-eyed Queen of Heaven :

66 Neptune, do thou determine for thyself Æneas to withdraw, or leave to fall, Good as he is, beneath Achilles' sword ; But we before the immortal Gods are bound,

355

Both I and Pallas, by repeated oaths,

Ne'er from his doom one Trojan life to save, Though to devouring flames a prey, all Troy Were blazing, kindled by the valiant Greeks.”

The Earth-shaker heard ; and through the fight he passed, 360 And through the throng of spears, until he came Where great Achilles and Æneas stood.

Around the eyes of Peleus' son he spread A veil of mist ; then from Æneas' shield The brass-tipped spear withdrawing, laid it down Before Achilles ' feet ; and lifting up Æneas, bore him high above the ground. O'er many a rank of warriors and of cars Eneas flew, supported by the God ;

365

BOOK XX.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Till to the field's extremest verge he came,

271

370

Where stood the Caucons, arming for the war. There to Æneas, standing by his side, The Earth-shaker thus his wingèd words addressed :

Eneas, say what God has moved thee thus

Against Achilles, reckless, to contend,

375

Thy stronger far, and dearer to the Gods ? If e'er he cross thy path, do thou retire, Lest, e'en despite of fate, thou find thy death. But when Achilles hath to fate succumbed, Then, fearless, with the foremost join the fray :

380

No other Greek shall bear away thy spoils." Thus plainly warned, Æneas there he left. Then from Achilles' eyes he purged the film : Astonished, he with eyes wide open gazed, As thus he communed with his mighty heart :

385

66 "O Heaven, what marvel do mine eyes behold ?

My spear before me laid, and vanished he At whom I hurled it with intent to slay ! Then is Æneas of the immortal Gods In truth beloved, though vain I deemed his boast. A curse go with him ! yet methinks not soon

390

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Will he again presume to prove my might, Who gladly now in flight escapes from death. Then, to the valiant Greeks my orders given, Let me some other Trojan's mettle prove."

395

Then toward the ranks he sprang, each several man Exhorting : " From the Trojans, valiant Greeks, No longer stand aloof ; but man to man

Confront the foe, and nobly dare the fight. "Twere hard for me, brave warrior though I be,

400

To face such numbers, and to fight with all : Not Mars, nor Pallas, though immortal Gods, Could face, and vanquish, such a mighty mass . But what my single arm, and feet, and strength May profit, not a jot will I relax ;

405

Right through the ranks I mean to force my way ; And small shall be that Trojan's cause for joy, Who comes within the compass of my spear." Thus he, exhorting ; Hector cheering on Meanwhile the Trojans, with assurance given That he himself Achilles would confront. " Ye valiant Trojans, fear not Peleus' son ; I too in words could with the Gods contend,

410

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Though not in arms ; so much the stronger they.

415

Not all his words Achilles shall make good ; Fulfilling some, in others he shall fail,

His course midway arrested.

Him will I

Encounter, though his hands were hands of fire, Of fire his hands, his strength as burnished steel.” 420

Thus he, exhorting : with uplifted spears Advanced the Trojans ; from the mingling hosts Loud rose the clamour ; then at Hector's side Apollo stood, and thus addressed the chief : 66 ' Hector, forbear Achilles to defy ; And ' mid the crowd withdraw thee from the fray ;

425

Lest with the spear he slay thee, thrown from far, Or with the sword in combat hand to hand." He said ; and troubled by the heavenly voice, Hector amid the throng of men withdrew.

Then, girt with might, amid the Trojans sprang,

430

With fearful shouts, Achilles ; first he slew Otryntes' son, Iphition, valiant chief Of numerous warriors ; him a Naiad nymph,

In Hyde's fertile vale, beneath the feet 435

Of snow-clad Tmolus, to Otryntes bore ; VOL. II.

274

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XX .

At him, as on he rushed, Achilles hurled, And through his forehead drove his glittering spear ; The head was cleft in twain ; thundering he fell, And o'er him thus Achilles made his boast : " Son of Otryntes, lie thou there, of men

440

The most vain-glorious ; here thou find'st thy death, Far from thy place of birth, beside the lake Gygæan ; there hadst thou thine heritage Of old, beside the fish-abounding stream Of Hyllus, and by Hermus' eddying flood."

445

Thus he, exulting : o'er Iphition's eyes Were spread the shades of death ; his mangled corpse Was crushed beneath the Grecian chariot wheels, In the first shock.

Demoleon next he smote,

A helpful aid in war, Antenor's son,

450

Pierced through the temples, through the brass-bound helm ; Nor checked the brazen helm the spear, whose point Went crashing through the bone, that all the brain Was shattered ; onward as he rushed, he fell.

Then through the neck Hippodamas he smote, Flying before him, mounted on his car.

Deep groaned he, breathing out his soul, as groans

455

Book XX .

HOMER'S

275

ILIAD.

A bull, by sturdy youths to the altar dragged Of Neptune, King divine of Helice ; The Earth-shaking God, well-pleased, the gift receives ; 460 E'en with such groans his noble spirit fled . The godlike Polydore he next assailed, The son of Priam ; him his aged sire Would fain have kept at home, of all his sons 465

At once the youngest and the best-beloved ; Among them all for speed of foot unmatched ; Whose youthful folly, in the foremost ranks His speed displaying, cost him now his life. Him, as he darted by, Achilles' spear Struck through the centre of the back, where met

470

The golden clasps that held the glittering belt, And where the breastplate formed a double guard : Right through his body passed the weapon's point ; Groaning, he fell upon his knees ; dark clouds O'erspread his eyes ; supporting with his hand His wounded bowels, on the ground he writhed. When Hector saw his brother Polydore Writhing in death, a mist o'erspread his eyes ; Nor longer could he bear to stand aloof,

T 2

475

276

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XX .

But sprang to meet Achilles, flashing fire,

480

. His keen spear brandishing ; at sight of him Up leaped Achilles, and exulting cried : "Lo, here the man who most hath wrung my soul, Who slew my loved companion ; now, methinks,

Upon the pass of war not long shall we

485

Stand separate, nor each the other shun." Then, with stern glance, to godlike Hector thus : " Draw near, and quickly meet thy doom of death ." To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm, Unterrified : " Achilles, think not me,

490

As though a fool and ignorant of war, To daunt with lofty speech ; I too could well With cutting words and insult answer thee. I know thee strong and valiant ; and I know Myself to thee inferior ; but the event

495

Is with the Gods ; and I, if such their will, The weaker, with my spear may reach thy life : My point too hath, ere now, its sharpness proved ."

He said, and, poising, hurled his ponderous spear, Which from Achilles Pallas turn'd aside With lightest breath ; and back to Hector sent,

500

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HOMER'S

ILIAD .

277

And laid before his feet ; intent to slay, Onward Achilles rushed, with fearful shout ; But Phoebus Hector from the field conveyed, (As Gods can only,) veiled in thickest cloud.

505

Thrice Peleus' godlike son, with brazen spear, His onset made ; thrice struck the misty cloud ; But when, with power as of a God, he made His fourth essay, in fury thus he cried : " Yet once again, vile hound, hast thou escaped ;

510

Thy doom was nigh, but thee thy God hath saved, Phoebus, to whom, amid the clash of spears, Well mayst thou pray !

We yet shall meet again ;

When I shall end thee, if a guardian God I too may claim ; meanwhile, from thee I turn,

515

And others seek on whom my hap may light." He said, and drove through Dryops' neck his spear, And stretched him at his feet, and pass'd him by. Next with his spear he struck below the knee Philetor's son, Demuchus, stout and tall, And checked his forward course ; then rushing on Dealt with his mighty sword the mortal blow. The sons of Bias next, Laögonus

520

278

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XX .

And Dardanus, he hurled from off their car, One with the spear, and one by sword-stroke slain .

525

Tros too he slew, Alastor's son, who came

To meet him, and embrace his knees, and pray To spare his life, in pity of his youth : Little he knew how vain would be his prayer ; For not of temper soft, nor mild of mood

530

Was he, but sternly fierce ; and as he knelt And clasped his knees, and would his prayer prefer, Achilles clove him with his mighty sword, Gashed through the liver ; as from out the wound His liver dropped, the dark blood gushing forth

535

His bosom filled, and darkness closed his eyes, As ebbed his life away.

Then through the ear

Mulius he thrust ; at the other ear came forth

The brazen point.

Echeclus next he met,

Son of Agenor, and his hilted sword

540

Full on the centre of his head let fall. The hot blood dyed the blade ; the darkling shades

Of death, and rigorous fate, his eyes o'erspread . Next, where the tendons bind the elbow-joint, The brazen spear transfixed Deucalion's arm ;

545

Book XX .

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ILIAD.

279

With death in prospect, and disabled arm He stood, till on his neck Achilles' sword Descending, shared, and flung afar, both head And helmet ; from the spine's dissevered joints The marrow flowed, as stretched in dust he lay.

550

The noble son of Peireus next he slew, Rigmus, who came from Thracia's fertile plains ; Him through the waist he struck, the brazen spear Plunged in his bowels ; from the car he fell ; And as Areithöus, his charioteer,

555

His horses turned, Achilles through the neck His sharp spear thrusting, hurled him to the ground, The startled steeds in wild confusion thrown.

As rage the fires amid the wooded glen Of some parched mountain's side, and fiercely burns 560

The copse-wood dry, while eddying here and there The flames are whirled before the gusty wind ; So fierce Achilles raged, on every side

Pursuing, slaughtering ; reeked the earth with blood. As when upon a well-rolled threshing floor, Two sturdy-fronted steers, together yoked, Tread the white barley out ; beneath their feet

565

280

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XX .

Fast flies the grain out-trodden from the husk ; So by Achilles driven, his flying steeds His chariot bore, o'er bodies of the slain

570

And broken bucklers trampling ; all beneath Was plashed with blood the axle, and the rails Around the car, as from the horses' feet And from the felloes of the wheels were thrown The bloody gouts ; and onward still he pressed,

575

Panting for added triumphs, deeply dyed With gore and carnage his unconquered hands.

577

Book XXI.

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BOOK

XXI.

281

UT when they came to eddying Xanthus' ford, BUT Fair-flowing stream, born of immortal Jove,

Achilles cut in twain the flying host ; Part driving toward the city, o'er the plain, Where on the former day the routed Greeks,

When Hector raged victorious, fled amain. On, terror-struck, they rushed ; but Juno spread, To baffle their retreat, before their path, Clouds and thick darkness : half the fugitives In the deep river's silvery eddies plunged :

With clamour loud they fell ; the torrent roared ; The banks around re-echoed ; here and there, They, with the eddies wildly struggling, swam. As when, pursued by fire, a hovering swarm Of locusts riverward direct their flight, And, as the insatiate flames advance, they cower Amid the waters ; so a mingled mass

282

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI.

Of men and horses, by Achilles driven, The deeply-whirling stream of Xanthus choked . 20

His spear amid the tamarisks on the bank The hero left ; on savage deeds intent,

Armed with his sword alone, a God in power, He sprang amid the torrent ; right and left He smote ; then fearful rose the groans of men Slain with the sword ; the stream ran red with blood.

As fishes, flying from a dolphin, crowd

The shoal recesses of some open bay, In fear, for whom he catches he devours ;

Beneath the banks ; and when at length his hand

339

So crouched the Trojans in the mighty stream 30

Wearied of slaughter, from the stream, alive, He dragged twelve youths, whose forfeit lives should be The bloody fine for slain Patroclus paid. Helpless from fear, as fawns, he brought them forth ; Their hands secured behind them with the belts Which o'er their shirts of twisted mail they wore, And bade his comrades lead them to the ships. Then on again he dashed, athirst for blood ;

And first encountered , flying from the stream ,

HOMER'S ILIAD.

283

Lycaon, Priam's son ; him once before

BOOK XXI .

He by a nightly onslaught had surprised,

And from his father's vineyard captive borne : Where, as he cut, to form his chariot rail,

A fig-tree's tender shoots, unlooked-for ill O'ertook him in the form of Peleus' son.

Thence in his ship to Lemnos' thriving isle He bore him, ransomed there by Jason's son. His Imbrian host, Eëtion, set him free With liberal gifts, and to Arisba sent :

Escaping thence, he reached his native home.

Twelve days save one, rejoicing, with his friends He spent, returned from Lemnos : fate, the twelfth,

Again consigned him to Achilles' hands, From him, reluctant, to receive his death. Him when Achilles, swift of foot, beheld ,

No spear in hand, of helm and shield bereft, All flung in haste away, as from the stream, Reeking with sweat, and faint with toil, he fled,

"Ye Gods, what marvel do mine eyes behold ! Methinks the valiant Trojans slain by me

He communed, wrathful, with his mighty heart :

284

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXI .

Ere long will from the realms of darkness rise ; Since, death escaping, but to slavery sold

In Lemnos' isle, this fellow hath returned, Despite the hoary sea's impediment,

Which many a man against his will hath stayed : Now shall he taste my spear, that I may see If thence too he return, or if the earth May keep him safe, which e'en the strongest holds." Thus, as he stood, he mused ; but all aghast

Approached Lycaon ; and would fain have clasped The Hero's knees ; for longingly he sought

Escape from bitter death and evil fate. Achilles raised his spear, in act to strike ; He, stooping, ran beneath, and clasped his knees ;

Above his back the murderous weapon passed, And in the earth was fixed : one suppliant hand Achilles' knees embraced ; the other held, With unrelaxing grasp, the pointed spear ; As he with winged words, imploring, spoke :

" I clasp thy knees, Achilles ! look then down With pity on my woes ; and recognize, Illustrious chief, a suppliant's sacred claim :

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

285

When, in my father's fruitful vineyard seized,

8885

For in thy tent I first broke bread, that day,

Thy captive I became, to slavery sold, Far from my sire and friends, in Lemnos' isle. A hundred oxen were my ransom then ; At thrice so much I now would buy my life. This day is but the twelfth, since, sorely tried

By lengthened suffering, back to Troy I came. Now to thy hands once more my cruel fate Consigns me ; surely by the wrath of Jove Pursued, who gives me to thy power again. Me, doomed to early death, my mother bore,

Old Altes' daughter, fair Läothöe ;

Altes, who ruled the warlike Leleges, In lofty Pedasus, by Satnöis' stream.

His child of Priam's many wives was one ; Two sons she bore, and both by thee must die.

100

Already one, the godlike Polydore,

Amid the foremost ranks thy spear hath slain ; And now my doom hath found me ; for from thee,

Since evil fate hath placed me in thy hands, I may not hope to fly ; yet hear but this,

105

286

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI.

And weigh it in thy mind, to spare my life : I come not of that womb which Hector bore, Who slew thy comrade, gentle, kind, and brave."

Thus Priam's noble son, imploring, spoke ; But stern the answer fell upon his ear : 66

110

Thou fool ! no more to me of ransom prate !

Before Patroclus met the doom of death,

To spare the Trojans still my soul inclined ; And many captives, ta'en alive, I sold ; But from henceforth, before the walls of Troy,

115

Not one of all the Trojans, whom the Gods May to my hands deliver, least of all A son of Priam, shall escape the death . Thou too, my friend, must die : why vainly wail ? Dead is Patroclus too, thy better far.

120

Me too thou see'st, how stalwart, tall, and fair, Of noble sire, and Goddess-mother born : Yet must I yield to death and stubborn fate, Whene'er, at morn, or noon, or eve, the spear Or arrow from the bow may reach my life." He said ; and sank Lycaon's limbs and heart ;

He loosed the spear, and sat, with both his hands

125

BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

287

Upraised, imploring ; but Achilles drew, And on his neck beside the collar-bone Let fall his trenchant sword ; the two-edged blade

130

Was buried deep ; prone on the earth he lay ; Forth gushed the crimson blood, and dyed the ground .

Him, dragging by the feet, Achilles threw In the mid stream, and thus with vaunting speech : 66 ' Lie there amid the fishes, who shall cleanse,

135

But not with kindly thought, thy gory wounds : O'er thee, extended on thy bier, shall rise No mother's wail ; Scamander's eddying stream Shall to the sea's broad bosom roll thee down ; And, springing through the darkly rippling wave,

140

Fishes shall rise, and banquet on thy flesh. On now the work of death ! till, flying ye, And slaughtering I, we reach the city wall. Nor this fair-flowing, silver-eddying stream, Shall aught avail ye, though to him ye pay In sacrifice the blood of countless bulls, And living horses in his waters sink. Ye all shall perish, till Patroclus' death Be fully avenged, and slaughter of the Greeks,

145

288

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Whom, in my absence, by the ships ye slew." He said

BOOK XXI.

150

the mighty River at his words

Indignant chafed, and pondered in his mind. How best to check Achilles' warlike toil, And from destruction guard the Trojan host.

Meantime Achilles with his ponderous spear

155

Asteropæus, son of Pelegon,

Assailed with deadly purpose ; Pelegon To broadly-flowing Axius owed his birth, The River-God commingling with the blood Of Periboa, daughter eldest born

160

Of Acessamenus : on him he sprang ; He, from the river rising, stood opposed, Two lances in his hand ; his courage roused By Xanthus, who, indignant, saw his stream Polluted by the blood of slaughtered youths,

165

By fierce Achilles' hand, unpitying, slain.

When near the warriors, each to other, came, Achilles, swift of foot, took up the word : " What man, and whence art thou, who dar'st to stand Opposed to me ? of most unhappy sires The children they, who my encounter meet ! "

170

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

289

ILIAD .

To whom the illustrious son of Pelegon : " Great son of Peleus, why enquire my race ? From far Pæonia's fertile fields I come, 175

The leader of the long-speared Pæon host. Ten days have passed since I to Ilium came. From widely-flowing Axius my descent, Axius, the purest stream on earth that flows. He Pelegon begot, the spear-renowned ;

180

Of Pelegon I boast me sprung ; and now Address thee, brave Achilles, to the fight." Threatening he spoke : Achilles raised on high The Pelian spear ; but, ambidexter, he From either hand at once a javelin launched.

One struck, but pierced not through, the mighty shield, 185 Stayed by the golden plate, the gift of Heaven : Achilles' right fore-arm the other grazed :

Forth gushed the crimson blood ; but, glancing by, And vainly longing for the taste of flesh,

190

The point behind him in the earth was fixed . Then at Asteropæus in his turn With deadly intent the son of Peleus threw His straight-directed spear ; his mark he missed, VOL. II.

290

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XXI .

But struck the lofty bank, where, deep infixed To half its length, the Pelian ash remained .

195

Then from beside his thigh Achilles drew His trenchant blade, and, furious, onward rushed ; While from the cliff Asteropæus strove

In vain, with stalwart hand, to wrench the spear. Three times he shook it with impetuous force,

200

Three times relaxed his grasp ; a fourth attempt He made to bend and break the sturdy shaft ; But him, preventing, Peleus' godlike son With deadly stroke across the belly smote, And gushed his bowels forth ; upon the ground

205

Gasping he lay, and darkness sealed his eyes. Then on his breast Achilles sprang, and stripped His armour off, and thus with vaunting speech : " So lie thou there ! ' tis hard for thee to fight, Though river-born, against the progeny

210

Of mighty Jove ; a widely-flowing stream Thou claim'st as author of thy parentage ;

My high descent from Jove himself I boast. My father Peleus, son of Æacus, Reigns o'er the numerous race of Myrmidons ;

215

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

291

ILIAD.

The son of Jove himself was Eacus . High o'er all rivers, that to the ocean flow, Is Jove exalted ; and in like degree Superior is his race in power to theirs.

220

A mighty River hast thou here at hand,

If that might aught avail thee ; but his power Is impotent to strive with Saturn's son. With him, not Achelöus, King of streams,

Presumes to vie ; nor e'en the mighty strength

225

Of deeply-flowing, wide Oceanus ; From whom all rivers, all the boundless sea, All fountains, all deep wells derive their source ; Yet him appals the lightning bolt of Jove, And thunder, pealing from the vault of Heaven."

He said, and from the cliff withdrew his spear.

230

Him left he lifeless there upon the sand Extended ; o'er him the dark waters washed, And eels and fishes, thronging, gnawed his flesh. Then ' mid the Pæons' plumèd host he rushed, Who fled along the eddying stream, when him, Their bravest in the stubborn fight, they saw Slain by the sword and arm of Peleus' son.

U 2

235

292

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XXI .

Thersilochus and Mydon then he slew,

Mnesus and Thrasius and Astypylus, Enius and Ophelestes ; and yet more

240

Had been the slaughter by Achilles wrought, But from his eddying depths, in human form, With wrathful tone the mighty River spoke : " In strength, Achilles, and in deeds of arms, All mortals thou surpassest ; for the Gods

245

Themselves attend thee, and protect from harm ; If Saturn's son have given thee utterly The Trojans to destroy, yet, ere thou slay, Far from my waters drive them o'er the plain ;

For now my lovely stream is filled with dead ;

250

Nor can I pour my current to the sea,

With floating corpses choked, whilst thou pursuest The work of death, insatiate : stay thy hand ! With horror I behold thee, mighty chief ! " Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot :

255

" Be it as thou wilt, Scamander, Heaven-born stream ;

Yet cease I not to slay until I drive These vaunting Trojans to their walls, and prove The force of Hector, if, in single fight,

ILIAD.

293

I be by him, or he by me, subdued."

260

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

He said, and fiercely on the Trojans rushed, A God in might ! to Phoebus then his speech The deeply-eddying River thus addressed :

"God of the silver bow, great son of Jove, Obey'st thou thus the will of Saturn's son,

265

Who charged thee by the Trojans still to stand, And aid their cause, till evening's late approach Should cast its shadows o'er the fertile earth ? " Thus as he spoke, from off the lofty bank Achilles springing in mid current plunged ;

270

Then high the swelling stream, tumultuous, rose In all its angry flood ; and with a roar As of a bellowing bull, cast forth to land The numerous corpses by Achilles slain ;

And many living, in his caverned bed,

275

Concealed behind the whirling waters saved. Fierce, round Achilles, rose the boiling wave, And on his shield descending, drove him down ; Nor might he keep his foothold ; but he grasped A lofty elm, well-grown, which from the cliff

Uprooted, all the bank had torn away,

280

294

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI.

And with its tangled branches checked the flow Of the fair river, which with all its length It bridged across ; then, springing from the deep, Swiftly he fled in terror o'er the plain.

285

Nor ceased the mighty River, but pursued, With darkly-ruffling crest, intent to stay Achilles ' course, and save the Trojan host. Far as a javelin's flight he rushed , in speed Like the dark hunter eagle, strongest deemed,

290

And swiftest winged of all the feathered race. So on he sped ; loud rattled on his breast His brazen armour, as before the God,

Cowering, he fled ; the God behind him still With thundering sound pursued.

As when a man

295

From some dark-watered spring through trenches leads, ' Mid plants and gardens, the irrigating stream, And, spade in hand, the appointed channel clears :

Down flows the stream anon, its pebbly bed Disturbing ; fast it flows with bubbling sound,

300

Down the steep slope, o'ertaking him who leads. Achilles so the advancing wave o'ertook,

Though great his speed ; but man must yield to Gods.

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

295

Oft as Achilles, swift of foot, essayed To turn and stand, and know if all the Gods,

305

Who dwell in Heaven, were leagued to daunt his soul ;

So oft the Heaven-born River's mighty wave Above his shoulders dashed ; in deep distress He sprang on high ; then rushed the flood below, And bore him off his legs, and wore away

310

The soil beneath his feet ; then, groaning, thus, As up to Heaven he looked, Achilles cried : 66 " O Father Jove, will none of all the Gods In pity save me from this angry flood ? Content, thereafter, would I meet my fate.

315

Of all the powers of Heaven, my mother most Hath wronged me, who hath buoyed me up with hope Delusive, that, before the walls of Troy,

I should by Phoebus' swift-winged arrows fall. Would that by Hector's hand 'twere mine to die,

320

The bravest of their brave ! a warrior so Were by a warrior slain ! now am I doomed Ignobly here to sink, the mighty flood O'erwhelming me, like some poor shepherd lad, Borne down in crossing by a wintry brook."

325

296

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXI.

He said ; and quickly, clothed in mortal form, Neptune and Pallas at his side appeared ; With cheering words they took him by the hand , And thus the Earth-shaking God his speech began :

66 ' Achilles, fear not thou, nor be dismayed ;

330

Such powerful aid, by Jove's consent, we bring, Pallas and I, from Heaven ; ' tis not decreed That thou shouldst by the River be o'erwhelmed ; He shall retire ere long, and thou shalt see ; And more, if thou wilt hear, we undertake

335

That from the war thine arm shall not be stayed, Till thou shalt drive beneath the walls of Troy The crowd of flying Trojans ; thou thyself Shalt Hector slay, and safe regain the ships : Such high renown we give thee to achieve."

340

They to the other Gods, this said, returned ;

He, greatly strengthened by the voice divine, Pressed onwards to the plain ; the plain he found All flooded o'er ; and, floating, armour fair, And many a corpse of men in battle slain ;

345

Yet onward, lifting high his feet, he pressed Right toward the stream ; nor could the mighty stream

BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

297

Check his advance, such vigour Pallas gave ; Nor did Scamander yet his fury stay, But fiercer rose his rage ; and rearing high

350

His crested wave, to Simöis thus he cried : " Dear brother, aid me with united force This mortal's course to check ; he, unrestrained, Will royal Priam's city soon destroy, Nor will the Trojans his assault endure.

355

Haste to the rescue then, and from their source Fill all thy stream, and all thy channels swell ; Rouse thy big waves, and roll a torrent down Of logs and stones, to whelm this man of might, Who triumphs now, and bears him as a God.

360

Nought shall his strength or beauty then avail, Or gallant arms, beneath the waters sunk, Deep buried in the mud : himself will I

In sand imbed, and o'er his corpse a pile Of shingly gravel heap ; nor shall the Greeks Be able to collect his bones, encased

By me so deep in slime.

His monument

They here may raise ; but when they celebrate His funeral rites, no mound will he require."

365

HOMER'S ILIAD .

298

BOOK XXI .

He said ; and on Achilles, from on high

370

Came boiling, rushing down, with thundering roar, With foam and blood and corpses intermixed . High rose the Heaven-born River's darkling wave, And bore Achilles downward ; then in fear Lest the broad waters of the eddying stream

375

Should quite o'erwhelm him, Juno cried aloud, And Vulcan thus, her son, in haste addressed : 66

Up, Vulcan ; up, my son ; for we had deemed That eddying Xanthus stood to thee opposed : Haste thee to aid ; thy fiery strength display ;

380

While from the sea I call the stormy blast. Of Zephyr and brisk Notus, who shall drive The raging flames ahead, and burn alike The Trojans and their arms : do thou the while Burn down the trees on Xanthus' banks ; himself

385

Assail with fire, nor by his honeyed words

1 Nor by his menaces be turned aside ; Nor, till thou hear my voice, restrain thy power ; Then stay the raging flames' unwearied course." Thus Juno spoke ; and Vulcan straight prepared The heavenly fire ; and first upon the plain

1 390

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

299

The flames he kindled, and the dead consumed, Who lay, promiscuous, by Achilles slain : The plain was dried, and stayed the watery flood. As when the breath of Boreas quickly dries

395

In Autumn-time a newly-watered field, The tiller's heart rejoicing : so was dried The spacious plain ; then he, the dead consumed, Against the river turned the fiery glare : Burnt were the willows, elms, and tamarisk shrubs,

400

The lotus, and the reeds, and galingal, Which by the lovely river grew profuse. The eels and fishes, ' mid the eddying whirl, ' Mid the clear wave were hurrying here and there, In dire distress from Vulcan's fiery breath :

405

Scorched by the flames, the mighty River spoke :

66 Vulcan, no God against thy power can stand, Nor with thy fiery flames will I contend ; Restrain thy wrath ; though Peleus' godlike son

Should from their city drive the Trojans straight,

410

With rival parties what concern have I ? ”

All scorched he spoke ; his fair stream bubbling up, As when a caldron, on a blazing fire,

300

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXI.

Filled with the melting fat of well-fed swine, Boils up within, and bubbles all around,

415

With well-dried wood beneath, so bubbling up The waters of the lovely River boiled : Nor onward would he flow, but checked his course, By the hot blast o'er-borne, and fiery strength Of skilful Vulcan ; and to Juno thus,

420

Imploring, he his winged words addressed : " Juno, what cause impels thy son, my stream, O'er all the rest, to visit with his wrath ?

E'en less than others who the Trojans aid, Have I offended ; yet at thy command

425

Will I withdraw ; but bid that he too cease ; And this I swear, no Trojan more to save, Though to devouring flames a prey, all Troy Were blazing, kindled by the valiant Greeks." This when the white-armed Goddess Juno heard,

430

To Vulcan straight she thus addressed her speech :

66 Vulcan, my glorious son, restrain thy hand : In mortal men's behalf, it is not meet 1

To press thus hardly an Immortal God ." She said, and Vulcan stayed his fiery strength,

435

• BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

301

And, back returning, in his wonted bed Flowed the fair River.

Xanthus thus subdued,

These two their warfare ceased, by Juno checked, Despite her wrath ; but ' mid the other Gods Arose contention fierce, and discord dire,

440

Their warring passions roused on either side. With fearful crash they met : the broad Earth groaned ; Loud rang the Heaven as with a trumpet's sound : Jove, on Olympus' height, the tumult heard,

And in his heart he laughed a joyous laugh,

445

To see the Gods in angry battle met. Not long they stood aloof, led on by Mars The buckler-breaker, who to Pallas first, Poising his spear, his bitter speech addressed :

"What dost thou here, thou saucy jade, to war

450

The Gods exciting, over-bold of mood, Led by thy haughty spirit ? dost thou forget

How thou the son of Tydeus, Diomed, Didst urge against me, and with visible spear Direct his aim, and aid to wound my flesh ? For all I suffered then, thou now shalt pay." Thus as he spoke, he struck the tasselled shield,

455

302

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXI.

Awful to view, which not the lightning bolt Of Jove himself could pierce : the blood-stained Mars Against it thrust in vain his ponderous spear.

460

The Goddess stooped, and in her ample hand. Took up a stone, that lay upon the plain, Dark, rugged, vast, which men of elder days Had set to mark the limits of their land. Full on the neck of Mars she hurled the mass,

465

His limbs relaxing : o'er seven hundred feet Prostrate he lay, his hair defiled with dust : Loud rang his armour ; and with scornful smile Pallas addressed him thus with vaunting speech : " Fool, hast thou yet to learn how mightier far

470

My strength than thine, that me thou dar'st to meet ? Bear thus the burthen of thy mother's curse, Who works thee harm, in wrath that thou the Greeks. Deserting, aid'st the haughty Trojans' cause."

She said, and turned away her piercing glance :

475

Him, deeply groaning, scarce to life restored , Jove's daughter Venus taking by the hand, Led from the field ; which when the white-armed Queen Beheld, in haste to Pallas thus she cried :

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

"O Heaven, brave child of ægis-bearing Jove,

303

480

Undaunted ! lo again this saucy jade Amid the press, the bane of mortals, Mars Leads from the field ; but haste thee in pursuit." Thus Juno : Pallas hastened in pursuit Well pleased ; and Venus with her powerful hand

485

Assailing, struck upon the breast ; at once The Goddess' courage and her limbs gave way. There on the ground the two together lay,

While Pallas o'er them thus with vaunting speech : "Would all were such, who aid the Trojan cause, 490 Whene'er they meet in fight the warlike Greeks, As valiant and as stout as Venus proves, Who brings her aid to Mars, confronting me ; Then had our warlike labours long been o'er, And Ilium's strong-built citadel o'erthrown."

495

L Thus Pallas spoke : the white-armed Goddess smiled , And to Apollo thus the Earth-shaker spoke : " Phoebus, why stand we idly thus aloof? The war begun by others, 'tis not meet ;

And shame it were, that to Olympus' height And to the brazen-floored abode of Jove

500

304

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI .

We two without a contest should return. Thou then begin, as younger : ' twere not well For me, in age and practice more advanced. Feeble of soul, how senseless is thy heart !

505

Hast thou forgotten all the cruel wrongs We two, alone of all the Immortals, bore, When here, in Ilium, for a year, we served, By Jove's command, the proud Laomedon, For promised hire ; and he our tasks assigned ?

510

His fortress, and a wall both broad and fair I built, the town's impregnable defence ; While thou didst on his plodding herds attend, In many-crested Ida's woody glens.

But when the joyous seasons, in their course,

515

Had brought our labour's term, the haughty King Denied our guerdon, and with threats dismissed. Bound hand and foot, he threatened thee to send And sell to slavery in the distant isles, And with the sword cut off the ears of both. So in indignant sorrow we returned, Robbed of the hire he promised, but denied. For this thy favour dost thou show to Troy ;

520

BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

305

And dost not rather join thy force to ours, 525

That down upon their knees the Trojans all Should perish, with their babes and matrons chaste."

Whom answered thus the far-destroying King : 66 Earth-shaking God, I should not gain with thee The esteem of wise, if I with thee should fight

530

For mortal men ; poor wretches, who like leaves Flourish awhile, and eat the fruits of earth, But, sapless, soon decay : from combat then Refrain we, and to others leave the strife." He turned, thus saying : for he deemed it shame

His father's brother to assail in arms ;

535

But him his sister, Goddess of the chase, Rebuked, and thus with scornful speech addressed : " Fliest thou, Apollo ? and to Neptune leav'st The easy victory and baseless fame ?

540

Why o'er thy shoulder hangs thine idle bow ? Ne'er in our father's halls again, as erst

Among the Immortals, let me hear thee boast How thou with Neptune wouldst in arms contend." Thus she ; Apollo answered not a word ; 545

But Jove's imperial consort, filled with wrath, VOL. II.

306

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI .

Assailed with bitter words the Archer-Queen. " How canst thou dare, thou saucy minx,* to stand Opposed to me, too great for thine assault, Despite thy bow ? though Jove hath given thee power O'er feeble women, whom thou wilt, to slay,

550

E'en as a lion ; better were't for thee To chase the mountain beasts and flying hinds, Than thy superiors thus to meet in arms. But since thou dar'st confront me, thou shalt know And feel how far my might surpasses thine."

555

She said ; and with the left hand both the wrists Of Dian grasping, with her ample right The bow and quiver from her shoulders tore ;

And with them, as she turned away her head, With scornful laughter buffeted her ears :

560

The arrows keen were scattered on the ground :

* L. 547. The terms made use of in this line, and in 481, may appear somewhat coarse, as addressed by one Goddess to another : but I assure the English reader that in this passage especially I have greatly softened down the expression of the original ; a literal translation of which, however forcible, would shock even the least fastidious critic. It must, indeed, be admitted that the mode in which "the white-armed Goddess " proceeds to execute her threat is hardly more dignified than the language, in which it is conveyed, is refined.

BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

307

ILIAD.

Weeping, the Goddess fled ; as flies a dove The hawk's pursuit, and in a hollow rock Finds refuge, doomed not yet to fall a prey ;

565

So, weeping, Dian fled, and left her bow. Then Hermes to Latona thus : " With thee I strive not ; shame it were to meet in fight A consort of the cloud-compelling Jove. Freely amid the Immortals make thy boast, That by thy prowess thou hast vanquished me." Thus he

570

Latona gathered up the bow,

And fallen arrows, scattered here and there Amid the whirling dust ; then, these regained, Following her daughter, from the field withdrew.

575

Meanwhile to high Olympus fled the Maid, And to the brazen-floored abode of Jove.

There, weeping, on her father's knees she sat, While quivered round her form the ambrosial robe. The son of Saturn towards him drew his child, And thus, with gracious smile, enquiry made :

580

"Which of the heavenly powers hath wronged thee thus, My child, as guilty of some open shame ? ” To whom the bright-crowned Goddess of the chase :

x 2

308

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXI .

66 Thy wife, my father, white-armed Juno ; she Hath dealt thus rudely with me ; she, from whom

585

All jars and strife among the Gods proceed ." Such converse while they held, the gates of Troy

Apollo entered, for the well-built wall Alarmed, lest e'en against the will of fate The Greeks that day should raze it to the ground.

590

The other Gods were to Olympus gone, Triumphant these, and those in angry mood, And took their seats before the cloud-girt Sire. But on the Trojans pressing, Peleus' son Horses and men alike, promiscuous, slew.

595

As in a city, which the Gods in wrath Have fired, whose volleying smoke ascends to Heaven, On all her people grievous toil is cast,

On many, harm and loss ; such toil, such loss Achilles wrought amid the Trojan host .

600

Upon a lofty tower, the work of Gods, The aged Priam stood, and thence beheld, By fierce Achilles driven in flight confused, Their courage quite subdued, the Trojan host : Then, groaning, from the tower he hastened down,

605

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

309

And to the warders cried along the wall : " Stand to the gates, and hold them opened wide,

That in the crowd of fugitives may pour, And refuge find ; for close upon their flight

Achilles hangs ; disaster now is near.

610

But while our friends, received within the walls, Find time to breathe again, replace in haste The closely-fitting portals ; for I fear That man of blood may e'en the city storm." He said ; the gates they opened, and drew back

615

The solid bars ; the portals, opening wide, Let in the light ; but in the vacant space Apollo stood, the Trojan host to save. The flyers, parched with thirst and dust-begrimed, Straight for the city and the lofty wall

620

Made from the plain ; Achilles, spear in hand, Pressed hotly on the rearmost ; for his soul

With rage was filled, and maddening lust of fame. And now the lofty-gated city of Troy The sons of Greece had won ; but Phoebus roused Agenor's spirit, a valiant youth and strong,

Son of Antenor ; he his bosom filled

625

310

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI .

With dauntless courage, and beside him stood To turn aside the heavy hand of death, As, veiled in cloud, against the oak he leaned .

630

He, when Achilles' awful form he knew, Yet firmly stood, though much perplexed in mind, As thus he communed with his mighty heart :

"Oh woe is me ! should I attempt to fly Before Achilles ' might, where fly the rest

635

Across the plain, disordered, he would soon O'ertake me, and in flight ignoble slay. Or should I leave the others to their fate, Scattered by Peleus' son ; and from the wall And o'er the plain of Troy direct my flight,

640

Far as the foot of Ida's hill, and there

Lie hid in thickest covert ; and at eve, Refreshed by bathing in the cooling stream, And purged the sweat, retrace my steps to Troy? Yet why, my soul, admit such thoughts as these ? For should he mark me flying from the town,

And overtake me by his speed of foot, No hope were left me of escape from death, So far his strength exceeds the strength of man.

645

BOOK XXI.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

But how if boldly I await him here

311

650

Before the wall ? his flesh is not to wounds Impervious : but a single life is his, Nor is he more, they say, than mortal man, Though Jove assists him, and his triumph wills." He said, and stood collected, to await

655

Achilles' onset ; and his manly heart, With courage filled, was eager for the fray. As when a panther from the thicket's depth Comes forth to meet the hunter, undismayed, Nor turned to flight by baying of the hounds ;

660

Nor, wounded or by javelin or by sword, Or by the spear transfixed, remits her rage, But fights, until she reach her foe, or die ; Agenor so, Antenor's godlike son, Disdained to fly, ere prove Achilles' might.

665

Before his breast his shield's broad orb he bore,

And poised his spear, as thus he called aloud : 66 Thy hope, renowned Achilles, was this day

The valiant Trojans' city to destroy ; Unconscious of the toils, the woes, that yet Around her walls await ye ! for within

670

312

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXI.

Are warriors brave and numerous, who will fight In her defence, for parents, children, wives. Thou too, Achilles, here shalt meet thy doom, All-powerful as thou art, and warrior bold."

675

He said, and threw with stalwart hand the spear ; Achilles' leg he struck, below the knee, Nor missed his aim ; and loudly rang the greaves Of new-wrought tin ; but back the brazen point Rebounded, nor the heavenly armour pierced .

680

In turn Achilles on Agenor sprang :

But Phoebus robbed him of his hoped-for prize, Who, veiled in thickest cloud, conveyed away Antenor's son, and from the battle bore To rest in peace ; while he by guile withdrew

685

The son of Peleus from the flying crowd : For in Agenor's very likeness clad,

Before him stood the far-destroying King : 2 Then fled, Achilles hastening in pursuit. He o'er the fertile plain with flying foot Pursued ; beside Scamander's eddying stream Apollo turned, and still but little space Before him flying, subtly lured him on,

690

BOOK XXI .

HOMER'S

ILIAD ,

313

Each moment hoping to attain his prize. Meantime the general crowd, in panic flight,

695

With eager haste the city's refuge sought, And all the town with fugitives was filled . Nor did they dare without the walls to stand For mutual aid ; nor halt to know what friends Were safe, who left upon the battle-field ;

700

But through the gates poured in the hurrying mass Who to their active limbs their safety owed.

702

314

HOMER'S

BOOK

ILIAD.

BOOK XXII .

XXII.

THUS they from panic flight, like timorous fawns, Within the walls escaping, dried their sweat, And drank, and quenched their thirst, reclining safe On the fair battlements ; but nearer drew, With slanted shields, the Greeks ; yet Hector still

In front of Ilium and the Scean gate, Stayed by his evil doom, remained without.

Then Phoebus thus to Peleus' godlike son : 66 Achilles, why with active feet pursue, Thou mortal, me Immortal ? know'st thou not

My Godhead, that so hot thy fury burns ? Or heed'st thou not that all the Trojan host

Whom thou hast scared, while thou art here withdrawn, Within the walls a refuge safe have found ? On me thy sword is vain ! I know not death ! " Enraged, Achilles, swift of foot, replied : "Deep is the injury, far-darting King,

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

315

Most hostile of the Gods, that at thy hand I bear, who here hast lured me from the walls, Which many a Trojan else had failed to reach,

Ere by my hand they bit the bloody dust. Me of immortal honour thou hast robbed, And them, thyself from vengeance safe, hast saved : Had I the power, that vengeance thou shouldst feel."

Thus saying, and on mightiest deeds intent, He turned him city-ward, with fiery speed ; As when a horse, contending for the prize, Whirls the swift car, and stretches o'er the plain, E'en so, with active limbs, Achilles raced.

Him first the aged Priam's eyes discerned,

Scouring the plain, in arms all dazzling bright, Like to the autumnal star, whose brilliant ray Shines eminent amid the depth of night,

The brightest he, but sign to mortal man

Of evil augury, and fiery heat : So shone the brass upon the warrior's breast.

The old man groaned aloud, and lifting high His hands, he beat his head, and with loud voice

336

Whom men the dog-star of Orion call ;

316

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XXII .

Called on his son, imploring ; he, unmoved,

Held post before the gates, awaiting there Achilles' fierce encounter ; him his sire, With hands outstretched and piteous tone, addressed : " Hector, my son, await not here alone

That warrior's charge, lest thou to fate succumb,

Beneath Pelides' arm, thy better far ! Accursed be he ! would that the immortal Gods So favoured him as I ! then should his corpse Soon to the vultures and the dogs be given ! (So should my heart a load of anguish lose)

By whom I am of many sons bereaved, Many and brave, whom he has slain, or sold To distant isles in slavery ; and e'en now, Within the city walls I look in vain

For two, Lycaon brave, and Polydore,

My gallant sons, by fair Laothöe : If haply yet they live, with brass and gold Their ransom shall be paid ; good store of these We can command ; for with his daughter fair A wealthy dowry aged Altes gave.

But to the viewless shades should they have gone,

BOOK XXII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

317

Deep were their mother's sorrow and my own ; But of the general public, well I know Far lighter were the grief, than if they heard That thou hadst fallen beneath Achilles' hand.

Then enter now, my son, the city gates, And of the women and the men of Troy Be still the guardian ; nor to Peleus' son, With thine own life, immortal glory give. Look too on me with pity ; me, on whom,

E'en on the threshold of mine age, hath Jove A bitter burthen cast, condemned to see

My sons struck down, my daughters dragged away In servile bonds ; our chambers' sanctity Invaded ; and our babes by hostile hands

175

Dashed to the ground ; and by ferocious Greeks Enslaved the widows of my slaughtered sons. On me at last the ravening dogs shall feed, When by some foeman's hand, by sword or lance, My soul shall from my body be divorced ;

Those very dogs which I myself have bred, Fed at my table, guardians of my gate, Shall lap my blood, and over-gorged shall lie

318

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ILIAD .

BOOK XXII.

E'en on my threshold .

That a youth should fall

Victim to Mars, beneath a foeman's spear,

May well beseem his years ; and if he fall With honour, though he die, yet glorious he ! But when the hoary head and hoary beard, And naked corpse to ravening dogs are given, 90

No sadder sight can wretched mortals see." The old man spoke, and from his head he tore

The hoary hair ; yet Hector firm remained. Then to the front his mother rushed, in tears, Her bosom bare, with either hand her breast 95

Sustaining, and with tears addressed him thus : 66 Hector, my child, thy mother's breast revere ;

And on this bosom if thine infant woes Have e'er been hushed, bear now in mind, dear child, The debt thou ow'st ; and from within the walls Ward off this fearful man, nor in the field

100

Encounter ; cursed be he ! should he prevail, And slay thee, not upon the funeral bed, My child, my own, the offspring of my womb, Shall I deplore thee, nor thy widowed wife, But far away, beside the Grecian ships,

105

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

319

Thy corpse shall to the ravening dogs be given." Thus they, with tears and earnest prayers imploring, Addressed their son ; yet Hector firm remained, Waiting the approach of Peleus' godlike son. As when a snake upon the mountain side,

110

With deadly venom charged, beside his hole Awaits the traveller, and filled with rage, Coiled round his hole, his baleful glances darts ; So filled with dauntless courage Hector stood, Scorning retreat, his gleaming buckler propped

115

Against the jutting tower ; then, deeply moved, Thus with his warlike soul communion held : 66 Oh woe is me ! if I should enter now The city gates, I should the just reproach Encounter of Polydamas, who first

120

His counsel gave within the walls to lead The Trojan forces, on that fatal night When great Achilles in the field appeared . I heeded not his counsel ; would I had ! Now, since my folly hath the people slain,

I well might blush to meet the Trojan men, And long-robed dames of Troy, lest some might say,

125

320

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII.

6 To me inferior far,

This woful loss

To Hector's blind self-confidence we owe.' Thus shall they say ; for me, 'twere better far,

130

Or from Achilles, slain in open fight, Back to return in triumph, or myself To perish nobly in my country's cause. What if my bossy shield I lay aside, And stubborn helmet, and my ponderous spear

135

Propping against the wall, go forth to meet The unmatched Achilles ?

What if I engage

That Helen's self, and with her all the spoil, And all that Paris in his hollow ships Brought here to Troy, whence first this war arose,

140

Should be restored ; and to the Greeks be paid An ample tribute from the city's stores,

Her secret treasures ; and hereafter bind The Trojans by their Elders' solemn oaths Nought to withhold, but fairly to divide Whate'er of wealth our much-loved city holds ? But wherefore entertain such thoughts, my soul ? Should I so meet him, what if he should show Nor pity nor remorse, but slay me there,

145

ILIAD.

321

Defenceless as a woman, and unarmed ?

150

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

Not this the time, nor he the man, with whom By forest oak or rock, like youth and maid, To hold light talk, as youth and maid might hold . Better to dare the fight, and know at once

155

To whom the victory is decreed by Heaven." Thus, as he stood, he mused ; but near approached Achilles, terrible as plumèd Mars ; From his right shoulder brandishing aloft The ashen spear of Peleus, while around

Flashed his bright armour, dazzling as the glare

160

Of burning fire, or of the rising sun.

Hector beheld, and trembled at the sight ; Nor dared he there await the attack, but left The gates behind, and, terror-stricken, fled . Forward, with flying foot, Pelides rushed.

165

As when a falcon, bird of swiftest flight, From some high mountain-top, on timorous dove Swoops fiercely down ; she, from beneath, in fear, Evades the stroke ; he, dashing through the brake, Shrill-shrieking, pounces on his destined prey ; So, winged with desperate hate, Achilles flew, VOL. II.

170

322

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XXII.

So Hector, flying from his keen pursuit, Beneath the walls his active sinews plied. They by the watch-tower, and beneath the wall Where stood the wind-beat fig-tree, raced amain

175

Along the public road, until they reached The fairly-flowing fount whence issued forth, From double source, Scamander's eddying streams. One with hot current flows, and from beneath, As from a furnace, clouds of steam arise ;

180

'Mid summer's heat the other rises cold As hail, or snow, or water crystallized ;

Beside the fountains stood the washing-troughs Of well-wrought stone, where erst the wives of Troy And daughters fair their choicest garments washed,

185

In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece.

There raced they, one in flight, and one pursuing ; Good he who fled, but better who pursued, With fiery speed ; for on that race was staked

No common victim, no ignoble ox : The prize at stake was mighty Hector's life. As when the solid-footed horses fly Around the course, contending for the prize,

190

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

323

ILIAD.

Tripod, or woman of her lord bereft ; So raced they thrice around the walls of Troy

195

With active feet ; and all the Gods beheld. Then thus began the Sire of Gods and men : " A woful sight mine eyes behold ; a man I love in flight around the walls ! my heart For Hector grieves, who, now upon the crown

200

Of deeply-furrowed Ida, now again On Ilium's heights, with fat of choicest bulls Hath piled mine altar ; whom around the walls, With flying speed, Achilles now pursues. Give me your counsel, Gods, and say, from death

205

If we shall rescue him, or must he die,

Brave as he is, beneath Pelides' hand ?" To whom the blue-eyed Goddess, Pallas, thus : " O Father, lightning-flashing, cloud-girt King, What words are these ? wouldst thou a mortal man, 210 Long doomed by fate, again from death preserve ? Do as thou wilt, but not with our consent."

To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied : " Be of good cheer, my child ! unwillingly

215

I speak, yet loth thy wishes to oppose :

Y 2

324

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXII.

Have then thy will, and draw not back thy hand."

His words fresh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal, And from Olympus' heights in haste she sped. Meanwhile on Hector, with untiring hate, The swift Achilles pressed : as when a hound,

220

Through glen and tangled brake, pursues a fawn, Roused from its lair upon the mountain side ; And if awhile it should evade pursuit, Low crouching in the copse, yet quests he back, Searching unwearied, till he find the trace ;

225

So Hector sought to baffle, but in vain, The keen pursuit of Peleus' active son. Oft as he sought the shelter of the gates Beneath the well-built towers, if haply thence His comrades' weapons might some aid afford ;

230

So oft his foeman, with superior speed, Would cut him off, and turn him to the plain. He toward the city still essayed his flight ; And as in dreams, when one pursues in vain, One seeks in vain to fly, the other seeks As vainly to pursue ; so could not now Achilles reach, nor Hector quit, his foe.

235

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HOMER'S

ILIAD.

325

Yet how should Hector now the doom of death Have ' scaped, had not Apollo once again,

And for the last time, to his rescue come,

240

And given him strength and suppleness of limb ? Then to the crowd Achilles with his head Made sign that none at Hector should presume To cast a spear, lest one might wound, and so The greater glory obtain, while he himself

245

Must be contented with the second place. But when the fourth time in their rapid course The founts were reached, the Eternal Father hung His golden scales aloft, and placed in each

The lots of doom, for great Achilles one,

250

For Hector one, and held them by the midst : Down sank the scale, weighted with Hector's death, Down to the shades, and Phoebus left his side. Then to Pelides came the blue-eyed Maid, And stood beside him, and bespoke him thus :

66 'Achilles, loved of Heaven, I trust that now To thee and me great glory shall accrue In Hector's fall, insatiate of the fight.

Escape he cannot now, though at the feet

255

326

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII .

Of ægis-bearing Jove, on his behalf,

260

With earnest prayer Apollo prostrate fall. But stay thou here and take thy breath, while I Persuade him to return and dare the fight." So Pallas spoke ; and he with joy obeying, Stood leaning on his brass-barbed ashen spear.

265

The Goddess left him there, and went (the form And voice assuming of Deiphobus) In search of godlike Hector ; him she found, And standing near, with wingèd words addressed :

66 Sorely, good brother, hast thou been bested

270

By fierce Achilles, who around the walls Hath chased thee with swift foot ; now stand we both For mutual succour, and his onset wait." To whom great Hector of the glancing helm :

66 Deiphobus, of all my brothers, sons

275

Of Hecuba and Priam, thou hast been

Still dearest to my heart ; and now the more I honour thee who dar'st on my behalf, Seeing my peril, from within the walls To sally forth, while others skulk behind." To whom the blue-eyed Goddess thus replied :

280

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

327

"With many prayers, good brother, both our sire And honoured mother, and our comrades all Successively implored me to remain ; Such fear is fallen on all ; but in my soul

285

On thine account too deep a grief I felt.

Now, forward boldly ! spare we not our spears ; Make trial if Achilles to the ships From both of us our bloody spoils can bear, Or by thine arm himself may be subdued."

290

Thus Pallas lured him on with treacherous wile ; But when the two were met, and close at hand, First spoke great Hector of the glancing helm : "No more before thee, Peleus ' son, I fly : Thrice have I fled around the walls, nor dared

295

Await thine onset ; now my spirit is roused

To stand before thee, to be slain, or slay. But let us first the immortal Gods invoke ;

The surest witnesses and guardians they Of compacts : at my hand no foul disgrace Shalt thou sustain, if Jove with victory Shall crown my firm endurance, and thy life To me be forfeit ; of thine armour stripped

300

328

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII .

I promise thee, Achilles, to the Greeks Thy body to restore ; do thou the like."

305

With fierce regard Achilles answered thus :

" Hector, thou object of my deadly hate, Talk not to me of compacts ; as ' tween men And lions no firm concord can exist, Nor wolves and lambs in harmony unite,

310

But ceaseless enmity between them dwells :

So not in friendly terms, nor compact firm, Can thou and I unite, till one of us Glut with his blood the mail-clad warrior Mars. Mind thee of all thy fence ; behoves thee now

315

To prove a spearman skilled, and warrior brave. For thee escape is none ; now, by my spear, Hath Pallas doomed thy death ; my comrades' blood, Which thou hast shed, shall all be now avenged."

He said, and poising, hurled his weighty spear ;

320

But Hector saw, and shunned the blow ; he stooped, And o'er his shoulder flew the brass-tipped spear, And in the ground was fixed ; but Pallas drew The weapon forth, and to Achilles' hand, All unobserved of Hector, gave it back.

325

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

329

Then Hector thus to Peleus' matchless son :

" Thine aim has failed ; nor truly has my fate, Thou godlike son of Peleus, been to thee From Heaven revealed ; such was indeed thy boast ; But flippant was thy speech, and subtly framed

330

To scare me with big words, and make me prove False to my wonted prowess and renown. Not in my back will I receive thy spear, But through my breast, confronting thee, if Jove Have to thine arm indeed such triumph given.

335

Now, if thou canst, my spear in turn elude ; May it be deeply buried in thy flesh ! For lighter were to Troy the load of war, If thou, the greatest of her foes, wert slain."

He said, and poising, hurled his ponderous spear ; 340 Nor missed his aim ; full in the midst he struck Pelides' shield ; but glancing from the shield The weapon bounded off.

Hector was grieved,

That thus his spear had bootless left his hand. He stood aghast ; no second spear was nigh : And loudly on Deiphobus he called A spear to bring ; but he was far away.

345

330

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII.

Then Hector knew that he was duped, and cried, " Oh Heaven ! the Gods above have doomed my death !

I deemed indeed that brave Deiphobus

350

Was near at hand ; but he within the walls

Is safe, and I by Pallas am betrayed . Now is my death at hand, nor far away : Escape is none ; since so hath Jove decreed, And Jove's far-darting son, who heretofore

355

Have been my guards ; my fate hath found me now.

Yet not without a struggle let me die, Nor all inglorious ; but let some great act, Which future days may hear of, mark my fall." Thus as he spoke, his sharp-edged sword he drew, 360 Ponderous and vast, suspended at his side ; Collected for the spring, and forward dashed : As when an eagle, bird of loftiest flight, Through the dark clouds swoops downward on the plain, To seize some tender lamb, or cowering hare ; So Hector rushed, and waved his sharp-edged sword. Achilles' wrath was roused : with fury wild His soul was filled : before his breast he bore His well-wrought shield ; and fiercely on his brow

365

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Nodded the four-plumed helm, as on the breeze

331

370

Floated the golden hairs, with which the crest By Vulcan's hand was thickly interlaced ; And as amid the stars' unnumbered host,

When twilight yields to night, one star appears, Hesper, the brightest star that shines in Heaven,

375

Gleamed the sharp-pointed lance, which in his right Achilles poised, on godlike Hector's doom

Intent, and scanning eagerly to see Where from attack his body least was fenced.

All else the glittering armour guarded well,

380

Which Hector from Patroclus' corpse had stripped ; One chink appeared, just where the collar-bone The neck and shoulder parts, beside the throat, Where lies exposed the swiftest road of death. There levelled he, as Hector onward rushed ;

385

Right through the yielding neck the lance was driven,

But severed not the windpipe, nor destroyed His power of speech ; prone in the dust he fell ; And o'er him, vaunting, thus Achilles spoke :

66 Hector, Patroclus stripping of his arms, Thy hope was that thyself wast safe ; and I,

390

332

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXII .

Not present, brought no terror to thy soul :

Fool ! in the hollow ships I yet remained, I, his avenger, mightier far than he ;

I, who am now thy conqueror.

By the dogs

395

And vultures shall thy corpse be foully torn, While him the Greeks with funeral rites shall grace." Whom answered Hector of the glancing helm, Prostrate and helpless : " By thy soul, thy knees, Thy parents' heads, Achilles, I beseech,

400

Let not my corpse by Grecian dogs be torn. Accept the ample stores of brass and gold, Which as my ransom by my honoured sire

And mother shall be paid thee ; but my corpse Restore, that so the men and wives of Troy

405

May deck with honours due my funeral pyre.' To whom, with fierce aspect, Achilles thus : " Knee me no knees, vile hound ! nor prate to me Of parents ! such my hatred, that almost I could persuade myself to tear and eat Thy mangled flesh ; such wrongs I have to avenge. He lives not, who can save thee from the dogs ; Not though with ransom ten and twenty fold

410

BOOK XXII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

333

He here should stand, and yet should promise more ; No, not though Priam's royal self should sue

415

To be allowed for gold to ransom thee ; No, not e'en so, thy mother shall obtain To lay thee out upon the couch, and mourn O'er thee, her offspring ; but on all thy limbs Shall dogs and carrion vultures make their feast."

420

To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm, Dying : " I know thee well ; nor did I hope To change thy purpose ; iron is thy soul. But see that on thy head I bring not down . The wrath of Heaven, when by the Scean gate

425

The hand of Paris, with Apollo's aid, Brave warrior as thou art, shall strike thee down." E'en as he spoke, his eyes were closed in death ; And to the viewless shades his spirit fled, Mourning his fate, his youth and vigour lost.

430

To him, though dead, Achilles thus replied : "Die thou ! my fate I then shall meet, whene'er Jove and the immortal Gods shall so decree."

He said, and from the corpse his spear withdrew, And laid aside ; then stripped the armour off,

435

334

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII.

With blood besmeared ; the Greeks around him thronged, Gazing on Hector's noble form and face, And none approached that did not add a wound : And one to other looked, and said, " Good faith, Hector is easier far to handle now,

440

Than when erewhile he wrapped our ships in fire.” Thus would they say, then stab the dead anew. But when the son of Peleus, swift of foot,

Had stripped the armour from the corpse, he rose, And, standing, thus the assembled Greeks addressed : 445 " O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, Since Heaven hath granted us this man to slay, Whose single arm hath wrought us more of ill Than all the rest combined, advance we now Before the city in arms, and trial make

450

What is the mind of Troy ; if, Hector slain, They from the citadel intend retreat,

Or still, despite their loss, their ground maintain. But wherefore entertain such thoughts, my soul ? Beside the ships, unwept, unburied, lies

Patroclus ; whom I never can forget, While numbered with the living, and my limbs

455

BOOK XXII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

335

Have power to move ; in Hades though the dead May be forgotten, yet even there will I The memory of my loved companion keep.

460

Now to the ships return we, sons of Greece, Glad pæans singing ! with us he shall go ; Great glory is ours, the godlike Hector slain, The pride of Troy, and as a God revered ."

He said, and foully Hector's corpse misused ;

465

Of either foot he pierced the tendon through, That from the ancle passes to the heel, And to his chariot bound with leathern thongs, Leaving the head to trail along the ground ; Then mounted, with the captured arms, his car,

470

And urged his horses ; nothing loth, they flew. A cloud of dust the trailing body raised : Loose hung his glossy hair ; and in the dust Was laid that noble head, so graceful once ; Now to foul insult doomed by Jove's decree, In his own country, at a foeman's hand. So lay the head of Hector ; at the sight His aged mother tore her hair, and far

From off her head the glittering veil she threw,

475

336

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXII.

And with loud cries her slaughtered son bewailed.

480

Piteous, his father groaned ; and all around Was heard the voice of wailing and of woe. Such was the cry, as if the beetling height Of Ilium all were smouldering in the fire. Scarce in his anguish could the crowd restrain

485

The old man from issuing through the Dardan gates ; Low in the dust he rolled, imploring all,

Entreating by his name each several man : 66 Forbear, my friends ; though sorrowing, stay me not ; Leave me to reach alone the Grecian ships,

490

And there implore this man of violence,

This haughty chief, if haply he my years May reverence, and have pity on my age. For he too has a father, like to me ; Peleus, by whom he was begot, and bred,

495

The bane of Troy ; and, most of all, to me The cause of endless grief, who by his hand Have been of many stalwart sons bereft. Yet all, though grieved for all, I less lament, Than one, whose loss will sink me to the grave, Hector ! oh would to Heaven that in mine arms

500

BOOK XXII.

337

HOMER'S ILIAD.

He could have died ; with mourning then and tears We might have satisfied our grief, both she Who bore him, hapless mother, and myself." Weeping, he spoke ; and with him wept the crowd :

505

Then, 'mid the women, Hecuba poured forth Her vehement grief : " My child, oh whither now, Heart-stricken, shall I go, of thee bereft,

Of thee, who wast to me by night and day

510

A glory and a boast ; the strength of all The men of Troy, and women ? as a God They worshipped thee : for in thy life thou wast The glory of all ; but fate hath found thee now."

Weeping, she spoke ; but nought as yet was known

To Hector's wife ; to her no messenger

515

Had brought the tidings, that without the walls Remained her husband ; in her house withdrawn A web she wove, all purple, double woof, With varied flowers in rich embroidery,

520

And to her neat-haired maidens gave command To place the largest caldrons on the fire, That with warm baths, returning from the fight, Hector might be refreshed ; unconscious she, VOL. II.

338

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXII .

That by Achilles' hand, with Pallas' aid,

525

Far from the bath, was godlike Hector slain.

The sounds of wailing reached her from the tower ; Tottered her limbs, the distaff left her hand, And to her neat-haired maidens thus she spoke : " Haste, follow me, some two, that I may know What mean these sounds ; my honoured mother's voice 530 I hear ; and in my breast my beating heart Leaps to my mouth ; my limbs refuse to move ; Some evil, sure, on Priam's house impends. Be unfulfilled my words ! yet much I fear

535

Lest my brave Hector be cut off alone, By great Achilles, from the walls of Troy,

Chased to the plain, the desperate courage quenched, Which ever led him from the general ranks Far in advance, and bade him yield to none." Then from the house she rushed, like one distract,

540

With beating heart ; and with her went her maids. But when she reached the tower, where stood the crowd, And mounted on the wall, she looked around,

And saw the body which with insult foul The flying steeds were dragging towards the ships ;

545

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

339

ILIAD .

Then sudden darkness overspread her eyes ; Backward she fell, and gasped her spirit away. Far off were flung the adornments of her head, The net, the fillet, and the woven bands ;

550

The nuptial veil by golden Venus given, That day when Hector of the glancing helm Led from Eëtion's house his wealthy bride. The sisters of her husband round her pressed, And held, as in the deadly swoon she lay.

But when her breath and spirit returned again,

555

With sudden burst of anguish thus she cried : "Hector, oh woe is me ! to misery We both were born alike ; thou here in Troy In Priam's royal palace ; I in Thebes, 560

By wooded Placos, in Eëtion's house,

Who nursed my infancy ; unhappy he, Unhappier I

would I had ne'er been born !

Now thou beneath the depths of earth art gone, Gone to the viewless shades ; and me hast left 565

A widow in thy house, in deepest woe ; Our child, an infant still, thy child and mine, Ill-fated parents both ! nor thou to him, z 2

340

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXII .

Hector, shalt be a guard, nor he to thee: For though he ' scape this tearful war with Greece, Yet nought for him remains but ceaseless woe,

570

And strangers on his heritage shall seize . No young companions own the orphan boy : With downcast eyes, and cheeks bedewed with tears, His father's friends approaching, pinched with want, He hangs upon the skirt of one, of one

575

He plucks the cloak ; perchance in pity some May at their tables let him sip the cup, Moisten his lips, but scarce his palate touch ; While youths, with both surviving parents blessed , May drive him from their feast with blows and taunts, 580 " Begone ! thy father sits not at our board :" Then weeping, to his widowed mother's arms He flies, that orphan boy, Astyanax, Who on his father's knees erewhile was fed On choicest marrow, and the fat of lambs ; And, when in sleep his childish play was hushed, Was lulled to slumber in his nurse's arms On softest couch, by all delights surrounded . But grief, his father lost, awaits him now,

585

BOOK XXII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Astyanax, of Trojans so surnamed,

341

590

Since thou alone wast Troy's defence and guard. But now on thee, beside the beakèd ships, Far from thy parents, when the ravening dogs Have had their fill, the wriggling worms shall feed ; On thee, all naked ; while within thy house

595

Lies store of raiment, rich and rare, the work Of women's hands ; these will I burn with fire ; Not for thy need-thou ne'er shalt wear them more,But for thine honour in the sight of Troy." Weeping she spoke ; the women joined her wail.

600

342

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK

XXIII.

BOOK XXIII.

THUS they throughout the city made their moan ; But when the Greeks had come where lay their ships By the broad Hellespont, their several ways They each pursued, dispersing ; yet not so Achilles let his Myrmidons disperse,

But thus his warlike comrades he addressed : "My faithful comrades, valiant Myrmidons, Loose we not yet our horses from the cars ;

But for Patroclus mourn, approaching near, With horse and car ; such tribute claim the dead ;

Then, free indulgence to our sorrows given, Loose we the steeds, and share the evening meal .” He said ; and they with mingled voices raised The solemn dirge ; Achilles led the strain ; Thrice round the dead they drove their sleek-skinned steeds, 15 Mourning, with hearts by Thetis grief-inspired ; With tears the sands, with tears the warriors' arms,

BOOK XXIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

343

Were wet ; so mighty was the chief they mourned. Then on his comrade's breast Achilles laid His blood-stained hands, and thus began the wail :

“ All hail, Patroclus, though in Pluto's realm ; All that I promised, lo ! I now perform ; That on the corpse of Hector, hither dragged, Our dogs should feed ; and that twelve noble youths, The sons of Troy, before thy funeral pyre,

My hand, in vengeance for thy death, should slay." He said, and foully Hector's corpse misused, Flung prostrate in the dust, beside the couch Where lay Menoetius' son.

His comrades then.

Their glittering armour doffed, of polished brass,

And loosed their neighing steeds ; then round the ship Of Peleus' son in countless numbers sat,

While he the abundant funeral feast dispensed. There many a steer lay stretched beneath the knife, And many a sheep, and many a bleating goat, And many a white-tusked porker, rich in fat, There lay extended, singeing o'er the fire ;

And blood, in torrents, flowed around the corpse. To Agamemnon then the Kings of Greece

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

The royal son of Peleus, swift of foot,

344

Conducted ; yet with him they scarce prevailed ;

So fierce his anger for his comrade's death. But when to Agamemnon's tent they came, He to the clear-voiced heralds gave command `An ample tripod on the fire to place ;

If haply Peleus' son he might persuade To wash away the bloody stains of war :

But sternly he, and with an oath refused. "No, by great Jove I swear, of all the Gods

Highest and mightiest, water shall not touch

This head of mine, till on the funeral pyre I see the body of Patroclus laid, And build his tomb, and cut my votive hair ; For while I live and move ' mid mortal men, No second grief like this can pierce my soul.

Observe we now the mournful funeral feast ; But thou, great Agamemnon, King of men, Send forth at early dawn, and to the camp Bring store of fuel, and all else prepare, That with provision meet the dead may pass Down to the realms of night ; so shall the fire

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

345

From out our sight consume our mighty dead,

And to their wonted tasks the troops return." He said ; they listened, and his words obeyed ;

Then busily the evening meal prepared,

And shared the social feast ; nor lacked there aught. The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,

Each to their several tents the rest repaired ; But on the many-dashing ocean's shore

Pelides lay, amid his Myrmidons,

With bitter groans ; in a clear space he lay, Where broke the waves, continuous, on the beach.

There, circumfused around him, gentle sleep, Lulling the sorrows of his heart to rest,

O'ercame his senses ; for the hot pursuit

Of Hector round the breezy heights of Troy His active limbs had wearied : as he slept, Sudden appeared Patroclus' mournful shade, His very self ; his height, and beauteous eyes,

Above his head it stood, and thus it spoke : " Sleep'st thou, Achilles, mindless of thy friend, Neglecting, not the living, but the dead ?

And voice ; the very garb he wont to wear :

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Hasten my funeral rites, that I may pass Through Hades ' gloomy gates ; ere those be done,

The spirits and spectres of departed men Drive me far from them, nor allow to cross The abhorred river ; but forlorn and sad I wander through the wide-spread realms of night.

And give me now thy hand, whereon to weep ;

For never more, when laid upon the pyre,

Shall I return from Hades ; never more, Apart from all our comrades, shall we two, As friends, sweet counsel take ; for me, stern Death, The common lot of man, has oped his mouth ;

Thou too, Achilles, rival of the Gods, Art destined here beneath the walls of Troy To meet thy doom ; yet one thing must I add, And make, if thou wilt grant it, one request. Let not my bones be laid apart from thine,

100

Achilles, but together, as our youth Was spent together in thy father's house, Since first my sire Menotius me a boy

From Opus brought, a luckless homicide, Who of Amphidamas, by evil chance,

105

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347

Had slain the son, disputing o'er the dice : Me noble Peleus in his house received, And kindly nursed, and thine attendant named ; So in one urn be now our bones enclosed, The golden vase, thy Goddess-mother's gift."

110

Whom answered thus Achilles, swift of foot :

66 Why art thou here, loved being ? why on me These several charges lay ? whate'er thou bidd'st Will I perform, and all thy mind fulfil ; But draw thou near ; and in one short embrace,

115

Let us, while yet we may, our grief indulge."

Thus as he spoke, he spread his longing arms, But nought he clasped ; and with a wailing cry, Vanished, like smoke, the spirit beneath the earth. Up sprang Achilles, all amazed, and smote

120

His hands together, and lamenting cried : " O Heaven, there are then, in the realms below, Spirits and spectres, unsubstantial all ; For through the night Patroclus' shade hath stood, Weeping and wailing, at my side, and told His bidding ; the image of himself it seemed .” He said ; his words the general grief aroused :

125

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To them, as round the piteous dead they mourned, Appeared the rosy-fingered morn ; and straight,

From all the camp, by Agamemnon sent,

130

Went forth, in search of fuel, men and mules,

Led by a valiant chief, Meriones, The follower of renowned Idomeneus. Their felling axes in their hands they bore, And twisted ropes ; their mules before them driven ;

135

Now up, now down, now sideways, now aslope,

They journeyed on ; but when they reached the foot Of spring-abounding Ida, they began With axes keen to hew the lofty oaks ;

They, loudly crashing, fell : the wood they clove,

140

And bound it to the mules ; these took their way Through the thick brushwood, hurrying to the plain. The axe-men too, so bade Meriones, The follower of renowned Idomeneus, Were laden all with logs, which on the beach They laid in order, where a lofty mound,

In memory of Patroclus and himself, Achilles had designed .

When all the store

Of wood was duly laid, the rest remained

145

BOOK XXIII.

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ILIAD.

In masses seated ; but Achilles bade

349

150

The warlike Myrmidons their armour don, And harness each his horses to his car ; They rose and donned their arms, and on the cars Warriors and charioteers their places took. First came the horse, and then a cloud of foot,

155

Unnumbered ; in the midst Patroclus came, Borne by his comrades ; all the corpse with hair They covered o'er, which from their heads they shore. Behind, Achilles held his head, and mourned The noble friend whom to the tomb he bore.

160

Then on the spot by Peleus' son assigned, They laid him down, and piled the wood on high. Then a fresh thought Achilles' mind conceived : Standing apart, the yellow locks he shore,

Which as an offering to Sperchius' stream,

165

He nursed in rich profusion ; sorrowing then Looked o'er the dark-blue sea, as thus he spoke : 66

Sperchius, all in vain to thee his prayer My father Peleus made, and vowed that I, Returned in safety to my native land,

To thee should dedicate my hair, and pay

170

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BOOK XXIII.

A solemn hecatomb, with sacrifice

Of fifty rams, unblemished, to the springs Where on thy consecrated soil is placed Thine incense-honoured altar ; so he vowed ;

175

But thou the boon withhold'st ; since I no more My native land may see, the hair he vowed, To brave Patroclus thus I dedicate." He said, and on his comrade's hand he laid

The locks ; his act the general grief aroused ;

180

And now the setting sun had found them still Lamenting o'er the dead ; but Peleus' son Approaching, thus to Agamemnon spoke : 66 ' Atrides, for to thee the people pay

Readiest obedience, mourning too prolonged

185

May weary ; thou then from the pyre the rest Disperse, and bid prepare the morning meal ; Ours be the farther charge, to whom the dead Was chiefly dear ; yet let the chiefs remain." The monarch Agamemnon heard, and straight Dispersed the crowd amid their several ships . The appointed band remained, and piled the wood .

A hundred feet each way they built the pyre,

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ILIAD .

351

And on the summit, sorrowing, laid the dead . Then many a sheep and many a slow-paced ox

195

They flayed and dressed around the funeral pyre ; Of all the beasts Achilles took the fat, And covered o'er the corpse from head to foot, And heaped the slaughtered carcases around ; Then jars of honey placed, and fragrant oils,

200

Resting upon the couch ; next, groaning loud, Four powerful horses on the pyre he threw ; Then, of nine dogs that at their master's board Had fed, he slaughtered two upon his pyre ; Last, with the sword, by evil counsel swayed,

205

Twelve noble youths he slew, the sons of Troy. The fire's devouring might he then applied, And, groaning, on his loved companion called :

" All hail, Patroclus, though in Pluto's realm ! All that I promised, lo ! I now perform :

210

On twelve brave sons of Trojan sires, with thee, The flames shall feed ; but Hector, Priam's son, Not to the fire, but to the dogs I give." Such was Achilles' threat, but him the dogs Molested not ; for Venus, night and day,

215

352

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

Daughter of Jove, the ravening dogs restrained ; And all the corpse o'erlaid with roseate oil, Ambrosial, that though dragged along the earth , The noble dead might not receive a wound. Apollo too a cloudy veil from Heaven

220

Spread o'er the plain, and covered all the space Where lay the dead, nor let the blazing sun The flesh upon his limbs and muscles parch. Yet burnt not up Patroclus' funeral pyre ; Then a fresh thought Achilles' mind conceived :

225

Standing apart, on both the Winds he called ,

Boreas and Zephyrus, and added vows Of costly sacrifice ; and pouring forth

Libations from a golden goblet, prayed Their presence, that the wood might haste to burn,

230

And with the fire consume the dead ; his prayer Swift Iris heard, and bore it to the Winds . They in the hall of gusty Zephyrus Were gathered round the feast ; in haste appearing, Swift Iris on the stony threshold stood.

They saw, and rising all, besought her each To sit beside him ; she with their requests

235

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353

ILIAD .

Refused compliance, and addressed them thus : "No seat for me ; for I o'er the ocean stream

240

From hence am bound to Ethiopia's shore, To share the sacred feast, and hecatombs, Which there they offer to the immortal Gods ; But, Boreas, thee, and loud-voiced Zephyrus, With vows of sacrifice, Achilles calls

245

To fan the funeral pyre, whereon is laid Patroclus, mourned by all the host of Greece."

She said, and vanished ; they, with rushing sound, Rose, and before them drove the hurrying clouds : Soon o'er the sea they swept ; the stirring breeze

250

Ruffled the waves ; the fertile shores of Troy They reached, and falling on the funeral pyre,

Loud roared the crackling flames ; they all night long With current brisk together fanned the fire. All night Achilles from a golden bowl 255

Drew forth, and, in his hand a double cup, The wine outpouring, moistened all the earth,

Still calling on his lost Patroclus' shade. As mourns a father o'er a youthful son, Whose early death hath wrung his parents' hearts ;

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354

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ILIAD.

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So mourned Achilles o'er his friend's remains,

260

Prostrate beside the pyre, and groaned aloud . But when the star of Lucifer appeared, The harbinger of light, whom following close Spreads o'er the sea the saffron-robed morn, Then paled the smouldering fire, and sank the flame ;

265

And o'er the Thracian sea, that groaned and heaved Beneath their passage, home the Winds returned ; And weary, from the pyre a space withdrawn, Achilles lay, o'ercome by gentle sleep. Anon, awakened by the tramp and din

270

Of crowds that followed Atreus' royal son, He sat upright, and thus addressed his speech : " Thou son of Atreus, and ye chiefs of Greece, Far as the flames extended, quench we first With ruddy wine the embers of the pyre ;

275

And of Menoetius' son, Patroclus, next With care distinguishing, collect the bones ; Nor are they hard to know ; for in the midst He lay, while round the edges of the pyre, Horses and men commixed, the rest were burnt. Let these, between a double layer of fat

280

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355

ILIAD .

Enclosed, and in a golden urn remain, Till I myself shall in the tomb be laid ; And o'er them build a mound, not over-large, 285

But of proportions meet ; in days to come, Ye Greeks, who after me shall here remain, Complete the work, and build it broad and high." Thus spoke Achilles ; they his words obeyed : Far as the flames had reached, and thickly strown The embers lay, they quenched with ruddy wine ;

290

Then tearfully their gentle comrade's bones Collected, and with double layers of fat Enclosed, and in a golden urn encased ;

Then in the tent they laid them, overspread 295

With veil of linen fair ; then meting out The allotted space, the deep foundations laid Around the pyre, and o'er them heaped the earth . Their task accomplished, all had now withdrawn ; But Peleus' son the vast assembly stayed, And bade them sit ; then, prizes of the games, Tripods and caldrons from the tents he brought, And noble steeds, and mules, and sturdy steers, And women fair of form, and iron hoar. 2A 2

300

356

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

First, for the contest of the flying cars

The prizes he displayed : a woman fair,

305

Well skilled in household cares ; a tripod vast, Two-handled, two and twenty measures round ; These both were for the victor : for the next,

A mare, unbroken, six years old, in foal Of a mule colt ; the third, a caldron bright,

310

Capacious of four measures, white and pure, By fire as yet untarnished ; for the fourth, Of gold two talents ; for the fifth, a vase With double cup, untouched by fire, he gave. Then, standing up, he thus addressed the Greeks :

315

" Thou son of Atreus, and ye well-greaved Greeks, Before ye are the prizes, which await The contest of the cars ; but if, ye Greeks, For any other cause these games were held, I to my tent should bear the foremost prize ;

320

For well ye know how far my steeds excel, Steeds of immortal race, which Neptune gave To Peleus, he to me, his son, transferred . But from the present strife we stand aloof, My horses and myself ; they now have lost

325

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

357

The daring courage and the gentle hand Of him who drove them, and with water pure Washed oft their manes, and bathed with fragrant oil. For him they stand and mourn, with drooping heads Down to the ground, their hearts with sorrow filled ; 330 But ye in order range yourselves, who boast Your well-built chariots and your horses' speed.” He said

up sprang the eager charioteers ;

The first of all, Eumelus, King of men, Son of Admetus, matchless charioteer ;

335

Next, Tydeus' son, the valiant Diomed, With Trojan horses, from Æneas won, When by Apollo's aid himself escaped ; Then Heaven-born Meneläus, Atreus' son, Two flying coursers harnessed to his car ;

340

His own, Podargus, had for yokefellow

Æthe, a mare by Agamemnon lent : Her, Echepolus to Atrides gave, Anchises' son, that to the wars of Troy

He might not be compelled, but safe at home Enjoy his ease ; for Jove had blessed his store With ample wealth, in Sicyon's wide domain.

345

358

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

Her now he yoked, impatient for the course. The fourth, Antilochus, the gallant son Of Nestor, son of Neleus, mighty chief,

350

Harnessed his sleek-skinned steeds ; of Pylian race Were they who bore his car ; to him, his sire Sage counsel poured in understanding ears : "Antilochus, though young in years thou art, Yet Jove and Neptune love thee, and have well

355

Instructed thee in horsemanship ; of me Thou need'st no counsel ; skilled around the goal To whirl the chariot ; but thou hast, of all, The slowest horses : whence I augur ill. But though their horses have the speed of thine,

360

In skill not one of them surpasses thee. Then thou, dear boy, exert thine every art, That so thou mayst not fail to gain a prize.

By skill, far more than strength, the woodman fells The sturdy oak ; by skill the steersman guides His flying ship across the dark-blue sea, Though shattered by the blast ; ' twixt charioteer And charioteer ' tis skill that draws the line. One, vainly trusting to his coursers' speed,

365

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

Drives reckless here and there ; o'er all the course,

359

370

His horses, unrestrained, at random run. Another, with inferior horses far, But better skilled , still fixing on the goal

His eye, turns closely round, nor overlooks The moment when to draw the rein ; but holds

375

His steady course, and on the leader waits. A mark I give thee now, thou canst not miss : There stands a withered trunk, some six feet high, Of oak, or pine, unrotted by the rain ;

On either side have two white stones been placed,

380

Where meet two roads ; and all around there lies A smooth and level course ; here stood perchance The tomb of one who died long years ago ; Or former generations here have placed, As now Achilles hath decreed, a goal.

385

There drive, as only not to graze the post ; And leaning o'er the wicker body, leave Close on the left the stones ; thine offside horse

Then urge with voice and whip, and slack his rein, And let the nearside horse so closely graze, As that thy nave may seem to touch, the goal :

390

360

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

But yet beware, lest, striking on the stone, Thy steeds thou injure, and thy chariot break, A source of triumph to thy rivals all, Of shame to thee ; but thou sage caution use ;

395

For, following, if thou make the turn the first, Not one of all shall pass thee, or o'ertake ; Not though Arion's self were in the car,

Adrastus' flying steed, of heavenly race, Nor those which here Laomedon possessed."

400

This said, and to his son his counsels given, The aged Nestor to his seat withdrew.

Fifth in the lists Meriones appeared. They mounted on their cars, and cast their lots : Achilles shook the helmet ; first leaped forth

405

The lot of Nestor's son, Antilochus ; Next came the King Eumelus ; after whom

The valiant Meneläus, Atreus' son ; The fourth, Meriones ; and last of all,

But ablest far, Tydides drew his place. They stood in line ; Achilles pointed out, Far on the level plain, the distant goal ; And there in charge the godlike Phoenix placed,

410

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ILIAD .

361

His father's ancient follower, to observe The course assigned, and true report to make.

415

Then all at once their whips they raised, and urged By rein, and hand, and voice, their eager steeds. They from the ships pursued their rapid course Athwart the distant plain ; beneath their chests Rose like a cloud, or hurricane, the dust ;

420

Loose floated on the breeze their ample manes ; The cars now skimmed along the fertile ground, Now bounded high in air ; the charioteers Stood up aloft, and every bosom beat With hope of victory ; each with eager shout

425

Cheering his steeds, that scoured the dusty plain. But when, the farthest limits of the course

Attained, they turned beside the hoary sea, Strained to their utmost speed, were plainly seen The qualities of each ; then in the front

430

Appeared Eumelus' flying mares, and next The Trojan horses of Tydides came : Nor these were far behind, but following close They seemed in act to leap upon the car. Eumelus, on his neck and shoulders broad,

435

362

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

Felt their warm breath ; for o'er him, as they flew, Their heads were downward bent ; and now, perchance . Had he or passed, or made an even race, But that, incensed with valiant Diomed, Apollo wrested from his hands the whip.

440

Then tears of anger from his eyelids fell, As gaining more and more the mares he saw, While, urged no more, his horses slacked their speed . But Pallas marked Apollo's treacherous wile ;

And hasting to the chief, restored his whip,

445

And to his horses strength and courage gave. The Goddess then Admetus' son pursued, And snapped his chariot yoke ; the mares, released, Swerved from the track ; the pole upon the ground Lay loosened from the car ; and he himself

450

Beside the wheel was from the chariot hurled.

From elbows, mouth, and nose, the skin was torn ; His forehead crushed and battered in ; his eyes Were filled with tears, and mute his cheerful voice.

Tydides turned aside, and far ahead Of all the rest, passed on ; for Pallas gave His horses courage, and his triumph willed .

455

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ILIAD .

363

Next him, the fair-haired Meneläus came, The son of Atreus ; but Antilochus Thus to his father's horses called aloud :

460

" Forward, and stretch ye to your utmost speed ; I ask you not with those of Diomed In vain to strive, whom Pallas hath endued With added swiftness, and his triumph willed ; But haste ye, and o'ertake Atrides' car,

Nor be by

465

the, by a mare, disgraced.

Why, my brave horses, why be left behind ? This too I warn ye, and will make it good : No more at Nestor's hand shall ye receive Your provender, but with the sword be slain,

470

If by your faults a lower prize be ours ; Then rouse ye now, and put forth all your speed, And I will so contrive, as not to fail

Of slipping past them in the narrow way." He said ; the horses, of his voice in awe, Put forth their powers awhile ; before them soon

Antilochus the narrow pass espied . It was a gully, where the winter's rain Had lain collected, and had broken through

475

364

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII .

A length of road, and hollowed out the ground :

480

There Meneläus held his cautious course, Fearing collision ; but Antilochus, Drawing his steeds a little from the track, Bore down upon him sideways : then in fear, The son of Atreus to Antilochus

485

Shouted aloud, " Antilochus, thou driv'st Like one insane ; hold in awhile thy steeds ; Here is no space ; where wider grows the road, There thou mayst pass ; but here, thou wilt but cause Our cars to clash, and bring us both to harm .”

490

He said ; but madlier drove Antilochus, Plying the goad, as though he heard him not. Far as a discus' flight, by some stout youth, That tests his vigour, from the shoulder hurled, So far they ran together, side by side :

495

Then dropped Atrides' horses to the rear,

For he himself forbore to urge their speed, Lest, meeting in the narrow pass, the cars Should be o'erthrown, and they themselves, in haste To gain the victory, in the dust be rolled. Then thus, reproachful, to Antilochus :

500

BOOK XXIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

365

"Antilochus, thou most perverse of men! Beshrew thy heart ! we Greeks are much deceived Who give thee fame for wisdom ! yet e'en now Thou shalt not gain, but on thine oath, the prize."

505

He said, and to his horses called aloud : " Slack not your speed, nor, as defeated, mourn ; Their legs and feet will sooner tire than yours, For both are past the vigour of their youth." Thus he ; the horses, of his voice in awe,

510

Put forth their powers, and soon the leaders neared . Meanwhile the chieftains, seated in the ring, Looked for the cars, that scoured the dusty plain. The first to see them was Idomeneus, The Cretan King ; for he, without the ring,

515

Was posted high aloft ; and from afar He heard and knew the foremost horseman's voice ; Well too he knew the gallant horse that led,

All bay the rest, but on his front alone A star of white, full-orbèd as the moon : Then up he rose, and thus the Greeks addressed : "O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece, Can ye too see, or I alone, the cars ?

520

366

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII .

A different chariot seems to me in front, A different charioteer ; and they who first

525

Were leading, must have met with some mischance. I saw them late, ere round the goal they turned, But see them now no more ; though all around My eyes explore the wide-spread plain of Troy. Perchance the charioteer has dropped the reins,

530

Or round the goal he could not hold the mares ; Perchance has missed the turn, and on the plain Is lying now beside his broken car, While from the course his mettled steeds have flown. Stand up, and look yourselves ; I cannot well

535

Distinguish ; but to me it seems a chief, Who reigns o'er Greeks, though of Ætolian race,

The son of Tydeus, valiant Diomed." Sharply Oileus' active son replied : " Idomeneus, why thus, before the time,

540

So rashly speak ? while the high-stepping steeds

Are speeding yet across the distant plain. Thine eyes are not the youngest in the camp, Nor look they out the sharpest from thy head ;

But thou art ever hasty in thy speech,

545

Book XXIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

367

And ill becomes thee this precipitance, Since others are there here, thy betters far. The same are leading now, that led at first, Eumelus' mares ; ' tis he that holds the reins." To whom in anger thus the Cretan chief :

550

66 Ajax, at wrangling good, in judgment naught, And for aught else, among the chiefs of Greece Of small account-so stubborn is thy soul ; Wilt thou a tripod or a caldron stake, And Agamemnon, Atreus' son, appoint

555

The umpire to decide whose steeds are first ? So shalt thou gain thy knowledge at thy cost ." He said

up sprang Oïleus' active son,

In anger to reply ; and farther yet

Had gone the quarrel, but Achilles' self

560

Stood up, and thus the rival chiefs addressed : "Forbear, both Ajax and Idomeneus,

This bitter interchange of wordy war ; It is not seemly ; and yourselves, I know, Another would condemn, who so should speak.

But stay ye here, and seated in the ring, Their coming wait ; they, hurrying to the goal,

565

368

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

Will soon be here ; and then shall each man know Whose horses are the second, whose the first." Thus he ; but Tydeus' son drew near, his lash

570

Still laid upon his horses' shoulder-points ;

As lightly they, high-stepping, scoured the plain . Still on the charioteer the dust was flung ; As close upon the flying-footed steeds Followed the car with gold and tin inlaid ;

575

And lightly, as they flew along, were left Impressed the wheel-tracks on the sandy plain. There in the midst he stood, the sweat profuse Down-pouring from his horses' heads and chests ; Down from the glittering car he leaped to earth,

580

And leaned his whip against the chariot yoke ; Nor long delayed the valiant Sthenelus, But eagerly sprang forth to claim the prize ; Then to his brave companions gave in charge To lead away the woman, and to bear The tripod, while himself unyoked the steeds. Next came the horses of Antilochus, Who had by stratagem, and not by speed, O'er Meneläus triumphed ; yet e'en so

585

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HOMER'S

369

ILIAD .

590

Atrides' flying coursers pressed him hard ; For but so far as from the chariot-wheel

A horse, when harnessed to a royal car ; Whose tail, back-streaming, with the utmost hairs Brushes the felloes ; close before the wheel, Small space between, he scours the wide-spread plain :

595

So far was Meneläus in the rear Of Nestor's son ; at first, a discus' cast Between them lay ; but rapidly his ground He gained Of

so well the speed and courage served 600

the, Agamemnon's beauteous mare ;

And, but a little farther were the course, Had passed him by, nor left the race in doubt.

Behind the noble son of Atreus came, A javelin's flight apart, Meriones,

605

The faithful follower of Idomeneus : His were the slowest horses, and himself The least experienced in the rapid race. Dragging his broken car, came last of all, His horses driven in front, Admetus' son ;

610

Achilles swift of foot with pity saw, And to the Greeks his winged words addressed :

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370

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII .

" See where the best of all the last appears ; But let him take, as meet, the second prize ; The first belongs of right to Tydeus' son." Thus he ; they all assented to his words ;

615 -

And, by the general voice of Greece, the mare Had now been his ; but noble Nestor's son, Antilochus, stood up, his right to claim, And to Achilles, Peleus' son, replied : "Achilles, thou wilt do me grievous wrong,

620

If thou thy words accomplish ; for my prize Thou tak'st away, because mishap befell His car and horses, by no fault of his ;

Yet had he to the Immortals made his prayer, He surely had not thus been last of all.

625

But, pitying him, if so thy mind incline, Thy tents contain good store of gold, and brass, And sheep, and female slaves, and noble steeds ; For him, of these, hereafter mayst thou take A prize of higher value ; or e'en now,

630

And with the applause of all ; but for the mare, I will not give her up ; and let who will

Stand forth, my own right hand shall guard my prize."

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S

371

ILIAD .

He said ; and smiled Achilles swift of foot,

635

Delighted ; for he loved the noble youth, To whom his winged words he thus addressed :

" Antilochus, if such be thy request, That for Eumelus I should add a prize, This too I grant thee ; and to him I give 640

My breastplate, from Asteropæus won, Of brass, around whose edge is rolled a stream

Of shining tin ; a gift of goodly price." He said, and bade Automedon, his friend And comrade, bring the breastplate from his tent ;

645

He went, and brought it ; in Eumelus' hand He placed it ; he with joy the gift received.

Then Meneläus, sad at heart, arose, Burning with wrath against Antilochus ; And while the herald in the monarch's hand His royal sceptre placed, and bade the Greeks

650

Keep silence, thus the godlike hero spoke : 66 Antilochus, till now reputed wise,

What hast thou done ? thou hast impugned my skill, And shamed my horses, who hast brought thine own,

655

Inferior far, before them to the goal. 2 B 2

372

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

But come, ye chiefs and councillors of Greece, Judge ye between us, favouring neither side : That none of all the brass-clad Greeks may say

That Menelaus hath by false reports O'erborne Antilochus, and holds his prize :

660

His horses fairly worsted, and himself

Triumphant only by superior power. Or come now, I myself will judgment give ; Nor deem I any Greek will find to blame In my decision, for ' tis fair and just.

665

Antilochus, come forward, noble chief; And standing, as ' tis meet, before the car And horses, in thy hand the slender whip Wherewith thou drov'st, upon the horses lay Thy hand, and by Earth-shaking Neptune swear

670

That not of malice, and by set design, Thou didst by fraud impede my chariot's course."

To whom Antilochus with prudent speech : "Have patience with me yet ; for I, O King, O Meneläus, am thy junior far ; My elder and superior thee I own. Thou know'st the o'er-eager vehemence of youth,

675

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

373

How quick in temper, and in judgment weak. Set then thy heart at ease ; the mare I won I freely give ; and if aught else of mine

680

Thou shouldst desire, would sooner give it all, Than all my life be lowered, illustrious King, In thine esteem, and sin against the Gods." Thus saying, noble Nestor's son led forth, And placed in Meneläus' hands the mare :

.685

The monarch's soul was melted, like the dew

Which glitters on the ears of growing corn, That bristle o'er the plain ; e'en so thy soul, O Meneläus, melted at his speech ; To whom were thus addressed thy winged words :

690

"Antilochus, at once I lay aside My anger ; thou art prudent, and not apt To be thus led astray ; but now thy youth Thy judgment hath o'erpowered ; seek not henceforth By trickery o'er thine elders to prevail.

To any other man of all the Greeks I scarce so much had yielded ; but for that Thyself hast laboured much, and much endured, Thou, thy good sire, and brother, in my cause ;

695

374

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

I yield me to thy prayers ; and give, to boot,

700

The mare, though mine of right ; that these may know I am not of a harsh, unyielding mood."

He said, and to Noëmon gave in charge, The faithful comrade of Antilochus, The mare ; himself the glittering caldron took.

705

Of gold two talents, to the fourth assigned, Fourth in the race, Meriones received ; Still the fifth prize, a vase with double cup, Remained ; Achilles this to Nestor gave,

Before the assembled Greeks, as thus he spoke :

710

“ Take this, old man, and for an heir-loom keep, In memory of Patroclus' funeral games, Whom thou no more amid the Greeks shalt see. Freely I give it thee ; for thou no more Canst box, or wrestle, or in sportive strife

715

The javelin throw, or race with flying feet ;

For age with heavy hand hath bowed thee down." He said, and placed it in his hand ; the old man Received with joy the gift, and thus replied : " All thou hast said, my son, is simple truth : No firmness now my limbs and feet retain,

720

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

375

Nor can my arms with freedom, as of old, Straight from the shoulder, right and left, strike out.

Oh that such youth and vigour yet were mine, As when the Epeians in Buprasium held

725

The royal Amarynceus' funeral games, And when the monarch's sons his prizes gave ! Then could not one of all the Epeian race, Or Pylians, or Ætolians, vie with me. In boxing, Clytomedes, Enops' son,

730

I vanquished ; then Anchæus, who stood up To wrestle with me, I with ease o'erthrew ; Iphiclus I outran, though fleet of foot ; In hurling with the spear, with Phyleus strove,

And Polydorus, and surpassed them both .

735 *

The sons of Actor in the chariot-race * Alone o'ercame me ; as in number more,* And grudging more my triumph, since remained,

* They being two, while I was only one.

Such I believe to be the true

interpretation of this passage, which, however, is one of admitted difficulty. According to our modern notions, it is not very evident what advantage two men in a car would have over one in another ; nor what would be gained by the division of labour which assigned the reins to one and the whip to the other ; but such , from 1. 740-741, appears to have been the view taken by Homer.

376

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

This contest to reward, the richest prize. They were twin brothers ; one who held the reins,

740

Still drove, and drove ; the other plied the whip . Such was I once ; but now must younger men Engage in deeds like these ; and I, the chief Of heroes once, must bow to weary age. But honour thou with fitting funeral games

745

Thy comrade ; I accept, well-pleased, thy gift, My heart rejoicing that thou still retain'st Of me a kindly memory, nor o'erlook'st The place of honour, which among the Greeks Belongs to me of right ; for this, the Gods

750

Reward thee with a worthy recompense !" He said ; Achilles listened to the praise Of Neleus' son ; then joined the general throng. Next, he set forth the prizes, to reward The labours of the sturdy pugilists ;

755

A hardy mule he tethered in the ring, Unbroken, six years old, most hard to tame ; And for the vanquished man, a double cup ; Then rose, and to the Greeks proclaimed aloud : " Thou son of Atreus, and ye well-greaved Greeks, 760 ·

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

377

For these we bid two champions brave stand forth, And in the boxer's manly toil contend ; And he, whose stern endurance Phoebus crowns With victory, recognized by all the Greeks, He to his tent shall lead the hardy mule ;

765

The loser shall the double cup receive." He said ; up sprang Epeius, tall and stout, A boxer skilled, the son of Panopeus, Who laid his hand upon the mule, and said : " Stand forth, if any care the cup to win ;

770

The mule, methinks, no Greek can bear away From me, who glory in the champion's name. Is't not enough, that in the battle-field I claim no special praise ? 'tis not for man

In all things to excel ; but this I say,

775

And will make good my words, who meets me here, I mean to pound his flesh, and smash his bones. See that his seconds be at hand, and prompt To bear him from the ring, by me subdued."

He said ; they all in silence heard his speech : Only Euryalus, a godlike chief,

Son of Mecistheus, Talaïon's son,

780

378

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

Stood forth opposing ; he had once in Thebes Joined in the funeral games of Edipus,

And there had vanquished all of Cadmian race.

785

On him attended valiant Diomed, With cheering words, and wishes of success. Around his waist he fastened first the belt, Then gave the well-cut gauntlets for his hands,

Of wild bull's hide.

When both were thus equipped,

790

Into the centre of the ring they stepped : There, face to face, with sinewy arms upraised, They stood awhile, then closed ; strong hand with hand Mingling, in rapid interchange of blows. Dire was the clatter of their jaws ; the sweat

795

Poured forth, profuse, from every limb ; then rushed

Epeius on, and full upon the cheek, Half turned aside, let fall a staggering blow ; Nor stood Euryalus ; but, legs and feet Knocked from beneath him, prone to earth he fell ; 800 And as a fish, that flounders on the sand, Thrown by rude Boreas on the weedy beach, Till covered o'er by the returning wave ; So floundered he beneath that stunning blow.

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S ILIAD.

But brave Epeius took him by the hand,

379

805

And raised him up ; his comrades crowded round And bore him from the field, with dragging steps, Spitting forth clotted gore, his heavy head

Rolling from side to side ; within his tent They laid him down, unconscious ; to the ring

810

Then back returning, bore away the cup. Achilles next before the Greeks displayed The prizes of the hardy wrestlers' skill : The victor's prize, a tripod vast, fire-proof, And at twelve oxen by the Greeks appraised ;

815

And for the vanquished man, a female slave Priced at four oxen, skilled in household work. Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaimed, " Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay." He said ; and straight uprose the giant form

820

Of Ajax Telamon : with him uprose Ulysses, skilled in every crafty wile.

Girt with the belt, within the ring they stood, And each, with stalwart grasp, laid hold on each ;

As stand two rafters of a lofty house, Each propping each, by skilful architect

825

380

HOMER'S ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII.

Designed the tempest's fury to withstand. Creaked their backbones beneath the tug and strain Of those strong arms ; their sweat poured down like rain ; And bloody weals of livid purple hue

830

Their sides and shoulders streaked, as sternly they For victory and the well-wrought tripod strove.

Nor could Ulysses Ajax overthrow, Nor Ajax bring Ulysses to the ground,

So stubbornly he stood ; but when the Greeks

835

Were weary of the long-protracted strife,

Thus to Ulysses mighty Ajax spoke : 66 Ulysses sage, Laertes' godlike son, Or lift thou me, or I will thee uplift : The issue of our struggle rests with Jove."

840

He said, and raised Ulysses from the ground ; Nor he his ancient craft remembered not, But locked his leg around, and striking sharp

Upon the hollow of the knee, the joint Gave way ; the giant Ajax backwards fell, Ulysses on his breast ; the people saw,

And marvelled.

Then in turn Ulysses strove

Ajax to lift ; a little way he moved,

845

BOOK XXIII.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

381

But failed to lift him fairly from the ground ; Yet crooked his knee, that both together fell,

850

And side by side, defiled with dust, they lay, And now a third encounter had they tried But rose Achilles, and the combat stayed : " Forbear, nor waste your strength in farther strife ; Ye both are victors ; both then bear away

855

An equal meed of honour ; and withdraw,

That other Greeks may other contests wage." Thus spoke Achilles ; they his words obeyed, And brushing off the dust, their garments donned . The prizes of the runners, swift of foot,

860

Achilles next set forth ; a silver bowl, Six measures its content, for workmanship Unmatched on earth, of Sidon's costliest art The product rare ; thence o'er the misty sea Brought by Phoenicians, who, in port arrived,

865

Gave it to Thoas : by Eunëus last, The son of Jason, to Patroclus paid, In ransom of Lycaon, Priam's son ; Which now Achilles, on his friend's behalf, Assigned as his reward, whoe'er should prove

870

382

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII .

The lightest foot, and speediest in the race. A steer, well fattened, was the second prize, And half a talent, for the third, of gold. He rose, and to the Greeks proclaimed aloud, " Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay."

875

He said : uprose Oileus' active son ; Uprose Ulysses, skilled in every wile,

And noble Nestor's son, Antilochus, Who all the youth in speed of foot surpassed . They stood in line : Achilles pointed out

880

The limits of the course ; as from the goal They stretched them to the race, Oïleus' son First shot ahead ; Ulysses following close ; Nor farther than the shuttle from the breast Of some fair woman, when her outstretched arm

885

Has thrown the woof athwart the warp, and back Withdraws it toward her breast ; so close behind Ulysses pressed on Ajax, and his feet Trod in his steps, ere settled yet the dust. His breath was on his shoulders, as the plain He lightly skimmed ; the Greeks with eager shouts Still cheering, as he strained to win the prize.

890

BOOK XXIII .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

383

But as they neared the goal, Ulysses thus To blue-eyed Pallas made his mental prayer : " Now hear me, Goddess, and my feet befriend .”

895

Thus as he prayed, his prayer the Goddess heard, And all his limbs with active vigour filled ; And, as they stretched their hands to seize the prize, Tripped up by Pallas, Ajax slipped and fell,

Amid the offal of the lowing kine

900

Which o'er Patroclus Peleus' son had slain. His mouth and nostrils were with offal filled .

First in the race, Ulysses bore away The silver bowl ; the steer to Ajax fell ; And as upon the. horn he laid his hand,

905

Sputtering the offal out, he called aloud : 66

Lo, how the Goddess has my steps bewrayed, Who guards Ulysses with a mother's care."

Thus as he spoke, loud laughed the merry Greeks. Antilochus the sole remaining prize Received, and, laughing, thus the Greeks addressed : " I tell you, friends, but what yourselves do know, How of the elder men the immortal Gods Take special care ; for Ajax' years not much

910

384

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

Exceed mine own ; but here we see a man,

915

One of a former age, and race of men ; A hale old man we call him ; but for speed Not one can match him, save Achilles' self.” Thus he, with praise implied of Peleus' son ; To whom in answer thus Achilles spoke :

920

66 Antilochus, not unobserved of me Nor unrewarded shall thy praise remain :

To thy half talent add this second half." Thus saying, in his hand he placed the gold ; Antilochus with joy the gift received .

925

Next, in the ring the son of Peleus laid

A ponderous spear, a helmet, and a shield, The spoil Patroclus from Sarpedon won ; Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaimed : " For these we call upon two champions brave

930

To don their arms, their sharp-edged weapons grasp, And public trial of their prowess make ; And he who first his rival's flesh shall reach, And, through his armour piercing, first draw blood, He shall this silver-studded sword receive, My trophy from Asteropæus won,

935

BOOK XXIII .

HOMER'S

385

ILIAD .

Well-wrought, of Thracian metal ; but the arms In common property they both shall hold, And in my tent a noble banquet share.”

940

He said ; uprose great Ajax Telamon,

And Tydeus' son, the valiant Diomed. First, from the crowd apart, they donned their arms ; Then, eager for the fight, with haughty stare

Stood in the midst ; the Greeks admiring gazed . When, each approaching other, near they came,

945

Thrice rushed they on, and thrice in combat closed . Then through the buckler round of Diomed Great Ajax drove his spear ; nor reached the point Tydides' body, by the breastplate stayed : While, aimed above the mighty shield's defence,

950

His glittering weapon flashed at Ajax' throat. For Ajax fearing, shouted then the Greeks To cease the fight, and share alike the prize ; But from Achilles' hand the mighty sword, 955

With belt and scabbard, Diomed received. Next in the ring the son of Peleus placed A ponderous mass of iron, as a quoit Once wielded by Eëtion's giant strength, VOL. II.

2 c

386

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

But to the ships with other trophies borne, When by Achilles' hand Eëtion fell.

960

Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaimed : " Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay. This prize who wins, though widely may extend His fertile fields, for five revolving years . It will his wants supply ; nor to the town

965

For lack of iron, with this mass in store, Need he his shepherd or his ploughman send."

He said ; and valiant Polypoetes rose, Epeius, and Leonteus' godlike strength,

And mighty Ajax, son of Telamon.

970

In turns they took their stand ; Epeius first Upraised the ponderous mass, and through the air Hurled it, amid the laughter of the Greeks. Next came Leonteus, scion true of Mars ; The third was Ajax ; from whose stalwart hand

975

Beyond the farthest mark the missile flew. But when the valiant Polypotes took The quoit in hand, far as a herdsman throws His staff, that, whirling, flies among the herd ; So far beyond the ring's extremest bound

980

BOOK XXIII .

387

HOMER'S ILIAD.

He threw the ponderous mass ; loud were the shouts ;

And noble Polypoetes' comrades rose, And to the ships the monarch's gift conveyed. The archers' prizes next, of iron hoar,

985

Ten sturdy axes, double-edged, he placed,

And single hatchets ten ; then far away Reared on the sand a dark-prowed vessel's mast, On which, with slender string, a timorous dove Was fastened by the foot, the archers' mark ; That who should strike the dove, should to his tent 990 The axes bear away ; but who the string Should sever, but should fail to strike the bird, As less in skill, the hatchets should receive.

Thus spoke Achilles ; straight uprose the might

995

Of royal Teucer, and Meriones, The faithful follower of Idomeneus . They in a brass-bound helmet shook the lots . The first was Teucer's ; with impetuous force He shot ; but vowed not to the Archer-King

1000

Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb. The dove he struck not, for the Archer-God Withheld his aid ; but close beside her foot 2 c 2

388

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIII .

The arrow severed the retaining string. The bird released, soared heavenward ; while the string . Dropped, from the mast suspended, towards the earth, 1005 And loudly shouted their applause the Greeks . Then snatched Meriones in haste the bow From Teucer's hand ; his own already held His arrow, pointed straight ; he drew the string, And to the far-destroying King he vowed

1010

Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb. Aloft amid the clouds he marked the dove, And struck her, as she soared, beneath the wing : Right through the arrow passed ; and to the earth Returning, fell beside Meriones.

1015

The bird upon the dark-prowed vessel's mast Lighted awhile ; anon, with drooping head, And pinions fluttering vain, afar she fell, Lifeless ; the admiring crowd with wonder gazed. Meriones the axes bore away, While Teucer to the ships the hatchets bore. Last, in the ring the son of Peleus laid A ponderous spear, and caldron, burnished bright, Priced at an ox's worth, untouched by fire,

1020

Book XXIII .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

For those who with the javelin would contend .

389

1025

Uprose then Agamemnon, King of men, The son of Atreus, and Meriones,

The faithful follower of Idomeneus ; But Peleus' godlike son addressed them thus : " How far, Atrides, thou excell'st us all,

1030

And with the javelin what thy power and skill Pre-eminent, we know ; take thou this prize, And bear it to thy ships ; and let us give To brave Meriones the brazen spear ; If so it please thee, such were my advice."

1035

He said ; and Agamemnon, King of men, Assenting, gave to brave Meriones

The brazen spear ; while in Talthybius' care, His herald, placed the King his noble prize.

1039

390

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK

XXIV.

BOOK XXIV .

HE games were ended, and the multitude THE Amid the ships their several ways dispersed : Some to their supper, some to gentle sleep Yielding, delighted ; but Achilles still Mourned o'er his loved companion ; not on him

5 K

Lighted all-conquering sleep, but to and fro Restless he tossed, and on Patroclus thought, His vigour and his courage ; all the deeds They two together had achieved ; the toils, The perils they had undergone, amid

The strife of warriors, and the angry waves. Stirred by such memories, bitter tears he shed ; Now turning on his side, and now again Upon his back ; then prone upon his face ; Then starting to his feet, along the shore All objectless, despairing, would he roam ; Nor did the morn, above the sea appearing,

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

391

Unmarked of him arise ; his flying steeds He then would harness, and, behind the car The corpse of Hector trailing in the dust,

Thrice make the circuit of Patroclus' tomb ;

Then would he turn within his tent to rest, Leaving the prostrate corpse with dust defiled ; But from unseemly marks the valiant dead

Apollo guarded, who with pity viewed

The hero, though in death ; and round him threw His golden ægis ; nor, though dragged along, Allowed his body to receive a wound.

Thus foully did Achilles in his rage Misuse the mighty dead ; the blessed Gods

With pitying grief beheld the sight, and urged

That Hermes should by stealth the corpse remove. The counsel pleased the rest ; but Juno still, And Neptune, and the blue-eyed Maid, retained

Troy and her King and people they pursued ; Since Paris to the rival Goddesses, Who to his sheepfold came, gave deep offence,

Preferring her who brought him in return

1133

The hatred, unappeased, with which of old

392

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV

The fatal boon of too successful love.

But when the twelfth revolving day was come, Apollo thus the assembled Gods addressed : " Shame on ye, Gods, ungrateful ! have ye not, At Hector's hand, of bulls and choicest goats 1 Received your offerings meet ? and fear ye now

E'en his dead corpse to save, and grant his wife, His mother, and his child, his aged sire And people, to behold him, and to raise His funeral pile, and with due rites entomb ? But fell Achilles all your aid commands ;

Of mind unrighteous, and inflexible His stubborn heart ; his thoughts are all of blood ; E'en as a lion, whom his mighty strength And dauntless courage lead to leap the fold,

And 'mid the trembling flocks to seize his prey ;

E'en so Achilles hath discarded ruth, And conscience, arbiter of good and ill. A man may lose his best-loved friend, a son, Or his own mother's son, a brother dear : He mourns and weeps, but time his grief allays, For fate to man a patient mind hath given :

1 60

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

393

But godlike Hector's body, after death, Achilles, unrelenting, foully drags, Lashed to his car, around his comrade's tomb. This is not to his praise ; though brave he be,

Yet thus our anger he may justly rouse, Who in his rage insults the senseless clay."

To whom, indignant, white-armed Juno thus : " Some show of reason were there in thy speech, God of the silver bow, could Hector boast

Of equal dignity with Peleus' son. A mortal one, and nursed at woman's breast ; The other, of a Goddess born, whom I

In marriage ; gave to Peleus, best beloved

Nurtured and reared, and to a mortal gave 75

By all the Immortals, of the race of man. Ye, Gods, attended all the marriage rites ; Thou too, companion base, false friend, wast there, And, playing on thy lyre, didst share the feast ." To whom the Cloud-compeller answered thus : " Juno, restrain thy wrath ; they shall not both

Attain like honour ; yet was Hector once, Of all the mortals that in Ilium dwell,

394

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Dearest to all the Gods, and chief to me ; For never did he fail his gifts to bring,

And with burnt-offerings and libations due My altars crown ; such worship I received . Yet shall bold Hector's body, not without The knowledge of Achilles, be removed ; For day and night his Goddess-mother keeps

Her constant watch beside him.

Then, some God

Bid Thetis hither to my presence haste ; And I with prudent words will counsel her,

Large ransom take, and set brave Hector free."

535

That so Achilles may at Priam's hand 95

He said ; and promptly on his errand sprang The storm-swift Iris ; in the dark-blue sea She plunged, midway ' twixt Imbros' rugged shore And Samos' isle ; the parting waters plashed, As down to ocean's lowest depths she dropped,

100

Like to a plummet, which the fisherman Lets fall, encased in wild bull's horn, to bear Destruction to the sea's voracious tribes. There found she Thetis in a hollow cave, Around her ranged the Ocean Goddesses :

105

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

395

She, in the midst, was weeping o'er the fate Her matchless son awaiting, doomed to die

Far from his home, on fertile plains of Troy. Swift-footed Iris at her side appeared, And thus addressed her : " Hasten, Thetis ; Jove,

110

Lord of immortal counsel, summons thee." To whom the silver-footed Goddess thus :

" What would with me the mighty King of Heaven ? Pressed as I am with grief, I am ashamed To mingle with the Gods ; yet will I go :

115

Nor shall he speak in vain, whate'er his words." Thus as she spoke, her veil the Goddess took, All black, than which none deeper could be found ; She rose to go ; the storm-swift Iris led

The way before her ; ocean's parted waves

120

Around their path receded ; to the beach

Ascending, upwards straight to Heaven they sprang. The all-seeing son of Saturn there they found, And ranged around him all the immortal Gods. Pallas made way ; and by the throne of Jove Sat Thetis, Juno proffering to her hand A goblet fair of gold, and adding words

125

396

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

Of welcome ; she the cup received, and drank. Then thus began the sire of Gods and men : " Thou, Thetis, sorrowing to Olympus com'st,

130

Borne down by ceaseless grief ; I know it well ; Yet hear the cause for which I summoned thee.

About Achilles, thy victorious son, And valiant Hector's body, for nine days Hath contest been in Heaven ; and some have urged 135

That Hermes should by stealth the corpse remove. This to Achilles' praise I mean to turn, And thus thy reverence and thy love retain. Then haste thee to the camp, and to thy son My message bear ; tell him that all the Gods

140

Are filled with wrath ; and I above the rest Am angry, that beside the beaked ships, He, mad with rage, the corpse of Hector keeps : So may he fear me, and restore the dead. Iris meantime to Priam I will send, And bid him seek the Grecian ships, and there Obtain his son's release ; and with him bring Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart."

He said ; the silver-footed Queen obeyed ;

145

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Down from Olympus' heights in haste she sped,

397

150

And sought her son ; him found she in his tent, Groaning with anguish, while his comrades round, Plying their tasks, prepared the morning meal. For them a goodly sheep, full-fleeced, was slain. Close by his side his Goddess-mother stood,

155

And gently touched him with her hand, and said, " How long, my son, wilt thou thy soul consume With grief and mourning, mindful nor of food Nor sleep ? nor dost thou wisely, to abstain From woman's love ; for short thy time on earth :

160

Death and imperious fate are close at hand. Hear then my words ; a messenger from Jove To thee I come, to tell thee that the Gods Are filled with wrath, and he above the rest

Is angry, that beside the beaked ships

165

Thou, mad with rage, the corpse of Hector keep'st.

Then ransom take, and liberate the dead." To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied : " So be it ; ransom let him bring, and bear

His dead away, if such the will of Jove." Thus, in the concourse of the ships, they two,

170

398

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Mother and son, their lengthened converse held. Then Saturn's son to Iris gave command : " Haste thee, swift Iris, from Olympus ' height, To Troy, to royal Priam bear my words ;

175

And bid him seek the Grecian ships, and there Obtain his son's release ; and with him take Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart. Alone, no Trojan with him, must he go ; Yet may a herald on his steps attend,

180

Some aged man, his smoothly-rolling car And mules to drive ; and to the city back To bring his dead, whom great Achilles slew. Nor let the fear of death disturb his mind : Hermes shall with him, as his escort, go,

185

And to Achilles' presence safely bring. Arrived within the tent, nor he himself Will slay him, but from others will protect.

Not ignorant is he, nor void of sense, Nor disobedient to the Gods' behest ; But will with pitying eyes his suppliant view." He said ; and on his errand sped in haste The storm-swift Iris ; when to Priam's house

190

Book XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

399

She came, the sounds of wailing met her ear. Within the court, around their father, sat

195

His sons, their raiment all bedewed with tears ; And in the midst, close covered with his robe, Their sire, his head and neck with dirt defiled , Which, wallowing on the earth, himself had heaped, With his own hands, upon his hoary head .

200

Throughout the house his daughters loudly wailed

In memory of the many and the brave Who lay in death, by Grecian warriors slain.

Beside him stood the messenger of Jove, And whispered, while his limbs with terror shook :

205

" Fear nothing, Priam, son of Dardanus,

Nor let thy mind be troubled ; not for ill, But here on kindly errand am I sent :

To thee I come, a messenger from Jove, Who from on high looks down on thee with eyes

210

Of pitying love ; he bids thee ransom home The godlike Hector's corpse ; and with thee take

Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart. Alone, no Trojan with thee, must thou go ; Yet may a herald on thy steps attend,

215

400

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Some aged man, thy smoothly-rolling car And mules to drive, and to the city back To bring thy dead, whom great Achilles slew. Nor let the fear of death disturb thy mind : Hermes shall with thee, as thine escort, go,

220

And to Achilles ' presence safely bring. Arrived within the tent, nor he himself Will slay thee, but from others will protect ; Not ignorant is he, nor void of sense, Nor disobedient to the Gods' behest,

225

But will with pitying eyes his suppliant view." Swift-footed Iris said, and vanished straight :

He to his sons commandment gave, the mules To yoke beneath the smoothly-rolling car, And on the axle fix the wicker seat.

230

Himself the lofty cedar-chamber sought,

Fragrant, high-roofed, with countless treasures stored ; And called to Hecuba his wife, and said, "Good wife, a messenger from Jove hath come, Who bids me seek the Grecian ships, and there Obtain my son's release ; and with me take

Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart.

235

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S

401

ILIAD.

Say then, what think'st thou ? for my mind inclines

To seek the ships within the Grecian camp." 240

So he ; but Hecuba lamenting cried,

66 Alas, alas ! where are thy senses gone ? And where the wisdom, once of high repute ' Mid strangers, and ' mid those o'er whom thou reign'st ? How canst thou think alone to seek the ships, Entering his presence, who thy sons hath slain,

245

Many and brave ? an iron heart is thine !

Of that bloodthirsty and perfidious man, If thou within the sight and reach shalt come, No pity will he feel, no reverence show :

250

Rather remain we here apart and mourn ; For him, when at his birth his thread of life Was spun by fate, ' twas destined that afar From home and parents, he should glut the maw Of ravening dogs, by that stern warrior's tent,

255

Whose inmost heart I would I could devour : Such for my son were adequate revenge, Whom not in ignominious flight he slew ; But standing, thoughtless of escape or flight, For Trojan men and Troy's deep-bosomed dames. VOL. II.

2 D

402

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire :

260

" Seek not to hinder me ; nor be thyself A bird of evil omen in my house ; For thou shalt not persuade me.

If indeed

This message had been brought by mortal man , Prophet, or seer, or sacrificing priest,

265

I should have deemed it false, and laughed to scorn The idle tale ; but now (for I myself Both saw and heard the Goddess) I must go ; Nor unfulfilled shall be the words I speak : And if indeed it be my fate to die

270

Beside the vessels of the brass-clad Greeks, I am content ! by fierce Achilles' hand Let me be slain, so once more in my arms I hold my boy, and give my sorrow vent." Then raising up the coffer's polished lid ,

275

He chose twelve gorgeous shawls, twelve single cloaks,

As many rugs, as many splendid robes, As many tunics ; then of gold he took Ten talents full ; two tripods, burnished bright,

Four caldrons ; then a cup of beauty rare, A rich possession, which the men of Thrace

280

BOOK XXIV .

403

HOMER'S ILIAD .

Had given, when there he went ambassador ; E'en this he spared not, such his keen desire His son to ransom .

From the corridor

With angry words he drove the Trojans all :

285

" Out with ye, worthless rascals, vagabonds ! Have ye no griefs at home, that here ye come To pester me ? or is it not enough

That Jove with deep affliction visits me,

290

Slaying my bravest son ? ye to your cost

Shall know his loss : since now that he is gone, The Greeks shall find you easier far to slay. But may my eyes be closed in death, ere see

The city sacked, and utterly destroyed." He said, and with his staff drove out the crowd ;

295

Before the old man's anger fled they all ; Then to his sons in threatening tone he cried ; To Paris, Helenus, and Agathon,

Pammon, Antiphonus, Polites brave,

300

Deiphobus, and bold Hippothöus, And godlike Dius ; all these nine with threats

And angry taunts the aged sire assailed : "Haste, worthless sons, my scandal and my shame ! 2 D 2

404

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

Would that ye all beside the Grecian ships In Hector's stead had died ! Oh woe is me,

305

Who have begotten sons, in all the land The best and bravest ; now remains not one ; Mestor, and Troilus, dauntless charioteer, And Hector, who a God ' mid men appeared, Nor like a mortal's offspring, but a God's :

310

All these hath Mars cut off ; and left me none, None but the vile and refuse ; liars all, Vain skipping coxcombs, in the dance alone, And in nought else renowned ; base plunderers, From their own countrymen, of lambs and kids.

315

When, laggards, will ye harness me the car Equipped with all things needed for the way ? " He said ; they quailed beneath their father's wrath, And brought the smoothly-running mule-wain out, Well-framed, new-built ; and fixed the wicker seat ;

320

Then from the peg the mule-yoke down they took, Of boxwood wrought, with boss and rings complete ; And with the yoke, the yoke-band brought they forth, Nine cubits long ; and to the polished pole

At the far end attached ; the breast-rings then

325

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S ILIAD .

405

Fixed to the pole-piece ; and on either side Thrice round the knob the leathern thong they wound,

And bound it fast, and inward turned the tongue. Then the rich ransom, from the chambers brought,

Of Hector's head, upon the wain they piled ;

330

And yoked the strong-hoofed mules, to harness trained, The Mysians' splendid present to the King : To Priam's car they harnessed then the steeds,

Which he himself at polished manger fed. Deep thoughts revolving, in the lofty halls

335

Were met the herald and the aged King, When Hecuba with troubled mind drew near ; In her right hand a golden cup she bore Of luscious wine, that ere they took their way They to the Gods might due libations pour ;

340

Before the car she stood, and thus she spoke : " Take, and to father Jove thine offering pour, And pray that he may bring thee safely home From all thy foes ; since sore against my will Thou needs wilt venture to the ships of Greece. Then to Idæan Jove, the cloud-girt son Of Saturn , who the expanse of Troy surveys ,

345

406

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Prefer thy prayer, beseeching him to send, On thy right hand, a winged messenger, The bird he loves the best, of strongest flight ;

350

That thou thyself mayst see and know the sign, And, firm in faith, approach the ships of Greece. But should all-seeing Jove the sign withhold, Then not with my consent shouldst thou attempt, Whate'er thy wish, to reach the Grecian ships."

355

To whom, in answer, godlike Priam thus : " O woman, I refuse not to obey

Thy counsel ; good it is to raise the hands In prayer to Heaven, and Jove's protection seek." The old man said ; and bade the attendant pour

360

Pure water on his hands ; with ewer she, And basin, stood beside him : from his wife,

The due ablutions made, he took the cup ; Then in the centre of the court he stood, And as he poured the wine, looked up to Heaven,

And thus with voice uplifted prayed aloud : 66 "O father Jove, who rul'st on Ida's height, Most great, most glorious ! grant that I may find Some pity in Achilles' heart ; and send,

365

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

407

On my right hand, a wingèd messenger,

370

The bird thou lov'st the best, of strongest flight, That I myself may see and know the sign, And, firm in faith, approach the ships of Greece." Thus as he prayed, the Lord of counsel heard ; And sent forthwith an eagle, feathered king,

375

Dark bird of chase, and Dusky thence surnamed : Wide as the portals, well secured with bolts, That guard some wealthy monarch's lofty hall, On either side his ample pinions spread. On the right hand appeared he, far above

380

The city soaring ; they the favouring sign With joy beheld, and every heart was cheered. Mounting his car in haste, the aged King

Drove through the court, and through the echoing porch ; The mules in front, by sage Idæus driven,

385 *

That drew the four-wheeled wain ; behind them came The horses, down the city's steep descent Urged by the old man to speed ; the crowd of friends That followed mourned for him, as doomed to death.

Descended from the city to the plain, His sons and sons-in-law to Ilium took

390

408

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Their homeward way ; advancing o'er the plain They two escaped not Jove's all-seeing eye ; Pitying he saw the aged sire ; and thus At once to Hermes spoke, his much-loved son :

395

66 'Hermes, for thou in social converse lov'st To mix with men, and hear'st whome'er thou wilt ; Haste thee, and Priam to the Grecian ships So lead, that none of all the Greeks may see Ere to Achilles' presence he attain."

400

He said ; nor disobeyed the heavenly Guide ; His golden sandals on his feet he bound, Ambrosial work ; which bore him o'er the waves, Swift as the wind, and o'er the wide-spread earth ; Then took his rod, wherewith he seals at will

405

The eyes of men, and wakes again from sleep. This in his hand he bore, and sprang for flight. Soon the wide Hellespont he reached, and Troy, And passed in likeness of a princely youth, In opening manhood, fairest term of life.

The twain had passed by Ilus' lofty tomb, And halted there the horses and the mules Beside the margin of the stream to drink ;

410

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

409

For darkness now was creeping o'er the earth : When through the gloom the herald Hermes saw

415

Approaching near, to Priam thus he cried : "O son of Dardanus, bethink thee well ; Of prudent counsel great is now our need . A man I see, and fear he means us ill. Say, with the horses shall we fly at once,

420

Or clasp his knees, and for his mercy sue ? " The old man heard, his mind confused with dread ; So grievously he feared, that every hair Upon his bended limbs did stand on end ; He stood astounded ; but the Guardian-God

425

Approached, and took him by the hand, and said : "Where, father, goest thou thus with horse and mule In the still night, when men are sunk in sleep ? And fear'st thou not the slaughter-breathing Greeks, Thine unrelenting foes, and they so near ?

430

If any one of them should see thee now, So richly laden in the gloom of night,

How wouldst thou feel ? thou art not young thyself, And this old man, thy comrade, would avail But little to protect thee from assault.

435

410

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

I will not harm thee, nay will shield from harm, For like my father's is, methinks, thy face."

To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire : "" Tis as thou say'st, fair son ; yet hath some God Extended o'er me his protecting hand,

440

Who sends me such a guide, so opportune.

Blessed are thy parents in a son so graced In face and presence, and of mind so wise." To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God : " O father, well and wisely dost thou speak ;

445

But tell me this, and truly : dost thou bear These wealthy treasures to some foreign land, That they for thee in safety may be stored ? Or have ye all resolved to fly from Troy

In fear, your bravest slain, thy gallant son,

450

Who never from the Greeks' encounter flinched ? " To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire : "Who art thou, noble Sir, and what thy race, That speak'st thus fairly of my hapless son ?" To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God :

66 Try me, old man ; of godlike Hector ask ; For often in the glory-giving fight

455

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD.

411

These eyes have seen him ; chief, when to the ships The Greeks he drove, and with the sword destroyed. We gazed in wonder ; from the fight restrained

460

By Peleus' son, with Agamemnon wroth.. His follower I ; one ship conveyed us both ; One of the Myrmidons I am ; my sire Polyctor, rich, but aged, e'en as thou. Six sons he hath, besides myself, the seventh ;

465

And I by lot was drafted for the war. I from the ships am to the plain come forth ; For with the dawn of day the keen-eyed Greeks

Will round the city marshal their array. They chafe in idleness ; the chiefs in vain

470

Strive to restrain their ardour for the fight."

To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire : "If of Achilles, Peleus' son, thou art Indeed a follower, tell me all the truth ; Lies yet my son beside the Grecian ships, Or hath Achilles torn him limb from limb, And to his dogs the mangled carcase given ?" To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God : " On him, old man, nor dogs nor birds have fed,

475

412

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

But by the ship of Peleus' son he lies

480

HOMER'S

Within the tent ; twelve days he there hath lain, Nor hath corruption touched his flesh, nor worms, That wont to prey on men in battle slain. The corpse, indeed, with each returning morn, Around his comrade's tomb Achilles drags,

485

Yet leaves it still uninjured ; thou thyself Mightst see how fresh, as dew-besprent, he lies,

From blood-stains cleansed, and closed his many wounds, For many a lance was buried in his corpse. So, e'en in death, the blessed Gods above,

490

Who loved him well, protect thy noble son." He said ; the old man rejoicing heard his words, And answered, " See, my son, how good it is To give the immortal Gods their tribute due ;

For never did my son, while yet he lived,

495

Neglect the Gods who on Olympus dwell ; And thence have they remembered him in death.

Accept, I pray, this goblet rich-embossed ; Be thou my guard, and, under Heaven, my guide, Until I reach the tent of Peleus' son." To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God :

500

Book XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

413

“ Old father, me thy younger wouldst thou tempt, In vain ; who bidd'st me at thy hands accept Thy proffered presents, to Achilles' wrong. I dread his anger ; and should hold it shame

505

To plunder him, through fear of future ill. But, as thy guide, I could conduct thee safe, As far as Argos, journeying by thy side, On ship-board or on foot ; nor by the fault Of thy conductor shouldst thou meet with harm."

510

Thus spoke the Guardian God, and on the car Mounting in haste, he took the whip and reins, And with fresh vigour mules and horses filled . When to the ship-towers and the trench they came, The guard had late been busied with their meal ;

515

And with deep sleep the heavenly Guide o'erspread The eyes of all ; then opened wide the gates, And pushed aside the bolts, and led within Both Priam, and the treasure-laden wain.

But when they reached Achilles' lofty tent, (Which for their King the Myrmidons had built Of fir-trees felled, and overlaid the roof With rushes mown from off the neighbouring mead ;

520

414

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

And all around a spacious court enclosed With cross-set palisades ; a single bar

525

Of fir the gateway guarded, which to shut Three men, of all the others, scarce sufficed, And three to open ; but Achilles' hand Unaided shut with ease the massive bar) Then for the old man Hermes oped the gate,

530

And brought within the court the gifts designed For Peleus' godlike son ; then from the car Sprang to the ground, and thus to Priam spoke : " Old man, a God hath hither been thy guide ; Hermes I am, and sent to thee from Jove,

535

Father of all, to bring thee safely here. I now return, nor to Achilles' eyes Will I appear ; beseems it not a God To greet a mortal in the sight of all. But go thou in, and clasp Achilles' knees,

540

And supplicate him for his father's sake, His fair-haired mother's, and his child's, that so

Thy words may stir an answer in his heart." Thus saying, Hermes to Olympus' heights Returned ; and Priam from his chariot sprang,

545

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

415

And left Idæus there, in charge to keep The horses and the mules, while he himself Entered the dwelling straight, where wont to sit Achilles, loved of Heaven.

The chief he found

Within, his followers seated all apart ;

550

Two only in his presence ministered, The brave Automedon, and Alcimus, A warrior bold ; scarce ended the repast Of food and wine ; the table still was set. Great Priam entered, unperceived of all ;

555

And standing by Achilles, with his arms Embraced his knees, and kissed those fearful hands, Blood-stained, which many of his sons had slain. As when a man, by cruel fate pursued, In his own land hath shed another's blood,

560

And flying, seeks beneath some wealthy house A foreign refuge ; wondering, all behold : On godlike Priam so with wonder gazed Achilles ; wonder seized the attendants all, And one to other looked ; then Priam thus To Peleus' son his suppliant speech addressed : " Think, great Achilles, rival of the Gods,

565

416

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

Upon thy father, e'en as I myself

Upon the threshold of unjoyous age : And haply he, from them that dwell around

570

May suffer wrong, with no protector near To give him aid ; yet he, rejoicing, knows That thou still liv'st ; and day by day may hope To see his son returning safe from Troy ;

While I, all hapless, that have many sons,

575

The best and bravest through the breadth of Troy, Begotten, deem that none are left me now. Fifty there were, when came the sons of Greece ; Nineteen the offspring of a single womb ; The rest, the women of my household bore.

580

Of these have many by relentless Mars Been laid in dust ; but he, my only one, The city's and his brethren's sole defence, He, bravely fighting in his country's cause, Hector, but lately by thy hand hath fallen : On his behalf I venture to approach The Grecian ships ; for his release to thee

To make my prayer, and priceless ransom pay. Then thou, Achilles, reverence the Gods ;

585

BOOK XXIV .

417

HOMER'S ILIAD.

590

And, for thy father's sake, look pitying down On me, more needing pity ; since I bear Such grief as never man on earth hath borne, Who stoop to kiss the hand that slew my son." Thus as he spoke, within Achilles' breast

595

Fond memory of his father rose ; he touched

The old man's hand, and gently put him by ; Then wept they both, by various memories stirred : One, prostrate at Achilles' feet, bewailed

His warrior son ; Achilles for his sire, 600

And for Patroclus wept, his comrade dear ; And through the house their weeping loud was heard.

But when Achilles had indulged his grief, And eased the yearning of his heart and limbs, Uprising, with his hand the aged sire,

605

Pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, He raised, and thus with gentle words addressed :

66 Alas, what sorrows, poor old man, are thine ! How couldst thou venture to the Grecian ships Alone, and to the presence of the man

Whose hand hath slain so many of thy sons,

610

Many and brave ? an iron heart is thine ! VOL. II.

2 E

418

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

But sit thou on this seat ; and in our hearts, Though filled with grief, let us that grief suppress ; For woful lamentation nought avails. Such is the thread the Gods for mortals spin,

615

To live in woe, while they from cares are free. Two coffers lie beside the door of Jove, With gifts for man : one good, the other ill ; To whom from each the Lord of lightning gives, Him sometimes evil, sometimes good befalls ;

620

To whom the ill alone, him foul disgrace And grinding misery o'er the earth pursue : By God and man alike despised he roams.

Thus from his birth the Gods to Peleus gave Excellent gifts ; with wealth and substance blessed

625

Above his fellows ; o'er the Myrmidons He ruled with sovereign sway ; and Heaven bestowed

On him, a mortal, an immortal bride. Yet this of ill was mingled in his lot, That in his house no rising race he saw Of future Kings ; one only son he had, One doomed to early death ; nor is it mine

To tend my father's age ; but far from home

630

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

419

Thee and thy sons in Troy I vex with war. Much have we heard too of thy former wealth ;

635

Above what Lesbos northward, Macar's seat, Contains, and Upper Phrygia, and the shores Of boundless Hellespont, ' tis said that thou In wealth and number of thy sons wast blessed.

But since on thee this curse the Gods have brought, 640 Still round thy city war and slaughter rage. Bear up, nor thus with grief incessant mourn ; Vain is thy sorrow for thy gallant son ;

Thou canst not raise him, and mayst suffer more."

645

To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire : "Tell me not yet, illustrious chief, to sit, While Hector lies, uncared for, in the tent ; But let me quickly go, that with mine eyes I may behold my son ; and thou accept

650

The ample treasures which we tender thee : Mayst thou enjoy them, and in safety reach Thy native land, since thou hast spared my life, And bidd'st me still behold the light of Heaven." To whom Achilles thus with stern regard : " Old man, incense me not ; I mean myself

655

2 E 2

420

HOMER'S ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

To give thee back thy son ; for here of late Despatched by Jove, my Goddess-mother came, The daughter of the aged Ocean-God : And thee too, Priam, well I know, some God

(I cannot err) hath guided to our ships.

660

No mortal, though in venturous youth, would dare Our camp to enter ; nor could hope to pass Unnoticed by the watch, nor easily Remove the ponderous bar that guards our doors. But stir not up my anger in my grief ;

665

Lest, suppliant though thou be, within my tent I brook thee not, and Jove's command transgress ." He said ; the old man trembled, and obeyed ; Then to the door-way, with a lion's spring,

Achilles rushed ; not unaccompanied ;

670

With him Automedon and Alcimus, His two attendants, of his followers all, Next to the lost Patroclus, best-esteemed ; They from the yoke the mules and horses loosed ;

Then led the herald of the old man in, And bade him sit ; and from the polished wain The costly ransom took of Hector's head.

675

BOOK XXIV.

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

421

Two robes they left, and one well-woven vest, To clothe the corpse, and send with honour home. Then to the female slaves he gave command

680

To wash the body, and anoint with oil, Apart, that Priam might not see his son ; Lest his grieved heart its passion unrestrained Should utter, and Achilles, roused to wrath, His suppliant slay, and Jove's command transgress.

685

When they had washed the body, and with oil Anointed, and around it wrapped the robe And vest, Achilles lifted up the dead With his own hands, and laid him on the couch ; Which to the polished wain his followers raised.

690

Then groaning, on his friend by name he called : " Forgive, Patroclus ! be not wroth with me, If in the realm of darkness thou shouldst hear That godlike Hector to his father's arms,

For no mean ransom, I restore ; whereof A fitting share for thee I set aside." This said, Achilles to the tent returned ; On the carved couch, from whence he rose, he sat Beside the wall ; and thus to Priam spoke

695

422

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

! " Old man, thy son, according to thy prayer,

700

Is given thee back ; upon the couch he lies ; Thyself shalt see him at the dawn of day. Meanwhile the evening meal demands our care. Not fair-haired Niobe abstained from food, When in the house her children lay in death,

705

Six beauteous daughters and six stalwart sons. The youths, Apollo with his silver bow, The maids, the Archer-Queen, Diana, slew, With anger filled that Niobe presumed Herself with fair Latona to compare,

710

Her many children with her rival's two ;

So by the two were all the many slain. Nine days in death they lay ; and none was there

To pay their funeral rites ; for Saturn's son Had given to all the people hearts of stone.

715

At length the immortal Gods entombed the dead . Nor yet did Niobe, when now her grief Had worn itself in tears, from food refrain . And now in Sipylus, amid the rocks,

And lonely mountains, where the Goddess nymphs That love to dance by Achelöus ' stream,

720

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S ILIAD .

423

"Tis said, were cradled, she, though turned to stone, Broods o'er the wrongs inflicted by the Gods. So we too, godlike sire, the meal may share ;

And later, thou thy noble son mayst mourn,

725

To Troy restored- well worthy he thy tears." This said, he slaughtered straight a white-fleeced sheep ; His comrades then the carcase flayed and dressed : The meat prepared, and fastened to the spits ; Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew.

730

The bread Automedon from baskets fair Apportioned out ; the meat Achilles shared.

They on the viands set before them fell. The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied, In wonder Priam on Achilles gazed,

735

His form and stature ; as a God he seemed ; And he too looked on Priam, and admired His venerable face, and gracious speech. With mutual pleasure each on other gazed, Till godlike Priam first addressed his host : "Dismiss me now, illustrious chief, to rest ; And lie we down, in gentle slumbers wrapped ; For never have mine eyes been closed in sleep,

740

424

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV.

Since by thy hand my gallant son was slain : But groaning still, I brood upon my woes,

745

And in my court with dust my head defile.

Now have I tasted bread, now ruddy wine Hath o'er my palate passed ; but not till now." Thus he ; his comrades and the attendant maids Achilles ordered in the corridor

750

Two mattresses to place, with blankets fair Of purple wool o'erlaid ; and on the top Rugs and soft sheets for upper covering spread. They from the chamber, torch in hand, withdrew,

And with obedient haste two beds prepared.

755

Then thus Achilles spoke in jesting tone : " Thou needs must sleep without, my good old friend ; Lest any leader of the Greeks should come,

As is their custom, to confer with me ; Of them whoe'er should find thee here by night

760

Forthwith to Agamemnon would report, And Hector might not be so soon restored . But tell me truly this ; how many days For godlike Hector's funeral rites ye need ;

That for so long a time I may myself

765

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

425

Refrain from combat, and the people stay." To whom in answer Priam, godlike sire : " If by thy leave we may indeed perform

His funeral rites, to thee, Achilles, great Will be our gratitude, if this thou grant.

770

Thou know'st how close the town is hemmed around ; And from the mountain, distant as it is,

The Trojans well may fear to draw the wood. Nine days to public mourning would we give ; The tenth, to funeral rites and funeral feast ;

775

Then on the eleventh would we raise his mound ; The twelfth, renew the war, if needs we must."

To whom Achilles swift of foot replied :

"So shall it be, old Priam ; I engage To stay the battle for the time required ."

780

Thus speaking, with his hand the old man's wrist He grasped, in token that he need not fear.

Then in the corridor lay down to rest Old Priam and the herald, Elders sage ; While in his tent's recess Achilles slept, The fair Briseis resting by his side. In night-long slumbers lay the other Gods,

735

426

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

BOOK XXIV .

And helmed chiefs, by gentle sleep subdued ; But on the eyes of Hermes, Guardian-God, No slumber fell, deep pondering in his mind

790

How from the ships in safety to conduct. The royal Priam, and the guard elude. Above the sleeper's head he stood, and cried : " Old man, small heed thou tak'st of coming ill, Who, when Achilles gives thee leave to go,

795

Sleep'st undisturbed, surrounded by thy foes. Thy son hath been restored, and thou hast paid

A generous price ; but to redeem thy life, If Agamemnon and the other Greeks Should know that thou art here, full thrice so much 800

Thy sons, who yet are left, would have to pay." He said ; the old man trembled, and aroused The herald ; while the horses and the mules Were yoked by Hermes, who with silent speed Drove through the encampment, unobserved of all. But when they came to eddying Xanthus' ford, Fair-flowing stream, born of immortal Jove, To high Olympus Hermes took his flight, As morn, in saffron robe, o'er all the earth

805

BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

Was light diffusing ; they with funeral wail

427

810

Drove cityward the horses ; following came The mules that drew the litter of the dead. The plain they traversed o'er, observed of none,

Or man or woman, till Cassandra, fair As golden Venus, from the topmost height

815

Of Pergamus, her father in his car Upstanding saw, the herald at his side. Him too she saw, who on the litter lay ; Then lifted up her voice, and cried aloud To all the city, " Hither, Trojans, come,

820

Both men and women, Hector see restored ; If, while he lived, returning from the fight, Ye met him e'er rejoicing, who indeed Was all the city's chiefest joy and pride." She said ; nor man nor woman then was left

825

Within the city ; o'er the minds of all Grief passed, resistless ; to the gates in throngs They pressed, to crowd round him who brought the dead. The first to clasp the body were his wife

And honoured mother ; eagerly they sprang On the smooth-rolling wain, to touch the head

830

428

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

Of Hector ; round them, weeping, stood the crowd. Weeping, till sunset, all the livelong day Had they before the gates for Hector mourned ; Had not old Priam from the car addressed

835

The crowd : " Make way, that so the mules may pass ; When to my house I shall have brought my dead, Ye there may vent your sorrow as ye will."

Thus as he spoke, obedient to his word They stood aside, and for the car made way :

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But when to Priam's lordly house they came, They laid him on a rich-wrought couch, and called The minstrels in, who by the hero's bed Should lead the melancholy chorus ; they Poured forth the music of the mournful dirge,

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While women's voices joined in loud lament. White-armed Andromache the wail began, The head of Hector clasping in her hands : " My husband, thou art gone in pride of youth, And in thine house hast left me desolate ; Thy child an infant still, thy child and mine, Unhappy parents both ! nor dare I hope That he may reach the ripeness of his youth ;

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HOMER'S

ILIAD.

429

For ere that day shall Troy in ruin fall, Since thou art gone, her guardian ! thou whose arm 855 Defended her, her wives, and helpless babes ! They now shall shortly o'er the sea be borne, And with them I shall go ; thou too, my child, Must follow me, to servile labour doomed, The suffering victim of a tyrant Lord ;

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Unless perchance some angry Greek may seize And dash thee from the tower- -a woful death ! Whose brother, or whose father, or whose son By Hector hath been slain ; for many a Greek By Hector's hand hath bit the bloody dust ;

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Not light in battle was thy father's hand ! Therefore for him the general city mourns ; Thou to thy parents bitter grief hast caused, Hector ! but bitterest grief of all hast left To me ! for not to me was given to clasp

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The hand extended from thy dying bed, Nor words of wisdom catch, which night and day, With tears, I might have treasured in my heart." Weeping she spoke--the women joined the wail. Then Hecuba took up the loud lament :

875

430

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

"Hector, of all my children dearest thou ! Dear to the Immortals too in life wast thou, And they in death have borne thee still in mind ;

For other of my sons, his captives made, Across the watery waste, to Samos' isle

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Or Imbros, or the inhospitable shore Of Lemnos, hath Achilles, swift of foot, To slavery sold ; thee, when his sharp-edged spear Had robbed thee of thy life, he dragged indeed Around Patroclus' tomb, his comrade dear,

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Whom thou hadst slain ; yet so he raised not up His dead to life again ; now liest thou here, All fresh and fair, as dew-besprent ; like one Whom bright Apollo, with his arrows keen, God of the silver bow, hath newly slain."

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Weeping, she spoke ; and roused the general grief. Then Helen, third, the mournful strain renewed :

" Hector, of all my brethren dearest thou ! True, godlike Paris claims me as his wife, Who bore me hither-would I then had died ! But twenty years have passed since here I came, And left my native land ; yet ne'er from thee

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BOOK XXIV .

HOMER'S

ILIAD .

431

I heard one scornful, one degrading word ; And when from others I have borne reproach, Thy brothers, sisters, or thy brothers' wives,

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Or mother, (for thy sire was ever kind E'en as a father) thou hast checked them still With tender feeling, and with gentle words. For thee I weep, and for myself no less ; For, through the breadth of Troy, none love me now, 905 None kindly look on me, but all abhor."

Weeping she spoke, and with her wept the crowd . At length the aged Priam gave command : “ Haste now, ye Trojans, to the city bring Good store of fuel ; fear no treacherous wile ;

910

For when he sent me from the dark-ribbed ships, Achilles promised that from hostile arms Till the twelfth morn we should no harm sustain."

He said ; and they the oxen and the mules Yoked to the wains, and from the city thronged : Nine days they laboured, and brought back to Troy Good store of wood ; but when the tenth day's light Upon the earth appeared, weeping, they bore Brave Hector out ; and on the funeral pile

915

432

HOMER'S

ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV .

920

Laying the glorious dead, applied the torch.

While yet the rosy-fingered morn was young Round noble Hector's pyre the people pressed : When all were gathered round, and closely thronged, First on the burning mass, as far as spread The range of fire, they poured the ruddy wine,

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And quenched the flames : his brethren then and friends Weeping, the hot tears flowing down their cheeks,

Collected from the pile the whitened bones ; These in a golden casket they enclosed,

And o'er it spread soft shawls of purple dye ;

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Then in a grave they laid it, and in haste With stone in ponderous masses covered o'er ;

And raised a mound, and watched on every side, From sudden inroad of the Greeks to guard. The mound erected, back they turned ; and all

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Assembled duly, shared the solemn feast In Priam's palace, Heaven-descended King. Such were the rites to glorious Hector paid.

THE END.

LONDON : PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.

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