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THE

ILIAD OF HOMER,

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH ACCENTUATED
HEXAMETERS,

IJY

SIR JOHN F. W. HERSCHEL, Bart. K.H.

U-Ar', n,t:+J**r r.ltSt t- ANJJ %.i HON, At,R,i,A. ; r.ir,A,s»; f,<;.s.; M.c.ir^rs.;

MEktBRR OF THE rWSTtTL'TE OP FKAIfCE ;
AND

or VA Rid Lis DTHES
Ml A DEM J B$ AND rN!i-tlTt«TtOMS.

lonliron anii eDambri&ge:
MACMILLAN AND CO.

(§^62.8"^^

Combrnigt :

PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M. A.
AT Tits UNIVBRSITY PRESS.

ERRATA.

BOOK VBRSE

11* 463, pr clamour read clangour

IV. «o8, for Great waa the grief and alarm nad Great were the grief and
alarm

V. 36a, for strike out at Father Zeus read strike at our Father Zeus

V. 464, for Son read Sons

V. 57«, for withdrew read and withdrew

VL «6, for There foir twins read These fair twins

VIII. I, for Dawn in his saffiroo mantle read Dawn in her saffron mantle

VIII. «5o, for the feet of the altar rtad the foot of the alUr

VIII. 495, for to the shaft it was read to the shaft was it

IX. i8, for hearty read heavy

IX. 337, for lacks read lack

XI. 1 78, for even read ever

XIII. 901, for then r^o^thus

XIII. 370, read striding sdong in defiant guise : but &c.

XIII. 467^ for mighty read the Cretan Prince
XrV. 57, for our read an

XVI. 470, read Started asunder.. Crashed their yoke, &c. ,

XVII. 66, for Shouting and barking read Barking and shouting

XVII. 709, fpr war read woe

XVIII. 965, for our own town read our town
XIX. 7 1, }&r Harldly read Hardly

XIX. 344, for stems no^ stems
XXI. 954, y^ in rAz^ on
XXL 35 1« y2^ fames tak/ flames.

PREFACE.

'X'HE question whether tlie Latin and Greek metres, and
particularly the hexameter and pentameter, will ever be so
fully naturalized among us, as to take their places beside our
only other received form of unrhymed metre — the blank verse —
has been a good deal debated within these few past years.
If it were one to be decided by argument, I think that while,
on the one hand, the objeftions urged against their acceptance,
admit of an easy and complete reply ; on the other, the
reasons adducible in their favour are capable of being stated
with more force and fulness than has yet been done. A few
words prefatory to one more attempt to show that readable
English hexameters can be written, and are not ill adapted to
the expression of the highest order of poetry, will therefore,
perhaps, not be ill bestowed on an endeavour to place tliis
controversy on its right grounds.

It is contended, in the first place, by the opponents of this
additwn to ihc rhythmical resources of our language, that verses
of this kind have been written in abundance; that they are,
for the most part, utterly uncouth and barbarous ; that, when
read as ordinary English verse would be read, they convey
hardly any impression of being intended for verse ; and that,
to give them the rhythm and cadence of the classical metres
they profess to represent, it is necessary, in reading them, to
violate every usage of English pronunciation and accent.
That verses open to such objeftions have been written in
abundance, is a melancholy truth, and one which has gone
far to prejudice the public ear against them. But it is not in

PJ^EFACE.

favour of bad verses of this or any other kind, that we con-
tend* While such, no doubt, exists, it is equally true that
many and signal examples also exist, capable of satisfying
the most fastidious classical reader; apart from that one great,
and as some consider it, insuperable stumbling-block, QUANTI-
TATIVE Prosody.

The prosodiacal objeftion to these metres rests on the
alleged absurdity of *'composing verses in a language regu-
lated by accent, in a metre invented by those who regulated
it by prosody/* Now, if it were true that our reading of the
classic metres in their own languages were really guided by
prosody in that sense which this di£tum would intimate,
there would be force in this argument. If, for instance, the
accent with which the verses of Virgil and Horace are read by
an educated Englishman, uniformly, or in a great majority
of cases, fell on syllables long by prosody, and avoided short
ones; we could then understand that, English metre having
tittle or no prosody, and being guided entirely by accent, we
should be driven to create a prosody, if we would naturalize
such metres; and should thus lapse into the deplorable blunder
of the Ehnabethan attempts, which cannot be read as verse
%vithout exciting shouts of laughter. But this, in fa6l, is the
very reverse of the truth. Let any one open his Virgil, and
in the first Eclogue he will find the quantity contradifted by
the accent four times in the first three lines: in the first
jEneid twice in the first two; and so on perpetually: while, if
he Wilfully accentuate long syllables and glide over short ones,
he will scarcely be able to read Latin* verse at all There

• With theCieek^ and especially that or Homer, the case U so far different, that
there b no such marked and general discordance between accent and quantity in
ouf mode of reading it, as in Latin : though inslances enough of it occur to bear out
our proposition a& to accent, and not quantity, being our guide in reading the dflssic
metres. How many school-boys know the rules of Greek prosody f

PI^MFACE.

cannot be ^ better exemplification of this than the way in
which we all learn at school to read Sapphics. Our system
of accentuation is quite con trad iftory to the prosodiacal
quantity; End in proof that such is our system we need only
appeal to Cannings caricature of it in the "Knife-grinder/'
The same remark applies to our habitual accentuation of the
last penthemimer of the pentameter, which the Latins usually
terminate with a dissyllable, on the Jirsi syllable of which
(though a short one) the accent, as \vq read it, is laid. Neither
the English nor the German pentameter tolerates this usage*

Again, the English scholar who visits Greece, and hears the
Iliad read by educated and accomplished modern Greeks, is,
we are told, quite at a loss to recognize either the quantity
of the syllables, or the accentuation which, to our asso-
ciations, makes it verse rather than prose run mad. Are
we then to say that, to the modern Greek, the Iliad is not
metre ? Or shall we believe that the rebellious choruses
of j^schyiusi which defy all scholarship to make m accept
them as anything but just such prose, conveyed no sense
of rh>thm to that poet's contemporaries?

I am far from contending that quantitative prosody in
the classical languages adds no richness or beauty to verse.
The perception of quantity where it exists does assuredly un-
derlie and mingle with that of accent and cadence ; much as in
music the harmony underlies and adds to the enjoyment of
the melody, even to those ears which cannot clearly distinguish
and follow the lower notes in presence of the higher. And if
this be (as I believe it to be) something more than a mere
fanciful analogy, those cases in which the accent occasionally
contradifls the prosody w^ould come to be assimilated to
passages in music in which discords are followed by their
resolutions, or in which the melody and its accompaniment
proceed by *' contrary motion," to the great enhancement^ if
well managed, of the joint effect.

PREFACE.

To rejeft, then, a metre which we acknowledge to be in
itself pleasing and harmonious in its cadence, and which has
many other excellent qualities, merely because we cannot sub-
je£i it^ in its construflion, to a set of rules which our language
does not acknowledge, and by zvhkk no other of our metres is
bounds is wilfully to deprive ourselves of a source of pleasure,
power, and variety: and is much as if a flute-player were to
abstain from playing the best airs of Haydn or Mozart, because
they were originally written for the pianoforte, or with a full
orchestral accompaniment

If we deny ourselves the use of the hexameter for the trans-
lation of Homer, we have nothing to fall back upon but the
decasyllable Iambic of Milton and Pope, varied only by the
Alexandrine, as in the Spenserian stanza; or on the same
metre augmented by a supernumerary syllable, constituting
the hendecasyllabic measure of Dr Alford ; a great objeftion
to which is its extreme tendency to fall into the Sapphic
cadence'. Against both these metres (in their purity) the true
objection however is, that they ^r^ Iambic, (i.e* epigrammatic),
in their sharp, ringing, accentuated close ; and as such, better
fitted for satirical writing {for which they were invented by
Archilochus, as Horace informs iis*)» or for the ter^e» thoughtful,
pointed utterances of a matured literature ; while the hex-
ameter, whose essential charafler is impulsive, starting with a
strong emphasis (*' rising/' as Coleridge has beautifully ex-
pressed it, ''like the fountains silvery column"), exhibits the
full impress and youthful vigour of a nascent one*

^ Take, for instance, the folJomng, whJcEi every reader wlU at once admil to be
v<:ry excellent specimens of the English accentuated SajipMc :

"Nexi, a liuge sione be placed ofialnst the door-wmy,
Kearful io swe. Nut iwo-and -twenty wji^ons
Four-whecrd and staunch, could stir it from the ground *sill."
* Arcbtlochum proprio rabie* arinavit lamlio*

PEEFACE,

On the ground that the Homeric poems are in reality
gigantic ballads, the metre of the Lady of the Lake and
Marmion has been recommended for their Translation.
Let us try a few lines.

ILIAD, CANTO L

H' ffiuami 0f 8^ leiings.

Achilles* wrath, to Greece the spring
Of myriad woes, O Goddess ! sing ■
Which huded to Hades* gloomy reign
The souls of valiant chieftains slain ;
And gave their bodies on the shore
For dogs and vultures to devour.

Fulfilling Jove*s behest :
Since then when in contention rude
Great Atreus' son in angry mood,
Opposed to fierce Achilles stood,

The noblest Greek and best.

&C. &c. &c.

No ! No 1 This will never do. The hurdy-gurdy is too slender
and feeble to echo the grand diapason roll of Homeric song.
Another eminently advantageous feature of the hexameter
verse is the variety it admits in its strufture; rendering it, of
all the metres in which a long poem can be written or trans-
lated, the least monotonous. By those indeed who lay it down
as a first principle! that tlie English Iwxameter mmi gaiiap {i\ e^
must be entirely daflylic with the exception of the terminal
spondee) this advantage is deliberately sacrificed, and ex-

X PREFACE.

changed for a monotony the heaviest and most wearisome of
which human composition is capable — the monotony of forced^
unceasing, laborious aftivity. In this respeft^ a translator of
Homer cannot do better than follow the example of the great
Original, whose lines exhibit the utmost varietj^ of strufture*
Taking advantage of this liberty, and with the occasional in-
troduftion of lines in which the caesura is deferred, or altogether
dispensed with» the hexameter will be found to afford an
amount of variety such as none of the English metres in use
possesses.

As regards the other conditionSi apart from the choice of a
metre to be observed in translating the Iliad, I cannot help
thinking that the present tendency of opinion Is to lay upon
the shoulders of a translator a burden too heavy to be borne.
It may, indeed, be possible to render, in something like verse,
line for line, word for word, construftion for construfllon ; to
give all the Gods and Heroes their Greek names, and to affix
in every instance where it occurs the exaft Homeric con-
ventional epithet, duty rendered according to its literal mean-
ing, This^t is conceivable^might be accomplished: and^
when done, the result would probably read almost as much
like a metrical prod uft ion as the Propria qnm maribus, ox As
in prwscnti, and would have about the same chance of finding
a single reader out of school ; where, no doubt, it would be
exceedingly popular Between such a rendering and the
magnificent adumbration of Pope (for whatever may be said
against it, and with all its faults, which are not a few, I for one
regard Pope's Iliad, takm per sCt as one of the most mag-
nificent, if not /At most magnificent poem extant) a line must
be drawn somewhere or other; and it is readily admitted
must lie much nearer Uie former than the latter of the two

• In the firet dozen lines of ihe Iliad occur no less tlaan nine out of the sixteen
diflerenl arnxngemt^ots which the four lirst feet fkdmx.

PREFACE.

extremes. A translation line for line (with some small rea-
sonable margin for mutual encroachment and recess) — which
shall render the full sense of the original tn every material
particular, and introduce as little in the nature of amplifi-
cation as the difference between our monosyllabic English
and Homer's polypMoisbman Greek occasionally necessi-
tates (under the paramount obligation of producing unforced,
fluent, and readable verse, in grammatical English)- — this
docs not appear a task too hard for mortal man. If hoivever
to these conditions be superadded that of retaining through-
out the conventional Homeric epithets, rendered by any-
tliing like their equivalents, I believe it to be impra6licable in
our language without a grievous sacrifice of tliose essential
qualities which render the perusal of a poem a pleasure, not a
task ; and its prod ufl ion something more inviting than a
perpetual tour de force or a school exercise*

In the German language the case is othenvtse ; and it
has been accomplished with what every German reader will
allow to be very remarkable success by Voss : whose version
is considered by his countrymen nowise ungraceful. But the
German language is that of all others which affords the
greatest facilities for such a rendering — a language in which
substantives, verbs, or adjeftives cohere by mere juxtaposition,
and weld themselves into compound words even more readily
than in the Greek* Owing to this, and many other apti-
tudes which our tongue does not possess, it has been found
prafltcable to produce in German, what may be regarded as
fac similes of the Iliad and Odyssee, in which every individual
line, with every nicety of the meaning, and for the most part

' Take mich InMances as * weithuischattendes* for ftoXiX'W'jriOi' ; *heUiitJiscliirrolen "
for euifnj^fi; *weitiiufra.iischcnd' for ircXu^Xoicr^oi ; Schlachtreibnbrecher' for
^kw^P\ 'nahniTigssprosseiider' for 7ro«Xvj9oreif 75 ; *cr/umsdiimiter' for x^^wo-
pwrfTjfj *schwerhinwandeliide* for cAir^^afj *bIcchlospan/rig' for 9^rp^x\rm*\
*fii«:hwimraeltid* for *x^**^*»i *wagenbefiUgelten* for tp^^^y^t^.

XXi

PREFACE.

hardly any transposition in the order of the words, is rendered
with a precision little short of miraculous* and which must for
ever leave far behind it every other possible attempt of the
kind* It is the fidelity with which an excellent photograph re-
produces on paper a magnificent piece of architeflure, in all
its proportions and with every the most minute detail, while
yet possessing (with perhaps some degree of unpleasing hard-
ness) the air of a picture. For, after all, such is the im-
pression which Voss's version produces. The simplicity of
Homer^s diftion, when studiously reproduced in language fa*
miliar to our ears, is apt to pass (with reverence be it spoken)
into homellne^, and even baldness of expression (of which
any one may convince himself by reference to a literal
prose translation of even the finest passages), but which is not
felt as such when reading the original.

The version of the Iliad here presented to the reader was
commenced in Oflober 1861, on the occasion of reading an
article in the Times of the 2Sth of that month on Translations,
while in ignorance that any entire book of Homer had ever
before been placed before the English public in its original
metre. Though a careful interpretation of the Greek, it does
not profess to be a minutely close, much less a strifUy literal
translation ■ while on the other hand it eschews altogether any
attempt to clothe the simple and rude majesty of the great
original in such amplitude of decorated wording as to conceal
its outlines.

In the detail of the execution of his task, the translator has
retained the Homeric epithets as such only when really expres-
sive of some fitting accessory to the subjefl-matter, or when
their introduflion could be effefted flowingly, without con-
straint or awkwardness. In many cases, without direft verba!
translation, their sense may be naturally interwoven among

" Com|mre, for insiance, Voss's rraidcriiig of xvi. w* (tjo — 157) with the

PMEFACM,

Xlll

the context There is no denying that the continual recur-
rence of these epithets^ in season and out of season, in Homer,
has a very oppressive effefl on the modern ear. To be told
occasionally, or incidentally, that Achilles was swift of foot \
that the Greeks wore brazen armour and good boots ; that
their ships were hollow and black, and their spears long-
shadowed ; that they had rolling eyes, and Juno large ones
and white arms ; may not be amiss as charafleristic touches
thrown in to individualize our conceptions of those personages.
But to be systematically reminded of these particulars almost
whenever the persons or things so charafterizcd are mentioned^
is assuredly more in the nature of a blemish tlian a beauty ;
and one which no translator desirous of doing justice to his
original ought, in the present state of literature, to aim at
reproducing.

Neither has he considered it necessary to be scrupulous on
eveiy occasion in presenting the Greek names of the divinities.
It is generally done, but in so long a poem cases wUt occur
when the flow of the metre is greatly facilitated by the sub-
stitution of the more familiar Latin equivalent, and in such
he has preferred avoiding an awkwardness of versification to a
rigorous adherence to a rule purely arbitrary and self-imposed.
Something more requires to be said in respeft of the accentu-
ation of the proper names. These have m innumerable cases
acquired by English usage an accent unconformable with their
prosodiacal quantity in the Greek. Thus it would be absurd
to insist on accentuating such names as Id5!>nieneus, Tlepilemus,
OrsUochus, Astyoche, Th&.myris, Oa\lea, Cldnius, Hfelice, &c.,
otherwise than as here marked, though in each the accented
syllable is short by quantity in the Greek r and so in innumera-
ble other cases* In rendering the catalogue of the ships and
troops, accentuation according to the prosodiacal quantities
would be simply ludicrous.

The monosyllabic charaflcr of our language (according to

XIV

PJ^EFACE.

what has already been observed) affords in most cases abundant
elbow roonij In so ample a metre as the hexameteri for the full
expression in each line of the sense of its Greek original.
Occasionally, indeed* the hexametric mantle will be found to
sit too loosely, and to require a little expansion on the part of
the wearer to fill it out property. Homer too is intensely
tautological, saying the same thing over and over again in the
same sentence ; in which cases it is often impossible so to vary
the phrase as not to introduce some new idea*. To do this
gracefully and in keeping with the context is the most difficult
part of a translator's task. But whether gracefully or not,
good faith both to the original and the reader requires tliat
expletory words or phrases should be distinguished by some
typographical difference. This is accordingly done by the use
of italics in our translation, and (so far as is practicable) the
words so italicized are such that, if omitted, what remains shall
still be readable as connefted English. This, of course, can-
not always be done.

One word more as to the versification. The Hexameter
metre is on its trial in this count r>^ It is therefore entitled
at all events to a fair hearing* It may at least claim to be
read as any other of our received metres is read ; with no
deliberate intention to caricature it, or to spoil it in the read-
ing: without sing-song or affefbation, and according to the
ordinary usages of English pronunciation. So tried, if it fail to
please and to make its way, it stands condemned. But in the
perusal of so long a poem it must be borne in mind, in com-
mon candour, that all our ordinary forms of verse have a cer-

• We do not here allqde to the repetition in different parts of the poem of whole
speeches or conne^t<?d series of line^ but to such cases as those in it. vv. ^?8, 51^
where sjx'aking of Aia^ Oileus the poet says, **He was le^, and not so great Eti
Tclamonimi Aias, nor so mighty, but much less* Moreover lie was little" — or in
the description of the snow-storm m xn. 178, tSi, *'when die snow-flakes fiiU^
and Eeus prepares to snow, and he lulb the winds, and il snows."

FUEFACE,

tain elasticity,^ — admit a certain latitude of accommodation
between the accent proper to the verse — its dead form— and
that which constitutes its living spirit and interprets its melody
to the hearer Nothing is more common, for instance, than to
find our ordinary Heroic or blank verse, which, theoretically,
ought to consist wholly of iambic feet, commencing with a
praflical trochee, or including one in some part of its strufture,
as in Milton for example,

In the beginning how the Heav'ns and Earth
J^ose 0ui of Chaos :
or,

while it pursues
TTiiffgs ji^attempted yet in prose or rhyme :
or agaifli

to transgress his will
For one restraint, iords of the world beside.

No one regards these occasional deviations as blemishes, or
declares such verses unreadable, if their occurrence be not so
frequent as to draw attention and disturb our sense of rhythm.
Nor, in a similar spirit, will the occasional commencement of a
Hexameter with a non*emphatic syllable, or the occurrence in
the course of the line of a weak syllable where a strong one
would naturally fall, or vice vcrsd, be held an unpardonable
sin against rhythm by any one who remembers how frequently
the corresponding offence is committed by our most classic
poets in commencing the line with a feeble, but slightly
emphasized particle* Dabitnr Ikentia sumpta pudmien
Neither will any onCj reading this our attempt in a similar

• As in such instances as these, which occur In the fifst page of the Pflmdbe
Lost:

TkAi to the height of this great argameot,

or,

N&r the deep U^€t of Hell, &c.
In the Comus, the most faultless existing specimen of English versification,
examples of this and the former si>ecics of irregularity occur in one out of ^Xtff
ci^t of the nine hundred lines gf whidi the dialogue consists.

XVI

PI^EFACE.

liberal spirit, be disposed to cavil at the non-elision of the e in
the terminal syllable of past tensers and particles ; or persist in
reading such words as resolved^ destroyed^ &c, as tris-syllables>
contrary to the common usage of English pronunciation in
reading our ordinary prose*. Obje6lions indeed on such
grounds appear singularly ill-timed in these days when we
consider the excessive metrical laxity of our present most ap*
plauded versification, which will produce deplorable confusion :
since no two readers will soon be able to agree how the verses
of some of our highly popular poets are to be read as verse.

It was the translators wish and intention to have associated
his work, through the medium of a dedication, with the name
of one, endeared by the remembrance of long and uninter-
rupted friendship — the late lamented Master of Trinity Col-
lege, Cambridge. The melancholy event which cut short so
noble a career, and robbed the Science and Literature of his
country of so bright an ornamenti has deprived him of that
gratification. It is only the more incumbent therefore to ac-
knowledge here the benefits derived from his sound and valu-
able criticism during the whole progress of the work down to
its final completion ; resulting in the corre£lion of innumerable
blemishes in the versification, and no small number of misren-
derings of particular and delicate turns of expression in the
Greek, which his perfefl knowledge of that language enabled
him to point out That it w^as ev^cr completed at all indeed
has been mainly owing to his encouragement and advice^ such
not having been the intention with which it was commenced
To his esteemed friend Sir Henry Holland too, to whom some
portion of the w^ork has been submitted, the translator has to
acknowledge obligations of a similar kind.

■ J u the comparatively few Instances in which the terroinaiion of such words is
intend i^d Lo be read as a distiiM^ syllable, it is m&rked with an aceent thus *, as in

THE ILIAD.

BOOK I.

BOOK THE FIRST.

Argument.

Apollo at the prayer of his priest Chryses^ whose daughter Aga-
memnon refuses to release^ sends a pestilence on the Greek army. At the
instance of Achilles a council is called, in which Agatnemnon agrees to
resign his captive, but declares his intention to seize Briseis the captive
of Achilles as an equivalent, A violent quarrel ensues between the Kings,
Achilles resigns his captive but withdraws his support from the cause of
the Greeks. Briseis is restored to her father, and sacrifice being made,
Apollo is appeased, Thetis the mother of Achilles, moved by his prayers,
petitions Zeus to avenge on the Greeks the insult thus offered to her son.
He consents, Hera remonstrating, receives a rebuke in presence of the
assetnbled Gods, Hephcestus consoles her.

ILIAD. BOOK I.

O ING, celestial Muse! the destroying wrath of Achilles,

^^ Peleus* son: which myriad mischiefs heaped on the Grecians,

Many a valiant hero's soul dismissing to Hades;

Flinging their corses abroad for a prey to dogs and to vultures^

And to each bird of the air. Thus Jove's high will was accomplished.

Ev'n from that fateful hour when opposed in angry contention

Stood forth Atreides, King of men, and godlike Achilles.

Say, then! which of the Gods involved these two in their confli6l?
Jove's and Leto's Son! For he, with the leader offended
Sent on his army a plague, and his people were perishing round him :
For that Atreides his sacred Priest had rudely dishonoured; (ii)
Chryses, who suppliant came to the swift-sailing ships of the Grecians
Eager to rescue his daughter, and proffring unlimited ransom.
Wreaths in his hands he bore of the bright far-darting Apollo
Circling a sceptre of gold. Then thus besought he the Grecians
All ; but th' Atreidae first, the two great arrayers of nations :

"O ye Atreidae! and you, ye bright-armed Greeks, to your valour
May the great Gods, who dwell in the lofty Olympian mansions
Grant the destru<Slion of Troy, and a safe return to your country !
Only restore me my darling child, and accept what I offer, (20)
Ever revering the Son of Zeus, far-darting Apollo."

Then loud shouted the Greeks in assent: ^' Let her go! Let Apollo
Glorified be in his priest! Take, take the magnificent ransom!"
But Agamemnon, Atreus* son, disdained his petition.
Roughly he drove him forth, and sternly rebuked him at parting.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BOOK I.

"Hence! Let me catch thee no more, old man, in our camp
either ling'ring
Here round our hollow-keeled ships, or returning again on thine errand.
Scarce should Apoilo then, or his wreath, or sceptre, avail thee.
Not Set her free he thou sure I will not I till age overtake her
There in our palace at home, in Argos; far from her country, (30)
AVeaving the web, and performing th* accustomed rites of my chamber.
Hence ! I say. — Anger me not ! — Thy retreat may so be the safer."

Thus spake the King: and the old man feared and shrank from
the mandate.
Silent he crept by the loud-roaring sea, till far from the vessels
Then to Apollo supreme, the offspring of fair-haired Latona,
Thus in his an^i^/ish he prayed, with earnest and long supplication : —

"Hear me ! Thou of the silver bow ! — Thou guardian of Chrysa!
Thou who encompassest Cilia the sacred ! Thou whose dominion
Tenedos trembling owns! — O Smintheus! Hear me. — If ever
Decking thy temple with festive crowns I have burned on thine altar
Thigh of the bull or fat of the goat — oh I grant my petition: (41)

Let thine arrows requite to the Greeks these tears I am shedding."

Thus, loud sobbings he prayed ; and his prayer reached Phoebus Apollo.
Down from the lofty crest of Olympus he plunged on the instant^
Ire in his heart. On his shoulders his bow was slung, and his quiver
Gorgeously wrought, and the shafts clashed /(?//^as he moved in his anger,
Down he swept, like Xh^ presence of m^i^ and approaching 2LX\^it6.
Somewhat apart from the ships, and among them sent forth an arrow.
Dire was the twang of the silver bow ! Then spread the contagion
First among mules, and the lazy dogs that prowled round the vessels, (50)
Next came a piercing shaft which, winged with bitterer vengeance
Flew through the ranks ; and the funeral pyres blazed fast and unceasing.
Nine days thus did the God deal forth his darts on the army:
But on the tenth, convened by Achilles, the people assembled.
Such was the course, to his mind which the white-armed Hera suggested,
Grieved as she was to behold her Greeks thus helplessly dying.

AVhen the assembly was formed, and all were colledled in council,
Rising before them, thus spoke forth swift-footed Achilles:
^^ Surely methinks, O Atreides! the time is come for retreating

Book I.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Baffled J back to our homes; ttw happy with life but escaping, (60)
Should ihe sword haply spare what the plague may leave of the Grecians,
Let tis however consult some Priest or Prophet or Dreamer;
(For in the visions of night Zeus oft disclose th his counsels)
Such may reveal why Phcebus Apolb's wrath ts excited:
Whether by broken vows, or by hecatombs din: but m^tikd:
So that perchance by the savour of lambs and kidlings unblemished
SoiHiud ami appeased, he may stay this plague mui misfjrom his anger '^

Thus having said he restimed his seat. Then arose from among them
Calchas, Thestor's son, far-famed as the wisest of au^rs.
One to whose mind inspired, the past, the present* the future (70)
All were alike revealed: that Seer» whose sage divination
(Phoebus Apol!o's gift) had guided the ships of the Grecians
SafeJy to Ilion*s shore. And thus, complying, he answered;

"Dost thou command me Achilles, beloved of Zeus, to inform thee
Wherefore Apollo the bright far-darting King is offended?
Then must I speak. But swear to me first, and pledge me thine honour
Promptly with word and deed to support me, wkaht*er may happen.
Well do I deem, my report will enrage that Prince whose dominion
Glorious o^er Argos extends, whose sway the Achaians acknowledge.
Dire is the WTath of a King when unequally matched with a subjedl (80)
What though he seem to digest the aftront? Yet fhe pride tfiht Monarch
Inwardly broods o'et revenge, and /fffig, /mg after, will wreak it
Weigh then the risk. Wilt thou hold me nnhd.Tmiid,such danger inenrrfng^

Then making answer in turn, thus spake swift-footed Achilles :

"Boldly declare what thou knowest. Whate*er thine oracle, say it!
For by Apollo, beloved of Zeus, ^y the God at w^hose altars
Bending in prayer, thou Calchas ! receiv^st Heaven's dread revelations.
None, while 1 live and view with these eyes the conduifl of mortals,
No I not one of the Greeks, shall lay but a finger ujjon thee (89)
Here in our holbw-keeled-ships : ev'ti shouldst thou name Agamemnon,
Noblest and mightiest of all in our host though he vaunt his position/*

Thus reassured, the blameless seer took courage and answered:
**^l'is for no broken vow, no hecatomb due tfut negieHeti;
But for his ont raged Priest, by Atreides rudely insuUetl
Heeding nor ransom nor prayer, his daughter detaining in bondage :

THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book I.

For this cause the far-darting God hath sent and will send us
Woes upon woes: and heavy his hand shall weigh on the Grecians
Till, without ransom or price, the bright-eyed maid be condudled
Back to her father in Chrysa. Perchance, then^ a hecatomb offered
To the offended PoVr may disarm his wrath and preserve us" (loo)

Thus having said he sate. Then in haste uprose Agamemnon
Atreus' heroic son, wide ruling o*er many a nation.
Furious he rose. In his gloomy soul overmastering passion
Struggled for vent, and a torchlike fire blazed forth from his eyeballs.
Bending on Calchas a withering scowl, at once he addressed him.

" Prophet of evil ! to me thy bodings have ever been hateful.
Still doth thy cankered heart delight in th* announcement of mischief.
Ne'er from thy lips good words, — from thy hands good works have

proceeded :
And now, true to thy mission of ill^ the Greeks thou haranguest.
Stirring t/iem up to de/ievethat Apollo for me hath chastised them, (no)
MinQy forsooth/ is the crime, who the virgin daughter of Chryses
Lawfully kept, and her ransom refused: much longing to carry
Back to my native home, so fair, so graceful a maiden,
Whom Clytaemnestra herself, when I led her a bride to the altar,
Hardly in person, in temper, in mind, or accomplishments equalled.
But, if it must be so, then let her depart, I resign her.
Ne'er be it said that for pleasure of mine the people should perish.
Only forthwith prepare me a prize: that alone of the Argives
Unrewarded I go not: for that indeed were unseemly.
All of you bear me witness! My just reward I relinquish." (120)

Godlike Achilles, swift in the race, then rose up in answer.
"Ill, O Atreides! beseems such rank with such avarice blended!
How can our generous Greeks be taxed, a new prize to assign thee?
Public store have we none where treSisure is laid up in common.
Soon as a town is sacked, the spoil on the spot is divided.
Nor were it just to reclaim from the troops what once is allotted ;
Yield her then, frankly, at once to the God, and the Greeks will

compensate
Threefold and four thy loss, when the word of Zeus is accomplished.
And the embattled towers of Troy lie smoking in ruin."

Book L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Fierce in his loy^l pride this answer retnmed Agaroemnon. (130)
**Not so, brave as thou art, and of Godlike presence, Achilles I
Not so deceive thyself, nor think to begxaiie or persuade me.
Think *st thou unquestioned thy prize to retain? that tamely contented
I shall my own resign P^resign her too, at thy orders ?
No! let the generous Greeks with fitting and dHimas sele<flion
Grant an equivalent prize, as a fair and just compensation j
All shall be well If not, I shall seize on the prize 0/ another:
Thine perchance, or the spoil of Aias or mighty Odysseus.
Rage he may upon whom I shall come. / reek mrt his anger.
This when the time shall better allow. Now proceed we to aiflion. (140)
First let a sable vessel be launched on the wide-rolling ocean
Manned with the needful rowers. A hecatomb duty provided
Place in her hold, and let fair Chryseis herself be condudled
Safely on board. To some chief of renown the command be entrusted,
Aias or Greta's King, or the imsd&m divine of Odysseus,
Aye, or thyself, Peleides \ most dreadful of men \ that the anger
Of the far-darting God may be soothed by our prayers and our offerings/'

Scornfully frowning upon him at once swift footed Achilles
Answered hira thus. "O wrapped up in insolence 1 blinded by lucre !
Which of the Greeks henceforth will cheerfully arm at thy bidding, (i 50)
7}fii in the wearisome march, or rush with delight to the combat ?
Moved by no personal hate 'gainst Troy and her warlike defenders
Came I hither to fight; for nought have they done to offend me.
Cattle, nor steed, of mine have they seized j nor in hostile invasion
Swi^t <rrer Phtliia*s reaim, nor wasted her bounteous harvests.
Far, Jttr parted we lie, with the roaring ocean between us.
And the overshadowing crests of many a mountainous barrier.
In thy quarrel, O lost to all shame" are we come; for thy pleasure
Insolent! seeking redress from the Trojans for thee and thy brother,
Thankless, and reckless of all we have dme^ of all we have suffered.
NoWf for a cnmming affront^ to seize my prize thou hast threatened (161)
Bravely aW hardly won, and conferred by the Sons of Achaia!
Equal to thine no spoil hath ever to me been awarded
When to the (Grecian arms some populous city has yielded.
Foremost ever in ^ght^ and sustaining the brunt of the battle

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book L

Stmrd in hand am I found ; — but so sure as the spoil is divided
Thijie is the choice of the prey ; while^ some pleasing trifle accepting,
Weary and fainf with toil, 1 bear ft away to my vessels.
Now unto Phthia my course I take:- — for better I deem it
Home with my ships to return, since thus dishonoured, and leave thee
Here to thy fate, mgiorimsiy fighting for riches and plunder." (171)

Then Agamemnon King of men this answer returned him :
** Fly, by all means, if such be thy mind. Not ev'n for a moment
Will I entreat thee with me to remain. I lack not companions
True to my mr/s^ and my glory, nor Zeus for my guide and praieflor.
Hateful beyond all Princes whom Heav'n with power hath entrusted;
Nought but strife is thy souFs delight, and battle and slaughter*
Say, thou art brave 1 'Tis the gift of God wkieh thm thmt profanest
Fly then, I say ! With thy ships and thy troops betake thee to Phthia;
There o'er thy Myrmidons rule. For know^ proud prince! that I
reck not (180)

Or of thine aid or thy wrath : and, spmk'siikmi ofihrettfsl thus I threaten :
Since at my hands Apollo demands the daughter of Chiyses,
Forthwith let her depart. In my ship, with my escort, I send her.
Then to thy tent I shall come, and thy prize, thy lovely Briseis
Cittim^ and lead her away : — so that ev*n thyself shalt acknowledge
Mine the superior power, and warned by thy bitter example,
All henceforth shall dread to dispute my right or defy me.'*

Thus he spake ; and a pang through Peleides shot In his bosom
Shaggy and rough, his heart by confli<5ling thoughts was divided:
Whether at once to snatch from his thigh his keen-edg?id falchion (190)
Break through th' assembled chiefs and strike to the earth his insulter,
Or to control his mind and arrest the career of his passion.
Thus while doubtful he stood in his troubled spirit debating —
Half unsheathed while appeared the mighty sword — ^from Olympus
Pallas Athen6 came, whom the white-armed Hera commissioned
Equally both in her heart regarding, and anxious to save them.
Standing behind him, his golden locks she grasped ; — and Peleides"
Turned ; and amazed he stood when her awful eyes he encountered,
Only to him revealed among all the heroes assembled; [200]

SfarfU^, ifutyei not mimed ^ in impassioned words he addressed her, (200)

Book L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

"And art thoucomeywM Mea^n^ great Daughter of Zeus to be witness
How Agamemnon J Atreus* sori^ both wrongs and degrades me?
T/ten shall thou see — and my words may not be hng m fulfilling —
— How, perchance with his life he shall pay for his pride and his insults.'*

Thus then in turn replied the blue-eyed Goddess Athend :
^*'Hmr met a/?</calm thy passion, and btmi thy s&uIXq obey mel
For this cause from Olympus I come, by Hera commissioned
Equally friendly to both^ and equally anxious to save you.
Cease from this strife. \Vith thy hand draw not thy sword from its
scabbard, [ a lo]

Words be thine only weapons \ and spare them not, but reproach him* (2 lo)
For be assured— (and ere hng my words shall be fully accomplished)
Threefold in splendor and worth shall gifts upon gifts be repaid thee
For this insolent a<5l. But restrain thy rage, and obey us/'

Then replying in turn, thus spake swift-footed Achilles,
**At such bidding, 0 Goddess! no choice but obedience is left me.
Grievously angered at heart though 1 be: for such is my duty*
Whoso the Gods reveres, his prayers will find them propitious T
Then with a ponderous grasp on the hi!t with silver resplendent
Back in its scabbard he plunged the mighty sword \ to Athene [220]
Hearkening. She meanwhile her flight to Olympus had taken, (a 20)
There in the mansions of Zeus rejoining her fellow immortals.

Once more now, his heart still snveliing wifk anger, Achilles
Thus Agamemnon addressed, in words injurious and hitter.
** Drunken with pruitl thou dog in thy look, but deer in thy nature S
When dicrst thou ever wiih hearty alacrity arm for the battle,
Or to the dreadful ambush go forth with the chiefs of the Grecians?
Nought but terror atid death in exploits like these thou beholdest
Easier seems it and safer to plunder thy friends; through the army
Ranging at large, and seizing the shareof whoe'er may oppose thee I [230]
Hah ! — what a king art thou, who mak*st a prey of thy subjefls! (250)
Subjeils too base to resent: — or this were the last of thy insults.
Hear then my fxed rts&lve, and the oath I take to confirm it.
By this sceptre which torn from its parent trunk on the mountains
Blossom or bud shall never renew^ — by the axe of the woodman
Stripped of its branches and barkj — by this sacred sceptre I swear it^

THE FLIAD OF HOAfER.

[Book l

Embiem of Just ke and truth, upborne by the sons of the Grecians,
Guardians of laivs, protestors 0/ rights handed dtmmfrom fhfir fathers^
Sandliooed byZeushimsel/! (such an oath e'en to thee would be binding)
Surely with yearning of heart each Greek shall long for Achilles [240]
When beneath He^Stor's slaughtering j?^'f>n/ thine amiy shall perish,(34o)
Then shalt thou groan in spirit, unable to save or to help them
Se/famdemned, and gnawed by remorse and rage at thy f(il()\
Shamefully thus to have used the best and bravest among ihem/*

Thus he spake ; and dashed on the ground his sceptre in anger
Studded with golden stars: — ^then sate^ defiant and sivrn/u/.
Him with incnHuing wrath Agamemnon ^ytA. Up arose ill en
Nestor, the Pylian sage, whose eloquence, clear and persuasive
Mowed from his lips in harraonious accents, sweeter than honey.
Two generations in sacred Pylos beneath his dominion [250]

Reared to arttculate speech, and overtaken hy age had he witnessed,
Stn^rei^ at once and friend. Now ruled he the third in succession, (251)
^Visely and kmdfy counselling both, in these words he addressed them,

"Gods! What a weight of grief descends on the land of Achaia!
How will Priam exult, and his sons, and the host of the Trojans I
How^ will their souls rejoice should report convey to their hearing
7 his tmseemty dispute^ where tw^o such chiefs are contending,
First in the councils of Greece, and her foremost leaders in battle I
Be persuaded ! Remember that 1 am much older than either,
Aye, anil in days gone by with men far braver and greater [260]
Long consorted on friendly terms; and they never disdained me. (260)
Ne'er have I seen— ne'er more shall I see such men as were Dryas,
Shepherd and guide of his fiock; Peirithous, Exadius, and Coeneus,
27iese were Heroes indeed! — Nor iess^ divine Polyphemus,
irheseus too, great .^geus' son, most like the immortals.
Bravest were these of all whom Earth on her bosom hath nurtured.
Bravest they were, and bravely they fought with ikx^fitrcest &f beings^
Erin with the mountain Centaurs, and slew them in terrible combat.
These were my friends and associates: by these from Pylos invited
Hastening to join them 1 came; from afar, from the Apian country;
And !\r their side I fought, as best I might. But against them [271]
No man of mortal mould could avail, such as earth now produces. {2 7 1)

Book L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Yet they obeyed my word ; gave willing ear to my counsels,
YoUt too, let me persuade; for to yield to persuasion is wiser.
Great as thou art, O Atreides! beware how thou seize on the damseL
Leave her. Respedt th' award pronounced by the sons of Achaia.
TIiou too, Peleus' son! forbear to contend with our sovereign;
Since to no sceptred Prince whom Zeus hath delighted to honour
Loftier place or greater renown hath e*er been awarded.
Say, thou art mighty, as well beseems thy descent from a Goddess, [2 So]
Yet is he higher in rank ; for wider extends his dominion.— (280)
Once more, Atreides ! dismiss thy wrath, 'Tis Nestor entreats thee.
Urge thine opponent no more: for to whom shall we look but Achilles
In the rough chances of war, as the strength and stay of our nation?'*

Then making answer replied Agamemnon, ruler of nations:
" Rightly, O retrremi sage ! on either part hast thou spoken i
But we have here a man who wiil dictate on e^^ery occasion;
Nought but his will must be law ; and all must bend in his presence:
Yet tliere Is one, methinks, who will yield to no such pretensions.
Grant that th' immortal Godsan<mw«///>M/warriorha%"e made him [290]
Have they with this conferred an ani^ounded Wq^hh'^ of insult?" (290)

Him interrupting, thus broke in the godlike Achilles:
**R^se, indeed, should I be, and deserve the name of a couard
Were I to yield me a slave to whatever thy caprices may dictate.
Issue thy orders to others! Command not me! for henceforward
Thuandthy came I dismm, and spurn the control of a tyrant.
This too hear me declare, and well shah thou do to observe it 1
Neither with thee nor that other in Troy will I fight for a woman.
(Since thus mmnfy, ye Greeks, ye resume the prize ye have given
Tak^ii!) But when than com'st to my ship dark frowning upon thee [300]
Nought that is mine beside shalt thou touch, with me to resist thee. (500)
Or shouldst thou dare it, come on; make trial, that all may behold it;
Quickly my sj>ear's broad blade with thy streaming blood shall be
purpled,''

Thus with fierce words con tended the chiefs by the ships of the Grecians,
Both ihen ahmptly rose, and at once dissolvecl the assembly*
Thence to his tents and stately ships departed Achilles,
With him his faithful friend Mencetius' son and their comrades.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book L

But by AtreJdes* order was launched a swift-sailing galley
Manned with twenty selected rowers; a hecatomb duly
Placed in the hold for the God; and the fair Chr^^seis condu(5ted [310]
Ev'n by himself on board : and Odysseus the wise was commander. (310)
Swift i\\ when all were embarked^ they swept o'er the paths of the waters.

This pi^rfarmed^ Atreides a solemn lustration commanded.
All the people were cleansed, and the sea received their ablutions.
Next, to Apollo of bulls and goats whole hecatombs offered
Blazed, in long order ranged, oti the shore of the desolate ocean.
Rich was the steam that rose with the eddying smoke from the altars.

In such rites was the army engaged. Meanwhile Agamemnon
Bearing his threat to Achilles in mind, Eury bates summoned,
And Talthybius, heralds and messengers swift; and addressed
them: [320]

** Haste ye both to the tent of Peleus* son, to Achilles : [323] = (jao)
Claim Briseis the fair, and lead her respeiflfully hither.
This should Achilles refuse, I shall take her by force, and in person
Backed by overwhelming numbers; and that will be harder upon him,"
Such was his order, and striifl the injuncftion he added on parting.
S^d iind relu^ant they passed, on the shore of the desolate ocean,
Ev'n to the tents and ships of the Myrmidon host ; and Achilles
G/(?&mify sitting they found in front of his tent, by the vessels.
Greeting /te ^ve them mne^ for small was his joy to behold them. [330]
They, on their part, confused in his princely presence, and awestruck,
Silent remained, nor raiseii their eyes^ nor delivered their erranil* {330)
This when the chief perceived in his mind, he miidiy addressed them:
"Hail! ye Heralds, messengers high of Zeus and of mortals.
FeiTriessiimifree draw nigh. Not you do I blame but your master*
Weii da I kn(ni\ by cmistraifit ye come for the damsel Briseis,
And ye shaii take her. Divine Patroclus \ bring forth the maiden.
Hand her to these in charge. But now I call you to witness.
Now, unto Gods in Heaven and mortals on Earth to proclaim it
And to your tyrant king: — should ever henceforth by his arniy [340]
Need of my aid be felt, to save them from shame and destruflion—
— A^tf / Let them die! — while he, in the frenzied whirl of his passion {340)
Powerless alike to learn from the past or plan for the future,

BOOE I.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Driven to their ships when they fight for their lires, shall be helpless
to lead them/'

Thus he spake i and Patroclus obeyed his friend and companion,
And from the inmost tent led forth the lovely Briseis [346]

And to their charge consigned With womanly/'^rr^w^/relucStance (345)
Slowly she raoved by their side, as they passed to the ships of Achaia^

Then retreated AchtHes apart from the sight of his comrades.
Downward bent, and weeiJing, he sate, as he gazed o'er the ocean
Hoary with lireak ers asho re ^but darkening wiih storm in the distance,[55 o]
Sitiwardhis hands extending*^/ itftj^ih he prayed to his mother: (350)
•*0 my Mother! since at my birth short life was ordained me,
Surely aimighty Zeus, high thundering, throned in Olympus,
Might have enlarged it with glory. But none hath he hitherto granted
I^ I with what Imrfiing disgrace Agamemnon, ruler of nations,
brands mr, wresting away the prize I won by my valour."

Thus he spake. But his mother august in the depths of the ocean
Heard his complaint^ where she sate beside her reverend Father.
Swift, like a rising mist, from the hoary deep she ascended^
Sate beside him, and marked his tears : then fondly caressing [360]
Aaid in his hand her mtm^ and endearingly naming, bespoke him. (360)
'* Why dost thou weep? my child : what grief hath seized on thy spirit?
Speak ! Conceal not thy sorrows, but let them be common between us."

Heavily sighing, thus replied swift-footed Achilles;
"Well thou know* St. Why then should I tell thee all as it happened?
Theb^ the sacred fell to our arms, Action's city,
This we sacked and plundered, and hither we came with the booty.
Fairly and justly was all disposed by the Sons of Achaia,
And to our chief Atreldes the fair Chryseis allotted.
Chryses then, the Priest of the bright far-darting Apollo [37 <^]

Cametoourcampand the ships of the Greeks resplendent in armour, (370)
Eager to rescue his daughter, and proffVing unlimited ransom*
Wreaths in his hands he bore of the bright far-darting Apollo
Circling a sceptre of gold: and he urged his suit on the Grecians
All; but th* Atreidae first, the two great arrayers of nations.
Then with one voice loud shouted the Greeks in assent; that Apollo
Honoured should be in his Priest, and the costly ransom accepted.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK I.

But Agamemnon Atreus' son, disdained ki$ pettium.
Roughly he drove him forth, and sternly rebuked him at parting.
Baffled and angry, the good old man withdrew, but Apollo [380]
Heard the complaint of his prayer, (for he loved him w<;ll) and avenged

him. (3S1)

Upon the Argives he sent a destroying shaft; and the people
Perished in heaps on heaps. Each moment fmia* and thkkir
Flew through their army the darts of the God- Out spake then a Prophet
Wrho the Far-darter's will well knew ; and dtmuneed the offender.
Foremost, at once I exhorted, the God to appease! but Atreides
Took it in wTathful mood, and rising before the assembly
Uttered that shameful threat which now he hath dared to accomplish.
Ev'n while the keen -eyed Greeks are escorting the damsel to Chrysa,
Freight mg with costly gifts for the God the b^st of their vessels, [390]
Heralds ha%'e come to my tent and my ships, and have seized, and

are leading (390)

Brises' daughter away, my pn7.e, and the gift of Achaia.
Now J my Mother, aid if thou can's t thy son in his t rouble.
Speed to Olympus and there prefer to Zeus thy petition;
If thou hast ever, in word or deed done aught to delight him*
Have I not heard thee boast in my Father*s palace, relating
How that the cloud-enshrouded Kronion to thee was indebted,
Thee of th' immortals alone, for his rescue from bmds and dishonour
Ez'n in thaf fearful hour when all endeavoured to chain him^
Hera, with dread Poseidon joined, and Pallas Athena? [400]

Then thou cam'st O Goddess, and freed him. Then at thy summons
He of the hundred hands, Briareus (so ye call him in Heaven, (401)
Men upon earth ^geon) Olympus scaled, and beside him
Sate, ejfulting in might* Far mightier was he than his father! [405]
Him when the Gods beheld, they shuddered, obeyed, and desisted*
Go then; remind him of this, and his knees embracing, approach him \
Bid him be gracious and aid the Trojans to drive to their vessels, {406)
Crowded iike sheep to the slaughter, the recreant Greeks ; who may glory
Then, if they please, in their King — their Atreiiies rnier of nations!
WTiile Agamemnon himself shall know, and acknowledge his frenj^y,
Thus tohaveshamedand dishonoured thebestand bravest among them."

Book L]

THE ILIAD OF MOMSM.

Dropping a pitying tear, thus Thetis kind/j responded: (41 1)
•' Wh)% ah! why did I bear thee, my child 1 and rear thee h sarrcivt
Evil, alas! was the hour when I gave thee birth in my palace.
Oh ! cou!d*st thou safe remain, withdrawn from war, by thy vessels
Tearless at least, if not loag-Hved ; since destiny wills it.
Now must thy span of days be at once both joyless and fleeting \
Yet wiil I bear thy words to the Thunderer's throne, to Olympus,
Soaping aiii/t to its snow-crowned heights; and perchance he will hear
me, [4^0]

Thou meanwhile, by the swift sailing ships, in haughty seclusion
Hold thee aloof from the Greeks, nor lead thy troops to the battle, (420)
Zeus since yester-mom, on the farthest verge of the Ocean^
Honours the pure ^Ethiopians' mnaceni feast At the banquet
AU th* immortals attend* Twelve days f/t^y/msi; then Olympus
Opens its bronze-paved halls to receive them. There ml\ I enter,
' Clasp his knees and beseech him, — and surely I think he will hear me.**

Thus having spoken, the Goddess departed, leaving Achilles
Wroth for the loss of his captive, the fair om so gracefully cin^ured^
Tom from his tmt by force.

Now hapfiiy speedi^ig^ Odysseus [430]
Chiysa's shore had attained, the votive hecatomb bearing.
When to the haven deep they had come, and were fairly within it {450)
First their sails they furled, then stowed them away in the vessel
Lowering next the mast, they lodged it secure on its bearing,
Smartly bringing it down by the stays : then rowed to their moorings ;
Dropped astern huge sleepers of stone made fast by the hawser,
And through the breaking surf made good their footing and landed ;
Then disembarked the hecatomb due to Phoebus Apollo :
Fair Chr>'seis, the last, from the ship to the shore they conducted.
Leading her then to the altar, the wise Odysseus restored her [440]
Safe to the hanci§ of her Father dear ; and thus he addressed him :

** Hither, O Chryses \ sent by the King of men, Agamemnon (440)
Lead I thy daughter back, and a hecatomb bring, to Apollo
Due from the suffrriftg Greeks, who, beneath the scourge of his anger
Bitterly groan, and /my that appeased he tai/l ccastt to afflifl them.''
Then to her Father gave, and he rejoicing received her.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book I,

Now, without farther delay were the vi^lims ranged, round an altar
Solidly built and scuipurftf^ in goodly array, for the offring.
Then with clean-washed hands they upheaved the salt and the barley,
Chryses praying aloud with anns extended to Heaven* [45*^]

"Hear roe, thou of the silver bowl Thou guardian of Chrysal
Thou who encompassest Cilia the sacred ! Thou whose dominion {450)
Tenedos owns; since bending thine ear to the prayer of my nPtguish
Honouring thy Priest, thou hast poured afflidlion and woe on the

Grecians;
Once more extend thy grace, and grant this further petition :
Cease ftvm thy wrath and avert from Greece the plague which
consumes her/'

Thus he prayed, and his prayer was heard by Phoebus Apollo :
But when the prayer was ended, the meal on the vidlims they sprinkled.
Turned up their heads to heaven and slew them; flayed and divided*
Severing the thighs^ they 'WTapped them in cauls of fat^ and about
them [460]

Doubled the folds, and morsels attached from each part of the carcase.
These with billets the old man burned on the altar and o'er them (460)
Poured the red sparkling wine ; while youths attendant around him
Each with his five-pronged fork in handj stood ready for service.
They, when the thighs were burned and the entrails formaliy tasted,
Cut to pieces the rest, transfixed, and skilfully roasted; [465]

Drew them ftvm off thdr forks and senrd tkem for meat to the
Votrks. (465)

Now was the rite concluded, the banquet spread, and they feasted
Each to his soul's conterft ; nor lacked there abundance or welcome.
But when the cmvings of hunger and thirst were somewhat abated,
Full to the brim with wine th' attendants handed them goblets, [470]
First having spilled a libation from each ; and the youths of Achaia {470)
All through the live-long day raised high their voices in chorus ;
Hymned the far-darting God, and in sweet melodious cadence
Chanted their Paeans of praise: and his soul was pleased as he listened.
Then, when the Sun was set, and darkness had falln on the ocean,
All retired to sleep, on the shore, by the stem of the vessel.

Soon as the mother of dawn, the rosy-fingered Aurora

Book 1.]

THE ILIAD OF NOMER.

Tinted the eastern tky^ for the Grecian carap they departed.
Fair was the wind and stnmg^ which the bright far-dartiiig Apollo
Sent: and they hoisted the mast, and the white sails spread, which
received it [4S0]

Full in the niidst of their swell : — and they b&undai aimg; and the
waters (4S0)

Roared round the keel as it ph.>ughed the dark -blue wave in its progress.
Soon to the camp tliey came and the long-drawn hues of the Grecians.
Then on the main-land shore their sable galley they stranded [4S5]
High on the beach, and supported on beams extended beneath her:
Then dispersed, and returned, each man to his tent or his vessel (4S5)

Peleus' heav'n-bom Son meanwhile, swift-footed Achilles
Sate by his ships aloof; and still o'er his injuries brooding
Nurtured his wrath : nor once did he join the chiefs in their council [490]
Nor to the war go forth; but pined in heart with impaiiemt
Thus to remain inailive; and longed for the din of the battle, (490)

Day after day thus passed With the dawn of the tv*^elfth to Olympus
All the immortal Gods in img prmesshn ascended
Zeus at theirhead Then, mindful of ali to her Son she had promised, [495]
Thetis rose from the waves, and soaring aloft in the other
Through the T\ide concave of heaven, attained the heights of Olympus.
There, on the loftiest of all its bristling peaks she beheld him, (49^)
Him, the farseeing son of ancient Kjonos, txaiud
High, and apart entlironed :^and she knelt before him and suppliant
With her left hand embraced his knees, wliiJe her right she
extended [S^o]

Raising his flowing beard; and, secmding thus her petition^ (500)
Humbly besought Kronen, the sovTeign of Gods and of mortals.

"Father Zeus! If e'er in thy need I have brought thee assi;itance
Either by word or in deed licre in Heaven, oh! grant my petition
Honour ray son I ^his days indeed must be transient and fleeting.
Gild them with gii^ry! Behohi how the King of Men, Agamemnon
Shames and degrades him j claiming his prize and wresting it from him.
Wipe off the stain I Great Sire of Olympus, wise in thy counsels !
Grant unto Troy success and increase her force, till the Grecians
Haste to requite the wrongs of my son and restore him to honour/' [510]

i8 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book I.

Thus she spake: but Zeus nought answered. In cloud and in
silence (S^o)

T^ng he remained unmoved. But Thetis renewed her entreaties
Clasping more closely his knees, and, beseechingly urgait, implored him,
"Grant, oh! grant what I ask. — Assuredly grant: — or refusing
Tell me at once. (Thouneed'st no reserve.) That word shall convince me
How, among all the Powers the most dishonoured is Thetis."

Zeus, compeller of clouds thus answered, touched with compassion :
"This will be matter of high dispute. Unwelcome to Her4
Must my decision appear; and bitter will be her reproaches.
Oft to th' immortal Gods unjustly I hear her complaining [520]
That with too partial mind I assist the arms of the Trojans. (520)
Therefore depart, lest Hera behold thee iing'ring beside me.
So let it be. Thy prayer is heard. Be mine to fulfil it.
Lo! in assent my head I bow. This holiest of pledges
Known to th' immortals all as the sign and seal of the future, [525]
Faithful, never revoked, unfailing, take for assurance." (525)

Forward his dark and awful brows he bent, and inclining
Bowed his immortal head ; while deep, at the nod, o*er his features
Rolled his ambrosial locks : and Olympus shook to its center. [530]

Thus resolved they parted ; and down to the depths of the Ocean
Thetis plunged at once from the glorious heights of Olympus. (530)
Zeus to his palace returned, where the Gods all rose at his entrance
Reverent before their Sire. Not one dared wait his arrival
Seated : but all stood ranged in awed array in his presence,
Till he assumed his throne. Then Her^, keenly remembering
How to her Consort, Thetis the silver-footed the daughter
Of the old Ocean sire had come and conferred; with reproaches
Bitter, and sharply urged, the son of Kronos accosted.

"Artful one! which of the Gods adrait'st thou now to thy
counsels ? [54o]

Ever delighting thy plans to conceal, and maturing in secret
All thy decisions apart; unto her most etititled to knoiv them (540)
Ne*er dost thou deign to impart one word of all thou designest."

Thus then returned for answer the Father of Gods and of mortals.
"Hope not, Hera! that all my plans shall to thee be confided.

Book L)

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

That were too hard for thy thoughts; though my throne and my couch

thou partakes L
Yet be assured of this j that whatever may be fit for thy knowledge
No one, either of Gods or of men, shall learn it before thee*
As for the rest — whatever I conceal in the depths of my counsels
That forbear thou to ask — and r€s{^n a^n the ttns/i to discover.** [550]
Mai sing her large majestic eyes, thus Hera responded:
** Dreadand severe Kj-onJon! whatwords are these thou hast uttered?( 550)
Rarely indeed have T asked, or wished to partake of thy secrets.
Free wert thou ever from question of mine to plan as thou listed 'st
But now I tremble _/^r Gneate: for have I not seen on Ol3aiipus
Thetis, the silver-footed, the sea-god's daughter^ approach thee
Clasping thy knees at dawn? Aye! and much I fear she beguiled thee;
And that the awful pledge thou gav*st was to honour Achilles,
Heaping the shore with dead, by the ships of the suffenng Grecians.^'

Zeus, corapeiler of clouds, thus answering, sternly addressed her: [560]
'* Restless ever in spirit^ and too perv^ersely suspicious!
Nought will thy wiies e fife 61 ; but can only place thee in future (560)
Farther apart from my heart : and this will be harder upon thee.
Say! were it e*en as thou think'st: — what imports, if such be my

pleasure ?
Take then in silence thy seat, and respe<5l the word of thy Satf reign:
For, be assured, not all the power of the Gods in Olympus
Aught would avail in thycause, should myangerbe kindled against thee***

Thus he spake, and the Goddess august, subdued and in silence
Bmt her large orbs on f/te j^vmt/i and resumed her throne : and a sadness
Fell on th' assembled Gods in that celestial mansion, [57<^]

This to dispel essayed Hephaestus, He the contriver,
Famed for his works of toil and of art, uprose to harangue them (570)
Covering Ji'ith festive spe^h^ litcH-timedy his mother's confusion^
" Here will be mischief indeed, if you two quarrel, disturbing
All the peace of 01>Tnpus with insupportable wrangling!
Ld men setik their own dispuies: for if strife and contention [575]
Reign in these halls, then, alas \ farewell to the joy of our banquets. (575)
Let me advise thee, my mother (who ne'er wert lacking in prudence),
Intake thy peace with my Father Zeus, lest again he upbraid thee

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK I.

This time worst than the iasi ; and our feast be spoiled by your quarreL
Think ! should the lightning fiash of Olympian Zeus be direcled [580]
Full upon all your thrones, ye Gods ! — I tratibk ia fhmk mi ! (580)
Soothe him then with appeasing words, dear Mother ! and trust me
Soon will the gracious Pow'r be pleased and restore us to favour/*
Thus having spoken he rose, and filling a two-handled goblet
Held it forth to his Mother dear, and thus he addressed her;
" Patiently bear what thou rnrnt not mtmf! and make no remonstrance.
Hard though it seem, my Mother: for sad would it be to behold thee,
Dear as thou art, struck down ; while in vain I should long to assist thee.
Trust me. Full hard is the task to contend with Zeus in his anger.
Ome im oft have I trie J it myself^ when, pressing to aid thee, [59^^]
Seized by the foot I was hurled from tlie lofty portals of Heaven : (590)
All day long did I spin through the air, and the sun was descending
When tjpon Lemnos 1 fell : and the Simians found and restored me
Breathless and bruised as 1 lay: for small was the life that w^asteft me*

Thus he spake, and Hera was cheered, and her arm she extended
White as the sftou\ and with smiles the cup from her Son she accepted:
He forthwith to the rest of the Gods, and to each in his order
Filled; drawing /r^^/^ from its urn the delimm juice of the Nedlar;
While from them all unextinguished laughter arose, as Hephaestus
Bustling with awkward gait tliey beheld, through the halls of
Olympus, [600]

Thus they feasted in bliss all day till the sun was dechning ; (600)
Nor was there wanting aught to enhapice the py of thttr banqtiet
Either o( fesiivf cheer, or the tuneful harp, by Apollo
Struck; while the Muses sang, sweet answ*ring^ or hfendin^ in e/wnts.
But when the sun had withdrawn his glorious light and departed, [605]
Then, for needful repose each God retired to his palace, (605)
For with ingenious craft that limping artist Hephaestus
Famed for his skill, had constru(fled for each his separate dwelling*
Zeus ascended the couch which, whene'er he cemented to slumber
—Laying aside f&r an instant his flaming bolts — he frequented.
There he reclined, in celestial calm reposing; and Her^ [^10]
Quitting her throne of gold lay iranquiily sleeping beside him, (6 u )

THE ILIAD.

BOOK II.

BOOK THE SECOND.

Argument.

In consequence of a vision sent by Zeus inspiring him with false hopes
of the immediate capture of Troy^ Agamemnon assembles the leaders of the
Greeks^ relates the vision to them^ and in pursuance of a concerted scheme
for trying the temper of the artpiy^ harangues the troops^ proposing an
immediate abandonment of their enterprise. They prepare with eagerness
to a{l on the suggest ion ^ but Odysseus inspired by Pallas recals them to their
duty. The assembly is resumed, Thersitcs makes an insolent speech and
is rebuked and chastised by Odysseus, At his exhortations and those of
Nestor, the Greeks prepare for battle and muster on the plain before Troy,
A catalogue is given of the ships and confederate forces, specifying the
contingent of each of the Grecian states and their leaders. They march
towards the city. Iris in the likeness of Polites announces their approach
to the assembled Trojans, who prepare for action, A catalogue of the
Trojan and auxiliary forces and their leaders.

ILIAD- BOOK IL

A LL the rest of the Gods, and the crested chiefs of the armies
'^ Slept tlirough the night But Zeus to the sweets of sluraber inclined

not.
Deeply he mused in his thoughts how best he might honour Achilles
Heaping the shore with many a corse by the ships of the Grecians,
This to his mind appeared the most effe<^ual counsel ;
Down to Atreides a baleful dream to send and iMudd him.
Thus then the Vision addressing he sped forth the words of his errand.
"Hie thee away, thou baleful Dreaoi ! to the ships of the Grecians*
When thou shalt reach the tent of Atreus* son, Agamemnon,
There this message declare, in the self-same words that I tell thee, (lo)
Bid htm, in all their force, the long-hair'd troops of Achaia
Summon to arms, and array: for now, perchance he shall capture
Troy, with her spacious streets; since divided no more in opinion
All tlf immortals who dwell in the bright Olympian mansions
Yield before Herd's prayers; and woes impend o'er the Trojans/'

Thus he spake, and the Dream, his command receiving, departed.
Quickly it glided down to the swift-saihng ships of the Grecians
Wh€r€ reposed Agamemnon, Atreus' son, and it found him
Stretched in the couch in his tent, and steeped in ambrosia! slumber.
There it stood, and leaned o'er his head, like Nestor in semblance {20)
Neleus* son, of the Greeks whom most Agamemnon respe6led :
Like in feature and imce. Then spake the mysterious Vision :
** Sleep'st thoii, Atreides, son of the warlike tamer of horses ?
Ill befits it a chief in whose care are the welfare of nations
And the high condudt of war, to devote whole nights to his slumbers.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book H,

Rouse thee at once, and attend ! From Zeus I bring thee a message

Who, from above looking drntm^ with a fond regard for thy glory,
Bids thee, in all their force» the long-hairVi troops of Achaia
Summon to arms, and array: for now perchance thou shalt capture
Troy, with her spacious streets ; since divided no more in opinion (jo)
All th' immortals who dwell in the bright Olympian mansions
Yield before HeriS's prayers: and woes impend o'er the Trojans
Sent from f/te hands of Zeus. But do thou remember my message*
Let it not fade from thy thoughts when sleep shall have tied Irom thine

eyelids."
Thus having spoken, the Vision departed leaving Atreides
Piilturing that in his mind which should ne'er receive its fulfilment i
Weak and misled! He believed that the day was come for the capture
Of the proud city of Priam; nor knew what Zeus was devising :
Knew not the griefs and woes he would heap on Greeks and on Trojans
Grmning befmith their /md, in the dreadful struggle impctuiing. (40)
Starting from sleep, the celestial voice still ringing around him,
Up he sate on his couch, and a tunic drew o'er his person
Soft and fresh and fair; then his ample mantle about him
Cast, and his sandals rich to his smooUi white feet he adjusted j
Slung in its belt from his shoulders his sword all studded with silver;
Grasped his paternal sceptre, enduring, sacred and siainiess;
And to the ships went forth of the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia*

Eus, goddess of morn, had advanced on the breadth of Olympus
Light announcing to Zeus and to all the other immortals,
When, at the king's command the shrill^voiced heralds his army (50)
Koiised,and summoned the long-liair d Greeks to assemble in council.
Wide was the order proclaimed, and quickly the people obeyed iL
First, however, a council he held of c/tit/s and of elders
Duly convened at the ship of Nestor the Pylian sovVeign.
There, in the presence of all, this artful scheme he propounded :

" Listen \ my Friends. A Vision, in night's ambrosial siknce
Game to me while I slept, from Heaven descending; like Nestor
Noble, in form, in stature^ and mien it appeared, and its station
Took near my head, and mcr me leaning, thus it addressed me :
'SIcep'st thou, Atreides, son of the warlike tamer of horses? (60)

I
I

SOOK IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

111 be^ts it a chief in whose care are the welfare of nations
And the high conduct of war, to devote whole nights to his slumbers.
Rouse thee at once, and attend ! From Zeus I bring thee a message,
Who from above imking danrn^ with a fond regard for thy gloiy
Bids thee, in all their force, the long-hair'd troops of Achaia
Summon to arms, and array; for now, perchance thon shalt capture
Troy, with her spacious streets: since divided no more in opinion
All th* immortals who dwell in the high Olympian mansions
Yield before Her€*s prayers ; and woes impend o*er the Trojans,
Sent h* tite hand o/7.^n%. But do thou remember my message!* (70)
Thus having spoken, it flitted away. Then slumber forsook me.
Now be our care the sons of Greece to prepare for the combat.
First will I try them with words of contrary sense, as is prudent;
Bidding them man each bench of their ships, and ^y for tltdr safety^
You then among them dispersed, dispci thdr fears and retain them."

Thus having said he resumed his seat. Up rose then among them
Nestor, whom Pylos* sand-strown realms obeyed as their sovereign,
Who with considerate words, falling in with the proje<5l, addressed them*
"Friends, and Leaders of Greece! Ye chiefs of experience in council
Were it by other lips that a dream like this had been told us {80)
All would pronounce it false; and all would shun the relator.
But *tis the first of our host, the noblest and best, who has seen it.
Come then! as best we may, let us arm the sons of Achaia*"

Thus he spake, and, leading the way, weni forth from the council,
Followed by all the sceptred chiefs, their commander obeying;
While in tumuitmus iknmgs the troops came rushing to meet them.
As when the nation of bees from the cleft rock's hollow recesses
Issues in clustering groups, out-pouring in endless succession,
Swarm upon swarm ; in the vale o'er the veraal blossoms they murmur
Hovering hither and thither in dense and busy commotion : (90)

So from their ships and lents came forth the gathering nations
Troop af^er troop; and covered the shelving beach with their numbers,
Pressing towards the place* Jove's messenger, Rumour, among them
Kan like a conflagration and drove them on. In the meeting
All was eager alarm : while earth resimndiug beneath them
Groaned as they took their seats : and a clamour arose* But the heralds,

26 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book II.

Nine in number, their voices strained, and exhorted to silence
Claiming a hearing for those whom Zeus with dominion had gifted
Silence at length was obtained, all soon were seated in order.
Then Agamemnon rose to address them,' bearing the sceptre (loo)
Wrought by Hephaestus' self who with care and skill had adorned it.
This he presented to Zeus the sovereign of Gods and of mortals,
Zeus to his messenger gave it, to Hermes, slayer of Aigus ;
Who as a king, consigned it to Pelops, tamer of horses :
Pelops to Atreus gave it, the shepherd and guide of his people:
Atreus dead, to Thyestes it came, the wealthy in cattle :
Last, on great Agamemnon's self it devolved ; to be wielded
Emblem of sway o'er Argos wide and many an island.
Leaning on this, he sent forth his voice der the mighty assembly,

"Friends, and Heroes of Greece, ye valiant servants of Ares! (no)
Zeus hath entangled me sore in the toils of his heavy displeasure ;
Cruel! For did he not promise, and nod from his throne to confirm it,
Ilion's tow'rs to uproot, and restore me in triumph to Argos?
Twas but a planned and bitter deceit ! For now he commands me
Home to return inglorious, and mourn o'er the fate of my comrades.
Such is his sov'reign will irresistible ! who whm it pleased him
Many a proud city's lofty defences hath humbled already,
Many a ofie yet will humble: for uncontrolled is his power. —
Shame ! oh ! shame will it seem unto all who shall learn it hereafter.
Such and so mighty a force to have warred in vain, and retreated (120)
Greeks though they ivere^ with inferior numbers matched : for conclusion
Other than this see I none, nor sign of a prosperous issue.
Yet were a compadl made to decide this quarrel by numbers.
Duly confirmed by oath ; and fairly the warriors were counted.
Ranging on one side those who have Troy for their birthplace and

dwelling ;
We the Achaians coUedling in groups of ten on the other, —
Then, at our final feast were each man for a cupbearer taken,
Many a decade of Greeks must want its Trojan attendant.
Thus, I say, do Achaia's sons out-number the Trojans,
Reckoning those in the city who dwell. But besides, there are spear-
men (130)

Book I L]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

NumVous and brave, who flock to their aid froin many a city*
These are the men who baffle and push me aside from my purpose.
Much as I long to destroy proud Ilion^s populous fortress.
Nine long years of mighty Zeus have lapsed, and the ttmbers
Rot in our ships as they stand, and the ropes hang slack and untwisted !
While in their dwellings at home our wives and innocent children
Listlessly wait our return i and we^ meanwhile have effetfled
Plainly and simply nothing of all we came to accomplish.
Then let us a*ft at once! Attend to my words and obey them.
Home let us fly with our ships, and seek the dear land of our Fathers*
Never will Troy's wide streets by our conquering forces be entered.

Thus he spake, and each hearer's heart was stirred in his bosom :
All but the chiefs who knew the deep design of his counsel,
AH the assembly was moved j like the waves which swell to the tempest
Far on the wide Icarian sea, when Eurus and Notus
liurst from the clouds of Father Zeus, and roll it before them.
And a^ the deep and full-eared com when swept by the Zephyr
Bows to the coming blast, and waves and sways at its impulse,
So was th* assembly swayed. AH rushed with shouts to the vessels^
Trampling aloft the dust which in air hung canopied o*er them, (150)
Each exhorting his fellows with cries to seize on the galltes
Drag them down/n?w the bea^h^ and launch them at once on the Ocean.
Soon were the channels cleared. Then the shout ascended to heaven,
♦* Homeward! Homeward!" and down they plucked the props that
sustained them.

Then, in despite of fate had the Greeks returned to their country
Had not Hera these words addressed to Pallas Athendt
"WTiat then? invincible daughter of ji^Igis-b earing Kronion!
Thus shall our Argives fly to the dear-loved land of their fathers.
Riding ifighrious away on the broad -ridged waves of the ocean?
What ! shall they leave to Priam the triumph? — leave to the Trojans (160)
Argive Helen herself; that prize for whom many a Grecian
There on the plains of Troy hath perished, far from his country?
Not so! Hie thee at once to the bronze-mailed hosts of Achaia,
Use thy persuasive language on one and all^ and restrain them:
Suffer them not to drag to the sea their even-oared vessels."

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book 1L

Thus she spake r nor delayed the blue-eyed goddess Athenl
Down she darted at once from the topmost height of Olympus
And jn an instant reached the swift-sailing ships of the Grecians,
There she encountered Odysseus the wise, Jove*s equal in counsel.
Pierced to the heart and soul with grief he stood, nor assisted {170)
Ev*n with a touch to move his dark and well-equip*t galley.^
Standing beside him, thus did the blue-eyed goddess address him;

"Heaven-descended son of I>aertes! wily Odysseus!
Shamefully hurrying to man the close-ranged banks of your vessels
Homeward thus will ye fly to the deardov'd land of your fathers?
"Whatl will ye leave to Priam the glory ?^^ — leave to the Trojans
Argive Helen herself; that pnu for whom many a Grecian
Here on the plains of Troy hath perish'd, far from his country?
Haste then I Address thee at once to the bronze-mailed hosts of Achaia;
Use thy persuasive language on one and all, and restrain them. {180)
Suffer them not to dr^ to the sea their even-oared gallies."

Thus she spake. But he knew the celestial voice ami ebeytd tA
Running in haste he cast off his cloak, which Eurybates watchful
Caught as it fell ('twas he who from Ithaca came^ as a herald).
Firstj in his course encountering Atreus' son, Agamemnon^
He from the king his sceptre received, enduring afn/ stahUess^
Which to the ships he bore of the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia*
Trmted with thk^ when he chanced on some Prince or chief of

distintflion
Thus, arresting his speed* with, persuasive words he constrained him :

*'Strange! that a mmi siuh as thou should to panic yieldj like a
dastard {^9^)

Take thy place, and st^Oity thy men^ and make them be seated.
For, be assured* thou know'st not yet the mind of Atreides,
Now he but tries, but will soon press hard on, the sons of Achaia,
What he said in the council; alone they know who were present
Now 'twill be well if he wreak not his rage on the sons of the Grecians,
Dread is the wrath of a king who to Zeus his lineage traces,
Heav n will maintain his honour, and Jove is his friend and adviser,"
But when some Irooiier he found, sami base and bellowing miscreant
Him with the sceptre he drove, nor spared loud words of inve«5live.

Book IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

"Madman! be seated and quiet, and hear what is said by thy
betters: (200)

'Tis not for such as thou, such weak and dastardly wretches ^
Either to count in the ranks as men, or be heard in the council.
What then ! must alJ be kings who mil themsdves Greek s* in our army?
One king, sure, is enough, and more were a curse to the nation:
One, by mysterious Kronos* son with dominion entrusted,
Sceptre and lawful rule, that he reign in might and in justice*"

Thus by his voice of command was order restored in the army*
Back from their tents and ships once more they rushed to the meeting
Clam 'ring ; as when the wide-resounding swell of the ocean
Breaks on the long flat beach, and the sea's rough voice is uplifted. (210)

Aii was quut at length, ami all were seated in order,
Only Thersites persisted in coarse unmeasured inved^ive,
Filkd to the throat with words of vulgar abuse, he delighted
Idly, and setting at naught all rule, to wrangle with PnnceSp
Scofling at all their adls, and seizing each subject of laughter.
Ugliest was he among all the Greeks \^^ho at llion mustered :
Squinting; of one foot lame; and his mountain shoulders proje<5ting
Pressed on his chest in front : while scantly peering above them
Rose to a peak his head, with thin wool sparingly sprinkled.
Such was the manl He haled Achilles most, and Odysseus. (220)
Both he loved to revile : but now» on divine Agamemnon
Fasfning^ he screamed forth bitter abuse* which the gemrous Grecians
Heard with imfiatknt wrath, and scanc sfippresscd their resentment.
Howling across th' assembly with words like these he assailed him.
"What is thy grievance now, O Atreides? What dost thou long for?
Crammed are thy tentswith brass ; and female slaves, whom the Grecians
Careftiify choosing _/h?w ali their spat/^ have bestowed on their Leader,
There^ in plenty, are found, from each town we have taken and

plundered.
Hast thou a craving for gold, which some Trojan tamer of horses
Eager to ransom his son (by myself or some other Achaian (230)

Captured and bound in fight) may lay at thy ftti/rom his treasure?
Sayl dost thou wish for a damsel with whom to wanton in dalliance
Keeping her close shut up for thyself ? Ohl shame! that their ruler

30 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book II.

Thus to defeat and mischief should lead the sons of Achaia.
Women of Greece, not Greeks ! unsexed, disgraced, and enfeebled !
Home I say, home, let us haste in our ships, and behind us in Troia
Leave him here to feed on his honours. So shall experience
Teach him whether he need our aid or can conquer without us:
He ! — who but now Achilles, a man far nobler and braver,
Foully dishonoured; and holds his prize, having shamefully robbed him.
Mild is Achilles doubtless by nature, bland and forbearing. (241)
Well for thee, O Atreides ! or that were the last of thy insults."

Thus insulting Atreides, the shepherd and guide of his people
Spoke Thersites. Him then noble Odysseus approaching
Eyed with indignant looks, and harshly reproving addressed him:
" Babbling fool, Thersites ! Be still, thou noisy declaimer !
Ready of tongue though thou be; and contend not, trifler, with Princes :
For I assert that baser than thou, no mortal among us
Here can be found, of all who have come to Troy with th' Atreidae.
Take not the names of kings in thy mouth to soil and blaspheme
them, (250)

Cease from ihyfaHious abuse, nor expedl the retreat of our army.
Time and events will decide our return. Vidlorious or vanquished,
That to the Gods we leave, nor ask thy counsel or guidance.
Atreus* son Agamemnon, the shepherd and guide of his people
Dat'st thou sit there and revile ? and vent thy spite and thy etivy,
Grudginghim all the wealth which the Heroes of Greece have awarded?
Hear what I say, and what, be assured will be fully accomplished.
Let me but catch thee raving again in this insolent fashion.
And may the head of Odysseus no longer rest on his shoulders,
May I never again as Telemachus* father be greeted, (260)

Tear I not from thy carcase vile each rag of thy garments,
Cloak, and tunic, and all, and drive thee, naked and wailing,
Sobbing beneath the blows I shall give thee, back to thy vessel.
Freeing th' assemblies of Greece from the shame and disgrace of thy
presence,"

Thus Odysseus : and down on his back and shoulders the sceptre
Fell luith a sweep; and he writhed, and the tears ran fast o'er his visage,
While on his back a tumour arose, all livid and bleeding,

Book IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Under the sceptre's golden weight Do^'n sate he and trembled,
Wiping the tears from his face, in doleful and piteous condition.
Shocked were the Greeks at first, but laughter gained the ascen<lant (270)
While each man to his neighboiar turning, spoke his opinion :

" Wt-U now [ many a worthy deed hath Odysseus accomplished,
Excellent plans suggested, and roused our spirits in adion.
But to have stopped this slanderer's mouth and cut short his reviling
This is the happiest boon he hath ever conferred on the Grecians.
Surely, methinks, 'twill be long ere his headstrong spirit excite him
Mildly again to abuse our kings with scurrilous language."

Such was the general talk. But Odysseus, razer of cities^
Stood with the sceptre in hand, and beside him blue-eyed Athen^
Like to a herald in form, commanded all 10 be silent. {280)

So that each man, whether distant or near, of the sons of Achaia
All that he said might hear and well consider its import.
Siigely be spoke^ and these were the words he addressed to the meeting,

^^ Hapiess Atreides! Now will this a£l of ^Si\t\.^ army proclaim thee
Lowest of kings, wherever tlie language of mortals is spoken :
Thus do the Greeks perform that oath they swore, when from Argos
Famed for its steeds they sought these shores, and promised to bring thee
Back triumphant, the razer of Troy's embattled defences!
Hear, \\0'^ unth wail and with mmn^ hke desolate widows and oqihans.
One to another they cr>' for home, nfw/ himu! and its eemf&fis/ {^90)
Yet is it grievous and hard to return tft shame and in suflTring*
Let but a man from his wife for a single month be divided:
Doth he not chafe and fret, when the wintry shriek of the tempest
Yells round his many-bench'd ship, and the rough sea pens htm in

harbour?
Therefore I blame not the Greeks, that, for nine long winters revolving
Here at their ships detained, they loeary ^^'^^ chafe with impadence.
But to have staid so long, and now to retreat m* a suddat
Empty-handed am/Jbi/ed, were foul defeat and dishonour.
Therefore, my friends ! endure to the tftd. Let us stay and determine
Whether the fates by Calchas shewn, be truth or delusion. (300)
All of you know what happened- — each man here present can witness
(Each who from day to day through the cliances of plague and of battle

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book II,

Struggling on has survived) when at Aulis our shtps were assembled
Ready on Troy and her sons to launch the weight of our vengeance^
How round the fount we gathered, and spotless hecatombs offered
To the immortal Gods» full heaped on many an altar,
Under a beauteous plane which the limpid source overshadowed*
Then was a wond'rous sign displayed! From under the altars
Glided a fearful serpent^ his back all spotted with purple ;
Sent up to light by Olympian Zeus : and he made for the plane-tree. (310)
There on the topmost bough the unfledged young of a sparrow
Eight in number were lodged, close under the foliage nesthng;
She* the mother herself the ninth, who had hatched ami u*/t0 fed ihtxa.
One by one, their piteous cries unheeding, he swallowed;
While round the nest kept hov'ring the mother, lamenting her dear ones^
Her too, turning his head, by the wing he seized, and devoured
Screaming. But thus having slain those fledglings all and their mother,
Fixed he remained, as a visible sign of the God who had sent him^
Suddenly changed to stone by the son of mysterious Kronos,
Wo nd' ring what this might mean, as we stood ail lost in amazemmf^
Thus by miraculous signs to behold our rites interrupted; (5 at)
Calchas at once, by Heav*n inspired, this oracle uttered.
*\Vhy are ye mute, ye crested Greeks? Why stand ye ashmishedt
Zeus in his wisdom ami might this prodigy sends, in its import
Slow of unfolding; late in event; undying in glory.
Ev'ti as that snake devoured the nestlings eight of the sparrow,
Her too, the mother herself the ninth, who had hatched midwho/edth^m^
Thus, even thus, must we war through nine long years on the Trojans,
And in the tenth their vast and stately city shall capture/
Thus was the oracle told. Just now we behold its fulfilment {330)
Stay then, ye bright armed Greeks but awhile: make mie m&reiftdeatmit-:
Surely the city of Priam will yield at length to your valour."

Thus he spake; and the Argives shouted aloud, and the vessels
Rattled and rang as they echoed the /ttffi/an/ shouts of th* Achaians
Yielding tumultuous assent to the words of godlike Odysseus.
Ne^lor then, the Gerenian knight uprose and addressed them.
*Shame on ye alil Why talk ye like silly and impotent children
AU too feeble for war and recklees of duty and honour?

Book IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

What shall become of your vows? and where is the league ye have

sworn to?
Into the flames are cast each high resolve and each counse], (340)
AU the libations, the pledged right hands^ and the m/As diat we trusted 1
Idly^ we war with empty words and mutual reprmches.
Counsel or condu6l is none, though year after year hath been wasted*
But O AtreidesI do thou, in thine heart unfimMng^ as cifer^
Hold to thy purpose firm, and lead thy Greeks to the confli<5l.
Let those few seceders who dream of returning to Argos
Ere it shall clearly appear whether Zeus the great v^^gis-upholder
Mean to fulfil the promise he gave, or intend to desert us,
Shrink out of sight and of mind ^ for success shall never attend them.
For I assert, such promise was giv*n by the mighty Kronion (550)
Flashing from Heav n on our right in manifest sign of approval.
On that auspicious day when the Greeks their swift sailing vessels
Laufichcd mi the deep and embarked, bearing death and destrutftion to

Troia.
Wherefore at once dismiss from your minds all thought of returning,
Ere that day when each Greek shall have seized tlie wife of a Trojan,
Mindful of Helena^s tears from her husband torn, and her suflTrings,
Should there be one so madly bent on flight and desertion;
Let him but grasp a nype^ or lay hands on an oar of his vessel^
And be the first among us to meet that doom he umdd fly frmu
Now, then^ bethink thee well 0 King ! and take counsel of others, {3 60)
Nor let the words I speak fall unregarded upon thee.
Let thy troops, Agamemnon, by tribes and clanships be mustered;
Tribe by tribe be supported^ and clansman encouraged by clansman.
So shalt thou judge, if thus thou dire t5t, and the Greeks shall obey thee^
Which are the dastard chiefs, and which of their soldiers a coward,
Which, too, noble and brave : for they fight in the sight of their kinsmen.
Then thou shalt know, should Troy not fall, whether Fate have pre-
served it,
Or the degenerate Greeks have lost their skill and their courage,"

Thus making answer returned the ruler of men Agamemnon,
"Now, as at all times, wise, thou excelFst all others in council; (370)
01 might our Father Zeus, and Apollo and Pallas Athen^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book IL

Grant me but ten such men in our host, to advise and assist me,
Soon would tlie nijghty city of Priam the King, to their wisdom
Yields oer'mastered and ruined, a prey to our conquering armies.
Zeus son of Kronos, the ^gisbearerj however, hath sent me
Hardship and grief, and in vain contention and strife hath involved me.
Wrangling with mighty Achilles I stood, for the sake of a damseL
Bitter^ and harsh were our words : and {mtm it I must) 1 began it
Should we again be friends, and in heart united, no longer
Would the destru<5lion of Troy be deferred — no, not for an instant. (3 So)
Go then, ye warriors. Strengthen yourselves with food for the combat:
Each man sharpen his spear and adjust the thongs of his buckler:
Each to his swift- footed steeds give plenty of nourish if tg fodder.
Mindful of war's rude shock, let each look well to his chariot,
So that a long day's fight may find nought weak or deficient
For, he assured^ not a moment's pause nor truce will be granted
Till intervening night shall part the fierce rage of the heroes.
Bathed in sweat be each bosom beneath its sheltering buckler!
Each brave hand grow weary and stiff with grasping the jav'lin \
UTiirltng the polished car, each steed must pant with exertion. (390)
He, whomsoever I shall see, avoiding the fight like a recreant^
Skulking to shelter his fear in the darksome hold of his vessel,
Trust me^ shall find it hard to escape the dogs and the \^ltures/'

Thus he spake, and the Argives shouted aloud : as the breakers
Rave upon some steep shore when by Notus lashed into fury
Round a far-jutting crag, which the wild waves never rehnquish
Drifted upon it by every wind, from every quarter*
Rising in haste they dispersed to their ships and tents; and among them
Each man kindled his fire and cooked his meal, and consumed it
Each to the God of his choice preferred his prayers and oMations (400)
In the impending fight to guard him from death and destru(flion*
But Agamemnon, king of men to mighty Kronion
Offered a steer of five years age, well fattened; and summoned
Each of die noblest chieftains of Greece, her elders in council,
Nestor the first, Idomeneus next, the sovereign of Creta;
Thither each Aias came, with Tydeus son, Diomedes;
Sixth in order Odysseus the wise, Jove*s equal in council.

BOOK 11.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

But Menelaiis unbidden attended (whose shout in the battle
Rose above all) for he shared each care, each grief, of his brother.
These stirrounded the steer and upheaved the salt and the barley (410)
WTiiie Agamemnon ruler of men thus prayed from amidst them :
*'Zeusi most great, most glorious, who dwellest in clouds and in darkness,
Grant nie, ere set of sun, ere night shall have closed on our armies,
Down to the earth to cast the high roof of the palace of Priam
Smould'ring in fire; and consume its gates with the torch of my

vengeance !
Grant me to hew from his bosom the brazen armour of Hecflor
Shattered and torn by my conqu'ring sword; and let many a comrade
Prostrate, biting the ground, in the dust Ue scattered around him."
Thus he prayed. But Kronfon received not his prayer, nor fulfilled it ;
Though he accepted the homage. And toil upon toil he redoubled. (420)
But when the prayer was ended, the meal on the vi<5lims they sprinkled.
Turned up their heads to heav'n and slew them ; flayed, and divided.
SevVing the thighs, they wrapped them in cauls offal, and about them
Doubled the folds, and morsels attached from each part of the carcase,
These with leafless billets of wood they burned, and the entrails
Fixing on forks o*er the mounting ^2^me^ they held^ and consumed them.
Then (when the thighs were burned, and the tnx.m\\% f&rmaiij tasted)
Cut into pieces the rest, transfixed, and skilfully roasted;
Drew them from off the spits, and served for fntat on the fables.
Now was the rite concluded, the banquet spread, and they feasted (430)
Each to his souKs content; nor lacked there abundant provision.
But when the cravings of hunger and thirst at length were abated,
Nestor arose — the Gerenian knight, and thus he addressed them;
"Atreus' son, most noble! Thou king of men, Agamemnon!
Let us not waste our time in empty talk; but in earnest
Haste without farther delay to accomplish the mission of Heaven ;
Now to the work 1 Let the heralds the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia
Summon to meet///// annedsx the ships. Then proceed we together,
Traversing all the long-drawn lines of the host, and exciting
All, with their utmost speed to prepare for desperate conflict," (44°)
Thus he spake, tior delayed the king of men Agamemnon;
the sbrili^voiced heralds, to summon

giv I

3—3

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Boor 1L

An the array of the crested Greeks to make ready for battle.
Soon was the order announced and quickly the troops were assembled.
Then through the ranks Atrekles passed, with the sovVeigns around him.
Stationing each in its place : and beside them l>lue-cycd Athend
Lifted her /Egis on high, undecaying, immortal, and precious,
Which with an hundred tassels of gold was fringed at its margin
Wondrously twisted and wrought, and each of a hecatomb's value.
Fiercely glaring, with this she rushed through the host of the Grecians (450)
Urging them on ; and infused fresh strength into every bosom
And the ddermined resolve to fight to the last and to conquen
Sweeter by far to their hearts was now the prospedl of battle
Than to return in their ships to the deardoved land of their fathers.

As w^hen some forest vast on the lofty crest of a mountain
Bums with devouring fire, and lightens the regions around it;
So, as the troops advanced, from the beaming brass &/ their armour
Flashed to the sky through the air an all-illumimng splendour.
Countless they came as when flocks of fowl in the marshes of Asius
Geese, or cranes, or long-necked swans, by the streams of Cayster (460)
Wheel in uncertain flight, now* here, now there, and disporting
Winnow the air with their wings, and with loud cries sweep der the waters
Till they at once alight, and the mead resounds with their clamour: K^
So from their ships and tents poured forth the gaiherifig nations
On the Scamandrian plain. Loud groaned the earth as it trembled
Under the feet of men and of horses must ring for hattk.
So too by myriads they stood on the flowery mead of Scamander
Thick as the blossoms and leaves which spring pours forth in her bounty.
And as the bmzing swarms of flies that clustering hover
Chasing each other ^iowtA some shepherd's pen, in the spring-tide (470)
(What time the milk is stveet and rich, and the pails overflowing),
Not less numberless stood the long-hair'd sons of Achaia
Eager to close in fight, and break through the ranks e^the Trojans,
These^ as some skilful herdsman his goats sele<fls and assembles
When in a mingled crowd they spread confused o*er the pasture,
Not with less ease their leaders colleifl and array for the combat,
Each in his rank and place; Agamemnon tow' ring among them
Like unto thundering Zeus in his beaming eyes and his forehead;

Book II.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Ares in waist ; and Poseidon in breadth of chest and of shoulders.
And as a bull stalks forth in advance of his Herd in the meadows (480)
Proud in his mighty and in lordly strength all others excelling;
So by the hand of Zeus with surpassing glory invested
Stepped forth Atreides on \hzX great day, supreme among heroes.

Tell me, ye Muses ! Ye who the halls of Olympus inhabit —
{Goddesses are ye, and present at each great deed, and behold iL
We but gather from vagtie report, and of nothing are certain) —
Who were the Rulers of Greece, and who her commanders in battle.
Were, for the task, ten tongues, ten mouths, ten voices accorded
All unwearied with speech, and with brazen lungs were I gifted,
Ne'er could I count the number or name the names of her warriors, (490)
Did not the Muses, the ^gis-bearer s Olympian daughters.
Bring to my mtnd the i&ng list if those who at llion mustered,

Now 1 recite the ships ^ and the ships' commanders in order.

77ie Cataiiigtie &f the Ships and Forees,

Peneleus first and LeTtus led the Boeotian squadrons,
Arcesilaus next: with these, Prothoenor and Clonius
Under them, those in Hyrie bred, and precipitous Aulis,
Schcenus and Scolus too, and the rough Eteonian passes,
Those whom Thespia nurtured, and Graia, and wide Mycalessus,
Those near Harma who dwelt, th* Ilesian fens, and Erythrsc,
Eleon, and those, besides, who in Hyla and Peteon harboured, (500)
Or in Ocalea dwelt, or in Medeon s impregnable fortress,
Thisbe, famed for its breed of doves, Eulrests and Copse,
And Coron5ea*s slope, and the meadows of green Haliartus;
Those who possessed Platsea and those who inhabited Glissa
And who maintained in its strength Hypothebe's fortified city ;
Those of Oncastus* beauteous groves, where Poseidon is worshipped,
Those who rich Ame's vine -clad hills possessed, and Mideia,
Nissa's sacred shrines and Anthedon^s remoter recesses.
These were transported in fifty ships, and in each of the vessels
Six-score Bceotian youths embarked for IHon's conquest. (510)

From Miny.^an Orchomenos those, and the men of Aspledon

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BaoK IL

Were by Ascakphus led and lalmenus, offspring of Ares,
Both by Astyoche borne to the God, who secretly wooed her
Under the roof of her father, A^eidean A6tor \ a vir^pn
Pure untii thtn^ and stainless, — All these, in order tmbarking^
Thirty vessels conveyed in their hollow keels oer the oceatL

Schedius next to ihese, and Epistrophus led the Phocieans
Sons of the great descendant of Naubolus, valiant Iphitus.
All who in rock-strown Python dwelt, and around C>i>arissus,
All who from Crissa the holy, from Panope came, and from DauliSj (520)
Those in Anemoraea, and those in Hyampolis nurtured,
All who inhabit the banks of the sacred river Cephisus,
All the I.iljeans besides, from Cephisus' sources assembledj
Followed in forty sable ships these chiefs ia tht warfare;
And when by these armnged, and duly disposed in their order.
On the Boeotians* left in camp and in battle were stationed.

Then came the Locrians led by the sunft Oilean Aias;
Aias the less — far less than the great Telamonian Hero
W^hether in stature or strength \ yet small as he was (and hts corslet
Quilted with linen alone) as a spearman, none could excel him, {530)
Under him sailed the men of Callianis, Opus^ and Cynos,
Scaq)h€ and Bessa's groves, and the lovely fields of Auggea,
Tarpha, and Thronius' mead by the streams of Boagrius watered,
Locrians these from the coast beyond Eubo^a the sacred,
Followed in forty sable ships in the train of their leader.

Next the Euboean Abantes, high panting with generous ardour,
Men from Eretria, Chalcis, and rich Histjeia's vineyards.
Men from Cerinthus* shore, and the rock-built city of Dion,
Those who possessed Caiystus, and those who inhabited Styra,
These Elephenor led, the lord of the noble Abantes, (54°)

Great Chalcodon*s son, who from Axes his lineage boasted.
Swiftly rushing to battle, their long hair streaming behind them,
Charged all his followers bold, each skilled through breastplate and corslet
Driving his tough ash spear, to pierce to the heart of his foeman.
Forty sable vessels transported these o'er the ocean.

Next in order were those whom the stately city of Athens
Sent from its walls to the war— the city of noble Erechtheus,

Book IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

(560)

Sprung from the teeming furrow, by Pallas, the Thunderer's daughterp
Nurtured and cherished and placed in her oi*Ti magnificent temple;
There, where th 'Athenian youth with bulls and lambs at her altar (^^o)
Pay him their annual vows^ and adore him zifith prayers and abiatkms^
These by Menestheus, Petion's warlike son, were commanded,
Equal to whom no chief upon earth was found, in arraying
Horses and shielded troops, ami disposing them sagely for battle,
None, save Nestor alone, for his years and experience were greater.
These in a squadron of fifty vessels were borne o*er the waters.

Salamis sent twelve ships with the great Telamonian Aias :
These he arranged in order beside the Athenian phalanx*

Those who inhabited Argos, Hermione, fortified Tiryns,
Elone, Troezene, and, famed for its vines, Epidaurus,
(Cities which Asine's deep-indented inlet encircles);
Those who, Achaians by birth, possessed ^gina and Mases,
Those Diomedes, great in the roar of battle, commanded.
Sthenelus, Capaneus' son, the delight and pride of his father
Came, with Euryalus, godlike in strength, but third in precedence.
(Great Mecisteus' son, and king Talaton's grandson.
Both commanders^ both under wurlike Dioraed serving*
Fourscore sable ships their followers bore der the waters.

Next came the men of Mycenae adorned with magnificent temples,
Those too of rich Corinthus, and those of stately Cleonse, (570)
Beauteous Anethureia's fields and the groves of Omeia,
Sicyon, where erst Adxastus reigned in the days of his spkndour^
Fair H>T3eresia's plains, and high, rock-perched Gonoessa;
Those who possessed Pellene, and those whom -^gius nurtured^
Those on the coast who dwelt, where Helice slopes to the seaward.
There in an hundred ships the Prince Agamemnon assembled
Alreus' son* In numbers surpassing all, as in valour
Mustered his force. Himself in refulgent arms and in glory
Consciously first, and proudly preeminent, moved among heroes.
Bravest where aiiwert bravt^ and mightiest, where many were mighty, {^%<:^

Warriors from wide Lacedaemon*s defiles and hollow recesses,
Phar^. Sparta, and Messa w^here doves unceasingly murmur,
Fair Bryseia's domain, and the charming fields of Augeia,

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book 1L

Those in Ara^cl6 bred, and the sea-girt city of Helos^
Those who inhabited Laas and those whom tEtylus nurtured^
These Menelaiis^ great in the roar of battle, commanded :
Threescore ships they filled; but they sailed apart from his brother's*
Landed^ he flew through their ranks, each soul with ardoyr inspiring
Fierce as kis on*n: (ox his heart was burning \vithin him for vengeance.
Vengeance for Helena's tea rs,_/fT£?w//^V^^ww//(?r7^, and her sufferings, (590)

Those who in Pylos dwelt, and the beauteous plains of Aren6p
Thryos, hard by the fords of Alphasus, and -^py the stately^
Those who in CyparisseTs and Amphigeneia were nurtured,
Pteieus also, and Helos, and Dorium; there where die Muses
Thimyris met, the Thracian ktrd from (Echalia's frontier,
Jomneying komnmrd by Efirytus* stream, and rendered him songless.
Vain of his skill, he dared defy the 01>Titpian sisters.
Vaunting himself for more than their match in the art of the minstreL
They, at the boast indignant, withdrew the gifts they had lavished.
Blasted his sight, and blotted the light of song from his spirit (600)
These the Gerenian horseman Nestor led to the combat ;
Fourscore and ten were the hollow* ships which bore them to Troia.

Next came Arcadia's sons, from the skirts of loAy Cyllene
Near unto ^pjl^tus' tomb : men prompt with their foe men to grapple ;
Those from Pheneus, those from rich Orchomenos' pastures, .
Rip^, and Strati£^ too, and the breezy heights of Enisp^,
Hwst in TegiSa who dwelt, and in fair Mantinea*s vallies,
On the StyTTiphalian plain, and on snowy Parrhasia's uplands;
These Agape nor led, the princely son of Ane^us*
Threescore ships they filled, and in each were Arcadian warriors {610)
NumVous and bravei well tried in the prai5lice of war and its hardships.
Ships*?/' thiir mtm they had nmte. With these Agamem nonsuppliedthem,
Fully etiuipt o'er the dark blue weaves to bear them in safct)\
All unused as they were to the sea, and the craft of the seaman.

Those from Buprasium next and the sacred city of El is.
All from bet^veen Hyrmin6 and Myrsinus* uttermost frontier
Up to th' Olenian rock and the bounding stream of Aleisus.
These in forty ships four leaders followed, in squadrons
Ten under eachj and many Epeians mustered on board them.

Booic ir.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEE.

One by Amphimachus, Cteatus' son, was condu<5led, another (620)
Thal|>ius, Eurjtiis' son and grand^ion of A<5lor, commanded j
Brave Diores the third, Amaryncus' son ; and the squadron
Fourth in order divine Polyxeinus brought d^r the ocean:
Noble Agasthenes' son, and grandson of royal Aygteas,

Those from Dulichium, — those from the sacred isles of Echinse
Dwellers across the water, from opposite Eiis divided,
Followed the for (urns of Meges, a warrior equal to Ares,
Son of the bold knight Phyleus, beloved of Zeus; who impatient
Under his father's control, to Dulichium fled for protection »
\Vhence» with forty ships^ he joined the array 0/ the Grecians^ (^3^)

No hie Odysseus led the brave Cephalenian ivarriors,
Those who in Ithaca dwelt and in Neritus' quivering forests,
Those who around Crocyleia and rugged j^gilips harboured,
\Mio in ZacynUius dwelt and the Samian isle, and the region
Ranging along th' opposing mainland coast of Epirus,
These were the men by Odysseus led, Jove's equal in counsel
Twelve in number his ships ; whose sides with vermilion were painted.

Thoas, Andr^mon's son^ j^tolia's forces commanded;
Those from Pleuron, from Olenos those, and those of Pylen6j
Chalcis close on the sea, and Cfilydon's rocky recesses. (640)

Passed from life were ihe sons of magnanimous CEneus; their father
Seen upon earth no more, nor the fair-hair'd chief Meleager;
Therefore to Thoas' sway was .^tolia's sceptre intrusted :
Forty sal>le ships conveyed his troops o'er ike ^cmn.

Next by Idomeneus led, came the warUke host of the Cretans,
Those from Gnossus and strong Gort3m^'s fortified precin<5ls
Lyiflus, Miletus too, and the white-gleaming walls of Lycastus,
Pha&stus, and Rhytium, towns in wealth and in people abounding:
Time and each beside of the hundred cities of Creta
Sent forth their sons, by Idomeneus led, the redoubtable spearman, (650)
Joined with Merion, brave as the God of war in the hattk;
Fourscore sable ships these warriors conveyed o'er the waters.

Next came Tlepolemus brave, in strength and stature excelling;
Hercules' son. Nine ships of warriors fierce he commanded
Seat by the three confederate Rhodian states, lalyssus,

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IL

LiaduSt and_/?i/r Cameirus, whose walls gleam white in the sunbtam.
These Tlepolemus ied, that bold and redoubtable spearman.
Him fair Astyocheia bore to the might of Herakles,
WTiom from the smoking ruins of many a populous city
Captive he carried from Ephyr^'s Lind, and the stream of SelleTs* (660)
Young Tiepolemus, grown to man's estate in the palace,
Straightway his father's maternal uncle, a scion of Ares
Ancient Licymnius^ slew, whom his father loved ; and a navy
Building in haste^ escaped with an host of followers, flying
Far o^er the seas— for he dreaded the threats and wrath of his brothers,
And of their sons, and the powerful house of mighty Herakles*
Hardships many they bore, till in Rhodes they finally landed j
There, divided in tribes, three cities they built \ and KronSon,
Ruler of Gods and men, looked down with favour upon them,
Frospcred that handy wark^ and poured on them wealth in abun-
dance, (^7^)

Nireus three trim gallies from Sym^ led o'er the ocean,
Nireus, of royal Ch4r5pus bom and graceful Aglaia,
Nireus ! the goodliest man of the Greeks who at I lion mustered
(Save Peleides alone, the faultless in form and in feature),
Feeble albeit In fight, and few the troops he commanded.

Those in Nisyrus who dwelt, in Crapathus also and Casos,
And in Calydna's isles, and in Cos, Eurjpylus' city;
These by Pheidippus and Antiphus, warlike brothers, commanded,
Thessalus' sons^ — a prince of the great Hemcleidean lineage :
Thirty ships their followers bore aUr the desoiak acmn.

Now must I tell of those who dwelt in Pelasgian Argos,
Those from Alos, from Al*5pe those, and those of Tree hi n 6,
Phthia^ and Hellas famed as the land of beautiful women.
Myrmidons those, but these were Hellenes called and Achaians,
Following in fifty ships the fm-trmrs of noble Achilles,
All unmindful of war were they now, and the din of the battle;
Chief was there none to marshall their ranks find lead them to ghry.
Mighty Achilles, swift in the race, lay aim)/ and mdigmftt.
Close in his ships; embittered by rage for the fair-hair'd BriseTs
Whom from Lymessus he bore; after many a dtsptrak struggle (690)

(680)

Book rij

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Sacking the town, and destroying the walls and city of Theb^p
There Mynetes he struck to the earth and Epistrophus, speannen
Stalwart, Even ins' sons^ of the royal line of Selepias:
Now was he plunged in grief— but soon to arise in his fury.

Those who in Phylac6 dwelt and in Pyrrhasus' flowery borders,
Sacred to Ceres ^ — I ton, the nurse of flocks and their shepherds^
Antron close to the sea, and the rich Pteletan pastures^
Were by Protesilaiis, while yet surviving, commanded.
He now, alas ! in the darksome earth reposed^ and his widow
Tearing her hair was left, her cheeks ail furrowed and bleeding (700)
There in his half-finished palace at Pylac6* First of the Grecians
Bravely he leaped from his ship, and fell by the lance of a Trojan,
Not that a leader ihey lacked though grievedfor the loss of their chieftain.
Now they obeyed Podarces brave, a scion of Ares,
Own dear brother by birth of magnanimous Protesilaiis,
Grandson of Phylaiis wealthy in flocks, and son of Iphiclus,
Both were brave, but Protesilaiis the elder and braver:
Both lifere leaders &f worthy and the troops with the irj'<:7w/4/w/ commander
Cheerfully served, though regretting the chief w^ho formerly led them.
Forty sab!e vessels conveyed this force der tht ocean. (7*^)

Those who in Pherae dwelt, on the Boebian lake, and the city
Boeb^, and Glaphyras too, and the neat-built town of lolchus,
These in elev'n dark ships embarked and were led by Eumelus,
Dearly beloved by his parents Admetus and heavenly Alcestis,
Fairest in feature and form of all the daughters of Pelias,

Those in Thaumasia bred, and those who dwelt in Methond,
Who Meliboea possessed, and the rugged heights of Ohzon,
These under Philo<5letes, renowned for his archery, mustered;
Sev^n were the ships they filled, and in each the rowers were fifty,
Skilled with unerring aim to deal forth the shafts of destru^flion. (720)
He, their chief meanwhile, lay groaning in anguish and helpless;
Left by the Greeks on Lemnos' sacred isle, on their passage^
Struck well-nigh unto death by the venomed fangs of a serpent.
Grieving he lay: but the tirae was at hand when Greece should remember
Him they had left lo pine^ and long fiw their lost Philo<Sletes.
Yet uncommanded his troops w^ere not, though grieved at his absence ;

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IL

(740)

Medon, bastard son of Oileus, led them to battle,
Medoiii by Rhen6 born to Oileus, razer of cities.

Those who from Tricca came, and the rugged c\^%^ of Ithom6,
Those in (Ecbalia bom, hy CEchalian Eurytus governed, (73°)

Those Podalirius join*d with Machaon, skilful physicians,
Led to the war; — two brothers, divine Asclepias' offspring.
These in a squadron of thirty ships ivere transported h Trma*

Those in Ormenium bred and around Hypereia's fountain,
Those upon Titiinus' snow-clad heights and Asterium nurtured,
Were by Eurypylus led, the valiant son of Evsemon :
Him they followed, in forty sable ships &er the acean^

Those whom Argissa, those Ciyrtone sent to the arm\\
Orth^, Elon^ and thy white-gleaming walls, Oloiisson :
Those Polypoetes mighty and stern in battle commanded.
Him to PeLrithoiis, son of Zeus, the renowned among women
Hippodameia bore, on the selfsame day when Peirkhous
Routed the shaggy Centaurs, and forth from their mves^ and the forests
Waving on Pelion's sides, unto wild ^thicia drove them.
Nor was he sole in command. Leonteus, scion of Ares,
Fought by his side, the son of Coronus, and grandson of Caeneus:
Forty vessels their followers bore der the deseiate ocean.

Twenty and two were the ships under Guneus from Cyphus as-
sembled;
These th' Enienians filled, and the warriors bold of Pera*l>^,
Those whom Dodona*s oaks scarce screened from her pitiless tempests,
Those in the region who dwelt where fair Titaresius gliding (751)
Pours into Peneus* stream his pure and crystalline waters.
All unmixed vtith its silvery flood, like oil on the surface
Floating, their seaward course they pursue : for in Styx is their fountain.
Pledge of that dreadful oath by the Gods ret^cred and by mortals,

Prothotis last, Tenthredon's son, renowned for his fleet ness,
l^ed the Magnetian bands, who from Feneus' flowery margin
Came, and from Pelion's shaggy sides and quivering forests :
Him they followed in forty sable ships o*cr the ocean.

These were the Princes of Greece, and these the chief of her armies (760)
Now, then, recite 0 Musei among all who came with th* Atreidae

Book IL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

Which were the bravest chiefs, and the most renowTieti of their horses.
Far the best of the steeds were those of the grandson of Pheres,
Those which Eumelus drove* No bird surpasst^d them in fleetness^
Like in colour and age, and equal in height by the level.
Mares were they both \ by Apollo himself in Pieria nurtured.
Trained up to whirl the thundering car, and the terrors of Ares,
Bravest among the chiefs was the great Telamonian Aias
Now that Achilles was absent (for he was superior in ail things^
Faultless in all \ and his horses were better than those of Eumelus); (770)
He, meanwhile, in his ships all ready for sea, lay breathing
Vengeance against Agamemnon the shepherd and guide of the people,
Atreiis* son ; while his troops o'er the beach were scattered ; in pastime
Hurling the quoit, or the jav^in darting^ or aiming the arrow.
Dropping and spiriiiess nmv each courser stood by his chariot,
Leisurdy feeding on lotus and parsley leaves from the marshes.
Carefully manded, the cars of the chiefs stood usckss and idle.
They through the camp, now here, now there, went listlessly wandVing,
Longing to join in fight and deploring their Prince's inailim.

Now, like a fiery deluge, devouring the earth in its progress (780)
Swept on their march the Greeks^ and the plain resomuUng beneath them
Koared, as in answer to thundering Zeus, when ike bolts of his anger
Smite on th* accursed soil where Typhocus writhes in his i&rmcnt^
Whelmed and entombed (so fame declares) beneath ArimS's mmintains.
Thus re-echoed the earth to their measured Xt^^d^ as advancing (785)
Quickly they cleared the space which divided the camp from the city. [785]

Iris, swift as the wind, from /Fgis-bearing Kronion
Now to the Trojans was sent, and dread were the Hdings she carried.
Old and young were met in the porch of the palace of Priam
Counsel to take. Th' assembly was formed and the meeting was
open^d, (790)

' '\!llien, in Polites* shape, and his voice assuming, among them [790]
Iris appeared, and at once as the son of Priam addressed them,
%V1io from the summit of old ^syetus' tomb was obsert^ing
Watchful, emh nnrve ^the Greeks, and alert ^ to announce on the instant
When from their ships they advanced ; to his fleetness trusting for safety*
Such was the fonn she took, and these were the words that she uttered.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IL

" Old and revered as thou art, here sitt'st thou fondly debating
Ev*n as if all were peace; — while war comes thick" ning ^ionx\d theel
Many a muster qf trrn^s^ and many a fight have 1 witnessed :
Yet did mine eyes ne*er view so vast, so mighty an army. (800)
On they sweep, like leaves in the woods, like sand on the sea-beach [800]
Swarming o'tT all the plain and making straight for the city,
Hetflor ! (for thee I chiefly advise) let this be thy condu<n :
Many and brave are th' auxiliar troops in our city assembled,
Various the tongues they speak and various the races they spring from ;
Each to its own accmtomed chief let these be entrusted ;
Thou shalt thyself our native pow'r array for the combat."

Thus she spake: nor did He<Slor mistake the celestial accents;
But the assembly dissolved. All rushed to arms at his orders.
Wide were the gates thrown open; and forth the multitude issued (810)
Footmen and horse; mid the clash of their arms ^ViA the xxlXXX^ of €hari0ts.

Far on the plain of Troy, but straight in front of the city,
Rises a lofty mound, unfenc'd and open on all sides,
Known as the hill Bateia, when named in the language of mortals,
But among Gods as the tomb of the deftty-bounding Myrinnfi;
There did the Trojans with all their allies make ready for battle*

Hedlor, lord of the waving plume, commanded the Trojans,
Son of old Priam th^ir king. With him was the strength of the army ;
Spearmen, numVous and brave \ each skilled in the use of his weapons.

Next came the Dardan force, by ^neas, son of Anchises (820)
I^d to the fight Him Venus bore to his father Anchises, [820]
Woo*d in fair Ida*s groves, and mingling in love with a mortal
Joined wnth him in command, the two bnive sons of An ten or
Acamas came and Archilochus, chiefs of experience and condufl.

Those at the foot of Ida who dwelt, on the plain of Zeleia
Teeming with wealth, and who drank thy turbid water, -^epus,
Trojans by nation, were led by the valiant son of Lycaon,
Pandarus, gifted by Phcebus' self with his bow and his quiver*

Those who possessed Adrest^, and those of rural Apaesus,
Those of Piteia, those from the tow'ring heights of Tereia, {850)
These Adrastus, and he of the corslet of linen, Amphius, [830]
Sons of Percosian Merops, led. Their father forbade them,

Book IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Skilled as he was in prophetic lore, to go forth with the army,
Tempting thtirfatt m destni^live war. But %'ain was his warning.
Vain his command : for the dark&ome paths of death were before them.

Those who arotmd Perc6t^, and Praflius dwelt, and Arisb^,
Sestos, and those of the chst-confrmting shore of Abydos,
Asius, Hyrtacus' son^ and a Prince among heroes, commanded:
Asius, proud of his large and fiery steeds from ArisM,
Borne by their might in his car from the flower)^ banks of Selleis. (840)

Next by Hippothous led were the fierce Pelasgian warriors, [S40]
Those of the tribes who Larissa's fertile region inhabit
He with his brother Pylaeus was joined, a scion of Ares,
Grandsons of Tetitamus both, and sons of Pelasgian Lelhus.

Warriors from Thracia's bounds, by the swift -flowing Hellespont
bordered,
Fiocked to the standard of Acamas bold and the hero Pirous.

Under Euphemus, son of the heaven-descended TroezenuSj
Grandson of Ceas, marched the brave Ciconian spearmen.

Armed with their crooked bows the Pmonians came, from Am yd on \

These by Pyraechmes were led, from afar, from the wide-flowing

Axius, (^5^)

Axius, the fairest stream which the Sun beholds in his drcuH, [S50]

Stem Pylimenes led the Paphlagonian warriors
Who from Enitia came, where mu!es run wild in the pastures.
Those w^ho possessed Cytorus, and those whom Sesamus nurtured,
Those who the far-famed towns by Parthenitis Haters inhabit,
Cromim, iEgialus too, and the slopes of steep Erythina*

Hodius the Halizonians led, and Epistrophus, quitting
Aljbe*s distant realm, in mines of silver abounding*

Chromis the Mysians led, with Ennomus, famed as an augur:
Yet whom no bird by its flight could warn of impending
destruction, {860)

Destined, alas \ to fall by the hand of mighty Achilles, [S60]

Hoiled to the sea by Scamander's flood, with many a Trojan.

Phorcis and godlike Ascanius led the Phrygian warriors
Eager and panting for fight, from far Ascania's frontier

Mesthles and Antiphus led the brave Mseonian forces,

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book II.

Raised where Tmolus rears his wide overshadowing summit;
Both were TalaemSnes* sons, by a nymph of the Lake Gygaea,

Nastes the Carians led, of a rude and barbarous language.
Men from Miletus, Phtheira with forests crown'd, and the margin
Green of the clear Meander, and Myc&l^'s steep; with his bro-
ther [869]=(87o)
Joined in command, Amphimachus. Both were sons of Nomfon, [871]
Both were brave : but Amphimachus decked with gold like a maiden
Rode to the fight ; and his glittering gauds availed not to save him
Or to avert black death: by the hand of mighty Achilles
Slain in Scamander's flood, and his gold was the spoil of the vidlor.

Last, but not least in fame were Sarpedon and Glaucus the blameless.
Leading the Lycian bands from the banks of eddying Xanthus. (877)

THE ILIAD.

BOOK III.

BOOK THE THIRD.

Argument.

The Greek and Trojan armies advance to battle, Paris challenges the
bravest of the Greeks, Menelaiis cofnes forward to oppose him, at sight of
whom Paris retreats: but being rebuked by He^or for his cowardice ,
declares himself ready to meet him in single combat. The terms of the
combat are agreed on, Priam and the nobles of Troy assemble on the
walls and are joined by Helen at the summofis of Iris, At Priam^s
request she points out the principal Greek leaders to him, Priam being
called on ratifies the terms of the combat. They fight. Paris is worsted;
but saved by Aphrodiii, who carries him to Troy, where he is joined by
Helen; to whom the Goddess reconciles him, Paris having thus quitted
the feldj Agamemnon claims the fulfilment of the terms of the treaty.

ILIAD. BOOK IIL

IVyOW was each host arrayed by its leader's care for the combat-
On came the Trojans Uke birds in a flock, with shouting and
clamour,
As, from the sky loud clanging, the cranes set forth on their voyage,
Leaving behind thero the storms and the ceaseless rain of the winter;
Winging their noisy flight to the utmost verge of the ocean;
Bearing death and destmdlive war to the race of the Pygmies
When, as at early dawn, like a cloud ihey descend on the region.

Breathing united force the Greeks pressed forward in silence,
Firmly resolved, each man, to stand to iht death by his comrades.

As when Notus hath breathed his mist o'er the crest of the moun-
tains, ( I o)
Held hy the shepherd in dread ; more welcome than night to the robber \
Hardly so far as a stone may be flung can aught be distinguished;
Thus in an eddying whirl of dust both armies advancing
Swept o*er the plain ; and at speed the space between them was traversed*

Now, ere they closed in fight, each rapidly neanng the other,
Foremost in front of the Trojans outstept from the ranks AiexandroSt
Godlike in feat lire and form : a panthers skin o'er his shoulders
Flung, with his crooked bow, and his sword. Two lances he brandished
Pointed with bronze, and loudly defiant, he challenged the Grecians,
Vaunting himself a match for the best and bravest among them, (ao)
Him no sooner beheld the indignant chief Menelaiis
Strutting in insolent guise thus boldly in front of the armies,
Than* as a hungry Hon o*er some rich quarry rejoices,
Some great stag with branching horns, or goat of the mountain,

4—^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BooicHL

When with a spring he seizes, and tears it down, and devours it;
Reckless of dogs/erc^ haying a ret/ nd or tin shotits a/ iht hunters:
So Menelaiis rejoiced, that form divine and those features
When with his eyes he beheld^ most hateful. Then of his vengeance
Certain at length, he leaped to the ground full-anned from his chariot
Him when now Alexander beheld advancing to meet him, (30)
Struck to the heart with itrr&r and shame, at once he retreated.
Plunging amid the host of his friends and shunning destruction.
As when a travciitr^ deep in the tangled brake of a mountain
Comes unawares on a snake; with trembling knees and in hotr&r
Back he recoils with a start, and a paleness spreads o*er his feature;^
Thus shrank back Alexander among the magnanimous Trojans,
Dreading the sight 0/ the man lu had injured^ fdl Menelaiis,

This when He€lor beheld^ with reproachful words he assailed him !
** Paris ! t(H> fatally fair ! seducer of women 3 deceiver !
Would thou had St never been bom, or died ere thms; i/I-mnened nuptials. (40)
That would I rather have seen : and that for thyself had been better,
Than to stand forth, the scandal and scorn of the hosts who behold thee.
Well may the long-hair'd Greeks break forth in these skwts <3/*derision,
Looking for martial deeds from so gay, so handsome a hero 1
Ij^oki ng in vain 3 for strength thou hast none, nor spirit within thee.
How could'st thou dare, being such as thou art, to set forth on thy voyage
(Manning thy sea-going ships with the choicest youth of our city),
Prank it in foreign courts; and elope with the fairest of women,
Widow and consort of martial chiefs tn the Apian country;
Making thyself a curse to thy father, thy city, and nation; (50)
Triumph and joy to thy foes; to thyself a reproach and abasement?
Had'st thou hnx dared one moment to stand and confront Menelaus,
Soon thou hadst learned what manner o^miixi should kH^ltna's husband 1
I'hen would thy harp nought avail, nor the gifts of bright Aphroditd,
Nought xhyfair ringlets rolled in the dust, nor the grac^ iif xhy figure!
Were but the IVojans true to themselves, ere this we had seen thee
Wrapped in thy last dark mantle of stone for the woes thou hast wrought
them,"

Thus then replied Alexander the Godlike in form and in feature:
** Just, 0 Heaor, indeed, th&ugh set^ere^ are the words thou hast spoken*

Book llh

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Firm is ever thine heart and unworn, like the axe which the ship-
wright (Go)
Drives through the kn&ited oak when he shapes some beam for hii

vessel ;
True to his hand^ and seconding well the strength that impels it :
Such is the firm and constant mind which dwells in thy bosom.
Yet undervalue thou not the gifts of bright Aphrodit6.
Btauty and vaiaur alike as the Gods* rich gifts should be honoured,
Granted h wham thty hi't: not yielded to prayer 0r to longing.
Yet woulds't thou have me advance, and stand committed to combat?
Halt thy troops and let all, both Greeks and Trojans, be seated.
Place me at once in the midst, confronted with grim Menelaiis.
Here on iht sp&t will we fight it out, for the dame a iid the treasure, (70)
He who shall prove the better man and shall conquer the other.
His ht the spoil, and Helen the fair ^ and home let him l>ear them.
Then be a treaty by oath confirmed. So shall ye, O ye Trojans,
l>well on your fertile fields in peace ; and the Greeks shall revisit
Argos famed for its steetls, and Achaia the land of the lovely/*

Thus he spake. But Hed^or rejoiced when he heard the proposal
Stepping in front of his troops he repressed their ranks, with hisjav'lin
Ln*dkd ^T\^ held by the middle athwart^ and made them be seated.
Instantly many a bow was drawTi by the long-hair'd Achaians,
Many a spear was aimed, and stones came flying around him, (80)
But Agamemnon the kJng from afiir loud shouted his orders:

**Hold! m your Hves, Not a spear be hurled, ye sons of Achaia!
Crest-waving Heiflor stands forth, having somewhat to say. Let us hear
him;*

Thus hes|jake: and the Greeks restrained their assault and were
silent.
He^or then, advancing between both armies, addressed them ;
"Listen! ye Trojans all, and ye bright-greaved sons of Achaia,
TplTiat Alexander, with whom l>egan this quarrel, proposes.
Greeks and Trojans alike lay down your glittering weapons
Here on the grassy plain and await tft£ issue in siimce;
While, m the sight 0/ a//^ himself and brave Menelaus (90)

Singly and hand ia hand shall fight for the dame and the treasure*

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BocjK IIL

Whoso shall prove the better man and shall conqtier the other^
His be the spoil, and Helen ihijair, and home let him be^ them ;
Then be a treaty by oath confirmed, and let peace be between us."

Thus he spake ; and all maintained a reverent silence
Till Menelaiis, great in the roar of battle, responded :
" Hear me too i for 'tis I who am injured ; mine is the suflTring.
Fain would I see this strife com]>osed, and the Greeks and the Trojans
Farted as friends : for many and great are the woes ye have suffered
In this quarrel of mine, for the outrage of mad Alexandres, ( i oo)
Which of the two shall fall — let fate ami prmvcss decide it
One must die. Then peace be proclaimed and the armies be parted.
Now then^ ye Trojans ! bring two lambs ; a male and a black one
Due to the Earth; to the Sun a white and a female. Another
We will for Zeus provide. And bring ye Priam in person
All to confirm by oath {for his sons are false and o'en^'eening).
So that the tnice of Jove by no reckless hand may be broken.
Ever the spirit of younger men is fickle und headsfrmig ;
Only from reverend age wAic^ iinks the past mth the future
Looking before and after, can justice and faith be expe<fted." (no)

Thus he spake. Both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced when they
heard hinij
Hoping at length for peace and respite from war and its labours.
Reining back his steeds to the fiffrmasf ranks &f the footmen
Each hnwe ihkfimm hia chariot sprang, and each with his soldiers
Doffed their respiendmt arms and laid them closely in order,
Small being the space around. Then He£tor despatched to the dty
Heralds in haste to provide ti^H> lambs, and Priam to summon.
King .\gamemnon the while Talthybius sent to the vessels.
Bidding him there aeledt an unbttttmhed lamb for the ofiTring,
Forth he sped^ and widi small delay was his errand accomplished (lao)

Iris now to the white-armed Helena came with a message,
Like her fair sister^n-law Laodic^S daughter of Priam,
Loveliest of all his daughters ; the wife of Prince Helicaon,
Son of tiu iagf Antenor \ and Helen she found in her palace,
Weaving an ample web, in whose clase and tapestried texture.
Gorgeous with many a hue, were displayed the feats of the heroes,

Book UL]

THE ILIAD OFHOMEIi.

Horae-taming Trojans and bronze-mailed Greeks who had fought

in her quarrel,
Ail ihiy had Jami, ami all endured from the ruler of battles.
Standing beside her, thus then spake the swift-fooled Iris :

*'Haste, dear Lady! with me, and behold a sight will surprise thee; (130)
Horse-taming Trojans and bronze -mailed Greeks ddsuiifig/ram confiiB^
They, who so oft in the held have closed in mutual slaughter,
(Cause Qifuil many a tear) and rejoiced in the horrors of battle,
Now sit ptaceful and silent, each man on his buckler reclining.
Plunged are their spears in the ground, and llie damour of war is

suspended,
WhWt on the space between, Alexander and fierce Menelaiis
Wield their long spears in light ; and thyself, the prize they contend for,
Henceforth art doomed to be called the wife of him who shall conquer,"
Thus spake the Goddess^ and sweet, sad longings inspired In her

bosom.
Country — parents — her former Lord, all rushed on her fancy* (140)
Dropping a tender tear she arose, and forth from her chamber
Hasted, her beauiemis fum^ in a sn&iif-whii^ mantle involving,
Not unattended ; for two fair handmaids close on her footsteps
^thra, Pittheus* daughter, and large-eyed Clymend followed.
Soon to the Scaean gate they came^ where already assembled
Priam she found, and the sages of Troy around him ; Thymcetes,
Panthoiis, Clytius, Lampus, and, offspring of Mars, Hicetaon,
Near him Ucalegon sate and Antenor, prudent in council.
Elders both of the people : ail loved fy Friam ami irmkd :
Warworn chiefs who no longer fought — yet eloquent speakers, (1$^)
Garruious: like the cicadie that people the pine in the forest,
Chirping their shrill and musical song as they bask in the sunbeam;
Such were the Trojan chiefs who sate looking forth from the rampart
These, when Helena now they beheld, on the rampart approaching,
Thys in an undertone exchanged their thoughts with each other ;
*'Who can 7i/;><^^/^-r or blame that the bright-armed Greeks and the

Trojans
Year after year for so gbrmts a woman have fought and have suffered ?
Lo I wAere she comei^ like a Goddess immortal in face and in person !

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book ML

Albeit, fair as she is, Heav'n grant her speedy departure I

So shalh/w/rwtf7/fW^«i/woe be spared to ourselves an dour children/' ( i6o)

Thus they whispered; but Priam, to Helena calling, addressed her:
"Come^ dear child I advance to the front and seat thee beside me,
Where thou may st see thy former spouse, thy friends and relations,
(Thee by no means I biame. To the Gods alone I attribute
All the destru^live war which the Greeks are waging against me.)
Come then : name me that portly chief so distinguished among them,
Him thou see'st in the front; that tall and vigorous leaden
Ne'er did mine eyes behold so majestic a man, or so goodly.
Others indeed are there who in strength and stature suqmss him :
That man hmifet'cr exals them aii^/orhe mmrs like a sovereign/' (170)

Helena then these words retumedt the divine among women:
"Shrinking with revVence and fear, dear Father-in-law, I approach thee*
Would I had rather the bitterest death preferred to fon^aking
Friends, and my wedded lord, and my darling child, and the playnnates
Dear of my immcent youth, to follow thy son oVr the ocean.
So w*as it not to be ! and in grief and in tears I bewail it
Yet what thou seek*st to know, as in duty hmmd will I tell thee.
There thou behold'st Atreides, the wide ruling King Agamemnon,
Statesman and warrior; good as a prince and brave as a captain.
Once (it seems like a dream) he called me shameless -his Sister,"

Helena ceased, and admiringly thus old Priam responded: (181)
''Happy Atreidesf Blest in thy birth, thrice blest in thy fortunes,
Blest in the subje<5l Greeks who in such vast numbers obey thee J
Once to the Phrygian land 1 came— the land of the vineyard.
There I beheld that countless host of the Phrygian horsemen
Swift as the wind; the troops of godlike Mygdon and Otreus
Camped on Sangarius' banks: and mine were numbered among them,
J^jin'd in friendly alliance; what time came down to oppose us,
Rivals in courage of men, the fierce Amazonian squadrons.
Yet far fewer were these than the bright-eyed sons of Achaia." (190)

After a pause the king resumed, beholding Odysseus:
**Tell me I pray thee now, dear child, the name of the w^arrior
There whom I see; in stature less than tall Agamemnon;
Broader however in shoulders and chest This well i distinguish

Book IIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

V
V

Since he hath doffed his anHOur^ and there on the ground it is scattered
Stately and slow meanwhile, like a ram, through his soldiers he passes.
Aptly, me thinks indeed^ to a thick-fleeced ram I compare him
Ranging through some great flock of snow-white sheep in the pastures,*^

Helena thus, from Zeus descended^ replied to hia question:
**^rhat is the wise Laertes' son, much-scheming Odysseus, (^oo)
Nurtured in Ithaca's realm — rough nurse for so skreiad a cmitrivtr^
Practised in every i*ile, and prudent in every counsel"

Sage Anterior took up the word, and thus he addressed her:
'*LadyI thy word is truth itself. Right weii I remanim-
When in thine own behalf, by Greece commissioned, Odysseus
Came to propose some terms to Troy with brave Menetaiisj
Mma to my lot it fell to receive them both in my palace.
Thus did I clearly discern the genius of each, and his temper.
When With th' assembled Trojans they came^ together, in council,
Standing indeed, Menelaiisbyhead and shoulders o'ertopped him, (210)
Sitting however, Odysseus appeared more grave and majestic.
W^en in the presence of all they unfolded the web of their puq^ose,
Arguing the matter in hand,^ — Menelaus was eager and hurried,
Brief, and sparing of words, yet clear; and dire<5t to his object
All that he said; not loquacious, nor wild in his talk, though the younger.
But when Odysseus rose, that man of many devices,
Fixing his down-cast eyes on the ground he stood: nor his sceptre
Swayed, eidier this way or that like a pradlised speaker; but held it
Motionless, ev*n as a man unskilled in the arts of persuasion*
One would declare him mute with passion or wanting in judgement (220)
But when he spoke, when his powerful voice went forth from his bosom,
Issuing in words which fell like flakes of snow in the winter,
Surely no mortal man might hope to compete with Odysseus.
Lost in wonder we sate: but not, as before, at his manner,*'

Aias beholding, thus, for the third time questioned the monarch;
"Name me, I pray thee, now, that mighty and vigorous chieftain.
Tow' ring o'er all the Greeks by his head and th* expanse of his shoulders/*

Thus did the long-robed Helen reply, the divine among women :
**That is the mighty Aias, the bulwark v^nd strength of Achaia.
There, on the other side, Idomeneus stands with his Cretans, (ajo)

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book ML

Like to a God i and around liim the chieftains of Crete are colledlcdi
Often to brave Mcnelaiis an honoiired guest, in our palace
Kindly received and welcomed, he came, and sojourned among us.
Others, and many there are of the keen-eyed eyed sons of Achaia
Whom I could name by name; for well I remember their features.
Two, however, In vain I seek, two princely commanders,
Both my o^ti brothers* both from my own dear mother descended ;
Castor the horseman bold ; Polydeuces unmatched with the cgestus.
Have they, perchance not followed their friends from fair T^cedaemon?
Or if indeed with the rest they have ploughed the wave in their
vessels (240)

Hold they aloof from the hostt and refuse to join in the contest,
Dreading the stain and reproach of a cause so foul as their sister's?"

Thus she spake. But both th' all-fostering earth in her bosom
Long had received, in the land of their btrth, their lov'd Ivacediemon.

Now were the Heralds arrived who the offerings bore through the ciqr,
Both the lambs, and generous wine, earth's genial produce,
Sealed up in goatskin flasks : and a bowl the herald Idpaus
Bore, 0/ resplendent silver^ and goblets of gold, for lifjation.
Taking his station beside the king, this summons he uttered:
* Reverend son of Laomedon! rise. The chieftains expe^ thee, (550)
Horse-taming Trojans and bron;?e-maird Greeks. They attend thy arrival
There in the field below, to confirm with an oath their agreement.
Then shall thy son Alexander and Mars-beloved Menelaiis
Meet with protended spears, and fight for the dame and the treasure.
He who may conquer shall take them both, and in peace shall possess

them.
We, thenceforth, who the compa<5t accept and with oaths have confirmed

it.
Here in our fertile Troia will dwell; while they shall revisit
Argos famed for its steeds, and Achaia the land of the lovely."

Thus Idseus; and shuddering, the summons he heard, and the horses
Straightway bade yoke to the car. This soon th' attendants accomplish-
ed. (260)
Mounting at once, the reins he sei/ed Antenor beside him
Stood in the beauteous chariot; and forth they sped, and the horses

Book ML]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Flew through the Scaean gate to the plain where the chiefs were assembledj
Trojans and Greeks. When now they were come to the place of assembly,
Down from the chariot /air on the fruitful earth they ahghted,
And to the midst advanced^ both hosts making way to reaive them.
Straightway arose from his seat the king of men Agamemnon,
Up rose Odysseus the wise. And novv tlV illustrious heralds
Brought together the mutual pledges, and duly commingled
Wine in the bowl. Then water they poured on the hands of the

sovereigns J (270)

Next Agamemnon drew with his hands a sharp-edgM poniard
Which from the mighty sheath of his sword hung ever suspended,
Cropping with this their wool from the heads of the lambs : and the

heralds
Handed it round, a portion to each of the Princes assembled.
Loud then prayed Agamemnon, his hands uplifted to Heaven :
'* Father Zeus ! most great, most glorious, ruling from Ida ;
Thou, too, all -seeing Sun \ who h ear's t our words and rcmcmb*rest ;
Fountains and Streams ! Thou Earth ! and ye Pow'rs beneath it, who

punish
Perjuf d mortals beyond the grave ! I call you to witness.
Hear wlut we swear, and sanation the league we make in your

presence, {280)

Should it befal that in fight Alexandros slay Menelaiis,
Helena then be his ow^n. We yield all claim to the treasure.
Forthwith then in our sea-going ships we take our departure*
But should the yellow-hair'd chief Menelaiis slay Alexandros,
Helena then and the treasure shall Troy restore to the Grecians;
Adding moreover a fine, whate'er shall be just and sufficient
This shall remain to the Greeks^ nor shall after ages dispute iL
This should Priam and Priam's sons refuse, ar evade it^
{In fair Jii^/ii Alexander being slain) the war shall continue^
I myself will remain with my troops, and fight for the ransom; (290)
Fight to the end, and till all be paid, and the debt be acquitted:'
Ending, with cruel blade the throats of the lambs he divided,
Down on the earth their lx)dies he flung, all bleeding and panting
In the last gaspof life>for their strength had ebbed from the death wound.

TfIB ILIAD OF HOyfER.

[Hook II!.

Into the cups from the bowl the wine they poured, €fmi receiving
Drank^ and devoutly prayed^ each Fow'r immortal invoking.
Then might be heard such vvordsas these from Greek and fromlVojan:
"Hear us! Zeus most great, most glorious, and all ye Immortals.
He who shall dare this treaty to break, and the oaths ye have witnessed,
Oh ! may his blood on the ground be spilled, like yonder libations, (300)
His and his children's too, and his wife to a stranger be captive.**
Thus they prayed — (but Zeus refused to hear their petitions).
Then Dardanian Priam addressed the leaders assembled:
" Hear me ye Trojans all, and ye bright-greaved sons of Achaia !
Home will I now return to my wind-swept Ilian fortress.
How can mine eyes endure this dreadful struggle to wiincss
Where my dear son shall contend for life with fierce Men el a Lis?
Kno^^Tfi unto Zeus and th' Immortal Gods alone is the issue,
AVhich of the two shaii sunnve^ and wkich must fall in the confli<5l/*

Thus spake the Godlike man, and laid the lambs on his chariot, {310)
Mounted, the guiding reins he grasped Antenor beside him
Stood in the beauteous car. And sad/y and slmtf to the city
Back they returned, deep making on what might chance in the combat,

Hc<51or the son of Priam now, with the noble Odysseus
Carefully measured the ground for the fight. This done, in a helmet
GHtfring with burnished trass they cast tim lots to determine
Which of the heroes tumn should first deliver his javlin.
Then might words like these have been heard from Greeks and from

Trojans,
Lifting their hands in prayer, and the Gods immortal invoking:
'* Father Zeus! most great, most glorious, ruling from Ida, (320)
O I may the man who has caused these woes to ourselves and our nations
Siinn and cut off, sink down to the darksome mansions of Hades.
So may we part as frientls, and peace be for ever between us,"

Thus they prayed; but He<^or, averting his eyes, in the helmet
Tossed up the lots, and the lot of Paris leaped forth on the instant
Down sate the troops, each man in his rank and place, and beside them
Chariot and horse stood arrayed and the ground gleamed bright with

their armour.
Then Alexander divine, the fair-hair'd Helena's husband,

Book IIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

6 1

Sprang to his feet where he sate, and donned his beauteous amiour.
First to his wdUumed legs his glittering greaves he adjusted (jjo)
Burnished and richly wrought, and clasped with buckles of silver;
Next (ibr it fitted him well) he braced round his bosom a corslet
Worn by his brother Lycaon ; and slung b^ a belt o'er his shoulder
Pendent, his sword of bronze, in a sheath all studded with silver;
Simig^ too, ready far use, his broad and ponderous buckler;
Placed on his stately head his helmet of proof, wiih a horsetail
Crested ; and dreadfully nodded the waving plume to his movements,
As with familiar grasp he poised his quivering javlin.
Soon too, bold Menelaiis in arms stood ready for combatp
Now when they both were armed, each forth from the ranks of his

comrades (340)

Strode ufifA tmdauftted step, and advanced in front of the armies.
Fiercely glaring they strode, while breiiMess suspense and amazement
Seized on the gazing hosts, both Greeks and Trojans around them.
Near^ and nearer they drew in the measured list, and their lances
Wrathful ly shook, each bending an angry scowl on the other.
Then Alexandres first his Iong'forth-shac!o\^ing jav'lin
Hurled : and full on the midst of the smooth round shield of Atreides
Harmless it rang, nor pierced the bronze ; but back from the buckler,
Bhmted and bent, recoiled* Then next in turn, Menelaiis
Rose as in a 61 to throw— but first preferred his petition: (550)
"Zeus supreme! Oj grant me revenge on the man who has v\Tonged

me;
Grant me to slay with my hands this impious wretch .\lexandros.
So shall each future guest take warning, and tremble to render
Wrongs in return for friendly deeds, and betrayal for welcome/'
Thus he prayed and dismissed his long-forth-shadowing javlin;
Full on the smooth round shield of the son of Priam it lighted;
Thoro' the shining bronze it forc'd its impetuous passage,
Then through the corslet rich its course pursued, and descending
Glanced by his flank aside; and his vest was torn by the weapon.
Swerving, however, with dextrous skill, black death he eluded. (360)
Straightway Atreides drew forth his sword all studded with silver.
Raised it aloft and dealt on his crest a stroke: but the falchion

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book III,

Splintered, and crackling, flew from his hand in shivers around him.
Casting on heav'n an upbraidifig glance, then groaned he in m^gtr:
'*Zeus! Thou haUst me fwUK No god more bitterly thwarts me!
Else, ev'n now had I slain this wretch, and bin villainies punished*
See how my faithless sword hath snapped in my grasp, and my javlin
Flown from my hand in vain, nor drank the blood of my foeman/*
Thus exclaiming, he rushed on his foe, and the crest of his helmet
Setting, he grappled him close and dragged to the ranks of the
Grecians, (370)

Struggling, and well-nigh choked by the broidered thong of the heltnet
Tightened beneath his chin in the deadly grasp of Atreides.
Then had he dragged him down, immortal glory securing,
Had not bright Aphrodite perceived the distress of her favorite.
Daughter of Zeus. And she burst that strong bull-hide and released

him.
Nought but the empty casque remained in the hand of the vi<5lon
This with a scornful toss to the Greeks he whirled, and his comrades
Raised it from where it fell, and preserved the glittering trophy.
Then ryshed on Menelaiis again, all eager to slay hiin
With his remvered spear. But once more bright Aphrodit6 (jSo)
Came to his aid, and in mist involved, with ease she conveyed him
(Such was her powY) to his chamber fair, perfumed and luxurious.
Helena then she sought, to call her away; and she found her
There on the rampart high, by the dames of Troia surrounded.
Lightly approaching she plucked her fragrant robe, and addressed her,
(Taking the form of an ancient crone much lovVl by her mistress;
One who /// days long since gime by, in fair l^cedjemon
Combed out the fleecy wool, and plied in her chamber the distaff,)
Like in feature and voice, thus spake di\ine Aphrodite :
" Come with me home ! Alexandres calls, and impatient awaits thee
There, in thy chamber^rr, on thy polished couch, he reposes (391)
Glowing with youthful charms, and in splendid attire. Thou would'st

deem him
Not from a desperate fight returned ; but gaily preparing
Either to dance, or withdrawn for a while from the whirl of the dancers.**
Thus she spake; and a tumult wild within Helena's bosom

BOOKIIL]

THE iUAD OF MOME^.

Rose, as th' all beauteous neck and the lovely breast of the Goddess
Now she perceived, and her flashing eyes: and a fhriii (^ amazement,
Mingled witla dread, through her frame ran swifi^ while thus she

addressed hen
** Dreadful one! why dost thou pra<5iise on me thine arts of sedu6lion?
Am I then next to be hurried to s^qt^^ fresh scene of deiuswn^ (400}
Fair Mseonian town, or populous Phrygian city,
Where some fav'rite of thine perchance may srg/i for a Htkn 1
Or dost thou gnidge to let Menelaus carry me homeward,
(Hateful albeit in his eyes I seem)^ as the prize of his conquest?
Is it for that thou comest and seek*st once more to beguile me?
Go thou to Paris and sit by his side, renouncing thy godhead.
Teach thy own feet to forget those paths that lead to Olympus.
Watch him, and tend him ; rejoice with hisj&y and mourn with his sorrtmK
So perchance shall he make thee his wife: — peradventure his handmaid !
Never again will I see him, for that were shame and confusion! (41c)
Never again will I honour his couch ! Each woman of Troia
Thenceforth would hold me in scorn, and my days were for ever em-
bittered."

Then divine AphroditS, incensed, this answer returned her r
"Insolent! Dread to provoke me more; lest in wrath I forsake thee.
Singling thee out for a hate more marked than the love I have shewn thee;
Lest in one general wreck I involve both the Greeks and the Trojans
Battling with tmfoid rage ; and a horrible fate be thy portion/'

Thus she spake: and the daughter of Zeus, fair Helena trembled.
Silent, her white transparent robe close gathering around her,
Led by the goddess, unmisaed by the Troian dames, she departed. {420)
When to the princely palace they came where dwelt Alexandros,
Both her attendants resumed their accustomed tasks in the household.
She, the divinely fair, to his lofty chamber ascended,
Where Aphrodit^^ Goddess of smiles, adpomdng b^bre h^r
Placed in his presence a siaitiy seat, and beckoned her to it
Seated, in pride^ the daughter of jlilgis-bearing Kronion,
Deigned n(ft a look; but averting her face thus taunted her husband:

"Sol thou art come from the wars! Oh! would that there thou
hadst perished.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BCKHCIIL

Slain hy the conquering sword of the hero who once was my husband.
Where is thy empty vaunt that the great» the brave Menelaus (430)
ThoUj with thy sword, thy spear, and thy sG:engthj would'st surpass in

the combat?
Go then ! attempt it again : and challenge that fierce Menelauj?
Once more to fight it out Btd kiar my word ; far I warn thee^
Keep on the prudent side ; nor that fair-hair'd chief Menelaus
Tempt to the fight unadvised, nor his force confront; shouldst thou dare it,
Quickly his spear'sbroad blade in thy streaming blood shall be purpled/'

Then Alexander replied, and in words like these he addressed her:
"Cease, most lovely of women, to sting my soul with reproaches.
What though for once, by Athene's aid Menelaiishave conquered:
My turn will one day come — for I too have Gods who befriend me. (440)
Still let us love, whatever hefal^ and set fate at dtfiance.
Why shmtlifst thou ehangi^ and why upbraidi My love is unaltered.
Am I not still thy Paris who first from fair Laced aemon
Bore thee in triumph away? Or ier have I ceased ti^ adore thee I
Not when in Cranae's isle thou gaiht consent ta our union
LovM I thee half so well And surely thou dost not abhor meT
Thus he spake ^ and Helen repented her words and forgave him.
Such was the power of Lave^ and such was her joy for his safety.

But Menelaus like some wild beast deprived of his viflim
Raged round the field, and sought in vain tlirough the crowd Alexan-
dros. (450)

Readily all the Trojans and all their auxiliar squadrons
Opened thdr ranks and a/lofced Itls search. Not one would have screened

him.
All would have eagerly pointed him out to fierce Menelaiis
Had they but seen him pass^ for like black death was he haled.
Thus then to all out -spake the king of men Agamemnon ;
**Hear me ye Greeks, ye Dardans, and all ye allies of the Trojans!
Victory now hath declared for Mars-belov'd Menelaus.
You then, ye Trojans! yield to us Helen the fair and the treasure,
Pay down the ransom too; such fine as befits the occasion;
This to the Greeks shall belong and in after years to their children/X4^^)

Ended the king, and shouted aloud in assent the Achaians.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK IV.

BOOK THE FOURTH.

Argument.

The Gods assemble in debate on the issue ofthe^ combat Zeus declares
the viilory to be on the side of Menelaus, and proposes the fulfilment of
the treaty. To this Hera and Pallas objed^ and Zeus reludantly agrees
to their proposal to break it by an ad of treachery on the Trojan part.
PandaruSf at the instigation of Pallas, aims an arrow at Menelaus, who is
wounded, but cured by Machaon. The Trojans then advance to battle,
Agamemnon goes through the army^ exhorting, encouraging and reproving
the several leaders. The Greeks then advance. The armies meet and the
battle commences, Pallas sustaining and encouraging the Greeks, and Ares
the Trojans,

ILIAD. BOOK IV.

ALL the gods in the presence of Zeus were assembled in council,
"^ Each on his golden throne, while Heb^, the honoured, among them
Poured forth the nedlar in golden cups^ And they pledged one

another,
Quaffing the sabred juice, and their eyes on Ilion bending.
Forthwith Kronos* son, delighting to irritate Her^^
Taunted her thus with sarcastic words and covert reproaches :

**Two of th' immortal powVs, great goddesses^ aid Mcnelatis,
Argive Hera herself and Abkomenean Athend
Yet, methinks, Ehey seem to enjoy that specftacle yonder,
Sitting />riif7/i'^ apart ; while the goddess of smiles, Aphrodite, (ro)
Still on her fa'drii€ attends, and saves him from death and destm<^ion.
See 1 how but now she hath snatched him away when fate was im-
pending.
Truly the victory now hath declared for bmve Menelaias.
Counsel we then, what turn unto these events shall be given.
Say! shall we rouse once more fierce war, and the tumult of battle?
Or shall we rather unite both sides rn peace and in friendship?
Could we but all be agreed and accept this simple conclusioti,
Priam the king might continue to reign and his people to prosper;
Argive Helen return with her conquering Lord to Achma''

Thus he spake. But Athena and Here murmuring heard him (20)
Side by side as they sate, dire woes for the Trojans devising.
Silent Athene sate, nor uttered her thoughts; but her bosom
Swelled with bitter despite^ and rage at the words of her Father.

5—^

68 THE ILfAD OF HOMER, [Book IV.

Not so Hera, whose wrath broke forth in angry reproaches:

"Terrible son of Kronos! what word is this thou hast uttered?
How dost thou ever delight to destroy the fruits of my labours,
Frustrating all my toil ! Myself and my coursers are weary,
Hurrying to gather the hosts, and to heap destrudlion on Priam !
Do as thou wilt: but expeH not that I or the gods shall approve it"

Grievously angered, Zeus the cloud-compeller responded: (30)
"Madly perverse! 'gainst thee what offence hath Priam committed,
He, or his sons, that implacably thus thou longest to destroy them;
Prostrate to hurl in the dust fair Troy's embattled defences?
Couldst thou but enter her gates, and range the wide S7veep of her

precin<5ls,
There to devour alive both Priam, his sons, and his people,
This, and no /ess than this, would assuage thy craving for vengeance.
Do as thou wilt, however; lest this be a subje<5l between us
Now and for ever, henceforth, of strife and bitter contention.
One thing, howbeit, I tell thee; and well shalt thou do to observe it:
When some city shall seem in mine eyes to merit destrudlion (40)
Peopled by far^' rites of thine — by men thou lov'st and regardest —
Seek not to stay me, nor come between my wrath and its vidlims.
Take now the boon thou hast asked, though most reludlantly granted :
Since, where the sun and the stars of heav'n look down on the

nations,
Dwellers on earth's wide region, through all her inhabited cities,
Ilion's sacred town hath ever been first in my favour;
Priam, and Priam's sons, and the stalwart spearmen of Troia.
There without ceasing mine altars blaze ; nor e'er have been lacking
Savoury steams sent up, and libations poured in mine honour."

Rolling her large majestic eyes, thus Hera responded: (50)

"Three great cities rejoice in my dear regard and protection,
Argos, Sparta the fair, and the wide-wayed town of Mycenae.
■ These, should they chance to offend thee, destroy them all in thine
anger;
Nor will I grudge their ruin, or take one step to avert it
Well do I know, howe'er relu6lant, whatever my efforts.
Thine is the stronger power, and nought 'twould avail to oppose thee.

Book IV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

Now id my wiskes pretmi: nor make thou my labours abortive.
Was I not bom a goddess — my race thme owii, and my lineage —
Ev'n as thyself from mysterious Kronos sprung; and distinguished
Not by my birth alone, but as thy companion and consort^ (60)

Sharing thy 'throne and thy rule o'er all the other immortals?
I'his, then, in mutual compliance concede we one to another,
Thou unto me, and I unto thee \ so shall all the immortals
Yield their assent Now lose no time, but commission Athen^
Thither to haste where the Trojans and Greeks in order of battle
Stand, all ready for fight : and bid her contrive that the Trojans,
Treacherously breaking the truce, shall wound some noble Achaian.**

Thus she spake, and the father of Gods and of mortals assented,

Forthwith addressing in swift-winged words his commands i& Athene :

*• Hie thee at once lo the battle-array of the Greeks and the

Trojans, (70)

71i€r€^ where they stam/, aU rmdy fir fight ^ and contrive that the

Trojans,
TreachVousiy breaking the tnice, shall wound some noble Achaian/'

Thus he spake, and Athena the welcome mandate accepted,
Down, at once, from the lofty heights of Olympus she darted ;
As when a meteor, sent by the son of mysterious Kronos,
Gliiks through the air, a portentous sign to fleets and to armies^
Scattering abroad unnumbered sparks /ram ifs fiery tresses.
Thus sped Pallas Atheud^/rom Hmthi to the earth, and alighted
Full in the midst of the host: and amazement seized the beholders^
HoTse^aming Trojans and bronze-mailed Greeks, And thus to his
neighbour (So)

Each imparted the afu^hus thought whkh arose in his bosom:
"Now full soon shall we leam what Zeua in his might hath
determined,
What yon sipi in the sky may portend: whether war and its horrors.
Battle and strife shall revive, or peace at length be established"

Thus spake the Trojans, and thus the Greeks, with uneasy foreboding,
Pallas, the while, in mortal form, through the host of the Trojans
Strode, like the spearman brave* Laodociis, son of Antenor,
Looking for Pandarus, godlike chief, if perchance she might find him*

yo * THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BOOK IV.

Soon she discovered Lycaon's son, the brave, and the blameless,
Stationed there at his post; and arottnd him the ranks of his warriors, (90)
Bucklered men, who had followed their chief from the streams of

-^sepus.
Taking her stand by his side, in swift-wing*d words she addressed him:

"Wilt thou give ear to my words, O warlike son of Lycaon?
Venture a winged shaft at the breast of brave Menelaiis.
So shalt thou win both favour and fame at the hands of the Trojans,
One and all: but chiefest and best from prince Alexandros.
He, be assured, for thy deed with the choicest gifts shall requite thee,
When on his funeral pile outstretched he shall see Menelaiis,
Atreus' son, his deadly foe^ struck down by thine arrow.
Now then at once take aim, and speed thy shaft to his bosom, (100)
First, however, addressing a vow unto Lyciap Apollo,
Lord of the bow, when to holy Zeleia the fates shall restore thee,
There to provide him a hundred firstiing lambs for an offring."
Thus she spake, and his reckless mind persuaded to mischief;
Straightway his polish'd bow he uncased. Of horn was it fashioned.
Borne long since on the armfed head of a goat of the mountain
Which, from its cave forth bounding, he struck to the heart from his

ambush,
Aiming up from beneath : and it rolled from the crag in its deaih-pang.
Sixteen palms from its head grew forth its horns, which the artist
Skilfully joined, and shaped to a curve, and polished them

smoothly, (iio)

Then with a knosp of gold each tapering point he completed.
This having bent, he held it inclined, and pointing obliquely
Down to the earth ; while his comrades true their bucklers extended.
Screening him; lest that the Greeks beholding should rush to assault

him
Ere he had slain their warlike chief, their brave Menelaiis.
lifting the lid of his quiver next, he drew forth an arrow
Fresh from the maker's hand, and, wing'd with fate and with mischief.
Forthwith the keeti and bitter shaft to the chord he adjusted.
Praying the while, and vowing a vow unto Lycian Apollo,
Lord of the bow, when to holy Zeleia the fates should restore him, (i 20)

Book IV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

There to provide him a hundred firstling Iambs for an off 'ring.
Seizing the notch of the shaft on the diord, he strained; and the

bowstring
Drew, till it touched his breast ; and the bow the steel of the arrow
Just received on its circling curve ; then aiming hi imsed it.
Twanged the grmi bow, and the chord rang loud ; then leapt forth the

arrow
Pointed and keen, and impatiently urged its flight through the armies.

Then, Menelaiis, th* immortal gods forgat not to guard thee;
Chiefest the daughter of Zeus, resplendent with spoil and mth mtt/utst
She, interposing, averted the death, and guided the arrow
Lightly aside in its course from a mortal part; as a mother i^Z^)

Wafts from her infant a fly, while in gentle sleep he reposes.
There she dire6led the shaft where the belt round his waist was united
Firmly with golden clasps o'er the thick-lined plates of his armour.
Full on the ciasps 0/ the belt that piercing weapon alighted^
Straight through the rich-chased meta.1 it forced its impetuous passage,
Then through the gorgeous corslet drove; through the part of its

fabric
Safest and surest of all to protect its wearer in battle —
That on which most he rehed for defence ; and this too it entered
{ IVmkaid h&wetfcr in fonx) ; yet it tore the flesh of the hero,
Razing the skin : and a stream of blood gushed forth 00 the in-
stant (140)

As when, with deiimte hand, some Mreonian or Carian paintress
Stains with purj>le an ivory boss for the bit of a warhorse:
Safe in her chamber stored she keeps it ; — and many a horseman
Longs to possess it \ — in vain ! for a sovVeign alone can obtain it,
Grace to his steed to impart^ and worship to wn for the rider:
So, Menelaiis! thy fair white skin with blood was im purpled,
Streaming adown thy well-formed thighs, thy legs and thy ankles.

Shuddering horror seized on the king of men » Agamemnon,
When from the wound forth-streaming he saw the blood af his brother.
Shuddering at first Menelaiis himself remied for a mcmeni, (15°)
Ta'tft unaware.^ but his spirit was roused, and he gathered assurance.
When he perceived outstanding the barbs and thong of the arrow.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IV,

Heaving an anguished sigh meanwhile Agamemnon addressed him,
Grasping his hand, amid groans t]f terror and rage from his comrades;

"Oh! my brother, now have I wrought thy death by our treaty,
Placing thee singly there as a mark for the host of the Trojans,
Lo! they have slain thee; trampling in dust the faith of their treaty.
Yet let them fear! Not vain are their oaths and the blood of their

victims,
And the Hbatiotis poured, and the clasped right hands that we trusted,
Ev'n should Olympian Zeus for awhile delay to avenge us, (i6o)
Yet will he bring it to pass ; and a dire and fearful destrudlion
On their devoted heads shall fall ; on their wives and their children.
Yes! full surely the day shall arrive, right well I perceive it^
Ckarij revealed to my mm&st soul, when pn^strate in ruin
Ilion shall perish, and Priam, and all the host of his speannen.
Zeus himself from his heaven where he dwells high<ihron'd shall his

Frmtmingiy shake o er them all, and whelm iltem in darkness and ht^nvr,
Wroth at a crime so fou(. All this shall indeed be accomplished,
Yet no less shall I bitterly mourn thy loss, Menelaus.
Here should'st thou die, here close thy career of life a^^/ </^/^ry. (170)
Then will the Greeks bethink them of home, whik, thirsting for

vengeafiee^
Back to his sun^bumt Argos their king disappointed shall lead them.
So shall we leave to Priam the prize— to the Trojans abandon
Argive Helen. Thy bones, meanwhile, shall moulder in Troia,
There, in that hated soil which beheld thy work unaccomplished.
Then will some insolent Trojan cxult^ on thy sepulchre leaping;
Spuming with scornful feet that dust which ic^as ume Menelaiis:
'Such be the fate of all whose muse Agamemnon es/tmsal
Such be his viilorifs/ such his success f will he say, *who the Grecians
Vainly led hither, and shame/ulfy fled to the land of his Fathers (iSo)
Back with his ships :— and here he left his superb Menelaiis.'
So will he vaunt Then ymm, wide earth, and cover AtreidesT'

Cheeringly then responded the fair-haired chief Menelaiis :
"Take thou courage, and spread not alarm in the ranks of the Grecians,
Not to a vital part hath pierced this dart. Interposing,

BooiL IV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Deadened its force my broidered belt ; and the waistband beneath it
Aided ; and (thanks to my armo lifer's skill) the strength of my breast*

plate.'*

Then making answer replied the wide-niling king Agamemnon i

"Thus Heaven grant it may prove, Menelaiis! my friend arf{/ my brother;

Now let a skUful leech thy wound eKplore, and assuaging (190)

Ointments and herbs apply which may soothe thy pain and restore

thee;'
Then Talthybitis, herald divine^ he called and commissioned :
** Speed thee, TaUhybius ! summon Machaon at once to attend uSj
Him, -^sculapius' sent that pure and perfeft physician.
Brave Menelaiis requires his aid, the Prince of the Grecians,
Whom some Trojan or Lycian marksman hath pierced with an arrow;
Triumph indeed to him, but to us sad grief and misfortune."

Thus he spake: nor a moment the herald delayed, having Heard him*
Forth he sped through the ranks of the bronze-mai!ed sons of Achala,
Looking around for the hero Machaon. Soon he perceived him (200)
There at his post where he stood ; his brave troops mustered around

hiin.
Bucklered men who from Tricia-s meads had followed their chieftain.
Closely approaching, he thus delivered the words of ^x message:

" Haste ! /Esculapius' son, Agamemnon sends me i& call thee.
Brave Menelaus, a Prince of the Greeks, requires thy assistance,
Whom some Trojan or Lycian marksman hath pierced with an arrow:
Triumph indeed to him, but to us sad grief and misfortune/'

Great was the grief ami ^l^ism these words in Machaon excited;
Soon through the host they passed, and the broad array of the Grecians.
Wlien they were now arrived at the spot where stood Menelaiis (210)
Wounded and bleeding — (around him had gathered the bravest

Acbaians,
Foodng a ring; himself, that godlike man, in the centre) —
From the embroidered belt he forthwith wrenched out the arrow^
Tu^ftg amai% and the pointed l>arbs bent back with the eflfort.
Next he unbuckled and loosed that gorgeous belt, and beneath it
Stripped off the waistband broad, and the corslet's elaborate fabric.
Then, when the wound he saw where the bitter shaft had alighted,

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK IV,

Sucking the blood, he applied that soothing balm which his father
Knew to compound, by Chiron taught, his friend and pn?cepior.

Thus while the auxious chiefs were gathered around MenelaiisT (220)
On came rushing the Trojan host, witk sfmr and with buckler,
All having donned tlieir arms, and eagerly roused them to combat
Then mighl*st thou not have seen Agamemnon sleeping or idle;
Qyailing ; with fear unnerved ; or shunning the glorious battle :
Welcoming rather the war, and rejoicing to mix in the confli<5l*
Nor did he use his panting steeds, or his glittering chariot
These to Eurjmiedon's care he consigned, his faithful attendant,
Old Ptolera^us* son, himself the son of Piniis,
Bidding him hold them well in hand till the time he should need them,
Wearied with visiting all, and delivering his orders in person. (330)
Then, proceeding on foot, he traversed the ranks of the heroes.
Such as he found alert, and urging their steeds to the combat,
These with encouraging words he cheered ; and thus he addressed them :

" Argives ! be true to your fame, and remit no spark of your ardour !
Father Zeus will ne'er stand forth an abettor of falsehood
Tliose who have trampled on oaths and set the example of treach'ry^
Vultures, be sur^^ shall feast on their dainty flesh, and in triumph
Home shall we bear their dear-loved wives and innocent children,
Loading our ships wtih spoil, when theu- city shall smoke in its ruins."

Those whom lingering he found, and shunning the dangers of
battle, (240)

Such he reproved with taunting words and angry reproaches:

" Argives, /jz-J^^M/ fw heiier thmt bowmen I shame on ye, recreants!
WTiy do ye stand, like hunted fai^Tis, all scared and astounded.
When with fatigue and terror ei^chausted they huddk iogdher
Gazing ar&und^ fi^////<f strength there is none, nor courage within them ?
Thus do ye stand amaied, and thus ye shrink from the battle.
"^Vhat ! will ye wait till the Trojans advancing seize on your vessels
There, where their prows stand ranged on the surf beat shore of the

ocean.
Trusting that Zeus will then stretch forth his hand for your rescue?"

Thus, with words of praise and of blamcj tiirough the ranks of the
heroes (350)

Book: IV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEU

Passing, at length to the Cretans he came^ where the throng was the

densest;
WTiere, round Idotneneus, armed lor fight, his troops were colIe«5led r
He in their van conspicuous, in might hke the boar of the forest;
While in the rear Meriones urged them on and encouraged.
Pleased was the king of men when he found them ready for ad: ion,
And from his hps there fell such words as lo kt:roes are sweetest;

"Noble Idomeneus I first of the swift-horsed sons of Achaia,
Thee do I honour, alike in battle, in council, and condud.
And at the festal board when the choice red wine is overflowing-
There, while our bravest chiefs by measure drink, am/ in tfrder^ (260)
Ever thy cup stands full, like mine ow*n, unsfinieJ^ /f^side tkeiy
Fraiy to quaff, as thy soul inclinesj or abstain if it list ihec
Such^ among all our crested Greeks, is the meed 0/ thy valmiK
Now then maintain thy fame. March on ! and be first in the combat"
Thus then Idomeneus answered, the wariikc chief of the Cretans i
** Atreus* son \ depend on me for a trusty supporter
Now and henceforth : for such was my promises-such was our compa^ft.
Go now ! excite the rest of the crested Greeks in the battle
Bravely to fight ; since the truce is void by this a<5i of the Trojans.
Death to the perjured race! Let the curse that rests m the van-

qui^hed {270)

ding to the men who have spumed their oaths and trampled on

treaties,"
Thus he spake: and Atreides rejoicing went on his progress.
Next to th* Aiantes he came; and these, full armed and appointed,
Ready for 6ght he found, and a cloud of footmen around them.
As when from some commanding cliflf, looking forth on the waters
Lowering and borne from afar, some goatherd sees in the distance.
Driven by the blast of zeph}T^ a storm-cJoud sweep o'er the ocean;
On it comes, with the blackness of pitch, and the hurtling of

whirlwinds :
Shrinking he views its advance, and hides his flock in a caverns-
Dark ning thus, and in threatening array, with spear and with

buckler (280)

Bristling, marched to the fight the banded youth qfthe Locrians

THE lUAD OF HOMER. [Book IV.

Serried in phalanx; eager for war; at the call of the heroes.

This with delight beheld the wide-ruling Prince Agamemnon,
Nor was his Joy concealed, but in swift-wing*d words he addressed them,
" Glorious Aiantes ! worthy to lead our bronze-mailed Achaians !
You it becomes not me to exhort or with words to encourage.
Ready, aye ready, I find you to lead your troops to the battle.
Oh! may our Father Zeus, and Apollo, and Pallas Athen^,
Kindle in every Grecian breast such courage and ardour!
Then full soon shall we see the royal city of Priam (290)

Bow to its fall, by our arms subdued, and scattered in ruin."
Thus having said, the Locrians he left, and the Pylian legions
Sought, where Nestor he found, their sage and eloquent leader,
Wisely arraying their ranks, and by words exciting their ardour.
Pelagon, Chronius, Alastor, were nigh, receiving his orders,
Haemon the prince, and Bias, the shepherd and guide of his people.
Foremost the horsemen he placed with their steeds and chariots in

order;
All the best of his foot, the strength and support of the battle,
Num'rous and brave, in the rear; while between them the wav'rers

were driven.
Leaving them no retreat, no choice, but to fight like their comrades. (300)
First to the charioteers he gave this pressing injunction :
Well to rein in their steeds, nor confound their cars in the tumult
"Hear me!" he cried, "let none, whatever his skill or his courage.
Push in advance of the rest and singly charge on the Trojans.
Neither let any one lag; for to break your line is destrudlion.
He who, ere<5l, in his chariot an adverse car shall encounter,
Thrust with his lance where he stands. Tis the surer way, by our

fathers
Practised : — heroes whom nought could resist, nor city nor fortress.
This was their rule of fight, and from this they never departed."

Thus that ancient chief, from his long experience in battles. (310)
Him Agamemnon rejoicing heard; and, cordially greeting.
Warmly his feelings spoke ; and thus in words he addressed him :
"Oh ! what a fire yet glows in that dear old heart! Would to heaven
Strength to match it were thine, and youthful limbs unexhausted !

Book IV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Age, however^ the lot of man, weighs heavily on thee.
Would that a younger might bear thy load, and could give thee his
vigour I"
Nestor ihen^ the Gerenian knrght, thts answer returned him:
*' Would, great Atreus' son! that again I might htfor thy service
Such as of yore I was* when I slew the brave Ereuthalion*
But the blest Gods all at once their gifts on mortals bestow not (320)
I'hen was I young, but now am old ; yet still shah thou find me
Here at my post, with my horsemen brave, commanding and cheering;
FigMng %mth sklH^ not weapms,- for such is the war of the aged.
Those let the ardmi ami young, who rejoice in the bloom of their

vigour
Wield with efftfi: for to such belongs the brunt of the battle." \_l'^S\

Thus he spake, while onward passed Agamemnon rejoicing.
Mnestheus, Peteos' son, then He fotind at the head of his horsemen;
Round him stood the Athenian bands, far famed for their war-cry-
There too Odysseus he saw, that man of many deyices,
Must*ring his Cephallenian troops — no nation of cowards (330)
They: but not yet had they heard th' advancing shout of the Trojans
Rushing to fight, nor perceived that the Greeks were preparing for

battle.
Therefore ina€live they stood, nor closed their ranks; as expedling
Others to lead the way and commence the fight with the Trojans, [335]
This when Atreides saw, he was vexed, and in words of reproval,
Uttered with warmth^ and in haste, the sovVeign of nations addressed
them ;
*' Offspring of Peteos brave^ that prince the fav'rite of heaven;
Thou too accomplished in artifice keen, still seeking thy profit 1
Why do ye stand thus cow'ring aloof and wailing for others ?
You had it better beseemed to have led the way, and have ven-
tured {340)
Foremost J flinging yoiiT3elves on the fier>^ front of the battle^
Is it /or deeds Hke this that first to our feasts ye are bidden
Whtn m our presence the banquet is spread for the chiefs of Achaia?
There ye delight to gorge the saimiry roast, and unstinted [34s]
Goblets to drain of the luscious wine,^Vj/ choice 0/ the vintage:

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

fEoOK IV.

Here would je gazing stand, while troop upon troop of the Grecians
Swept to the war in your very sight, and left you behind thera.'*

Sternly regarding him, thus then answered the godlike Odysseus:
** Ha ! what a word hath escaped from between thy teeth, O Atreides I
I from the confli<fl shrink? Let the onset come, and the Grecians (350)
Down on the Trojans pour with the fearful weight of their vengeance:
Then shalt thou see (if thou care in such scenes to mix) ihU iniri^tr
— v1/f— Tekmachus* Father— the first in the deadly encounter,
PiUS on Iky way I Thy words, Hke the empty wind, I ngnrd «^^*''[35s]

Hut when he saw that Odysseus was wroth, and raenUd his ckidin^^
Qtikkiy /u made amends^ and at once retra<5ting the insult,
Smilingly thus in turn replied the Prince Agamemnon;
"Godlike son of Laertes! most wise and inventive Odysseus!
Think not I mean severely to chide, or censure thy conduct.
Sure I am that the heart in thy inmost bosom admits not (360)
Aught save that which is friendly and right^for our thoughts are in

common.
Come! dismiss w€ the suhjefl mmK We can quarrel at leisure.
Yetj if aught wrong hath been said, may the great Gods render it
harmless,"

Thus having spoken, he left them there, and proceeded to others.
Next he 'encountered Tydeus' son, the proud Diomedcs, ts^S]
Standing among the steeds and the strong-built cars othJs horsemen*
Near him Sthenelus stood, great Capaneus' son : whom beholding
Itmdy huieed for ^hi^ bui mt yd mming t& oiHm^
Sore displeased^ in reproachful terms Agamemnon addressed him :

'*Why, O Tydeides! son of the fierce subduer of horses, (370)
Why dost ihou cower and anxiously scan the lines of our battle?
Tydeus thy sire was not thus wont to shrink and to tremble;
Foremost ever he rushed on his foes in advance of his comrades.
Those who have seen him fight thus wmd'ringfy tell of his onset ;
Eravest of men ! ('tis from fame I speak, for I never beheld him)
Once indeed to Mycenx he came, with divine Polyneices,
Aid and a/Hanee to seek, while preparing for war with the Thebans^
Trusting their saered city to capture. Much they besought us
Well-tried troops to provide, and to bear our part in the war/aru

Book IV J

THE ILIAD OF HOMEH.

We on our side were willing, and troops and arms had bee a fur-
nished (5^0)
Gladly: but Zeus with dire portents forewarned us of evil.
Thus they deixmed, thttr efhf urmcc&mpH$k'dy joumejing homewards
Back to the rush-grown banks and the grassy meads of Asopus,
Thence, as an envoy, sent from th' Achaian states, unto Thebi
Tydeiis came, and he found the Cadmeans in joyous carousal|
Banqueting high in the regal halls of their Prince Eteocles.
He, not a whit dismayed mr bas/i/ui; alone, and a stranger,
Entering; a g^itst muxfie^ed^ among so many Cadmeans,
Challenged them all to contend in athletic sports — and he conquered
Easily every man. Such aid did Pallas afford him. (390)
They however, rough-riding men^ vmtfed vmgeanc^^ and choosing
Fifty adpmtur0us youths, his path beset as he joumejred
Homeward, his errand performed. Two leaders headed the onset,
Mseon the son of Haemus, of godlike valour and fierceness,
And Lycophontes, Autophonus' son, unflinching in combat^ —
All were by Tydeus slain. Foul death upon all he inflicted*
Mseon alone he spared and dismissed tm/tamu'd^ by an omen
Warned; and home he returned ta relate the fate &/ his comrades.
Such was ^tolian Tydeus. — Here is his son: as a warrior
Hardly so great as his sire, though much the better declaimer/' (400)

Thus he spake. But the brave Diomedes answered him nothing:
Such was the revYence he paid to the dread rebuke of his Sovereign*
Not so Cipaneus' son, who thus retorted, (his angfr
Koused by the iaunt) "AtreidesI thy words are false: and thou

know'st it
Better by far are we, and braver men than our fathers.
Fewer in number than they, that Theban city we captured,
Marched through its sev'n-fold gates, and levelled its haughty defences^
Strong in the might of Zeus, and trusting the signs tliat he gave us.
They by their own miscondu£l failed whtre thdr sms have sifcrmkd.
Say not then tlut our fathers were better than we, or more glo-
rious." (4^^)

Then witli a frown of stem reproof Diomedes addressed him ;
"Silence! my good old friend. Suppress thy wrath and obey me.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IV.

How can we bkme Agamemnon^ the shepherd and guide of his people.
When he excites the Greeks, and stirs them up to the combat?
His will the glory be, and the gain, should the might of Achaia
Conquer our Trojan foes and lay their city in ruins:
His too the grief and shame should we fail, and the Grecians be

vanquished
Come then I think we of nought but of martial deeds and of glory,"
Thus having said, on the ground, full armed, he sprang from his

chariot.
Dire was the clash of the brazen scales on the breast of the hero (410)
Striding along. Right brave were the heart that unmoved could

have heard it.
As on the loud-resounding shore the broad waves of the ocean
Driven by the Zephyr's force roll on tn unbroken succession,
Far at first in the offing they swell to a crest, and arriving
Burst on the beach with thundering crash : each rock that obstructs

them
Curving aloft, they whelm, and spit forth the foam from their eddies:
Thus in succeeding ranks moved on the troops of the Grecians
Ceaseless, line upon line, to the fight r each chieftain among them
Heading his own array. All silent they marched. Had you seen

them
Such and so vast a force, in their noiseless order advancing, (430)
Speech you had thought denied them, or lost in awe of their leaders;
While as they moved their various arms glanced bright in the

sunbeam.
Thus they advanced, But the Trojan host, as sheep, who by

thousands
Ready to milk in the fold of some rich man are collei£led,
Hearing the cries of their lambs, reply with bleating incessantt
Thus with tumultuous shouts came on. Confused was their war-cry.
Various their language. Nations remote were banded together,
Jpining in Ofie wiid saram^ and raiding the sky with tkdr ciamour.
These were by Ares inspired, but those by blue-eyed Athene.
Terror was there, and Rout, and Strife insatiably raging: (440)
Strife, dread sister and constant attendant on murderous Ares,

BQOit IV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

(Small she springs up at birth, but soon gi^antk in iiaiure
Stalks she abroad, her feet upon earth, her head in the heavens),
Wide through the mingUng mass she flung forth ihi sads of contention,
F&si ring the fins of haU^ and deepening the groans of the heroes.
Now when at lengtli the hosts were met a}id were hurled on eiich

other,
Clashed together their spears and the tough bull-htdes of their bucklers,
Breast against breast and might against might they drovej and the

bosses
Round, of their shields, met rade^ and dire was the crash of their

meeting.
Then to the sky broke forth loud shouts and groans of the heroes {450)
Siaying and slain* Then streamed with blood the ground that they

trampled.
As when two torrents, deep in the hollow ravines of a mountain,
Each from a plenteous source, and swollen by the rains of the winter.
Foam where they meet* and boil in the rocky pool that receives them :
Far o*er the echoing hills their roar is heard by the shepherd:
Thus rose the shouts and shrieks from the mingling hosts of the

warriors.
First of the Trojans slain wa.s Teleiisias* son, Echepolus,
Bravely leading their van. From Antflochus found he his death-wound.
He on his crested helm received the spear; and it entered,
Tearing the cone in its course : then, piercing the bone of the fore-

head, (460)

Fixed itself deep in his skull So darkness gathered around him,
Down he sank, with a crash, like a falling towY m a tempest.
Him when he fell, Elephenor seized by the feet; Elephenor,
Great Chalcddon's son, brave chief of the fiery Abantes,
Hast*ning to drag him beyond the reach of the darts, and despoil him,
Stripping his arms at once. But brief was the moment allowed him.
Mighty Agenor beheld him dragging the dead, and his jav'lin
Drove (as he stooped, and his side displayed, by his buckler unguarded)
Furious ifttuwn his rids. His knees gave way, and his spirit
Fled, while his iife-biiwd eblied. Then arose a fiery confli^l (47^)

Over the dead, where Trojans and Greeks like wolves were contending.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IV.

Closing, man upon man, and dashing themselves on each other.

Then Telamonian Aias, Anihemion^s son Simoeiseus
Slew, in the opening bloom of his bright yc^un^^ days ; whom his mother
Gave to the light on Simofs' banks^ what time with her parents
Down from Ida she came to inspe^ their flocks. And she called him
Hence Simoeiseus by name* Ah! sad return for her fondness.
Brief, too brief was the span of his life: for merciias Xv^s
Brandished aloft his mig/ity speaij and cut short his existence.
Bravely in youthful pride he came on ^ but the spear of the warrior (4S0)
Pierced his right breast In the pap, and forced its way through the

shoulder.
Down he dropped, and rolled on the earth in the dust As a poplar
Grown upon some wide watered mead, at the meeting of rivers^
Smooth fn stera» and with branching boughs displayed to the breezes^
Yields them at length to the keen and ruthless axe of the waini%Tight ;
Destined to form the circling curve for the wheel of a chariot-
Prostrate and withering it ties on the banks of the stream that it shaded.
Thus sank young Simoeiseus, a prey to conquering Aias,
Spoiled of his beau teous arms* Then Aiitiphus, offspring of Priam,
Gay in his varied corselet, his shariJ spear hurled at the vidor *. (490)
Aias it missed; but Leucus, Od)'^seus' friend and companion.
Struck in the groin while dragging aside the corpse, and upon it
Down he sank^ relaxing his grasp, and darkness irmdzrd him.
Dire was Odysseus* rage when he saw the fall of his comrade i
Forward he rushed, resplendent in arms, to the front of the battle,
Close to the Trojans he came, and warily looking around him,
Hurled in their midst his lance. They shrank from the blow and

retreated,
Dremling his aim. Yet not in vain was the weapon delivered
Haplfss Dembcoon, Priam^s son, was destined to feel it.
Who from Abydos came, where the steeds of Priam were nurtured. (500)
Him through the temples pierced that deadly spear, by Odysseus
Forcefully burled, in vengeance dire for the death of his comrade.
Down he sank on the earth, and darkness gathered around him^
While in his fall, with a pondVous clash, loud rattled his armour.
Then gave back ev'n Hedor himself, and the line of the Trojans :

Book IV,]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

«3

Shouted triumphant the Greeks, as they dragged forth the dead to

despoil ihem^
Then rushed fonvard amain for a fresh assault. But Apollo,
Wrathful, from I lion saw them, and, shouting, encouraged the Trojans*
** Rouse ye ! Horsemen of Troy. Stand finn, nor yield to the Grecians.
Nor are their bodies rocks, nor of steel their flesh, that your lances {510)
Back should recoil when ye strike them home. Remember I Achilles,
Ife that chief whom ye draui^ the uncoftquired offspring of Thetis,
Fights no more. In his ships withdrawn he broods o^er his anger/*

Thus spake the dreadful God from Pergamus* height But Athend
Jove*s Tritonian daughter, resplendent Ixi glory, the Grecians
Urged and inspired, pervading their ranks and exalting their ardour ;
Quick 'ning the loitering foot, and nerving the arm of the valiant.

Then fell Diores brave, Amarynchus' son, whom the Thracian
Peirous, Irabrasus' son, who the warriors of Enos commanded,
Struck with a jagged stone. On his dexter ankle it lighted, (520)
Crushing the bone^ and relentless tearing the sinews asunder \
Such was its headlong force. Supine he fell, and expiring
Stretched forth both his hands to his comrades dear. But the vitflor
Following up the blow, with his spear rushed forward and plunged it,
There in the dust as h£ lay^ in his navel, deep, and his entrails
Gushed forth at once fivm the wound ^ and darkness closed o*er his

eyehds*
Him in his turn j^tolian Thoas pierced with his jav'lin
Straight through the chest — and deep in his lungs the weapon was buried.
Close approaching, he then tore fonh the spear from his bosom,
Tugging amain; and, unsheathing his sharp and glittering falchion, {550)
Dealt him, athwart, a deadly gash, and his spirit forsook him.
Yet became not his arms the victor's spoil: for his comrades,
Tufted ThracianSj with spears advanced, surrounded the body.
Forcing him, great as he was and renowned for his strength and his

valour,
Back from his prey rdunani^ and step by step he retreated.
There in the dust now lay those rival heroes extended.
Leaders bothj of the Thracian host and the bronze-mailed Epeans,
Side by side; and with many a warrior slaughtered around them.

6—3

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book IV.

None who had looked on that day's work, had he passed through
the combat
Safe and unharmed by sword or lance, by Pallas Athen^ (54o)
I^d by the hand secure, and impartially scanning its canduHy
Aught had beheld to reprove, or iUed unworthy of heroes.
Trojans and Greeks alike had he seen struck down and expiring,
Prone in the dust, — their wounds in front; partakers in glory. (544)

THE ILIAD.

BOOK V.

BOOK THE FIFTH.

Argument.

The battle continues, Diomede and his exploits. Though wounded
by PandaruSy he is sustained and invigorated by Pallas^ and fights more
fiercely than before, ^neas and Pandarus join to attack him. He slays
Pandarus, and wounds and would have slain jEneasalso butfifr the inter-
vention o/AphroditS, who carries him off. At the instigation of Pallas he
Pursues and wounds her. She drops jEneas^ and retreats to Olympus,
Apollo saves him from Diomede^s renewed attack, heals his wound, and
restores him to the fight. The Trojans under He^lor, Sarpedon andjEneas
advance anew to the combat, led on by Ares, Their exploits, Diomede
and the Greeks are checked, Hera and Pallas descend and encourage the
Greeks, Pallet supports Diomede, who meets and wounds Ares, who
retreats to Olympus, The two Goddesses then quit the field

ILIAD, BOOK V.

TVrOW upoa Tydeus* son Diomedes, Pallas Athen^

Valour and might bestowed; that the foremost man of the Argives
Proud he should stand distinguished^ and glory and fame l>e his porttont
Flashing afar, with restless gleam, from his shield and his helmet
Streamed forth a fire, like that which the bright star flings in tlie

autumn,
Fresh from its ocean bath when rcneivcd in splendour it rises.
Such was the dazzling light that played round his head and his

shoulders.
While, by the Goddess impelled, he plunged through the thick of the

combat
One of the Trojans, a wealthy and blameless priest of Hephaestus,
Dares by name (so it chanced), two sons had sent to the army, (lo)
Phegeus, Idseus^ both to all kinds of fighting accustomed.
These in advance of the hne in their car came rushing upon him.
Drawn by two fiery steeds^ while Tydeides on foot was advancing*
N earing each other thus^ when now small space was between them,
Phegeus first dismissed his long-forth-shadowing javelin*
False h his aim, his mark he missed; and tlie glittering weapoa
Over the chiefs left shoulder passed In turn, Diomedes
Darted his spear. This flew not in vain from the hand of the hero.
Full in his chest it struck, and hurled him prone from his chariot
Down from the beauteous car Idoeus sprang; nor advenmred, {20)

88 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book V.

Een for a moment^ to stay and protedl the corse of his brother.
Yet not thus, not thus had he shunned black death and Us horrors^
Had not Hephaestus been nigh, and snatched him, in mist, from

destrudlion.
Saving from utter bereavement his old and desolate parent
Seizing the steeds and the car, the son of magnanimous Tydeus
Gave them in charge to his faithful friends, to the ships to condudl

them.
But when the Trojans beheld those two brave children of Dares,
One betaken to flight, and one lying dead by his chariot,
All their hearts with alarm were filled. Then blue-eyed Athen^,
Grasping his hand, these words addressed to the ruler of battles : (30)
"Ares! Ares blood-stain*d ! destroyer! subverter of ramparts!
Shall we not leave these Trojans and Greeks to contend for the

mast'ry ?
Leave to our Father Zeus to decide on the issues of battle,
We on our part retiring obedient, shunning his anger?"
Thus she spake, and led fierce Ares forth fi-om the combat.
Seating him quietly down on the grass-grown bank of Scamander.
Then did the Greeks prevail, and the Trojans fled. From among

them
Each of the Argive chiefs chose forth his man. Agamemnon
Hodius, the Halizonian prince, first hurled from his chariot
Ev*n as he turned him to flight, the spear through his back found a

passage, (40)

Entering between his shoulders and issuing forth through his bosom :
Down he fell with a crash, and his arms loud rattled around him.
Slain by Idomeneus' hand was the son of Maeonian Borus,
Phasstus, who came to the war from the fertile regioti of Tam^;
Him, with his long protended spear, the prince of the Cretans [45]
Through the right shoulder pierced, in the a6l of mounting his chariot :
Down he fell from the car, while darkness gathered around him.
On went the prince^ and his followers spoiled the corse of its armour.

Next, Scamandrius, Strophius' son, delighting in wood-craft,
Fell to the tough ash spear of Atreus* son, Menelaiis. (50)

Artemis self had taught him the craft and lore of the hunter:

Book V.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

How to tiansfi%, or ensnare each beast that roams in the forest
This time Artemis aided him not — nor aught might avail him
Shafts and bow, or the skill which the huntress Queen had imparted ;
For, as he fled, Menelaiis* spear through his back found a passage,
Entering between his shoulders, and issuing forth through his bosom,
Prone on his face he fell, and his armour rattled around him.

Slain by Meriones' hand was Pherecles, son of the artist
Harmonides^ much favoured and loved by Pallas Athen^j [60]

Famedi Hke kls sirt% for dextVous skill and the lore of the craftsman.
Built by him were the ships which bore Alexander to Argos; (61)

Ill-fated ships ! Dire source of mischief and woe to the Trojans,
And to himself *— for he knew not the fates, &r their warning negieifed.
Him, as he fled» Meriones reached with his lance, and he struck htm
Through the right hip from behind* The point passed straight through

the bladder,
Grazing the bone t on his knees he dropped, all piteously shrieking.
Death with its mantling pall enwrapped at length, and released him.

Then fell Ped^us, the great Antenor's son, whom a stranger
Gave to his love; and the gen'raus care of the noble Theano [70]
Like her own children nursed, through fond regard for her husband,
Megcs, Phyleus' son, overtook him in Jfight; and he smote him (71)
Might through the naj>e ^/ his neck at the back of his head; and the

weapon
Cut through his tongue, and bebveen his teeth stmd forth ,

expiring,
Down he sank in the dust^ the cold steel in his agony biting.

Slain by Eur>^pylus next was Hypsenor, son of Dobpion,
Godlike son of a haughty sire, a priest of Scamander;
Ev'n as the God he served almost by the people regarded*
For as he ran with the rest, the valiant son of Evaemon,
FolPwing hira up in his headlong flight, with his sword on the shoulder
Dealt him a sweeping blow, and his arm cut sheer from his body, (8q)
Down fell the bleeding limb on the plain; while sinking in darkness
Death and resistless fate in their purple shadow involved him.

Thus while the chiefs toiled on through the roar and rage of the
battle,

and,

[79]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Book V,

Hard 'twere to say to which of the hosts belonged Dlomedes ;
Now in the Trojan rout involved, now mixed with the Grecians.
Wide o'er the field he rushed, with ike kmdhng force of a torrent
Swoln by the wiiit*ry rain, when ii tursfs its banks ^ ami in min
Bridges uptom are hurried away; and the dykes that confined it
Swept from the shores and engulphed in swift and sudden destru^ion.
All the wealth of the smiling fields disappears in a moment; (90)
Vanish the works of ttian, and the husbandman's hopes are ex-

tingulshed*
Thus did Tydeides sweep from fht field the hosts of the Trojans,
Scatt'ring in flight. Not one among all their numbers would face hint

Pandarus, brave Lycaon^s son, imiignaiU beheld him
Driving before him the Trojan ranks, in rout and disorder.
Straightway his bow he drew, as the chief rushed on, and the arrow
Sped to its mark dire6t, and the brazen plate of the corslet
On his right shoulder struck. Through the plate it went, and be-
neath it
Pierced to the hone; and the blood gushed forth and streamed o'er

the corsleL \}^^

Pandarus shouted aloud ^ and txultmg called to the Trojans : (100)

"Forward! Heroes of Troy, Goad on your steeds to the

combat,
Slain is the bravest Greek: for that stout shaft which I sent him
Surely he cannot survive; or in vain from my Lydan city
Phoebus, the son of Zeus, will have sent me hither to aid you."

Vauntingly thus he simke. But the shaft had failed of its purpose.
Back for a space the chief withdrew, and in front of the horses
Standing, Sthenelus thus, great C^paneus' son, he accosted ;

"Sthenelus ! give me thine aid, my friend. Dismount from the chariot ;
Lend thine hand, and extra«5t this bitter dart from my shoulder."
Thus he spake. Then Sthenelus sprang from the car; and,

alighted, (110) = [1 11]

Stood by his chief, and the deep-fixed shaft plucked forth from his

shoulder.
Straightaway the blood gushed forth in a stream through the mail of

the corslet

Book v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

While the brave hero prayed aloud to Pa]las Athen^:

"Daughter of iEgis-b^aring Zeus, in vincible I hear me. [i^S]

If to my father e*€r thou hast giv'n thine aid and protedlion
In the dire straits of war; to his son, great Goddess! extend them,
Now in kis uim&si n^d. Oh 1 bring within range of my Jav'lin —
Gmnt me to slay — this cowardly vaunter, who from a distance
Out of my reach, unawares, at my life hath aimed, and who boasts him,
Fmi thai he is^ that the sun shall rise no more on Tydeides,** (120)

Earnestly thus he prayed — -and his prayer reached Pallas Athen^ ;
All his strength she renewed, and lightened each V%m\>/or t/f€ mmbai;
Standing beside him then with inspiring words she addressed him ;

"Now, Diomedes be bold! Renew thy assault on the Trojans.
All thy intrepid father's fire have I kindled T^nthm thee, (135)

Such, as when shaking his Mazing shield, he mounted his chariot.
Purged henceforth be the sight of thine eyes from the mist that ob-
scured it:
Gods shalt thou now discern firora men, when perchance thou shalt

meet them
Mingled with either host^ and lending their aid to the warriors.
These when thou see'st, thy rage control, and forbear to assail them. (130)
Strike at all else. But should fair Aphrodite mix in the struggle,
Daughter of Zeus though she be, let her feel the point of thy weapon.*^

Soon as these words were said, from his side Athena departed;
While once more to the front of the battle flew Diomedes*
Keen if before he had been, and eager to fight with the Trojans,
Now with a threefold force did his ardour bum. As a lion
WTiom, o'erleaping the fold, some shepherd hath grazed with an arrow,
Grazed, but not hurt, when his ^t^cj charge he pens in the pasture.
This but the more inflames his rage. Then flies their protedor.
Hiding himself in the stalls, while in terror they huddle together, (140)
Heaps upon heaps, and bleeding sink, while he revels in carnage.
Sated at length and exulting, he bounds o'er the fence to his forest.
Thus Diomedes mixed with the Trojan host, and consumed them.

Then were Ast>Tious slain, and Hypeiron, a prince of the people,
One through the breast he pierced, above the pap, with his jav'lin \
Next with his mighty sword the shoulder and arm of the other,

^>:k v.

■~wr— -■ ZT' . TZTt - V

L-.'.-z. "•'.;=•. -7r •-^i. ■««:=: Z7!r ^six 3: ^xnunusT^sL

ll —

- * ■ Hjjj.. - ■ --v ■ -•■ ----- -._

\rx re

■" *»*."'^

• /-^ *

* ^^'-' yft, V -y: .-.,.v, i v^;: -J:.: =.11: wb: l-rrii :: i=cqc xis

'"/-•/ -./ .1; ^.. v.; .'..-. i;.-: -*r^;;r^ -j-.i p^zdi -r.± ccr heroes

\fr.f,f ^f.f\ •,-:,,- ij,.- ^..-* _-y^ 2ir^ rr-:cr riv r^^cirioR,

/' <

*th*t, $f, l:^ •:jfr. ft^Ai*-A the valiant son of Lycion :
S'/Ma A\u»'4>,, 'L^fjD^jj-jiH aljke in nghi and in council! (180)

Book v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

This, if each mark deceive me not^ is the brave Diomedes.
Well do I know the blaze of his shield and his towering helmet l
Those are his steeds. Yet a God It indeed may be in his likeness.
Bat if a man, and the man I name, Diomedes /// prrsm^
Then be thou sure some God stands nigh, cloud-veiled^ to inspire him,
Urging him on to deeds of frantic and desperate daring ;
Bitmtifig^ or turning aside the shaft full aimed at his bosom.
' lSv\is but this moment a dart I sped, which full on his shoulder
Lighted, forcing its way through tlu sliff-wroti^ht pitite qf his corslet.
Surely I then would have sworn that to Hell's deep shades I had sent

him. (^90^

There, however, unharmed he stands- Some God must be angry!
Horses here have I none, nor chariot to bear me to combat.
Chariots eleven stand in the halls of my father Lycaon^
Handsome and new, fresh plated and wTought, and each mth its mantle
Shrouded around ; and beside them, in pairs, stand ready for harness
Idi€ Steeds, who consume white spelt, and /attm on barley.
Much did my sire exhort me, that aged warrior Lycaon,
Ere I to war set forth, — in the regal halls of his palace, —
Ftirth with chariot and horses to fare^ and lead on the Trojans
Mounted, and borne on high in my car through the rage of the

combat, (200)

Would I had ta'en his advice^for that Iptrmve had been wiser.
There however I left them, and marched with the footmen to Ilion,
Thinking to spare my coursers, ami dreading the cost of their forage
Likely to fail in a city so thronged :— (they, accustomed to plenty).
So to my bow r trusted, and feebly indeed has it served me.
Two, their brave^it and best, have felt my shafts, M^ielaiis
First I struck^///^// Tydeus' son; and blood undissembled
Streamed from them both. In vain! for their wounds but served to

enrage them.
Luckless indeed was the day when 1 took my bow mtd my quiver
Down from the peg where they idly hung and to Ilion bore them, (210)
Leading \ht troops of Troy, in the cause of glorious Hetflor*
Sure as 1 ever again set eyes on my wife and my countrj^
Sure as once more I behold that grand o/d house 0/ my fathers ^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book V.

So may some straiiger's hand strike off this head from my shoulders.
Break I not up this worihkss toy, this bow, arfd f/ttse arrtrws^
Fit for nought else but to feed the flames ; where then I shall cast
thera.

Thus then Mnt2^ replied, the warlike chief of the Trojans ;
** Cease ihis mtdkss harangue! Let us both unite to attack him.
This is our only course. Nought else will avail In the chariot
Shield against shield, and lance against lance, let us meet him m
combat ; (220)

Mount then at once, and mark how bravely my coursers will bear us.
Sweeping across the plain, now here, now there, now advancing,
Fierce to the charge — now swift in pursuit — now haply retreating.
Should the decrees of Zeus give conquest and fame to Tydeides,
These, in tht worst ^ifent, will secure our return to the city.
Take thou the whip and the varnished reins. Myself o'er the horses,
Planted in front, will receive his assault; or do thou* if it please thee*
Face him UfM sfmr and shiehi^ and mine be the care of the chariot*'

Thus then in turn replied the valiant son of Lycaon \
'*Take thou the reins, ^4ineas, and guide thy steeds. They will
bear us (230)

Better, beneath a band they know, in thy car, to the combat :
Or, should the foe prevail, retreat more safely and swiftly.
Missing thy well know^n voice and thy touch, in some periious mommt
Restive, they might refuse the rein, and cntangk the chariot;
So should we fall a prey to Tydeides* lance, and the vltlor
(One and the other being slain) drive off thy coursers in triumphs
Look thou then to the steeds aiid the car, while I with my jav'lin
Pointed and keen, advanced, confront this samr^ ^/ par armies."

Thus resolved, they desisted from words, and^ mounting the chariot,
Down on Tydeides bore at the utmost speed of their horses. {240)
Sthenelus then, brave C^paneus* son, who beheld them advancing.
Promptly these warning words addressed to his chief Diomedes :
*' Friend of my heart, belov'd and revered, great Tydeus* offspring!
Lol where two mighty chiefs approach, both eager to slay thee,
Both of transcendent force. The first 1 know for the archer
Pandarus, proud of his birth as heir of royal Lycaon :

Book V.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

With him ^neas comes j brave son of the pious Anchises,
Claiming a i0fti€r descent as the child of bright Aphroditd
Therefore in time retire* Cornel mount thy car, and no longer
Headlong rush through the fight, where death and destnuflion await
thee," - (150)

Bending upon him a scornful frown, thus spake Diomedes :
**Talk not of fear or flight to me ; such counsel is wasted*
'Tis not for hearts like mine to skulk or shudder at danger,
Nor is my strength subdued, or nerves unstrung for th€ combat*
Shameful I hold it to mount yon car. On foot will I meet them.
Here as I stand : for Pallas Athena forbids me to tremble.
Both these warriors 'scape not hence by the speed of their horses.
One by this hand shall fall, though the other to flight may betake him.
But should the wise decrees and the pmn^rfut aiii of Athene
Give me the glory to slay them both, then, list what I tell thee : (560)
Bear it in mind. Detain these steeds which hither have borne thee,
Fast'ning the reins to the rim of the car. Then lose not a mometii^
Spring to ^neas^ place, and, seizing the reins of his horses.
Drive them at once from the Trojan host to the camp of the Grecians.
They from celestial sires their race derive, which the Thund'rer
Gave as a prize to Tros for the loss of his son Ganymedes.
None that the circling sun beholds can match them in fleetness.
Storn was the breed through earthly mares, by royal Anchises
Furtively brought to Laomedon's stalls. Six colts were the jiroduce,
Foaled in Anchises* palace, atid nursed with care: who, retaining (270)
Four for himself, this matchless pair bestowed on j^ineas;
Trained from their birth to war, and inured to the terrors of battle.
These could wt capture, rich were the spoils far richer the glory,"

Thus while the two communed, and the Prince stot^d ready /or a/Iion^
On came rattling in full career the car of his foemen.
Nearing him, thus then spake the redoubted son of Lycaon ■

** Brave as thou art, great Tydeus' son, prepare to defetut theel
IVhat though my keen and biting shaft once failed of its purpose,
Sharper and surer now shalt thou hnd the point of my javlin," (279)

Ceasing, his long-fbrth'Shadou'ing spear he hurled : and the weapon
FtiU on Tydeides* shield struck sharp, and straight through the buckler

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Bcx>K V.

FoTC'd its impetuous i^iyj till its point just short of the corslet

Reached ; and exuhing shouted aloud the son of Lycaon ;

*'Now thou art slain outright I Thy flank h pierced, and the moments
Numbered thou hast to livel And mine is the triumph and glory,"

Undismayed J Diomedes then this answer returned him:
'* This iimi too thou hast failed. Unhurt 1 stand. But e3cpe6l not^
Living, ye both shall quit this field. Hurled down from your chariot.
One or the other shall glut with his blood insatiate Ares,"

Ending, he darted aloft his spear, which Athena directed (290)
Full upon Pandarus' face, 'twixt the nose and eye : and the weapon
Crashed through his rvory teeth and clave his tongue, and descending
Stood forth, gkaming and bright^ from beneath his chin. And he

tumbled
Headlong down from the car, and his bright arms rattled around him.
Started aside with umomteii fear those swift-footed coursers ;
While, as he lay, his strength ebbed forth and his spirit forsook him.

Swift from the car j^ineas sprang, with spear and with buckler.
Eager to guard the dead, lest the Greeks should seize and despasi him*
Round him he stalked in his might, like a lion defending his quarry;
O^er him his dreadful spear and his shield's vast shadow extending {300)
Ready to slay whoe*er might advance ; right fearfully shouting.
Then Diomedes a huge rough stone upheaved. But to raise it
Two strong men, such as men now are, would be tasked. Yet he

Sttomg it
Easily round, the enormous mass! Then full at ^-Eneas
Hurled it amain. On his hip it fell ; just there where the thigh-bone
Plays, at the hip, in its socket-joint (so called): and it lighted,
Crushing the joint, and rending the strong-knit sinews asunder,
Stripping the skin with its rugged points. Down sinking in angms/t
Kneh he J his hand on the ground sustained: and the flittings of

darkness
Gathered before his reeiing sight, tis his senses forsmk him* (310)

Then for ever had closed the gates of death on ^Eneas*
Had not bright Aphroditi^, with watchful care for the offspring
Whom to Anchises she bore, when his herds were ranging on Ida,
Seen his distress. Her belov'd in her snow-white arms she enfolded^

Book v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Wrapping around him her shining veil to mmmi and proteifi him,
l^st in the rush of Xht Danaan horse and si&rm of the jav'lins
Some stray weapon his heart should pierce, and cut short his existence*

Stealthily thus Aphrodit^ conveyed her son from the battle*
Capaneus' son meanwhile, his lord's injun<Slion reraetnb'ring—
That stri(5l charge so lately received from brave Diomedes — ■ {320)
First, aside from the tumult his own good steeds and his chariot
Drew, and the reins made fast to the rim : then, quickly returning,
Seized and guided the long-maned steeds and the car of i^neas
Forth from the Trojan host to the bright array of the Grecians :
These to Deipylus gave^ his own true friend and companion,
One like himself in heart, whom most he trusted and honoured,
Bidding him drive them away to the ships* And now to his chariot
Springing, the whip ami (he varnished reins he seized, and the horses
Swift o er the plain with thundering hoofs sought out Diomedes.
He meanwhile with relentless spear pursued Aphrodite; (z'^^)

Well did he know how weak her force in the combats of heroes,
Uniike those dread Pow*rs who sway the tviid tempest (^ battle,
Pallas imth .^gis and spear, or the dire, ¥>ide-wasting Enyo,
Her through crowded rvLvik^Jhrongk the ciask (f arpns ami the tmnuit^
Tydeus' son pursued, and with lance outstretched overtook her,
Then with a bound rushed on, and her soft hand pierced with his

weapon.
Through the ambrosial veil it passed, which the Gmces had woven.
Razing her snow-white skin where the pahn to the wrist is united.
Streamed forth at once from the wound the pure rich blood of the

goddess.
Ichor, such as celestial veins may pour. For th' immortals (340)
Bread neither eat, nor drink they the dark red wine- And we deem

them
Bloodless, therefore, undying, and fr^ from decay ar corruption.
Wounded, however, a piercing shriek sent forth Aphrodit^
Casting her son from her arms. Him rescued PhcEbus Apollo,
Safe in a cloud involved, and bore, unseen by the Grecians,
So that no weapon his breast might pierce and cut short his existence,
While in a thundering voice thus spake incensed Diomedes ;

98 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book V.

"Daughter of Zeus! retire from scenes of blood and contention,
Go! and beguile weak women — 2l part which better befits thee.
Well do I deem, if in battles thou mix, fresh terrors await thee (350)
Such as henceforth at the name of war shall teach thee to shudder."

Ended the chief. Confused and overwhelmed the goddess departed.
Iris the swift sustaining and leading her forth from the tumult.
Fainting with pain: her lovely cheek all livid with terror.
Ares she found, on the left of the field, withdrawn from the battle,
Seated: his horses and arms in mist involved and in darkness.
I^w at his knee to her brother she bent, and besought that his chariot
Bright, and his gold-reined steeds he would lend, to Olympus to bear
her:
"Dearest brother ! Grant me a kindness. Lend me thy horses
Back to Ol>Tni)us to bear me, the home of the blessed Immortals, (360)
See ! what a wound I bear, by the hand of a mortal inflidled,
Tydeus' son, who would strike out at Father Zeus in his madness**
Thus she spake. And Ares the gold-bitted horses accorded,
Sad was her heart and faint her step as she mounted the chariot :
Iris beside her grasped the reins, and guided the horses,
lushing them on, and they flew with right good will on their journey.
Soon to Olympus they came, high home of the blessed immortals.
There they alighted, and Iris the swift, unyoking the coursers.
Led them away to their stalls, and fed with ambrosial fodder.

Then on her mother Dione's knees divine Aphrodite (370)

Flung herself, dro7uned in tears. She fondly embracing her daughter.
Soothed with caressing hdiniS., and endearingly naming, bespoke her:
"Which of the Pow'rs, my child, so foul an outrage hath wrought
thee,
Ruthless, as if in revenge for some wrong openly done him?"
Then complainingly answered the goddess of smiles. Aphrodite :
"Wounded thou sce'st me by Tydeus' insolent son Diomedes,
As from the flight I bore my darling son, my ^neas,
Gria'ously hurt: for dearly beyond all others I love him.
This is no war of Greek against Trojan. Daring and imfious,
J.o! they assail th* immortal Gods, and contend with Olympus:' (380)
Calm and serene, to her daughter's plaint Dione responded :

Bgox v.]

THE ILfAD OF HOMER.

** Patience, my child ! white' er thy griefs. Compiamini^ is useless*
Woes and atfronts from the sons of men too oft have we suffered,
Dweliers albeit on high. They, in turn, by the gods are afflidled.
Ares him<;elf, held hound by Otus and stern Ephialtes,
Strong Alo.^us* sons, lay groaning in fetters ami iiarkness.
Thirteen moons, immured in a brass-barred dungeon they held him.
There well-nigh had he groaned forth his soul ; but fair Eribcea,
Consort of Zeus, his woes beheld, (tmf tame to his rescue,
Hermes she sent, who with dextVous craft deceiving his gaolers (390)
Carried him off, more dead than alive : for the chain had subdued him,
I>e^ was the wound and fierce the pangs which imperial Hera
Feltj from a shaft thrice barbed, and ^irmehedwiikt/ie vemm o/Lerfia^
In her right brea.st infixed by the hand of the son of Amphitryon.
Wing'd by the selfsame hand, such a shaft the rude bosom of Hades
Pierced, in his o^m dark halls of the dead, in the gate of his palace, .
High 0n his ihrmte wiure he sat supreme^ and plunged him In

torments.
Up to the light at oncCj to the dwellings of 2^us in Olympus,
Groaning with anguish he came (the shaft still rankling and rooted
Deep in his iron shoulder), beseeching Apoih to aid him. {400)

Vseon \*ith healing balms his pains assuaged^ and restored him
Whole as before i for nought that could die pertained to his nature,
**Rude and presumptuous man! could nought restrain thee from
outrage,
Nought withhold thy arms from assailing the powVs of Olympus?
(Pallas alone, my child, could have urged him thus to assault thee.)
Knows he not, blind as he is, that whoe'er with the blessed immortals
Measures his feeble strength, his date of existence is shortened ?
Him no lisping welcome awaits, returning from warfare;
Climbing a father*s knees, no fond group gathers around him.
Let him beware, this Tydeus' son, lest a mightier than thou art, {4^^)
Brave though he be, cut short his career, ifnd em/mnd his presumpi^m,
J^mif, even n&n*^ mefhinks I hear the shrieks of his consort
Starting from broken slumbers, and rousing her faithful attendants,
Wild with despair and grief, and filling her palace with outcries,
Calling on him she shall see no more, her lost Diomedes."

7^2

loo

THE lUAD OF NOMER.

[Book V,

Thus she spake, and wiped the blood from the hand of her daughter*
Healed was the woundj and assuaged the pain. But Athena and H^^
Standing together apart, looked on diSiimnfuUy smiUng^
Angering Zeus with their whispered taunts and sarcastic refleflions.
Pallas at length outspoke, and in words like these she addressed
him : (430)

^'Father supreme! may I speak, nor dread by my words to ofifend
thee?
Cypris, methinks, has been tempting some Grecian dame, and beguiled

her
One of her Trojan favVites to follow: (so dearly she loves them !)
Doubtless she then, while smoothing her robes and sweetly caressing,
Wounded that delicate band with the golden clasp of her girdle/*

Thus as she spake, with a smile the Father of Gods and of mortals,
Bright Aphrodite called to his side, and thus he addressed her;
**Thee it befits not, my child, to mix in the horrors of battle,
Rather be thine the care to unite fond lovers in marriage;
Leaving the ruder tasks of war to Athena and Ares,*' (430)

Such were the scenes that passed, and such the discourse in Oijmpus^
While Diomedes rushed with resounding shouts on vEneas,
Nought recked he (though he knew full well that Phoebus Apollo
O'er him his mighty arm stretched forth to protect), in his fury
Panting for slaughter, and longing to strip the spoils of his foeman.
Forward thrice did he rush, in headlong charge, on vEneas ;
Thrice dashed back was his blazing shield by the hand of Ajjollo.
But when his wondVous strength for a fourth assault he collecledj
Dread was the menace, stem the rebuke which broke from the
Godhead I

**Tydeus* son, be wise I Retire! nor dream with immortals {440)
Earth-bom force to compare. Too wide is the space that divides thee^
Creature of dust! from the deathless race that ndes in Oiympm*^

Thus he spake. And Tydeides a few short paces receded,
Dreading to meet the wrath of the bright far-darting Apollo :
Phoebus, the while, the fainting chief from the crowd and the confil A
Bore to his own high fane in the sacred city of Priam.
There in that mighty shrine, by Leio and Artemis tended.

Book V.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

to[

Healed were his wounds, and he stood restored in strength, ami m glory*

Then by the God of the silver bow was a phantom created,
Like to iEneas in she^ in form^ in feature^ and armour. (450)

Ch^^er the sliadowy form and around ii the Greeks and the Trojans,
Bosom to bosom, ami foot to foot, confronted and struggling,
Clashed the broad orbs of their shields, and the light defence of their
targets.

Phoebus, the furious god of war then sought, and addressed him:
"Ares I Ares J bloodstained! destroyer! o*ertumer of ramparts!
Wilt thou not meet this ifis^/^nt man and away from the battle
Tear him by force? who would fight mth our Father Zeus ifi his madrms,
Cypris he first ass ai led, and pierced her hand u^ifh his jav'iirt^
Then on myself he rushed, with might scarce* less tlmn immortal."
Thus having said^ for Pergamus* lofty seats he departed. (460)
Ares fierce, meanwhile went rousing the host of the Trojans
All through their ranks, like Acamas swift, the chief of the Thracians,
Thus bespeaking the sons of Priam^ the favoured of heaven ;

**Son of the glorioys Priam^ — that prince the favour'd of heaven,
Say! How long will ye suffer the Greeks to slaughter your armies?
Up to your very gates shall the carnage spread? And ^ruas^
Mighty Anchises* son, great He<5tor's et[uai in glory,
HertwUi ye imve^ struck down and trampied^ a prey to tlie spoHer^
Forward! Bear we his honoured remains away from the tumult,"

Then wnth a martial jseal was each Troian bosom dilated. (470)

Then by Sarpedon words of reproof unto He 61 or were spoken ;
"Hedor: w^here is thy valour, thy wonted prowess in battle?
Didst thou not boast that, alone and unaided^ thou and thy brethrenj
Kithe and kin^ would the city defend, nor need our assistance?
Now not a man can mine eyes discern of your vaunted relations*
Crouching afar, like dogs they cowV when the lion is rampant
While, when it comes to fighting, 'tis we, your allies, who must combat
Hither, in aid of your cause, have 1 brought ray Lycian squadrons,
Summoned from realms remote ♦ from the banks of eddying X an thus.
Leaving behind my dear-loved wife with her babe at her bosom* (480)
leaving my rich possessions, the €n\y of all wiw bchoid tiicm.
Here, however, thou see'st me, my Lycians heading and ready

I02

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book V,

E'en with that man to fight, though my stake is nought in vifun^uarrei :
Nought have I here, to swell the spoils of the emquenng Grecians.
And canst thou Itere ina61:ive stand, nor exhort thy companions
Bravely to hold their ground, and prote<ft their wives and their

children ?
Look to it now! lest around you they tighten their toils^ and like

hunters
Closing upon their prey, make air easy prize of your weakness,
"Whelming your city and all it holds in destrudlion and ruin.
This be thy daily care and thy nightly thought : to encourage (490}
All your friends and allies, by cxampk and earnest entreaty,
Bravely to persevere and dismiss all rival pretensions."

Thus Sarpedon ; and bitterly fell the reproof upon He^lor.
Down to the earth at once he sprang, full armed from his chariott
Brandishing t%m sharp spears i and he passed through tiie ranks of

the Trojans,
Rousing their courage afresh, and filling their bosoms with ardoun
Quickly they formed once more in line, and advanced on the Grecians.
They, on their part with unshaken front, awaited the onset.

As when the winnowing winds from the sacred floor of the thresher.
Drift the light-whirhng chaff by the labouring hind tossi heavn*

wards, {500)

While from the golden grain Demeter the husk is dividing.
Heaps upon heaps it whitens around:— on tht hdms of \h^ Grecians,
Thus, iind their giUf ring arms, white settled the dust, that on all sides
Rose to the tramp of steeds, and the chariot -wheels, and in eddies
Rolled 'neath the brazen vault of Heaven. Back rushed tliey to battle.
Pushing amain; straight on. Fierce Ares, aiding the Trojans,
Thickened the gloom, and vcifed w^ith a drnth-iikt shadow the combat
All through their host he went, and fulfilled the commission of Phorbus,
Lord of the golden sword, to inflame their rage and excite them.
Boldly to chatge on the foe ; for now, withdrawn from the contest, (510)
Pallas Athena no more he beheld supporting the Grecians.

Phcebits himself meanwhile, from his gorgeous shrine in the city,
Sent forth .4^neas, valour infusing and might in his bosom.
Shouted his biave companions in amis to receive him among them.

Booic v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

103

Him, their Prmce. their kadcr in fight — in life, and in safety
Whole, ancl strong as before. Unquestioned however he joined them.
Other and sterner work discourse forbade ; by Apollo,
Ares, scourge of mankind, and insatiate Eris, appointed.

Then did each Aias, then did Odysseus and brave Diomedes,
Cheer on their Greeks to the fight They, indeed^ recked nought
of the Trojans, (520)

H^iding in eqiuii scorn their assault, and their boisterous outcry.
Fixed they remained, like clouds which around the crest of a mountain
Motionless hang, while Boreas sleeps; by the word of Kronion
Hushed into calm; and the shrill-voiced blasts that would scatter

their shadows,
Drifting thera far and wide o'er the plain, lie sunk into silence:
Brmding^ in sotenm array^ they expert the awakening tempest:
Thus stood the Greeks, expecting the Trojan attack. But Atreides
Hast'ning from rank to rank to the troops thus issued his orders :

"Now, my friends! be m^n. Keep up your hearts in the struggle,
Strive to out-do each other, and each be to each an example. (530)
Safety nor fame e'er waits upon him who flies; while the vaUant,
Nobly fighting, secures his life in the chances of battle."

Thus he spake, and swift at the word forth darted his jav'liti^
Striking Deicoon, Per^jasus' son, a chief of distindtion,
Comrade and friend of brave ^^tieas; honoured in Troia,
Next to the sons of Priam: — for aye wa.s he eager in battle,
Foremost to fight. Agamemnon's spear struck full on the buckler,
Pow'rless to check its force; for it w^ent straight through, ai^d his girdle
Pierced; nor arrested its course till deep infixed ia his belly:
Down he fell, \vi\X\ a crash, and his armour rattled around him, (S4<3)

Then did ^neas slay two valiant chiefs of the Grecians,
Crethon and Orsilocheus, both sons of wealthy Diocles*
He, their father, dwelt in the strong-built city of Pher^,
Tracing his high descent from the God of the river Alphacus,
In the ^de-watered realms of the Pylian land. From Alphseus
Sprang the first Orsilocheus, wide ruling many a people \
Thence, in the next descent^ the sceptre passed to Diodes.
These were his twin-boni sons, well trainM in the pratlice of warfare.

I04

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK V.

Crethon and Orsilocheus, sent forth in prime of their manhood.
Who upon IUon*s shore from their sable shipst with the Aigives (550)
Landed, seeking revenge for Atreides their king and his brother.
Honour to win />/ tkt Jklth of fume w/iiie fmdiy ex/>^ flings
Death cut short their career, and overshadowed ike dtiwn of xhtii glory.
As when two mountain lions which, reared in the den of their mother,
Deep in the tangled woods, break farth for ravage and slaughter^
Down they rush on the herds and the fattening sheep and the herdsmen
Tear from their shell Ving stalls ; till vengmNce is rousedy and^ over-
mastered*
Farfn7m their naftvs woods they fall by the spears of the hunters.
Thus by ^/^neas* hands these tivo lay slain and extended
Sidt by side; like pines hid low by the axe of the woodman, (560)

Pitying their fall, Menelaiis, refulgent in glittering armour^
Rushed at once to the fronts loud shouting his terrible war-cry.
Shaking his spear he advanced ^ urged on and tempted by Ares,
Longing to witness his fall by the strong right hand of Mnt^*
This perceivingj Antibchus, Nestor's son, for the issue
Trembling {should great Menelaus, the shepherd and guide of his

people
Suffer defeat, and all be lost), rushed eagerly forward.
Close by his leader and prince his staad he took r as the heroes.
Each advancing on each, made ready for fight, and their lances
Poised in their hands, eai^k bemfing an angry scotid m the other. (570)
But when ifDneas beheld these two combined to oppose him,
Bra^'e as he was^ he refused such oddSf withdrew^ from the e&ntest.
Then from the press the dead they drew to the ranks of the Grecians,
Passing their sad remains to the faithful hands of their comrades,
Then to the front returned^ and mixed once more in the combat.
Next fell Pylsemenes, chief of the Paphlagonian warriors,
Godlike in fight, and leading a noble band, Menelaiis,
Atreus' wariike son, that spearman famed, with bis jav'lin
Dealt him a deadly stroke where the neck unites to the shoulden
Mydon, Atymnus' son, his brave and faithful attendant, (5 So)

Fell by AnUlochus* hand in the a£i of turning his horses.
Struck by a ht^e rough stone on the arm, from his paralysed fingers

BOOE VJ

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

los

Dropped the white-ivor^^^-bToidered reitis. As he stooped t^ r^ain thmi^
Forward Anlilochus sprang, with his sword deep gashing his temple.
Headlong he pitched from the gorgeous car, and gasped forth his spirit.
Plunging he fell, and fixed in the dust, on his head and his shoulders
Stood for a while, sustained by the heapy sand, tdl the horses,
Restive and trampling, cast him dov^Ti : and Antilochus, mounting.
Lashed them to speed, and drove them sunft to the ranks of the
Grecians.

Hector beheld, as he looked through the ihklinifig fight, and upon
them (590)

Shouting aloud he rushed; and the serried array of the Trojans
Followed their chief With him came Ares and dreadful Enjo;
OUTRAGE, CONFUSION, unbridled furv, attended the Goddess.
Ares now before He^lor advanced, and in front of his onsel
Shook his tremendous spear, now stalked in his terrors behind him.

Then came a thrill of dread o'er the manly heart of Tydeides.
Just as a trav'llerj threading a lengthened maze, and uncertain
Wliither his path may lead, umiwarts encounters a river
Rolling to seaward in foam, and at once his steps he retraces,
So drew back Diomedes, and thus addressed his companions : (600)
** Friends ! no wonder we view with amaze the prowess of He<£lor,
How like a god he appears ! how brave, how noble in combat!
One of the gods is ever at hand and attends on his safety.
There, by his side, in person, in form like a man, I behold him.
Hi€rcfor€ be wise. Retire J But keep your front to the Trojans ;
Here we cannot firevaiL 'Tis madness to fight with th' immortals."

Thus he spake. But the Troian host was already upon thenx
He<5lor at once two warriors slew^ distinguished for valour,
Both in one chariot borne— An chialus brave and Menesthes.
Pitying their fate rushed forward the great Telamonian Aias (610)
Close to the Trojan ranks, and hurled his glittering weapon.
Selagus' son, Amphius, it struck, whom Fate had condudled
Far from Psesus, his native town ; from his lands and his riches
Aid to afford to Priam and Priam's sons^ ami to ptrish.
Him through the belt transfixed the great Telamonian Aias.
Deep in his body was planted the long-forth-shadowing jav'lin.

jo6

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book V-

Crashing h€ felh and to seize his spoils illustrious Aias
Rushed on amain, But the Trojan spears came show*ring upon him
Gleaming and sharp, till their bristling shafts slood thick on his buckler.
Pressing his heel an the corpse, his brazen spear he recovered. (620)
Nimg/ii cmdd /le more; for to strip from its shoulders the glittering

armour
^ime and his force sufficed not. Beset with foemen on all sides.
Swords, spears, close -compacted shields came crowding around him,
Wielded by stalwart formsj both many and fierce: and unwilling.
Great as he was, renowned, and bravCj they forced him before them.
Strug^i(iing^ imlignafU^ lotik might and main^ o'en^'helmed^ he retreated.

Thus did they toil, and in djeadly fray thus struggled the heroes*
Fate meanwhile the mighty Tlepolemus, son of Heraclesj
Godlike Sarpedon, offsj>ring of Zeus, urged on to encounter.
Forth in frofit of the ranks they strode, approaching each other, (630)
Grandson and son as they were of cioud-compelling Kronion,
Silence first Tlepolemus broket. imd this was his challenge :

"What, O Sarpedon! great in thy Lycian senate, in warfare
Feeble and slight, can have brought thee hither to quail and to tremble?
FaJse is their talei who say that Zeus^ the great ^4i;gis-uph older,
Thou for thy sire may*&t claim* How far were those thy superiors.
They who m olden time such lineage rightfully boasted!
Such was my own great sire, th' invincible might of Herakles,
He who the soul of a hero bore, and the heart of a lion.
Hither he came, in the war for Laomed on 's steeds, unsupported, (640)
Six were his ships^^ no more! and few the troops that he mustered;
Yet he subdued yon city, and filled its dwellings with widows.
As for thyself, thy spirit is mean, thy nation decaying ;
Small is the aid, and poor the support thou bring*st to the Trojans,
Leaving thy Lycian realm. And wert thou nobler and braver,
Yet should my spear dismiss thy soul through the portals of Hade§.'*

Thus to his boasts responded the Lycian prince, Sarpedon:
^'Rightlj^^ Tlepolemus I smote thy sire yon Ilian city*
Harsh were the words and rude the taunts by Laomedon uttered,
Prompted by evil counsel (ungrateful return far his friendship)^ (650)
When he refused the steeds by Herakles justly demanded.

Book VJ

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

107

Thisf&r the past. But now ywift doom and destni(5lion await theCi
Here at my liands. By this lance shalt thou fall, and add to my glor>%
Yielding thy soul to the rider of death's hiack steed^ Atdonens.^'

Thus SaqDedon. His tough ash spear Tlepolemus brandished-
in the same instant flew from their hands both weapons* Sarptdon's
Lighted full in the midst of his foeman*s throat, and the windpipe
Pierced with the deadly point straight through ; and he sank merpmoered^
While the thick shades of ctenuii darkness closed o*er his eyelids.
But With less skiifui aim dispatched^ Tlepolemus' jav'lin (660)

Smote the left thigh of the Lycian prince, and, forcing a passage,
Grated across the bone. But Zeus forbade his destrudion*
Rushed to his aid the friends of the wounded chief, ami they bore him
Forth from the fight*— sore hurt by the long spear dragging behind him,
For in their eager haste to place him secure on a chariot,
None gave a thought to extra<fl that tough ash spear from the suflTrer ;
Such was the press around, and such the toil and the danger.
Dead Tlepolemus too by the bright-greaved Greeks, his companions,
Off from the field was borne. This fired the soul of Odysseus
Vengeance to take : for his heart was grieved and his wrath was

excited* (670)

Doubtful awhile he stood, and perplexed in spirit, debating
Whether to follow and slay the retiring son of the ThundVer,
Or to spread havoc and death throtigh the vulgar throng of the

Lycians.
Not to his lance howe'er was decreed the fall of Saq:>edonj
Son of immortal Zeus. That, fate h^id reserved Jqt ani^her:
And on the Lycian host Athena diret^ed his fury.
Koiranus first he slew. Then Chromius fell, and Alastor,
Halius next, Noemon, Alcander, and Piytanis perished.
More of the Lycian host had Odysseus huried to destruaion,
But that the piercing glance of crest- waving Hedor obser^^ed him, (680)
And to the van he advanced, all sheathed in glittering armour,
Struck were the Greeks with dread.-^When Saq>edon beheld him

approaching
Cheered was his heart, though his voice was faint, as thus he

addressed him;

Mi r^EZ —'-'7 :^ =:j£ZIl [book v.

* " .*r^-i Sir nic Z-^JTHL^ ^TT, ass sjrrrrhftr, x ibct- » the Cdcdins^

Z.'=!r apjL SI "jc^Ti:iii ir' isr^t ^aiiL gnf '^ » nir*^

This aar:*r-ii:ni^ nfszszzjr n:' Zsasa. Bec Hsciar rqi&d noL

Fapg : jzif Jinan;!: r: fr* ±e tllil -rax :3e rik»i of tiiear braTcst.

ITziiir i uHirsrins rei-di Tn-rTVTiTt*. r^ :bt Thmdfner sacred,
B:nit frxL ±e ^rsst "rri nrs SLrreini's rjCEZ&5es bid bud ban;
I'^^'jc^ zrzisj iZii ic3Ti- iis zmmi-ijrisd raeai xad onrnpanion,
T:«yr frxi iji -^ ^ r" '•Ts:i±i*d f:r± ±iir iji^ j;sb spear: and bb

L«f: iin i: rciii. itjI his g»^ — ^^-f siti: iin: s5scs ovcxsbadoved.
Vtt bt rrrrref- -.it/ i:.- .rT?iiTi -^rx^xiflt x? ±>e bccexes of Boreas^
lif-t I'j his fnnjt, 2z.i ic-nr: i:r Ls randz^i: bosom impaited.

N>w ief:re Ares f^irii. i^^i ~--^-S- 7 Heiijr. die Aigires
Neither 5.dv2j::*d L.cr 5=-i- Tr^e-ir silOe vessels ibey soi^t not, (700)
Nor ould ±t7 '-ifli ±tir zryjziz: ic: bsicJnriris e^ier lecoiling.
Step Lv strp tier rtrrcitei : for Ar«s. iher beirJ. was against tbem.

Ji't/s^: Ut tJu M'^i ri--^y:t mho nrst. who loSt of the Grecians
Fell by ±e co-querhig hjjiis o: Hecior. :Lav: panoplied Axes!
Teu±ras the g>ilike, Orestes brave, the reiser oi hoises,
Trechus, the famed --Etonian warrior: bold CEnomaiis:
Helenus, CEnops* son: Oresbius intent upon pront.
Vain, albeit, of his broidered beh. From his mansion in Hyl^
Bordering on fair Cephfsus* lake, he came, where his kinsmen
F'at Bceotia's soil maintained in lazy abundance. (7i<^)

Hera, the white-armed queen of Heav n, indignant beheld tbem
Scattering death through the Argive host; and to Pallas Athen^
Turning, in words of impatient wxath accosted the goddess :
" What then \ in>incible daughter of -^Egis-bearing Kronion,
Thus, shall our pledge be vain which we gave to the brave Menelaiis,
Troy's proud walls to subvert and restore him in triumph to Aigo&
Thus shall we suffer insulting Ares to rage and to slaughter?

Book V.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

t09

Not s& ! Join with me now, and bear we our part in the combat."
Thus she spake : and blue-eyed Pallas, rejoicings obeyed her
Hastily; then imperial Herd, daughter of Kronos^ {720)

Braced on th* immortal coursers their frontlets of gold and tlieir

harness;
Hebd the brazen wheels then fixed to the car, on an axle
Wrought out of polished steel. Eight spokes each bore, and the

felloes
Flamed resplendent of gold indestrudtible. Round them were fastened
Tires of brass, close-binding, a wondrous work. But the chariot
Hung suspended on bands of silver and gold, and a border
Gracefully curYing in two-fold swell projected before it.
Silver were both the naves, and the pole of silver refulgent
Stood fortli in fronts and received the yoke which she fastened

upon it,
Splendidly wrought of gold. Then Her^ led forth the coursers, (730)
Placed on their necks the yoke^ and the reins attached and condudled
Back to the car; then mounted, all eager and panting for batde.

Pallas Athen4 daughter of yEgis-bearing Kj-onionj
Then let fall on the floor of her father's palace the mantle
Gloriously wrought which the skill of her own fair hands had

embroidered.
Then in the arms of cloud-compelling Zeus she arrayed her,
Donning his corslet for dreary war and the kormrs of battle^
Broad o'er her shoulders slimg was the dreadful Thunderer's ^^gis,
vSf^mAfringed, whose sculptured orb pale terror encircled,
FUGHTy PURSUIT, Overwhelming force, and bloody contention ; (740)
While in the centre glared Jove*s dire portent of the Gorgon,
Monstrous and ghastly; a sight which nmte might survive who beheld it.
Raised on ridges of goltl four plumes overshadowed her helmet,
Rich with the spoil of a hundred towns and the forms of their warriors,
Armed^ on the fiery c^r she sprang, firm grasping her javHn,
Stybbom and huge, with whose ponderous force uplifted in anger.
Child of a mighty sire, she quells the array of her foemen.
Forthwith Hera the scourge applied and excited the coursers.
Clanging, self-open'd, the gales of Heav*n flew wide, by the Horae

I lo THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK V.

Guarded, to whom are entrusted the portals of Heav'n and

Olympus; (7So)

Or to roll back their veil of cloud, or wrap them in darkness.
Urged to their utmost speed through these the celestial coursers
Bore them to where Kronion they found, apart and secluded,
Thron*d on the loftiest of all the bristling peaks of Olympus.
Him when the white-arm'd Hera beluld^ her steeds she arrested,
Proffringher prayer unto Zeus in words of complaint and of question:
"Father supreme! shall thy vengeance sleep o'er these murders of

Ares?
Lo ! what crowds of my noblest Greeks he hath hurled to destrudlion,
Reckless alike of law, and of thy command, and my sorrow.
Cypris the while, and the God of the silver bow, are delighted, (760)
They! who let loose his frantic rage and enjoy it in quiet
Father! oh! Father, wilt thou be wroth if I wreak upon Ares
Vengeance and painful wounds, and drive him forth from the battle?"
Thus to her prayer responded the cloud-compelling Kronion :
"So be it done! Let Athena, delighting in spoil and in coftquest^
Punish him. Many a time hath she wrought him afflidtion and

anguish."
Thus he spake: and Hera, rejoicing to hear the permission.
Lashed her steeds; and with right good will they flew through the ether
Spread forth between this earth and the star-strewn concave of Heaven,
Clearing, at ev*ry bound, such space as the eye of a gazer, (770)
Seated on some commanding cliff on the verge of the ocean.
Views, o'er the wine-dark sea, to the utmost haze of the offing.
Soon on the plains of Troy they arrived, where, mingling their waters,
Simois clear and Scamander s^vift roll on to the ocean.
There did she draw the rein, and arrest the speed of her coursers.
Loosed from the car, and wrapped in a veil of canopied vapour,
Free upon Simois' bank they cropped ambrosial pasture.
Thence with the darting flight of doves when the hawk is pursuing^
Hasted th' immortal pair to give aid and support to the Aigives;
Soon they arrived where at bay they stood : their best and their

bravest, (780)

Wedged in a close compared mass round brave Diomedes,

Book V.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

They, like a troop of devouring lions who gloat upon carnage,
Stood; or like boars in their native wilds, untameably savage.
Mingling among them» the goddess her voice uplifted and shouted^
Taking the form of Stentor the brazen -throated, whose war-cry
Loud as the shout of fifty men could be heard o'er the tumult \

*' Shame on ye Argives! noble forms, but pitiful soldiers!
'Twos mi thus when mighty Achilles went forth to the combat,
Then did the Trojans cow'r; nor before the gates of their city
Dared they advance ; for they dreaded the sweep of his conquering
jav'lin, (790)

Far from tlieir ramparts now they threaten your camp and your vessels,"
Thus as she spake each bosom imbibed fresh vigour and courage.
Blue-eyed Athen^ then sought out die brave Dioraedes,
And by the chariots the Prince surrounded she found, and the

horses,
Tending the rankling wound which Pandarus* shaft had inflided
Oo2ed forth the sweat in streams from beneath the broad belt of his

buckler.
Fainting, with painful effort his wearied hand he uplifted,
Raised up the belt from his breast, and wiped the black blood from

his shoulder.
Pallas approached, and the chariot*yoke she touched and addressed him :
"Tydeus* offspring his sire renowned but httle resembles, (800)
Tydeus indeed in person was small, yet great as a warrior
Hct when I bade him abstain from war, nor rush to the confli<^,
W^ben on a peaceful mission to Thebes he went, unattended,
'Mong the Cadmean chiefs, no aid at hand from die Argives;
Seaming to take his ease, and accept the delights of their palace.
Goaded on by that fiery heart which never forsook him.
Challenged them, one and all, the Cadmean youth, and in combat
Easily overcame them all™such aid did I grant him.
Thee too I aid and beside thee stand, thy help and prote(51ion,
Bidding thee summon thy sirmgfh jw^ bravely rush on the Trojans. (S 10)
Say! Do thy liml>s> overlaboured and faint, refuse to support thee,
Or is it heartless fear that unmans thy soul? Must I deem thee.
Not the true offspring of Tydeus, and not the grandson of CEneus?**

112 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BOOK V.

Then in his turn replying, thus spake the brave Diomedes:
"Goddess! I know thee, daughter of -^gis-bearing Kronion:
Nor will I aught conceal, but speak to thee frankly and truly.
Fear nor sloth is the cause that restrains and holds me ina<5live,
*Tis but thine own command, which I bear in mind and obey it
Didst thou not bid me respe<5l th' immortal Gods in the tumult —
Strike at all else; but should bright Aphrodite mix in the
combat, (S20)

(Daughter of Zeus though she be), let her feel the point of my weapon?
For this cause have I ceased from fight, and gathered around me
These brave Greeks — if haply our ground we may hold— -{or against us
Ares himself I perceive, in person, leading the Trojans.

Thus Tydeides: and thus the blue-eyed Athena responded:
"First in my dear regard and protcdlion, brave Diomedes!
Dread not this Ares, dire as he is. Fear none of th' immortals,
Here while Pallas beside thee stands to strengthen and aid thee.
Urge thou at once upon Ares thy prancing steeds, and attack him,
Closing upon him, hand to hand. Respe6l not his Godhead, (830)
Him — the outrageous, — faithless ally — promoter of mischief
Did he not promise myself and Hera to fight in our quarrel,
Aid to bring to our Argive friends, and war to the Trojans?
Now to the winds such oaths he casts, and combats against us."

Thus she spake, and Sthenelus seizing, down from the chariot
Dragged him back to the ground; and he rushed from the spot in

amazement;
While to his place in the car, by the side of brave Diomedes,
Sprang the excited Goddess. Then groaned the ponderous axle
Under the weight of a Pow'r so dread, and so mighty a hero.
Seizing the whip and the falling reins, she lashed on the
horses, (840)

Urging them forward in full career, dire6l upon Ares.

Periphas huge and strong he had just struck down in his fury.
Son of Ochesius, bravest and best of -^tolia's warriors
Murderously slain. Then Pallas assumed the dark helmet of Orcus,
Shrouding her form in gloom, lest the God, beholding, might know her.
Soon as the fierce destroyer perceived divine Diomedes,

Leaving unspoiled the mighty corse of the prostrated warrior,
There on the spot where he just had fairn and breathed forth liis spirit,
Fiercely he rushed on the venturous chief wAi^ dared ta cm/rmi him,
N earing each other thus, when now short space was between them, {850)
Ares, forward advanced o'er the yoke and reins of his horses^
Drifted his long-protended spear, all eager to sky hlm>
Painiy/ for Pallas Athena the weapon seized and diverted
Wide of its aim, from the car far borne where stood Dioniedes*
He in his turn with a shout dismissed his glittering jav'lin.
Which in its flight the blue*eyed Pallas guiding, directed
Full on the furious God. Through his belt it pierced and, his bmfy
Entering, rent his groin with a ghasf/y nmmd. Diomedes
Sprang with a hound from his hfty cur and recovered his weapon.
Then with a brazen roar loud bellowed the God /// his anguish^ {860)
Loud as the shout of ten thousand warriors closing in battle*
Dread iints the panic and dire which seized both hosts whctt they heard

him^
Greeks and Trojans alike — and they famed in their work of destruilion^
Trembling with deadly fear at the roar of discomfited Ares.

As when a edumn ^cloud by the burning blasts &fthe desert^
Whirled aloft tbrongh the stifling air soars hii^h in the ether^
Thusj gazing up^ Tydeides beheld infuriate Ares
Rise with a stmri^ and mix with the dark railing clouds that received

him*
Soon to Olympus he came, high seat of the blessed immortals,
There in the presence of Zeus sat down, and murmuring loudly, {870)
Shewed die immortal blood fast flowing: and thus he bespake him*

** Father Zeus! canst thou view such deeds nor care to avenge them?
Still must celestial PowVs complain of wrongs that they suffer.
Each at another^s hands, while favours they heap upon mortals?
Thee do we all accuse. She is thine, this infuriate daughter^
Ever delighung in evil deeds and bent on destru^ion»
All the 01\Tnpian pow'rs beside delight to obey thee,
Each, for himself, in thy rule rejoicing, seeks but thy pleasure*
Her dost thou ne'er reprove, nor put forth thy hand to restrain her.
Freely indulged in all, as thine own peculiar offspring. (880;

114 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BoOK V.

Lo ! where she urges on this insolent offspring of Tydeus,
Madly to rage, and measure his strength with the powers of Olympus.
Cypris approaching he first attacked, and her wrist with his jav'lin
Pierced; then rushed on myself with might scarce less than immortal.
Well for me that my flight was swift! else^ groaning in anguish,
There had I lain, overwhelmed by the dreadful piles of the slaughtered ;
Shorn of my strength by wounds and dragging a wretched existence."

Sternly frowning replied the cloud-compelling Kronfon :
^^ Faithless I Shifter from side to side! Why sit'st thou complaining?
Hateful beyond all Gods whom mine eyes behold in Olympus, (890)
Discord is ever thy soul's delight, and battle, and slaughter.
Thine is thy mother Hera's perverse, unbearable temper.
Whom by words alone I can scarce restrain y^<7w rebellion.
She by her evil guidance hath wrought thee the pain thou endurest
Yet it delights me not to behold thee wounded and suffring.
Offspring of mine thou art, and to me thy mother hath borne thee.
Hadst thou, reckless destroyer! some other God for thy parent,
Lower than ev'n that hated Uranian crew had I plunged thee."

Thus spake Zeus, and Paeon he called and commanded to heal him,
Who to the wound some pain-assuaging balsam applying, (900)
Healed it at once : for nought that could die pertained to his nature.
Swift, as the curdling milk with the fig's rich juice intermingled
Fixes, a liquid before, and colle6ts on the hand of the mixer,
Closed up the flesh; and Ares again stood forth in his vigour.
Heb^ a bath prepared ; and in robes of festive adornment
Clothed, he resumed his seat near Zeus, exulting in glory.

Then too returned once more to the sacred dome of Olympus
Argive Hera herself and Alalcomenean Athena,
Ares at length being quelled and his deeds of slaughter arrested. (909)

THE ILIAD.

BOOK VI.

BOOK THE SIXTH.

Argument.

The battle continues, vUlory now inclining to the side of the Greeks,
He^or by the advice of Helenus returns to Troy to order offerings and
supplications to be made to Pallas. Meanwhile Diomede and Glaucus
meet, and recognizing a tie of ancient hospitality between their fathers
separate amicably, exchanging armour. Hecuba and the Trojan matrons
go in procession to the temple of Pallas and offer prayers, presenting a
robe. Hedor proceeds to the palace of Paris whom he finds with Helen,
and who at his summons arms and prepares to follow him to the field.
He^or returning meets Andromache his wife with her infant child j ami
unmoved by her entreaties to remain, takes an affeflionate leave of her
and, being now joined by Paris, returns to the battle.

ILIAD. BOOK VL

IVr OW hy the Gods abandoned, the Greeks and Trojans contended*
Wide o'er the plain, now here, now there, the battle was raging*
Troop upon irmp advancing with levelled spears on each other
All between SimoTs' flood and the rolling waters of Xanthus.

Foremost, the bulwark of Greece, the great Telamonian Aias,
Broke through the Troian array and admitted the light for his comrades.
Acamas down he struck, Eussdrus' son, of the Thracians
Bravest and best^ — a chief renowned, and mighty in stature*
Close to the ridge of his crested helm where it rose from the convex
Entered the spear, and pierced the bone, and deep in his forehead (to)
Fix'd, stood forth* He fell, and darkness closed on his eyelids.

Next fell Ax/Ius, Teuthras' son, by brave Diomedes
Reft of his life ; who in fair Arisbe's fortified city
Lived at his ease, in wealth and beloved by all; for he welcomed
All by his gates who passed : and close on the path was his dwelling.
Now not a friend was near to save him from cruel destnuflion
Meeting, or warding the blow. Himself and \mfaUhftd attendant
Old Calesius, who stood by his side and guided his horses,
Both to the earth were hurled, and a common grave was their portion,

Dresus, Euryalus next, and Opheltius slew. Having slain
them, (20)

Then on -^sepus he rushed and Pedasus, youths whom the Naiad
Fair Abarbdrea bore, and their birth concealed; by Bucolion
Pregnant, mighty Laomedon's son, of unblameable lineage,

\ ■■«

\ ,v ^. v

\^ /. ■

"s .X*

\'-^

Xh ^'» »^

>. , .

^ ;^

* • I* \

^. . ^

; \\.-, . .

\ ;,*■.

,»,.N w v*. VN : • ,

{ :•. .;

. 1. 4 ^1

Nv".'.

/ *».'..... i'^X. ./ ,

:...•■ .W.'.-ir tF HOMER. [Book VI.

s-i «*:of<; 5J:fep while tending he met her |

. ..X ..-. .- '.rve> s.-^n bands they consorted.
, ■ ■■.». ^o:-.. .— -:' -.-.:'.-/, ihe fruit of their union. .

V,,- -, - s:^.r.^-h >u*:»i'jed, and their armour
- I --: -■ ; ->w .-' -■' .>r rhc^ j/nry to the z^uiturcs,
\ ; . ■ i -.> r^r. .". A>:7jl]us perished.
, ■ , V - ' > >-.«;v^ the Percosian leader (30) ,
. ,. ', ~. ..::;•! jh-.if Areuon.
\,^-. > s.-. >:'. his ^Mnering jav'lin '

V V .; :i:" r.i;r.. .\i:Aniemnon,
V, . v^ .» > r-;..> >rr£;in. where it washes .

>, ,.• "^r v '. ^ r->' wciron arrested \

^. . ' > ■, r y ^-7 TV 'us* jav'lin. ■

^ ^ -, *., *;. • ,-c" :»:.r.'e. Adrestus

• ^ ^- . -v . *. 1 T. »h:'e rushing bewildered,
^^ ^ ^ . , . ■ .• * > :h:.r:.-:, and siniggling j

v^ » ^, ,.., V ■ :.Tiv.y to the city (40)
,\. \ " ," :".ire was coll eel ing.
>2<.. ,: i "--.v.::* .:»;./ deftficekss^
■ ^^ **,;,- :.."•. stiXvi Menelaiis,
. ^ . >, _ . .'.■ :? >'.•->■ him.

. ' . , . ^ v-v ..'^v * -• ^Tx'i.hei Adrestus:
» . .. , : V,' :x -ir.soni I offer,
. ., ,.>^ ^ <;r^v. !r. abundance
^.,.,. ,-,.v-:y<ri\: and burnished.
^ '.;;•: " i^-- : :V 7 r/.y ransom,
• . • < • .^ *■; >' .>.',!" :he Grecians." (50)
^ ..<;..'.• vv :: ""i"- * -A c^om passion,
■-.:.:-•: '.-i/. >..r.: a pris ner,

.;. . , ." ■•. -.v.. "iS ."..:*'.ressed him :

,.,h ..lin^.son thy pity?
;i ;.:•..: :hy household,
>. i .-. .;' .^r.^ viestniCt ion !
•j*.e womb of his

Book: VLl

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

119

Borne; nor the wretch who flies. Who bears the name of a Trojan,
Down with him ! There let him lie, dishonoured, unwept, and
unburied," (60)

Thus admonished, a change came o'er the mood of his brother ;
Back with his hand he thrust the suppliant chief. Agamemnon
Ruler of men, iken raised his spear and deep in his entrails
Plunged it wUh deadly fora: and he writhed on the earth. But Atreides
Planted his heel on his breast and the tough ash weapon extra ded*

Nestor then the Achaian troops, loud shoutingi exhorted :
** Friends and heroes of Greece ! ye valiant ser\'ants of Ares I
Stay not now to despoil the dead. Not one of you linger,
Greedily bent on prey and increasing his store in our vessels.
Think ye ofrnthing fi&iv^ but to slay your foes: and, the battle (70)
Won, when in heaps they lie, ye shall strip their arms at your leisure."

Thus as he spake each heart imbibed fresh courage and ardour.
Then had the weakness of Troy to the martial force of the Grecians
Yielded the day, and the Trojans to Ilion fled in cmfusion^
Had not Helenus, Priamus' son, the wisest of augurs,
Taken his stand by iEneas and HetfLor, thus to address them :

"He^lorl j^neasl On you repose tlie conduct and guidance
Both of the Troian and Lycian hosts. On ev'ry occasion.
Whether for council or war, ye are best and bravest Attend then.
Haste through the ranks and rally our men and close them together, (80)
Making a stand before the gates, that they fly not for refuge.
Home to their wives' embraces, a scorn and jest for our foemen*
Wh^n ye have cheered our troops and restored our order of battle,
Here will we stay, resolved ami firm ^ and maintain our position,
Wearied albeit and worn. We must fight or die^ and we knmv it.
Hedtorl do thou meanwhile to the city proceed, and our mother
Seek^thy mother and mine. — Bid her call our matrons around her,
And on our holiest hill, at the fane of blue-eyed Athen^,
Ope with her key those sacred doors, and, forth from her treasures
Choosing a mantle, whicheVr she may deem her fairest and amplest,(9o)
That which Athena may beat approve and accept as an aff'ring^
Spread it across the knees of the fair-haired Goddess, and suppliant
Vow twelve heifers^ firstlings^ untouched by the goad, in her temple

12Q

THE ILIAD OF HOMHM,

[BOOK VL

And on her altars to bum : and implore with earnest entreaties
Pity for Troy, for her matrons chasii and innocent children.
So may she turn from I lion's walls this scourge qf aur armks
Tydeus* son, this warrior fierce, this lord of the battle.
Greatest of all the Achaian chiefs and bravest I deem hfm.
Not more dread was Achilles' self, that noblest of mortals
And, as they say, from a goddess spning: for he rages in fury (roo)
IViid b€yond all cmird ; nor can one be found to resist him/*
Thus spake the seer: and Heiftor obeyed the command of his

brother;
Armed as he was^ at once to the ground he sprang from his chariot.
Bmndishing tvvo sliarp spears he passed through the host of the Trojans
Rousing their flagging force, and inflaming their zeal for the combaL
Quick they rallied and turned, and again confronted the Grecians ;
These in their turn gave way and retired, desisting from slaughter,
Deeming that down from the starry skies some God had descended,
Aid to their foes to bring: so nobly they rallied and faced them.
Hector then cried aloud and thus exhorted the Trojans r (no)

** High-minded sons of Troy, and renown'd confederate warriors ;
Shew yourselves men, dear friends! nor foiget your prowess and

valoiir.
While I to Ilion wend, and exhort our elders and sages.
Bowed with the weight of years, and our wives, to flock to the temple^
There to propitiate Heav'n with prayer, and hecatombs promise.'*

Crest-wavmg Heiflor spake, and to Troy his course he diredled.
Slung behind him, his bossy shield on bis neck and his ankles,
Clashed at each step as he strode, with its tough black margin of

leather.
Now betft'een both the hosts advanced, preparing for combatj
Glaucus, Hippolochus" valiant son, and the might of Tydeides. (izo)
While they approached each other, and now small space was between

them,
Great Diomedes spake, and thus addressed his opponent:

" Bravest, &r ms/testof mortal men, say! Whence, and who art thou?
Ne'er did mine eyes thy fonn discern in the glorious battle:
Bold must thou be, and daring beyond all others, who vent'rest

Book VL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

121

Thus to confront the force of my long*forth-shadowing javlin,
Sons of unhappy sires are those who meet me in combat !
If thou be one of th' immortal Gods come down from Olympus,
Pass on thy path : for, know with celestial might I content! not.
AH must have heard hmv great Lycurgus, oflTspring of Dryas, (130)
Lived not long, not long survived that impious confliif^,
When he, in Nysa*s sacred groves surprised, and on all sides
Scattered the nursing nymphs of the frantic god Dionysus.
Each on the ground her grape tinned thjrrsus cast, by Lycurgus
Slayer of men, with a goad pursued and pierced. Dionysus
Plunged in aflfright 'neath Ocean's waves, in the bosom of Thetis
Cherished and safe: for the shouting was fierce, and he trembled with

terror;
Then was the wrath declared of the blissful Gods, and Kronion
Smote him with loss of sight Nor long survived tiie insNlter^
Thenceforth ever pursued by the hatred of all the immortals, (140)
Warntti by his fa/e^ the blessed Gods I dread to encounter:
But if a mortal thou be, — if the fruits of the field be thy nurture,
Then come on! Full soon shalt thou pass through the gates of

destru6tion.'*
Thus to his speech the son of renowned Hippolochus answered :
" Why dost thou, noble Tydeides ! enquire my natwn and lineage?
Man's generations flourish and fall, like the leaves ef the forest.
Leaves on the earth by wnds are strown, yet others succeed them.
Ever renewed with returning spring. So fares it with mortals:
One generation decays and its place is filled by another.
Yet wouldst thou learn my descent, then list the tale I shall tell

thee, (150)

Widely already diffused by fame through many a nation^
Deep in a gulf retired of Argos, famed for its horses,
Eph>T^ stands. There Sisj^hus dwelt, the wiliest of mortals,
Sisyphus, ^olus* son, and himself the father of Glaucus*
Next in descent Bellerophon came, the brave and the stainless |
Beauty of form and graceful strength in him were united,
Gifts of the Gods, Him Prcelus hated and planned his destnuftion.
Forth from his country he drove himj (for Proetns ruled o*er the Argives

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[Book VL

Highest in power and place, since Zeus dominion had giv*n him.)
For that his wife Ant^a, by lawless passion excited, (160)

Burned to attra<5t Bellerophon's love; but failed to persuade him,
Pure as he was and blameless ; and ail her charms he resisted.
Then did she poison Proetus' mind with false accusations :
* Die thyself^ 0 Proetus ! or slay this presumptuous traitor.
Him, who thy chaste Antsea would tempt to swerve from her duty/
These imidiam words when he heard, his anger was kindled.
Slay him indeed he might not : his soul revolted at murder :
Therefore, to Lycia's realm he sent him, bearing a tablet
Sealed, for Antaea's father, dark hints containing and symbols,
Fraught with suggestions dire: thus leading him on to destruction. (170)
Forth he fared, by the Goils conducted, pure in his cofisdence,
And unto Lycia came, to the streams of etiifying Xanthus.
There by the prince of Lycia^s region wide was he welcomed,
Feasted for nine full days. Nine oxen smoked on the altars.
But when the tenth revolving dawn with her roseate lingers
Tinted the eastern sky, the prince demanded his errand,
Claiming to see the missive of Proetus, spouse of his daughter
Then, when the fatal tablet the youth produced, and he read it,
First he enjoined him the fierce Chim^era^s rage to encounter.
Dire was her strength: untamed, not gender'd on earth, but

celestial, (i8o)

Lion before and dragon behind, she-goat in the middle,
Breathing flames /ri?w her dreari/ni Jaws in bickering volumes.
Yet with miraculous help he sought this monster and slew hen
Next with the fierce Sol>Tnaean hosts he fought, and subdued ihem,
(This among all his trials, himself confessed, was the hardest.)
Rivals of men in valour the Amazons last he encountered*
Home returning at length, fresh snares awaited the 'vifStor.
Lycian warriors, the choice of the land, were stationed in ambush,
Treach'roiisiy seeking his iifi: but the htto^ fmritss ^j//<'/ blameless,
Fought wiih the Gods on his side^ and not one escaped from his

vengeance. (190)

Then did ih^ kiug acknowledge his race divine and his prowess j
Kept him near to his person and gave him his daughter in marriage;

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123

Gave him, moreover, an equal share in his throne and his honours.
Then too, the Lycians allotted an ample tra<5l for his culture,
Vineyard and field y^r stretch ing and fair, their best and their choicest.
Three were the children that lady bare, the fruits of their marriage^
Noble lyander, Hippolochus brave, and Liodameia,
L4odameia was fair and beloved of 2^us, and Sarpedon,
Godlike chief, of the brazen helm, drew birth from their union*
Mapkss Bellerophon, hated at length by the Gods, went wandering, (200)
Shunning the paths of men, and his heart corroded with sorrow,
Ristias^ h^tmkss^ alone, through the dismal wilds of Aleia*
Arest demon of war, Isander slew, as in battle
Bravdy kis fat/ier^ eiii Solymoean foes he encountered.
Artemis* hate destroyed the beauteous Ldodameia.
I from Hippolochus sprang t that prince I claim for my parent J
Who, when he sent me hither, this maxim taught me at parting:
All, and m all to excel, and ever to rank with the foremost^
So to behave as ne'er to disgrace the long line of my fathers,
Noblest of all who in Eph)T(^ dwelt in the Lycian dominions, (210)
Such is my lineage : such and so pure the blood of my parents,"
Glaucus thus. With surprise and joy brave Diomed heard him.
Planting his spear uprig/tt in the teeming soil, he responded.
Courteously thus addressing the shepherd and guide of his people:
"Then are we friends 1 I account thee an ancient guest of my

father.
CEniis received the blameless Bellerophon erst in his palace,
Kept him for twice ten days and royalty entertained him;
Each of the heroes a parting gift conferred on the other,
CEnus a costly belt bestowed, embroidered on purple,
Biave Bellerophon's gift was a golden two-handled goblet \
This, departing from Troy, I left behind in my palace,
Tydeus my sire \ remember not, for he left me an infant,
Ne'er to return, what time our Aipves perished at Theb3e.
Should'st thou to Argos come, thy friend and thine host thou wilt

find me.
Thou in thy turn be mine, thy Lycian realm when I visit.
Henceforth thejfefore avoid we each other's spears in the battle,

(220)

124

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book VL

Trojans j nor friends of Troy shall I lack to slay, whom th' immortals
Bring within reach of my spear, or my feet o ertake in the tumuk,
Greeks enough shalt thou find : them slay, (if thou can*st), at thy pleasure.
Now then exchange we anns in the presence of all, that our frienj

ship (250)

Pledged, and ancestral ties, by all who behold may be witnessed/*
Thus having said, both chiefs from their chariots sprang, and

advancing,
Each took the other's hand, and mutual oaths were repeated.
Gbucus in reckless exchange, (for Zeus had deprived him of prudence),
Doffed his resplendent suit; and, Tydeides' armour receiving,
Gold for brass, an hundred beeves for nine, he returned him,
He<5lor now by the Sc^^an gate and its ndghlminng beech-tree
Entaxd Troy^ and her matrons and maids came flocking around him ;
Eager for news of their sons, their brothers, their friends and their

husbands.
All to the temples he bade repair and beseech the immortals, (240)
Instant in prayer; for dire were the woes o*er many impending*
Thus he arrived at length, where the gorgeous palace of Priam
Rose upon polish'd columns and porches fair. In its precmd;s
Duly disposed in order, and forming a side of the huUding^
Fifty chambers were ranged, of polish'd marble construded,
Side by side; where the sons of Priamus slept, with their consorts.
Further witliin, stood ranged on the opposite side of the mansion
Chambers twelve, high-roofed and of polishM marble constru6led.
Side by side; where the husbands of Priamus' daughters reposing
Took their nightly rest in the chaste embrace of their spouses, (350)
Just as he entered, his mother dear coming forth he encountered,
Leading Laodicd, fairest of all the daughters of Priam.
Eagerly grasping his hand, she endearmgly named, and bespoke him:
**Why5 my son! art thou here, the hard-fought battle forsaking?
Surely those hateful Greeks press sore, and up to the city
Nearer and nearer urge their fierce assaults, and thy spirit
Prompts thee to raise thy hands in prayer to Zeus in his temple.
Yet forbear, till I bring thee cheering wine. Thou may'st pour it
First in libations due, unto 2^us and the other immortals:

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Drink thou then, and thy soul shall be cheered ; thy strength \yt
recmked (260)

Blest, to the toil-exhausted frame is the pow'r of the wine-cup.
Wearied and worn Itke thine, in defence of thy kindred and country,"

Thus then the lord of the waving plume, great HeiSlor responded :
" Bring me not wine, O mother revered I kst its might overcome me,
Loosen my firm-knit limbs, and betray my strength and my valour.
Ill beseems it a man whose hands the blood of his foe men
J^ecking, unwashed, pollutes, libations to pour, and to raise them
Heavenward in prayer at the shrine of cloud-compelling K ronton.
ThoUj dear mother, repair to the fane of Athena the spoiler;
Let the rich incense smoke; let the matrons walk in procession. {270)
Choose from thy stores the mantle thou deem'st thy fairest and amplest,
That which Athena may best approve and accept for an ofTring r
Spread it across the knees of the fair-hair'd Goddess, and suppliant.
Vow twelve heifers, yearlings, untouched by the goad, in her temple,
And on her altars to burn ; and implore with earnest entreaties
Pity for Troy, for her matrons chaste and innocent children.
So may she turn from I lion's walls that scourge of our armies,
Tydeus* son, that warrior fierce, that lord of the battle,
Now then do thou repair to the fane of Athena the spoiler.
I myself will to Paris proceed and call him to battle, (280)

If he will hear my voice, But oh 1 that the earth would in vcngeafia
Yawn and engulph him; pest as he is, by Zeus in A is aftger
Sent as a scourge to Troy, to Priam, and alt his descendants.
Could I but see him at length pass down to the regions of Hades,
Then were my soul relieved of the cares and griefs that oppress it,''

Thus he spake, and his mother returned to the palace, and sent forth
Handmaids, who summoned the noblest dames to attend the procession.
Do^Ti she stepped to her clmmber fair all fragrant wi\\\ odours,
Pikd in rick /mips where her gorgeous mantles lay, by the fingers
Wrought, of Sidonian dames; from Sidon brought, in the voyage (290)
Home^iard across the boundless sea^ what time Alexandros
High-bom Helen to Troy conveyed from her home and her country.
Hecuba, choosing from these, sele<fled her gift for Athen^,
Amplest in fold, and richest in broidered work and in colours.

126

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[Book Vh

Bright as a star it shone^ and it lay the deepest among theoL
Forth she went, and the matrons of Troia followed in order.

Now to Athene'^s fane on the loftiest heights of the city
Came they, and fair Theano unbarred the gates of the tempte.
Daughter of Cisseus, wife of the valiant horseman Antenor;
Priestess w^as she, by the Trojans named, of Pallas Athene', (joo)
All then lifted their hands, and cried aloud to the Goddess,
Beauteous Theano now, that goiTgeous mantle unfaUmg
Spread it across the knees of the fair-hair'd Pallas, and suppliant,
Thus to the daughter of Zeus supreme preferred tlieir petition :

"Glorious Athena! Goddess divine I Great guardian of Troia^
Break thou the spear offeree Diomedes! Grant t/mi he perish/
Prostrate before the Sc^nean gate let him roll in his deaih-pang 1
Then shall t>velve firstUng heifers, untouched by goad, in thy temple
And on thine altars blaze : if so thou deign but to rescue
This thy city; our Troian ^ives; our innocent children," (3^^)

Thus they prayed, thus vowed to the daughter of Zeus, but Athena
Bent not her ear to their vows ; and refused to grant their petition*

He6tor now to the palace was come where dwelt Alexandres*
Glorious it rose, by builders of note designed and completed,
All by himself through Troy's wide realm sought out ^w^/ assembled j
Court-yard and chamber and lofty Aome^ fii dufeiiirigf or princes^
Close by the palace of He^ftor^ and Priam's, coniman<ling the city.
Godlike He<?tor approached and entered, bearing his jav'lin,
Cubits eleven in length. Bright gleamed the point of the weapon*
Bronze was the blade^ and with golden rings to the shaft was it
fastened (320)

Paris he found in his chamber fair, preparing his armotir,
^i^r^ijr/i///^ breastplate and shield, and meeiy adjusting his bowstring*
Argive Helen was seated nigh with her maidens around her.
Plying their delicate tasks 'neath the watchful eye of their mistress.
He<flor in words of cutting reproach gave vent to his feelings :

'* Madman I liVhat means this senseless and angiy retreat from tliy
duties?
Falling fast are our troops, round the walls and gates of the city
Slaughtered* All for thy sake this rage and tumult of battle

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127

Spreads like a fire around. Thyself were wroth with another, (329)
Whom thou should 'st find, a laggard in war and shunning the confli<5t.
Up I or devouring flames will involve thysdf and the city."

Thus replied in his turn the godlike prince Alexandros :
**Just, O Heflor! indeed, though sciwre^ are the words thou hast spoken,
Hear wliat 1 say, however, and give it thy candid attention.
Tis not in anger at Troy that I thus retreat to my chamber,
Nor In disgust^ but to hide my shame and the grief that consumes me.
Now however my wife with kind persuasion hath urged me
Back to the war to return, and that I feel to be better
Fortune shifts, and the vanquish'd today are vi<5lors tomorrow.
Stay then, while I assume my arms and prepare me for combat, (340)
Or, if it please thee,^ go : and soon shall my steps overtake thee,"

Thus he spaket but crest- waving He<flor nothing responded.
Him then Helen addressed in words submissive and gentle :
** Brother of one devoid of shame, dire authoress of mischief!
Oh! that in that ill-oraenM day when my mother produced me.
Tempests wild could have snatched me off to some desolate mountain,
Or in the waves of the wide-resounding ocean have whelmed me,
There to be swept a^'ay; ere all this mischief had happened.
Yet since the gods have decreed such things should be; in their mtrcy
Surely they might have giv'n me a nobler man for a husband : (j5o)
One who could feel the contempt of men, and be moved by their hatred !
Ne*er hath his soul been constant and firm, nor ever in future
Will it : and bitter I ween will pnrve the fruits he shall gather.
Rest ihee now from thy toils awhile, and seat thee i^esi^ me,
Here on this seat On thee, O my brother! the cares and the

labours
Heavily press, which my shame and the guilt of Paris have wrought

thee.
Surely our fates, so sad, so strange, by the ThundVer awarded,
Bards in some future age in their songs will render immortal"

He<5lor, lord of the waving plume this answer returned her :
** Press me not, Helena to rest, thus kindly. Occasion permits not, (360)
Much do I long to return and afford my aid to our Trojans,
Sore btsied^ and who bitterly feel the want of my presence.

128

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Booit VL

Therefore do thou this husband qf thine excite. Let him hasten,
Armed and prepared^ as becofnes a man^ for battk^ to join me,
Ere I shall leave the city: where yet I must linger a moment,
Once more to see my home, and my dear- loved wife, and our infant.
Never again perchance may my footsteps back from the combat
Lead me, should HeaVn decree that I fall by the hands of the
Grecians/'

Thus spake the crested chief, and thus having said, he departed
Bending his course to his stately mansion, high in thedt}\ (570)

Seeking Andromach^f fair. But he found her not in the palace*
She with her infant dear, and close-mantled nurse, on a watch-to wY
Far o^eriiwkiftg the fahi^ stood weeping and bitterly moaning^

He (ft or J who found not within his spotless wife, on the threshold
Paused, as he left the house, and thus he questioned her maidens \
*'Tell me, ye maidens, faithfully tell me the things I shall ask you.
^Tiither hath fair AndromachtJ bent her steps from the palace?
Went she to one of my sisters? or one of the wives of my brethren?
Or to Athene's fane, with the fair hair'd matrons of Troia^
There to appease with prayer the wrath of the terrible goddess?" (380)

Thus replied the chief of them aJl, the diligent housewife :
"Since, O Hedtor, thou bidst me declare the truth of the matter^
Neither to one of thy sisters, nor one of the wives of thy brethren.
Nor to Athene'*s fane with the fair-hair*d matrons of Troia,
Went she to join with the rest in prayer to the terrible goddess.
Up to the watch-towV high she went, when she heard that the Trojans
Sorely prest gave way, and Greece in her strength was advancingp
Wild with alarm she set forth, and must now the wall be ascending,
Brtaihltss with haste; and the nurse attends her bearing her infant/'

Thus she spake, and He<^or at once from the palace departed, (390)
Hastening back through the stately streets by the way he had entered-
When at the Soean gate he arrived, having traversed the city,
Which once past, his path led straight to the scene of the combat.
Came his rich-dower'd wife Andromach«^, hurrying to meet him.
Great Eetion's daughter; who ruled o'er his subject Cilicians^
Dwellers in fair Hypoplakian Thebc; there where the forests
Feathering doT^Ti Plakos' slopes yield shade and shelter and verdure.

BOOK VI,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

129

{Such was the lineage of her who had He<5lor the brave for her

husband).
There they met; and the nurse was nigh, keeping close to her mistressi
And on her bosom the tender babe, sweet iiledge of their uniooj (400)
Fair as a radiant star, and the dearly belov'd of his parents.
Him had his father Scamandrius named, but the rest of the Trojans
Called him Astyanax. Troy*s deliv'rance centered in He^flor.
Silent, but smiling, he gaxed on the lovely boy, and beside him
Bitterly weeping Andromache stood. His hand she had taken;
Holding it fondly clasped, and endearingly thus she addressed him x
"He<5tor, too rashly brave' The fire of thy soul will destroy thee.
Pity thou feclest none for thy infant son, and thy consort,
Soon to become a wretched widow. The Greeks will o*erpow*r thee.
Setting upon thee all at onct For me were it better (^ro)

Then to be whelmed In earth ; thou lost 1 WTiat joy can revisit
Ever this daehife hcan when thou art gone? For the future
Nought but grief ^ill be mine. No father have I, no mother
Honoured and loved. My father was slain by mighty Achilles,
When our Cilician TheW fair lay smoking in ruin,
Wiiiis ami lofty gates. Then great Eetion perished.
Yet did the vidtor spoil not the dead, for he honoured his mcm'ry.
Raised him a fimeral pile, and in all his panoply burned him,
Marking the spot with a tomb; which the fitying nymphs of the

mountains,
Daughters of Zeus, with a grove of sacred elms have encircled. (420)
Sev n dear brothers were mine in the ancient home of my parents 1
All in one day went down to the darksome regions of Hades;
All by the godlike might of the swift pursuing Achilles
Slain, defending their herds and the snov^y sheep of t/mrfiastuns.
Only my royal mother remained, brought hither a captive.
Far fifom her iot^d Hypoplakian shades, with the spoils of the city*
Ransomed at length with countless wealth, to her home he restored her,
Only to fall by Artemis' shafts in the halls of her father.
Still thou art left me. To me thou art father^ mother, and brethren^
Hcflor! Af0r€ than th^m aU: my hearths first love, and my hus-

^md f (43^)

130 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book VI.

Pity me then. Here stay, here take thy stand on the rampart,
Make not thy son an orphan : thy consort make not a widow.
Near yon fig-tree station a guard. That point is the weakest,
Easiest scaled its wall and inviting attack on the city.
Thrice have their bravest chiefs attempted it. Both the Aiantes
Tried its assault, and Iddmeneus far renown'd; and th' Atreidae;
Tydeus* warlike son; each bacJ^d by a host of his folPwers.
Either some seer, in visions warned, had drawn their attention,
Or their own keen and praHised glance dete<5led its weakness."
Thus then the lord of the waving plume, great He6lor, re-
sponded : (440)
"That shall have all my care, dear wife! But shame would over-
whelm me, —
How could I face the Trojans and long-robed matrons of Troia,
If, like a dastard, I shrank aloof, and avoided the battle?
Nor could my soul endure it: for aye have I learned to be foremost;
Valiantly ever to dare, and fight in the van of the Trojans,
Winning renown for myself and my father's glory upholding.
Yet in my heart and inmost soul too surely foreboding,
Know I, and feel, that the day must come when Ilion the sacred,
Priam, and all the brave defenders of Priam, shall perish.
Yet among all these woes o'er Troy and the Trojans impending, (450)
Not for my mother dear, nor the sacred head of my father.
Not for my brethren, numerous and brave as they are, who must perish
Slain, and trampled in dust beneath the feet of the vidlor,
Grieves my heart, as for thee, when some bronze-mailed chief of the

Grecians
Weeping shall bear thee away; the light of thy freedom extinguished;
Doomed in some Argive mansion the loom to ply for its mistress,
Water from Hypereia's fount to bear, or Messeis,
Sorr'wing and much reludant; thy soul bowed down with its misery.
Then will some heartless Greek, thy tears beholding, insult thee:
*This,' will he say, *is Hedlor's wife, the redoubtable warrior, (460)
Bravest of all the Troian chiefs, the defenders of Ilion.'
Taunts like these will embitter thy grief when thou think'st upon
Hedor,

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THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

131

PowVless to change thy doom, or avert the day of ihy bondage.
Oh ! may the mounded earth lie deep on my corse ere I hear thee
Shrieking in vain for help in the ruthless grasp of the spoiler*"

Thus having said, for the beauteous boy his amis he extended:
Back however the babe with a scream recoiled, and in terror
Clung round the nurse's neck ; for he feared the looks of his father.
Scared by the glance of his brazen casque, and the wave of the horse-tail
Dreadfully nodding aloft in the crest of the towering helmet (470)*
Smiling, Ms terror beheld his father dear and his mother*
Then from his head the mighty Hedlor, unfastening his helmet,
Laid it, all gleaming, aside on the ground* Then taking the infant,
Fondly kissed, and danced him awhile in his hands: and, devoutly
Praying to Zeus and tli* immortal Gods, preferred his petition :

"Grant, O Zeus, and ye powers supreme, tha^ even as I am
So distinguished among them in warlike feats and in valour,
This my son with a mighty hand may rule o*er the Trojans !
Grant that, returning from war, having slain his foe men in battle,
I^den with blood-stained spoils and the heart of his mother re-
joicing, (480)
All may exclaim *This chief is greater by far than his father/"

Thus he spake, and placed the child in the arms of his mother.
Smiling through tears she received, and folded him close in her bosom,
Fragrant with spicy odours. This He<^or beheld, and in pity
Gently caressing his weeping wife thus fondly addressed her :

"Dearest! grieve not tliy soul vAxh over-anxious forebodings.
None, ere the day by fate decreed, can dismiss me to Hades.
Nor hath there ever been man, once bom, who his fate hath eluded,
Coward or brave! AH mtk alike token desdny toi/ls //,
Now to our home betake thee. Resume the cares of thy house-
.hold, (4H

I>ook to the distaff and web, and keep thy maids to their dutieSi
Each to her task. For men are the cares of war and its lalxjurs ;
Mine aljove all among those whom Troy sends forth in her armies**

Thus having said, great He<5lor resumed his glittering helmet^
Crested and plumed- His wife ali sad returned to her palace,
Casting behind her many a look, half Mnded with teardrops.

9—2

132

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book VL

Soon as the stately dome of the death-doing chief she had entered^

Numerous attendants met her, and flocked around t^ rudve hen

All in her woe partook, all echoed the moans of their mistress,

Raising the funeral wail for their living lord in his palace, {500)

Ezht as already dmd: for none expected to see htm

Back from the fight return, escaped from the hands of the Grecians,

Paris now loitered no more in his cbarubers lofty rdircment ;
.But, having donned in haste his gorgeous and glittering annour^
Down to the gate he strode at his utmost speed through the city.
As when a courser, high fed, ami cxuUing in pride 0/ his /rerdmn^
Bursting the rein which held him confined to his stall, o*er the meadows,
Bounds forth prancing, eager to tave in some wide-flowing river
Well remember'd— high tossing his head, while the mane o'er his

shoulders
Streams on the wind, away he darts in his strength and his beauty (510)
Far o'er the plain, in the distant pastures scenting his females:
Thus from Pergamos* loftiest heights rushed down Alexandros,
Priamus* son^ al! blazing in anns like the sun in his glory.
Swiftly his feet bore him on exulting \ soon he encountered
Godlike Heflor his brother, just quitting the spot where so lately
Farewells sad mth his wife he exchanged, and watched her departure.
Thus then addressed his brother the godlike Prince Alexandres:

** Brother belov*d and honour'd ! too long have 1 staid. I detain thee,
Hast*ning away, nor have duly obeyed the command that thou gav'st

Crest-waving Hedlor thus in return to his brother responded ; (520)
**Pity it is, since none can with justice blame thee in combat,
None can deny thy valour, when once engaged, or dispraise thee^
lliat ihou shouldst be thus tardy, thus hard to excite! And it grieves

me,
Ev'd to my inmost soul, to hear thee reproached by the Trojans,
Those who so bitterly fee! the woes thy condu<5l hath wrought thenu
Now let us hence. No more of this till the day, when to honour
Zeus and the immortal powVs who rule for aye in Olympus,
Freedom's cup in our halls we pledge: when, chased from among uSj
Greece and her bright-arm'd hosts these shores for ever abandon,"

THE ILIAD.

BOOK VII.

BOOK THE SEVENTH.

Argument.

Helenus^ inspired by Apollo and Pallas^ recommends Heilor to
challenge the bravest of the Greeks to single combat. The challenge is given^
and, after some hesitation, accepted. Lots are cast among nine chiefs who
come forward, to decide on their champion. The choice fcUls on Aias,
The heroes fight, somewhat to the disadvantage of Hedor: but night
coming on the heralds separate the combatants, who exchange gifts. By
common consent a truce is agreed on to bury the dead, the Trojans offering
tenns of peace which Diomede persuades the Greeks to reject. The dead
are burned and buried, and the Greeks dig a trench and ere6l a wall round
their camp.

ILIAD. BOOK VIL

TT ECTOR the brave having spoken thus, rushed forth from the city*
■ With him the prince Alexander his brother. Both were impatient
Once more to join the ranks of war^ and mix in the struggle.
As to some toil- exhausted crew, o'er-Iabour'd and fainting,
Painfulljr urging with polish'd oars their bark through the ocean,
Heav*n at their prayer accords the expetl:ed and favouring Zephyr;
Such w*as the Trojans' relief at the long'd-for sight of their leaders.
Each from the Greeks chose forth his man. Alexander Menestheus
Son of the king Areithoiis slew, stem ruler of Am^,
Lord of the cmshing mace, and large-eyed Philomedusa. (lo)

Het^or Eitineus smote with his pointed spear, and the jav'hn
Entered his neck beneath his helm. Down sank he in darkness.
Glaucus, Hippolochus' son, the redoubted Lycian leader,
Next, in fierce encounter I phi nous pierced through the shoulder,
Dexias' son, in the a(5l of vaulting aloft to his chariot.
Drawn by two fiery mares. He fell, and his spirit forsook him.
This when the blue-eyed goddess Athend saw, and her Grecians
Perishing thus beheld in the onset fierce of their foeraen,
Down she darted on sacred Troy from the heights of Olympus.
This when Apollo from Pergaraus saw, the field overlooking (20)

Anxious for Troy's success, he arose and hastened to meet her;
And at the Sciean gate, by the anclmt beech, they encountered
Thus then Apollo divine, Jove*s offsprings accosted the goddess:

136 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book VI L

."Why once more, O daughter of mighty Zeus, from Olympus
Com'st thou hither, excited in spirit, and eager for adlion?
Is it to favour thy. Greeks in the doubtful turns of the battle,
Casting all pity aside and care for the perishing Trojans?
Yet could I so persuade thee, far better it were for the present^
This day at least^ to appease their strife and restrain them from

slaughter.
Let them hereafter renew the fight if they will, and accomplish (30)
I lion's fall, should such indeed be your merciless pleasure,
Hera's and thine that this fair city shall sink in destru<5lion."

Thus responded in turn the blue-eyed goddess Athen^;
"Ev'n so be it, far-darting king. To this end from Olympus
Hither I came, desiring to part the Greeks and the Trojans.
Tell me, I pray thee, how dost thou purpose to stay their encounter?"

Thus in his turn replied Jove's offspring, kingly Apollo :
"Let us excite great Hedlor, the warlike tamer of horses.
Forth to advance, and challenge some champion bold of the Grecians,
Singly and hand to hand, in fierce encounter to meet him. (40)
So shall the bronze-armed Greeks, by his words provoked, firom among

them
Choose forth a warrior worthy to cope with the first of the Trojans."

Thus he spake : and the blue-eyed goddess approved the proposal
Helenus, Priam's son, meanwhile perceiving the counsel
In his prophetic mind, which the heav'nly pair had adopted.
Came, and his stand near Hedlor took, and thus he addressed him:

"He6lor! Priam's uncofiquered son, Jove's equal in council!
Wilt thou attend to my words, and obey the voice of thy brother?
Bid both hosts be seated, the Trojans and Greeks in their order.
Thou thyself then challenge the best and bravest Achaian (50)
Singly and hand to hand in fierce encounter to meet thee.
Tis not thy fate to fall and succumb to death in the combat:
This from the Gods I know, whose woict prophetic has reached me."

Thus he spake, and Hedlor rejoiced when he heard the proposal.
Stepping in front of the troops, he repressed their ranks with his jav'lin
Levelled and held by the middle athwart, and made them be seated.
So Agamemnon arranged the bright-greav'd hosts of Achaia,

Book VI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

137

Pallas, and he of the silver bow, far-darting Apollo,
Came, and like vyltures in form sate perched, o'erlooking the annies
High on a lofty beech to their sire the Thunderer sacred, (60)
Pleased with the scene; where in dense array the heroes in order
Blackened the plain ^ all bristling with spears j with shields, and with

helmets.
As when the slumbering breeze begins to awake and a ripple
Steals o*er the ocean's breadth, and the crispt sea darkens beneath it ;
Thus did the dense compatfted lines of Greeks and of Trojans
Darken the plain. Then Hector advanced in the midst, and ad'

dressed them :
I **Hear and attend to my words, ye bright-greaved Greeks and ye

IVojaiis,
WhUe unto all what the spirit within me prompts I shall utter.
Zeus where he sits high-throned hath confounded our oaths and our

treaty.
Evil devising for both, and ordains our strife to continue, (70)
Eitlier till Troy's high tow'rs and walls shall yield to your valour.
Or at your ships yourselves shall strew the shore with your corses.
Here I behold among you the bravest and best of the Grecians.
If there be one with daring enough to meet me in combat.
Let him stand forth and come on, as a champion worthy of He<5lon
Hear the proposal I make, and to this let Zeus be our witness,
If to his spear*s long reach my life be given, let the vitftor
Seize on my arms and bear them away to the ships of the Grecians,
But be my body restored, that our Trojans and wives of the Trojans
On the funereal pile may place my remains and consume them, (80)
But should Apolto the glory grant me to slay my opponent,
Mine be his spoils. 1 shall lake, and to sacred I lion bear them,
There to adorn the temple of bright far-darting Apollo,
Back to your welJ-bench'd ships shall his corse be sent, tliat Achaia
Funeral rites may bestow, and a torab l>e raised ^Vr his ashes
On the wide Hellespont's sounding shore ta his memory smrrd.
Then in some future age, when men shall behold it in passing,
Borne in their many-bench*d ships o'er the wine-dark bosom of ocean,
* There,* shall one say to another, *thou see'st the tomb of a hero

138

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK VII,

Bravely fighting, of old, who fell to the prowess of Hedor : (90)
Thus shall he speak, and thus my fame undying shall flourish.''

He<Stor thus. No word in reply was beard: for in silence
Shame to refuse, and dread to accept, each bosom perv-aded
Then Menelaiis at length nprose, and^ groaning in spirit,
Thus he rebuked their craven fear i^ith infier reproaches :

"Women of Greece, not Greeks I is this the end of your boasting?
Shame will it be, most shameful and grievous to bear, when m future
Fame sMi k/i that not one of the Greeks would confront him with

He(^or.
Now may ye all to water and earth be turned, as inaHive^
Listless, inglorious, there ye sit, mtd ga^e on each other/ (100)

I myself for the fight will adjust mine arms: for the issiie
Rests with th' immortal Gods. Be it conquest or deaths I will meet
him:'

Thus spake the chief, and resumed his bright and glittering armour.
Then, Menelaiis ! thy span of life drew nigh to its ending,
Forfeit to He«fl:or*s hands; since Hedor by far was the mightier:
Had not the princes of Greece in alarm upstarting withheld thee*
Atreus' son himself, the wide-ruUng king Agamemnon,
Grasped thy right hand with his <ntm^ and named thee by name, and
addressed thee!

*'Sure thou art mad, Menelaiis divine 1 The occasion demands not
Frenzy like this. Thy zeal repress, though dear it may cost thee, (no)
Fight not, for fighting's sake, with a man far mightier than thou art,
He^or, Priamus' son, whom all men dread to encounter*
Mighty Achilles himself, a braver chief and a stronger,
He€lor*s assault hath been known to dread, and avoid htm in battle.
Now be advised* Resume thy seat among thy companions,
Greece will provide her a champion meet to fight in her quarrel
Brave as he is and greedy of war and fighting, V^elieve me
Glad will he be to rest when the struggle is o*er which awaits him,
Should he escape mth life from the fierce and deadly encounter."

Thus spake th* heroic chief, dissuading the mind of his brother: (120)
Good was his counsel and well received * and his J03ful attendants
Eagerly lent their aid to divest their prince of his armour.

Book Vi 1*1

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

139

Then in the midst of the Greeks old Nestor rose aiad addressed

them:
"Gods! what a weight of woe descends on the sons of Achaial
How will that ancient knight, great Peleus, grieve when he hears it.
He, the adviser sage of the Myrmidon race, itnd tfmr s&v^rdgn^
"Who with such close and earnest enquiry erst in his palace
Made me recount each Grecian chief, his lineage and offspring;
How will he raise his feeble bands to the blessed immortals.
Praying release for his souU and rest ui the mansions of Hades, (130)
When he shall learn how tow they crouch at the menace of He 61 or.
Would but, O Father Zeus, and Apollo, and Pallas Athena!
Would I were young once more, as on Celadon's banks, where the

PylianSj
Gathering around me, fought with the bold Arcadian spearmen ;
Or 'neath the Phaean walls, by the rushing lardanus watered.
There stood forth EreuthaUon, godlike man, as their champion,
Sheath*d in resplendent armour, the spoils of king Areithoiis,
Great Areithoiis^ sprung from a race divine; Corynetes
Called, as a surname giv'n him alike by men and by women:
For that, rejedting the bow and the spear*s long reach in the

battle, (14c)

Wielding a mace of steel, he crushed the ranks of his foemen,
Hini, fair combat avoiding, Lycurgus slew, at advantage
Ta*en in a narrow defile, where the sweep of his mace might avail him
Nought, to secure his life: for» ere he could raise it, Lycurgus
Pierced him through with his spear, z:^A supine he felt in his

death^pang.
Thus these arms did he win* As a gift from Ares he prized them,
Worn by himself thenceforth, in many a martial encounter.
But when by age unnerved and at length confined to his palace,
Brave Ereuthalion received them, his loVd and faithful attendant
These were the arms he wore when he challenged the boldest among

us. (15c)

All then trembled with fear, nor did one dare venture to meet him.
I, however, the youngest of all, by the spirit excited,
Burning within me, to fight him, and filled with confident valour

14^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK VI L

Met him, and Sfmte him, Pallas sustained, and to vi<^ory led me*
Huge as he was, I slew that bold and redoubtable hero*
Wide outstretched on the cumbef^d plain lay the limbs of the giant
Could I renew that youth — could strength like that be restored me*
Crest-waving Hetlor would wait not long for a fitting opponent.
Yet, while around me I see the bravest and best of the Grecians,
None stands forward in arms to cope with this Urrlbk Hector/* (i6o)

Nestor reproving thera thus, up started Bine of the heroes.
First and foremost by far was the wide -ruling prince Agamemnon,
Next in order came brave Tydeus' son Diomedes,
Then too uprose th' Aiantes both, in the pride of their valour;
Next came Idomeneus, Merion next his constant companion,
Charged with the care of his arras, and the rival of ^^res in battle ;
Next Eurypylus, valiant son of noble Evaemon,
Thoas, AndnEmon's son, and the godlike might of Odysseus :
All prepared for the fight — all eager to match them with Heftor,
Then the Gerenian knight old Nestor sagely advised them: (170)

"Now then decide by impartial lot which chief shall be chosen,
Much will he aid our cause, and well deserve of the Grecians, —
Great to himself the glory and gain, if back from the conflict
Unsubdued he return, unscathed in the dreadful encounter."

Thus he spake, and each chief prepared his lot Having marked it
Into the helm he cast it of Atreus' son Agamemnon.
Then to the gods, with hands and with eyes uplifted to Heaven,
Thus might you hear the people in prayer their wishes expressing:
** Father Zeus! O choose for us Aias, or noble Tydeides,
Or be the lot conferred on the sov'reign of wealthy Mycenee," (iBo)

Thus they prayed. Then shook the lots Gerenian Nestor.
Fonh from the helmet leaped that lot so earnestly wished for,
That which the mark of Aias bore. This raising, the herald.
Handed it round from right to left to the chiefs of the Grecians,
Each in his turn disclaimed the mark unknown. But the herald.
Making his way through the crowd, at the place arrived where the

hero.
He who had marked and giv'n it, stood. The illustrious Aias
Stretched forth his hand for the lot, and the herald handed it to him.

Booic VllO

THE ILIAD OF HOMEB.

141

Aias no sooner saw than he knew his maj-kj and exultant

Cast the lot on the ground at his feet, and addressed the Achaians : (190)

**See, my friends! the lot is mine own! I receive it rejoicing.
Full and assured is my trust the godlike He<ftor to conquer.
AH, howbeit, while my limbs I invest in their glittering armour,
Pray to almighty Zeus, the immortal offspring of Kronos,
In my behalf. But in silence pray lest the Trojans should hear you.
Said I in siiencef Aloud if ye will What need we conceaimenit
Fear have we none. By force alone shall no mortal subdue me ;
Nor, as I trust, by skill; or vainly in arms was 1 nurtured,
In rough Salamis bom, and irmmd i& ihe use 0/ my weapons"

Thus he spake, and all then prayed to mighty Kronfon, (^oo)
Uttering words like these^ with eyes uplifted to Heaven :
*' Father Zeus most great, most glorious, ruling from Ida I
Viflory grant to Aias^ and crown his achievements with glory ;
Yet if thou favour Hedor, and grant him thy mighty proted^ion,
Give to them equal force, and divide the glory between them/'

Thus while they prayed great Aias assumed his glittering armour;
And, in refulgent bronze when his mighty form was invested,
Forth to the field he rushed; as gigantic Ares to battle
Stalks when he mingles in fight with heroes whom angry Kronfon
Plunges in soul-consuming strife and bitter contention. (210)

Thus did gigantic Aias, the bulwark and strength of the Grecians,
Grimly smiling, advance t& the fight: each stride of the warrior
Cov'ring a length of ground, with his long-forth-shadowing jav'lin.
Poised in his grasp. And the Greeks rejoiced when they gazed on

their champion:
Trembled in every limb the fear-stmck ranks of the Trojans.
He<5lor himself T^r a mommt perceived in his bosom a fiuiten
All retreat, however, was barred, all thought of withdrawing,
Lost in the crowd of his friends ; for himself had offered the challenge.
Aias approached, advancing his mighty shield like a tower
Brazen, with sev*n-fold hides* This Tychius the artist had made
him (320)

{Tychius, the foremost man of his cmft, a dweller in Hyl<?),
Easily wielded by Aias, though sev'n huge bulls had, to make it,

14^

THE lUAD OF HOMEIi.

[Book VII.

Yielded their hides^ and a plating of brass completed the fabric

Covering his form with this, the great Telamonian Aias

Close up to Hedlor advanced, and threatening thus he addxessed

him ;
**He<5lor! now art thou matched, and man to man shalt di^ovier
^Vhat sort of M^arriors are those who lead our hosts of Achaia,
What though the breaker of ranks, the lion-hearted Achilles,
Holds him aloof^ by his high-beak'd ships, remote and ina<5live.
Wroth against Atreus* son, the shepherd and guide of his people: (230)
Others there are, and many amongst us, able to meet thee,
A}% and perchance to cmiqucr. Come on then ! Begin we the battle"

Thus then crest-waving Hed^or, the mighty in battle, responded:
"Aias divine! great Telanion's son, and the pride of thy nation]
Threat not me as thou would st some inexperienced stripling.
Or some woman, unversed in war and the conduct of battles.
Fighting, and slaying of nien^ are to me nor new nm- alarming^
Shifting my shield now right, now left, I know to prote^ me.
Weariness visits not me in the lon^-draum stress of the combat
Skilled are my feet in each measured step of the dances of Ares, (340)
Or with the foot to advance, or join in the rush of the chariots.
Brave as thou art, unawares no weapon of mine shall assail thee,
Stami ivi thy guard! This fairly is thrown, and / trmi thou shalt

feel it/'
Thus he spake, and hurled his long-forth-shadowing jav'lin.
Full on the mighty sev'n-fold shield of Aias it lighted ;
Piercing the shining brass, its eighth and outermost covering,
Passed with unblunted force through six tough hides, and beyond

them
Met, and at length stuck fast in the seventh* Tlien next in succession
Aias divine sent forth his long-forth-shadowing javlin,
Full on the smooth round shield of the son of Priam it lighted^ (250)
Thorough the shining bronze it forced its impetuous passage,
Then through the corslet rich its course pursued, and descending.
Glanced by his flank aside; and his vest was torn by the weapon;
Swerving, however, with dexterous skill black death he eluded
Tugging amain with both their hands they recovered their weapons,

Book VI h]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Thea in close fight they joined, like raw-devouring lions,
Or as two mighty forest boars tuck rending the otiter.
Full on the midst of AJas* shield the weapon of Hedlor
Struck, hut it entered not, and the point fell blunted and harmless.
Aias came on with a bound, and smote his shield, and the impulse (260)
Stopped his career and repelled him. The spear passed straight

through his buckler,
Cutting his neck beyond; and the dark blood flowed in a torrent
Tossing his lofty crest as in scorn of the kuri\ to the combat
Hetf^or again returned* A stone he perceived, and he raised it
Up from the plain where embedded it lay, black, rugged, and massive.
This on the mighty sev*n-fold shield he dashed ; and it lighted
Full on the central bossj and the brass rang loudly beneath it
Ai^is then in his turn a much heavier fragment uplifted,
Huge as the netlier block of a mill, and swinging it round him,
Using enormous strength, broke through the buckler of Hetlorj (270)
Crushing his knee* And supine he fell, by the shield aii in Jragtnatts
Bruised and o'erwhelmed. But Apollo restored his strength and

upraised him.
Then i^ yet closer fight, with their swords, had the heroes encountered,
Had not the heralds, messengers holy of Gods and of mortals,
Now intenened; Talthybius the wise, Idseus the prudent,
This for the Trojans, tlmt for the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia,
Stretching between them their sceptres they parted the chiefs; and

Tdseus
Thus delivered their sage resolves and counsels of prudence:
*■ Fight no longer, my children \ rdurn your rufords to their sra^dardst
Dear alike are ye both to cloud-compelling Kronfon: (^80)

Each, as we all have seen, is a champion brave, and a warrior.
Night is at hand. To obey the night is the duty of all men*'*

AnswYing Id^us, thus then spake Telamonian Aias :
'* Words like these, if it please him, let He£lor speak, at thy bidding.
His was the challenge, proffered to all the chiefs of the Grecians,
Let him begin* I obey thy words if he set the example."

Thus then the lord of the waving plume^ great He<5lor, addressed

him:

144

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book VI L

**Aiasl the Gods have giv*ii thee stature and strength* They have

giv^n thee
Wisdom, and skill beyond all the Greeks in the use of thy weapon ;
Therefore desist we now from fight and angry contention, (^9©)
This day at least When we fight it out on some future occasion
Heav'n will decide between us, and crown the vi^or with glory.
Night is at hand To obey the night is the duty of all men.
So shalt thou gladden the Greeks, at their ships, who greet thy returning:
All thy companions in arms, and all thy friends who surround thee,
I too returning again to the lofty city of Priam
Joy shall bring to the Trojans, and Iong<robed matrons of Troia
All at this moment engaged in prayer and solemn procession*
Yet, ere we part^ exchange we costly gifts with each other*
So shall our friends, in either host, when they speak of our combat y (300)
Say, 'Those chiefs who met In such fierce and bitter contention
Learned t& nspeit each other's worthy and parted in friendship/"
Thus having said he presented a sword, bright hiked w^ith silver,
Which with the sheath and broidered belt he handed to Aias,
Who, on his part, a baldric gave resplendent w^th purple*
Both then retired; die one to rejoin the host of the Grecians,
Back to the crowd of Trojans the other. These, when they met him,
Greatly rejoiced to behold him, alive returned, and in safety;
Unsubdued by the giani force of invincible Aias:
More than they dared to hope: and with shouts to the city they led

him, {510)

Aias the w^hile, triumphant, the bright-greaved sons of Achaia
Brought, as if viiSor in f^hi dtcland to divine Agamemnon,

Now to Atreides' tent were they come, and the chiefs were assembled;
There at the King's command was a steer led up to the altar,
Five years old, and a male, for the son of mysterious Kronos
This they flayed, and the carcase dressed, and the limbs they divided,
Cut into portions the flesh, transfixed and skilfully roasted^
Drew them from off the spits, and sened them for meat at the tables.
Thus was the meal prepared^ and the banquet spread; and they

feasted
Each to his soul's content : nor lacked they abundance ^r welcome, (320)

BOOK VII.]

THE ILIAD OF NOMEK

145

Atreus' heroic soHj the wide-ruling prince Agamemnon,
Ordered the length entire of the chine to be set before Aias.
But when the cravings of hunger and thirst at length were abated^
Nestor, ever the first to unfold the counsels of wisdom.
Ever the most approved by all, uprose to advise them.
Sagely he spoke, and these were the words he addressed to the
princes :

" Mighty Atreides I And you, ye leaders renown'd of the Grecians^
Many, tiw mauj^ have fairn of the long-hair*d sons of Achaia,
Mingling their purple blood with the wide-rolling stream of Scamander
At stem ,^Vres* behest. And their souls have descended to Hades, (330)
Bid thou the Greeks with to-morrow's dawn desist from their warfare.
Bid tkcm colle<5l their dead, and with mules, with oxen, and chariots
Bring them together, somewhat apart from the vessels, and bum them*
So shall each man preserve the bones of his friends, and convey them
Back to their native 'land, when fcUe shaU artiaiu our departure.
Then be a mound heaped up on the site of the pyre — a memorial
Common to all ; and commencing thence, be a wall and a rampart
Built with alt speed, with lofty tow'rs, to serve as a bulwark
Both to our ships and ourselves. And let gates be made for our

chariots
Forth to proceed for umr^ well barred, and sir&ngiy prote"5ted. (340)
Outside, dig we a trench profound, surrounding the rampart;
This shall avail to protect both horses and men, should the Trojans
Press, elate wiik thdr brief success^ too closely upon us."

Thus he spake, and the princes all approved his proposal
Meanwhile, in Troy was held a confused and distracted assemlily.
Gathered on Pergamos' height, at the gates of iii£ palace iff Priam.
Sage Antenor took up the word, and thus he harangued them;

**Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, a ndy^?///{/7// allies ^&ur a///
While I declare unto all what the soul in my bosom commands me.
Aft as Mvma jf^ur /a/m. Restore at once to th' Atreid^ (350)
Argive Helen and all her treasures. Are we not fighting
Under the ban of broken oaths? What U-tter can happen.
What success we can hope, 1 see not ; if this be rejefted/*

Thus having said he resumed his seat Then rose to address them

14^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book VII.

Fair*hair*d Helena*s spouse, the godlike prince, Alexandros^
Who in these ardent words replied, giving veni to his anger:
**Sore displeasing, Antenor, to me are the words thou hast uttered;
Well dost thou know far better and wiser counsel to offer.
If thou be seriouSi indeed^ and this thy deliberate meaning,
Tnily, methinks, th' immortal Gods have deprived thee of reason, (360)
I, in ray turn, have a word to speak to the horse- taming Trojans^
Once for all, I declare it— my wife will I never relinquish.
As for the treasure— all that from Argos I brought unto llion
Ready am 1 to restore, and with wealth of my own to augment it*'

This having said he resumed his seat Then rose to address them
Priam us, Dardanus' son, superior to mortals in wisdom.
Sagely he spake, and these were the words he addressed to the meeting :
**Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and faithful allies of our city!
While I declare to all what the soul in my bosom commands me:
First, as in usual course, let food be served to the army. (370)
Post str0^g guards for the night, and be each man watchful and

ready*
Then, with to-morrow's dawTi, let Idaeus proceed to their vessels,
Let him report AJexandros' words on the cause of our quarrel
Unto th' Atreidae both, Menelaiis and king Agamemnon.
Let him moreover a truce demand from war and its uproar,
Prudently wording his message: that so to the slain may be granted
Funeral rites. This done, when again we shall mingle in conflt<5lp
Heav'n will decide between us, and crown the viclors with glory,"

Thus he spake, and to all he said the people assented.
Food was distributed then to the troops, assembled by se<5ltons. (380)
Morning dawned, and Idseus sought the ships of the Grecians,
Where, by the stem of Atreides' ship, he found them assembled,
Ready alike for council and deeds of arms: and amidst them
Taking his stand, the clear-voiced herald delivered his message:
**0 ye Atreidffi, and all ye distinguished chiefs of the Grecians,
Priam hath sent me hither, and Troy's illustrious leaders.
Bidding me speak what perchance may well desen^e your attention ;
What Alexander himself, the cause of our quarrel, proposes*
All the treasures he brought to Troy when he quitted ymr country.

Boor VI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOAfER,

Crossing the sea with his ships (Oh, would that first he had
perished !), (39"^)

These will he freely restore, and with wealth of his own will aug-
ment them.
Not so Helen, the youthful spouse of great MenelaQs ;
Her will he never yield, though greatly the Trojans desire it.
Further, I come commissioned a truce from war and its uproar
In fair words to demand; that so to the slain may be granted
Funeral rites. This done, if again we mingle in confli^S,
Heav'n will decide between us, and crown the vidlors with glory*"

Thus he spake: and all received the proposal in silence,
Biave Dioraedes at length uprose and declared his opinion:
"Neither the treasure, nor Helen herself, let a man of the Grecians (400)
Think of accepting. Surely a child may see that destru(5tion
Hovers o'er Ilion's walls, and that nought can save her from ruin,"

Ended the chief, and shouted assent the sons of Achaia,
All the decisive words of stem Diomedes approving.
Then Agamemnon the king thus spake, addressing Idaeus:

" Now, thou hast heard, Idaeus, how Greece receives thy proposal-
Go! report her reply — and add^ Agamemnon approves it
But, as r^aids the dead, I refuse not permission to bum them.
Grudge bear we none to the slain, nor war with inanimate corses,
Fairn, let die last sad rite be in haste performed, to appease them. (410)
So be it! witness it, thundering Zeus, thou consort of Hera!**
Thus as he spake* to the pow*rs on high he uplifted his sceptre.

Back Idxus returned to the sacred city of I lion,
"WTiere both Trojans and Dardans he found assembled in council
£v"n as he left tkem^ waiting to hear ikt result of Ms mhswn.
Straightw^ay advancing among them he stood, and delivered his message
Full in the midst of all: and without delay they proceeded,
Some to colle6t the bodies, and some for wood to consume them.
Nor with less anxious zeal went forth the Greeks from their vessels,
GathVing together their dead and coUcc^ling the fuel to burn them. (420)

Bright o*er the freshened fields was the sun in his glory ascending
Into the clear expanse; o*er the smooth and deep-flowing ocean
Shedding a holy calm. Then met the Greeks and the Trojans

JO — 2

I4B

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book VIL

Seeking their friends, disfigitnsi with uw/nds and hard to distinguish.
Off with water they washed the clotted gore, ami upraised thcm^
Many a warm tear dropping the w^hil-e; and laid them on chariots.
Priam allowed no clamorous woe. But inwardly grieving,
Silent they heaped their dead on the mighty pyre and consumed thenu
Sadly and slow, the rite performed, they returned to the city.
Nor with less pious care did the bright-greaved sons of Achaia (430)
Heap on the pile their dead, and bum them with fire, and departing
Sorrowmg and slow*, the rite performed, return to their vessels*
Thfis passed ihc mournful day. With tk€ tmrrmds dawn in the

twilight
Issued a chosen band of Greeks. The pyre they surrounded,
Hea[}ing upon it a mighty mound from the plain, a memorial
Common to all; and cemmencing thence, a wall and a rampart
Speedily built, ,with lofty towers, to serve as a bulwark
Both for their ships and themselves. And a gate they made for

the chariots
Forth to the war to proceed, well barred and strongly protected.
Outside of all a trench they dtig surrounding the rampart (440)
Broad and profound, and sharp palisades they planted within it

Thus did the long-hair'd Greeks with toil eomplete their defencft.
All the Gods meanwhile^ around Zeus, dread wdelder of lightning.
Sate, admiring the mighty work of the bronze-maiTd Achaians,
Then Poseidon^ earth-shaking powV, uprose and addressed him:
"Father Zeusl doth a man on the wide earth's measureless surface
Live, who henceforth wnU open his heart to the blcssetl immortals?
Seel what a len^h ^ wall these long-hair*d sons of Achaia
Round their ships have built! what a trench they have made!

udtai a rampart ! (449)

AU m the pride of their hearts: nor prayers mr hecatombs offered !
Wide as the dawn's broad light %viJl this work's fame be extended,
That which Phti}bus and I performed of old be forgotten,
That we so toikomely raised round great Laomedon's city*"
Grievously anger'd, Zeus, the cloud-compeller, responded:
**Lord of the earthquake's might I What words are these thou hast

uttered?

Book VII.] THE ILIAD OF HOMER, 149

Thoughts like tliese might disturb some feebler pow'r of Olympus,
Much thy inferior in strength, and much less wide in dominion.
Far as the day-spring shines thy fame will for aye be extended.
As for this wall which excites thy u^rath: when the sons of Achaia
Back to their dear-lov'd land are returned, thou hast but to

whelm it (460)

Deep in thy seas, uptearing it all from its lowest foundations ;
Spreading thy sands once more o'er the broad flat beach it disfigures.
So shall no trace remain of this wond'rous work of the Grecians."

Thus discoursed the immortal Gods in the halls of Olympus.
Set, meanwhile, was the sun, and the work of the Greeks was

completed.
Oxen were slain, and beneath their tents a repast was provided.
Wine, in many a ship from Lemnos' isle, by Eun^us,
Son of the prince lason, whom fair Hypsipyle bore him,
Sent, from his plenteous stores, was ready at hand in abundance.
Thence had been landed a thousand measures of wine, from

Eun^us, (470)

Sent, as a royal gift, apart, to the brother Atreidae.
Thence, too, the long-hair'd Greeks drew large supplies; which they

purchased.
Some with brass, and others with shining steel, or with oxen;
Some with their hides, and some with captive slaves. And provision
Lacked not, largely prepared for all the hosts of Achaia.
All night long they feasted, and all night long in the city
Feasted the Troian hosts, and the faithful allies of the Trojans.
High over-hecul meanwhile through the night loud thunder was pealing,
Sign of an angry god. And pale was each visage with terror.
Each man poured on the ground some wine from his cup. By

libations (480)

Zeus unappeased, none dared advance his lips to the goblet.
Wearied at length they reclined, and enjoyed the blessing of

slumber.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK VIII.

BOOK THE EIGHTH.

Argument.

Zeus convenes the Gods on Olympus^ and forbids them to aid either of
the contending armies. Retiring to Ida, he hangs out the scales of destiny ^
and conformably to their indication darts his lightnings on the Greeks,
Nestor^ one of whose horses is killed^ mounts the car of Diomede, and
together they attack Memory whose charioteer is slain by Diomede, There-
upon Zeus direds a thunderbolt in front of their advancing car. They
turn and quit the combat, He^or pursues, Agamemnon rallies the Greeks
at their ships and the battle is retuwed. The exploits of Teucer, whom
lienor disables, Hera ajid Pallas, disobeying the command of Zeus, arm and
set forth from Olyftipu^ to assist the Greeks, and are recalled with threats
by Iris, Night coming on the Greeks retire within their wall, and He^or
and the Trojans encamp around it. Night scene in the Trojan camp.

ILIAD. BOOK Virt

T^AWN, in his saffron mantle ckd, the earth had illumined,
^^^ \\Tien, on the loftiest of all the bristling peaks of Olympus,
Thundering Zeus an assembly coii%'ened of the dUssai immortals.
Thus he addresiied them, list'ning all wU/t breatkkss gtientwn:

"Hear me, ye Gods and Goddesses all, bksfpimfts of Olympus !
Wliile unto each I declare what the soul in my bosom commands me.
This, my word, no God of you all, be he male, be she female,
Venture to contravene; but assent at once and o^fy me:
So shall I quickly bring this img dispute to an issue.
Whomsoever of the Gods I shall see going forth, with intention, (lo)
Or to the Greek or the Trojan cause to render assistance.
Smitten and sore disgraced that God shall return to 01>Tnpus ;
Or into Tartarus' gloomy gulph it may please me to hurl him
Far from hence, where deep under ground a horrible dungeon
Yawns, Its gates are of steel, its threshold brass. Beneath Hades
Deeper it hes and further down than earth from the heavens.
So shall he learn how far my might all other surpasses.
Come now, ye Gods ! make trial of strength, that all may behold it :
Down will I cast from heaven a golden chain, and support it
Thereby, ye Gods and Goddesses all suspended, endeavour (20)
Down from Olympus to earth to drag your Lord and your Hasten
Vain were your strengih; your united efforts in vain were exerted.
But should it please me to draw you aloft, with ease could I lift you.
Not yourselves alone, but the earth itself and the ocean.

154

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book VIII.

Should I then bind the chain round the topmost peak of Olympus,
There the stupendous frame would hang, suspended in aether.
Such is my pow'r compared with the might of Gods and of mortals."

Such his command. And in silent awe th' assembly received it,
Wondering much at his words: for stem and severe was their menace.
Answered however, at length, the blue-eyed goddess Athen^: (30)
"Sire of us all! Great Kronos* son! supreme among sovereigns!
Well we know, and all acknowledge, that none can resist thee.
Still must we grieve, and pity the woes of the Danaan warriors,
Helpless left, to endure thy wrath and perish before us.
Yet we obey thy mandate, and mix no more in the contest
Counsel howbeit thou wilt not, surely, forbid us to oifer:
So that they sink not all o'erwhelmed by the weight of thine anger."

Smiling upon her, Zeus these words addressed to his daughter :
"Be of good cheer, Tritonia, child beloVd! nor interpret
Aught that I said too harshly. To thee am I ever indulgent" (40)
Thus he spake, and the brazen-hoofd steeds attached to his chariot,
Swift as the wind. Broad floated their golden manes on their shoulders.
Golden raiment around him he flung; then mounted the chariot,
Bearing aloft in his hand a golden scourge; and the horses
Lashed; and with right good will they darted away through the

sether.
Spread forth betwixt this earth and the star-strown concave of heaven.
Fountful Ida, the teeming nurse of each beast of the forest.
Reached he; and Gargarus* height with its sacred grove and its altar.
There did the father of Gods and men draw rein, and the horses
Loosed; 2C[idi from mortal sight in a shroud of vapour concealed
them : (50)

Thence, on the topmost peak high-throned, exulting in glory.
Viewed at his feet the tow'rs of Troy and the ships of the Grecians.

Now had the Greeks partaken a hasty meal, and for battle
Each beneath his tent braced on his glittering armour.
While, on their part, the Trojans throughout the city were arming ;
Fewer in number indeed, yet not less eager for conflidl.
Well was their need I compelled to fight for their wives and their
children.

BOOR VI J L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

ISS

Wide were the gates thrown open, and forth the multitude issued,
Footmen and horse, mid the clash of arms and the rattle of chariots,
Pouring forth on the plain, Wlien now both hosts were confronted, (60)
Dire was the clash of shields, of spears, and of panoplied warriors
Grappling with might and main. And the bosses round of their

bucklers
Close together were thrust* Then arose the din of the battle.
Shouts of vidorious joy> and cries and groans of the vanquished
Mixed in one roar, Then streamed with blood the ground M<i/ they

trampkd,
Thus^ while the sacred light wajced strong, and the sun was ascending,
Wound for wound was exchanged, and hero perished for hero.
But when the sun had attained his mid-day height in the concave,
Then hung forth the Father his golden scales. In the balance
Laid he the long-repo.sing fates nma ripe f&r fulfiimmi (70)

Boih of the Trojans and Greeks : Jatts fraught with dmth and with

conquest.
Held by the middle, he poised them on high ; and the scale of the

Grecians,
Heavy with death, sank low. Earth's fruitful bosom received it
Bounded aloft the Troian scale and invaded the heavens.

Zeus then thitiidered aloud from Ida's height, and the lightning
Blazing, among the Greeks flashed fierce. They beheld^ and amaze-
ment
Seized on their souls, and each boid cheek grew pallid with terror.
Then nor Idomeneus dared remain, nor great Agamemnon,
Nor th' Aiantes twain, those valiant sen^ants of Ares.
Nestor alone, of Greece tli* inspiring spirit and guardian {80)

Staid* No choice was left him : for one of his steeds was disabled.
Him Alexandrosj Helena's spouse, had pierced with an arrow.
Full on the front, where the forelock hair sprouts forth from the

forehead^
Lighted the dart, on a spot where a wound received would be morUl.
SmitteD, in torment he reared, for the brain was reached by the arrow.
Writhing around the dart he plunged and entangled his fellows.
Down sprang Nestor in haste^ with his sword to sever the traces,

1 56 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [ Book VI 1 1.

Just as advancing swift through the press came the chariot of He<5tor,
Bearing exulting along in the full career of his onset
He<5lor himself. Then, Nestor! thy days of life had been ended, (90)
Had not brave Diomedes perceived tlu danger that threaietied.
Shouting aloud in a thundering voice he appealed to Odysseus :
"Whither, Laertes* heav'n-bom son, deep-scheming Odysseus,
Whither, turning thy back, dost thou run with the crowd, like a

dastard?
Look to it ! lest from behind transfixed some spear shall arrest thee.
Turn ! and assist our aged friend and repel his assailant"
Thus he spake. Much-enduring Odysseus heard not the summons.
On he pressed, till safely he reached the ships of the Grecians,
Then, though alone, Tydeides confronted the Trojans advancing,
Standing before the steeds of Neleus' son, to prote6l him, (100)
Thus exhorting his friend with encouraging words of assurance :
"Sorely, my good old friend, do these youthful warriors oppress thee,
Strength hast thou little left, and age weighs heavy upon thee :
Weary and worn is thy faithful attendant : slow are thy horses :
Mount my car ! and behold how these Troian coursers will bear us
Sweeping across the plain, now here, now there ; now advancing
Fierce to the charge; now swift in pursuit; now haply retreating.
These from ^^eas I took — they are used to war and its terrors.
These thy steeds to our servants be giv'n in charge. With the others
Meet we the foe. Then He6lor shall feel, that insolent boaster^ (i 10)
Whether Tydeides' spear can rage in the hands of its master."

Thus Diomedes advised. Gerenian Nestor assented.
Sthenelus lightly then sprang down from the car of his master^
Joining Eurymedon brave, and took charge of the horses of Nestor,
While on Tydeides' car both chiefs prepared for the combat
Nestor assumed the shining reins and lashed on the horses.
Urging tliem on, till He<5lor in full career they encountered.
Hurrying impetuous on, Tydeides darted his jav'lin.
Aiming at Hedlor's breast; but it missed its mark, and Thebaean
. Heniopeus, his charioteer, struck full on the bosom (^^o)

Under the pap : and he dropped the reins, and fell from the chariot
Back recoiled in terror the steeds, and the hapless attendant

Book vril.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

1 57

Breathed his last on the plain where he lay, and his spirit forsQok

him.
Grieved was Hedlor at heart, at the death of his friend and attendant :
There, however, he left him stretched, far vain was A if sorrow.
Forthwith another driver he sought, nor long did his horses
Lack an experienced hand to assume thtir rems and dire<5l them.
Brave Archeptolemus, Iphitus' son, he found, who the chariot
Mounted at once, and assumed the reins, and mamrag^ the h&rsts.

Then had been \\Trought unheard-of feats of prowess and valour: (150)
Then had the Trojans been pent in their town, like sheep for the

slaughter.
Had not the Father of Gods and men perceived and forMd it
Dreadfiilly rolled his thunder Forth flashed the bolt, and alighting
Blazing, down on the ground at the feet of Diomed's horses,
Wrapped them in dire sulphureous flames and smouldering vapour.
Low crouched the steeds beneath the car, all trembling with terror.
Then from die hands of Nestor flew the reins, and the old man
Shuddered with fear, and addressed these words to brave Diomedes i
"Turn, son of Tydeus! turn thy steeds, and retreat from the contest ;
Seest thou not that the might of Zeus is %hting against thee? (140)
This day's glory Kronion hath granted our foe; but to-morrow
Vi<5tory yet may be ours, if so perchance it shaH please hira«
Nought can the force of mortal naan prevail, nor his valour
Jove's high will to control, or contend in strength with the mightiest"

Then Diomedes, great in the roar of battle responded:
**All thou say'st, old man, is, like fate*s decrees, undisputed.
Grief, however, consumes my heart and soul, when in fancy
Heflor I hear exulting, and boasting aloud to his Trojans:
*Lo! where Tydeidcs flies to his ships from t/u terrors t/ Hector!'
Thus will he vaunt Yawn wide then, Earth! ami hide my con-
fusim:* (150)

Then to his words in turn replied Gerenian Nestor:
** Warlike Tydeus* son! What words are these thou hast spoken?
What though vaunting Hector should call thee base and a recreant.
Small assent will his boasts receive from Trojans or Dardans^
Or from the weeping widows of those brave Troian lieroes,

iS8 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book VIII.

Whom in the flow'r of their youth thine arm hath hurled to destrudtion."

Thus he spake, and turned the stamping steeds and the chariot,
Joining the flying rout And> the Trojans followed, and He<5tor,
Shouting triumphant, and pouring destrudlive missiles upon them.
Loud above all resounded the shout of crest-waving Hedlor: (i6o)
** Honoured, Tydeides ! once was thy name at the feasts of the Grecians ;
High did they seat thee, and heaped thy board, and replenished thy

goblet;
Now will they hold thee in scorn when they see thee fly like a woman.
05" with thee ! paltry girl ! The walls of our Ilian city,
Hedlor retreating, thou ne'er shalt climb, nor our wives and our

daughters
Carry away to thy ships. At my hands thy doom shall await thee."

Thus he spake, and Tydeides heard, and inly debated
Whether to turn his steeds and again confront his pursuers.
Thrice in the depths of his heart this thought arose, and as often
Zeus with fresh-vollied thunders from Ida's summit repressed it, (170)
Beaconing on the Trojans to seize their moment for vidl*ry.
Hedlor then shouted aloud, and thus encouraged the Trojans:

" Hear me ! ye Trojans, Lycians, and fierce Dardanian swordsmen.
Shew yourselves men, my friends! Remember your fame and your

valour,
Nmu is the time — I behold it nigh — when Zeus hath accorded
Conquest and glory to Troy; to the Greeks defeat and confusion.
Fools that they were I Behold what walls they have built to protedl

them,
Worthless and weak! unfit to arrest my impetuous onset
See^ too, the trench they have dug! My steeds at a bound will

o'erleap it
Then, to their hollow ships through their headlong rout when I lead

you, (180)

Some one be mindful of fire. Let blazing torclies be kindled.
So shall I wrap their fleet in devouring flames, and the Argives,
Stifled, and blind with smoke, fall an easy prey to your valour."
Thus he spake. Then his horses he cheered, and thus he addressed

them:

BOOK VI I L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

159

"Xanthus, and ye, brave steeds, PodarguSj Lam pus, and -4i)thon!
Now is your time to requite me for all my care, and the kindness
Shewn you by fair Andromacht!, great Eetion^s daughter;
Her^ who hath feti you oft with rich abundance of barley ;
Mingling with wine your drink, when your/imiiing spirits required it ;
Caring for you before myself, her lord and her husband; (190)
Now be ye swift, and follow them up, and help nie to capture
That great shield of Nestor, whose fame ascends to the heavens j
All, both its orb and its handles, of solid gold. From his shoulders
Give me to tear Diomedes* arms, that marvellous corslet
Wrought with DaedaUan skill i for Hephsestus himself was the artist
These should we take, this night I might hope to behold the Achaians
Hurrying on board their ships, and sp ceding Mm*yf/^///tfVr the Qcetxn''

Boastingly thus he spake. But Hera indignantly heard him,
Quivering with rage on her throne, while Olympus trembled beneath

hen
Then to Poseidon, mighty PowY, she turned, and addressed him : (200)
'* Shame m suek deeds/ Thou wide earth-shaker, hast thou no pity?
Is not thy soul within thee grieved for our perishing Grecians?
Many and rich are the gifts which at Helic^ fair and at ^gse
Duteous, they heap on thy shrine* Oh I Mj> thtm. Will them to

conquer!
Should we but join — w^e powVs who befriend the cause of the

Grecians —
Troy might be turned to flight : those thunders stripped of their terrors;
Zeus in his turn might grieve, left sitting alone upon Ida*"
Angered, and much disturbed, thus answered the Lord of the

earthquake i
*'0h! inconsiderate Hera! WTiat words are these thou hast uttered?
Think not I shall persuade the Gods to contend with Kronlon,
Hi would it fare with ail ^Z" opposed in fight to the mightiest." (21 ij
Thus they communed on high, disclosing their thoughts to each

other.
All the space meanwhile, from the ships to the wall and the trenches.
Densely was filled with bucklered men, with horses and chariots,
Crowded together in a close-weclgVl mass, and followed by He£lor,

i6o THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book VIIL

Brave as the God of war, and by Zeus led onward to glory.
Then had devouring flames consumed the fleets of Achaia,
Had not Atreides himself, all breathless with haste and exertion,
Prompted by Hera divine, stood forth and rallied his warriors.
Swiftly his course he bent to the tents and ships of the Grecians, (220)
Holding aloft in his hand his purple robe, as a signal.
There arrived, on the tall black ship of Odysseus he mounted,
Moored in the midst of the line, that on either hand they might

hear him,
There, to the ships and tents of the great Telamonian Aias,
Here, to Achilles' camp: for these their vessels had stationed
Farthest, at either extreme, on their strength and valour relying.
Thence, in accents clear and loud, he exhorted the Grecians:
"Shame on ye Greeks! Ye disgrace the name! But in form are

ye soldiers.
Where are your boasts, when ye vaunted yourselves the bravest of

mortals ?
All that empty and braggart talk ye poured forth at Lemnos, (230)
Gorging yourselves with the flesh of homed steers at our banquet.
Crowning the flowing bowl, each cup false courage inspiring.
Then was each man a match for a hundred or two of the Trojans,
Meeting them fairly in fight! But now one singly suffices,
Hedlor! to drive you before him, and bum the ships ye rely on.
Father Zeus ! didst thou e'er in thy ^Tath thus hunt to destrudlion
One of the mighty, the kings of the earth, and extinguish his glory?
Yet did I ne'er unhonoured thy altars pass, when from Argos
Hither on luckless errand I sailed with my many-benched vessels.
Each fair altar smoked with the fat and the thighs of my vi<5lims (240)
Offered, with prayer that Troy's proud walls thou wouldst crumble

in min.
Now to my prayers. Oh! grant this last despairbig petition,
All I ask is flight and escape. Oh I suffer not Troia
Thus to sweep from the earth these last remains of the Grecians."
Thus he prayed. Zeus, pitying his tears, the petition accorded;
Opened a way for safety, nor suffered the people to perish.
Forthwith an eagle, noblest of birds, he sent, as an omen,

Book VI I L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

i6i

Holding a %mk hind*s tmder fawn fast clutched in his talons.
Soaring o'er Jove's Panomphaian shrine, where gathered the Grecians
Instant m prayer, down cast he the faw*n at the feet of the altar. (250)
This when they saw, and perceived thai the bin! from Zeus had

been sent them*
Courage they took, and renewed the fight, and rushed on the Trojans,
Then no Greek of that countless host might boast to have equalled
Tydeus' son, as in swift career he urged on his horses,
Crossing the trench to resume his post in front of the battle.
Far before all he encountered a crested chief of the Trojans,
Phradmon's son, Agelaiis, who turned to flight when he saw him i
But, as he turned, Tydeides' spear through his back found a passage,
Entering between his shoulders and issuing forth from his bosom;
Down he fell from his car, and his armour rattled around him. (260)
Then came th* Atreidse twain, Agamemnon and brave Menelaus;
Close upon these th* Aiantes twain, all glowing with ardour;
Next Idomeneus bold, and his trusty friend and companion
Merion, wimdrous chief/ like death -dealing Ares in battle.
These Eurjpylus followed, the noble son of Evcemon ;
Teucer the ninth, with bended bow, and the shaft on his bowstring.
Sheltered behind the shield of great Telamonian Aias
Teucer stood. The shield withdrawn, he chose out his vi<ninii,
Taking unerring aim, T/tm woe ia the man U encounkred!
Wing'd with death was the shaft; he fell, and his spirit forsook
hmi. (^70)

Back retreating again, like a child to his mother, in safety
Under his bright proteding shield his brother received him.
Whom did he first, whom iast^ pick ot^ from the ranks of the Trojans?
First Orsilochus, Ormenus then, and next Ophelestes,
Daetor, and Chromms met their fate, and divine Lycophontes^
Then Polyjemon's son Amopaon, and brave Menalippus.
One after other they fell^ and strewed the ground with their corses.
Him, rejoicing, beheld the king of nnen, Agamemnon,
Thinning with deadly bow the advancing ranks of the Trojans,
Quickly beside him he stood, and thus addressed he the archer (280)
"Leader of heroes! Dear to my soul! Telamonian Teucer

1 62 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book VIII.

Hold not thy hand! Shoot ever thus. Be a light to the Cxrecians,
Aye, and to Telamon too, thy father; who when an infant.
Spite of thy bastard birth, in his palace nurtured and reared thee,
Now to receive, from thy deeds, though distant, glory and worship.
Hear what I say, and what, be assured^ shall be fully accomplished,
When the great -^gis-bearing Zeus and Athena shall grant me,
After so many toils, fair Troia's city to capture,
Next to my own in value some costly prize will I give thee:
Either a tripod of gold , or two good steeds, with their chariot, (290)
Or, if it please thee better, some captive maid be thy portion."

Thus to his words replied young Teucer, the brave and the
blameless :
"Glorious Atreides! Need hast thou none to exhort me to a<5tion.
Think not I mean to desist, while strength and vigour are left me.
From the first moment we turned the Trojans in flight to their city,
Have I not ceased to slay, and to strike down men with my arrows.
Eight of my long-barb'd shafts have already flown from my bowstring.
Each stands fix't in the heart of some young vigorous warrior;
Yet can I never reach this raging dog with my weapons."

Thus he spake, and another shaft let fly from his bowstring (300)
Aiming at He6lor full; for his soul was eager to slay him.
He6lbr however it missed ; Gorg}'thion the brave and the blameless.
One of the sons of Priam, received the dart in his bosom.
Castianeira, divine in feature and form, was his mother.
Who in yEsyme had dwelt, there wooed and wedded by Priam.
And as with fruit and vernal show'rs surcharged, in a garden
Some bright poppy declines its head, and droops with its burthen.
Sidelong thus was his fair young head weighed down by his helmet.

Teucer again another shaft dismissed from his bowstring.
Aiming once more at Hedlor, with fixed resolve to destroy him. (310)
Heclor again he missed — for Apollo wafted it sideways.
Brave Archeptolemus, He6lor's charioteer, to the onset
Urging his fery steeds, it struck 'neath the pap, on his bosom.
Down from the car he dropped. Then swerved in terror the horses.
Checked in their mid career, and his strength and spirit forsook him.
Grieved was Hedor at heart for the loss of his faithful attendant

bookvul]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

J63

There, howeveT^ he left him stretched, for vain was his sorrow.
Cebriones^ his brother, was near: him Hetlor invited
Forthwith to take the reins, and at once he sprang to the chariot
Then leaped Heiftor down from the shining car, and Hke thunder (320)
Shouted a dreadful nhout; and hfting a ponderous fragment
Rushed on Teucer at once, with determined purpose to crush him.
He, meanwhile, with another shaft from the store in his quiver
Fixed on the string, stood />/ aH to shtnU, But crest-waving Heclor,
Just when the bow was drawn, ere the shaft leaped forth, on his

shoulder
Dashed the rough stone. On the collar-bone, where the neck from

the bosom
Springs (a most dang'rous place for a wound), it struck^ and the

bowstring
Broke, and benumbed his hand and wrist drawn home to the shoulder.
Down he sank on liis knees, and the bow on the ground dropped

/nirmiess,
Alas, however, his falFn amf woimt^d brother forsook not, (330)
Sprang to his aid, and o*er him stood, and extended his buckler,
W'^ile from the ground two comrades true upraised and sustained him,
Brave Mecisteus, Echius' son, and godlike Alastor*
These to the Grecian ships conveyed him, heavily groaning.

Then once more did Olympian Zeus give strength to the Trojans.
Back to within their trench they drove the Greeks in confusion,
He(5lor leading tlieir van with fierce and infuriate aspe<5t.
As when a hound pursues some lion or boar of the forest,
Following him up from behind he hangs on his thighs and Ms

haunches,
Watches, and galls him at ever>^ turn, on his swiftness relying; (340)
Hector thus hung on the rear of the loDg-hair'd Greeks, and the

hindmost
Stilt, as they tied, struck down, ami fmirkaf his pitth with their c&rscs.
Now had they passed the fosse and its iie€p'fixi stakes, in ifistmier
Hurrying along, and many had fall'n by the hands of the Trojans,
Densely crowded, among their ships the rest were entangled,
Shouting one to another, uplifting their hands to the heavens,

([

l64

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Boor VI IF.

Calling on all the gods, and praying aloud for deliverance*

He^or around the press with his long-maned steeds was careering,

Darting from eyes like Ares' own, Gorgonian splendour.

This, when the white-armed Hera beheld, she pitied the Grecians; (350)

Thus in indignant words expressing her grief to Athene:

"Daughter of ^gis-bearing Zeus, say, must we abandon

Care for the perishing Greeks in this last extreme of their fortune?

Lo ! how they sink overwhelmed by an evil fate \ How they suffer

Under the insolent force of one, ^oendurably raging,

Hedlor, Prtamus* son! WTiat woes he already hath vtTOught them/'

Thus in her turn replied the blue-eyed Goddess Athene';
** Vain were his valour and strength, and long, long since had he perished
Under the Grecian sword, beneath the ramparts of Ilion,
Were not the mind of Zeus my sire insanely perverted; (j^t^)

Cruel, unjust as he is, still bent on thwarting my efforts*
Has he forgotten, ungrat^/tii ! how oft I came to the rescue,
Saving his son, opprest with the tasks imposed by Eury^theus?
Oft unto heav'n in disfrtss he cried. Then Zeus would dispatch me
Down from Olympus to lend him aid, mai sai^e khn from miscktef.
Had my prophetic soul imi tt^hispered he thus would requite me
\\Tien to the i/tjfms/ realm of HelKs black gaoler he sent me,
Hades' dog conimissioned to chain, and from Erebus drag him,
Ne'er had t/uii sm recrossed those darksome Stygian waters.
Now doth my sire abhor me, and yields himself wholly to Thetis, (370)
Oniy kraiise she embraced his knees and kissed them, and suppliant
Raised with her hand his beard, and besought him to honour Achilles.
Soon, no doubt, will he call me again His azure-eyed fav'rite*
Hera! do tliou however the horses yoke to our chariot.
I myself to the palace of Zeus will repair, and for combat
There will I don my refulgent arms. Let tis see whether He<5tor,
Priamus' high-plumed son, will hail with joy our appearance
J^aiiying the Greeks^ and rt storing the hvkm lines of their battle*
Then some few of the Trojans perchance may the dogs and the

vultures
Feast with their fat and their flesh on the shore by the ships of the

Grecians." (380)

Book: V III.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

i6s

Thus she spake, and the while-armed Her^ g^a^dly assented,
And without further delay th' imperial daughter of Kronos
Braced on th' immortal coursers their frontlets of gold and iheir

harness*
Pallas Athen^, daughter of i^gis-bearing Kroiifon,
Then let fall on the floor of her father's palace the mantle,
Gloriously wrought, which the skill of her own fair hands had

embroidered.
Then in the anus of cloud-compelling Zeus she arrayed her,
Donning his corslet for dreary war, and the kottars of battk,
Armed^ on the fiery car she sprang: firm grasping the jav*Hn
Stubborn and huge, with whose pondYous force, uplifted in anger, (390)
Child of a mighty sire, she quells the array of her foemen*
Forthwith Hera the scourge applied and excited the coursers.
Clanging^ self-opened, the gates of Hcav^'n flew wide, by the Hoi^
Guarded, to whom are entrusted tiup&riaisqfW^^vn and Olympus,
Or to roll back their veil of cloud, or to wrap them in darkness*
Urged to their speed, through these swift dashed the celestial

coursers.
Dire was the wrath of Zeus when from Idas height he beheld them»
Iris the goJ J en- winged he dispatched ; and these were his orders ;
**IrisI away! be swift! Turn back that pair, nor permit them.
Thus my commands to oppose. A fight were unseemly between

us. (400)

TtUthim- — this I declare, this threat shall be surely accomplished,
Down from their car will I hurl them, their horses lamed and disabled,
Rolling beneath their car o'lrturfmi and shattered to fragments.
Ten revolving years shall not suffice to restore them
Whole from the burning wounds my bolts on themselves shall have

branded;
So shall Athen*^ learn what it is to contend with her father ;
Hera's conduct I less resent, and relu^flantly punish \
Her I expe<fl my designs to thwart, for such is her custom,"

Iris heard, and swift as the storm set forth on her errand.
Down from the height of Ida she held her course to Olympus, (410)
Cleft with many a deep ravine. From the gates of Olympus

166

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book VIIK

Issuing, she met them, arrested their course, and delivered her

message :
"Whither so fast} UTiat madness is this that hath seized on your

spirits ?
Zeus permits you not to afford your aid to the Grecians.
Hear what he threatens ; — what, be assured, he iniU fidly accomplish.
Do\\ii from your car wdll he hurl you, your horses lamed and disabled,
Rolling beneath your chariot derturncd and shattered to fragments.
Ten completed years shall not suffice to restore you
Whole, from the burning wounds his bolts on yourselves shall have

branded :
So shall Athena learn what it is to contend with her father* (420)

Hera's condud he less resents — will relu6lantly punish.
Her be expects to tliwart his plans ; for such is her custom.
As for thee however, audacious and insolent creature!
Dare but to raise one instant that spear of thine to oppose him — ["

Iris thus* Her message delivered, she turned and departed.
Hera then spake, and thus addressed she Pallas Athentf:
"Daughter of ^gis-bearing Zeusl Now. alas! I acknowledge,
Bootless it is to contest with him the guidance of mortals.
I^t them then perish or live, as chance may dire (ft , or his plmsure^
Trojans and Greeks; let him please himself and dispose, to his

liking, (430)

Henceforth all their fortunes and fates : 'tis his due, and he claims r/"

Thus she spake, and back to the palace the car and the coursers
Turned, When arrived, tlie Hora? mmc^ and the horses unharnessed.
Ltd than aum\ and bound them fast to ambrosial mangers.
Leaving the car inclined on the polished wall of the palace.
They meanwhile on couches of gold reclined, in th' assembly
Mixed, once more, of the gods, J//MW a/;^ saddened in spirit.

Zeus meanwhile from Ida his bright- wheeled car and his horses
Drove to th* Olympian height, fair seat of the blessed immortals.
Mighty Poseidon, earth-shaking pow*r, unharnessed the coursers, {440)
Laid on tressels the car, and a mantlet spread to protc6t it
Thundering Zeus advaficed^ and resumed his seat in th* assembly,
High on his throne of gold, and Ol>Tnpus trembled beneath him.

Book Vill.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

167

All fms hushed aitentwn and aw€^ while Athena and Her^
Sate by themselves remote^ nor ventured in words to address him,
Zeus however, perceiving their thoughts, interrupted the silence i
"Why are ye thus cast down and sad, Athena and Here?
SmM f& say^ not long have ye toiled, in glorious warfare,
Troias sons ye so bitterly hate to subdue and extirpate.
Such arc my might and strength, not all the Clods in Olympus, (450)
Striving with force combined could drive me back 7^^^; my purpose:
Well then might trembling seize on your limbs, though resplendent in

Ere ye but saw the fight, or dared h mix in the combat
Had ye gtyne farther, all my threats had been fully accomplished.
Down from your chariot thunder-smitten, and scorched by my

lightnings,
Never again had ye seen tlie blest abodes of Olympus."

Thus he spake. But Atliena and Here' murmuring heard him,
Side by side as they sate, dire woes for the Trojans devising*
Silent Athcn^ sate, nor uttered her thoughts, but her bosom
Swelled with bitter despite, and rage at the words of her father. (460)
Not so Hera, whose wrath broke forth in angry reproaches:
"Dread and severe Kronion! what word is this thou hast uttered?
Well we know, and all acknowledge that none can resist thee,
Yet must we grieve and pity the woes of the Danaan w^arriors^
Helpless left to endure thy wrath, and perish before us ;
Yet w^e obey thy mandate and mix no more in the contest
Counsel, howbeit, thou wilt not, surely> forbid us to offer.
So that they sink not all overwhelmed by the weight of thy vengeance."

Thus she spake. Then Zeus the cloud-compeller responded r
**^ Queen of the full-orbed eyes august ! To-morrow shall shew thee, (470)
Should St thou please to behold it^ a wider sweep of destruction
Dealt by the might of thy so v- reign Lord on the hosts of Achaia.
Nor shall fierce Hector hold his destroying hand from their slaughter,
Till at his ships he arouse the swift-pursuing Achilles:
Ev*n in that dreadful day when close at the stems of their vessels.
Struggling around Patroclus slain, in heaps they shall perish,
(So have the fates decreed). But of thee and thy anger I reck not

i6S

THE IIJAD OF HOMER.

[Book VII L

GO| if thou wilt, to the utmost bounds of earth and of ocean;
Seek those realms where lapetus pines in gloom, and where Kronos
Sits uncheered by the circling sun or the breezes of heaven, (4B0)

Plunged in Tartarean darkness, abiW€^ bcmath^ timf around them.
Thither betake thyself in thy wrathful mood, if it please thee,
Nor shall I mourn thy loss : for in insolence none can surpass thee."

Thus he spake : nor did white-armed Her^ venture an answer.
Now had the sun his blazing torch in the ocean extinguished,
Drawn was the darksome ivi/ of night o'er field and o'er furrow*
Troy with regret beheld its advance; but the Greeks with rejoicing
Welcomed, thrice welcomed, Its longed-for gloom, ami the rapitc if

btQUghi tktm.
He 61 or then colie(5ted arotind him the chiefs of the Trojans,
Leading them off from the ships apart, by the eddying river, {490)
Where undcfikd the ground shewed clear, uncumbered with corses.
Down from their cars they sprang to the earth, and listened attentive.
While the belov'd of Zeus addresised them, holding his javlin,
Cubits eleven in length, Bnght gleamed the point of the weapon;
Bronze was the blade; and with golden rings to the shaft it was

fastened.
Leaning on this he spake ; and thus delivered his order :

*'Hear me! ye Trojans, Dardans, and brave confederate leaders.
Strong was my hope ev*n now to have burned the ships of the Grcciansi
Slain themselves, and return to our wind-swept 11 ion city.
Night however has stopped my career. Nought else could have

rescued (soo)

Them, and the fleet now liosc at yaur hands on the shore of the ocean,
Yet^ while o!>eymg the night, M tis usg r'fs htmrs to adranta^.
Food let us now prepare, and our wearied steeds from their harness
Loosen, and rub than dimm, and throw them abundance of fodder
Send to the city for all sf/f/lfts. Let sheep and let oxen
Speedily thence be brought. Sw^ci wine and the fruits of the han^st
Each from his home procure ; and let plenty of wood be coUeded,
So through the Itve-long night, ti!l the ^^/u^^ return of the morning.
Many a fire shall bla^e, and brighten the sky with its splendour;
Lest under cover of night these long-haired sons of Achaia (510)

BOOK VII L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

169

Steal away^ and escape o'er the broad-ridged waves qftlu oceaia.
Safe and unharmed however not one shall emtjark, but shall cany
Home, and at leisure digest, sotne lasting mark of our vengeance,
Either a spears rudt thrust ^ ot the tankltrig Inie of an anow
Ta'en as he mounts his ship : so that all may drt-ad for the future
Troia's shores to invade and involve us in war and its horrors.
Let two heralds, belov'd of Zeus, proclaim through the city
Orders that all our beardless youth and the hoar and decrepit
Watch this night on the lofty and God-built iow*rs that surround it.
Let the women at home remain, in the courts of their houses, (5^0)
Each maintaining a fire. Let a guard patrol round the rampart|
Lest an attempt be made to surprise the town, undefended.
Thus be it done, ye chiefs of Troy! And let all be eftedcd
Str icily according to these my words: for our safety demands it
This for to-mght. VVTiat more may need shall be told in the morning*
Trust we in Zeus and in all the Gods that tcnniorrow shall see us
Sweep from our shores these fate -borne dogs, this scot$f^c of our mriion^
Whom in their sable ships ill fate hath borrje to our country.
During the night let a careful watch through our lines be estabhshed:
And the ^tsi giim/fsa of ^wn mu^t find all anned for the combat, (530)
Ready to carry the war to tlie hollow ships of the Grecians,
Then skall we see whether Tydcus' son, renown VI Diomedes,
Back to our walls shall drive me, or pierced^ himself by my Jav'Un
Fall, and his bloody spoils become the prey of the victor.
Brave indeed must he be, and proof will he give of Ms valour.
If he withstand that spear in to-morrow's fight; with the foremost
Destined to perish; with many a comrade slaughtered around him.
This shall the rising sun beholtb Oh! would that a prospedt
Bright of immortal life and endless youth, and of honours,
Such as men pay to Pallas or Phcjebus self, were avouched me, (540)
Half so sure as my trust that to-morrow shall witness our triumph."

Thus did Hedor harangue, and the Trojans shouted approval
Then did the horsemen unyoke their sweating steeds from their

chariots,
Keeping them each however attached to his car by a halter.
Quickly they brought from the city sup^Ues <y sheep and of oxen j

I70

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book VIII.

Honey-sweet wine and strengthefiing bread from the stores in their

houses
All procured; and abundant wood for fires they colledled.
Then to the gods above were perfedl hecatombs offered.
[Sweet was the savour that rose, by the breezes wafted to heaven,
Wafted aloft in vain; for it reached not the blessed immortals ; (550)
Won from them no good will ; for I lion's city they hated ;
Priam and all his people alike they held in abhorrence.]

All night long with elated hearts in the lines of their battle
Rested the Trojans, and many a fire blazed brightly among them.
As when around the glowing moon resplendent in aether
Shines forth the heavenly host, and the air reposes in stillness,
Gleams ev'ry pointed rock ; stands forth each buttress in prospedl ;
Shimmers each woodland vale; and fi-om realms of unspeakable glory
Opening, the stars are revealed; and the heart of the shepherd rejoices:
Such, and so many the fires, by the Trojans kindled, illumined (560)
Eddying Xanthus* stream, and the ships, and the walls of the city.
Each of a thousand blazing piles saw seated around it
Fifty warriors of Troy\ enjoying its warmth and its splendour:
While beside them their steeds, on white spelt feeding, and barley,
Each to his chariot shackled, awaited the coming of morning.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK IX.

BOOK THE NINTH,

Argument.

Agameatnon^ overwhelmed with grief at the defeat of the G reeks y calls
a general assembly; at which^ however^ Nestor advises a more private
council of the leaders ^ a strong guard being first placed outside the wall.
They meet accordingly in Agamemnon's tent; when, after a banquet , it is
agreed to send a deputation to Achilles with handsome offers on the part
of Agamemnon {including the restoration of Briseis) to induce him to a
reconciliation. Odysseus, Phanix, and A i as accordingly proceed on this
mission. Their interview with Achilles is related. It proves fruitless,
Odysseus and Aias returning report its failure, Diomede counsels the
renewal of the battle with the earliest break of day.

ILIAD. BOOK IX.

T^HUS through the night did the Trojans watch. Meanwhile the

Achaians
Panic had seized. Chill Terror, companion of Flight, had possessed

them ;
While unendurable grief o'erpoVfd the souls of their leaders.
As when contending winds from the Thracian shore on the ocean,
Boreas and Zephyr, together rush: black swells, at their impulse.
Sudden and fierce, the surging wave, and a tangle of seaweed,
Tom from its fishy depths, floats unzste and wide on the billows:
Thus by perplexing thoughts was each Grecian bosom distracted.
Pierced to his inmost heart with grief and shame, Agamemnon
Now commanded the clear- voiced heralds to summon the people, (lo)
(Yet without shouting or noise) to meet in a general assembly.
Calling on each by name: and himself took the lead in their labours.
Downcast and sad th* assembly met Then arose Agamemnon.
Tears from his eyes flowed fast, like some black fountain, whose

waters
Trickle in shadow and gloom down a dark-browed cliff in the desert.
Heaving a long-drawn sigh then thus he addressed the assembly:
"Friends, and leaders of Greece! ye princes and chiefs of the

people !
Zeus hath entangled me sore in the toils of his hearty displeasure.
Cruel ! for did he not promise, and nod from his throne to confirm it,
Ilion*s tow'rs to uproot, and restore me in triumph to Argos? (20)

174

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book IX.

Twas but a planned and bitter deceit : for now he commands me
Home to return inglorious, and mourn o'er the loss of my comrades.
Such is his sovereign will irresistible; who, when it pleased him,
ManjTa proud city's lofty defences hath humbled already,
Manya one yet will humble, for uncontrolled is his power.
Now let us afl at once. Attend my words, and obey me.
Hetue let us fly in our ships to the dear-loved land of our fathers ;
Never shall Troy's wide streets by our conquering forces be entered."
Thus spoke the king. No word was heard in reply : but in silence
Long they sate, nor cared to respond, for their hearts were em-
bittered. (30)
Silence at length Diomedes broke, and addressed Agamemnon:
"Such wild counsel, Atreides, befits not thee, as our sovereign.
Here am I free to oppose it; nor let such freedom offend thee.
Late, before all the Greeks, didst thou disparage my valour,
Calling me feeble, unwarlike. The taunt was publicly spoketi.
Every man, both old and young, can remember the insult.
Hear ME no7v. Unto thee the son of mysterious Kronos,
Granting, and yet withholding, hath giv*n dominion and worship:
Valour, the greatest strength, and the root of pow'r, hath denied thee.
And dost thou really believe that the stalwart sons of Achaia, (40)
Courage and honour forgetting, will adl as thy madness advises?
Go thyself, if such be thy mind ! Return to thy country.
There are thy ships. Nought bars the way. They are ready for

launching
Close to the sea; — each vessel that followed thee here from Mycenae.
All the rest of the long-tressed Greeks, still true to their purpose.
Here will remain, and will capture Troy. And if all should forsake us.
All should fly with thee to the dear-lov'd land of their fathers,
Sthenelus still and myself will fight it out, until Ilion
Fairly be brought to her end: for in God's own might came we
hither."
Thus he spake. Then shouted aloud the sons of Achaia, (50)
List'ning with wonder and joy to the words of brave Diomedes.
Nestor then, the Gerenian horseman, rose, and addressed him :
"Tydeus* son! thou bravest by far of our host in the combat.

Book IX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

175

And, of thine equals in years, our most distinguished in council,
None of the Greeks thy words will censure^ or call them in question.
Though thou hast left unspoken the one chief point of the matter.
Young as thou art (for my youngest sons in years would surpass thee),
Yet hast thou brought^ both ably and well, to the ears of our princes
Much that concerns them to hear : for in justice and truth bast thou

spoken.
I, as so much thy senior, will enter at large on the subje(5l* (60)
Uttering the thim^^ht thou hast left unsaid \ and hardly will any
Lightly regard my words : not ev'n our prince, Agamemnon,
Hated, cut off from kindred, laws, and home, is Uic monster^
He who delights in the horrors of civil strife and disunion.
Now however to night's dark pow'r let us yield, and apportion
Every man a plenteous meal. Let a guard be appointed,
Camping within the trench, but beyond the line of our rampart,
Ihis, their charge* to our youth 1 commend. But do thou,

Agamemnon,
Taking the iead as supreme in command, assemble the elders,
As to a splendid feast, in thy tents, one worthy thy station, (70)
Plenty of wine hast tliou there in store, which the ships of Achaia
Day by day from the Thracran shore transport to supply thee.
Ev'ry' appliance is thine, and all will attend on their sovVeign,
Then id ikf chiffs amstdt^ and of all the counsel they o^er,
Choose thou the wisest and best* Oood need hath Greece of

suggest! onSj
Prudent at once and bold, when the fires of the Trojans arotind us
Blaise so fearfully near; a sight unused and unwelcome !
And on this night's decision depends the fate of our army/'

Thus he spake. All heard with attention and ready compliance.
Forth then issued the guard, well armed and equipped, to their

station : (80)

These Thrasymedes led, the shepherd and guide of his people j
Those Asc^laphus brave and lalmenus, offspring of Ares;
Great Meriones some, Aphareus and Deipyras others;
Others the royal Creion's son, divine Lycomedes%
Sev'n were the chiefs of the guard, and a chosen band of a hundred

176

THE tUAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX.

Followed each chief; and sharp and long were the speara that they

carried.
Soon they reached the space betwixt the trench and the rampart;
There they kindled their fires, each man for his supper preparing.

Aireus* son. meanwhile, the sages t chiefs of the Grecians
All in his tent convenedt where a strengthening meal was provided. (90)
Each man, laying his hand on the plenteous viands before him,
Hunger and thirst in haste appeased; ikfn hdmk them to cmmsei.
Nestor then, whose advice had been first apfiroved in th* assembly,
Thus introduced^ in courteous words, his intended proposal.
Wisely and khuHy counselling all ; and addressed Agamemnon ;

"Atreus' son, most gbrions, thou king of men, Agamemnon,
All that I have to say will refer to thyself, the beginning,
Ev*n as the end of my theme. Great Zeus hath giv'n thee dominion
Over the nations, and made thee the source of justice and counsel;
Thee it becomes not alone to speak thy mind, but attentive (roo)
Hear the advice of others, and weighing it well in thy judgment,
Use it, if good. The advice is theirs, but thine is the adion.
Therefore I speak, and declare what I deem the best and the wisest.
None will offer thee juster advice, or propound an opinion
Better than mine. Unchanged I hold it now, as I held it
Then, wlien, in pride of thy lofty descent, thou angefdst Achilles,
Tearing away from his tent his prize^ the damsel Briseis,
Much against my advice, for much I urged to dissuade thee.
Carried away by thy haughty spirit, our bravest of heroes.
One whom the Gods delight to honour^ thus didst thou outrage, (uo)
And even yet detain'st his prize. Consider we therefore
If we may yet succeed in appeasing his wrath by attreaty,
Cost/y and pleasing gifts, or soothing words qf^/trsmsimJ^

Pnmftfy thus the king of mtn^ Agamemnon responded :
'*Nesior! the fault of thy prince thou hast all too truly related.
Much have I erred. 1 admit it myself. That man must be reckoned
Equal to hosts in himself whotn Zeus so \Q^^s,and m^n^.
Honours in our distress and wreaks such wrath on the Grecians*
Erring, however, 1 fain would retraiit. Misled by my temper, (119)
Now would 1 make amends and with costly presents appease him.

Book IX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Therefore, in presence of all mil I name the gifts / sAa// q^tf%
Sev n fair tripods untouched by fire ; of gold ten talents ;
Twenty refulgent vases; and twelve strong coursers, in races
Ep€r vi(ftorious, who many a prize have won by their fleetness.
No ,poor man would he be, im^/ied imih woridh possessions^
Badly provided wnth precious gold, who could boast him of pmes
Such as those noble steeds have won for me by iktir running.
Sev'n fair Lesbian maids will I give, accomplished in all things,
Beauteous beyond the common lot of their sex or ihcir naikm^
Whom for my own I chose when Lesbos fell to his prowess, (130)
These will 1 give^ and with them restore the cause &/ &ur quarrti^
Her whom I took, Briseis herself. And this I declare too,
This with a solemn oath I swear, that pure and unspotted.
Stainless from love of mine, to her former lord I return her.
This shall be done at once; but whene*er it shall please the

immortals
Into our hands to deliver the mighty city of Priam,
Then let him load his ships with gold and brass : let him enter
Viilor^ and clmm his skate when the Qreeks the spoil are dividing*
Let him selec^\ for himself ^ot ameng the captives 0/ Trma
Twenty, w*ho yield to none but to Argive Helen in beauty. (140)
Argos attained, that central source of wealth to Achaia,
Hjm for my son-in-law will I take, not less than Orestes
Honoured, my much-lov'd son there nurtured in wealth and abund-
ance.
Three fair daughters are mine, in the gorgeous halls of my palace
Blooming^Laodic^, Chr>^s6themis, Iphianassa ;
One let him wed, whichever he shall choose, and home to his father
Lead her, I ask no dower from him: but richly on my part
Do^'^r will confer, such as no man hath e*er bestowed on a daughter.
Sev'n fair iaums shall be his; walled cities, ample and wiiiit/i}\
Enop4 Cardamylos, Ir<^, surrounded with pastures^ {*5^)

Pherae*s holy walls, and the rich deep-swarded Antheia^
Fair ^^peia, and PMasus, widely famed for its vineyards.
All of them near the sea, on the sandy confines of Pylos,
Held by a race with flocks and cattle richly provided,

178

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX

Who like a god their king still honour with gifts and with offerings,
Vieltling an ample rev^nue^ and bending low to his sceptre.
All in good faith will I give; let him only desist from liis anger.
Then let him yield to persuasion. The PowV of implacable Hades
Mortals, alone of the Godsj detest ; the stem, the unbending.
Me may he meetly obeyj for higher I rank as a sovVeign, (i6o)
Older too, and entitled to claim respedt as his senior.'^

Nestor then, the Gerenian knight, responding, addressed him:
"Atreus son, most glorious! thou king of men, Agamemnon]
Gifts well worthy a prince dost thou offer to royal Achilles*
Haste then. Choo&e w^e at once some chiefs of rank who thy messa^
Fiiiy may hur, and wM due resptH^ to the tent of Acliiiles.
Cornel It were better I name them myself. Let them go at my

bidding.
Phoenix, belov'd of Zeus, be the first. Let him lead, m the elder:
Aias the greater then^ and with these the godlike Odysseus,
Hodius next, and Eurybates follow^ in train, as their heralds. (170)
Now bring water, our hands to lave. From words of ill omen
All abstain. And to Zeus supreme let us pray that he spare us,*'

Thus he spake, and all approved the counsel he offered.
Forthwith on all their hands was water poured by the heralds.
Filled to the brim with wine then flagqns were brought by th'

attendants,
Which into goblets poured they handed round to the chieftains.
Each his Ubation made to the Gods; then drank, and departed
Om by me from the tent of Atreus' son, Agamemnon.
Many a caution that ancient knight, Gerenian Nestor,
Both hj his looks and words conveyed to the three; {to Odysseus (180)
Chiefly) how they might best persuade the noble Achilles*
Shaping their course by the loud-resounding shore of the ocean.
Much they prayed to the Pow'r who shakes the wide earth he

encircles
Words to inspire, which might bend the angry resolve of Peleides.
Now to the tents of the Myrmidon host they came, and their

gallics.
There Achilles they foundj with the harp's harmonious numbers

Book IX,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

179

SoothiBg his ijffgry sou!, {The lyre ii*as mounted in silver
Richly wrought, ^^hich he wan in the spoil of Eetion*s city.)
Warmed with the thoughts of their glory, he sang the achievements

of heroes.
Opposite sale Patroclus alone, ii*kQ Hslened in- silencei (190)

Mti/tmnn^^ the strain^ and awaiting kis/rmhfs commimds on its ending.
Nearer now they approached, divine Odysseus preceding,
And in his presence stood, Suqirised, up started Achilles,
Holding the lyre in his hand, from the seat where late he was sitting.
Up sprang Patroclus too, when he saw the Princes advancing,
Ctiriiiaiiy taking their hands, then thus Achilles addressed themt

** Welcome, ray friends! for as Inends ye come; on some pressing
occasion
Doubtless; belov'd the best among all the Greeks who have wronged
me.^^

Thus having said, to the tent he led them onward and placed them
Seated on couches with tapestry spread ami carpets of puri>le, (200)
Then, to Patrochis turning, who near them stood, he addressed him j
**Son of Mencetius! bring forth a larger bowh and produce us
Purer and richer wine 3 and for each be a goblet provided.
Friends most honour*d and lor^d beneath ray roof are assembled/'

Thus he spake, and Patroclus obeyed the words of his comrade.
He meanwhile by the fire had placed a dish, and upon it
^€ ify side had laid the chines of a sheep and a he-goat,
Adding a flitch all streaked with fat from the side of a porket
This Autoraedon held, while Achilles cut them in portions.
Skilfully parting the joints, and stuck them on spits to be roasted, {210)
Godlike Mencetius' son then fed the fire, and it blamed forth
Brightly and high. When the flames at length grew languid^ and

faded,
Spreading the embers abroad, the spits he supported above them.
Sprinkling the flesh with sacred salt, as they turned on the sockets.
Soon as the meal was dressed, on plates it was laid; and Patroclus
Brought forth bread from his store, and in baskets fair on the table
Placed it. Achilles himself to his guests presented their portions;
Then took seat at die board in front of godlike Odysseus^

fSo

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX,

Close to the tent's opposing wall; and signed to Patrodus
Offering due to the Gods to make* This he cast on the embers* (220)
Each then laid his hand on the plenteous viands before him.
Now when hunger and thirst were appeased and the meal was

concluded,
Alas nodded to Phoenix. Odysseus, the signal obsen'ing,
Filled forth a goblet of mighty wine, thus pledging Achilles :
'* Health to thee, noble Achilles! Good cheer hast thou amply

provided*
Never within thy tents, nor in those of royal Atreides^
Princely reception fails, nor lacks there abundance and wfk&me.
Matter how^ever more grave than feasts now c!aims our attention^
Over our host, 0 belov'd of Zeus! a heavy disaster
Visibly hangs: and the question — to save our fleet or to lose it —
Only on thee depends: Wilt thou gird up thy strength to assist

us? (231)

Close to our ships and rampart wall encamped are the Trojans,
Fierce, exulting, and all their allies far summoned to aid them.
All around through their host their watch-fires blaze; and they threaten
Not to desist till on board our ships pell-mell they have chased us*
Zeus with favVing signs and with heav'n-sent lightning assists them.
Heflor, grim with fury» comes on in his might and his valour,
Men nor Gods he regards tn the headlong rage which has seized him.
Zeus for his friend Ite Coasts ami sets ail else at defiance.
Eagerly longing he prays for dawn^ when he trusts to destroy us, (240)
Carry away in triumph the lofty prows of our vessels,
Burn our ships with fire, and ourselves, o erwhdm'd and confounded,
Biimltd with eddying smoke and inmlving flame^ to extirpate.
These are no empty threats: and sore is our dread lest th' immortals
Bring them to pass, and by fale*s decree our armies should perish.
Leaving tiieir bmm on Troja*s shore^ afar from their country.
Up tht:n! though late; ik&u canji, if thou wilt; and save the Acbaians,
Fainting and sore distressed, from the whelming rush of the Trojans.
Think of it w*ell: for bitter will be thy grief and repenLince
\Vlien the disaster 1ms falFn, irreversible, fatal. Bethink thee (250)
Yet thou hast time to avert the evil day from the Grecians.

Book TX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

t8t

Oh! my friend! remember the counsel Peleus thy father
Gave thee when first from Phthia to join Agamemnon he sent thee,
'Hear tne^ my sonl' hi said, *w[th valour Athena and Here,
Rkki}\ if such be their will^ may endow thee. Be thine, in thy

bosom,
Haughty and violent thoughts to restrain. Be kindly and gentle,
Cease from contention^ and baneful strife eschew; and the Grecians
Old and young will acknowledge thy worth, and leam to respe€l

thee'
Such was thy father's counsel: forgotten, alas! Be mtreatai!
Cease from tlie rage which gnaws thy heart! On his part Aga-
memnon (360)
Deeply repmts^ aftd will gladly appease thy wrath by concessions*
Noble gifts — if I migM^^ytWi thou hear me out?^ — has he offered:
These, in his tent which but now we left^ he promised to give thee :
Sev'n fair tripods untouched by fire; of gold ten talents;
Twenty refulgent vases; and twelve strong coursers^ in races
Etfer victorious, who many a prize have won by their ileetness.
No poor man w*ould he be, tmgi/ted with woridiy possess wns^
Badly provided with precious gold, who could boast him of prizes
Such as those noble steeds have won for our King hj their rumting,
Sev n fair Lesbian maids will he give, accomplished m all things, {270)
Beauteous beyond the common lot of their sex or their mitwfi^
Whom for his ow^n he chosej when Lesbos fell to tliy prowess,
These will he give; and with them restore (he cause ^/ymtr quarrel^
Her whom he took, Briseis herself. And this he declares too,
This with a solemn oath doth he swear, that pure and unspottedi
Stainless from touch of his, to her former lord he restores hen
This shall be done at once; but whene'er it shall please the immortals
^^ Into our hands to deliver tlie mighty city of Ilioni
^B Then shalt thou load thy ships with gold and with brass; thou shalt
^H

^H ViUgr^ and dmm thy share when tlie Greeks the spoil are divi-

^H I ding. (280)

^H Then shalt thou choose for thyselfyh?^ among the captii^es if Trma

^H Twenty^ who yield to none but to Argive Helen in beauty,

u —

iZz

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX.

Argos attained, that central source of wealth to Achaia,

Thee for his son-in-law will he take^ not less than Orestes

Honoured, his muchlovM son, there nurtured in wealth and abundance.

Three are his daughters fair, in the gorgeous halls of his palace

Blooming— Laodic^, Chrysbthemis, Iphianassa:

One, shah thou wed, whichever thou shalt choose, and home to thy

father
Lead her. He asks from thee no dower; but richly on his part
Dow'r will confer, such as none before hath bestowed on a
daughter. ('^9^)

Sev'n fair towns shall be thine; walled cities, ample mid we<iithy ;
Enop^, Cardamylos, Ire surrounded with pastures,
Pherae's holy walls, and the rich deep-swarded Antheia,
Fair ^'fi^pela, and Pfedasus widely famed for its \ineyards.
All of them near the sea on the sandy confines of Pylos,
Held by a race with flocks and cattle richly provided,
Who like a God their King still honour with gifts and with off 'rings,
Yielding an ample revenue and bending Jow to his sceptre.
All in good faith will he give* Do thou only desist from thine anger.
But should Atreides htmself and the princely gifts vvhich he offers (300)
Hateful alike to thy soul appear, yet pity the Grecians,
Harassed through all their ranks, who like a God mil revere thee;
While, for thyself, undying fame shall reward thy compliance-
He<5lor himself thoir tnaj-st slay, for close to thy tents he approaches,
Filled with destro>ing rage, and boasting aloud that amongst us
None may be found, of all who to Ilion came, who can meet him."

Thus making answer, replied the swift-pursuing Achilles :
*' Jove-descended son of Laertes, inventive Odysseus!
Me it behoves at once to declare and frankly to tell thee
That which my thoughts suggest, and my deeds m\\ surely ac-
complish, (jTo)
So that ye sit notj like cooing doves, one echoing the other.
Hateful the man to my soul — as the gates of Hell 1 detest him—
Who in his heart can one thing hide and another can utter.
Thus then I tell thee what best I hold — what course I resoive mt :
Nor will Atreides himself persuade me to alter my condu<5lp

Book IX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

183

Nor will the rest of the Greeks. A thankless task have I found it,
Ever to struggle, and wage unceasing war with their foe men.
One is the lot of the laggard and hfs who valiantly combats;
Coward and brave alike are honoured* alike are reimjrJtif. (319)
They who have wrought great deeds, or none^ die alike un regarded.
What have I gathered for all my toils, my hardships, and suflf'rings.
Squandering my siretigth and my life away in perpetual conflidt?
Just as a bird brings morsels of food to her featherle^s nestlings,
Sought and procured with pain^ herself abstaining and hungry.
So have I watched full many a w*earisorae night and a sleepless,
Many a bloody day have passed in desperate combat^
Slaying the men, and leading away the women as captives.
Populous cities twelve* invaded by sea, have I taJcen;
Fighting on foot upon Troia's soil have 1 captured eleven.
Vast was the spoil, and many and rich the treasures they yielded, {530)
JVbug/tt /or myself I niairmi. All went to enrich Agamemnon,
Atreus' son* And he, meanwhile, ai Ah ease and Inailive
Sate by the ships; receiving much, distributing little.
Prizes indeed to the princes and chiefs of our host has he granted;
These they retain entire. From me alone of the Grecians
Forced he my prize away — my beauteous bride— my belov'd one.
Her let him keep and enjoy. Why then do the Greeks and the

Trojans
Meet in sttch deadly feud? Why led he his armies to Itton?
Was it not all to avenge the fair- haired Helen a*s capture?
What I Does he think that Atreus' sons alone among mortals (340)
Love their wives? Does not every man who deserves to be called so
Love and prote<5l his own? I too my spouse, my Briseis,
Loved from my soulr and not the less as the prize of my valour.
Now that I know him well, as the man who has robbed and betrayed

me,
Let him not tempt me again, or think iv rrpeai Ids detr/>fmK
Thee let him summon, Odysseus ! and all his kings, and in council
Grai'ely debate how best from the flames his navy to rescue.
Mighty and vast are the works which without my help he has

finished 1

1 84

THE ILIAD Of HOMER.

[Book IX-

Hath he not built him a rampart wall, and a trench dug around it.

Broad and profound, with j/zw^^ palisades /t^t^ planted within it? (550)
IVmd^rotis works f But to turn the assault of death-deaUng Hector,
All too weak* Nb fietd of a wail when I marched with the Grecians,
Heiftor then hardly ventured beyond his own: and to combat
Rarely so far as the St tea n gate and the Beech could be templed,
Once he waited my single assault, and scarce he escaped it.
Now against He dor 1 fight no more. To-morrow shall find me.
Each due rite unto Zeus being paid, and the other immortals,
Loadmg my ships* And once pushed oflf from shore, thou sbalt see

tliem
(If thou delight in a sight like this, and choose to behold it)
Ploughing the Hellespont's wave in the morning light, and the

rowers (3<^o)

Manfully urging them on with right good will through the waters.
And, if the great earth-shaking God but prosper our voyage,
Phthia*s rich coasts, ere the third day's close, shall greet our arrival
There have I wealth which wandVing hither J madly relinquished;
Hence shall I bear good store of spoil, my appointed allotment,
Gold, and the bright red bronze, and gleaming steel in abundance,
Nor will fair dames be wanting. But her, my prijse, whom I valued,
He who bestowed her, Atreus' son, with insolent mcmice
Tore from my arms. Go! tell him this: aye, publickly tell him
All that I say; that the Greeks may hear it ali^ ami indignant (370)
Listen, if e'er henceforth witii his ghzt he seek to beguile them,
Wrapped up in insolence nottf as ever. Ne'er let him venture.
Dog-like &f fnmt as he is, in my face to look. For the future
All communion with him I abjure, all concert in adion.
Once deceived, once outraged, no more he beguiles or insults me.
Lei it cmfent him. Once for him is enough. And inglorious
On let him go to perdition; for Zeus hath deprived him of reason.
As for his gifts^^I hate them; and as f^r himself I despise him^
Not should he offer ten-fold, — tw^entj^-fold, — all his possessions,
All that he has and more, whatever he can gather from others; (3S0)
All Orchomenos' wealth, and all the treasures of Eg}'pt
Piled up In Thebae's stately domes in boundless profusion;

BOOJC IX,]

THE iUAD OF HOMER,

i8s

(Thebae boasting her hundred gates* who from each of ihem sends

forth
Twice their number of ^-arriors bold, their horses and chariots :)
Gifts like the sand of the sea or the dust of the plain should he proffer,
Ail were in vain, 'Tis not by gifts Agamemnon can move me.
First must I cease to feel the rankling sting of his insult.
Daughter of his will 1 never wed; were she ever so lovely.
Could she, in feature and form, contend with bright Apltrodit^;
Vied she, in every female work, with biue<eyed Atliena; (390)

Sudi were no bride for me. Let him choose some other Achaian,
Some one more like himself; some loftier prince than Achilles.
For, if the Gods preser\'e me my country and home to re visits
Peleus my father himself will provide me a suitable marriage.
Many and fair are the Grecian maids of Hellas and Phthia,
Daughters of noble chiefs, who ri4k oar states and defend them:
Choosing from these, I shall find me a wife to love and ta cherish.
Oft has the better sptrit within me longed for an union
Equal and well consorted; and, home relumed, to inherit
Ancient Peleus' rich domain, and in peace to enjoy it* (400)

^liat were worth in exchange for life the treasures that Ihon,
That fair city, in times of peace, ere Achaia besieged it,
Held, as men say, stored up; a tempting prey to the spoiler f
l^liat the wealth which tlie sacred gates of Apollo the Archer
Guard, in the marble shrine of his rock-biiilt Pythian temple?
Cattle and fatted sheep may be won by fightmg and plunder;
Tripods, tfoses^ and steeds wh&se brown manes ^mt tm the breezes;
But, once passed from his lips can no man's life be recovered,
Won as a prize, or snatched as a prey; for back it returns not
Thetis the silver-footed, my Goddess mother, precli(5ied (410)

Two careers for her son thnmgh ii/r to the death that awaits him.
Here if, remaining, 1 wage persisting war against I lion,
Lost is the hope of return, but immortal glory awaits me.
But if I quit these wars and back return to my countr>',
Glory and fame I resign ; and, instead, my days shall be lengthened
Onward, lllr into time, and death be slow in approaching.
This, to the rest of the Greeks, is the best advice I can offer:

]S6

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Booii IX.

Homeward at once to sail: for in vain ye hope to accomplish
Lofty Ilion's fall: since thundering Zeus o'er the city
Stretches his gmirdian hand, and her sons fresh courage have
gathered. (4^*^)

Therefore depart, and repeat to th' assembled chiefs of Achaia
These ray words — for such is yo\3r /unwur\f ofiice, as elders.
Bid them devise some better plan, in the depth of their wisdom
How in their holb^v^ ships to secure the retreat of the army
And of themselves. For this, ye perceive, but ill halh succeeded^
Simr, my wrath un appeased^ )'e return^ harmg faiied to persuade pm.
Here however let Phtjenix stay, and repose till the morrow;
Then return witli me to the dear-lov'd land of our fathers,
If he desire to go; for nought will I do to compel him/*

Thus did Achilles speak. But the Princes heard him in silence^ (430)
Much disturbed at his words : for he spake with vehement passion.
Phoenix at length the silence broke, and thus he addressed him,
Weeping the while : for much he feared for the ships of the Grecians r

"Such if indeed be thy fixed resolve, most mighty Achilles,
Home to return, nor make one eifort to rescue our vessels
From the consuming flames, such deep resentment indulging,
How can I e'er, ray son! remain behind and forsake thee?
Thee did thy aged sire to my care confide, when he sent thee
Forth from Phthia to join Agamemnon's bt-kaguering f&rces^
Young, untried in the wars, where men with men are confronted, (440)
New to the councils where leaders win renown by their wisdom.
Mine was the charge to instruct thee in all, and rear thee to glory.
Sharpen thy skill in debate, and to warlike hardship inure thee.
Therefore, my son, whatever befal, unii I fethw i/ty /ort/z/fa,
Kor would be left behind, should e*en some god, t/ /ns Immtyy
Offer to chase away old age, and restore me to vigour
Such as was mine, when I iled from Hellas, the land of the lovely,
Dreading the wrath of my father Amyntor, Ormenus' offspring.
He to his marriage vows untrue, — to my mother's dishonour, (449)
Loved to dhtra&i(m a fair-hair'd stranger. And thus was enkindled
Furious wrath at myself: for my mother unceasingly urged me,
Clasping my knees, to supplant him in that fair stranger's affe<5lion,

Book IK.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

iS?

Making her hate him- This at her word I did And my father.
Soon as he knew it, cursed aloud^ and called on the Furies,
Praying that son of mine might ne'er arise from our union
Upon his knees to sit. And this the gods have accomplished,
Zeus, the infernal, and dread Persephond, smf'ragrfs of Orais,
Fierce then arose within me the thought to murder my father.
This however some god suppressed, and timely suggested
All that a parricide's name recals to the mind of a Grecian, (460)
All the reproach I should have to bear, and the hate of the people.
Yet could my soul no longer endure the thought, for the future
Under the ^an of my father's wrath, in his palace to linger.
Vainly did many a friend and relation gather around me,
Praying me not to depart, and bmt on dtfrnting my purpose.
Many a well-fed sheep they consumed, and heavy-hoofed oxen
Slaughtered, while mighty boars with fat rich laden and blooming
Swaled, upon spits outstretched o*er the flames kept blazing beneath

them.
Vast were the floods of w4ne from the old king's vats they extra fled.
ThuSp nine days they afe^ they drank ^ they slep>t round my chamber^
Keeping alternate guard : nor once were their watch-fires extinguished.
One blazed bright in the porch of the well-fenced hall, and another
Consdm/h burned in the court before the doors of my chamber.
But w^ien the tenth dark night had fallen, / sd^ en otmsim.
Bounded forth, having burst the fastdocked doors of my chamber.
Easily sprang o er the fence which enclosed the court, and eluding
Guards, and female domestics, rejmced met nwnt in my fnedmi.
T/uiS fsiitfimj^^ I fled through all the wide region of Hellas,
And unto Phthia coming, fair mother of flocks and of hanesls.
Threw myself on the grace of Peleus the king. He received me (480)
Kindly, and loved me well, with such tender love as a father
Bears to the only son of his age, the heir of his riches.
Wealth he am|>ly bestowed, and made me a ruler o'er many,
M\ the Dolopian race who inhabit the outskirts of Phthia,
Thee have 1 made the hero thou art, most godlike Achilles I
Deariy I loved thee, and thou couldst endure no other companion,
Go with none else to feasts, nor take thy meaJs in the palace

IBS

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX,

Till on my knees I had placed thee, and cut thy meat into morselsp
Feeding thee with it myself; to thy lips applying the wine cup,
"Which sometimes in thy petulant moods thou wouldst spill o'er my

niiintlet {490)

Dashing ii inuk in my bosom^ in pii7}\ or childish impatience.
Thus then, much from tliee have I borne, and much have 1 laboured.
Looking to this — that as sons of my own the Gods had denied me,
Thee might I make my son, O divine and mighty Achilles 1
Aii my ioiis by t/ty worth to repay ^ and in age to protedt me.
Wherefore, my sonl subdue this inordinate rage. To be cruel
Adds no grace to a hero's renown. Be adrheJ, and remember^
Even the gods who excel tliee in virtue, in strength, and in glory ^
Yield to the syasive voice of prayer, and turn from their anger.
Them can a mortal man who hath sinned, or erred in his duty, (500)
Bend, in their sternest mood^ by hecatombs slain, or by incense, [500]
Vows in repentance paid, and tlie savoury steams of the altar.
Prayers are the daughters of mighty Zeus, Their aspe<fl is haggard.
Wrinkled they are, and lame, and tlieiir eyes look askance from their

objetfl,
Careful and slow^ they follow on At^^s steps at a distance.
Ale is hale and robust, and sound of limb, and outstrips them.
First she arrives in every land, intent upon mischief.
Woes inflidting on men; while these come after to heal them.
Whoso reveres these daughters of Zeus and welcomes their coming
Him do they hear, entreating their aid, and gladly assist him; (510)
But if he turn him away, and refuse their kind intervention, [510]
Zeus they entreat that he join him \^ith At^ ux league, and in

vengeance
Follow him up» and wTong repay with bitter requital
Wherefore, Achilles! honour these daughters of Zeus, and accept

them,
Ev'n as the great and the brave in all time have giv'n thee example.
Had not Atreides proffered thee gifts, and others in future
Promised, but still went on in his course of injustice and insult,
Ne'er would I wish to persuade thee to quit thy wrath, and the

Grecians

Book IX]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

189

Rescue, however distrest But now that he oflTers so noblyj [51S]
Now that he sends our bravest chiefs, the first in thy friendship, (520)
(Chosen, as such, from among the Greeks) to beseech and entreat

thee,
T/iNS mil ki fig ftf*fy advance; O! Teje(5l not the message they bear thee I
Make not their mission vain! how just soe'er were thine anger.
All those heroes of ancient renown whose praises have reached cs.
Most illustrious, ho^^x'er provoked, whatever their anger,
Suffered themselves to be moved by gifl^ and earntsi entreaties.
Much to the pomt is an ancient tale w/tkh well I remember.
Thus it runs. (Your attention my friends 1 claim to the story).
Once the Curetes fought with the brave .'^tolian warriors
C^ly don's walls around ; and great w*as the slaughter on both

sides, (530)

Stoutly stood th^ -4^tolians in arms in defence of the city^
\Xhx\t the Curetes strove on their part to take and destroy it
Artemis' wrath had embroiled them, and sown the seeds of contention.
For that ^"Eneus the first fair fruits had negledied to ofTer
Of that delicious land. While all the other immortals
Hecatombs due received, Jove*s daughter alone was omitted;
Either forgotten or lightly esteemed. But he lived to repent it
Angry at such negIe<St of her shrine^ the dart-dealing goddess
Sent forth a mighty boar, white-tusked and fierce, to devastate
Uncus' fields, and wild was the havoc the monster committed. (540)
Heaps upon heaps he tore up trees by their roots, and their blossoms
Rich with the promise of fruit on earth lay scattered around them.
Him Meleager slew, hrave son of magfumimous ^-En^s,
Gathering together huntsmen and dogs from the neighbouring cities.
No small number sufficed to subdue so dreadful a mmsttr^
Who to his funeral pile had sent fuH many a hunter*
Then for the head of the boar and his bristly skin, did the Goddess
Raise up a mighty tumult, a fierce and deadly contention
'Twixt the Curetes kdd and the proud j^toUan warriors,
WTiile Meleager, reno^Tied in arms, took part in the conflict (550)
in the Curetes fared; nor around the walls of the city
Could they maintain their grounil, though brave and many in number.

tgo

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book IX.

Wrath however, like that which sometimes seizes the wisest,
Rankling within their souls, Meleager conceived, and his anger
Kindled against his mother Althaea. Moody and reckless
Home he withdrew :xnd inactive remained mth his wife Cleopatra,
Daughter of fair Marpessa, the beauteous-footed descendant
Both of Evenus and Idas the mighty^ bravest of mortals,
Such as in those days were (for he feared not Fhoehus Apollo,
Drawing his bow on the God, in defence of his beauteous con-
sort). (560)
Her in their o\xn domestic circle midrtssing^ her parents
Oft Alcyond called, remembVing the time when her mother
Moaning recalled the Halcyon's hapless fate as Apollo
Foncfiiiiy tore her a^s^^y : and the name rtmaimd to their dau^/Uer,
Thus with his wife in angry retirement sate Meleager,
Wroth at his mothers curses; who, seized with a transport of frenzy,
Vengeance invoked on his head from the Gods, for the death of her

brethren.
Oft and long, on her knees, while the tears rolled fast down her

bosom.
Beat she the earth mth her hands, and called on the dweikrs beftmth it^
Hades the gloomy, and dread Pers^phont^ sovereigns of Orcus, (570)
Praying the death of her son- And the Furies from Erebus heard her,
Dire and implacable powVs, who walk in terror and darkness,
Novv round C^lydon's gates the tumult thickened. The ramparts
Shook with the thundering assault. Then all the ^tolian elders
Came, beseeching, and chosen priests of the Gods were deputed
Forth to the rescue to calj him: and great were die gifts that they

offered.
In the most fruitful part of Cilydon^s region they bid him
Fifty acres, enclosed, seled* the best and the richest;
Half, full teeming and rife with the choicest fruits of the vineyard.
Half, already for tillage cleared from the growth of the forest (580)
Suppliant then too came that old *^tolian horseman
-^neus, climbing with paift th6 stair which kd to his chamber,
Shaking the door f^r admissiim^ and clasping the knees of his
oflfspring.

Book LX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

191

All his sisters came and joined their prayers, and his mother
Begged: but the more they prayed, the more he refused, and his

comrades
Most familiar and best beIov*d stood round and entreated*
All he resisted. None could persuade his impltuabk spirit.
But when at length the cont!i<^l's rage his quarter endangered,
When the Curetes had scaled the walls, and set fire to the city.
Then came his beauteous wife whom he loved, the fair Cleo-

patra, (590)

Joining her prayers; and /// n^nmed words she dept^led the horrors
Those must endure, whose town an assaulting army had entered r
How all the men are slain; how the flames spread wide through the

city ;
How the children are torn away, and the deep-bosomed matrons.
This, as she urged» his soul was moved, atid /tis anger almtat
Forth he went, and sheathed his limbs in glittering armour;
And from th' i^tolian city the evil day was averted.
To his own heart he yielded. His couHfrys prayers he rejeHed^
Therefore the proflered gifts they gave him not. Vet he saved them.
Cherish not thoughts like these in thy hearty my friend, my Achilles!
Let not thy evil genius mislead thee. Small were the glory
Half burned ships to\escue wM (urdy aid. Be persuaded,
Come for the gifts: and the Greeks like a god will hail their delivVen
But, if thou fight hut in self -defence^ unmoved by our presents,
Conquest may crown thy arms, yet grateful praise will be absent/'

Thus he spake< Replied then the suift^pursuing Achilles r
**Phtjenix, old and revered, my father, belov'd of th* immortals'
Honour like this I need not. From Zeus is my mission of glory*
That, perchance, may detain me here by ray hollow^-keeled vessels,
^Vliile to my bosom breath, while strength to my knees, shall be

granted (6io)

One thing more let me say, and well shalt thou do to observe itr
Fret not my soul with tears and laments for your hero Atreides,
Taking his part* 77iat man thou must cease to love and to honour,
Wouldst thou not turn to hatred the fond regard which I bear tliee.
Him who hath injured me 'lis fit thou aid me to injure.

19^

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[Book IX.

Come then, partake mf kingdom; and rule, my equal in honour*
Leave it to these their report- to make. Stay thou, and in quiet
Pass here the night in gentle sleep. At the dawn of the morrow
Counsel we, here to remain, or home return to our country,"

Thus he spake: and by nod and bended brow to Patroclus (620)
Silently signed to prepare for Phoenix a bed; and the others.
This observing, prepared from the tent to withdraw. Then, uprisin^^
Great Telamonian Aias, that godlike hero, addressed them:

"Jovedescended son of Laertes, inventive Odysseus!
Let us begone! Not thus shall w^e aught attain, or accomplish
That for which hither we came, and now with speed it behoves us
Back to the Greeks to return and report the result, though unwel-
come.
ThiTft they sit, and expe<5l us.» Too well it appears that Achilles
Harbours within his haughty breast an implacable spirit.
Stubborn, he casts aside the love of his friends and companions (630)
All the honour we paid h;m, as most distinguished among us*
Pitiless 1 Many a man hath forgiv'n the death of a brother,
Or for a son accepted a just and due compensation,
'Quitting the fine, the slayer remains in his tribe immolested
Vengeance and honour remit their claims on the heart of the injured
Soon as the ransom is paid. In thy soul the Gods have implanted
Harsh, implacable thoughts, and an evil heart in thy bosom:
AQ for a single slave. And we offer thee sev'n of the fairest,
Many and noble gifts beside. Let these then appease thee!
Think, that beneath thy roof as guests we stand, by the Grecians (640)
Chosen, to urge their suit, and respe<5t the claim which it gives us
Who among all the Greeks most love, and hold thee in honour."

l*hen making answ^er in turn replied swift-footed Achilles;
"Chief of a htfav'n-descended line, Telamonian Aias!
All thoi! hast said from thy heart direel I perceive thou hast spoken :
But w^hen I think of him, my heart seems bursting with anger,
Errr the scene remrs anew U my mimi, when Atreides
Like some worthless slave before all our army disgraced me»
Therefore return, and bear this message back to your maskr:
Not until Priam's son, the redoubted Heiflor, advancing (650)

Book IX.

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

193

Close to the Mynnidon ships and camp shall arrivei having slaughtered
AM your Greeks^ and consumed with fire your tents and your vessels;
Not till then shall I care to mix again in the confli^^♦
Heel or himself, me thinks, will rest mi n hh rage^ nor adventure,
Bold as he is, to attack the camp and the ships of Achilles.*'

Thus he spake: ami each then seizing a two-handled goblet
Made Ubatioa, and back Uy the ships returnM, Odysseus
Leading the ^^'ay« Pairoclus his comrades and female domestics
Bade for Phtenix a couch forthwith prepare; and the maidens
Qukkiy obeyed, and made ready the couch, ihkk spreading upon it
Fleece from the sheep, with a coverlid fair, and the softest of linen;
UTiere the old hero /// c&mfort slept, awaiting the morning.
Deep in the far recess of his tent reposing, AchiUes
Lay, By his s\dQ reclined a captive damsel of Lesbos,
Fair Dioraedt!, daughter of Phorbas brave* And Patroclus
Slept in an outer tent, and his couch was shared with his paitaer
IsiSp the lovely in form, by Achilles bestow^ ed, when he conquered
Rock -built Scyros, the lofty hold of princfly Evenus,

Now to Atreides' tent the chiefs were come, and the council
Rose, each man from the place where he sate, to receive them, and
offered {670)

Wine in goblets of gold, and asked their news. Agamemnon
First, as sovVeign of all, enquired the result of their mission.

**Tell me, renown'd Odysseus ! 'the pride and boast of Achaia,
Doth he consent? Will he save our ships from the flames of the

Trojans?
Or, still nurturing wTath in his soul— do ye bear his refusal?"

Thus to his question replied the much-enduring Odysseus:
"Great and glorious Atreides, thou kmg of men, Agamemnon!
Far from dismissing his wrath, kt fans its Jfame^ and his bosom
Swells with increasing rage. Thyself, thy gifts, he despises;
Bids thee, as best thou mayst, assemble thy princes, and counsel (6S0)
Take, how to save thy ships and thy host from utter destruction.
As for himself, he threatens at morning's dawn, on the ocean
l^aunching his many-benched ships, to sail, and leave us to perish ,
This, to the Greeks, he says, is the best advice he can offer,

194 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book IX.

Homeward at once to sail; for in vain they hope to accomplish
Lofty Ilion*s fall: since thundering Zeus o*er the city
Stretches his guardian hand, and her sons fresh courage have gathered.
These were his words. There is Aias, who heard them all, and the

heralds
Both in attendance — prudent men — who will vouch what I tell thee.
Phoenix remains behind, in his tent to sleep, and to-morrow (690)
Home to return with him to the dear-lov'd land of his fathers
If he desire to go: for nought will he do to compel him."

Thus Odysseus: and all th' assembly heard him in silence.
Much disturbed at his words; for he spake with unwonted excitement,
Silent and sad thus long remained the sons of Achaia,
Until at length Diomedes rose, and thus he harangued them :

"Atreus* son, most glorious, thou king of men, Agamemnon I
Pity it is thou shouldst e'er have sent to the noble Achilles
Proffering costly gifts, for haughty was ever his nature;
Now to a towering pitch thou hast roused his insolent spirit. (700)
Leave him alone however, to go or to stay at his pleasure,
Choose his own time to fight, as caprice or occasion may di<5late.
Or some diredling pow'r suggest the thought to his fancy.
Now, however, attend to my words, ye Greeks! and obey them:
All of you now take rest ; with refreshing food, and the wine-cup
Comforting first your hearts, for in these are vigour and courage;
But when the rosy-finger'd dawn shall appear in her beauty^
Rouse up, Atreides ! both horse and foot, and in front of our vessels
Set in array and cheer them on, and fight with the foremost."

Thus he spake: and all the princes expressed their approval, (710)
Filled with amaze and delight at the speech of brave Diomedes :
Each man then to his tent retired, first making libation;
Stretched himself down to rest, and enjoyed the blessing of slumber.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK X.

13—2

BOOK THE TENTH.

Argument.

ACAMEMNONy tft great disquietude, goes through the Grecian camp in
the night, awakens Nestor and Diomedej and having sent Menelaiis to
summon the other leaders, they visit the guard at the trench, and hold a
consultation, Diomede offers to proceed to espy the Trojan camp, and
seleHs Odysseus for his companion. They set forth, and meeting Dolon,
a Trojan spy sent out by HeHor, they slay and despoil him, after obtaining
from him information respecting the disposal of the Trojans and auxiliaries,
Ading on this information they enter the encampment of the Thracians
{newly arrived), whom with their king Rhesus they find sleeping. They
slaughter Rhesus and many of his companions, and carry off his chariot
and horses, borne by which they return to the Grecian camp.

ILIAD. BOOK X.

A LL the rest of the Grecian chiefs through the night, by the vessels,

Wrapped in refreshing slumber their wearied spirits recruited.
Only on Atreus* son, the shepherd and guide of his people,
Fell not the blessing of sleep ; for deep were the cares that oppressed

him.
As when th* almighty spouse of fair-hair*d Hera in thunder
Mutters, presaging the pouring rain, or the rush of the hailstorm;
Whitening here the field* with the thick-falling snows of his winter ^
There expanding the dreadful jaws of war on the nations:
Thus from the inmost depths of his laboring breast Agamemnon
Sent forth many a groan; for his soul was troubled within him. (lo)
When o'er the Troian plain his looks he cast, with amazement
There he beheld the fires tliick blazing in front of the city,
Heard the sound of the flutes and pipes, and the murmur of voices :
But when he turned to the ships and viewed the Grecian encampment,
Maddened, his hair from the roots he tore, and tossed it to heaven,
As in reproach of Zeus; his proud heart bursting with anguish.
This to his mind appeared the most desirable counsel:
First to resort to Nestor, Neleus* son, and endeavour.
Aided by him, to devise some well-planned scheme of deliv'rance,
Such as might rescue all their host from the danger impending. (20)

198 . THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book X.

Up he arose at once, and around his bosom a mantle
Wrapped, and his sandals rich to his smooth white feet he adjusted;
Then o'er his shoulders flung the blood-stained skin of a lion
Tawny and huge, to his ankles which reached; and seized on his
jav'lin.

Not with less anxious care Menelaiis* bosom was haunted,
Sleep on his eyelids rested not; for he thought on the Argives,
All they had to endure, those valiant hearts ^ who to I lion
Came o'er the mighty waters to fight and bleed in his quarrel.
O'er his broad back had he thrown in haste the skin of a leopard,
Varied with many a spot. On his head high towered a helmet (30)
Gleaming with brass. In his nervous grasp there quivered a jav'lin.
He to his brother's tent was wending his way, to awaken
Him whom the Greeks obeyed, and as some divinity honoured.
Him he found, at the prow of his ship, in the a6t of attiring.
Just about to set forth. Right welcome indeed was his coming.
Then Menelaiis, great in the roar of battle, addressed him:

"Why art thou arming thus, my brother and chief? Of our comrades
Seek*st thou a man to go forth and espy the force of the Trojans ?
Much I fear that none will dare such risk to encounter.
And in the shade of ambrosial night, as a spy, to adventure (40)

Into the enemy's camp, alone. He were bold who would do it!"

Then made answer in turn the ruler of men, Agamemnon;
"O Menelaiis, Jove-descended! Much it behoves us
Both to adopt some prudent and sound advice, which may rescue
Greece and her fleet: since Zeus hath changed, and withdrawn his

prote6tion.
HeiSlor's prayers have outweighed our own, and his vows are accepted.
Ne'er have mine eyes beheld, ne'er heard I related in story^
Wonders like these, by one man, in a day, devised and completed.
Deeds such as He6tor, sprung from no god, conceived by no goddess,
Here against Greece and her sons hath wrought, and woes hath
inflided, (50)

Many and deep on the Argive host: such woes as Achaia,
Ev'n to her latest day, shall have cause in tears to remember.
Up then ! Run to their ships and Idomeneus summon and Aias,

Book X.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

199

Bid them be ready, while I to the tent of Nestor betake me,

Bid the old chief arise and forth to the guard //? Mif irenchcs.

To that devoted band, proceed, and deliver my orders.

None will they sooner oliey. His son is one of their leaders.

Men on too, Idomeneus* faithful friend and attendant :

These in the chief command are placed and to Nestor will hearken."

Then Meiielaus, great in the roar of battle, responded: (60)

"Tell me, I pray thee» this being done, what next dost thou order j
Shall I remain with the princes there» and await their arrival,
Or shall I follow thy steps, having first delivered thy message?-'

Once more thus then addressed him the king of men, Agamemnon ;
'*Stay thou there; lest, intending to meet we miss one another,
Crmsing ufisinen : for ////- camp is vast, and many the pathways.
Shout, where'er thou goest, aloud, and bid them be waielTful.
Such as thou meet'st, address by the names of their fathers or lineage,
Courteoosly honouring all r and eschew all haughty demeanour.
Earnestly bend we our souls to the work before us i remenib'ring^(7o)
Zeus when he ga\^e us birth ordained this heavy affliction/'

Thus he spoke and his brother, instrucled, went on his errand.
While he himself sought out the shepherd and guide of his people,
Nestor; and him in hm tent he found by his dark-frowming vessels,
Wrapped in soft repose. His arms lay scattered beside him,
Shield and crested helm, and two sharp glitttrring lances;
There too lay the embroidered belt, which that warrior ancient
Girt, when for deadly combat he armed, and bravely his people
Led to the fight : for he suffered not age to deaden his ardour.
Startifig/nnn s/^/>, he raised his head, and leaned on his elbow, (80)
Questioning thus the intruder bold who came to disturb him.

'* Who goes there? What brings thee hither alone and uncalkd f^r^
Thus through the shades of night when all are buried in slumber?
Com*st thou for some of the guards? or seek'st thou one of thy

comrades?
Speak ! Approach me not thus in silence* What is thy business?''

Then making answer replied Atreides, ruler of nations :
"Nestor, Neleus' son, thoti glory and boast of Achaia,
Atrens' son, Agamemnon, before thee stands, above ail men

200 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book X.

Marked by Zeus for distress and care, while yet in my bosom
Lingers the breath of life — while my limbs are able to bear me. (90)
Therefore I wander thus — since sleep on my eyelids descends not —
Sadly revolving the fortunes of war and the woes of the Grecians.
Dread for their fate invades my soul. All firmness forsakes me,
All confus'd are my thoughts. My beating heart from my bosom
Seems as about to leap, and my strong knees tremble beneath me.
Wouldst thou, however, be doing, — since sleep hath fled from thy

pillow —
Let us together proceed and inspedt the guard that we stationed
Outside the rampart wall, lest by toil exhausted, in slumber,
Careless of all, they indulge and negledl their watch and their duty.
Close at hand and alert is the foe, and great the temptation (100)
Under the cover of night to assault our camp and derufhelm us''

Nestor then, the Gerenian knight, this answer returned him :
" Atreus' son, most glorious ! — thou king of men, Agamemnon !
Zeus, be assured, will never to Hedlor grant what he longs for.
All his high-rais'd hopes. His turn ivill come, when Achilles
Rouses himself and turns from his bitter wrath. Then await him,
Labour and woes unnumbered, his short-liv'd triumph to balance.
Thee will I follow at once. Let us summon the chiefs to attend us ;
Brave Tydeides, the spearman renowned, and the noble Odysseus,
Aias the swift of foot, and Meges, Phyleos' offspring. (^'o)

Some one, 'twere well, should speed to call Telamonian Aias,
And the redoubted Cretan prince : for their stations are distant.
Lying away at the last extreme of the camp and the vessels.
Now must I chide Menelaus, who, dear as he is and respedled.
Sleeps, and leaves thee to labour alone. This hardly becomes him.
That must I say: though thy brother's blame incur thy displeasure.
Foremost of all should he be to beseech the chiefs, and to aHion
Urge them: now that so dire a need is pressing upon us."

Then forthwith replied Agamemnon, ruler of nations :
" Old and rez'ered as thou art, thy blame just now he deserves not, (i 20)
Sometimes indeed he seems remiss — less ready in a6lion,
Not, however from sloth, or from dulness of thought or perception.
But that in all he looks to me, and awaits my commencement

BOOKX]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

^oi

This timet however, alert and armedf he came ere my bidding,
And to those very chiefs ihou hast wished sought out, have I sent him.
Come now I seek we the guard, and the chiefs will all be assembled
Outside the gates, beside the trench : for such were my orders.'*

Then responded that ancient knight, Gerenian Nestor:
^* Then is he free from blame : nor will one of the Greeks disobey him,
Or in resentful mood receive the commands he shaiJ give them." {130)
This having said, h^ arese^ and drew o*er his bosom a mnic,
And to his smooth white feet his sandals rich he adjusted;
Round him a purple cloak he threw, with a clasp was it fastened;
Double and ample in foldj and thick with wool was its texture.
Grasping his stout and trusty spear, sharp pointed and glancing.
Forth he strode to the ships of the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia*
Soon to Odysseus* tent he came, Jove's equal in counsel
Him the Gerenian knight in a moment roused from his slumbers,
Shouting aloud. The call went straight to the mind of the sleeper.
Forth from his tent at once he came ; atid thus he addressed t]iem :(i 40)
*' Why are ye going these lonely rounds through the ships and the army
Under the shade of ambrosial night? Is there cause of disturbance.-'"

Thus replied thai ancient chief, Gerenian Nestor:
" Jove-descended son of Laertes, inventive Odysseus I
Deem not amiss that ^^-e wake thee : so dire is the need that besets us,
Come now. Rouse we the rest; each chief who may aid us in council,
Whether to fight or fly, T^uH issue must mnp he MaUfV

This when he heard, Odysseus returned to his ieni f&r a tmmmt^
Braced o'er his shouhleri> his painted shield, and qukkiy rejoined them.
Next unto Tydeus' son Diomedes they came, and they found him, {150}
Sleeping without his tent, futl-armcd: and his commdes around him
All were asleep, with their shields beneath their heads. And their

lances
Fixed upright on their butt-spikes stood, while the bronze of the

w^eapons
Gleamed, like the lightnings of Father Zeus. There slumbered the

hero,
Stretched at his length on a wild bulPs ampie hide; txn^ ftw fiiilmif
Under his head was placed a gorgeous tapestried carpeL

202

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book X

Him from his sleep the Gerenian knight approaching awakened,
Stirring his heel with his foot, and thus, reproving, exhorted :

" Rouse thee ! Tydeus' son. Is it thus that, indulging in slumber,
All night long thou liest; while the Trojan, close to our vessels, (i6o)
On yon height is encamped, and small is the space that divides us."

Thus when addressed, from sleep upsprang the chief in an instant,
And in reply, with ready speech, this answer returned him :
" Wond*rous man ! Unbowed by years thou remit'st not thy labours.
Are there not many, younger than thou, of the sons of Achaia,
Who in thy place might go these rounds and awaken the Princes? ,
Surely such toils are beyond thy strength. Yet nought can subdue
thee."

Nestor then, the Gerenian knight, this answer returned him:
"None but the words of truth itself, my friend, hast thou uttered.
'Tis not however for lack of sons, devoted and helpful^ (170)

No! nor of subjedls, prompt their soz^ reign's itnll to accomplish: —
These might have gone my round. But the need is pressing and

urgent.
Balanced^ as on a razor's edge, is the fate of the Grecians :
Life is on one side; bitter defeat and death on the other.
Yet, as the younger, pitying thus my years and my iveakness^
Up! and arouse great Phyleus' son and Oilean Aias."

This when he heard, o'er his shoulders he flung the skin of a lion
Tawny and huge, to his feet which reached; and seized on his jav'lin.
Forth he sped and aroused the chiefs, whom he led to the council.

Now to the guards being come, through their lines they passed and
observed them. ('80)

Sleeping they found not one of the chiefs, not one of their foltwers.
Watchful, in groups they sate, each warrior grasping his weapon.
As when the vigilant dogs keep restless watch round a sheep-fold,
Hearing the lion's approaching roar, and his rush through the forest,
Down from the mountain borne on the wind, and the shouting of

hunters
Mingled with baying of hounds, and sleep descends not upon them :
Thus from their anxious lids refreshing slumber was banished.
As through that dismal night they watched; with eager attention

Book XJ

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

303

Turned to the field, to gather the slightest move of the Trojans.

These the old chief with deHght beheld and with praises ea-
couraged, (^9^)

Thus, in a few swift uttered w^ords addressing their leaders:
**So far, good, my children! relax not yuur w^atch, nor let slumber
Weigh on your lids and make you a laughingstock to our foemen/'
CheiTingiy thus hanng spoken, the trench he crossed, and ehe princes
Followed his steps: all those who were called to delibVate in council
Merion came, and Nestor^s valiant son w^as among them
Whom, as they passed, the chiefs had summoned to join their assembly.

Now had they traversed the deep-sunk trench and sele^fled a station,
"^^Tiere the clear ground looked out, by the heaps of dead unencumbered
Scattered around : *lwas the place where impetuous Hector from
slaughter (200)

Turned, and checked his viciorious arms, when darkness invoh^ed them.
Down they sate; and each with each exchanged his opinion*
Nestor then, the Gerenian knight, uprose and addressed them :
**//(ff/r tfit^ my friends ; can a man be found so cool and so daring,
S^t/'Possesstti^ atij prtfar€ii for (ht tmrst^ as to mix with tlie Trojans,
Entering their camp. Some straggler perchance he may seize on its

outskirts,
Or in the camp itself some glimpse may gather, some notion
What they devise among themselves, their plans and intentions :
If to remain, by our ships encamped, afar from their city^
Or to complete our defeat, and return, rejoicings to Uion, (210)
This could he learn, and eiudin^ their gmmt^ escape and rejoin us,
Scatheless, such an exploit would exalt his fame to the heavens,
Rumoured abroad among men : and a rich reward should it bring him.
Every chief who commands a ship, in the fleet of the Grecians,
Out of his wealth a r^Ablack ewe with her lamb shall contribute,
Formingi together, a gift most rare: nnetiualled in value:
While ai each festal board a distinguished place shall await him/'

Thus he spake: and the chiefs assembled heard him in silence,
Tin Diomedes, great in the roar of battle, responded:
"Nestor! my spirit is stirred, and bums to accept the adventure. (220)
FortJi will I fare, and explore the hostile camp of the Trojans,

204 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book X.

Close as it is at hand. Yet fain would I have a companion.
Comfort it were : and mutual support would afford, and excitement
Friend upon friend relying^ each wit would sharpen the other,
Seizing, at once, each Vantage point; which one, though perceiving,
Left to himself would be slow to improve, unskilled to interpret."

Thus he spake, and many a chief rose, eager to join him.
Up rose both Aiantes, the two brave servants of Ares ;
Up rose Merion; rose the son of Gerenian Nestor;
Up rose Atreus' son, that spearman staunch, Menelaiis ; (230)

Up rose Odysseus, patient of toil and daring in afiiofiy
Longing the Trojan lines to pierce: so prompted his spirit
These when he saw come forward, outspake the king Agamemnon,
"Tydeus' son! most brave, most dear to my heart! a companion
Choose from among these chiefs thou see'st, the best and the bravest
Many are those who offer. Seledl whom most thou approvest,
Free in thy choice; unbiassed thy mind by respedl or by favour.
Pass not the better to choose the worse through fear of offending.
Lineage or sov' reign rank 'tis now no time to consider ^

Thus Agamemnon in dread lest the choice should fall on his
brother. (240)

Brave Diomedes however took up the word, and addressed them.
"Since ye enjoin me thus to choose my companion in danger^
How can my soul forget the claims of godlike Odysseus,
Wary, and cool of heart, yet bold of spirit and ready.
Every danger to face, and the fav'rite of Pallas Athen^?
Wisdom like his through fiery flames would safely condu6l us
Back to our friends. For ready resource there lives not his equal."

Thus to his words responded the much-enduring Odysseus:
"Praise me not thus, Tydeides! Both praise and blame are superfluous
Here in the priesence of Greeks who know us well, and the
time J toOy (250)

Presses, Let us begone ! Far spent is the night, and the dawning
Nears. The stars in their course decline. Two watches are ended,
And but a third of the night is left to complete our adventure."

Thus the chiefs; and in arms to their purpose suited^ equipped them.
Brave Thrasymedes then to Tydeides a two-edged falchion

Book X.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

205

Lent, his own being left in his tent whm summmttd by Nestor;
SJung o'er his shoulders his shield ; and a leathern cap for a helmet,
Coneless and crestless, placed on his head; such cap as to soidkrs
Undistmguish'd^ and youth tmtrmned^ affords a protedlion,
Merion to noble Odysseus a bow supplied and a quiver; (260)
Gave him, moreover, a sword. On his head was fitted a helmet
Wrought of the buIFs tough hide, and with many a thong from

within it
Tightly secured. Without, the ivory tusks of a. wild boar,
And the white, close-ran g*d teeth in his jaws, which surrounded the

helmet,
Grinned, a suffictent fence; and of thick sewed wool was the lining.
This from AniyntoTj Homienus' son, at the sack of his city
Eleon, brave Autolychus took, when he plundered his palace;
He to Amphidamas gave it, Cythera's prince, at Scand^a;
V^Q upon Moius his guest as a friend ly token bestowed it.
Thence by Meiiones, Molus* son^ to be worn it descended, (270)
Destined now to proteift the sacred head of Odysseus.

Thus wer€ the pair equipped^ having tlonned tlieir terrible armour.
Forth they fared, and behind them left the camp and the council
Then, by their path, on the right a heron upsprangy by Athend
Sent, as a favouring sign. They saw not the bird; for the darkness
Hid him from view; but kis fry they heard, ^/if// the clang of his rising.
Gladly Odysseus heard it; and thus he prayed to Alhen^:
"Hear me! daughter of -^.gis- bearing Zeus, who hast ever
Nobly sustained me in all my toils; who regardest my movements.
Go where I will Now lend thy peculiar aid and proteclion! (2S0)
Grant that, achieving some great exploit, some deed that the Trojans
Deeply may me, we regain our ships in safety and triuraph,"

Thus, too, devoutly prayed Dioraedes, mighty in battle :
**Hear me too! invincible daughter of Zeus, and be nigh me
Ev'n as thou wentest with Tydeus, my noble father, to ThebjE,
When from Asopus' banks by the Achaians sent as their envoy.
Leaving his friends behind, he set forth alone on his mission.
Ptace was Ms ahjdi, friendly the terms he brought the Cadmeans,
Yet did he find his return a task &/ tmi and &/ dangir. (^^9)

2o6 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BOOK X.

Dread were the deeds he achieved, by thee, great Goddess! assisted.
Me too assist, and protedl through all the toils that await me.
So will I lead to thine altar a spotless heifer, a yearling,
Broad of front, unbroken, and yet to the yoke unaccustomed.
This, overlaying her horns with gold, in thy fane will I offer."

Earnestly thus they prayed, and their prayer reached Pallas Athend
Then, to the daughter of mighty Zeus having made their petition,
On they went, like lions who seek their prey ^ through the darkness
Striding, through slaughter and blood, among thick-strown arms and
o'er corses.

Nor in the Troian camp did He6lor suffer to slumber
All that mighty host, but called their rulers together; (300)

Thither they came, each chieftain brave and experienced leader:
And in their presence thus he disclosed the thoughts of his bosom:
" Where is the man who, for great reward, well worth his acceptance.
Danger and toil o'erpaying, a daring deed will accomplish?
He as a prize shall receive the fairest car and the swiftest
Horses, with flowing manes, which Greece can boast in her armies.
Glory, besides, shall he win, who will enter their camp, and, ap-
proaching
Close to their ships, their state and future plans shall discover:
Whether with vigilant watch they guard their vessels as usual,
Or by their late defeat and the past days struggle exhausted, (310)
Toil-worft, and broken in strength, they relax their guard, and con-
template
Nought but to speed their flight, with the coming dawn, der the ocean^
Thus he spake. But th' assembly received the proposal in silence.

Now, of the Troian host was there one, the son of Eumedes,
Dolon by name; a wealthy man, and a herald by office.
Swift of foot, though ill to behold in form and in feature;
Only brother of sisters five. From the host of the Trojans
Forth he stepped, and to Hedlor's proposal thus he responded :

" Hedlor ! my prompting spirit is longing to try this adventure.
Forth to their ships will I wend my way, and learn their intentions. (320)
Hold up thy sceptre, albeit, to Heav'n, and swear thou wilt give me
Those brave steeds, and the car with brass inlaid and refulgent,

BookX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

207

Which the divine Achilles bear, when advaming i& batiks
77it(s assured, will 1 prove no idle scgut. Hiou mayst trust me*
Into the heart of their force will I make ray way; to the quarter
Where Agamemnon lies^ and where all their leaders in council
Now perchance are debating the question of flight or of combat."

Hedor his sceptre raised, and swore ihe oath he demanded :
"Witness, immortal Zeus 1 Loud thundering ! consort of Her^ I
None of our Trojan host shall mount that car, or those horses (3J0)
Drive, save Do ion alone. Be his the boast to possess them/'
Thus he swore. But vain was the oath. Yet the man was encouraged.
Forthwith across his shoulders his crooked bow he suspended,
Flung o'er his armour a grey wolfs skin, and braced on a head-piece^
Lined with a weasel's fur, and a sharp, light dart was hrs weapon*
Forth from the camp he went and shaped his course for the vessels ;
Destined no more to return, and to bring no tidings to Hector,

Now had he left behind the crowd of men and of horses,
Cheerily pressing on, when Odysseus heard him approaching;
And to the coming steps he called his comrade's attention : (340)
** Hark I Diomedes. Some one comes from the camp of the Trojans :
Either a spy by the foe sent forth to discover our movements,
Or some plundering wretch, intent on stripping the corses.
This i^e Qtir plan: Let us suffer him first some trifle to pass us,
Aii umuspi^^ing: then from behind msh smart Jy upon him,
ShouM he by swiftness of foot elude our grasp, let us drive him.
Always farther away from his friends, to the ships of f/i€ Greemns^
And with our threatened spears intercept his escape to the city."

Thus agreed, some space they stepped aside from the pathway,
Crouching them down among the dead. On hastened their viHim^i^^o)
Thoughtless. When passed such space as the swifter mules on the

oxen
Gain, when ploughs they drag from end to end of a fallow.
Cleaving the deep iefmdims soil with the glittering ploughshare,
Quickly they followed him up. He stopped at the sound of tlieir

footsteps.
Not without lurking hope that on orders issued by Hed^or,
Messengers swift had been sent from the Trojan camp to recall him.

2o8 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. . [Book X.

But when within a jav'Iin's cast approached he perceived them,
Knowing them then for foes, at once to flight he betook him,
Straining each adlive hmb : and they put forth their strength to pursue

him.
As when two rough-toothed hounds through the bush and brake of

the forest, (360)

Trained to the chase, pursue some flying hare, or a roebuck;
Screaming with terror he flies, and relentless press his pursuers.
Thus Diomedes brave, and Odysseus^ razer oi cities.
Hemming him in, his retreat cut off, and drove him before them.

Now had he neared the Grecian ships and the guard at the trenches,
And in Tydeides' bosom the thought arose, (by Athend
Sent) that some other hand might arrest his flight, or might slay him,
Winning a cheap renown, and himself stand second in glory.
Threatening then with his spear on rushed at once Diomedes.
"Stop then! or with this lance will I reach thee. Think not to

'scape me! (370)

Take but another step, and sure destru<5lion awaits thee."
Thus he cried, and his spear he hurled, not meaning to strike him.
O'er his right shoulder glancing the weapon passed, and before him
Stood with its point in the ground, upright. Sore trembling he halted,
Stamm'ring with fear. Loud chattered his teeth in his mouth, and

a paleness
Spread o'er his ghastly face. On, panting, came his pursuers.
Pinning his arms where he stood. Then weeping thus he addressed

them:
"Spare my life! and a ransom accept. I am rich. In abundance
Gold I possess, and brass, and steel well tempered and burnished.
All that I have will my father gladly send, for my ransom, (380)
Soon as he learns that his son survives at the ships of the Grecians."

Thus then, with artful address replied deep-scheming Odysseus :
"Be of good courage. Let no thought of dying disturb thee.
Tell me at once, and tell me without reserve or evasion,
Why through the gloomy night, when mortals sleep, dost thou journey
Thus alone, on the way to our ships, from the camp of the Trojans?
Art thou a plund'rer intent on stripping the dead? Or hath He6lor

Book X.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEfi,

209

Sent thee forth to espy our forces and oyr plans to discover^
Down at our hollow ships? Or goest thou in quest of adventures?"

Thus then Dolon replied, his knees still shaking with terror: (390)
"Hedor it is who hath led me, against my will, into trouble,
O AT ring a rich reward,* m kss than the steeds of Achilles.
These^ and his gioritms chariot refulgent with brass, would he give me,
Would I but go through the night's swift-fleeting shade, and ap-
proaching
Close to your host, yaur state and fntvre pr^JcHs discover!
Wliether, with vigilant watch ye guard your vessels as usual,
Or, by your late defeat, and the day's past struggle e^haustedj
ToUw&tfi and broken in stret^h^ relax your guard, and contemplate
Nought, save at break of dai\ to speed your flight. ^V/' the ocean"

Seornfuity smiling, thus replied the thoughtful Odysseus: {400)
"High hath thy mind been set, and a noble prize hast thou aimed at;
Dread -^^cides* steeds ! They are ill to drive, and submit them
Hardly to mortal hand; and to none, save that of Achilles,
Goddess-bom as he is. In trnin wmdd another attempt it
Come now! Tell me, again, without disguise or evasion^
Where didst thou leave great He<ftor, the shepherd aod guide of

his people?
Wliere are his martial arras, and where his chariot and horses?
How are the tents and watches disposed of the rest of the Trojans?
WTiat devise they among themselves — their plans and intentions?
If to remain by our ships encamped, afar from their eity\ (410)
Or to complete our defeat and return in triumph to I lion,"

Thus did Dolon, Eumedes* son, reply to his questions:
"AU that 1 know without reserve or disguise will I tell thee.
Hedor, with all the distinguished leaders and chiefs of the Trojansj
Gatliered at lbs' tomb, are now debating in council.
Far from the tumult and noise. For the guards of whom thou

enquirest^
Chosen bands are there none keeping watch and ward for the army.
All of Troian birth, who have hearths and homes in the city,
Sleepless (for so th* occasion requires) exhort one another,
Sharply to watch. Not so those reckiess auxiliar forces, {A^^)

2IO

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Booic X.

Summoned frora far. These sleep, and cast all care on the Trojans :
Children and wives at hand have they none to render them anxious,"

Then replying in turn, dius spake deep- scheming Odysseus ;
" How are those foreign troops disposed? With the host of the Trojans
Sleep they mixed, or apart? This tell me clearly and briefly^
Dolon, Eumedes' son, made prampt reply to his question :
*'This too, in full detail and without reserve, will I tell thee.
Seaward are camped the Carian troops and Pseonian bowmen,
Leleges then, Cauconians next, and the noble Pelasgi,
Landward towVds Thymbra, the Mysians fierce and Lydian
warriors, (430)

Phrygian charioteers, and the crested bands of Muionia-
Yet what boots it to name by name each several nation?
If ye but seek the readiest way our encampment to enter.
There, at the farthest extreme, but just arrived, are the Thracians^
Led to the war by Rhesus their sovereign, son of Eioneus.
Ne*er did mine eyes such steeds behold, so large and so beauteous.
Whiter than drifted snow, and outstripping the wind in their fleetness*
Suck kis st&dsl and his car with gold is refulgent and silver,
Skming in arms he came, all gold, gigantic and glorious :
W^ondrous to view ! Such arms as scarce seem fit for a mortal (440)
Here upon earth to wear; such arms as a god might appear in.
Send me now to the ships. / wiii yitid me then as your capHve^
Or, if ye doubt ^ then bind me hand and foot ^ and in fetters
Leave me here to await your return. Returned ye shall judge me, •
If I have failed of the truth in a singk point of my story,"

Then mxh a frown severe replied the stem Diomedes :
"Think not, Dolon ! now to escape, since once I have caught thee ;
Though thou hast told us much that is good and perchance may be

useful:
For should we spare thyfotfeit life and dismiss thee in freedom^
Sure may we be to find thee again at the ships of the Grecians, (450)
Craftily spying our ways, or in arms in the ranks of our foemen.
Now if I use a conqueror's right, and cut short thy existence,
Greece hath one foe the less to subdue, one traitor to punish."

Harshly he spake, and in suppliant guise his hand while the prisoner

Book X.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

2tl

Raised, as in a<5l to stroke his beard, with a sweep of his falchion
Cut through his neck at once, and the severed head down turabUng
Rolled in the dust, its unfinished prayer still horribly muttVing,
Then from the head they stripped its weasel capj /rem his shi>iiMers
Tore off the grey wolfs hide ; his bow recurv^ed and his jav'Iin
Seized, and to Pallas Athena, delighting in spoil and in cmguesl^ (460)
Godlike Odysseus raised them aloft, and preferred his petition:
'* Hiil ! great goddess ! Accept these spoils I Of all the immortals
Thee do we first invoke. O guide our steps, and direct us
"WTiere we may find this Thracian chief, his tents and his horses."

Such was the prayer he uttered, as lifting the spoils, he affixed them
High on a lam arisk's branch : there left them, a mark for their guidance
Back returfdng; and reeds he gathered, and boughs of the Um'risk
Heaped, in a pile conspicudus, to point out the place in the darkness.
Then through th' ensanguined plain, among scattered arms and o'er

corses,
On they pressed, and soon they reached tlie band of the Thracians, (470)
Sleeping they found them, overcome by toil : and ready beside them
AH their resplendent arms on the ground lay assorted in order,
Forming a triple line, and by each his steeds and his chariot
Rhesus, their king, in the midst lay sound asleep, and his horses,
Swift as the wind^ stood bound to the rail at the back of his chariot,
These, perceiving, Odysseus at once pointed out to Tydeides ;

"This is the man» Tydeides, and these those marvellous coursers
Praised in such vaunting terms by Do I on, the spy whom we

slaughtered.
Now be doing! exert thy might: for ill it beseems thee
Idly to stand, with arms in hand Come! quickly unloose them: (4S0)
Or do thou slay the men, and mine be the care of the horses/'

Thus he spake* But Tydeides, with rage inspired by Athen^,
Smote round about him, and slew. Deep groans each sweep of his

weapon
Followed in dr^^ response, and the ground with blood \\*as impurpled.
As when b, famished lion, intent on mischief and slaughter.
Some unproteded flock of sheep or of goats hath invaded,
So came down on the Thracian host infuriate Tydeides,

14—2

THE ILIAD OF HOME H,

[BOOK X.

Twelve had he slain* Meanwhile Odysseus, wary and thoughtful,
Fast as Tydeides struck^ came after, and seized on the vidlimp
Dragging him back by the feet; thus dm ring a way: for he

dreaded {490)

Lest that in leading them forth, the steeds, unaccustomed to slaughter.
Freshly arrived, and new to war, at sight of the corpses
Startled j might rear and refuse on the ghasfiy rdics to trample.
But when Tydeides reached the spot where Rhesus was sleeping,
Him, thirteenth, he deprived of the cheerful light of the living.
Gasping he lay, for a threat'ning vision, sent by Athen^,
Stood o'er his head that livelong night, hke tlie grandson of ^neus.

Cauiioasfy now had Odysseus the horses unbound from the chariot,
Led, by the reins conjoined, and brought tliem forth, with his

bo\^^tring
lushing them on. Of the scourge he bethought him not, which was

lying (500)

Ready for use, with the arms, on the gorgeous seat of the chariot*
Sounding a signal note, then warned he the brave Diomedes;
He, meanwhiie, intent on some feat of more terrible daring,
Doubted awhile, if to draw fonh the car by its pole^ or to lift it
Modify ouff by enormofis strength; or to rush on the Thracians,
Taking the lives of many, afid spreading a wider destruilion.
Thus while he stood debating, his gmrdian gaddesSj Athene,
Came to his aiil and beside him stood And thus she advised him;

"Son of the noble Tydeusl Bethink thee now of returning
Qiiietiy back to the ships; or in flight, and pursued j thou mayst

reach them^ (Sio)

Should some unfriendly power arouse the Trojans against tliee."
Thus she spake, and Tydeides obeyed the voice of the Goddess;
Quickly the car he ascended; Odysseus lashed on the horses,
Using his bow for a scourge; and they flew to the camp of the

Grecians,
Nor was the God of the silver bow unwatchful or careless.
Soon as Athena he saw thus lending her aid to Tydeides,
Down in anger he came, and mixed with the host of the Trojans,
Rousing from sleep Hippdcoon, leader sage of the Thracians,

Book X,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

213

Nearly allied to Rhesus by birth: who, starting from slumber,
Soon as he missed the vanished car, and the horses of Rhesus, (520)
Rolling in blood when he saw the corses, yet in their death-patig.
Burst forth in tears and laments^ and called on the name of his

comrade.
Roased by his cries, the Trojans with wild, unspeakable uproar
Ran to the spot, and aghast they stood, when they saw the de-

stni<5lion
Wrought by men now far beyond their pursuit, and in safety*
Now when the chiefs had arrived where He<5lor's spy they had

slaughtered,
There did Odysseus draw the reiru Diomedes, alighting,
Took fivm ilu tamarisk's branch his blood-stained spoils, to Odysseus
Handing them. These in the car bestowed, he remounted.
Sounded the lash once more, and the horses fiew, unreluclant (230)
Skiptming i/t^. piam to the hollow ships^ *w longing to reach them,
Nestor first perceived the approaching sound of the chariot
'* Friends!" he said, "ye leaders of Greece I ye counseHing sages I
Is it illusion or truth that my raind impels me to utter ?
Surdy mine ears perceive the tramp of horses approaching I
Oh, may Hem/n grant thai Odysseus and brave Diomedes returning,
Bring from the Trojan foe some chariot and steeds as their trophy I
SaJiy I fear me, however^ lest these, the best of our leaders.
Some mischance have befall'n in the whelming rout of the Trojans,**
Still were his words unfinished^ when up drove the chiefs in their

^hariet, (S40)

Down to the ground at once they sprang. Then great the rejoicings
Many the hands exteruled, and cordial and warm was their welcome*
Thus then, Odysseus addressing, enquired Gcrenian Nestor:

*'Tell me now, great Odysseus, thou boast andpndeofour nation,
^^Tience are these noble steeds? Have ye won them in fight with the

Trojans?
Or have ye met some God in your way, at wbose hands ye received

them,
j4// cdestiai, and beaming with sun-bright whiteness and splendour?
Oft have I pierced the Trojan ranks and mixed with thetr battle,

2H.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BoOiC X.

Nor hath old age detained me a laggard here at our vessels,
Yet have I ne'er observed such steeds as these. Of a surety (SSo)
These art tw earthly hirds spotis. Some God hath bestowed them.
Favoured indeed are ye both by the cloud-compelling Kronion,
And by the ^gis-bearer's virgin daughter, Athene!"

Thus to his questions answered the deeply scheming Odysseus :
**Nestor! Neleus* son! Thou glory and boast of our nation!
Horses indeed like these, or better^ in form and in sufiftness,
Might some bmignani Fow'r with ease have bestowed, had it pleased

him.
These however, O reverend sire! of which thou enqulrest,
Mortal by hlrih^ are freshly arrived with the prince of the Thracians,
Whom Tydeides hath slain with twelve of his bravest companions, (560)
Aye, thirteen; for a sco^t we caught not far from our vessels
Whom, as a spy, to inspect our force €tnd disan'tr mtr mm>enients
He6lor had sent, and all the assembled princes of Troia."

Thus, exuking, he spake. And the prancing steeds and the chariot
Thundered across the trench, and the chiefs all followed, rejoicing.
Then, when they reached at length the stately tent of Tydeides,
Freed from the yoke ^ the steeds were bound with thongs to the manger.
Evenly cut, and with Diomed's coursers swift, in his stable
Duly ranged, with an ample store of com were provided-
Dolon's ensanguined spoils in the stem of his vessel Odysseus (570)
Safely lodged as a votive oifring, due to Athene.

Now to the beach repaired the wearied chiefs, and their persons
Laved in the sea's pure wave; and the gore and sweat which defiled

them
Cleansed from their necks and reeking limbs with plenteous ablution.
Thence, restored in strength and refreshed at heart, they betook them
Each to his polished bath; where diey bathed at ease and anointed,
Suppling their stiffened frames with abundant oil, and with odmrs.
Then to a full repast they sate them down; and libations
Poured, ere they drank, of the rich red wine, to Pallas Athen^. (579)

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XI.

BOOK THE ELEVENTH.

Argument.

A T daybreak Agamemnon arms and the Greeks march forth again to
battle. The fortunes of war remain doubtful till noon, when the Greeks
prevail and the Trojans fly, Agamemnon performs prodigies of valour,
He^lor^ warned by Iris to retire awhile from the fight ^ obeys, Agamemnon
is wounded and obliged to quit the field^ when HeHor again advances.
The tide of success now turns, Diomede is wounded by Paris^ and
Odysseus by Socus, Aids and Menelaus rescue him, but are forced to
retreat, Machaon is wounded by Paris^ and mounting the car of Nestor,
is borne from the field. Achilles observes them returning and sends
Patroclus to Nestor's tent to make enquiries. Nestor exhorts Patroclus
to obtain permission to assume the arms of Achilles and bring the Myrmi-
dons to aid the Greeks, Returning he meets Euryalus wounded, who
infonns him of the evil plight of the Greeks^

ILIAD. BOOK XL

Tj^OS now had forsaken the couch of rev Vend Tithonus,

Mom announcing, wdwme alike to Gods and to mortals.
Eris, commissioned by Zeus, now sought the ships of the Grecians,
Rearing aloft the dread Gorg&tiian symbol of battle.
High she stood on the vast dark-frowning ship of Odysseus,
Whence upon either hand might echo the sound of her war-cry,
Here from the ships and tents of the great Telamonian Aias,
There from Achilles* camp— the remotest posts— under leaders,
Sure by iheir valour and strength of hand to maintain their position.
There stood the Goddess, and raised the loud Orthian strain, and in
accents (lo)

Terrible shouted aloud; each heart with courage inspiring,
And the determined resolve to fight lo the last and to conquer.
Sweeter by far to their souls was now tlie prosped of battle.
Than to return in their ships to the dear-lov'd land of their fathers.
Now through the camp went fonh the command to arm, by Atreides
Loudly proclaimed. He himself assumed his radiant armour.
First, his manly legs with the polished greaves he invested.
Clasping them firmiy on with rich-wmught buckles of silver;
Then o*er his ampk chest he braced the glittering corslet
Erst by Cinyris giv'n as a parting token of friendship, (20)

Andj when to Cyprus the news was borne that the Greeks had
assembled^

2l3

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XI.

Must'ring their ships, and preparing to sail for the conquest of Ilioii^
Sent with a message of kindly regard to the sovVeign of Aigos*
Ten were the bands of azure steel which its fabric surrounded,
Twelve of refulgent gold, and twenty of tin. From each shoulder.
Up to the neck, three snakes of steel were twined, and, inarching,
Shone with effulgent hues all various^ev'n as the rainbow^
Which in his clouds great Zeus hangs forth, a sign unto mortals*
Over his shoulder his sword he slung i Us hUt was of sUvtr^
Studded with golden stars, and a silver scabbard enclosed it, (30)
Fitted with golden rings, whmc€ it hung by a baMnc suspendtd.
Next his protecting shield he raised, resplendent and gorgeous.
Strengthened with tenfold brass round its mighty orb. On its convex
Twice ten bosses arose of /?/r^ white tin, and among them,
Central coftspiaimis^ one, of the dark-blue steel, where a Gorgon
Frowned, aU ghastly and dread to behold j and round it were

sculptured
S/iudd'rtJig Terror and Meadhmg Flight, Defeat and Cimftisimh
This, at his back when slung, by a chain ^as supported of silver
Bright, with a serpent of steel entwined. Three heads p/tke mmsier
Hissing three diverse ways, in a single neck were united, (40)

Then on his head his helm embossed he placed, four-crested,
Horse-tail crown'd i right fearfully nodded the crests from above it
Lastly two mighty spears he grasped : with bronze were they pointed,
Sharp; from whose gleaming blades bright sunbeams back into ^ther
Flashed Loud thimdMng, Athena and Hera looked down with

approval,
Joying in arms to behold the sovereign of wealthy Mycenae-

Now to each charioteer the command was issued, to muster
All their cars in the rear at the trench, and range them in order*
Leadei^ and folfwers advanced on foot, full armed ; and an uproar
Wild, unceasing, arose as they took their ground in the twilight* (50)
Forming in line before the trench, in advance of the chariots;*
These came slowly behind in array. By Kronfon excited,
Burst from the host a tumultuous shout Then down from the aether^
Tom by their ery, red drops of blood came showering upon them,
Dreadfully shadowing forth the fate of many a warrior.

BOOK XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

319

N^i less uUri^ on a slope overlooking the plain, were the Trojans
Gathered round mighty Heftorj Polydamas, noble and stainless,
Great -^neas, in Troy as a god respe£led and honoured;
Polybus tooj and Agenor divine, and, the youngest among them^
Acamas — godlike men, the three brave sons of Antenor, (60)

Hedtor upreared in the van the smooth round orb of his buckler.
But like the baleful star now Mazing forth in its glory,
Brighfning the skies, now plunging in clouds and lost in their

darkness,
Thus might the hero be seen; conspicuous now TsHth the foremost.
Now disappearing, mixed with the reanvard ranks; giving orders;
Flashing, all brass, now here, now there, like the lightnings of heaven.

As when reapers in bands opposed^ advance on the harvest,
Where in some rich man s field the com stands thick ; to their sickles
Down falls the plenteous swathe, and armful is heaped upon armful :
Thus did the Trojans and thus the Greeks, in mutual slaughter (70)
Mow down each other's ranks. None thought of flight or o/yieMing^
Equal they lifted their heads in the fight, and rushed on each other
Wolf-like. Eris looked on exulting, and sladked through the earnage
Sole; in the strife alone of the Gods permitted to mingle.
None of the bright celestial host were there, but inadive
Sitting {so Zeus decreed)^ each god kept close in the palace
Built for his use by Hephutstu^ art on the heights of Olympus.
Murmuring they sate and accused the partial will of Kronfon,
Grudging the glory hts hig)^ decree for the Trojans had destined
Nought recked he of their murmtirs. Alone, superhr^ and awful^ (So)
Wide remote from them all, enthroned he sate in his glory.
Viewing beneath him the Trojan tow'rs and the ships of the Grecians,
Marking the flash of their arms 00 the field; the slain, and the

slayers.
Now, while the sacred day advanced, and the light was increasing,
Fell their blows with equal effect, and alike was the slaughter.
But when the hour had arrived, when the woodman pauses from

labour
In the deep mountain dell, and prepares his meal ; when with felling
Many a lofty tree his arms wax faint; with approval

220

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XL

Scanning his morning's work he bethinks him of rest and refreshment;
Then, with a mighty cheer, and united rush, did the Grecians (90)
Break through their foemen*s line with resistless force. Agamemnon
First rushed on, and Bienor, the shepherd and guide of his people,
Smote, and Oileus, his faithful attendant who guided their horses.
Forth from his chariot springing Bienor advanced, but Atreides
Met him as on he rushed, and deep in his forehead his jav'liii
Fked. His vizor in vain resisted the force of the weapon.
Heavy with bronze. Through that and the bone it went, and com-
mingled
Blood with his brains. Thus fell t/te first 7vh& (tfp&sui Agamcmnmi,

These on the ground he left, in t/t^ throes qfdi'atk^ Tvith their bosoms
Bare, and exposed to the ga^e of alJ, for he stripped off their
armour* (100)

Then upon Isus he rushed, and Antiphus, eager to slay them
Both in one chariot, Priam*s sons; one, offspring of wedlock ;
One of unsanctioned love ; and to him the reins were entrusted.
Anliphus wielded the spear and shield. By god/ike Achilles
Both had been seized and with osier bands in the passes of Ida
Bound, where their flocks they tended, and both were released upon

ransom,
Desiimd t& fall hy the hand of Atreus* son Agamemnon.
Isus he pierced with his spear through the breast and hurled from the

chariot;
Keen, beneath Antiphus' ear fell the side-I^g m^eep of\i\% falchion.
Both he despoiled of their arms. Then first their features per-
ceiving (no)
Well he remembered both to have seen, when down to the vessels
Captives they came from Ida's heights in the train of Achilles.
As when a lion, invading Xhtii ptmcfid lair in the forest^
Seizes two trembling fawns in his murderous fangs and detvurs thtm^
Crushing the life from their tender hearts in the sight ofthdr mother:
She, although close at hand, can help them nought, but itith anguish
Stricken^ and wHd with affright breaks forth, nor stays to bchoid th€m
Perish y but swift through bushes and tang/ed glades of the woodland
Flies, all trembling and sweat-bedewed» from the rage of the monster:

Booic XL]

THE Il/AD OF HOMER,

Powerless tTius to avert their comrades' fate* and in terror (120)

Each for himself* the Trojans fled from the wrath of the Argives,
Next J Pi Sander he smote, and Hippolochus fearless \n combat
These were Antitnachus' sons* a brave but projii^att noble,
Whom with rich gifts and gold Alexandres Imbed, and persuaded
Great Menelaiis* claim to oppose, when his wife he demanded.
These, his sons, Agamemnon encountered, both in one chariot
Borne J and pra*flised alike to Jigki or govern their horses.
Soon as Atreides they saw like a lion rushing upon them,
Zan^^ uplifted^ bewildered, the reins they dropped, and the coursers
Reared: then with terror struck on tJieir knees they fell and besought
hini; {150)

*'Spare our lives! O AtreideSj and take the ransom we offer.
Untold wealth in Antimachus* house lies stored. In abundance
Gold he possesses, and brass, and steel, weil tempered and burnished.
All he hath, without stint, will he lay at ihy feet for our ransom,
Soon as he hears that his sons survive at the ships of the Grecians.''
Suppliant thus, and in tears they besought the king, and in accents
Gentle their prayer preferred. An ungentle speech was their answer:
** If from Antimachus' loins ye spring, thai wretch^ who in council
Dared to propose to the Trojans the murder of brave Menelaiis,
When with divine Odysseus in sacred gu he ^ an envoy (140)

Iliads gates^ with assurance of safe rttum^ he had entered.
Die] for your father*s monstrous crime this day shall ye suffer,**

Thus he spake, and Pisander at once he hurled from his chariot,
Pierced through tlie heart supine he tell and his spirit forsook him.
Then from the car Hippolochus sprang. But the sword of Atreides
Reached him, and lopped his hands^ and severed his neck ; and the

vi<flor
Rolled, like a bowl, the Meeding head in the midst of the Trojans,
Then to the thick of the fray rushed on, where the struggle was

fiercest.
Densest the ranks of the foe: and the Argives followed their leader.
Forthwith commenced a headlong rout, where footman by foot-
man (150)
Perished, and horse by horse, L&tid clashed their arms, and to heaven

THE TUAD OF HOMER,

[Book XL

Mounted the dust from ihousiuids ^thund'ring hoofs, Agamemnon^
Naving his way through the flying ranks, pressed 011+ and, unceasing^
Cheered on the Greeks to the race, and dealt destrutlion around him*
As when the flames invade some dense, impassable forest,
Rolling along with the eddying wind they spread, and the branches,
Trunks and roots in a mingled and blazing mass are confounded:
Thus* before Atreus' son swept down, lay the ranks of the Trojans :
Prostrate forms and helmc^d heads. Steeds, guideless and frantic.
Whirled through the gaps of the battle their empty cars, to the

breezes (1^0)

Tossing their floating manes; while the riders, trampifd behind them ^
Strew etl the plain; to their wives less pleasing by far than to vultures.
Hector had Zeus withdrawn from the crush and dust of the confli<£l.
Out of the reach of the w^eapons, the slaughtcTi the blood, and the

tumult,
Uliile Agamemnon pursued ^xA called on the Argives to follow.

Thus the discomfited host by the tomb of Dardanian Ilus,
^V^lere the wild fig-tree stands in the midst of the plain, in confusion
Swept J pushing on for the town* Agamemnon, shouting behind them^
Followed them close, his hands imbrued with the blood of his foemen :
These, when the Scaean gate they at length had reached, and the

beech-tree, (170)

Panting and breathless^ halted aw^hile and awaited their comrades^
Who through the midst of the plain from Atreides fled, like the

frighted
Kine, i¥hich» in darkling hour of their ev'ning milking, a Hon
Scaresp All fly in dismay* One, luckless, escapes not destru<5liotu
Her with his fangs he seizes, and breaks her neck, and resistless
Tears her down, and laps her blood, and gorges her entrails.
Thus did Atreides rush on the fl>ing host of the Trojans,
Slaughtering even the hindmost, and thus were they scattered before

him.
Prone from his car was hurled full many a warrior, or backward
^^^gi^, lay supine, by Atreides slain in ad%*ance of the Grecians, (tSo)
But when at length he approached the lofty walls of the city,
Th^u/rom his thnme nprase the* father of Gods and of moitals,

Book XI.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

223

Do\rQ from Olympus ke came and on Ida's summit alighted,
Streaming with rills ; there sate, his right hand grasping the lightning :
Iris the golden wing d then summoned and charged with a message :

"Hie thee away, sw^ift Iris! this message deliver to Hetftor,
While he shall see Agamemnon, the shepherd and guide of his people
Raging in front of the battle, and thinning the ranks of the Trojans,
So long bid him withdraw; but exhort the rest of his armj^
Bravely to fight, and maintain their ground in the dttbimis conflifl, (190)
Soon as, however, by spear transfixed, or struck by an arrow.
Wounded he mounts his car^ then strength will I pour into He<5lor
Onward to rush and slay, and to drive the Greeks to their vessels,
Ev^n till the sun shall set and sacred night shall involve them/'

Thus he spake; nor did wind-swift Iris pause for a moment :
Down towards Illon's holy walls from Ida she darted*
Hedtor she found, great Priamus' godlike son, mid the Trojans
Stationed \ around him a ciost-wed^d throng of horses and chariots.
Close to his car approaching, the swift-wing*d Goddess addressed
him:

"He<5tor! the noble Priamus' son, Jove's rival in counsel, (200)
Hear the command our father Zeus hath bid me deliver f
While thou shak see Agamemnon, the shepherd and guide of his

people,
Kaging in front of the battle, and thinning the ranks of the Trojans,
So long fight thou not ; but exhort the rest of thy army
Bravely to war and maintain their ground in the dubiims conflict.
Soon as, however, by spear transfixed, or struck by an arrow,
Wounded he mounts his car, then strength will he grant thee and

valour
Onward ta rush and slay, and drive the Greeks to their vessels,
Ev*n till the sun shall set, and the sacred night shall involve them."

Thus, her message delivered^ the swift-wing'd Iris departed (210)
Hector, armed as he was, to the ground sprang down from his chariot
Brandishing two sharp spears he passed through the ranks of the

Trojans,
Rousing their flagging fire, and inflaming their zeal for the combat
Quickly they rallied and turned, once more confronting die Grecians.

224

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XL

These, on their part, fm-formed ikdr line^ and strengthened their

phalanx.
Thus was the battle restored, and opposed they stood, Agamemnon
Foremost of all ruijhed on^ for he burned to be first in the confliiSl.

Tell me, ye Muses! ye who the halls of Olympus inhabit,
'VVTio of the Trojan host or their brave allies was the foremost
In the fresh-kindled fight Agamemnon's might to encounten (220)
Tall in stature and brave, Tphidamas, son of Antenor,
First advanced. In Thrace, rich mother of flocks and of harvestSj
Cisseus had reared him, the sire of fair Theano his mother,
Ev'n from his infant years, and nursed with care in his palace;
And when arrived at the fulness oi blooming youth he detained him
Still, for he loved him dearly, and gave him a daughter in marriage,
Thence, on the rumour of war with Greece, betroth'd but unwedded :
Sailed he with twelve tall ships and a goodly train of his foU'wers,
And to Percotd came^ there left his ships and to Ilion (229)

Marched, diseml>arked, on foot, and johud the ranks of the Tnyam:
Such was the youthful chief who first Agamemnon encountered.
Thus then, nearing each other, when now small space was between

them,
First Agamentnon aimed his spear, but wand'ring, it missed him.
Then did Iphidamas put forth his strength, and tlirust with his jav'lin
Under the breastplate, full on the beh, still driving it onwards.
Stoutly the belt resisted The brazen point of the weapon
Bent, like lead, on its silver plates, and forced not an entry.
Then Agamemnon, enraged, with his kft hand seizing the javlin
Wrenched it away with a Iion*s force from the grasp of his foeman.
While with his sword a deadly blow on his neck he inflicted : (240)
Thus, by too sad a fate o*erta'en, while aiding his country,
Slept the yvung hero that l^razen sleep rvhkh knmos mt a waking^
Far from his virgin bride, unwed, but with many a present
Wooed and won. First gave he a hundred beeves; then a thousand
Sheep and goats from the countless flocks in his pastures he promised*
Stripped of his beauteous arms he lay, Agamemnon, txttiting^
Tore them away» and was bearing them off to the host of the Grecians :
This when Coon perceived, the illustrious son of Antenor,

Book XL]

THE ILIAD OF MOMEK

225

Eldest son of his sire, then a cloud of grief and of unpusk
Shadowed his eyes, to behold hts brother slain ; and unnoticed (250)
While Agamemnon passed^ stood back, and Hfting his jav'lin
Pierced through hts arm, just under the elbow-jotiit; and the weapon,
Driv'n right through, protruded its glittering point, Agamemnon
Started wiik fain and alarm^ but desisted not, nor an instant
Paused in his fierce career of destrutllve war and of battle.
Round on Coon he tumrd, and upan Mm mshed with his jav'Iin,
Nursling of storms. He already had grasped the foot of his brother.
Dragging him back, and shouting to all who were brave to assist him»
Him while his bossy shield o*er the corpse he spread, Agamemnon
Pierced with his glittering lance, and his strength and spirit forsook

him. (a6o)

Prone on Iphidamas sinking, his head was lopped by the viflor.
Thus by Atre ides' arm, these two brave sons of An tenor,
Joined In a common doom, descended iogdher to Hades,

Now, so long as the blood welled warm from his wound, Agamemnon
Raged through the^ field, and A^^th lanccj with sword, with ponderous

fragments
Torn from the rock-sirewed plain crushed down the mnks of the

Trojans,
But when the blood-flow ceased, and the w^ound contracted and

stiffened.
Agony sholtkraugli tlte/ramc^ t7//^ subdued the strength of the monarch.
Pangs like those which women invade in the hour of their travail,
Bitter and keen, from th' Ilithya^'s stores, presiding o'er child-birth.
Daughters of Hera, severely kind^ w/w relieve by affliBing. (^7^)

Not less piercing the pangs which subdued the strength of Atreides.
Into his chariot he sprang, and the charioteer he commanded
Swiftly to drive to the hollow ships, for his soul was in torment;
^Vhile to the Greeks, in departing, thus he shrieked forth his orders:
** Friends and leaders of Greece, ye chiefs of experience in council \
Yours be the task to defend us and save our fleet from destruclion,
Baffling each hostile attempt: since Zeus no longer allows me
Here to remain, and this day's fight conduifl to its issue, '^
Thus he spake. Then sounded the lash, and forth flew the horses, (280)

226 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XL

Urging their course with right good will to the ships of the Grecians.
White were their chests with foam and begrimed with dust which

beneath them
Rose in a cloud, as they hurried the wounded prince from the battle.

Hedlor beheld from his car with joy the retreat of Atreides,
Then with a shout exhorted the Trojan and Lycian warriors:
"Lycians! Trojans! and all ye brave Dardanian spearmen!
Shew yourselves men, my friends! and be mindful of prowess and

honour.
See where he flies — our bravest foe! Now Zeus will award me
Praise and enduring renown ! Up ! put your steeds on their mettle,
Charge on these stubborn Greeks : and immortal glory awaits you." (29c)

Thus he spake, in each bosom a martial ardour inspiring.
Like as a hunter, who cheers on his white-fang*d hounds, when

assailing
Some fierce lion or rough wild boar in the depths of the forest
So did the son of Priam, in might like death-dealing Ares,
Cheer on, against the Greeks, the magnanimous warriors of Troia.
Foremost himself in their ranks, and filled with assurance of conquest,
Down on the battle he poured with a whirlwind's force, which

descending
Sweeps o'er the dark blue sea and chases its billows before it

Whom now first, whom last did the godlike offspring of Priam,
Honoured that day by Zeus supreme, strike down in the combat? (300)
First Assajus he slew; Autonous next, and Opites,
Dolops, Clytis' son, and Opheltius; — then Agelaiis.
Oros, -^symnus, Hipponous fell — all chiefs of distindlion,
Kno^vn as the flou^r of the Argive host: then numberless others.
Vulgar of birth, unkno^vn to fame. As the blast of the Zephyx
Hurries along the clouds of the stormy south, when the tempest
Rises in squalls : the swol'n waves roll, and the crests of the billows,
Tom by the drifting blast, fly scattered in foam on the breezes:
Thus did great Hedl or sweep o'er the crests of all who opposed him.

Then had destrudlion been sure, irremediable ill been ac-
complished, (310)
Then had the Greeks to their ships in defeat and slaughter been driven,

Book XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

227

Had not Odysseus, the danger permving, exhorted Tydeides i
**\Vhy, O Tydeides, forget we thus our prowess and valour?
Draw we together, my friend \ and make our stand. How disgraceful
Were it^ should He 61 or thus destroy the ships of the Grecians*"
Thus he spake, and responded thus the bra%^e Diomedes :
*'Yes! I will stay, and endure to the end : though small the advantage.
Useless all we can do: since cloud -compelling Kronion
Sides with our Trojan foes, and withdraws his support from the

Argives."
Speaking thus, Thymbrseus at once he struck frora his chariot ; (330)
Pierced through the heart with his spear on the ground he rolled : and

Odysseus
Molion slew, his charioteer and valiant attendant*
These, their career of war cut short, t& the hirds they relinquished;
Carrying dismay and confusion then plunged m the thick of the Trojans,
Like two boars w^hich savagely turn on the dogs that pursue them.
Turning thus, they raged through the ranks of the foe, and the Grecians
Breathed, and a respite enjoyed in their flight from the terrors of He6lor,
Next on a chariot they came which the noblest warriors of Troia
Bore; two sons of Pcrcosian Merops; best among augurs.
Skilled in prophetic lore. He had warned his sons, and forbid them
Ever to mix in destru<ftive war* In vain: for their vahur (331)
Urged them to disobey ; and death's dark spell %ms upon them.
Both by the mighty spear of Tydeus' son, Diomedes,
Lifeless were stretched, and their splendid spoils were the prii;e of the

vidtor.
Those of Hippodamus brave and Hypeirochus fell to Odysseus,

Thus ivar's equal strain great Zeus on the (keeks and the Trojans
Laid, and from Ida's height be viewed them destroying each other.
Now Diomedes Agastrophus smote w^ith his spear on the hip-bone,
Peon's heroic son. In vain he fled, for his chariot
Stood not at band his escape to aid. Despising precaution,
Far in the rear had he left Ms car in charge; to the combat
Marching on foot in the foremost ranks, and his life was the forfeit
Hedlor observed, as he darted his piercing glance through the

squadrons;

15—3

228 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XI.

Shouting he rushed to the spot with a compadl mass of his Trojans.
Brave as he was, some tremor through Diomede ran, and Odysseus
Near him perceiving, thus he bespoke his ^frictid and companioft :
"RoUing upon us it comes — this ruin! This terrible He6tor!
Now stand firm ! Here keep we our ground, and, awaiting, repel him."
Thus he spake, and poising his long-forth-shadowing jav'lin
Hurled it aloft. It missed not its mark, but down on his helmet (350)
Struck, near the crest; but its biunfed \)o\v\t from the brass of the helmet
Glanced, nor his fair skin pierced : for the cascjue, the gift of Apollo,
Threefold and peaked in form, turned off the brunt of the weapon.
Hedlor retired, and far in the distance mixed with the Trojans :
Down on his knee then dropped, and his strong hand barely supported.
Pressed on the ground, his weight; and his sight was blotted with

darkness.
Yet, while Tydeides followed his glancing spear through the combat
Far in the press ^ where fixed in the earth it stood, and regained it^
He6lor recovered his breath and arose; then sprang to his chariot.
Hurried away, and was lost in the crowd, escaping destru6lion. (360)
Threat'ning then with his spear thus shouted brave Diomedes:
"Dog! Thou hast had a near escape from death. To thy rescue
Phoebus Apollo has come once more: the pow'r thou invokest
Ever when danger is fiigh and the clash of spears is around thee.
But should we meet again, that hour is thy last. I will end thee,
If but one friendly pow'r assist the arms of Tydeides.
Fly then I my conquVing spear shall find some other emplo}'Tnent"

Thus he spake; then bent over P?eon's son to despoil him.
This Alexander perceiving, the fair-haired Helena's husband,
Where at the tomb of that ancient chief Dardanian Ilus, (370)
Leaning against a column he stood concealed, on Tydeides
Bent 7C'ith deliberate aim his bow. While the hero was stripping
From the dead warrior's bosom the corslet, the shield from his

shoulders,
And/rom his head the pond'rous cascjue, he strained on the bowstring;
Shot; (nor in vain flew the shaft from the pra^ised ha.n6 of the archer^
And his right foot transfixed. Straight through went the arrow, and

nailed it

BOOK XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEM.

229

Fast to the earth beneath. Then niemly laughed Alexandros;
Forth from his ambush sprang, and exuUingly called to Tydeides:
"Hal thou art hit Not vain hath been the flight of my arrow. [380]
Would it had pierced thy heart and ta^en thy life ; that the Trojans (380)
Freely might breathe, from the terror relieved with which they behold

thee
Shuddering, as bleating goats behold some ratkiging lion."

Then Dioniedes, nought dismayed, this answer returned htm:
"Archer I reviler! curl-bedeeked, seducer of maidens!
Hand against hand would'st thou try thy strength, and meet me in

armour,
Little thy iwangmg bow should avail, or thy bundle of arrows.
Grand is thy triumph, Jonmih I to have grazed my foot with thy

weapon.
Which I no more regard than a woman's scratch, or an infant's.
Light is the dart that flies from a hand so feeble and worthless. [390]
Not so where mine alights. Its touch is death, and the message (390)
Piercing and sharp which it bears. What foe soever receives it,
Furrowed with tears are his widow's cheeks, and his children are

ori>hans.
There, where the crimsoned plain proclaims the fate which has

reached him,
Ouiiosi fli^i/ rotting he lies: more birds than women around him." [395]

Thus, mdipmrjf, he spake 1 but Odysseus quickly approaching (395)
Took up his ground in front (0 pr&tefi kis friani^ who behind him
Seated, and btndhig him dmvn^ released his foot, and the arrow
Tore from the wound, and dire was the pang that ensued as he

wrcmhcd it.
So to his car he sprang, and the charioteer he commanded
Swiftly to drive to the hollow ships; for his soul was in torment (400)

Now was Odysseus abandoned. No Greek remained to support

Fear had dispersed them all, and tht Tnijans were timing upon him.
Inly disturbed, he spake, with his own brave spirit communing:
"Sore indeed am I now bested. To fly were disgraceful^
Scared by a crowd. To be set on alone were a desperate hazard,

ajo

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BfXJK XL

Now that the Greeks with fear by Zeus inspired, have retreated.
Yet what need of debate? What room for doubt or for question?
This I knoWj that none but a coward retires from a battle,
WTioso will shew himself brave must maintain his post, and unshrinking
Stand to the last, regardless of death received or infiided/' (410)

'i'hus while he stood, coiietlhtg his strength ami inly debating.
Closing upon him on all sides thronged the ranks of the Trojans,
Circling him in, and enclosing their own destru6lion amidst them.
As when the dogs, cheered on hy youthful and vigorous hunters.
Close round a bristly boar roused up from the depth of the thicket;
Shari*'ning his tusks in his crooked jaws he stands and defies them.
Round him they crowd, and a snapping of teeth is heard, but ih^

bpidest
Holds aloof and awaits the rush of the terrible savage.
Thus round Odysseus, beloved of Zeus, w^ere gathered the Trojans.
On he rushed, and first on the ?>lameless Deiopites (420)

Springing, he drove his spear o*er i/ie nm of hh shield through his

shoulder :
Thoon then met his fate, then valiant Ennomus perished.
Then Chersidamas, Him he smote as he leaped from his chariot
Under his bossy shield through the navel he pierced him; and

prostrate
Clutching the dust in his hollow grasp he fel! and expired.

These negle^Sling, Charops next he pierced with his jav'lin,
Hippasus' son; of nolle birth: own brother to Socus.
Socus of godlike feature and form, who ran to protect him,
All too late! Coming close to Odysseus thus he bespake him:
"Noble Odysseus! famed alike for cunning and valour, {4J<5)

One "and another of Hippasus' sons this day must thou conquer ;
Two such heroes as him thou hast slain, must despoil of their armour^
Or by my spear subdued, thyself must yield to destru^ion/*
Ending, his spear he hurled at the smooth round shield of Odysseus,
Thoro* the shining orb it forced its impetuous passage.
Then through the corslet rich its course pursued, and descending,
All the skin from his side tore off; but Pallas Athenil
Turned its point, and suffered it not to pierce to his entrails.

Book XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

231

This when Odysseus felt, his wound not mortal perceiving,

Back some steps he recoiled, and frowmng on Socus, addressed

him : (44^)

" Wretch ! thine hour is at hand, and swift destnitlion awaits thee.
What though perchance this day I shall fight no more with the

Trojans,
Vet^ be assured, thy doom is sealed. Black death an thy foohieps
Foiiows^ pursuing ihee dose. By this lance shalt thou perish, securing
Triumph for me; for thyself the downward path unto Hades,"

Thus he spake: and Socus had now no thought but of safety.
But as he turned him to flight, the spear through his back found a

passage,
EntVing between his shoulders, and issuing forth at his bosom,
Down he fell with a crash. Then Odysseus shouted in triumph i
"Socus! great Hippasus' son, that fierce subduer of horses, (450)
Death hath cut short thy career and made an end of thy warfare.
Wretch ! o'er whom, as thou liest, no mother revered and no father
Bending, shall close thy dying eyes, but ravenous vultures
Flapping their wings ohscmei to tear thy flesh shall assemble:
^Vhile over me shall a costly tomb be raised by the Grecians/'

Thus he spake, and first from his flesh the javlin of Socus
Drew, and its shaft disengaged from his bossy shield, while in torrents
Welled from the wound his blood, and bitter and sharp were his

tonnenls.
Forthwith the Troian host, when they saw the blood of Odysseus,
One encouraged another, and closed in crowds round the hero. {460)
Back some steps he retreated and called for aid to his comrades.
Thrice did he shout amain, with a mighty shout, which to utter
Hardly might mortal voice suffice. Thrice heard Menelaiis
Where, supported by Aias he kept his ground, and addressed him;
"AiasI Telamon's son I Jove nurtured! chief of thy nation 1
Hearttst thm that shouts Tis Odysseus, in sore distress whom the

Trojans
Doubtless surround, and are pressing upon him alone and unaided,
All retreat intercepting, and bearing him down in the tumult
Up! Let us pierce the throng between, and fly to his rescue.

232 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XL

Grievous it were, a misfortune to Greece, if abandoned and help-
less (470)
One so brave and so great should fall by the hands of the Trojans."

Speaking thus, he set forth, by Aias followed, and quickly
Came, where Odysseus they found, beloved of Zeus; and about him
Crowding the Troian host: like tawny jackals surrounding
Some broad-antlered stag in a mountain pass, which the hunter
Kxmxig from far with a dart has struck. He turns and escapes him.
Flying, so long as his blood runs warm and his limbs can support him.
But when the shaft has subdued his fainting strength, and he totters
Feebly, the hungry pack flocks eagerly round to devour him
In the deep thicket's shade. Then chance brings a lion upon
them (4B0)

Raging. — Away they fly, and the prey remains to the stronger.
Thus round Odysseus, the brave and the sage, were gathered the

Trojans,
Many and strong. But with sJiield, and with lance protended, the hero
Kept them at bay and deferred the cruel fate he expe6ted.
Up came Aias, his ample shield like a tower advancing.
Close at his side he stood and the Trojans were scattered in terror,
While Menelaiis with friendly hand the hero sustaining,
Led him away from the press, and awaited his chariot's arrival.
Aias pursued the flying rout ; and first on Dorycles
Lighted his spear, one of Priam's sons: then Pandocus followed, (490)
Stretched with the slain, and Lysander, and Pyrasus brave, and

Pylartes.
As when a wintry flood comts foaming down fi-om the mountains
Swoll'n with incessafit rain by Zeus poured down; through the

meadows,
Oaks uprooted and pines it rolls along, and resistless
Hurries them on, a shattered and mingled wreck, to the ocean:
Thus swept the might of Aias before him the rout of the Trojans,
Slaying both horse and man. But the sound of the tumult to Hedor
Reached not; who far away to the left on the banks of Scamander
Led the assault; where thickest fell the heads of the heroes,
AVhere the tumultuous roar of war raged loudest and fiercest, (500)

Boor XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

233

Where round Idomeneus bold and Nestor the Greeks were colleded,
Mixed up with these great Hedlor fought, and wonders accomplished;
Car-borne, he dashed with his mighty spear through the ranks of their

warriors,
Wasting the flow'r of their youth* Yet not for this had they yielded,
But that the youthful archer, the fair-haired Helena's husband,
Aiming a three-barbed shaft from his bow at the valiant Machaon^
Pierced his right shoulder through, and his deeds of prowess arrested.
Shuddered the Greeks, though their bosoms with high-wrought courage

were panting,
Dreading the loss 0/ one so priud^ should the fight go against them.
Then did Idomeneus thus exhort Gerentan Nestor; (Sio)

*' Nestor! Neleus' son, thou pride and boast of the Grecians I
Quick! my chariot ascend, and place Machaon beside thee-
Carry him off to the ships at the titmost speed of thy horses.
More than a host of men is a sage physician among us,
Skilled to extradl the barbed dart, and cure us with ointments."
Thus he spake, and Nestor prepared at once to obey him,
Up on his car he sprang; and forthwith mounted beside him
Great Machaon, that noble physician, Asclepias* oflFspring,
Sounded the cianging lash, and the horses flew, unrelu6lant.
Skimming the plain to the hollow ships» as longing to reach them, (5 20)

Sitting besiile great He^or, Cebriones saw that confusion
Reigned, afar, in the Trojan ranks, and called his attention;
"Hedlorf Here, on the skirts of the fight, mixed up w4th the Grecians
Waste we 0ur time; while all is at stake elsewhere, and the Trojans
There, en th^ ^g^^^i nian and horse, in wild confusion are driven*
Great Telamonian Aias is routing them. Well do I know him
By the broad shield he bears, on his shoulder braced. Let us hasten
Thither, where horseman and foot intermixed in ulttr ean/usiim^
Slaughter each other at mmhm^ and wildest rages the uproar*
Thither dire6l we our steeds and car. There most thou art netdedr (550)

Thus he spake, and the fair-niancd steeds at once he excited
With the sharp^danging thong; and they felt the stroke, and they

bounded,
Hurrying along die car through the thick of the Trojans and Aigives;

234

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XI.

Trampling on shields and spuming the dead. With blood was the aade
Dripping beneath, di stained ; and the beauteous rim of the chariot
Spattered with drops, dashed up from the sUimping hoofs of the horses,
And from the tires of the whirling wheels. Thus onward he hurried,
Eager to pierce the fighting throng, and to slay, 'Mong the Grecians
Terror he scattered, and rout j nor spared he his spear in the struggle*
Rushing araainj with sword, with spear, and with ponderous frag^

ments {540)

Tom from the plain, through the vulgar crowd he broke ajid dispersed

them.
Aias however, himself, great Telamon's son, he avoided,

Zeus howbeit, from his throne on high, struck Aias with panic
Standing ama^ed, behind him he cast his seven*foId buckler
Bent on retreat, and eyeing, like some w^ild beast, his pursuers,
Often he turned him, foot behind foot reluctantly dragging.
As when the dogs and rustics rude, round the stalls of thetr oxen
Keeping their nightly watch, drive off some furious lion,
Suffering not their fatted kine to be seized by the sava^;
Rav'nous for food with repeated assaults he rushes upon them, (550)
Eagerly longing to tear their flesh: in vain; for their jav'kns
Darted by strong and daring hands come thick, and the faggots
Blazing are imscd^ w^hich he dreads, in the height of his rage io

tnctmntcr.
Baffled and grmuUng^ at early dawn his attempt he abandons,
Aias thus drew back and relinquished the field to the Trojans
Sorely against his will, for he feared for the ships of the Grecians.
As when a stubborn ass, in despite of the bojra to a cornfield
Making his way (on his sides though many a stick has been broken).
Browses the standing crop; the boys though feeble beset him, (559)
BattVing his hide with resounding blows; till roused to exertion
(After a plenteous meal), at length he quits the enclosure.
Thus did the Trojans bold and the hosts far summoned to aid them
Harass the slow retreat of the great Telamonian Aias,
Bristling with darts and spears the broad expanse of his buckler.
Oft did he halt and mdigmmt turn^ recolle<5ling his valour,
Facing about on his foes, and charging the ranks of the Trojans;

Book XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

235

Then, a$ despairing qf conqmst, resumed his retreat, but impeding
Still the Trojans* advance on the Grecian ships ; interposing
Still his un conquered strength to repress the rusli of the vitlors,
Show'ring around him the spears fell thick, by the hands of
assailants (S7<^)

Numerous and strong dispatched* Some reached, but pierced not, his

buckler;
More, falling short, midway in the ground stood fixed, disappointed,
Thirsting for blood, and longing to tear the flesh of a foeman*

Him ^j* ^^^^^^ wlulming odds opprest, when the son of Evasmon,
Noble Eurypylus, saw, and the darts fast falling around him,
Forward he rushed and beside him stood : then, aiming his javlin,
Phausias' son, Apisaon, the shepherd and guide of his people^
Struck through the liver beneath his waist» cutting short his existence,
On the conqueror sprang, and was stripping the aims from his

shoulders ;
Him AJe.vander perceived, the godlike in form and in feature, {5 So)
Stooping, unguardtdj exposed, Jti markf(}r theshdfi of an archer.
Taking his aim, his bow he drew, and Eurypyius wounded
In the right thigh. The shaft broke short, and severe was the torment
Back to his comrades retreating at once, his fate he avoided.
Shouting amain as he went, and thus exhorted the Grecians:
** Friends and heroes of Greece ! Her leaders in war and in council I
Rally and make a stand, and save, if you can, from destrudion
Aias, who fights overwhelmed with spears ; and, by numbers surrounded,
Hardly, methinks, will escape. Up ! Greeks, and tescm your comrade.
Stand round the mighty Aias, the great Teiamonian hero/* (590)

Thus exhorted the wounded Eurypylus. All, when they heard him.
Turned them from flight and formed in Une; their shields to their

shoulders
Slanted, their spears advanced At length came Aias and joined them,
Joyfully falling in with the ranks of his friends and companions.
Then, hke a fire fi^e-h fed and rekindled* blasted forth the battle.

Now to the ships upon Nestors car, the Neleian horses
Panting had borne Machaon, the shepherd and guide of his nation*
These from the prow of his lofty ship the godlike Achilles

236 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XI.

Coming beheld, as he gazed o'er the plain and witnessed the combat ;
Followed the turns of the fight, and enjoyed the rout of the Grecians: (600)
Then from the ship to Patroclus called, his friend and companion,
Who in his tent perceived and obeyed the summons, and stepped forth
Glorious as Mars. That step was for him the beginning of mischief.
Thus then, advancing, enquired the valiant son of Mencetius:
"Why doth Achilles call? What need hath his friend of Patroclus?"

Thus in his turn replied the swift-pursuing Achilles:
"Friend most dear to my heart! Illustrious son of Menoetius!
Soon, methinks, shall I see at my feet these Greeks, for assistance
Begging, on bended knees: so sore the distress that o'erwhelms them.
Now, however, Patroclus, beloved of Zeus! unto Nestor (610)

Haste, and enquire what wounded chief he brings from the battle;
Like Machaon he seemed, Asclepias' son, as he passed me,
Seen from behind : his form the same; but I saw not his features :
All too fast was he hurried along by the speed of the horses."

Thus he spake, and Patroclus, obeying the words of his comrade,
Wended his way in haste to the tents and ships of the Grecians.
They meanwhile had reached the tent of Neleian Nestor,
And when at length from their car on the fertile earth they alighted,
Then from the yoke Eurymedon, Nestor's faithful attendant, (619)
Loosed the steeds. And the chiefs on the breezy shore of the ocean.
Facing the cooling wind, dried off the sweat from their garments ;
Then, to the tent retiring, they took their seats on the couches.
Fair Hecamed^ prepared a refreshing draught: (Hecamed^,
Daughter of great Arsinous, Tenedos' Prince, by Achilles
Captured; for Nestor chos'n from the spoil by acclaim of the Grecians,
HonVing the man amongst them in years unmatched and in wisdom).
She, having placed before them a polished and beautiful table
Resting on claws of dark-blue steel, set a basket upon it
Formed of refulgent bronze, with abundant bread, and beside it.
Onions (a relish for drink), and the yellow ncHar of honey. (630)
Near them, a gorgeous cup by the king brought thither from Pylos,
Knosps of gold adorned it on all sides; four were its handles,
Each of two feeding doves the forms supporting, and modelled
All of the purest gold : two hollow bases sustained it.

DOOK XL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEg,

237

Not mthoiit eflfort another might lifl its weight from the table
Filled to the brim with wine; though Nestor easily rallied it
This, ^n the tabk duly piaced^ their beauteous attendant
Filled with PtaniniaB wine^ spreading goat 's-m ilk cheese o*er the

surfacej
Strewn from a grater of bronze, and with white meal sprinkled the

posset
All prepared, the weariid chiefs to drink she invited. {640 )

They, when at length their burning thirst was allayed, sate talking
One to another, cheering their hearts with sociable converse.
Just then approaching, divine Patroclus appealed at the doorway;
Him beholding sprang from his seat Gerenian Nestor,
Grasped his hand and led him within, and pressed to be seated.
This Patroclus declined, and thtis ejccused his refusal:
"Noble old friend! persuade me not to sit or to tinger^
Dread, and impatient of all delay is he who hath sent me
Hither, to ask what wounded chief thou hast saved. But \ know it
Now; for Machaon I see, the shepherd and guide of his people, {650)
Therefore at once I return, aud my answer bear to Achilles.
Well thou know'st, illustrious sage! the man, and his temper.
Fiery, imputing blame where its very sembLvui exists not"

Nestor then, the Gerenian knight, thus sadly responded:
" What! Can Achilles thus then pity Uie sons of Achaia
Whom he beholds with wounds opprest? The distress of our army
Little indeed he knows: how many, our best and our bravest
Stricken with darts and spears in the ships lie wounded and groaning!
Brave Diomedes, Tydeus' son, lies pierced with an arrow;
Spear-struck, Odysseus and great Agamcmnon*s self are disabled ; {660)
Valiant Eurypylus bears in his thigh the shaft 0/ i/^€ Tnyjan :
He whom thou secst, whom but now I snatched from the thick &/

the battle,
From the sanie bowstring another bears : while /teartkss Achilles,
Wrapped in his onm promt might, nor regards the Greeks nor

prote6Vs them.
Will he then wait till oui ships, in the Greeks' despite, at their

moorings

238 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XI.

Blaze with the Trojan flames, and till we ourselves, overpowered.
Perish one after another? Alas! that my strength is decaying:
Not such as once sustained these a6tive and vigorous members !
Would I were young once more — that again such force I could

summon,
As when that strife arose 'twixt the warriors of Elis and Pylos (670)
Touching our oxen driv'n; when I, in my turn, in reprisal
Drove their herds, and their leader^ the valiant Itymoneas,
Son of Hypeirochus, slew, who in Elis dwelt, and his oxen
Fighting to save, lay stretched at my feet by a stroke of my javlin ;
Routed^ on every side we scattered his army of rustics.
Rich was the spoil and abundant the prey we swept from their

country.
Fifty droves of oxen, as many of sheep were our booty^
Fifty great herds of swine and of bleating goats : in addition
Thrice that number of bright-bay steeds we seized in their pastures^
All of them mares, and many had young foals suckling beneath

them. (680)

All we drove to Neleian Pylos, all in the city
Lodged, ere the close of night : and much was my father delighted
Young as I was to see me return enriched and triumphant
But when the dawn appeared, we sent forth heralds, to summon
All to attend and stand forth to whom debts were owing in Elis.
Then did our Pylian chiefs assemble, and make the division
Fairly : for many and great were th' Epeans' debts to our people.
Few at that time were the Pylians ; much depressed in their fortunes ;
Since that in by-gone days the destroying might of Heracles
Wasted our cit>'s strength, and slaughtered our best and our

bravest (690)

Twelve were the sons of Neleus, a blameless race. But amongst them
I was the sole survivor. The rest had bled for their country.
So, der our ioio estate exulting, the buskined Epeans
Many a wrong inflidled, and ^^Tought full many an outrage.
Neleus a drove of oxen and flock of sheep had sele<5led.
Setting three hundred, the best, apart for himself, with their shepherds.
This for a mighty debt he seized in pa>Tnent from Elis.

Book XL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

239

Horses four had he sent with chariots, ever victorious,
There to contend in the race. The prize proposed was a tripod.
These did Augeas, king of men, then reigning in Elis, (7^^))

Seize, and their charioteers dismiss, much grieved and indignant
Wroth at the tale they told and the outrage, thus did my father
Take satisfatflion ample and full ; and the rest to his people
Left to divide for themselves, that none might complain of injustice.
This when accomplished, all through the to^Ti was sacrifice offered
To the immortal Gods. On the third day don^ii came th* Epeans
All together^ in battle array, on fool and in chariots ;
Both the Moll ones then for the first time braced on tlieir armour,
A&i}f^$ youthful son$^ unskilled in war and its hardships.

"High on a lofty crag the far Alphasus O'erlooking (7'^)

Stands Thryoessa, the out-most town on our PyUan frontier;
This they beleaguered, eagerly longing to take and destroy it
All the wide plain had they crossed, and approached the to^n,

#hen Athen^
Down from Olympus came by night and bade us assemble
Armed, for its rescue. On willing mrs 0/ the Pylian nation
Fell the command. All burned for the fight : but my father

forbade me
Then to go forth in arms, and concealed my steeds and my tharwt
Thinking me stiii too youngs unversed in the pra<51ice of warfare.
Thither however on foot 1 marched with the cars and the horsemen
Mingling, not undistinguished, for Pallas led me to glory. (720)

" ^\liere Miny^ia's stream flows down to the ocean, and joins it
Close to Arene, halted our chariots^ and waited for daybreak.
While from all sides kept pouring in the hosts of our footmen.
Thence setting forth in complete array, all glitfring in armour
Marched we, and reached by noon the sacred stream of Alphseus.
There to almighty Zeus our holiest offerings we rendered;
Sacrificed then to Alph^us a bull, a bull to Poseidon,
And, from the herd, unyoked, to the blue-eyed goddess a heifer.
Troop by troop where we stood, we consumed our evening provision.
Each man then lay down in his arms, and slept till the morning, (730)
Stretched on the river's bank. Meanwhile the valiant Epeans

240 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XI.

Formed in array, with elated hopes, the city beleaguered.

Vainly ! then first they saw what a work of war was before them.

For, when the sun's first beams illumined the earth with their splendour

Battle we joined; to Zeus our prayers addressing, and Pallas.

Foremost of all in that fight between the Epeans and Pylians

Mulius, a spearman skilled^ I slew, and seized on his horses.

{MuliuSf to whom Augeas the king had united in wedlock

Golden-hair'd Agamed^ his eldest child, who the virtues

Knew of each healing plant which the wide Earth yields in Us

bounty), (74o)

On he rushed in his might, but soon in the dust had I stretched him.
Pierced by my brazen spear. Then at once I sprang to his chariot,
Taking my place in our foremost line. With dismay the Epeans
Witnessed their noblest hero's fall, the best of their horsemen,
Bravest of all their chiefs : and they broJS:^ and scattered on all sides.
Then in pursuity der the plain I swept like a blackening whirlwind.
Fifty chariots I took, from each two wamors hurling.
Biting the ground with their teeth they fell by my conquering jav'lin.
Then had I slain the Moliones twain, the offspring of A6tor,
But that the dread earth-shaking Father, the mighty Poseidon, (750)
Saved them, in mist involved, and snatched them away from the

combat.
Then did almighty Zeus give valour and might to the Pylians.
All through that vast and wide-outstretching plain we pursued them,
Slaughtering their flying host, and loading ourselves with their trophies.
Far as Buprasium's fertile fields we pushed on our horses :
Far as the Olcnian crag, and the gentle slope, as Aleisium
Known. There at length we stopped: for Athena recalled us

from conquest.
Twas by my hand their last man fell. Then back the Achaians
Drove their triumphant cars from Buprasium's pastures to Pylos.
Loud rose the praises of Zeus among Gods, among mortals of

Nestor. (760)

Such was I, long, long since, among men of renown. But Achilles,
Proudly conscious of might unused^ will deeply repent him,
Bitterly mourn in tears when unaided the Greeks shall have perished.

Book XI.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

241

Ah \ my friend ! How well I remember Mencetius' counsels
Spoken that day when from Phthia he sent thee to join Agamemnon I
Both of us, present as gu€sts^ myself and noble Odysseus,
Heard each word that at parting he spake in the palace of Peleus.
Thither we came when through Greece we passed, collecting her armies,
And to his royal halls repaired to deliver our mission.
There that giorhus hero we founds thy father Menistius, (770)

There thyself and Achilles* That ancient warrior, Peleus,
Bumed unto thundering Zeus a bull's fat thighs in the court-yard
Open to hemhi^ There stood he, a golden goblet upraising
Pouring the dark red wine on the blazing fires of the altan
There were ye both in attendance, dividing the flesh- In the gate- way
Ret/rent we stood. In glad surprise sprang forward Achilles
Grasped our hands, and brought us within, and bade us be sea ted ,
Welcome affording, and all that pertains to friendly reception*
Hunger and thirst appeased, I entered at once on our mission,
Claim ing your aid, and exhorting you both to march with our
armies. (780)

Joyfully both agreed. Much sage advice did your parents
Give you. The rev'rend Peleus simply exhorted Achilles
Aye to be brave, and to take the lead in the ranks of the foremost.
But unto thee was this wdgkiy and solemn advice by thy father
Spokea My son I Achilles by birth is far thy superior :
Yet art thou more mature in years. He excels thee in valour,
Yet may'st tliou oft with wise and prudent counsel dire>5l him,
Point out the path of right, and lead him by virtmus example.
Such were the old man's words: forgotten alas! But occasion
Urges. Yet may'st thou speak the word, and yet may he listen* {790)
Who shall say, if some God assist, how far thou mayst move him ?
Welcome arc even a friend's reproofs : thrke welcome his precepts.
But if some oracle dwell on his mind, of terrible import,
Something by Zeus decreed which his Goddess mother hath told him,
Then go thou in his piaee: let him send thee forth mth his people,
All the brave Myrmidon host, to gi\'e light and hope to the Grecians ;
Let him too lend thee his own bright arms to shine forth in the battle
Like to himself, and the Trojans deceived will shrink from your onset,

2^2

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book: XL

Giving a breathing time to the martial sons of Achaia,
Wearied and overborne, how short soever the respite. (Soo)

Fresh as ye are^ with ease shall ye drive from our ships and our vessels
Back to their town a host already e^chausted with fighting."

Thus the sage : and Patroclus' heart was stirred in his bosom*
Forth he sped on his way through the ships^ to return to Achilles.
But when he came to Odysseus* ships, where the place of assembly
I^y, and the judgment -seat was erected ; where to th' immortals
Altars were raised and estabhsh'd rites performed by ihe Princes^
There he encountered Eurypylus, high-bora son of Evaemon
Wounded, and painfully dragging with limping gait from the battle.
Fixed in his thigh, the shaft : while fast from his head and his
shoulders (8io)

Kan down his back the sweat Dark blood from his wound fortli

trickhng
Marked his steps. But his mind was firm and his spirit unmnquer^^
Pity and grief overcame the valiant son of Menoetius,
Seeing his frietid in evii pUght^ and thus he addressed him i

^^Ami is a come to this! Ve hapless chiefs of Achaia!
Thus are ye destined, far away from your friends and your country
FalHng, to glut with your fal the ravening dogs of the Trojans?
Tell me, Eur>T3ylus, now, Jove-nurtured, tell me I pray thee.
Still do our Greeks resist tlV overwhelming prowess of He<5lor?
Or do they shrink, consumed beneath his withering javlin?" (S20)

Thus then Eurypylus, heav'n-in spired , replied to the question:
*^ Jove-descended Patroclus! No httpe remains for the Grecians,
Help there is nme. On their ships they must soon fall back m

eonfnsim.
There already, by spears and by darts disaMed^ their leaders,
Al! the noblest and best of our host, lie wounded and bleeding,
Under the Trojan attack^ whose force each moment increases.
But do thou, O my friend ! to my ship support, and assist me.
Cut out this barb from my thigh, and with wann and j^wM/w^ ablution
Cleanse the black blood from my wound ; those healing simples applying.
Which from Achilles, so fame reports, thou hast learned to dis-
tinguish, (830)

Book XL] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 243

Taught him by Cheiron himself, the wisest and best of the Centaurs.
Both our physicians, Machaon and Podalirius, are absent
One, I believe, in his tent hard by lies grievously wounded,
Needing, himself, a wise physician's aid; and the other
Still presents in the field an unflinching firont to the Trojans."
Thus to his friend responded the valiant son of Menoetius :
" How will this end ? My brave Eurypylus ! How can I aid thee ?
Hence must I speed in haste, a message to bear to Achilles,
Sent by Nestor himself, the guardian and stay of the Grecians ;
Yet can I not desert thee and leave thee here in thine anguish! "(840)
Thus he spake, and around his waist embraced and upraised him,
Bearing him into his tent There hides were spread by the servants,
Where having laid him, Patroclus extra<5led the barb of the arrow,
Skilfully using his knife ; and with warm and soothing ablution.
Washed the black blood firom the wound. Then a styptic root he

sele6ted,
SoT^ reign all pain to assuage, which he crushed with his hands and

applied it :
Instant the bleeding wound closed up, and the anguish abated.

16 — 2

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XII.

BOOK THE TWELFTH.

Argument.

Digression, descriptive of the ultimate destruction of the Greek
fortifications at a subsequent period. The Trojans advance, with He£ior
at their head, in pursuit of the Greeks, to the edge of the trench j where
by the advice of Polydamas they leave their chariots and divide into five
attackifig parties. Asius however retains his chariot and attacks the gcUe
defended by the Lapithce, At sight of an omen, Polydamas advises He^ar
to retreat. He rejects the advice, passes the trench {under cover of a dust
stonn) and pushes on to the wall, Sarpedon and Glaucus attempt to
scale it, Glaucus is wounded by Teucer, He6lor meanwhile arrives
opposite the gate, which he bursts open by the blow of a huge stone and
rushes in followed through the gate and over the wall by the whole Trojan
army, who pursue the Greeks to their ships.

ILIAD, BOOK XIL

'T'HUS in the tents was detained the valiant son of Menoetius,
Tending his wounded friend Meanwhile the Greeks and the
Trojans

Fought, in confusion mixed. No more might the trench for protetlion
Serve, which the Greeks had dug, nor the rampart broad, that above it
FrowTfied, which to guard their ships they had reared. 'Twas built,

and around it
Drove they the trench, while yet to the Gods were no heoitombs

offered,
Prayers were there mne addressed, that a guard it might prove to their

vessels,
And to their c&stly spoil With adverse Gods was the stnuflure
Finishedp With adverse Gods, no work of man is enduring.
Therefore, while Hedlor lived, and Achilles raged ; while to Priam (lo)
Still unsubdued, the sway remained of his city and nathn^
So long only endured that mighty wall of the Grecians,
But, when i/n paufer of Troy was quelled and her heroes were

slaughtered,
WTien after ten long years the city lay smoking in ryins,
W'hen, of the Greeks though many were left, yet many had perished,
And, to their dear-loved homes the survivors returned in their vessels,
Then took counsel together Poseidon and Phoebus Apollo,
And to destroy it resolved. Then brought they the riv^s to aid

them,

248 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XII.

All that from Ida's height pour down their streams to the ocean.
Rhesus, Heptaporus lent their floods, Grenlcus and Rhodius, (20)
Mighty Caresus, Asepus, and holy Scamander assisted,
Simois too, on whose banks the bones of many a hero
Mouldered, and men half gods; where shields lay scattered and

helmets.
Thither by Phoebus Apollo were all their courses diverted.
Nine whole days did they beat on the walls : while Zeus from the

mountains^
Poured down in ceaseless rains, to wash them away and destroy them^
Wielding his /(?a'<f///// trident, Poseidon, lord of the earthquake,
Led the assault, uprooting the strong foundations, and whelming
Timbers and stones, which the Greeks with toil had piled, in the ocean.
All on the shores of Hellespont's stream lay levelled and even, (30)
By the returning sand swept o'er, and buried for ever.
Thus was the wall demolished. The streams, restored to their

channels.
Glided in smooth and peaceful flow, as of old, through the pastures.
This for later years was reserved, for Poseidon and Phoebus
Destined. But now the flames of war and the rage of the battle
Burned round the strong-built wall ; and the battered beams of its

turrets.
Rattled with shafts and stones : while the Greeks cooped up and

confounded
Under the scourge of angry Zeus, were huddled together,
Close round their hollow ships, and shrank from the terrors of He<5lor,
Who, in his might, like a wintry storm kept raging around them. (40)
As when a lion or mountain boar turns round on his hunters,
Fiercely glaring; on men and dogs in his fury he rushes:
Massed together they stand with compadled strength to resist him
Hurling from strong and practised hands full many a jav'lin.
He nor fears nor retreats. The fiery force of his nature
Drives him on to the fight, though death be the end that awaits him.
Often he turns and makes a rush; and wherever he rushes
Back they recede, and break their front, giving way to his fury.
Thus went Hedlor careering along through the host in his chariot.

BOOK XI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEI^.

249

Uipng his warriors to leap the trench. In vain : for their horses, (50)
Trembling, refused the leap. Loud neighing they stood on its margin,
Pawing the ground^ in aflfright at the yawning gulf. For a chariot
That were no easy bound ; no light adventure its passage.
Steep down on either side was the precipice scafpcd, overhanging
Just at the very verge; and with sharp palisades^ was the bottom
Thickly and firmly beset, in bristUng array; by the Grecians,
Planted, to face and repel th 'approach of hostile invaders,
0*er it no car might pass by horses drawn — but the footmen^
Eagerly longed to attempt the feat, and break through the barrier.
Thus then Polydamas proffered advice, brave He<5lor approaching: {60)
" Heft or ! ye leaders of Troy ! and ye brave confederate chieftains !
Madness it were, to attempt yon trench with horses and chariots.
Steep is the plunge, and lo t what a range of stakes at the bottom
Pointed Of id sharp appear ; and behind is the wall of the Grecians^
Never can horsemen there descend, nor fight, if descended,
Wedged in so narrow a space ; where wounds mni death would await

them.
If 'tis the will of thundering Zeus tliat the Grecians should perish^
If he will aid our arms and grant us sa/dy ami triumph^
Welcome indeed were the boon, and would that at once it were

granted !
So shall they fall inglorious, afar from their homes and there country: (70)
But should they turn, should a sally be made from the ships, on our

warriors,
Here in this deep sunk trench, entangled and crowded together.
Hardly a man of us all, methinks, would escape in the struggie
Back to the city^ to bear the news, from the rallying Grecians.
Therefore be warned, and let all adopt the advice I shall offer*
Let our attendants detain at the trench our horses and chariots,
All of us then on foot, fijll armed, and closely compadled,
Follow great He<ftor's lead : and the Greeks will ily from our onset,
If, as it seems, destru€lion at length impend on their army.*'

Thus he spake ; and his safe advice was pleasing to He<5tor, (80)
Down to the ground at once he sprang full armed from his chariot i
Nor did the rest in their cars remain, but dismounting, in order

250

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XM,

Formed^ ami at once rushed on, when they saw the example of He<5lor,

Each man his orders gave to his charioteer, in attendance
Ranged^ at the trenches brink to retain his steed and his chariot.
Breaking then into bands, they formed in hne, and in order
Marched, in five columns distin<^, five separ^e leaders obeying.
Hedor, the first commander, by brave Polydamas aided^
His was the strongest band, and the bravest ; those who the rampart
Longed to assault, and bursting through it, to fight at the vessels. (90)
Third in command, Cebriones marched. To the charge of his chariot
He<5feor a younger ami less distinguished chief had appointed,
Paris commanded the next, with Alcalhotis joined, and Agenor,
Helenus led the third with Deiphobus, giorians and GodUke,
Both of them Priam's sons and Asius with these was united
Third in command r (great Asius, Hyrtacus* son, who his horses
Fiery and tall from Arisb^ drove and the stream of Selleis).
Fourth in order a band by the noble son of Anchises
Gmiiike ^neas was led. With him were the sons of Antenor,
Acamas brave and Archilochus, chiefs experienced in battles, (100)
Mighty Sarpedon led the bold confederate warriors,
Close at his side were Glaucus and warlike Asteropxus,
Known to him well as the bravest and best of all their commanders
Next to himself: for he lar surpassed all others in valour.
On then marched they, shield touching shield, and burning with ardour
Greece to encounter. Prmidiy they deemed that none could

resist them,
Aii wouid i^ifiwe tiimt be swept^ and the Greeks hurled back to
their vessels.
All the Trojans, and all the allies far-summoned to aid them^
A6led at once on the counsel by brave Polydamas oflfered.
Asius alone, great Hyrtacus' son, refused his compliance, (no)
{Aii unused to control) nor committed his car to a serv^ant,
Thinking to farce Im way titroug/f the gates and push on to the vessels^
Rash, and by fate for destmilion marked! No more was he destined
Borne on his car from the Grecian ships in safety mid triumph
Back to return to im home in u^nd-swept nion*s city.
Soon hy the spear of mighty Idomeneus, son of Deucalion,

Book Xii,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

251

Doomed, by an evil fate overwhelmed and entangled, to perish.
Far to the left of the lint 0/ ships he drove, where the Grecians
Hurrying away from the field with their cars and steeds were

retreating,
Thither he pushed in pursuitj and the gate had reached where

the doorway f'^o)

Standing wide open he found, and the bar removed that secured it
Held by the Greeks unclosed was the gate, to receive their companions,
WhOj from the battle escaped, to their ships were flying for safety.
Eagerly forward he drove, and with clamorous shouts his companions
Foltowed, for now they thought that sureiy nought could resist them,
But that at length ifcrprnvered^ the Greeks to their ships would be driven ;
Soon undeceived ! Two heroes bold stood guarding the gateway,
Men of the strong Lapithsean race, high-hearted and fearless^
Brave Polypoetes, great Peirithoiis' son, and beside him
Huge as death-dealing Ares, the stalwart form of Leonteus, (130)
These in front of the lofty gates stood forth, and the passage
Barred againsi hostite afiproac/i. Like two tall oaks on the mountains
FLmily fixed by their vast and wide-spread roots, and abiding
Many a day^ unmoved, the wintry rain and the tempest !
Thus those heroes twain, in their might and valour confiding,
Fearless awaited the coming foei nor flinched from their stations.
On came the Trojans against the strong-btiilt wail in a body,
Holding their leathern bucklers aloft and terribly shouting.
Close round Asius their Prince were lamenus grouped and Orestes,
Acamas, Asius* son, and Thoon and brave CEnomaus. (H^)

They, w^ho at first were exhorting the Greeks within to be steady,
Firmly to stand to their arms and guard their ships from destxudlion,
Soon as they saw, to assault the gate, the Trojans advancing,
Heard the cries, and beheld the flight of the terrified Grecians,
Forward rushed; and took their stand in front of the gateway,
Eager to fight; like fierce and savage boars in the mountains
Rushing to meet the tumultuous approach of dogs and of hunters*
Slantwise aeross the glades they dash. Mid the crash of the forest
Trampled and cut to the root^ they grind their tusks, and the

white /mm

3|3

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XII.

Fiies from their Jaws; and regardless of death tliey rush on

the javlins- (^5®)

Thus they nished on : and the shintng brass of their armour resounded
Ringing with blows in front Right bravely they stniggled, reljdng
Both on their own vast might, and the aid of their friends on

the rampart.
These on the foe beneath from the lofty height of the turrets
Hurled do^vn massive stones in a last and des/em/e effort^
Yet from destrudlion to save themselves, their tents^ and Uieir gallies.
Thick as the snowflakes fiH (he air^ when the blasts of the winter
Drift them along^ with the shadowy clouds, and whiten tlie pastures.
So from the hands alike of Trojans and Greeks did the missUes
Pour; and a dry and clattering sound arose from the helmets (i6o)
Battered by tumbling crags ; and the high-bossed orbs of the buckJer^i,
AsiiiSj Hyrtacus' son, then groaned with despite^ and indignant
Smote on his thigh with his hand, and thus gave vent to his anger ;
*' Father Zeus I Thy faith is void, thy promise deceitful!
How could I e'er suppose that the Greeks, thus pressed, would

resist us,
Turn on our strength and abide th' assault of our conquering armies?
Seel how, like atSlive and lithsome wasps, or bees, that in crannies
Build their nests in some rugged pass, and repel their assailants,
HovVing around their hollow domes ; and, reludlanl to quit them.
Fight to the last in defence of their hidden stores and their

offspring; (170)

So do these Greeks still cling to their gates, nor cease to defend them ;
And, though there be but two, set capture and death at defiance/*
Thus he spake- But Zeus regardless beard his remonstrance,
Hedlor alone was his care. Him only he destined for glory.

Others, meanwhile at distant gates were collected and fighting*
Hard ^twere for mortal bard their deeds to relate or their praises
Sing: for round all the walls the conflict of stones and of weapons
Raged like a fiery storm. Sore pressed, and perforce, for their vessels
Battled the Greeks ; while all those Gods who favoured the Aigives
Grieving, the struggle beheld^ forbid to assist or to save them, (180)
Still unsubdued at their post the brave Lapithseaos resisted.

Book XI LI

IHE ILIAD OF HOMER.

253

Siirn Polypoetes first, Peirithoiis* son, with his jav'lin
Damasus smote. The spear through the brazen cheek of his helmet
Drove : nor resisted the stubborn cone, but the point of the weapon
Broke through the bone and clave the skull, and the brains of the hero
Scattered abroad. Thus Damasus fell^ as he rushed to the combat
Pylon and Ormenus next he slew, and despoiled of their armour.
Pierced through the belt by the spear of Leon leu s, scion of AieSj
Brave Hippomachus fell, the nohk Antimachus' offspring,
Instant the vinar drew from its sheath his glittering falchion, (190)
And on Antiphates rushed through the broken ranks of the Trojans^
Grappling him, hand to hand ; and supine he fell, in his death-pang*
Menon, lamenus, next he slew, and valiant Orestes,
Headlong, one on another, he dashed to earth and despoiled tliettl
One and all^ as they lay, of their bright and glittering armour.
Thus while these two were engaged, by Polydamas headed and
He6lor,
All the best of the Trojan youth, who were eager to combat.
Break down the Grecians' wall and bum tlieir vessels, were standing
Gathered in anxious suspense at the brink of the trench, undecided.
Just when about to cross^ in the space dividing the armies {^^^

Close on their left had a sign appeared. High soaring an eagle
Bore in his talons a bleeding snake, still living and hissing,
Titnntd m a monstrous coU:^ yt\ fierce^ unconquered, and struggling.
Backward writhing his head, he stung the bird in the bosom.
Close to his neck, who dropped the snake, alt smarting with anguish,
Tossing him down to the earth, in the midst of the tariJUd army:
Then on loud clanging i^nngs, swift floated away on the breezes.
Shuddered the Trojans with fear when they saw the serpent among

them
Writhing^ the dire portent of ^gis-beanng Kronfon, (209)

Thus then his thoughts Polydamas spake, fierce Hedor approaching :
"Hedorl thou chidest me oft when I raise my voice in our
councils
Giving thee good advice \ for that wrong and unseemly thou deem'st it
Either in council or war, for a citizen, one of the people,
Aught thou say'st to oppose, or not to support thee in all things.

2S4

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XI L

Yet will I fredy speak my mind, 7^ ^msim demands it

Let us no farther advance, nor fight the Greeks at their vessels,

AW will end /// deftat and disaster^ sure as this omen

Comes, our Trojans to warn, and forbid their assault on the ratnpart

Lo ! on our left in the open space, high soaring, an eagle

Bore in his talons a bleeding serpent alive ; yet he dropped it (210)

Forced to relinquish his hold ere home to his nest he could bear it.

Forced to forego Ou hope of a phnkous meal for his nestlings.

Thus though we burst our way through the gates and walls of the

Grecians,
Strong in our might, and themselves before us fly, we shall find it
No light task to return by the way we came, and in order.
Many a Trojan corpse shall we leave behind, in the confliifl
Slain by the Grecian spears in defence of their tent$ and their vessels,
So would each augur declare, of experience and skill to interpret
Omens divine : by his brethren approved^ believed by the people."

Crest-waving He<^ or replied with a scornful look of displeasure :(23o)
" Tliink not, Polydamas, counsels like these will meet my approval.
Easily might'st thou a nobler conclusion have drawn /n?^ ike 0mm.
But if in serious mood and earnesi faiik thou hast spoken.
Then most surely th' immortal Gods have deprived thee of reason.
And would St thou bid me then forget that solemn assurance
Giv'n me by thundering Zeus himself so iaie; or disirusi U f
Bid me rely on the Hitting of broad -wing' d birds, and tMr mot^ements
Wa£i% whether right or left they fly^ — to east or to westward —
Soar in the light of dawn, or plunge in night and in darkness ?
Careless I view such signs. They concern me not, nor disturb me (240)
Zeus is our guide and protedtor^ His sovereign will we accomplish:
Zeus, who supreme o*er mortals and Gods extends his dominion.
One and the best of omens is ours to fight for our country.
Thou of all men hast least to fear from war and its struggles.
For should the rest of us, one and all, at the ships of the Grecians
Perish beneath the Argive spears, thy risk would be trifling,
Wanting the heart to fight, and the spirit that leads into danger.
But should I see thee hanging back, or others persuading,
{Filling their souls with groundless /ears like tkifte own^) to desert us,

Book XI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Pierced by my venf^eful spear thy ricrmnt life shalt thou forfeit." (350)
Thus having spoketi, he led the way, and with shouting and clamour
Followed the troops. Then thundering Zeus from the mountains of Ida
Sent forth a mighty blast, which, raising the dust in a whirlwind^
Drove it full on the Greeks, Their courage he nuelled, and ihdr

ardour
jyamped: and with glorious hopes the Trojans encouraged and He<Elor^
Who on his manifest aid, and their own fierce valour relying.
Now rushed on to assault that mighty wall of the Grecians :
Tore down the battlements highj and the solid strength of the breast-

work ;
Heaved with levers amain at each buttress fimi^ which proje<5ling
Forward, in front of the towers the Greeks had fixed to support them ;
Trusting tlmt, these once levelled, the wall must yield- But die

Argtves ('^1)

Fell not away in that ^wur cf Jiene and dispemte trlaL
Buckler to buckler, man t& man^ they filled the embrasures^
Show'ring on all who approached both stones and spears from behind

them.
High on the wall through the Danaan host the united Ai antes
Went their round, exhorting^ and cheering them on to the combat
Some they addressed with warm and encouraging words of approval^
Others rebuked, whom haply they found negle<!ling their duty:
*^Mear nu, my friends! Each Greek, whatever his force or his valour,
Hero, and warrior of small renoum, the strong and the feeble, (270)
Fight I There is work for all — though all be not equal in valour.
All of you see ^ou* sore we are pressed. But let no man among you
Scared by yon vaunter*s boasts to our ships but dream 1^ retreating*
Rather push on and meet the foe, supporting each other.
So shall Olympian Zeus, ymr determined eourage reu^arding
Change to defeat their success and drive tliem back to their city,"
Loudly thus did the two brave warriors cheer on the Grecians^
And, as the snow-flakes fall on a wintry day, when the ThundVer
Brings round the season* s change in the deep design of his counsels.
Opening his^flify stores on high he displays them to mortals : (280)
Lulled are tlie winds, and the siient snow falls thick : on the mountains

256

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XII.

First ; and each summit and craggy peak shows white: o'er the

meadows,
Next; and their clovery pride it conceals, and the husbandman's

labours ;
Wide o'er the shores of the hoary sea then spreads and the havens :
Bounded alone by th' advancing wave. All else it envelopes.
Covering it deep ] as the thickening drift descends and o'envhelms iL
Thus feU the stony showV upon either side, by the Grecians
Down on the Troian host, by the Trojans back at the Grecians
Hurled; and along the wall loud rose the roar of the battle.
Yet had not Hedtor, brave askeiikis, nor the Trojans, succeeded (290)
Either in scaling the wall, or in bursting the gates and their barriersi
Had not immortal Zeus his son Sarpedon excited
Ontt^rd, against th' opposing Greeks to rush like a lion.
Straightway his smooth round shield he uprcared and held it before

him
Rich, all shining with plates of brass, by the skill of the artist.
Thick overlaid; with many a fold of leather beneath tliem,
Firmly sewn, whtle bands of gold encircled its margin.
This he advanced on high, and fonvard strode to the combat,
Brandishing two sharp spears. As a lion which reared in the mountains
Strong in his inborn fierceness and urged by the cravings of hunger
Down on the flock descends, close penned albeit and guarded : (301)
Who, though he find the shepherds aiefi and prepared io repel him^
Keeping with dogs and spears their nightly watch o'er the sheep-fold.
Scorns to retreat unhurt^ and leave the prey unattempted.
In, at ali risks^ he springs, and seizes the first he encounters,
Pomieing upon Aim, reckless of wounds, of darts and of javlins.
Not with less ardent prompting the spirit of godlike Sarpedon,
Urged him to rush at the wall, and break through the strength of its

breastworks,
Turning to Glaucus then, Hippolochus' son, he addressed him:
"Glaucus, my friend I Why claim we the chiefest place in our

nation, (jio)

Highest in honour, first at the festal board, when the winen^np
Flows 0/ our Lydnn/easfs? Why as Gods do the people regard us?

Book XI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

357

WTiy upon Xanthus' banks do the fairest and widest allotments
Own us as lords, the best of the vineyard, best of the corn-land?
Should we not then be found commanding the Lycian squadrons,
Foremost ever in martial feats and the heat of the battle ?
So shall each mail-braced Lycian warrior exclaim when he sees us ;

* Truly these sovVeigns of ours are no inglorious Wiakiings
yBom but to feed on the fat of the land and in iiik mjoymmt

* Drink of the honey-sweet wine, 7%^ ruk. They have spirit and

vigour. (320)

*Ever in front of our armies we find them, leading the onset/
Oh! my friend: if withdrawn from war and its dangers avoiding,
Endless life and perpetual youth were the portion of mortals.
Neither would I rush headlong on, to fight with the foremost,
Nor would I send thee forth to join in the glorious confli<fl.
But since in pidce a thousand deaths beset us on all sides,
Deaths which none can faresee ar avoid, let ns on ; and for glory
Strike, We shall win it oursehes or, falling, confer it on others*' '
Thus he spake : nor did Glaucus refuse. And cxultingiy onward
Both advanced at the head of the far-famed Lycian forces. (330)
These with alarm to the tow'r which he held advancing, Menestheus
Peteos' son beheld ckse banded^ bearing destruction.
Anxious along the Grecian line he gazed, to discover
Haply, some chief at hand who might lend his aid to repel them.
Not far off th* Aiantes twain he perceived, for the combat
Always prepared and eager, and Teucer just to the rampart
Come from his tent But to reach them no shout might avail through

the uproar,
Raging on all sides round, and the din that mounted to heaven,
Clashing of stricken shields and of battered helms, and the thunder
Echoing fr&m ait the gates {for alJ were attacked, and the Trojans {340)
Crowded arotmd them, exerting their utmost efforts to burst tliem)*
So to th* Aiantes a message he sent by Thootes the herald:
*^ Noble Thootes! run with all speed, and summon th^ Aiantes
Both, it were better, should come. There is need of both; for im-
pending.
Swift and sudden destru<5tion awaits us here unassisted.

258

THE lUAD OF HOAfER.

[Booic xn.

Such and so fierce is the Lycjans' attack, who, whate'er the occasion,

Most determined of all our foes, advance to the battle.

But if the stress of war be there severe, and its labours,

Then let Oileus remain: let the brave Telamonian Aias

Come, and let Teucer bring his unerring bow and his arrows.** (3S«>)

Thus he spake and the herald his message receiving departed*
Swiftly along the line of the bronre-mailed Greeks on the rampart
Running, th' Auntes he found at their post, and thus he addressed

them:
"Noble Aiantes! chiefs of the bronze-mailed sons of Achaia,
Jove-descended Peteos' son hath sent me to bid you
Come with all speed, for howe'er so short a time, to assist him*
Both of you come if you can. There is need of both : for impending
Swift and sudden destru<5tion awaits him there, unasshkd :
Such and so fierce is the I^ycians^ attack w*ho, whateVr the occasion.
Most determined of all our foes, advance to the battle. (360)

But if here also the stress of war be severe and its labours,
Then let Oileus remain, and do thou, Telamonian AiasI
Come, and let Teucer bring his unerring bow, and his arrows,'*

Thus he spake: nor refused the great Telamonian hero.
Parting however, these hurried words he addressed to Oileus:
**Aias, my frimd! Do thou remain with brave I.ycomedes,
Strive to maintain your post, and cheer on the Greeks to the confli<5l.
I, for a while, must leave you^ for there my assistance is needed:
Soon will I join you again, when once my task is accomplished."

Thus having spoken, the greaj: Telamonian Aias departed; (370)
Teucer beside him, his brother, his father's son; and Pandion
Bearing his chkf tain's bended bow, attended their footsteps.
Soon at the towV they arrived, by brave Menestheus defended.
Mounting the wall, by foes sore pressed and endangered they found

him.
Up, as if swept by a whirlwind's drift, the Lycian leaders
Climbing the breast-work a fmting had gained^ and dire was the

clamour,
Fierce the encounter of arms : for hand to hand was the combat
First in the fight, the great Telamonian Aias a hero,

Book Xlt]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

2S9

Godlike Sarpedon's companion and friend, the valiant Epicles
Slew* Upraising a nigged stone which high on the rampart (380)
Coping a battlement lay (such a mass as hardly a mortal.
Such as now live, in the pride of youth and strength could have

lifted^
Straining with both his hands) on his head from above he discharged it»
Crushing the cone of his four-plumed helm it fell, and within it
All the bones of his skulL Head foremost huried from the rampart
Down, like a diver, he plunged and, the wreck of a man, he expired*

Glaucus, /// a^ ft? mounts was grappling the wall, and unguarded
Tltrusi forth his naked arm. This Teucer marked, and an arrow
Sent from his bmv which a wound infli€led, disabling the hero*
Down from the wall he sprang, dissembling his hurt lest the

Grecians {Z9^)

Seeing him stnickf might scoiT and insult him with words of derision*
This Sarpedon with grief beheld ; for Glaucus retreating
Soon he perceived : but his grief with rage was mixed. With his

Jav'Hn,
Full at Alcmieon, Thestor's son, he thrust, and transfixed him,
Quickly withdrawing the weapon, which dragged him down ; and

Alcmaeon,
Forward fell on his face, and his bright arms rattled around him.
Then with a springy Sarpedon the battlement seized, and it yielded,
Under the strain of his mighty grasp, iftide toppling in ruin,
Stripping the rampart, and opening a breach where many might enter.
Aias and Teucer at once took deadly aim at the hero. (4*^0)

Teucer's shaft struck sharp on the glittering band, which his buckler
Fastened across his breast ; but Zeus averted destru<5lion,
Suifering not his son at the ships of the Grecians to perish.
Leaping upon him, Aias dismissed his spear» and the buckler
Rang with thi bimtf M k pierced not through : yet it checked him

advancing.
Back from the breach some space he recoiled, yet not as retreating :
Turning him round to hb godlike Lycian troops, he addressed them,
Loth to relinquish his ardent hopes of conquest and gloiy ;
"Lyciansl why, forget ye your ancient rmmim and your valour?

17—2

26o

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[ik>OK XIL

Think you that I, unsupported, how brave soe'er, through yon barrier
(Burst by my strength though k btr) can hew out a path to the vessels ? (4 1 1 )
Follow me then ! where n umber s^ no less than courage, are needed."
Thus he spake, and the Lycians rebuked by the words of their

sovereign,
Pressed round the prince, by his prowess inspired, revering his wisdom.
Nor did the Greeks meanwhile negledl to concentre their phalanx.
Drawn up within the wall, for they knew what a struggle impended.
Nor could the Lycians brave succeed in breaking the Grecians,
Forcing a path through the breach, and cutimg their way to the vessels \
Nor could these from the wall drive back the Lycian warriors.
Now that they held the breach, and had gained firm footing upon

it (420)

As when two men in narrow space disputing their boundaries,
Each with his measuring rod in hand, at the line of division
Stand, of their common field, and maintain their claim to possession :
Thus did the wall divide the contending hosts. In the struggle
Thick descended the blows on their broad round shields^ and the targets
Lightly upborne, whose tough buli-hides defended their bosonis.
Many a wound was giv*n and received from their pitiless weapons*
Here, through the back exposed came the deadly thrust, when a

ncrcant
Turned him to flight : there, pierced through his buckler perished a

hero.
Battlement, buttress and lo% tow'r in that desperate struggle^ (430)
Streamed alike with the mingieii blood of Greeks and of Trojans*
Yet had the Greeks no thought of flight ; but straight and unsii^enth^
Held their line y — as some diligent matron, just in her dealings.
Poises the wool in her scales* and draws it out, till it equals
' Nicely, its weight ; thus earning a scanty support for her children.
Thus on an even poise hung balanced the fates of the battle.
Up to the time when Zeus should crown great He<5lor with glory.
Destined the first to break in, and o'erpass the fence of the Grecians*
Then witli a mighty shout he called up his troops to the combat :
^'Naw isy^ur time, ye Trojans 1 Now burst through the wall, and ^

ready, (440)

BooicXII.]

THE lUAD OP HOMER.

261

Torches to hurl &n the ships, and in one vast blaze to consume

them/'
Thus in loud and exciting tones he spake, and the Trojans
Heard with fresh kmdied ^eai^ and rushed in crowds to the rampart,
Jav'lins in hand. And they dimkd the wall^ and the battlements

mounted*
He£lor then seized on a mighty stone* which in front of the gateway
Stood, like the prow of a ship projecting, broad at the bottom.
Sharp at the point ; which scarce two men now living among us,
Chosen from among the strongest, could heave from the ground to a

waggon,
Ev'ti with a lever's aid : but alone he easily raised it,
(Zeus^ the son of mysterious Kronos, lightening the burden). (450)
Not with more ease, scarce feeling the wooly weight, does the shepherd
Bear off in both his hands some ram's huge 'At^c^fram tk€ shmring^
Poising the rock, he approached the lofty gate, which compacted
Stood, with its planks by massive beams cross-braced, and within it
Fasl'ning its two broad doors were ptmderous clasps, that uniting,
Clenched, and with one str^n^ holt were secured. Confronting it,

He<5lor
Planted himself on wide-extended feet, to concentrate
Ail his force on the blow. And it fell I Struck full in the centre,
Down went the gate, with a thundering crash; out-lorn from the frame-
work,
All the hinges were wrenched, and Uie crag broke through, by its

impulse {4*5o)

Shivering the planks. Nor resisted the bars, smt flying in splinters,
This way and that through the air. In rushed the conquering Hector
Dreadful in aspecfl as gloomy night. Far flashed from his armour,
Lurid and fitful gleams as he moved. Two lances he brandished,
As through the gate he sprang, with his eyes in flame. To resist him
Vain were all mortal force; for none but a God might have dared iL
Turning him round to the Trojans, he called them up to support him,
Bidding them scale the wall: and they hurried in ermmis at his

summons.
Some with a desperate rush surmounted the rampart, and others

262

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XII.

Poured through the broken gate. Then fled the Grecians in
terror, (470)

Back to their hollow ships, and all was rout and confusion.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XIII.

BOOK THE THIRTEENTH.

Argument.

Poseidon observing the battle from Samos^ comes to the aid of the
Greeks, who renew the fight, Idomeneus excited by him slays Asius and
otherwise distinguishes himself as do also Merion and Menelaiis on ike
side of the Greeks , and jEneas on that of the Trojans, These assailed by
the two Ajaces begin to give way, Hedor at the instance of Polydamas
traverses the field to colleH the Trojan chiefs. He finds Paris, who Joins
him, and together they return to Polydamas and restore the fight.

ILIAD. BOOK Xni,

T^HUS to the Crecmn ships when Zeus had the Trojans condudted.
There he left them, engaged in their toilsame and arduous struggle,
WhW^/roM ike scale of siaughkr his beaming eyes he averted,
Viewing the distant lands by the hid equestrian Thracians,
By the closeH:ombating Mysians held, and the pure Hippemolgi
Nurtured on milk, of peaceful lives, and the justest of mortals*
Troy and htr h^sfs no longer he ikigned t^ behold. Of th' immortals
None, he expe^Jted, would dan ia descend yr^jw 0/ymfius^ and render
Aidp or encouragement offer to Greece or Troy in their conjlin.

Yet, with a watchful and anxious ga^e, earthshaking Poseidon (to)
WondMng, the hng-protrailed war and the turns of the battle
Viewed from his Thracian seat, from the wood-clothed mountains of

Samos,
Whence might be seen far stretching away the summits of Ida,
Ihon's lofty tmi^rs and the close-ranged ships of the Grecians*
There, from the ocean rising, he sate, and sore for the Argives
Grieved, by the Trojans subdued ; and with Zeus his soul was indignant.
From the huge mountain*s rugged height in haste he descended
Striding along j and its forests shook and its pinnacles trembled,
Under the earthquake tread and immortal weight of the monarch.
Wide over land and sea, three sdides he took, and in Mgm (ao)

Planted his foot at the fourth. There a gorgeous palace received him
Deep, deep down in the ocean wave, incorruptible, golden.

266

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XI JL

There to his chariot he yoked his swift and brazen-hoofed coutseis.
Crested with beauteous manes wide floating in gold o'er their shotilders*
Gold was his panoplied mail, and the broidered scourge which he

wielded,
All with gold was inwrought Triumphant he mounted his chariot.
Over the waves it rolled* Sea monsters gambolled around it.
Rising in shoals from the deep to behold their king : and the billows
Leaping with joy divided, arid smmthed a path where the chariot
Skimmed o'er the main; nor wetted the brazen axle beneath it (30)
Thus flew the bounding steeds till they neared the ships of the Grecians,

Under the sea which Tenedos parts from the mainland of Imbros^
Opens a wide-expanding cave in the depths of its waters*
There arrested his chariot tlie great earthshaking Poseidon,
Loosed his steeds from the yoke and strewed them ambrosial fodder :
Round their fetlocks shackles of gold he cast to detain them ;
Skaekies which none might unloose or break; that so he might find

them
Ready, awaiting their lord*s return. Then joined he the Grecians,
Troia's hosts meanwhile, with the rage of the fire or the tempest
Swept after He<5loT in crowds^ all eager, thirsting for battle, (40)

Raising triumphant shouts. For now the ships of the Grecians
Surely they trusted to capture and slay their best and their bravest-
Mighty Poseidon however, who shakes the world with his earthquakes,
Kow from the waves uprising assumed the semblance of Calchas;
like him in form and resounding voice, and encouraged the Argives*
First th* Aiantes addressing, already alert and excited:
'* Noble Aiantes 1 On you must Greece rely for her safety.
Valiant ye are. No thought of flight e'er freezes your ardour !
Elsewhere aimgour lines I fear not the might of the Trojans,
Who in such numbers have scaled our walls and are rushing u^ion us.
Sure that our bright-greaved Greeks will receive their assault and

repel it. (51)

Here however, where Hedor himself, the fierce and the fiery,
Boasting himself the favorite of Zeus, leads them on to the battle,
Sorely I dread lest evil befa! the sons of Achaia.
Wherefore I trust, some God will inspire your bosoms, and prompt you

Book XI IL]

THE ILIAD OF HOaMER.

267

Bravely to bear your parts in the fight, and encourage your comrades.
So shall ye drive him back from ihe swift-sailing ships in cen/uskm^
Fierce as he is; though Zeus himself be his friend and supporter."

Thus having spoken, the world -en circling lord of the earthquake,
l^d upon each his sceptre, and filled them with courage and

vigour, (60)

Suppled their joints, and confirmed the strength of their hands and

their members.
Then, as a hawk upborne on rapid wing from his station
High on some rugged cliff soars forth in atr^ and his quarry
Far and wide o'er the plain pursues in devi&us circuity
Thus from their presence darted the great earth-shaking Poseidon.
First was the God -head perceived by the swift Oilean Aias,
Instantly thus he bespoke the great Telamonian hero :
"Aias I I feel it within me ! A God hath come dowTi from Oljmpus,
Taking the prophet's form, and enjoins us to fight for our gallies.
He, be assured, is not the seer he resembled, old Calchas. {70)
Well did I mark, as he left us, \\i^ gliding feet and his movements.
Unlike men*s is the carriage of Gods, and we easily know them.
Now tooj within my bosom my heart beats high for the combat;
More than ever my spirit excites me to war and to conquest
Strength is in every hmb, and my hands seem nerv^ed for the battle."

Thus then in turn replied the great Telamonian Aias:
**I too feel the same! My soul is stirred in my bosom,
Ligki in my eager grasp is the spear, and to bear me to battle
Wings seem Hfiing my feet, and alone I yearn to encounter
He^or the son of Priam, in all the height of his fury.''

Thus with exulting joy, these two brave heroes conferring,
Each linto each the ardour revealed which the god had imparted.
He meanwhile, the great earth-circling Pow'r to the rean^^ard
Passed, where the Greeks in their ships had a respite sought and a

refuge.
Worn and exhausted with toil, their limbs were relaxed and their

bosoms
Heaved with pangs of o'ertidtdming giief, when they looked on the

Trojans,

(80)

36S

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIIL

Scaling ky thousands the mighty wall //i^ had bm&: and, beholding.
Tears of despiit ami shame from their eyelids streamed: for they knew

not
How from so dire a strait they should e'er escape. But Poseidon
Mingling among their ranks restored their strength and their courage.
Teucer and Leitus first his words aroused, and their ardour (gij
Kindled; Thoas, Detpyrus, next and P^neleus mighty
Merion, Antibchus, warUke chiefs, experienced in battles.
All became eager to fight, when in words like these he addressed

them:
"Shame on ye, Argive youths! To your valour and strength might be

trusted,
(So we vainly believed) the safety of Greece and her navy.
But if ye shun the dangerous fight, and shrink from the confli<5tj
Then we behold at length the day when Troy shall overwhelm us,
Gods! What a sight is this! That these eyes should e*er have

beheld it*
Dreadful ! incredibk! such as no Greek could e'er have predi^fled ! (too)
Trojans close at your ships ! That cowardiy mre^ who but lately
Ran hke the timorous deer, a prey to each beast of the forest^
Jackals and pards and wolves j a rout of straggiers ^^ weaklings.
Loose in arrays unfit for war, for its toils or its gbry*
Such is this rabble of Troy, who the valour and arras of the Greciam
Never in times gone by could withstand; no, not for an instant
Now, from their city advancing they beard us here at our vessels.
All through our chiefs miscondudlj and lack of zeal in our warriors
\\^o, ai his tyranny ^TOth, refuse to fight, and our navy
Suffer unguarded to fall, and themselves to perish beside it. (no)

WTiat, if it be his fault, if blame must rest on our leader
Atreus' heroic son, the wide-ruling king Agamemnon?
^Vhat, though h^ fouUy dishonoured the siviit-pursuing Achilles,
Must we for that desert &ur posts and shrink from the battle?
Rather push on and retrieve. The brave but doubt for a moment.
You of all others the last should be found giving way to a panic,
Brave as ye are, the flow*r of our host. For the weak and unwarlike.
Such I disdain to blame. They hut yield t& the beni of their nature.

Boaic XI 11.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

269

You when I see subdued, my sou! is indignant within me-

ITihik mt^ my friends! you khoM the worst. Far heavier the

mischief, (120)

Weakness like yours will cause. Oh! think on the shame and the ruin,
Ready on all to alight; for the last sharp struggle is pending.
He(^OT himself approaches your ships. Already his war-ciy
Icings in your mrs. Your gates are burst andthefoe is mmng y&u'^
Thus while the great earth-shaking god encouraged the Grecians,
Closing around th' Aiantes twain had coUetSled a phalanx.
Solid and square, where Ares himself, were he present amidst them,
Nought could have found to blame, nor Athena disperser of armies.
There the bravest of all the brave stood fronting the Trojans
Spear levelled close by spear, and buckler wedged upon buckler, ( 1 30)
Target on taiget, man upon man, and helmet on helmet
Nodding in one compa(fted and gleaming mass with their horsetails
Waving in air Thus close they stood ; and the spears which they

wielded,
Shook with the force of their stalwart gripe. Supporting each other
Kept they their groundj yet longed to advance, and yearned for

the onset.
On c^me Troy to the charge, and He6lor in front of the Trojans,
Rushing amain r like a boulder crag from the brow of a mountain,
Tom by the wintry floods when the rain comes down in a torrent^
Mining its base, and loos ning its hold on the cliff; and in ruin
Bounding along it flies, and the forest crashes beneadi it (140)
WTiirled in its headlong career o'er the steep it rolls unimpeded
Down to the plain: there stops; — in its path of destni<5lion arrested.
Thus rushed Hedtor along with threats and with tumult, expei^ing
Soon at the sea to arrive, at the ships and tents of the Grecian s.
Slaughtering all on his way. But the serried lines of the phalanx
Stopped him at once as they closed; and the hUtng brands by the

Argives
Wielded, and two-edg'd spears thrust home, presented a barrier
Passing his might to surmount. Amazed^ some steps he retreated.
Turning liim then to his troops, in a thundering voice he addressed

them:

270

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK XII L

" Trojans and Lycians all, and ye staunch Dardanian warriors, (150)
Hold your ground and h^ firm. Not long will the Grecians resist me,
^VTiat though they stand compatled in close array like a rampart.
Soon shall this spear disperse them. On Zeus I rely for assistance,
Zeus, the first of the Go<ls, the thundering consort of Hera."

Thus he spake and each heart was stirred, each spirit excited.
Forth stept Deiphobus first, the high-sourd offspring of Priam,
Bearing aloft his broad round shield fiill-orbed and refu/gefit*
Light was his tread as secure he advanced beneath its protedlion*
Straight at the prince Men ones aimed his glittering jav*lin,
Hurling Hith force. It missed not its mark but right in the centre (160)
Smote, of the full-orb*d shield with bulVs-hide stiC But it pierced not
Short at the shank it broker for Deiphobus, dreading a weapon
Wielded by Merion's might, far fonvard in front of his bosom
Held off the shield to receive it Then back the Greek, disappointed,
Into the crowd of his comrades plunged, sore vexed and indignant,
Both for his ill success and his broken spear: and he hasted
Back to the camp and the Grecian ships mi the sfwre^ to procure him
There, from the stores in his tent, a more available weapon.

Thickened meanwhile the fray, and loud grew the roar of the confii^.
First Telamonian Teucer a chieftain slew of the Trojans^ (170)
Imbrius, Mentor's son, renown'd for the breed of his horses*
\\1)0 at Pedc^um dwelt, ere Greece before Ilion mustered,
Medesicast^ fair having married, a daughter of Priam.
But when the Grecian ships arrived, in support of the Trojans,
Back to the city he came, and lived distinguished among them,
Lodged in the royal palace and honoured as one of its princes.
Him through the throat great Telamon's son transfixed, and the

jav'iin
Quickly ^nthdrew. Do%^ sank he, as some tall ash on a mountain.
Once conspicuous, a wiU-kfimim mark^ by the axe &f tki nm^iiman
Prostrate laid, with its leafy crown and witie-sprcading hraru/t^s, (iSo)
So did he fall, and his shiniifg arms re-echoed around hinu
Teucer at once rushed forward in eager haste to despoil him.
He<5tor however his gleaming spear dismissed; which perceiving
Fierce as it flew, fy a dexfrous spring he escaped, and it passed him

BookXIIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

271

Close ; and Amphimachus, Cteatus' son and grandson of Adlor,
Boldiy advancing in jront of his mmraii^s^ pierced in the bosom-
Down he fell with a crash, and his armour rattled around him*
Hector at once sprang forth, ^Vr th£ prmtrak form &/ t/te here
Simping^ to tear from his head the crested helm that adorned it,
This great Aias beheld, and his beaming lance against He<nor (190)
Hurled : but in vain, for the prince by his bmzen panoply guarded,
Scatheless stood and untouched. On the boss of his shield it

alighted,
Driv'n with mermous force; and thrust him back. He retreated
Leaving the two falVn chiefs in the hands of the conquering Aipves.
Stichius, Menestheus, Athenian chiefs Amphimachus carried,
Out €ff the press ^ unspoikd; and with care consigned to his comrades.
Imbrius the brave Aiantes themselves bore off from the Trojans.
As when two lions have snatched from the fangs of dogs, who had

seized him,
Some wild goat stiii bleedmg and newly slain: o*er the brush-wood.
High upraised in their jaws they bear him away through the thicket-
Imbrius then th^ Aiantes upholding bore, and his helmet (201)
T&refr&m his head and his glittering armour stripped. Then Oileus
Wroth for Amphimachus slain, his head dissevered, and tossed it
High o*er the the crowd and \i feU, in the dust disfigured^ an4 ommrd
Rolled like a ball to Hec'^or^s feet, all bleeding and ghastly.

Not with less rage was Poseidon filled at the fate of his grandson,
Thus in his very sight struck dowTi in desperate confliift-
Omre more among the tents he passed and the ships of the Grecians
Cheering the Danaan host and woes for the Trojans preparing.
There he encountered Idomeneus bold^ who had quitted the

combat, (210)

Anxious to save a wounded friend, from behind at the knee-joint
Pierced by a spear, whom his comrades were bearing away from

the battle.
He to the leeches' care had consigned him, and now was returning
Back to his tent, for he longed once more to join in the combat-
Him then the mighty Poseidon addressed, in voice and in feature
Lik'ning himself to Thoas^ Andraemon's son, who o'er Pleuron

2^2

THE ILIAD OF HOMEM,

[BooKXriL

Reigned^ and ^-fltolia's realm, and Cklydon's rocky recesses,
Where, as a God respe£led and honoured, the people obeyed him :

"Noble Idomeneus ! Greta's sovereign ! How have they vanished.
All those threats which Achaia's sons once hurled at the Trojans T
Then in his turn responded the valiant prince of the Cretajis ; {221)
**Thoas I Not one of the Greeks, methinks^ deserves ihy reproach^.
All are familiar with arms. Each Greek in sani is a warri^Tj
None is by heartless fear withheld. No Grecian among us
Yields himself up to sloth or shrinks from the labour of warfare,
Zeus himself is our foe. His decrees have doomed us to perish
Nameless, inglorious, far remote from our home and our country.
Thee have I ever known as a warrior fearless and active,
Thoas ! Exciting the laggard alike by word and example.
Go then. Each man th&u meefst urge on to fight to the utmost^* (^3^)

Thus made answer in turn the great earth-shaking Poseidon :
" Curst be the wretch this day who lingers and shrinks from the battle,
Ne^er may he live to return from the shores of Troy to his country !
Here may his carcase roi^ the sport of dogs and of tndiures f
Come then, resume thy arms and return with me* The occasion
All our haste demands. Though but two, w^e may render assistance.
Even the feeble united are strong : and we with the foremost
Rank where deeds of arms are performed and the valiant are gathered"

Thus having said, the god rushed on and mixed in the struggle,
While to his stately tent for his arms Idomeneus hastened. (340)
Soon had he donned his glittering arms, two lances sele^ing.
Then, as the iightoing by Zeus displayed from the heights of Olympus
Brandished aloft in his red right hand for a sign unto mortals
Darts forth in forked gleams of unendurable splendour —
So, as the hero ran, flaslied forth bright rays from his corslet
Merion first he encountered, his brave and faithful attendant
Close by the tent he had Up, who came to provide him a jaVUn,
Meeting him thus m his path, the Cretan monarch addressed him :
"Smft-footed Merion ! Mobs' son, best lov'd of my comrades,
Why do 1 find thee here deserting thy post in the battle, (350)
Say \ by a wound from some hostile lance received art thou suiTring
Or peradventure, a message bear'st to m}*self? But I hasten

}

BookXIII.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

373

Back to the field, for my soul is on fire to join in the combat."
Bold Meriones, prudent us Mi/, this answer returned him :
'* Mighty Idomeneus ! sov*reign at once and guide of the Cretans,
'Tis for a spear I come* if such in thy tents be remaining.
That which I bore to the fight broke short, my thrust disappointing,
Leaving its hmd deep fixed in fierce Deiphobus* buckler.'*

Thus making answer in turn replied the Prince of the Cretans :
** Spears thrice sev'n wilt thou find in my tent. Thence choose
as thoti listest (260)

Ranged round its snowy walls they stand. All Troian weapons,
Ta'en from their bearers in battle slain- For not from a distance
Is it my wont to fight. / strike dmim my foe and d^sfmi Mm.
Thus have I store of spears and bossy shields in ahimdana-,
Many a casque, and many a breast-plate polished and gleammg/*

Merion, prudent and brave, these words returned htm in answer:
'* Neither within my tent nor the darksome hold of my galley
Lack there Troian spoils i but the distance is far to procure them.
Fon f/fcwg/f I say it mysdf, no want of spirit or courage
Holds me back from the glorious fight There 1 stand with the
foremost (270)

Ever prepared for war when the moment of battle approaches.
What though among the Greeks I fight unnoticed by others;
Not so, at least, by thee. / havt faught by thy side, and thou
know'st me."

Thus making answer in turn replied the Prince of the Cretans :
'*WelI do I know thy valour. What needs there this to remind me?
Were from among our host for an ambush, the bravest sele€led —
TTtat sharp triiti which tests most surely the soul of the w^arrior;
Where by his bearing the hero stands displayed and the coward, —
None would mistake thy conduifl, or doubt thy strength or thy valour i
There if a coward be placed, his colour shifts, and alternate (280)
Varies from red to pale, and his heart is troubled within him.
Crouching, on l>oth his heels he sits, or shift's his position.
Then too, against his corslet his heart beats hard, as he pifflures
Death's approach^ and his chatt'ring teeth give sign of his terror.
Not so the brave* His colour remains unchanged ; his behaviour

i»

274 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XIII.

Calm and composed, when he sits him down in the ambush of heroes.
Only he prays to be doing, and pants for the moment of adlioa I
Thee should some flying shaft attain, or' thrust of a jav'lin • I

Stretch thee, o'erpow'red in the dusty no wound in the back would i

disgrace thee,
Or in thy nape exposed. On thy breast, and in front it would

strike thee " (290) '

Forward pressing and leading the charge with the first of thy comrades. '
Cease we this talk however, more fit for children than warriors. \

Loitering, bitterly those who want our assistance will blame us. j

Haste then 1 Run to my tent and choose the best of my lances." \

Menon, as Ares brave, obeyed the words of his sovereign, 1

Ran to the tent, and chose forth a sharp and glittering weapon,
Following then on Idomeneus* steps he rushed to the coml^t.
Just as when death-doing Ares himself advances to battle
Followed by Terror, fearless himself, but dreadful to mortals.
Best lov*d son of the God, whom the bravest shrinks from
beholding, (300)

Forth out of Thrace when in arms they come, where Ephyrd*s warriors
Fight with the Phlegyans bold, by both invoked ^ but according
Only to one of their hosts, the prize of conquest and glory.
Thus these chieftains, heroes themselves and leaders of heroes,
Sheathed in refulgent brass, marched on to the scene of contention.
Merion now resumed the discourse and Idomeneus questioned :

" Son of Deucalion ! where dost thou mean to enter the battle ?
Or on the right, the center, or left ? To the left, as it seems me,
Sorest the Greeks are pressed, and most they need our assistance.
This is the place y and now the time, to make our decision J*^ (310)

Thus making answer, in turn replied the Prince of the Cretans :
" There at our central ships they need us not, they have others.
Both Aiantes are there. There Teucer fights; as an archer
First of th' Achaian host, and in close, stern combat excelling.
He6lor, the son of Priam, may rage as he will with his Trojans,
These will afford him fighting enough, be he ever so valiant.
Ever so greedy of battle and war : full hard will he find it,
Strength such as theirs to shake, and subdue their invincible firmness.

BookXUL]

THE ILIAD OF HOaMER.

275

This must he do, ere he bum our ships, should Zeus not assist him,
Showermg dossnjrom the skks^ his fiery bolts to mnsume than. (320)
Nor does the man exist, sustained by the fruits of Demeter,
Whom either weapon can wound, or rocks can crush, who could conqiitr^
Aye! or stir from his post, the great Telamonian Aias*
Not from the mighty Achilles himself would he flinch in the combat,
Closely encountered, hand to hand ; though inferior in swiftness.
Hold then thy course for the left* There fate will soonest determine
Whether the vi6lor's meed we shall win, or confer it on others,"

Men on, as Ares brave, obeyed the command of his sovereign,
Striking across^ by the path which he pointed out, to the army.
Now, w*hen the foe beheld them approaching in glittering armour, (jjo)
Brave Idomeneus firsts Hke a flame, and his valiant attendant,
One on another they called, and in crowds came rushing ui>on them.
Fierce was the combat now that raged round the prows of the gal lies.
As when in iddying blasts the shrill-voiced winds are contending,
Wliat Xxmt tki groumi is parched^ and \kx^ dust lies thick on the path-

waySj
Whirled up aloft in clouds, it rises and darkens the region:
Thus waxed fiercer and thicker the fight. Each warrior among them,
I^eckiitss 0/ wounds himself, sought only to slay his opponent.
Horrent and bristling mth spears, were the close-prest lines of the

battle
Long, flesh-rending. The brazen gleams that blazed from their

helmets, (34'^)

Flashed from their freshly polished shields, and glittering corslets,
DaizJed the sight Right stem were the heart that with joy could

behold them
Lab*ring in that dread work ; nor feel some movement of horror.

Such were the toils and woes which the sons of mysterious Kronos,
Each in his might, adopting opposing sides in their quarrel.
Heaped on ih' heroic chiefs in that wild struggle contending.
Zeus, on his part, rememl^ering his promise to honour Achilles,
Hedlor and Troy had agreed to supp{>rt, and lead them to conquest
(Not that he meant to destroy the Greeks, or liimi to rescue:
Thetis howbeit a^ot'ealt, and her valiant son, he regarded,) (JS^)

18—2

276 THE lUAD OF HOMER, [BooK XIII.

While, from the hoary deep, unobserved emerging, Poseidon,
Mixed with the Greeks, and their hearts sustained ; for he grieved to

behold them
Crushed and subdued by Troy : and at Zeus his soul was indignanL
Equal their lineage, one their race: but Zeus was the elder.
First in right of his birth, and first as excelling in wisdom.
Therefore, in semblance a man, through the Grecian army Poseidon
Passed unperceived, nor dared to appear revealed in his Godhead.
Thus was the direful issue of war, and unyielding contention
Forced on the hosts, and a strong compulsion, stem and relentless.
Chained them together, in mutual hate, in mutual slaughter. (360)
Then did Idomeneus, grey albeit, tvith years and with hardships^
Cheer on the Greeks and, springing upon them, scatter the Trojans :
First by his hand Othryoneus fell, who to Troy from Cabesus
Came, ere its siege had been long declared, for love of Cassandra,
Whom from her fatlier Priam he sought, though dow'rless, in wedlock ; I
Dow'rless in all but beauty. And much he vaunted his prowess, 1

Promising speedy deliv'rance to Troy from the sons of Achaia. 1

Priam agreed. His consent he pledged, and his daughter he promised, '
And on his promise relying, the chief marched boldly to battle.
Striding abroad in defiant guise, but his ponderous javlin (370) I
Full at his front Idomeneus aimed : nor resisted his corslet, '

Strongly compa6t with brass ; but the spear stood fixed in his navel,
Down he fell with a crash. Then thus exulted the vidlor:
" Valiant Othrj^oneus ! great will be now thy reno\m among mortals,
Shouldst thou indeed redeem that pledge thou gavest to Priaro,
When, in return for thine aid, as thy bride his daughter he promised.
We too have somewhat to promise. Change sides : and then will we

give thee
Royal Atreides' fairest daughter. Hither from Argos
Shall she in triumph be led, to wed thee. Only assist us,
Ixtiding the force of thy mighty arm, proud Ilion to conquer. (380)
Come then ! seek we our ships, and there the terms of thy marriage
Let us arrange. No doubt thou wilt not despise our alliance."
Thus having said, through the press by the foot Idomeneus dragged

hint

BOOK XIII,]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

Asius behthf^ and at once stepped forth resolved to avenge him,
Fighting on foot ; while behind, at his shoulders^ the breath of his

coursers
Played, by his charioteer kept close on his steps ; at the vI6tor
Just preparing to thrust ; but he, more ready and watchful,
Smote him below the chin, in his throat Right tltrough went the

weapon.
Down sank the chief as sinks some oalc, or wkU-tprtadrng poplar.
Or as some stately pine on the mountains felled, which the shipwright
Hews with fresh- whet ted axe, to shape some beam for his vessel. (391)
I'hus lay the hero, prostrate before his steeds and his chariot,
Gnashing his teeth, and clutching the bloody dust in his deaih-fiang.
Struck was his charioteer with benumbing fear ^ which deprived him
Ev*n of the power of thought \ nor dared he turn and his coursers
Save from the enemy's bands. Then brave Antilochus, aiming
Full at his front, his spear dismissed; nor resisted his corslet,
Strmg-^mnpaflcd with brass : but the spear stood fixed in his stomach.
Groaning he fell from the beauteous car^ w^hich Antilochus mounting,
Nestor*s heroic son, from atnid the ranks of the I'rojans (400)
Drove off in triumph, and mixed with the bright-greaved sons of Achaia*

Up came Deiphobus, burning with rage at the slaughter of Asius,
Close to Idomeneus stood, and dismissed his glittering jav*lin.
Watchful, the prince the ad beheld, and eluded the weapon
Crouching, and lifting oblique the smooth round orb of his buckler
Formed of the tough bull-hide and of pohsh*d brass^ while within it
Tw^o strong bars its grasp secured, and strengthened its fabric
Over it glanced the brazen spear, and grazing across it
Gave forth a harsh dry sound ; but retained its force as it bounded
Off^ and it flew not in vain from the powerful hand qf its master. (410)
Hippasus' son, Hypsenor, the shepherd and guide of his people,
Under the waist through the liver it pierced, and he fell in his death-
pang.
Thus then in loud and terrific strain Deiphobus shouted :

**Not unavenged hath Asius falVn. Jlethinks that his spirit
Wending its dimmnmrd path through the massive portals of Hades
Somew^hat of joy will feel, to think what a guide I have sent him.*'

278 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XIII.

Thus did he boast. But his taunts were as stings to the hearts of
the Grecians;
Deepest of all was the genVous soul of Antilochus wounded.
Yet in his >\Tath did he not forget to proted his companion
Fall'n; but around him stalked, and o*er him his buckler extended. (420)
Raising him then from the ground his dear and faithful companions,
Echius* valiant son Mecisteus and noble Alastor
Bore him with many a sigh to the hollow ships of the Grecians.

Nor did Idomeneus yet shrink back^ or relax in his efforts ;
Ever his soul was yearning to wrap some Trojan in darkness.
Or with a mighty ruin himself to fall for his country.
Such was his mood 7vhen Alcathous he met, who boasted a lineage
All but divine, from great ^sy^tas. He from Anchises
Sought and obtained his eldest and fairest daughter in marriage,
Hippodameia, the cherish'd at heart of her father and mother, (430)
Light of their home ; who her young compeers in mind, as in beauty,
Far surpassed, and in ev'ry female work and adomment;
Happy in winning the noblest youth in Troy for a husband.
Him to Idomeneus' spear an easy conquest Poseidon
Gave; obscuring his sight and loos'ning the bands of his sinews,
Nor could he fly nor turn him aside, but dazed and bavildered
Stood, like some column or lofty tree, awaiting his foeman
Fixt, unresisting. Full in the breast Idomeneus smote him.
Hurling his spear, which shattered the brazen strength of his corslet.
Tearing the stiff defence which so oft had saved him in battle. (440)
Broken, it gave forth a crackling sound and admitted the weapon ;
Crashing he fell: and fixt in his heart the spear to its handle
Quivered, through all its length, to the strong rebound of its pulses.
There was the force of the jav'lin stayed and its fury expended.
Thus then, in loud and terrific strain Idomeneus shouted:

"Tell me, Deiphobus: must we not call it a handsome requital,
Three to be slain for one? since such is the style of thy boasting.
Wretch! Wilt thou match thy force with mine, and meet me in

combat?
Soon shalt thou learn what the offspring of Zeus in fight can accomplish.
Hither as such I come. For Minos, sov'reign of Greta, (450)

BOOK XI iq

THE ILIAD OF NOMER.

279

Zeus for his father boasted. Then next Deucalion, the blameless,
Minos begat; myself DeucaUon. In Greta's dominion
Many are those who own my sway. From Crete in my vessels
Troy-ward I sailedj to thyself a scourge, to thy father and nation/'

Thus he spake* But Deiphobus doubtful stood; undecided
Whether, retiring awhik he should choose some friend from the Trojans,
Valiant ever m fights or alone attempt the adventure.
Soon he resolved on hh course. Far wiser he deemed it and better
Brave .^neas to seek. In the rear of the Trojans he found him
Stationed, holding aloof, for he bore some grudge against Priam, (460)
Who, with disdainful negleifl o'erlooked his prowess, and wisdom.
Taking his stand the prince beside, then thus he addressed him:
^iVtd>/e ^^neas! Guardian of Troy in war and in council,
Upl and avenge thy sister's w^edded lord, if thou lov'dst him.
Follow me- Rescue Alcathous slain who watched o^er thy boyhood
In thy ancestral halls, by ties of domestic aifedlion
Bound, From mighty Idoraeneus took he his death wound."

Thus he spake, and the hero's heart was stirred in his bosom.
Seeking Idonieneus, varhward he strode, on fire to confront him.
Nor did Idomeneus shrink, or child-like shun the encounter; (470)
Firm he stood, like some huge mountain boar who confiding
Stands in his might, and awaits th* advancing din of the hunters^
Deep in some desolate pass, Up bristles his back with excitement,
Fierce glows the fire in his eyes, and he w^hets his tusks in his fury,
Ready to rend both dogs and men who shall dare to attack him.
Thus, colledled, the Cretan stood, nor thought of retreating.
While with a shout ^neas advanced. But he called on his comrades
All within sight: Ascalaphus brave, Deipyrus, Merion,
Mighty Antilochus, Apaneus too; all chiefs of distin<5lion; (479)
Claiming their aid: and thus with urgent appeal he addressed them:

*' Hither, my friends! Support me I I stand alone, and jflneas
Rushes upon me> I dread his assault, since ardrni and adive,
In the full flow'r of his youth and strength he comes, and accustomed
Heroes to meet opposed in arras, and to slay them in battle.
Had I but youth like his to second the spirit within me,
Great should our combat's glory be to the one or the other,'*

28o

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIII.

I
I

Thus he spake: and the heroes all colleded around him.
All in one mind, close-locked^ with their bucklers sloped to their shoiildersL
This perceiving, ^neas on his part called for assistance,
Paris, Deiphobus, round him pressed, and noble Agenor, (490)
Leaders of Troy. And the troops when they heard the summons

came rushing,
Num'rous as sheep which follow the lead of the ram, in the meadows,
Flocking to drink at a pool, while the heart of the shepherd rejoices.
Thus rejoiced in his bosom the heart of ^Eneas, beholding.
Gathering behind himself and his friends, the host of the Trojans.
Then round Alcathoiis rose a close and desperate conflidt,
Spear crossing spear: then fearfully rang the bronze of the breastplates
Under xht fast and furious thrusts by each at the other
Aimed through the thick of the fray: where the two redoubtable

chieftains.
Brave ^neas, and godlike Idomeneus, valiant as Ares, (Soo)

Each came seeking the other's life, and burned to destroy hincL
First at the Cretan prince was hurled the spear of -^neas.
Dtftly shifting /lis ground h^ avoided the blow; and the weapon
Held on its course, and deep in the ground stood rooted and quiv'ring.
Sent on a bootless quest from the mighty hand of its master.
Then, by Idomeneus' spear through the midriff pierced, ^nomaiis
Sank. Through the swelling brass beneath his girdle it entered.
Grasping the dust he fell and his entrails gushed from the death-woimd.
Forth from the corse the vidlor his long-forth-shadowing jav*lin (509)
Plucked ; but to strip from his shoulders his beauteous arms and

despoil him,
Time^ nor his strength sufficed. Hemmed in by weapons on all sides,
Feeling no more in his feet their accustomed spring, when he darted
Forward his spear to recover, or leaped aside y>vw hisfoeman's;
Still though in standing fight he was firm, and kept death at a

distance,
Hardly they bore him with slow and weary steps from the battle.
Him thus slowly retiring from fight Deiphobus marking
After him sent a parting spear, for he hated him ever.
Wide of its mark the weapon flew, but Ascalaphus wounded.

BookXIII.]

TNE ILIAD OF HOMER.

2S1

Son of the God who delights in war* Through the shoulder it

pierced him,
Issuifsg behind, Down sank he^ and clutched the ground where he

grovelled* (520)

Nor did the furious God know aught of the death of his oflTsprmg,
Sitting aloof, so Zeus had decreed, on the heights of Olympus,
Canopied o'er with golden clouds, where the Gods were assembled,
All, by the dread command ^f their sire, withheld from the battle ;
Thus saw he mugkt^ nor hmv of his fall in that dtsperate struggle.

Now round Ascalaphus rose a fierce and terrible combat*
From the dead hero Deiphobus snatched his gUttering helmet :
Merion however* prompt as Arcs, and brave as the war-god.
Springing upon him, pierced his arm. Then dropped he the helmet
Loud was the ring of the crested casque, as from earth it rebounded.
Pouncing upon him, vulture- like, to recover his weapen^ (53 1)

Merion tore forth the lance from his wounded arm, and retiring
Mingled again with the host of his friends. Forth started Polites,
Grasped round the ^'aist his brother, and bore him forth from the

combat.
Out of the press, to the rear» where his coursers stoodt to his chariot
Beauteous and rich to behold by thdr driver bounds and awaiting
Only their master's need to bear him away from the battle^
These to the city Deiphobus bore, all bitterly groaning,
Fainting with pain, while the blood poured fast from the wound in

his elbow.
Meantime the fight went on, and its roar waxed louder and

fiercer, (54^^)

Aphaneus first, Caletor's son, as he turned to confront him,
Full in the throat /Eneas smote, and the head of the hero
Sideways dropped, by his helmet's weight opprest, and his buckler
Weighed him down, and the shadows of death came floating around

him.
Next upon Thoon Antilochus sprang, who had turned to avoid him
EntVing his back obliquely the sf>ear drove on, in its passage
Rending away the flesh and all the veins which along it
Hold their course to die neck ; and supine he fell ; and extended

282 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XIII.

Both his hands, in the dust as he lay, for aid to his comrades.

On rushed Antilochus, seizing his arms, which he stripped from his i

shoulders, (550) |

Warily looking around him the while. For about him on all sides
Pressed the Trojans, bristling his shield with many a jav'lin:
All in vain. Not a spear might graze but the skin of the hero |

Safe in its cover. Mighty Poseidon prote6led his fav'rite, ,

Nestor's offspring, and kept him secure in the midst of the weapons.
All who came on he faced, nor shrank from his foes, and he held |

them, ,'

Turning from one to another, at bay; while his jav'lin he brandished j
Now, as in a6l to hurl it, and now, as watching the moment .

Forward to rush, and thrust it home to the hearts of\i\^ foemen. 1

Adamas, Asias' son, when uncertain thus he beheld him (560) 1

Rushing upon him close, with his lance, in the midst of his buckler, 1
Struck him a sharp strong blow: but the dark-haired lord of the 1

ocean,
Grudging so precious a life, enfeebled the force of the weapon.
Part remained fixed in the shield, like a half-burnt stake. The '
remainder, '

Splintered^ flnu from his grasps and strewed the ground with its \

fragtnents: \

Baffled, the warrior withdrew to his comrades, shunning destrudlion.
Merion then aimed his spear at the flying chief; and it struck him
Deep in the belly's rim, betwixt the groin and the navel;
Just where to suffering mortals the pang of a wound is the keenest;
There stood the spear infixed : and he struggled and writhed in his

torment. (57o)

As when an ox, which herdsmen have bound with cords in the

mountains.
Writhes in his bonds, while they drag him along in spite of his struggles,
Thus for a while he writhed. — Not long — till Merion approaching
Plucked from the wound and recovered his spear. He fell ^ and his life

blood
Ebbed away, and the darkness of death overshadowed his eyeballs.
Helenus next with Deipyrus closing, full on his temple

BOOK XI I L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

283

Dealt with his mighty Thmdan sword a blow; and the helmet
Struck fram his head. On the ground in the dust it rolled, and a

Grecian
Raised it and bore it off from amid the feel of the warriors :
Down he sank, and night in her ghastly shadow involved him^ (5^0)
Grief then seized on the soul of Atreus* son, Menelatis.
Down on King Helenus threatening he came and a jav'lin he brandished
Pointed and keen, while the Trojan adjusted a shaft to his bowstring ;
Thus together they came : this eager to wound with his javlin.
That /// Ms foeman's hmrt to plant, from his bowstring, an arrow.
Forth sprang the shaft of the Trojan prince, and it rang on the breast-
plate
Convex and smmik^ tut bounded off and kfi him umnjurtd ;
As from the fan tossed forth on the spaciotis floor of the thresher
Lightly rebound the vetches and dark-skinned beans, as they leap forth
Driv'n by the shrill- voiced blast and the sturdy winnowers impulse :
Thus from the corslet repelled of that glorious chief Menelaiis (591)
Far rebounded, blunted and baffled, the shaft of the Trojan.
Then Menelaiis, great in the roar of battle^ his weapon
Huriedj and it struck the hand which the bow supported, and nailed it
Fast to the polished wood, pierced through. Then retreated the hero>
Mingling among the host of his friends, and avoided destru<5^ion,
IVailing the ashen spear from his wounded hand, which disabled
Hung at his side. But Agenor came, and, extracfiing the weapon,
Bound up the hand in a shng of twisted wool, by a servant
Handed him, eager to aid the shepherd and guide of his people, (doo)

Now came Peisandcr in full career, against brave Menelaiis
Rushing, whose ad vei^e fate had marked him for death and destnuftioHy
Thee, Menelaiis ! to grace with his fall, in the struggle of heroes.
Thus as they neared each olhefj when now small space was between

thenij
First Menelaiis his pointed lance dismissed: but it wandered
Wide of its mark, Peisander next on the shield of Atreides
Smote, with a sharp, fuH Mow; but to pierce it availed not The weapon
From the wide orb recoiled, and the blade broke short from the
socket

284 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BoOK XIII.

Nor did he less exult, nor in aught was his confidence lessened,
Ev'n when Atreides his sword drew forth all studded with silver (6io)
And at Peisander sprang. He, no whit daunted, a pole-axe
Drew from beneath his shield. Of bronze was its blade, and the handle
Long ; smooth olive the wood. At once each struck at the other.
From Menelaiis* helmet the ridge was shorn, where the horse-tail
Rises aloft to a plume : but across the front of Peisander
Just at the spring of the nose fell the sword. The bones it divided :
Down rolled his bleeding eyes in the dust at his feet, and he writhed

him
Falling. Then Menelaus the corse despoiled, on the bosom
Planting his heel, and exultingly thus loud boasted the victor :

"So may ye all relinquish your hold on the ships of the Grecians
Insolent, overreaching race, insatiate of slaughter, (^^i)

Where is the outrage and wrong which ye have not wrought ? Wiiat

scandal
Brought not on me and my house ? Vile hounds ! Nor the dread

retribution
Fear ye, which thundering Zeus, the guardian of homes and of

friendships.
Threatens, and yet will accomplish, and lay your city in ruins.
Honoured and welcomed ye came, but in traif rous guise ye dejMuted,
Bearing away from her home my fair young wife and my treasures.
Now, to complete your crime yo^ would bum the ships which should bear us
Homeward ; hurling destru6live brands, and slaying our heroes.
Soon shall your rage be subdued, and a terrible lesson be taught

you. (630)

Father Zeus I supreme as we hold thee in wisdom and justice,
High above Gods and men. Such deeds as these dost thou sanction ?
Canst thou abet in their guilt these insolent Trojans, and bid them
Joy in their course of fraud and crimes, implacable ever
In their unbridled rage, and yearning for war and destru<5lion ?
Sleep, the delights of love, the charms of song, and the graceful
Dance — all better than war — all far more pleasing to mortals.
Yet find a hmit in man's desires. To none but the Trojans
War and its horrors afford an uncloying feast of enjoyment"

BOOK X III.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

28s

Thus spake the brave and blameless chief. Fmm his vanquished

opponent (640)

Stripping the blood-stain'd spoils, to his eotnrades* charge he consigned

them :
Then to the front advancing he mixed once more in the combat
Forth^ to confront htm, Harpalion sprang : the son of a sovVeign,
King Pylsemenes. He to the wars had followed his father ;
Troy he reached ; but his country no more was doomed to revisit
Cbs€ approaching, his spear he hurled, and the shield of Atreidea
Smote : but in vain, for the brazen point availed not to pierce it,
Back to the ranks of his friends he fled, destru6tion avoiding,
Looking around him the while, lest a spear should reach him re-
treating,
Merion perceived, and a dart from his bow he sped, and it struck
hira ' {650)

On the right hip from behind. The shaft passed onward, and gliding
Down, 'twixt the bone and the bladder its course pursued : and

arrested,
Down on the spot he sank, tn the arms of his friends and compamons
Breathing his last ; like a worm in the dust extended and grovUing ;
^Vhile bedewing the ground, his dark blood poured in a torrent.
Round him» unih pious care, his brave Paphlagonians gathered .
Raised, and laid on a chariot his sad remains, and to Ilbn
Bore him in mournful amy. In tears his father attended :
Nor could i^wse tears aim/ t& avenge the death of his offspring.

Grieving and angered, Paris beheld his fall In his travels {660)
Long had he dwelt as a guest with the Paphlagonian warriors.
Thirsting for vengeance, a random shaft at the Greeks he dtred^ted*
One of the foremost, Euchaemon, a chief both wealthy and valiant^
Son of the se« Polyeidus, in Corinth who dwelt, had to Troia
Come, well knowing his fate, with the Grecian Seet : for his father
Oft had foretold — the good old man^that home in his palace
Death he would meet in lingVing and painful disease ; or in battle
Fall, in defence of the Grecian ships, by the hands of tlie Trojans.
This he preferred Far better he deemed il to die for his country,
Far less grievous to bear, than disease and disgrace to encounter (670)

286 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XIII.

Pierced through the cheeks and the ear he fell ; and the strength from

his members
Fled, with his life : and the shades of eternal darkness involved him.

Thus, like a raging fire, still faster and fiercer, the combat
Raged, to the left of the ships. Yet came no tidings to Hedlor,
How in that quarter the Greeks prevailed; and would soon be

vidlorious.
Such and so mighty the spirit the great earth-shaking Poseidon,
Breathed through the Argive host, and such the strength that he gave

them.
He, at the self-same place where he burst the gate, and where sioarming^
O'er the demolished wall came pouring the host of the Trqfans^
Still persisted in furious efforts to break through the Grecians, (680)
Joining their shields ; where the ships of Aias and Protesilaiis,
High on the shore of the hoary sea were drawn ; where the rampart
Lowest was built ; where space was left in front of the vessels^
Horses and men to muster, in fierce and determined resistance.
There the Boeotians fought, and there the long-mantled I ones.
There too the Phthian and Locrian hosts, and the valiant tpeians
Kept the assault of Hedtor at bay, and protected the vessels.
More could they not Like the blaze of devouring fire was his onset
First were the chosen Athenian bands, and among them Menestheus,
Peteus' son, commanded; and Pheidas, Stichius, Bias (690)

Lent him their strong support. Next Meges, Phyleus' offspring,
Headed th' Epeian force, with Drakeios bold, and Amphion ;
Then came the Phthians, led by Medon and mighty Podarces,
(Medon indeed, the spurious son of godlike Oileus,
Brother of Aias himself, at Phylace dwelt, from his country
Far, having slain a chief, the brother of fair Eriopis,
AVTiom, as his lawful bride, his father Oileus had wedded :
Wliile, from Iphiclus sprung and in Phylacd bom, was Podarces);
These led the Phthian force, and among the Boeotian warriors
Took their place in the line, and stoutly defended the vessels. (700)

Aias the swift, Oileus' son, through the stress of the combat
Not for a moment quitted the great Telamonian hero.
Just as when two black bulls, through the stubborn soil of a fallow.

Book XI I L]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

287

Labour with one accord to drag the plough, Down their foreheads
Pours, from the roots of their horns outbreaking^ the sweat : and

together,
Close to the smooth-w^om yoke, they press ; and each on the other
Leans, as the furrow they tread, and heave up the soil with the plough*

share.
Thus they toiled on, and side by side supported each other.
Many and brave were the troops of the great Telamonian Aias,
FoUVing where'er he led, and bearing his ponderous buckler, (710)
When by fatigue o*er|>ower'd, he sought relief from its burthen.
Not so the Locrians followed the valiant son of O'lleus.
Hand to hand they fought not, nor ventured to close with their

foemen ;
Helmets of brazen proof, horse-tailed and glancing they wore not
On the tough ashen spear and the buckler's orb they relied not*
Armed but w*ith arrows and bows, and the wool -twined cord of the

slinger,
Came they to Ilion*s shore* With these, on the ranks of the Trojans,
Hurled they destrudlion frequent and fast, and scattered their

squadrons.
These in close-serried lines, and in bright and various armour^
Fought npm equal ierms^ with the broniie-m ailed Trojans and

Heaon (720)

Those, from the rear, concealed from view, with their ihkk-

fijiiing missiles
Daunted the Trojan host and spread confusion among them*

Now from the tents and ships, m^ loss and defeat, had the Trojans
Back been forced to retreat to their wind-swept Ilian city
Had not Folydamas He^or the brave approached, and addressed him:
"He6lor! Thy spirit is ever averse from counsel ami gtiidimie.
What, though the Gods above all with prowess and valour have

graced thee,
Wouldst thou be held alike supreme in wisdom and prudence?
Tis not for mortal man to be first and greatest in al! things.
Glory to one, and martial exploits by the Gods are accorded ; {730)
One man excels in the dance ^ in the song and in harfjing another;

K"'*

288

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XI

While in the breasts of a few, all-seeing Zeus hath implanted
Wisdom and foret/ioug/it, priceless gifts, for the good of the manj
Such are the saviours of states. They know, and they feel

within them.
Hear me then ! while in a few brief words I declare my opinioi]
Lo! how, encircling thee round, on all sides blazes the battle:
Yet, of the Trojan host who have scaled the wall, there are mai
Standing apart with their arms, ina6tive: while the remainder
Fight, with the many the few, dispersed through the ships and divide
Therefore some space withdraw and call together our leaders, (74
So shall we fully discuss our further plans, and determine
Whether to rush once more on the beaked ships of the Grecians,
Trusting to Heav'n and our strength for success, or retire fro

the contest.
Saving ourselves from utter defeat: for sorely I fear me
Lest they repay us the fearful debt of yesterday's carnage.
There at the ships is one who but holds him aloof from the battle
Dreadful in war ; nor long will abstain when he sees us advancing."
Thus spake Polydamas. Safe seemed the counsel and pleasii

to Heclor.
Down on the ground at once he sprang full armed from his chariot
And in reply these words addressed in haste to the chieftain: (751

"Thou, O Polydamas! here coiled our leaders around thee;
First must I visit our squadrons, and place our battle in safety,
Soon to return when all is arranged and the troops have their orders
White with conspicuous plumes, like a snow-capped peak, 1

departed.
Shouting, the TroTan host and their brave allies he encouraged,
Flying through all their ranks : while the chiefs great Hedlor obeyir
Gathered round brave Polydamas, Panthous' son, at his summons
He6lor the while, through the foremost ranks, in the front of tl

battle
Ranging, Deiphobus sought in vain ; nor King Helenus found he ;
Adamas, Asias' son ; nor Asius, Hyrtacus' offspring. (76^

Many a Trojan, wounded, though not unto death, he encountered;
Many a hero stretched on the sand, by the stems of the vessels,

BookXIIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

289

Lifeless he found, stmck domi by (iie siaughkrifig brands of

the Argives,
Or at the wall, by tlieir spears and darts transfixed and expiring*
Paris he soon perceived^ the fair-haired Helena's husband,
Fighting, grievously prest on the left of the fields and his comrades
Cheering, and urging them on with encouraging words to the conflifl*
He<5lor approached, and in biikr mood thus sharply addressed him;
'* Paris \ too fatally fair ! Seducer of women ! Deceiver !
Where is Deiphobus? Where King Helenus, /nj/^ir/ a;?*/ warrior ?
Adamas> Asias' son, and Asius, Hyrtacus^ offspring? (77 *)

Where is Othryoneus ? Now, alas ! from her base to her summit
J lion nods to her fall. Now sure destru6lion awaits us!"

Paris in gmt/e terms replied, addressing his brother x
** He dor ! iky umrds are unjust This time thy reproof I deserve not.
Backward indeed may I sometimes seem, — less eager for combat.
Yet not wanting in courage or force hath my mother produced me.
Here, since first at the ships thou formed'st the array of our battle
Firm have we stoodj and unflinching repelled th' assault of the Grecians,
As for the friends thou seek'st they are dead, Delphobus only,
Helenus toOj from the field have retired disabled, and wounded
Each in the hand hy a spear: though by Zeus pr^serv^d from

de struct ion.
Now lead on wherever thy heart and spirit dired thee,
Fully resolved, we follow. No cause shalt thou have to reproach us,
Nor shall our courage fail thee in all that man can accomplish.
Sear, k&u*ci-fer^ this truth in mind^ and te Just f& aur efforts:
No one beyond his strength can fight, how willing soever/'

Soft fi'ii the hero's words and appeased the mood of his brother.
Thither they fared, where loudest rose the din of the combat
Round Cebriones, round Polydamas noble and valiant, (79°)

Phalces^ Orthaeus the bold, and the all but divine Polypsetes,
Palmys, and both Hyppotion's sons, Ascanius and Morys,
Who but the day before from the fertile plains of Ascania
Joined, reinforcing the Trojans; by Zeus hurried on to the battle.
On they rushed, like the i^Tathfijl blast which down/r^w the mountmns^
Driv*n by the thunders of Zeus, invades the plain, to the ocean^

290 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XIII.

Sweeping in wild uproar, high tossing the billows beneath it
Churned into foam, and curled aloft, and clashing together
Loud-resounding; — wave upon wave, one chasing another:
Thus came the Trojans, rank upon rank, and squadron on

squadron, (800)

Sweeping along, as refulgent in arms they followed their leaders.
Priam's heroic son in the van, like death-dealing Ares,
Marched ; his bright and full-orb*d shield uprearing before him
Thickened with many a hide, and with bronze overlaid. From

his temples
Flashed with each nod as he moved the brazen gleam of his helmet
Each of the Grecian bands in turn he essayed, and advancing
Under that mighty shield, he tried their force and endurance.
Yet not an Argive heart knew fear, nor shrank from the trial.
Aias at length strode forth from their line, and provoked him to

battle :
"Madman! come on! Thus think'st thou then to frighten the

Grecians? (810)

We too know something of warlike deeds, and martial encounters,
Albeit the wTath of Zeus just now weighs heavy upon us.
High are thy hopes, no doubt, to ravage our fleet, a?id destroy us;
We too however have hands and hearts, and kno^v to defend them.
Long before that shall your vaunted Troy, so rich and so peopled.
Lie at our feet, by Grecian hands destroyed and subverted.
Thou thyself, be assured, to Zeus and to all the immortals
Soon shalt have cause in thy terror to pray, that, fleeter than falcons
Scouring the plain in headlong flight, in dust and dishonour
Soiling their snowy manes, thy steeds to the city may bear thee." (820)

Thus as he spake, behold ! on his right high soaring an eagle
Floated conspicuous in air. Then arose a shout from the Argives
Hailing the omen with joy; while He6lor sternly responded:
"Aias ! boastful and loud I what words are these thou hast spoken ?
Would I were half so sure to be called a child of the Thund'rer,
Ever in life and in light to reign, as if Hera had borne me
Honoured by Gods and men like Athena herself, or Apollo,
As that this very day shall destru6lion bring to the Grecians

Book XIII.] THE ILIAD OF HOMER, 291

One and all. Nor thyself shalt escape shouldst thou dare to

withstand me —
Dare to await my spear. Thy dainty flesh shall it feed on ! (830)
Dogs and the vultures of Troy shall tear thy limbs, and shall fatten
On thy unburied remains outstretched on the shore by the vessels."
Thus having said the assault he led. I^ud shouts from his foU'wers
Rose ; and the ranks behind redoubled the shouts of the foremost.
Shouted the Greeks in reply ; and, their ancient prowess remembering
Stood to their arms ; and unmoved, the Troian onset awaited.
Borne through the air to the courts of Zeus theur clamour ascended.

19 — 2

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XIV.

BOOK THE FOURTEENTH.

Argument.

Nestor alartnedat the near approach of the Trojans seeks Agamemnim^
whom he finds in company with Odysseus and Diomede, Aganutnnan
advises to launch the ships and make a precipitate retreat. Odyssens
reproves him, Diomede proposes, wounded as they are, to sheza themselves
and encourage the troops. On their way Poseidon encourages AgafnrmnoH.
Hera, to inveigle Zeus, adorns herself and borrows the cestus of Aphrodite^
theUy with the aid of the God of Sleep, she succeeds in enchanting Zeus
with her charms, and throwing him into a deep sleep. Of this Poseidon
takes advantage, and openly succours the Greeks. HeHor is struck down
by Aias with a huge stone and carried off the field. The Trojans again
give way.

ILIAD. BOOK XIV.

TVfESTOR the shouting heard, where he sate retired vfith. Machaon, *
Quaffing the dark-red wine; and thus he bespake his companion :
"Tell me, Machaon divine, what means this unwonted coni\xs\on}
Loud, and nearer the shouts of our youth approach to the vessels.
Stay thou here, and with cordial wine replenish thy goblet.
While Hecamed^ the genial bath prepares for thy comfort^
Strength' ningafid^iTXTOi^ and cleanses the clotted gox^ from thy shoulder y
I to some lofty point will proceed, and observe what is passing."
Thus he spake, and the gorgeous shield of his son Thrasymedes
Lying by chance in his tent he took, all brazen and gleaming; (lo)
(He, by some hap, had borne his father's shield in the combat).
Snatched up his trusty spear with bronze sharp pointed, and issued
Forth from his tent Unseemly and sad was the sight that he

witnessed —
Greeks in confused retreat, and the haughty Trojans pursuing.
Routing their rear: and the wall they had built to proteH them

demolished.
As when with balanced sway, all. silently heaving, the ocean
Darkens, idly awaiting the shrill-voiced wind which shall drive it
This way or that : uncertain it swells and subsides, till the moment
Comes, when some heav'n-sent blast determines the sweep of its

billows :
Thus the old chief in his mind debated, much undecided, (20)
Whether at once to join the Greeks and share in the confliH^

296

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIV.

Or to Atreides repair, the shepherd and guide of his people.
This he at length resolved; for wiser it seemed in his judgment
Great Agamemnon to seek. Meanwhile contending, the warriors
Slew and were slain. Loud clanged the prote6ling bronze on their

bosoms,
Under the fast-falling strokes of spears and two-edged falchions.
Nestor, the while, on his path the Grecian princes encountered.
Wending their way by the ships; those chiefs whom wounds had

disabled ;
Atreus* son, Agamemnon; Odysseus; brave Diomedes.
Far from the scene of combat the Grecian vessels were stationed, (30)
High drawn up on the shore of the hoary sea; and beyond it,
Far on the land were the first, whose stems by a wall were protedled.
Broad was the beach, yet sufficed it not for the number of vessels.
Close together arranged they stood^ and the people were crowded.
Rank behind rank drawn up, they filled, in unbroken succession.
All the recess of the spacious bay, from headland to headland.
There came the princes^ pacing along, and viewing the battle.
Leaning upon their spears : while dismal and gloomy forebodings
Saddened their souls. Nor did Nestor's ohsen^ed approach reassure

them.
Filled were their hearts with alarm, when they saw him advancing to

meet them. (40)

King Agamemnon first demanded the cause of his coming:
"Nestor! Neleus* son, thou glory and pride of Achaia!
Why art thou here? Why leav'st thou the bleeding ranks of the battle?
Sorely I dread lest Heeler make good that vaunt which he uttered,
Threat'ning aloud, and with boastful words haranguing his Trojans.
Never, he swore^ would he quit our ships and return to the city,
Till in one fiery blaze he had wrapj>ed them, and slaughtered our

army.
Thus he harangued, thus threatened^ and now will his threats be

accomi)lished.
Doubtless, ye Gods ! the rest of the Greeks, no less than Achilles,
Hate me^ and harbour resentful thoughts against their commander, (50)
Else would they surely fight, thus pushed to the stems of their vessels."

Book XIV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

297

Thus then replied that ancient knight, Gerenian Nestor :
*'Such is our state indeed! 71^ trut the things t}wu hast sf&km.
Scarce could the Thunderer*s self avert the ruin tinpending-
Fairn is our rampart wall, that aU But impregnable barrier,
WTilch, as the sure defence of ourselves and vessels, we trusted.
Still however m front of the ships our obstinate conflidl
Rages- Twere hard to say, how close soe'er thine inspedlion,
V\ here is the direst confusion, where worst the Grecians are routed.
All promiscuous they fall, and the skies are rent by tl>e clamour; {60)
Therefore consider we now what course to adopt, if our counsels
Aught may avail in so dire a straii^ For to rush into battle
Counsel I not The wounded can lend but feeble assistance*"

Thus then in turn responded the king of men, Agamemnon :
"Nestor! now that in front of our ships the battle is raging,
Now that our wall unavaihng has proved, and the trench, which the

Grecians
Fought so hard to defend, — which we thought an impassable barrier^
Which J as the sure defence of ourselves and our armies, we trusted;
Clearly I see that Almighty Zeus hath willed our desdiKflion^
Willed that from Argos afar the Greeks inglorious shall perish* (70)
Once \fmdly believed that he favoured our cause and would aid us,
Now the reverse is clear. Like Gods he honours the Trojans,
Greta hefarsakes, and binds our hands and enfeebles our courage-
Now then attend to my words, and leod me all your assistance;
Let us at once these ships which are nearest the shore to the water
Draw, thus clmring the beach^ and set them afloat on the ocean,
Moored to their sleepers. There let them ride till night shaH

envelope
All in her veil, and the Trojans awhile shall cease to assail us.
Then let us launch the rest, and embark; for blameless I hold it.
Even by night, if we can^ to escape from certain destm<5tion« (80)
Better to fly and be safe, than remain and fall into mischief,"

Scornfully frowning thus replied the thoughtful Odysseus :
"What do 1 hear? What words have escaped thy lips, O Atreides?
Craven] would that some other, some baser host thou commandedst.
Rather than us with thy sway disgracej to whom Zeus hath accorded

298

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIV.

Ever, from youth to age, with honour to fight, and accomplish
Each stem duty of war, until death shall crcwn us with f^ory.
What? wouldst thou then abandon the wide-wayed city of Troia,
Long beUagtiered^ at such dire cost of endurance and hardship?
Speak not those words again, lest some other Achaian should hear
them : (90^

Words, which to pass his lips no mortal would ever have sufTered,
Gifted with spirit and sense to discern the right and flu prudent:
Much less a king, and the king of a mighty nation, in numbers
Such, and in warlike fame as that thou rulest in Aigos.
Nor do I less thy judgment impeach than thy spirit and courage:
Who, while the battle is raging aloud^ wouldst order the vessels
Down to the sea to be drawn, to complete the joy of the Trojans,
Giving them all their heart's desire, already vidlorious,
Headlong destruction bringing on Greece : for how can the Argives
Fight, and their ground maintain, while dragging their ships to the
ocean? (100)

Thai to perform they must quit their ranks, and abandon the battle.
Such were the end of thy scheme ! Most sage and valorous leader!"

Then making answer replied the king of men, Agamemnon :
" Deeply I feel thy cutting and shaqD reproof, O Odysseus !
Nor have I yet commanded the Greeks to abandon the battle,
Launch their ships on the deep, unwilling, and fly from destruction.
Therefore, whoe'er he be who shall proffer a wiser opinion,
Old or young, let him speak, and with joy will Atreides receive it"

Then Dioniedes, great in the roar of battle, responded :
" Here is the man, not far to seek, if indeed ye be willing, (j 10)

Calmly to hear, nor rejedl with disdain the advice I shall offer.
Wanting the sanction of riper years and maturer experience.
Yet from a brave and noble sire may I boast my extracflion,
Tydeus, whose high sepulchral mound is conspicuous in Thebae.
Portheus had three brave sons, distinguished for virtue and valour,
Who in the lofty Cklydon dwelt, and the city of Pleuron,
Agrius, Melas, and, last by birth though foremost in prowess,
Q£neus, my father's sire, that fierce and redoubtable horseman.
CEneus at home remained, but my father, an exile, to Argos

Book XIV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

299

Wanderingi dwelt i so Zeus ordained and die other immortals, (i 20)
There, to Adrastus* daughter wedded, he built him a mansion
Stately, and lived in wealth. Full many an acre of corn-land,
Ov\^ned him for lord ; rich vineyards ; flocks ami herds in abundance.
Far before all in Achaia his fame went forth as a warrior.
Things like these^ well knottm^ must needs be fresh in your memories.
Scorn not then my advice as of one unworthy your notice.
Base-bom and low, of a race unknown to fame and distinclion*
Let us at once to the fights though wounded* Such is our duty,
Yet must we stand aloof, and bear no part in the combat,
Out of the reach of arrows, lest wound on wound be infli^Sled, (130)
There be our task, to cheer the brave, and urge on the laggard,
Such as delight not in war, and would spare themselves in the struggle,"

Thus he spake, and the chiefs gave heed to his words and obeyed
them.
Forth they wended; the way being led by king Agamemnon,

Watchful beheld their march the great earth-shaking Poseidon,
Who in the form of an ancient warrior advancing to meet them,
Grasped, and pressing with friendly warmth tlie hand of Atreides,
Thus with encouraging words revived the hopes of the monarch ;

** Rt7yal Atreides 1 Now doth the vengeful heart of Achilles
Leap in his bosom for joy, when he sees the defeat of the Grecians, (140)
Routed and slain ; devoid alike of shame and of pity.
So may he perish ! so with disgrace may the Gods overwhelm him I
Think not howbeTt they all in wrath thy cause have abandoned.
Yet shall thine eyes behold the Troian princes and leaders,
Scouring in headlong flight o'er the dusty plain, and to Ilion
Hurrying, and leaving behind our tents and vessels uninjurtd!^

Thus having said, he Irfi them, ami rushed o'er the plain to the battle
Furhus^ sending before him a dire and terrible war-cry
Loud as the shout of ten thousand warriors closing in battle.
Such and so vast the roar from the ample chest of Poseidon (150)
Sent forth abroad. Fresh strength to each Grecian heart it imparted,
Still to maintain the stmggle, and fight it out to the utmost,

Her^ now from her golden throne on the heights of Olympus
Turned her resplendent eyes, to kh&ld the ailims of mortals.

30O

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK XIV,

Soon she perceived and knew her brother (her own and her consort's)
Adlively mixing in fight, and her soul rejoiced when she saw him.
Zeus too, on Ida's loftiest peak all streaming with fountains,
Sitting apart she beheld, and her heart was embittered with hatred.
Straightway, Jiowever^ the thought arose in the mind of the goddess,
How to beguile, and divert for a ttpne, the Thund'rer's attention. (i6o)
This to her mind appeared the most available counsel :
Ida to seek, arrayed in all her choicest adornments,
There in soft dalliance to hold him engaged, unsuspecting and

careless,
Till o'er his senses should steal the o'erpoVring pressure of sliunber.
Quenching the light of his eyes in darkness, his thoughts in oblivion.
So to her chamber fair she repaired, by Hephaestus construdled.
Closed were its solid doors with a secret bolt, which his mother
Only, among the Gods, possessed the skill to unfasten.
Entered, she closed the door, and locked it secure y>v«r intrusion.
Then with Ambrosia laved her pure and delicate person, (170)

Making the fair yet fairer, and rich ambrosial unguents
Copious affused, and odorous oils, which, sprinkling the pavement,
Wafted afar through the bo7v'r and the bronze-built halls of Olympus
Fragrance, by winds caught up and diffused through earth and through

heaven.
Such the perfume from the Goddess that breathed. Then combing

her tresses.
Wavy j;/rtf bright; \\nth her slender fingers she twined them in ringlets^
From her immortal head dmvn rippling in gold der her shoulders.
Next round her form an ambrosial robe she flung, by Athene
Curiously wrought, with many a wond'rous feat of embroid'ry,
Which to confine o'er her bosom, with golden clasps she secured it;
Adding a zone of an hundred fringes her waist to encircle, (181)
Gleaming pendants hung fi-om her pierced ears, and a jewel
Threefold sparkled in each. All grace shone forth in her movements.
Floating adown from her queenly head a veil there descended
Beauteous and newly wrought, which shone like the sun in its splen-
dour.
Under her snowy feet her sandals rich she adjusted;

BooKXIVj

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

301

Stepped forth then from her chamber in perfedl and faultless adorn-
ment,
And to her presence summoned the goddess of smiles, Aphroditd
Thus then, apart from the rest of the Gods, she hlandiy addressed her :
" Say, dear child \ wilt thou give me thine aid and do what I ask
thee? (^90)

Or must I look for nought at thy hands save angry refusal
For that I favour the Greeks, thy wishes inclining to Troia?''
Thus then spake in reply the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodit^:
**Her^! Goddess august and revered! great daughter of Kronos I
Only declare thy will, and be sure of my ready obedience.
If it be aught that lies within ix^y powV to accomplish/*

Thus then, in words of deceptive guile, great Hera responded ;
**Give me that charm of love and of tm resisted attraction,
Which to thy will subdues ali /uarts of Gods and of mortals.
Now on a visit I go unto Elarth's extremes, where the Ocean, {200)
Parent of Gods, extends, and to Tethys, mother of all things.
These received me from Rhea : they nursed with care and they reared

me
In their primevai mansion, when Zeus with Kronos contending
WTielraed him beneath the earth and the barren expanse of the waters:
Thither I go on a mission of peace, to heal their dissensions*
Long have they kept asunder, refusing each other*s embraces,
Shunning their mutual couch, their hearts embittered by anger.
Could I with soft persuasive words appease their aversion,
Bring them together again, and join them in love for the future^
How would they then revere my name and acknowledge my kind-
ness T* {^^^)
Then making answer replied the goddess of smiles Aphrodit*^:
"Vain in itself, and unseemly too, w*ere the thought of refusal
To the great queen of heav*n who reclines in the arms of its sovVeign/'
Thus she spake, and unbound from her waist th* aU-potmrfid cestus,
Wondrously wrought, in whose circuit lurked each chann and allure-
ment,
Longing Desire and adoring Love, sweet mutual Endearment,
Soft seductive Persuasion which steals the soul from the prudent

■ 1

302 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XIV. -

This in the hands of Hera she placed, and thus she bespake her:
"Take this sash, conceal it, and wear it pressed to thy bosom.
In its embroidered circlet are all my charms. It will aid thee (220)
All thou desir'st to perform ; nor return with thy wish unaccomplished" ,

Thus she spake; and with smiles the goddess accepted the cestus: 1
Joy dilating her glorious eyes, in her bosom she placed it 1

Then to her palace returned the daughter of Zeus, Aphroditd I

Her^ down from Olympus plunged, not losing a moment^ \

Swift o*er the rich Pierian plains, and Emathia the lovely, |

Passed; and o'er Thracia's snowy peaks and loftiest summits 1

Skimmed ; her feet not touching the earth : then downward from Athos
Glancing swept, far borne o*er the billowy face of the Ocean,
Lemnos at length she reached, the realm of Thoas the Godlike. (230)
There the abode of Sleep, Death's brother, she sought: having found

him
Eager she clung to his hand, and named him by name, and addressed

him:
** Sleep ! subduer of every God, of every mortal !
If thou hast e*er obeyed my words, or accomplished my wishes.
Now be persuaded ; and grateful for ever henceforth shalt thou find me. i
Close the refulgent eyes of Zeus, and weigh down his eyelids.
Soon as in lovers soft trance on his couch reclined thou shalt find him ;
So will I give thee a golden throne untamishing, gorgeous.
This shall my limping son, my Hephastus, make ; for thy comfort^
Placing beneath it a rich-wrought footstool soft and cofivenienty (240)
Where thou mayst rest thy feet in luxurious case^ at thy banquets."

Thus making answer replied the soft dispenser of slumbers :
"Herd! Goddess august and revered! great daughter of Kronos;
Over all other Gods might I wave my rody and in slumber
Easily seal their eyes. Not Oceanus' self could resist me.
Though round the world his streams he roll, tlie producer of all things.
Zeus however I may not approach, unbidden, uncalled for.
Nor on Kronfon*s lids presume to shed my enchantments.
Once before has thy dread command impelled me to tiy it.
When his oym ail-too daring son, t/ie mighty Heracles^ (250)

Sailed from the Troian sYiox^s, full flushed with the conquest of Ilion.

Book XIV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

303

Then did I pour myself round the Thunderer s soul, and insidious
Steal on his sense, while thou %Tought'st out thy projeft of mischief.
Rousing the angry winds and scattVing his fleet oVr die waters ;
Hunting the hero away, deprived of his friends and companionsj
Far aside to the Coan Isle. When the Father awakened
Dtre was his wrath ; and Gods on Gods he hurled through Olympus.
Me did he chiefly seek, and down to the fica had he dashed me
Lost for ever ; but Night was my refuge. Flying I sought her
Mother of Gods and men, For Zeus, however indignant, (260)
Dreaded the realm to invade of that swift mysitTums Power.
And shall I now^ once more incur so fearful a hazard?"

Thus he spake, and thus imperial Hera responded:
** Why art thou thus dismayed, O Sleep ? IVky (aik'st f/wu (t/dmtgerf
Think'st thou that thundering Zeus such vengeance wiU take for tlie

Trojans
As for Heracles, his own dear son, when his wrath was excited?
Hear me 1 D0 tit is ^ and a bride will I give thee, one of my Graces,
Youngest and fairest of all, Pasithea's self* Thou shalt wed her,
Her, whom thy heart for many a day hath worshipped and longed for/*

Thus she spake, and delighted Sleep this answer returned her : (270)
"Swear then! Swear by the dark inviolate Stygian torrent 1
Stretch forth one of thine hands on the fruitful earth, and the other
Over the cold and barren expanse of the sea; and to wituess,
Call those infernal and awful Gods, the associates of Kronos,
That thou wilt give me Pasithea's self, of thy Graces the youngest,
Her whom my heart hath so long desired, and unite us in wedlock."

Thus insisting he spake: nor did Hera refuse her compliance;
What he requir d she swore; and she named the names of the Titans^
(So are they cailetl) beneath Tartarus dwetling in pain and in darkness ;
Calling them all to witness. When now the oath was completed (280)
Forth they fared: the Lemnian isle and the cities of Imbros
Leaving, in mist involved they pursued their path o'er the waters,
Ida, the nurse of savage beasts and the mother of fountains,
Soon did they reach, and Ledtos where first they quitted the Ocean,
Thence over land they swept, and the dense woods shivered beneath
them-

304 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BoOK XIV.

There, to avoid the eyes of Zeus, Sleep lingered behind her,
Mounting aloft on a spiry fir, the tallest on Ida,
Rearing through cloud and mist its stately form to the Heavens.
There did he sit, concealed by its thick overshadowing branches,
likened in form to the bird which sends forth its shriek io the mgki-

wind, (290)

Chalcis called by the Gods, but to mortals known as Cymindis.

Hera to Gargarus now, the loftiest summit of Ida,
Speeded. The cloud-compelling Zeus perceived her approaching.
Soon as he saw her, love o'er his senses stole, and a rapture
Seized on his soul like that when first he gained her afifecflions,
Leading her, nothing loth, to his couch, unknown to their parents.
Rising to meet her he went, and endearingly named and addressed her:
**Hera ! \VTiy leav'st thou Olympus? \Vhat cause hath brought thee to

Ida?
Why do I see thee here without thy steeds and thy chariot?"

Thus then in words of deceptive guile bright Hera resp>onded :(30o)
"Hence on a visit I go unto earth's extremes, where the Ocean,
Parent of Gods, extends, and Tethys, mother of all things.
These in their mansion received, and reared me with care and with

kindness.
Thither I go on a mission of peace, to heal their dissensions.
Long have they kept asunder, refusing each other's embraces,
Shunning their mutual couch, their hearts embittered with anger.
Here on the skirts of many-rilled Ida my steeds and my chariot
Stand, awaiting my pleasure, to bear me o'er land and o'er ocean.
Thou thyself art the cause that to Ida I come, thy permission
Seeking; so that hereafter thou blame me not, as in secret (310)
Stealing away to visit the ocean Pow'rs in their palace."

Thus to her artful speech the cloud-compeller responded:
" Hera ! suffice some future day to accomplish thy mission.
This, ere it pass, to love and to joy let us give : for tnore beauteous
Ne'er didst thou sectn in mine eyes, nor ever for Goddess or woman
Glowed my heart with such rapturous love as now that I view thee.
Not so loved I Ixion's spouse, who, returning my passion^
Made me Peirithoiis' sire, that rival of gods in his \^isdom :

Book XIV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

305

Not so inspired me Danae the fairi Acrisius' daughter,
Mother of mighty Perseus, the most illustrious of warriors: (320)
Not so the daughter of Phoenix, the first and most famous of Princes,
She to whom Minos owed his birth, and divine Rhadamanthus :
Not so Semel4 ^ot so the lovely Theban Alcmena
(Semek gave Dionysus birth, chief solace of mortals,
Fair Alcmena my noble son, the mighty Heracles);
Not so the yeil&w locks and the queenly grace of Demetefi
Leto, or ev'n thyself in th^ prUe of thy tfiaidcnly beauty^
Filled me with love like that thy charms now raise in my bosom,"
Thus then in words of deceptive guile bright Hera responded x
"Offspring of Kronos dread ! What words are these thou hast s]>oken?
This is no fitting place in love to indulge and in dalliance, (33 J)

Here upon Ida's top where all is exposed and unsheltered.
How would it be if one of the Gods should chance to behold us
Zdcked in each other's arms in sleep? and should hie to Olympus
Telling the tale? And think st thou I e'er could return to our palace,
Fresh from thy arms ? / shoidd siak^ o'erwhelraed with shame and

confusion.
Yet if thou long for tlie sweet exchange of love and endearment,
S/ttiff w€ the puMk gam Thy Hephaestus hath built thee a chamber,
High on Olympus, by doors and bolts secured from intrusion :
There, if thou wilt^ retire, amt spare my ska me and my Ifiushes.'' (340)

Then making answer in turn, the cloud-compeller responded:
"Dread not, Hera! the gaze to encounter of Gods or of mortals ;
Such and so drnse a golden cloud will I raise to involve us,
Not the all'seeing sun, whose beams through the earth and the

heavens
Dart^ shall avail to pierce that tklck, mysterhtts covert**
Thus he spake, and her beauteous form in his arms he encircled
Straightway the earth from her teeming lap fresh flow* rs in abundance
Poured forth. The crocus bright and the hyacinth sprang, and the

lotus
Dewy; and soft interwoven they swelled, and bore up the lovers,(349)
Forming their couch r and above them a cloud ^\[/ragt*ant and goi^ein
Gathered, g^nApearfy dews distilled, as it thickened around them.

3o6 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XIV.

Thus in the arms of Hera, by love and by sleep overpowered,
Zeus on Gargarus* height lay entranced, forkful of all things.
Sleep without loss of time set forth for the ships of the Grecians,
Bearing the news to the God who surrounds the world with his wateis
Close to his elbow he stood, and thus delivered his message:
"Now, O Poseidon! bestow thy heartiest aid on the Grecians;
Lead them to vi6lory on: for a while at least, while Kronfon
Lies by my poidr subdued^ ««// wrapped in a mantle of slumbery
Yielding himself to love's soft spells and Hera's delusions." (360)

Ending, he flew to dispense his gentle solace to mortals.
Then on another and bolder effort Poseidon determined.
Springing at once to the front, in a voice of thunder he shouted:
"Argives! Vidlory thus ^ill ye tamely abandon to Hedlor,
Yield to the son of Priam your ships, and crown him with glory?
Only because Achilles still holds him aloof in his anger.
Dares he put forth this vaunt and indulge in this insoUfU menace.
Small were our need of Achilles' aid, were we only determined
Firmly to hold our ground, and stoutly stand by each other.
Up then! Let all attend, and let each man do as I order. (370)
All whose heads by the best and strongest helms are protedled.
All who cany the broadest shields, whose lances are longest,
All 7i'/io have strength to wield such weapons and courage to use them
Follow my lead. Let us on ! and we soon shall see whether Hedlor,
Let him be ever so eager for fight, will dare to await us.
Such of the brave and strong, as have small, unsuitable bucklers.
Change them with feebler men whom weightier shields but encumber."

Thus he spake ; and all to his words gave ear and obeyed him.
Wounded and lame as they were, the Princes lent their assistance.
Brave Diomedes, Odysseus, and Atreus' son, Agamemnon, (380)
Aided the troops to exchange their ill-sorted arms, and allotted
Such as were best to the stalwart and brave ; the worst to the feeble.
Soon they resumed their ranks, having donned their glittering armour,
Then marched on. At their head the great earth-shaking Poseidon
Bore in his pow'rful grasp a long and ponderous falchion,
Lightning-flashing and dreadful to view. Recoiling with horror,
Mortal valour rebuked would shrink, nor venture to face it

Book XIV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

307

He<flor to meet such stem assault c&ncentertd his forces,
Uriflismayed, ami arrayed them with care in M' order of haitie.
Fiercer than ever before, both sides prepared for the struggle, {390)
Azure Poseidon leading the Greeks, great Heel or the Trojans.
Furious the sea dashed up to the ships and tents of the Grecians,
AnswVing with rude appiame to their shout as they closed in the

conflict r
Kot with a wilder roar do its waves roll in from the offinif,
Scourging some rocky beach, with the blasts of impetuous Boreas ;
Not with such whirlwind rush do the crackling flames of a mountain
Koar, in some rifted gorge confined, where the forests are bbzing ;
Not w^ith such fierce persistent howl do the winds in their fury
Tear through the foliaged crowns of the lofty oaks that oppose them ;—
As through the field prevailed when the Greeks closed in on the

Trojans, (400)

Shouting defiance and rage, and rmding the sky with their eiammtn

He6lor first on advandng Aias darted his jav'lrn,
Full at his breast, and the spear went straight to its mark; but alighted
Just where the two broad belts on his bosom crossed, which supported,
This, hts enormous shield; that, the sword with its scabbard o/%\hci.
Thus he escaped unhurt, while He(5>or, baffled and angry
So to have failed, and in vain dismissed the spear that he trusted,
Back to the ranks of his friends withdrew^ in bitter vexation*
FoHVing him up as he went, the great Telamonian Aias
Lifted one of the blocks which beneath their feet in abundance (410)
Lay, having served as supports for the ships, and hurled it against

him,
\\Tiirling it round: and it spun like a top from his hands, and alighting
Over the rim of his shield, where springs the neck from the shoulder.
Crushed him down. Like an oak he fell, w^hich the bolt of the

thund'rer
Smites from its root, amid smmildrtn^ smoke and sulphury vapour.
Signs of his wrath, and a shudder of dread on all who behold it
Falls, when in presence thus they witness the might of Kronfon,
Suddenly smitten to earth thus Hector lay, and his javlin
Quitted his grasp, and his mighty shield and helm overwhelmed him.

20-

3o8

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIl

(42<

AVhile in his fall loud clashed his brazen and various armour.
Up to the spot ran shouting in crcnvds the sons of Achaia.
Hoping to drag and despoil his corse, and many a weapon
Aimed at him where he lay; but that form so rojral and sacred
Spear nor arrow availed to wound: for the Princes of Troia
Gathered around him, Polydamas brave, and godlike Agenor,
Great -^neas, Sarpedon the Lycian sovereign, and Glaucus.
Nor did the rest of his friends negledl the defence of their leader.
Round him they closed their full-orVd shields; while others behin

them
Lifted and bore him off from the press: then sought out his chariot
Far in the rear, where his horses stood, and attendants, who held the
Ready at need to the bright car harnessed. There did they k
him, (43

Gently towards the city the groaning hero conveying.

Now had they reached the ford of the fair wide-eddying Xanthus,
Xanthus, offspring of Zeus immortal. There they alighted.
Lifting him softly down from the car; and water they sprinkled.
Copious and fresh. Then he breathed once more, and lifting h

eyelids
Looked on the sky; then knelt, black gore from his bosom ejeclingj
Then once more sunk back on ihc ground, and the shadows <

darkness
Gathered afresh round his swimming sight, and his senses forsook him.
Soon as tlie Greeks perceived great Hedor borne from th
combat, (44c

On with renewed and inii)etuous force lliey rushed at the Trojans.
Foremost of all sprang forward the swift Oilean Aias:
Satnius, CEnops' son, with his spear he pierced, whom a Naiad
Bore, on the flower)' banks of Satnio's stream, by his father
(Enops fre(iuented, who tended his flocks and herds on its borders.
Him on the flank Oileus smote, the redoubtable spearman
Closing upon him. Supine on the ground he fell, and above him
Trojans and Greeks engaged in a fierce and desperate struggle
Mighty Polydamas, Panthoiis son, stood forth his avenger,
Hurled his spear, and full on his shoulder struck Prothoenor, (45c

Book XIV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

2P9

Great Ardlochus* son. The spear passed straight through the
shoulder,

Issuing behind r and he fdlj and clutched the dust in his death-paiig,
Thus then in loud and arrogant tones Polydamas shouted !
*' Never in vaiHi methinks, doth a javliti speed on its errand
Sent from the strong right hand of Panthoiis' son. In his person
One of the Greeks just now hath felt its point Let him take it \
Fit support for his downward steps to the mansion of Hades/'
Such was his vaunt, and stirred was each Argive heart at the

insult ;
Deeply it moved the wrath of the great Telamonian Aias, (459)
Close at whose side he stood when struck ; who, lifting his weapon.
Aimed it full at the Trojan chief in the adt of retiring*
Deftly springing aside from the blow, black death he avoided,
While in his stead Archil ochus, oflTspring of godlike Antenor^
Caught the full force of the blow, foredoomed by the Gods to

destrudtion;
Just at the nape, where the neck sustains the head, it alighted.
Cutting the bones and tearing the two strong sinews asunder:
Down dropped his head \ on the face it fell, and the mouth and the

nostrils
Reached the ground, while the limbs for a moment supported his

body.
Answering then to Polydamas* taunt, great Aias resi>onded !
"Man for man, come tell me, Polydamas! which is the worthier, (470)
Doth not he who hath falVn to my spear outweigh Prothoenor?
Base, or of ^Tilgar descent I deem him notj for his features
One of An tenor's race proclaim him. Nay, if I err not.
One of his sons, for I trace in the lines a family likeness."
Thus he spake, well knowing the man. Sore grieved were the

Trojans.
Acaraas then, fierce stalking around the corpse of his brother
Promachus slew, the Boeotian chief, by the feet who had seized him.
Then in exulting tones thus shouted aloud to the Grecians;
"Argives, no better than bowmen 1 In threats more abounding than

actions !

3IO

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK XIV.

Not upon us alone shall the toils and sorrows of war^u-e (480)
Fall. You shall have your share; and wounds and death be your

portion.
Lo ! where your Promachus sleeps, by my spear subdued. Funr a

lesson
Take it. Long unrequited I left not the death of my brother.
Happy the man who can boast that come what may^ if in battle
Destined to fall, he leaves in his father's house an avenger."
Thus he spake : and each Argive heart was stirred with emotion.
Peneleus' warlike soul was the first that burned with resentment.
Who upon Acamas rushed. But he turned and fled, nor awaited
Royal Peneleus' charge. Ilioneus next he encountered
(Son of the wealthy Phorbas, whom Hermes, best of the Trojans, (490)
Cherished and loved, and with flocks and herds and boundless

possessions
Gifted), /lis fathet^s joy, and the only son of his mother.
Him through the eye he pierced, and the spear passed straight

through its socket.
Forcing the eyeball out ; and its course held on till it issued
Forth at the back of the skull ; and clown he sank, and extended
Helplessly both his hands. Then Pbncleus' sword from the scabbard
Drew he, and lopped his neck. Down dropped the head with its

helmet
Still by the spear transfixed. This lifting aloft, like a poppy
Borne on its stalk, he shewed to the Troian host, and, exulting,
Shouted aloud, and thus with triumphant scorn he addressed

them: (500)

"Trojans! report what ye see to your boasted Ilioneus' parents.
Tell them to raise the funeral 7i'ail, and lament in their palace.
Bitter will be the grief, too, of Promachus* wife when she hastens
Forth, her husband to greet, the offspring of great Alegenor :
We meanwhile in our ships shall return, vidorious, fi"om Troia,"
Thus while he spake, pale fear and horror seized on the Trojans,
Each gazing anxious around for a way of escape from destruction.

Tell me, ye Muses! ye who the halls of 01>'mpus inhabit.
Which of the Greeks first won the blood-stain'd spoils of a foeman,

Book XIV.] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 311

Now that earth-shaking Poseidon had turned the tide of the battle.
Hyrtius fell to the spear of the great Telamonian Aias, (5")

Gyrtias* son, a chief of renown, and the Mysians* leader.
Phalces and Mermerus next to Antilochus fell, and he spoiled them.
Moms, Hippotion, sank beneath brave Merlon's jav*lin.
Prothoon died on Teucer's spear, a!nd fierce Periphetes.
Atreus* son, Hyperenor, the pastor and friend of his people.
Struck through the flank; and the thirsty spear, plunged deep in his

entrails.
Drank his blood: while his life through \ht gaping wound, which the

weapon
Left when withdrawn^ exhaled, and darkness closed o'er his eyelids.
Far surpassing them all in the number and might of his vidlims, (520)
Swift Oflean Aias o'ertook the flying, and slew them;
Matchless in speed to pursue whom Zeus in disorder had scattered.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XV.

BOOK THE FIFTEENTH.

Argument.

Zeus awakenings and seeing the Trojans in flighty the Greeks etdvanc*
ing aided by Poseidon^ and Heilor disabled^ is indignanty and threatens
Hera^ who appeases him. She is sent to Olympus to summon Iris and
Apollo^ who go to receive the orders of Zens, Hera excites discontent
among the Gods and in particular that of Ares by the neivs of his sor^s
death. He is on the point of breaking into open rebellion^ but is prevented
by Pallas, Iris is dispatched to Poseidon to order him to league the JSdd,
which he does with reluHancej Apollo restores He^orand brings hint, again
on the field: then advancing at the head of the Trojans with the ^gis oj
Zcus^ he levels a portion of the trench andwatt^ over which they enter and
attack the fleet y but are for the present prevented by the prowess of Aias
from firing it.

ILIAD, BOOK XV.

XTOW in ttieir flight had the Trojans recrossed the ditch and
■^ ^ tiie rampart^

Leaving behind them many a comrade slain by the Grecians.
Panting and pale with fear beside t/ie Hue of their chariots
Gathered they stood, and brtathed awhiie^ Now Zeus upon Ida,
Rousing himself from his dream of i&t'£ by the side of his consort,
Sprang to his feet, looked daum^ and beheld the Greeks and the Trojans;
These in disordered rout, those following up tlieir advantage.
Seat f ring their rear, and Poseidon himself assisting the Grecians^
Hedtor too he beheld on the plain outstretched, his companions
Sitting around, while his breath came thick, and his senses were
wandering, (lo)

Vomiting blood : for not by the feeblest Greek was he wounded.
Pitying beheld him the Father of Gods and men ; and mdignafit
Bent upon Hera an awful frown, while thus he addressed her :
"J^fj is thy doing! These thine arts! Deviser of mischief,
Hera 1 By thee is He6lor removed from the fight, ^nA his warriors
Routed* Sure am I not that the fruit of this wicked contrivance
Thou shalt thyself not reap, and feel the scouige of m^ ajiger.
Hast thou forgotten the day when on high suspended, i^iih anvils
Slung to thy feet, I held thee chained by the hands, and in fetters
Golden, mfrangible, swung thee aloft 'mid clouds, in the aether? (ao)
Sore were the Gods on Olympus* height distressed when they saw thee,
Standing around in disnaay, unable to free, or to aid thee.

3i6 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XV.

One did I seize in my wrath and dashed him down from the threshold
Breathless and bruised to the earth. Nor yet was my anger abated :
Such were my grief and rage at the woes of godlike Heracles,
Whom thy malignant hate, the subservient tempests arousing^
Chased o'er the desolate sea by the aid of impetuous Boreas.
Hardly the Coan shore he peached. There I came to his rescue.
Saved him from utter destruHion and landed him safely in Aigos,
Famed for its steeds, though sore distressed and exhausted by
sufferings. (30)

[Then, nor till then, did I free thy feet, and those ponderous masses
Down, as a sign to all future time, I hurled upon Troia.]
This recal to thy mind and abandon thy schemes of deception. (31)
Learn from this, how little thy semblance of love and afiedlion
Aids thy cause, when Olympus thou quit*st, intent to beguile me."

Thus he spake, and a shudder of dread pervaded the Goddess,
While in these eager words of ready excuse she addressed him :
"Witness, O Earth ! Bear witness, thou boundless gethereal concave !
Deep-gliding waters of Styx, attest my words ! By th' immortals
Ever the holiest of oaths esteemed, inviolate^ awful —
By thy own sacred head I swear — by that which of all things
Least would I lightly invoke, our virgin bed : — Oh ! believe me: (40)
Not by persuasion of mine doth the great earth-shaking Poseidon
Harass the Trojans and Hecflor and lend his aid to the Argives.
Prompted alone by his own desires he joins in the conflidl,
Pitying the Greeks, at their ships attacked, and ready to perish.
Would he but hear my advice, he would quit the field and betake him
Whithersoe'er my cloud-enshrouded lord may command him."

Thus she spake, and, appeased, the Father of Gods and of mortals
Smiled once more on his unfe, and in gentler accents responded :
"Wouldst thou henceforward, Hera! my bright-eyed queen and

my partner.
Think with thy lord, and support his powV in the conclave of Heaven,
Soon would the great Poseidon his proud rebellious behaviour (51)
Change, and adopt the side by us both approved and supported.
If then the truth thou speak'st, if really sincere thine intentions,
Join the assembled s}'nod of Gods, and summoning Iris

Book XV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

3^7

Send her to me. Send too the glorious archer, Apollo,
Iris first, to the host of the bronze-mailed sons of Achafa
Speeding, shall bear my dread command to the Monarch of Ocean
Back to his waves to retire, and mix no more m the contest.
Hedor shall PhcEl;?us Apollo restore to strength and to vigour,
Soothing the pains he endures, and once more eager for combat (60)
Send him fresh to the fight, where the Greeks in turn he shall scatter
Headlong in flight; to panic abandoned and helpless confusion*
Flying, a refuge the Greeks will seek at the ships of Achilles,
Peleus' son, who will send them his loved companion Patroclus*
Many a Troian chief by his hand mil fait, and among them
Ev*n my own godlike son, Sarpedon himself: until Hedor
Stretch beneath Ilion*s walls the lifeless corse of Patroclus,
Then shall Achilles rise in his wrath, and Hedlor shall perisk
Thenceforth, uninterrupted success shall commence for the Grecians,
Back from their ships and tents shall the IVojans retreat to their
city: (70)

II ion at length shall fall, through the counsels and aid of Athen^,
This be assured : henceforth unappeased my wrath will continue,
Nor will I suffer one of the Gods to give aid to the Argives
WTiile of Peleides' prayer one whit remains unaccomplished.
This have I promised, this by my nod confirmed, unto Thetis^
On that €t*€fitfui day when my knees she embmced, and entreated
Vengeance and compensation full for the i^Tongs of Achilles/'

Thus spake Zeus : nor did fatrarmed Hera withhold her compliance,
Ida she quitted, and reached the spacious halls of Olymijus
Swift as when some wayfaring man, rememl/ring his travels (80)
Far over land and sta^ in his thoughts runs over the dislance : —
*Here was I now, now there* — each scene through his memory

glancing :
Such and so swift was the eager and darting flight of the Goddess.

Now in the halls of lofty Olympus she stood, where th* immortals
All assembled she found. Up^ rose each God at her coming,
Dutfous, and welcomed her back with goblets brimfnirtg wkh n^ar,
Themis the fair alone she noticed, who hastening to meet her
Handed a flowing bowl, which Hera received, while the Goddess

3i8

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XV,

Thus to her sovereign addressed these anxious words of enquiry:
"Why so disturbed, O Hera ! What means this look of amazement ?(9oj
Say ! Hath thy lord, dark Kronos* son, said aught to alarm thee ?"
Thus in her turn to Themis the fair-armed Hera responded:
"Ask me not, Themis! well thou know'st his imperious temper.
How unbending in spirit, how harsh and stem in his condudL
Take thy place ^ and preside o'er the equal feast of th* immortals.
Then shalt thou hear, with all the rest, what Zeus is preparing;
What an array of ills he announces : — such as, believe me !
Few of the Gods or of men will be found to approve, and to some

here
Feasting complacently now, will cruelly mar thdr enjoyment,^

Ceased the Goddess august and her seat resumed, and amazement
Fell upon all th* assembled Gods: for a smile, as of mock'ry, (loi)
Played on her lips, while her clouded brow seemed fraught with dis-
pleasure.
Thus, addressing the Gods, in indignant words she harangued them :
"Fools that we are to waste on Zeus our impotent anger,
Flatt'ring ourselves that by word or force we can soothe or restrain him;
Sitting aloof in gloomy state apart from our councils.
Conscious of pow'r supreme and transcendent strength, he despises
All 7ve can do, nor heeds our complaints, nor is moved by our anger.
Therefore endure, as best ye may, whatever he may send you.
Bitter to bear though it be, and take your example from Ares. (no)
Slain on the battle-field Ascalaphus lies, his belov'd one,
Dearest of mortal men to his heart, and the boast of his father."

Thus she spake, and at once /// sprang infuriate Ares;
Smote with his hands on his stalwart thighs, and wildly addressed

them :
" Deem not amiss, ye Gods \ that I quit your Olympian dwelling,
Hurrying down to avenge my son at the ships of the Grecians,
Reckless of Zeus and his wrath, though he strike me down with his

lightning,
Hurled, among dust and blood, on the heaps of the dead and the

dying."
Ending, to Fear and Flight his command he issued, his chariot

Book XVO

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

319

Quick to prepare, while himself in his radiaBt arms he invested. (j2o)

Then on th' immortals all would a dire and terrible vengeance
Surely have fairn at the hands of Zeus incensed; but Athend,
Filled with alarm f&r hcneif and for all the host of Olympus,
Started at once from her throne, and rushed to the gate €re iu passed it.
Snatched from his head the helm, and tore the shleid from his shoulders;
Wrenched from his powVful hand the brazen spear which it wielded.
Sinking it dtep in the ground ; and Indignant^ thus she addressed him :
'*Ares! furious! insane! Thou art lost! — deprived of thy senses.
Hast thou not ears to hear? By shame art thou wholly abandoned ?
Hast thou, I say, not heard the words of Hera Qur $0iP reign ^ (^30)
Newly come from Olytnptan Zeus; ufhat ivraih skc dcnmttucsj
Wouldst thou be hunted back^ against thy will, to Olympus,
Groaning with pain and bitter despite, yet forced to obey him;
Bringing upon us all the wrath thy fault hath excited?
Hither in haste will he come, and here will he vent his displeasure,
Leaving the Greeks and Trojans to fight it out; nor distinguish
Guilty from innocent: all will feel the weight of his vengeance*
Therefore suppress thy wrath for the death of thy son; and remember,
Mightier by far than he, more skilled in the use of their weapons,
Time out of mind have fall'n and still must fall 'Tis the sentence
Passed upon all mankind; nor can aught avail to avert it*' {141)

Thus she spake, and led to his throne th* infuriate war-god.
Her^ now from the hall forth beckoned Apollo and Iris^
Iris who bears the commands of Zeus to Gods and to mortals*
Bidh her summms ohtyed : then thus the Goddess addressed them :
"Zeus requires your prompt and immediate attendance on Ida;
Thither repair* From himself ye shall learn when ye stand in his

presence
What are his high behests. These fail ye not to accomplish."
Thus having said, the Goddess august returned, and in silence
Seated herself on her throne* Then Phoebus and Iris to Ida (150)
Hasted, the nurse of savage beasts and the mother of fountains.
Seated they found the father on Gaigarus' loftiest summit,
Round him a mist suffused of rich^ umbrosiai fragrance,
Rev'rentj the cloud-compeller approaching, they stood in his presence.

■ 1. i.

320

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Boos

He, with their prompt attendance pleased, and with Hera's obedi
Mildly received them, and shewed no sign of wxath or displeasun
Iris first he addressed, and this the commission he gat^e her:
'4ris! Hie thee hence, and seek the monarch Poseidon,
All I tell thee repeat, with stridl and careful exadlness.
Bid him desist from war, and at once retire from the battle, 4

Join the assembly of Gods on high, or return to his ocean :
Should he refuse to obey, and with scorn rejedl my injunction,
Bid him refle6l, and consider it well. Can he hope to withstand
Strong as he is, when in person I come, to compel his obedience?
Bid him remember too that, superior in might and dominion.
Mine is the right of elder birth: nor presumptuously boast him
Equal to Zeus, whom all obey as their lord and their master."

Iris obeyed, and swift as the winds, from the mountains of Ida
Darting, alighted at once near the sacred city of Ilion.
As when the snowy drift, swept on by the impulse of Boreas {\
Hurries along, or the freezing hail, while the clouds he disperses.
So pressing on with eager speed the swift-wingfed Iris
Close to Poseidon arrived, and thus delivered her message:
"Dark-browed King! who surround'st the earth with the roll of

billows :
Hither I come, with a message from .^gisbearing Kronfon.
These arc his orders. Desist from war. Withdraw from the battle
Join the assembled Gods on high, or retire to thine ocean.
If thou refuse to obey, and with scorn rejecfl his injunction,
Hear what he threatens. Himself will descend and in person com

thee.
Therefore he bids thee reflect in time, and avoid his encounter; (i;
Bids thee remember too that superior in might and dominion.
His is the right of elder birth; nor presumptuously boast thee
Ecjual to Zeus, whom all obey as their lord and their master."

Grievously angered, thus replied the lord of the earthquake:
" Gods! what a menace is this! Thus thinks he by force to coerce r
Strong though he be, his etjual if not in might, yet in honour?
Brethren three we derive our birth from Kronos and Rhea,
Zeus; myself; and the third-bom, Hades, ruler of Orcus.

Book XV,]

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321

All was divided between us: and each in his share is a sovereign.
First to myself by lot it fell to inhabit the ocean, (190)

Ever supreme in its hoary depths: In the region of darkness
Hades next: Zeus last, in the clouds, the skies, and the aether
Earth however and lofty Olympus are free and in common.
Therefore to me is his will no law, be he never so mighty-
Let him remain, content, in his oi*ti allotted dominion.
Nor to base threats of force expe<!l me to yields like a coward*
Bid him reserve such words of vain and insolent menace
For his o^^ sons and daughters with whom he hath peopled Olympus.
Those may he safely threaten, for those are bound to obey hinL"

Iris, swift as the winged wind, this answer returned him ; {200)
** Must I then bear unto Zeus, 0 dark -browed lord of the ocean !
Siirh a reply, so fierce, so unbending^ as that thou hast spoken?
Surely ihtm wUt not persist : thou wilt change thy mind ; for the noble
Know when to yield And, remember ! the Furies side with the

elder."
Thus then in turn replied the great earth-shaking Poseidon :
" Iris ! goddess ! thy words are just : I know, I admit it
Hap|)y it ts when an envoy perceives the right, and mn urge ii.
Sharp was however tlie pang which pierced the heart in my bosom
When from thy lips I heard the rebuke he dares to address me —
Me! his equal in rank nor aught his inferior in fortunes- {a 10)
Yet for the present I yield and retire^ though justly indignant.
One thing however I tell thee^ and threat_Ar threat tliou shalt bear him.
If, disregarding myself and Athenb spoiler qf citks^
Hera, Hei^haesttis and Hermes alike from his councils excluding,
I lion's lofty towers he spare, and refuse to destroy them,
And to the Greeks deny their meed of glory ami em(//4esty
This let him kno%v, that implacable hate shall part us for ever/'

Thus having spoken the great earth-shaker retired from the battle.
Leaving the Greeks, in the deep he plunged, and withdrew his

assistance,
Sorely missed by their chiefs. Then thus spake Zeus to Apollo : (220)
Haste thee now, Phoebus dear ! to the bronze-helmed warrior Hector,
Back to his waves hath retreated the world-encircHng Poseidon,

^li"

322

IHE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XV

Thus having scaped our threatened and imminent wrath. Had \i\

lingered
Soon had the dark infernal Pow'rs, companions of Kronos,
Heard of our quarrel atid felt its shock. For us both is it better,
Both for him and myself, that angry albeit and reludlant.
Thus from the field he retire, nor oblige me by force to compel Aim.
Not without struggle and toil severe had the feat been accomplished.
Bear thou now on thine arm this fringfed and terrible ^gis :
This when thou shak'st the boldest Grecian hero shall tremble. (230]
Hedlor, O far-darting king, to thy healing care is committed ;
Fill him with vigour and might renewed, that the Grecians before him
Fly, till again they reach their ships and the Hellespont's margin.
Thither arrived, the word shall be spoken, the deed be accomplished
Which shall afford the Greeks a breathing time from their labours."

Thus he spake : and Phoebus obeyed the command of his father.
Headlong down like a hawk from Ida's summit he darted.
Fleetest of birds, when the terrified doves are scattered before him.
Hedlor divine, great Priam's son, he found : but no longer
Stretched on the ground. Upright he sate, and his senses returning,
Once more his friends he knew. More freely he breathed and the
death-sweat (^4')

Ceased : for the favouring spirit of Zeus had already revived him.
Standing close at his side thus spake far-darting Apollo :
"Hedlor, Priamus' son, why sit'st thou, far from thy Trojans,
Feeble and drooping of heart? Hath some misfortune befall'n thee?"
Crestwaving Hedlor faintly thus replied to his question:
"Who then art thou, most benign of Gods, who mak'st the enquiry?
Hast thou not heard how, fighting before the stems of their vessels,
Slaying his comrades around him in heaps, impetuous Alas
Hurled on my bosom a stone, and stopped the career of my
valour? (250)

Surely methought the ghastly dead and the mansion of Hades
I should this very day have beheld : for my soul was departing,"

Thus then replied the king, the bright far-darting Apollo :
"Be of good cheer; be strong ! for behold, how great a supporter
Zeus hath from Ida sent by thy side to stand and to aid thee,

Book XV,]

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325

Phoebus Apollo, lord of the golden sn^^ord, who am ever
Ready at hand to sustain and protect thy self and thy city.
Up then ! Urge on again the numVous host of thy horsemen
At the full speed of their steeds to the hollow ships of the Grecians :
I myself in the van will march making way for the chariots (260)

Level and smooth, and turn to flight the bravest Achaians.**

Thus he spake, and infused in die prince fresh coiirage and vigour.
As when a courser high fed and exulung in pride of his freedom,
Bursting the rein which held him confined to his stall, o'er the meadows
Bounds forth prancing, eager to lave in some wide flowing river
Well remembered. High tossing his head, while the mane o'er his

shoulders
Streams on the wind, away he darts in his strength and his beauty
Far o'er the plain, in the distant pastures scenting his females.
Thus with spirit renaif\i^ each limb made supple and pliant,
He<ftor advanced omt more t& the charge and cheered on his
horsemen, (270)

As when a rustic band of men and dogs /// t/te woifdiand
Chase in fuU cry some horned stag or goat of the mountain,
He to the lofty crag or the tangled gloom of the thicket
Flies, ami eludes thdr pursuit^ not destined yet to be taken :
Then, by their clamour aroused, a bearded lion approaches,
Crossing their way : relu (Slant they turn and fly from his presence :
Thus rushing on, the Greeks in dense tumuitmm masses
Plied their swords and two-edg^d spears, still smiting the Trojans.
Soon as however great He^Slor they saw rejoining his comrades, (179)
Struck with amaze, their hearts sank down and their courage forsook
them,

Thoas, Andraemon*s son, who first permved him^ addressed them,
Thoas, valiant in standing fight, and renowned as a spearman.
Bravest of all th' ^tolian leaders* Few in the council,
Where in debate the assembled chiefs contend, might excel him.
Wisely and well his thoughts he spake^ and thus he harangued them \
** Gods \ what wonder is here ? Can I trust these eyes that behold it ?
Here once more, defrauding the fates, have we Hed^tor among us,
Risen again, whom we hoped, and all believed to have perished

21 — z

324

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book

Under the conquering hands of the great Telamonian Aias !
Surely some favouring pow'r divine must have saved and restored h
Hedlor himself we behold^ who hath slain full many a Grecian : — (a
— (That which, methinks, will happen again ; for fwt unsupporta
Not without thundering Zeus, comes he on so fierce with the foremc
All of you then who hear me, attend to my words and obey them.
Back to the ships let the vulgar crowd retire at our bidding.
We, who proclaim our worth as the bravest and best of our armies,
Here make a stand, and oppose his first advance, with our weapon
Boldly uplifted. Well I ween that, whatever his fierceness.
Scarce will he dare, so met, to pierce the array of the Grecians
Thus did he speak : and all attentive heard and obeyed him. (3^
Those around Aias, those round the Cretan monarch assembled.
Those about Teucer, Merion, and Meges valiant as Ares,
Marshalled in battle array, the chiefs colle6ling on all sides ;
He6lor and all his Troian host to withstand ; while to rearward
All of inferior note retreated back to the vessels.
On came the Trojans, pressing in serried array, ^ith their leader
He6lor, taking gigantic strides. Before him Apollo
Marched : with a glowing cloud were his shoulders veiled, and the JE{
Dreadful, gleaming, shaggy with fringes, He bore ; by Hephaestus
Framed, and to Zeus consigned, to be borne for the terror of morta
This on his arm aloft he raised, while he headed the onset (31

Banded together, the Greeks stood firm. Shrill echoing on all side
Rose from each host a shout Then leaped from many a bow-strin
Shafts, from the nervous arm of many a warrior the jav'lins
Flew. Some deep infixed drank blood from the young and t

valiant :
Some, falling short ere they grazed the unstained skin of a foeman,
Plunged in the ground, 0/ their prey ilefrauiled, thirsting for slaught

Now while aloft unmoved was the .4i)gis borne by Apollo,
Equal on both sides fell the shafts and perished the heroes.
But when full in the face of the Greeks his gaze he dire<5led (3 a
Shaking the -rEgis and shouting a dreadful shout, in their bosoms
Withered their hearts, and the i)ride of their ancient valour forso

them.

Book XV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

32s

(330)

As when two savage wolves coming down with as^ult unexpetled
Scatter a flock of sheep, or a herd of kine in confusion.
What time the night after milking is dark and the keepers are absent :
Thus unresisting fled the Greeks, by Phtebus Apollo
Panic-smitten, while Hector and Troy he conduifted to glory »

Broken was now their line, and man slew man in the tumult
Stichius sank before Heclor's might, and Arcesilaiis ;
This J of Bceotia's bronze -mailed troops a prince and a leader,
That, of Menestltcus bold the friend and faithful companioOp
Med on and lasus yielded their lives and spoils to vlineas ;
Med on, godlike 0 ileus son and the brother of Aias ;
Though of un wedded love the fruit ; who far from his country
Phylac*^ sought J having slain the brother of fair En 1 op is,
Wife of O'tleus, and fled to escape the wrath of his fathen
lasus led into battle the brave Athenian warriors,
lasus, Sphelus* reputed son, and Bucolus' grandson,
Next, to Polydamas* spear Mecistes fell, and Polites
Echius slew^, as they fought in the foremost rank. Then Agenor (340)
Clonius smote, while Paris his lance through Deiochus* shoulder
Drove, as he turned him to fly, and the point came forth through his

breast-plate.
These of their arms were they stripping. The Greeks meanwhile in

confusion
Plunged through the ditch, and among the stakes, and scatfring on all

sides
Hither and thither, hard pushed, the wall they gained and surmounted.
But with a loud and piercing shout great Hedtor indignafti
Bade them desist from spoil and push forward at once to the vessels ;
"That man, whoe'er he be, who shall hold aloof or shall linger
Elsewhere than at the ships, to death on the spot will I doom him.
Nor shall his kindred or friends a pyre provide for his fun'ral, (350)
Vnltures ami dogs shall tear him before the walls of our city,**
Thus he spake, and the lash to his horses' shoulders applying
Urged them to speed, and called on the Troian warriors to follow;
They with a genera! shout replied, Whirled on by their coursers
Rattled the cars, while Phoebus Apollo, striding before them,

326

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book

Crushed down the banks of the trench profound, and spumed t)

in ruin
Into its hollow depths, and bridged it across with a causeway
Long, and in breadth so far as the utmost flight of a jav'lin,
\Vhen for a trial of strength some stahvart spearman hath hurled it
0*er it they rushed, troop following troop, and before them Apollo (^
Bore up the precious if^.gis on high, and levelled the rampart;
Brushing it down, as a child at play on the sand of the sea-shore,
Tired of his sporty ^ the lines he has drawn, the heaps he has gathe
Easily sweeps them away with his hands and feet, and destroys thei
Thus did'st thou sweep aside, O immortal Archer! in ruin
All the huge toil of the Greeks, and themselves disperse in confus
Thus they remained, penned up at their ships, each man on

comrade
Calling in vain for aid; and to all the pow'rs of Olympus
Raising their hands in suppliant guise, they prayed for deliv'rance.
Chief of them all, the guardian of Greece, Gerenian Nestor, (j
Spread forth his hands to the starry skies, and preferred his petitioi
"Father Zeus, if e'er one Greek ere Argos we quitted
Thigh of the bull or fat of the sheep hath burned on thine altars,
Praying a safe return, and thou gav'st assent and confirm'dst it ;
Now that promise recall to thy mind, dread lord of 01>Tnpus !
Ward off the evil day, nor suffer our foes to o'erwhelm us."
Such his i)etition, by Zeus received : and he answered in thunder,
Hearing and granting the prayer of the reverend offspring of Neleus
Meanwhile the Trojans, who heard the sign, mistaking its import.
Summoned fresh spirit, and pressed the Greeks more fiercely th

ever. (3^

As when a wave high swol'n by the wind on the wide-flowing ocean,
(Such as a tempest's force may raise) su'ecping on in its fury^
Breaks, and descends with a mighty crash on the sides of a vessel ;
Thus did the Trojans sweep with terrific shouts o'er the rampart.
Onward their horses and cars they drove to the stems of the vessel
There with two-edged spears they closed in fight. While the Trojj
Fought from their chariots, the Greeks, their black-ribbed vess

ascending.

Book XV.]

THE iUAD OF HOMER.

327

PI i eel them with huge long pikes, well spliced ^ bronze-headed, and ready
Stowed in their ships for defence, when close assault should deman J
them*

Now while the Trojans and Greeks outside the wall were
contending (390)

Far from the ships, in the tent of his friend still lingered Patroclus.
Valiant Eurypylus kindly tending he sate, and with converse
Cheered him, from time to time to his wound fresh balsams applying,
Such as might soothe and assuage its blacky uncmiurabie anguish.
But when the Trojans he saw surmounting the wall, and the Argives
Flying in terror, and heard their cries, and the s/muts 0/ the vi&ars^
Loudly he groaned, and smote with his hands on his thighs, and

upstarting^
Deeply moved, with these hurned words took leave 0/ his comrade*
''Sore though thy need, my friend ! at thy side no more may I linger,
Hence must I haste, for behold I how fierce a struggle is raging. {400)
Thee to thy servants' care must I leave, and hence to Achilles
Pass with all speed, and exhort him, at length, to join in the conflid»
Who can say, whether, aided by heav'n^ my words may arouse

him
Zealously urged, for a friend's advice is strong and persuasive**'

Thus, still speaking, he ran from the tent Meanwhile the Achaians
Sternly resisted the Trojan assault; yet availed not to drive them,
Fewer albeit, from the ships w/iich thay sfnwc to ruuh ; nor the Trojans,
Fieraas they were^ might break through the phalanx firm of the Argives,
Mix with their tents and ships, and spread destruflion ammtg thtm.
As when with line and rule some plank by a shipwright is fitted (410)
Sure of hand and ejca/l qf eye, by Pallas Athen^
Taughtj and in all the lore of his craft well skilled and accomplished:
Thus with an even front was the line of their battle adjusted

Some before one ship fought, some gathered in arms round another :
He6lor on Alas advanced, disdmning a feehier apponmt.
Both at one ship their efforts plied ; nor could Hedtor accomplish
Aught to thrust Aias aside and bum his ship, nor could Aias
Drive great Hedlor away; for a God supported his onset

Foremost Caletor, Clytius* son, with fire was approaching ;

328 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XV

Him through the breast great Alas pierced; and he fell^ and hi

armour (420

Clattered; and drop't on the ground^ the smoulirring torch wa,

extinguished,
Hedlor, who witnessed with grief his cousin's fate, and beheld him
Stretched at his length in the dust, before the stem of the vessel.
Called on the Trojan and Lycian hosts, and shouting addressed them:
"Trojans, and Lycians all ! and brave Dardanian warriors.
Stand to your arms, nor abandon the fight for a moment of hardship ;
Clytius' son, 7/V true^ hath fall'n at the ships of the Grecians.
On then ! defend his corse, nor suffer the foe to despoil him,"
Thus he spake; and at Aias hurled his glittering jav'lin;
Wide of its mark it erred, yet struck the attendant of Aias, (430)
Lycophron, Mastor's son, in Cythera bred, who to Aias
Fled, from the land of his birth, having slain a noble Cytheran.
Standing at Aias' side, he received the spear through his helmet,
Piercing above the ear; then down from the stem of the vessel
Headlong he plunged in the dust, and lay supine in his death-pang.
Then over Aias a shudder crept, and he called to his brother:
"Teucer! beloved of my soul! we have lost our faithful companion
Mastor*s son, of Cythera, so long the guest of our household,
Cherished with hardly less than a parent's love, in our palace. (439)
Him hath the mighty Hedlor slain ! Where, where are thine arrows
Piercing and swift, and thy bow, that gift of Phoebus Apollo ?"
Thus he spake : and prompt at his word stood Teucer beside him,
Bearing his bended bow, and with store of shafts in his quiver,
Which yf\\h no tardy hand he dealt abroad on the Trojans.
Cleitus received the first, the valiant son of Pisenor,
AVho on Polydamas, Panthous' noble son, was attending.
Holding the reins, intent on his task of guiding his horses
Into the thickest press, where fiercest the combat was raging,
Bringing the Trojans and Hedlor a welcome support. UnexpeHed^
Do^\Ti came the mischief which none might avert, however

desirous. (450)

Straight through his neck from behind went the deadly shaft. From

the chariot

Book XV,]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

329

Ifmdhmg diTivfi an the ground he fell. Back started the coursei^,
Ratthng along the empty car. When he saw what had happened
Up mshed Polydamas quickly, and stopped the flight of the horses,
And to Astynous^ brave Protiaon's son, he consigned them^
Stridtly enjoining him ever to keep him in sights and be near him :
Then flew back to the ranks, and mixed once more in the combat.

Next at the bronze-hdm'd Hedtor himself was an arrow by Teucer
Aimed. That shaft had stopped his career, at the shipy of the Grecians
Valiantly fighting, and ta'en his life in the blaze of his glory, (460)
But that all-provident Zeus the danger perceived, and prote<ifted
He<5lor, nor graced with a triumph like that Telamonian Teucer.
Just as he drew the how the we 11 -twisted chord in the middle
Snapped, and the bra/en-pointed shaft flew wide of its errand-
Blameless HU ihen^ down dropped the bow from the hand &f its master^
Then came a shudder o*er Teucer, and thus he exclaimed to his brother \
"Surely some God intervenes, and defeats our plans, and our fighting
Thwarts : he it is who hath dashed from my hands tlie bow

I relied on,
Breaking the string too, newly twined, which I fitted this morning,
Knotting it fast, to enforce the spring of many an arrow.** (470)

Thus making answer returned the great Telamonian Aias :
^^Paikntiy bear //, my friend i Thy bow forego and thine arrows.
Lay them aside, since, envious of Greece, some God interditls them.
Handle once more thy long sharp spear, and the slueid o*er thy

shoulders
Brace, Thus armed j the Trojans confront, and encourage thy

comrades*
Not without struggle and toil, if at length indeed they subdue us,
Now shall they capture our well-benched ships^ if we summon

our courage."
Thus spake Aias. And Teucer dispatched his bow arid his quiver
Back to his tent, and a fourfold buckler slung o'er his shoulders.
Placed on his valiant head his helm of proof, with a horse-tail (480)
Crested, and dreadfully nodded the waving plume o'er his tempi'
Grasped in his hand the ponderous iance, bronze-headed and fit
Thm^/uli armed^ he resumed his place by the side of his broil

330 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book X\'.

Teucer*s disabled bow escaped not the notice of Hedbor.
Shouting aloud to the Trojan and Lycian hosts he addressed them :
" Trojans and Lycians brave ! ye Dardans who close with your foemen ;
Stand to your arms like men, and remember your prowess and valour
Here at the hollow ships. Just now — ^with these eyes I beheld it-
One of our bravest foes is by Zeus deprived of his weapons.
Easy it is to trace the dire6ling hand of Kronion. (400)

These ^vith favour he views, and crowns with conquest and glory \
Those he defeats, and withers their strength, refusing to aid them.
Now on our side he wars, and depresses the force of the Argives.
Fight then ! Rush on to the ships in crowds I And whoever among

you.
Smitten with arrow or spear, shall die the death of a soldier,
Fall though he may, unhonoured he sinks not, slain for his country.
Freed by his fall his wife he leaves and his children in safety,
All that his heart holds dear; his home ; his wealth : when the Grecians
Back with their ships shall have fled, to the dear-loved land of their

fathers."
Thus he spake, in each heart fresh strength and courage

arousing. ^^oo^

Aias next, on the Greeks* behalf, exhorted his comrades :
"Argives ! for shame ! WTiat ! see you not that now we must perish,
Or by hard fighting our ships and lives redeem from destrudlion ?
Think ye on foot to return to your homes, should crest-wa\ing He6lor
Ravage your fleet ? and to reach dry-shod the land of your fathers ?
Hear ye not Hedlor's shouts— how he cheers on his hosts, how he

threatens,
Raging, to wrap your vessels in one vast blaze and consume them ?
'Tis to no festive dance, but to battle and death, that he calls them.
Nought for us now remains, no course, no option is left us
But to rush at them with might and main, and grapple them

bravely. ^^^^j

Better by far to decide at once, or to live, or to perish.
Than to be wasted slowly down, worn out in a struggle
Long protra6lcd, with feebler men, in defence of our vessels."
Thus he spake ; in each heart fresh force and courage inspiring.

Book XV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

351

Schedius then, Perimedes' son, who led the Phoceans,
Fell by great He<5lor*s hand ; and Laodamas, son of Antenor»
Leading a band of foot^ met death from the jav'lin of Aias,
Next to PolydamaB fell the spoils of Cyllenian Ot\is^
Chief of the bmve Epeans, Phyleides* friend and companion*
Meges at once on the vi<5lor rushed, but Polydamas stooping (520)
Glided aside, and he missed his blow; nor suflfered Apollo
Panthous* son to be thus sttaick down. But the javlin of Meges
Held on its course, and full upon Crtesmus' breast it alighted.
Do^Ti with a crash he fell, and his arms were the spoil of the vi<5ior
Dolops however, a spearman bold, rushed 011 to avenge him;
Offspring of Lampus the brave and the good, and Laoraedon's

grandson,
Skilled in all feats of arms and inured to martial adventure.
Close upon Phyleus' son he advanced and full on his buckler
Smote ; and the spear watt through^ but a corslet of proof was be-
neath it
Strongly compact in its hollow swell : by Phyleus his father (530)
B^me, when from Ephyrc's land he returned, and the banks of Selleis
This, as a parting pledge to his guest, the royal Euphetes
Gave, to be worn as a sure defence and protection in battle.
Now it preser^^ed the son, as erst it protedled his father
Meges in turn delivered his spear, which full on his helmet
Lighting, just at the base of the tow'ring crest that above it
Floated in plumy pridt^ all glowing with brass and with purple.
Shore it away, In the dust it fell, dtsfigtired ami trampled
Meges, assured of success, for a fresh assault was preparing,
When to his aid Menelaiis came, unseen by the Trojan (540)
Sidelong advancing, and thrust from behind his spear through his

shoulder.
Holding on its impetuous way, at his bosom it issued,
Far outstanding in front. On his face he fell, and the vi(5tors
Both sprang forward at once, the resplendent prize of his armour
Eager to seize. Then He^or aloud to his brethren and kindred
Called, invoking their aid x but chief, at the brave Melanippus
Pomted his eager rebuke, Hicetaon*s son. At Percot(^

332

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book

Erst, while the foe was far away, he pastured his oxen ;

But when the Greeks in their well-trimmed ships invaded his nati<

Home he returned, and in Ilion dwelt, as a prince of

Trojans (i

Lodged in the palace of Priam, and loved like one of his children.
Chafing^ in words of rebuke thus Hed^or, naming, addressed him :
"Shall we be thuis remiss, Melanippus? Is not thy bosom
Stirred at the sight of thy kinsman's fall ? Oh ! say, can'st thou ecu
Stand and look on while These from his corse are tearing his arm<
Follow me then. Now, once for all must we close with the Azgivc
Slay them outright, or consent to behold our Ilion captured.
Hurled from her lofty height in the dust, and her citizens slaughter
Ending he led the assault, by that godlike warrior followed.
Then in his turn exhorted the Greeks Telamonian Aias : (5

" Shew yourselves men, my friends ! Respe6l yourselves and e

other !
Fighting for life and fame, let each be to each an example.
Safety by valour alone is secured, and mutual reliance.
Honour and life they alike desert who fly from the combat"
Thus while he spake, each arm gained strength for a sterner resistar
Each treasured up in his bosom the words : and there grew round

vessels
Gath'ring, a bulwark of brass : while Zeus encouraged the Trojans,
Then Menelaus Antilochus sought, and thus he addressed him :
''^ Noble Antilochus ! where shall we find a youth in our armies
Stronger, more swift of foot, than thyself, or braver in battle ? (5;
Couldst thou not make a spring and surprise some chief of t

Trojans?"
Thus he spake, and retired. But with soul excited the hero
Forth with a bound to the van advanced, and glancing around h
Darted his gleaming lance. Then back retreating, the Trojans
Shrank from the weapon, which flew not in vain from the ha

of its master;
Brave Melanippus it struck, Hicetaon's son, who with Hcnor
Came rushing on to the fight, beneath the pap through his breastpla
Down with a crash he fell, and his armour rattled around him :

Book XV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

333

Forth sprang the vi€lor, as springs some dog on a fawn which

the hunter,
Just leaping forth from his lair, hath pierced ta the heart with an
arrow , (5 So)

Stnt/r&m afar^ and stretched him on earth, arrested and lifeless :
Thus on thy corst^ Melanippus \ Antilochus sprang, to despoil theCi
Eager, intent on his prey \ but 'scaped not the notice of Hetftor.
On, through the thick of the fight, infuriate^ he rushed to avenge him.
But when Antilochus saw him, he fmntd, nor awaited his onset.
Brave as he was ; but like some wtld beast, that, conscious of mischief,
Flies, having slain some dog or herdsman in charge of his oxen,
Off to his woods, ere the hue and cry can be raised to pursue him ;
Thus in dismay fled Nestor's son* But the Trojans and HeiSlor
After him poured a tumultuous storm of jav'Iins and arrows ; (590)
Nor did he venture to turn till safe in the ranks of his comrades.

On came the Trojans now, like raw-devouring lions
Pressing towards the ships : for the high behests of Kronfon
Gave them unwonted strength, and filled them with spirit and courage.
While he enfeebled the Greeks and dimmed their vUtms of glory.
Such was his will. Great He€lor now, with glory and conquest
Crown'd, must involve in devouring flames the ships of the Grecians
Fierce, destru<5live ; and all that Thetis prayed be accomplished,
Howsoever ill-tim'd and severe t while he waited the moment
When from a single ship the blaze should ascend, as a signal, (600)
Then would he drive the Trojans back, in retreat, from the vessels*
Then should commence for Greece a career of glory and conquest

This in his mind revolving, he roused the spirit of He^or,
Urging him on to the ships ; though no such prompting he needed.
Raging, like Ares, with brandished spear, or as when in the mountain
Rages a fire in the close-entangled depths of their forests.
Foaming with wrath he advanced. From beneath the gloom of

his eyebrows
Flashed his dilated eyes j and the waving crest o*er his temples
Dreadfully nodded on high from tlie beaming casque of the hero.
Zeus from his heavenly height himself stood forth his supporter, (610)
One, from so many, on that grmt day sele<5led for glory ;

334 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XV.

Honoured at least, if not long-lived. For now over Hedlor

Near impended the fateful day by Pallas Athend
Ruthlessly urged, when by stem Peleides' wrath he should perish.
Now on the densest foes he rushed, determined to break them,
Seeking the point where closest the ranks, completest their armour :
Vainly : though fierce the assault, yet not less fierce the resistance.
Locked in a square, compa6l they stood, like a cliff that projedling
Lofty and huge, looks down on the hoary sea that surrounds it :
Which nor the shrill-voiced winds in their wild career, nor the

billows (620)

Roaring around with impetuous swell, can move from its basis.
Thus did the Argives hold their ground, nor shrink from the Trojans.
Hedlor the while all-dazzling in splendour, full on their phalanx
Rushed, dashing in on the ranks, like a wave which raised by

the tempest
Cloud-like impending, bursts upon some swift ship, and overwhelms it,
Sweeping its deck with spray ; while the blast in its hurricane fury
Screams through its masts and shrouds. Then quails the heart

of the sailor,
Shudd'ring to feel how near to the verge of death he approaches.
Such misgiving invaded the shrinking hearts of the Argives.
He — as a lion comes rushing in rage upon thousands of cattle (630)
Grazing in some wide-watered and swampy mead, by a herdsman
Tended, who, all inexpert to meet such dreadful encounter.
And from the rav'ning beast to protect his charge, to the foremost
Now, and now to the hindmost {uncertain to lead or to drive t/ient).
Runs to and fro : meanwhile, from their very midst has the monster
Snatched and devour'd his prey, while the rest fly wild o'er the

j)asture —
— Thus dashed in. Then, heav*n-confounded, they broke, and to

Hec'lor
Yielded, and Zeus. All fled. But he slew the Mycenian hero,
Great Periphetes, whose father, Copreus, sent by Eur}'stheus,
Sped on a mission of royal concern to the might of Heracles. (640)
Worthier by far than the sire was the noble son, in whom valour
Blended with ever)' manly grace : alike in the battle.

Booit XV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

335

Or in the race> or for sage advice distinguished in council

Great as he was, his death but increased the glory of He(5tor-
Turning him round, he tripped behind on the rim of his buckler,
Which to his feet descending, from spears prote<^led his ancleSi
Siumbiing mtd hampered he fell, and lay supine, and his helmet
Jiang, as ii struck the groumi^ round the prostrate warrior's temples.
Hector beheld, and ran to the spot, and over him standing,
Drove through his breast his vmge/al spear, in sight of his

comrades, (650)

Mourning they witnessed the deed> yet nought could do to assist him ;
Such was the terror inspired by the godlike pres_*nce of Hector.
Now they beheld around them the foremost tier of the vessels,
Those most advanced on the beach^ with their towering stemsj

when the Trojans
Poured in amain* From these perforce retreated the Argives.
Gath'ring before the tents they rallied anew, and collected
Stood, nor dispersed through the camp : for shame restrained them

and kivwur:
Fear itscJf compdkd them to fght Each exhorted the other
Shouting, Gerenian Nestor, the guardian and slay of Achaia
Chief, by his parents adjuring each, besought and entreated : (660)
*' Shew yourselves men, dear friends I Let mutual rcv'rence and

honour
Reign in your mMe hearts* Oh ! think, each one, on your children,
Think on your ^nves, your homes; remember your parents whom

living,
Yet may your valour illustrate, or, dead, your defeat may dishonour.
Fancy, though absent, through me they speak, through me they

beseech you,
Bravely to standi and maintain the fight : nor think of retreatbg."

Thus he spake, fresh courage and strength in each bosom arousing -
Then from their eyes Alhen^ swept the cloud that involved them,
Low'ting portentous, A flood of light streamed bright o'er the

armies.
Full on the ships it shone and the scene of mutual destru^ion; (670)
He6tor here they beheld with shouts exciting his warriors;

336 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XV.

There, in the rear, the fugitive Greeks overlaboured and fainting;
There again, those who still maintained their ground at the vessels.

Aias' indignant spirit endured not idly to loiter,
Nor could he bear to be seen with Greeks who withdrew from the

combat,
But with gigantic strides along the decks of the vessels
Stalked, and a pole two-and-twenty cubits in length, and with iron
Studded and bound, for the ship's defence, he brandished around him.
And as some agile ricfer in vaulting expert, who sele<5ling
Four trained steeds from the countless herds that range o'er the

pastures, (680)

Drives them along the public road to some populous city:
All who behold him, women and men in delighted amazement,
Gaze, as he springs from steed to steed, still lighting in safety,
Firm in his shifted seat, nor arrests their flight for an instant:
Thus leaped Aias from deck to deck through the range of the vessels.
Springing across; while his thundering shouts ascended to heaven,
Ever with dreadful voice exhorting the Greeks to endurance,
And for their ships and tents to strike. Nor did Hedlor on his part
Hold himself back within the ranks of the corseleted Trojans,
But as the fiery eagle comes rushing down on his quarry, (690)
Scatt'ring dismay through the nations of widewing^d birds that assemble,
Geese, or cranes, or long-neck'd swans, on the banks of a river:
He6lor thus, with a swoop on the dark-prowed ships of the Grecians
Rushing advanced, for Zeus with a mighty hand and with power
Drove him along, and inspired his troops with courage to follow.
Then was the figlit renewed in all its rage round the vessels.
Such and so fierce that, nriuly armed aiid unwearied with warfare,
One looking on might deem them but just engaging in battle.
These were the thoughts of either host: despairing, the Grecians
Fancied that all was lost — that nought remained but to perish. (700)
Confident hope in each Trojan breast prevailed that the vessels
Now they should surely bum, and slay ev'ry man of the Argives.
Such were their hopes and fears as they closed once more in the

struggle.
He(5lor, advancing in front, had seized on the stern of a vessel

Book XV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

337

I
I

Beauteous and swift j the same which hapless Protestlaus
Bore to the Iliati shore: not fateti to Greece to restore him.
Round it gathered the Trojans and Greeks in furious encounter.
Hand to hand they engaged; and the flying spear and the arrow,
Now no longer at distance awaiting^ closed with each other,
All alike with one eager desire for mutual slaughter (710)

Burning, With axes heavy and keen they fought, and with hatchets,
Wielding enormous swords, and thrusting with two-edgfed lances.
Many a good blade, darkhilted, with guard of proof, bright gleaming.
Struck from the hand that bore it, or lopped with its arm from the

shoulder,
Glittered in dust, and with streaming blood the ground was impuq>led.
Hector when now he had reached the ship, with the grasp of a viHor
Seizing its stem, held on, and thus exhorted the Trojans i
"Now bring fire! and raises one and all, the shout of destrudlioni
Now is the day of days arrived, which Zeus hath vouchsafed us 1
Now shaU we take these ships which such countless evils have

brought us, (720)

Not by heav'n*s will, but the craven fears of the dotards m Troia,
Who to this hour have vri thheld me and damped the zeal of my

warriors,
longing to close with the Greeks, and attack them here at their vessels.
Or, if the will of Zeus then blinded our sense and deceived us.
This day at least he adopts our cause, and leads us to conquest**
Thus he spake, and they all more fiercely rushed on the Argives,
Aias himself gave back, overwhelmed with darts and with lances,
Some small space he retreated \ for death he thought was approaching.
Quitting the deck, on the sev'n-foot step he stood, and around him
Watchful gazed, with his spear keeping off each daring assailant (730)
Wlio Tvith devouring fire approached the ship, and unceasing
Thus in a terrible voice adjured the sons of Achaia :
** Friends and heroes of Greece t ye valiant servants of Ares !
Shew yourselves men, and forget not your ancient prowess and virtue I
WTiere can we look behind for aid or friends to assist us?
Where in our front is rampart or wall to afford us prote<5lion?
City or fortress with tow'rs begin have we none to retreat to,

338

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XV.

WTiere we may look for the aid oi faithful allies to support us.
Far from our native land we hold but this beach, and in Troia
Nought we behold but banded foes, in arms to oppose us ; (740)

And to ourselves alune must look, nor flinch from the struggle,"
Thus he spake, and with might and main he charged with his jav lin
All. Whosoe'er approached with blazing brands or with torches
Armed, to consume the ships and accomplish the orders of Hedlor,
Rushed upon certain death from the long, sharp weapon of Aias ;
Twelve on the spot thus slain lay stretched at the stem of his
vessel.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVI.

23 — 2

BOOK THE SIXTEENTH.

Argument.

Patroclus obtains permission to lead the Myrmidons to the aid of
the Greeks y and to appear at their head in the arms of AckiiUs^ on
condition of contenting himself with repulsing the enemy frotn the ships
and abstaining from pursuing them beyond the walls, Achilles offers a
libation^ and harangues the Myrmidons, who march to battUy Just in time
to prevent the conflagration of the fleet. The Trojans taking- Patroclus
for Achilles fly in dismay. He pursues them with great slaughter. He
slays Sarpedon^ whose body is rescued by He^or and Glaucus^ and borne
away by Sleep and Death to Lycia. Patroclus forgetful of his promise^
pursues the Trojans to their walls ^ which he attempts to scale , but is driven
back by Apollo, He engages Heffor and slays Cebriones his charioteer,
hi the fight over his body Apollo strikes and disarms Patroclus^ rvho is
first wounded by Euphorbus and then slain by Hellor,

ILIAD, BOOK XVI.

'T'HUS round the Grecian ships was the fight maintained But

Fatroclus,
QuiiHng their mmp, had reached the tent of roya! Achilles.
Tears frotn his eyes fell warm, like some dark fountain, whose waters
Trickle in shadow and gloom down a beetling cliff in the desert.
Pitying, godlike Achilles beheld the grief of his comrade,
And in compassionate words of anxious enquiry addressed him :
"WTiy dost thou weep, my friend? like an infant girl by her mother
Running, who cries to be taken up, and clings to her gannents,
Holding them fast as she runs, and her steps detains ; to her mother
Still looking up with streaming eyes^ and begs to be carried? (lo)
Such, and so piteous^ Patroclus ! the teais that pour down thy features.
Bear'st thou tidings of ill to myself or my Myrmidon warriors?
Or to thy private ear hath a mournful message from Phthia
Reached ? Thy father Menoetius survives, great offspring of A€tor ;
So they report; and Peleus, j^cus' son, in his kingdom*
Much should we grieve to learn the decease of one or the other-
Or, for those hate/ui Greeks dost thou mourn, who are falling ^y

thousands
There at their hollow ships \ fit meed for their pride and injustice?
Speak \ let me know the cause. Be there no concealment between

us,"
Deep was the sigh, Patroclus I tliat burst from thy bosom in

answer; (20)

342

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XV

"Noblest by far of the Greeks, O Achilles, Peleiis*- offspring !
Be not thus wroth. So heavy a blow hath falFn on the Grecians !
All their best and bravest chiefs lie smitten disabled.
Wounded with spears and darts, and forced to retire to their vessels
Brave Diomedes, Tydeus' son, hath been struck by an arrow.
Pierced by a spear Agamemnon groans, and mighty Odysseus,
And. from Eurypylus' thigh the shaft U'iih these hands I extra^ed.
These with their healing arts may physicians cure, or their torments
Soothe and assuage. Thy wrath admits no soothing, Achilles !
Oh ! may such anger ne'er invade my heart as thou harbour'st, (3c
Cruel, though brave ! Who henceforth will take delight to behold the
If thou refuse thine aid to Greece in the hour of her trouble?
Pitiless man ! 'tis false to say that Peleus begot thee.
Thetis was never thy mother ! The stormy ocean produced thee,
Rude inaccessible crags were thy parents — like thee in nature.
Yet if some oracle deep in thy mind have sunk, and withhold thee.
Or if thy mother august from Zeus have brought thee a warning,
Send me forth /;/ thy stead with all thy Myrmidon warriors,
So shall I come like a beam of light to the hopekss Achaians.
Clad in thine own refulgent arms let me lead them to battle : (40]
Thus, by thy semblance deceived, will the Trojans shrink from the

combat,
And to the wearied Greeks some breathing time be accorded,
Brief though it be ; and a respite gained from war and its horrors.
Fresh as we are 'twill be no hard task to drive back the Trojans,
Wearied, and worn with toil, from the ships and tents to their city."
Thus he si)ake, and ended his earnest prayer: but foresaw not.
Rash as he was, that he prayed for death and courted destrudlion.
Deeply disturbed replied the swift-pursuing Achilles :
"Noble Patroclus, what words, alas! are these thou hast uttered ?
Think not that oracles hold me back, or thoughts of the future, (50)
'1 hetis, my mother nugust, from Zeus no warning hath brought me.
'Tis but the decp-corroditig pang that gnaws at my heart-strings,
When I rememl)er the wretch who, secure in the pride of his power.
Dared to amerce and rob of his prize his equal in merit:
This is my grief. It weighs on my soul, and embitters my spirit :

Book XVl]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

343

This ! that the damsel whom Greece bestowed as the prize of

my valour.
Her whom I won by my own good spear in the sack of her city,
He, Agamemnon— sovereign of Greece !— descendant of Atreus I —
Forced from my arms, as from those of some base alien hirehng,
These are things of the past* Be it so. Twas ne*er my

intention, (60)

Anger for ever to cherish. Now close to ray ships are approaching
Hostile shouts and the clang of war* Now behold we the moment,
Well foreseen* when my wrath must be laid aside and forgotten.
Brace then around thee my arms, to the foe wdi kfioum ami

conspicuous :
Lead to the fight our Myrmidon host who are panting for battle.
Grmi is the med I far lo I how the Trojans, gathering around them.
Wrap, like a lowering cloud, the ships : how, cooped on the sea-beach,
Hemmed in on al! sides, hardly a stri|> of land to the Grecians
Now remains. Emboldened all Troy comes pouring upon them,
Since that her armies have ceased to behold the front of my helmet (70)
Gleaming at hand. Ere now had they filled yon trench with their

corpses,
Flying in wild dismay^ had that tyrant prince, Agamemnon,
Borne himself mildly. Now their battle thickens around him:
Now hath the idle spear in the hands of mighty Tydeides
Ceased to rage, and to sweep from the earth the foes of Achaia —
Now no more in mine ears from the hateful lips of Atreides,
Rings the resounding shout 'Tis the voice of deathnieahng Hetlor
Rises o*er all the clamour, exhorting his troops. And the Trojans
Fill with their war-cries wild the plain, and scatter his Aigives.
Fall on them then, Patroclus ! in all tliy might, and the vessels (So)
Rescue from hostile attack; nor suffer the flames 10 consume ihem.
Thus destroying for ever our hopes of return to our country.
Hear now my last injuntflion, my parting word, and respeti^ it :
So for thy friend shall thou win from all the hosts of Achaia
Glory and honour due ; and the beauteous maid shall they render
Back to my arms, and with cosdy gifts deserve my forgiveness.
Drive from the ships the Trojans, and then rctuiiL But however

344

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVL

GloTy may tempt thee, and aid from the thundVing consort of Her^ ;
Press not too hard, apart from me, on die host of the Trojans.
Hold thy conquering hand Sest thou plunge me in deeper dis-

lionour. (90)

[Slay whom thou wilt beside, but lay not thy hands upon Heflor ;]
Nor let the joy of success, or the rage of conquest and slaughter.
Hurry thee on in pursuit to fight at the walls of their cit)% (92)
Lest some one of th* immortal gods who dwell in Olympus,
Come to their aid. Far-darting Phcebus loves and prote<5^ts them.
Therefore so soon as the ships stand clear of the foe and in safety,
Hither return. In the open field let them fight unmolested.
Would that— O Father Zeus, and Apollo, and Pallas Athene! —
Would that not one out of both their hosts might escape from

destru<5lion,
Trojan or Greek ; that w^e wo alone might survive, to accomphsh
Ilion's ruin, and trample in dust her sacred defences." (too)

Such was the conference held in Achilles' tent by the chieftains.
Aias, the while, with darts oppressed, but faintly resisted
Crushed by the adverse will of Zeus, o'er-bome by the Trojans,
Feebly he fought. The shining helm that protetfted his temples
Rang with sharp and repeated blows. Crest, cheek-piece, and vizor.
Battered alike, resounded. The pond'rous shield from his shoulder
Wearily hung. Yet all their force availed not to move him.
Pressing around with their darts and spears. Meanwhile from

his bosom,
Laboring, the breath came thick, and from ev'ry limb in a torrent
Poured down the sweat Not a moment to rest or breathe was

he suffered, (I'o)

Dirngtr on danger^ woes on woes, came thickening around him.
Tell me, ye Muses I ye who the halls of Olympus inhabit,
How the consuming fliimes first reached the ships of the Grecians.
He<5lor, as Atas wielded his ashen spear, on the weapon
Dealt with his mighty sword a stroke, whicli sheer at the socket
Severed the wood, and the blade flew off. Telamonian Aias
Brandished in vain the headless spear, while its point at a distance
Fell, with a brazen clang to the ground* Then shuddered the hero ;

Book XVL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

345

For as tfie a6t of heav'n his soul accepted the omen.
Thundering Zeus, he believed, cut off all hope of resistance, ( 1 20)
IVarmng him ihtis^ that Troy at length must prevail in the contest.
So from the tempest (/darts he retired. Then show'r'd on the vessels
Torches, and burning brands, and the flame burst forth unextinguished.
High o*er the tow'ring stern soon rose the blaze. Then Achilles
Smote with his hand on his thigh* and thus accosted Palroclus :
*' Up I and be doing, Patroclus. My steeds shall bear thee to conquest
Now from the ships I behold the flames in their fury ascending.
Let them not bum our fleet, and cut ofl' ihe return of our armies.
On with my arms at once ! Myself will assemble our warriors."

Thus he spake: and Patroclus in arms refulgent arrayed him; (130)
First to his mmdy legs the rich- wrought greaves he adjusted,
Beauteous with silver hasps, and clasped round the ankles with silver 1
Nexi o*er his breast the corslet he braced of mighty Achilles,
Bright as a star, and gleaming with rainbow hues intermingling \
Slung o*er his shoulder his sword of bronze, bright hiked with silver;
Slung too, rmdy for use^ his broad and ponderous buckler,
Placed on his stately head his helmet of proof, with a horsetail
Crested^ and dreadfully nodded the waving plume to his movements.
While with familiar hand he grasped two quh^ring Jav^iins.
Only the mighty spear, which ^-Eacus* peerless descendant (140)
Wielded, heavy and strong, he bore not Saving Achilles,
None among all the Greeks might avail that weapon to bmndish ;
Formed from an ash, upon Pelion's summit hewn, and by Chiron
(iiv'n to his fiither, to end the days of many a hero.
Next by Automedon's hand were the coursers yoked, by Patroclus
After his death-dealing lord most held m frientiskip ^/i// honour,
Faithful beyond all other, and trustiest supporter in battle.
He, at his friend's commandj the noble steeds to his chariot,
Xanthus and Balius, yokedi outstripping the winds in their fleetness ;
WTiom^ by the blast of Zephyr engendered, the harpy Fodarge' {150)
Bore, where the mead she cropped, on the utmost verge of the ocean,
SiamUss &f rme^ though a mortal steed, yet matched with immortals.
I^oosely attached by their side ran Pedasus, won by Achilles,
Wlten triumphant he gathered the spoils of Eetion's city.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVL

Meanwhile Achilles m all their tents his Mynnidon warriors
Sought, and in arms complete arrayed Like wolves they assembled.
Raw-devouring, immense in strength and unspeakable fierceness ;
Which^ on some an tiered stag having made their meal^ in the mountaiJis
Sei^'d and devour' d, and all their jaws still dripping with carnage*
Rush in a pack to some gloomy pool, and crowding about it, (i6o)
Lap the black flood, with their long thin tongues; wide scattering

around them
Gory foam from their murderous jaws^ while their maws are distended,
Ilimgry^ though fuU; fire bums in, their eyes Hfid rage iri their bosoms :
Thus round the brave companion of ^i^acus' mighty descendant
Crowded in eager haste the Myrmidon host and their leaders.
Full jn the midst of the gathering bands stood warlike Achilles^
Marshalling all, both chariots and bucklered men in their order*

Fifty swift ships from the Phthian shore were launched by AchtlleSj
Fav'rite of Zeus, when for Troia's land lie embarked. In each vessel
Rowed at the bench full fifty companions iti arms and in iaffi)Ut. ( 1 70)
Five were the leaders appointed, w^hom all should obey : but Achi!leS|
Held the supreme command, and diredted all, as their sovereign.
One of the troops, by Menesthius, mail-clad chief, was commandedj
Spnmg from tlie river-god, Spercheius, heaven-descended.
Whom to Sperch(5ius fair Polydora, Peleiis' daughter
Bore, to a mortal race immortal vigour imparting.
Bonis howbeitt Peri^res' son, Tvas reputed his father.
Who by a splendid dow'r from Peleus obtained, and espoused her.

Next of the Myrmidon bands was that by Eudorus commanded^
Son of a virgin (s& men believed). Him fair Polymela, (180)

Daughter of Phylas, bore whom the mighty slayer of Argus
Dancing beheld and loved^ as she gracefully moved, and in chorus
Chanted harmonious hymns to the huntress Queen in her temple*
So to her chamber fair beneath the roof he ascended.
Where to the secret vows of the gentle god she consented.
Thence sprang Eudorus, swift in the race and fierce in the combat.
But when th' Ilythiai, torturing powVs presiding o'er child-birth.
Gave him at length to the day, and he saw the light of the sunbeam.
Mighty Echecleus, A<5lor*s offspring, sought her in marriage.

Book XVI-l

THE ILIAD OF HOMSm

347

Wooed ber with countless gifts, and led her as bride to his
palace, {190)

Phylas her father received the child, and cherished and nursed him,
Dotingly fond, and reared him with all the cares of a parent.

Chief of the third brat^e band was the warlike hero Pisander,
Mae mains* son ; renowned through the Myrmidon host as a spearman*
All he excelled, save one, Peleides* friend and companion.
PhccniK, experienced knight, commanded the fourth. The remainder
Peerless Alcimedon, son of Laerceus, led to the batde.

Now had Achilles in just array each band with its leaders
Marshalled; and thus he spake, giving forth his parting injandlions i
'* Myrmidons \ now forget not the threats ye hurled at the
Trojans (200)

Here at your ships while idle ye lay : — how ye murmured against me
Those long days when I cherished my wrath r--how ye blamed my

retirement.
These were your words. * Perverse P el e ides 1 surely thy mother
Nuri»ed ihee in wTath, who with cruel constraint detain *st us from battle*
Better it were to dismiss us at once in our ships o*er the waters
Than to consume thyself and us with thy moody resentment/
Such were your constant complaints. But now lies opening before you
All that glorious work of war your spirits rejoice in.
On then ! and bravely fight, to your hearts' content, with the Trojans,"

Thus he spake, in each bosom resolve and courage inspiring, (210)
Closer they ]jressed in their ranks when tlxey heard the words of their

sov*reign, -
Firm as the close compared stones which the builder arranges,
Forming the wall of some lofty mansion, -proof against tempests,
Clung together the bossy shields and casques of the warriors,
Buckler to buckler, man to man, and helmet to helmet.
Thick intermingling the horsetail crests that fioated above them,
Helm touching helm, as wedged in a mass they supported each other \
WTiile in the front of all Automedon stood and Patroclus,
Am^ed at ail pptnfs ; one soul, one thought, both heroes inspiring
Bravely to lead into battle the Myrmidon host But Achilles (220)
Now to his tent retired : there opened the lid of a coffer

348 THE lUAD OF HOMER, [BOOK XVL

Fair, with carving adorned, which Thetis the silvery-footed
Stowed in his ship for use, well stored with tunics and mantles
Proof against wind and rain^ and with thick fleeced cov'rings oi

tap'stry.
There lay a rich wrought bowl, from which no lips of a mortal
Ever had drained the dark red wine, nor holy libation
Ever been poured, save Father Zeus, to one of th' immortals.
This from the chest he took, and with sulphurous fumes having

cleansed it,
Rinsed it with copious streams of \rQX.tx afresh from th^ fountain
Next his own hands he laved, and with sparkling wine havim

filled it, (230

Stood in the midst of the sacred precindl ; his eyes to the heavens
Raising, and prayed : nor ascended his prayer unmarked by tlu

Thund'rer.
" Zeus supreme ! Dodonian ! Pelasgian ! in lofty remoteness
Dwelling ! in chill Dodona's mystic groves, where the Selli
Sleeping on earth, with unwash'd feet, thy visions interpret !
Now thou, indeed, hast bent thine ear to the prayer of thy suppliant,
Granting me honour and fame, and inflicting woes on the Aigives.
Yet once more be propitious, and grant this further petition : —
While I remain, myself, confined to my ships; and inadlive.
Send to the fight my friend with many a Myrmidon warrior, (240)

Watch der him, all-beholding Zeus ! Bid glory attend him.
Fill with undaunted courage and strength his heart, and let Hedlor
Learn what Achilles' friend alone can do : — that his valour
Needs not the aid of my own unconquered might, through the combat
Raging in all the pomp of war, to confound and defeat him.
Grant that, the foe from the Grecian ships having driv'n, and the

tumult
Cleared from their campy he may back return unscathed, with his armour
Whole and complete, and his comrades brave colledled around him."
Such was his prayer : and Zeus, disposer of all in his wisdom.
Heard, yet granted but half the request ; refusing the other. (250]

This he accorded — to rescue the ships from war and destrudlion.
Safe return for liis friend with his comrades brave he refused him.

Book xvL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

349

Thus havfng prayed bis prayer, and poured unto Zeus his libation,
Back to his tent he returned and replaced the bowl in its coffer.
Thence advancing, in front of the tent he stood, and intently
Gazed, for he longed once more to behold his Myrmidons fighting*
These in complete array and refulgent arms^ by Pairodus
Marshalled, exulting in hope, rushed on, and closed wth the Trojans,
AHive and simft as wasps that in swarms pour forth in a pathway
Out of their way-side nests ; whom wanton boys in their folly (260)
Irritate more and more ; till they fiii th€ air^ and in angrr
Fly upon all alike with envtnomid simg ; nor the traveller
Spare, who unmeaning harm their rage excites as he passes :
Fierce on the wing, with courageous hearts, and reckless of danger.
All rush forth to the fight in defence of their homes and their offspring :
Not with less ardent souls poured forth in a swarm from their vessels
All the brave Myrmidon host* Loud sw^elled the roar ; and Patroclus,
Raising his powerful voice abme ali the titmuit^ addressed them :
"Myrmidons ! brave companions in arms of glorious Achilles,
Shew yourselves men ; remember your ancient prowess and
valour \ (270)

So shall ye worthily honour your mighty master Peleides,
First of the Greeks, whom ye serve with ik^ noble dn^otim 0/ heroes ;
So shall ye prove to their king Agamemnon his madness and folJy,
When he so foully disgraced the best and bravest among them."

Thus as he spake, fresh courage and strength arose in their bosoms ;
All at once, in a mass, on the Trojans they fell ; and the vessels
Dreadfully echoed the warcries fierce of the shouting Achaians,
But when the Trojans beheld the valiant son of Mencettus
Shining in glittering arms, and Automedon guiding his chariot.
Sank their hearts in dismay* Their wavering ranks in their onset
Faltered: for all believed tliat the swift-pursuing Achilles^ (281)
Casting aside his wrath, with the Greeks had renewed his alliance.
Each looked anxious around for means to escape from destru<5lion.

First of the Greeks, Patroclus hurled his glittering jav'lin
Right in their midst, where closest the foe, where thickest the tumult
Raged, round the lofty ship of the hapless Protesilaiis,
Full on Pyrxchmes it fell, who the crested Paeonian warriors

350

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVL

Led from Amydon's plain, on the banks of wide-flowing Axius.
Through the right shoulder pierced, supine he fell ; in his death-pang
Utt'ring a piercing cry as he rolled in the dust His companions (ago)
Fled, to a raan^ for Patroclus had filled each bosom' with terror,
7'hus having slain their leader, the bravest warrior among them.

Now from the fleet had he driv'n them all, and the Hames were
extinguished.
Leaving the bark half burned, in headlong flight and conftision
Fled forth the Trojans with hideous cries« Out poured from their

vessels
All the Greeks, and an uproar iiild resounded on all sides.
As when from some vast mountain's lofty summit the ThundVer
Drifts oflf the dense and lowVing clouds, that wrapped it in darkness,
Shine forth the rocks in light : each buttressed peakj and each valley
Glows, as the rending veil discloses the measureless aether : (300)
So for a while the Greeks^ their fleet now rescued from burning,
Freely respired. Yet ceased not thus the fray; for the Trojans,
Fled not in utter rout, from the dark array of the vessels,
Leaving the Greeks an open it eld. Reluctantly yielding,
Pressed, they resisted still, and only retired on compulsion.

Thus o*er a wider space was the combat spread. Of the leaders
Man slew man* Then first the redoubted son of Menoetius,
Smote Areilochus, turning him round, on the thigh, with his javlin
Brazen and sliarp. Straight through went the spear, and the bone in

its passage
Shattered, and prone on his face to the ground he sank Menelaus (310)
Thoas assailed. Where his breast was exposed o'er the rim of his

buckler
Entered the spear. To the ground he fell, and his spirit departed.
Phyleus' son, Amphiclus observing advancing to meet him.
Darted his lance with dextVous aim, and just where the muscles
Swell to their fullest curve in the midst of the leg, he transfixed him.
Severing each tendon and nerve. He fell, and darkness involved him.

Next came Nestor's sons. Antilochus first, with his jav'lin
Wounded Atjrmnius, Deep in his fiank inf xed was the weapon,
Down at his feet he sank. Then Maris rushed on the vidtor>

BOOK XVL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

55*

Eager to guard the dead, and avenge the fall of his brother (320)
Close he approached, but before he could hurl his spear, rhrasymedes
Marked him for death, with a sharp, clear aim ; nor in vain flew his

javlin,
Full on his shoulder k lighted^ and tearing the bone from its socket,
Severed the limb, clean cutting athwart the muscles and sinews ;
Down with a crash he fell, and darkness gathered around him,
l^hus by the hands of brothers, dispatclicd to the mansion of Hades,
Perished a noble pair, Sarpedon's heroic companions,
Sons of AmisodaruSj the same who bred the Chi m [era.
Pest un tameable, haieful to G&ds^ and deadly to mortals.

While through the crowd Cleobulus pushed, Oilean Aias (330)
Seized him alive, but spared him not : for a stroke of his falchion
Severed at once his head from the bleeding neck, and the weapon,
Warmed in his blood, from hUt to point, dripped gore r and his

eyelids,
Purple death weighed down, and fate's iiresistible pressure
F^neleus next, and Lycon closed. They had darted their lances.
Each at the other in vain, for each flew wide of its object t
So on each other with swords they rushed Then Lycon delivered
First on his foeman*s horse-tail crest a blow; but the weapon^
Striking the cone, broke short Miwe true, the sword of the Grecian,
Entered his neck beneath the ear. Deep gashing^ it severed {340)
All but a shred, whencejiung the head ; and he sank overpowered*
Acamas, hotly by Men on pursued as he mounted his chariot.
Through the right shoulder received the piercing point of his javlin :
Down from the car he rolled, and darkness closed o'er his eyelids,
Erymas fell to Idomeneias" spean The pitiless weapon
Entered his mouth, and forced its way through the back of his helmet*
Passing beneath the brain, and crushed the w^hite bones in its passage,
Dashing his teeth aside. Blood filled his eyes. From his nostrils,
And from his gaping jaws, the sanguine stream in a torrent
Fotired with a gurgling sound, while death's black shadow enwmpped
him, (350)

Thus did each Grecian chief from the Troj vans choose fortli a victim ;
Falling upon them, as rav*notis wolves on lambs, or on kidling%

3S^

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

IBOOK XVL

Suffered by negligent shepherds to stray with the flock o*er the

mountains,
A\Tiich when they see» they snatch them off, and tear them to pieces i
Taking their choice from the helpless flock, unused to resistance :
Thus fell the Greeks on the Troian host, who now but of safety
Thought, and of flight, forgetting their former prowess and valour.

AJas, the giant chief, still sought with his spear to encounter
Hedor, the brazen-helmed. But he, too u^ry and skilful,
Covering his shouMei^ broad with the tough bull-hide of his buck-
ler, (360)
Heard, secure, the hiss of the darts, and the shock of the javlins.
All too well he perceived that fate that day was against him,
Yet he remained, resolved to save his friends and companions.

As from Olympus' heights a cloud spreads forth o*er the heavens,
Blotting the clear bright sky, when Zeus is preparing a tempest;
Thus from the ships spread forth wnld flight, confusion, and clamour.
Order no more prevailed as they fled. The horses of He dor
Bore him aw^ay, with his arms, at speed. There left he the Trojans^
Struggling to pass the trench, which hemmed their way and confined

them,
Fkry steeds, with frantic phmge^ brake imsefr&m their harness, (570)
Leaving the cars of their lords, with broken poles, in its hollows.
After them flew Patroclus, and loudly cheered on the Grecians,
Thirsting for Trojan blood : while those with confusion and clamour,
Flying in all directions, blocked the paths. In a whirlwind
Mounted the dust to the clouds, as the trampling hoofs of the horses
Hurried away from the tents and ships to the walJs of the city.

Still, where the rout was thickest, and loudest the clamour^ Patroclus
Urged on his steeds with impatient cries, while under his axles.
Headlong dashed from their shattered cars, rolled many a hero.
Nor did the trench oppose. With a bound the coursers immortal, (380)
Glorious gifts of the gods above to the sire of Achilles,
Cleared it, from side to side* Then turned his thoughts upon Heclor,
Longing to slay him. In vain : for his steeds out of reach had

conveyed him.
As w^hen athi^art the blackening earth the gloom of the tempest

Book XVL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

^S3

Drmriiy sweeps, when autumnal rains pour down at their fiercest
(Sent by Almighty Zeus as a sign of his heavy displeasure,
When by perverse decrees, by force obtalnM, in th* assembly,
Bad men trample on justice^ and brave the vengeance of heaven).
Full to overflowing is ev'ry stream* Deep cleaving, the torrents
Furrow the mountain slopes with yawning ravines. To the ocean (590)
Wild they rush with impetuous roar, and fling themselves headlong
Down from the crags ; and the labours of man disappear in a mammt
Such was the roar and rush of the panting steeds and the chariots^

Now of the fugitive host intercepting the nearest^ Patroclus
Drove them towards the ships ; nor allowed them to make for the city.
Much as they longed to reach it: and there, in the space that extended
'Twixt the ships and the loftj^ walls and the course of the river,
Hemmed them, and numbers slew, exacting a terribk vengeance*
Pronoiis first on the breast he smote with his glittering javelin.
Where by his shield uncovered left, and cut short his existence- {400)
Down with a crash be felL Then Thestor, offspring of Enops,
Next he attacked ; who crouching, all panic-stricken and helpless,
Sate in his polished car From his hands, unable to hold them,
Dropped the reins. Patroclus approached, and nishing upon him
Dro%'e through his cbeek the spear, which shattered the teeth in

its passage.
Then o'er the rail of his car he dragged him out : as a fisher,
Sitting on some projeding crag mrrlookmg th^ mcan^
Draws a huge fish with bis line and brazen hook from the water.
Hideously gaping thus was Tbestor dragged from his chariot (409)
Plurted to the ground, on his face he fell, and his spirit forsook him.
Next Eryklus he smote with a stone, who came rushing against him.
Full on his head it fell, which in twain it split; nor his helmet
Aught could avail, though strong, to protect him* Prostrate he

tumbled.
Rolled in tlie dust, and the hand of death w^eighed heavy upon him.
Then Erymantas he slew, Amphoterus, Echius, Epaltcs,
Brave Tlepolemus, son of Damastor, Ipheus, and Pyres,
Argeas' son Polymelus, Evippus :^ — one on the other.
Heaped in a tircad/tii pik^ encumbered die ground with thdr mrses.

354 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XVI.

Now, when Sarpedon beheld his companions falling around him,
Swept from the field by the ruthless hand of the son of Mencetius, (420)
Thus in upbraiding words he accosted the Lycian warriors:
" Shame on ye, Lycians ! where are ye flying ? Put forth your vigour I
I myself will confront this conquering hero and test him.
If he be mortal man who rages thus on the Trojans,
Heaping such countless woes, and making such havoc among us."
Thus he spake, and leaped to the ground full armed from his chariot
Down sprang Patroclus too, and at once both heroes encountered.
Closing, like angry vultures on some high rock, who contending,
Buffet, and scream, and tear with their crooked beaks and their talons.
Thus with resounding shouts those chieftains rushed on each other.

Grieving, beheld their meeting the son of mysterious Kronos. (431)
Turning to Hera, his sister and spouse, in these words he ad-
dressed her:
"Woe to my soul! Sarpedon, my son, the dearest of mortals.
Now by the fates' decree must succumb to the son of Menoetius.
Sorely with doubts is my heart perplexed, my councils divided ■
Can I not snatch him away from this wretched struggle, and place him
Living and safe once more in his wealthy and prosperous Lycia !
Or must I now resign him to fall by the hand of Patroclus?*'

Turning upon him her radiant eyes thus Hera responded,
"Offspring of Kronos dread ! what words are these thou hast
si)oken ? (44c)

Wouldst thou then snatch from, gloomy death, the portiofi of all men^
One, though a hero, mortal, and long since marked for destrudlion ?
J3o as thou wilt — but all the Gods will blame thy decision.
This, moreover, I tell thee, and well shalt thou do to observe it :
Think ! shouldst thou rescue Sarpedon and send him back to

his kingdom,
Will not some other God, by an equal claim, from the combat
Rescue his dear-lov'd son whom he sees in danger to perish?
Gods not a few have sons round the lofty city of Priam
Fighting. That claim refuse, and all will resent thy injustice.
Is he so dear to thy soul? Does thine heart thus yearn to thine
offspring? (450)

Book XV I,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

35i

StUi he the fates falfitkil Let him fall by the hind of Pj-trodus,

Meeting a ghriam death in the fierce cQcounter impending*
But, nfhfn the struggle is o'er, when his soul and life have departed.
Lay thy commands on gentle Sleep and Death to convey htm
S&Jitfy back to his own wide realm and his Lycian people*
There let his brethren and friends fit rkes perform, and the honours
Due to the dead bestow : the memorial mound and the column."
Thus she spake : and the sire of Gods and mortals assented,
ShowVing albeit on the field great drops of blood from the heavens,
Mourning his son, now ready to fall by the hand of Patroclus, (460)
Far from his native land, in the fruitful region of Troia.

Now were the heroes met. But a trifling space was between them^
When Patroclus his spear dismissed, and tlie brave Thrasymelus
Smote ; of Sarpedon his soV reign the trusty friend and attendant.
Pierced through the groin, to the ground he fell, and his spirit

forsook him.
Then flew Sarpedon 's lance, but it missed the mark it was aimed at,
And upon Pedasus lighted, the mortal steed of Aehiiks,
Which through the shoulder it pierced. With a yell he breathed forth

his spirit,
While in the dust he rolled and moaning lay. But his fellows
Started asunder, crashed their yoke, and the reins were en-
tangled, {47^)
Twining about the prostrate form of their struggling companion.
This when Automedon saw% with prompt and ready decision
Drawing his long sharp sword from his stalwart thigh, he dissevered
All that bound them together, and soon cast loose the encumbrance.
Then U thepo/e they closed, and again drew straight in the traces.
Once more the chiefs prepared to renew their deadly encounter.
Once more Sarpedon in vain dismissed his glittering jav'lin.
MrHng^ above Patrocltis' shoulder it flew ; and unwounded ^
Still he remained. Not so the spear of the son of Menoetius,
Not thus vainly and erring it flew from the hand of its master. {480)
Under his firm-knit heart it passed, through the fold of the midriff*
Prostrate he fell, as falls a gigantic oak, or a poplar,
Or as some lofty pine on the mountain-side, which the shipwrights

2J— a

356 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XVI.

Hew for a timber, or mast, of some mighty ship with their axes.
Thus lay the Prince, outstretched beside his steeds and his chariot,
(grinding his teeth, and the bloody dust convulsively grasping.
As when a lion hath seized some lordly bull in t/te pasturty
Tawny and huge, from the trampling herds which fly from his presence,
Bellowing he lies beneath the devouring jaws of the monster :
Thus, indignant at falling beneath the hand of Patroclus, (490)

Lycia's chief in groans bespake his friend and companion :
"Glaucus ! friend of my heart ! most brave of the brave ! it behoves

thee
Now to surpass thyself, and shew thyself mighty in battle :
Sununon up all thy strength, and nerve thy heart for the trial.
Call on my Lycian warriors, one and all, to assemble
Round the corse of their prince, and defend the remains of Sarpedon.
Fight thyself for thy friend, and ply thy spear to protedl him :
For, if thou fail in this — if thou suffer the Greeks to despoil me,
Leaving me here among their ships, — henceforth and for ever (499)
Shame on thy front will sit, and bitter reproach will pursue thee.
Hold out bravely, and fight like men, both thou and thy comrades."
Thus while he spake, the shadow of death drew round, and his eye-
sight
Failed, and his breathing ceased. Then Patroclus his heel on his

bosom
Planted, and drew forth the spear, its point entwined witli his heart-
strings;
Issued the life with the gushing blood, and followed the weapon ;
While by the Myrmidon warriors seized, his fiery coursers
Breaking away from the chariot in wild affright were arrested.
Dire was the anguish of heart which on Glaucus fell when he heard
him,
Knowing himself disabled, and all unfit for the struggle.
Grasping his wounded arm he pressed it hard, for he suffered (510)
Grievous pangs from the hurt which Teucer's shaft had inflidled
When in defence of the lofty wall he resisted his onset.
Then in his anguish he prayed to the bright far-darting Ai>ollo :
"Hear me, O King ! whether hycia's fertile realm with thy presence

BUOK XVL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

3S7

Giadd'mng^ or Troia*s plains; alike thou hear'st the afflj^led
Wheresoever thou art, when distress Uke mine is upon them.
Lo I what a wound I bear ! what piercing torment I suffer
Here in this useless arm ! unstanched^ my life-blood is streaming
Still from its open wound, while helpless it hangs frora my shoulder*
Nor can I grasp my spear, nor meet my foe in the battle, (520)

How, too, hath perished a mighty chief, our prince and our leader,
Brave Sarpedon, the son of Zeus, who helped not his oflTspring.
Hear me, O King 1 and heal this unhappy wound, and my torments
Bitter assuage ; and restore my strength that, my Lycian comrades
Once more gathering in arms, I may cheer them on to the combat :
Fighting myself in defence of the mighiy dead* as Imonus mt''
Thus in kis angmsk he prayed, and his piayer reached Phoebus

ApoIlOi
Forthwith the raging pain he allayed, and the blood frpm his dkm*
Black-distilling he stanched, and restored him to soundness and vigour
Inly conscious of pain relieved and vigour returning, (S3o)

Glaucus rejoiced in his soul, for his prayer he knew had been granted.
First to the Lycian chiefs he went his rounds, and excited
All to colle<ft, and fight round the prostrate /^/v/f ^Sarpedon.
Then to the Trojans he hasted away long-striding, and summoned
Brave Polydamas, Panthoiis* son, and godlike Agenor,
Then unto He^ftor, lord of the brazen helm, and j4ineas,
Passed ; and taking his stand at Hetlor' side, he addressed him :
** Hetlor ! thy faithful allies may justly complain of thy conducl,
WTio for thy sake, afar from their friends, afar from their country,
Pour forth their lives unstinting^ aad thou dost nought to assist

them. (540)

Now is Sarpedon falFn, the chief of our Lycian warriors,
He who the sceptre of Lycia swayed in might and in justice,
Slain by Patroclus* spear, whom brouze-maird Ares hath aided
Come, then, my fnends ! sUnd by me. Let grief and vengeance

inspire you ;
Let them not spoil his arms, nor suffer the MjTmidon warriors.
Bearing in mind the Greeks who have faU'o^ — the chiefs without

number

358

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK^ XVI-

Who by his !ance have bled, — ^to insult the remains of Sarpedon."
Thus he spake ; and grief unendurable seized on the Trojans,
Bitter and deep : for a tower of strength had he been to their city,
Stranger indeed, yet by ail bciothi; and numerous his forces, (55<^)

Many the heroes he led, himself the bravest among them.
Straight at the Greeks they rushed with impetuous fury, and He^lor,
Burning with rage at Sarpedon*s death, at their head. But Patroclus,
Valiant and stern of heart, pushed on the Grecians to med them^
Thus tlV Aiantes addressing, who longed like himself for the onset :
*'JVbb/e Aiantes! Behold the Joe ! Be it yours to repel him.
Heroes ye always w^ere Be now more heroic than ever!
There lies the chief, Sarpedon, who first sunnounted your rampart
Now is the time to dishonour his corse, and strip from his shoulders
All those glittering and gorgeous arms, and slay without mercy (560)
All of his Trojan friends who dare approach to prote^ft him/*
I'hus he spake. Right ready were both to lend their assistance.

Now upon either side were the ranks reinforced for the struggle ;
Trojans with Lycians here, there Achaians with Myrmidons joining.
Closing, with dreadful cries, o'er the corse they fought ; and around it
Tumult arose \ the shout of the troops, and clash of their armour
Zeus over all thick darkness stretched, augnmU'mg the horror^
Deepening the fight round his much-lov'd son, and sweUing the
carnage.
Troy's was the first success. I'lie first who fell %vas a Grecian,
One not last nor feeblest of ail the MjTmidon warriors, (570)

Noble Epeigeus, valiant son of the mighty Agacles,
Who in BudsEum ruled, a town well-peopled and wealthy;
Thence was Epeigeijs chased, having caused the death of a kinsman,
And unto Peleus came and Thetis the silvery-footed :
Thence dispatched with the troops to sw^ell the ranks of Achilles,
Troia, famed for its steeds, to visit, and war against IHum.
Scarce had he touched the dead, when a stone came thundering

from He 61 or.
Full on his head it fell, which in twain it split } nor his helmet
Aught could avail, though strong, to protea him. Prostrate he
tumbled,

Book XVI.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

3S9

Stretched on the corpse, and the hand of Death weighed heavy

upon him, (S^^)

Deep was the grief for his comrade slain which seized on Patroclus,
Straight through the fray he dashed like the swift^wing'd hawk

which disperses
Starhngs and chaifring daws which fly before him in terror.
Such was thy rush, Patroclus bold, on the Trojans and Lycians^
Such was the wrath in thine heart when thou saw*st the fall of

thy comrade*
Full on the neck Sthenelaiis he smote, Ithsemenes' offspring,
With an emrmous crag which tore the tendons asunder*
Fmr on the Trojans seized and ihey fled, Ev'n He<5lor retreated,
Far as the flight of some mighty lance, by the hand of a spearman
Hurled, for a trial of strength, in peaceful sportj or in battle (590)
Aimed at some distant foe in the deadly struggle of heroes.
So far the Trojans withdrew, and abandoned tlie field to the Argives,
Glaucus, the Lycian chief, was the first to turn, and advancing,
Great Bathyclseus encountered and slew^ brave offspring of Chalcon,
Who in the region of Hellas fair in wealth and abundance
Dwelt at his ease, distinguished among the Myrmidon nobles, —
Glaucus, turning him suddenly round, when just overtaken,
Lifted his shining spear and pierced to the heart his pursuer.
Down Kvnth a crash he fell Full sore was the grief of the Argives,
Seeing a cTiief so brave struck down, while the Trojans exulted, (600)
Rallying around in crow^ds they stood : but the Grecians advancing,
Proud of their ancient prowess and strength, came rushing upon them.

Merion now struck down a crested chief of the Trojans,
Mighty and fierce in fight ^ Laogonus, son of Onetor,
Priest of Idsean Zeus ; like a god by the people respe<5led^
Under the ear and beneath the jaw^ the blow was delivered.
Life fled at once from his limbs, and darkness gathered around

him.
Then at Meriones, lifting aloft his shield and advancing.
Mighty ^neas hurled his lance, in hopes to destroy hira ;
Not unperceived : for the wary chief stooped forward, avoiding
Death, and the long sharp spear passed harmless on, and behind

36o

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK XVL

Fixed in the ground, and quivering stood from the point to the handle,
Gui/f/ejs of bkmi, and expended its mighty force in its tremors*
[Vainly the weapon had fled from the powerful hand of its master.
Quivering there in the earth it stood, deep-rooted and harmless.]
Then was j^neas ^Tath, and thus he vented his anger:
'*None but a dancer expert could have thus eluded ray weapon,
Merion! had it but touched thee there soon were an end of thy

gambols."
Thus to his taunt rejoined that brave and redoubtable spearman :
"Brave as thou art, i^neas, thy task raethinks were a hard one, (620)
All to destroy who against thee in arms shall come. Thou art mortal,
This rcfmmber^ and imit tkim hour, whkk sure will airrfake ihet.
And if, exulting in pride as thou stand'st, on thy valour relying,
Merion's spear {iU wdi it may) should light on thy bosom,
Mine were the boiist, but thine the downward journey to Hades/*

Thus he spake, but the valiant son of Menoetius rebuked him ;
** Merion ! why these wordsp so ill beseeming thy valour?
Think not sarcastic words, my friend, will scatter the Trojans
Crowding around yon corse ! They must take their places beside iL
Deeds are the one thing needful in war, and words in the council ; (630)
Here men come not together to talk. Our business is fighting."

Speaking thus he advanced, and the godlike Merion followed.
Then, as within some mountain dell the crash of the forests.
Falling beneath the woodman *s axe, uprouses the echoes;
So through that wide-expanded plain tlie clash of their weapons
Echoed, from brass, from tough bull-hide, from drcas/pAiU andhuckhVi
Battered, and hacked with swords, and pierced with two-etlgi^d lances.

Now not his ncarai friend would have known the form of Sarpedon,
Covered from head to foot with dust and blood j and witli lances
Pierced and disfigured, from many a hand in the combat a round
kirn. (640)

Still round his corse they gathered in crowds, like flies which by myriads
Gather and hum in the stalls round the milking pails in the spring-tide,
What time tlie milk is swa'i and rich and the [Mils overflowing.
Thus round the corse they gathered in crowds ; while not for an instant
Zeus from the fight his radiant eyes averted, but kept th^ra

BookXVL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

361

On the contending heroes fixed, in his bosom revolving
All the rmpending fates of Patroclus brave : for he doubted
WTiether the mighty He£lor should conquer at once and should

stretch him
Lifeless on godlike Sarpedon's remains, and strip from his shoulders
Ail his resplendent arms, or, prolonging the ardtjous struggle, {650)
Deaths hi should heap on dmtks^ and swell tlie number qf viflinis.
This he at length resolved, as the better course ; that Patroclus,
[Servant brave of the mighty Achilles, offspring of Peleus^]
Once more should turn to ilight the Trojans and crest-waving Hedlor,
Drive them back to the city, and strew the plain with their corses.
Therefore he chilled the heart and enfeebled the courage of Hedlon
First of the host to his car he sprang, and called on the Trojans
All to follow his flight, for fate^ he perceived, was against him.
Then resisted no longer the Lycian host; but in tenor (^59)

All of them turned and fled \ for they saw the form of their sovereign
Pierced to the heart, and o'erwhelmed with the pile of dead; for

upon him
Many had fall'n, crushed down by the stem control of Kronf on-
Then did the Greeks from Sarpedon his brazen and glittering armour
Tear, and Mehcetius' valiant son to his friends and companions
Gave it in charge, from the field to the hollow ships to convey it*

Now to Apollo spake the cloud -compelling Kronion :
** Haste thee ! Phoebus belov'd. Draw forth the corse of Sarpedon
Out from the spears and darts, and his limbs from the gore that

defiles them
Cleanse; and far from the field with copious streams from the river
Lave; witJi ambrosia anoint; and clothe them with garments

immortal. (670)

Then to my messengers. Sleep and Death, twin brothers, consign hian^
Silent and swift, who m\\ bear him away, and gently restore him
Back to his native realm, his i^ide and prosperous Lycia;
There shall his brethren and friends fit rites perform, and the honours
Due to the dead bestow: the funereal mound and the column.
Thus he spake, and Phcebus obeyed the command of his Parent.
Darting at once from Ida*s height to Uie midst of the combat.

362

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XV L

Forth from the weapons the corse he drew of mighty Sarpedon ;
Far from the field then bore it^ with plenteous strcaiTis from the river
Laved ; with ambrosia anointed .; and clothed it in raiment immortalp
Then to the messengers, Sleep and Death, twb-brothers, consigned it^
Siient and swift, who bore him away, and gently restored him
Back to his native earth, his wide and prosperous Lycia.

Eageriy now Patroclus, his steeds Automedon cheering,
Dashed in pursuit of the Lycians and Trojans, and ntshed on

destru<5lion.
Rash^ and misled ! Had he called to mind the command of Achilles,
Surely that fatal hour and the blackness of death had been spared him.
Higher however than mortal man's are the thoughts of the Father,
He^ when he will, discomfits the brave — in the moment of conquest
Snatches the palm from hands which himself hath strengthened
to win it: {690)

So did he strengthen Mencetius* son, and filled him with courage*

Say, Patroclus ! whom first, whom last, didst thou hurl into Orcus,
Urged on, thyself, by fate, and called by the Gods to destru^lion.
First Adrestus, Autonous next, and mighty Echecius,
Peiiraus, then great Megas' son, Melanippus, Epistor,
Elasus next, then Mulius fell, then valiant Pylartes.
FaH'n, their fellows dispersed in flight, each seeking his safety.

Then had the lofty gates of Troy to the sons of Achaia
Bowed, and to raging Patroclus' brandished spear, and his prowess.
Had not Apollo himself interposed, and high on the rampart (700)
Taken his stand, with wrathful intent, and assisted the Trojans.
Thrice did Patroclus a buttress attempt to scale, but Apollo
Thrice repelled the assault, and thrust him back as he mmnied^
Striking his beaming shield with the hand of a God. But a fourth time,
WTien he renewed the attempt with unearthly courage and vigour.
Broke forth, in threat'ning tone, these warning words from the godhead :
"Heav*n-bom Patroclus ! retire \ nor vainly deem to thy weapon
Fate hath decreed the fall of the lofty city of lUon.
Not to Achilles himself will it yield, though far thy supenor."
Thus he spake. Then far from the wall Patroclus retreated, (710)
Dreading the wrath to provoke of the bright far-darting Apollo.

Book XVI.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

363

Hedtor the while at the Scaean gate remained in his chariot,

Doubtful whether again in the fight to mix, or, retreating.
Gather the people in safety within the walls of the city.
This in his mind debatingj beside him Phcebus Apollo
Stood 5 assuming the shape of a hero, valiant and youthful,
Asius r uncle was he of Hedor, tamer of horses,
Hecuba's own dear brother; to DjTnas his father in Phrygia
Bom, where he dwelt in his wealth, on the fertile bank of Sangarius.
Taking his form, to Heclor ApoUo addressed his remonstrance : (720)
" He6lor ! ill it beseems thee to stand aloof from the combat.
Were but mr ranks reversed^ and I thy superior in stationi
Soon wouldst thou learn to repent having left thy post in the battle.
Up, then, and charge with the might of tliy powerful steeds on

Patroclus,
Not without hope to slay him, should Phoibus lead thee to glory."
Thus spake the God, and left hira» and plunged in the thick of

the conflidl.
Hector then unto valiant Cebriones turned^ and commanded
Into the l>attle his l>oumUng steeds to lash : and Apollo
Passed on before him and entered the crowd, and spread through

the Argives
Dread and confusion ; glory preparing for Troy and for He£lon (730)
He, neglecting the rest of the Greeks, nor staying to slay them,
Charged on Patroclus dire<ft with all the speed of his horses;
Who when he saw him approach at once sprang down from his chariot*
Holding his spear in his left, in his right hand grasped he a fragment,
Heavy and rugged, of marble white, which hardly it closed on.
Putting forth all his might, he hurled the stone, and it missed not.
Nor was it slow in its flight. On Cebriones' forehead it lighted,
He<5lor*s charioteer (the offspring of glorious Priara,
Though from utiwedded love), who held the reins of his horses.
Crushing his brows it fell t nor the solid bone of his forehead (740)
Aught availed to resist it. His eyes, forced out from their orbits^
Dropped at his feet in the dust ; and headlong down like a diver
Forward he plunged from the rich -wrought seat \ and his spirit

forsook him.

3^4

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVI.

Bitterly mockmg arose ihy derisive taunt, O Patroclus !
"Codsl how expertly he dives i what a nimble and clever per-
former !
liad he this feat performed in the fishy sea, we had seen him,
Bringing up oysters enough to feast us alL He might safely
Plunge from the side of a ship, let the sea be never so stormy.
Here he exhibits his skill by a plunge from the seat of his charioL
One thing is sure: the Trojans have excellent divers aniong
them/' {750)

Thus he spakej and rushed on the prostrate chief, as a lion
Fierce, who the fold having ravaged, at length receiving his

death- wo and.
Falls to his own impetuous force and courage a vi^lini.
Eagerly thus thou sprang'st on the prostrate hero, PatroclusJ

He*5lor beheld, and leaped to the ground at once from his chariot,
Then, as above some slaughtered stag in the mountain recesses
Two fierce lions in deadly struggle contend for the carcase.
Burning with eqtmi rage, and by equal hunger incited;
So did these two great lords of the fight o*er Cebriones prostrate.
Mighty Patrochis, Menoetius' son, and illustrious Hedlor, (760)

Aim at each other in deadly kate tlieir pitiless weapons,

He6tor the head of the corpse had seized, and his grasp he
relaxed not;
Brave Pairoclus the feet held fast ; and the Greeks and the Trojans
Crowded around them h^h^ and engaged in desperate conflict.
As when within some mountain -gorge, dense-wooded and gloomy^
Eurus and Notus contend which most shall shatter the forest;
Clashing together, the beech, the ash, and the wide-spreading cornel,
Mud^ intermingle their sifngglin^ boughs^ and the roar of M^ branches
Deepens around, and the mmg/itig crash of tlie prostrated thicket ;
Thus did the Trojans and thus the Greeks m mutual slaughter (7 70)
Close with a rush, all thoughts of flight or safety dismissing*
Many a pointed spear round the faii'n Cebriones bristled ;
Many a winged shaft leap*t sfcffj'i and sharp from the bowstring ;
Many a weighty stone came thund'ring on shield and on buckler
There as they fought r and a whirlwind of dust fell thick on the hero,

BOOK XVL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Z^l

Wide outstretched as he lay, all his charioteering foigotten.

Now while the sun in his daily course mid-heav'n was ascending^
So long alike in either hosl were the wounds and the slaughter,
But when his noon was passed, and his path to the west was declining,
Greece had the best of the 6ght, and in fate's despite was triumphant,
Fortli from the weapons the coq>se they drew from the press

of the Trojans, (781)

And from its shoulders tore the Mghi and giiitering armour.
Then on the Trojans Patroclus rushed, dire thouglits m his bosom
Harbouring. Thrice he charged with the might of infuriate Ares,
Dreadfully shouting : and thrice did he strike down nine of his foemen*
But when with more than mortal force he rushed on, a fourth time,
Then, 0 Patroclus ! drew to its close the career of thy glory.
Phcebus approached thee, forcing his way through the thick ol

the confli<ft.
Dreadful ! Him through the tumult advancing Patroclus perceived not,
Such, and so dense the mist that his form and features %%iTTonTiA^^ i (790)
Standing behind him, a blow on his back he dealt, and his shoulders
Broad, with the flat of his hand. Then his eyes swam giddy and

dazzling;
Off from his head the helmet flew, by Phosbus Apollo
Smitten ; and clattering it rolled beneath the feet of the hoises.
Soiled in the dust and blood was that lofty crest, wAkk aforetime
Nei^er had kfioiim th^ touch of earthy w^liich dust and defilement
Never before disgraced ; for o'er mighty Achilles its plumage
Waved, and the godlike head and beauteous face of the hero
Shaded : henceforward on He<5lor's head to wave and to glisten, (799)
Granted by Zeus for a while, till a speedy death should overtake him.
Flew from his hand in shivers the long-forth shadowing jav'lin,
Heavy, and stubborn, and huge, and braze n-tipp'd. From his

shoulders
Gh'ded to earth his all-prote(5l ing shield with its baldric
Doi^Ti fell his breastplate too, stript off by Phoebus Apollo.

Then was* his soul disturbed. His knees *gan tremble beneath him.
Dazed and astound he stood. Then approached a Dardanian

wanriorj

366

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK XVL

And in his back, his shoulders betwixt, a wound he inflided.
This was Euphorbus, Panthous' son, who his youthful companions
Far surpassed, as a speamian, a runner swift, and a rider, (809)
One who already full twenty warriors had hurled from their chariots,
New to the use of liis own, yet learning the practice of warfare.
Such was the man who smote thee first with his lance, 0 Tatrodus !
Yet he subdued thee not: and he slunk away to his comrades.
First having plucked from the wound his ashen spear : for Patroclus,
j^/I unarmed as he sto^d and naked, he feared to encounter.

Wounded, disarmed by the God, Patroclus withdrew from the

combat*
Back to the mnks of his friends, in sore distress and confusion.
Hedor, when this he marked, when he saw tlie godlike Patroclus
Out of the fight to his friends retiring, wounded mid biceding.
Pushed through the crowd, approached him close, and lifting his

jav'lin (820)

Drove it beneath his rib& tlirough the flank, and it isvsued behind him :
Down with a crash he fell, while horror seized on the Grecians.
As when a lion and savage boar contend for the niast'ryj
High on a mountain slope when, burning with thirst, ihey encounter
Close to the edge of some small rill, both longing to taste it ;
Triumphs at length o*er his panting foe the might of the lioti :
Thus, after many a warrior slain, the son of Mencetius
Yielded his life at length to the conquering Jav'lin of He<flor,
Who in exulting tones his prostrate foeman accosted ;
** Where is thy boast, Patroclus I insiilter vain ! that our city (S30)
Soon thou wouldst overwhelm^ and carry the matrons of Troia
Bond'Slaves, torn from their homes, in your ships to the land of

your fathers?
Here are the steeds of He<5lor, wh^ bear their iwd tit the battk^
Swift of foot, to defend diem ; — and He^lor himself mth his jav'lin,
First of the warriors of Troy, who hatli saved them now, and will

save them
Still, from that evil day : while thou shalt fatten the vTjltures,
Little, unhappy wTetch ! hath the might of Achilles availed ihee,
Much he enjoined, no doubt, when himself ina<5live, he sent thee

Book XVI.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

367

Forth to the fight * Return not,' {mdkinks I hear him) *Patroclus J
Back to my hollow ships, till the arms of death-dealing He^or, (840)
Tom from his bleeding breast, thou bring me back as t/iy iroph}\*
Such, perchance J were his words. And thou, in thy folly, believ'dst

them."
Thus, with feeble and fainting voice responded Patroclus :
** Hedor ! boast if thou wilt. To almighty Zeus and Apollo
Ow'st thou this easy success. *Tis they who have conquered Patroclus,
WTio from ray shoulders stripped my arms, amf exposed me t/e/enee/ess.
Twenty such men as thou might have striv n in vain to oppose me ;
All had I conquered, — all beneath my spear would have perished.
Fate was against me ; — fate and the vengeful offspring of Leto,
And among men, Euphorbus* 1*hy part was the third, and ihe

meanest (S50)

One more word may I speak ; and well wilt thou do to observe it
Brief is the term which remains of thine own career r for already
Fate unsparing^ and gioomy death, stand close at thy elbow.
Doomed as thou art to fall by the hand of peerless Achillesv"
Thus while he spake the shadow of death came gath'ring around

him,
Quitting its mortal abode, his soul passed dtmmward to Hades,
Wailing its lot, relinquishing youth, arid hmuty^ and manhood.
Hector awhile stood o'er him, and thus addressed the departed ;
* ' Wherefore this dismal announ ceni e nt of co mi ng death ? O Pa troc lus I
May not Achilles himself, though mighty, and bom of a Goddess, (860)
Yield up his life as well, beneath my conquering jaVlin ?"
Thus he spake, and the braiten spear from the wound he extracted.
Planting his heel m his bosom^ and spurning the corse from the weapon :
Then, with recovered lance, on Automedon rushed, in the chariot
Seated, and guiding the steeds of ^acus' might>^ descendant,
Eager to slay him. But him th' immortal coursers of Peleus
(Gift of the gods) bore far away, disappointing his pur[>ose.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVII.

BOOK THE SEVENTEENTH.

Argument.

Me ^r EL A us defends the body of Pairoclns^ and kills Euphorhus,
Heilor approach i ft i^^ Menelaiis retires^ but returfiipig zuilJk Aias^ driva
him off, Giaucus reproaches him. He arms himself in the spcils of
Patrocius, and makes a fresh attack, A thick darkness OT»erspreads the
scene of the combat, which grows every moment fiercer j Aias rallying tkt
Greeks, and yEneas supporting the Trojans, T/ie horses of Achilles "afttP
for the loss of Patroclus, Zeus reanimates thenty and Automedon driza
off the car, lleflor and uEneas pursue him. The tivo Aiantes coming up
they desist y and the combat over Patroclus is renewed j Pallas inspiring
Menelaiis to defend it, and Apollo Hellor to assail hint, Zeus thunders
and puts the Greeks to flight, Aias prays for light , ivhich is granted,
Antilochus is sent to advise Achilles of Patrocln^ death. At len^h
Me ne la us and Merion bear off the body to the ships ^ Aias defending
them.

ILIAD. BOOK XVir

TVyflGHTY Patroclus' fall, by the hostile spears of the Trojans,

^ Passed not unmarked by Atreus* warlike son Menekiis*
Sheathed in refulgent brass, to the front he advanced, and around him
Stalked, with protecting stride ; as a heifer, newly a mother^
Paces around her first-bom calf, with piteous lowing*
Thus round Patroclus strode the fair^hair'd chief Menelaiis,
Holding before him his lance, and the smooth round orb of his buckler,
Ready and eager to s!ay iivhoe*er might advance to attack him.
Neither did Panthus* valiant son, the spearman Euphorbus,
Cease to remember Patroclus slain j but approached, und kfore
him (lo)

Stood^ while thus he addressed Menelatis, favoured of Ares :
*^ Atreus' heaven-bom son, Menelaiis^ prince of thy nation !
Off with thee ! quit yon corse I and relinquish its spoils to ihdr mtfner.
None of our Trojan host or brave auxiliar forces
Wounded Patroclus, before with my spear I smote him in battle*
Seek not to rob me then of my glory, due from the Trojans,
Lest with amthtr stroke of xay spear 1 dispatch thee to join hisn'^

Thus then, indignant, replied the fair-hair'd chief Menelaiis ;
"Father Zeus 1 ami ye Pmif'rs of Heaven I what insolent boasting !
Why ! not a panther with ^a^such unbridled wrath, not a lion, (20)
Not an untameable, ^/w^, and destrudlive boar, in whose bosom
Fury, and wild entifur sting rage uncmsingiy harbour,
Swells, as these sons of Panthus display, these marvtlkus spearmen I

2 4^-2

372 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XVII.

Yet not long withstood me the might of proud Hyperenor,
\\Tiom in the bloom of his youth I slew ; who attacked, and provoked

me,
Calling me coward, and feeblest of all our Danaan warriors.
Borne on no feet of his own, / ween^ he returned to his parents
Honoured, and loving wife, to rejoice their hearts 7vith his triumph!
So will I treat thee too, if thou tempt my mighty and oppose me,
Standing thy ground. Be advised. Retreat ; and among thy com-
panions (^o)

Skulk, and he lost in the crowd ; lest einl and mischief befall thee.
Warnings the wise receive^ but mishap is the teacher of folly."

Thus he spake, but in vain : for thus responded Euphorbus :
" Now for this acfl, Menelaiis, my vengeful spear shall requite thee;
Thee, who hast slain my brother, and thus canst boast of his slaughter;
Widowed his new-wed bride, and sent her to weep in her chamber ; «
Heaping unspeakable grief on the hearts of his agonized parents.
This shall afford some solace, some small relief to their sorrow.
When, having stripped thine arms, and stnuk thine head from thy

shoulders^
Home, as an off 'ring to Panthusand noble Phrontis, I bear them. (40)
Now must we fight it out to the bitter end, and the question,
If thou be coward or brave, shall thus full soon be decided."

Thus as he spake he thrust at the smooth round orb of his buckler:
Thrust, but pierced not tha polished brass : for the point of his weapon
Turned on the mighty shield. Next, Atreus' son, Menelaiis,
First having prayed to Zeus, rushed on, uplifting his jav'lin.
Just in the a<5l of receding a stej), the spear through his gullet
Pierced. Urged on from behind, by the forceful hand of Atreides,
Out through the tender neck stood forth the point of the weapon.
Down he fell with a crash, and his armour rattled around him. (5c)
Dabbled in blood were his beauteous locks, which the Graces mi^hi

en7'\\ ■
Each fair curl with circlets of gold entwined, and of silver.
As when in some sequestered vale, all gurgling with fountains,
Ckows a young olive, nursed with care by the hand of the planter;
Waving in every breeze its graceful and silvery tresses^

Book XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

373

Beauteous it stands and gay, with its snowy profusion of blossom,

Till with a sudden wnmh^ the ruihkss force of the tempest

Tears it away, and stretches its prostrate form on the furrow \

Thus lay Euphorbus, Panthus* son, by stem Menelaus,

Atreus' oflfspring, slain : and the vidor stripped off his armour* (60)

As when a lioHj exulting in might, from his lair in the mountains

Springs on the pasturing herd and seizes the best of the heifers \

First with his monstrous fangs he breaks the neck of his vidim,

Then o er the carcase stands and laps up the blood and the entrails,

Tearing his flesh ; while dogs and herdsmen stand at a distance

Shouting and barking with all their might : nor dare to approach him

Near, tir disturb his horrid meal^ all pallid with terror;

Thus not one of his Trojan friends could summon the courage

Boldly to face Henelaiis, and rescue the eerse of their comrade.

Then had he hghtly borne those spoils away^ but Apollo, {70)

Pitying his hn/Zess JtJte^ to Atreides grudged their possession ;

Hedor he sought, and aroused the martial fir& of his nature.

Taking the form of Mentes, the brave Ciconian leader.

Near him he stood, and in hasty and urgent words he addressed him i

*' Cease to pursue, O Hedlor, an unattainable objedl :

Chasing Achilles' steeds thou but wmtst ihj^ force. C&uidsi thou take

them^
They by no hand of mortal man will submit to be guided :
None but Achilles, goddess-bom, may hope to control thenx
Atreus' warlike son meanwhile, the prince Menelaus,
Guarding Patroclus' corse, has encountered valiant Euphorbus,
One of our noblest Trojan chiefs, and slain him in battle."

Thus spake the Godj and departing was lost in tiie crowd of the

warriors.
Deep fell the shadow of grief on the saddened spirit of He<5toT ;
Casting around him a searching glance, he perceived through the

tumult^
Here, Menelaiis bearing the spoils, there, hapless Euphorbus
Stretched on the plain, and the gore from his wound still streaming

around him,
Sheathed in refulgent brass to the rescue he rushed, and before him

(80)

374

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XVI I.

Sent forth a fearful shouL Like the raging fires of Hephsestusj
Fierce, unextinguished, he flew. Menelaiis warned by his outcry.
Sore disturbed, communed with his heart as he saw him approach-
ing : <9o)
" \\1iat must I do? If I quit these beauteous arms, and Patroclus
Leave undefended, whose blood in my catise has been shed — ^for my

honour-
Will not each Greek who beholds hfor ever hate and despise me?
But, if, constrained by sense of shame I remain, and the Trojans
All, with He<5lor, encounterj alone I shall stand and surrounded :
For with their whole array, lo \ crest-waving He<?tor advances.
Yet what need of debate? and why this confli6t within me?
Surely when mortal man against fate shall strive, and in battle
Stand, against one whom the Gods support, dire ills will o erwhelm

him r
Therefore let none of the Greeks too harshly deem, who shall see
me * (loo)

Yielding to H€<5lor*s might, whom a God leads onward to conquest
Could I but hear great Aias^ voice o'er the roar of the battle,
Back with him would I come and renew the struggle, regardless
Ev'n of a God's opposing pow'r, and bear to Achilles
Sad Patroclus' remains. 'Tis the best we can hope to accomplish."

Thus while he stood M half resolved^ and inly debating,
On came the Trojan force, great Het'lor leading their onset,
Then relu<5tant he turned him round, and the dead he abandoned,
Skwiy retiring : ev'n as a lion, bearded and shaggy.
Who from the stalls retreats, when dogs around him and hunters
Gather, and press him with clamour and spears^ till his courage is
shaken, {m)

And from the midst of the fold he retires, indignant and suikn;
Thus from Patroclus withdrew the fair-haired chief Menelaiis,
Turning at length, when in safety he reached the ranks of his comrades,
Anxious he gazed around for the great Telamonian hero ;
Soon he perceived him, far remote, on the left of tiie battle
Rallying his troops ; for Phcebus Apollo had scattered among them
Panic and wild dismay^ — tiU thdr chkf restored them to order.

BOOK XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

37S

Quickly he ran to the place, and arrivmg, thus he addressed him :
'* Aias! hither^ my friend I Let us hasten to rescue Patroclus {t2o)
Slain ; if at least his naked corse we may bear to Achilles \
Naked — for crest-waving He^or already possesses his armour,'*
Thus he spake, and aroused the martial spirit of Aias*
Forth they sped, mid madif&r thi spot where Pairocius was lying.
He€lor they found with the corpse despoiled of its beauteous

armour.
Dragging it off; for he meant to strike the head from its shoulders,
And to the dogs of Troy as a prey to cast forth the body*
Just then Aias arrived, his tow' r-like buckler advancing :
He<5lor at once retired, and back to the ranks of his comrades
Hasted, and into his chariot sprang. But the glorious trophies (tjo)
First to his followers' care he consigned, to bear to the city.
Aias the while o'er the dead the broad expanse of his buckler
Spread, and around him stalked, as about his whelps doth a lion,
Whom in the forest, leading them forth, the hunters encounter,
When he colle<5^s his mighty and in all his grimness of feature,
Deep o'er his giaring eyes contrails tli^ glm)m of his eyebrows:
Thus did great Aias stalk round the prostrate form of Patroclus.
Atreus* son, by his side, the warUke chief Menelaiis,
Stood ; by a load of grief his heart oppressed and embittered^

Glaucus now, Hippolochus' son, the brave Lydan leader, (140)
Frowming on He<^or, addressed him in words severe and reproachful ;
'^Hettor! a hero in outward show, thou art wanting in courage.
How didst thou win thy fame ? Not, surely, by a/ways retreating !
Henceforth, how to defend thy city 'twere well thou consider,
AVith thy own native Trojan troops, alone and unaided ;
For, ^ assured^ not a Lycian now will fight with the Grecians,
Or for the cit)^ strike &fie MottK *Tis thankless, for ever,
T/ii4s umifpported^ to waste our strength in perpetual conflict*
How can we ever expe<5l that a meaner man thou wilt living (149)
Aid, or defend when dead, when Sarpedon, thy guest and companion^
Mecrrant! thou leftist to the Argive spoilers, a prey and a booty 1
Whom, while living, to thee and thy nation a stay and a bulwark,
Dead, thou hast suffered the Grecian dogs to tear and disfigure.

376

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Boos

If there be one then, who heeds my words, of our Lycian wan
Home let him haste and abandon Troy to impending destrudli
Now, ev'n now, if the Trojans had spirit or valour within ti
Aught of that dauntless force which heroes who fight for their <
Feel in their hearts when they meet their foes in desp>erate con
Yet might we easily bear Patroclus' corse into Ilion.
Him could we drag from the fight to the lofty city of Priam —
Once could we carr>' him off from the field and secure his possessi
Soon would the Greeks surrender the beauteous arms of Sarpeci
Soon should we see restored his lov'd remains, as a ransom
This might we do, having slain the companion and friend of a 1
Bravest of all the Greeks, whose troops are the best of their wai
But in the presence of Aias the noble-hearted, thy spirit
Quails, and to stand before him and face to face in the batde.
Meet him, thou dar'st not attempt He is braver than thoi
thou kuoiu'st it J'

Frowning, the lord of the waving crest, great He6lor, responc
"Glaucus I methinks from one like thee such words are overweening
Ever, my friend ! till now, I believed thee discreet, and in wisdc
P'ar suri)assing the dwellers in fertile Lycia'S region.
Now must I deem thee beside thyself, such a word to have uttei
As that I dread to encounter the huge proportions of Aias.
War and the thunder of chariots have nothing appalling to He<51
Higher however than mortal man's is the will of Kronfon,
He at his pleasure confounds the brave : — in the moment of triui
Snatches the palm from hands which himself has strengthened to \
Come with me, friend ! stand by, and judge for thyself of my cor
So shalt thou call me for ci'cr dis^raced^ for ever a recreant
If some few of the Greeks, who defend the corse of Patroclu
Learn not to rue the day, how boldly soever they bear them

Thus having spoken, he shouted a mighty shout to his foU'wex
"Trojans and Lycians all, and ye brave Dardanian warriors,
Shew yourselves men, my friends ! Remember your prowess

valour.
Soon shall ye see me, arrayed in the arms of peerless Achilh
Amis which I stripped myself from the prostrate form of Patrocli

Boos XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

377

Crest'Wa\ing He£lor» thus having spoken, quitted the combat^
Hast'ning away to overtake his train, who to I Hon were bearing
Mighty Fcleides* arms. With speed he ran and overtook them, (190)
Light of foot, ere far they had passed on their way, and detained them.
There, from the murd'rous fight apart^ exchanging bis armour,
Back to the sacred city his own he dispatched, with an escort.
Chosen, of warlike men ; while himself in the arms of Peleides,
B/asiugj celestial, he decked ^— those arms to Peleus his father,
Glv'n by th' immortal gods. From the aged king to Achilles
Next they came : but the son grew not old in the arms of the fathen

Him behoUling afar, the cloud-compelling Kronion,
Thus in the shining arms of di\ine Peleides accoutred,
Sadly his head he shook, and thus communed with his spirit i (^00)
** Ill-fated PHna/ No thought of death overshadows tAy triumph^
Near as thine end approaches. In arms celestial I see thee,
Worn by the bravest of mortals, the scourge and terror of all men :
Him, whose friend and companion, the gentle and brave, thou

hast slaughtered.
Stripping his arms in unseemly guise from his head and his shoulders.
Yet will I give thee fame, and augment thy strength for a mmnmi^
Some compensation granting for this, that, returning from battle,
Ne'er shall Andromach<f take from thy hands the arms of Achilles."

Forward his dark and awful brows he bent, and inclining,
Nodded, The arms then closed rotund the limbs, and the spirit
of Ares (210)

Rushed on the soul of Heclor, His form dilated, with vigour
Swelling, and force immense. Then through th'auxiliar squadrons,
Shouting aloud he passed: and all might trace a resemblance,
Bright as he beamed, in the glorious arms of mighty Peleides.
While, as he w^ent through the ranks, he exhorted each of their leaders —
Mesthles, Glaucus himself^ Thersilochus, Asteropseus,
Medon and Ijrave Deisenor, Hippothous, Chromius, Phorcys,
Ennomus too, for his augury famed* Nut ofu he omitted^
As in these rapid and smiMnspiring words he addressed them :
'* Hear me ! ye countless tribes of brave allies from our frontiers! (120)
' Twjis not to gather around me a crowd of idle rctaimrs^

378 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book X\' II.

That from your several cities and states I smnmoned you hither ;
'Twas to defend with hearty zeal, from the warlike Achaians,
Troy's hi^h staff, and our Trojan wives, and innocent children.
Looking to this, have I lavished upon you our wealth and resources,
Straitening our o^ti supplies, and maintaining you all in abundance;
Now then be brave! face round, and fight to the death, or by vidl'iy
Rescue your lives : for such are the stakes and chances of warfare.
Whoso shall seize on the corse of Patroclus dead, and shall bear it
Out of the fight, to Troy, despite the resistance of Aias, (230)

Him will I grace with half our- spoil, retaining the other ;
So shall he stand, my equal in gain, my equal in glory.**

Thus he spake, and at once in a mass they rushed on the Grecians,
High uplifting their spears. Each warrior burned with impatience,
Hoping to snatch the dead from the great Telamonian Aias.
Fools ! full many a life o'er that prostrate form was relinquished !

Aias then Menelaus addressed, the mighty in battle :
** Brave Menelaus ! my godlike friend ! full small is the prospe<5l
Now that we both shall escape alive from this desperate struggle.
'Tis not so much that I dread the impending loss of Patroclus, (240)
Who to the dogs and vultures of Troy must soon be abandoned,
But for thy life and my own I fear, since both are in danger.
Lo I what a whelming cloud of war comes gathering around us.
He6lor is there, and swift destrudlion waits on his footsteps.
Call then ! shout for our Grecian chiefs, if any can hear thee."

Brave Menelaus, great in the roar of battle, complying.
Raised a tremendous shout, and thus he called on the Aigives :
"Friends and heroes of (ireece I ye leaders in war, and in council !
Ye, who with Atreus' sons, Mcnelaiis and great Agamemnon,
Drink choice wine at the public cost, and issue your orders, (250)

Each to his own brave troops — to whom Zeus gives glory and worship

111 may mine eyes discern your forms, or distinguish the stations,
Where each one of you fights : so wildly rages the battle.
Some of you come to our aid, and, indignant, lend your assistance.
Dead Patroclus to save from the dogs and \'ultures of I lion."

Sharp rang the cry in the ears of swift Oilcan Aias,
And through the fight in haste he ran ; coming first to the rescue.

BooKXVn.]

THE iUAD OF HOMER.

379

After him mighty Idomeneus came, and his faithful attendant

Merion, hardly inferior to death'deah"ng Ares in combat.

Who may recount the names and the number of those who behind

them (360)

Followed, and swelled the Grecian rankSj restoring the battle?
On rushed the Trojans in one close phalanx, headed by He 61 or.
As when a river^ fed by the rains of Zeus^ to the ocean
Hurr>^ing, meets at its mouth the opposing wave, which in thunder
Breaking, recoils, and the echoing cliffs and caverns rebellow.
Burst forth the roar of the Trojan assault. Undaunted the Grecians
Closed round Menostius* son^ one thought their bosoms inspiring.
And by their brazen shields protei5ted* Mighty Kronfon
Poured meanwhile round their heads, and round their glittering helmets^
Darkness and mist : for w^hile he lived, the gaiiani Patrodus, (270)
Hated he not, that faithful friend of mighty Peleides ;
\^lierefore he left him not for a prey to the dogs of the Trojans :
That he abhorred ; and ui^ed on his friends to fight and protedl: him.
At the first onset recoiled the Greeks from the shock of the Trojans ;
Back they withdrew, and left the dead ; but none of their number
Sank by the Trojan spears opprest- Yet, unable to slay thetHj
Still they succeeded in dragging the corpse ; though but for a moment*
Soon they returned in force, for Aias quick to the rescue
Flew, and restored the battle, who^ next to peerless Achilles,
Far surpassed the rest of the Greeks in person and prowess, (280)
Straight through the press he charged, as sorae wild boar in the

mountain,
Rushing among the dogs, and the youthful band of the hunters,
Easily scatters them all, and drives them back through the thicket :
Thus did the mighty Telamon's offspring, glorious Aias,
Dashing among them, ^nth ease disperse the ranks of the Trojans ;
Where round Patroclus sivarming they drmg, all eagerly longing
Glory and triumph to win, and to drag him away to the city*

Foremost of all Hippothous, son of Pelasgian Lethus,
Seized mi the cori>se, and was dragging ii off through the thick of the

combat
He to its ankles had fastened a leathern thongs and had tied it (a 90)

38o THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XVIL

Tight round the sinews. The Trojans and He6lor beheld it exulting.
Fate, however, which nought might avert, came swiftly upon him.
Telamon's valiant son was nigh. Through the press and the tumult
Rushing, he drove his spear through the brazen cheeks of his helmet
Burst was the casque in sunder, around the blade of the weapon,
Rent by the mighty spear, and the strong right hand that impelled it,
Mingled with blood, out poured his brains through the cleft ; and the

warrior
Sank, and his limbs collapsed. From his grasp the feet of Patroclus
Dropped to the ground, as his fingers relaxed their hold, and aban-
doned
Lay; and his prostrate form fell stretched in death on the body, (300)
Far from Larissa's fertile fields; nor repaid to his parents
All their nurture and tender care, — for his life was a short one,
Cropped in his opening bloom by the ruthless weapon of Aias.

He<5lor /// turn advanced^ and at Aias darted his jav'Iin,
Who, when he saw the coming spear, inclined, and escai)ed it
Barely: but Schedius it struck, illustrious Iphytus' offspring.
Bravest of all the Phocxans. In Panoptf famed he resided,
There w^as his palace; there he ruled o'er a populous nation.
Under his collar-bone was he stricken, and straight through his bosom
Piercing, the brazen point stood forth behind from his shoulder; (310)
Down he fell with a crash, and his armour rattled around him.
Phorcys, the son of Phciinops, Hippothoiis bravely defending.
Pierced by great Aias' spear, resigned his life. On the navel
Lighting, it burst its way through the brazen plates of his armour,
Rending his entrails. He fell, and clutched the dust with his fingere.

Now were the foremost foes repulsed. Ev'n He6lor retreated.
Shouted the Greeks in triumph, and rushing at once on the corses,
Phorcys, Hippothoiis, dragged them away, and stripped off their

annour.
Then had the Trojans again to the city retired, by the Grecians
Chased from the plain ^ and driv'n in cowardly flight and corifusion • (320)
Then had the Greeks by their sltMorn strength and desperate valour
Glory achieved in despite of Zeus himself: but Apollo
Stirred the soul of ^neas; old Periphas' features assuming

Book XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

381

Epytis* soHj the herald ; now stricken in years ; to his father
Well perfomiing a herald*s parti both courteous and prudent:
Him resembling, Apollo bespake the son of Anchises ;
** How canst thou hope, ^^neas ! 'gainst adverse fortune to struggle,
Ilion's lofty city to save — (yet others have done so,
Firm in their strength, their determined will ; — on their valour relying,
And on the endless resource of a brave and populous nation) — (350)
If, while the favour of Zeus is yours, and he aids not the Grecians,
Trembling thus and inaHwt ye stand, nor join in the conflitl ? "
Thus he spake, but *^neas at once perceiving the Godhead,
And of his presence aware, thus loudly shouted to He«5lor :
** He^or \ ye Trojan chiefs and brave auxiliar leaders I
Shameful it is to retreat from ihe Greeks^ be they never so warlike,
Seeking inglorious safety behind the walls of the city.
Now, ev'n now, some pow'r divine stood nigh, and assured me
That in all-powWul Zeus our cause hath a friend and supporter.
On then! againj to the charge; nor suflfer the Greeks unmolested (340)
Back to their tents and ships to bear the remains of Patroclus/*
Thus he spake, and sprang to the front in advance of his comrades;
Soon were they rallied, and down on the Greeks they poured in a body,

First of the Greeks, Leocritus fell to the spear of ^neas,
Son of Arisbas, companion in arms of brave Lycomedes,
Grieving beheld Lycomedes his corarade*s death j and approaching
Close to the Trojan ranks, \x\. vengeance sent forth his jav'l in;
Hippasis* son, Apisaon, it struck, a prince of his nation :
Fix'd in his liver it stood. Then strength and vigour forsook hira»
He from Paeonia's fertile realm, the best and the bravest (350)
Next to his chief was rii'kmed, the warlike Asterop:eus*
Grieving beheld that chief his comrade* s fall, and advancing
Rushed at once on the Greeks, with an eager longing for vengeance.
Vain was the effort. The Greeks stood close conjoined, with their

bucklers
Fenced in on every side, round the corse, protending their lances.
Aias among them went and came, and gave forth his orders;
None of the Greeks he suffered to pass to the rear and desert it,
None to advance beyond their line and fight for distinction:

383

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVII.

But in a close compadted mass stand firm and defend it. (359)
Such were his orders, attd well obeyed. But the carnage around them
Swelled, and the earth ran red with gore, as, heaped up together,
Trojans and brave allies were piled, with many a Grecian.
Not without Grecian blood was that battle fought \ though on their

side
Fewer by far were slain : for with mutual aid and prote<5lion
All stood stoutly together, and each supported his comrade.
Thus, like a blazing fire, the conflict raged. In the heavens
Seemed as if hardly the sun were safe, or the moon : for a darkness
Deep, as of gath'ring cloud or mist, had covered the warriors
All, who fought round the lifeless corse of the son of Mencetius.
Ev'ry where else the Trojans and bright-greaved sons of Achaia
Fought unembarrassed and free in the light of day : and the sun-
beams (371)
Glowing and bright o*er the plain were poured. Not a cloud on the

mountains
Hung in the clear blue sky, or overshadowed the field, where the armies
Fought with less fury, and paused for rest, or retired to a distance
Shunning each other's spears. But there, in the centre, was darkness
Deepening the horrors of war. There the cruel sword and the javTin
Reeked with the blood of the brave. Two only, chiefs of distinction,
FoNg/it not there. Thrasymedes and bold Antilochus knew not
Yet that the peerless Patroclus had falFn in fight They believed him
Still in the battle's front viHoriouSy routing the Trojans. (3S0)

These now saw ivit/i amaze their comrades slain, and the Argives
Turning to flight — for they fought apart ; so Nestor commanded,
When from the sable ships he sent them forth to the battle;
All the rest, through the live-long day, o'er the friend of Achilles
Wrestled, with ceaseless toil. Down poured the sweat Jt'om their

features
Grimed 7cit/i dust. Each stalwart limb was strained with exertion.
Feet, legs, arms, half-blinded eyes in that desperate struggle
Hardly endured its stress, and reeled, and swam with exhaustion.
As when some slaughtered bull's tough hide to the curriers is handed
Skilled to extend its folds and with oil to supple and dress it, (390)

Book XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

383

^oand iii a ring they stand ; they tug, ihey strain, til! the moistuTe
Dries, and the skin with the oil rubbed in gf-mtn supple and piiant^
Stretched at all points 1/ yields, and expands, to the force of the

dressers :
Thas in small space, by many surrounded, hither and thither
Dragged, lay Patroclus' corse ; the Trojans longing to bear it
Far away within lUon*s walls, the Greeks to tlieir vessels,
Round it arose a fierce ami sa'mge cry^ and a struggle
Biiter and keen. Not Ares* self — not Pallas Athen^
Aught to reprove had found, were her wrath inflamed to the utmost.
Such and so dire a work of death, with men, and with horses (400)
Mingled, had 2!eus ordained o'er Patroclus dead. But Achilles
Nought of the death of his friend had heard as yet i from the vessels
Far remote, beneath Ilion*s walls the battle was raging :
Little he ever supposed he would fall ! Alive and vi(5lorious
Looked he to see him return having reached tiie gates of the city.
Nor had he thought, for a moment, that Troy would fall to Patroclus,
Not for his friend ; — no ! not for himself that triumph w^as destined.
This from his mother he oft had heard, imparted in private.
So much of Jove's high will to her son she revealed. The misfortune
Now befairn she kindly concealed This grief she had spared
him; (410)

Hiding, with motherly care, the fate of his dearest companion.

Still round the corse the battle raged. Sharp spears were protended ;
Heroes met heroes in ceaseless charge^ and slew one another ;
While in such words as these each Greek his comrades encotiraged :
^^JCetp your grmmd^ dear friends! 'Twere shame to retreat and be-

uke us
Back to our hollow ships. Let the dark earth yawn and engulph us
(Rather than such dii^ace) one and alL Such an end would be

better
Than to allow these Trojans to gain their point and to drag him
Into their city walls, and secure the priu and the glory." (4^9)
Then might the Trojans too have been heard, exhorting each athtr:
'* Friends! Though we all should be stretched beside yon corse

that we fight forj

384

THE ILIAD OF HOAfER.

[Book XVll

Stand to your arms I Fight on ! and let no man think of retreating."
Such were the words of both. Thus each encouraged the other.
So continued tlie fight, and the steely clash of their weapons
Up to the brazen arch of heav'n was borne by the breezes.

Standing aloof from the fight, with their car, the steeds of Achilles
Wept, when they heard the fall of the chief whose hand haj

controlled them,
Prostrate stretched in the dust by the spear of death-dealing Heftor.
Nor, though Automcdon brave, the noble son of liiores
Plied, as a last resource, the biting lash to excite them, (4'c

(First having tried them with soothing words, t/i^n threats an,;

reproaches,)
Unto the Hellespont wide would they shape their course and th<

vessels ;
Nor with the Grecian array would mix, and join in the battle.
But, as above some tomb, the fixed memorial column,
Marks where a hero's remains or a noble dame's are reposing,
Motionless thus tliey stood, before that beauteous chariot.
Drooping low to the ground their heads; while warm from their evelids
Rolled on the earth their tears; for they grieved for the chief wko

had loved thcm^
And 7i'hom they iovcd. Their luxuriant manes flowed loose and

dishevelled,
Down from their collars on either siile, all soiled, and entangled. (440)
Zeus, looking down from above, their grief beheld, and in pity
Sadly his head he shook, and thus communed with his spirit :
"llai)less pair! Ah! why to a mortal prince did we give you?
Was it for nought but to bear your part, unchanging, immortal,
In the long ceaseless round of human toil and misfortune ?
Surely of creatures that breathe, and crawl upon earth in their mis'r}-,
Man, the most wretched of all, drags on the saddest existence !
lleclor however, in yonder rich-wrought car shall ye never
Bear, as your master and lonl, in his triumph. That I permit not
Is't not enough that he wears those spoils and boasts of his vidl*r>*?
Therefore I grant you strength of limb and freshness of spirit, (351)
So shall ye bear your driver Automedon safe from the battle.

Book XVI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Back lo the hollow ships : for yet must I ghe to the Trojans

Glory, and poiar to slay, iiW they reach the ships, and in darkness
Sunk be the sun, and the sacred night shall have covered the slaughter,**
Thys he spake, and the coursers infipired with fleetness and vigour.
They, from their manes at once shaking off the dust tltat defiled ihem^
Swiftly bore off the car through the midst of the Trojans and Aleves,
While from its seat, Automedon. mourning the fate of his comradet
Scattered the Trojan foes like geese that fly from the vulture, (460)
Easily forced they their way through the tumult and rout of the Trojans,
Easily then returned to the charge, and dashed in among them*
PowVless to siay, though he chased them far and wide : for unaided,
Standing alone in that proud car, one warrior sufficed not.
Both with the javlin to fight, and to guide the reins of the coursers.
Him when Alcimedon, son of Laerces, grandson of ^mon,
One of the friends he loved, beheld thus wildly careering.
Thus, as the chariot passed, he shouted aloud and addressed him \
** Which, O Automedon I which of the gods deprives thee of reason,
Urging thee on to vain attempts and booiless exert imi i (47^)

How canst thou fight alone from the car in the front of the battle ?
Tkink^ for a moment/ Thy chief lies slain, and impfeni He<5lor
Vaunts his conquest^ and beare on his shoulders the arms of Achilles."
Thus then replied in turn Automedon, son of Diores :
"None of the Greeks, O my friend ] is half so able as thou art
These fierce steeds of immortal strain to control, or to guide them,
Saving Patroclus» to whom the gods that gift had imparted,
Long as he lived. Now vain his ski//: far death has o*erta'en him*
Mount then, thyself, and the scourge and embroidered reins of

the coursers
Take from my hands, while I dismount and join in the battle !" (480)
Thus he spake. Then Alcimedon sprang to the car and ex/er//y
Handled the reins, and guided the steeds w/M t/ie ski// of a master^
Down leap'd Automedon, Him perceiving, illustrious He<ftor,
Called to ^neas, who near him stood, and thus he addressed him :
** Leader sage of the bronze-mailed Trojans! glmit^tis ^neas 1
See*st thou not there the steeds of the swift-pursuing Achilles^
Wildly careering, guided by hands unfit to control them?

pill

llf

f ' 1 ■ :
». ■ If

386

77/E ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK XVII

These, if ihou lend ihine aid, and wilt heartily join to support mc,
Easily might we secure : for scarce will they dare to resist us, (489
When they behold us advancing at once, and rushing upon them."
Thus he spake: and the son of Anchises readily joined him;
Onward they rushed, huge bulls*-hide shields uplifting before them,
Solid, and stiflf, with plates of brass o'erlaid and protected.
Chromius too came on, and the godlike form of Aretus,
foirud the attack^ expecting to slay them with ease, and the chariot
Seize, and the steeds, high tossing \h€u floating manes on the breezes:
Fools that they were ! not destined Automedon's force to encounter,
And to escape unscathed! He, proffring to Zeus his petition.
Felt in the depths of his gloomy soul fresh strength and assurance ;
And to Alcimedon thus he spake, his trusty companion : (500

"Hold not the horses, Alcimedon! far aloof; but behind me,
Close, let them stand, that their breath on my back may play

for approaching,
Hedlor the son of Priam / see^ who ne'er from his purpose
Siuen.'es^ ami will never desist till we both are slain, and the chariot
Mounting, he guides the long-maned steeds, and scours througl

the battle,
Putting the Greeks to flight : or himself shall be slain in the contest"
Thus having said, Menelaiis he called to his aid and th' Aiantes:
" Brave Menelaiis I noble Aiantes ! best of the Argives,
Leave ye the corse awhile, there are valiant chiefs who will guard it.
Keeping the ground around it, and driving away their assailants, (510
Come to the aid of the living : avert the fate that awaits us.
Hither come Hector, ^neas, and all the first of the Trojans,
Bursting upon us, forcing their way, through the thick of the combat
Yet be it so I To the Gods belong the fortunes of battle.
Guide then my spear, Almighty Zeus ! To thy ivill I commend ity
Ending, he hurled with a sweep his long-forth-shadowing jav'Iin,
Which on the smooth round orb of Aretus' buckler alighting,
All unimpeded forced its way, and the point of the weap>on
Pierced through the shield and ih^ belt, and fixed itself in his entrails;
Then, as behind the horns of some mighty bull in the shambles {520
Falls the sharp axe, impelled by the bra^\^ly arm of the butcher,

Book XVI L]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

3S7

Cutting ihe tendons — forward he springs, and sinks in his dmih-pang:
So springing forward, Areius fell. Deep rooted and quivYing,
Plunged in his entrails stood the speaTj and cut short his existence.
Hedor then at Automedon aimed, but tiie ghttering weapon
Marked, as it flew, the chief, and forward bent, and the jav*Jin
Passed o'er his head, and deep in the soil stood rooted behind him.
TrembUng it stood, for the shaft still shook with the might that

impelled it;
Qui v' ring from butt to point through its length, till its force was

exhausted.
Drawing their swords, now rushed they together in desperate

conflia, (530)

When interposing th' Aiantes arrived, who, fmm far^ through the

tumult.
Forcing their way, had come to his aid^ at the call of their comrade,
Them, when those three beheld, great He^or, *4ineas, and Chromius,
Back they retreatetl at once in haste, not daring to face them.
Leaving Aretus pierced through the heart, on the ground mtdefinded.
Him then Automedon stripped, and despoiled his glittering annour,
And with a loud exulting shottt^ thus vaunted his conquest ;
"This for Patroclus slain, shalJ afford some poor consolation,
Though but a chief of inferior note hath fall'n to my prowess."
Thus, having spoken, and placing the blood-stained spoils in the

chariot, (54^)

Up he sprangj with his feet all splashed with blood, and his 5ngers
Reeking— as quits some lion the mangled remains of a heifer.

Once more around Patroclus the chiefs in desperate contlitl
Fierce, unrelenting, closed. And Athen^ now, from Ol>Tnpus
Hastening, stirred it to ien/oid rage. She, sent by the Thunderer,
Now, that his mind was changed, the Greeks encouraged and aided.
And as when Zeus, in the clouds his purple bow unto mortals
Holds forth on high, for a sign of approaching war, or a warning
Sure, of the coming storm, when man must cease from his labours,
Heipkss^ and mourn o*cr the waste ef his ruined crops, and his

cattle: (SS*:*)

Thus did the Goddess, shrouded in purple mist, with the Grecians

aq.

388

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Mix, and excite their host, and arouse each heart for the combat.
Atreus^ son she first addressed, the brave Menekiis,
Close to his side approach mg., and thus she awakened his courage,
Taking the aged fomi, and resounding accents of Fhcenix:
^'Endkss shame, and deserved disgrace will be thine, Menelaiis,
If thou shalt suffer the Trojan dogs, at the wall of their city,
Noble Achilles' faithful friend and companion to mangle :
Therefore be bold, renew the fight, and rouse up thy warriors/'
Then Menelaiis, great in the roar of battle, responded: <56o)

** Father Phcenix ; old and revered, what more oin I wish for,
(Would but Athene grant me strength, and ward off their weapons,)
Than to stand stoutly in anus, and defend the remains of Patroclus.
None with a deei^er grief beheld him perish. But Hecior
Rages with fiery force, and with ceaseless fury his jav'lin
Wields ; and the mighty hand of Zeus is outstretched to exalt him**'

Pleased to be first invoked of all the blessed immortals,
Blue-eyed Athen^ heard and approved his words ; and w ith vigour
Filled him, and strength infused into all his limbs, and his shoulders.
Courage she gave him, like that of the vaiomous fly, which per-
sisting, (570)
Ever renews its sharp attacks though repelled; and rejoicing,
Pierces the flesh of man, and drains the sweet blood of his vi<ftim.
Such was the angry and vengeftii spirit she roused in his bosom.
As o'er Patroclus standing, his gleaming weapon he brandished,

Podes, Eetion's son, was among the first of the Trojans,
Valiant, fmldi\ and richj belov'U and res^pecled by Hedor,
Far o'er the rest : at the genial board his fre<|Uent companion*
Him, as he turned him to shun the coming foe, Menelaus,
Pierced through the belt with his lance, and the point passed straight

through his body.
Dowm with a crash he fell ; and from out the host of his comrades (5S0)
Dragged Menelaus the dead w^ithin the lines of the Grecians.
Forthwith Apollo, Hector apjiroaching, roused him to vengeance;
Phaenops, Asias' son, he seemed, who in distant Abydos
Dweltj and as He<5tor*s favoured guest taas honoured and welcomed.
Such was the shape by Phoebus assumed, when thus he addressed him i

BOOK XVI L]

THE ILIAD OP HOMER.

389

"Which of the Greeks henceforth will dread the prowess of He<5lor,
\\'ho but to meet Menelaus fears? A redoubtable warrior
Never accounted: yet now hath he slain thy trusted companion,
Podes the brave, Eetion's son, in the front of the battle,
And by his single might now drags the corse from amongst us,** (590)

Thus as he spake, deep grief overclouded the spirit of Hetflor,
Sheathed in refulgent bronze, he rushed at once to the vanguard.
Then around Idas peaks collected the clouds; and Kronfon,
Rearing aloft his i^Egis fringed and bright, through the darkness
Flashed forth bis lightning. Loud the thunder roared, and the

mountain
Shook : to tJie Trojans a signal of trmmph— woe to the Argives.
Penelcus first, the Boeotian chief, was smitten with panic;
Ever, tin tlien, bad he faced his foes ; but now on the shoulder,
Wounded, though not to death, he fled. Polydamus* jav'lin
Smgiing him out from afar had grazed the bone in its passage* {600)
LeituSj mighty Ale<5lryon*3 son, by the jav'hn of He^or
Struck through the wrist, retired from the ftght disabled and trembling
When he beheld the warriors of Troia closing around him.
All unable himself to grasp his spear and oppose them.
He^lor rushed on in pursuit: but Idotneneus full on his corslet
Smote, with his long-protended spear. O'er the pap it alighted^
There broke short, mr pierced that armmr ofprmf; but ih^ Trojans
Shouted aloud. Him Hedor in turn attacked, in his chariot,
Froudiy ereH as he stood, and the sharp spear narrowly missed him;
Cceranus, Merion's charioteer, it struck, his attendant, (610)

"VVTio from fair Ly6los, his native town, had followed his master.
(Merion on foot from his shapely ships had gone forth to battle
And by his fall that day would have sw^elled the glory of He<5lor,
But that with thoughtful care in his chariot Cceranus followed,
Warding the e%'il hour, and providing the means of escaping;
Destined himself to fall by tlie death-dealing spear of the vi^lor.)
Him through the jaws he smote, beneath the ear, and the weapon,
Cleaving his tongue, forced out his teeth, and he dropped from the

chariot
Prone in the dust Hh fingers relaxed and the reins M<y abandoned.

39°

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK XVI L

Merion stooped and snatched them up from the ground, — to the
chariot (620)

Springing in haste, and loudly thus to Idomeneiis shouted:
*' Spare not the scourge, but make, with all thy speed, for the vessels,
Vicloiy now, thyself must see^ forsakes the Achaians."
Thus he spak& Idomeneus heard, and lashed on his horses,
Off for the ships, in fuU career; for panic had seized him.

Now nor the lofty spirit of Aias, nor brave Menelaiis,
Failed to perceive that Zeus had decreed success to the Trojans,
Thus then, in words of despair broke forth Telamonian Alas:
" Gods ! What an iwur far Greece ! Now a fool may see that the

Trojan s»
Favoured by Zeus, in this day's fight are destined to triumph. (6jo)
Eveiy spear they throw strikes home, no matter who hurls it,
Coward or valiant chief Zeus speeds it straight to its obje<fi.
While from our hands each dart falls short, unwounding and harmless.
Now must we well bethink us, if haply forth from the struggle
Yet we may draw the dead, and ourselves retmng in safety
Glad the hearts of our comrades and friends, who with anxious

foreboding
W'ait the result, looking on ; and hardly expetSl our deliv'rance
From the destroying hands and the might of death-dealing Hector,
And at the dest but hope at our shelt'ring ships to behold us*
Would that some chief could be found this news to bear to Peleides-
Hardly, methinks, the moumfuj tidings yet can have reached hinx {641)
Scarce can he yet have learned the fate of his friend and companion.
Darkness however is all around; nor my sight can distinguish
One to dispatch r o*er horse and man so deep is the shadow.
Father Zeus ! Lift off this cloud from the sons of Achaia I
Give us to see with our eye^ — let the sky look down on onr efforts !
If 'tis thy will we die, in the light of day let us perish/'

Weepmg he spake: and the Father beheld his tears with compassion,
And on the instant cleft tlie cloud and scattered the darkness.
Forth broke the sun at once, and displayed the scene of the combat
Thus then Aias addressed the warlike Prince, Menelaiis; (651)
"Cast thine eyes, Menelaus, around; and try to discover

BOOK XVII.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

391

Valiant Antilochus, Nestor's son, if he yet be surviying ;
Bid him repair at his utmost speed to Achilles, and tell him
This sad news — the death of his best- loved friend and companion/'

Thus he spake. Menelaus complied, and set forth on his errand.
Forth he went, as retreats some lion, who jaded and weary,
Quits with the dawn of day the fold, where the dogs and the

herdsmen
All night long he has kept in alarm, in defence of their cattle,
SufT'ring him not to approach their charge, though maddened with
hunger (660)

Oft he attempts it, but spears and shafts come showering upon him,
Darted by rude and sturdy hands ; and the blaze of the torches.
Which above all he dreads, and the brands, bew-^ilder and scare himi
Baffitd and snrly he yields at length, and retreats to the tkkk^t.
Thus from Patroclus* corse, relu<5tant, brave Menelaiis
Sadly withdrew : for much he feared that perchance the Achaians,
Seized with a panic fear, might leave it a prize to their foemen.
Merion and both Aiantes he thus exhorted at parting :
"Merion ! and you, Atantes^ ye valiant chiefs of the Argivcs I
Think, oh 1 think, how gentle and kind, how mitd in his bearing.
Ever, toall, w^hile he lived, lA^as our friend, the hapless Patroclus. (671)
Living^ ymi i(n*id him, D^/emi /as rtmairts^ now death hath
o'erta'en him/'

Thus having spoken, departed the fair"hajr*d chief Menelaiis,
Looking around as he went with the piercing glance which an eagle.
Keenest sighted of birds that wing th* expanse of the aether,
Darte from her airy height on the hare that fain would conceal him
Under the thicket's shade: in vain; for, pouncing upon him,
Swift, with a deadly swoop, she bears him aloft m her (aims.
Thus, Menelaus, thy keen bright eyes ranged wide through the armies,
Scanning with care each friendly band, in hope to discover {680)

Valiant AntilochuSj Nestor's son, surviving tlit slaughter.
Him on the left of the tVeld he soon perceived, in the combat,
Cheering his warriors on to fight: and, closely approaching,
Thus did the fair-hair'd chief Menelaiis deliver his message :
** Hither J Antiiochus, cherished of Zeus I and list to my tidings —

392

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Tidings of woe : — alas ! that e'er I should have to report them.
Surely thyself, methinks, and all, must perceive and acknowledge
Some more than mortal povv'r whi^h heaps such woes on the Argtves,
Victory granting to Troy. He is fall n ! our bravest Achaian.
Mighty Patroclus is dead I to the grief a;/^/*/iM^/> of the Grecians. (690)
Run, my friend, to the ships ^ and the tidings bear to Achilles^
WTiOj if he haste, may yet preserve the corse of his comrade,
Naked and stript as it hes: for his arms are the trophies of He^or/*

Thus he spake. But Antilochus, horror-struck for a long time.
Stood, when he heard, nor a word could speak, while under his eyelids
Gathered the blinding tears, and his voice was choked in its uttVance.
Yet he negle6ted not Menelaiis* command, but departed,
Running with speed, and his arms to Laodocus gave, his attendant,
Vahant and faithful, who waited near with his chariot and horses.
Weeping he left the field, and shaped his course to Achilles, (700)
Dreading i^ think 0/ his ^ie/at the mournful news he must tell him.
Then, Menelaiis divine ! thy thoughts r€ti4rmd to Fattvclm^
Nor w^ouldst thou linger there to aid the Pylian warriors,
Sore bested, and murmuring, albeit, at their leader's departure.
These to command Thrasymedes bold he depute d^ and hastened
Back to his post once more, to proledl the remains of the hero.
Quickly he reached th* Aiantes again, and thus he addressed them :
"On to the hollow ships yon chief have I sent, as thou bad^st me.
Beating sad tidings of war, to the swift -pursuing Achilles;
Not that I think he will come, though burning with mge against
Hedor, (710)

How can he icmie his tmt unarmed tQ fight with the Trojans?
N&tv then the ti$ne is c&me^ far a iast and desperate e^ffbrt^
Now from the press must we tear the corse away, and bethink us
How to escape, ourselves, with Ufe from the rage of the Trojans,"

Thus he spake ; and thus replied Telamonian Aias t
" Wise are thy words, and true, most noble Prince, Menelaiis \
Come then t Do thou thyself, and Meriones, lift up the body,
Placing yourselves beneath it, and bear it off: — while behind you,
We two, alike in name, alike in valour and prowess.
Used to support each other, in many a desperate conflict, (720)

Book XVI LI

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

393

Beat off the foe, and secure your retreat from the Trojans and Hedtor:'*
Thus he spake ; and the chiefs, with united exertion upheaving.
Raised in their amis the corse, and bore it off ; while the Trojans
Sent forth a yell of despite and rage, when they saw them retiring.
On they rushed, Uke dogs which far in advance of the hunters
Fly in a pack on a wounded boar retreating before them.
On, in Juil cry^ they come, all eager and longing to tear him,
Till, on his strength relying, he turns to face his pursuers;
Back they recoil, and scatter in wild dismay and confusion.
Thus came the Trojans on, still foU'viing them up in a body, (730)
Hacking with swords, and thrusting with two-€dg*d lances behind

them.
But when th'Aiantes faced about, and stood to oppose them,
Pale with fear they became, nor had one the face, or the daring,
Forward to press, lay hands on the corse, or fight for its capture.
Thus from the fight, with all the strength and speed they could summon^
Bore they the dead away to the hollow ships, and behind them
Kaged the war» like a fire which, seizing some populous city,
Suddenly blazes forth ; down sink the houses, and dwindle
In the devouring glare, and a whirlwind roars through the ruins.
Thus, as they went* an incessant rattle of horses and chariots (740)
Followed them up, with the clash of arms, and shouting of warriors;
And as when mule^ who put forth their strength to the work, with

exertion,
Drag some enormous beam down a rugged path in the mountains,
Some huge mast for a ship ; with the strain and wearisome labour
Pours dowTi the sweat from their toil worn limbs ; yet slack not their

efforts r
Thus with determined spirit they bore the corse : and th* Aiantes
Flung themselves on the foe. As some wood-clothed mound, which

proje<5ting.
Far on the plain, like a dam, diverts the rush of the watefs,
Stemming the headlong course of the mountain streams and the torrents;
Dashing them off to some distant vale, whUe to break its resist-

ance, (750)

All unavailing, they pour, with ceaseless rage, on the barrier:

394

7 HE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Book XVII.

Thus did th* Aiantes twain hurl back the assaults of the Trojans.
Yet came they on, and renewed the charge, two heroes among them
Leading : ^Eneas, Anchises' son, and magnanimous He6tor.
And, as a cloud of starlings or daws, with shrieking and clamour
Fly for their lives, when they see the hawk come pouncing upon them,
(Deadly foe of each smaller bird, w?u> dreads and avoids him)y
So fled the sons of Achaia before ^Eneas and Hedlor.
Shrieking they fled, in clamorous rout; their prowess forgotten.
In and around the trench lay thick their spoils, and the armour, (760)
Costly and rich, of the flying Greeks : yet ceased not the battle.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.

BOOK THE EIGHTEENTH.

Argument.

Achilles receives the news of the death of Patroclus, His grief
Thetis comes to comfort him and promises to procure for him new armour
from HephcBstus, Hera sends Iris to Achilles^ bidding him shew himself
unarmed at the trench. At sight of him the Trojans retire^ panic-struck ^
and the body of Patroclus is brought to his tent. Night coming on^ the
Trojans call a council, Polydamas advises their retreat within the walls
of Troy, Heltor refuses, and they remain encamped. The body of
Patroclus is prepared for sepulture, and Achilles watches it, Thetis
repairs to the palace of Hephcestus, who at her prayer prepares for Achilles
a new suit of armour. Description of it and especially that of the shield.
Before daybreak it is completed, and Thetis carries it to the tent of
Achilles,

ILIAD, BOOK XVIIL

'T'HUS, like the blaze of t]e\^ounng fire continued the combat,
^ While to Achilles Antilochus swiftly sped with his message*
Watchful he found him, in front of the lofty prows of his vessels.
Filled with foreboding of ills, alas ! already accomplished^
Sore disturbed, such thoughts as these he revolved in his bosom:

" WAai d0 I sief Why huny the crested Greeks to their vessels,
Thus IE disordered rout? Why quit they the field in confusion ?
Has then, at length* that threaten'd, that worst misfortune befall'n me,
Long foretold by my mother in Ufords of ominous warnings
When she declared that the bravest of all my Myrmidon warriors (to)
Here before Troy should fall, and I remain ia lament him I
Has then the valiant son of great Menoetius perished ?
Rash that be was ! I hade htm return, from the fires of the Tn^jum
First having saved the ships, and avoid the encounter of Hector,"

Thus while he stood with hhpresdatt soul communing and anxious,
Close approaching arrived the son of illustrious Nestor,
Tears flowing warm from his eyes; and thus the sad news he delivered :
'* Grievous, alas ! are the tidings I bear, great Peleiis' offspring 1
Which thou must hear i and woe is me ! who am here to announce

them.
Dead is Patrocltis- Around his corse the battle is raging. (20)
Naked he lies, and crest-waving He€tor possesses his armour."

Thus as he spake» dark sank the shadow of grief on Achilles*
Grasping with both his hands the scorching dust of the embers.
Thick on his head he heaped it, defiling his beauteous features.

398

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BooKXVriL

Black fell the mournful stain on his rich ambrosial naantle*
Dashed on the ground, his towering form in the dust lay extended
Grovling, —his \i%\tfrmn the r&ois he tore ami scattend by handfuls.
Forth from the tent came running tJie handmaids all, whom Achilles
Won, and Patroclus, in war^ and shrieking with grief and with horror,
Gathered around the prostrate prince : some fainted, and others (30)
Mourning, and drowned in tears, stood beating their beauteous bosoms.
Dmim by kk side Antilochus km^^ aJl bitterly weeping,
Holding his arms, yet groaning with anguish the while, for he dreaded
Lest, in his gne/and d^jpair he should seek some means of destrutftion ;
Then in loud sobs and moans his grief broke forth. And his mother
Heard him afiir, in the depths of the sea, where she sate with her

father.
Ancient of days : and she too moaned — while, assembled around her,
All the young Nereids, who dwell in the green recesses of ocean,
Came ai her cries. Thaleia the fair, Cymodoc^, Glauc^,
Hatia with large resplendent eyes, Nenea and Speio, (40)

Tho<^, Cymotho^ too, and Act^ea, and Lymnorxa,
Mdita fair, and laera, Amphitho^ bright, and Agav^
There too assembled Doto, Pherusa, Dynkmene', Pro to.
Thither Amphinom^ came, Dex^men^, Callianeira,
Doris, N emeries, and she who outshone them all, Galatea,
Panop^ sleeky and trnth/ui Apseudes, Callianassa,
Cljrmen^ grate/til, dark lanira, fair lanassa,
Soft Amathsea with waving locks, Orithuia and Msera.
Gathered each Nereid about tlidr Queen ^ in her cave of the ocean.
Filling the silvery-gleaming grot : each beating her bosom, (50)
Bearing a part in Thetis' woe, while thus she lamented ;
" Listen, ye sister Nereids all I Give ear to my sorrows,
So shall ye learn, how sad my state, how deep is my anguish.
Wretched mother ! ill-fated son ! though the bravest of mortals.
Why did I bear thee ? Stainless of soul 1 unconquered in battle !
Noblest of heroes ! As some fair tree shoots up from a sapling.
Planted in fertile soil, in grace he grew and in vigour,
Grown up to man's estate, in his ships to llion I sent him,
There with the Trojans to fight Ah \ never again to revisit

BookXVUL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

399

Home, or reenter the ancient halls of Peleus his father, (60)

Still with corroding grief are his days consumed, and in sorrow
Passes his hfe away : nor can I do aught to assist him.
Yet will I go. I shall sec my son ; and at least he will lell me,
Since from the war he retired^ what fresh distress hath o'erta^en hira/'

Thus giving way to her grief, she left the cave : and the Nereids
Followed in tears. And they cleft the briny wave ; and the ocean
Opened ; and soon they beheld the fertile region of Troia.
Soon they ascended the beach in long array^ where Achifles
Camped, and the ships on the strand were moored of the Myrmidon

warriors.
Groaning with anguish Achilles lay, and his mother approaching (70)
Uttered a piteous cry» as, raising his head she caressed it.
Then in compassionate words of heartfelt grief she addressed him :
*' Why dost thou weep, my son ? What grief hath falFn on thy spirit ?
Tell me. Conceal it not. Now Zeus hath fulfilled thy petition.
All thy prayer^ with uplifted hands preferred, that the Grecians*
Cooped up before their ships, to their own resources abandoned^
Driv'n by defeat and disgrace, at imgth thy worth sh&uid aikna^i*iedge,''

Deeply sighing, responded the swift-pursuing Achilles:
** True, my mother j Olympian Zeus all this hath accomplished.
Yet what boots it to me, now my friend is torn from my bosom, (So)
Whom like a second self I loved, and beyond his companions
Honoured ? Patroclus is dead ! And, decked with his beauteous armour,
He(?tor, his murderer, yet sur^^ives : those arms which to Peleus,
Wondrous to view — a priceless gift — the Gods at his marriage
Gave, when immortal charms they consigned to a mortaKs embraces.
Oh ! hadst thou still remained with thy sister nymphs of the ocean,
Peleus had wedded a mortal bride ! Henceforth in thy bosom
Countless and ceaseless woes must dwelt for the fate of thine offspring,
Whom thou shalt never receive in his home, returtiing in triumph.
Now have 1 no desire to live, or in aught that concerns them (90)
Mix with my fellow-men. Upm Hector aime an cm^tfUered
Aii my thmghtf—^\\ he pour forth his life, transfixed by my javelin,
Yielding me full revenge for the slaughter and spoil of Patroclus/'

Fast flowed the tears of Thetis again, while thus she responded ;

400

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[BOOKXVUL

" Short will indeed be thy life, my son if such be thy purpose.
He^or dead, ihy fall is at hand. Thou must follow him quickly !"
Moodily then replied the swift -pursuing Achilles:
"Then let me quickly perish, whose arms while living availed not
Death from my friend to avert. There lies he, far from his country
Slain : and when fate approached, he longed for me to proteifl

him. (loo)

Now I dismiss all thought of return to the land of my fathers.
And since thus I have failed to preserve my friend, and the heroes
Countless, who owe their fall to the hands of slaughtering Hector-
Since, upon earth a useless load, I sit by my vessels
Idle ; acknowledged, albeit, by the bronze-mailed Greeks as their

bravest
Ever in war (let others excel as they may in the council)—
Now and henceforth, away with dispute, away with contention
Both among gods and men, and with wrath which maddens the

wisest.
Sweet as the honey<irop to the heart it seems j in the bosom
Rising like smoke it overclouds the mind, bewilders the judgment
Such was the wrath I fell at the king of men, Agamemnon* (n r)

Now from my thoughts I dismiss it— a thing of the past— {though

he vexed me)
Bending my siuMwrn soul to the cmving need which impels it
Him who that dearest head laid low, will I seek, and destroy hira.
And if my turn come next^ — then welcome death, by th* immortals
Sent, when the fulness of time and the will of Zeus shall demand me,
^Tis not in vahur f& ward off fate. The might of Herakles,
Dear as he was to sovereign Zeus, great offspring of Kronos,
Perished, o'erthro\\Ti by Fate, and the -vengeful anger of Herd
So shall I fall On the ^^\^ some hostile weapon shall stretch

me (120)

Lifeless. Yet whUc I live let me live for vengeance and gloiy.
Many a full-bosomed Trojan and Dardan dame, in lur palmi
Mourning with ceaseless lament the death lyf her softs or her kushand^
Wiping with agonized hands the tears that roll down her features.
Soon shall know that Achilles but held him aloof from the battle.

Book XVI n.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

401

Hope not then, with matemal fondness, to keep me from fighting/'
Thus then the Goddess, the snowy-fooled Thetis, responded ;
*' Ali thou hast said, my son, is true. Nor indeed can 1 blame thee
Shouldst thou go forth to war in defence of thy friends and thy
comrades. (1^9)

Only, unarmed, thou canst not fight. In the hand of the Trojans
Al! thy resplendent arms are detained ; and death-dealing He<5lor
Wears them, exulting in pride* Not long, I ween, upon He<5lor
Destined by fate to shine: for destru^lion hovers around hinL
Wherefore restrain thy mge, nor mix in the struggles of Ares
Till thou shalt here behold me again. To-morrow at sunrise
Hither expe<^ my return. And a nobJe suit will I bring thee.
Glorious and rich, supplied by the sovereign skill of Hephaestus."
Thus having spoken, she quitted the tents of her son, and to sea-
ward
Turning, her sisters addressed, the old sea god's cave-dwelling

daughters :
" Now when ye plunge once more in the wide-heaving bosom of ocean,
There, in his echoing grot^ our hoarj^ sire to revisit, (<4t)

Ali that has past relate. Meanwhile, unto lofty Olympus
Speed I my flight i there skilful Hephaestus to seek, and persuade him
Gorgeotts arms to supply, by tQ-tmrroiih daum^ for Achilles."
This when they heard, deep down they plunged, and were Ipsi in

the Milmt*s;
Silvery-fboted Thetis the heights of Olympus ascended,
Eager to ur^ htr su$t^ and obtain new arms for her oflspring.
Thither she flew, at her utmost speed. Meanwhile the Achaians
Hurried along in tumultuous flight before death-dealing He<flor
Struck^ from above, with dismay ; and the Hellespont reached, and
the vessels; (150)

Nor had they yet secured their dead, nor the corse of Patroclus
Out of the reach of the spears and darts conveyed ; for the Trojans
Followed it up, both horse and man ; by the offspring of Priam,
Hector the brave, led on, like a flame impetied by the tempesL
Thrice, from behind, the corse by the feet had he seized as they
bore it.

402

THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XVI I h

Tugging amain, and with eager shouts encouraged the Trojans ;
Thrice had th* Aiantes twain coUedling their strengtii to oppose him
Forced him away : yet still to the charge he returned, to his purpose
Firm ; t^ow pushing his way through the struggHng crowd, now de-
sisting,
Pausing awhile and shouting for aid, yet never retreating* (i6o)

And as the shepherd swains in their nightly watch from a carcase
Strive, but in vain, to chase some tawny and ravenous lion,
Thus unavailing were all th Aiantes* force and their efforts
Crest- waving Hettor*s assault to repress, and rescue the body.

Then had he torn it away, immortal glory acquiring,
But that from high Olympus in haste shot swift-winged Iris,
Calling on Peleus' son to ami. Unkno\ni to the thund'rer
And to die other immortal gods had Hera dispatched her.
Close to his side she stood, and nfrmchfuliy thus she acMressed him :
*' Rouse thee to a<5lion I Peleus* son ! most dreaded of mortals: (170)
Rise, and protedl Patroclus, around whose corse are contending
Greeks and Tro/ans in desperate fight and slaughtering each other
There at the ships : those stmgghng hard to secure and prote(5t it.
These to hear it away to their wind-swept Ilian city.
There in full force are the Trojans, and there illustrious He<^or,
Chief of them all, strains cv^ry ftetife^ — its head from the body
Meaning to sever, and fix it aloft on a pole for a tn^pky.
Up then 1 linger no more* Thy soul should revolt at permitting
Him, thy Patroclus, a sport to become for the dogs of the Trojans ;
Thine were the shame, should that sacred corse suffer aught of de-
filement/' (iSo)

Godlike Achilles, swift in the racct tlxis answer returned her:
" Iris divine! say, which of the Gods from Olympus hath sent thee?"
Iris, swift as the wind, these words returned him in answ^er;
** Heraj the glorious consort of Zeus, hath sent me to warn thee.
Nor, where he sits on his lofty throne, dotli almighty Kronfon
Know of my coming, or one of the dwellers on snowy Olympns.'"

Then in his turn responded the swift-pursuing Achilles:
** How can I fight unarmed? In the hands of the foe is mine armour.
Nor does my mother permit me to iirm myself ^jr i/ie battle^

BooKXvni.]

THE lUAD OF HOME^.

403

Till I behold her returning, herself, from lofty Olympus, (190)
Whence she hath promised to bring me a splendid suit from

HephEcstus.
Nor do I know the man indeed whose armour would fit me^
Save the enormoijs shield of the great Ttdamonian Aias*
That he is bearing himself, I ween, in front of the battle,
Slaught'ring the foe with his mighty spear round the corse of Patro-

clus."
Iris, swift as the winds, these words returned hini in answ-er;
**WeIl we know that the foe possess thy ghltering armour:
Shew thyself at tlie trench albeit^ unarmed^ to the Trojans
There as thou stand'st. At thy sight they will shrink with fear, and

retreating (199)

Give some respite from war, some breathing time, to the Grecians,
^Veftried with fighting. However brief, ^iunii suffice thim ti> rally ^

Thus having said, departed the wind-swift messenger Iris.
Up then Achilles arose j belov*d of Zcus^ and Athen^
Flung round his mighty shoulders the fringed orb of her ^gis.
Over hini pourt^d the (Goddess a golden cloud, like a j^ory
Circling his head^ which a daiezUng light shot fvund kim m ail sides.
As in some ehst-heieagutfrii town by foemen itiYested
Far in some sea-girt isle, a rising smoke from the ramparts
Curls, when the day has closed on a fierce and desperate sally,
Down sinks the sun, nftd the shades dt^icnd ; tlien blaze forth the

beaconsj (210)

One Hucceeding another, /r^^w all the t&ti^rs; and their frpkndour
Flashes aloft to the sky, which watchful friends on the main-land
Haply perceiving, their ships may launch, and haste to the rescue :
Thus to the skies that glory streamed from the head of Achilles,
Passing beyond the w*all, to the trench he advanced, from the Grecians
Holding aloof, and revering the sage advice of his raothen
Taking his stand, he sent forth a shout ; and Pallas Athen^
Added her voice. Unspeakable terror seized on the Trojans.
Clear as the trumpet's note, w^hich beneath the walls of a fortress
Rings md defiance and death from besieging foes to its inmates. {%to)
Thus resounded the cr>* sent forth by ^acus' offspring.

26-

404

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BookXVHL

J^ift^ing with bmztn darfg. Each Trojan warrior who heard it
Quailed in his inmost soul : and their very horses in terror
Sprang short round with their cars, instindt with foresight of mischief.
Panic overwhelmed their charioteers, who beheld, with amaztmefti
Mingkd wiih awe^ the glory that flamed from the head of Peleid^,
Blazing with restless beams^ enkindled by blue-eyed Athend
Thrice from the brink of the trench loud shouted godlike Achilles :
Thrice did the Trojans and brave allies start back in confusion.
Dashed from their chariots were twelve of the best and bravest among
them : f 230)

Crmkcdhy the cars, or kurkd on mch cthef^s lances, they perished*

Joyfully bore the Greeks Patroclus now from the weapons.
Stretched on a bier he lay, and around him his faithful companions,
Grieving, were mnged. Achilles himself the mournful procession
Followed in tears. He wept for his trusted friend and his comrade.
There on his bier extended, with lances pierced and with arro^i^s;
Him^ whom so late exu/fing he sent with his steeds and his chariot
Forth to the war, ah ! never again in life to behold him.

Now the unwearied sun, at the sovereign mandate of Herd,
Sank, unwilling, to rest in the broad expanse of the ocean. (240)
Down it plunged; and the Greeks, thatch brave;^ worn &uf wiik thdr

Rested from war's alarm, and the horrors of mutual slaughter.
While on their part, from the battle- field the Trojans retreating.
Freed from the chariot yoke their wearied steeds, and in council
Gathered, in anxious debate, postponing all thought of refreshment
Standing the council was held. Not a man dared sit, for a terror
Hung on the spirits of all ; and the dreadful form of Achilles,
Absent so long from the war, reappearing now, had unmanned them.
First to speak was Polydamas, Panthous' son ; in his wisdom
Looking before and after, alone he stood of the Trojans: (250)
In the same night with He<5lor born, from youth his companion ;
This for council and eloquence famed, and tliat for his prowess.
Wisely afui calmiy speaking his mind, he addressed the assembly :
** Now is your time to decide, my friends \ the advice which 1 offer
Is to return to the city, and not to wait till the morning

BOOK XVIII.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

405

Here in the plain, remote as we are from our walls and d^fenas.
Long as bet^^^een this ttrrtbk man and king Agamemnon
Wrath and contention prevailed, the Greeks were less to be dreaded.
I myself could encamp with joy quite close to their vessels, (^59)
Such was my eager hope that ere long we should capture ami burn

ihenh
Now am I filled with dread at the swift and ven^ffui Achilles.
Such is his fierce and daring soul, not long will he loiter
Here in the plain, where Trojans and Greeks have long been

accustomed
In fair fields with alternate success, to meet ^id to battle.
Now must we fight for our ow^ town itself, our wives ami our infanh.
Be persuaded* Retire to the city. There is our siafety—
Nowj while ambrosial night the swift-pursuing Achilles
Still at his ships detains* If here he should find us to morrow
When fresh armed he shall take the field, full many a Trojan
What Peleides can do shall learn. Too happy the mortal (270)

Then who to I lion's walls shall escape, nor gorge with his carcase
Vultures and dogs. May tidings like these from my ears be averted !
Nowj-^if ye take my advice and retreat (' tis grievous I grant it,)
Let us to-night in the public squares assemble our warriors;
Strong are our buttressed tow'rs, and high the gates which proteii^ us,
Strongly barred with enormous beams, well fitted and fastened.
Early at dawn let us man the walls^ full armed and appointed
Then, should he venture up from the ships, right hard will he find it.
Range as he may beneath our walls, to assault or to hurt us» (279)
Round them in circuit wide let his proud steeds sweep, with his charif^.
Back to his ships^ fatigued with their useless course^ shall they bear him :
Nor will he dare, methinks, to attempt an assault on the city,
Troy falls not to Achilles ! The dogs shall sooner devour him,"
Bending upon hini a look severe thus He<5^or responded:
" Most displeasing, Prince \ is such counsel to me, and unwelcome.
Wouldst thou advise us a^in to mew ourselves up in the city ?
Hast thou not long enough remained cooped in by our ramparts ?
Famed was the city of Priam in former times for its riches;
Ail men spidte of its brass, its gold, its boundless resources.

4o6

THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XVllI,

Now from its ^rgmus dome^ have their wealth and treasure

departed, (290)

Scattered abroad and sokl, in Maeonia fair, and in Phrygia,
Since that day when the wrath of Zetis was kindled against us.
Now, when at length th* all pow'rful son of mysterious Kionos
Grants me to triumph, to hem in the Greeks on the shore, at their

vessels,
FooUsh man ■ wouldst thou utter such words as these to the people ?
Think not a Trojan will heed them, or I stand by and permit it !
Now then list to my words. Let all give heed and obey them,
Scnr otii their evening meal to the soldiers, squadron by squadron.
Look to the watch. Let all be alert and ready for aclion*
If there be one of the Trojans who hugs his wealth and would

save it, (300)

Now let him bring it forth and divide it all with the people;
Better the meanest IVojan should take his share than an Aigive,
At the first break of to-morrow's dawn, full armed and appointeti,
All be prepared for afresh and fierce attack on their vessels j
And should Achilles indeed arise once more to defend them,
So much the worse for liimi he will find me ready to meet him ;
Nor will I shrink from his stern assault. In the contest for glory
He who may conquer wins^ but the hero who falls has conferred iL
Ares is just, and the slayer himself is slain, if he will it.''

Thus spake He(5lor, and answVing witli shouts the Trojans

applauded; (3io>

Blind as they were, by Pallas Athena deprived of their reason.
All of them chose, with He<5ior, the path that led to destruiflion :
None with Polydamas sided, whose pkns would have placed them in

safety.
So to their evening meal they went Meanwhile tbe Achaians
Mourning stood round Patroclus* bier all night, and lamented,
Echoing the ceaseless nqoans and outcries wild of Peleides.
Bmt ifer the dead, his slaughtering hands he placed on his bosom.
Sending forth frequent groans : as a bearded and terrible lion
Robbed of his whelps, ii^/ti/e roaming for prey^ by some wandering

hunter^

BookXVIIL]

THE iUAD OF HOMER.

407

Back t& his deft/r&m fke wild returning, misses his offspring : (320)
Then through the woods and vales he tracks the steps of the robber^
limrirtg with rage; afui wae to the hapks^ wretch if he find him.
Thus to the Myrmidons standing round he poured forth his sorrows :
''Vain, alas I how vain was my pledge to the hero Mentetius,
Giv*n to console his grief, when I vowed in the halts of our palace
Safe to restore his son to his native city — ^to Opus —
Rich with the spoil of captured Troy, triumphant ami hmwurtd.
Such are the dreams of men, and thus fulfilled by Kronfon.
Here by a common fate upon Troia^s soil are we destined (3^9)

Both to pour forth our blood. For ne*er shall Peleus my father
Welcome me back to Phthi^s sh^n% nor Thetis behold me
In the im^ai semts 0/ my youth: for here one grave shall receive us.
But since awhile, Patroclus \ on earth I must linger behind thee,
Only so long unpaid be thy fun'ral rites, till I bring thee,
Soothing thy shade, the spoils and the head of thy murderer He<5lor,
Twelve of the noblest Trojan youth, to vengeance devoted,
Slain by my hand, round thy fun'ral pyre shall bleed, as thy vi<5tims.
Here shalt thou rest meanw*hile by the high* beak' d ships^ and around

thee
High-bosomed Trojan and Dardan dames shall stand and bemoan thee*
Pouring forth daily and nightly tears and loudly lamenting i (340)
Captives won by our conquering spears in the days when together,
Fighting, we plundered and burned full many a populous city/*
Thus lamented Achilles, and called his attendants about him.
Bidding them place on the fire a tripod vase, and with water
Lave from the tlust and gore the sad remains of Patroclus,
Soon o'er the fire a cauldron vast they set, and beneath it
Heaped up a pile of blazing wood, and filled it with water.
Played round the sides of the vase the flames, and simmered the

water.
Then, while the bubbles hissed round the gleaming rim of the vessel,
Carefully washed they the corse, and with autUest unguents anointed.
Salving its wounds with balms nine circling seasons had mellowed.
Then on a lofly couch they kid the corse, and in linen
Wrapped it from head to foot, and a white sheet o*er it extended.

4o8

THE lUA D OF HOMER. [BOOK XVI IK

Standing around, through the rest of the night the Myrmidon warriors
Answered, with groan for groan and with sigh for sigh, to Achilles.
Zeus then these wortls to Hera addressed, his sister and consort :
** Queen of the largu respiendent eyes ! thy wish is accomplished,
Swift Achilles is roused- One would think, so dearly thmt Im'st them^
Thine by dire6l descent were the long-haired sons of Achaia."

Rolling her large majestic eyes thus Hera responded : (360)
" Dread and severe Kronfon ! what words are these thou hast

uttered ?
Surely a mortal man might have done so much for a mortal.
Needs not %}a^p0U?r nor wisdom of Gods such feats to accomplish.
And shall not I, the Queen of heav'n, the first in Olympus
After thyself, by birth, and to thee united in wedlock —
Consort of Zeus ! who rules o*er all, both mm mtd immortals—
Wreak my wrath on a nation 1 loathe and abhor hke the Trojans ?"

Such their discourse on high. Meanwhile fr&m the iKtetn asemding
Silvery-footed Thetis at length to die halis of Hephaestus
Came; to that bright and starry dome, incorruptible, brazen (370)
Man^l of heav*n, which the limping God for himself had constru£led^
Biithed in sweat she found him, and labouring hard at the bellows*
Twenty tripods of wondrous frame the God was preparing,
Ranged round the walls of his palace hall to stand ; and revolving
Under the base of each were golden wheels, which should bear them
Self- transported! instiftit with iift\ to the heavenly conclave ;
Self- transported convey them back, and arrange ihem in order.
All, so far, were complete. There wanted only the handles ;
These he was now about to ^y:.^ and was forging the rivets, (379)

Thus, as ^ith thoughtful mind and with skilful hand he was toiling^
Thetis the snowy-footed approached ilu scene of his labours.
Her beholding, Chans tlie fair, the wife of Hephaestus,
Veiled with a tissue of purest white advanced to receive her;
Cordially pressed her hand; and endearingiy viw[f\ftd and addressed her:
'* Thetis, beloved and reveretl ! what brings Uiee here to our palace.
Richly attired? Not often of old wert thou wont to fret|uent it
Enter 1 pray thee, at once, and receive our heartiest welcome,"
Thus spake the Goddess, as leading her guest, she entered the palace*

BookXVUL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

409

Seating her then on a gorgeous throne, all shining with silver
Wrought into rich devices, her feet she raised on a footstool (390)
Then from his work Hephaestus called, and thus slie addressed him :
** Hasten T Hephaestus. Thetis is here, and needs thy assistance,'*
Then in his turn replied the limpitig lord of thi furnace :
"Honoured indeed are these halls by a presence so dear and so

gracious,
Thetis it was who preserved me from horrible ills, when my mother
Tossed me away with savage and pitiless scorn ; — the deformed one
WTiom she would fain have hidden* Oh 1 then what woes had I

suffered^
Had not Eurynomd^ daughter of refluent ocean, and Thetis
Caught m^faiiutg^ and wartfitd in their gmik bosoms, and nursed me!
There nine years ^in their hollow caves I lived ; and to please

them (400)

Wrought for them many a quaint device — clasps, bracelets and buckles,
Pendants and chains : while around and above the wide- foaming ocean
Murmured in ceaseless fl&uK I'here alike from Gods and from mortals
Hidden 1 grew^ nor did one know aught of my place of concealment
Saving these two^ Eurynom^ kind and Thetis, who reared me.
Fair-haired Thetis is now beneath my roof. Let me shew her
AU the respedl and love I owe to my nurse and my saviour j
Place before her the best our palace affords; while I hasten,
Bellows and tools laid all aside, to prepare me to meet her/*

Thus he spake, and his mighty bulk upreared from the anvil (410)
Halting. His feeble and awkward legs bestirred themselves briskly.
First, from the fire the bellows he moved ; and, collected together,
Safely stowed in a silver chest the tools he was using.
Then with a sponge he cleansed his face, his hands, and his braivny
Neck, and his shaggy breast, /r^w the sm(^ke and grime ofihefumaee;
Flung o'er his shoulders a robe; his sceptre grasped; and proceeded
Limping forth from the door of his forge. Two golden attendantSj
Formed in the likeness of living maids, supported the Monarch.
(Each has within it a living soul ; with speech are they gifted ;
Strength is theirs, and with arts and skill the Gods have endowed

them,) (420)

4IO

THE ILIAD OP HOMER,

[HookXVIIL

These, as he limped along, sustained the steps of Hephaestus,
Tilt by the side of Thetis a gorgeous throne he ascended^
Cordially pressed her hand^ mfieariNgiy named and addressed her r
" Thetis, belov*d and revered ! What brings thee now to our palace
Richly attired? Not often of old wert thou wont to frequent it
Speak, thy wishes declare; thou shalt find me ready and willing ;
If it be aught that a God may do, and if I can perform it"
Dropping a tear as she spake^ thus Thetis mournfully answered ;
**ls there a Goddess, Hephaestus, inhabiting lofty Olympus,
Forced, Like myself, by Zeus to drain the cup ^afl[ii<^^tion ? (430)

Is there, among them all, one, half so wTetched as Thetis ?
Me, among all the nymphs of the deep to a man he subjeded— -
Wedded to Peleus— forced to endure the embrace of a mortal —
Sorely against my wilU And there he lies in his palace
Feeble and broken with age* Nor is this the sura of my sorrows*
Fruit if our marriage a son I bore, and tcrtdcriy nursed him;,
Noblest of heroes ! As some fair tree shoots up from a sapling
Planted in fertile soil, in grace he grew, and in vigLmt*
Grown tip to man's estate, in his ships to II ion I sent him
There with the Trojans to fight Ah ! never again to revisit {440)
Home, or re-enter the ancient halls of Peleus his father.
Still with corroding grief are his days consumed ; and in sorrow
Passes his life away ; nor can I do aught to relieve him.
He from the Greeks received a heautc&us maid as his portion.
Whom from his arms Agamemnon mijusiiy tore, and ddalns her.
Grief and despair for her loss consumed his soul ; while the Trojans
Drove back tlie Greeks to their ships^ and hemmed them in, nor per*

mitted
Forth from their gates to advance* Then came the chiefs of their

council
Begging his aid, and proflTring unbounded wealth, fa appease him.
All he refused : nor, himself, did aught to avert their desLrudion, (430)
Yet he permitted his friend Patroclus to fight ; and his armour
Lent htnif and forth to the battle he went, with many a warrior-
All day long at the Sciean gate they fought, and the city
Surely that very day had they captured, but that Apollo

BooJCXVHL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

Cami^ and struck down in his full career of conquest and triumph
Valiant Menoetius* son, and transferred the glory to Het^or,
Therefore a suppliant to thee 1 come and entreat thine assistance
Arms to supply for my short-lived son l a shield and a helmet,
Beauteous greaves, well fitted with buckles and clasps, and a corslet
Those which he had he lost, when his faithful friend and

companion (4^0)

Fell; for whose death he mourns, on the ground extended and

weeping."
Then to her words replied the limping Lord of the furaace :
** Be of good cheer. Distress not thy mind with cares yJ/r his armmn
AV^ould that with equal ease I could snatch thy son from destm^ion
When a/ ihc fated hour^ his death, forctaid^ is approaching.
As I shall make him a gloriaus suit, the wonder of all men^
Such as was ne'er beheld by mortal eyes for its beauty,"
Thus he spake, and he left her tliere, and returned to his bellows ;
Turned on the fire their nozzles and bid them blow. At his orders
Twcuty bellows their streams of wind sent forth on the furnace {470)
Raising a varied blast, now strong, now soft, as Hephsestus
Now urging on his work required their aid, now desisted,
iMtiftg it ai&i arahiky that all might be duly completed.
Into the furnace be cast the stubborn bronze, and he melted
Tin, and the precious gold, and tik'g/mmiHg silver : the anvil
Raising, next on its block he placed ; and the ponderous hammer
Grasped with his strong right hand. With his left he handled the

forceps*
First did he frame a vast and solid shield, with devices
Richly enchased, and around its margin a glittering border
Threefold and polished he led; with a silver sling to sustain it. (4S0)
Five were the plates which its substance formed; the outer with

sculpture
Covered, with rich inventive skill ttfr&uj^hi mi h the artist.
There he depi^lured the earth, and the canopied sky, and tlie ocean,
There the unwearied sun, and the full'Orb*d moon in thtirmursa.
AI! the configured stars, which gem the circuit of heaven,
Pleiads, and Hyads were tliere, and the giant force of Orioq.

412

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

There the revolving Bear (which the Wain they call) was ensculptured
Circling on high^ and in all its course regarding Orion,
Sole of the starrj' train which refuses to bathe in the ocean,

T/use in the midst. In the circuit round two cities were
sculptured, (49^)

Fair to behold. In one were raarriage processions and feasting.
There were the brides, by the torches' blaze led forth from their cham-
bers
All through the streets; while in chorus the bridal hymns were

resounding;
Youths in the festal dance whirled deftly round, and among them
Harpers and pipers played to mark the time^ while the matrons,
Each at her door, as the train passed in% stood gating in wonder.
There too the forum was shewn, with people thronged, to a trial
List'ning ; where for a ransom two angry men were disputing,
Due for a townsman slain. The one insists he has paid it*
While his opponent maintains he has nought received. To the
people (Sc>o)

Each has appealed, and a judge lliey seek to settle their quarrel
Some of the crowd for one^ and some declare for the other.
Heralds meanwhile the tumult appease. The elders arc seated
Solemn^ in sacred array on marble chairs in a circle.
One, in his turn, has received the herald's staff, and uprising
Duly explains his view of the case, and delivers his judgment 7
While in the midst two talents of gold lie heaped, for the suitor
Destined, whose pleaded cause shall best be approved by tlie judges*
Round the next sculptured town two hostile bands were assembled.
Shining in arms. A two-fold mind divides the besiegers; (5'^)
These would destroy the city, and those but plunder and spoil '%
All the treasure and wealUi it contains dividing among them.
Unsubdued, the besieged for a secret ambush w^ere arming-
Watchful, along the walls their wives and innocent children
Stood looking forth with anxions gaie; the old and thcfubit.
Forth march' d tlie youth, by Ares led and Pallas Athen^
(These were of gold, and golden-clad, in beauteous armour;
Tall in stature and lofty in mien^ as beseeming their Godhead,

Book XVI 1 1.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

413

Radiant they stalked and gigantic* The men were dwarfed in pro-
portion).
Now to a spot are they come for their ambush meet, by a
river, (520)

Just where a watering-place for all sorts of cattle expanded*
There in resplendent arms they crouch them down in concealment
Far in advance two spies are set, looking out for the shepherds
Notice to give, should horned steers or sheep be approaching.
(These might be seen, coming on : two shepherds, driving their cattle ;
Piping they came, suspecting nought, and thoughtless of raischiel)
Soon as beheld, the ambushed foe, upstarting, attack them,
Slaughtering at once the herds of kine, dispersing and killing
All the fair flocks of snowy sheep, and slaying the shepherds.
Soon as the cries of the slayers and slain, and the roar of the
oxen (530)

Reach to the hostile camp where the chiefs are sitting in council.
Straightway their cars they mount and fly to the scene of the uproar.
Soon as arrived at the river's bank they rush into battle*
Fighting is seen, and tlie spears and darts fly thickly between them*
Tumult and direful Strife were there. Fate mixed in the combat^
Sheltering these, and wounding those. One slain in the struggle
Seized by the feet she drags along through the midst of the carnage.
Red with the blood of men is the robe she wears round her shoulders*
All to the life were she^n. They fight — they slay — and they struggle
Or o'er the dead they bend, and drag them off, to despoil thenL_^,^

Next was presented a fallow field, soft, rich, and extensive, (S4i)
Now for the third time ploughed ; and across it many a ploughman
Backward and forward was driving his team and leading his furrow.
Soon as the boundary line each reached, and was turning his plough-
share.
One stood ready to hand him a flowing cup, t& refresh him^
Brimming with honied wine. Then back they turned in their order,
Each retracing his line to the utmost verge of the fallow*
Black seemed the land behind, where the ploughs had passed, as with

tillage \
Golden albeit Such was the wondrous skill of the artist

414

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK XVI I L

Next was there shewn a field of com deep-waving, where reaperB,
Each with his sharpened sickle in hand, were securing the han^est (551)
Handful by handful it sank to tMr sturdy sir0k£s, and in order
Lay the cut bundles. These into sheaves the binders were tying.
Three were the binders of sheaves, with attendant boys, who the reapers
Followed; gathering the handfuls of com in their arms, to supply them
Fast as they tied up the slieaves. Apart stood the master in sdence^
Leaning upon his statT, and with joy sur\'eying the produce*
Under an oak, where an 0% was slain, the heralds attendant
Harvest rites performed, and a feast prepared : while the women
Sprinkled the meat with plenty of barley-flour for the reapers. (560)
Changed was the seem. A \ineyard was shewn, with grapes for iht
vinia^
Heavily laden. The vines were gold^ and black were the dusters
nkk intertwifiifig on silver poles the plants were supported,
Round it a trench of azure sted was drawn, and to fence it
Rose up a l>ank in tin. One only pathway across it
Passed, and allowed access, in the vintage time, to the bearers.
Youths and maidens, joyous of heart, unamsd&us of eini^
Bore tif the press the luscious fruit in baskets of wicker,
While in their midst a lad w*ent harping along, and reciting
Songs handed dm^nfrom Linus (if&ldy to his musk adapted^ (s?^)

TriUing with slender and boyish voice ; while the rest in the chorus
Joined, keeping time with their feet, as they danced and skipped
to the measure-
Next was presented a herd of oxen, driven to their pasture.
Carrying ere (51 their horns. Of gold and of tin were they moulded
Various, Forth from the stalls loud lowing they rushed, where a river
Munnuring roiled, and the bord'ring reeds waved high in the breeies.
Four were the herdsmen of gold who marched beside them, and careful^
Tended the drove : and nine swift dogs followed dose on ihdr footsteps^
Lot where in front of the herd two fierce and terrible lions
Seize on the bellowing bull, and, despite his struggles and roaring, (sSo)
Drag him away; while dogs and herdsmen run to the rescue.
Tearing the skin of the mighty beast they standi and his entrails
Gorge, and the dark and streaming blood ihey lap, while the herdsmen

BooicXVIlL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEE.

41 S

Close up in vain, and in vain cheer on their dogs to attack them,
These^ though they snari ami s\\^w their teeth, refuse to approach them ;
Standing aloof, though near, they bark, yet shun the encounter*

Next, by the skill of Hephaestus a gatikr scen€ was depitlured;
Snow-white flocks in a verJant mead, among shdtcrhtg woodlands ;
Folds ; and the shepherds' tents ; and the pmce/ai roof of the cottage,

Fbiioimng this was enchased a dance, like that which at Gnossus (590)
Daedalus first with ingenious skill devised {when in Crtta
Refuge he sought)^ to delight the fairhair'd queen .^liadnd
Blooming youths and attra<5live maidens danced in a circle,
Joining hands, and grasping each other*s wrists, as they bounded.
Soft white linen expressed^ wkHc it veiled, the forms of the damsels;
Glancing, and glazed, as with oil, shone bright the attire of their

partners.
Each fair head w ith a fiowepy wreath was crown*d ; and a falchion.
Golden, in baldric of silver each youth from his shoulder suspended.
Now in a ring they fly with pradlised feet, as a potter (599)

Whirls wnth his hand, where he sits, the forming wheel, and examines
Kicely its baianccd course as it spins and sictps m its centre ^
Now from opposing ranks they cross, interlacing each other.
Gazing delighted the crowd stand round. Beside them a harper,
Sings to his l)Te a sacred lay, thus marking the measure;
While at the sound of his harp in die midst two tumblers advancing
Spin round each other, and gambol and vault in time to his music

Such was the perfect orb ; and the mighty stream of the ocean
Rolled round its border in w^avy gold, completing its circuit

Now when that vast and solid shield Hephaestus had finished,
Brighter than flame itself^ a breastplate next he constru^ed, (610)
Then, too, a casque he formed, to the hero's temples adjusted,
Nodding with waving pltimes, ami a cone of gold to support them^
Greaves, moreover, of du^lile and burnished tin he provided.

Thus were t!ie glorious arms at length complete, and Heph^stus,
Bringing them forth, his work displayed to the wondering Goddess ;
She, at his hands receiving the gift, from snowy Olympus
Shot, like a hawk, and bore them away to the tent of Achilles.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XIX.

BOOK THE NINETEENTH.

Argument.

Thetis presents to Achilles his new armour. She promises to
preserve the body of Patroclus from corruption^ and bids him assemble
the army, and be publicly reconciled with Agamemnon, Agamemnon
restores Briseis, and adds rich presents. Achilles desires to join battle
immediately y but Odysseus dissuades him, Briseis laments over the body
of Patroclus, Achilles refuses food^ but is strengthened by Pallas, He
arms for the fight^ mounts his car, and reproaches his horses for having
suffered the death of Patroclus, One of them replies, and predi6ls his own
fate, notwithstanding which, he sets forth leading his troops to battle.

ILIAD. BOOK XIX.

Dawn, in her salTron robe arrayed, from the waves of the Ocean
Rose, and the light had restored alike to Gods and to mortals,
When at the ships the Goddess arrived with the gifts of Hephaestus*
Stretched o*er Patroclus' corse her son she found, in his anguish
Sending forth piiercing cries, while aronnd him wept his companions*
Full in the midst of them all the Goddess appeared, and approaching,
Pressed the hand of her son, and endearingly naming, bespoke him \
" Grieved as thou art, my son, let the dead repose ; and remember
*Twas but the will of heav*n and the hand of a God that subdued him.
Up ! now. Receive at my hands these splendid gifts of

Hephaestus — (lo)

Arms such as ne*er were seen the grace to form of a mortal/*
Thus having said, she arranged the arms in the sight of Achilles ;
Loudly they clanged as she placed on the ground their beauteous

fabric.
Seized with fear were the Myniiidons all Not one to behold them
Ventured, Aloof they trembling stood. Up rose then Achilles,
While at their sight rekindled the fire in his soul, and his eyeballs
Glowed from beneath his gloomy brows >*nth a terrible splendour.
Handling them all, wnth delight he received the gifts of the Godhead*
Fmdng each wond'rous piece, with siirpris€ and joy he surveyed //•
GrakfuUy then his mother addressed, and thus he bespake her : (20)

27 — 2

420

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[BOOK XIX

** Mother ! the works of a God indeed hast thou brought In their

struClure
Skill divine is displayed. No mortal hand could have wrought them*
Now shall I shine once more in arms. Yet, alas ! if aband&ned
fferf, tmiendi'dy the corse of the valiant son of Menoedus,
Flies will assail \ in those goping wounds whence issued his spirit
Gendering worms ohcem; those sabred relics defiling —
(Now that their Ufe is fled)— and his flesh will sink in corruption/'

Thus he spake ; and the silver-footed Goddess responded :
'* Let not these /^>//x fears y^^r ihy frimd hang heavy upon thee ;
Be it my care his remains to tend, and chase from his body {30)

All the fierce host of flies, which infest the slairt, and devour them.
Here, for a year entire exposed should he lie, thou shalt find him
Still uncorrupt, his remains still fresh : nay^ purer than mortal.
Therefore depart ! and summon the Argive chiefs to a meeting \
There renounce thy i^Tath at the shepherd and guide of his people,
Grtai Agamemnon ; then arm for fight, and appear in thy glory."
Thus having spoken, his bosom she filled with daring and vigour.
Then in Patroclus' nostrils ambrosia instilled, and the ruby
Nectar, the corse to preserve, and secure its flesh from corruption*

Now by the ocean gtrand set forth the godlike Achilles, {40)

Shouting aloud, and summoning all the chiefs of the Argives.
Forthwith assembled the Greeks in haste, Ev'n those whom their duty
Held in the ships ; the steersmen too, from the stems of their vessels,
Shipwrights, pur^^eyors, dispensers of daily food to the army^
All came fonh ; all rushed to the meeting, now that Achilles
Once more appeared* so long estranged from the perilous confli<5l.
Limping stowly along, those two brave servants of Ares,
Mighty Tydeides, the soul of war, and godlike Odysseus
Came, on their spears sustained, their wounds still rankling and painful
Fon\^ard advancing, their seats they took, in the front of the
council (50)

Last came Atreus' son, the wide-ruling king Agamemnon,
Sore distrest with the wound which Coon the son of Antenor
Fighting beneath the walls, with his brazen spear had inflicled

Now, when the chiefs had met, and all the Greeks were assembled,

Book XIX,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

421

Godlike Achilles, swift in pursuit, uprose and addressed them :

'* Atreus* son ! far better tt were for the one and the other.

Happier by far for us both if, ere that day when contention

Rose up between us, and angry thoughts on account of EriseTs,

Artefiiis' shafts had laid her law, in the ship which conveyed her

Home, a prize to my conqu'ring annSj from the sack of Larissa. (60)

Then had been spared the lives of those hosts of Greeks who have

perished.
Biting the ground beneath hostile spears, while I cherished tny anger.
Hettor and Troy alone by our strife have gained ; but the Argives
Long, methinks, of our wrath will retain a bitter remembrance.
Now let us fling it aside as a thing of the past, though it vexed us.
Bending our souls to the present need and taming our anger,
i for my part dismiss my wrath. It becomes not a mortal
Hate und>ing to cherish. Then lose no time, but to a<5tion
Summon at once thy crested Greeks, and array them for battle*
Give me to try once more in the field the strength of the Trojans. {70)
Harldly another night will ihey camp in front of our vessels.
Happy the man who shall fastest run, a/^^/ escaping my vengeance
Streiih kirn i& reft ikis night beyond the reach of my weapon."
Thus he spake. Loud clamoured with joy the Greeks when
Peleideg
Once more they heard, mUpthg their musc^ renouncing his anger.
Then, the assembly addressing, the ruler of men, Agamemnon,
Spake from his throne where he sate ; nor quitting his place nor ad-
vancing t
** Friends and heroes of Greece, >^ valiant sen^ants of Ares t
WTioso may rise to speak, should be quietly heard and in silence \
For, be ye never so wise, to interrupt is unseemly* (So)

Who can be heard, or w^ho can hear in so w^ild a confusion ?
Such as the loudest would drown, or confound the most eloquent

speak en
Let me be heard, when to Peleus son I would speak, and, ye Aigives !
Lend an attentive ear, and mark each word that I mten
Much have ye blamed me for what has passed, ye sons of Achaia !
This ham I mt ta itarn* Yet not to your king was it owing

422

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIX.

Zeus was to blame and Fate, and tliat fiend of darkness, Er^Tinys,
^Tio on ihat ill-stnired day when I forced his prize from Achilles
Filled my soul with despite and rage in the public assembly.
What could I do ? The Gods as they will dispose of our a 61 ions, (90)
kx.6 it was, dread daughter of Zeus, misleader of all men,
Mischief-making. Her noiseless feet, as she steals an her viflims^
Mark not the ground. O^er the heads of men she marches, and evil
Sows in each heart as she goes. Nor me alone did she visit
Zeus himself, of old, she misled, who, supreme over mortals,
Holds everlasting sway, and o*er all the Gods. At her bidding
Hera with, female wiles her lord deceived, when in Thebpe
Time brought round th* expected day when beauteous xAlcmene,
Pregnant by Ztus, should give to the light the might of Heracles.
Thus spake Zeus, with paternal pride, to the heavenly assembly : {100)
. *Heari ye Gods and Goddesses all, who inhabit Ofympas^
What the prophetic spirit within me prompts me to utter.
This day shall see, by th' Ilythian pow rs that preside over child-birth.
Brought into lights a mighty prince who shall rule ^V the nathns^
Chief of a race of heroes, my own immediate descendants.*
Hera, who heard the boast, devising mischief, addressed him :
*What thou hast said can none believe. Thou ne'er wdt fulfil it
Swear to me now with a mighty oath, great lord of Olympus !
That on this very day, a sovereign, bom of a woman, {^'^9)

Of thy own lineage and blood shall on earth appear, for dominion
Destined, o'er all around, and nobly to rule o'er the Argives.'
Thus she spake. But Zeus perceived not the snare, nor escaped it
Forthwith the oatli he swore. Then bitterly rued he his blindness*
Hera^ ddighted, shot from the rock-piled heights of 01>Tnpus.
Aigos she sought, where pregnant^ she knew, was the mfe of its

sovVeign,
Sthenelus, Perseus* royal son ; awaiting in patience
(Now in her seventh month) the approaching birth of her infant
Him, untimely, she pushed into hfe, but withheld from Akmena
All her e^xpeHed aid, and forbade th' Ilythi^ to help her;
Then, returning to Zeus, she announced the birth of his offspring: (120)
VLord of the lightning's blaze ! rejoice at the ddings I bring thee,

Book XIX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEK.

423

This day a hero is bom who shall rule o'er the dwellers in Ai^gos.
Sthenelus' son, Eurystheus, the mighty descendant of Pei^eus,
And of thy own immortal line. Fit sovereign for Argos.'
Pierced to the soul with grief was Zeus, when he heard the

announcement,
Thus delivered : and At^ at once he seized in his fury,
Grasped by her shining locks: and an oath he swore, that hence-
forward
In the 01)111 pi an halls that demon of strife and deception
Never should dwell, nor/^/Zw/ifthe starry skies Ufiih Iter pr^setue*
Thus having swom^ from the heavenly heights and the gates of
Olympus, (150)

\\ hirling her round, he cast her down ; thenceforth among mortals
Ever to dwell . But tiu miukkf ims done, and he grieved for Heracles
Whtn he beheld him toiling beneath the yoke of Eurj^stheus,
So on my soul, the wrong I had done, the mischief it v^Tought ws,
Weighedj and suffered me not to rest, while crest-waving Hector
Triumphed, and slew my Greeks beneath the sterns of their vessels*
Deeply I erred^ by the will of Zeus deprived of my reason.
Yet will I make amends, and with gifts proclaim ray repentance*
Now then for war prepare, and muster thy troops for tlie battle*
All those gifts which yestermom Odysseus on my part (*4o)

Promised thee, home to thy tent will I duly %^nd, for atonement r
Or, if thou wilt, restraining awhile thy impatience for action.
Here on the spot from my ships, by my servants brought, shalt

thou see them
Fairly delivered, a pledge tff my truths and desire to appease thee*"

Thus making ans^ver replied the swift-pursuing Achilles;
"Atreus* son, most glorious, thou king of men, Agamemnon \
As for the gifts, it rests witli thyself to give or withhold them<
Equal it is to me. Now prepare we at once for the combat
X^t us not waste our time in idle parley, delaying
Aught that remains to do; for a mighty work is unfinished. (150)
Whoso shall see Achilles once more in front of the battle
Biazing, and sweeping away with his spear fc^^/^f ranks of the Trojans,
Fired wM £/ie si^ki, let him close with the foe and fight like a hero."

434

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XIX.

Risings here interposed the pnident and thoughtfxil Odysseus :
" Bra%'e as thou art, Achilles ! and likest a God in the com bat.
Lead not, fasting, Achaia's sons to fight with the Trojans
There before Ilion's walls. No brief encounter or skirmish
Then will be seen, when two such hosts engaging m battle
Join, and encouiaging Gods inflame their mutual hatred* (159)
Let then abundance of food and wine at the ships of the Grecians
Hearten the troops for the fight ; for these give strength and entlurance.
Tis not jn mortal man to confront the foe, and to combat,
Unsupported by food from dawn of day until sunset.
For, be he nti'tr s& bmve^ though his soul be bent upon fighting,
Yet will the time arrive when his strength will fail, and his vifa/s
Hunger and thirst tiiii gfiati\ and his knees refuse to sustain him.
But when a man, with wine refreshed, and with food to support him,
Goes forth to meet his foe with a day^s hard fighting before him,
Stout is his heart in his breast. His limbs are firm, and continue
Strong, till the hour shall arrive when all desist from the combat
Now dismiss the assembly, and give command that our warriors (171)
Take their accustomed meal Let the king of men, Agamemnon,
Set forth the presents in public view, that the Greeks may behold them.
Gladding their ©yes, and thyself, O AchUies / see and approve them ;
Then let him rise, and standing forth, in the midst of the Argives
Swear an oath that he ne'er hath ascended her couch, nor

approached her
Alter the fashion of man and wife; thus dtarifig kis honour^
Placing thy mind at ease, and ieaving m ground for resmtmeni.
Last, be a banquet served in Atre ides' tent, nor be wanting.
Aught that can shew respecl for thy worth or Jpy at fhy f^rfsmet, (180)
Thou, O Atreides 1 learn to be just henceforth in thy deaJings :
Nor be ashamed, nor regret, O king \ to have made reparation,
Such as is fair and just in itself, to the man thou hast injured,"

Then to Odysseus replied the king of men, Agamemnon :
''Son of Laertes! gladly I hear each ivord thou hast uttered.
All thou hast said is just and right, weii weighed and considered.
What thou requir'st I am ready to swear. My conscience avows it^
Nor mW I perjure myself in the presence of God. Let Achilles,

BOOK XIX]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Therefore, consent to a brief delay, though impatient for battle.
All of you here, my friends^ remain, assembled together, (190)

TUl from my tents the presents be brought, and our league be

concluded.
This be thy task, Odysseus. To thee this charge be entrusted.
Choose from among the Grecian youth their noblest and bravest,
Forth from our tents the gifts to bring which we promised Acliilles
Ycstennom, and the captive maids conduct to his vessels.
Be it Talthybius' care a boar to provide from the army.
Sacrifice meet unto Helios bright and Zeus the itvtngir^^

Then to his ^ords responded the swift-pursuing Achilles :
'*Atreus' son, most noble I thou l^ing of men, Agamemnon,
Ail these cares were better deferred to some future ocxasion, (200)
When in the pauses of war some fitting season shall ofifer,
Wlien the consuming rage which fills my breast hath subsided.
Slaughtered anil yet unburict! they lie whom deaihHlealing HeCtor,
Priamus' son, laid low, while Zeus with victory crowned him.
And wouldst thou then persuade me to feast? My advice would

be mther,
Fasting — this instant — for all the Greeks to rush to the combat:
First wipe away the stain, and avenge their faii~\^^ix at sunset
Back triumphant return, and close the day with a bani]uet.
Me^ till that hour, my friend lying pierced with wounds and disfigured,
StrtiLched on his bier in my tent, his feet to the door— his companions,
Standing around in sad and mournful array and lamenting — (211)
Meat nor drink shall refresh, or shall pass my lips. To my spirit
Hateful are all such thoughts, 1 long for nought but daindlim^
Slaughter, and wounds and blood and the groans of perishing waiTiols."

Then in his turn replied the wise and careful Odysseus:
** Glorious Achilles! noblest of Greeks, great Peleus' offspring*"
Mightier far than my own in fight I acknowledge thy prowess;
Yet wilt thou not deny me the praise of superior prudence.
Older I am than thyself, instructed hy longer experience.
Let then my words impress thy mind, and restrain thy impatience. (j2o)
Even the bravest of men will at length grow weary of fighting.
Vast is the swathe which the steel mows do\\T) in the han^est of battle,

426

THE ILIAD OF HO^fER.

[Book XIX.

Small is the gathered crop that is saved alive, when the Thund*rer
Hangs forth his scales and awards success to the cause that he favours.
Hard on the Greeks will it be to add hunger to grief, and with fasting
Honour their friends, who in heaps on heaps are perishing daily,
That were to leave no moment free from hardship and suffering.
Whoso hath fall'n, to the tomb with pirns care we consign him,
Sad^ but with constant hearts, and a day we give to our sorrows.
Those whom the wasteful chances of war shall spare, to support it (2^0)
Duly with meat and with drink must in strength be kept, that,

unw*earied,
Still they may face th* assailing foe with force unabated,
Sheathed in their arms of stubborn bronze /J^r the fight. Let the army
Nowj however no further orders expe^^^ : for the loit'rer
He who awaits a second call will find it a sharp one
If at the ships he linger. Let all be ready for a<5lion,
Down on the Trojans to pour, with all ike force we can muster J*
Thus spake Odysseus : and both the sons of Nestor selected,
Thoas and Merion too, wnth Meges, Phyleiis' offspring,
Creion's son, Lycomedes, he chose, and brave Melanippus : (240)
All repaired without loss of time to the tent of Atreides.
Soon was their order told^ and at once obeyed bj^ its inmates,
Sev'n fair tripods untouched by fire were produced /n^w its treasures ;
Tw^enty refulgent bowls; and the twelve swift steeds that were

promised ;
Forth came seven young Lesbian damsels, fair and accomplished ;
Last Briseis herself, the eighth r while mbie Odysseus
Placed in the scales ten talents of gold, and led the procession,
Followed by all the rest of the Grecian youths, with the presents.
These, when arrived, in the midst they placed. Then great

Agamemnon,
Rising, mfvanceit Tal thy bins the herald, standing beside him, (250)
Si/encf prodijimcd in impressive tone, and presented the vi<5lim»
Then Agamemnon, drawing the keen and g/ittering ^Qnizrdj
Which by the sheath of his mighty sword hung ever suspended.
Cropped from the boar Ixis forelock, and lifting his hands to Kronfon
Prayed : while around the Greeks, in solemn and reverent silence,

Book XIX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

427

Lent an attentive ear to each word which fell from the monarch.

This was the prayer he prayed, his eyes upraising to heaven :

"Witness, aUpmi^rfiii Zeus, thou first and best of th* immortals.

Earth ] aUsmng Sun 1 and ye drcadfid names of the Furies,

Ye who beneath the earth torment the false and the perjured ! (260)

Hand of mine hath never been laid on the damsel Brfseis.

Pure from approach or embrace of mine she remains : nor dishonour.

Either in word or deed, in my tent hath ever assailed hen

If I be false and forsworn in this, may the Gods in their vengeance

On my devoted head lay evVy curse of the perjured/'

Then in the throat of the boar he, plunged his pitiless dagger :
Him Talthybius whelmed in the hoary waves of the ocean,
Rolling him down* a meal for the fish. Uprose then Achilles,
And to the warlike Greeks these words addressed in e&ndushn:
** Father Zeus ! how dire are the woes thou heapest on mortals^ (^jo)
Ne*er could Atreides thus have awakened w^rath in my bosom.
Nor had he ever, unprompted, thus have seized on the damsel,
Carrying hef off against my will ; but that Zeus ha<l determined
Greece lo chastise, and with deaths on deaths to visit the Argives !
Now to your meal, ye Greeks ; then quickly prepare for the battle."

Ended Achilles his speech, and at ottce dismissed the assembly.
Forthwith the Greeks dispersed, and each to Ins vessel betook him.
Gathering the costly gifts, meanwhile, the Myrmidon warriors
lk)re them away, and bestowed them safe at the ships of Achilles.
Some they laid up in the tents, there lodged the captives in safety,
While to the stalls the noble attendants conduced the coursers. (iBi)

Beauteous as bright Aphrodite herself, the lovely Bnseis,
Soon as Patroclus, pierced with wounds she beheld^ on his body
Flung herself, drowned in tears, loud sobbing, beating her bosom,
Tearing her lovely neck, and defacing her beauteous features.
Speaking through tears, the heavenly fair gave vent to her sorrow*
** Dearest Patroclus ! friend, whose kindness soothed my affiliation !
Mighty chief! whom living I left when hence I departed,
Now to return to my tent, and find thee slain 1 How, for ever.
Evil on e\il, grief upon grief pursues and overwhelms me ! (^90)
He, the betrothed of my ime^ whom my mother dear and my father

428

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BooiC XIX.

Gave to my kopfs, m my very sights in defence of our city

Fellp transfixed with the spear; and my brethren three, whom

my mother
Bore, so dearly belov'd, that day swept off to destniclion.
Thou, when Achilles had slain my betrothed, wh^n the h&me of

my fathers
Safd% and the city of godlike Myn^tes smoked tn its rains,
Could'st not endtire my tears, but assured me that noble Achilles
One day would make me his bride, and across the ocean to Phthia
Bear me, and spread our nuptial feast in his Myrmidon palace*
Gentle thou ever wert, and with tears must I ever bewail thee," (300)
Weeping she spake. Then joined in her moans the rest of the captives.
Each for her own hard flite, though seeming to grieve for Patroclus.

Round Achilles, meanwhile, had gathered the chiefs of the Argives,
Pressing him iifiuch to their feast, but with sighs and groans he resisted ^
" Press me not, friends and companions dear, 1 pray^ if ye love me,
Either in food or in eordiai wine to seek for refreshment :
Juit tm full is my heart of patn ami grief to permit me.
Not till the sun shall have set will I break my fast,— but endure it"
Thus he spake i and the rest of the chiefs from his presence departed*
Only the t^^o Atreidae remained, and noble Odysseus, (3^^)

Nestofj the monarch of Crete, and that ancient warrior^ Phoenix,
These to console him essayed, but his soul refused consolation;
That must he seek in the bloody abyss of war and destruction*
Stung with renewed regrets, oft groaning, thus he lamented:
** This would have been thy care, Unhappy 1 My loved and my

lost One !
Thou wouldst thyself have set before me abundant refreshment
Here in my tent, in haste, but with care prepared, when the Grecians
Set forth /// batiie array to contend with the horse-taming Trojans.
There however tliou Hest, in wounds and in death : and my spirit
Loathes the refreshment of meat or drink from our am//e pro\ision,(32o)
Thinking of thee ! ^Vhat heavier blow, what worse can befal me?
Not should the death be announced of my e/J and reverend father,
Who at this moment perchance is tenderly weeping in Phthia,
Mourning the loss of his son, who in distant lands widi the Trojans

Book XIX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEE.

429

Wages a hiotless war, for the cause of that odious Helen:
Nor of my glorious boy Neoptolemus, him whom 10 Scyros,
(If he indeed still hve) I left in the care of his teachers.
Fondly I hoped and believed that I alone was predestined
Here on the Troian shore to perish, far from Achaia.
Thou wouldst return to Phthia^ meth ought ; thence ]^ssing to
Sc>Tos» (330)

Bring back my son once more in thy sable ship to his country.
There wouldst thou make him acquainted with al! his father's posses-
si ons^
AH my domains, my slaves, and the high-roofed halls of my palace*
Peleus now, methinks, must be long since dead, or if livings
Barely z\wt at best, and dragging a painful existence.
Worn out with age and grief, and hourly awaiting the tidings,
Harder to bear than hh mim^ of the mournful fate of his offspring/*

Weeping he spake, and the princes around him joined in his sorrows,
Each lamenting those he had left at home in his palace*
Zeus from above looking down beheld and pitied their anguish, (340)
hx^Afrom his throne whtrc he sate addressed these words to Athene :
*'Why dost thou, my daughter! forsake thy favourite hero?
Has then Achilles quite dropped out from thy thoughts and remem-
brance ?
Lo \ where weeping he sits by the lofty stems of his vessels,
Mourning his dear companion lost. The rest of the Grecians
All are recruiting their strength with food* He thirsts and is fasting*
Go then I ambrosia's heav'nly food and the juice of our ne^lar
Into his bosom instil, lest hunger and thtrst overcome him*^
Thus he spake, and Athena, no prompting needing, obeyed him*
Down from Olympus she sprang^ and clove the air, like a harpy (350)
Screaming in voice and broad of wing : and she came where the

Grecians,
Arming, prepared for battle throughout their host : and \vith nesflar,
And with ambrosia rich, diffused through the frame of her hero,
Chased away hunger and thirst, and confirmed his strength for the

conflict.
This performed, she returned to the stately dome of her Parent,

430

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIX

While from their sable ships the Greeks poured forth to the combat*
As when the fast falling snow flies thick from the hand of Kroiifon,
Drifted along by the cold and sweeping blast of the north wind,
Thus o'er the field in thick'ning swarms poured forth from the vessels
Bright gleaming helmets, high-bossed shields, and deep-moulded

corslets, (560)

Mikd to fnaniy dusts , and stout ash spears that a splendour
Shot to the sky : while the very ground seemed laughing with flashes.
Lightening around from their arms; and beneath the trampling of

heroes
Echoedt Achilles his arms assumed in the midst of his warriors,
Grinding his teeth with rage; while his burning eyes from their

sockets
Glared, like a flame, and wuthin his heart unendurable anguish
Reigned supreme^ with fierce rwenge and hate for the Trojans,
While in those glorious arms he arrayed him, gifts of Hepbiest\is»
First round his manly legs the rich wrought greaves he adjusted.
Beauteous, with silver hasps, and with dasping buckles of silver; {3 70)
Next o*er his bosom he bmced his bright and glittermg corslet ;
Slung o*er his shoulder his sword of bronze^ all studded with silver;
Slung too ready for use his broad and ponderous buckler,
Flinging its beams afar, like the moon netit rhiftg in ghry.
As when to weary and storm-tossed sailors^ far on the ocean,
Streams forth a light from some lone w^atch-tow'r high on a mountain,
Longing they view the blaze of its friendly fires^ but the tempest
Sweeps tliem relud:ant away to sea, dcspairhtg of snaour:
So to the skies from the bright and rich-wrought shield of Achilles
Streamed the long rays of light. On his head then placed he the

helmet, (380)

Weighty and strong of proof. Like a star which sparkles in splendour
Glittered the crested casque ] and the golden threads hy Hephaestus
Mixed with its plume waved w^ide from the towVing crest as it nodded.
Then for the first Ume tried he the arms, and tested their fitting.
Aii was complete^ and his godlike limbs moved freely within them,
Biujyant and suppk. Like wings they seemed to sustain and to lift

him.

BOOK XIX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

43^

Then from its case he took the spear that his father had wielded,
Stubborn it was, and huge, and ponderous. Saving Achilles
None among all the Greeks might avail that weapon to brandish ;
Formed from an ash on Pelion's summit hewn^ and by Chiron {J90)
Giv'n to his fatherj to work the deatli of many a hero.

Alcimus now and Automedon led forth the steeds, and their collars
Beauteous adjusted beneath the yoke, and with curb and with bridle
Bitted their foaming jaws ; then led back the reins to the chariot
Ot^er its poiis/mi rim : and in haste Automedon mounted.
Flourishing high the scourge in his pnitftised hand ; and Achilles
Now for the battle completely arrayed^ behmd him ascended,
Gleaming in arms like the all-illumining sun in his splendoun
Thus then in accents fierce he chid the steeds of his fatlier :
" Xanthus and Bali us ! noble steeds of the strain of Podargus \ (400)
Safer and (setter to-day be your task performed ; and your master
Back to the camp in triumph bome; nor leave htm behind you
Lifeless stretched on the field, as ye left un/mppy Patroclus.'*

Then from beneath the yoke thus Xanthus, his swift-footed courser,
Spake ; while his head drooped low, and his flomng mane from

the collar,
Downward^ escaping, trailed In the dust, all loose and dishevelled
(Language and power of speech by the white-armed Hera were giv*n

Inm) :
'* Mighty Achilles! safe this day will we bear thee from battle,
Yet is thy destined hour at hand^ nor aught to avert it (409)

All we can do may avail. Stem fate and the Gods have ordained it,
*Twas by no fault of ours, no want of speed or of vigour,
Gioriom Patroclus fell, and the Trojans stripped off his armour*
He, the most mighty God, the offspring of fair-haired Latona,
Smote him, in front of the battle, and gave the glory to Hedlon
WTiat though fleet as i^^ Zephyr's blast we bear thee (and fleeter
Nought hath the thought of man conceived) thy fate is decided :
Low shalt thou lie, struck down by the hands of a God and a
mortal."

Such were his words. All further speech the furies denied him.
Mighty Achilles, much disturbed, returned him for answer:

432

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Book XIX.

"Xanthus ! Why predidl what already I know? That in Troia (420)
Here I am destined to fall, there needed not thee to inform me.
Far from my father and mother, their son must die. But I shun not
Death : as full many a Trojan shall learn to his cost ere I perish."
Thus having said, with a shout he uiged on the steeds to the
battle.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XX.

BOOK THE TWENTIETH.

Argument.

Zeus now permitting the Gods to engage in the contest ^ they take their
sides and the battle commences, JEneas^ encouraged by Apollo^ advances
to meet Achilles, They fight, jEneas^ hard pressed^ is rescued by
Poseidon, He6lor though warned by Apollo^ seeing his brother Polydorus
slain by him, advances to attack Achilles. Apollo saves him, Achilles
then attacks and routs the Trojans with great slaughter.

ILIAD. BOOK XX.

nPHUS, pouring forth from their ships, the Greelts, insatiate of battle,
^ Gathered around thee in arms, O mighty descendant of Peleus ;
While on the slope overlooking the plain stood mnsrtered the Trojans.
Zeus from the loftiest peak of the many-cloven Olympus
Themis had now dispatched to call the Gods to a council.
Forth she went^and summoned them all to the halls of their sovVeign.
Saving OceanuSi all the presiding gods of the rivers,
Nymphs, one and all, whose haunts are the pleasant groves and the

fountains,
Wi/ie wattrtd piains ami grassy meads, drew nigh at her bidding.
These in the palace of cloud-compelling Zeus when assembled (lo)
Ranged themselves on the polished and marbk seats by Hephsestus
Framed with consummate skill to adi^m the aksHai munswfk
Nor did the great earth-shaking God refuse his attendance*
Forth from his waves ascending he came, amij^hteti the assembi}\
Where, in the midst uprising, he spake, and questioned the ThundVer :
" Lord of the Ughtning^s bla^e, say ! why hast thou called us to*

gether?
Dost thou contemplate aught that regards the Greeks and tlie Trojans,
Now on the very verge of a fierce and fiery confli<ft ?"

Thus he que&immd, ami (km the cloud-compeller responded :
"Mighty Poseidon I well thou di\in*st the thoughts of my bosom t

436 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XX.

'Tis for their sake I convoke you. Their death is doomed. Yet I
love them. (21)

Here will I sit, remote on the rugged height of Olympus,
Calm, and surveying all in my bliss. But do ye as it lists you ;
Joining with either host assist the Greeks, or the Trojans,
Just as ye feel disposed to side with one or the other;
For should Achilles alone be allowed to contend with the Trojans,
Hardly their force would sustain Peleides' attack for a moment
Ever before they viewed him with dread, and shrank from his onset ;
Now when he comes, inflamed with rage for the death qf\i\^ comrade,
Much I dread lest, in spite of fate, he should capture the city." (30)
Thus he spake, and his words were a signal for strife and contention.
Up rose the Gods, taking opposite sides, and joined in the contest
Hera first sought the Grecian ships, with Pallas Athen^,
Mighty Poseidon too, the dread earth-shaker, and Hermes,
Deft of hand, and ready of wit, contriving and prudent
Thither Hephaestuff dragged his distorted feet, as he followed
Shuffling along with pain, and an angry scowl on his features.
Ares, the crested God of war, befriended the Trojans ;
Phoebus, his locks unshorn, with Latona joined, and the huntress
Artemis ; Xanthus too, and the queen of smiles, Aphrodite. (40)

Long as the Deities kept aloof, nor mixed with the armies.
So long rejoiced and triumphed the Greeks, when they saw that Achilles
Fought once more on their side, who long had abstained from the

contest
So long too did a panic of fear disable the Trojans,
Crippling their strength, when they saw the swift-pursuing Achilles
Shining conspicuous in arms, like the form of death-dealing Ares.
Soon as however the Gods appeared and mixed with the armies,
Suddenly fierce contention arose and stirred up the nations.
Now from the trench and the wall was heard the shout of Athen^,
Now from the sounding shore, and among the ships it re-echoed. (50)
Answering shout for shoid, with the thundring roar of the tempest
Ares was heard exciting the Trojans : now from their ramparts.
Now along Simois' bank, and the heights of Callicolond

Thus while on either side the blessed Gods, intermingling,

Book XK]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER^

4J7

Cheered on the troops and aroused them to deadly strife and conten-

tion.
High o'er their heads the Father of Gods and mortals his thunder
Roird terrific, Beneath their feet rock-rentling Poseidon
Smote 7inth his triikni the boundless earth, anfi tlie mountains were

shaken ;
Many-rilled Ida quivered through all her roots, and her summits
Rocked to and fro^ and the tow'rs of Troy, and the shijvs of the Gre-
cians. (60)
Dowm in the nethermost deep, hell's gloomy king, AidoneuSj
Sprang from his throne with a cry of wild alarm ; for he dreaded
Lest at an&th€r smh shock the earth should open above him
YaviTiiog, and Gmls and men should behold those horrible mansions,
Dismal, loathsome, and dark, by the Gods all held in abhorrence.
Such, when the Gods in confli<5l joined, was the crash of their
meeting.
There might be seen, opposed to the great earth-shaking Poseidon,
Phcebus A polio J with winged shaft, with botv mid with tptit^r;
Ares, impdmus potior ^ stood matched with Pallas Athen^ ;
Artemis^ huntress Queen of the woods ^fmr sister of Phoebus, (70)
Bearing her darts ^iW golden bow, was confronted with Here ;
Hermes, the saviour in danger, advanced to contend with T^tona ;
And with Hephaestus the mighty stream, with its e<ldyin^ whirlpools,
Xanthus called by the Gods above, by mortals Scamnnden

Thus stood Gods against Gods in arms arrayed, but Achilles
Only on He^^or fixed his thoughts, much longing to meet him,
Burst through opposing ranks, and, sin^in^ him out for his viitim.
Pour forth his blood, to glut the rage of insatiate Ares.
Phci^bus however, approiuhing ^4*;neas, pressed him to ajflion.
Rousing his courage, and urging htm on to encounter Achifles, (80)
Taking the features and voice of Lycaon, offspring of Fnam,
Shrouding his heai/niy form in human shape, he addressed htm :
** \V7iere are thy threats, most valiant ^'Eneas, chief of the Trojans,
Uttered so braveiy in deep carouse wnth the princes of Troia,
That with Achilles' might thou wouldst match thine own in the
combat ?'*

438

THE I LI AD OF HOMER,

[Boor XX.

Thus to the God's address in tiirn responded iEneaii :
**\Vhy wouldst thou urge me, O son of Priam, to fight with Achilles?
Wiii may I fed reluC>ant to mai sa mighty a warrior.
Not for the first time now should I stand opposed to hts prowess.
Once before {I cmfoss it) I fled from his spear, when on Ida, {90)
Sweeping away our flocks and herds, be descended, and captured
Lofty Lyrnessus and Pedasus/^f/r. Twas then that to sa%'e me
Zeus inter|josed, and swifmess bestowed, and strength, to esrape htm:
Else had I perished beneath his destroying hand, and Athena's,
Who in the iighi of g\ory and fame led him onward, subduing
Under his conquering spear Leiegaea's warriors and Troia*s :
Nor is it given to mortal man to contend with Achilles;
Ever some God attends his steps, and secures him from danger.
Sharp and sure his lance flies sw^ift to its mark ; and to stay it
Nought can avail till it quivers in human flesh. Yet impartial (100)
Were hut the Gods — would they give me an equal chance — he should

find me
Hard to subdue. Were he strong as a brazen tmiu^r^ I wou/d meet

him:'
Then spake Apollo, son of Zeus, and this w^ his answer •
" Seek for thyself by prayer the aid of the blessed immortals*
If, as men say, thou deriv'st thy birth from bright Aphrodite,
Daughter of Zeus,— He springs from a far inferior lineage ;
Thou from Almighty Zeus— He but from the loins of a Sea-God.
Hero and Prime as thou art, let him feel thy spear, nor allow him
Either by vaunts or threats to turn thee aside from thy puqiose/'
Thus he spake, and the Princess heart dilated with courage , (no)
Sheathed in refulgent brass he rushed to the front of the battle.

Not unperceived by fair-armed Hera, the son of Anchises
Pushed tlirough the crowded ranks, to contend in arms with Peleides.
Calling together the friendly Pow'rs, then thus she addressed them :
*' Worthy of all your attention and thought, Poseidon and Pallas,
Is the bold deed which now yon Trajan chitf is performing,
Lo ! where ^4ineas, sheathed in refulgent armour, advances
Strong in Apollo's support, to dare the force of Achilles,
Say I shall we inttrctpt and turn him back from his purpose ?

Book xx.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEM.

439

Surely at least some friendly God should stand by Achilles, (i^o)
Giving hinQ strength, and filling his heart with courage and vigour,
So that he fail not, and learn that the mightiest pow'rs of Olympus
Favour his cause : that vain is the Jbrce of the Gods that oppose him ;
Fruitless all iheir attempts to save proud Troy from destruction.
Give him to kmm* that we all have come to support and to aid him
DoivTi from Olympus' heights, and to hold him secure from the

Trojans
This day at kast. Hereafter, the ills by fate interw^oven
Into his thread of life, at the hour of his birth, will o'ertake him.
This, if some heav'nly voice reveal not now to Achilles, {'29)

Dread on his spirit will fall, should he meet some God in the battle*
Ever to mortal eyes is the sight of a God overpowering/'

Thus then in turn responded the great earth-shaking Poseidon :
"Why should such troublous thoughts disturb thy spirit, O Her^?
Scarcely^ methinks, is it time for us to engage in their quarrel ;
Calm in superior might can we tfteuf t/u seem qf cmtefftim.
Let us withdraw, and apart, from some fitting station, obser\^e them,
TJifre on jtm iofiy mound : and be war the employment of mortals.
But should or Ares commence the fight, or Phoebus Apollo,
Should they obstrm^ Achilles* course, or hinder his prowess,
Then will we interpose our might, and in bitter contention (140)
GqJs aptimt G&ds s/tali strive. Full soon will we drive them be-
fore us
Back to Olympus, there to rejoin the ceiesiial conclave,
Forced to relinquish the fray, and resign the field A? the strongest''
Thus spake the azure God, and led the way to the rampart
Raised round the mound which had sheltered erst Uie god-like

Heracles^
Reared in the olden time by the Trojans and Pallas Athen^,
Safe retreat and defence to afford him^ chased by the monster
Sea-bom ami fierce which swept the coast and ravaged i/tt country ^
Seated on this, Poseidon and all the Gods were assembled
Friefidiy ta Greece^ and a veil of cloud fell densely around them. (150)
Those on the other side, on die heights of Callicolontf,
Gathered round Ares, subverter of states, and Phoebus Apollo.

440

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XX.

Thus upon either hand they sate, debating in council,
Loth to commence their struggle, and plunge in mutual warfare,
While from on high the commands of Zeus re-echoed in ihmider^
Pilled was the plain meanwhile with assembling troops, and with

armour
All a-blaze, and with chariots bright ; and the tramp of the footinen
Shook the rebellowing soil as they marched. But foremost among them
Two of the bravest and best of the hosts rushed forw^ard to battle,
Mighfy iEneas, Anchises' son, and godlike Achilles. (r6&)

Piercdy threatening, -L^neas advanced* O^er his ponderous helmet
Nodded a lofty plume, and the mighty shield o'er his bosom
Spreading, he bore, with stahimrt arm^ and brandished his jav'lin.
Forward to meet him PeJeides sprang. In force like a lion
Savage and strong, whom the herdsmen all, each man of the village
Eager to slay, assemble. At first disdainfully scowling
Onward he moves ; till grazed by the spear of some vigorous hunter*
Then, for a spring colledled, with yawning jaws, and with fury
Foaming^ his teeth displayed, an angry growl from his bosom
Bursts. With alternate strokes upon either side as he cromhes^ (^70)
Lashing himself with his tail, he stirs up his rage for the battle*
Glaring, he darts on the foe, borne on by his \\Tath, and desiring
Only to slay, or himself be slain, ngardkss of dangtr.
Thus upon mighty ^Eneas at once to rush and derwhdm him
Prompted Achilles his daring heart and fiery spirit

Now when face to face they advanced, and were n earing each other.
Godlike Achilles took up the word and addressed his opponent :
" What can have brought thee, j^neas, so far in advance of thy people?
Art thou in earnest, and rcaliy mean's! to fight \*nth Achilles?
Hast thou the hope that^ Priam dead, thou shah rule o'er the

Trojans, {180)

I being subdued? For no such exploit, believe me, will Priam
Make thee his heir. He has sons \ and firm, not weak, is his temper.
Or have the Trojans, perchance, to reward so glorious a conquest
Promised thee some vast tra<fl of land, some mighty possession,
Vineyard and arable fair and rich, inviting thy culture,
But on that one condition — which hard thou mayst find to accomplish?

Book XX,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

441

Once ere this have I seen thee in headlong flight from my jav'lin.
Hast ihou forgot how, thy catt!e abandoned, Ida beheld thee
Down from her slopes careering with nimble feet, when I followed
Fast on thy lonely steps, and thoy lookVfst not back in thy terror
E'en to L}Tnessus tliou fledsL Pursuingy I captured the city, (191)
, liaying it utterly waste, by the aid of Zeus and Athend
Many a matron and maid, deprived of the light of her freed onit
Captive I carried away* Thee Zeus and the other immortals
Saved ; which again this day they wiil hardly do, as thou dream est
Fondly, Now be advised. Retreat, and among thy companions
Shrink, and be lost in the crowd, lest evil and mischief befall thee.
Warning the wise receive* Mishap is the teacher of folly,"

Thus Fcimies, Then in his turn responded iEneas :
* 'Think not^ Peleides, thus like a child with words to affright me. (a 00)
Easy it were to reply, wuid I stoop to utter revilings,
Scoff to return for scoffs and reproaches unworthy of heroes^
KnovtTi are our parents : kno\\ii unto each the descent of the other.
Long established by public fame and received among all men.
What though the parents of each may ne*er have been seen by

the other,
Yet art thou known to all as the son of illustrious Peleus,
Thetis thy mother divine, the fair-haired nymph of the ocean.
Proud of my birth, I stand as the offspring of glorious Anchises,
And of a matckiess mother, the daughter of Zetts, Aphrodit^, (209)
One or the other of these must this day weep for her offspring :
For be assured, not with words alone or childish reproaches
Part we from hence, or thus decide the quarrel between us.
But wouldst thou leam from zts earliest source my race tsxid my

lineage,
list to the tale which a worid-wide fame hath spread through the

nations.
Dardanus, first of our race, from cloud-compelling Kronfon
Sprang, and Dardania built: for the sacred city of I lion
llose not as yet in the plain, nor could boast its nation and language.
Only the sloping skirts of the fountful Ida were peopled*
Dardanus dead, Eri^honius his son came next in succession, (^19)

442

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XX.

Pa mid thrmighmd all the mi^hhimring staks as the wealthiest of mortals j
Cropping the marshy meads three thousand mares in his pastures
Roamed* each suckUng a tender foal that gamboikd beside her,
Boreas himself, in wanton mood in the form of a courser,
Tmsing his dark and flomng mane, intermingled among them.
Thence were produced twelve loonitrous foals, surpassing in siin/tness^
Which, when they bounded along in the fertile plains, o'er the

corn-ears
Passed, and beneath their feet the stalks but bent and recovered :
Or, as they lightly skimmed o'er the broad expanse of the ocean,
MinlUke^ their gitiftdng fiet the waves but touched and disturbed noL
Tros from great Ericthonitis sprang, first king of the Irojans. {2-30)
Thence in the next descent arose tliree ghri^us princes,
Ilus, Assaracus bold, and the godlike in form, Oanymedes,
All who have e*er been bom on earth surpassing in beauty ;
Whom for his beauty and grace the Cjods caught up to Olympus
All their /easts to attend^ and to hand the cup to their sovVeign.
Ilus Laomedon next begat, the remnmml and the blameless.
Five were the sons to Laomedon bom : Tithoniis and Priam,
Clytius, Lampus, and brave Hicetaon, scion of Ares,
Wliile from Assaracus Capys sprang, whose son was Anchises,
I to Anchises owe my birth, and He^or to Priam. (240)

Thus have I traced my descent through a line 0/ gods and qf heroes .
Zeus however to man grants strength and pow'r as it lists him,
Ever supreme, exalting one, and abasing another.
Why do we stand, howbeit in the midst of the battle, inadliviSj
Talking, like idle boys^ while heroes are Jtghting around us /
Endless is mutual abuse, and a load of bitter invedlive,
Such as a hundred-oared galley would freight, were easy to utter.
Words from the voluble tongues of men roll forth in abundance,
Various in phrase, and tossed abroad fly hither and thither
Such as thou speak'st thou shalt hear in reply, returned thee with

infrest (^S©)

WTiere is the need that we two should stand, reviling each other,
Bandying scoffs and taunts, like angry women disputing ;
\\Tio, when they meet in the street, give vent to their passion, and utter

Book XX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

443

All that occurs^ be it true or false ? for both one and the other
Rage and despite alike suggest m the heat af cmtmtwH.
Not then by words, be sure, shalt thou turn rae aside or afHght me.
First ttiust we fight it out* Come on then I Now let our jav lins
Bring lo an issue skar/^ ami swift the quarrel be twee a us*"

Ending, his brazen spear he hurled, which full on his buckler,
Broad and Iremendous, alighting, smote, and sharply resounded, (j6o)
Holding it off with his arm Peleides shrank from the weapon.
Somewhat alarmed : for a spear thus hurled from the hand of j^neas
Easily might, he thought, have transfixed the slueld afid /uive

reached him.
Faithless ! His inmost heart might have taught him a surer reliance
On the celestial gift of so great a god, by a mortal
Not to be proved, at the first assault, ab&rtive and w^orthless,
PowVle&s to pierce that mighty shield, the spear of ^neas
Smote on its golden orb ; but the gift of Heph^Estus resisted.
Two of its plates it pierced ; but three wxTe behind to repel it
Five had the limping god combined to strengthen the btiikier: (^70)
Two, the outer, of brass; two of tin within; and betw^een them;
Gold in the midst, where the hnce stuck fast, unable to pierce it
Then from Peleides' hand his long-forth-shadowing javlin
Flew, and it smote on the smooth round orb of the shield of .tineas,
Close to its outer rim, where the bronze was thin, and the buH's-hide
Thinly o'erlaid its frame. And through all thi/iates of its struHure
Burst the great Pel i an ash, and spHntered the shield in its passage.
Crouching, vfilneas avoided the death, uprearing the buckler.
Struck wnth deadly alarm r for the spear, unchecked and impetuous.
Over his back held on its course, and, ^uii^ring^ behind him (280)
Fixed in the ground, deep rooted, -^neas, escaped from the weapon,
Stood for a moment, his eyes overspread with darkness and horror,
Thus to have felt his fate so near. On rushed then Achilles,
Raising a dreadful cry, and his keen sword drew^ from its scabbardp
Eager to slay him. j^neas stooped, and uplifted a boulder
Ji eighty ami huge, which two strong men could hardly have carried
(Men such as now we behold) : yet with ea^e he lifted and poised it
Then on Peleides* helm had the ihtmtfring ruin descended,

444

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XX

Or on his shield, whose strength would have saved its lord from

destradlioTi,
And from Achilles, closing upon him, his fate had been certain, {290)
Had not the watchful eyes of earth-shaking Poseidon beheld it,
Who to the gods around addressed these words in his favour:
*' Grieved is my soul to behold the danger of noble ^neas,
Who, to his fate urged on by the words of Phoebus Apollo,
Downward to Hades must pass, o'erpower'd by the m'ght of Achilles t
Weak and misled 1 No aid in the hour of his need will he lend him I
Must then a man so void of offence himself, and so blamdess,
Suffer for others' crimes \ — one always ready with oflTringi^i
Pleasing to Heaiht^ and io all the gods who inhabit Olympus?
Then let us haste to save his life and secure him from danger ; (300)
Zeus will be sore displeased should he fall by the hand of Achilles :
Nor will the fates themselves indeed permit him to perish,
Or that the great Dardanian race should fail, from a hero
Sprung, among all his sons w^hom Zeus most loved and regarded,
Who to himself and to mortal mothers have owed their existence.
Now^ hath Kronfon the cause and the house of Priam abandoned :
Henceforth the race of .^^neas is destined to rule o'er tlie Trojans^
He, and the sons of his sons, and a long succession of princes."

J^oiiing her large majestic eyes, thus Hera responded :
'* Lord of t!ie earthquake's might ! as it lists thee deal with
^.neas; (3'C))

Snatch him from instant death if thou wilt» or leave him to perish,
Brave as he is, by the con qu 'ring arm of mighty Achilles,
Pallas and I stand bound by a solemn vow to each other.
Pledging ourselves, by repeated oaths^ before all the immortals.
Never to spare that hataf ract^ or one 0/ the Trojans
Save from impending fate I though Troy should blaxe, and in ashes
Siak, when the hour shail arrive for the warlike Greeks to consume it."

This wlien he heard, the great earth-shaker, mighty Poseidon,
Flew through the fight, and amidst the rattling storm of the jav'lins
Came> where ^neas confronted the far-famed offspring of
Peleus. (5^0)

Straightway a darkness he poured o*er the eyes of godlike Achilles:

Book XX.]

THE iUAD OF HOMER.

445

Eack through the riven shield of the noble-minded -^neas
Drew forth the bronze-headed Pelian a<ih, and gcniiy returned it^
I-aying the jav'lin quieily down at the feet of its master.
Lifting jCneas then from the earth, away he con%'eyed him,
High over many a rank of heroes, high o^er the chariots
Sprang, with a bound, the chief, impelled by the might of Poseidon*
Thus, upborne, he arrived at the utmost verge of the battle,
WTiere in the rearmost ranks the Cauconian host was assembfed ;
m^ere, approaching him close, the great earth-shaking Poseidon
Thus in admonishing words addressed the son of Anchises \ (331)
** Which of the Gods, ^Eneas I hath so deprived thee of reason
As to persuade thee in single fight to encounler Achillea,
Mightier by far than thyself, and more the fav'rite of Heaven?
Therefore in future be wise, and retreat whenever thou meet*st him.
Lest in despite of fate thou descend to the mansions of Hades,
Bat when Achiiles himself shall be slain, and his fate be accomplished,
Then be thou bold, and advance once more to the front of the battle :
None of the Greeks beside shall in fight overcome and despoil thee,"

Thus, having told him all, he left him there and departed, (340)
And from Achilles' sight dispelled the cloud that obscured it
On<^ more clearly he viewed the field, and missed /iis oppomnt.
Filled mnth amaze and wrath, then thus he communed with his spirit :
**Gods ! what a mangel greets my sight ! what wonder has happened?
Here I behoJd before me my spear on the ground, and the foeman,
He against whom I hurled it, and thought to have slain him, hath van-
ished.
Doubtless ^neas too is beloved by the blessed immortals,
Empty and vain as I thought those vaunting boasts that he utttredf
Well I let him go. He will hardly seek such another encounter.
Only too glad from this to have 'scaped with life and in safet>^ {350)
Now to the work ! Let me first e^thort our Danaan warriors.
Then will I try my strength against all the rest of the TrojansJ'

Thus he spake — sprang back to the ranks— and encouraged his
comrades :
" Hang not back, O ye Greeks ! nor hold you aloof from the Trojans,
All of you, man upon man, push for^^ard, bent upon fighting.

446

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

XX.

For, be I ever so brave, too hard is the task, unassjstetlt
Through such a mass of foes to break, and fight with an army.
Ares, immortal God though he be, nor Pallas Athene
Through such a gulf of war couUi struggle, and hew out a passage.
What I can do myseif, what hands and strength can arcomplish, (360)
AH shall be giv n to Greece without reserve, to the utmost
Straight though their lines will 1 break, and methinks not one of the

Trojans
Much will have cause to rejoice, who comes within reach of my

weapon."
Thus in inspinting words he spake. But Hedlor upbraiding.
Called on the Trojans, and pledged himself to encounter Achilles :
** Fear not Peleus' son, ye brave and generous Trojans*
Vtjunt as he ma}\ With words I could fight the blessed immortals :
Not so with sword and spear, for their might, wx know, is superior ;
Nor will Achilles, be sure^ make good the words that he utters.
Something perchance he fvill do; but the rest will remain unaccom-
plished. (370)
Him, though his arm were flamct will 1 meet in deadly encounter ;
Aye \ though his arm w^ere flame, and his strength as the steel from
the furnace.
Roused by his words, with one aee^rd the Trojans their jav'*Hns
Brandished, Around him on all sides arose the roar of the war-cr)\
Phoebus Apollo however by Hedtor stood^ and addressed him :
"He<5lorI beware; nor meet Achilles in front of the battle.
Mixed with the surging crowd, in the ranks receive his encounter:
Lest with his spear he transfix, or strike thee down with bis falchion/'
Hector, abashed, withdrew when he heard these words of Apollo, {579)
Warmnghim thus^ and mixed once more with the mass of his comrades.
CJothed in resisdess courage and might, meanwhile, on the Trojans
Darted Achilles, shouting a fearful shout; and Iphition,
Son of Otrynteus, slew, brave chief of a nation of warriors.
Him to Otrynteus, spoiler of many a city, a naiad
Bore, where the snows of Tmqtus impend o'er the pastures of Hyda,
Springing upon him swift and Jieret^ die godlike Achilles
Smote with his spear on his head, which it deft completely asunder.

Book XX,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

447

Down witli a crash he fell, while o'er him exulted Achilles i
**Lie thou there, Otrynteus* son I most dreadful of mortals.
Here hast thou found thy death, though the distant lake of
GygSEa (390)

Witnessed thy birth : — thy parental domain where fish-teeming HyKus
And the deep eddying torrent of Hermus mingle their waters/'

Tlius Peleides ; and darkness veiled the eyes of his viclim,
Wliom underneath their chariot-wheels the steeds of the Argives
Crushed in their fon^-ard career. Demoleon, son of Antenor,
Stubborn in fight and a leader brave, he next through the temple
Struck. Through the cheek-plate of bronze went the spear, nor re-
sisted tlie helmet J
Bronze as it was. Straight dirough it the spear held on, in its passage
Crushing the bone and mingling the brain with gore : and Demoleon,
Bravt ih&ugh he tens and ardent of soul, sank down in his death-pang.
Then through Hippodamas* back his spear he drove, from his
chariot, (4°^)

Just as he leaped ; in a £1 to ^y from the fate that pursued kirn.
Roaring with pain he breathed forth his soul ; as hajjly may be! low-
Some huge bull, to the shrine of the great Heliconian sovVeign
Dragged by attendant youths, Poseidon rejoicing to hear him r
Such was the roar when his spirit forsook the frame of the hero.

Next, to that vengeftii spear a victim sank Polydorus,
Warned from the fight in %'ain by the care of Priam his father.
Youngest and best beloved of all his sons, and among them
Gadlike in feature and form, and all surpassing in fleetness ; (410)

There, in the youthful pride of his heart, displaying his swiftness,
Lightly careering in front of the line, his fate overtook him :
On ^-ith his lance came rusking the swift- pursuing Achilles,
Piercing him through the back, where the golden-clasps of his girdle
Joined in the midst ] where, closing, o'erlapped the plates of his

corslet.
Forth through the navel in front protruded the point of the javlin.
Groaning he sank on his knees, and a dark cloud hovered around

him ;
While as he forward bowed his hands supported his aitraik

448

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK XX.

(4^0)

He6lor beheld his brother his dearly loved Polydorus,
Horribly thus transfixed, and bowed to the ground in his torment.
Over his eyes a darkness came- No longer endured he
Idly to stand aloof, but rushed to encounter Achilles,
Blazing wiih t*ag£ and shaking his deadly spear. But Achilles,
Soon as he saw him^ leaped for jify; thus inly exclaiming :
**Here is the man, at imt^ who hath w^rung my heart to the utmost,
He who mine honoured friend hath slain* No more from a distance
Each shall the other behold aicross the lanes of the battle."
Thus he spake, and sternly regarding Hecflor, addressed him :
"Draw thou nigh, and receive thy death yr£?//i ikt hand of Achiiies f*
Crest-waving He<Sor, undismayed, this answer returned him : (430)
** Think not, Peleldes, thus like a child wnth words to affright me;
Easy it were to reply, could I stoop to utter revilings.
Or to indulge in scoflTs, or reproaches unworthy of heroes.
Well do I know» surpassing my own, thy prowess and valour.
Yet from the Gods flows all success. By their mighty assistance,
Hurled albeit by a feebler hand, the spear which I send thee
Haply may take thy life, for its point is piercing and tempered/*
Ending, he poised his spear, and dismissed it with force : but Athen^
Breathed but a gentle breathy and wafted it far from Achilles.
Back to its godlike master the spear returned j and he saw it^ (440)
Quietly laid on the ground before his feet. But Achilles,
Raising a dreadful cry, rushed on, all eager to slay him.
That had he done^ but the hand divine of Phcebus Apollo
Snatched him away, and poured thick mist and darkness around htm.
Thrice renewed his assault the smft-pursuing Achilles,
Plunging his brazen spear in the thick of the cloud : but a fourth time,
When, though in strength like a God, he vainly attempted to pierce it,
Thus in impassioned words he vented his rage upon Heiftor ;
"Dog! thou hast *scaped from death this time, though near it

approached thee ;
Phoebus Apollo, moved by thy prayers unceasingly offered (450)
In the rude din of arms» hath snatched thee away from destmdion*
Vet if there be one god who will stand my friend, I shall meet thee,
Sooner or later, and settle at length the debt which I owe thee.

Book XX.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

449

Now on the rest of the Trojans must fall the weight of my vengeance,*'
Ending, Dryops he pierced through tlie neck, in the throat, with

his javlin,
Flinging him down at his feet on the ground, and left him to perish.
Next in the knee v^ith his lance Demuchus, son of Philetor,
AV^oiinded, a chieftain tall and brave, from flight he disabled ;
Then with his mighty sword he rushed on his viclim and slew him.
Dardanus next and Laogonus, sons of Bias, attacking, (4^0)

Both he destroyed — to the ground both hurled at once from their

chariot,
This with his spear transfixed^ that slain outright with his falchion.
Tros^ the son of Alastor, nexlt who suppliant approached him,
Clasping his knees, and pleading his equal years; a$ ft captive
Yielding himself, and thinking to save his life by entreaties :
Fool that he was ! he little knew how deaf to persuasion
That stern heart ! how far remote from aught that was gentle.
Aught that was tender and kind; when he crept to his knees and

besought him.
Raising his hands in prayen But Achilles his sword through his liver
Thrust, Forth spouted a torrent of purple blood, which his bosom (470)
Filled, as he fell, and ekmai darkness closed o'er his eyelids.
Mulius was nigh. Through his ear the lance found entrance and

onward,
Forcing its deadly way through his head, stood forth at the other.
Dmvn mi the grmmd he sank. On Echeclus, son of Age nor,
Next fell the trenchant sword, and his skull was cleft to the centre.
Warmed in his brain was the hlttng blade, and thick on his eyelids
Rushed the inipuri>led shadow of death, and fate overwhelming.
Then through Deucalion *s ami his lance he drove, where the tendons
Do^^*n from the elbow extending unite at the wTist, and disabled:
Hungdo^m the ami by his side, a useless weight He, expeiftant, (480)
Stood, confronting his death. With a swerp ^?/his sword then Achilles
Lopped off his head at once^ and away it rolled with his helmet
Forth from the spine the marrow sprang, and he dropped in his

death-pang.
Then upon Rigmus, Pireus' son, the brave and the blameless,

4SO THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XX.

Who from the fertile plains of Thrace, in aid of the Trojatis^
Came to the war, he rushed. Transfixing the midst of his bosom,
Straight through his lungs the jav'lin passed, and he fell from his

chariot.
Brave Areithous his charioteer, while turning the horses,
Struck through the back, from the guideless car fell, startling the

coursers.
As when a fire invades some parched and desolate mountain, (490)
Deep in its woody glens the forests blaze, and in eddies,
Fanned by the rising wind, the flames rush on and consume them :
Thus with a more than mortal rage pursuing his vi(5tims,
Flew round the field Peleides, his course still marking with slaughter :
Aftd, as the broad-browed steers on some well-leveU'd arena.
Pacify beneath their yoke, tread out the grain fix)m the barley,
Easily crushed are the sheaves by the feet of the bellowing oxen ;
Thus did his steeds, beneath the chariot-wheels of Achilles,
Corses and shields in a mingled mass confound; and the axle
Trickled with blood, and the polished rim round the seat of the

chariot (500)

Thick was bespattered with gore from the trampling hoofs of the horses.
And from the whirling tires. In full career of his glory.
On he rushed, his vidlorious hands red reeking with carnage.

I THE ILIAD.

BOOK XXI.

29 — a

BOOK THE TWENTY-FIRST.

Argument.

The Trojans^ routed^ divide into two bands, the one flying towards
the city J the other, fursued by him, plunge into the river Scamander, into
which he follows them, slaying many, and taking twelve alive to sacrifice
at the funeral of Patroclus, He then slays Lycaon and Asteropceus. The
River God, Xanthus, offended at the slaughter of the Trojans in his stream,
endeavours to overwhelm him, Poseidon and Pallas assist him, Xanthus
persists, and calls Simois to his aid, on which Hephastus, at the command
of Hera, almost dries up the river The Gods engage in single combat
with each other Achilles then drives the Trojans towards Troy, Agenor
attempts to withstand him. Apollo conveys him away in a cloud, and
assuming his form, leads Achilles in pursuit away from the city, giving
the Trojans time to take refuge within the walls.

ILIAD. BOOK XXL

'^^ OW had they reached at length the banks of the wide-flomng river

Xanthus^ sprung from immortal Zeus, deep whirling in eddies*
There were the Trojans divided. A part he chased toVrd the city,
Following the upland slope, by the self-same way the Achaians
Fled but the day before from the rage of conquering He<5lon
There were they scattered in headlong flight But Hera before them
Spread a bemldering mist, their retreat to stay ; while the others,
Driv'n to the ^dge of the silver stream's deep-eddying surges,
Flung themselves m with uproar huge. Hoarse murmured the river;
Echoed the sounding shores with their cries; as, yelling with
terror, (lo)

Hither and thither they swam, hard struggling for hfe in the whirlpools.
As when the locusts, driv n by the force of iire, to a river,
Flutter in countless swarms from the flame that blazes behind them
Suddenly kindled ; they fly, and in heaps they pJunge in the torrent i
Thus, as Achilles pursued, was the stream of eddying Xanthus
Choked with //«■ mingled Ufnck of men, ihdr ehariois and horses.
Then like a God in his might (his spear having left on the margin,
Leaning against a tamarisk*s stem) he plunged in the river,
Armed with his sword alone: for a dreadful resolve had he taken.
Round htm on ev'ry side he smote^ and the shrieks of the stricken (20)
Dismally echoing rang^ and the waves with blood were discoloured.
And, as before some monstrous shark or deimmng dolphin
Swim for their lives the frighted fish, and the tnkts and havens
Fill with their shoals, wl^ile down he gulps whatever he catches :

454 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXL

Thus into caves in the hollowed banks of that terrible river
Cowering, th' affrighted Trojans slunk : till wearied with carnage
Twelve of their youth he seledled and dragged ttiem alive from the

river,
Destined to bleed on the funVal pyre of slaughtered Patroclns,
These he led forth like frighted fawns, bewildered with terror, {29)
Bindmg their hands behind their backs with the straps that their armour
Fastened, securing the twisted mail they wore to protedl them:
Then to his comrades consigned, to conducfl them alive to the vessels,
And with insatiate rage rushed back once more to the river:
There encountered Lycaon, a son of Dafdanian Priam,
Just from the flood escaped, whom long before he had captured,
Coming upon him by night in his father's land, unexpe<5led.
Ther^ a wild fig-tree's boughs he found him busily shaping
Into a bordering rim for his chariot's front; and Achilles
Seized him, surprised and relis^nt, and bore him off as his captive.
Thence to the Lemnian isle in his ships transporting, he sold him, (40)
And in the city of Lemnos by Jason's son was he purchased ;
Ransomed thence by his Imbrian friend, Eetion's kindness,
(Sometime his guest), who with many a gift to Arisb^ conveyed him ;
Whence escaping he reached at length the home of his fathers.
Thus, from Lemnos returned, for elev'n whole days in the palace
Merry he made with his friends. On the twelfth, (so the Gods had

disposed it,)
Into the hand of Achilles again he fell, who should send him.
Sore reludlant, and longing to live, to the mansions of Hades.
Him when the swift Achilles perceived, escaped from the river,
Flying unarmed, without or shield or helmet, and swordless (50)

(All had he cast aside on the ground to lighten his burthen),
Sweat pouring down from his limbs, and his knees scarce able to bear

him,
Wrath in his bosom arose, and thus he communed with his spirit :
"Gods ! what wonder is this? Con I trust these eyes that behold it?
Next shall I see those Trojan foes whose lives I have taken
Rising again from the murky shades, and standing be/ore me,
Ev'n as I see this man returned, escaped from his bondage:

Book XXI.]

THE ILIAD OF MOMER,

45S

Him whom in sacred Leronos I sold In vain to confine him

Stretched die salt waves of the hoary sea — to so many a barrier.
Come tlien S now let him taste the biting point of my jav'lin ; (60)
So shall 1 learn at length the truths and know from experience,
If he can thence once more return where now I shall send him.
Or if the teeming earthj which imprisons the strongs will confine htm,"
Such were his thoughts as the terrified wTetch now turning,

approached him^
Eager to clasp his knees: one only thought in his bosom
Rising — death to escape, and ihe dreadful doom that impended.
Godlike Achilles, high upraised in a^ to destroy him,
Held his long spear ; but he bowed him down, and cow*ring beneath it
Crept, and his knees embraced, while the spear, impatient for slaughter,
Passing above his back, in the earth stood rooted behind him. (70)
Still ^nth one band he held his knees embraced^ while the other
Reached at the shafi i^f the spear^ and tightly grasping, detained it:
Suppliant then this piteous prayer addressed to his foeman :
" Spare me ! O Heav*n-descended prince. Have pity upon me.
Lo 1 I embrace thy knees. Revere the claim of a suppliant.
Have I not shared at thy board the sacred gifts of Demeter,
From that unhappy day when thou tor'st me away from my vineyard,
Sending me thence to Lemnos, afar from my friends and my father,
Sold into bondage : — a hundred beeves the price that I brought thee.
Thrice as much now for my ransom accept ! 'Tis now but the

twelfth day, (80)

Even this very mom, I was welcomed back unto llion
After so many woes* Now fate once more in thy power.
Envious, hath thrown me, hated, no doubt, by Zeus the immarial.
Father iifaii (hat hath life; who hath giv*n me up to thy vengeance*
Surely for few and nni days my mother Ladlhoe
Bore me, the daughter of ancient Altes, who on the Satnios
Ruled over Pedasus' high-walled town and the brave Lelegseans,
One of the num'rous wives of royal Friam, she bore us,
Two dear sons ; and both alike thou doom'st to destru6lion.
Brave Polydorus, liker a God than a man, with the foremost (90)

Marching on foot to the fight, thy spear hath robbed of existence*

456 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXI.

Now is my turn arrived, nor dare I hope to escape thee,
Since within reach of thy hands mine evil genius hath flung me.
One thing more will I add, and let it have weight in my favour.
Kill me not ! Not from the mother I sprang of him whom thou hatesty
He6lor, the man who slew thy friend, the brave and the gentle."

Piteously thus for hfe the son of illustrious Priam
Begged : but a stem response in tones of thunder rebuked him :
" Fool ! dost thou talk of ransom to me, or sue for my pity ?
Ere on my loi/d Patroclus the fates* decree was accomplished (loo)
Often to mercy my soul inclined, nor refused to the Trojans
Suppliant^ their lives ; but captives I held, and sold them in bondage.
Now shall not one of the Trojans escape from death, whomsoever
Zeus to my vengeful hands before Ilion's walls shall deliver.
All shall die : but foremost and first the children of Priam.
Thou too, my friend, must die ! What need these tears, this unmanly
Grief? Patroclus died, far braver and better than thou art
Look on myself ! how great, how strong, how exulting in beauty !
Spung from a royal sire and brave — my mother a Goddess !
I too, alike with thyself, stern fate and death must encounter, (no)
Be it at dawn, at noon, or at eve : — that hour must overtake me.
When on the battle-field I shall lie, extended and lifeless.
Slain by some hostile spear, or far-sent shaft from the bowstring."

Thus spake the gloomy chief Then sank the heart of his vidlim.
Trembling, his knees gave way; and forsaking his hold on the jav'lin
Both his hands he upraised to Heav'n. His sword then Achilles
Drew, and between his neck and his shoulder drove. And the falchion,
Two-edg'd, plunged to the hilt. Then down he sank in his death-pang —
Down on the earth. Black flowed his blood, with dust intermingling.
Then by the foot Achilles seized him and into the river (^20)
Flung, to be swept away, with words of bitter derision :
"Lie thou there with the fish, who will suck thy blood as it issues
Warm from thy wound at their ease. O'er thy bier no mother,

lamenting.
E'er shall compose thy limbs in death ; but boiling Scamander
Cast thee forth to the vasty deep to be tossed on its bosom.
There shall full many a fish come leaping up to the surface,

Book XXL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEI^.

457

Through the black curl of its waves, to gnaw the white fat of Lycaon,
Thus shall ye perish, strewing the way to your lUan city^
Trojans in headlong flight, Achilles pursuing and sla)dng^
Nor shall your stream avail w^th its broad and siivety eddies : (130)
AVhat though many a steer ye have slain on his banks to appease him,
Many a noble steed have plunged alive in hh waters,
None the less shall ye die by an evil death till Patroclus,
Slam, be avenged wpon one and all, and the w^oes the Achaians
There at their ships endured, while I held aloof from die confliifl*"

Thus he spake : but wTuth arose in the soul of the stream-god.
Much he revolved how best he might check the career of Achiiles*
Ami from the Trojans best avert impending destruction^
Peleus^ son meanwhile with his long-forth-shad owing jav'lin
Sprang upon Pelegos' son, the go<:ilike Aster opseus, (140)

Whom Periboea, the eldest of Akessamenos' daughters,
Bore, when in wedlock joined with the god of tlic wide-flowing Axius,
Mingling his race divhie with a mortai M4e, But Achilles,
Eager to slay him^ rushetl on the chief as he rose from the river.
Armed with tw^o spears he stood his ground, for Xanthus ins]>ir d him
Inly with courage and strength^ at the pitiless slaughter indignant.
Wrought on so many, within his stream, by the sword of Achilles.

Now, when opposed they stood and were rapidly nearing each other.
Haughtily thus commenced the swtft- pursuing Achilles:
*' Who then art thou oithcsims ^^men who dar'st to withstand me? ( 1 50)
^Voe to the parents of those who measure their might with Achilles !'*
Felegon^s valiant son these words returned him in answer:
** Why denmnd'st thou, mighty Achilles ! my name and my linage?
Hither 1 come from afar, from the fair Pseonian region.
Fertile and rich: and I lead our brave Pa^onian spearmeru
This the eleventh mom since llion's walls have received me*
From the great source of Axius' flood I derive my existence,
Axius, the fairest stream that enriches the earth with its bounties.
Thence sprang Pelegon, famed as a spearman bold, and my father.
Such my acknowledged birth- Now fight I most noble Achilles." (160)

Threatening he spake* Then lifted Achilles the Pelian javelin,
Fmifrom ami huge. At once two spears from /Isterop^eus

Flew, for with equal force each hand delivered its weapon;
One on the shield of Achilles struck, unavailing to pierce it —
By the firm gold, the gift of a God, its course was arrested —
One near the elbow-joint of the strong right arm of his foeman
Grazed. Forth spouted the blood; but the spear passed on and

was buried
Deep in the ground, where quiv'ring it stood, disappointed of carnage.
Then in his turn Achilles, with full resolve to destroy him,
Darted at Asteropoeus the Pelian ash ; but it wandered (170)

Wide of its mark, and the spear in the lofty bank of the river
Plunged, and buried the half of its ashen shaft. But Achilles,
Drawing at once from his thigh his trenchant blade, on his foeman
Sprang with a fierce assault. But he at the spear of Peleides
Tugging with all the might of his stalwart arms, to extra6t it
Vainly attempted. Thrice he essayed it, dcsfrate and furious^
Thrice relinquished the baffled attempt; then strove for the fourth

time,
Straining with all his force to break the spear of Achilles.
Peleus' son with his sword rushed in, and cut short his existence.
Straight through the navel he plunged the blade. Then gushed

forth his entrails (180)

All on the ground. Thick night then closed o*er his eyes, and in

death-pangs
Gasping he lay. On his bosom Achilles leaped, and his armour
Stripped from his prostrate form^ while thus he exultingly boasted :
"Lie thou there! albeit thou claim'st descent from a River,
Hard 'tis for such to strive with the lofty race of Kronion.
Wide tho' the sweep of thy parent stream, and majestic its current,
'Tis from the glorious ruler of all I draw my existence,
Peleus, -^acus' son, of the populous Myrmidon nation
Sovereign, begat me. Zeus himself was ^acus* father.
Far as his might transcends the streams that are lost in the ocean, (190)
Even so far doth his race excel the sons of the Rivers.
Lo ! by thy side pours down a mighty stream. Could it aid thee?
Little, I ween ! nor mortal nor god can contend with Kronion,
Not Achelous himself in the high-swoll'n pride of his waters.

Book XXI J

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

+59

Not the deep'rolling, world-encircliiig stream of the ocean,
He from whom all the seas with all their wave-S and their currents
Draw their supply, and the earth^s ileep wells, its springs and its

fountains.
All from the blasting flash of Kronion shnnk, and m terror
Quail, when his thunders crash rebellows aloft in the lether/*
Thus spake the conquering chief. From the bank then plucked

out his weapon^ (200)

Leaving behind him the foe outstretched whose life he had taken.
There on the sand, and washed by the break of the dark rolling waters.
Round him came twining the eels, and the grredy fishes assembled,
Eager to feast on the rkk^ white fat thai enveloped his kidneys.
On flew the vitlor in chace of the crested Pseonjan warriors,
Scatt'ring on all sides far and mde from the eddying river^
WTien tliey beheld their mightiest chief in desperate conflt<5t.
Valiantly slain by the hands and beneath the sword of Peleides.
Mydon he slew, Thersilochus next, then Astypylus perished,
j^^neus and Thracian Mnesus fell, and brave Ophelestes. (210)
More of the flying Pieonian host had vengeful Achilles
Slain ; but, incensed, interfered the ffwdft wide-eddying Xanthus,
Mingling a deep-tomd human voice with the rmr of his whirlpools :
*'Felcus* son! in valour and dreadful deeds thou surpasi^esl
Aught that mortal hath done; for the gods protect and assist thee.
Vet, if immortal Zeus to thy sword hath deli\^red the Trojans,
Do thy murderous work on the plain, nor sully my waters.
Foul is my limpid and beauteous stream with slaughter and carnage,
Loaded with coqises scarce can I roll my waves to the ocean,
Choked and encumbeTed, Furious still thou persistest in slaying* (220)
Hold tliy relentless hand, O Prince ! Thy slaughters dismay me."
Thus in his turn replied the si^^ift-pursuing Achdles:
•'Ev'n as thou say'st, Scamander divine, be thy bidding accomplished*
Yet may I not desist from destropng those insolent Trojans,
Till to their city's walls I shall drive them ; and He^Slor encounf ring>
Try my strength, whether he or I shall conquer or perish.**

Endings with more than mortal rage he rushed on the Trojans,
Then to Apollo the deep-flowing stream addressed his remonstrance:

46o THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXI.

"Son of Kronion ! lord of the silver bow! thou negle<5lest
All thy great parent's high commands — ^his repeated injundlions, (230)
Troia's sons to assist and prote6l, till the shadows of ev'ning
Lengthen across the plain, and night shall have closed on the battle."

Thus he spake. But Achilles plunged once more in the torrent,
Leaping from off the bank. Then rose in his fury the River,
Rearing up all his waves amain, and spewed forth the corses
Out on the shore — those countless dead Achilles had slaughtered ;
Tossing them all abroad with the bellowing roar of a wild bull
Maddated with rage. While those who yet survived he protected,
Hiding them deep in the hollow whirls of his beauteous water ;
High o*er Achilles curled the bursting waves, and descending (240)
Fell with a crash on his shield. No longer maintained he his footing
Firm on the shifting ground. Then he clutched for support at an elm-
tree,
Vig'rous of growth and large : but the root gave way, and it tumbled,
Tearing to pieces the bank in its fall, and covering the waters
Thick with its floating boughs, which served as a bridge for the hero
Over the flood beneath. Then out he sprang from the torrent,
And o*er the plain in haste with nimble feet he retreated.
Struck with unwonted dread. Nor desisted the God, but pursued

him,
Black'ning in billowy heaps, that in mid career of his vengeance
Peleus' godlike son might be stopped and the Trojans delivered.
Far as a spear might fly on his way then darted Achilles, (251)

Ev'n as the dark-winged eagle darts in pursuit of his quarry.
Swiftest and strongest of all the birds that soar under Heaven.
Thus pursued he his course, while the brazen arms in his bosom
Harshly clashed as he ran ; and now by swerving obliquely
Thought to escape: but the flood rushed roaring on and pursued

him.
As when from some dark mountain-source one leads forth the water,
Turning its course on the plants, and thirsting beds of his garden.
Mattock in hand, its channel he clears from dirt and obstru<5lions ;
On as it pours it gathers strength, and scatters the pebbles, (260)
Rolling them on; till a steep descent attaining, it plunges

Book XXL]

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461

Headlong down with wild turmoil, and outruns its condu(5lor :
Thus overtook the flood in its race the flying Achilles,
Swift as he was : for the might of Gods that of mortals stirpasses.
Oft as Achilles resolved in his mind to tiirn and resist it,
Making a stand, and Jeam whether all the Gods who in heaven
Dwell had combined to drive him back, ami frustrate his triumph^
CurliDg. above him» the heaven-engendered stream on his shoulders
Dashed in a whelming wave. Then aloft he sprang with an efibrt
Wroth and indignant. Still persisted the stream, and assailed
him, (270)

Striking aside his knees^ and sweeping the sand from beneath him.
Deeply Feleides groaned, his eyes uplifting to heaven ;
** Father Zeus ! will no pitying God then come to ray rescue
From this infuriate flood ? All else will I cheerfully suffer*
None of the high Olympian pow'rs so deeply hath v^Tonged me
As my own mother dear^ who led rae on by deception*
She it was who predicted my fall by the shafts of Apollo
Swift, overtaken, before the walls of the corsleted Trojans.
Had I but fall'n by Heclofs hand, their mightiest and bravest,
Then had I died a hero's death, and been spoiled by a hero.
Now by a base and vulgar fate am 1 destined to perish,
Swept away by the stream : like a swine-herd lad who in crossing
Misses his step In some brawling brook which he fords in Uie winter,"

Thus he spake, Poseidon at once and Pallas Atliene
Standing beside him appeared — revealed in the semblance of mortals,
Grasping his hands in their own, and words of encouragement uttVing.
First Poseidon, the great earth-shaking monarch, addressed him ;
**Be of good cheer, PeleidesI and cast all terror behind thee
Here we stand, two powerful Gods, thine aids and supporters
(Zeus permitting our aid) — myself and Pallas Athend (290)

Not by ih.^ might of that whelming flood art thou destined to perish.
Soon will its stream to its course return, and thou shalt behold it*
\Ve ^lil support thee, bravely and well, if thou wilt but obey us.
Hold not thy hand, nor cease from this all-de\*astating warfare.
Till within Ilion's far-famed walls the fugitive Trojans
Headlong are driv*n,and Hedor himself shall have fall'n to thy prowess,

(iSo)

462 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BoOK XXI.

Then to thy ships retire. Tliis grace^ this glory we grant thee."

Thus, as with one accord^ they spake, and rejoined the immortals;
On then he sped, at the heavenly behest fresh vigour imbibing,
Far o'er the plain deep drowned with the out-poured rush of
the waters, (300)

Where with their mingled corses the beauteous arms of the slaughtered
. Floated unnumbered. High o'er the flood right onward he bounded,
Leap after leap, unwearied ; nor aught availed to impede him
All the wide-rolling stream could oppose — for Athena upheld him.
Nor did Scamander relax in wrath, but increasing in fury.
Raged against Peleus' son, and swelled yet higher and higher.
Breaking in crests of foam ! and he called aloud upon Simois :
"Aid me, my brother ! Join we our force this mortal to conquer,
Else will he soon subvert the stately city of Priam,
Dear to us both; since vainly the Trojans strive to resist him. (310)
Lose not a moment ! Swell thy flood with the brooks from the

mountains ;
Summon thy tribute streams /r(?w the region around io assist thee ;
Heave up thy waves, and roll before thee the trunks and the boulders
Thund'ring along, and crush this mad presumptuous mortal,
Vaunting himself like a God, and bearing down all opposition.
Nought shall his strength, I ween, avail him now, nor his beauty,
Nor his resplendent amis, 7C'hich soon shaii dazzle no longer,
All overwhelmed with stifling ooze ; and his corse will I bury
Deep in the sand, weighed down and heaped with mussels and peb-
bles,
So that in vain for his bones the Greeks may search, to colle6l them:
Such and so vast the mingled mass I shall pile up above them (321)
Which for his fun'ral mound must serve. Small need for the Argives
There to ere<5l a pile, and call it the tomb of Achilles^
Ending, again the raging river Achilles assaulted.
Deeply empuri)lcd, the hcav'n-engendered stream in its fury
Rushed upon him, turbid with foam, with blood, and with corses.
Rearing its waves aloft and dashing them do>vn on Peleides.
Hera at length, who beheld with alann her hero in danger.
Dreading to see him whelmed in the whirls of the eddying waters,

Book XXL]

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463

Cried aloud to HephsesUis, her much-loved son, to assist him : (330)
**Up, my son \ Though iarJy in piue^yet in conflict with Xaiithus
Equally matched with his eddying flood, thy might we acknowkilge.
Haste to the rescue I Bring Xhy flj-meSj and appear in thy spicmiour i
I myself to the shore will speed, and Notus and Zeph)T
Summon from seaward to join us with all the force of their tempests.
Drifting along thy blasting flames, let them scorch up the Trojans,
Men consuming and arms ; and do thou on the mai^gin of Xanthus
Bum up the trees, and thy parching fires let loose on the river.
Nor be thou turned aside by persuasive words or by threat'nings.
Nor from thy task desist, nor abate thy mge, till thou hear me (340)
Issue my loud command. Then let ihy flames be extinguished*"

Swift at her word Hephaestus with burning fiery flashes
Swept o'er the plain^ — with hfs scorching blast consuming the corses
Thick o'er the field lying strewed by the slaughtering sword of Achilles*
Dried up at once was the plain, and the stream forced back from its

wanderings.
As when some deep o'erflooded tnuft dries up in the autumn,
Under the parching wind from the north, and its owner rejoices:
Thus was the plain laid dry, and the dead consumed ; and Hephaestus
Next with conflagration fierce invaded the river. (349)

Blazed ev'ry elm, each willow, each tamarisk shrub on it3 mai^in,
Lotus and reeds the <nidling fames licked vip, and the rushes,
Which from its beauteous streams stood forth in luxuriant prohision;
Gasping, the eels and the shoah ^/fish exliausted and flaccidj
Writhed, expiring beneatli the scorching breath of Hephaestus,
Which in the clear, bright-eddying flood were wont to disport them.
All in a simmer, the stream found words, and thus it addressed him :
" None of the Gods need hope to withstand thy pow'r, O Hephaestus *
Armed with thy dire consuming flames. I shrink from the contest
Leave me in peace ! Henceforth let Achilles siay as it lists Mm;
Drive out the Trojans from Troy, What have 1 to do with their
quarrel ?" (360)

Thus he spake. But his seething stream now boiled //pm its hft&m.
As when in some huge caldron* by flames surrounded, the water
Boils, as it melts out the fat of some mast-fed swine (>/ thaprcsf^

I
I

Bubbling it sputters abroad, the dry logs blazing beneath it :
Thus, at the sting of the piercing fire up bubbled the river.
Onward his waves no more he rolled ; but stopped, and, exhausted,
Shrank at Hephaestus' withering breath, and called upon Her^
Dolefully praying, and thus in beseeching words he addressed her :
"Her^ ! why doth thy son so bitterly plague and torment me (369)
More than all other streams ? Far less have I done to enrage thee,
Less than many a mightier pow'r have befriended the Trojans,
Now and henceforth will I cease to support them if so thou com-

mandest:
Let him but hold his hand. This too will I promise and swear it,
Not one man of the Trojans to save from the fate that awaits him,
Not should the city of Troy itself in one vast conflagration
Sink, and Achaia's warlike sons achieve her destru6lion."

This when she heard, the white-armed Goddess Hera rdeniedy
And on Hephaestus her dear-lov'd son thus laid her injundlions :
" Cease ! my glorious son, my Hephaestus ! Ill it beseems us,
Cruelly thus, for a mortal's sake an immortal to punish." (380)

Herd thus : and the God that dread conflagration extinguished.
Once more rolled the fair stream in the tranquil course of its waters.
Then, seeing Xanthus thus subdued and at rest, they desisted :
Hera restraining the rage of her son, though deeply indignant
Now among all the rest of the Gods contention and discord
Unrestrained broke forth. High swelled each bosom with anger,
Groaned the wide earth beneath as they closed on each other in tem-
pest.
Rang the high arch of heav'n with a trumpefs clang: and the Thun-

d'rer.
Sitting aloft on Olympus, the uproar heard; and it pleased him
Much, and he laughed in his heart when he saw th' immortals
contending. (390)

Not long held they aloof from each other. Ares the foremost,
Cleaver of shields, advanced to contend with Pallas Athend
Grasping his brazen spear, in insulting words he addressed her:
" Insolent pest ! who troublest the gods with strife and contention,
Why so forward and bold ? what prompts thy spirit of mischief?

BOOR XXL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

465

Hast thou forgot the day when thou sef st Diomedes upon me,
Bidding him wound me, and thou thyself his glittering javlin
Seized, and diredled its flight, and drove it straight through my body ?
Now thou shall suflfer, methinks, for all the pain thou hast wrought me*"
Thus he spakej and her M^ dread with fringes surrounded (400)
Smote : but to pierce it the lightning of Zeus had proved unavaiUng,
This with his spear attempted in vain the murderous Ares*
Gliding aside she stoopedj and a stone perceiving, upraised it^
Kugged and huge and black, from the plain where it lay, for a

landmark,
Planted by men of elder days to define their possessions.
This with her mighty hand she on Ares dashed, and it smote him
Full on the neck. He fell Sev'n roods he covered in falling.
Soiled were his locks in the dust, and his armour clashed. But Athen€
Laughed^ and in words of scornful triumph addressed her opponent :
**Fool 1 wilt thou never learn how far in might I surpass thee? (410)
(And by no empty boast) — ^but wilt match thyself ever against me.
Now thou but feel'st the effe^ of thy mother's curse and her vengeance
Tkrcatmaf against thee in wrath for deserting the cause of Acliaia,
And for the aid thou giv'st to the faidiless atid iftsoknt Trojans."
Thus she spake, and her bright dlti€ eyes in amtanpi she averted.
Groaning much, and scarce recovYing his breath, Aphrodite,
Daughter of Zeus, her helping hand extended to raise him.
This when Hera the fair-anned goddess beheld, to Athen^
Quickly she turned, and thus with indignant words she bespoke her :
**See 1 thou unconquered daughter of ^gis-upholding Kronfon, (430)
See how that plague of my life assists the murderer Ares!
Helping him off from the battle*field. Up ! follow and crush them^^
Thus she spake ; and Athena rejoicing heard, and pursued them,
Quickly overtook them, and full on the bosom of fair AphrmiUk
Dealt with her heavy hand a blow, Down dropped she and fainted*
DowTi on the grassy sod they rolled, the one and the other.
While in exulting tones thus broke forth Pallas Athend :
**So be it ever to all who would lend the Trojans assistance,
All who wish Hi to the mail-clad Greeks &r oppose them in battle \
Brave be they, much enduring, as now we belwid Aphrodit^ (430)

466

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XXL

Daringly lending her aid to Ares, braving my vengeance.
So, but for suck as tkcse^ long since had we ceased from our warfare,
l.ong since 1 lion's walls overturned and her empire subverted/'
Pleased was the white-armed Hera, and smiled on Pallas Athene.
Then to Apollo thus began the Lord of the earthquake;
**Phcebus ! why hold we our hands and stand apart? is it seetnly
Pmce/ul to stand while others have joined in fight ? *t^^ere disgraceful
Back, without striking a blow, to return to the halls of Olympus.
Come then, begin. Thou art younger by birtli. Myself it befits not
First to strike; thy elder in years, thy superior in wisdom. (440)
Foolish indeed thou art, and devoid of sense and refle€lion»
Hast thou forgotten the woes we both endured, when to Ilion
We two, alone of the gods, w^ere sent to serve by Kronion ;
How for a year entire we laboured hard for a guerdon,
Under Laomedon's harsh commands, who promised its payment ?
I for the Trojans built the wall which their city surrounded,
Seiid and broad and fair^ for its sure defence and protedion,
Phoebus ! thou through the grassy slopes and forests of Ida
Follow'dst in herdsman's guise the tardy steps of his cattle.
But when the joyous Hours brought round our day of requital, (450)
Payment th' imperious king, on his might unjustly relying,
Flatly refused, and with angry words and threats he dismissed us.
Thee did he threaten to bind, both hand and foot, and in fetters,
Sold into bondage afar in some distant isle, to transport thee ;
Vowing we both shouM lose our ears if we dared fa renumstmte.
Off we went, in bitter despite and smothered resentment,
Thus to be robbed of our hoped reward — the pay he had promised.
Such is the race thou fondlest^ — withdrawing thyself, when we counsel
How we may most severely requite those insolent Trojans,
Root them out from the land, and destroy their wives and their
children." {460)

Thus to Poseidon replied the king, far-darting Apollo;
"Earth-shakingPow'r! unwise indeed might^st thou deem me, andjmtfyy
If for the sake of mortal men I shotild dare to assail thee:
Wretched they are ! like the forest-leaves they flourish and either.
Now fuU'fed with the earth*s best fruits, they expand in their vigour

Book XXL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEE.

457

Now in their turn they shrivel and pine. Then why should we quarrel ?
Rest we in p^ace ! and let them fight it out as it Hsis thenx'*

Thus having spoken he turned away^ for he thought it presumptuous
'Gainst his great Fathers brother to raise his hands in contention.
Artemis then, his sister, the huntress Queen, who in wood -craft
Ever delights, addressed him with taunts and bittier reproaches: (471)
**\Vhat I dost thou fly^ far-darting king^ and yield to Poseidon
Ali the glory of conquest^ and all the boast of a triumph f
Weakling ! why dost thou bear that toy of a bow at thy shoulder ?
Ne'er let me hear thee vaunt in our father's palace henceforward,
As thou hast done full many a time before, that in combat
Undismayed thou would st dare to meet the Lord of the earthquake,'*
Thus she spake : but nought replied far-darting Apollo,
Such reproaches the spouse august of Zeus overhearing,
Turned on the queen of the silver shafts, and indignant reviled her: (480)
^'Shameless and insolent creature ! how dar'st thou thus to oppose us?
Ill mightst thou match diy strength with mine or hope to resist me,
'Spite of thy silver shafts, A v<^ry lioness art thou
Over the women of earth, appointed by Zeus to destroy them
Just as thou wilt *Twere wiser to slay the doe on the mountains^
Or, fpr a mbkr game^ tlie stately stag to encounter.
But if thou court defeat and wilt dare the issue of combat,
Soon shalt thou find how weak thy force which to mine thou wouldst

equal/'
Thus having spoken both her wrists she seized with her left hand,
While with the right from her shoulder she snatched her bow and

her quiver. (49<3)

Laughing aloud, with these on her ears hard cuffs she inflided,
'Spite of her struggles; and all the shafb from the quiver were

scattered.
Drowned in tears to the skies she flew, like a dove that, escaping.
Muffled in plume^ though not doomed to die, among rocky recesses.
Refuge seeks, and in clefts, from the murderous hawk that kas torn htn
Sobbing she fled^ and left on the ground her bow and her arrows.
Next unto Leto addressed these words the slayer of Argus :
**Leto, with thee I dare not fight Twere hard with a goddess

30-2

463

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[Book XXL

Favoured and loved by cloud-compelling Zeus to encounter; (499)
Look on me then as conquered, and make ihy boast of the conquest
Won by thy might, when next thou rt^join*st the blessed immortals,"
Thus he spake, and Leto the crooked bow and the arrows
One by one picked up from the whirling dust that defiled them.
These colleded, away frmt the Jltid her daughter she followed,
Who to Olympus had fled, to the bronze-built dome of Kronion,
WeepiJig, the virgin goddess flew to the knees of her father,
'V\TieTej as she knelt, iLuth her sobs th' ambrosial mantle around her
Trembled, Her father embraced, and tenderly smiling, addressed her;
** Which of the gods hath abused and evil entreated my daughter? {509)
Shame^l 1 as if committing some wrongful deed they had found her?"
Then made answer the Huntress, her ruflkd wreath readjusting:
**Twas thine ow^n wife, the white-armed Hera, my father, who

beat me;
She w^ho hath scattered among the gods contention and discord,"

Such was the converse held on high between Zeus and his daugAier^
Now to Olympus the other gods returned from the conflia,
These in defeat and wrath, those flushed w^ith success and rejoicing.
And around Zeus they took their seats* But Phoebus Apollo
Entered tlie sacred city of Troy, te nmiek <?Vr Us sqfit}\
Much he feared for the walls of the beauteous city of Priam,
Lest that the Greeks in spite of fate that day should destroy ihem^ {520)
Mighty Achilles the while, both man and horae of the Trojans
Went on sla3^ng. As when, from a city in flames, to the heavens.
Rises the smouldering smoke^ when the wrath of the gods overtakes It,
Slaughter and death are abroad, and all is destru6tion and horror ;
Such w as Achilles' rage : such vengeance burst on the Trojans,

High on a sacred tow'r old Priam stood, ami beneath kirn
Saw with dismay the giant might of Peleides approaching—
Saw how the scattered Trojans on all sides fell to his prowess.
Utterly broken in strength. Then pdck from the tovvY he descended.
Groaning, and thus to the guards of the gate delivered Iris orders: (530)
'* Fling wide open the gates; but hold them in hand, that the people
All may enter who fly to the town. Behind them Achilles
Follows enraged— and sadly I dread some terrible issue 1

Book XXL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

469

But when they all are entered, and once take breath in the city,
Close then the gates, and with bolts and beams of timber secure them,
Lest, as I fear, that dreadful man should enter the city."
Thus he spake, and the bolts were drawn, and the gates were ex[>anded,
Broadly admitting tlie hght and the flying hosL But Apollo
Hastened forth, intent on averting ill from the Trojans.
These, exhauji^ed with thirst, with dust defiled ^ /// amfumn (540)
Fled from the field to the town and its lofty tow'rs. But Achilles,
Wielding his drea«.lful lance, pressed on, with the rage of a madman
Burning within his heart, and a herds longing for glory.
Then had Achaia's sons bttrst open the gates of the city,
Had not Apollo An tenor's son^ the brave and the blameless.
Mighty Age nor, aroused, and nerved for the drmdfui encounter^
Filling his heart with undaunted fire; and ev<*r beside him,
Taking his stand, to avert the leaden grasp of destrudion.
Close to the beech they stood, and a dense mist shrouded the godhead*
Soon as Agenor beheld the destroyer of cities, Achilles, (SS*^)

Firm as a rmk he stood {some whit though his siJirit misgave him).
And with his mighty soul communed, as his foe he awaited i
*^Nmi* must I make up my mnd ! If 1 fly from the rage of Achilles
Thither, where all the rest of my friends in confusion are crowding,
Then will he overtake me, and strike off my head for a coward
But if I let them take their course and fly from Peleides,
Towmmrdsy and turn my steps away from the. walls, and to Ida
Fly, with my utmost speed dirough the plains ai its fmt^ and its

forests
Enter, and dark retreats; and hide mysdf in its thickets ;
Then towards even-tide may 1 bathe myself in its fountains, (S*^^)
Cleanse the sweat from my limbs, and return refreshed unto llion*
Why do my thoughts however suggest J^ desfrate a venture f
What, should he mark the course 1 take, away from the city,
Out to the plain, and with those unwearied feet should pursue me;
How could I ever expect to escape black death and destruction.
Since beyond all men fierce and strong I know my pursuer?
What, if before the city I wait his attack, and oppose him?
Only one life he bears. Men say that he is but a mortal,

470

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

[Book: XXL

(What though almighty Zeus until now have allowed him to triumph) ;
Not is his fiesh so finn but that spears and arrows may pierce it," (570)

Thus having said, co Healed in might he awaited Achilles,
Fixed in his heart was the firm resolve to fight to the utm&sf.
As when a panther forth from some deep recess of the forest
Burets on the hunter's path, unscared by his shouts or kis 7vettpom^
Not for a moment turns to flight, but facts tk^ danger^
Wounded albeit^ and pierced by the spear, or darts from a distance^
Ere he can spring ; his spirit disdains retreat iw eimhn^
Eager alone to grapple his foe and tear him, or perish:
Thus stood Antenor's godlike son, the noble Agenor,
Flight disdaining^ prepared for a trial of strength with Achilles \ (580)
Evenly held before him the polished orb of liis buckler ;
Took sure aim with his lance; and shouted aloud in d^^me:
** High, no doubt, is the hope in thy heart, most noble Achilles 1
This day to enter in arms the strong-built town of the Trojans,
Idle hopes 1 full many a toil still waits thee before it:
Many and brave within Ilion's walls are its noble defenders.
Men who will fight till death for their sires, their wives, and their

children.
There, on the spot where thou stand*st thyself, thy fate shall o*ertake

thee.
All renowned as thou art, and proud of thy might as a warrior"

Thus he spake, at^d his strong right hand delivered the jav'linj (590)
Aiming beneath the knee; and full on the limb it alighted.
Rudely it rang on the new-made greave of tin which encased it.
Powerless however to pierce — and off the weapon rebounded,
Turned by the stubborn strength (f the wmtfrous gill of Heph.-estus.
Now came Peleides' turn; and he rushed on godlike Agenor.
Phcebus however interposed, nor permitted his triumph;
Snatched him away, and rn gathering mists and darkness involved him.
Placing him far remote from the fight, in peace and in safety.
Nextt tliat Peleides thus might be led from pursuing the Trojans,
He, the far-darter, taking the form exadt of Agenor, (^00)

Stoodj^^r a mement, before him, and ran. Swift followed Achilles.
Thus o'er the fertile plain he led him, away frgm the €ity^

Book XXL] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 471

Following along the winding course of eddying Scamander.
Ever he kept some space in advance, and tempted him onwards,
Hoping to overtake, by his woncTtous speed, and to slay him.
Now came the Trojans crowding in haste through the gates of

the city,
Happy, relieved from fear^ and the town was filled with the flying.
None of them dared outside the walls to remain and to question
Who in the battle had fallen, and who survived the disaster;
Only too glad themselves to save: whosoever escaped it (610)
Thanking the gods ^ and blessing the strength of his limbs and their

swiftness.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XXII.

BOOK THE TWENTY-SECOND.

Argument.

Hector alone of the Trojans persists in remaining on the fields
resolved to meet Achilles. Priam and Hecuba endeavour to dissuade him^
but in vain, Achilles advancing^ his resolution fails him, and he flies.
Achilles pursues him thrice round the walls of Troy. The Gods debate
concertiing his fate, but at length Zeus consents to his death, Apollo
forsakes him, Pallas descends, and arresting the pursuit of Achilles,
takes the fortn of Deiphobus, and persuades He£lor to make a statid,
promising to support him. The heroes fight, Pallas forsakes Hc(lor,
and assists Achilles, who slays him, despoils him of his arms, and drags
his body after his chariot in the sight of his parents. Their lanuntations.
Andromache hears their cries, and mounting the walls, beholds her
husband^ s body in the a£l of being dragged off the field. She swoons, and
reviving^ breaks forth in lamentations.

ILIAD. BOOK XXI L

n^HUS to the city like frightened deer came flocking the Trojans;
-*^ Wiped off the sweat, and quenched their turning thirst, and re-
posing,
Panihig, leaned on the battlements fair i while onward the Grecians,
Marching, approached the walls, their shields inclined to their should

ders.
He^or however his evil fate enchained ; nor permitted
Shelter to seek. At the Scean gate the Greeks he confronted.

Now on Peleides Apollo turned, rei^mkii in his Godhead:
*'Why," he addressed him^ " Peleus* son ! dost thou hope to overtake

me,
Mortal thyself a celestial pow'r pursuing, and know'st not
Whom thou pursu*st, and deluded by passion still thou persistest, (ro)
All forgetful of Troy and the flying host of the Trojans,
Who in their city at length are safe, while here thou art wand*ring;
Nor canst ihou hope to lay nie low, by nature iramortaL*'
Burning with wrath, thus answered the swift-pursuing Achilles :
** Now, of a truth, far-darting King ! much wTong hast thou done roe.
Leading me thus astray from the walls ; unkind and ungracious *
Else had full many a Trojan bit the dust, and in I lion
Refuge had failed to find. Thou hast robbed me thus of my glory.
Lightly, ai lUtk CMi^ hast thou saved them ; nought from my ven*
geance

476 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XXII.

Fearing th)rself. But were mine the pow^r, this wrong would I
punish." (20)

Thus he spake, and indignant his steps retraced to the city.
Hastening his course : like some proud steed, accustomed to triumphs,
Easily whiriing on in the race his vUloriaus chariot
Plying his a6tive limbs thus rushed Achilles to battle.

Priam, with eyes undimmed by age^ beheld him advancing,
Shining refulgent in arms o'er the plain ; like the star that in autumn,
Earliest and brightest of all the host that bespangle the heavens,
Frcsh^ as in vigorous youth, shines forth in the evening twilight : —
That fierce star which follows and dogs the steps of Orion,
Bright, but of lurid and baUful poivr ; announcer of evil, (30)

Shedding on hapless mortals diseases, plagues, and disasters :
Thus on his form, as he darted along, bright glittered his armour.
Heavily groaned the hoary sire, and his head in his anguish
Smote with his upraised hands, and in agony called from the rampart,
Praying, entreating his much-lov'd son ; who had taken his station
Outside the gates, with eager desire to encounter Achilles.
Thus then in piteous words, and with outstretched arms, he con-
jured him :
" Hedor ! my son ! my belov*d ! for the sake of thy father await not
Thus unsupported, that dreadful man : or thy fate is decided.
Mightier by far than thyself, and far more fierce^ is Achilles. (40)

Wretch ! O would he were lov'd no more by the blessed immortals.
Than by myself ! full soon would dogs and vultures devour him
There on the field ; and appease the grief that gnaws at my heart-
strings :
Grief iox the many and valiant sons of whom he has robbed me,
Slaughtered, or sold into distant isles in fetters and bondage.
Two of my sons, e'en now, Lycaon and brave Polydorus,
Vainly I seek, among all our host taking refuge in Ilion;
Two, of one mother, Laotho^, bom, most queenly of women.
These, if they yet survive, though as captives held, may I ransom.
Gold in pkniy and brass I possess, stored up in my palace, (50)

Which for a dowry illustrious Altes gave with his daughter.
But, if they both have passed to the darksome mansion of Hades,

Book XX I L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

47?

Hard will it be to l>ear, to myself and the mother that bore them ;
But, for their country, a less enduring cause of aiflidllon
Th*in were thy falK by the slaughtering hand of dreadful Achilles*
Come then, my son, m\\im the wall : for the sake of tlie Trojan%
Matrons and men, ifnctf&r tkine (mfn; nor give to Peleidcs
This last crowning glor>^ — to rob thy Troy of her He<:ilor.
Oh ! too, have pity on me, who stil! survive but to suffer
All the extremes of tU ; whom Zeus hath dragged to the drmry (60)
Threshold of age but to make me a mark for fate^ and to witness
Woes upon woes ; my slaughtered sons, my daughters, with outrage
Tom from their homes; their chambers sacked, their innocent chddren
Dashed on the ground in the merciless rage of wanton destru^flion ;
All they2i/r brides of my sons dragged off/i^r j/iirvJ by the Grecians.
Me too {perhaps the last to fall) or pierced by a javelin,
Or by the sword struck down, from my limbs when life hath departed.
Dogs tlmt have fed from my table and watched at the gates of my

palace
Haply shall tear in the street before my door ; and, my life-blood
Lapping, a//*/ ^w^<f//f£'/y// iheirimfhus mra/, in the madness of riot (70)
GrmtfHfig^ lie in the porch. To the young, who fall in the kittle
Fighting, though pierced with hostile steel, each w^ound is becoming.
Beauteous in death they lie, each grace by glory exaJted,
But when the hoary head and the snow-white beard of the agM
Lie, and his withered limbs, for dogs to defile and to mangle,
This is the foulest sight that human mis'ry can offer."
Thus spake the aged king, and the hoary locks from his temples
Plucked with his hands and tore them away : but persuaded not

Heaon
Hecuba next, hh mother dear, ^Vr the hattianeni ieamng,
wad wHh aiarm^ and drowned in tearSj api>t;aredj and addressed

him, (So)

Baring her breasts, and pointing with either hand to her bosom :
*^Look upon these, O Hcdor, my son 1 and pity thy mother!
If I have fed thee hence, and lulled thee to sleep on my bosom.
Think upon that, my child! Avoid tliis dreadful encounter.
Here, by the walls secured, repel thy foe; but advance not

478

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

[Book XXI L

Wretch \ should he take thy life, 't%nll ne'er be mine to cmtpose thee
Diimt upon thy bier, or to weep o'er thee, fniit of my travail \
Nor will thy rich-dowVd wife thy rites attend. But, dhhomured^
Far from us all^ at the Grecians* ships their dogs will devour thee/*
Thus lamenting aloud they called on their son, with entreaties {90}
Many ami vain ; for Hector's mind was fixedj and he stirred not
Tliough with gigantic strides he beheld Achilles approaching.
As when a snake in his mountain lair perceives an intruder.
Nurtured on poisonous herbs with venom he swells, and his eyeballs
Spitefully glare, as coiled in a knot he awaits his opponenL
He<^or thus with courage unshaken held his position.
Leaning his splendid shield on the buttress wall of the rampart ;
Thus, as he stood, with his own undaunted spirit communing :
"Z^/ me be firm! If now our walls and gates I should enter.
There Polydamas first shall I meet, who \vi\\ blame and reproach me,
Calling to mind the advice he gave to retreat to the city, (loi)
Only this very night, when Achilles arose in his anger.
That I refused. But now / see^ to comply had been better.
How should 1 face the Trojans, and long-robed matrons of Troia,
Now that my ventVous daring hath cost the lives of so many?
How could I bear the comments of far inferior persons?
*He€lor' {I hear them say) *has destroyed the state by his rashness.'
Thus will they taunt me. Better by far 'twould h^f&r my homur^
Meeting him here, Achilles to slay, and re-enter in triumph,
Or be myself struck douTi and gloriously die for my country* (no)
Say / shall I toss aside my round-bossed shield from my shoulder,
DoflT my proud helm, and lean my reercant lance on the rampart \
Thus, unarmed^ before royal Achilles advance, and salute him^
Proffer him Helenas return with all her wealtli, and the treasures
Countless, all Alexandres brought in his ships ^(;w Aekaia
Hither to Troy to restore {dire cause of all our contention)
To the AtreidjE ; — and offer, moreover, all our possessions,
All our city contains, with the Greeks to share ; and pur prmces
Offer to bind by oath to conceal no part, but divide it,
Fairiy and justly in equal lots for the Greeks and the Trojans, — (lao)
All our wealth, and a!l that adorns our beautiful city?

Book XXI r.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

479

Why doth my soul however suggest so kc^pdess a counsel?
Let me not think of meeting him thus ! At once would he slay me
Pitiless, Once deprived of my arms, like a woman, defenceless,
SlLime nor respeft would hold his hand. On the spot would he

kill me.
Ours were no friendly talk» no calm familiar gossip
Such as a youth and a maid may hold when they meet one another,
Youth meeting maid beneath an oak or a rock^ and conversing.
Belter to fight it out, and have done : that Zeus may determine (129)
Soon^ and the world may know for whom the triumph is destined,"

Thus while he pondered^ near and nearer Achilles approached him.
Ares himself he seemed, with his plume and warrior hehnet ;
Poising, upheld o*er his shoulder, the dreadful Pehan jav'lin;
While from his arms of brass refulgent streamed forth a splendour
Bright as the blazing flame, or the rising sun in his gii^ry.

He dor perceived, and sei^ed with a sudden panic of terror,
Dared not remain, but fled, and the gates behind him relinquished
After him dashed Peleides fierce, on his fleetness relying.
As when a falcon, swiftest of birds, sweeps down from the mountains
Chasing a timid dove, and easily thinks to overtake her, (140)
Darting oblique she eludes his pounce \ yet nearer and nearer,
Screaming shrill, with repeated bursts, he presses his vi6lim :
So with the swiftness of eager kttk he followed i but Hedor
Put forth his strength and in terror Hed, in sigki of the Trojans,
Under their wall, and beneath the watch-towV high, — by the fig-tree
Waving in air, and along the road in front of the ramparts.
Now near the lovely founts they pass, where close to each other
Two bright springs supply the eddying stream of Scamander;
This pouring forth a tepid stream, w^hose vapour around it
Steaming s^c^TiA^ and blots the air like smoke from a furnace; (150)
That in the suramefs glow retaining the cold of the winter,
Chill as the hail, or the drifting snow, or the ice on the water.
There in broad basins of marble fair, one close to the other»
Each from its own clear spring supplied, tbe matrons of Troia ^
Came, with their daughters, in peaceful times ere Greece around Ilion
Mustered in arms^ to lave their rich and beauteous garments.

48o

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[BookXXIL

These in their course they passed, one flying, tlie other pursuing.

Brave was the warrior who fled, but braver still tlie pursuer.

Nor was the contest then far a vulgar /ri^^— for a vi6lim

Or for a hide — rewards of men who contend in a foot-race; (i6o)

But for the life of Hedtor, the mighty ikfmtUr of Ilwn.

And, as in honour of some great chief deceased, at whose fun'ral

Horses with chariots run for some rich prize — for a tripod,

Or for a beauteous dame — they stretch their speed to the utmost,

Whirling around the goal : so round tiie city of Priam

Thrice with unwearied feet they ran \ while, leaning from heaven.

Looked down the gods. Then spake the Father of gods and of

mortals :
" Oh ! what a sight is this I Can I see so noble a hero,
Dear to my heart, thus chased round the wall, nor melt with

compassion ?
Many and large are the gifts which He<5lor hath heaped on mine alurs,
Or upon Idas rifted heights, or in Ihon's temples, (^7^)

High on her holiest hill Yet now by mighty Achilles
Thus we behold him hunted around tlie city of Priam !
Therefore, ye gods I consult, atid well consider the issue.
Say 1 shall we snatch him from death, or at length deliver him over,
Brave as he is, to be slain by Peleus* son — by Achilles?'*
Thus in reply returned the blue-eyed goddess, Athend;
*'What hast thou said, great lord of the lightning's bolt and the

tempest?
Wouldst thou then rescue from death, long sinc^ foretold and

predestined,
Hdl&r^ a mortal, marked by fate for speedy destru<5lion ? (i8o)

Do so ! but think not that I or the other gods will award it/'
Then in his turn responded the cloyd-compelling Kronfon ;
*^Be of good cheer, Tritonia my child ! The words that I uttered
Were hit to try thm: nought against fate resolved* I shall grant thee
All thou desirest Up ! and be doing* Delay it no longer,"
Then by his words encoumged, and eager for adion, Athene'
Rose, and to earth plunged headlong dow^n from the peaks of Olympus.
S^ift Achilles the while unceasingly pressed upon He^lon

BOOK XXI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

4S1

As when a hound, accustomed to chase the deer in the mountains,
Rouses a fawn from his lair and through glens and thickets pursues htm,
WTiat though he crouch with fmr and hide himself deep in the

copse wood, ('9')

Followed and tracked, ^nce more ht files a$id abaftd&m his cmcrt :
Thus could not He<5lor evade the keen pursuit of Achilles.
Oft as he strove to approach the Dardan gates, and for shelter
Run within range of the darts and spears hurled down from the

ramparts,
Lofty, and lined with his friends^ so oft his eager pursuer
Ev'ry attempt forestalled, and turned him aside from the city,
Holding his own s\^nft course betwixt his foe and the Trojans.
Thus it seems in a dream^ when with toil and labour we follow
One who seems d^se at hand^ yd advances not, nor can we reach

him : (200)

Thus neither one on his foe could gain, nor the other escape him.
How, even then, could Hetlor have shunned black death and

destnnSlion,
Had not still, to the very last, his guardian Apollo
Come to his aid, and strengthened his knees^ and sustained him

in vigdu-?
Swift as they passed^ Peleides signed to the Greeks that at Hedlor
None should presume to aim, or the biting shaft, or the jav'lin.
Lest by that hand he should fall, and Achilles be second in glory.
Now for the fourth lime passed they the fountains tT^-ain : and

the Father
Hung forth the golden balance that weighs t/te issues of hafttt ;
Placed in itsscales the fates of each, the grave and its slumbers, (a 10)
This for AchilleSt that for Hecftor, subduer of coursers;
These he poised, and the scale, with Hedor's destiny loaded,
Sank to die realms of night. Then Phcebus Apollo forsook him.

Now to Achilles cume the blue-eyed Goddess Athene,
Taking her sLation close to his side, and thus she addressed him :
"Glorious Peleides! fav'rite of Zeus ! the hour is impending
When, in the presence of all the Greeks, in front of their vessels,
Hedor, insatiate of war, we shall slay, great glory achieving.

482 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXII.

Now no means of escape remain, no hope of evasion,
Not, should Phoebus Apollo himself at the feet of the Thund'rer (220)
Prostrate fall, and beg for his life with tears and entreaties.
Stay where thou art, and recover thy breath. Myself will to He<5lor
Speed, and persuade him to turn from flight, and meet thee in combat."
Thus she spake. Rejoicing he heard, and his course he arrested.
Leaning he stood on his brazen -pointed Pelian jav'lin.
Quitting him, godlike Hedlor Athene' sought, and approached him,
Taking Deiphobus* form and sonorous voice; and beside him
Standing, thus in encouraging words addressed him the Goddess :
"Surely, my brother, swift Achilles presses thee sorely!
Sad is it thus to behold thee chased round the city of Priam. (230)

Now let us make a stand, and with force united await him.

Crest-waving Hedlor grateful heard^ and thus he responded :
"Oh ! my Deiphobus, ever by far most lov'd of my brethren,
Dearest of all whom Hecuba's love to my father hath given !
Now more lov'd, more honoured than ever before, to assist me
Since thou hast ventured forth from the walls so soon as thou saw'st
I me

Thus bested, while the rest within lie stricken with panic'^
\ Him thus answered in turn the blue-eyed goddess Athen^ :

i " Much did our father and mother revered beseech, O my brother,
j Much did they urge me to stay, embracing my knees; and my
I kinsmen (240)

Each after each : such dread upon all had seized. But within me
j Grief and distress all fear dercami% and drove me to aid thee.
Now let us make a stand and fight, nor longer inadlive
Suffer our spears to remain. Let us see whether really Achilles
Both will slay, and strip off our bloody spoils, and as trophies
Bear thctn away to his ships, or yield his life to thy jav'lin."

Thus, deceitful, she spake, while leading him on to destrudlion.
Now, as the heroes approached and were rapidly nearing each other,
Crest-waving Hedor took the word, addressing Achilles:
"Now have I done with flight, Peleides ! Enough round the city (250)
Thrice to have run in dread, nor have dared to turn and to face thee
And thy assault sustain. But now the spirit within me

Book XX I L]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

483

Prompts me to stand and resist Now one must fall or the other.
Yet let us swear» and raise our eyes to the h/essed immortals
WTio from above look down on oaths, and caii thtrn to witness :
Never, should 1 survive the fight— thy life he the forfeit — -
Will I dishonour thee, dead, or commit one outrage upon thee^
Only thy beauteous arms from thy bosom strip, for a trophy ;
Then to the Greeks restore thy corse. Thus promise, Achilles I"

Scowling upon him with baleful frown thus ans^^^ered Achilles : (260)
'* He6\or accurs'd ! talk not to me of agreements and compa<5ls ;
l,eagues there arc none 'ts\ixt lions and men, nor solemn conventions ;
Padls betwixt wolves and sheep ; but enmity fierce and etirnal^
Thorough and rancorous !uit€^ all ills devising and ailing.
Such and such only the pafJil; I can make with thee : nor bet^veen us
Faith can we pHght, till death shall seize on one or the other,
And with his blood the slain shall appease insatiate Ares.
Summon thy courage then, and thy utmost force. Thou wilt need

them,—
All thou canst do with sword and spear, as a mttn and a warrion
Now, be assured, thou hast no escape, since Pallas Athen^ (^7^)
Gives thee at length to my spear ; and the woes thou hast wrought

to the Afgives —
All my companions slain— cry out for vengeance upon thee."

Ending, he poised, then hurled his long-forth-shadowing javelin.
He^or however perceived it in flight, and bent to avoid it*
Kneeling doTivii when he saw its approach ; and o'er him the weapon
Flew, and in earth stood fixed. Forth snatched it Pallas Athen^
All un perceived by Hsftor* and handed it back to Achilles*
Thus then Hc<5lor addressed ih' iilustrious offspring of Peteus:
*' Godlike and iirare as thou art, Peleides ! lo ! thou hast missed me:
Nor was my fate so surely revealed by Zeus as thou fanciedst (28a)
Think not by empty words, how boastful soe'er, to dismay me.
Shake my courage and strength, or make me dread thy encounter.
Nor shall thy spear o'ertake a flying foe. I shall meet it,
If I be destined by Heav*n to fall, unflinching and bravely,
Struck through the breast Now avoid, if thou canst» the spear I

shall send thee,

31—1

484 THE lUAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIL

Brazen and sharp. May it find deep resting-place in thy bosom i
So shall an easier task to the Trojans remain in their strug^
Freed by thy death of their direst foe — thou scourge of our nation l"

Ending, he poised, then hurled his long-forth-shadowing javlin.
Full on Peleides' shield it alighted, just in the centre, (290)

True to its aim; but it bounded 0% repelled by the buckler.
Hedlw with rage and grief beheld the recoil of his weapon.
Sore deje6led he stood. No second spear was provided.
Vainly Deiphobus' snow-white shield he sought, and upon him
Called aloud for another lance. No brother was near him.
Then in his mind he perceived the deceit ; thus sadly exclaiming :
"Woe to me now ! the gods have decreed my death. I am summoned !
Surely methought I beheld Dei'phobus standing beside me!
'Twas but a phantom by Pallas raised: he is safe in the city.
Now is an evil death at hand: no way to escape it: — (300)

None ! though of old not thus had Zeus or Phoebus Apollo
Left me to perish — ever at hand, and ever propitious^
Ready to save, whatever hefcL Now fate overtakes me !
Yet will I not inglorious sink, nor die like a coward.
Some great deed will I do that future ages shall hear of."

Thus having said, his trenchant sword he drew from its scabbard,
Where by /lis side^ huge, heavy, and strong, from his loins it depended ;
Then with colledled might he rushed on his foe. As an eagle
Soaring aloft, from his home in the dark-rolling clouds, on the meadow
Swoops, 7vhen he clutches a lamb or tim'rous hare in his talons, (310)
He6lor with brandished blade thus fiercely rushed on Achilles.
He too came on, with rage immense in his bosom concentered ;
Furious : his fair and rich-wrought shield pressed close to his corslet
High on his head, with four-fold cone, his glittering helmet
Nodded in crested pride. Bright waved, close-tufted, and gleaming
Threads of resplendeiit gold by Hephaestus mixed with its plumage.
Bright as the fair Hesperian star shining forth in the ev'ning.
Fairest and brightest of all the stars that glance in the heavens.
Sparkled the point of the Pelian spear, which godlike Achilles
Shook with his strong right hand, as advancing he glared upon
He6lor, (320)

Book XXIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMEE.

Eying him well to espy some place where best he might wound him.
All was compadl, for the arms he had torn from slaughtered Patroclus,
Beauteous and brazen, fitted him close, nor permitted an entry j
Save at the place where the collar-bone unites to the shoulder^
Just at the point most dang-rous to life, was the neck undefended.
This Achilles perceived, and eagerly springing upon hiro,
Drove through his tender neck the piercing point of his javlin.
Straight tlirough passed the pond Yo us spear, but pierced not the

windpipe^
Leaving him still the powV of speech, nor stifling his utfrance
Prostrate he rolled in the dust,' while o'er him vaimted Achilles : (330)
"He(5lort thou thought'st thyself safe when thou strippMst the

spoils of Patroclus :
Far away was his friend, and Uiou took'st no thought of the absent
Fool ! to forget that there in the hollow ships an avenger
Mightier by far was at handj and that 1 remained to requite thee,
Nmi^ art thouJalPn, There lie, to be torn by dogs and by vultures
Limb from Umb^ while the Greeks with pomp shall bury Patroclus.**

Gasping for breath, and infeei^U tones ^ great Hedlor responded:
**Now by thy life I — ^by thy knees which I clasp! — by the lave of thy

parents!
Suffer me not, I entreat, by the Grecian dogs to be mangled.
Ransom accept, which my father and honoured mother will offer.
BrasSj and abundant gold, and priceless gifts, if, relenting^ (341)
Home thou wilt only send my lifeless corse^ that the Trojans
And the sad matrons of Troy may rear my pyre, and consume it*"

Scowling upon him replied the swift-pursuing Achilles:
"Talk not of knees embraced in pray'r^ — of my lift — or my parents,
Dog! But that nature recoils, raethinks I myself could devour thee
Kaw, cutting off thy flesh from thy bones. Such woes hast thou

wrought me*
Mo I Not a man shall approach to drive the dogs from thy carcase;
Not, should they bring me tenfold, twentyfold ransom to buy thee ;
Not should they place it before me, and promise more — their
possessions (3S*>)

All, atid the wealth of Troy. No! not should Dardanian Priam

486

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOKXXIL

Coin himself into gold* 0*er thy bier the mother that bore thee
Weeping shall never bend, and thy limbs compose* But the vultures
IF//r/and d£tmmttg dogs shall mangle and tear thee to pieces/'

He€lor wUk /a if it a fid dying voice this answer returned him :
*' This might I well have foreseen, for 1 know thee well To persuasion
'Tis not thy nature to yield; for a heart of steel is within thee.
This wilt thou rue, that day when the wrath of the gods shall be

kindled
'Gainst thee, on tny account; when Paris and Phoebus Apollo,
Brave as thou art, at the Scsean gate with their arrows shall stretch
thee/^ (360)

Thus while he spake the shades of death came gath'ring around him.
Quitting his mortal frame his soul passed downward to Hades
Wailing its lot, relinquishing youth and vigour and manhood*
Peleus* son stmd o'er him awhiky a fid addressed the departed;
"Die thou first ! For myself^ I accept my fate, w^hen it pleases
Zeus and the other immortal gods that Achilles shall perish."

Thus having said, his brazen spear from the dead he extra(5led.
Laid it aside, and stripped the blood-stained spoils from bis shoulders;
Round him on all sides . gathered in crowds the sons of Achaia,
Much admiring the beauteous form and the stature of Hedtor. (370)
Nor did a man approach but infli6led a wound on the hero;
Each to his neighbour thus addressing words 0/ derision :
*'He6lor behold 1 iai ge^ft/er, softer, and easier to deal with
Than when he hurled in his rage damtrittg flames on our vessels."
Thus, as he spumed at the corpse, each Greek exclaimed to his

Godlike Achilles had now despoiled the dead, and advancing
Full in the midst of the Greeks, in words like these he harangued

them:
"Friends, and leaders of Greece! her foremost rV^^'^r^w^ in council I
Now that by heav'n*s propitious aid we have conquered the warrior
^\Tio beyond all the rest of his race afflidted our armies, fjSo)
Upt and around the city in arms let us march, and discover
Wiat the Trojans intend— what further course they contemplate :
WTiether, their hero slain^ they will yield their town and surrender^

Book XXI L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

487

Or, umUsmaycd by his loss, will still prolong theur resiistance.
Wliy will my soul however thus lead me on with suggestions?
There at the ships Patroclus lies, unwept and unburied ;
Whom, while on earth I remain endued with vigour and manhood,
Mixing with living men, my soul shall not cease to remember,
Ev*D in the shades, w^here living and dead alike are forgotten,
There, even there, my lov^d companion's remembrance will haunt
me. (390)

Back to our ships return we then, ye youths of Achaia,
Bear with us Hedlor's corpse, and chant this Paean in chorus:
* Glory and triumph are ours 1 We have slain the redoubtable Hedor,
Worshipped no less than a god, as their city's stay, by the Trojans/*'

This having said, an unseemly deed he devised against Heiflon
Boring the tendons behind of his feet, from the heel to the ankle.
Thongs of leather he passed through both, and tied them together i
Then to his chariot bound, while the head lay trailing behind them ;
Mounted the car, and, receiving the glorious spoi Is /n?«i /m comradeSy
Lashed the steeds, and with right good will they whirled on the
chariot. (400)

Up rose the dust in thuds as they dragged the corse ; and behind it
Streamed out the iong dark locks; and with dust tliat head was,

disfigured,
Ever before so graceful and fair: for by Zeus was he destined
l*hus, on his own paternal soil, to defilement and outrage.

Now when his motlier beheld her son thus dn^ged and disfigured.
Rending her hair she stood, and the shining veil from her temples
Flung far away, and cmvuisivt sobs burst forth /re? w Iier huonu
Piteously moaned his iather dear, and over the city
Lmid and on all sides rose the voice of sorrow and wailing*
Seemed as if, toppUngdtmm from her height, her glory departed, (410)
I lion already a prey to flames in her ashes were sinking.
Scarce could his people prevent their hoary monarch from rushing,
Maddened by grief and despair, from the Dardan gate ta AdtUks,
Rolled in the mire ai kngth he lay, and begged^ and entreated,
Calling, adjuring all by name who tried to restrain him :
*' Cease to detain me, my friends, and, sad tho* it be, yet allow me

488 THE lUAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XXII.

Forth from the city alone to go to the ships of the GredanSy
There to beseech this dreadful man, this ruthless destroyer:
Haply he yet may respedl my age, and, touched by compassion,
Pity my hoary locks. For he too at home has a father, (420)
Peleus, old arid weak like myself, who begat and who reared him,
Scourge as he is of our race; but of mine most bitter and crueL
Many a son of mine in the bloom of youth hath he slaughtered ;
Hard to endure! but of all most dear, most deeply lamented,
One, whose untimely loss to the grave with sorrow will bring me,
Hedlor belov'd! Ah! would in my arms thou hadst breathed forth

thy spirit!
Tenderly then had I closed thine eyes, and wept and bewailed thee.
Taking my fill of grief, with the hapless mother that bore thee."

Weeping he spake, and around him wept in concert the Trojans.
Hecuba then in her turn, by the Troian matrons surrounded, (430)
Thus began: "O why do I live, my son! to lament thee.
Pride 0/ mi fie eyes and boast of my lips, my joy and my comfort.
Ever by night and day? Sole hope, sole stay of the Trojans,
Matrons and men, who as all but a god revered and adored thee.
Living, in thee they beheld the glory and strength of their city.
Now thou art gone ! and nought refnains but to griei^e, and bewail theej*

Weeping she spake. — As yet no word to the consort of He<Slor
Rumour had borne ; no messenger sure had brought her the tidings
Dread, that without the gates her lord awaited Achilles.
High in a chamber remote, beneath the roof of her palace, (440)
Plied she the loom, in the close-wTOught web rich figures embroidering,
Beauteous, Anon she called to the fair-haired maidens around her.
Bidding them place on the fire a tripod vast; that, from battle
Hedlor returning, might find prepared a bath to refresh him.
Blind to the fates ! nor knew she that far from baths or attendance
Blue-eyed Athena her hero had slain by the hands of Achilles.
Suddenly struck on her ear the shrieks and wails from the rampart
O'er her a faintness came, and the shuttle dropped from her fingers,
As to her fair-haired maidens her boding fears she imparted :
"Two of you come with me ! I must hence, and see what has
happened. (450)

Book XX II.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

Tbat was our mother's shriek I heard \ The heart in my bosom
Leaps to my throat, and my knees, benumbed, seem sinking beneath

me.
Surely o'er Priam's house, and his sons, some mischief is pending !
Far be the word, oh ! far from mine ear ! But 1 dread lest Achilles,
Cutting my He£lor off from all retreat to the city,
Press him alone to the plain. How fatal would then be the courage
Urging him on ! — who ne'er behind in the crowd of the warriors
LingVing, hrrnkt^d ft} remain ; but ever, the first of (he foremost,
Sprang to the fight, and thought it shame to be equalled in valour.'*

Thus having said, like one distraught she rushed through the palace :
Thick beat her heart. — Her attendants followed, close on her

footsteps ; (461)

Soon to the tow'r she came, and pushed through the crowd to

the rampart.
Cast o'er the walls a dhtrailed glance j and there she perceived him
Dragged o*er the plain in front of the town ; and swiftly the horses
Hurrying away the car, she beheld» to the ships of the Grecians.
That when she saw, the darkness of night settled down on her eyelids \
Back she sank in a swoon, and at once her senses forsook her.
Loose from her head fell scatt'ring the beauteous bands that

adorned it,
Garland and coronal fair, the confining net, and the fillet
T^vining among her hatr, and the veil which bright Aphrodit^ {47o)
Flung o'er her head on that h^ippy day when crest-waving He^or
Led her, a rich-dower'd bride, from the halls of her father Eetion.
Round her her sisters had gathered, the g£ntk wives of her brothers :
These in their arms received, and her fleeting spirit arrested*
Now, when again she breathed, and her thoughts once more were

collect edj
Broken by sobs, her plaint she poured to the matrons of Troia %
**He<5lorl alas for us both! to an evil fate were we destined
Both from our birth: for thee, in Troy in the palace of Priam,
And for myself, in the fair Hypoplakian forests, in Thebae,
Under my father Eetion's roof, who begat and who reared me, (480)
Wretched, a wretched child. Oh ! would I had never existed i

490 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXII.

Now art thou passed away to the gloomy mansions of Hades,
Down in the depths of earth, and here am I left in thy palace,
Widowed and plunged in grief, with our boy, so tender an infant.
Child of our love, and of joys once sweety now bitter to think on.
Him thou canst neither aid, nor can he requite thy affe^Uon,
Should he survive this dreadful war, and the sword of the Grecians,
Trouble and toil henceforth are his bitter lot, and the stranger
Ever encroaching will seize his fields, removing the landmarks.
Mournful his orphaned days. No young companions to cheer him^ (490)
Sad and dejedled, his cheeks ever wet with tears, must he wander;
Pinched by want will he fly to his father's fiiends and companions.
Craving for food, plucking one by the cloak, and one by the tunic.
Some one in pity, perchance, a cup of wine may aflford him.
Hardly enough to moisten his lips, still leaving him thirsty;
One, perchance, who has never known the loss of a parent.
Drives him away from the festive board with blows and reproaches :
'Get thee gone!' will he say, *Thy father feasts not among us.'
Weeping, my child must then return to his mother, a widow, —
He, my Astyanax, fondled once on the knees of his father, (500)
Fed with the choicest food^ with the marrow of sheep and of fatlings :
Who when he dropped to sleep, with his childish cries or his pastimes
Wearied, reposed in his nurse's arms on luxurious couches,
Every want appeased, and wrapt in the softest of slumbers.
Now must his sorrows begin, (his father lost) and his suflTrings —
Hapless Astyanax ! Prince of Troy I so called by the Trojans,
For that thou only, viy He^lor 1 their gates and bulwarks protedtedst.
Now art thou stretched at the Grecian ships, afar from thy parents.
Naked ; the worms destroying whate'er the dogs may have left them.
Naked ! and here in thy desolate home are robes in abundance, (510)
Beauteous and soft, all wrought by the hands of those who adored thee.
Now to the flames I devote them all, since never hencefon^'ard
Or shall they grace thy living limbs, or, dead, shall enfold them.
What poor glory their flames may confer, the Trojans shall witness."
Weeping she spake, and around her wept htx faithful attendants.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XXIII.

BOOK THE TWENTY-THIRD.

Argument.

After a funeral feast in honour of PatrocluSy Achilles retires to
sleep on the sea shore. The ghost of Patroclus appears^ and demands the
rites of burial. The funeral pile is prepared, Patroclus being laid on
ity Achilles sacrifices his hair, then several horses and other animals, and
lastly twelve Trojan captives. Iris summons the witids to fan the flames
of the pyre. The corpse being consumed, the botus are gathered in an
urn, and a mound raised over the place of the pile. Funeral games are
then celebrated by Achilles, who furnishes and awards the prizes. With
the description of these games and their various incidents this book
concludes.

ILIAD. BOOK XXIIL

'T'HTJS through the city the voice of mounibg rose. But the Gre-
^ ciatis.
When they at length their ships had reached, and the Hellespont's

waters^
Broke up thdr ranks and dispersed j each man to his vessel retiring*
Godlike Achilles however detained the Myrmidon squadrons,
Thus to his brave companions in arms declaring his orders :
"Comrades, honoured and lov'd ! ye car-bome Myrmidon warriors !
Loose not your stamping steeds from beneath the yokes of your

chariots,
But with your horses and cars attend. Approaching Patroclus,
JLaise ye the funeral wail Stich tribute claims the departed,
Wlien we have thus indulged our grief in sad lamentation, (lo)

Loose we our wearied steeds, Then all partake of refreshment"
Thus having said, all Joined in the loud lament, by Achilles
Led, while thrice round the dead in slow pr^esshn the chariots
Rolled, and while Thetis swelled their grief, and prompted its utt Vance,
Wet was the sand with tears : with tears bedewed was their armour :
Such was their yearning grief for a chief so dreaded in battle.
Foremost of all great Peleus' son gave vent to his anguish^
Laid on the breast of his friend his slaughtering hands, and addressed

him :
^^Skadt' o/^dAiochis^ hail! In the darksome dwelling of Hades

494 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XXIII.

This be thy solace^ to know that all will be done that I promised; (20)
He6lor's corpse at thy feet be cast, for dogs to devour it,
And that before thy fun'ral pyre twelve youths of the Trojans,
Nobly bom, to avenge thy death, by these hands shall be slaughtered,"
Thus he spake, and, on Hedlor's corpse foul outrage committing,
Cast it forth at the foot of Patroclus* bier, where it prostrate
Rolled in the dust. Each warrior then his glittering armour
Doffed, and his neighing steeds at length released from his chariot
Down by thousands the heroes sate at the ships of Achilles,
Bid, one and all, to partake of a great funereal banquet.
Many a milk-white steer lay stretched by the axe, and beside them (30)
Sheep unnumbered and bleating goats lay piled on each other;
Boars, with their iv'ry tusks exposed, on spits were extended,
Feeding with streams ofi^X. the scorching flames of Hephaestus;
While round the corse, as from bowls poured forth, flowed blood in

abundance.
Now to Achilles came the princes and chiefs of the Argives,
Pressing to lead him up to Atreides' tent : and he followed,
Hardly persuaded, in wrathful mood at the death of his comrade.
Soon as they came to the gorgeous tent of King Agamemnon
Shrill-voiced heralds approached, and received command from the

chieftains,
Quick on the fire to place a tripod vast, and besought him (40)
Plunged in the bath to efface from his form the traces of bloodshed.
This he sternly refused, and by oath confirmed his refusal :
**No! by all-po7u'rful Zeus I swear, supreme and immortal.
Not till Patroclus* rites be paid, and a mound o*er his ashes
Raised, and my locks shorn off be upon it laid, shall ablution.
Cleanse my hands or approach my head : for never hencefor^-ard
Grief such as this will seize on my heart and blight my existence.
Yet, though abhorring the thought of food, will I join in your banquet ;
But on the morrow's dawn give orders, King Agamemnon !
Wood from the forests to bring, and arrange, that so the departed, (50)
Soothed and z.^i'^QdiS^d, may pass to the darksome shadows of Hades,
So shall the busy flames that dismal and piteous objefl
Sweep from before our eyes, and our warriors return to their duties."

Book XXIII.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

495

Thus he spake : attentive they heard, and the order was issued*
Each then, intent, his ev ning meal pre pared j and they feasted,
All to their souls* content, nor Licked there abundance &r 7c*ekome,
Then, when at length the pangs of hunger and thirst were abated,
Each to his tent retired, and sought the repose that he needed,

Peleus* son on the wide-resounding shore of the ocean
Cast him to sleep, with many a groan, with his Myrmidon warriors^ (60)
Choosing a spot retired, where, soothed by the dash of the breakers,
Over his soul sweet sleep diffused its gentle refreshment.
Blotting out all his cares, and renewing his vigour, exhausted
Sorely by that long chase round the wind-swept Tlian fortress*
There, as he slept, before hitn rose the ghost of Patroclus,
Mournful, in all things like, in his beauteous eyes, in his stature,
Features^ and form, and voice, and theiudi-kncmm stmtp e^his garments :
Over his head he stood, and sakmniy thus he addressed him :
"And dost thou sleep, Achilles I forgetting thy friend and companion ?
Living, thou lov'dst me well, but dead, behold me forgotten ! (70)
Bury me quickly. Give me to pass the portals of Hades*
Thence do the shadows of those who rest from their labours repel me,
Suffriog me not to cross that stream, and mingle among them :
So that, forlorn, round the wide-expanding gate m«st T wander
Give me thy hand, I beseech thee with tears ; for never henceforward
Must I return, when the furi'ral flames are quenched on my ashes,
Ne*er shall we more, as in life, apart from our friends and companions,
Take s70€d counsel together : for now, at length, has the sentence
Hateful, pronounced by fate at the hour of my birth, overtaken me.
Like to a God as thou art, thoti too art predestined, Achilles, (80)
Under these husiik walls to fall by the hands of the Trojans*
So let me claim of thee one thing more ; nor must thou refuse me:
Let not our bones, Achilles ! be parted in death, but commingling,
Rest : as together we grew beneath the roof of thy father,
When to his care by Menoetius consigned, who brought me from Opus,
Youth as I "waSf/rom my cminiry dnVn, redhanded with slaughter,
On that unhappy day when Amphidamas' son in a quarrel
Over our dice I slew; not meaning harm, but In passion.
Hasty and reckless. Peleus then in his palace received me,

496 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIII.

Carefully cherished, and placed me with thee as thy friend and
attendant : (90)

Then let one urn our bones receive — that vase which thy mother
Gave thee, golden and fair— Jit shrine for the ashes of heroes.^*

Godlike Achilles, swift in the race, this answer returned him :
"And art thou here, Patroclus ! beloved of my soul, to enjoin me
All these things to perform } Oh ! think them already accomplished f
All shall be done, in duty and love, whatever thou commandest
Now for a moment approach ; one instant let me embrace thee :
Once, ere for ever we part, indulge we our mutual sorrow."
Thus he spake, and his longing arms outstretched to embrace
him:
Vainly; for down in the earth he sank, like a vapour dissolving, (100)
Uttering a feeble and ghostly cry. Up starting, Achilles
Smote together his hands in amaze, thus sadly exclaiming :
"Gods ! can it be f Disembodied souls from the mansions of Hades
Rise? unsubstantial forms of the dead — unreal, yet life-like f
All through the night hath the ghostly form of wretched Patroclus
Stood o*er my head as I lay, with groans and piteous moanings
Telling me all I must do : and Oh ! how like the departed !"
Thus as he spake, the tears burst fresh from the warriors around him.
Nor did their sorrows cease, till rosy-fingered Aurora
Rose on the mournful scene and illumined the bier. But Atreides
Summoned from all the tents both men and mules, and dispatched
them (ill)

Wood to procure : and o*er them he placed a chief of distindlion,
Merion, valiant Idomeneus* friend and faithful attendant
Forth they fared to the forest with axe in hand, and provided
Amply with twisted cords, and the mules were driven before them.
Up hill and down, through crooked and straight, over highways and

byways,
On they went, till the woods they reached and fountains of Ida.
Shuddered the tow'ring oaks to the fast-falling strokes of their axes,
All through their leafy crowns, and down they toppled in thunder,
Crashing amain. These splitting, the sturdy hands of the Gre-
cians, (120)

Book XXI I L]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

497

Bound with cords on the mules, and back they plunged through

the thickets.
Eager to reach the plaini tiirough paths deep wora by their footsteps.
Every wootlman carried a log, for so had commanded
Merion, valiant Idomeneus' frknd and faiikfid companion.
I'hese, when they reached the shore, they in order laid, where Achilles
Both for himself and Patroclus a mighty tomb was designing.
Now, when a vast unmeasured pile of wood was collected,
Down sate the bearers all, in a body, awaiting their orders*
He, meanwhile, had commanded his valiant M>Tinjdon warriors
All in their brazen arms to appear, and each with the horses (130)
Yoked to his car. They mustered, ami sh&ne rtfuigent in armour*
Each brave chieftain sprang to his car, and, the reins their attendants
Guiding, advanced in front, while a cloud of foot-men behind them,
Many a thousand, marched* In their tnidst the corse of Patroclus,
Borne l>y his friends, came, strewed with their hair thick scattered

upon it,
Shorn from their heads* Achilles behind, the head of his comrade
Mourning sustained, for the friend of his youth was he sending

to Hades.
When at the spot arrived, by Achilles marked for the fun'ral,
Halting, they set down the bier, ami piled up wood in abundance*
Here Achilles remembered ihc vow he had made, and, retreating {140)
Back some space from the pyre, those yellow locks from his temples
Shore, to Spercheius^ honoured stream which erst he devoted ;
Thus, as he moumfully gazed o'er the dark-blue waters, exclaiming :
*^IIoiy Spercheius ! vain was the vow by Peleus my father
Sworn, that if ever his native land his son should revisit,
These, my locks, should be thme, and a hecatomb blaxe in thine

honour —
There, at thy source, in the grove, whose fragrance breathes round

thine altars,
Fifty umfotted rams at thy sacred shrine I should offer.
Such was the old king's vow. But his prayer wilt thou never

accomplish.
Now, since I ne'er must revisit the dear-lov'd land of my fathers, (150)

498 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XXIIL

Suffer these locks to grace the bier of the hero Patroclus,"
Thus as he spake, on the hands of his dear companion he laid them :
All who beheld once more dissolved in tears, and in mourning.
Thus had th€ day worn on, and the sun sunk down on their sorrows,
Had not Achilles advanced, and thus addressed Agamemnon:
"Glorious Atreides ! whom above all their leaders the Grecians
Hear and obey, enough is giv*n to weeping and wailing;
Now from the pile let the Greeks depart, and, dispersing, provide them
Needful food; but let those remain whose duteous attendance
Still we require to complete this work, with our princes and

leaders." (i6o)

This when he heard, forthwith the king of men, Agamemnon,
Ordered his troops at once to disperse, and return to their vessels :
Only the mourners remained, and piled up the wood for the burning.
Each way a hundred feet the strudlure grew, and upon it
High on the summit the dead they placed. There, mourning, they

left him.
Sheep well fattened, and beeves huge-hom'd, thick-hoofd, in

abundance,
Slew they around the pyre, and flayed and dressed : and Achilles
Spread o'er the corse their fat, and thickly covering o'erlaid it
Even from head to foot; then heaped their carcases round it
Bending next o'er the bier, great jars of oil and of honey (170)
Round it he placed ; then four brave steeds, which, bitterly sighing.
Trailing in dust their beauteous manes, he piled on the stru6lure.
Two out of nine familiar dogs, at the board of Patroclus
Daily that fed, he dispatched, to swell the tale of the vidlims.
Lastly (a fierce and savage deed) twelve sons of the Trojans,
Captives^ of noble birth, by his murderous steel lay slaughtered-
Fire he then to the pile appUed that the flames might consume it.
Thus invoking, with many a sigh, the shade of Patroclus :
^^ Shade of Patroclus! hail! In the darksome dwelling of Hades
This be thy solace to know, that all is done which I promised. (180)
Here on thy pyre lie slain twelve noble youths of the Trojans,
Whom with thy corse the flames shall consume. Such honour shall

Heaor

BookXXIILI

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

499

Never obtain. Not fire, but the dogs shall feast oti his carcase."
Such was his threat. But the dogs respf/Ied the slain^ nor ap-
proached him :
Bright Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, was nigh to protect him,
Ever by night and by day, and drove them off, and with ointments
Roseate, ambrosial, kept him whole, though dragged by the c/ian&L
Phcebos Apollo too sent down a cloud from the heavens,
Thick overshadowing the spot where the hero lay, and the sunbeams
Ail interceptirig, whose burning glow might scorch up his moisture, (190)
Shrinking up all the flesh and s/iriv*iwg the nerves and the sinews.

Sm&uidcrinj^ _jr/ aiuf unkindled remained the pyre of Patroclus,
This when Achilles perceived, on the w^nds he called for assistance.
Standing aloof, to the two great blasts, to Boreas and Zeph)T,
Prayed he, and proffering gifts of price to be laid on their altars,
Large libations he poured from a golden bowl, and besought them
Quickly to come and fan the flame, and in if right coftjiagraiion
Bum up the wood and the dead. To his prayer A^atf^n's messenger.

Iris,
Lent a fropiti&us car, and the echmng huii af the tempests
Sought, where the winds she found, in the breezy palace of
Zephyr, (^^o)

Seated around his festive board. Her flight she amsttd^
And on the marble threshold stood. All rose when they saw her^
Each^r so homyrtd a guest made room, and prayed her to enten
This she declined, refusing a seat — and delivered her errand :
** Here may I not repose. On the utmost verge of the Ocean,
Far Ethiopia's land 1 seek, where the Gods are assembling
Sacred rites to receive, and T go to join m the banquet;
Mighty Achilles the wbilc to Boreas and Zephn is prajing.
Pledging himself to obsenance due, anddaims their assistance^
That on Patroclus' pyre, which the mourning Greeks are sur-
rounding, (2 to)
All their blasts may be poured, and its flames to the skies may
be wafted."
Thus having spoken away she flew. Then forth at her bidding
Rushed both winds with a scream, the clouds wild drifting before them.

32-

500 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIII.

Down on the sea with a sweep they came. High mounted the billows
Under their blast, and it howled through the fertile region of Troia:
Then on the pile it burst. Loud roared the flames in their fury.
All through the live-long night on the pyre their force they con-
centered,
Raging and tossing the flames on high. All night did Achilles
Sprinkle the ground with wine from a two-handled goblet, replenished
Oft from a golden urn, and ceaseless called on Patroclus, (220)
Ever with tears and groans invoking the shade of his comrade.
And as a father who bums the remains of his offspring, a bridegroom.
Newly wed, whose loss hath crushed down his parents with sorrow,
So did Achilles mourn as he burned the bones of Patroclus,
Grov'ling on earth at the foot of the pyre, and bitterly moaning.
But when the morning-star arose, the herald of daybreak,
Followed by dawn, diffusing its saffron light o*er the ocean.
Languidly burned the pyre, and its bright flame sank to a flicker.
Homeward, their task performed^ the winds retired ; in their passage
Chafing the Thracian seas into roaring billows beneath theni. (230)

Wearied and worn at length from the pile withdrawing, Peleides
Flung himself down, and partook the sweet refreshment of slumber,
Soon interrupted: for now the Greeks round Atreides assembling,
All in a body approached, and their noise and tumult awoke him.
Up to his feet he started at once, and thus he addressed them :
*' Glorious Atreides ! and you, ye foremost chiefs of the Grecians !
First be our care with purple wine to extinguish the embers
All, wheresoe'er the fire hath raged : then, searching among them.
Gather the 7vhitened bones of Patroclus, son of Menoetius,
Picking them carefully out. 'Twill be no hard task to seledl
them ; (240)

All in the midst of the pyre they lie, apart from the others.
Mingled promiscuous, of horses and men piled up on its borders.
These in a golden vase and in cauls enwTapped will we treasure,
Waiting the day of mine own descent to the mansion /t/" Hades.
No vast tomb will we now constru6l. Enough for the present,
Such as a while may suffice. The time will come when Achaia,
After my fall, at the ships shall raise some worthier stru6ture,

BooicXXULl

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

jot

(260)

Otyct the ashes of Mh^ io r^ord the fame of lur htrms.

Thus he spake, and the Greeks attentive heard and obeyed him.
First they extinguished with wine the flames that flkkering hov-
ered (^50)
Yet o'er the pjTe l>y fits. Deep sank the smouldering embers,
^Veeping they gathered the whitened bones of their gentle companion
Into a golden vase, and in twofold cauls they enwrapped them.
This to the tents they bore. In a smm* white mantling of linen,
Pi&usiy veiled : then marked out the tomb, and deep its foundations
Scooped round the pyre, and heaped up the earth to a mound in the

centre :
TheOj wkm the work was cmtpkte^ departed. Forthwith Achilles
Ranged the warriors in one vast ring, and made them be seated.
Then to the ships for prizes sent — for vases and tripods,
Gen'rms steeds, and mules, and strong iahmus oxen,
Del icate-w aisled slaves, and kitge grey masses if iron*
First for a chariot-race five prizes rich he allotted ;
Perfe<5l in every female art a beauteous damsel.
And of full two-and-twenty measures a tripod mih, handles ;
These to reward the first. A raare for the second in order.
Six years old, unbroken, in foal with a mule, was provided ;
Then, for the third in the race a vase, four measures containing^
Beauteous, as yet untouched by fire, bright polished and glancing ;
Next, for the fourth reserved two talents of gold were appointed ;
And, for the fifth, unsoiled hy smoke, a two-handled goblet. (370)
Forth stood Achilles ere<5l, and tlius addressed the assembly:
*'Glorious Atreides ! and you, ye bright-greaved sons of Achaia [
Here in the ring for our first-rate charioteers are the prices*
Could I myself in the race contend, on some other occasion
Vi(5lor assured, the first reward to my tents I should carry^
Ail of you knoWi my steeds transcend all others in fleetness,
Come of immortal strain } by Poseidon giv'n to my father
Pcleus, which as a parting gift to myself he presented ;
Yet I restrain those Ji^'ry steeds, nor myself will adventure.
Him have they lost whose gentle strength was accustomed to
guide them, (iSo)

S03

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

[Book XXI I L

Him, by whose hand full oft their manes with oil were anointed.
Shining and smooth, from the limpid stream just fresh. And ihey

mourn him,
Hanging i/iar Atrads and trailing their manes on the ground in their

sorrow.
Therefore, }fe chiefs^ advance, and let each kadf&rtkfor the c&ntest
Ht^rst's and car^ whoe'er can confide, of the sons of Achaia,
Both in his steeds and the firm-compa6led build of his chariot'*

Thus Peleides, and many a chieftain rose at his challenge.
Foremost by far of them all upsprang the royal Enmelus,
Son of Admetus, famed through Greece for his chariots and horses.
Great Diomedes, Tydeus' son, was next to come forward, (290)
Yoked to whose car were those Troian steeds he bad seized

from /Eneas,
WTien from his rage Apollo ahne emdld have rescued their master.
Atreus* fair-haired son, Menelaiis, heaven-descended,
Next for the race prepared, and fleet and ren^tmed were his coursers^
^th(^, great Agamemnon's mare, and the stallion Podargus.
Her, Echepolus, Anchises' son, to King Agamemnon
Sent as a gift, when, unwilling to march to the conquest of Ilion,
In his wide Sicyan realm he lingered, in idk enjoyment,
Fampring himself m^ the wealth which Zeus had showered upon him.
Ever prepared for the race this mare had He yoked to his chariot (300)
Next, to his car two long-maned steeds Antilochus harnessed,
(Noble son of a royal sire, old Nekan Nestor I)
Swift were the coursers of Pylian breed that» yoked to his chariot,
^Vhirled it along. His father approached, and, standing beside him^
Prudent advice suggested to one not wanting in shrewdness;
** Young as thou art, my son, of a truth both Zeus and Poseidon
Love thee well, and have giv'n thee skill in the guidance of chariots,
And in the race : nor in aught dost thou stand in need of instruction.
Deftly thou know*st thy car round the goal to wheel j but thy horses
Somewhat in fleetness lack, and make me fear for the issue. (jio)
Fleeter than thine, no doubt, are thy rivals* steeds ; but their drivers
Far less expert than thyself— inferior in skill and in judgement;
Therefore bt cmi^ my son, and negleil no point 0/ advantage.

Book XXIIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

S03

Summon up all thy skill, lest the nebio' prizes escape thee ;
Tis but by skill, not strengihj that the carver surpasses the woodman ;
Knowledge and skill the pilot guide o'er the dark-rolling ocean,
Keeping his ship in her course through the winds a/^^K'^ii^ifj that assail

hen
Races from rivals are won no kss by skill th4in by S7m/tness^
He who relies alone on his coursers' speed, and his chariot
Wild o'er the plain careering, much ground will lose^ and be

hurried (3^^)

Hither and thither, nor keep to the track, nor rein in his horses.
Who knows better husbands tlieir strength, though his steeds may be

slower.
Ever the goal he keeps in view, and, closely approaching,
Seizes the moment to tighten the leathern reins and 10 turn it,
Holding a steady course^ with an eye to the chariot before him*
Now will I shew thee the goal Thou canst not miss, nor mistake it
Seest thou yon old dry stump of a fathom*s length which, uninjured
Stands by weatlier or time, for of oak it is made or of larch- wood :
Two white stones upon either hand stand leaning against it.
Where the way narrows, and round it the course runs smoothly and

level, ^ (330)

Placed there of old, a memorial mark of some warrior departed^
Or as a goal perchance on some former occasion ereifled,
Now once more to tlie selfsame use by Achilles appointed ?
Hugging it close, round this diredl thy car and thy coursers,
Leaning thy weight some whit to the left on the seat of the chariot,
That way to sway its course : meanwhile the steed on thy right hand
Urge with thy goad and thy voice, and cease with the rein to confine

him,
Keeping the left-hand horse well home to the goal, and approaching
Just so close that the nave of thy chariot-wheel may avoid it,
Turning it sharp. But beware lest it touch the stone, and thy

chariot (340)

Leaving oVrtumed and br&km^ thy steeds disabled and woundedi
Il&me thou slmiidst slink, a reproach to thyself, a joy to thy rivals.
Therefore, my souj once more, keep well on thy guard, and be cautious.

5<H THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BoOK XXIIL

But if thou once succeed in turning the goal at advantage.
Then push on ; for no one will pass thee then or o'ertake thee,
Not though a courser he drive more fleet than the noble Arion,
Royal Adrastus' steed, of immortal race, or the horses
Bred by Laomedon's self in the fertile pastures of Troia."

Thus upon every point his son being sagely admonished.
Back to his seat returned the agfed offspring of Neleus. (350)

Merion, the fifth, meanwhile had harnessed his steeds and was ready.
Up on their cars they sprang, and cast in the lots for their places.
These in a casque Achilles shook. To Antilochus foremost
Leaped forth his lot ; then appeared the token of royal Eumelus ;
After him Atreus' son, the spear-renowned Menelaiis.
Merion*s lot came next, and last to the noble Tydeides,
Bravest of all, was his place assigned in the line of the chariots.
Ranged for the start they stood. To the goal then pointed Achilles,
Far on the level plain ; and Phoenix, his father's attendant.
Godlike man, to observe the race, and report with exadlness (360)
AH that occurred, he sent; on his age and experience relying^

All now at once o'er their steeds their scourges raised, and their

shoulders
Beat with the reins, and urged them on with cries and with cheering
Ceaseless. Away from the ships o'er the plain they swept like a

whirhvind.
High in the air from beneath the chests of the labouring coursers
Up rose the trampled dust like some dense cloud. Ger tlieir

shoulders
Streamed out behind as they flew their floating manes on the breezes.
Rattling now o'er the clod-strown earth were hurried the chariots :
Now through the air they bounded aloft. Ere6t stood the drivers
High o*er the cars, and with beating hearts thick panting for

via'ry, (370)

Each with encouraging shouts cheered on his steeds: and the

coursers
Eageriy scour*d o'er the field, and whirled up the dust from beneath

them.
Now had they turned the goal at the farthest point, and were tracing

Book XXI II,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

SOS

Back to the sea their course. Then came the stress and the trial ;
Strainrng emh fttn^c they, put forth all their strength : and before tliem
Shot forth a-head the swift-footed mares of the grandson of Pheres,
Followed up close by the Troian stallions of l^rave Diomedes,
Hardly a space between. So near they came, you had thought them
Ever in a6t of mounting behind on the car of Eumelus ;
Warm came panting their breath on his back and the breadth of his

shoulderSj (3 So)

\Miile as they flew their up tossed heads seemed hanging above him»
Then had he passed hira by, or at least the prize had divided :
Phoebus Apollo, however, incensed at heart vnih Tydcides,
Struck from his p&tvriess hand the broidered scourge wkkh he

flourished
Tears of wrath and bitter despite then burst from his eyelids,
Seeing his rival's car swift borne along, and his own steeds
Flagging for want of the means with goad and whip to excite thetn.
Soon to his aid, however, Athen<f came, who had noticed
This ill turn on her hero by Phoebus performed. She overtook him,
And to his hand the scourge restored, and strengthened his horses, (390)
Then to the cm of Admetus* son she flew, and in anger
Shattered its yoke, with immortal force. Off started the coursers.
Dashing apart, and khvecn them the pole struck ground and was Ifrnkm,
Prostrate in front of the wheel was Eumelus hurled from his chariot
Battered he lay and torn; his armsj his mouth, and his nostrils;
Braised was his forehead across the brows. Fast gathering tear-drops
Darkened his sight, and his liquid voice was choked in its utt Vance*
Past him Tydeides flew, borne on by the speed of his horses,
Leaving all others far behind, for Pallas Athene
Filled them with spirit and strength, and crowned their driver with

glory. (400)

Areus* son came next, the fair-hair'd chief Menelaiis*
Thus then Antilochus shouted, upbraiding the steeds of his father :
"Now for a desperate push, with all the speed ye can summon;
Not against brave Tydeides* steeds do I claim your exertions,
They by Athene's grace are with strength endued and with swiftness.
Victory sure is dieirs, and glory will light on their master.

5o6 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [BOOKL XXIII.

Tis with Atreides* steeds ye have now to contend and o'ertake them.
Quick then ! Suffer not ^Ethe, a mar^ to shame and disgrace you.
Why should you let yourselves be outrun? Ye noblest of coursers!
Hear what I say, and what, be assured, will be fully accom-
plished: (410)
Nurture and care henceforth from the shepherd and guide of his

people,
Nestor, cease to expedl: with the edge of the sword will he slay you,
If but some paltry prize we win, negledlful and careless.
Quick then! I say, and follow them up. Make haste to o'ertake

them.
I myself will exert my skill, and watch my occasion.
There in yon narrow way will I pass, nor let them escape me."

Thus he spake, and his steeds aroused by the threats of their
master.
Mended their pace for a time, till the narrow pass that he spake of
Down in the hollow way, came full in view of the warrior:
Where, in a cleft of the plain, scooped out by the rains of the
winter, (420)

Broken away was the road, and the ground deep furrowed with gullies.
Cautiously there Menelaiis drove, to avoid a collision.
Not so Antilochus. Turning his steeds aside, and inclining
Out of the regular track, some space abreast of the others
Drove he amain, Menelaiis shrank, and called to his rival:
"Rashly, — madly ikiOM driv*st, Antilochus! Rein in thy horses!
Here is the road too narrow to pass. Anon 'twill be broader.
Have then a care lest thou crush us both, running foul of my chariot"
Nought did Antilochus heed, but all the faster his horses
Urged on with whip and goad, nor seemed to hear the re-
monstrance. (430)
Far as a quoit can fly, by the stalwart arm of the athlete
Hurled as a trial of strength, when youths for the prize are contending,
So far abreast they ran. Then relaxed his speed Menelaiis,
And of his own accord gave way, nor urged on his horses.
Dreading, in that ivild rush, that their steeds, becoming entangled,
Both fair cars should o'ertum ; and, stretched in the dust by each other,

BOQKXXIIL]

THE lUAD OF HOMER,

SO?

Fotti defeat and disgrace should end their struggle for vift*ry.
Chiding!/ thus then spakt; that fair-hair'd chref Menelaiis :
*'No man beside thyself (?// so mad an attempt w&uld have ventured.
Falsely, AntilochuSt call thee wise the Greeks thy companions ! (440)
Off with thee I think not however, unsworn, to claim thine advantage.-^
This to Antilochus : then to his steeds he turned and addressed them \
** Loiter not ! let not your hearts be grieved. Push forward witli spirit.
Sooner the feet will falter and fail of those that stiq^assed you,
Than shall your own* They are both distressed, and their freshness

is oven'^
Thus he spake, and, dreading the chiding voice of their master,
Quickening dieir pace they flew, and soon the lost ground had re-
covered.
All in a cirque the Greeks were ranged and v^itnessed the racing.
Pleased they had seen them scouring tlie dusty plain, and were waichhig
Nbuf their return, Idomeneus first perceived them adimndng^ (450)
High on a lofty point where he sate, on the skirts of the circus.
Him in the front he knew, though far, by the voice of his cheering,
And by a steed thai caught his cye^ distinguished for beauty^
Chestnut his coat in ev'ry part, save that bright on his forehead
Shone forth a silvery spot, like a star^ or the moon /// kerghry.
Up rose the Cretan king, and spake this word to the Argives :
** Friends and rulers of Greece ! her leaders in war and m council,
Am 1 the first to know those steeds? or do ye too observe it?
Other they seem tl"ian those which took the lead when they started ;
Different too is their charioteer. Those mares 0/ Eumcius {460)
Ever were best and first. Sure, some mishap hath befalFn them!
Safe, and leading the race, when turning the goal \ beheld them,
Now when I send my gaie o'er die Troian plain, and m ail sides
Narrvwly search^ those steeds, that car, can 1 nowhere discover.
Either its driver hath dropped the reins, or in turning the comer
Failed to avoid the goal, or suffered his horses to wander.
Tossed from his car perchance he lies, and the chariot is shattered,
Willie those infuriate mares have burst their harness and bolted-
Stand up. Look for yourselves: for my eyes perdmnce have
deceived me,

So8 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIII.

Not discerning so well. But the foremost looks like a chieftain, (470)
Known to us all of -^tolian race, a ruler among us,
Horse-taming Tydeus' mighty son, the brave Diomedes."
Thus then sharply rebuked him the swift Oilean Aias:
"Why wilt thou prate thus simply, Idomeneus? There thou ma/st

see them,
Those same prancing mares, o*er the field advancing towards us.
Not so much the youngest art thou of the sons of Achaia,
Nor are those eyes looking out from thy head the sharpest of organs.
Ever at random thou talk'st But now thy prattle we heed not
Clearer of sight and abler to judge there are others beside thee.
There are Eumelus* steeds in front of all, as at starting: (480)
There is Eumelus holding the reins and guiding the chariot"
Angrily then the Cretan prince this answer returned him:
"Aias ! reviler ! good at abuse alone, but in all things
Else inferior to all, for insulting and rude is thy nature :
Come now ! stakes let us pledge — a tripod yiz/r, or a goblet
Atreus' son, Agamemnon himself, shall pronounce the decision.
Which of the cars is first, and make thee pay for thy rudeness."
Thus he spake; and, to wrath aroused, Oilean Aias
Would have replied to the king in words injurious and bitter.
And in a long and fierce dispute the matter had ended, (490)

Had not Achilles aris'n and thus, interposing, addressed them :
** Aias ! Idomeneus ! cease from reproach and angry rejoinder.
Such as become not chiefs like you. Yourselves would condemn

them
If among others ye heard such harsh reproof and invedlive.
Take your seats in the ring. Look out, and mark their arrival ;
Soon will you see them yourselves come rushing in, for the vi6l*ry
Striving amain ; and yourselves will judge {no need of an umpire)^
Which of the Grecians* cars is first, and which is the second."
Thus while he spake Tydeides approached, dashing in at the gallop.
Fiercely plying the scourge round his shoulders whirled, and the
horses (500)

Rose at each bound in the air as they swept along, and in hand-
fuls

BdokXXIIL]

THE ILIAD OP HOMER.

509

Up flt!w the dust, begriming the/mr and form 0/ t^te driver.
Blading with tin and with gold the car came rolling behind them,
Close on their stepa ; so Hgkt/y h}rtu thai hardly its wheel -tires
Left in the dust their trace. Like a flight it seemed, as the coursers
Darted along* and rcgaimd the pomi lohcme first they dtparti'd.

Now in the midst of the ring was the fkariid stayed- In a torrent
Down poured the sweat on the ground from the necks and chests of

the horses*
Springing from off the resplendent car Tydeides alighted,
Leaning his scourge against the yoke* His gallant attendant, (S^^)
Sthenelus, stood prepared, and at once laid claim to the prizes ;
Forthwith the damsel dispatched t& the tents in charge of his comrades ;
Sent too the tripod ; himself the steeds unyoked from the chariot

Now came Antilochus, driving l\\t Pimthfg horses of Nestor,
Who by his craft, and not their speed, had passed Menelaiisu
Close behind Menelaus himself followed swift m his traces^
Barely such space between as divides the wheel from the courser,
When at his utmost speed he whirls on his lord in a chariot
Over the plain — when the hairs of his tail outstreaming behind him
Gra^e on the tire of the wheel as they scour along o'er the

country, (52^)

One in advance, the other behind, almost nothing between them :
Hardly more was the space between that parted the rivals.
Far as a quoit might fly was that space at first Menelaiis
This had already retrieved j for fleeter and stronger than ever
StrH pushed on t(^ the hst that wen^dreus mare of his brother's ;
And would have once more ti'en the lead and passed her opponents,
Had but a longer course afforded scope for her mettle,

Merion next, Idomeneus' friend and faithful attendant,
Far as a jav'lin's cast came lagging behind Menelaiis.
Tardiest of all, though beauteous to view, were his steeds, and their

driver (530)

All unskilled in his craft, and ynused to contend in the circus.
Far in the rear of all came t&iling the son of Admetus^
Trailing his broken car, and driving his horses before him.
Pitying his dismal plight, the godlike Achilles beheld him.

5IO THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIII.

And to the front of the Greeks advancing, thus he addressed them :

"Lo ! in wJiat piteous case comes plodding the best of our racers 1

Shall we not give him the second prize ? Twere but fitting and seemly.

Tydeus' son must take the first ; for he fairly has w<m if'

Thus he spake: and all applauding heard the proposal

Then had Eumelus the mare received, by acclaim of the

Grecians, (540)

Had not Antilochus, Nestor's heroic son, interposing.
Thus to Achilles appealed in behalf of justice and honour:
"Shouldst thou persist in this, deep cause of complaint, O Achilles !
Then would be mine ; my prize shouldst thou take and give to another.
What though that other be ever so skilled, tliough his chariot be

shattered.
Injured his steeds ? — To pray to the Gods no doubt he neglected.
That had he done, not thus the last had we seen him arriving.
But if thou pity his sad mishaps and love him so dearly,
Gold in plenty and brass in thy tents are stored. Thou hast cattle,
Beauteous captive maids, and prancing steeds, to sele6l from. (550)
Choosing from these, thou mayst give him a costlier prize and a fitter,
Either hereafter, or now on the spot, that the Greeks may applaud

thee.
Her will I never resign. Be it known to whoever may touch her,
First must he fight with me, and by arms obtain her possession."
Thus he spake : and noble Achilles smiled and responded,
Fav'ring Antilochus much, as a comrade dear and respe6ted.
Graciously therefore he spake and this was the answer he made him :
^^Eihi as thou 7aiit^ so be it, my friend ! From my treasures seledled
Some rich gift, as thou say'st, Eumelus to grace will I furnish.
Let him accept the corslet I stripped from Asteropaeus, (5 60)

Gorgeous, of solid brass, with a bead of tin round the margin.
Artfully drawn. At a goodly price must its value be reckoned."
Thus he spake: Automedon then, his faithful attendant.
Sent to his tent, who the corslet brought, and laid it before him.
This in Eumelus' hands he placed, who gladly received it.
Now before all Menelaiis rose, much hurt and offended.
And with Antilochus deeply wrath. Advancing, a herald

BOOK XXIIL]

THE 2UAD OF HOMER,

511

Placed in his hands a sceptre, and signed to the Greeks to be silent
Then did the godlike chief these words address to his ri%'al :
"How could a man, reputed wise, commit such an outrage? (570)
Casting so foul a slur on my skill, endangering my horses,
Pushing thine own unfairly before them, far their inferiors ?
Now then, ye chiefs of Greece ! her leaders in war and b council \
Judge without favour between us l>otli ; for 1 would not that any
Here of our mail-clad Greeks should hereafter blame me in this wise —
— *iv////f, by force of lies, Menelaiis supplanted his rivalj
' Off from Antilochus bearing the prize, though his steeds were inferior ;
*What though in personal strength and skill, no doubt, he sur-
passed him*^ —
— Hear me propose a test, to which none, methinks, of the Argives,
Aught will object or oppose, for all will acknowledge its justice. (580)
Stand thou forward, Antilochus ! favoured of Zeus, and approaching,
In the acctistomed form for an oath, in front of thy horses,
Holding the pliant lash in thine hands that served thee to drive them.
Place thy hand on the steeds, and swear by earth-shaking Poseidon,
That thoti hadst nought unfair in thy thoughts when jostling my

horses*"
Prudently then in gmtk imrds Antilochus answered :
"Let not the error of one so young too deeply offend thee —
Thee, Menelaiis ! a prince, my superior in age and in station.
Well thoii knowest the rashness of youth, its proneness to error,
Hasty and tkimghtkss ever in mind, unstable in counsel ; (S9o)

Bear with me then in thy heart. The mare will I readily jield thee,
As 1 received, so fake her^ and aught beside, from my treasure
(K ihou desirest aught more rich, more rare): I will add it,
Kather than lose thy esteem, O prince I and rather than forfeit
Once and for ever a place in thy heart, and sin against Heaven,**

Thus spake the noble Nestor's son ; and with courteous demeanour,
Leading the mare, in his hands he placed the rein. Through his bo-
som
Joy was diffused, as when copious dews descend on the harvests.
What time the bristling ears stand parched and thirsting for moisture ;

shed and cheered, Menelaiis !

thy

I joy;

(600)

512 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. LBoOK XXIII.

Then replying, in cheerful and kindly words he addressed him :
" Gladly, Antilochus ! now from my heart all feeling of angei:
Will I dismiss, for ne'er before wert thou wild or imprudent ;
What though for once the rashness of youth have gained the as-
cendant
Only forbear henceforth to circumvent thy superiors,
Since not another Greek would so soon have obtained my forgiveness.
Thou however hast toiled and suffered much in my quarrel.
Thou and thy noble father, who fights in my cause, and thy brother.
Take my {oxgwQn^s^ fredy granted as asked, and the steed too,
Take, though my own by right; so that all may see Mene-
laiis (6io)

Knows in his turn to yield, nor indulges in pride or resentment"

Thus he spake, and the mare to Antilochus' friend, to Noemon,
Handed, to lead her away, and the vase in her stead he accepted.
Merion, in order the fourth, two talents of gold for his guerdon,
Duly received. Unclaimed remained the two-handed goblet,
Fifth of the prizes proposed : and this to Nestor Achilles
Bore, through all the assembled Greeks, and presenting address-
ed him :
" Nestor ! old and revered ! receive this token of friendship,
W^hich of our dear Patroclus lost may serve to remind thee.
Whom thou shalt never among us again behold. Uncontested (620)
Take this prize : since now no more in the ring with the caistus
Canst thou contend, nor in wrestling join, nor in huriing the jav'lin.
Nor in the race : — for the burden of years weighs heavy upon thee."

Ending, he placed in his hands the prize. With joy he received it ;
And in reply these words he promptly addressed to Achilles :
" On/y too true indeed, my son, are the words thou hast spoken.
Vigour my tott'ring knees and swiftness my feet have forsaken ;
Pliant no more, these arms hang listless down from my shoulders.
Would I were young once more ! that again such force I could sum-
mon
As at th' Epeians' funeral games for their king, Amarynceus, (630)
When at Buprasium his sons in their father's honour the prizes
Staked. My equal was none among all the assembled Epeians,

Book XX 1 1 L]

TH£ ILIAD OF HOMER,

S13

(640)

All the ^tolians fierce, and the youthful Pylian warriors.
Brave Clytomedes, Enop*s son, I quelled with the oestusj
Wrestling, Ancseus of Pleuron 1 threw, who accepted my challenge \
Swift as he was, Iphiclus I left behind in the foot-race;
Far beyond Phytes I hurled the spear, and strong Polydonis.
Only the sons of A^or suq^assed my steeds in the drats.
Eager to gain the highest prize and envying my prowess,
Two against one (for twins they were) together they mounted.
One dire^ed tfu car, fast holding the reins> while the other,
All to his guidance and skill entrusting, lashed on the horses.
Such was I tlien* But now unto younger men I abandon
All such exploits, and, yielding to time's irraistibk pressure^
Gladly retire from fields where once 1 ranked among heroes.
Now proceed with ih^games^ imd cmipkie tke rites of thy comrada
This witli delight I receive* As a heart-felt proof I accept it.
That thy old friend thou hast e%'er in raindj nor negle^Vst an occasion
Honour to shew to one whom the Greeks think worthy of honour.
And may the Gods requite thy deed, and crown thee with bless-
ings." (650)

Thus he spake, and Peleides returned through the crowd of the
Grecians,
Pleased with the thanks and p-ateftd praise of the offspring of Neleus,
Back to his place : then set forth the stakes for champions in boxing*
First, in the ring was bound a m\i\^^ fuii groum^ and unbroken,
Six years old and hard to tame and of stubborn endurance,
Whilej to console the vanquished, a two-handled goblet he prof-
fered.
Standing ere€t, these words he next addressed to the Argives ;
**0 ye Atreidae! and all ye bright-greaved sons of Achaia!
Now let champions twain stand forward, masters of boxing,
Ready to fight in the ring ; and the man whom Phcebus Apollo (660)
Favours, approved by all the Greeks, acknowledged as victor,
Lead to his tent in triumph tliis useful mule ; and the vanquished,
(iViW io have fought in imn) shall receive this beauteous g&Met J'

Scarce had he said, up started a huge and redoubtable champion,
Panopeus* son, Epeius, of dread renown as a boxer.

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XX HL

F&ru^ard he strode^ and laying his hand on the mule, he addressed them :
**L€t him stand forth whosoe'er hath courage to fight for the gobtet;
As for the mule — he h mhic / not a Greek among you can win him^
Standing up fairly in fight : for here at least am I master ;
What though in battle of less renown. (*Tis not for a mortal (670)
All to attempt with success, and shine forth perfeift in all things.)
This I delare, and this will do» Whoe'er shall attempt it
That man's flesh will I pound, and break each bone in his body.
So let his friends be ready at hand and lend their assistance.
Battered and bruised \Q support and bear him away from the combat"
Thus he spake. Disfuayed were the Greeks and heard him in silence.
Only Euryalus, god-like chief, uprose at his challenge,
Son of Mecistheus was he, and grandson of royal Talaion,
"V^^ho in the games at Theb^e held, at CEdipus' fun'ral, (^79)

Challenged the brave Cadmeian youth, and fought themj and
conquered. (680)

Backed and prepared for the fight by spear-renowned Diomedes,
Ardently hoping his friend's success, whom with words he encouraged,
First round his waist a belt he clasped ; then his ^^Tists he encircled,
Wmpping them round with thongs of tough bull-hide, to proteifl them.

Now for the figlit when both were girt they entered the circus,
Holding their stalwart arms advanced : then closed on each other,
And in quickans^vering blows art d wards their fists were commingled \
Dire was the thud of their strokes and the crashing of jaws. From

their members
Down poured the sweat in streams. Then in rushed mighty Epeius,
And as his foeman looked askance, such a buffet he dealt him, (690)
Full on the cheek, as hurled him to earthy for nought could resist it :
And as some htrge unwieldy fish with the spray by the north wind
In the black surge tossed up, on the weedy shore lies flound'ring.
Thus flung forth lay the stricken chief. But Epems upraised him,
Lifting him up on his legs; and his comrades gathering around him,
Led him from out the ring, his feet scarce dragging behind him,
Vomiting gore, with his drooping head hanging down on his shoulder :
Swooning and senseless at length they laid him do^Ti, and retiring^
Some of them nwurnfuHy bore to his tent the two-handled goblet

Book XXllL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

Oner more Pdeicles rose, and displayed to the sight of the

Grecians (7o<^)

Stakes for a third great trial of strength and endurance, in wrestling.
That for the winner proposed was a tripod, capacious and massh%
Strong to endure the fire, for whose price twelve oKen were reckoned ;
While for the vanquished a female slave was placed in the circus.
Skilled in domestic works. Four beeves were counted her value*
Standing ereClj these words Peleides addressed to the Argtves : [706]
** Stand forth ye who mean to contend for the prize of the wrestlers,"
Thus as he spake, upsprang the great Telamonian Aias;
Next Odysseus^ expert to seize each point of advantage. (709)
Girding their loins they at once stepped forth in the midst of the circus,
And in a moment their ner>'ous arms were twined in each other,
Leaning, their feet apart, like rafters they stood, which a builder
Rears for some lofty roof, to baffle the force of the tempest
Wrenched with the strain their backs seemed ready to crack, in

contortions
Throw*n by their powerful grasp, and the s^^eat rolled down them

in torrents.
Livid with blood, great wheals arose on their sides and their shoulders,
Each fresh stntggk ieaving its mark. Yet still they contended,
Both determined to win the prize, the beauteous tripod.
Nor could Odysseus avail to trip or overturn his opponent.
Neither could Aias prevail, so stoutly resisted Odysseus. (7^^)

Limg they strot^e till the Greeks at length grew weary and murmured.
Thus then the great Telamonian chief bespake his opponent :
" Noble son of Laertes ! most wise and inventive Odysseus !
Either lift me or I thee. Let Zeus determine betu'een us,'-
Thus he spake : then siraineit and heaved him up, but Odysseus
Smote on his ham from behind, and his knees gave way, and he

tumbled
Flat on his back. Down fell they both, but Odysseus upon him
Lay, on his chest, while the Greeks admiring gazed, ami aj^plmided.
Next, in turn, Odysseus essayed to lift his opponent :
Just could he move him from off the ground, but to raise him availed

not; il^o)

IS— 2

St6

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BookXXHL

For, with the uftighi, his knees gave way, and falling together.
Side by side they lay, with dust begrimed and disfigured.
Risings prepared for a fresh assault, they had wrestled a third tim^
Had not Achilles himself, interposing, ris'n and restrained them :
^* Cease to contend, and by further struggles to injure each other ;
Both are vi<5lorious, both shall with equal prizes be honoured.
Now make way, and let others advance to share in our contests."
Thus as he spake they, nought relu<5tant, heard and obeyed him ;
Wiped off the dust, their mantles resumed, and rtjoimdtke spc^at&rs*
While for the rapid race Peleides set forth the prizes, (74o)

First was produced a silver bowl six measures containing.
Gorgeously chased, beyond compare surpassing in beauty
All that had ever been wrought on eartk Sidonian artists
Framed it with wondrous skill, and bold Phoenician adventVers
Bore it across the shadowy seas and presented to Thoas,
Oflfr^ing it first in vain for sale in each port f/tat iAey t&mhtd at.
This by Euneius Iason*s son, Lycaon to ransom
(Priam's unhappy son), had been sent in exchange to Patroclus,
Now at the fun'ral games of his friend, set forth by Achilles,
Him to reward who in fleetness of foot should distance his

rivals, [750]

For the nei^t prize an ox well fed and ^^i for the slaughter; (750)
Half a talent of gold must content the third, and the loser.
Standing eret5l these words Peleides addressed to the Argives :
•*Stand forth, ye who mean to contend for a prize in the/mt-race,-*
Thus he spake, and at once stood forth Oilean Aias,
Wise Odysseus, and noble Antilochus, offspring of Nestor, [756]

Ranged in an even row for a start they stood, and Achilles (757)

Marked out the course to be run, and shewed them the goal at a dis-

tance.
Off ihcy started, Oileus first sprang forth, and Odysseus
Followed him close: as close to the breast of some diligent ma-

tron (760)

Flies the swift shuttle athwart the woof which her hands disentangle,
Parting the threads of the web, and drawing them close to her bosom;
Even so close upon Aias Odysseus pressed, and his footsleps

Book XXI I LJ

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

S^7

Covered the prints of his rivaj*s feet ere their dust had subsided \
WTiile on his head he couJd feel the panting breath of Odysseus,
Following swift behind Then shouted aloud the Achaians,
Cheering him on in his eager career and struggle for vidl'ry*
Now they at length the end of their course app roach ed, and

Odysseus
Thus in his heart a prayer addressed to blue-eyed Athen^:
*' Hear me, O Goddess 1 and aid my feet in this arduous contest/* (770)
Mentally thus he prayed, and his prayer reached Pallas Athend.
Swiftness and vigour she sent Each limb she supported and strength-

' enedj
And J at the final burst, when in view of the prize they were straining,
Aias in running slipped and fell {o'ertlirown by Athen€)
Just on the spot where Achilles the oxen had slain to Patroclns,
Wh^re with their ^n and their dung the ground was slippery and

treachVous,
Fiili an his face; and his nostrils and mouth w^ere filled with the ordure.
Swift rushing in, Odysseus seized the bowl * and his rival,
Soon regaining his /ed\ came in for the ok, and beside him
Taking his stand, with his hand he grasped his horn, and re-

cov'ring (7 So)

Breath, and sputtVing the dirt fi-om his mouth, addressed the Achaians t
"Surely some entmus poVr must have ripped my feet 'Twas the

Goddess,
Who, like a mother, is ever at hand to succour Odysseus*"
Such his complaint ; and the Greeks with a burst of laughter received it.
Last came Antilochus In, and received the prize of the loser.
Smiling he took it, and cheerfully thus addressed he the Argives:
** Now is it clear, my friends^ and you all must perceive, the immortals
Shew their regard for age and espouse the cause of our seniors.
Aias is somewhat of riper years than myself: but Odysseus
Boasts of yet older date, and belongs to a past generation*
His is a green old age. Of all the host of the Argives
Only Achilles himself in fleetness of foot can excel him,"*
Thus he spake, and his praise fell sweet on the ear of Peleides,
Who with complacent and courteous words addressed him in answer :

(790)

5x8

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[BOOK xxin.

*' Think not^ Antjlodxus, praise from thee shall pass unrewarded,
Take for thy share another half-talent of gold in addition."
Then in his hand the gold he placed, and with joy he received it.

Next, in the ring Peleides a long-forth- shadowing Javlin
Placed, for another prize, with a plumy casque and a ^Ichion,
Spoil of Sarpedon in batik slain by ihi might of Patroclus* (Soo)

Standing ercd, these words he addressed to the chiefs of the Aiigives :
** Nmo Itt us try a fiercer game. Let tu*o of our heroes.
Donning their arms for the 6ght^ and wielding their deathnleaiiflg

weapons,
Here in the sight of assembled Greece confront one another.
Wlioso the ftrst shall stain with blood die fair skin of the other,
Pierce through his corslet or shield, and wound his flesh through

his armour,
Him with this Thxacian sword will I grace, with sm^htrd &/sihier^
Silver-hilted, the same that I took from Asteropoeus.
Both shall receive those gvf^^ms arms in common between them.
And in my tent a noble feast shall be giv'n in their honour,"
Thus as he spake uprose the great Telamonian Aias, (8n)

Up too arose great Tydeus' son, the brave Diomedes,
Each retired from the ring to arm, apart from the other;
Then came forward in arms complete and ready for combat,
Fiercely glaring. Dread and amazement seized the spc€lators.
Slmifly at first they approached, but soon they rushed on each other,
Thrice advancing fierce to the charge, thrice closing impetuous.
Aias first through tlie smooth round orb of Diomed's buckler
Pierced, but the weapon reached him not, being stopped by the

corslet.
Mighty Tydeides, holding the beaming point of his jav'lin, (S20)

High advanced o'er the huge shield's rim, sought the neck of his rival ;
This the Greeks when in dread they beheld, for the life of the chieftain
Tremblings implored them to cease, and divide the prizes between

them.
Vet by Achilles to Tydeus' son the sword was awarded,
"Who, with the scabbard and rich-wrought bel^ from the hero

received it

BookXXIIL]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

S19

Next for a prize he produced a huge rough ingat of iron,
Erst which Eetion^s might was wont to poise, and to hurl it
Mighty Eetion slairt by the swift-pursuing Achilles,
This in the vi<^ors' ships was embarked, with all his possessions.
Standing ere^fl, die Prince these words addressed to the Grecians (830)
"Stand forth all who in this rude trial of strength \f\^ adventure.
Far as his fields may extend, how wide soever his possessions.
This for the service of five revolving years will suffice him,
This will be ready at hand, nor need his shepherd or ploughman
Ever, so long as it lasts, to the to\\ii resort for his iron*"
Thus he spake. Up rose then the war-renowned Polypaetes,
Up too arose the godlike strength of mighty Leonteus,
Great Telamonian Aias himself, and noble Epeius.
Ranged in order they stood. Then Epeius seized on the ingot,
Swinging it round ; hut it fioju not far^ and the Greeks in de-
rision (^40)
Laughed* Leonteus next essayed, strong scion of Ares;
Then with his stalwart strength the great Telamonian Aias
Raised it, and hurled it far beyond the marks of the others.
Last, PoJypoetes came, and he snatched op the mass, and dispatched it.
Far as a herdsman flings his crook^ which whirling in circles
Far in advance among the cows alights at a distance.
So far, beyond, Polypcetes cast Loud shouted the Argives;
And from among ih' appktuding crowd advancing, his comrades
Cairicd away to their hollow ships the gift of the monarch.

Now for the archers were prizes set. Steel tempered for arrows, (850)
Ponderous axes ten, and an equal number of hatchets.
Far remote on the sandy shore a mast was ereded,
Borrowed from some dark ship, and a timVous dove at its suranait
FluttVing, was tied by the foot, with a slender band to confine her.
This was the mark : " Whoe'er yon dove shall pierce with his arrow
His be the axes. Hence let him take and home let him bear them ^
Whoso, missing the bird, the string shall divide, as a marksman
Lower must rank. Be his the inferior prize of the hatchets/*

Thus he spake. Then advanced the princely presence of Teucer,
Merion too stood forth, Idomenem' noble attendant (860)

$20

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

tBooK XXUL

Into a brazen casque their lots they cast, and when shaken
Teucer's first leaped forth : who at once, without loss of a moment,
Sent forth his shaft with mighty force: nor vowed to Apollo
Hecatombs pure of firstling lambs, to propitiate his favour.
Wherefore the bird he missed — for Phoebus grudged him the honour;
Close to her foot his arrow passed, and the string that confined her
Severed with biting edge* Then freed at once from her fetters
Off to the skies with beating w4ng she darted, and pendent
Hung down the mast the band^ With delight loud shouted the Ar*

gives,
Merion now, receiving the bow from the hand of his rival, (870)
Eagerly seized it: but lingered long while pointing his arrow,
Keeping his eyes on the bird, while he inly vowed to Apollo
Hecatombs pure of firstling lambs, to propitiate his favour.
Then, as beneath the clouds high wheeEng in circle on circle
Tow'ring she flew, below the wing with his arrow he pierced her;
Straight through her body passed the shaft; then turned, and de-
scending,
Fixed in the ground at Merion's feet The dove then alighting
Safe for a moment perched on the lofty mast, till ex/musM,
Drooping her neck and closing her fiutfring wings, from her mem-
bers
Flitted the life away ; and borne by the wind to a distance, (SSo)
Far from the mast she dropped, while the Greeks stood fixed in

amazement
Merion the axes ten then cMmtd^ and dtiiy received th^n,
Teucer the hatchets, and bore them off and stowed in his vessel

Next in the ring Peleides a long-forth-shadowing javelin
Placed, and a %^ase with sculptured flow'rs by the flames unblacken^d
Priced at an ox* To contend for these he summoned the spearmen.
Then rose Atreides himself, the wide-ruling king Agamemnon *
Merion next, Idomeneus' bold and faithful attendant:
WTiom when he saw, be advanced, and courteous thus he addressed

them;
"Mighty Atreides, far before all thy worth we acknowledge; (890)
Prvwess and strength are thine, and unmatched renown as a spearman.

Book XXIIL] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 521

Deign uncontested the prize to accept, to thy merit accorded ;
Bear it away to thy ships, and to Merion the spear be awarded:
This if thou so permit, and approve the counsel I offer."
Thus he spake. At once with his wish Agamemnon complying,
Handed to Merion the spear, and the prize, so justly awarded,
Placed in Talthybius the herald's hands to convey to the vessels.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK XXIV.

BOOK THE TWENTY-FOURTH.

Argument.

A CHILLES continuing his outrages on He^or^s body^ the gods deliberate^
and Zeus directs Thetis to intimate to her son his will that it should be
restored for burial. Iris is sent to Priam^ to encourage him to go in person^
and ransom it. He goes, Hennes in the form of a Myrmidon warrior
meets and conduds him in safety to the tent of Achilles, Their interview,
Achilles grants his prayer^ and a truce of twelve days, to prepare for,
and complete the funeral rites, Priam passes the night in the tent of
Achilles y and at daybreak, warned by Hermes, sets forth with the body for
Troy, Cassandra announces its arrival. The Trojans go forth to meet
it, Andromache, Hecuba, and Helen lament over it. The funeral rites
are performed, and the poem concludes.

ILIAD. BOOK XXIV.

T7 NDED the rites. To their ships and tents the people departed,
Each to his own retiring ; and, mindful of rest and refreshment,
Food they partook and t/ie hkssing ^ sweet repose. But AchiUes
Only retired to weep for his niuch4ov'd friend, nor did slumber,
All-subduing, visit his eyes ; but hither and thidier
Tossingj he lay^ recalling the valour and might of Patroclus^ —
All their adventures together ; — their hardships suffered in common ;^ —
Dangers by sea, and toUs by knd m the confli6l of heroes.
All these things when his thoughts recalled, warm tears in abuftdame
Moistened his muck; now turning from side to side ; and reclining (lo)
Now supine on his back, now prone^ Then restless^ uprising,
Moaning he wandered along the sands. Nor, wakeful, escaped him
Mar/iesi gleams of dawn, s/tmf tinting the shore and the waters.
Then to his chariot yoking again the steeds, and attaching
Once marcy behind, with tiwiigs the prostiate body of He^or,
Thrice he dragged it around the tomb of the son of Meno^tius,
Then to his tent returned and slept ; first flinging the body
Flat on its face in the dust; — tk^re kjt to lit. But Apollo
Kept defilement awayi in his soul much pitying the hero.
Dead as he was ; and o*er him his segis of gold he extended, (20)
Saving his limbs from bruise or wound when dragged by the chariot*

Thus while with outrage foul he wreaked his vengeance on He<Stor,
Pity and grief at the sight possessed the blessed immortals,

526 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIV.

Who to purloin the corpse invited the slayer of Aigus.
This was approved by all the rest; but Poseidon and Her^
SanBwned it noi^ nor the blue^ed maid : but refused their permission.
Stem and persistent in hate : for Troy from the first they detested,
Priam and all his race, for the crime and madness of Paris,
When in his woodland home those two great PoVrs he insulted,
Slighting ihdr charms for hers to his lustful passions who pandered. (30)
But when the twelfth returning dawn enlightened Olympus,
Phoebus endured that sight no nwre^ but addressed the immortals :
"Cruel, unjust in this are ye all, ye Gods! Did not He6lor
Ever before your shrines the thighs of lambs and of oxen
Bum? and ye still refuse his remains to rescue y>v»f outrage;
Give them again to the sight of his longing wife, of his mother,
Priam his wretched fisither, his infant child, and his people.
Funeral rites to perform, and with sacred fires to consume them I
Why will ye favour thus, ye Gods ! infuriate Achilles,
One in whose soul iS no sense of right ? No thought of relenting (40)
Ever in that stem breast finds place: intent, like a lion
Always on savage deeds, who with headlong force in his fury
Flings himself on the shepherds' flocks to tear and devour them.
Thus hath Achilles cast all pity aside — ^hath forgotten
Shame, that abounding source of good and of evil to mortals.
What though a man by death from his dearest friend may be parted.
What though he moum the loss of a son belov'd, or a brother,
Bitter at first though his tears, yet time assuages his sorrows.
Fate, thai infliHs the blow, gives the patient mind that endures it
Here we have one who, not content with slaught'ring his foeman, (50)
Day after day round the tomb of his friend continues to drag him.
This is no lovely sight, no goodly and noble example 1
Let him beware, lest, brave as he is, he incur our displeasure.
Outraging thus the senseless clay in his madness of passion."

Fired at his words, indignant, the white-armed Hera responded :
"Lord of the silver bow ! such words were just and appropriate
Couldst thou ascribe an equal worth to Achilles and Hedlor:
Hetftor, a mortal, fed from the nurturing breast of a woman ;
Mighty Achilles, goddess-bom, whose mother I cherished,

Book XXIV.]

THE lUAD OF HOMER.

Reared, instrutfted, and gave to a noble mortal in wedlock, (60)
Peleus, belov'd of all the Gods, most godiike m spiriL
Havi yt forg&tien^ ye Pow'rs, kma ye all attended the bridal ?
Thou too wert there with thy harj) : thou friend of the. wicked I
thou false one f

Then interposing, Zeus, the cloud-compeller, addressed her :
" Hera, forbear ! nor vent thy rage before all the immortals.
Equals in glory and rank those chiefs were not Vet to He<^or
Far before alt in Troy was our favour due, and prote<5^ion ;
Chief, from myself ; for ne^er did he fail in his gifts and bis worship.
Dear to my s&ut ; nor \\*as e'er the a<xustomed feast at my altars
Lacking^^ — sweet incense or sav'ry steams : fit service, midwekame, (70)
As for purloining the corse — I forbid it. Nor from Achilles
Could we conceal such theft 0/ his valiant foe; for his mother
Watches around him ntght and day* nor quits for an instant.
One of you go, seek Thetis, and summon hef here to my presence.
Wholesome advice will I give her^ and so shall s/if cotmsd AchWies
Ransom from Priam to take, and restore the body of He 61 or/'

Thus be spake* Then Iris arose, and, swift as the whirlwind,
Sped with the message away. 'Twixt the rocks of Imbrus and Samos
Half-way, plunged in the darksome sea, which, roaring, engulphed

heTj
Jfea4fiong she shot, down, doum in the deep abyss : as a plummet, (80)
Dropped through the guiding horn of an ox^ sinks dowTi in the waters,
Bearing irtsidipus death to the hungry sAoa/s of the fishes.
Thetis she found in a hollow cave, where round her had gathered
Many an ocean nymph. In their midst she sate and lamented.
Weeping, the fate of her noble son who, far from his country,
Soon before Troy must end his career af c&n^uesi and giory.
Closely the goddess approaching, the swift-wing'd Iris addressed her :
** Thetis, arise. High counsels of Zeus demand thy attendance*"
Then in her turn the silver-footed goddess responded :
** WTiat may import this call from so mighty a God ? in 01>-mpus (90)
All unfit to appear^ 1 shrink : for grief overwhelms me*
Yet will I come. No word from Zeus may pass unregarded*"
Thus as she spake a sable mantle enfolded the goddess

S28

THE iUAD OF HOMER.

[Booit XXIV.

Dark as the gfoam of blackest nighty or the shadows of Qrcus,

Iris swift as the winds before her went, and around them
Shrank^ making way as they passed, the curling waves of the Oceaiu
Swift up the shelving strand they swept, then aloft ta Olympus
Darted ; and there th' all -seeing king they found, and th* immortals
All assembled, and ranged in solemn conclave around him,
Pallas arose, and making room, by the throne of the Father (foo)
Placed her, Hera presented a golden and beauteous goblet,
Soothing her grief with gentle words. She drank and relumed it
Then in these words addressed her the Father of Gods and of mortals ;
"Thetis divine ! Full well I know how bitter a sorrow
Weighs on thy heart, and pursues thee e^m to the courts ^Olympus :
Yet must thou learn the cause why thus I require thy attendance
Nine days now hath dissension prevailed among the immortals
Touching the corse of He<5lor slain r and this their proposal — -
Hermes to send* from Achilles, waster of towns, to purloin it
This I forbade, from regard to thy love for thy son, and his glory, (i lo)
Best secured by subduing himself, and conquering his passion.
Go then at once lo the camp : with AchiJ^es reason^ ami tell him
How to the gods he gives offence — ^how my anger Is kindled
Chief above all, when his fmntic rage I behold — when I see him
Thus detaining the corse of his foe ; nor accepting its ransom.
Bid him at once desist if he fear my wrath, and restore him.
Iris the w^hile to Priam, from me dispatched, shall persuade him
Gifts to prepare, which may soften the stubborn heart of Achilles^
And to his ships to repair in suppliant guise, to implore him,''

Thus he spake, and the silver-footed goddess obeyed him» (i3o)
Down from 01>Tupus* lofty crests she plunged on the instant,
And at the tent of her son arrived. There sorrowing she found him,
Venting his grief in incessant moans. Around him his comrades
Busied themselves in preparing a meal for their chief, and had

slaughtered
There in the tent a thick-fleeced sheep to furnish the banquet,
Dow^n sate his mother august beside him, and fondly caressing*
Laid on his hand her own, and endear ingfy named, and bespoke him :
"Wilt thou for ever, my son, let grief and bitter afflidion

Bdbic XXIV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER,

529

Prey on thy heart, negledlftil of ^ted/ti/ food and of slumber ?
Ei^tfi the charms 0/ thy kvd Brtsas fait ttf diiight thee! (130)
Waste not the few short days thou hast yet to Hve ; for, bethmk thee^
Fate which thou caiist not resist, and death, stand close at thy elbow,
Mark then my w^ords. Attend ! from Zeus I bear thee a warning,
That to the Gods thou giv'st offence— that his anger is kindled,
ChieC above all, when thy frantic rage he beholds — when he sees thee
Still detaining the corse of thy foe, and refusing to jHeld it :
Wherefore he bids thee restore the dead, accepting the ransom,"'
Then making answer replied the swift-pursuing Achilles ■
"So let It be. Let them take the body, and bring me the ransom,
If, as tliou say'st, Olympian Zeus in his wisdom ordains it" (140)

Thus they conferred, amid the close ranged ships of the Grecians,
Mother and son : and long they talked, emtsoiing emh other.
Iris for Troy set forth wUh this command from Kronion :
"Haste thee away, swift Iris ! and, quitting the heights of Olympus,
Seek out the wretched Priam in Troy, and this message deliver :
Bid hira prepare rich gifts which may soften the heart of Achilles,
And Lo his ships in suppikiftt j^uise repair, and implore him.
Forth let him fare aloite^ nor take one Trojan attendant
Only some herald, old and rti^ered, should follow his chariot.
Guiding another car, ivitli mules, to convey to the city, (150)
Siinifiy, the sad remains of the hero slain by Achilles.
Nor for his life is cause for fear, nor aught to alarm him,
Such and so sure a guide shall attend him — the slayer of Argus,
Who to Achilles' presence and tent will safely conduct him.
Once in his presence arrived, once safe in the tent of Achilles,
Nor will he slay hira himself, nor suffer another to harm him,
Nor is he void of sense, nor utterly reckless, or brutal
Touched with comijassion, his heart will melt when suppliant he sees

him."
I'hus he spake, and darting down at the palace of Priam
Iris arrived. There nought she found bt^ sorrow and wailing — (t 60)
There, in the porch, round the wretched father his sons were assembled.
Seated, and drenching thetr robes with tears* In the midst was the
old man,

530 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIV.

Close in a mantle enwrapped that his form revealed ; and by handfuls
Dirt on his head, his neck, and his hoary heard^ was encrusted,
Clutched with his hands and tossed aloft as he rolled on the pavement
Wide through the palace around resounded the cries of his daughters,
And of the widowed brides of his slaughtered sons, who in battle,
Many and brave, had falFn, recalled to bitter remembrance.
Iris approached, and in tones subdued and gentle, to Priam
Thus her mission announced ; while the old King trembled with ter-
ror: (170)
" Be not afraid, Dardanian Priam ! summon thy courage. .
Not to 2SiW0MX^Q.^ fresh woes, or to bring thee tidings of evil,
Only for good I come. From Zeus I bear thee a message.
Who from above looking down^ with grace and with pity beholds thee.
Ransom for He6lor he bids thee take, and suppliant to offer
Gifts, which may soothe t lie pride and soften the heart of Achilles.
Forth must thou fare alone, nor take one Trojan attendant
Only some herald, old and re^'cred, must follow thy chariot.
Guiding anotJier car with mules, to convey to the city,
Siouf/}\ the sad remains of the hero slain by Achilles. (180)
Nor for thy life is cause for fear, nor aught to alarm thee ;
Such and so sure a guide wilt thou find in the slayer of Argus,
Who to Achilles' presence and tent will safely condu6l thee.
Once in his presence arrived, once safe in the tent of Achilles,
Nor will he slay thee himself, nor suffer another to hurt thee.
Nor is he void of sense, nor utterly reckless and brutal.
Touched with compassion, his heart will melt when suppliant he

sees thee."
Thus her message delivered, the swift-wing'd Iris departed.
Priam arose, and a mule-drawn car his sons he commanded
Straight to prepare, and on it a coffer to bind. To his cham-
ber, (190)
Then he repaired, of cedar built, high roofed, and with odours
Richly perfumed, and filled with rare and beauteous treasures.
Hecuba then, his inuch lov'd wife, he called, and addressed her :
" Hear me, unhappy one ! Zeus from heav'n hath sent me a message.
P'orth to the Grecian camp he commands me to go, and to ransom

BOOK XXIV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOiMER.

S3 1

Hc^or, and take such gifts as may soften the heart of Achilles.
Tell me now, what in thy innmst heart thou think'st qf t/it matter.
Strong is the impulse I feel, and great ray desire to attempt it ;
Forth to fare, and to seek the ships and camp of the Grecians/'
Thus he spake ; and his wife mth sobs this answer relumed lum *.
'* Where is thy wisdom now, fhtformgkt keen^ atid the prudmce^ (201)
Which among nations afar, and thy subjects, made thee respected?
How canst thou go alone to the hostile ships of the Grecians?
How canst thou look on the face of him who murdered thy children,
Many and brave ? a heart of steel must thou bear in thy bosom !
For, should that faithless wretch' that raw-devouring monster^
Set but his eyes on thee, ihon art hst. No touch of compassion,
RevVence, or shame, would hold his hand. No I here in our palace
Give we our days to tears : since, ev*n in ihit hour that I bore him,
Fate hatl entwined him round in her nascent thread, and had
marked hitn {210}

Prey for deimiring dogs, far, far from his desolate parents,
There in the power of that stem man. Oh I would I could grapple
Fast to hts heart and tear it out with my teeth — a requital
Fit, for his deeds against my son t whom not like a coward
Flinching, he slew, but in arras for the deep-bosomed matrons

of Troia,
And for their husbands and sons; nor dreamed he of flight or

evasion."
Then in his tum that old and godlike monarch responded ;
" Cease to dissuade me. Cease, like an ill-omened bird in ray iialace,
IVoes to prediil, and ili success; for thou shall not mthhold me.
Had it been any other, a dweller on earth and a mortal, {220)

Prophet, or priest, or seer, who had told me this, I had listened,
Al! unbelieving, and turned away, reje<5ling his counsel.
But since the hcavnly mice I have heard itrith tnim mrs^ and the god-
dess
Face to face have beheld, I go : nor in vain hath she spoken.
If at the ships of the bronze-mailed Greeks I be destined to perish.
So let it be. Embracing the corse of my son shall he slay me.
Easing my bursting heart of its pent-up grief on his bosom."

34—2

i 532 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIV.

I - - .

! Thus he spake, and opening the beauteous lids of his coffers,

i Twelve wrought robes from his stores of exceeding richness and beauty,

: Tunics as many, and mantles twelve, of tapestried carpets (230)

I Twelve, and of shawls without fold an equal number, seledled ; !

I Weighed out next ten talents of gold, full weight ; in addition,

I Glittering tripods twain, and four great vases of silver;

Cnmming the gifts with a goblet of wondrous work, which the Thracians !
' Gave him, when once on a mission sent: — a princely possession. '

' Nor did he spare ev'n this, nor were aught in his palace too costly, |

! Might he but ransom his much-lov'd son. From the porch which the |
Trojans |

Crowded, he drove them all away with abuse and reproaches :
" Off with ye ! Hence ! ye wretches, ye worthless scum of the city I \

; Have ye not sorrows enough of your own that ye come to I
annoy me? . (240) '

Is it so trifling a grief in your sight, what angry Kronfon
; Sends me, to lose my bravest son? You will all of you feel it,
I When ye shall fall an easier prey to the s7C'onls of the Argives, ,

He, your defender, snatched away. Oh! first let me perish,
First let me tread the downward path to the mansion of Hades
Ere with these eyes I behold the ruin and spoil of the city."
I Thus while he spake, with his staff" he drove them away. PYom his

presence
i Slunk they, abashed at so vast a grief On his sons then he turned
him,
Chiding, with bitter reproach: upon Helenus, Agathon, Paris,
Pammon, Hippothoiis, great in the roar of battle Polites, (250)
Dios the noble, Deiphobus, Antiphon, all were included :
' All those nine tchom the sivord had spared; and thus he reviled them :
j "Hither! make haste! ye shameful and lazy crew! would to heaven
There at the ships, one and all, in HecStor's stead ye had perished !
I Wretch that I am ! most wretched ! what sons were mine ! throughout
I Troia

I Noblest, bravest, and best! and now — not one of them left me!

Mestor, how like a god! and Troilus, valiant in battle,
\ Car-borne; Hedlor, a god among men: for who that beheld him,

BOOK XXI v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

E*er would suppose him of mortal mould, the son of a mortal P
These hath the powV of Ares destroyed. But you hath he (eft me, (260)
Blots on my name : a kmt qf buffoons, deceivers, and dancers,
Greedy devourers of lambs and kids, that ye wring from the people*
Wili ye make haste^ I say I and get ready the car, as I bade yvu i
Load on it all these things, and let me depart on my errand"
Thus he spake^ and his sons the chiding voice of their father
Dreading, drew forth /// the paiace amfi the beauteous mule-wain
New-built, strong m the wheels; then strapped upon it the coffer
Then from its peg the box- wood yoke for the mules they dismounted.
All with bosses adorned, and with rings provided ; and brought forth
Next, ^ith the yoke, the yoke-band strong* Nine cubits it

measured < (^70)

This round the end of the polished pole they bound, and adjusted,
Fastening it well with a bolt and ring; then deftly they wound it
Thrice each way round the boss of the yoke and the poie^ and

compactly
Fastened it off, and turned in the end of the strap to secure it.
Then from the chamber within they fetched the presents— the

priceless
Ransom of He(5lor's head, and stowed them safe in the coffer.
Lastly the strong laborious mules, by the Mysians presented
Freely to Priam, a valued gift, they led forth and harnessed,
And for the chariot of Priam himself brought forih. from the stable
Steeds, which the old man's hand had supplied witli food in their

mangers. (^80)

These in the lofty palace-court the herald and Priam
Harnessed, lending their hfinrt^ and hands to the bus'n ess before them.
Hecuba now approached, and, saddened with anxious forebodings,
Held in her right hand forth a golden cup, for libation
Due to the Gods, of the honey-sweet wine, ere they took tlieir

departure.
Standing in front of the car, her husband she named, and addressed

him:
*'Take it, and duly pour unto father Zeus, and beseech him
Safe to permit thy return from the foef if, demising my counsel.

534 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XXIV.

Sorely against my will, thou art still determined to venture.
Yet be thy prayer preferred to the cloud-compelling Kronlon, (290)
Him, who from Ida's heights surveys thy realm and thy city,
That he will deign to send thee his bird, his favourite eagle^
Mightiest of all the feathered race, that thine eyes may behold him,
Soaring aloft on the right ; and on that sure token relying
Fearless then thou may'st shape thy course for the ships of the

Grecians.
But should allseeing Zeus withhold this sign, and his eagle
Send not, not from my lips shalt thou hear one word of persuasion
Forth to the Grecian ships to fare, be thou ever so eager."
Then making answer in turn, the godlike Priam responded:
"What thou proposest is surely right. Such advice I rejedl not (300)
Good is it ever to Zeus to pray, who is full of compassion."

Thus spake the hoary sire, and gave a sign to the handmaid,
Standing near, with basin and ewer in hand for ablution,
Water pure on his hands to pour. He washed and was cleansed :
Then from his spouse received the cup, ere he mounted his chariot^
Standing eredl in the midst of the court, and poured his libation.
Raising his eyes to heav'n : and this the prayer that he offered :
" Father Zeus ! most great, most glorious, throned upon Ida !
Grant me a kind reception and grace in the sight of Achilles ;
And to confirm it, send me thy messenger-bird, thine eagle, (310)
Mightiest of all the feathered race, that mine eyes may behold him.
Soaring aloft on the right; and on that sure token relying,
Fearless, my course I may shape to the camp and ships of the
Grecians."

Such was his prayer : and it reached the favouring ear of Kronion.
Forthwith his eagle he sent, the best and surest of omens.
Dark wing'd, the mighty hunter, as Percnos known in Olympus.
Wide as the fohiing doors of some lofty room /;/ a palace
Fly, when its wealthy owner withdraws their bolts to admit him.
Such and so vast were his wide-out-spreading wings, as he hovered
High on the right o'er the towTi, and they all rejoicing beheld him :
Comfort ami hope, by the sight inspir'd, reviving within them. (321)

Now, without more delay, the old king mounted the chariot.

Book XX r v.]

THE ILIAD OF HQMEB.

535

Forth from the court it rolled^ and beneath the echoing portal
Out first passed the mules with the four-wheerd wain, by Idaeus
Driv'n ; and behind them Priam himself his chariot and horses,
Briskly along with uplifted scourge through the stress of ike ctty^
Guided* His sorrowing friends at a distance followed, lamenting,
As for a man going forth to death, ami conritftg desin//?mL

Now when the town they left, and dowTi to the plain w^ere descend-
ing.
All his sons and his sons-in-law returned to the city. (53^)

Journeying on, thenceforth alone, on the plain they proceeded,
Not UBobsen^ed by ali-seeing Zeus, who, moved with compassion^
Hermes summoned, his much-lov'd son ; and thus he addressed him :
** Hermes ( ever with mortals thou lov'st to mix and associate,
List'ning to all their prayers, arsd mof'ti /fy thnrjoys and thdr somrws:
Go now^ Priam con duel to the hollow ships of the Grecians,
So that not one of them all may mark his course^ or suspeCl him,
Giiidmg him safe through the camp till he reach the tent of Achilles^"
Such his command. Not a moment delayed the slayer of Argus.
Under his feet he bound those rich and nmnfeilmts sandals, {34^)

Golden^ ambrosial, borne by which he skims o*er the ocean,
And o'er the boundless realms of earth, with the speed of the tempest ;
Grasping his mighty rod, wk&se strange mysterious power
Closes in sleep all mortal eyes or awakes at his pleasure.
Thus for his errand equipped, do^Ti darted the slayer of Argus,
Soon at the Hellespont broad he arrived and the region of Troia,
There assuming the form of a noble youth, into manhood
Entering, in lifers first bloom, and graceful in gait and demeanmir.

Now unto lius' lofty mound were they come, and a m&nuni
Rested the horses and mules, and allowed them drink from the river:
Now had already the twilight /j//V/ and darkened the prospecl, (35 1)
When, in tke^^aom looking forth, the herald perceived //w// a distance
Hermes approaching: alarmed^ to Priam he called, and addressed him i
'*Dardanus' otfspring, beware! here is that which calts for decision.
Not far off a foe I perceive, w^ho I fear will destroy us.
Say, were it better to turn thy car and fly for our safety.
Or at his feet to fall, and prostrate crave his compassion?"

536 THE ILIAD OF HOMER, [Book XXIV.

Thus he spake, but the old man stood, confounded with terror.
Bristling arose each hair, and his bent knees quivered beneath him.
Thus while amazed and astound he stood, up came the Pro-

tedlor, (360)

Took the old king by the trembling hand, and kindly addressed him :
" Where, my good father, thus with horses and mules art thou

journeying.
Now, at the fall of ambrosial night, when others are slumbering?
Dost thou not fear the Greeks, who, breathing vengeance, are nigh thee :
Hostile to all thy race, and detesting the name of a Trojan —
Whom shouldst thou meet, thus carrying off that wainload of treasure
All through the dark and dang'rpus night, dost thou think they

would spare thee ?
Young thou art not thyself, nor would this old guide for protedlion
Aught avail, should one of their Iwst approach to assault thee.
But be assured, I will harm thee not, nor in any wise suffer (370)
Others do thee wrong: thou remind'st me so 'of my father."
Thus in his turn the godlike Priam replied, and addressed him :
"All thou hast said, my son, is true. Yet still, to prote(5l me,
Surely some god with pitying care his hand hath extended,
Sending so gentle and kind a guide to meet and conduct me,
Wondrously beauteous in feature and form. Nor less in thy bearing
Shines forth a generous soul. A joy must thou be to thy parents."

Hermes thus in his turn replied, the celestial envoy:
" Just are thy words and fair, old man, and prudently spoken.
Tell me however, and tell me true : for what art thou carrying, (380)
Forth from the city to foreign lands, such costly possessions?
Is it thy single wealth thou would'st save? or, oue among many,
Com'st thou, deserting with all the rest thine Ilian city,
Dreading its fall; thy son being dead, its noble defender^
Bravest of all ^ and a worthy match for the sons of Achaia?'*

Then in his turn the godlike Priam replied and addressed him :
"Who then art thou, thou noble youth, and who were thy parents.
Who of the death of my hapless son thus touchingly speakest?"
Thus then the slayer of Argus replied, the celestial envoy: (389)

"Much dost thou tempt me, O sire, to speak the praises of Hecflor.

Book XXIV,]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

557

Oft with these eyes have I seen him engaged m glorious battle,
What time he drove before him the Greeks to their shipSj and,

pursuing^
Smote theni with sword and spear. And we, meanwhile at a distance,
Wond'ring gazed ; for Achilles then, enraged with Atreides,
Stiffered us not in the fight to join, (?r le^td them msisiance.
Him do I serve. One ship conveyed us hither /n^/-fl Fhthia,
Sprung from a Myrmidon race, my sire is the noble Poly 61 or.
Wealthy he is and advanced in years like thyself. Of his ofi spring
Vmmgt'sf am L There are six beside. Myself am the seventh.
Lots were cast, and on me it fell to sail itnth Ackiiies. (400)

Now am I sent from the ships to watch on the plain j for at daybreak,
Once more in arms the keen-eyed Greeks will assault your defences.
Chafed wiik their lang inuflion impatient they sit, and their leaders
Scarce can their ardour restrain, and their eager longing for battle.'*
Then in his turn the godlike Priam replied, and addressed him ;
"If thou be really one of Achilles' train, th^u canst idi mi —
(And / beseech thte^ declare to me all the truth, n&r disguise it)
Whether the corse of my son be still at the ships, or Achilles
Piecemeal hath hewn, and cast to his dogs to tear and devour it?**

Thus then the slayer of Argus replied, the celestial envoy: (410)
"Neither the dogs nor birds (]f the air have ventured to touch it.
There at the tent he still remains by the ship of Achilles,
Fresh as in life: though twelve returning dawns have arisen
Since he hath lain there, uncorrupt. No worm hath defiled him.
Such as consume the remains of those who perish in battle.
He, as his wont hath fieen^ with the earliest glimpse of the twilight,
Ruthless, will drag the corse round the tomb of his ^wnr/^ companion.
Yet he defiles him not. Approaching, still thou wouldst find him
Fresh as the morning dew ; most strange to behold. From about him
All the blood hath been cleansed. No foulness Is there. On his
I>erson (4^^)

Every wound is healed : yet with many a spear did they pierce him I
Such for thy mi>/e son is the care of the blessed immortals :
Such their regard for the dead, whom living they loved /*r his 7*irtues"

Thus he spake, and rejoicing at heart old Priam responded ;

538

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

{Book xxt v.

**See, my child, how good it is to pay to th' immortals
Honours and oflPrings due ; for ne*er tlid my son in his palace
Ever forget or negiedt the gods who dwell in Olympus :
Wherefore in death itself they bear him in mind, and protefl hina.
Now at my hands I pray th^e accept this beauteous goblet.
Keep me from hann ; and hence {under Heav'n's good favour)
condutl me, (430)

Safe on my way, till I reach, iiy thy aid, the tent of Achilles."
Pntrnptiy replying, thus rejoined the slayer of Argus;
" Fain would'st thou tempt me, reverend sire ! but shah not persuade me.
Young though I am, to accept thy gifts, unknown to Achilles.
Him have 1 much in dread, and should hold it shameful to rob him,
Nor do I dare \ for mischief hereafter would surely befall rae,
Yet will I be thy guide. Most carefully even to Argos
Would I condu6t thee ; by sea or by land would watch o'er thy safety.
Few would be found to attack thee despising such a protector/'
Thus spake the helpful god : with a bound then leaped on the chariot.
Deftly seizing die reins and the scourge, and lashed on the
horses; (440

Them and the mules with spirit inspiring and strength Jw t/u
Jmirrtey,
Now had they reached the Gredan iincs^ the trench and the
rampart,
Busily where for their ev'ning meal the guards were preparing,
When upon all deep sleep there fell, by the skyer of Aigus
Poured on their Lids. IVidejItiv die gates, unbarred and unbolted
In roU'd, with Priam, the car, and the costly gifts on the mulewain.
Thus diey at length arrived at the lofty tent of Achilles,
AYhich for the use of their prince the Myrmidon host had constru£led*
Strong fir-posts had they hewn and infixed, for the walls; and
upon them {45<^)

Reared a thick roof of thatch, with reeds mown down in the marshes.
Round it an ample court they enclosed ; and planted* to fence it,
Huge palisades. With a single beam was fastened the postern,
Massive and vast. To up rear that bar three sons of Achaia
Hardly availed, and three that enormous bolt to unfasten.

Book XXIV,]

T/f£ ILIAD OF HOMER.

S39

Men like the rest of the Greeks : though Achilles easily raised it,
Hermes the gale unbarred, and the old king entered the predn<£L
Then too the gifts intended for Peteus' son were admitted.

Now from the car dismounted the god, and Priam accosted r
** Friam^ attemi ! An immortal God hath been thy companion, (460)
Hermes, sent by my Fatlier Zeus to attend and condu<5l thee.
Now must I leave thee, and back return ; for not to Achilles
Must I appear revealed. Unfitting it were ami tmseemiy
Openly thus for a God to be seen assisting a mortal
Enter the tent, and embrace the knees of the offspring of Peleus.
Then, by his father rri'ered^ by his fair-hairVl mother, adjure him,
And by his infant son : for so shalt thou move his compassion/'

Hermes thus! and away, to the lofty realms of Olympus,
Darted, and disappeared, Fram the car then Priam dismounted,
And while Idaeus remained in the court behind, in attendance,
Holding the horses and mules, at once to the tent of Achilles (471)
Passed. The belov'd of Zeus he found within^ who was seated,
Musing in nwufitfui ihought^ and apart stood rang'd his attendants,
Alcimus, scion of Mars, alone^ and Automedon near him,
Minist'ring stood* The table remained undrawn : for but newly
Food and drink had he ta^en, and \Cv^pyiess meal had concluded.
All unperceived by these the monarch came, and approaching,
Flung himself down at bis feet and embraced the knees of AchiJIes,
Kissing those dread and murderous hands which had slaughtered his

children.
As when some conscience-stricken wretch, just fresh from a murder,
Flies to a foreign land, and in some conspicuous mansion (481)
Refuge claims, its inmates aghast behold his anival :
Such the dismayed surprise of Achilles, Priam beholding.
Such the amajte of those around, as they looked at each other,
Wliile at his feet iliustrious Priam preferred his X'^tkion 1
" Godlike Achilles ! look upon me, and diink of thy father.
Far away, on the threshold of age and broken by sorrow :
Fancy tJiou seest him feeble, oppressed by the neighbours around htmj
No protector at hand, no saviour from war and destru<rtion*
Yet when he hears his son still lives, fresh joy in his bosom (490)

S4P

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XXIV.

Springs, and the hope day after day renewed, to behold thee,
Vi6lor from Troy, restored to hh arms ami sir&ftg h> avfni^£ him^
Wretched beyond all mortals am I, whose sons were the bra\xst
Tro/s wide realm hath beheld— ^and of these not one have I left me,
Fifty were mine when first the Greeks our city assaulted :
Nineteen to one_;&/> queen were bom, the n&biat and dearest;
All the rest to the beauieom wives who dwell in my palace.
Ares insatiate hath swept them oflT— so brave and so many.
Hedtor, my only hope, ourselves' and our city's defender,
Him hast thou slain, contending bravely in arms for his
country. (S^o)

Tis for his sake that thus I come to the ships of the Grecians,
Begging hh corse at thy feet ^ and a priceless ransom I bring thee.
Have respecl for the Gods, O Achilles ! pity my misery !
Think of thy father, my equal in birth, inferior in sorrows.
Have I not borne what no dweller on earth before me hath suffered ?
Have I not pressed to my lips the hand that slaughtered my children ?'*

Tears to the eyes of Achilles rose at the thought of his father.
Laying his hand on the old man's arm he gently removed him.
Sad recolletftions o'ercame them both — one, weeping for Hedtor
Unrestrainedly, sank on the earth at the feet of Achilles, {510)
He on his part for his father wept — then grief for Patroclus
Prompted his tears: and groaning arose, and sobs, through tlie
chamber.

Godlike Achilles, soon as his burst of emotion was over.
And his strong heart and frame^ relieved, had resumed their

composure,
Rose from his seat, and extending his hand, the suppliant monarch
Raised : for his hoary head and beard much moved his compassion.
Then, in wfis&iing words and in gentiest atetnts^ addressed him :
"O most unhappy! grievous indeed are the woes thou hast suffered !
How couldst thou dare alone to approach the ships of die Grecians ?
How endure to confront the man who so many and valiant (5^0)
Sons of thine hath destroyed ? Is the heart within thee of iron ?
Rise now and take thy seat For some brief time let obhvion
Cover our griefs and a respite afford, be they never so bitter.

Book XXIV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

541

Little avails to chill the heart with woe and complainmg.
Such is the fate of man. By the Gods above is he destined
Ever in sorrow to Uve^ while themselves from care are exempted.
Fast by the threshokl of Zeus two urns are ever established,
E%il gifts frona one he bestows, and good from the other.
Who by the Thunderer*s hand is supplied from both, in his fori tsm's
Goini comes mingied with ill: now joys, now sorrows await him, (530)
Who frotn the evil alone his cup must fill, for misfortune
Stands forth a mark, Destru^lion hunts him down to devour him :
Through the fair earth he wanders, by Gods reje^ed and mortals.
Thus upon Peleus eVn from his birth were show'red by th' immortals
Blessings beyond the common lot. With powV and with riches
Gifted, over the Myrmidon race they gave him dominion,
And to a mortal prince an immortal bride was united ;
Yet was his happiness dashed in tiiis, that sons were denied him.
Sons to succeed to their father's throne, and rule in his palace.
One he begat — myself: short-Uv*d, nor doomed to survive him ; (540)
Nor am I nigh, to sustain his age; but, far from my countryj
Linger at Troy, to thee and thy race a scourge and affliction.
Thou too wert blestj so fame reports, 'ftilh extended dominion.
All fair Lesbos and Makar's seats embrace to the northward,
Southward to Phr)'gia's utmost bounds, to the Hellespont westward,
Wealth, and a noble array of sons by the Gods were accorded i
But since tlie dwellers in heav'n these dire affliiSlions have sent thee,
Bloodshed and war unceasing thy city*s walls have surrounded.
Therefore endure, nor ceaseless thus let sorrow consume thee :
Nought can avail this bitter regret for thy son. Thou canst never
Back recall him to life, nor escape such woes as await thee." (55 0

Ended Achilles ; and thus the godlike Priam responded ;
'*Bid me not, favoured of Heav'n, arise ; so long as my Hei5lor
Lies in thy tent unransomed. O grant these eyes to behold him,
Once more my own* Accept those costly gifts that I bring ihee^
Price of his iotui remains. Thy gains enjoy, and departing,
Hence to thy home return ; and complete the gnue thou hasi shetim me^
Sending me fonh, to behold the light of day, from thy presence."

Then with a gathering fro^Ti thus spake swift -footed Achilles :

542 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [Book XXIV.

"Anger me not, old man! ^Tis not for ihe sake of thy ransom —
'Tis to the ancient seagod's daughter, the mother that bore me, (561)
Bearing the orders of Zeus himself, that I yield up thy Hedlor.
This is heav'n's aH, For^ Priam, I know, and thou canst not conceal it,
One of the Gods must have brought thee safe to the ships of the Gre-
cians.
None would have dared — no mortal man, in youth and in vigour.
Could have succeeded in entering our camp and eluding our

outposts ;
Nor could a mortal arm, from without^ my gates have unfastened.
Therefore, old man ! beware, lest thou change my pity to anger ;
Lest, though a suppliant here in my tent, I fail to respe6l thee ;
Lest, in despite of Zeus' commands, I do thee a mischief." (570)

Thus he spake : and the old man feared, and rose at his bidding.
Forth from the door of his tent then rushed like a lion Achilles:
Rushed not alone : for both his attendants followed his footsteps,
Alcimus brave and heroic Automedon; chiefs whom Peleides
Highest esteemed of all his host since the death of Patroclus.
These from the chariot and wain the mules and horses unharnessed,
And from without to the tent the clear-voiced herald conducted,
Seating him there on a bench. Then next from the wain they

unloaded
All those costly gifts prepared for the ransom of He6lor.
Only to cover the corpse two tunics they left and a mantle, (580)

So that in cojncly guise enwrapped, to Troy they might bear it.
Then from within two maids they called to wash and anoint it.
Keeping it out of Priam's sight: lest haply, beholding.
All overcome with grief, his wrath he might vent, and Achilles,
Chafed into rage by his passionate wonh and bitter reproaches^
Reckless, might violate Heav'n's command, and ruthlessly slay him.
Now when the maids the corse had washed and with oil had
anointed.
Folded a tunic round, and covered it up with the mantle,
Placed on a bier, Achilles himself assisted to bear it, (589)

And with his comrades twain to the car conveyed, and arranged it.
Then did he groan in his heart and invoke the shade of Patroclus :

Book XI v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

S43

**Be not indignant^ Patroclus dear I if ever in Hades
This thou shouldst haply learn, that He<:^or back to his father
Thus I have yielded. Rkh was his ransom — worthy a monardi:
And thou shalt have thy share for an oft^'ring, such as is fitting,"

Thus having said, to his tent returned the godlike Achilles,
Seated himself once more on the couch from whence he had risen.
Opposite Priam, against the wall: and thus he addressed him:
** Priam, thy son is restored. I haveyiekled him up at thy asking. (599)
There on the wain he lies. With ihe first appearance of daybreak
Shalt thou behold and bear him away. Now need'st thou refreshment.
Niobe*s self refused not food, though twelve of her children
Lay in her palace slain: six daughters fair, in the earliest
Bhmfi of their youth; six noi^k sons, just ripening to manhood;
These by Apollo slain with his silver bow, in his anger
Kindkd against her; tliose by the deadh shafts of his sister r
For that she dared in ker pride ttf vie with Ijeauteous Leto*
* Leto (she said) had two fair children ; twelve were hkr trmsurts.*
Two as they were, they siifliced to destroy the whole of her offspring. (609)
Nine whole days in their blood they nH'tfrittg lay. To inter them
None could be found ; for Kronbn had mmed their nation to marble*
So on the tenth the Gods themselves took charge of their burial
Then she arose^ brake bread and drank, exhanstetl by weeping.
And to this day, among Sipylus' rocks and desolate mountains,
Where, as they say, the njmphs repose when wearied with dancing
Round Acheloiis fount, may she yet be seen, and in marble
Seems as \( brooding still o'er the woes thus sent her from Heaven.
Up then! divine old manl Let us now prepare for refreshment,
JS/eed/fs/ ti/ ail When, tomorrow, ihou bear'st thy son into Ilion,
Weep as thou wilt. Good cause for tears, I ween, has he giv*n thee."

Thus having said, he quitted the tent» and a sheep kiuing ehmen, (62 j )
Slew I/, His comrades the carcase flayed, and skilfully <lressed it,
Then into steaks with ready sleight divided and spitted.
Roasted the flesh with care> and withdrew, tcf/t^i c&oktd^ from the

broaches.
Bread by Automedon next was brought, in delicate liaskets,
And on the table laid, and the meat Achilles divided.

S44

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

[Book XXIV,

Each then strelched forth his hand and partook the viands before hira.

Now when at length the pangs of hunger and thirst were abated,
Gazed on Achilles' lofty form Dardanian Priam,
Struck with amaze at his godUke mien and imperial bearing. {630)
Nor did Achilles less admire Dardanian Priam,
Touched by his looks, so mild, and good, and his courteous

expressions.
Long on each other their eyes they fixed, till, satiate w^ith gazing,
Thus broke silence at last, and spake illustrious Priam:

"Send me now quickly to rest, O heav'n-boni prince, that reposing,
Both may recruit our strength and partake the blessings of slumber,
For, from the day my son by thy hand was slain, to my eyelids
Sleep hath been strange, nor hath yet vouchsafed its gentle refresh-
ment*
Nought have I done but groan and lament in the courts of my
palace, (^39)

Prostrate in ail the nhasemcnt of woe, and rolled on the pavement.
Now hast thou led me to break my fast, and now for the first time.
Shunned and reje<5ted before, the dark red wine have I tasted."

Thus he spake : and his servants :md maids Achilles commanded
Couches to place beneath the porch and with matting to spread them.
Purple woven, and coverlids rich with tapestry broideredi
Placing, far warmth^ over all the rest thick mantlets of woollen.
Forth from the hall with torches they went, and under the portal
Brought forth m haste and prepared two beds, for ike kin^ ami his

iuraid.
Then, as in sportive mood^ thus spake swifl-footed Achilles:
"There, my good father ! take thy rest, lest some of the Argives (650)
Hither resortingj counsel to hold (for such is their aistom —
Often they come to consult me here, and ask my opinion) —
Here in the night arriving, perchance should come to behold thee.
Straightway this to Atreides, the shepherd and guide of his people,
Would they report, which would cause delay, and imperil the ransom.
Tell me^ I pray thee now, and be sure thou tell me exadlly,
How many days thou need'st to perform tJie fun ral of Hector,
So long, nor will 1 stir myself, nor suffer the army."

K XX I v.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

S45

[US he spake, and thus the godlrke Priam responded :
Great were indeed the bomt^ and great the relief to my feelings^
%Vould'st thou indeed consent to a funVal worthy of He^lor. (661)
"Well thou knowest, O prince, how close we are hemmed in^the city r
^ar to seek is the wood, in the mountain clefts ; and the people
X>read to go forth. Nine days at least must we give to our sorrows,
But on the tenth the pyre shall blaze and the people be feasted ;
iOn the eleventh day shall a mound be raised o'er his ashes^
And on the twelfth, if indeed it must, renewed be our warfare*"

Mighty Achilles^ swift in pursuit, returned him for answer:
*' What thou demandest, rev'rend sire, I readily grant thee : (669)
Even so long as thou sa/st shall the war be stayed, at my bidding/'
Ended Achilles thus, and the right hand grasped of tlie old man.
Clasping him round the wrist, to remove all fear from his bosom.
Thus in the porch of the tent reposed the king and the herald,
Musing der tin evmts of the day^ till sleep overcame them.
Far m its inmost recess Achilles lay, and beside him
Slept pme more ilie beiovd of his luart^ the lovely Briseis.

All the rest of the gods and the crested chiefs of the armies
Lay subdued through the night by //^ ^qo^ixk^ pressure ^slumber*
Hermes alone, benignant pow'tj the influence of slumber (679)
Felt not- His thoughts revolved how best the unfortunate monarch
Forth from the Grecian camp he might lead^ eluding the warders.
Over his head, as he slept^ he stood, and thus he addressed him r
** Little thou reck*stj old man^ of impending ills, who canst slumber
Here in the midst of foes, albeit AchiUes hath spared thee*
Yet, though thy much-loved son at a mighty cost thou hast ransomed,
Thrice that ransom— y^wr times as much for thy life would be oflered
By the surviving sons thou hast left in Troy^ should Atreides
Hear of thy whereabout, and the Greeks be aware of thy presence*"
Thus he spake, and the old man feared, and awakened the herald.
Hermes yoked to the wain and car the mules and the horses ; (690)
Mounted, and drove them off, while none perceived their departure.
■ But when at length the banks they reached of the wide-flowing river,
Eddying Xanthus, sprung from immortal Zeus, to Olympus
Hermes returned, and left them to make timr way to tht eiiy.

546 THE ILIAD OF HOMER. [BOOK XXIV.

Now on the earth had the dawn appeared, in mantle of saffron :
Priam with many a tear and groan his steeds to the city
Urged, and the mules with the corse came slmu behind : nor were any
In its wide precindls, matrons or men, aware of his coming.
Only Cassandra, his daughter fair^ like bright Aphrodite, (699)
Early had mounted the topmost tow'r, and thence she beheld him
Standing eredt and driving the car, and behind it the herald.
Hedlor she saw, outstretched on the bier where Achilles had laid him.
Loud she shrieked at the sight, and her cries rang out through the city:
" Trojans and matrons of Troy ! go forth and welcome your He<5lor
Dead: if e'er ye rejoiced when alive he returned from the battle
ViHory the joy and delight of all your city and nation."
Thus when she cried, nor man nor woman remained in the city :
Grief insupportable drove them forth. In a frenzy of sorrow
Out at the Scaan gate they rushed: there met the procession
Entering. First his wife and mother revered on the mule wain (710)
Flung themselves, tearing their hair, on the sacred head of their

lov'd one
Lading their hands; while the pitying crowd stood weeping around

them.
Thus through the live-long day had they blocked the gate until sunset,
Crowding around t/ie wain, and weeping and calling on He6lor,
But from the lofty car where he stood thus Priam addressed them :
" Let me pass with the mules. When once arrived at the palace.
Time will there be to take your fill of sorrow and weeping."
Thus he spake : then parting, the crowd made way for the chariot.
Soon as they reached the royal dome, the corse they dismounted.
Laid it aloft on a bed of state, and singers around it (720)

Placed, who the dirges led; and mournful they rose through the cham-
ber
Solemn and sad; and with loud laments the women responded.
Foremost of all Andromache fair gave vent to her anguish.
Flung round his neck her snowy arms, and thus she lamented :
" And art thou gone, my husband I so young ! and hast left me

a widow
Here in these desolate halls, and the infant son that thou gav*st me.

300IC XXIV.]

THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

547

Pledge of our mutual love unblest? — Ah ! ne'er shall I see him,
Bloommg in youthful pride. Long^ Img before will our city
Sink, overwhelmed, since thou art lost, its protedor, its savbur % —
Thou who alone its walls, its wives, its children defended, (730)
All now doomed to be swept away in the ships of the Grecians :
I with the rest And thou, my child I or, torn widi thy mother
Hence, must wmr out thy dnys in degrading toil ; for a master
Savage, unpitying spending thy strength \ or, one of the Argives,
Seizing thy taider frame^ shall dash thee do^Ti from the rampart ;
Thusj by thy horrid death avenging the loss of a brother,
Father, or son, by Hedlor slain: for many a Grecian,
Biting the ground with his teeth hath fairn to the hands of

thy father;
Nor was he miJd to his country's foes, nor sparing in battle.
Hence these unceasing cries of woe that ring through the city.
Griefj unspeakable grief, thy death hath caused to thy parents. (741)
Grief on myself hast thou brought, more deep, m&re sadj m^te

enduring^
Nor from thy couch didst thou stretch thy dying hand to thy consort.
Nor didst thou speak one last farewell, one word, which for ever.
Night and day, in the depths of my heart engraved, I might treasure/'

Thus she spake, and with ^oans and tears replied her attendants.
Hecuba next took up the strain, and thus she lamented :
** Hedor I dear to my heart beyond all the rest of my children,
Dear to the Gods as well while numbered yet with the living,
Dear in thy death, for o'er thee dead their care hath extended.
All the rest of my sons did fierce-pursuing Achilles (75 0

Capture and sell to bondage afar, to Samos and Imbros,
Over the desolate sea, and to rude and harbourless Lemnos.
Thee hath he slain wltli that drmdfui spear ; mr^ tonimt with thy

murder y
Critd 1 how oft hath he dragged thee around the tomb of Patroclus,
— (Him whom thou bravely slew'st) — with fruitless and impotent

outrage !
Now before me thou liest in thyfutfar^s haiis — in thy hmuty^
Frah as the morning dew; like one whom benignant Apollo,

S4S

THE ILIAD OF NOMER,

[Book XX IV.

Lord of the silver bow, hath gently removed from existence/'

Thus she spake, and all broke forth in loud lamentations, (760)
Helena, thirdj approaehed tlie bier and poured forth her sorrows ;
" Hedor 1 of all my husband*s brothers the best and the dearest,
Since Akxandros I own for my spouse, who first from my country
Brought me hither to Troy — ^Oh ! would that instead I had

perished !
Now is the twentieth year since, quitting my home and my nation,
Hither I carae, forsaking my /riends^ my chiid^ and my (fHii£s,
Yet did I never from thee a reproachful word, or ungentle.
Hear ; and if ever beneath this roof thy brethren or sisters
Grieved me with taonts, or thy brothers' wives in their rich-flowing

mantles.
Aye, or thy mother (for Priam was always kind, like a father), (770)
Still thou hadst ever thy word to interpose in my favour,
Soft'ning their hearts by thy gentic speech and kindly demeanour.
Weeping for thee, my own sad lot I weep : for in future.
In the wide pmin^s of Troy shall I find no friend who with kind-
ness
Fer will uphold my cause, where all dcsphe and abhor me,"
Weeping she spake, and the pitying crowd took part in her sorrows.

Now to his people the monarch spake, and thus he addressed them :
** Trojans! go forth to //tefores/s and bring much wood to the city.
Fear not the Greeks, nor an ambush dread; for this was the promise,
Giv'n by Achilles himself, the sable ships when I quitted, (7&0)
That til! the twelfth returning morn no Greek shall molest you,"

Thus he spake. Then oxen and mules were brought, and to
waggons
Yoked, and i'm imtg army before the city assembled.
Nine days toiled they, and wood in enormous piles they colledled ;
But when the tenth its orient beams diffused among mortals.
Weeping, the mighty He<flor's corse they brought from the city,
Laid it aloft on the pile — then fire applied, and comumed it

Now when the rosy-fingered Eos, mother of morning.
Shone forth afresh, once more round the pyre colIe<^ed the Trojans,
Thronging around the spot where lay the bones of ihdr hero. {790)

Book XXIV.] THE ILIAD OF HOMER. 549

First with the dark-red wine they quenched the smouldering embers,
Copiously poured where lingered a flickering flame. From the ashes
Then collected his whitened bones his friends and his brethren.
Tenderly weeping they plied their mournful task ; and when gathered,
Placed them with care in a box of gold, and softly enfolding,
Wrapped it around from sight in a gorgeous mantling of purple.
Dug then a grave, and deep in the earth's dark bosom they laid it,
Covering it thick with blocks of stone high piled up above it ;
Over them all in haste a mound they heaped ; for precaution.
Stationing scouts and guards, should the Greeks come forth to
attack them. (800)

All performed, and the mound complete, they returned to the
city.
And in the spacious halls of the regal palace of Priam
All were received, and partook of a rich funereal banquet

Such were the funeral rites of the car-borne warrior Hedlor.

THE END.

^tottbtttigr:

rRINTBD BY C. J. CLAV, M. A.
AT THB UNIVBRSITY PRRSS.

Recmtly Publis/ied Translatiofis frofn Classical Aut/iors.

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